One Iowa Freedom to Marry Week Events

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 10
Lobby Day at the Capitol - see previous Freedom to Marry post for details.

Then...

One Iowa and Out Networking Freedom to Marry Week Tweet-up and Social
Join One Iowa and Out Networking to celebrate freedom to marry week in Iowa with a tweet-up and social. Appetizers and a free drink ticket for those who are new to Out Networking. Use hashtag #IowaFTM.

One Iowa and Out Networking Freedom to Marry Week Tweet-up and Social
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Des Moines Social Club
1408 Locust Street Des Moines, IA 50309 [Link]

Pennsylvania courts to offer LGBT domestic-partner benefits

Philadelphia Gay News
January 28, 2010
Employees of Pennsylvania’s court system who are in same-sex relationships will now be entitled to the same benefits as their heterosexual married counterparts. The domestic-partner policy, announced Jan. 29 to all employees through a memo with their paystubs, will allow the partners of gay and lesbian staffers to be included on the medical, dental, vision and prescription-drug plans currently offered to married heterosexual couples. [Link]

Meghan McCain Says Her Father's "Coming Along" on Freedom to Marry

Valley Fever (Phoenix New Times)
January 29, 2010
During a speech at the University of Florida, Meghan McCain said that her father, Sen. John McCain, is "coming along" on the freedom to marry: "He's 73 years old. It's difficult. I keep telling people 'You continue putting pressure on President Obama, and I'll continue putting pressure on my father.'" [Link]

Super Bowl Kiss Ad May Force CBS to Rate Smooches

Faith and Reason (USA Today)
January 29, 2010
Controversy on whether an advertisement for ManCrunch, a gay dating site, will air on CBS during the Super Bowl comes amid controversy surrounding CBS's decision to air an ad from Focus on the Family. [Link]

Maine Ethics Commission Votes 4-1 to Deny NOM's Petition For Investigation Stay

Pam's House Blend
January 29, 2010
The State of Maine Commission on Governmental Ethics and Election Practices will continue their investigation into whether or not the National Organization for Marriage violated Maine law with their campaign against marriage equality in the state. The commission on Thursday denied NOM's petition objecting to the release of the organization's documents. [Link]

Mexico prosecutor challenges freedom to marry law

Agence France-Presse (Mexico)
January 29, 2010
Mexico City Mayor Marcelo Ebrard called an appeal against the city's marriage equality law by the country's Attorney General "a grave mistake." Ebrard said that it is not the job of the attorney general to decide the city's laws. [Link]

Malawi Court Denies Gay Couple Bail For Second Time

Reuters - Malawi
January 29, 2010
Malawi’s High Court refused on Thursday to release on bail a gay couple from a maximum security prison where they have been held for a month, saying it had denied their request for their own safety. Police arrested Steven Monjeza, 26 and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, in late December for getting engaged in a traditional ceremony. This week, 34 British members of parliament joined Amnesty International in calling for their unconditional release. [Link]

Delay of Maryland Attorney General Criticized in Marriage Ruling

The Baltimore Sun
January 29, 2010
Maryland Republicans criticized the state's attorney general Thursday for "playing politics" with the requested opinion on whether or not Maryland will recognize the marriage certificates of gay and lesbian couples married in other states. [Link]

Freedom to Marry Ban Goes to Indiana House Once Again

WISHTV.com (Indianapolis)
January 29, 2010
The Indiana state Senate passed a proposed constitutional amendment to ban marriage equality Thursday. The proposal will go to the state House, where a similar effort was previously blocked and where no action on the matter is expected this year. [Link]

Rewind: Evan Wolfson and Rick Jacobs discuss Prop 8, Freedom to Marry

365GAY.com
January 29, 2010
On Thursday, 365gay readers had the opportunity to chat live with Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry and Rick Jacobs of the Courage Campaign about the Prop 8 trial and what’s next for gay marriage. Both Wolfson and Jacobs stressed that we need to continue to tell our personal stories and come out to family, friends and strangers. If this case winds up before the Supreme Court, we are more likely to win if we have helped turn the tide of public opinion. Learn more and read a transcript of the entire discussion here.

Voice for Equality: Charlie Baker

Charlie Baker is an American businessman and elected official from Massachusetts. He was a cabinet official under two Massachusetts governors, spent ten years as CEO of Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, and is a Republican candidate in the 2010 Massachusetts gubernatorial election. Baker chose openly-gay Senate minority leader Richard R. Tisei as his running mate and he is campaigning against former independent candidate Christy Mihos for the Republican nomination. He is running as a social liberal (in favor of the freedom to marry and abortion rights) but a fiscal conservative, stressing job creation as his primary focus. Learn more here.

On December 8, 2009, KnowThyNeighbor.org published a piece on LGBT politics in Massachusetts focusing on Baker's staunch support for marriage equality:

KnowThyNeighbor contacted GOP frontrunner Charlie Baker months ago before he made his own announcement for run for Governor and asked Mr. Baker all about his stance on marriage equality and LGBT Rights. Of course we know now that Baker included his support for marriage equality in his announcement speech and even went as far to talk publicly about his own gay brother. But at the time I made my outreach to Baker, Scott Brown was not running for Kennedy's seat and my concerns were that Brown may be the Party's choice as Lt. Governor. Baker let me know perfectly clearly that he would not choose as a running mate anyone who would have a different opinion on an issue (marriage equality) that he felt so strongly about.[Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Charlie Baker as another Republican Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Baker's support inspires you - get involved.

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

Voice for Equality: Don Imus

Don Imus is an American radio host, humorist, writer, and philanthropist. Imus’s sometimes controversial statements and colorful language have often drawn the attention of the press and have gotten him into several well-publicized battles, one of which resulted in his show being pulled from the air. The current version of his nationally-syndicated talk show, Imus in the Morning, returned to television on October 5, 2009 and is currently seen on Fox Business Network from 6:00-9:00 EST Monday-Friday. Learn more here.

On January 27, 2010, Imus in the Morning featured David Boies, co-counsel with Ted Olson for the pro-freedom to marry side in the Prop 8 Trial in California. In the course of the discussion, Don Imus expressed support for the freedom to marry, saying: "I supported—not that it’s important, but I support it [the freedom to marry] on the basis of the philosophy of my friend Kinky Friedman, who thinks that they [gay couples] have a right to be as unhappy…as anybody...It's great that you and Ted are doing this, and I hope you win, good luck." During the interview, Mr. Boies explained the constitutional and civil rights issues at stake in the case. Watch the video of the Don Imus/David Boies interview below:



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

If Mr. Imus' support speaks to you - get involved.

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

Rhode Island: Rally for Marriage Equality

MERI - Marriage Equality Rhode Island
January 27, 2010

BE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HISTORY!
Honoring and Protecting ALL Rhode Island Families

What: Rally for Marriage Equality
When: Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Where: RI State House, 82 Smith St., Providence
Time: 4pm

Will your next Governor sign marriage equality into law? Raise your voice with the candidates for Governor to call the Rhode Island legislature to action. Bring your family, grab your signs and join state leaders in demanding full equality for ALL Rhode Island families. [Link]

Lambda Legal Freedom to Marry Reception - Chicago

Lambda Legal
9th Annual Freedom to Marry Reception
February 18, 2010 | 6:00 pm – 9:00 pm
National Museum of Mexican Art
1852 W. 19th Street, Chicago, IL
With more than 60 community partner organizations and over 400 attendees, Freedom to Marry is one of the state’s favorite events that celebrates and advocates for the fight for marriage equality. [Link] Get tickets here.

Marriage for Same-Sex Couples: A Conversation

Columbia Law School Magazine
January 7, 2010
Following the many developments regarding the freedom to marry in 2009, Columbia Law School Magazine approached four professors of varying backgrounds to document their thoughts on marriage for same-sex couples in a series of back-and-forth emails—no moderator, no referee. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Victor Garber

Victor Garber is a Canadian film, stage and television actor and singer. Garber is perhaps best known for playing Jesus in the film version of Godspell, Jack Bristow in the television series Alias and Thomas Andrews in James Cameron's Titanic. Other well-known appearances include Sleepless in Seattle (1993), Legally Blonde (2001), Annie (1999), and Tuck Everlasting (2002). In the late 1980s, he received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Liberace in the made-for-TV movie, Liberace: Behind the Music. He appeared on Broadway in the original productions of Deathtrap, Sweeney Todd, and Noises Off and in the original off-Broadway cast of Assassins, as well as in the 1990s revival of Damn Yankees. Learn more here.

Mr. Garber, who maintains a private personal life with partner Rainer Andreesen, a Canadian-born artist and former fashion model, 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 Victor Garber as a Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Ms. Garber's support inspires you - get involved.

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

Freedom to Marry Advocates in Maryland Thinking Long-Term

The Baltimore Sun
January 28, 2010
Maryland advocates for the freedom to marry don't anticipate big victories in the State House this year, despite the recent adoption of more permissive laws in DC, New Hampshire and elsewhere. Instead, proponents of marriage equality are thinking long-term, launching a fundraising and lobbying effort to target state legislators who are opposed to the freedom to marry. [Link]

Foes of Indiana Ban on Freedom to Marry Seek to Block Passage of Amendment

WIBC (Indianapolis)
January 27, 2010
Indiana advocates of the freedom to marry are lobbying in an attempt to prevent state legislators from voting on a proposed constitutional amendment that would further ban marriage equality in the state. A senate committee passed the measure on to the full state Senate last week. [Link]

Utah Rep. Chaffetz Fighting Freedom to Marry in D.C.

Deseret News
January 27, 2010
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, (R-Utah) introduced legislation Wednesday that seeks to overturn the marriage equality law that was passed by the Washington, D.C. city council, but Democratic leaders will likely not allow it to come to a vote due to the discriminatory nature of banning the freedom to marry. [Link]

Freedom to Marry Ban Comes at What Cost?

The Wall Street Journal
January 28, 2010
The Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy's Stephen Levy says that estimates by economists on the economic toll of Proposition 8 "miss the big picture" and that the greatest potential cost the California marriage ban has is on the state's reputation as a haven for a diverse group of workers. [Link]

Defense Lawyers Rest Case at Prop 8 Trial

The Associated Press
January 28, 2010
Testimony in the Proposition 8 trial ended Wednesday and Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker gave no time line for his ruling but said he will take time to review evidence before hearing closing arguments. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Peter Mills

Peter Mills is an American politician - a Republican from Maine. Mills currently serves in the Maine Senate, representing the 26th district. He ran for Governor of Maine in 2006, ultimately losing by 2,400 votes in the primary to Chandler Woodcock. Mills has announced he will run again for Governor in 2010. Learn more here.

In 2009, Mills was the only Republican in the Maine Senate to vote for the Freedom to Marry bill and in this interview he expanded on his reasoning, and predicted what he thought would happen at the ballot box in November:

[Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Maine state Senator Peter Mills as another Republican Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Senator Mills' support inspires you, get involved!

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

Statement from Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry, on the President's State of the Union Address to Congress

President Obama Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Military's Anti-Gay Policy

“An Important Show of Support for Gay and Lesbian Americans, But Short of Addressing the Government's Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples"

For Immediate Release:
January 27, 2010, New York, NY

New York, January 27, 2010 - Statement by Evan Wolfson, Executive Director of Freedom to Marry following President Obama's State of the Union address to Congress:

"President Obama’s pledge to end discrimination against gay people serving in the military, repeated in tonight’s State of the Union, is an important show of support for gay and lesbian Americans as well as a boost to our national security. Unfortunately, the President failed to address the government's discrimination against same-sex couples in his speech. The President spoke about the concerns of Americans across the country, from unemployment to access to good schools and adequate healthcare. Millions of gay and lesbian Americans share these same concerns and struggles, but also bear the extra burden of exclusion from marriage and the denial of legal protection in the workplace and at home. Particularly in a time of immense economic challenges, government should not put obstacles in the path of any committed couple seeking to take care of their loved ones. Freedom to Marry calls on the President to keep his promises and ensure the stability and security of all American families by working with Congress to pass the Respect for Marriage Act, which would end the government's policy of singling out married same-sex couples for discriminatory treatment under federal law. We also urge the President to keep his repeated promises to work with Congress to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act to prohibit workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity."

This is a Witness for the Defense?

Prop 8 Trial Tracker
January 27, 2010
Brian Leubitz discusses "expert" Prop 8 witness, David Blankenhorn, who was taken apart by David Boies during cross-examination. "If you'd like to see what Rick was talking about with Blankenhorn’s demeanor, check out this video of a gay marriage debate between Evan Wolfson, of Freedom to Marry, and Mr. Blankenhorn...Keep in mind, Wolfson wasn’t cross examining him, and Boies was nowhere in site." [Link]

Protect the Children (and mean it)

Waking Up Now
January 24, 2010
The Prop 8 trial has showcased the anti-gay opposition repeating lies about the LGBT community being more likely to molest children. But the best cure for dishonesty is truth. We all need to be able to debunk these lies. Watch the video below citing studies and experts on the subject of child abuse: [Link]

Voice for Equality: Peter Paige

Peter Paige is an American actor, director and screenwriter. His debut as director and writer was on the film Say Uncle. Best known for his role as Emmett Honeycutt on Showtime's hit series Queer as Folk, Paige's other television credits include Will & Grace, Time of Your Life, Girlfriends, Caroline in the City, American Dad, Related, Grey's Anatomy and Without a Trace. His very first audition in Los Angeles earned him a guest-starring role on Suddenly Susan. Paige spent summer 2004 starring in his feature directorial debut, Say Uncle, alongside Kathy Najimy, Anthony Clark, Melanie Lynskey, Lisa Edelstein and Gabrielle Union. Other film credits include Don McKellar's Childstar with Jennifer Jason Leigh and Dave Foley, Showtime's Our America (which debuted at Sundance in 2002), indie Pop and the award-winning shorts The Four of Us and The Shooting. Learn more here.

Mr. Paige posed for the NoH8 (No Hate) campaign to demonstrate his support for the freedom to marry. NoH8’s Adam Bouska has photographed thousands of subjects since California passed Proposition 8 in 2008. All of the subjects are photographed with duct tape over their mouths to symbolize that their voices aren’t being heard on the subject of the freedom to marry. [Link]

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

If Mr. Paige's support inspires you, get involved!

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

Prop 8 Trial, Day Eleven

Pam's House Blend
January 27, 2010
NCLR's Shannon Minter blogs about day 11 of the Proposition 8 trial. [Link]

Image by Destination360 California
Guide

Proposition 8 Trial Hears Testimony That Freedom to Marry Would Undermine Marriage

Los Angeles Times
January 27, 2010
The Institute for American Values' David Blankenhorn testified Tuesday in support of Proposition 8, but when he was cross-examined by plaintiffs' attorneys, he admitted to writing in a book that the U.S. would be "more American on the day we permit same-sex couples to marry than we were on the day before." He also admitted that marriage equality would "improve the well-being of gay and lesbian households and their children." [Link]

DC Board to Hear Freedom to Marry Bill Challenge

The Associated Press
January 27, 2010
The Board of Elections and Ethics in Washington D.C., will hold a hearing Wednesday on a measure that aims to overturn the district's marriage equality bill. [Link]

Opposition Witness Says Freedom to Marry Would Help Children

The Associated Press
January 26, 2010
The Institute for American Values' David Blankenhorn testified in favor of Proposition 8 on Tuesday, but said that allowing same-sex couples to marry would improve the well-being of the children raised by lesbian and gay parents. [Link]

See video of Freedom to Marry's Evan Wolfson quoting the American Academy of Pediatrics' - and numerous other expert organizations - positive position on same-sex couples raising children:

Voice for Equality: Steve Schmidt

Steve Schmidt is an American campaign strategist and public relations worker for the U.S. Republican Party. He specializes in political "message development and strategy." Schmidt was the senior campaign strategist and advisor to the 2008 presidential campaign of Senator John McCain. Early in his career, Schmidt was communications director of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. In 2001, he was the spokesman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, becoming the Communications Director by 2002. He left the NRCC in early 2003 to work for the lobbying firm Direct Impact Company. Schmidt joined the Bush administration as a Deputy Assistant to the President and Counselor to Vice President Dick Cheney. In 2004, he was a member of the senior strategic planning group, led by White House adviser Karl Rove, that ran President George W. Bush's re-election campaign; Schmidt oversaw the reelection "war room." In 2005 and 2006, he was the White House strategist in charge of the U.S. Supreme Court nominations of Samuel A. Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts. Learn more here.

On April 17, 2009, Steve Schmidt addressed a meeting of the Log Cabin Republicans, stating his support for marriage equality and saying the Republican party needed to embrace it:

I doubt voters under thirty will abandon social attributes that distinguish them from older voters; among them, a greater acceptance of people who find happiness in relationships with members of the same sex. And I believe Republicans should re-examine the extent to which we are being defined by positions on issues that I don’t believe are among our core values, and that put us at odds with what I expect will become over time, if not a consensus view, then the view of a substantial majority of voters...It cannot be argued that marriage between people of the same sex is un-American or threatens the rights of others. On the contrary, it seems to me that denying two consenting adults of the same sex the right to form a lawful union that is protected and respected by the state denies them two of the most basic natural rights affirmed in the preamble of our Declaration of Independence – liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. That, I believe, gives the argument of same sex marriage proponents its moral force...In closing, I’ll return to our national creed, what Lincoln called the inestimable jewel of American history, and offer my respect for and urge my fellow Republicans to respect every human being’s rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness as much as they cherish their own.

Schmidt also spoke of his lesbian sister and her partner, saying "...they are an important part of my life and our children's life. I admire your group [Log Cabin Republicans] and your organization and I encourage you to keep fighting for what you believe in because the day is going to come." [Link]

Freedom to Marry salutes Steve Schmidt as another Republican Voice for Equality! Learn about other Voices for Equality here.

If Mr. Schmidt's support inspires you, get involved!

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

Gay couple will apply for marriage license at Dallas’ Freedom to Marry Day demonstration

Pegasus News (Dallas/Ft Worth)
January 26, 2010
A same-sex wedding ceremony and protest for the rights that are denied to Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, and Transgender (LGBT) couples will take place on Friday before Valentines Day, February 12 beginning at noon. The ceremony will begin in the Historical Plaza, outside the Records Building at 509 Main St. in downtown Dallas followed by the newlyweds proceeding to the marriage license office with the crowd in tow to demand a license that recognizes their union. Freedom to Marry Day is being co-sponsored by Equality March Texas. [Link]

Get involved and learn about Freedom to Marry Week here, and let us know about events planned in your area!

One Iowa announces 2010 Lobby Day

One Iowa
January 25, 2010

Celebrate Freedom to Marry Week (February 7 - 13) by helping change the hearts and minds of Iowa legislators. The stories and voices of gay and lesbian couples, parents, friends, and allies are critical to keep marriage equality in Iowa. Join us for the whole day or a couple of hours to ensure equality in the months and years ahead! [Link]

February 10, 2010
9:00 AM – Registration (Capitol Room, 315 E. 5th St., Des Moines)
9:30 AM – Welcome/Training (Capitol Room, 315 E. 5th St., Des Moines)
10:45 AM – Share Your Story (Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines)
2:00 PM - Marriage Equality Reception (Iowa State Capitol, Des Moines)

Get involved and learn about Freedom to Marry Week here, and let us know about events planned in your area!

Maryland: Calling All Supporters of Equality!

Equality Maryland
January 25, 2010
Maryland remains one of a handful of states that has the opportunity to end marriage discrimination against same-sex couples in the near future. The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act will be re-introduced this session. Lawmakers won’t support the bill unless they are asked, and the best people to ask are the voters who live in their district – that would be you! [Link]
Equality Maryland Lobby Day
Monday, Feb. 8, 2010
4:30 - 8:00 pm
Lawyer's Mall, Annapolis Click here for details

Get involved and learn about Freedom to Marry Week here, and let us know about events planned in your area!

Freedom to Marry Week events in PA

Freedom to Marry Pennsylvania
January 25, 2010
A listing of events going on in the state of Pennsylvania for Freedom to Marry Week. Cities listed include: Harrisburg, Allentown, Philadelphia and Pottsville. [Link]

Get involved and learn about Freedom to Marry Week here, and let us know about events planned in your area!

Voice for Equality: Jensen Atwood

Jensen Atwood is an American actor who was raised and currently resides in South Central, Los Angeles. He is best known for his role in Noah's Arc as Wade Robinson. In interviews, Atwood says that playing Wade has been his most challenging role. Prior to joining the cast of Noah's Arc, Atwood played Johnny Taylor, opposite Halle Berry, in Oprah Winfrey Presents Their Eyes Were Watching God. Atwood appeared in many music videos for Destiny's Child, Toni Braxton, Ashanti, Lil Mo, Heather Headley and Chanté Moore-Kenny Lattimore and sang backup for Tyrese. He was on the cover of Krave Magazine as well. Mr. Atwood has spoken out against homophobia within the African-American community and is a supporter of GLBT rights and causes. Learn more here.

Jensen Atwood posed for the NoH8 (No Hate) campaign to demonstrate his support for the freedom to marry. NoH8’s Adam Bouska has photographed thousands of subjects since California passed Proposition 8 in 2008. All of the subjects are photographed with duct tape over their mouths to symbolize that their voices aren’t being heard on the subject of the freedom to marry. [Link]

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

If Mr. Atwood's support inspires you, get involved!

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

Hawaii House to decide by Friday whether to vote on civil unions

honoluluadvertiser.com
January 26, 2010
State House Speaker Calvin Say said yesterday that he will announce by Friday whether the House will vote on a civil-unions bill. After a private caucus among majority Democrats, Say said lawmakers will have to consider whether they want to bring the bill to the floor even if they do not have a veto-proof margin, or 34 of 51 lawmakers. [Link]

Minnesota Freedom to Marry Week Event

OutFront Minnesota
I Do Support Love - Freedom to Marry Day Rally
Thursday, February 11th, 8:30-9:30am - Capitol Rotunda.

Make your sign and head over to the capitol to show your support for enacting freedom to marry legislation in Minnesota. Clergy and faith leaders will lead us in an inspiring rally for justice. [Link]

More Pro-LGBT Bills Passed in 2009 than in ‘08 and ‘07 Combined

HRC BACK STORY
January 26, 2010
Today the Human Rights Campaign Foundation released its annual, comprehensive state-by-state report detailing LGBT-related legislation in 2009 with an outlook for 2010. The report indicates that despite disappointments in 2009, it was a banner year for positive legislation affecting the LGBT community with as many positive bills passed in 2009 as in 2007 and 2008 combined. [Link]

One Iowa: Celebrate Freedom to Marry Week!

oneiowa
January 19, 2010
This time last year, we were anticipating the possibility of marriage equality. Now, a year later, we are one of only five states to fully realize the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples. But with this victory came those who would take that freedom away. There is still a lot of work to do to educate our friends, families, and neighbors about the importance and role of marriage for all Iowans. Party for a cause – host a Marriage Equality House Party! [Link]

The Gay Wink

The Huffington Post
January 25, 2010
Mark Shields and Winnie Stachelberg write about the offering of a "wink" to LGBT people by certain television shows. Shields and Stachelberg claim that these subtle nods creating a less hostile environment for LGBT people without upsetting anybody else, and say that acts like Cindy McCain's participation in the "NoH8" campaign could be a signal of a "new generation of gay winking going on," especially by the spouses of political leaders. [Link]

Prop 8 Trial, Day Ten

Pam's House Blend
January 26, 2010
NCLR's Shannon Minter writes about the 10th day of the Proposition 8 trial and the first witness called by the defendant-intervenors, Kenneth Miller, a government professor at Claremont McKenna College. Minter writes that Miller offered "a surprisingly superficial account of political power," and "made several admissions that undermined his credibility as an expert." [Link]

Divorce, Not Freedom to Marry, Is the Real Issue for Rescuing Families

The Huffington Post
January 26, 2010
Rabbi Shmuley Boteach writes that denial of marriage equality "has absolutely nothing to do with rescuing the institution of marriage" and that the real issue is divorce: "[M]ore than 50% of all marriages end in divorce. And this was happening years before gays came out in significant numbers, let alone demanded the right to marry." [Link]

Civil Unions Bill May Help Bolster Hawaii Tourism

KITV.com (Honolulu)
January 26, 2010
The civil unions bill approved by the Hawaii state Senate Friday may help to increase the number of gay and lesbian tourists who vacation in the state. The state Senate's decision came days after a report that showed Hawaii is declining as a favorite vacation destination for LGBT people. [Link]

Op-Ed: Prop. 8 and Coming to the End of Fear

Los Angeles Times
January 26, 2010
Katherine A. Briccetti writes that she believes marriage equality will bring with it the end of fear of lesbian and gay people. "It’s a matter of overcoming our real enemy. And I’m proof, along with Pam and our sons and so many others, that we won’t let fear take over the world." [Link]

Supporters of Ban on Freedom to Marry Start Case

The New York Times
January 25, 2010
The pro-Prop 8 side called its first witness Monday - Claremont McKenna College professor Kenneth Miller. In his cross-examination of the witness, David Boies peppered Miller with questions about discrepancies between his testimony on gay political clout and his earlier sworn depositions. [Link]

Voice for Equality: Dede Scozzafava

Dede Scozzafava is an American Republican politician in New York. She has represented District 122 in the New York State Assembly, which includes most of St. Lawrence and Lewis Counties in the North Country and a small portion of Oswego County since 1999. She was the Republican nominee to run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2009 special election in New York's 23rd congressional district. Many notable conservative Republicans, including former Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota and former U.S. Senator Fred Thompson, endorsed Conservative Party candidate Doug Hoffman rather than the Republican candidate because they deemed Scozzafava insufficiently conservative. Due to her campaign becoming a national focal point, and with less than robust support from the Republican National Committee, Scozzafava suspended her campaign shortly before the election and threw her support to the eventual Democratic winner, Bill Owens. Learn more here.

Dede Scozzafava has established herself as an open-minded Republican who votes for what she believes is right rather than following conservative party doctrine, especially on social issues. A pro-choice supporter, she has also consistently made the case when it comes to marriage equality that supporting loving couples should not be a partisan issue. She voted in support of the freedom to marry when it first came up in the New York State Assembly in 2007, and has stood her ground ever since. [Link]

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

If Assemblywoman Scozzafava's support inspires you, get involved!

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

Prop 8 Trial, Day Nine

Pam's House Blend
January 25, 2010
NCLR's Shannon Minter discusses the ninth day of the Proposition 8 trial: "This has been an unbelievable week, with testimony that ranged from highly technical and informative to deeply personal, emotional, and moving. The plaintiffs put on an impressive array of witnesses whose testimony, taken as a whole, overwhelmingly supports their case and underscores the profound harm Prop 8 has caused to LGBT people." [Link]

Jane Lynch Plans to Marry Girlfriend Dr Lara Embry

shewired.com
January 22, 2010
Voice for Equality, Jane Lynch, recently told the Guardian, a UK publication, that she is in a committed relationship and she told a Golden Globe red carpet interviewer that she was at the awards with her girlfriend. Then the New York Times Carpetbagger blog reported: “Jane Lynch, who saw her Fox show Glee win a Golden Globe and who told us she was marrying her partner, Lara, in May, summed up the night’s victories for Fox: 'It’s good to be on the winning team.'” [Link]

Voice for Equality: Leslie Jordan

Leslie Jordan is an American Emmy Award-winning actor and playwright. Hailing from Chattanooga, Tennessee and at a height of just 4 ft 11 in (1.50 m), Jordan has become an instantly recognizable face in film and television. He is most well known for his television work - including guest appearances on Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, Star Trek: Voyager, Reba, Boston Public, Boston Legal, Nash Bridges and his secondary role on Hearts Afire. He has recently guest-starred on the popular comedy-drama Ugly Betty as celebrity-trasher Quincy Combs. In 2007, Jordan starred as Jesse Joe in the short-lived CW television program, Hidden Palms. He also portrayed the ski patrol director in Ski Patrol. Jordan is best known for his role of Karen's pretentious rival Beverley Leslie on the hit series Will & Grace. For that role he received an Emmy Award for Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series at the 58th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 2006. Jordan is an accomplished stage actor and playwright. In one of his best-known performances onstage, he played "Brother Boy" in Sordid Lives, a role he took to the big screen in the popular cult film of the same name. Jordan reprised the role in the Sordid Lives: The Series, a televised spin-off of the movie airing on Logo. He wrote and starred in the autobiographical play Lost in the Pershing Point Hotel, which was also made into a motion picture. He recently toured the country performing his one-man stage comedy, Like a Dog on Linoleum, to rave reviews. Jordan, who is openly gay, has recently starred in the pilot episode of Laugh Out, the world's first interactive, gay-themed comedy show. Learn more here.

Leslie Jordan posed for the NoH8 (No Hate) campaign to demonstrate his support for the freedom to marry. NoH8’s Adam Bouska has photographed thousands of subjects since California passed Proposition 8 in 2008. All of the subjects are photographed with duct tape over their mouths to symbolize that their voices aren’t being heard on the subject of the freedom to marry. [Link]

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

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