Independent Political Report
July 9, 2009
Australian Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young introduced a private member’s Bill, proposing the freedom to marry, into the Upper House on Wednesday. The Bill seeks to remove all discrimination based on sexuality and gender from the Marriage Act. It will also allow marriages of same-sex couples legalized abroad to be honored in Australia. [Link]
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Iowa Entrepreneur Builds A Business to Help Support the Freedom to Marry
July 9, 2009A year ago, Ron Choate lived in San Diego and simultaneously witnessed the meltdown of the economy and the devastating passage of Proposition 8. Two months later, with no job prospects in sight – and not realizing what was to come in Iowa this year – he returned to his home in Iowa to help care for his ailing mother.
His struggle and the Supreme Court affirmation of marriage equality in February inspired him to start a T-Shirt business. SOS Cares currently produces 4 shirts. Each design is based on the acronym S.O.S. and each concerns a different struggle in our nation today: the economy, civil rights for gays and lesbians, the earth and the war. One of those (Sick of Separation) is all about marriage equality – an issue near and dear to Ron’s heart.
Ron offers, “My hope is of course for the company to be a success, but also to raise awareness of these issues and help them on a national level. We are lucky in Iowa where marriage equality is now the law. To me this should be a national right.”
All four designs are available on the SOS web site http://www.soscares.com/. They wholesale to businesses or local fundraising events. 20% of their proceeds are donated to national charities supporting the four causes. Check them out and contribute to your personal fashion while contributing to our cause.
As Ron says: “One shirt at a time we can make a difference.” [Link]
Couple Travels From Mississippi To Get Married In Connecticut , But Not Without A Hitch
The Hartford Courant
July 5, 2009
When Maureen "Mo" Dupre and Laurie Martin decided to head north to Connecticut from Mississippi to get married, little did they know the obstacles they would face. They lost their wheels, didn't have directions, and couldn't even get a cab. "Once we got married," says Dupre, "everything was kind of easy, and nothing else mattered." [Link]
July 5, 2009
When Maureen "Mo" Dupre and Laurie Martin decided to head north to Connecticut from Mississippi to get married, little did they know the obstacles they would face. They lost their wheels, didn't have directions, and couldn't even get a cab. "Once we got married," says Dupre, "everything was kind of easy, and nothing else mattered." [Link]
Iowa becomes a freedom to marry destination
USA Today
July 8, 2009
Since the Iowa Supreme Court legalized marriage equality in April, Iowans have been adjusting to their state's new status as a wedding destination for gay and lesbian couples. Some Iowa communities and businesses are eager to attract gay and lesbian visitors. The Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau is developing an advertising campaign aimed at out-of-state gay couples. [Link]
July 8, 2009
Since the Iowa Supreme Court legalized marriage equality in April, Iowans have been adjusting to their state's new status as a wedding destination for gay and lesbian couples. Some Iowa communities and businesses are eager to attract gay and lesbian visitors. The Iowa City/Coralville Convention and Visitors Bureau is developing an advertising campaign aimed at out-of-state gay couples. [Link]
Gay Catholics discuss marriage equality
Bay Area Reporter
July 9, 2009
Reaching out to people of faith is seen as one of the most important aspects of working for marriage equality, and that was one of the topics addressed as Dignity USA, a group for LGBT Catholics, held its biennial convention in San Francisco last weekend. “It's easy to be opposed to an issue, but it's another thing to be opposed to a person,” said Father Geoff Farrow, a former Fresno priest, "so I think the greatest thing that all LGBT people or their families and loved ones can do is simply to make themselves visible, to tell their stories." [Link]
July 9, 2009
Reaching out to people of faith is seen as one of the most important aspects of working for marriage equality, and that was one of the topics addressed as Dignity USA, a group for LGBT Catholics, held its biennial convention in San Francisco last weekend. “It's easy to be opposed to an issue, but it's another thing to be opposed to a person,” said Father Geoff Farrow, a former Fresno priest, "so I think the greatest thing that all LGBT people or their families and loved ones can do is simply to make themselves visible, to tell their stories." [Link]
Letter from mother of gay son tells Irish minister civil partnerships are not good enough
Pinknews
July 8, 2009
Helen Doody’s letter to Irish justice minister Dermot Ahern on behalf of her son is fast becoming a hit on the internet. “Your Civil Partnership Bill is not good enough for my family, and hundreds, thousands of other families in this country. Revise this bill so everyone can be equal." [Link]
July 8, 2009
Helen Doody’s letter to Irish justice minister Dermot Ahern on behalf of her son is fast becoming a hit on the internet. “Your Civil Partnership Bill is not good enough for my family, and hundreds, thousands of other families in this country. Revise this bill so everyone can be equal." [Link]
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Massachusetts Sues Federal Government Over Definition of Marriage
The Associated Press
July 8, 2009
Massachusetts, the first state to legalize marriage equality, sued the U.S. government Wednesday over a federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The federal Defense of Marriage Act interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define and regulate marriage as it sees fit, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said. [Link]
July 8, 2009
Massachusetts, the first state to legalize marriage equality, sued the U.S. government Wednesday over a federal law that defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. The federal Defense of Marriage Act interferes with the right of Massachusetts to define and regulate marriage as it sees fit, Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley said. [Link]
Iowa Entrepreneur Builds A Business to Help Support Freedom to Marry
SOScares.com
July 8, 2009
A year ago, Ron Choate lived through the meltdown of the economy and the devastating passage of Proposition 8 in California, and then returned to his home in Iowa to help care for his ailing mother. His struggles and the Supreme Court affirmation of marriage equality in February inspired him to start a T-Shirt business, some of the proceeds from which go to Freedom To Marry. Purchases may be made online at: www.soscares.com. [Link]
July 8, 2009
A year ago, Ron Choate lived through the meltdown of the economy and the devastating passage of Proposition 8 in California, and then returned to his home in Iowa to help care for his ailing mother. His struggles and the Supreme Court affirmation of marriage equality in February inspired him to start a T-Shirt business, some of the proceeds from which go to Freedom To Marry. Purchases may be made online at: www.soscares.com. [Link]
Vermont Episcopal Bishop pushing to expand marriage rites
The Associated Press
July 8, 2009
A group of six bishops from the Episcopal church plan to push for more inclusive treatment of marriages performed between same-sex couples at the church's General Convention, which starts Wednesday in Anahem. The Right Rev. Thomas C. Ely, the bishop of the Episcopal Church in Vermont, said the bishops want to adapt a marriage prayer book to include married same-sex couples. [Link]
July 8, 2009
A group of six bishops from the Episcopal church plan to push for more inclusive treatment of marriages performed between same-sex couples at the church's General Convention, which starts Wednesday in Anahem. The Right Rev. Thomas C. Ely, the bishop of the Episcopal Church in Vermont, said the bishops want to adapt a marriage prayer book to include married same-sex couples. [Link]
In the marriage equality movement, D.C. shapes up as next big prize
The Christian Science Monitor
July 7, 2009
Washington would be a unique prize in the push for the freedom to marry. Not only does it bring the issue to where the nation’s lawmakers live – making it part of the city’s culture – but it also marks marriage equality’s first foray into a predominately black community. [Link]
July 7, 2009
Washington would be a unique prize in the push for the freedom to marry. Not only does it bring the issue to where the nation’s lawmakers live – making it part of the city’s culture – but it also marks marriage equality’s first foray into a predominately black community. [Link]
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Obama needs to move on gay rights
The Daily Nebraskan
July 7, 2009
A New York Times/CBS News poll recently showed that 57 percent of people younger than 40 support marriage equality, compared to only 31 percent of the 40-plus crowd. A whopping 75 percent of all age groups support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the ban on homosexuals in the armed forces. Six states have already legalized the freedom to marry. It’s time for the federal government to do the same. [Link]
July 7, 2009
A New York Times/CBS News poll recently showed that 57 percent of people younger than 40 support marriage equality, compared to only 31 percent of the 40-plus crowd. A whopping 75 percent of all age groups support the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the ban on homosexuals in the armed forces. Six states have already legalized the freedom to marry. It’s time for the federal government to do the same. [Link]
NY Republicans Outflanking Dems on Marriage Equality?
The American Spectator
July 7, 2009
The GOP is using freedom to marry as a political football against the Democrats – by coming out in favor it. The solution to the New York State senate deadlock is likely to involve one or two Democrats breaking ranks and supporting the Republican slate for majority leader and Senate president pro tem. The issue most likely to push Democratic senators into the GOP bloc: marriage equality. [Link]
July 7, 2009
The GOP is using freedom to marry as a political football against the Democrats – by coming out in favor it. The solution to the New York State senate deadlock is likely to involve one or two Democrats breaking ranks and supporting the Republican slate for majority leader and Senate president pro tem. The issue most likely to push Democratic senators into the GOP bloc: marriage equality. [Link]
Life partnerships for same-sex couples begin today in Hungary, but gap in rights persists
Hungary Around the Clock
July 7, 2009
Same-sex couples can forge life partnerships before public notaries starting this Wednesday. These life partnerships will be guaranteed the same tax, employment, social and immigration benefits as heterosexual marriages. Gay couples will be barred from adopting children and taking their spouse's name, however. [Link]
July 7, 2009
Same-sex couples can forge life partnerships before public notaries starting this Wednesday. These life partnerships will be guaranteed the same tax, employment, social and immigration benefits as heterosexual marriages. Gay couples will be barred from adopting children and taking their spouse's name, however. [Link]
Minneapolis to host Lutheran debate on gay clergy and marriage equality
The Minnesota Independent
July 6, 2009
After years of study and debate, thousands of leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather in Minneapolis this August for a vote on whether to become more welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Lutherans. LGBT Lutherans are anxiously awaiting the outcome, which could pave the way for gay and lesbian pastors, bring same-sex commitment ceremonies to local congregations and impact policy in a state with a large number of Lutheran elected officials. [Link]
July 6, 2009
After years of study and debate, thousands of leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will gather in Minneapolis this August for a vote on whether to become more welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Lutherans. LGBT Lutherans are anxiously awaiting the outcome, which could pave the way for gay and lesbian pastors, bring same-sex commitment ceremonies to local congregations and impact policy in a state with a large number of Lutheran elected officials. [Link]
West Virginia lawmakers to study marriage equality ban
The Associated Press
July 7, 2009
A proposal to constitutionally ban marriage equality in West Virginia went nowhere in the Legislature this year, but that isn't stopping lawmakers from studying it. Instead, legislators voted to study it during interim meetings. [Link]
July 7, 2009
A proposal to constitutionally ban marriage equality in West Virginia went nowhere in the Legislature this year, but that isn't stopping lawmakers from studying it. Instead, legislators voted to study it during interim meetings. [Link]
The Stars and Stripes of Marriage Equality
change.orgJuly 6, 2009
How's this for a patriotic twist on an old-American classic? A revised version of the American flag, with a star added each time a state enacts marriage equality. We're at 6...and counting! The flag is based in the custom of 19th century suffragettes. At their annual convention they would add a star to the flag for each state that had adopted a women's right to vote. [Link]
Marriage Equality and the 2010 United States Census
Leonard Link
July 6, 2009
Republicans in the Senate have been holding up confirmation of President Obama's highly-qualified appointee to head the agency, Professor Robert M. Groves. In addition, the Bush Administration starved the Census Bureau in its appropriations. State legislatures need to get down to work in time to assure that the next federal elections can be conducted in a timely manner, and that the allocation of electoral votes for the 2012 presidential election properly reflects the country's population. Let's get moving, guys!! [Link]
July 6, 2009
Republicans in the Senate have been holding up confirmation of President Obama's highly-qualified appointee to head the agency, Professor Robert M. Groves. In addition, the Bush Administration starved the Census Bureau in its appropriations. State legislatures need to get down to work in time to assure that the next federal elections can be conducted in a timely manner, and that the allocation of electoral votes for the 2012 presidential election properly reflects the country's population. Let's get moving, guys!! [Link]
D.C. law honoring marriages of same-sex couples takes effect
Washington Blade
July 7, 2009
Marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states and countries became legal in the District of Columbia at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, when Congress completed its 30 legislative day review of a marriage law passed by the D.C. City Council in May. “I think there’s tremendous significance and opportunity in Americans seeing legally married gay couples treated with respect in our nation’s capital,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom To Marry, a national same-sex marriage advocacy group. [Link]
July 7, 2009
Marriages of same-sex couples performed in other states and countries became legal in the District of Columbia at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, when Congress completed its 30 legislative day review of a marriage law passed by the D.C. City Council in May. “I think there’s tremendous significance and opportunity in Americans seeing legally married gay couples treated with respect in our nation’s capital,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom To Marry, a national same-sex marriage advocacy group. [Link]
TOMORROW: Wolfson and Raab on Marriage
Out Professionals
You've seen him on the news. Now, you can ask Evan Wolfson your own question about the future of marriage rights at this exclusive Out Professionals forum. One of the true civil-rights leaders of our era, Wolfson is founder and executive director of the marriage-rights advocacy group Freedom to Marry. In a thought-provoking conversation with NBC News senior newswriter Barbara Raab, Wolfson will talk about our victories, losses - and what the future holds for marriage equality.
The interview will take place Wednesday, July 8th from 7:30PM - 9:00PM at CUNY's new Graduate School of Journalism. The School is just one block from Times Square and next door to The New York Times. And that's not all. The School of Journalism will also videostream the event live. So if you can't be there in person, you can watch from home... or wherever. Just go to either of the addresses below - viewers will be able to ask questions as well.
www.mogulus.com/cunyjournalism
www.ustream.tv/channel/cunyjournalism
Presented at:
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
219 West 40th Street (bet Seventh & Eighth Avenues)
Wednesday July 8th, 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Admission: $5 OP members; $10 non-members [Link]
You've seen him on the news. Now, you can ask Evan Wolfson your own question about the future of marriage rights at this exclusive Out Professionals forum. One of the true civil-rights leaders of our era, Wolfson is founder and executive director of the marriage-rights advocacy group Freedom to Marry. In a thought-provoking conversation with NBC News senior newswriter Barbara Raab, Wolfson will talk about our victories, losses - and what the future holds for marriage equality.
The interview will take place Wednesday, July 8th from 7:30PM - 9:00PM at CUNY's new Graduate School of Journalism. The School is just one block from Times Square and next door to The New York Times. And that's not all. The School of Journalism will also videostream the event live. So if you can't be there in person, you can watch from home... or wherever. Just go to either of the addresses below - viewers will be able to ask questions as well.
www.mogulus.com/cunyjournalism
www.ustream.tv/channel/cunyjournalism
Presented at:
CUNY Graduate School of Journalism
219 West 40th Street (bet Seventh & Eighth Avenues)
Wednesday July 8th, 7:30PM - 9:00PM
Admission: $5 OP members; $10 non-members [Link]
NEA Takes Strong Stand on Equality
Tips-Q
July 6, 2009
The National Education Association (NEA), is the nation's largest professional employee organization with over 3.2 million members. At their national conference this weekend, they adopted a strongly worded resolution on sexual equality. Resolutions B-13 (Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identification Discrimination) and I-13 (Civil Rights) set forth NEA's opposition to the discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples. [Link]
July 6, 2009
The National Education Association (NEA), is the nation's largest professional employee organization with over 3.2 million members. At their national conference this weekend, they adopted a strongly worded resolution on sexual equality. Resolutions B-13 (Racism, Sexism, Sexual Orientation, and Gender Identification Discrimination) and I-13 (Civil Rights) set forth NEA's opposition to the discriminatory treatment of same-sex couples and its belief that such couples should have the same legal rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples. [Link]
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