Tuesday, June 30, 2009
'Gayby boom': Children of gay couples speak out
CNN
June 29, 2009
Jesse Levey is a Republican activist who says he believes in family values, small government and his lesbian mothers' right to marry. Critics of marriage equality say people such as Levey will grow up shunned and sexually confused. Yet he says he's a "well-adjusted heterosexual" whose upbringing proves that love, not gender, makes a family. "You can imagine what my parents thought when I was 13 and listening to Rush Limbaugh everyday," Levey says. "But my family had strong family values. I was raised in a loving, caring household that let me be a free thinker." [Link]
June 29, 2009
Jesse Levey is a Republican activist who says he believes in family values, small government and his lesbian mothers' right to marry. Critics of marriage equality say people such as Levey will grow up shunned and sexually confused. Yet he says he's a "well-adjusted heterosexual" whose upbringing proves that love, not gender, makes a family. "You can imagine what my parents thought when I was 13 and listening to Rush Limbaugh everyday," Levey says. "But my family had strong family values. I was raised in a loving, caring household that let me be a free thinker." [Link]
OPINION: 40 Years After Stonewall, Still Second-Class Americans
The New York Times
June 27, 2009
It’s a press cliché that “gay supporters” are disappointed with Obama - we should all be. Gay Americans aren’t just another political special interest group. They are Americans who are actively discriminated against by federal laws. If the president is to properly honor the memory of Stonewall, he should get up to speed on what happened there 40 years ago, when courageous kids who had nothing, not even a public acknowledgment of their existence, stood up to make history happen in the least likely of places. [Link]
June 27, 2009
It’s a press cliché that “gay supporters” are disappointed with Obama - we should all be. Gay Americans aren’t just another political special interest group. They are Americans who are actively discriminated against by federal laws. If the president is to properly honor the memory of Stonewall, he should get up to speed on what happened there 40 years ago, when courageous kids who had nothing, not even a public acknowledgment of their existence, stood up to make history happen in the least likely of places. [Link]
Superior Court Rejects Marriage Referendum in D.C.
The Washington Post
June 30, 2009
A Superior Court judge decided today not to delay enactment of a July 6 law that the D.C. government recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Judge Judith E. Retchin ruled that she would not a grant a stay preventing the law from taking effect, as requested by opponents of marriage equality. The group of opponents had wanted a referendum on the issue, but the D.C. election board said that would be illegal under the District's Human Rights Act. [Link]
June 30, 2009
A Superior Court judge decided today not to delay enactment of a July 6 law that the D.C. government recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Judge Judith E. Retchin ruled that she would not a grant a stay preventing the law from taking effect, as requested by opponents of marriage equality. The group of opponents had wanted a referendum on the issue, but the D.C. election board said that would be illegal under the District's Human Rights Act. [Link]
Representative Jared Polis on DOMA and that DOMA brief
AMERICAblog
June 29, 2009
Congress is in recess, so Rep. Polis was in his district Monday, not at the White House party. For those who don't know him yet, Polis is an openly gay, first-term Democrat from Colorado. Chuck Todd interviewed Polis on Hardball about Obama and gay issues. I found the DOMA segment particularly interesting. Polis made it quite clear that the problem was the DOMA brief. Polis explained, as we and many others have explained, that the Obama administration didn't have to defend the law and certainly didn't have to respond in the way they did:
[Link]
June 29, 2009
Congress is in recess, so Rep. Polis was in his district Monday, not at the White House party. For those who don't know him yet, Polis is an openly gay, first-term Democrat from Colorado. Chuck Todd interviewed Polis on Hardball about Obama and gay issues. I found the DOMA segment particularly interesting. Polis made it quite clear that the problem was the DOMA brief. Polis explained, as we and many others have explained, that the Obama administration didn't have to defend the law and certainly didn't have to respond in the way they did:
[Link]
Wisconsin to offer domestic partnerships
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
July 1, 2009
With the budget signed Monday by Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisconsin has put domestic partnerships in place for same-sex couples. Couples will be offered 43 of the more than 200 rights and benefits extended to married couples, such as allowing domestic partners to take family and medical leave to care for a seriously ill partner, make end-of-life decisions and add health care coverage. [Link]
July 1, 2009
With the budget signed Monday by Gov. Jim Doyle, Wisconsin has put domestic partnerships in place for same-sex couples. Couples will be offered 43 of the more than 200 rights and benefits extended to married couples, such as allowing domestic partners to take family and medical leave to care for a seriously ill partner, make end-of-life decisions and add health care coverage. [Link]
Voice for Equality: Al Franken
Alan Franken is an American entertainer-turned-politician. In 2008, Franken ran as the Democratice-Farmer-Labor Party candidate for U.S. Senate from Minnesota. On June 30, 2009, the Minnesota Supreme Court upheld Franken's victory, and stated that he was entitled to be certified as the election winner. Hours later, former Republican Senator, Norm Coleman, conceded the race.Franken has worked as a comedian, writer and liberal political commentator. He has also been a longtime champion for gay rights. In fact, in 2005 a blogger, wrote about a speech Franken delivered: “Franken first talked about gay marriage. He portrayed it as a basic issue of civil rights, invoking miscengenation.”
Freedom to Marry salutes Al Franken - a Voice for Equality as far back as 2005 - and now one of 14 marriage equality supporters in the U.S. Senate.
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Gay-rights advocates complain over President Obama's handling of marriage equality
New York Daily News
June 29, 2009
Gay-rights advocates aren't exactly thrilled with what they feel is slow progress by the Obama administration on issues they say are important to the gay community. "The measures don't address the root cause of the hardships and injustices facing gay couples and gay families, which is the denial of freedom to marry," says Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a gay and non-gay partnership for marriage equality and the author of "Why Marriage Matters." "The Obama administration and Congress must act to remove the barriers that gay Americans encounter in trying to participate equally in our society." [Link]
June 29, 2009
Gay-rights advocates aren't exactly thrilled with what they feel is slow progress by the Obama administration on issues they say are important to the gay community. "The measures don't address the root cause of the hardships and injustices facing gay couples and gay families, which is the denial of freedom to marry," says Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a gay and non-gay partnership for marriage equality and the author of "Why Marriage Matters." "The Obama administration and Congress must act to remove the barriers that gay Americans encounter in trying to participate equally in our society." [Link]
SPEECH: Evan Wolfson Comments on the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall at the CBST Pride Shabbat
Congregation Beth Simchat Torah
June 26, 2009
The freedom to marry is within our reach, right here in New York, right now – and when we win it, we New Yorkers will, as we did at Stonewall 40 years ago, make our country a better place, and move and mend the world. [Link]
June 26, 2009
The freedom to marry is within our reach, right here in New York, right now – and when we win it, we New Yorkers will, as we did at Stonewall 40 years ago, make our country a better place, and move and mend the world. [Link]
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center Project Pushback Marriage Equality Video Competition
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center
June 29, 2009
Family Values was selected by the Project Pushback judges, from the 11 finalists, as the Grand Prize winner, earning creator Andrew Putschoegl the $2,500 grand prize!
[Link]
June 29, 2009
Family Values was selected by the Project Pushback judges, from the 11 finalists, as the Grand Prize winner, earning creator Andrew Putschoegl the $2,500 grand prize!
[Link]
Monday, June 29, 2009
President Obama Recommits Himself and His Administration to LGBT Campaign Promises
Law Dork, 2.0
June 29, 2009
The President of the United States, the leader of the free world, spent 20 minutes this afternoon telling the world that he views Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as harmful to national security, that he is calling on Congress to repeal the “so-called” — his words — Defense of Marriage Act, and that he wants a fully inclusive ENDA and hate crimes bills on his desk. In all, I think the President used today well to acknowledge our impatience while not diminishing it, saying, “It’s not for me to tell you to be patient.” The President clearly recommitted himself and his Administration to the campaign promises he made to us. Yes, I want to see more action, and, sure, there is room for improvement — particularly in regards to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — but I am glad to hear directly from our President that he realizes our struggle and wants to work with us — and use his role in the White House — to advance LGBT equality. [Link]
June 29, 2009
The President of the United States, the leader of the free world, spent 20 minutes this afternoon telling the world that he views Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell as harmful to national security, that he is calling on Congress to repeal the “so-called” — his words — Defense of Marriage Act, and that he wants a fully inclusive ENDA and hate crimes bills on his desk. In all, I think the President used today well to acknowledge our impatience while not diminishing it, saying, “It’s not for me to tell you to be patient.” The President clearly recommitted himself and his Administration to the campaign promises he made to us. Yes, I want to see more action, and, sure, there is room for improvement — particularly in regards to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell — but I am glad to hear directly from our President that he realizes our struggle and wants to work with us — and use his role in the White House — to advance LGBT equality. [Link]
White House Reaffirms Commitment to Repeal So Called Federal DOMA
The White House Briefing Room
June 29, 2009
Today's event is more than just a reception honoring LGBT Pride month. It is an opportunity for the Administration to provide the world with a snap shot of the real heroes across the country that do the day-to-day work fighting for equality. People like State Representative Patricia Todd in Alabama to Sheriff Lupe Valdez in Dallas, and many other local LGBT elected officials that will be here today. And it’s people – ordinary families – that by simply living their lives openly are changing hearts and minds. It is also an opportunity to welcome the people upon whom shoulders we stand, people like Frank Kameny, as well as Phil Wilson, Bishop Robinson and Ambassador Hormel, and those who stood up to bigotry at Stonewall. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We will work together to pass Hate Crimes and ENDA and to end DADT and DOMA, but today is an opportunity to celebrate who we are and affirm who we are as Americans. [Link]
June 29, 2009
Today's event is more than just a reception honoring LGBT Pride month. It is an opportunity for the Administration to provide the world with a snap shot of the real heroes across the country that do the day-to-day work fighting for equality. People like State Representative Patricia Todd in Alabama to Sheriff Lupe Valdez in Dallas, and many other local LGBT elected officials that will be here today. And it’s people – ordinary families – that by simply living their lives openly are changing hearts and minds. It is also an opportunity to welcome the people upon whom shoulders we stand, people like Frank Kameny, as well as Phil Wilson, Bishop Robinson and Ambassador Hormel, and those who stood up to bigotry at Stonewall. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We will work together to pass Hate Crimes and ENDA and to end DADT and DOMA, but today is an opportunity to celebrate who we are and affirm who we are as Americans. [Link]
No Floor Vote for Freedom to Marry in Rhode Island
The Associated Press
June 28, 2009
Rhode Island seems almost certain to remain the only New England state that does not recognize gay marriage after measures legalizing same-sex unions stalled just before the part-time General Assembly ended the bulk of its annual work. This despite a poll released by Brown University last month which showed 60 percent of registered Rhode Island voters would support a law allowing gay couples to marry, and 75 would support a law allowing civil unions. [Link]
June 28, 2009
Rhode Island seems almost certain to remain the only New England state that does not recognize gay marriage after measures legalizing same-sex unions stalled just before the part-time General Assembly ended the bulk of its annual work. This despite a poll released by Brown University last month which showed 60 percent of registered Rhode Island voters would support a law allowing gay couples to marry, and 75 would support a law allowing civil unions. [Link]
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. And 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. And 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]
Pride at the White House
The Washington Post
June 29, 2009
The Stonewall Riots of 1969 -- when patrons at a New York city gay bar fought back against police brutality and harassment and set in motion a wave of activism -- have been commemorated in various ways. There have been protests, rallies, academic lectures and parties. Today is the first time Stonewall will be remembered in the tony quarters of the White House. [Link]
June 29, 2009
The Stonewall Riots of 1969 -- when patrons at a New York city gay bar fought back against police brutality and harassment and set in motion a wave of activism -- have been commemorated in various ways. There have been protests, rallies, academic lectures and parties. Today is the first time Stonewall will be remembered in the tony quarters of the White House. [Link]
Voice for Equality: Leslye M. Huff
Leslye M. Huff is the managing member of HUFF LAW, LLC, a new full service legal professional company. Her areas of practice include Employment, Family Law, Discrimination, Wills, Probate, Small Business & Nonprofit Start-up. Ms. Huff is Vice President of BlackOut Unlimited, Inc.'s Board of Directors, she is on the Steering Committee of Freedom to Marry, and she is a member of the National Black Justice Coalition. To learn more: [Link]In 1993, Huff published an article titled "Black Ministers Declare War Against Lesbians and Gay Men" in Ohio's largest African American newspaper, the Call and Post and used it to galvanize Cleveland's Black community to successfully oppose the ministers' anti-gay campaign. Recently, Ms Huff published a seven-part article in the Urban Crusader News weekly entitled "Marital Bliss Under the Constitution: Thoughts on Opposite-Gender Marriage, the African American Community, and LesBiGay Rights."
Freedom to Marry salutes Leslye M. Huff for her work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Voice for Equality: Helio Fred Garcia
Fred Garcia has 28 years of experience counseling securities firms, banks, insurance companies, specialized financial and professional service firms, corporations, not-for-profits, and governments. He has particular expertise in crisis management, corporate litigation support, struggles for corporate control, international financial transactions, securities offerings, corporate governance, and business ethics. To learn more: [Link]Fred is also on the associate faculty of the Starr King School for the Ministry - Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley, CA, where he teaches a seminar on religious leadership for social change. He is a member of the Steering Committee for Freedom to Marry, and is also a member of the boards of directors of Disaster Chaplaincy Services and of The Interfaith Alliance.
Freedom to Marry salutes Helio Fred Garcia for his work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Marriage Equality Chart
Geocities.comJune 2009
A Marriage Equality Chart compiled from various Facebook polls by Patrick Farley, June 2009. [Link]
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Freedom to Marry Waiting on Divided Senate
New York Times
June 28, 2009
The hopes of Gov. Paterson and gay rights advocates who have been pushing for the freedom to marry have collided with a political maelstrom in Albany. Like every other major public-policy issue before the State Legislature — from local sales taxes to control of New York City’s school system — marriage equality for gay couples is on hold until Republicans and Democrats in the State Senate reach a compromise over who will control the chamber. [link]
June 28, 2009
The hopes of Gov. Paterson and gay rights advocates who have been pushing for the freedom to marry have collided with a political maelstrom in Albany. Like every other major public-policy issue before the State Legislature — from local sales taxes to control of New York City’s school system — marriage equality for gay couples is on hold until Republicans and Democrats in the State Senate reach a compromise over who will control the chamber. [link]
Partnership rights in place for gay couples in Ireland by end of year
Irish Times
June 26, 2009
The Civil Partnership Bill giving statutory rights to gay and lesbian couples will be enacted and operational by the end of the year, the Government said yesterday. It will allow same-sex couples to register their civil partnership and allow them to enjoy the same statutory protection as married couples across a wide range of areas. The rights and obligations include the protection of a shared home, pension rights, the right to succession and equality with married couples of treatment under the tax and social welfare codes. [Link]
June 26, 2009
The Civil Partnership Bill giving statutory rights to gay and lesbian couples will be enacted and operational by the end of the year, the Government said yesterday. It will allow same-sex couples to register their civil partnership and allow them to enjoy the same statutory protection as married couples across a wide range of areas. The rights and obligations include the protection of a shared home, pension rights, the right to succession and equality with married couples of treatment under the tax and social welfare codes. [Link]
Eventually, marriage equality will arrive
Oregon Mail Tribune
June 28, 2009
Many have said that, because a majority voted to approve Proposition 8 in California, nothing more is needed. Not quite. In 1922 Oregon voters passed a measure outlawing Catholic parochial schools. The measure was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1925. Constitutions are sets of standards below which we cannot allow ourselves to go, even if a majority votes for it. Oregon has since passed statutes prohibiting "discrimination because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, or age" in employment and housing. These statutes are sensible laws protecting minorities from the majority. [Link]
June 28, 2009
Many have said that, because a majority voted to approve Proposition 8 in California, nothing more is needed. Not quite. In 1922 Oregon voters passed a measure outlawing Catholic parochial schools. The measure was struck down as unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1925. Constitutions are sets of standards below which we cannot allow ourselves to go, even if a majority votes for it. Oregon has since passed statutes prohibiting "discrimination because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, marital status, or age" in employment and housing. These statutes are sensible laws protecting minorities from the majority. [Link]
Gay Pride Parade marks 40 years after NYC uprising
The Associated Press
June 28, 2009
Decades after a riot at a Greenwich Village bar sparked a movement for equal rights, gay New Yorkers celebrated their gains at Sunday's gay pride parade and lamented the state has not legalized marriage equality. The celebration was tempered by the knowledge that other states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa, have legalized the freedom to marry before New York. "Hopes and dreams and expectations have been raised, and there is nothing worse than for people to have their hopes die out, to have the rug pulled out from under them," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, New York City's most prominent openly gay elected official. Gov. David Paterson said he remains hopeful that the state Senate will pass a same-sex marriage bill - if it can resolve the partisan stalemate that has paralyzed it. [Link]
June 28, 2009
Decades after a riot at a Greenwich Village bar sparked a movement for equal rights, gay New Yorkers celebrated their gains at Sunday's gay pride parade and lamented the state has not legalized marriage equality. The celebration was tempered by the knowledge that other states, including Massachusetts, Connecticut and Iowa, have legalized the freedom to marry before New York. "Hopes and dreams and expectations have been raised, and there is nothing worse than for people to have their hopes die out, to have the rug pulled out from under them," said City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, New York City's most prominent openly gay elected official. Gov. David Paterson said he remains hopeful that the state Senate will pass a same-sex marriage bill - if it can resolve the partisan stalemate that has paralyzed it. [Link]
Voice for Equality: Barbara Cox
Barbara Cox is the past chair of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Gay and Lesbian Legal Issues, is Chair of the A.A.L.S. Section on Women in Legal Education, and served on an AALS taskforce on the problems of preventing sexual orientation discrimination in religiously-affiliated law schools. She also serves on the Freedom to Marry Steering Committee.From 1984-1987, Barbara was co-chair of the Madison, WI, Taskforce on Alternative family rights which drafted the city's domestic partnership ordinance (one of the first in the nation), and she helped obtain domestic partner health insurance benefits at CWSL. Barb has published numerous articles or book chapters on various issues concerning marriages of same-sex couples and questions of interstate recognition by state courts, and has spoken on the topic across the country. To learn more: [Link]
Freedom to Marry salutes Barbara Cox for her work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Voice for Equality: Ignacio Castuera
The Rev. Dr. Ignacio Castuera currently serves at Trinity United Methodist Church in Pomona, CA and also as the first National Chaplain for Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Ignacio was the first Mexican-American district superintendent of the United Methodist Church in the Los Angeles District, and went on to become the pastor of Hollywood United Methodist Church. To learn more: [Link]On “To The Point” on Univision, the Rev Castuera, a member of the Steering Committee of Freedom to Marry, supported marriage equality in a debate led by journalist Jorge Ramos from a religious perspective, taking into account the legal rights that come with marriage:
Marriage Equality Debate - "To The Point"
(Interview in Spanish)
June 15, 2008
Freedom to Marry salutes the Rev. Dr. Ignacio Castuera for his work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
61% of Britons Back Freedom to Marry
The Times of London
June 27, 2009
Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, the gay charity, said be believed the introduction of civil partnerships in 2005 particularly helped to shift attitudes. “Suddenly millions of people realised gay people want to get married just like everyone else, and have slightly excitable ceremonies where aunties end up rowing, just like everyone else,” he said. “It comes up time and time again when I meet people who have been to civil partnership ceremonies or have heard of friends or neighbours having them.” [link]
June 27, 2009
Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall, the gay charity, said be believed the introduction of civil partnerships in 2005 particularly helped to shift attitudes. “Suddenly millions of people realised gay people want to get married just like everyone else, and have slightly excitable ceremonies where aunties end up rowing, just like everyone else,” he said. “It comes up time and time again when I meet people who have been to civil partnership ceremonies or have heard of friends or neighbours having them.” [link]
Political Shifts on Gay Rights Lag Behind Culture
New York Times
June 27, 2009
"America is changing more quickly than the government,” said Linda Ketner, a gay Democrat from South Carolina who came within four percentage points of winning a Congressional seat in November. “They are lagging behind the crowd. But if I remember my poli sci from college, isn’t that the way it always works?” [link]
June 27, 2009
"America is changing more quickly than the government,” said Linda Ketner, a gay Democrat from South Carolina who came within four percentage points of winning a Congressional seat in November. “They are lagging behind the crowd. But if I remember my poli sci from college, isn’t that the way it always works?” [link]
Let my two moms marry!
NY Daily News
June 27, 2009
Children of gay parents say it's time to let Heather's two mommies get married. "I feel like it's my right to have two parents who are married," said 15-year-old Marilyn Carlin of Brooklyn, who was born to lesbian moms Jane and Martha. As thousands ready to march down Fifth Ave. Sunday for gay rights - marking the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riot - children from same-sex households say marriage equality is not just for the adults who want to marry, it's also for the kids. [link]
June 27, 2009
Children of gay parents say it's time to let Heather's two mommies get married. "I feel like it's my right to have two parents who are married," said 15-year-old Marilyn Carlin of Brooklyn, who was born to lesbian moms Jane and Martha. As thousands ready to march down Fifth Ave. Sunday for gay rights - marking the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riot - children from same-sex households say marriage equality is not just for the adults who want to marry, it's also for the kids. [link]
Auto club challenged over treatment of gay couples
Southern Voice
June 26, 2009
John Imming, member service vice president for AAA South, said that his club has decided to limit the associate discount to spouses and dependents, but leaves it to the individual to determine their relationship. Imming said that if a gay couple presents as married, they will be treated as a married couple, but if they use the terms boyfriend, girlfriend or partner they will likely be turned down. [link]
June 26, 2009
John Imming, member service vice president for AAA South, said that his club has decided to limit the associate discount to spouses and dependents, but leaves it to the individual to determine their relationship. Imming said that if a gay couple presents as married, they will be treated as a married couple, but if they use the terms boyfriend, girlfriend or partner they will likely be turned down. [link]
Tipping Point for Freedom to Marry in Pennsylvania?
The Examiner.com
June 26, 2009
The most recent public-opinion survey, from Muhlenberg College and the Allentown Morning Call, published earlier this month, showed that backing for marriage equality in the Keystone State increased from 35 percent in 2004 to 42 percent. Jeff Lax and Justin Phillips of Columbia University place Pennsylvania well above average in its acceptance of the freedom to marry. Using polling, statistical analysis and ranking several factors Phillips and Lax rank Pa. seventeenth out of fifty states. [link]
June 26, 2009
The most recent public-opinion survey, from Muhlenberg College and the Allentown Morning Call, published earlier this month, showed that backing for marriage equality in the Keystone State increased from 35 percent in 2004 to 42 percent. Jeff Lax and Justin Phillips of Columbia University place Pennsylvania well above average in its acceptance of the freedom to marry. Using polling, statistical analysis and ranking several factors Phillips and Lax rank Pa. seventeenth out of fifty states. [link]
Where Blacks Lead the Fight for Gay Rights
The American Prospect
June 26, 2009
In Washington, D.C., the diverse composition of the marriage-equality movement means that marriage-equality activists don't have to "reach out" to the black community, because they're already part of it. That doesn't mean marriage-equality activists don't face serious obstacles in garnering support among African Americans, but it makes racial divisions harder to exploit. The lesson is clear -- when the marriage-equality movement is integrated, outreach becomes less of an issue. [link]
June 26, 2009
In Washington, D.C., the diverse composition of the marriage-equality movement means that marriage-equality activists don't have to "reach out" to the black community, because they're already part of it. That doesn't mean marriage-equality activists don't face serious obstacles in garnering support among African Americans, but it makes racial divisions harder to exploit. The lesson is clear -- when the marriage-equality movement is integrated, outreach becomes less of an issue. [link]
Family Values FAIL
Change.org
June 25, 2009
Mark Sanford. Newt Gingrich. Larry Craig. John Ensign. Rudy Giuliani. David Vitter.
By now you've probably figured out the connection among all of those individuals: prominent GOP members who belong to a party that regularly touts family values and an opposition to the freedom to marry, while they cheat on their spouses and engage in out-of-wedlock sexual behavior. Hypocrisy? You bet. [link]
June 25, 2009
Mark Sanford. Newt Gingrich. Larry Craig. John Ensign. Rudy Giuliani. David Vitter.
By now you've probably figured out the connection among all of those individuals: prominent GOP members who belong to a party that regularly touts family values and an opposition to the freedom to marry, while they cheat on their spouses and engage in out-of-wedlock sexual behavior. Hypocrisy? You bet. [link]
Obama's Stonewall
The Nation
June 24, 2009
In 1996, when Barack Obama was running for the Illinois Senate, he was asked in a survey by Outlines, a gay community newspaper in Chicago, if he supported same-sex marriage. Unlike most candidates, who merely indicated yes or no, Obama took the unusual step of typing in his response, to which he affixed his signature. Obama took a position on the progressive edge of the Democratic Party, and he did so with unmistakable clarity: "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages." [link]
June 24, 2009
In 1996, when Barack Obama was running for the Illinois Senate, he was asked in a survey by Outlines, a gay community newspaper in Chicago, if he supported same-sex marriage. Unlike most candidates, who merely indicated yes or no, Obama took the unusual step of typing in his response, to which he affixed his signature. Obama took a position on the progressive edge of the Democratic Party, and he did so with unmistakable clarity: "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages." [link]
Voice for Equality: John Buehrens
John Buehrens has a long history of advocacy for the homeless and mentally ill, for civil liberties, for poor communities, for interfaith cooperation, and for issues of sexual justice. From 1993 to 2001 he served as the President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. He was the only non-gay religious leader invited to address the Millenium March for Equality in Washington, DC, in 2000.Buehrens has served in the leadership of the National Parenting Association, the Foundation for Individual Responsibility and Social Trust (FIRST), the International Association for Religious Freedom, the Progressive Religious Partnership, the Association of Theological Schools in the US and Canada, the World Conference on Religion and Peace, and the Religious Institute for Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing. To learn more: [Link]
Freedom to Marry salutes John Buehrens for his work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Voice for Equality: Jennifer Gerarda Brown
Jennifer Gerarda Brown is a Professor of Law and the Director of the Center on Dispute Resolution at Quinnipiac University School of Law, and the Charles Mechem Senior Research Scholar and Director of ADR Programs at Yale Law School.Professor Brown has organized two symposia on marriage for same sex couples: the symposium in 1996 was one of the first to examine issues of extraterritorial recognition. She has written extensively on sexual orientation and the law, including three articles on marriage. She also serves on the Freedom to Marry Steering Committee. A co-author of "Straightforward: How to Mobilize Heterosexual Support for Gay rights" (with Ian Ayres), Professor Brown's areas of expertise include alternative dispute resolution, economic analysis of sexuality and gender in the law, feminist jurisprudence, and lawyers' professional responsibility. To learn more [Link]
Freedom to Marry salutes Jennifer Gerarda Brown for her work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Gay rights mean different things to different generations of community
The Seattle Times
June 27, 2009
Forty years after New York's Stonewall Riots launched the gay-rights movement, older gays and younger ones share much the same agenda of equality. But their needs within the movement are also divergent. Young people, who have at times referred to their own post-gay movement, seek the protections of marriage equality as they form relationships and start families, while gays of their grandparents' generation are more concerned about issues of aging — like survivor benefits and long-term care. This weekend, across the country and around the world — including here in Seattle on Sunday — they will join together, young and old, lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people to mark the anniversary of Stonewall. [Link]
June 27, 2009
Forty years after New York's Stonewall Riots launched the gay-rights movement, older gays and younger ones share much the same agenda of equality. But their needs within the movement are also divergent. Young people, who have at times referred to their own post-gay movement, seek the protections of marriage equality as they form relationships and start families, while gays of their grandparents' generation are more concerned about issues of aging — like survivor benefits and long-term care. This weekend, across the country and around the world — including here in Seattle on Sunday — they will join together, young and old, lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people to mark the anniversary of Stonewall. [Link]
Voice for Equality: Brondi Borer
After graduating from Cardozo Law School in New York City, Brondi Borer opened a family law and mediation practice focused on gay family law issues such as donor insemination agreements, child support and co-parenting agreements, domestic partnership and dissolution agreements, and second parent adoptions. She represented many gay and non-gay clients in litigated and mediated divorce actions. Since 1997, she has served as an adjunct professor at Marymount Manhattan College where she has taught Family Law and Public Speaking in the Critical Thinking Department.Brondi supports The Matthew Shephard Foundation, Lambda Legal, Freedom to Marry (where she serves on our Steering Committee), the Progressive Patriots Fund, and Gay USA (TV show) by hosting, chairing, or co-chairing fundraising and educational events. She believes that it is critical for non-gay individuals to reach out to gay and non-gay members of the community to explain Freedom to Marry's work. [Link] to learn more.
Freedom to Marry salutes Brondi Borer for her work on our Steering Committee and as a Voice for Equality!
**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Two Washington D.C. activists want Jackson investigated
The Washington Blade
June 26, 2009
Two local activists are asking the D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics to investigate whether a voter referendum petition to overturn the city’s same-sex marriage recognition law should be disqualified because the minister behind it is not a legal D.C. resident. Attorney Cary Silverman, president of the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association, and Martin Moulton, president of the D.C. Convention Center Community Association, said information they gathered from public records and submitted to the election board Wednesday shows that Bishop Harry Jackson Jr. appears to be a resident of Maryland, even though he affirmed in an affidavit that he lives in the District. “The available evidence suggests that Rev. Jackson does not fulfill the residence requirements of D.C. voter registration law,” the two men wrote in their request to the election board. “For these reasons, and based on the attached evidence, the D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics should reject his voter registration and petition for referendum.” [Link]
June 26, 2009
Two local activists are asking the D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics to investigate whether a voter referendum petition to overturn the city’s same-sex marriage recognition law should be disqualified because the minister behind it is not a legal D.C. resident. Attorney Cary Silverman, president of the Mount Vernon Square Neighborhood Association, and Martin Moulton, president of the D.C. Convention Center Community Association, said information they gathered from public records and submitted to the election board Wednesday shows that Bishop Harry Jackson Jr. appears to be a resident of Maryland, even though he affirmed in an affidavit that he lives in the District. “The available evidence suggests that Rev. Jackson does not fulfill the residence requirements of D.C. voter registration law,” the two men wrote in their request to the election board. “For these reasons, and based on the attached evidence, the D.C. Board of Elections & Ethics should reject his voter registration and petition for referendum.” [Link]
D.C. marriage law poised to take effect
The Washington Blade
June 26, 2009
Attorneys for a minister seeking a voter referendum to overturn the District’s same-sex marriage recognition law are asking a D.C. judge to issue an injunction to suspend the July 6 deadline for meeting all the referendum’s requirements, including the submission of 21,000 valid petition signatures. Attorneys representing the city and a local gay rights group voiced strong objections to postponing the referendum deadline and vowed to file strongly worded motions opposing any stay order. Gay rights attorney, Mark Levine, called the request for a stay of the referendum deadline an unprecedented development that, if approved by the court, would overturn a key provision the city’s referendum law, which was approved by the D.C. City Council in the late 1970s and cleared by Congress. “Unlike other parties to this litigation, the city residents being targeted by the referendum consist of married couples, some with children, whose lives and families are affected by whether or not their marriages are legally recognized,” Levine said in a motion. “Those lives will be affected if the proponents get their way and enshrine them as de jure second-class citizens of the District of Columbia.” [Link]
June 26, 2009
Attorneys for a minister seeking a voter referendum to overturn the District’s same-sex marriage recognition law are asking a D.C. judge to issue an injunction to suspend the July 6 deadline for meeting all the referendum’s requirements, including the submission of 21,000 valid petition signatures. Attorneys representing the city and a local gay rights group voiced strong objections to postponing the referendum deadline and vowed to file strongly worded motions opposing any stay order. Gay rights attorney, Mark Levine, called the request for a stay of the referendum deadline an unprecedented development that, if approved by the court, would overturn a key provision the city’s referendum law, which was approved by the D.C. City Council in the late 1970s and cleared by Congress. “Unlike other parties to this litigation, the city residents being targeted by the referendum consist of married couples, some with children, whose lives and families are affected by whether or not their marriages are legally recognized,” Levine said in a motion. “Those lives will be affected if the proponents get their way and enshrine them as de jure second-class citizens of the District of Columbia.” [Link]
Why the Catholic Position on Homosexual Marriage Is Not Mere Bigotry (But Still Is Mistaken)
Think Markets
June 25, 2009
I wish to take a moment here to demonstrate that at least the Catholic position contra gay marriage is not based on mere bigotry. Per Thomas Aquinas, sex has a threefold purpose, to produce (in order of importance): 1) procreation; 2) intimacy; and 3) pleasure. Now, Aquinas’s next move is to insist that sex, to be virtuous, has to achieve all of these purposes. Thus, we see that, in the Catholic position, what is sinful about homosexuality has nothing to do with the fact that it takes place between two people of the same sex (except for peripherally, in that that fact prevents procreation) — it is the fact that it ignores the most important end of sex. In conclusion: the Catholic position on homosexual marriage, although, as I see it, mistaken, is surely not a product of mere bigotry, but is based on ethical reasoning, even if, perhaps, it goes astray in the end. [Link]
June 25, 2009
I wish to take a moment here to demonstrate that at least the Catholic position contra gay marriage is not based on mere bigotry. Per Thomas Aquinas, sex has a threefold purpose, to produce (in order of importance): 1) procreation; 2) intimacy; and 3) pleasure. Now, Aquinas’s next move is to insist that sex, to be virtuous, has to achieve all of these purposes. Thus, we see that, in the Catholic position, what is sinful about homosexuality has nothing to do with the fact that it takes place between two people of the same sex (except for peripherally, in that that fact prevents procreation) — it is the fact that it ignores the most important end of sex. In conclusion: the Catholic position on homosexual marriage, although, as I see it, mistaken, is surely not a product of mere bigotry, but is based on ethical reasoning, even if, perhaps, it goes astray in the end. [Link]
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Poll: Teens, Tweens for Marriage Equality
The Advocate
June 25, 2009
A new poll from Pangea Media shows that 75% of teens and tweens (youths between the ages of 9 and 12) support marriage equality, although 79% of respondents said they were unaware of President Barack Obama’s position on the freedom to marry. [Link]
June 25, 2009
A new poll from Pangea Media shows that 75% of teens and tweens (youths between the ages of 9 and 12) support marriage equality, although 79% of respondents said they were unaware of President Barack Obama’s position on the freedom to marry. [Link]
It is time for us to make marriage equality in Rhode Island a reality
Bay Windows
June 17, 2009
Earlier this month, the New Hampshire legislature took another step in our country’s ongoing struggle to ensure full equality for gays and lesbians by voting to permit same-sex couples in their state to legally enter into civil marriages. The vote makes New Hampshire the sixth state in the country - along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine - to provide equal marriage rights to all its residents, and it now leaves Rhode Island as the only New England state that does not permit the freedom to marry. To me, the issue of marriage equality boils down to a question of basic fairness. [Link]
June 17, 2009
Earlier this month, the New Hampshire legislature took another step in our country’s ongoing struggle to ensure full equality for gays and lesbians by voting to permit same-sex couples in their state to legally enter into civil marriages. The vote makes New Hampshire the sixth state in the country - along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and Maine - to provide equal marriage rights to all its residents, and it now leaves Rhode Island as the only New England state that does not permit the freedom to marry. To me, the issue of marriage equality boils down to a question of basic fairness. [Link]
Marriage Equality Gets a Dutch Boost
The New York Times
June 25, 2009
Of all things, historical and cultural, that link Amsterdam to New York, there is a particular bond that strikes a personal chord with Carolien Gehrels. Mrs. Gehrels, the deputy mayor of Amsterdam, will be among a delegation of officials from the Netherlands who are flying to New York this weekend to attend gay pride celebrations and to embrace efforts to legalize the freedom to marry in New York State. Mrs. Gehrels brings a personal perspective to the issue: she is married to a woman. She said the legislation pending in Albany deserved a full debate. “This is exactly what happened in the Netherlands before the legalization of marriage equality. The debate as well as the legal recognition meant an enormous step forward in the acceptance of LGBT citizens in Dutch society.” [Link]
June 25, 2009
Of all things, historical and cultural, that link Amsterdam to New York, there is a particular bond that strikes a personal chord with Carolien Gehrels. Mrs. Gehrels, the deputy mayor of Amsterdam, will be among a delegation of officials from the Netherlands who are flying to New York this weekend to attend gay pride celebrations and to embrace efforts to legalize the freedom to marry in New York State. Mrs. Gehrels brings a personal perspective to the issue: she is married to a woman. She said the legislation pending in Albany deserved a full debate. “This is exactly what happened in the Netherlands before the legalization of marriage equality. The debate as well as the legal recognition meant an enormous step forward in the acceptance of LGBT citizens in Dutch society.” [Link]
Reflections on an Extraordinary Day in Albany
HRC BACK STORY
June 24, 2009
While the actions of the senate lead some to believe that nothing will ever be passed in Albany, I am confident that once the leadership battle is resolved, we will see marriage equality passed in the New York legislature. Wednesday didn’t bring a vote on the bill, but it did bring slightly more clarity to what needs to happen to pass marriage equality in New York. For the moment, everyone is waiting to see what the Governor and the leadership of both parties will do next. In the meantime, we must keep the pressure on Albany to get back to work and to pass marriage equality. Everyone in Albany knows that we will not back down. Stay inspired. Keep taking action! [Link]
June 24, 2009
While the actions of the senate lead some to believe that nothing will ever be passed in Albany, I am confident that once the leadership battle is resolved, we will see marriage equality passed in the New York legislature. Wednesday didn’t bring a vote on the bill, but it did bring slightly more clarity to what needs to happen to pass marriage equality in New York. For the moment, everyone is waiting to see what the Governor and the leadership of both parties will do next. In the meantime, we must keep the pressure on Albany to get back to work and to pass marriage equality. Everyone in Albany knows that we will not back down. Stay inspired. Keep taking action! [Link]
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
A grassroots movement to end DOMA
People For the American Way
June 24, 2009
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has got to go. And with the support of our members, People For the American Way is going to wage the fight to make sure that happens. Marriage equality for same-sex couples is now a reality in six states, and there will be more to come soon. But even as barriers are being broken down in the states, DOMA remains a roadblock to legal recognition of same-sex couples, to legal and social equality, to benefits and protections that committed, loving families have the right to enjoy -- around healthcare decisions, child custody and so much more. The effort to repeal DOMA is a true ground-up, "movement-style" campaign and that's why we need as many people involved and invested in it as possible. [Link]
June 24, 2009
The so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) has got to go. And with the support of our members, People For the American Way is going to wage the fight to make sure that happens. Marriage equality for same-sex couples is now a reality in six states, and there will be more to come soon. But even as barriers are being broken down in the states, DOMA remains a roadblock to legal recognition of same-sex couples, to legal and social equality, to benefits and protections that committed, loving families have the right to enjoy -- around healthcare decisions, child custody and so much more. The effort to repeal DOMA is a true ground-up, "movement-style" campaign and that's why we need as many people involved and invested in it as possible. [Link]
NY Marriage Update: Senate Out of Session, at Least for Now
HRC BACK STORY
June 24, 2009
June 24, 2009
The New York Senate session is now over for the day. The Democrats gaveled in, acknowledged that the bills passed in yesterday’s special session were invalid because they weren’t passed concurrently in the House and Senate, Dems gave a few quick speeches, and then they gaveled out. So, what could happen next?
- For the Governor to pass his priority bills he will need to call back both the House and Senate.
- To resolve the leadership issue, either the courts or some form of arbitration will need to decide who the majority leader is.
- We continue to hear that our grassroots efforts on behalf of marriage equality are effective and we’ll continue to mobilize our members in targeted districts.
From what we’re hearing, even though there is a delay in passing the marriage bill, the bill is still alive. There is a long list of legislation that must be passed soon and that should prompt some resolution in the next few weeks. [Link]
Barbara Raab of NBC News to Interview Freedom to Marry Leader Evan Wolfson at exclusive OP Forum
Out Professionals
June 24, 2009
WOLFSON AND RAAB... ON MARRIAGE
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
7:30PM - 9:00PM
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 at the 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. And viewers will be able to ask questions as well.
www.mogulus.com/cunyjournalism
www.ustream.tv/channel/cunyjournalism
Evan Wolfson is founder and Executive Director of Freedom to Marry. Recognizing his longtime civil rights leadership in the movement for marriage equality, TIME magazine named Evan one of the "100 most influential people in the world" in 2004. Evan was co-counsel in the historic Hawaii marriage case, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, served in the Peace Corps in West Africa, and is the author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry.
Barbara Raab is senior newswriter at NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and an adjunct broadcast professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. She has freelanced for many years across all platforms, including SiriusXM OutQ News, for which she is currently national legal correspondent. Barbara has a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from the NYU School of Law.
June 24, 2009
WOLFSON AND RAAB... ON MARRIAGE
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
7:30PM - 9:00PM
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 at the 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. And viewers will be able to ask questions as well.
www.mogulus.com/cunyjournalism
www.ustream.tv/channel/cunyjournalism
Evan Wolfson is founder and Executive Director of Freedom to Marry. Recognizing his longtime civil rights leadership in the movement for marriage equality, TIME magazine named Evan one of the "100 most influential people in the world" in 2004. Evan was co-counsel in the historic Hawaii marriage case, argued before the U.S. Supreme Court in Boy Scouts of America v. Dale, served in the Peace Corps in West Africa, and is the author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry.
Barbara Raab is senior newswriter at NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams and an adjunct broadcast professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. She has freelanced for many years across all platforms, including SiriusXM OutQ News, for which she is currently national legal correspondent. Barbara has a B.A. from Brown University and a J.D. from the NYU School of Law.
Evan Wolfson Says "Today could be the day in NEW YORK. Call Your Senators."
June 24, 2009
Following the news that NY Governor Paterson placed the freedom to marry bill at the top of the list for the State Senate special session today, Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, writes on his personal facebook page:
Following the news that NY Governor Paterson placed the freedom to marry bill at the top of the list for the State Senate special session today, Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, writes on his personal facebook page:
Today could be the day in NEW YORK. Call Senators Pedro Espada, John Sampson, Dean Skelos, and Malcolm Smith and tell them to bring the marriage bill (S4401) to a vote today -- and to vote YES. If you've already called, call again; this is Albany. Today is the day, and we want them to allow a vote, and pass the bill. To get their contact info, go to: http://www.nysenate.gov/senators
NEWS ALERT: Senate still at impasse
Empire State Pride Agenda
June 24, 2009
Because of the continuing gridlock in the State Senate, the Pride Agenda just released the following statement from Executive Director Alan Van Capelle:
June 24, 2009
Because of the continuing gridlock in the State Senate, the Pride Agenda just released the following statement from Executive Director Alan Van Capelle:
State Senators need to know that it is unacceptable to leave Albany without voting on and passing the marriage bill. Marriage equality is not a partisan issue and should never be used as a political football in the current situation that has caused complete gridlock in the state capitol. Thousands of New York families expect and need Senators to immediately figure out a way to work together and start doing the people’s business.
We expect that marriage will be at the top of the agenda when the stalemate is over and the Senate resumes its business, but only when we are certain that any such vote taken by the Senate is valid and not subject to legal challenge. The bill must be handled respectfully and given its due debate so that Senators can vote their conscience on this vitally important issue.
State Bar 'Refines' Position on Same-Sex Couples, Says Marriage Is the Only Possible Path to Equality
New York Law Journal
June 23, 2009
Legalizing marriage equality is the only way to achieve full equality for gay and lesbian couples, the New York State Bar Association's policy-making body has concluded, abandoning a menu of legislative options it offered only four years ago. The bar group's House of Delegates, meeting in Cooperstown on Saturday, overwhelmingly endorsed an amendment to the Domestic Relations Law "to allow same-sex couples to marry and to recognize their marriages if contracted elsewhere." The LGBT Committee's report is posted at nylj.com. Read the State Bar's proposed resolution, and Report and Recommendation on Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples. [Link]
June 23, 2009
Legalizing marriage equality is the only way to achieve full equality for gay and lesbian couples, the New York State Bar Association's policy-making body has concluded, abandoning a menu of legislative options it offered only four years ago. The bar group's House of Delegates, meeting in Cooperstown on Saturday, overwhelmingly endorsed an amendment to the Domestic Relations Law "to allow same-sex couples to marry and to recognize their marriages if contracted elsewhere." The LGBT Committee's report is posted at nylj.com. Read the State Bar's proposed resolution, and Report and Recommendation on Marriage Rights for Same-Sex Couples. [Link]
Going Back to High School… as a Marriage Equality Advocate
By Andrew EddinsFreelance Contributor, Freedom to Marry
June 24, 2009
I recently returned to my high school. Not literally, but electronically. An old friend from school days contacted me on Facebook and we struck up a conversation. The funny thing about speaking with a high school friend after thirty odd years is that it not only transports you back to where you knew each other, it transports you back to the age you were then.
I’m not someone with any particularly heavy baggage from my adolescent years. I had a happy (though closeted) middle-class upbringing in Oneonta, New York, a small town located about halfway between Albany and Binghamton. I studied hard, was active in sports and clubs, had a few good friends, and looked forward to the future. After graduating high school, I went to college out of state and then moved to New York City, where I’ve lived ever since.
My adult gay life has personally been largely untouched by bigotry or hostility. I’ve shared many happy years with my partner, and we’re supported by a diverse network of friends and family. I’m comfortable in my own skin and seldom give a thought to my sexual orientation or being accepted. No one cares.
It turned out my high school friend was an expert on astronomy and tennis - two things that interest me greatly - so we got an active dialogue going right away. I had initially been squeamish about Facebook high school reunions, but this was actually fun.
Around this same time, California was re-deciding on Prop 8, and many in the LGBT community – including me – were getting increasingly agitated. Drunk with the power of my Facebook soapbox, I began posting pithy pro-marriage equality editorial items and video links. One minute I’d be sharing pictures of the new azalea bushes my partner and I planted in front of our co-op, and the next I’d be posting a Kate Clinton video screaming (make that speaking forcefully – Kate doesn’t scream) about the injustices faced by the LGBT community. “Hey, it’s a free country and if you don’t like my Facebook page you don’t have to go there” – so said my forty-something brain.
Then one day I noticed the conversation with my high school friend had abruptly stopped – on his turn. At first I didn’t give it much thought. With the Prop 8 decision going the wrong way and the Obama administration starting to hedge about DOMA and DADT, I had other issues. As the weeks went by, though, it really started to bother me that I’d apparently been dropped. My re-activated eighteen-year-old brain started to whisper thoughts like, “He was probably turned off by your gay activism,” or “You should never have opened yourself up to rejection.” My rational adult self knew these ideas were unfounded, but my younger self would not be quiet.
Thankfully this absurd “he’s just not that into you” scenario was ended when I heard back from my friend. He apologized for having been out of touch, explaining that he’d had both professional and family crises going on. He shared some more tennis chat and then mentioned he’d noticed my marriage equality postings. He said he agreed with the concept of equal access to marriage for all – though having recently been divorced, he joked the abolition of marriage might be the kindest way to level the playing field. He also mentioned he had forwarded my postings to other high school classmates who still live in upstate New York since he knew a vote on marriage rights was coming up in the New York State Senate. Fantastic! Not only was he on board with my cause – he’d taken action.
Emboldened, I reached out to other old friends – some via Facebook, some via email addresses. I even wrote (with a pen!) to some of my parents’ old friends who still live upstate, knowing that senior citizens are an important group to win over. All the people I reached out to responded positively and offered to help. I spread the mantras: Write Your State Senator…Contact People…Start a Conversation!
So I went back to high school - with all its insecurities, anxiety, and need for approval - and came through unscathed. It was actually good for me to remember how it felt to be a young gay person trying to make his way in a rural, conservative environment. I won’t take my urban adult life with its freedoms, comfort, and support system for granted again anytime soon. Best of all, I did something to help mobilize support for marriage equality in a part of the state that needs it.
I’m not someone with any particularly heavy baggage from my adolescent years. I had a happy (though closeted) middle-class upbringing in Oneonta, New York, a small town located about halfway between Albany and Binghamton. I studied hard, was active in sports and clubs, had a few good friends, and looked forward to the future. After graduating high school, I went to college out of state and then moved to New York City, where I’ve lived ever since.
My adult gay life has personally been largely untouched by bigotry or hostility. I’ve shared many happy years with my partner, and we’re supported by a diverse network of friends and family. I’m comfortable in my own skin and seldom give a thought to my sexual orientation or being accepted. No one cares.
It turned out my high school friend was an expert on astronomy and tennis - two things that interest me greatly - so we got an active dialogue going right away. I had initially been squeamish about Facebook high school reunions, but this was actually fun.
Around this same time, California was re-deciding on Prop 8, and many in the LGBT community – including me – were getting increasingly agitated. Drunk with the power of my Facebook soapbox, I began posting pithy pro-marriage equality editorial items and video links. One minute I’d be sharing pictures of the new azalea bushes my partner and I planted in front of our co-op, and the next I’d be posting a Kate Clinton video screaming (make that speaking forcefully – Kate doesn’t scream) about the injustices faced by the LGBT community. “Hey, it’s a free country and if you don’t like my Facebook page you don’t have to go there” – so said my forty-something brain.
Then one day I noticed the conversation with my high school friend had abruptly stopped – on his turn. At first I didn’t give it much thought. With the Prop 8 decision going the wrong way and the Obama administration starting to hedge about DOMA and DADT, I had other issues. As the weeks went by, though, it really started to bother me that I’d apparently been dropped. My re-activated eighteen-year-old brain started to whisper thoughts like, “He was probably turned off by your gay activism,” or “You should never have opened yourself up to rejection.” My rational adult self knew these ideas were unfounded, but my younger self would not be quiet.
Thankfully this absurd “he’s just not that into you” scenario was ended when I heard back from my friend. He apologized for having been out of touch, explaining that he’d had both professional and family crises going on. He shared some more tennis chat and then mentioned he’d noticed my marriage equality postings. He said he agreed with the concept of equal access to marriage for all – though having recently been divorced, he joked the abolition of marriage might be the kindest way to level the playing field. He also mentioned he had forwarded my postings to other high school classmates who still live in upstate New York since he knew a vote on marriage rights was coming up in the New York State Senate. Fantastic! Not only was he on board with my cause – he’d taken action.
Emboldened, I reached out to other old friends – some via Facebook, some via email addresses. I even wrote (with a pen!) to some of my parents’ old friends who still live upstate, knowing that senior citizens are an important group to win over. All the people I reached out to responded positively and offered to help. I spread the mantras: Write Your State Senator…Contact People…Start a Conversation!
So I went back to high school - with all its insecurities, anxiety, and need for approval - and came through unscathed. It was actually good for me to remember how it felt to be a young gay person trying to make his way in a rural, conservative environment. I won’t take my urban adult life with its freedoms, comfort, and support system for granted again anytime soon. Best of all, I did something to help mobilize support for marriage equality in a part of the state that needs it.
I strongly urge each of you who is in favor of freedom and equality to step out of your comfort zone and strike up conversations with friends you may not have spoken to in years – maybe all the way back to high school. Tell them why marriage equality matters. They may be more sympathetic to the cause than you think - your perspective and insights will personalize the issue for them. Oh…and if you should run into your younger self out there on memory lane, try to be compassionate. He or she may be a little insecure and try to talk you into being quiet. Take charge and explain there’s a great life ahead with full marriage equality on the way - thanks in part to the future you taking action!
The Perfect Storm is Coming: Why New York's Legislative Chaos May Be Good News for Marriage Equality
The Huffington Post
June 23, 2009
For months now, gay rights advocates in New York have been pulling strings, marshaling forces, and lobbying moderate state senators to make 2009 the year the Empire State finally passes marriage equality. Two weeks ago, all our dreams seemed to come crashing down in the midst of a legislative circus -- and yet June 24 may be the day they come true at last. This isn't how we wanted it to happen. Marriage equality advocates have worked for years to explain that this cause is an ethical issue: one of equality, basic rights, and justice. But hey, this is New York. Forty years after the Stonewall riots, maybe June 24 will go down in history after all. [Link]
June 23, 2009
For months now, gay rights advocates in New York have been pulling strings, marshaling forces, and lobbying moderate state senators to make 2009 the year the Empire State finally passes marriage equality. Two weeks ago, all our dreams seemed to come crashing down in the midst of a legislative circus -- and yet June 24 may be the day they come true at last. This isn't how we wanted it to happen. Marriage equality advocates have worked for years to explain that this cause is an ethical issue: one of equality, basic rights, and justice. But hey, this is New York. Forty years after the Stonewall riots, maybe June 24 will go down in history after all. [Link]
Poll: Majority of New Yorkers favor marriage equality
New York Daily News
June 23, 2009
A majority of New Yorkers favor the freedom to marry, a new poll finds. The Quinnipiac University poll says voters statewide would support a law to allow same-sex couples to marry by a 51% to 41% margin, with 8% undecided. Just six weeks ago, Quinnipiac found voters split 46% to 46% on the issue. Five years ago, 55% opposed marriage equality compared to 37% who favored it. "Supporters have worked hard in the last six weeks, moving the needle from dead even to slightly ahead," pollster Maurice Carroll said. [Link]
June 23, 2009
A majority of New Yorkers favor the freedom to marry, a new poll finds. The Quinnipiac University poll says voters statewide would support a law to allow same-sex couples to marry by a 51% to 41% margin, with 8% undecided. Just six weeks ago, Quinnipiac found voters split 46% to 46% on the issue. Five years ago, 55% opposed marriage equality compared to 37% who favored it. "Supporters have worked hard in the last six weeks, moving the needle from dead even to slightly ahead," pollster Maurice Carroll said. [Link]
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
NY Governor Calls Senate To Wednesday Special Session — Marriage Equality Vote Tops Agenda
Outcome Buffalo
June 23, 2009
Governor David Paterson has called for the New York State Senate to vote on marriage equality legislation at an extraordinary legislative session tomorrow, June 24, 2009. All 62 members of the New York State Senate are legally obligated to attend. The freedom to marry is first on the Governor's proclamation that calls tomorrow’s session. [Link]
June 23, 2009
Governor David Paterson has called for the New York State Senate to vote on marriage equality legislation at an extraordinary legislative session tomorrow, June 24, 2009. All 62 members of the New York State Senate are legally obligated to attend. The freedom to marry is first on the Governor's proclamation that calls tomorrow’s session. [Link]
Open Letter to President Obama from People For the American Way re: LGBT Equality
People For the American Way
June 23, 2009
This letter was sent to President Obama from People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan today. It calls for the President to give a substantial speech on LGBT equality and to use the bully pulpit to move Congress to act.
June 23, 2009
This letter was sent to President Obama from People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan today. It calls for the President to give a substantial speech on LGBT equality and to use the bully pulpit to move Congress to act.
Dear President Obama:
I am writing to respectfully urge you to bring the energetic moral vision that you championed as a presidential candidate to the cause of equality for gay and lesbian Americans. Among the reasons that millions of people were inspired by your candidacy was your eloquence on behalf of an America in which everyone is offered respect and equality under the law. [Link]
Activists press borough politicians on marriage equality
New York Daily News
June 23, 2009
The State Senate coup may have thrown Albany into a panic, but it hasn't lessened the determination of local gay activists to push for the freedom to marry. They have been demonstrating outside the offices of key Queens senators for weeks, encouraging the lawmakers to support their cause. "We're certainly determined to do everything we can to achieve marriage equality this year," said Breandan Fay of Western Queens for Marriage Equality. Fay has protested outside the office of Sen. George Onorato (D-Astoria) over the last few weeks. Demonstrations were also held outside the offices of Sens. Hiram Monserrate (D-East Elmhurst) and Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica). [Link]
June 23, 2009
The State Senate coup may have thrown Albany into a panic, but it hasn't lessened the determination of local gay activists to push for the freedom to marry. They have been demonstrating outside the offices of key Queens senators for weeks, encouraging the lawmakers to support their cause. "We're certainly determined to do everything we can to achieve marriage equality this year," said Breandan Fay of Western Queens for Marriage Equality. Fay has protested outside the office of Sen. George Onorato (D-Astoria) over the last few weeks. Demonstrations were also held outside the offices of Sens. Hiram Monserrate (D-East Elmhurst) and Shirley Huntley (D-Jamaica). [Link]
Seriously, Time to Call Your NY State Senator
HRC Back Story
June 22, 2009As the New York State Senate and Governor Paterson work out the expected special session this week, NOW IS THE TIME to keep up pressure and let them know a priority should be passing marriage equality legislation. The Human Rights Campaign issued a press release calling for action. Said HRC President Joe Solmonese:
Here’s what you can do to take action:For those of us who want to see marriage equality in the state of New York, the time to act is now. If you live in New York, call your state Senator today. If you know someone in New York, ask them to call their state Senator. This is the moment, the time is now.
We thank Governor Paterson for his continued support of marriage equality, and applaud his leadership in calling for a special session to include the marriage bill. We call on all New Yorkers who support marriage equality to tell their senators that the time has come for all loving, committed couples, and their families, to receive equal dignity, respect, and rights under the law. This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue; it is a human issue, a question of basic humanity. We continue to work with Sen. Tom Duane, the Empire State Pride Agenda and senators from both sides of the aisle who support equality to pass this vital legislation.
Email your state senator by clicking here, but more importantly, call your state senator now. To find your N.Y. state senator, go to: http://www.nysenate.gov to get your state senator’s contact information. [Link]
If you have questions about what to say or who to contact, read about how staffer, Megan Kinninger, took action earlier this month.
NOW IS THE TIME, TAKE ACTION TODAY!
If you have questions about what to say or who to contact, read about how staffer, Megan Kinninger, took action earlier this month.
NOW IS THE TIME, TAKE ACTION TODAY!
Petitioners to Mormons: Soften marriage equality stance
The Associated Press
June 22, 2009
A group of current and former Mormons at odds with the church's position on the freedom to marry and its political activism to ban it has launched a Web site asking the faith to soften its stance. The site, http://ldsapology.org, includes a petition for reconciliation that calls on leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to end what it says are hurtful anti-gay policies and its involvement in anti-gay politics and fundraising. Janeen Thompson, a site organizer, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that the petition is a direct reaction to Mormon church involvement in a coalition that worked last fall to pass Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California's state constitution. [Link]
June 22, 2009
A group of current and former Mormons at odds with the church's position on the freedom to marry and its political activism to ban it has launched a Web site asking the faith to soften its stance. The site, http://ldsapology.org, includes a petition for reconciliation that calls on leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to end what it says are hurtful anti-gay policies and its involvement in anti-gay politics and fundraising. Janeen Thompson, a site organizer, said in an e-mail to The Associated Press that the petition is a direct reaction to Mormon church involvement in a coalition that worked last fall to pass Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California's state constitution. [Link]
Tradition of marriage equality in Igboland, Nigeria
Nigerian Tribune
June 19, 2009
One of the contentious issues in the debate over marriage equality is whether a marriage between persons of the same gender is totally alien to African culture and tradition. Those opposing the freedom to marry have continued to argue that same gender union is foreign to Africa. On the contrary, I have tried to draw their attention to the fact that there is a strain of the same gender marriage in African tradition particularly in Igboland. This is a situation where people are permitted to break taboos and deviate from traditions. This marriage practice pre- dates Christianity and the so- called western culture. Individuals are becoming more open, more assertive and expressive with their sexual and marriage choices, desires, orientations and identities. [Link]
June 19, 2009
One of the contentious issues in the debate over marriage equality is whether a marriage between persons of the same gender is totally alien to African culture and tradition. Those opposing the freedom to marry have continued to argue that same gender union is foreign to Africa. On the contrary, I have tried to draw their attention to the fact that there is a strain of the same gender marriage in African tradition particularly in Igboland. This is a situation where people are permitted to break taboos and deviate from traditions. This marriage practice pre- dates Christianity and the so- called western culture. Individuals are becoming more open, more assertive and expressive with their sexual and marriage choices, desires, orientations and identities. [Link]
Monday, June 22, 2009
Editorial: Take the Plunge
The Washington Post
June 21, 2009
THE D.C. BOARD of Elections and Ethics was right. A proposed referendum that sought to overturn the D.C. Council's law recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, which takes effect next month, was a violation of the District's elections law. The board's decision isn't the end of the process. Congress could step in. So far, it has shown the good sense to do nothing. Its 30-day review period is projected to end on July 6. Next the council is expected to consider legislation to legalize marriage equality in the District. Marriage is a cherished institution. It commits two loving people to each other. It nurtures families. And it should be open to all who want to be a part of it. [Link]
June 21, 2009
THE D.C. BOARD of Elections and Ethics was right. A proposed referendum that sought to overturn the D.C. Council's law recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, which takes effect next month, was a violation of the District's elections law. The board's decision isn't the end of the process. Congress could step in. So far, it has shown the good sense to do nothing. Its 30-day review period is projected to end on July 6. Next the council is expected to consider legislation to legalize marriage equality in the District. Marriage is a cherished institution. It commits two loving people to each other. It nurtures families. And it should be open to all who want to be a part of it. [Link]
Paterson Vows Vote on Marriage Equality Before Break
New York Times
June 22, 2009
Gov. David A. Paterson said in an interview Sunday night that he would make sure that the State Senate votes on freedom to marry legislation before it breaks for the summer. (Link)
June 22, 2009
Gov. David A. Paterson said in an interview Sunday night that he would make sure that the State Senate votes on freedom to marry legislation before it breaks for the summer. (Link)
Senator Dodd: Rights, responsibilities and love
Meriden Record Journal
June 21, 2009
US Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut writes in support of the freedom to marry:
June 21, 2009
US Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut writes in support of the freedom to marry:
"Public officials aren’t supposed to change their minds. But I firmly believe that it’s important to keep learning. Last week, while I was in Connecticut meeting with members of the gay and lesbian community from across the state, I had the opportunity to tell them what I’ve learned about marriage, and about equality.
While I’ve long been for extending every benefit of marriage to same-sex couples, I have in the past drawn a distinction between a marriage-like status (“civil unions”) and full marriage rights.
The reason was simple: I was raised to believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. And as many other Americans have realized as they’ve struggled to reconcile the principle of fairness with the lessons they learned early in life, that’s not an easy thing to overcome.
But the fact that I was raised a certain way just isn’t a good enough reason to stand in the way of fairness anymore.
The Connecticut Supreme Court, of course, has ruled that such a distinction holds no merit under the law. And the Court is right.
I believe that effective leaders must be able and willing to grow and change over their service. I certainly have during mine – and so has the world. Thirty-five years ago, who could have imagined that we’d have an African-American President of the United States?
My young daughters are growing up in a different reality from what I did. Our family knows many same-sex couples – our neighbors in Connecticut, members of my staff, parents of their schoolmates. Some are now married because the Connecticut Supreme Court and our state legislature have made same-sex marriage legal in our state.
But to my daughters, these couples are married simply because they love each other and want to build a life together. That’s what we’ve taught them. The things that make those families different from their own pale in comparison to the commitments that bind those couples together.
And, really, that’s what marriage should be. It’s about rights and responsibilities and, most of all, love.
I believe that, when my daughters grow up, barriers to marriage equality for same-sex couples will seem as archaic, and as unfair, as the laws we once had against inter-racial marriage.
And I want them to know that, even if he was a little late, their dad came down on the right side of history.
I have always been proud of my long record fighting for the civil rights of the LGBT community. I’ve co-sponsored legislation to strengthen hate crime laws and end discrimination in the workplace. I’ve spoken out against “don’t ask, don’t tell” and always supported equal rights for domestic partnerships.
But I am also proud to now count myself among the many elected officials, advocates, and ordinary citizens who support full marriage equality for same-sex couples.
I understand that even those who oppose discrimination might continue to find it hard to re-think the definition of marriage they grew up with. I know it was for me.
But many of the things we must do to make our union more perfect – whether it’s fighting for decades to reform our health care system or struggling with a difficult moral question – are hard. They take time. And they require that, when you come to realize that something is right, you be unafraid to stand up and say it.
That’s the only way our history will progress along that long arc towards justice."
Foe of N.Y. marriage equality probed
The Journal News
June 22, 2009
A national organization headed by an Ossining woman that has pledged to spend more than $1 million to defeat a marriage equality bill in New York is defending itself in California against allegations that it was organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to defeat similar bills nationwide. The National Organization for Marriage said last week that it would spend $500,000 to help mount primary challenges against Republican state senators in New York who vote for the freedom to marry bill proposed by Gov. David Paterson. The California Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating complaints that NOM operates as a front for the Mormon church and that the church failed to report millions of dollars in nonmonetary contributions to the campaign. Critics in that state say the church began the effort by recruiting Maggie Gallagher of Ossining - who has forged a career writing about marriage for conservative think tanks - to establish NOM. [Link]
June 22, 2009
A national organization headed by an Ossining woman that has pledged to spend more than $1 million to defeat a marriage equality bill in New York is defending itself in California against allegations that it was organized by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to defeat similar bills nationwide. The National Organization for Marriage said last week that it would spend $500,000 to help mount primary challenges against Republican state senators in New York who vote for the freedom to marry bill proposed by Gov. David Paterson. The California Fair Political Practices Commission is investigating complaints that NOM operates as a front for the Mormon church and that the church failed to report millions of dollars in nonmonetary contributions to the campaign. Critics in that state say the church began the effort by recruiting Maggie Gallagher of Ossining - who has forged a career writing about marriage for conservative think tanks - to establish NOM. [Link]
The Gay Generation Gap
New York Magazine
June 21, 2009
Forty years after Stonewall, the gay movement has never been more united. So why do older gay men and younger ones often seem so far apart? To some extent, a generation gap in any subgroup with a history of struggle is good news, because it’s a sign of arrival. Today, with the tide of history and public opinion finally (albeit fitfully) moving our way, we can afford to step back and exercise the same disrespect for our elders (or our juniors) as heterosexuals do. That’s progress, of a kind. [Link]
June 21, 2009
Forty years after Stonewall, the gay movement has never been more united. So why do older gay men and younger ones often seem so far apart? To some extent, a generation gap in any subgroup with a history of struggle is good news, because it’s a sign of arrival. Today, with the tide of history and public opinion finally (albeit fitfully) moving our way, we can afford to step back and exercise the same disrespect for our elders (or our juniors) as heterosexuals do. That’s progress, of a kind. [Link]
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Maine Freedom to Marry PAC Formed
Daily Kos.com
June 21, 2009
Supporters of the law that allows same-sex couples in Maine to marry announced today that they have formed a political action committee to protect marriage for all Mainers. The new organization, "Maine Freedom to Marry," will draw on resources that were crucial to the legislative victory this spring, and will also free up the campaign to raise and spend money for the statewide referendum expected this fall. [link]
June 21, 2009
Supporters of the law that allows same-sex couples in Maine to marry announced today that they have formed a political action committee to protect marriage for all Mainers. The new organization, "Maine Freedom to Marry," will draw on resources that were crucial to the legislative victory this spring, and will also free up the campaign to raise and spend money for the statewide referendum expected this fall. [link]
Marriage Equality for Gays Now Key Issue for Corzine
Philadelphia Inquirer
June 21, 2009
Gov. Corzine has made marriage equality for gays and lesbians a prominent piece of his reelection campaign, taking another step in his conversion on the issue and encouraging gay-rights advocates who hope to see the freedom to marry approved in New Jersey this year. In public speeches and private appearances, Corzine, who as recently as 2006 said he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, has touted his support for marriage for gay couples. [link]
June 21, 2009
Gov. Corzine has made marriage equality for gays and lesbians a prominent piece of his reelection campaign, taking another step in his conversion on the issue and encouraging gay-rights advocates who hope to see the freedom to marry approved in New Jersey this year. In public speeches and private appearances, Corzine, who as recently as 2006 said he believed marriage should be between a man and a woman, has touted his support for marriage for gay couples. [link]
NY Bar Backs Freedom to Marry for Gays
Albany Times Union
June 21, 2009
The New York State Bar Association has endorsed marriage for gay couples as the "only viable way to establish marriage equality." The vote refines a position the association took four years ago, in which it backed equal rights for same-sex couples but took no position on domestic partnerships, civil unions or marriage. Now, having seen how couples in other states have been denied equal rights under domestic partnerships and civil unions, the group's House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly in a voice vote of about 150 delegates to back marriage as the only equitable solution, said association president Michael E. Getnick. [link]
June 21, 2009
The New York State Bar Association has endorsed marriage for gay couples as the "only viable way to establish marriage equality." The vote refines a position the association took four years ago, in which it backed equal rights for same-sex couples but took no position on domestic partnerships, civil unions or marriage. Now, having seen how couples in other states have been denied equal rights under domestic partnerships and civil unions, the group's House of Delegates voted overwhelmingly in a voice vote of about 150 delegates to back marriage as the only equitable solution, said association president Michael E. Getnick. [link]
Saturday, June 20, 2009
NY Marriage Vote May Come Wednesday With Constituent Action
HRC Backstory.org
June 19, 2009
Press reports indicate that NY Governor David Paterson may call a special session of the legislature on Wednesday to take up several key bills, which perhaps could include the marriage equality bill, S.4401. NOW IS THE TIME TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE.HRC has phone banks set up across New York State. [link]
June 19, 2009
Press reports indicate that NY Governor David Paterson may call a special session of the legislature on Wednesday to take up several key bills, which perhaps could include the marriage equality bill, S.4401. NOW IS THE TIME TO KEEP UP THE PRESSURE.HRC has phone banks set up across New York State. [link]
Gay couples can use married names on passports
The Associated Press
June 19, 2009
Gay couples traveling overseas can now show passports that feature their married names. Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a New York-based group that campaigns nationally for gay marriage rights, said the change in passport regulations is a "very small step in the right direction," but falls "far short of the work that needs to happen to keep the federal government from discriminating against gay couples across the country." [link]
June 19, 2009
Gay couples traveling overseas can now show passports that feature their married names. Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a New York-based group that campaigns nationally for gay marriage rights, said the change in passport regulations is a "very small step in the right direction," but falls "far short of the work that needs to happen to keep the federal government from discriminating against gay couples across the country." [link]
The Clock Ticks Toward the Freedom to Marry in DC
DC City Paper
June 19, 2009
Supporters of a ballot measure conceded yesterday that their only hope was to have Judge Judith Retchin stop the clock from ticking toward a July 6 deadline—when the marriage recognition law goes into effect. With about two weeks needed to actually finalize the referendum language and prepare the petitions, supporters would only have a day or two to collect tens of thousands of signatures—if Retchin had yesterday immediately ordered that referendum is proper. [link]
June 19, 2009
Supporters of a ballot measure conceded yesterday that their only hope was to have Judge Judith Retchin stop the clock from ticking toward a July 6 deadline—when the marriage recognition law goes into effect. With about two weeks needed to actually finalize the referendum language and prepare the petitions, supporters would only have a day or two to collect tens of thousands of signatures—if Retchin had yesterday immediately ordered that referendum is proper. [link]
Same-sex couples here say: Change N.Y.'s marriage law
Oneonta Daily Star
June 19, 2009
Tara Campoli and Elayne Mosher fell in love after meeting as college students in Oneonta, where they live and work. The couple and others in the local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays say it's time for the Senate to pass a marriage-equality bill. Having a marriage certificate from the state provides a sense of legitimacy to a relationship, in addition to eligibility for benefits, several members said. [link]
June 19, 2009
Tara Campoli and Elayne Mosher fell in love after meeting as college students in Oneonta, where they live and work. The couple and others in the local chapter of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays say it's time for the Senate to pass a marriage-equality bill. Having a marriage certificate from the state provides a sense of legitimacy to a relationship, in addition to eligibility for benefits, several members said. [link]
Friday, June 19, 2009
Fashionista Tim Gunn Behind Marriage Effort
On Top Magazine
June 19, 2009
Tim Gunn, the fashionista behind Project Runway, is backing a new grassroots campaign that seeks to win back gay marriage in California. “Make it work,” Gunn says in a new video for the Courage Campaign. [link]
June 19, 2009
Tim Gunn, the fashionista behind Project Runway, is backing a new grassroots campaign that seeks to win back gay marriage in California. “Make it work,” Gunn says in a new video for the Courage Campaign. [link]
Has Lee Fisher changed his position on marriage?
Gay People's Chronicle.com
June 19, 2009
Ohio Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Lee Fisher may have changed his position on marriage equality--or he may not have. Three months ago, he said, “I am in favor of civil unions, but I have questions about marriage.” But last week, his campaign sent out a statement they described as “our statement in support of gay marriage.” [link]
June 19, 2009
Ohio Lieutenant Governor and U.S. Senate candidate Lee Fisher may have changed his position on marriage equality--or he may not have. Three months ago, he said, “I am in favor of civil unions, but I have questions about marriage.” But last week, his campaign sent out a statement they described as “our statement in support of gay marriage.” [link]
Duane's Ultimatum
NY Daily News
June 19, 2009
Sen. Tom Duane, lead sponsor of the marriage equality bill, sent a letter to all of his fellow bill sponsors today in which he declares himself to be "deeply troubled" by the fact that neither Sen. Malcolm Smith nor Sen. John Sampson has pledged to bring the measure to the floor for a vote since the coup. As a result, Duane writes, "I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support any Leader who does not demand that marriage equality come to the floor and pass in 2009. I urge that you, as a co-sponsor of the marriage equality legislation, will do the same." [link]
June 19, 2009
Sen. Tom Duane, lead sponsor of the marriage equality bill, sent a letter to all of his fellow bill sponsors today in which he declares himself to be "deeply troubled" by the fact that neither Sen. Malcolm Smith nor Sen. John Sampson has pledged to bring the measure to the floor for a vote since the coup. As a result, Duane writes, "I have come to the conclusion that I cannot support any Leader who does not demand that marriage equality come to the floor and pass in 2009. I urge that you, as a co-sponsor of the marriage equality legislation, will do the same." [link]
New Poll: LA Voters Overwhelmingly Support Freedomt to Marry
LA Times
June 19, 2009
A new poll showed a majority of voters in Los Angeles support the right of same-sex couples to legally marry, with 56% in favor and 37% opposed. But the poll also showed that within the city, views on the issue differed widely among racial and ethnic groups. [link]
June 19, 2009
A new poll showed a majority of voters in Los Angeles support the right of same-sex couples to legally marry, with 56% in favor and 37% opposed. But the poll also showed that within the city, views on the issue differed widely among racial and ethnic groups. [link]
White House: Census to better count gay couples
The Associated Press
June 19, 2009
U.S. Census Bureau officials said Friday that married same-sex couples will be counted as such in the 2010 national tally, reversing an earlier decision made under the Bush administration. Steve Jost, a spokesman for the Census Bureau, said officials already were identifying the technical changes needed to ensure the reliability of the information, but remained committed to providing an accurate tally of gay spouses. [link]
June 19, 2009
U.S. Census Bureau officials said Friday that married same-sex couples will be counted as such in the 2010 national tally, reversing an earlier decision made under the Bush administration. Steve Jost, a spokesman for the Census Bureau, said officials already were identifying the technical changes needed to ensure the reliability of the information, but remained committed to providing an accurate tally of gay spouses. [link]
Take Action Now for Maine
Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, posted today on Facebook:
"As we work to win marriage in NY, NJ, and DC, I made a personal contribution to Maine Freedom to Marry, knowing that early money is key to defending the victory we won there against the anti-gay forces seeking to take it away in November. Please join me in donating now:
http://www.actblue.com/page/mainefreedomtomarry
D.C. takes positive step toward the freedom to marry
USA Today
June 19, 2009
Yolanda Young writes, "Last month, the D.C. City Council took a small step: It passed a nearly unanimous resolution to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states. (Councilmember Marion Barry, who has had multiple run-ins with the law, was the loan dissenter, citing moral grounds.) Perhaps this vote is the beginning of a process that will see gay couples married in Washington.
This bill is significant for two reasons. First, because Congress can weigh in on Washington's legislative affairs, it presents an opportunity to take the nation's pulse on this issue. Second, Washington is the first predominantly black city to take up such a measure. So this can help illuminate the black community's voice on this divisive issue." (Link)
June 19, 2009
Yolanda Young writes, "Last month, the D.C. City Council took a small step: It passed a nearly unanimous resolution to recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states. (Councilmember Marion Barry, who has had multiple run-ins with the law, was the loan dissenter, citing moral grounds.) Perhaps this vote is the beginning of a process that will see gay couples married in Washington.
This bill is significant for two reasons. First, because Congress can weigh in on Washington's legislative affairs, it presents an opportunity to take the nation's pulse on this issue. Second, Washington is the first predominantly black city to take up such a measure. So this can help illuminate the black community's voice on this divisive issue." (Link)
White House Looks to Include Same-Sex Couples in Census Count
Wall Street Journal
June 19, 2009
The White House said Thursday it was seeking ways to include same-sex marriages, unions and partnerships in 2010 Census data, the second time in a week the administration has signaled a policy change of interest to the gay community.
The administration has directed the Census Bureau to determine changes needed in tabulation software to allow for same-sex marriage data to be released early in 2011 with other detailed demographic information from the decennial count. The bureau historically hasn't released same-sex marriage data. (Link)
June 19, 2009
The White House said Thursday it was seeking ways to include same-sex marriages, unions and partnerships in 2010 Census data, the second time in a week the administration has signaled a policy change of interest to the gay community.
The administration has directed the Census Bureau to determine changes needed in tabulation software to allow for same-sex marriage data to be released early in 2011 with other detailed demographic information from the decennial count. The bureau historically hasn't released same-sex marriage data. (Link)
California marriage equality fight goes to Chinatown
Reuters
June 18, 2009
Lost in the 2009 election wreckage for gays was the marriage campaign's relative success in Asian communities, which have swung toward support of the freedom to marry at a faster rate than the rest of California and have become a model for other groups.
Asian Americans have been building grass-roots support in Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Filipinotown for four years. Gays, lesbians and straight allies have talked about the often-taboo topic of homosexuality, set up booths at festivals, harangued non-English language media to change coverage and lobbied elected officials for support. (Link)
June 18, 2009
Lost in the 2009 election wreckage for gays was the marriage campaign's relative success in Asian communities, which have swung toward support of the freedom to marry at a faster rate than the rest of California and have become a model for other groups.
Asian Americans have been building grass-roots support in Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Filipinotown for four years. Gays, lesbians and straight allies have talked about the often-taboo topic of homosexuality, set up booths at festivals, harangued non-English language media to change coverage and lobbied elected officials for support. (Link)
Marriage Equality: A Question of Fairness
Huffington Post
June 19, 2009
Former Sen. Lincoln Chafee writes, "Rhode Island legislators should follow in the footsteps of our fellow New England states and be true to our pioneering history of tolerance by advancing a marriage equality bill. But for that to happen, all of us in Rhode Island who believe in full equality need to do our part by voicing support for same-sex marriage loudly and clearly." (Link)
June 19, 2009
Former Sen. Lincoln Chafee writes, "Rhode Island legislators should follow in the footsteps of our fellow New England states and be true to our pioneering history of tolerance by advancing a marriage equality bill. But for that to happen, all of us in Rhode Island who believe in full equality need to do our part by voicing support for same-sex marriage loudly and clearly." (Link)
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Gay activists impatient with Obama and Congress
The Associated Press
June 18, 2009
Frustrated gay-rights leaders want President Barack Obama to be far more forceful in supporting their political goals, but they also fault the Democratic-led Congress and vow to step up lobbying efforts in hopes of seeing campaign promises fulfilled. "We can wait for the president to try to move members of Congress, or we can redouble our efforts and get about doing that work ourselves," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said Thursday. Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry, which campaigns nationally for gay marriage rights, said he remains optimistic over the long term because the American public "is ready for change. What we need now is leadership from the president, Congress and state officials to deliver that change," he said. "I'm frustrated and disappointed that the administration has not yet delivered on the vision we share for a more equal America." [Link]
June 18, 2009
Frustrated gay-rights leaders want President Barack Obama to be far more forceful in supporting their political goals, but they also fault the Democratic-led Congress and vow to step up lobbying efforts in hopes of seeing campaign promises fulfilled. "We can wait for the president to try to move members of Congress, or we can redouble our efforts and get about doing that work ourselves," Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said Thursday. Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry, which campaigns nationally for gay marriage rights, said he remains optimistic over the long term because the American public "is ready for change. What we need now is leadership from the president, Congress and state officials to deliver that change," he said. "I'm frustrated and disappointed that the administration has not yet delivered on the vision we share for a more equal America." [Link]
Mayors support marriage equality
Bay Area Reporter
June 18, 2009
The U.S. Conference of Mayors on Monday, June 15 passed a resolution in support of ending the exclusion of gay couples from marriage. The resolution, titled "Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans," included support for the freedom to marry along with endorsement of federal bills such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Evan Wolfson, executive director of the national organization Freedom to Marry, praised the resolution's passage. "By passing this resolution, America's mayors spoke for the families they know and serve in communities across the country, and said that excluding those families from the freedom to marry must stop," Wolfson said in a statement. [Link]
June 18, 2009
The U.S. Conference of Mayors on Monday, June 15 passed a resolution in support of ending the exclusion of gay couples from marriage. The resolution, titled "Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans," included support for the freedom to marry along with endorsement of federal bills such as the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Evan Wolfson, executive director of the national organization Freedom to Marry, praised the resolution's passage. "By passing this resolution, America's mayors spoke for the families they know and serve in communities across the country, and said that excluding those families from the freedom to marry must stop," Wolfson said in a statement. [Link]
Pennsylvania Marriage Equality Debate on WHYY Friday AM
Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents
June 18, 2009
Senator Daylin Leach, author of Pennsylvania's Marriage Equality legislation, will debate Senator John Eichelberger (R- Blair County), author of the so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment" this Friday on Philadelphia's WHYY at 10 AM. The debate will air on the program, Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane. Internet listeners can tune in here to listen live. Tune in to WHYY on Friday (or check out the podcast when it is archived) for insight into this intriguing dialogue. [Link]
June 18, 2009
Senator Daylin Leach, author of Pennsylvania's Marriage Equality legislation, will debate Senator John Eichelberger (R- Blair County), author of the so-called "Marriage Protection Amendment" this Friday on Philadelphia's WHYY at 10 AM. The debate will air on the program, Radio Times with Marty Moss-Coane. Internet listeners can tune in here to listen live. Tune in to WHYY on Friday (or check out the podcast when it is archived) for insight into this intriguing dialogue. [Link]
Campaign to save Maine's marriage law is launched. Opponents hired Yes on Prop. 8 campaign manager to kill our rights
AmericaBlog
June 18, 2009
In Maine, new laws can be challenged via the referendum process. On the plus side, the campaign to save Maine's marriage law has been launched -- and they've got a kick-ass campaign manager leading the effort. This won't be another Prop. 8 from our side. There won't be turf battles and outsize egos. It will be a sophisticated operation combining some of the best political talent with the excellent field operation already established by Equality Maine. The political action committee running the campaign will be called "Maine Freedom to Marry." Meanwhile, the Press Herald confirmed that our opponents in Maine are going to hire the firm of Frank Schubert, who ran the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign in California. Schubert knows where to find money, so Maine Freedom to Marry needs our help and our support. [Link]
June 18, 2009
In Maine, new laws can be challenged via the referendum process. On the plus side, the campaign to save Maine's marriage law has been launched -- and they've got a kick-ass campaign manager leading the effort. This won't be another Prop. 8 from our side. There won't be turf battles and outsize egos. It will be a sophisticated operation combining some of the best political talent with the excellent field operation already established by Equality Maine. The political action committee running the campaign will be called "Maine Freedom to Marry." Meanwhile, the Press Herald confirmed that our opponents in Maine are going to hire the firm of Frank Schubert, who ran the Yes on Prop. 8 campaign in California. Schubert knows where to find money, so Maine Freedom to Marry needs our help and our support. [Link]
Video Log: Kate Clinton
KateClinton.com
June 18, 2009
Comedian Kate Clinton is pissed! Check out her weekly Vlog talking about DOMA, the federal benefits extension memorandum, and other current events below:
[Link]
June 18, 2009
Comedian Kate Clinton is pissed! Check out her weekly Vlog talking about DOMA, the federal benefits extension memorandum, and other current events below:
[Link]
Federal marriage equality challenge is a Hollywood tale
Reuters
June 18, 2009
The story of two famous U.S. lawyers from opposite ends of the political spectrum banding together to launch a bold and unexpected fight for marriage equality sounds like it could have been written in Hollywood. Their bid, which has its first hearing in a San Francisco federal district court on July 2, could make gay marriage a national right in a few years -- or cripple the movement. "The lawsuit has been filed. We all have an interest in it going as well as possible," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. "The best way is to win more states and to continue moving more hearts and minds," he said. A loss could mean years before the Supreme Court revisited the freedom to marry, even if societal attitudes change. Moreover, an opinion backing marriage for only heterosexual couples could backlash against gays in other legal fights. It could take a couple of years for the case to wind its way up to the Supreme Court, which also could refuse to hear it. In the mean time, the public debate led by the super-lawyers may help the marriage equality cause. [Link]
June 18, 2009
The story of two famous U.S. lawyers from opposite ends of the political spectrum banding together to launch a bold and unexpected fight for marriage equality sounds like it could have been written in Hollywood. Their bid, which has its first hearing in a San Francisco federal district court on July 2, could make gay marriage a national right in a few years -- or cripple the movement. "The lawsuit has been filed. We all have an interest in it going as well as possible," said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry. "The best way is to win more states and to continue moving more hearts and minds," he said. A loss could mean years before the Supreme Court revisited the freedom to marry, even if societal attitudes change. Moreover, an opinion backing marriage for only heterosexual couples could backlash against gays in other legal fights. It could take a couple of years for the case to wind its way up to the Supreme Court, which also could refuse to hear it. In the mean time, the public debate led by the super-lawyers may help the marriage equality cause. [Link]
Gay Couples Express Hope Over Benefits Extension
The Washington Post
June 18, 2009
The presidential memorandum signed yesterday afternoon by President Obama extends some benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers, among other things allowing them to be included in the long-term-care insurance program. But it still leaves them without federal health and retirement benefits. That will require the passage of legislation now before Congress. Nonetheless, Obama's order has cheered Candy Holmes, an information technology manager at the Government Accountability Office, and left her optimistic that more change is coming. "Hopeful. Excited," she said of her mood yesterday. "Wanting to believe this is the beginning of equality." [Link]
June 18, 2009
The presidential memorandum signed yesterday afternoon by President Obama extends some benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers, among other things allowing them to be included in the long-term-care insurance program. But it still leaves them without federal health and retirement benefits. That will require the passage of legislation now before Congress. Nonetheless, Obama's order has cheered Candy Holmes, an information technology manager at the Government Accountability Office, and left her optimistic that more change is coming. "Hopeful. Excited," she said of her mood yesterday. "Wanting to believe this is the beginning of equality." [Link]
Outcry on Federal Same-Sex Benefits
The New York Times
June 17, 2009
The package of domestic partnership benefits that President Obama established for federal workers on Wednesday drew the loudest protests from some of those it was intended to help, gay men and lesbians who criticized the move as too timid. The administrative memorandum extending some partnership rights to federal workers in same-sex relationships, which Mr. Obama signed late Wednesday, allows administration personnel to take leave to care for sick partners and requires the government to recognize their partners as household members when determining overseas housing allocations for State Department employees, among other things. But several of the nation’s most prominent gay and lesbian political leaders quickly attacked the president for failing to extend full health care benefits to the same-sex partners of federal workers, questioning the administration’s explanation that it is precluded from doing so by the Defense of Marriage Act, which Mr. Obama had vowed to repeal during his presidential campaign. [Link]
June 17, 2009
The package of domestic partnership benefits that President Obama established for federal workers on Wednesday drew the loudest protests from some of those it was intended to help, gay men and lesbians who criticized the move as too timid. The administrative memorandum extending some partnership rights to federal workers in same-sex relationships, which Mr. Obama signed late Wednesday, allows administration personnel to take leave to care for sick partners and requires the government to recognize their partners as household members when determining overseas housing allocations for State Department employees, among other things. But several of the nation’s most prominent gay and lesbian political leaders quickly attacked the president for failing to extend full health care benefits to the same-sex partners of federal workers, questioning the administration’s explanation that it is precluded from doing so by the Defense of Marriage Act, which Mr. Obama had vowed to repeal during his presidential campaign. [Link]
Census study of same-sex married couples finds similarities to husband-and-wife couples
San Jose Mercury News
June 18, 2009
Marriage — whether you are gay or straight — may be the great common denominator among American households, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau study that offers a first-ever look at the nation's same-sex couples who say they are spouses. Married men and women average about 50 years old, and about four in 10 have kids living at home. The average couple pulls down a little over $90,000 a year and four in five own their home. That demographic portrait doesn't just fit the nation's 56 million husband-and-wife couples. It also closely fits the roughly 340,000 households where two men call themselves husbands, or two women consider themselves wives. With same-sex marriage likely to be legal in as many as six states by Jan. 1, the study, though it may not reflect an accurate number of married same-sex couples, could add another layer to the debate. [Link]
June 18, 2009
Marriage — whether you are gay or straight — may be the great common denominator among American households, according to a new U.S. Census Bureau study that offers a first-ever look at the nation's same-sex couples who say they are spouses. Married men and women average about 50 years old, and about four in 10 have kids living at home. The average couple pulls down a little over $90,000 a year and four in five own their home. That demographic portrait doesn't just fit the nation's 56 million husband-and-wife couples. It also closely fits the roughly 340,000 households where two men call themselves husbands, or two women consider themselves wives. With same-sex marriage likely to be legal in as many as six states by Jan. 1, the study, though it may not reflect an accurate number of married same-sex couples, could add another layer to the debate. [Link]
Time for Federal Action
June 18, 2009
By Evan Wolfson
Executive Director of Freedom to Marry and author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality and Gay People's Right to Marry
On Wednesday, President Obama took a small step in the right direction directing his administration to provide some protections to same-sex partners of federal employees. Any measure that provides some support and respect to more families in America is obviously a good thing, but not a solution to the root cause of many of the hardships and the injustice gay Americans experience – the denial of the freedom to marry. Selected partner protections for federal workers, however good, fall far short of the vision of an inclusive and equal America that gay people continue to believe President Obama shares, despite the Administration's months of inaction and recent bad actions such as the Department of Justice's offensive brief filed in support of the federal anti-marriage law.
President Obama laid out this shared vision in a February 2008 open letter to the gay community:
“I’m running for President to build an America that lives up to our founding promise of equality for all – a promise that extends to our gay brothers and sisters…I support the complete repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) – a position I have held since before arriving in the U.S. Senate. While some say we should repeal only part of the law, I believe we should get rid of that statute altogether. Federal law should not discriminate in any way against gay and lesbian couples, which is precisely what DOMA does.”
The rising frustration and disappointment that advocates of equality, gay and non-gay, have begun expressing is a warning signal that the Administration and Congress need to get the team and work back on track. The President's Oval Office statement yesterday calling again for repealing of the discriminatory so-called ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ or DOMA was a good marker by which to measure the needed progress; now the White House and Congressional leaders must move a repeal bill forward, working in partnership with gay organizations and the many others who support equal rights in America.
Shortly after President Obama's election, I published an "Open Letter" congratulating him and all of us who worked to secure the vote for the vision we share. I wrote, "Discrimination based on sexual orientation, particularly government denial of fundamental rights such as the freedom to marry, is not a gay problem. It is an American problem…We are ready for your leadership, and ready to do our part.” I urged the President to follow the example of Presidents Kennedy and Johnson and provide the moral leadership and make the "bully pulpit" case to the American people that would help frame, spur, and accompany specific actions, some of which require legislation and some of which his administration can and should take now "at the stroke of a pen."
In February, as the Administration's inaction began to raise concerns, I wrote a piece offering lessons from Lincoln, President Obama's role-model:
"Lincoln's combination of tactical maneuvering and incremental action with consistent articulation of a clear moral standard over time helped elevate public understanding and commitment to what is right.... As Lincoln's words and actions skillfully paved the way for America's "new birth of freedom," he returned again and again to the Declaration of Independence's promise that "all should have an equal chance." Lincoln didn't expect that promise to waft in by itself, or solely on the work of others. He led."
It's time now for all of us, gay organizations, advocates of equality, the President, his Administration, and Congress to get back on track and start delivering.
Editorial: Benefits for Same-Sex Partners
The New York Times
June 17, 2009
President Obama’s decision to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees is a victory for fairness in the workplace. It is a serious omission, however, that his new policy does not include health and retirement benefits, which heterosexual married employees receive. Since benefits are an important part of employment compensation, gay people are effectively being paid less than their heterosexual peers for doing the same work. The strong symbolism of the president’s move cannot be denied. Still, it is impossible to ignore how much of the glass is not full. The Defense of Marriage Act — which prohibits the federal government from treating same-sex relationships as marriages, and allows states not to recognize same-sex marriages from other states — needs to be repealed. [Link]
June 17, 2009
President Obama’s decision to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees is a victory for fairness in the workplace. It is a serious omission, however, that his new policy does not include health and retirement benefits, which heterosexual married employees receive. Since benefits are an important part of employment compensation, gay people are effectively being paid less than their heterosexual peers for doing the same work. The strong symbolism of the president’s move cannot be denied. Still, it is impossible to ignore how much of the glass is not full. The Defense of Marriage Act — which prohibits the federal government from treating same-sex relationships as marriages, and allows states not to recognize same-sex marriages from other states — needs to be repealed. [Link]
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