Antonio Villaraigosa on Civil Rights

LA's diversity program is "absolutely insufficient"

A diversity program in place since 2001 has had little impact because it's rarely enforced, according to critics and city officials. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, elected in 2005, has called it "absolutely insufficient." A compliance scorecard for 2012 detailed how the second-most populous U.S. city fell short of its own goals for bringing female and minority contractors to 22 percent.

The struggle to shake up the status quo in Los Angeles--which has the second-highest share of minority residents of the 10 largest cities, at about 71%--underscores the power of prohibitions against preferences for women and traditional minority groups.

Co-chaired "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry" effort

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings is still refusing to sign onto the pledge, despite a petition with 253 signatures and promises of protests at his upcoming public events.

The group has also added two new co-chairs, San Diego's Jerry Sanders and Boston's Thomas Menino; with New York's Michael Bloomberg, L.A.'s Antonio Villaraigosa and Houston's own Annise Parker. The five-co-chairs issued the following statement: Source: Dallas Voice, "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry" , Jan 20, 2012

All Americans should be allowed to marry

I am confident that the 9th Circuit Court will affirm marriage equality and right the damage Prop. 8 has done to our fellow Californians and their families. I look forward to the day when all Americans enjoy the freedom to marry.

Supports gay marriage as fundamental right

Repeal of "Don't ask, don't tell," is a success

It is about time that all the heroic men and women in uniform have the same exact rights that they so selflessly fight to preserve everyday at home and abroad.

Acknowledge and celebrate LGBT Awareness Month