Op-Ed: Approval of Referendum 71 Gives Domestic Partners Important Rights, Protections

Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
October 14, 2009
The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin editorial board approves of a "yes" vote on Wash. state's Referendum 71: "We believe keeping a law in place that gives domestic partners the essential protections and rights of married couples is sound public policy." [Link]

Op-Ed: Approving R-71 - Only Fair and Just Way to Vote

Skagit Valley Herald
October 26, 2009
The Skagit Valley Herald editorial board backs Wash. state's expanded domestic partnership law: "Far from endangering 'traditional marriage,' R-71 ensures that domestic partners will have the same rights as anyone to the joys — and burdens — of family life." [Link]

Op-Ed: Actually, Vote Yes on R-71

Chinook Observer
October 16, 2009
The Chinook Observer corrects a previous editorial headline that urged Wash. residents to vote "no" on R-71; the Observer in fact supports the state's expanded domestic partnership law, which would be preserved with a "yes" vote on the measure. [Link]

New York Area Pre-Marathon "Carb Fest" to Support Broadway Impact Marriage Equality Group

Broadway star and former Miss America Kate Shindle is running the 2009 NYC marathon to raise money for Broadway Impact, a group of Broadway actors, directors, stage managers, fans and producers working for marriage equality.

To help Kate get ready for Sunday's run, we're serving up an all-you-can-eat Carb Fest the evening before the run. Join us on Saturday, Oct. 31 at Vlada Bar (331 W. 51st Street, between 8th and 9th avenues), from 5:00 - 6:30pm to load up on carbs and help support Kate and Broadway Impact. It's Halloween, so come dressed up if you like! A generous buffet of carbilicious food will be provided by Tony's DiNapoli Restaurant - and you never know what other Broadway favorites might stop by too!

Tickets are only $20! All proceeds go to Broadway Impact.Get tickets here online: http://runshindlerun.eventbrite.com/Tickets will also be available at the door depending on availability.

Op-Ed: No Confusion, Approve R-71 for Washington Families

The Seattle Times
October 26, 2009
The Seattle Times editorial board: "Opponents of Referendum 71 embrace any confusion they can muster about the law to expand rights for registered domestic partners and their families. This is not confusing. Mark the ballot 'approved.'" [Link]

Op-Ed: Approve Referendum 71 In the Name of Fundamental Fairness for All Washington Families

The Seattle Times
October 2, 2009
The Seattle Times editorial board urges the passage of R-71: "At the heart of R-71 is an earnest desire to preserve families and equally protect children and adults in all committed relationships — in essence, to better take care of themselves." [Link]

Op-Ed: Referendum 71-- It's About Rights, Responsibilities-- Vote Yes

The Yakima Herald-Public
October 18, 2009
The Herald-Public editorial board on R-71: "[I]t's about granting the same rights and responsibilities of married couples to same-sex couples and to senior domestic partners. We have no argument with this, given the state and federal constitutions' clear guidance on equal rights." [Link]

Op-Ed: Support Referendum 71 to Protect Rights for All

The Spokesman Review
October 9, 2009
The Spokesman Review editorial board backs R-71, writing that though the board supports full marriage equality, "[I]t is not accurate to state that the passage of Referendum 71 is the same as honoring marriages of same-sex couples. If voters buy that argument, then they must be prepared to reinstall widespread discrimination." [Link]

Op-Ed: Our Votes on Maine Ballot Questions

SeacoastOnline.com
October 28, 2009
SeacoastOnline.com's editorial staff urges a "no" vote on Question 1: "If Mainers vote to keep the law on the books and reject repeal, it will be the first victory at the ballot box for marriage equality [...] We hope next Wednesday morning, the nation sees that Mainers voted on the side of justice." [Link]

Op-Ed: Vote 'No' on Question 1; Support All Maine Families

Central Maine Morning Sentinel
October 25, 2009
The Morning Sentinel editorial board urges readers to vote against the measure that would strip the protections of marriage equality from the state's gay couples: "Sometimes the law has to move quickly to keep up with a reality that has developed over time." [Link]

Guest Op-Ed: Evan Wolfson - Why Marriage Matters

BlueOregon
October 30, 2009
Join Evan Wolfson and Basic Rights Oregon in kicking off this important dialogue in three locations next week:

Monday night 11/2: Due to a fire at SEIU HQ, the event has been moved to Portland State's Smith Center in the Vanport Room, #338
Tuesday night 11/3: Bend, Oregon at Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Ave, at 7 p.m. -- and if
Wednesday night 11/4: Eugene, Oregon at the Public Library, 100 W 10th Ave, at 6 p.m. More event details here. And join the dialogue at MarriageMattersOregon.org.

Christopher and Patrick, an Oregon couple, registered for a domestic partnership so they would be protected in the event of a crisis. But earlier this year, when Christopher was gravely ill in the hospital, Patrick was told that he couldn’t be at his partner’s bedside. Why? Because they were not married. The hospital staff said Patrick was not considered “family.”

One of the reasons partnership laws like Oregon’s aren’t good enough is that they pointedly – and pointlessly – withhold one of the main protections that comes with marriage: being married.

Marriage matters. When you say those simple words – “We’re married” – there’s no doubt what it signifies. It says “we’re family” in a way that no other word can. It’s a universally understood expression of love, commitment, and the heartfelt desire to take responsibility for the ones we love. Marriage is a building block for strong families and strong communities and, for most of us, a personal commitment so important and defining that we wear its symbol on our hand.

This is the common-ground starting point from which Oregonians can begin a meaningful conversation about why marriage matters to all couples in loving long-term relationships – including Oregon’s caring, committed gay and lesbian couples.

I’ve been all around the country and talked to thousands of gay and lesbian Americans and their families. I’ve seen gay couples raising great kids, struggling to make ends meet, worrying about their aging parents, and caring for one another in sickness and in health. They share everyone’s hopes and dreams, including the dream of a legal commitment to match the personal commitment they live out day-to-day, doing the work of marriage with the person they love.

Denied the freedom to marry, these families are denied the safety net marriage brings, touching every area of life from birth to death, with taxes in between. Yet legal protection isn’t the only concern; there is also the question of fairness. At its heart, the conversation about why marriage matters is as basic as the golden rule: Treat others as we would want to be treated.

Fairness and respect for each other are basic American and Oregon values. We honor these values when we ensure that all our neighbors have the opportunity to create a family with the love, commitment and protection that the freedom to marry offers. In America, we simply don’t make one set of rules for some, and another set for others.

These values of family, freedom, and fairness are why we need to start a conversation in Oregon – now, today – with our families, friends and neighbors, about why Oregon’s exclusion of committed couples from marriage must end.

This upcoming week, I am joining with Basic Rights Oregon to launch a grassroots effort to get Oregonians talking to each other about extending civil marriage to same-sex couples. The more we talk with the people around us – each of us the most effective ambassador to those in our lives – the more we help them think through how they’d feel if they were denied the freedom to marry the one they love, and how unnecessary this harmful exclusion is. Each one of us can, and should, engage people in conversation about why marriage matters. After all, there is no marriage without engagement.

Evan Wolfson is founder and executive director of Freedom to Marry, and author of "Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People’s Right to Marry." [Link]

Advocates and opponents of gay rights both eagerly await new census data on same-sex couples

Newsweek
October 27, 2009
For the first time, the number of same-sex couples who self-identify as married—license or no license—will be tabulated and released to the public. The move is seen as both a nod to the gay community and a boost to policy fights, from challenging laws that limit gay adoptions to the nationwide legalization of gay marriage. [Link]

Op-Ed: The Work Left to Do

365 GAY
October 30, 2009
John Corvino points out the ugly truth that many people are still uncomfortable with homosexuality. And countering the pervasive myth in the LGBT community that it doesn't really matter what other people think of us when it comes to securing civil rights, "political battles don’t track objective value, they track public opinion." [Link]

Voice for Equality: Carrie Preston

Carrie Preston is an American theatre, television and film actress. Currently starring in the HBO series True Blood, other television credits include: Arrested Development, Lost and Desperate Housewives. Her film resume includes: The Stepford Wives, Vicky Cristina Barcelona and Duplicity. Ms. Preston has also produced, directed, and edited. Her husband is actor Michael Emerson, and her brother is actor John G. Preston. Learn more here.

On October 19, 2009, Carrie Preston and her husband, Michael Emerson, appeared in a video sending their best wishes and support to the attendees of Equality Maryland's 2009 Jazz Brunch which raised money on behalf of marriage equality. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Carrie Preston as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Preston's support inspires you, take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Voice for Equality: Stephen Colbert

Stephen Colbert is an American political satirist, writer, comedian and television host. He is the host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, a satirical news show in which Colbert portrays a caricatured version of conservative political pundits. Colbert wrote and performed on the short-lived Dana Carvey Show before collaborating with Amy Sedaris and Paul Dinello on the cult television series Strangers with Candy. He gained considerable attention for his role on the latter as closeted, gay history teacher Chuck Noblet. It was his work as a correspondent on Comedy Central's news-parody series The Daily Show (for which Mr. Colbert won three Emmy Awards for writing), however, that first introduced him to a wide audience. Since its debut, The Colbert Report has been successful, establishing itself as one of Comedy Central's highest-rated series, earning Colbert three Emmy nominations and an invitation to perform as featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner in 2006. Colbert was named one of Time's 100 most influential people in 2006, and his book, I Am America (And So Can You!), was No. 1 on The New York Times Best Seller List. Learn more here.

Mr. Colbert has been a tireless satirist of anti-gay groups' efforts to use fear and falsehoods to influence opinions about marriage equality. After the propagandist "Gathering Storm" video was released by the National Organization for Marriage in April 2009, Mr. Colbert ran a parody on The Colbert Report poking holes in NOM's logic and arguments:

Then on the October 26, 2009 Colbert Report, Mr. Colbert found some comedic truths while pursuing the logic of domestic-partnership opponents in Washington State to its absurd conclusions:

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - Don't Ask Don't Tell
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Religion

Freedom to Marry salutes Stephen Colbert as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Colbert's comedic support inspires you, take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Video: New "Stand" Ad from No on 1/Protect Maine Equality

No on 1/Protect Maine Equality
October 29, 2009
Newest ad, "Stand," from No on 1/Protect Maine Equality:

Support Marriage Equality in Maine here.

OP-ED: Wash. Referendum 71 - Get Past Hatred and Support Families

The Yakima Herald-Public (WA)
October 29, 2009
Rev. Jane Newall calls for Washington state voters to approve Referendum 71, writing that the expanded domestic partnership law the measure seeks to preserve "ensures that important protections are not taken away from committed couples so that they are able to take care of each other, especially in times of crisis." [Link]

Support expanded domestic partnership rights in Washington here.

Same-Sex Couples in Rhode Island May Get Funeral Arrangement Rights

The Providence Journal
October 30, 2009
A bill passed in a busy Rhode Island General Assembly session on Thursday night would give same-sex couples the right to make funeral arrangements for “domestic partners,” defined as people who have lived together for at least one year “in an exclusive, intimate and committed relationship." The bill must now avoid a gubernatorial veto before becoming law. [Link]

Massachusetts Schools Figuring in Maine Marriage Equality Debate

Central Maine Morning Sentinel
October 30, 2009
Although Maine Attorney General, Janet Mills, has stated that local school boards determine what is discussed and taught in Maine schools, and that Maine law includes a religious accommodation for parents if 'course content conflicts with sincerely held religious beliefs,' many voters are still looking at Massachusetts for education cues. [Link]

Support Marriage Equality in Maine here.

Earl Blumenauer: An Historic and Emotional Moment

The Huffington Post
October 28, 2009
One of Freedom to Marry's Voices for Equality, Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.), celebrates the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act: "... in the dance of legislation, sometimes the harder, more controversial measures have as their champions not members of the House or Senate, but eloquent, determined, focused and ultimately victorious people from the community who refuse to give up. [Link]

Op-Ed: Arguments in D.C. Hearings Against Marriage Equality Don't Hold Up

The Washington Post
October 29, 2009
Robert McCartney analyzes testimony from marriage equality opponents at this week's two public hearings on marriage for same-sex couples in Washington, D.C.: "As I listened [...] I waited for a persuasive argument about how society would suffer by letting two men or two women say 'I do.' I didn't hear one." [Link]

Argentina Opens Debate on Marriage Equality

The Associated Press
October 29, 2009
Argentina's Congress on Thursday opened debate on whether to amend laws in the country that ban marriage for same-sex couples, which could possibly result in Argentina becoming the first Latin American nation to extend marriage equality to its citizens. [Link]

Advancing the Freedom to Marry in America

American Bar Association's Human Rights Magazine
Summer 2009 Edition
As the nation celebrates the fortieth anniversary of Stonewall, leading advocates, Mary L. Bonauto and Evan Wolfson, examine how the freedom to marry movement began; what work and events have shaped its progress, especially in the last year; and action steps for future progress. (Link to pdf, article on p.11)

Voice for Equality: Judith Light

Judith Light is an American actress. Her current television roles include Claire Meade on ABC's TV series Ugly Betty and Judge Elizabeth (Liz) Donnelly on Law & Order Special Victims Unit. She enjoyed great success with another sitcom, Who's the Boss?, which ran from 1984 until 1992 and co-starred Tony Danza. Prior to her prime time roles, Ms. Light portrayed Karen Wolek on the ABC soap opera One Life to Live for which she won two daytime Emmy Awards. Learn more here.

Judith Light is a gay rights activist and helped former Who's the Boss? co-star Danny Pintauro to come out of the closet. She has done work for many LGBT charities. She sits on the board of the Matthew Shepard Foundation and spoke at the 1993 March on Washington. In 1998, she had a library named after her at the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center.

Judith Light is a proud signer of Freedom to Marry's Marriage Resolution which reads:

Because marriage is a basic human right and an individual choice,
RESOLVED, the State should not interfere with same-gender couples who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities, and commitment of civil marriage.

Visit the Marriage Resolution page on our website and sign the Marriage Resolution today!

Freedom to Marry salutes Judith Light as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Light's support inspires you - take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Op-Ed: A Long List of Wrongs

Seacoastonline.com
October 28, 2009
D. Allen Kerr points out that "once you wade through all the emotional arguments of the gay marriage debate, there's also at its heart a matter of simple practicality... there are currently more than 1,100 federal rights which are bestowed upon married heterosexual couples -- rights most of us take for granted, but which are denied to couples who happen to belong to the same sex." [Link]

Pastors unite to support marriage equality in D.C.

The Washington Post
October 30, 2009
Although ministers opposed to the freedom to marry in the Disrict have campaigned more vigorously, a growing number of religious leaders are mobilizing to support marriage equality. "There is this myth out there that you can't be pro-God and pro-gay," said the Rev. Robert M. Hardies, senior minister of All Souls Church, Unitarian, in the Columbia Heights area. [Link]

NY Times Letter to the Editor by Evan Wolfson

The New York Times
October 28, 2009

To the Editor:

Re “In Battle Over Gay Marriage, Timing May Be Key,” by Adam Liptak (Sidebar column, Oct. 27):

The pivotal exchange in one of the lawsuits now challenging the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage shows that the opponents of gay people’s freedom to marry still can’t give a real answer to the key question posed in yet another court by yet another judge: “What would be the harm of permitting gay men and lesbians to marry?”

The anti-gay forces’ lawyer, Charles J. Cooper, replied, “Your Honor, my answer is: I don’t know ... I don’t know.” Mr. Cooper eventually told the judge that the government should be able to exclude gay couples from marriage in order “to channel naturally procreative sexual activity between men and women into stable, enduring unions.”

But even Justice Antonin Scalia, no friend of equality for gay people, wrote in Lawrence v. Texas: “What justification could there possibly be for denying the benefits of marriage to homosexual couples exercising ‘[t]he liberty protected by the Constitution’? Surely not the encouragement of procreation, since the sterile and the elderly are allowed to marry.”

The reason smart lawyers like Mr. Cooper don’t give a better answer to why marriage discrimination should be allowed to continue is that there isn’t one.

Evan Wolfson
Executive Director
Freedom to Marry
New York, Oct. 27, 2009

[Link]

Racist Judge Inadvertently Makes the Case for Marriage Equality

truthdig
October 29, 2009
The Rev. Madison Shockley, a minister of the Pilgrim United Church of Christ in Carlsbad, CA and an Executive Committee member for 'Let California Ring', shares the story of a racist justice of the peace in Louisiana who recently refused to perform an interracial marriage on the grounds that he found it morally objectionable - and in so doing may have helped the marriage equality cause by demonstrating the clear right to decline to perform government-sanctioned weddings. [Link]

Freedom to Marry's Evan Wolfson to Speak in Bend, Oregon on Tuesday, November 3rd

tsweekly.com
October 28, 2009
The Human Dignity Coalition announces a talk by Evan Wolfson, named by Time Magazine as "one of the 100 most powerful and influential people in the world." "He will give us all the confidence to speak about why marriage matters so that we can begin having crucial conversations...neighbor to neighbor, friend to friend."

Evan Wolfson
7 p.m. Tuesday, November 3
Old Stone Church, 157 NW Franklin Avenue
Bend, Oregon
385-3320 or http://www.humandignitycoalition.org/.

[Link]

Catholics on Both Sides of Marriage Equality Issue in Maine

National Catholic Reporter
October 29, 2009
Several hundred Catholics in Maine have publicly declared themselves supporters of the freedom to marry, in direct opposition to their bishop, Richard J. Malone of Portland, who they say has gone overboard with a no-holds-barred campaign to roll back marriage equality in the Pine Tree State. [Link]

COLUMN: Campaign Myths Obscure Real Issues in Next Week's Vote

Kennebec Journal
October 29, 2009
Gordon L. Weil refutes myths about several questions on next weeks' Maine ballot, including what he refers to as the "Question 1 Myth" -- the underlying implication by anti-gay activists that mentioning marriage equality to students will make them more likely to be gay. [Link]

All Eyes on Maine's Question 1

Kennebec Journal
October 29, 2009
Maine's referendum on marriage equality, took center stage Wednesday night in a debate between Brian Souchet, of Brunswick, and Mary Bonauto, a Portland resident. Souchet, representing opponents of marriage equality, said marriage is a unique arrangement between a man and a woman that should be protected. Bonauto, representing supporters of the new law honoring the freedom to marry, countered that the issue is about fairness and equality. [Link]

Argentine Congress Considers the Freedom to Marry

The Associated Press
October 29, 2009
Is Argentina ready to become Latin America's first nation to legalize marriage equality? Gay and lesbian activists think so — and they have a growing number of supporters in Congress, which opened debate Thursday on whether to change dozens of laws that define marriage as a union between a "man and woman." [Link]

Help WA, ME and Kalamazoo Win on November 3rd: Spread the Word About the Campaigns Today

The election is less than a week away, the races are tight in each state, and every action counts. Here's what's going on and how you can help.

Washington:

Who we are: Approve Referendum 71 is the campaign to preserve domestic partnerships in Washington State. By voting to approve, voters retain the domestic partnership laws that were passed during this year's legislative session, including using sick leave to care for a partner, adoption rights, insurance rights, and more.

What we need: We need phone bankers to get our supporters out to vote. Washington is an all mail-in ballot state, and we need to ensure our supporters put their ballots in the mail. Also, youth turnout is a critical component of our campaign, and youth turnout historically drops in off-year elections. So we need a lot of help to turn them out.

How you do it: Sign up here to make remote calls for Approve 71. We'll then contact you for a training, and you can make GOTV calls.

Maine:

Who we are: The No On 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign is working to protect Maine's recently-passed law legalizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Our opponents have put the issue on the ballot for Nov 3, 2009. Because of Maine's early voting election laws, people are already voting at the polls, so we need help immediately to turn out our side at the polls.

What we need: We need you to devote a few hours to Call for Equality. Call for Equality is a virtual phonebank set up so that you can call Maine voters wherever you are. Much of Maine is rural, where canvassing isn't effective, so we need to reach these voters- along with other supporters- by phone. All you need is a phone and internet connection. No experience required! We'll provide the training, and all you need is a a few hours to help get a win in Maine.

How you do it: Click here to sign up for a training and your shift. There are lots of times available for your convenience.

Kalamazoo, MI:

Who We Are: The Yes on Ordinance 1856 / One Kalamazoo campaign is working in Michigan to support the City Commission of Kalamazoo's twice approved ordinance for housing, employment, and public accommodation protections for gay and transgender residents. Opponents forced a public referendum on the ordinance so dedicated local volunteers, led by former Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Jon Hoadley, are working to ensure voters say YES to fairness and equality and keep Ordinance 1856.

Why The Urgency: In the final weeks, the opposition has gone all out with aggressive disinformation and misleading red herrings to try to defeat the ordinance. This includes signs that say "No to Discrimination" (even though voting No actually supports continued discrimination of GLBT residents), transphobic door hangers and fliers, and now radio ads that falsely suggest that criminal behavior will become legal when this simply isn't true. The Yes on Ordinance 1856 supporters are better organized but many voters who want to vote for gay and transgender people are getting confused by the opposition.

How To Help:

1) Help the One Kalamazoo campaign raise a final $10,000 specifically dedicated to fight back against the lies on the local TV and radio airwaves and fully fund the campaign's final field and GOTV efforts.

Give here: http://www.actblue.com/page/3-2-1-countdown

2) If you live nearby and can physically volunteer in Kalamazoo sign up here. If you know anyone that lives in Kalamazoo, use the One Kalamazoo campaign's online canvass tool to remind those voters that they need to vote on November 3rd and vote YES on Ordinance 1856 to support equality for gay and transgender people.

Contact voters: http://www.onekalamazoo.com/tellfriends2

ABA Human Rights Magazine Names Mary L. Bonauto and Evan Wolfson Human Rights Heroes

American Bar Association Human Rights Magazine
Summer 2009

Kristen Galles writes, "Twenty years ago, the nation did not know or think much about GLBT civil rights. Now, thanks to the work of [Evan] Wolfson and [Mary] Bonauto, the nation and its legal landscape have changed and we can all look forward to a day when all citizens have the freedom to marry." (Link)

Voice for Equality: David Duchovny

David William Duchovny is an American film and television actor. He has won Golden Globe awards for his work as FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder on The X-Files and as Hank Moody on Californication and been nominated for Emmy awards for his work on The X Files as well as for The Larry Sanders Show and Life with Bonnie. Unknown to many, he had a recurring role as a transvestite DEA agent on the series Twin Peaks. Duchovny also directed an episode of Bones during its second season. In addition to his television work, Mr. Duchovny's film credits include: Working Girl, Return to Me, Zoolander, and the X Files films. Learn more here.

David Duchovny is a proud signer of Freedom to Marry's Marriage Resolution which reads:

Because marriage is a basic human right and an individual choice,
RESOLVED, the State should not interfere with same-gender couples who choose to marry and share fully and equally in the rights, responsibilities, and commitment of civil marriage.

Visit the Marriage Resolution page on our website and sign the Marriage Resolution today!

Freedom to Marry salutes David Duchovny as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Duchovny's support inspires you - take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Joint Op-Ed: Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

Freedom to Marry
October 28, 2009
As President Obama today signed the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, the following 30 organizations issued this joint statement:

History in the Making

It took much too long, more than a decade. And it came at too great a price: the brutal killings of Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. are just two among the thousands of crimes motivated by hate and bigotry.

But this week, the president put pen to paper and fulfilled a campaign promise, the signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, extending the federal hate crimes statute to include sexual orientation and gender identity along with race, religion, gender, national origin and disability. Our deepest hope and strong belief is that this new law will save lives. Now, lawmakers and the president have made an imperative statement to the country and the world: Our nation will no longer tolerate hate-motivated violence against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

We have worked long and hard for this and its passage is historic.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program, there are nearly 8,000 hate crime-related incidents annually, and more than 1,200 of those incidents involve violence based on sexual orientation or gender identity. And even more alarming, while the overall occurrence of hate crimes is declining nationally, hate crimes against LGBT people have been increasing. This year alone, we saw hate crimes trials in the brutal killings of two transgender women, Angie Zapata and Lateisha Green.

As a result of this legislation, if local jurisdictions are unable or unwilling to investigate or prosecute hate crimes based on sexual orientation or gender identity, the Justice Department can now step in. And that’s why the LGBT community never stopped working for this historic day.

This legislation not only has practical value, but is a symbol of our progress. It is the first time in the nation’s history that Congress has passed explicit protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We could not have reached this moment without the powerful support of our allies who stood with us every step of the way. We are deeply grateful to civil rights, civic, faith and disability rights groups, as well as law enforcement and district attorney organizations that worked side by side with the LGBT advocates. We are equally thankful to Congress, President Obama and members of his administration for passing and signing this bill into law.

While today we celebrate this marker of progress, we must recognize it as only one of the building blocks to full equality and demand that it be just a first step toward equal treatment under federal law in all areas of our lives. And we must focus on the next step.

The passage of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act provides us with an opportunity. We must use this moment to educate and keep the momentum going so that we can continue to make progress on the local, state and federal levels. Yes, legislation takes a long time — often years of work. Yet, our community is on the cusp of passing much-needed protections.

This week, we call upon lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, families and allies to take this opportunity of increased media and public attention on hate crimes to educate co-workers, classmates, neighbors, family members and friends about our lives, and about why we need not only their friendship and love, but their vocal support for a more just and equal America for LGBT people. If your members of Congress voted in support of hate crimes legislation, call them and thank them. Then ask them to be there for us again when the vote turns to workplace nondiscrimination, military service and partnership rights.

With your help and our collective pressure, equality is within reach.

When talking about the need for hate crimes legislation, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said: “The time for debate is over.”

She was right.

Just as the time has finally come for stronger hate crime protections, it is also time to pass an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, and ensure that health care, economic policy and immigration reform incorporate the needs of LGBT people.

The time for debate is over.

Signed by:

Jo Kenny, AFL-CIO Pride at Work
Terry Stone, Centerlink: The Community of LGBT Centers
Gabe Javier & Debbie Bazarsky, Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
Marianne Duddy-Burke, DignityUSA
Toni Broaddus, Equality Federation
Jennifer Chrisler, Family Equality Council
Evan Wolfson, Freedom to Marry
Lee Swislow, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
Rebecca Allison, M.D., Gay & Lesbian Medical Association
Chuck Wolfe, Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund
Eliza Byard, Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network
Marjorie Hill, Gay Men’s Health Crisis
Joe Solmonese, Human Rights Campaign
Rachel Tiven, Immigration Equality
Earl Fowlkes, International Federation of Black Prides
Kevin M. Cathcart, Lambda Legal
Leslie Calman, Mautner Project: The National Lesbian Health Organization
Sharon Lettman, National Black Justice Coalition
Kate Kendell, National Center for Lesbian Rights
Mara Keisling, National Center for Transgender Equality
Justin Nelson, National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
Rea Carey, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
Paul Kawata, National Minority AIDS Council
Kyle Bailey, National Stonewall Democrats
Greg Varnum, National Youth Advocacy Coalition
Sharon Stapel, New York Anti-Violence Project
Selisse Berry, Out & Equal Workplace Advocates
Jody Michael Huckaby, PFLAG National
Michael Adams, Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE)
Aubrey Sarvis, Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

Voice for Equality: Haaz Sleiman

Haaz Sleiman is an American actor originally from Lebanon. One of Sleiman's first roles was in the 2004 African-American gay comedy film The Ski Trip. He co-starred as undocumented Syrian immigrant Tarek in the critically-acclaimed 2008 independent film The Visitor, directed by Thomas McCarthy. Sleiman also had small roles in the 2006 film American Dreamz and the 2007 film AmericanEast. In 2006 Sleiman portrayed an American soldier in Iraq on the NBC series ER, and that same year had a recurring role as an Arab billionaire in the CBS series Company Town. He portrayed the terrorist suspect Heydar in three 2007 episodes of the FOX series 24, and appeared on both NCIS and Veronica Mars in 2007. Sleiman costars as gay nurse Mohammed "Mo-Mo" De La Cruz in the Showtime dark comedy series Nurse Jackie, which premiered in June 2009. The straight actor is proud to portray the only gay character of Middle Eastern descent currently on the air and one of the few to have ever been portrayed on television. Learn more here.

Mr. Sleiman was photographed wearing a White Knot at the Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, CA on February 21, 2009. The White Knot for Equality organization is dedicated to the idea of marriage equality. One of their quotes is “Everyone should have the right to tie the knot,” and they illustrate this point by producing and distributing White Knots nationally and worldwide. They encourage marriage equality supporters to “wear the White Knot every day to show support and to create conversation. Share the White Knot and spread the word that all loving couples deserve the same legal rights, benefits, and respect that civil marriage bestows." [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Haaz Sleiman as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Sleiman's support inspires you, take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

"Her R71 ballot was the last document that she attached her signature to"

seattlepi.com
October 28, 2009
There are hardly words to express how touching this story is. It immediately brought tears to my eyes. As so many of us are working around the clock to make sure referendum 71 is approved, this moment gives us pause. It reminds us why we are doing what we do:

My 73 year old mother, voted for R71 last week as she lay in her hospice bed. She wanted to make sure that if she did not live till election day, that her vote would be registered in favor. Last night, at 5:05 pm, she died peacefully. Her R71 ballot was the last document that she attached her signature to. [Link]

Volunteer Alert: No on 1 to Provide Free Hotel Rooms in Portland Area for Final Weekend Push

No on 1/Protect Maine Equality
October 27, 2009
Here's an important message for East Coast folks -- especially in the Boston area, New Hampshire, CT, RI, VT, NYC, etc.

Election Day in Maine is 6 days away, and the "No on 1" campaign to protect marriage equality needs as many volunteers as possible for the final stretch to win this. The campaign is OFFERING FREE HOTEL ROOMS for folks who are driving from neighboring states, and can commit to at least 2 volunteer shifts during the last 4 days. BEFORE THURSDAY OCT. 29th, people must go to www.driveforequality.org and sign up.

Can't make it to Maine or want to help even more? Join Call for Equality. All you need is a phone and internet connection to help us win. Sign up here: http://protectmaineequality.org/callforequality

Google endorses Washington ’s Approve Referendum 71

seattlepi.com
October 27, 2009
Brian Bershad and Scott Silver, Google Engineering and Site Directors from the Seattle area:

We see this debate as one that comes down to equality, plain and simple. If we believe in equal protection under the law we must, in our view, support a man or woman's right to enjoy the legal benefits of domestic partnerships -- no matter who they love. [Link]

Specter Sixth Senator To Change Thinking On Marriage Equality

ON TOP Magazine
October 28, 2009
While the five senators who changed their minds before Specter hail from states where marriage equality is legal or, in the case of New York, there is widespread support for it, polls indicate a majority of voters in Pennsylvania do not support the freedom to marry. [Link]

Does Policy Trail Public Opinion on Gay Rights?

Economix
October 27, 2009

Counter to what some LGBT advocates see as overreach in current legal challenges to DOMA, in many states, on many LGBT issues, legal and policy responses (whether from the legislative or judicial branch) actually lag behind much more liberal popular opinion. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Philip Spooner

In the spring of 2009, Philip Spooner, an 86-year-old World War II veteran who served with General Patton, was at Omaha Beach and participated in the liberation of Paris, spoke out about his loss of his wife of 54 years, and his four sons, one gay, all of whom served their country as their Father did.

Mr. Spooner spoke of the horrors of Dachau and Buchenwald, and said it "takes all kinds of people" to make this world what it is, and that fighting in WWII was to protect the very American ideals of freedom and opportunity for all.

"We raised them all to be hardworking, patriotic Americans" said Spooner of his four sons. "The woman at my polling place asked me do I believe in equality for gay and lesbian people. I was pretty surprised to be asked a question like that. It made no sense to me. Finally I asked her, 'what do you think I fought for in Omaha Beach?'" [Link]



The video of Mr. Spooner's speech became an Internet sensation, receiving hundreds of thousands of hits from people all over the world, and a strong argument for the No on 1/Protect Maine Equality pro-marriage equality movement. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Philip Spooner as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Spooner's support inspires you, take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Views Evolving...Place by Place, Issue by Issue, Person by Person

Law Dork
October 27, 2009
Chris Geidner comments on Sen. Arlen Specter's (D-Pa.) new support of repealing the federal so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and praises Specter's and some other politicians' evolving views on LGBT equality. [Link]

Washington State R-71 Ahead, Poll Shows

The Olympian (Washington State)
October 28, 2009
The yearly Washington Poll shows Referendum 71, which would preserve Washington state's expanded domestic partnership law, ahead by a 56 to 39 percent margin among registered voters. [Link]

1,000 Domestic Partnerships Certified in Nevada

The Associated Press
October 27, 2009
Nevada's secretary of state says more than 1,000 couples have registered as domestic partners since enactment of a new law this month provides many of the same protections of straight married couples to gay and straight unmarried partners. [Link]

Washington State Domestic Partnership Foes Challenge Campaign Laws

The Associated Press
October 27, 2009
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the anti-gay group Family PAC, which opposes Washington state's expanded domestic partnership law, must abide by Washington state's campaign finance laws while a lawsuit challenging those laws moves forward. [Link]

Support expanded domestic partnership rights in Washington here.

Marriage Equality Decision in Maine Seen as Pivotal

The New York Times
October 28, 2009
Although the campaigns for and against Maine's marriage equality law have been "relatively low-profile" compared to those in the battle over Calif.'s Prop. 8, many LGBT equality advocates and anti-gay activists see the fate of Question 1 as pivotal for the future of the national debate over marriage for same-sex couples. [Link]

It's not too late to get involved! Click here.

Maine Governor Urges Residents to Vote for Marriage Equality

The Associated Press
October 28, 2009
Maine Governor John Baldacci on Tuesday acknowledged his past support of civil unions over marriage equality, but said he now believes a civil union is not equal to civil marriage and urged Maine voters to reject Question 1. [Link]

Video: Senator Chuck Schumer: We must not rest until we have marriage in all fifty of these states.

POLITICO
October 27, 2009
Ben Smith's column reports on NY Senator Chuck Schumer's comments at a fundraising dinner last week which articulated a far broader vision for the freedom to marry than he or most Democrats typically state publicly. [Link]

Video: Voice for Equality, Brendon Ayanbadejo Continues to Speak Out for Marriage Equality

ESPN First Take
October 25, 2009
Freedom to Marry's Voice for Equality, Brendon Ayanbadejo, on ESPN's First Take after the Baltimore Ravens NFL football team goes to 3-0 and he recieves AFC defensive player of the week, speaking out for marriage equality. [Link]

Poll: Approve Referendum 71 maintaining slim lead in Washington State

Approve Referendum 71
October 26, 2009
Approve Referendum 71 is maintaining its slim lead among likely Washington voters according to a Greenberg Quinlan Rosner (GQR) tracking poll commissioned by the Approve Referendum 71 campaign. Last week, GQR polled more than 500 likely voters and found 53 percent of those polled supported the “approved” position when they were read the ballot language, while only 36 percent supported the “rejected” position. In September, the margin was 51–44 percent.

According to GQR this shift suggests that the Approve side has solidified its
base in recent weeks while the Reject side is losing supporters.

"This is both good—and cautionary—news," said Approve 71 campaign chair Anne Levinson. "These results show that when voters understand what the domestic partnership law is—and the many families who will be harmed if it is repealed—they will vote to approve it.

"Yet, we also know that in an off-year election, older, more conservative voters turn out in greater numbers. While there is broad statewide support for treating all families equally, those who vote will determine the outcome of this election," Levinson continued. "This poll makes a very clear point: those who want to ensure that legal protections aren't taken away from gay and lesbian families absolutely have to vote."

Approve 71 campaign manager Josh Friedes noted that only a small
percentage of voters have turned in their ballots so far.

"What our poll shows us is that if supportive voters cast their ballots, we will win.
That's why getting fair-minded voters to cast their ballots on time is so important—we're seeing ballots from less urban parts of the state being sent in, while voters in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties are not yet mailing their ballots in large numbers,” said Friedes.

"We are also reaching out to younger voters—who often don’t vote in off year elections—to mail in their ballots," added Friedes. "Younger voters could make a big
difference since they tend to be more supportive, and many are not included in the poll because they are not considered likely voters."

"We need people to spend the five minutes to fill-out the ballot. And then we need them to actually put a stamp on the envelope—or two stamps if they live in Pierce County—and mail it."

"Basic legal protections for thousands of committed couples hinge on this simple act," concluded Friedes. "Our message is 'Vote now!'"

Support expanded domestic partnership rights in Washington here.

Voice for Equality: Bradley Cooper

Bradley Cooper is an American film, stage, and television actor. He is best known for the roles of Phil Wenneck in the film The Hangover, Will Tippin in the TV series Alias, Zachary "Sack" Lodge in the comedy film Wedding Crashers, and Aidan Stone in TV series Nip/Tuck. Cooper recently starred in the film He's Just Not That into You together with Jennifer Aniston, and has been confirmed to play Templeton "Face" Peck in the forthcoming The A-Team film. Learn more here.

On October 14, 2009, Bradley Cooper was announced as a participant in the Love Unites Shepard Fairey Equality Project, a new marriage equality advocacy project for which more than 80 celebrities will be signing their names to a Shepard Fairey print titled Defend Equality - Love Unites. Fairey, whose Obama Hope print became the iconic emblem of President Obama’s 2008 campaign, was approached by FAIR, an LGBT grassroots marriage equality organization, to commission an image that would help unite and inspire the marriage equality movement. “I am proud to contribute the Defend Equality Love Unites image to the fight for marriage equality, and commend FAIR for putting this image to good use." The signed prints will be sold in online auctions starting in November 2009, with the official launch event being held at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel on November 12th. VIP tickets for the event are $100. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Bradley Cooper as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Cooper's support inspires you - take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

PA Senator Arlen Specter: Time to Repeal DOMA

The Huffington Post
October 27, 2009
Senator Arlen Specter addresses the 13-year-old so-called Defense of Marriage Act, saying it's time for it to be repealed:

Enacted 13 years ago when the idea of same sex marriage was struggling for acceptance, the Act is a relic of a more tradition-bound time and culture. [Link]

Stephen Colbert Takes on R-71

The Colbert Report - The Word
October 27, 2009
On Monday night's The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert talked about Referendum 71 in Washington State in his 'The Word' segment and satirized the anti-gay groups trying to prevent domestic partnerships in the state. [Link]

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - Don't Ask Don't Tell
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Religion

Right Battles G.O.P. in a Pivotal Race in New York

The New York Times
October 27, 2009
Some far-right Republicans are attempting to garner support for Douglas L. Hoffman in the N.Y. 23rd Congressional District race despite their party's nomination of Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava. Hoffman's social conservative backers, who include the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage, object to Scozzafava's support of marriage equality. [Link]

Iowa Dems and GOP Differ on Plans for Marriage Equality in 2010

Sioux City Journal
October 27, 2009
Opponents of the freedom to marry in Iowa may have difficulty if they attempt to push the state Legislature to repeal Iowa's marriage equality law, as "Democrats control both state chambers, and Democratic leaders continue to say they have no interest in discussing efforts to overturn the April 3 Iowa Supreme Court [marriage] ruling through a state constitutional amendment or other means." [Link]

Marriage Equality Foes Vow Court Fight

The Washington Post
October 27, 2009
Anti-gay activists in D.C. are preparing to go to court if the Board of Elections and Ethics denies requests for a ballot initiative intended to outlaw marriage equality. More than 100 people showed up Monday night for a hearing on a marriage equality bill that the D.C. Council will likely pass in December. [Link]

Opposition to Maine Ballot Question May Be Growing

Bangor Daily News
October 27, 2009
A Pan Atlantic SMS Group poll released Monday found that 42 percent of respondents indicated they would vote yes to repeal Maine's marriage equality law, while 53 percent said they support preserving it by voting no (a slightly larger gap in favor of marriage equality than reported in a poll by the same company earlier this month). The pro-marriage equality No on 1 campaign is, however, taking nothing for granted. [Link]

Marriage Equality Campaigns Push Early Maine Vote

The Associated Press
October 27, 2009
Maine LGBT equality advocates and opponents are taking advantage of early voting by urging supporters to cast ballots on the state's referendum on marriage equality, Question 1. Turnout is expected to be far greater than in a typical off-year election. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks is an American actress whose TV and film appearances include Scrubs, the Spider-Man films, The Uninvited, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, W., Zack And Miri Make A Porno, Definitely, Maybe, Invincible, and Role Models. Learn more here.

Ms. Banks was photographed wearing a White Knot at the Spirit Awards in Santa Monica, CA on February 21, 2009. The White Knot for Equality organization is dedicated to the idea of marriage equality. One of their quotes is “Everyone should have the right to tie the knot,” and they illustrate this point by producing and distributing White Knots nationally and worldwide. They encourage marriage equality supporters to “wear the White Knot every day to show support and to create conversation. Share the White Knot and spread the word that all loving couples deserve the same legal rights, benefits, and respect that civil marriage bestows." [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Elizabeth Banks as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Banks' support inspires you, take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Ruling Due Wednesday on Privacy of Anti-Marriage Equality Donors

Kennebec Journal
October 27, 2009
A federal judge will rule Wednesday on whether the state of Maine may require the anti-gay groups the National Organization for Marriage and American Principles in Action to disclose contributors to their campaigns to repeal Maine's marriage equality law. [Link]

'Crash' Director Paul Haggis Quits Scientology Over Its Marriage Equality Stance

The Associated Press
October 26, 2009
Paul Haggis, director of the Academy Award-winning film Crash, has severed his ties with the Church of Scientology, in part because of the organization's alleged support of Calif.'s anti-gay Prop. 8. [Link]

Massachusetts Man Says Brazilian Husband Denied US Asylum

The Associated Press
October 26, 2009
Attorney General Eric Holder reportedly did not act on a Friday deadline in the case of an openly gay Brazilian man seeking asylum in the U.S. on humanitarian grounds. The man was married in Massachusetts and won't be reunited with his husband as a result of the denial of asylum. [Link]

Marriage Equality Measures Heard by D.C. Panels

The Associated Press
October 26, 2009
The D.C. Board of Elections began meeting Monday to hear testimony on a proposed anti-gay initiative for the 2010 ballot that would potentially ban honoring marriages of same-sex couples in the District. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Chelsea Handler

Chelsea Handler is an American stand-up comedienne, actress and author, and is best known for her late night talk show Chelsea Lately on the E! Entertainment Network. Her most recent book Are You There, Vodka? Its Me, Chelsea was a New York Times bestseller in 2008. In 2009, she won the 2009 Bravo Network A-List Award for A-List Funny. Learn more here.

In a March 2009 interview with The Advocate, Ms. Handler discussed how she believes that marriage is a civil right that the LGBT community should not be deprived of:

If you don’t believe in gay marriage, don’t get married to a gay person; there’s no reason you should prevent another person from doing it. You don’t go back on civil rights. Can you imagine if we said, ‘OK, slavery is legal again?’ No. For something like that to be overturned is ridiculous.” [Link]

In the lead up to the vote on Proposition 8 in California, Ms. Handler frequently gave both comedic and serious commentary on her talk show regarding the fight for marriage equality, including a mock PSA in opposition to Proposition 8 below:



Freedom to Marry salutes Chelsea Handler as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

In Battle For Marriage Equality, Timing May Be Key

The New York Times
October 26, 2009
Adam Liptak writes that although many LGBT equality advocates have expressed concern over the timing of Ted Olson and David Boies' federal challenge to Prop. 8, some political analysts now see U.S. Judge Vaughn R. Walker's courtroom questions and refusal to dismiss the suit as possibly promising. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro is an American actor, director, and producer. De Niro is well-known for his method acting and portrayals of conflicted, troubled characters and for his enduring collaboration with director Martin Scorsese. He gained critical acclaim in the early 1970s, culminating in his first Academy Award as best Supporting Actor for The Godfather Part II (1974), followed by a Best Actor Academy Award win for Raging Bull (1980). Other notable films in his impressive career have included: Taxi Driver (1976), New York, New York (1977), The King of Comedy (1983), Goodfellas (1990), Cape Fear (1991), and Casino (1995). Learn more here.

On October 14, 2009, Robert De Niro was announced as a participant in the Love Unites Shepard Fairey Equality Project, a new marriage equality advocacy project for which more than 80 celebrities will be signing their names to a Shepard Fairey print titled Defend Equality - Love Unites. Fairey, whose Obama Hope print became the iconic emblem of President Obama’s 2008 campaign, was approached by FAIR, an LGBT grassroots marriage equality organization, to commission an image that would help unite and inspire the marriage equality movement. “I am proud to contribute the Defend Equality Love Unites image to the fight for marriage equality, and commend FAIR for putting this image to good use." The signed prints will be sold in online auctions starting in November 2009, with the official launch event being held at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel on November 12th. VIP tickets for the event are $100. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Robert De Niro as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. De Niro's support inspires you - take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

Canvassing in Maine, a Day in the Life

No on 1/Protect Maine Equality
October 25, 2009
Heidi Overbeck, a No on 1 volunteer, writes about her positive experience canvassing in Portland on Saturday in the rain. [Link]

No matter where you live, volunteer for No on 1 here!

Anatomy of a Slur (Part 1)

Independent Gay Forum
October 24, 2009
David Link dissects the anti-gay group Stand for Marriage Maine's latest ad that falsely claims Maine's marriage equality law will affect public school curriculum. Link notes that the ad's strategic use of the pronoun "they" when referring to marriage equality supporters helps promote an "us against them" mentality. [Link]

Washington State Domestic Partnership Fight Fuels Debate Over Petitioners' Rights

Los Angeles Times
October 25, 2009
Legal proceedings over whether the names of people who signed petitions for Wash. state's Referendum 71 and Calif.'s Prop. 8 should be withheld from the public have sparked debate over First Amendment protections and what is public and what is private in politics. [Link]

Hundreds Plan to Testify at D.C. Marriage Equality Hearing

The Washington Post - D.C. Wire
October 23, 2009
D.C. Wire reports that more than 250 people have signed up to testify for or against a proposal to allow marriage equality in the District, necessitating a two-day hearing. The first 100 witnesses will begin testifying Monday at 3:30pm. [Link]

Op-Ed: Yet Another Threat to Open Elections

The Tacoma News Tribune
October 26, 2009
The Tacoma News Tribune editorial board censures opponents of marriage equality for attempting to withhold the names of Referendum 71 petition signers from the public: "If successful, it would crack the bedrock foundation of campaign disclosure laws in Washington and other states." [Link]

Support Washington State domestic partnerships here.

Maine Marriage Supporters Lead in Funding

The Associated Press
October 23, 2009
NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality said in its campaign finance report on Friday that it has raised $4 million to preserve marriage equality in Maine, compared to $2.5 million raised by the opposing Stand for Marriage Maine campaign. [Link]

Judge Denies Anti-Gay Prop. 8 Backers Delay on Memos

San Francisco Chronicle
October 26, 2009
U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker on Friday said supporters of Prop. 8 may not delay in handing over campaign strategy documents to plaintiffs in the legal challenge to the initiative looking for evidence of anti-gay bias as they try to overturn it. [Link]

NO on 1 Announces 20,000 Donors, Breaks $4M in Fundraising Efforts

No on 1/Protect Maine Equality
October 23, 2009
The Maine NO on 1 campaign today announced that it has broken the $4 million threshold, with donations from over 20,000 donors, in its effort to preserve marriage equality and defeat Question 1. By contrast, the opposition has been fueled almost exclusively by New Jersey-based National Organization for Marriage. [Link]

Click here to support marriage equality in Maine!

Voice for Equality: Shanna Moakler

Shanna Moakler is a former Miss USA, actress and reality television star. After being crowned Miss USA in 1995, Ms. Moakler went on to star in USA Network’s Pacific Blue for two seasons and her own MTV reality television show following her marriage to Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker on Meet the Barkers. She appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2006 and recently, she hosted the CW’s Crowned: The Mother of All Pageants. Learn more here.

Following the 2009 Miss USA/Miss California pageant competition, during which contestant Carrie Prejean expressed her opposition to marriage equality and then joined the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage as a highly-visible spokesperson, Shanna Moakler, who was the Co-Executive Director of the pageant, voiced her support for marriage equality. During a panel discussion on the Larry King Live show, Ms. Moakler asked:

What is wrong with a mother and a mother? And what is wrong with a father and a father? I don’t think that anyone can define marriage except two people who are in a union together who love each other. I don’t think there’s an organization that can do that. [Link]

In another interview with US Weekly magazine, Ms. Moakler stated:

What I hope for is helping others understand ‘civil union’ and then one day helping people learn ‘marriage’ is something not God, not the state or country can solidify, but between two people who love each other.” [Link]

Ms. Moakler later resigned from the Miss California USA organization as a result of the controversy surrounding Carrie Prejean and her anti-marriage equality activities, stating:

I cannot with a clear conscious move forward supporting and promoting the Miss Universe Organization when I no longer believe in it… [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Shanna Moakler as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!

TV Ads Aren't the Entire Answer in Maine

The BILERICO Project
October 25, 2009
All the focus on television ads, both in Maine and California, misses the fact that advertising rarely moves more than a tiny fraction of people to change their minds on anything they feel they know well. And if there's one issue that everyone thinks they know about, it's marriage. That's precisely why, when it comes to marriage, ads must be matched with face-to-face conversations with voters. That is exactly what No on 1 campaign is doing, under the leadership of Jesse Connolly. [Link]

Mexico City Government Chief Supports Marriage Equality Initiative

anodis.com
October 23, 2009
The Asamblea of Mexico City, where the left party (PRD) is the majority, may take a step forward from the Sociedades de Convivencia law that allowed civil partnership for same-sex couples, to institutionalize same-sex marriage. [Link]

No on 1: How much hate can $1.4 million buy?

No on 1/Protect Maine Equality
October 24, 2009

No on 1/Protect Maine Equality: Anti-gay group, Yes on 1, has filed a fundraising report showing they raised $1.4 million in just 20 days. Over $1.1 million of that came from the National Organization for Marriage, a radical anti-equality group from New Jersey. $1.4 million buys a lot of airtime in Maine, and their latest ad is just more of the same misleading scare tactics they've been using all along.

We need your help as we enter the final 10 days of this campaign. We know that with their new, 1.4 million-dollar war chest, mostly from one of the country's most radical anti-equality groups, the opposition's most vitriolic attack is right around the corner.

Click here to help. [Link]

Pro-Marriage Equality WWII Vet in Spotlight

MyFOXMaine
October 23, 2009
87-year-old Philip Spooner of Biddeford, a lifelong Republican and World War II veteran, spoke in favor of same-sex marriage at a public hearing at the Augusta Civic Center last spring. The video of his speech has become an Internet sensation, receiving hundreds of thousands of hits from people all over the world. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Julia Roberts

Julia Roberts is an American actress. She became well known during the early 1990s after starring in the romantic comedy Pretty Woman opposite Richard Gere, which grossed $463 million worldwide. After receiving Academy Award nominations for Steel Magnolias in 1990 and Pretty Woman in 1991, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 2001 for her performance in Erin Brockovich. Her films, which also include romantic comedies such as My Best Friend's Wedding, Mystic Pizza, Notting Hill, Runaway Bride, and crime films such as The Pelican Brief and Ocean's Eleven and Ocean's Twelve have collectively brought box office receipts of over $2 billion, making her the most successful Hollywood film actress in terms of box office receipts. Learn more here.

It was announced on Wednesday, October 14th, that Julia Roberts, along with a variety of other celebrities, would be signing their names to a Shepard Fairey print in order to support marriage equality. More than 80 celebrities in all signed "Defend Equality - Love Unites" original prints with a design by Shepard Fairey. The pieces will be sold in online auctions starting in November, with Shepard Fairey taking part in the official launch event at the Andaz West Hollywood hotel on November 12th. VIP tickets for the event are $100. [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Julia Roberts as a Voice for Equality! See other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Roberts' support inspires you - take action! Link to No on 1/Protect Maine Equality to find out how you can help with the vital work of preserving marriage equality in Maine!

**Make your NOMINATION for a Voice for Equality today!