Akron Beacon Journal
January 30, 2009
Ministers at Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ in Cleveland, Ohio, are protesting the state’s ban on marriage equality by refusing to sign any state marriage licenses until Ohio allows gay couples to wed. [Link]
Friday, January 30, 2009
Judge: Anti-Gay Marriage Donors Must Be Public
San Jose Mercury News
January29, 2009
A federal judge denied Prop. 8 supporters' request for a preliminary injunction to hide the identities of donors to the anti-gay initiative's campaign, ruling that Calif.'s campaign disclosure laws are necessary to protect the public. [Link]
January29, 2009
A federal judge denied Prop. 8 supporters' request for a preliminary injunction to hide the identities of donors to the anti-gay initiative's campaign, ruling that Calif.'s campaign disclosure laws are necessary to protect the public. [Link]
Know on 8
Independent Gay Forum
January 29, 2009"With a switch of just two percent of the votes, the leaders of the "No on 8" campaign would today be heroes. We'd be lauding their powerful advertising campaign. We'd be celebrating their coalition-building. We'd wonder at their unprecedented fund-raising prowess. And we'd still have gay marriage in California." [Link]
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Colombia Rules Gay Couples Must Be Granted Same Rights as Straight Unmarried Couples
Advocate.com
January 29, 2009
In a historic decision handed down Wednesday, Colombia's Constitutional Court ruled same-sex couples must be granted the same rights as heterosexuals in common-law marriages. The court's decision means Colombia's gay couples will be awarded dozens of rights that straight, unmarried couples have enjoyed for years and follows other recent rulings that have won the nation's same-sex couples inheritance, pension, health, and social security rights. [Link]
January 29, 2009
In a historic decision handed down Wednesday, Colombia's Constitutional Court ruled same-sex couples must be granted the same rights as heterosexuals in common-law marriages. The court's decision means Colombia's gay couples will be awarded dozens of rights that straight, unmarried couples have enjoyed for years and follows other recent rulings that have won the nation's same-sex couples inheritance, pension, health, and social security rights. [Link]
Supreme Court Scheduled to Hear Same-Sex Couple Adoption Case
The State Journal
January 29, 2009
The W.V. Supreme Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear a case filed by the anti-gay Family Policy Council of West Virginia with the intent of prohibiting a gay couple from adopting a child they have cared for since birth. [Link]
January 29, 2009
The W.V. Supreme Court of Appeals is scheduled to hear a case filed by the anti-gay Family Policy Council of West Virginia with the intent of prohibiting a gay couple from adopting a child they have cared for since birth. [Link]
Senate Panel Gives OK for Domestic Partnerships
Las Cruces Sun-News
January 29, 2009
A proposal that would allow domestic partnerships in N.M. won approval in a Senate committee Wednesday. The bill is now being sent to another panel for consideration, then will head to the full Senate for debate if it is approved by the Judiciary Committee, which could vote on it later this week. [Link]
January 29, 2009
A proposal that would allow domestic partnerships in N.M. won approval in a Senate committee Wednesday. The bill is now being sent to another panel for consideration, then will head to the full Senate for debate if it is approved by the Judiciary Committee, which could vote on it later this week. [Link]
Lawmakers announce 'everything but marriage' bill
The Seattle Times
January 28, 2009
The 110-page bill makes changes to all remaining areas of state law where currently only married couples are addressed. The bill would add same-sex domestic partners to state statutes ranging from labor and employment to pensions and other public employee benefits. [Link]
January 28, 2009
The 110-page bill makes changes to all remaining areas of state law where currently only married couples are addressed. The bill would add same-sex domestic partners to state statutes ranging from labor and employment to pensions and other public employee benefits. [Link]
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Just Issued: Guide to Your Rights as a Gay New Yorker Married Out of State
Joe.My.God
January 26, 2009
Joe. My. God. blogs about the Empire State Pride Agenda, the ACLU, the NYCLU, and Lambda Legal publishing a document aimed at educating gay New Yorkers who get married out-of-state about the legal protections their own state will provide them. [Link]
January 26, 2009
Joe. My. God. blogs about the Empire State Pride Agenda, the ACLU, the NYCLU, and Lambda Legal publishing a document aimed at educating gay New Yorkers who get married out-of-state about the legal protections their own state will provide them. [Link]
Equality Summit Interview: NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell
Towleroad
January 26, 2009
Towleroad posts an interview from the Equality Summit with the NCLR's Kate Kendell on the passage of and campaign against Prop. 8, the possible repeal of DOMA under the new administration, and reaching out to different communities about LGBT issues. [Link]
January 26, 2009
Towleroad posts an interview from the Equality Summit with the NCLR's Kate Kendell on the passage of and campaign against Prop. 8, the possible repeal of DOMA under the new administration, and reaching out to different communities about LGBT issues. [Link]
OP-ED: Married or Not, Let Couples Adopt
Los Angeles Times
January 27, 2009
David Ambroz discusses his own tumultuous youth as a child in foster care and the harm of Ark.'s ban on adoption by gay parents: "I'd say children in foster care don't care about the sexual orientation of people wanting to adopt them. They want loving, permanent and safe environments." [Link]
January 27, 2009
David Ambroz discusses his own tumultuous youth as a child in foster care and the harm of Ark.'s ban on adoption by gay parents: "I'd say children in foster care don't care about the sexual orientation of people wanting to adopt them. They want loving, permanent and safe environments." [Link]
Foreign Policy Workers Ask U.S. To Back Benefits for Gay Partners
The Washington Post
January 27, 2009
Almost 2,200 government employees involved in foreign policy issues signed a letter delivered to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday urging the government to extend equal benefits to partners of gay employees. [Link]
January 27, 2009
Almost 2,200 government employees involved in foreign policy issues signed a letter delivered to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton yesterday urging the government to extend equal benefits to partners of gay employees. [Link]
Gay Leaders Mull Taking Fight to 2010 Vote
Associated Press
January 26, 2009
Calif. advocates are deliberating whether they should collect signatures for a 2010 ballot initiative aimed at overturning Prop. 8, whether the timing would be savvy and if funding for such a campaign would be possible in the nation's faltering economy. [Link]
January 26, 2009
Calif. advocates are deliberating whether they should collect signatures for a 2010 ballot initiative aimed at overturning Prop. 8, whether the timing would be savvy and if funding for such a campaign would be possible in the nation's faltering economy. [Link]
Monday, January 26, 2009
White House Website Updates Civil Rights Section, But Stops Short of Support for Marriage Equality
Just as he took office, President Obama’s updated White House website had a section on Civil Rights which supports the LGBT community. Concerning marriage equality, it includes the repeal of the discriminatory so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act' (which actually took away rights from gay and lesbian couples), opposition to discriminatory marriage amendments, and support for extending 1,000+ federal rights to gay and lesbian couples.
Since the Obama administration stops short of advocating for full marriage equality, we all must take responsibility for change with our new government, and hold Obama to the stance he took in 1996: "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages."
Since the Obama administration stops short of advocating for full marriage equality, we all must take responsibility for change with our new government, and hold Obama to the stance he took in 1996: "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages."
Arguments in Place as Prop. 8 Hearing Nears
San Francisco Chronicle
January 26, 2009
A breakdown of points made in the legal briefs filed by both opponents and supporters of marriage equality in the Calif. Supreme Court case challenging Prop. 8. [Link]
January 26, 2009
A breakdown of points made in the legal briefs filed by both opponents and supporters of marriage equality in the Calif. Supreme Court case challenging Prop. 8. [Link]
After years fighting to wed, Colchester same-sex couple tie knot
Norwich Bulletin
January 24, 2009
Janet Peck and Carol Conklin of Colchester, Connecticut waited 33 years for Saturday afternoon’s ceremony. After Justice of the Peace Judy Martone Peluso pronounced the couple legally married and the cheers from family and friends subsided, Peck and Conklin said it was even more than they had expected and hoped for all these years. (Link)
January 24, 2009
Janet Peck and Carol Conklin of Colchester, Connecticut waited 33 years for Saturday afternoon’s ceremony. After Justice of the Peace Judy Martone Peluso pronounced the couple legally married and the cheers from family and friends subsided, Peck and Conklin said it was even more than they had expected and hoped for all these years. (Link)
Hawaii civil unions backed by a majority in state House
Honolulu Advertiser
January 24, 2009
32 of 51 House members sign on to measure that would legalize partnerships for gay and lesbian couples. The state would also recognize civil unions, domestic partnerships or same-sex marriages validly performed in other states. [Link]
January 24, 2009
32 of 51 House members sign on to measure that would legalize partnerships for gay and lesbian couples. The state would also recognize civil unions, domestic partnerships or same-sex marriages validly performed in other states. [Link]
White House Website Updates Civil Rights Section, But Stops Short of Support for Marriage Equality
Just as he took office, President Obama’s updated White House website had a section on Civil Rights which supports the LGBT community. Concerning marriage equality, it includes the repeal of the discriminatory so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act' (which actually took away rights from gay and lesbian couples), opposition to discriminatory marriage amendments, and support for extending 1,000+ federal rights to gay and lesbian couples.
Since the Obama administration stops short of advocating for full marriage equality, we all must take responsibility for change with our new government, and hold Obama to the stance he took in 1996: "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages."
Since the Obama administration stops short of advocating for full marriage equality, we all must take responsibility for change with our new government, and hold Obama to the stance he took in 1996: "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages."
Prop. 8 opponents unhappy with campaign leaders
San Francisco Chronicle
January 25, 2009
By bringing in professional consultants and making the campaign more about politics than the needs, stories and enthusiasm of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community, the No on 8 leaders not only lost the election, but missed the point, argued many of the more than 400 people at Equality Summit '09, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. [Link]
January 25, 2009
By bringing in professional consultants and making the campaign more about politics than the needs, stories and enthusiasm of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community, the No on 8 leaders not only lost the election, but missed the point, argued many of the more than 400 people at Equality Summit '09, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. [Link]
Friday, January 23, 2009
Paterson's projected Senate pick backs marriage equality
PageOneQ
January 23, 2009
The likely pick to replace Secretary of State Clinton in the U.S. Senate has spoken out in favor of marriage equality. Democratic Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20) has also acted favorably for LGBT-related causes during her term, co-sponsoring the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act and a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. (Link)
January 23, 2009
The likely pick to replace Secretary of State Clinton in the U.S. Senate has spoken out in favor of marriage equality. Democratic Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20) has also acted favorably for LGBT-related causes during her term, co-sponsoring the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act and a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act. (Link)
Study: Legislators Are Not Hurt by Voting for Marriage for Same-Sex Couples
San Francisco Bay Times
January 22, 2009
Voting for marriage for gay couples or against an anti-gay amendment is a safe move for politicians, a new study by the group Freedom to Marry has found. (Link)
January 22, 2009
Voting for marriage for gay couples or against an anti-gay amendment is a safe move for politicians, a new study by the group Freedom to Marry has found. (Link)
California's Proposition 8--Ours to Lose? Nope. It Was Always an Uphill Climb
Towleroad
January 23, 2009
Matt Foreman blogs, "A lot of people have been saying that Prop 8 was our side's to lose and that missteps by the No on 8 Campaign snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Those analyses ignore hard core obstacles and fundamentals underlying the contest, including how hard it is to hold and move opinions on marriage in the narrow confines of a campaign." (Link)
January 23, 2009
Matt Foreman blogs, "A lot of people have been saying that Prop 8 was our side's to lose and that missteps by the No on 8 Campaign snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. Those analyses ignore hard core obstacles and fundamentals underlying the contest, including how hard it is to hold and move opinions on marriage in the narrow confines of a campaign." (Link)
Dallas divorce case for same-sex couple a first for Texas
Dallas Morning News
January 23, 3009
A Dallas man has filed for divorce from his husband and longtime partner. The men married in Cambridge, Mass., in 2006 and later returned to Dallas. But on Wednesday one of the pair, citing "discord or conflict of personalities," asked a state district court in Dallas to void the union in what is believed to be the first such action in Texas. (Link)
January 23, 3009
A Dallas man has filed for divorce from his husband and longtime partner. The men married in Cambridge, Mass., in 2006 and later returned to Dallas. But on Wednesday one of the pair, citing "discord or conflict of personalities," asked a state district court in Dallas to void the union in what is believed to be the first such action in Texas. (Link)
Midlevel NY court upholds gay marriage benefits
Associated Press
January 22, 2009
A midlevel appeals court Thursday upheld New York's policy granting health benefits to spouses of gay state workers legally married outside the state. (Link)
January 22, 2009
A midlevel appeals court Thursday upheld New York's policy granting health benefits to spouses of gay state workers legally married outside the state. (Link)
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Colorado group lobbies in Wyoming on anti-gay amendment
Associated Press
January 21, 2009
A national conservative Christian group has begun a telephone lobbying campaign in Wyoming in support of an anti-gay amendment in the state Senate. (Link)
January 21, 2009
A national conservative Christian group has begun a telephone lobbying campaign in Wyoming in support of an anti-gay amendment in the state Senate. (Link)
Hawaii lawmakers to consider gaming, marriage equality
Associated Press
January 21, 2009
Hawaii lawmakers convene a new session Wednesday in which they expect to consider legalizing gambling, recognizing marriage for gay couples and preserving Hawaiian lands. The session runs through May 7. (Link)
January 21, 2009
Hawaii lawmakers convene a new session Wednesday in which they expect to consider legalizing gambling, recognizing marriage for gay couples and preserving Hawaiian lands. The session runs through May 7. (Link)
Survey: College Freshmen Support of Marriage Equality Reaches New High
Associated Press
January 22, 2009
UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute conducted its 43rd annual survey that was given to more than 240,000 incoming four-year college students during orientations from April through October. Just under two-thirds (66 percent) support marriage equality for same-sex couples. (Link)
January 22, 2009
UCLA's Higher Education Research Institute conducted its 43rd annual survey that was given to more than 240,000 incoming four-year college students during orientations from April through October. Just under two-thirds (66 percent) support marriage equality for same-sex couples. (Link)
Briefing Concludes in Prop 8 Legal Challenge
Equality California
January 21, 2009
Nation's top civil rights groups and legal scholars agree: Invalidate Prop 8. (Link)
January 21, 2009
Nation's top civil rights groups and legal scholars agree: Invalidate Prop 8. (Link)
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
White House Site Updated With Lengthy List Of Commitments To LGBT Rights
Towleroad
January 20, 2009
Within seconds of President Obama's swearing in, the official home page of the White House was updated with a lengthy list of commitments to further LGBT rights. (Link)
January 20, 2009
Within seconds of President Obama's swearing in, the official home page of the White House was updated with a lengthy list of commitments to further LGBT rights. (Link)
NH's Bishop Robinson prays for unity
Union Leader
January 19, 2009
New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson led hundreds of thousands in prayer at the opening concert of the presidential inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial yesterday: "Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance, replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger." (Link)
January 19, 2009
New Hampshire Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson led hundreds of thousands in prayer at the opening concert of the presidential inauguration at the Lincoln Memorial yesterday: "Bless us with freedom from mere tolerance, replacing it with a genuine respect and warm embrace of our differences, and an understanding that in our diversity, we are stronger." (Link)
Now, about marriage equality
Los Angeles Times
January 21, 2009
The Los Angeles Times editorial board writes, "On the heels of Pastor Rick Warren's invocation, Obama should drop the semantics and acknowledge that denying marriage for same-sex couples is discriminatory." (Link)
January 21, 2009
The Los Angeles Times editorial board writes, "On the heels of Pastor Rick Warren's invocation, Obama should drop the semantics and acknowledge that denying marriage for same-sex couples is discriminatory." (Link)
No one should be denied equal right to marry
Morning Sentinel
January 19, 2009
The editorial board of the Maine newspaper writes, "We support this move to legalize gay marriage in Maine. And we do so for the very same reasons we supported gay marriage in Massachusetts six years ago. Our reasoning now is the same as it was then, and we see no reason to reinvent our arguments." (Link)
January 19, 2009
The editorial board of the Maine newspaper writes, "We support this move to legalize gay marriage in Maine. And we do so for the very same reasons we supported gay marriage in Massachusetts six years ago. Our reasoning now is the same as it was then, and we see no reason to reinvent our arguments." (Link)
Rep. John Lewis: “You Cannot Separate The Issue Of Civil Rights”
Box Turtle Bulletin
January 19, 2009
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday today, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), one of Freedom to Marry's Voices of Equality appeared on National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air” to talk about his experiences during the civil rights struggles of the 1960’s. He also reflected on the importance of fighting for civil rights for everyone, including LGBT people. (Link)
January 19, 2009
In observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday today, Congressman John Lewis (D-GA), one of Freedom to Marry's Voices of Equality appeared on National Public Radio’s “Fresh Air” to talk about his experiences during the civil rights struggles of the 1960’s. He also reflected on the importance of fighting for civil rights for everyone, including LGBT people. (Link)
Monday, January 19, 2009
Wedding March: Should Washington's Gays Accept Civil Unions if Full Marriage Equality Fails?
What does the timetable set by the chief justice of Washington State's supreme court for a decision on marriage equality mean? As Evan Wolfson said in an interview with the reporter, "All of this is going to be a many-year struggle." Starting off by bargaining against ourselves, he says, "misunderstands how you end opposition. You don't end opposition by appeasing it, you end opposition by allowing fair-minded people to grow." [Link]
Friday, January 16, 2009
Marriage, Democracy And California
The Daily Dish
January 15, 2009
Andrew Sullivan calls George Will's Jan. 15 column denouncing Calif. Attorney General Jerry Brown for his legal challenges to Prop. 8 a "must-read," agreeing with Will that LGBT equality advocates "do not deserve to get a do-over via court power," but saying that he doesn't think Will "fully grasps what the denial of marriage equality does to the souls of gay folk." [Link]
January 15, 2009
Andrew Sullivan calls George Will's Jan. 15 column denouncing Calif. Attorney General Jerry Brown for his legal challenges to Prop. 8 a "must-read," agreeing with Will that LGBT equality advocates "do not deserve to get a do-over via court power," but saying that he doesn't think Will "fully grasps what the denial of marriage equality does to the souls of gay folk." [Link]
Bill would extend insurance benefits to same-sex partners
Rocky Mountain News
January 15, 2009
A bill introduced Wednesday to the Colo. legislature could result in the state offering insurance benefits to partners of gay state employees. Openly gay Colo. Rep. Mark Ferrandino: "It's about equity and equality, and it's about competing in the marketplace as more and more employers offer it." [Link]
January 15, 2009
A bill introduced Wednesday to the Colo. legislature could result in the state offering insurance benefits to partners of gay state employees. Openly gay Colo. Rep. Mark Ferrandino: "It's about equity and equality, and it's about competing in the marketplace as more and more employers offer it." [Link]
Legal Groups File Brief in Support of Marriage Equality
NBCLosAngeles.com
January 15, 2009
The Los Angeles County and San Francisco bar associations are among 40 bar and legal organizations that filed a brief with the Calif. Supreme Court urging the justices to invalidate Prop. 8: "[I]f the majority can relegate disfavored minorities to second class citizenship via the initiative process, no fundamental rights are safe." [Link]
January 15, 2009
The Los Angeles County and San Francisco bar associations are among 40 bar and legal organizations that filed a brief with the Calif. Supreme Court urging the justices to invalidate Prop. 8: "[I]f the majority can relegate disfavored minorities to second class citizenship via the initiative process, no fundamental rights are safe." [Link]
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Same-Sex Couples Set to Sue Minnesota over Marriage Rights
The Minnesota Independent
January 14, 2009
An interview with Doug Benson, founder of a group called Marry Me Minnesota, which is helping organize a lawsuit to be filed by as many as 10 gay couples against the state of Minnesota for denying them the freedom to marry. [Link]
January 14, 2009
An interview with Doug Benson, founder of a group called Marry Me Minnesota, which is helping organize a lawsuit to be filed by as many as 10 gay couples against the state of Minnesota for denying them the freedom to marry. [Link]
Even Same-Sex Marriage Is a Basic Civil Right
The Huffington Post
January 15, 2009
Menachem Rosensaft discusses LGBT equality: "I do not have a problem with Orthodox rabbis, the Vatican, the Mormon Church, or Pastor Warren's Saddleback Church for refusing to perform or recognize same-sex marriages. I do, however, find offensive and objectionable their efforts to impose their religious and moral views on the rest of society." [Link]
January 15, 2009
Menachem Rosensaft discusses LGBT equality: "I do not have a problem with Orthodox rabbis, the Vatican, the Mormon Church, or Pastor Warren's Saddleback Church for refusing to perform or recognize same-sex marriages. I do, however, find offensive and objectionable their efforts to impose their religious and moral views on the rest of society." [Link]
Obama's Gay Marriage Flip Flop: He Was For It Before He Was Against It
Huffington Post
January 14, 2009
Gabriel Rotello discusses the recent release of information proving Obama's prior support for marriage equality and a study by Freedom to Marry on re-election of pro-marriage legislators: "So memo to all upcoming progressive candidates (and the President Elect): Take a look at the Freedom to Marry study, take a look inside your heart, and take a stand to do the right thing. You know you want to. And now you know that it won't even hurt." (Link)
January 14, 2009
Gabriel Rotello discusses the recent release of information proving Obama's prior support for marriage equality and a study by Freedom to Marry on re-election of pro-marriage legislators: "So memo to all upcoming progressive candidates (and the President Elect): Take a look at the Freedom to Marry study, take a look inside your heart, and take a stand to do the right thing. You know you want to. And now you know that it won't even hurt." (Link)
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Marriage equality bill being introduced in Maine
Associated Press
January 13, 2009
The marriage issue moved onto the legislative agenda Tuesday as supporters of the idea said this is the time to recognize marriages between same-sex couples -- even if the debate comes amid major concerns in the State House over budget cutbacks and their impact. (Link)
January 13, 2009
The marriage issue moved onto the legislative agenda Tuesday as supporters of the idea said this is the time to recognize marriages between same-sex couples -- even if the debate comes amid major concerns in the State House over budget cutbacks and their impact. (Link)
Obama once backed full marriage equality
Windy City Times
January 13, 2009
During his run for Illinois state Senate in 1996, Barack Obama stated his unequivocal support for gay marriage, according to an exclusive story in the Jan. 14, 2009 Windy City Times newspaper. [Link]
January 13, 2009
During his run for Illinois state Senate in 1996, Barack Obama stated his unequivocal support for gay marriage, according to an exclusive story in the Jan. 14, 2009 Windy City Times newspaper. [Link]
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Bishop Robinson's moral witness lights the way for Obama's presidency and policies
Google Comments
January 13, 2009
Evan Wolfson writes, "When he stands before Abraham Lincoln's statue to mark a new presidency, Bishop Robinson will provide President-elect Obama, and the nation and world, a lesson in values to light the way forward. Prayer must then be matched by policy." [Link]
January 13, 2009
Evan Wolfson writes, "When he stands before Abraham Lincoln's statue to mark a new presidency, Bishop Robinson will provide President-elect Obama, and the nation and world, a lesson in values to light the way forward. Prayer must then be matched by policy." [Link]
Openly Gay Episcopal Bishop to Deliver Invocation at Lincoln Memorial
New York Times
January 12, 2009
Evan Wolfson said, “Bishop Robinson is a world historical figure at this point. He is at the center of the Episcopal Church’s embrace of gay people and a symbol of inclusion even when it’s difficult. And to choose him, of all the other figures that could have been chosen, even as a balance to Rick Waren, I think it still is a very powerful statement.” [Link]
January 12, 2009
Evan Wolfson said, “Bishop Robinson is a world historical figure at this point. He is at the center of the Episcopal Church’s embrace of gay people and a symbol of inclusion even when it’s difficult. And to choose him, of all the other figures that could have been chosen, even as a balance to Rick Waren, I think it still is a very powerful statement.” [Link]
Monday, January 12, 2009
Advocates energized despite political loss
Star Bulletin
January 12, 2009
Key legislators say they are willing to discuss the marriage and civil union measures. (Link)
January 12, 2009
Key legislators say they are willing to discuss the marriage and civil union measures. (Link)
Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How
Marriage Equality USA
January 12, 2009
Marriage Equality USA releases the second of three reports, Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How, a compilation of real stories from the campaign. (Link)
January 12, 2009
Marriage Equality USA releases the second of three reports, Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How, a compilation of real stories from the campaign. (Link)
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
“Those of us outside the legislature should not be afraid to ask our representatives to do the right thing, and should do our part to help them do it, by talking about the injustice of exclusion from marriage and how government should help, not hurt, all families.”
— Evan Wolfson
New Study Shows Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections
Freedom to Marry
January 12, 2009
Contrary to some political expectations, voting to support the freedom to marry and opposing anti-marriage measures helps rather than hurts politicians, a new study Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections released by Freedom to Marry unequivocally shows. A review of all of these votes from 2005 to the present shows that legislators who vote to end marriage discrimination for same-sex couples are consistently re-elected. (Link)
January 12, 2009
Contrary to some political expectations, voting to support the freedom to marry and opposing anti-marriage measures helps rather than hurts politicians, a new study Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections released by Freedom to Marry unequivocally shows. A review of all of these votes from 2005 to the present shows that legislators who vote to end marriage discrimination for same-sex couples are consistently re-elected. (Link)
N.H. bishop invited to D.C. to give prayer
Concord Monitor
January 12, 2009
N.H. Episcopal Bishop and Freedom to Marry Voice of Equality Gene Robinson has been invited to give a prayer at one of President-elect Obama's first inauguration events at the Lincoln Memorial. The event, at which Obama is expected to speak, will air on HBO. [Link]
January 12, 2009
N.H. Episcopal Bishop and Freedom to Marry Voice of Equality Gene Robinson has been invited to give a prayer at one of President-elect Obama's first inauguration events at the Lincoln Memorial. The event, at which Obama is expected to speak, will air on HBO. [Link]
Ashland church to perform gay marriages Saturday
KDRV
January 9, 2009
A church in Ashland, Ore., will begin performing marriage ceremonies for gay couples and simultaneously stop signing marriages licenses for anyone -- gay or straight -- until the state's ban on marriage equality is lifted. [Link]
January 9, 2009
A church in Ashland, Ore., will begin performing marriage ceremonies for gay couples and simultaneously stop signing marriages licenses for anyone -- gay or straight -- until the state's ban on marriage equality is lifted. [Link]
Faith, Not Race, The Big Factor in Prop 8 Vote
The Huffington Post
January 10, 2009
John Ridley refers to a new study that found that religious beliefs and age were bigger factors in determining voters' decisions on Prop. 9 than race: "It would be more accurate to move black voters into the category of all voters who made their decision on Prop 8 based on faith and/or other influences rather than segregating blacks into a particular Prop. 8 block." [Link]
January 10, 2009
John Ridley refers to a new study that found that religious beliefs and age were bigger factors in determining voters' decisions on Prop. 9 than race: "It would be more accurate to move black voters into the category of all voters who made their decision on Prop 8 based on faith and/or other influences rather than segregating blacks into a particular Prop. 8 block." [Link]
Friday, January 9, 2009
Brown's Switch on Prop. 8 Reflects Times
San Francisco Chronicle
January 9, 2009
A profile of Calif. Attorney General Jerry Brown's history with marriage equality – from his 1977 signing, as governor, of legislation to exclude gay couples from marriage to his current legal challenge to overturn Proposition 8. [Link]
January 9, 2009
A profile of Calif. Attorney General Jerry Brown's history with marriage equality – from his 1977 signing, as governor, of legislation to exclude gay couples from marriage to his current legal challenge to overturn Proposition 8. [Link]
Calif. marriage equality foes want donors anonymous
The Associated Press
January 9, 2009
Angered by public identification and criticism of donors to the Prop. 8 campaign, Prop. 8's backers are now suing to remove lists of their donors from the Calif. Secretary of State's Web site and avoid filing final reports on their campaign contributors. [Link]
January 9, 2009
Angered by public identification and criticism of donors to the Prop. 8 campaign, Prop. 8's backers are now suing to remove lists of their donors from the Calif. Secretary of State's Web site and avoid filing final reports on their campaign contributors. [Link]
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Is Vermont Next?
WCAX
January 7, 2009
Vermont could be on the cusp of becoming the next state to grant same-sex couples the freedom to marry. Senator John Campbell, D-Quechee, has introduced a bill that would do just that. It also grants religious institutions the right to deny performing the marriages (which they already have). [Link]
January 7, 2009
Vermont could be on the cusp of becoming the next state to grant same-sex couples the freedom to marry. Senator John Campbell, D-Quechee, has introduced a bill that would do just that. It also grants religious institutions the right to deny performing the marriages (which they already have). [Link]
HUMOR: What About 'Gay Marriage'?
23/6
January 7, 2009
23/6 brings us a 50's educational-style propaganda film about what America would be like if gay couples were allowed the protections and responsibilities of marriage. Humorously convoluted...[Link]
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
OP-ED: Repealing so-called DOMA Will Ease the Warren Sting
The Huffington Post
January 7, 2009
Emma Ruby-Sachs encourages President-elect Obama to focus on repealing the so-called DOMA, saying that doing so "would be a great lift for LGBT Americans and would undo any animosity gay voters feel toward the new President [over choosing Rick Warren as an inaugural speaker]." [Link]
January 7, 2009
Emma Ruby-Sachs encourages President-elect Obama to focus on repealing the so-called DOMA, saying that doing so "would be a great lift for LGBT Americans and would undo any animosity gay voters feel toward the new President [over choosing Rick Warren as an inaugural speaker]." [Link]
Florida Senator Pushes to Allow Gay Couples to Adopt
Tallahassee Democrat
January 7, 2009
In hopes of sustaining the discussion about adoption by gay parents in Fla. until the issue reaches the State Supreme Court, Fla. State Sen. Nan Rich has filed two bills that would allow gay couples to adopt children: "This has to do with the best interests of children." [Link]
January 7, 2009
In hopes of sustaining the discussion about adoption by gay parents in Fla. until the issue reaches the State Supreme Court, Fla. State Sen. Nan Rich has filed two bills that would allow gay couples to adopt children: "This has to do with the best interests of children." [Link]
Cass County to Look at Employee Policies
WDAY.com
January 6, 2009
A majority of county officials in Cass County, N.D., have agreed to form a committee to research if and how employee benefit policies could be changed to include gay couples, an idea that was shot down in 2003. [Link]
January 6, 2009
A majority of county officials in Cass County, N.D., have agreed to form a committee to research if and how employee benefit policies could be changed to include gay couples, an idea that was shot down in 2003. [Link]
Democrats Reach Pact to Lead the Senate
New York Times
January 7, 2008
After much negotiation and controversy -- in part over a possible vote on a marriage equality bill -- N.Y. Democrats reached a deal that will give their party control of the State Senate. Several senators said marriage for gay couples was not discussed, and that a marriage equality bill will not be voted on anytime soon. [Link]
January 7, 2008
After much negotiation and controversy -- in part over a possible vote on a marriage equality bill -- N.Y. Democrats reached a deal that will give their party control of the State Senate. Several senators said marriage for gay couples was not discussed, and that a marriage equality bill will not be voted on anytime soon. [Link]
Black support for Prop. 8 called exaggeration
San Francisco Chronicle
January 7, 2009
A report on election results found that religious beliefs, party identification, age and political views outweighed race and gender as factors in voters' decisions on Prop. 8: "The study debunks the myth that African Americans overwhelmingly and disproportionately supported Prop. 8." [Link]
January 7, 2009
A report on election results found that religious beliefs, party identification, age and political views outweighed race and gender as factors in voters' decisions on Prop. 8: "The study debunks the myth that African Americans overwhelmingly and disproportionately supported Prop. 8." [Link]
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Will the Future of Marriage in California Be Televised?
Queerty
January 6, 2009
Japhy Grant writes, "Anne Marks tells us that right now, the planning process is just restarting from the holiday break and that there should be an agenda by next Monday. Before branding the planners of the Equality Summit an evil, power-mongering, hermetic cabal, why don't we give them a chance to act first?" [Link]
January 6, 2009
Japhy Grant writes, "Anne Marks tells us that right now, the planning process is just restarting from the holiday break and that there should be an agenda by next Monday. Before branding the planners of the Equality Summit an evil, power-mongering, hermetic cabal, why don't we give them a chance to act first?" [Link]
EDITORIAL: The Best Interests of the Child
The New York Times
January 6, 2009
The New York Times editorial board calls Act 1, the Ark. ballot referendum that prohibits same-sex couples from adopting or fostering children, “undeniably discriminatory” and calls it “a victory for the forces of bigotry and a major setback for the guiding principle of the law in adoption and foster care: the best interests of the child.” [Link]
January 6, 2009
The New York Times editorial board calls Act 1, the Ark. ballot referendum that prohibits same-sex couples from adopting or fostering children, “undeniably discriminatory” and calls it “a victory for the forces of bigotry and a major setback for the guiding principle of the law in adoption and foster care: the best interests of the child.” [Link]
New Study Analyzes What Drove Vote on Prop 8 & Debunks Myths
January 6, 2009
Freedom to Marry, in collaboration with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Let California Ring, and And Marriage for All, just released a new study that discusses what drove the passage of Proposition 8 and debunks the myths about African-American voting on marriage equality. The study also showed support for freedom to marry grew across nearly all demographics inCalifornia
Freedom to Marry, in collaboration with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Let California Ring, and And Marriage for All, just released a new study that discusses what drove the passage of Proposition 8 and debunks the myths about African-American voting on marriage equality. The study also showed support for freedom to marry grew across nearly all demographics in
Monday, January 5, 2009
When a Nod’s Not Enough
Advocate
January 5, 1008
If the Obama administration is anything like the Obama campaign, expect to see few leaks and a well-executed, patient game plan. But this political savvy has a potential downside, in that it may lead the administration to manage (read: play down) disagreement from its various constituencies. In that case, gay advocates will need to stand firm no matter how hard they may find the task of voicing complaint about a Democratic president. “It may be, in a given round of engagement, that we don’t get what we ask for,” Evan Wolfson says. “But if we ask for less than we deserve we are guaranteed to get less than we deserve.” [Link]
January 5, 1008
If the Obama administration is anything like the Obama campaign, expect to see few leaks and a well-executed, patient game plan. But this political savvy has a potential downside, in that it may lead the administration to manage (read: play down) disagreement from its various constituencies. In that case, gay advocates will need to stand firm no matter how hard they may find the task of voicing complaint about a Democratic president. “It may be, in a given round of engagement, that we don’t get what we ask for,” Evan Wolfson says. “But if we ask for less than we deserve we are guaranteed to get less than we deserve.” [Link]
New Study Analyzes What Drove Vote on Prop 8 & Debunks Myths
Contrary to some political expectations, voting to support the freedom to marry and opposing anti-marriage measures helps rather than hurts politicians, a new study Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections released by Freedom to Marry unequivocally shows.
For many years legislators across the country have voted on laws aimed at ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. Others have been asked to vote on state constitutional amendments aimed at discriminating against same-sex couples and their children by denying them the freedom to marry and other legal protections. A review of all of these votes from 2005 to the present shows that legislators who vote to end marriage discrimination for same-sex couples are consistently re-elected.
For many years legislators across the country have voted on laws aimed at ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. Others have been asked to vote on state constitutional amendments aimed at discriminating against same-sex couples and their children by denying them the freedom to marry and other legal protections. A review of all of these votes from 2005 to the present shows that legislators who vote to end marriage discrimination for same-sex couples are consistently re-elected.
- View the report Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections
OPINION: No defending the Defense of Marriage Act
Los Angeles Times
January 5, 2009
The author of the federal Defense of Marriage Act now thinks it's time for his law to get the boot -- but for political reasons, not in support of gay peoples' freedom to marry. [Link]
January 5, 2009
The author of the federal Defense of Marriage Act now thinks it's time for his law to get the boot -- but for political reasons, not in support of gay peoples' freedom to marry. [Link]
Jerry Brown Wins Praise, Criticism for Stance on Proposition 8
Sacramento Bee
January 5, 2009
Brown likens his actions to that of state Attorney General Thomas Lynch, who in 1964 challenged voters' passage of Proposition 14, a measure that overturned a state law against housing discrimination. Proposition 14 -- also an amendment to the state constitution -- was later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. [Link]
January 5, 2009
Brown likens his actions to that of state Attorney General Thomas Lynch, who in 1964 challenged voters' passage of Proposition 14, a measure that overturned a state law against housing discrimination. Proposition 14 -- also an amendment to the state constitution -- was later overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court. [Link]
Push for Marriage Meets Election Concerns in NJ
The New York Times
January 1, 2009
Though political leaders in N.J. are increasingly supportive of marriage equality, the governor and all 80 members of the Assembly are up for re-election in November, which may delay a vote on the issue. [Link]
January 1, 2009
Though political leaders in N.J. are increasingly supportive of marriage equality, the governor and all 80 members of the Assembly are up for re-election in November, which may delay a vote on the issue. [Link]
Friday, January 2, 2009
Last LGBT Parenting Roundup of the Year
Mombian
December 31, 2008
Dana Rudolph of Mombian writes, "I’m still in “light posting over the holidays” mode here, but for those of you still out there and reading, here’s a quick roundup of LGBT parenting news to hold you for a few days..." [Link]
December 31, 2008
Dana Rudolph of Mombian writes, "I’m still in “light posting over the holidays” mode here, but for those of you still out there and reading, here’s a quick roundup of LGBT parenting news to hold you for a few days..." [Link]
OP-ED: Let’s focus on loving all of God’s people
The Buffalo News
January 2, 2009
"My knowledge of the social gospel tells me that there are grave evils in the world that need the moral voice of the Church. For example, poverty, the distribution of wealth, war and torture cry out for serious attention. Instead of focusing on these weighty issues in important elections, the bishops try to denigrate families like my son’s." [Link]
January 2, 2009
"My knowledge of the social gospel tells me that there are grave evils in the world that need the moral voice of the Church. For example, poverty, the distribution of wealth, war and torture cry out for serious attention. Instead of focusing on these weighty issues in important elections, the bishops try to denigrate families like my son’s." [Link]
Interview: Tahlib Britton of Freedom to Marry
Gay Agenda
December 31, 2008
Check out what Tahlib has to say about his experience with marriage equality, equal rights, homophobia and much, much more by listening to the show. [Link]
December 31, 2008
Check out what Tahlib has to say about his experience with marriage equality, equal rights, homophobia and much, much more by listening to the show. [Link]
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