Prop 8 News from Stop8.org: January 2009

N.H. Bishop to testify at gay marriage hearing Friday, 01/30/09
Seacoast Online

The Rev. V. Gene Robinson will testify Thursday before the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee on a bill to allow gay marriage in the Granite State.

[Read the article or read more articles from Seacoast Online.]

Uncommon ground Friday, 01/30/09
Salt Lake Tribune

That alleged "slippery slope" is protected by an impenetrable guard rail -- Amendment 3 of the Utah Constitution, which defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman. What Common Ground supporters seek are basic legal rights and protections, not marriage licenses. Lawmakers should set their paranoia aside, and listen to common sense instead of the radical right.

[Read the article or read more articles from Salt Lake Tribune.]

NH gay bill shelved Friday, 01/30/09
365Gay

A bill that would have mandated that partners in civil unions be added to all state insurance laws was put on hold just as House committee was about to hold a hearing on the measure.

Rep. Edward Butler (D), the bill's sponsor, pulled the legislation, saying there were other measures dealing with same-sex couples that should be considered first.

Among those is a proposal to change New Hampshire's year old civil union law to allow for full marriage. A hearing on that bill is scheduled for Feb. 5.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

BASF Asks State Bar To Reconsider Annual Meeting Hotel Thursday, 01/29/09
Press Release

The Bar Association of San Francisco today asked the State Bar of California to reconsider holding it annual meeting, as well as the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations (CDCBA) meeting, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in September. The hotel's owner, Doug Manchester, contributed $125,000 to the Yes on 8 Campaign which supported the passing of Proposition 8 in November 2008.

[Read the article or read more articles from Press Release.]

Third Increment's the Charm Thursday, 01/29/09
The Stranger

What has struck Murray--a veteran of Olympia's pitched battles over gay rights--is how little opposition there is to completing Washington state's domestic partnership law.

"The most remarkable thing is how unremarkable this is," said Murray. "We're not having a culture war down here about domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian families. Even two years ago, three sessions ago, domestic partnership was a very controversial issues. Four sessions ago the gay civil rights bill passed by a single vote in the state senate. Our support has increased a great deal in a short period of time."

Murray credits the growing support for gay equality--and for gay marriage rights in particular--to the increased visibility of gay and lesbian families.

"When people understand what gay and lesbian families actually are," said Murray, "when they know us, when they see what are struggles, they support us. Every time." The legislature has six openly gay members--all men--but this year it got its first member with gay parents. "We have a new state senator here, Kevin Ranker. He's the state senator from San Juan County. He represents part of Whatcom County. He stood up at our caucus dinner and said that he was the proud son of two gay fathers. Moments like that are really significant."

[Read the article or read more articles from The Stranger.]

Judge denies request to keep Proposition 8 donors secret Thursday, 01/29/09
Sacramento Bee

"The court finds that the state is not facilitating retaliation by compelling disclosure," he said.

[Read the article or read more articles from Sacramento Bee.]

Editorial: No special protection for Prop. 8 backers Thursday, 01/29/09
Monterey County Herald

We have heard nothing that convinces us that opponents of gay marriage require or deserve protections any greater than those contributing to other controversial measures, which have filled California's ballot for decades. Gun laws, abortion rights, property rights and other emotional issues have made regular appearances on the ballots.

[Read the article or read more articles from Monterey County Herald.]

GLAAD president Giuliano resigns Thursday, 01/29/09
365Gay

Giuliano also expanded GLAAD's influence as a national voice and began media programs reaching out to young adults, communities of religion and faith, and sports media. GLAAD also acquired Queer Lounge at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007 and will launch an advertising media program later in 2009 with the assets of the former Commercial Closet Association.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Utah gay rights bills get off to bad start Thursday, 01/29/09
365Gay

Earlier this month, a poll commissioned by Equality Utah found that 63 percent support gay legal protections including some rights for same-sex couples.

The survey found that 62 percent believe it should be illegal to fire someone for being gay and 57 percent said it should be illegal to deny housing to someone for being gay.

On the issue of partner rights, 73 percent said they would support health insurance coverage for a partner or other designated adult for state employees. Utahans however are not ready for same-sex marriage. Only 20 percent said they supported gay marriage.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Colombia Rules Gay Couples Must Be Granted Same Rights as Straight Thursday, 01/29/09
Advocate

The court's decision means Colombia's gay couples will be awarded dozens of rights that straight, unmarried couples have enjoyed for years and follows other recent rulings that have won the nation's same-sex couples inheritance, pension, health, and social security rights.

[Read the article or read more articles from Advocate.]

Prop 8 backers oppose initiative openness Wednesday, 01/28/09
Highland Community News

And yet, all that's been reliably documented are a few examples of gays and their supporters staying away from businesses whose owners were Proposition 8 donors. No physical harm whatsoever.

[Read the article or read more articles from Highland Community News.]

The Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Needs to Happen Now Wednesday, 01/28/09
Change.org

The key statement there, at least to us, is that evidence shows that the presence of gays (and lesbians!) does not undermine unit cohesion in the armed services. Contrary to what you might read over at the Center for Military Readiness, that's just a simple fact - gays and lesbians do not harm unit cohesion, do not negatively impact unit recruitment or retention, and do not harm military morale.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

The Health Impact of Making Marriage Legal Wednesday, 01/28/09
Change.org

ACOG's statement looks specifically at the impact on lesbian relationships, noting that "many lesbians experience barriers to health care, including concerns about confidentiality, discriminatory attitudes and treatment, limited access to health care and health insurance, and often an inadequate understanding of their own health risks. Adding to these obstacles, lesbians and their families are negatively affected by the lack of legal recognition of their relationships and the lawful protections that automatically come with legally recognized marriage. This lack of legal rights has direct health-related implications for lesbian couples and their children."

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

A Look At Yes! On Equality - The 2010 Proposed Ballot Measure Repealing Prop 8 Wednesday, 01/28/09

Yes! On Equality is spearheaded by Sacromentian (Sacramento-ian?) Charles "Chazz" Lowe. Lowe, who has been involved in local LGBT issues for a long time, is confident that if the California Supreme Court does not over turn Prop 8 this Spring then voters will overturn it in a 2010 election.

Like many same-sex marriage supporters, Lowe was disappointed by the insular and ineffective No-On-8 campaign, but he refuses to get caught up in the past. "It's time to look forward" he says, " we need to reach out to more people and be inclusive." Lowe says that Yes! On Equality will focus its efforts on reaching out to people that the No-On-8 campaign could not connect with.

"I was baptized in the Mormon church" says Lowe, "there are people in the Mormon church and in every religious group who don't like Prop 8, we need to include those people...we need their help." Yes! On Equality also wants to reach out into their own backyard, specifically the Central Valley, an area that was sorely ignored by the No-On-8 campaign.

Voter initiative would allow civil partnerships in Arizona Wednesday, 01/28/09
365Gay

Two gay Arizona men have begun a voter initiative to legalize civil partnerships in the state.
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Gino Meriano and Philip Cotton filed notice of the proposal with the Secretary of State's Office, the first step to begin collecting signatures to have the question put to voters in 2010.

"This was a special moment and one that Philip and I will not forget, at last a new start and fresh approach for Arizona by bringing a new concept that will provide same-sex couples full and equal legal rights and protection that is well overdue," Meriano said in a statement.

To get the question placed on the ballot they will need to collect 230,047 valid signatures.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Psychoanalysts call for end to military gay ban Wednesday, 01/28/09
365Gay

"It is the position of APsaA that sexual orientation is not germane to any aspect of military effectiveness, including unit cohesion, morale, recruitment or retention," the resolution says.

"Empirical evidence, as well as comparative data from foreign militaries and domestic police and fire departments shows that when lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are allowed to serve openly there is no evidence of disruption."

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

The money still matters in the ongoing battles over Prop. 8 Tuesday, 01/27/09
SF Gate

At an often-tense conference in Los Angeles last Saturday, angry grassroots activists in the marriage equality movement loudly demanded that the leaders of the "No on 8" effort tell them how much money was spent, where it went and how much is left in the kitty.

They weren't happy when the answer was little more than a shoulder shrug and a "We'll have to get back to you on that."

[Read the article or read more articles from SF Gate.]

Is It Time For A Gay Marriage Ballot Initiative in California? Tuesday, 01/27/09
Queerty

So, this thing is going to happen and our gut instinct is that it ought to happen. The time for careful, cautious strategies is over- it's time for the gay community to embrace a "shock and awe" approach. Each new campaign, whether it fails or not, will act as a battering ram on the door of intolerance. More importantly, our sense is that the gay community can not go through another five years of free-floating frustration. A new ballot initiative will have tangible benefits in community building and organization. Camp Courage's genius is that it's giving civil rights activists the tools to do something tangible.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queerty.]

Foreign Policy Workers Ask U.S. To Back Benefits for Gay Partners Tuesday, 01/27/09
Washington Post

The issue achieved prominence in 2007 when a respected ambassador, Michael Guest, resigned after 26 years in the Foreign Service to protest the rules and regulations that he argued gave same-sex partners fewer benefits than family pets. Guest said he was forced to choose "between obligations to my partner, who is my family, and service to my country," which he called "a shame for this institution and our country."

Guest was a member of Obama's State Department transition team.

In the letter, which was organized by the group Gays and Lesbians in Foreign Affairs Agencies, the signatories wrote, "We believe that no colleague of ours is a second-class colleague, and no colleague's family is a second-class family." Many of the disparities could be resolved with an order from Clinton's office, the letter said, though some would require legislation.

[Read the article or read more articles from Washington Post.]

Married or not, let couples adopt Tuesday, 01/27/09
LA Times

With so many kids needing homes, it is shocking that a growing number of states now prohibit unmarried couples -- gay and straight -- from adopting or serving as foster parents. In November, Arkansas joined a growing list of states that ban such adoptions, including Georgia, Oklahoma, Utah and Mississippi.

My partner, Dan, and I hope to adopt one day. (Gay adoption is legal in California.) And if we do, it will be out of a conviction that kids deserve a better chance than I had for a permanent, loving home.

I'm confused by people who call themselves pro-family yet would prefer to see children bounce from home to home -- or worse, to be raised in an institution -- because there aren't enough foster homes to go around.

[Read the article or read more articles from LA Times.]

Just Issued: Guide To Your Rights As A Gay New Yorker Married Out Of State Tuesday, 01/27/09
Joe My God

The Empire State Pride Agenda, the ACLU, the NYCLU, and Lambda Legal have collaborated to create a document called Your Government Respects Your Marriage: Developments in New York State Agency Recognition of Same-Sex Couples' Out-of-State Marriages.

[Read the article or read more articles from Joe My God.]

MarriageEqualityUSA: Collective Wisdom of Our Grassroots Community Tuesday, 01/27/09
Pam's House Blend

It goes without saying that I believe the slideshow is worth watching, and the reports are worth reading. Lots of good info in the collected thoughts.

[Read the article or read more articles from Pam's House Blend.]

Gay students at BYU still struggle for acceptance Tuesday, 01/27/09
Salt Lake Tribune

Recent studies show that gays rejected by their families have a far higher incidence of suicide, while mainstream psychology flatly rejects therapies intended to "cure" same-sex attraction.

[Read the article or read more articles from Salt Lake Tribune.]

Mormon Utah Legislators Oppose Even the Slightest of Gay Rights Tuesday, 01/27/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

The more I experience the actions of those in leadership positions or those who have power withing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the more I become convinced that this organization is an instrument of organized homophobia and that there are no rights, no equalities, no measures of freedom for gay men and women that are too small for them to let pass unopposed.

[Read the article or read more articles from Box Turtle Bulletin.]

"Everything but marriage" bill for gay couples Tuesday, 01/27/09
Seattle Times

The measure makes changes to all remaining areas of state law where currently only married couples are addressed.

[Read the article or read more articles from Seattle Times.]

Calif: Masking pro-Prop 8 names violates disclosure law Tuesday, 01/27/09
365Gay

The brief, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, contends that Proposition 8 supporters do not meet the criteria for the limited exemption to valid campaign disclosure laws - an exemption developed by the Supreme Court to protect the ability of historically persecuted minority parties to engage in political speech.

The brief notes that supporters of Proposition 8 are a well-financed association of individuals who raised nearly $30 million in support of a ballot measure that received 52.3 percent of the vote.

" There is no risk that disclosure of donors will harm their ability to organize or otherwise pursue their political views," Brown said.

"Additionally, there is no justification to shield donors from post-election reporting requirements. Rather, these requirements help to prevent kickbacks, laundering, and other improper uses of campaign funds."

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

EQCA Announces February 17 Lobby Day to Urge Invalidation of Proposition 8, Calls for Participants Tuesday, 01/27/09
California Gay Marriage Blog

Equality California will sponsor a lobby day where participants will urge legislators to support companion resolutions, SR 7 (Leno) and HR 5 (Ammiano), in the State Senate and Assembly that would put the legislature on record as opposing Proposition 8 as an invalid revision to the California Constitution. THe dayu is set for Tuesday, February 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the California State Capitol.

[Read the article or read more articles from California Gay Marriage Blog.]

Conservatives turn to gay adoption Tuesday, 01/27/09
365Gay

Nationwide polls show that a plurality of Americans think gays should be allowed to legally adopt children and a minority believe otherwise. In Arkansas, less than a month before the vote, a survey by the University of Arkansas found 55 percent of voters opposed to the ban.

Also, organizations seeking to ban marriage equality in California, Florida and Arizona generated big money for ballot initiatives last year -- about $50 million -- but the Family Council and Family Council Action Committee struggled to generate cash and even reported a campaign debt last spring.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Get Ready to Lose Prop 8 Part Two: They're Already Fighting to Protect DOMA Tuesday, 01/27/09
SFist

To be sure, some of the decisions over the last few months demand analysis. But while we're busy figuring out which opportunities we missed, it looks like we're about to miss an even bigger one.

[Read the article or read more articles from SFist.]

Prop 8 Musical Will Be Part of Star-Studded Defying Inequality Benefit Tuesday, 01/27/09
Playbill

A host of actors from stage and screen will take part in Defying Inequality: The Broadway Concert -- A Celebrity Benefit for Equal Rights, which will be held Feb. 23 at the Gershwin Theatre, the current home of Wicked.

[Read the article or read more articles from Playbill.]

Camp Courage: online tech tools session Monday, 01/26/09
Equality Camp

Julia Rosen of the Courage Campaign facilitated a great session on tools and techniques for online organizing. Here are notes from the session, taken by Kat.

[Read the article or read more articles from Equality Camp.]

Sixteen openly gay individuals earn presidential appointments Monday, 01/26/09
Victory Fund

So far, sixteen lesbian and gay individuals have received appointments from President Barack Obama. Many of these people applied for their positions through the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute's Presidential Appointments Project.

[Read the article or read more articles from Victory Fund.]

Prop 8: Repeal in 2010, 2012 or later? Monday, 01/26/09
Change.org

"I don't think anybody knows when is the best time to go back," Jacobs said. "My philosophy is having it go every time, and eventually we will win."

Californians will be going to the polls in 2010 to elect a new Governor, so turnout will likely be high. There's also perhaps never been a more energized core of activists wanting to enact marriage equality. Just look at the people who poured into the streets during the wake of Prop 8's victory, and the way that Prop 8 thrust same-sex marriage into the national dialogue like no other statewide initiative this year.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

No on 8: 'We messed up' Monday, 01/26/09
Rex Wockner

"When I look at what was the biggest mistake, when I lie awake at night prepping my e-mails I'm going to send to all of you and I think about the biggest mistake that we made, it's that we've turned everything over to political experts and political consultants," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. "And I would never ever do that again. You know, when we started Equality California, everyone was, like, 'Hire professional lobbyists to go lobby on LGBT issues,' and I was, like: 'You gotta be kidding. We're going to do our own lobbying because it's about our lives and we know what we're talking about and we know how to do this.' One thing, you know, that I would never do again ... we should have been in the strategy room and part of those (consultants') conversations, and that was a huge mistake."

[Read the article or read more articles from Rex Wockner.]

Notes from This Weekend's 'Equality Summit' in Los Angeles Monday, 01/26/09
Towleroad

Geoff Kors, Executive Committee member of 'No On 8', stated that the 'No On 8' campaign worked with social psychologists who interviewed people opposed to marriage equality even though they supported housing and employment rights for GLBT people. What they found was that ʻrights argumentsʼ did not appeal to this group of people when emotional appeals did. This resulted in the ʻGarden Weddingʼ ad which tests showed was highly successful in changing peopleʼs opinion to favor marriage equality. Kors said that the "biggest mistake is that we turned everything over to political consultants."

[Read the article or read more articles from Towleroad.]

New Yorkers: Senator Gillibrand Needs to Hear from You! Monday, 01/26/09
Immigration Equality

We urge our New York readers to call and congratulate your new Senator, and urge her to join Senator Schumer in supporting New York's lesbian and gay binational families by cosponsoring UAFA when it is reintroduced this year.

[Read the article or read more articles from Immigration Equality.]

More Questions Than Answers at Gay Marriage Equality Summit Monday, 01/26/09
Queerty

What's really needed - and this may seem stunningly obvious - is a meta-organization that would be dedicated to creating a multi-pronged strategy for marriage equality in all fifty states, that would include legal maneuvering, public outreach and community building. It would not be responsible for implementing the strategy, but would direct existing and yet-to-be created organizations on what they need to be doing and where to allocate their time and energy.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queerty.]

The 'Yes I do' Campaign Sunday, 01/25/09
Queers United

If your Members of Congress have not issued public statements supporting marriage equality, this is the time to contact them. These are new times; change is in the air.

Check out a listing of congress members supporting marriage equality.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

Prop. 8 replay not a sure bet for 2010 Sunday, 01/25/09
SF Gate

Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said she understands the urgency gay marriage supporters feel. But ultimately, a decision on timing would have to be based on "what makes the most strategic and political sense" and "a full appreciation of the enormity of such an undertaking," she said.

Apart from the practical mechanics, another factor to consider is whether it would be possible to raise enough money for a serious campaign in a poor economy, Kendell said. Spending for and against Proposition 8 exceeded $75 million, making it the most expensive ballot fight on a social issue in the nation's history.

David Binder, a San Francisco pollster who conducted a postelection analysis of why voters supported Proposition 8, said aiming for November 2010 has several advantages for same-sex marriage supporters.

For one, the disappointing outcome of the Proposition 8 fight has energized a lot of gay marriage supporters and the momentum could be lost by waiting two more years, Binder said. Also, California voters will be going to the polls next year to elect a new governor to replace Arnold Schwarzenegger, so turnout is likely to be high.

[Read the article or read more articles from SF Gate.]

Urge Senator Robert Bunda to Side With Equality on Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Sunday, 01/25/09
Queers United

Sen. Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa) said he needs to get a better understanding of the legislation and will consider it even though he has been opposed to same-sex unions in the past.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

Equality Summit vs. Camp Courage Sunday, 01/25/09
Equality Camp

Bear in mind that these two events had different purposes and here really hadn't been an airing of what happened in the No on 8 campaign, which is why the Equality Summit happened, along with the question of what to do next. My experience so far:

[Read the article or read more articles from Equality Camp.]

Prop. 8 opponents unhappy with campaign leaders Sunday, 01/25/09
SF Gate

By bringing in professional consultants and making the campaign more about politics than the needs, stories and enthusiasm of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community, the No on 8 leaders not only lost the election, but missed the point, argued many of the more than 400 people at Equality Summit '09, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

[Read the article or read more articles from SF Gate.]

Hawaii civil unions backed by a majority in state House Sunday, 01/25/09
Honolulu Advertiser

A majority in the state House has signed on to a bill that would legalize civil unions, giving the issue a genuine chance of advancing this session after years of stagnation.

[Read the article or read more articles from Honolulu Advertiser.]

Desire for Prop. 8 dialogue outweighing boycott Sunday, 01/25/09
Desert News

"It was more important that we shout at the top of our lungs to keep the dialogue about Proposition 8 open."

[Read the article or read more articles from Desert News.]

Post Election: Study Looks At What Happened With Prop 8 Saturday, 01/24/09
Pam's House Blend

The study reveals conversations with friends, family, and co-workers were the most important -- most influential -- in driving No On Prop 8 votes.

[Read the article or read more articles from Pam's House Blend.]

Brown, ethics commission seek to preserve disclosure laws on Prop. 8 donors Saturday, 01/24/09
LA Times

But in their court briefs this week, Brown and the state Fair Political Practices Commission said donors' information should remain public.

"Political democracy demands open debate, including prompt disclosure of the identities of campaign donors," Brown said.

Ethics commission officials argued that information on who contributes to ballot measure campaigns is necessary to prevent money laundering and other illegal activity.

Proponents "are out to destroy campaign finance disclosure by a death of a thousand cuts; I don't intend to let that happen on my watch," commission chief Ross Johnson said.

The law has withstood several previous legal challenges.

[Read the article or read more articles from LA Times.]

The Pragmatism of Rep. (Now Sen.) Kirsten Gillibrand on Same-Sex Marriage Friday, 01/23/09
Change.org

Last night, Sen. Gillibrand spoke to the Empire State Pride Agenda, and they're reporting today that she now supports full marriage equality. That contradicts her statement below. Hmm...something smells fishy. We'll keep you posted.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

So City Attorney Dennis Herrera was on 'No on 8' Executive Committee -- Can He Do That? And What Will Enraged LGBT Activists Think? Friday, 01/23/09
SF Weekly

"I don't think Dennis Herrera is going to be hurt by the fact he was on this committee," said Charles Sheehan, a political consultant with Whitehurst Mosher Campaign Strategy and Media -- and the co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT club.

"LGBT advocates need to move on and overturn Prop. 8 at the ballot or in the courts -- and Dennis Herrera needs to be a part of this process. He's the meat and potatoes guy behind this whole journey. He's the one who started the lawsuit, he and his people got it to the supreme court, and he got it passed."

[Read the article or read more articles from SF Weekly.]

Brown's Prop. 8 challenge may backfire Friday, 01/23/09
Sacramento Bee

In this context, the last thing supporters of gay marriage need is a grandstanding attorney general who, by abandoning his assigned institutional role, creates doubts about the fairness of the Supreme Court proceeding and provides an opening for Proposition 8 supporters to argue that the case has been transformed from a legal to a political contest in which victory goes to the most powerful interest groups.

[Read the article or read more articles from Sacramento Bee.]

NAACP Joins Proposition 8 Challenge Friday, 01/23/09
Portland Observer

The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund has filed a friend of the court brief challenging California's Proposition 8, the voter-approved referendum against gay marriage ban, on the grounds that the basic rights of a minority group cannot be taken away by a simple majority.

LDF joins other civil rights groups, the Asian American Pacific Legal Center, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Equal Justice Society, and the California NAACP in calling for the invalidation of Prop 8.

[Read the article or read more articles from Portland Observer.]

Polls show shift in attitude toward gays Friday, 01/23/09
365Gay

A Florida poll shows a majority of prospective voters in that state believe the state's ban on gay adoption should be repealed and that there should be legal recognition of same-sex relationships, though they disagreed on whether that should be marriage or civil unions.

The other poll, in Utah, found that a majority support LGBT civil rights.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Proposition 8 foes hold gay marriage boot camps Thursday, 01/22/09
LA Times

The idea is to train activists in "the practical, hands-on skills to organize in their communities to restore marriage equality for same-sex couples to California."

[Read the article or read more articles from LA Times.]

Summit planners stingy with No on Prop 8 dollars Thursday, 01/22/09
Bay Area Reporter

With hundreds of LGBT marriage equality advocates expected to attend the Equality Summit in Los Angeles Saturday, January 24 it appears that more than half of those organizing the event failed to contribute to the No on Prop 8 campaign during last year's election.

[Read the article or read more articles from Bay Area Reporter.]

Lawyers argue Ohio Constitution bans gay co-parenting Thursday, 01/22/09
365Gay

Rita Goodman and her then-partner Siobhan LaPiana planned to have a family. LaPiana gave birth to two children, now aged 11 and 8.

Both women equally parented the boys, who love and rely on both of them as their mothers ,according to court documents filed by Lambda Legal which represents Goodman.

Before the birth of the first child, Goodman and LaPiana drafted and signed a parenting agreement detailing their intent to share all responsibilities of parenthood.

After the couple ended their 10-relationship, LaPiana began restricting Goodman's time with the boys.

In February 2007, Goodman filed a lawsuit, and in August 2008, the trial court ordered visitation for Goodman.

LaPiana appealed, arguing among other things that Ohio's antigay constitutional amendment prevents courts from entering orders permitting former lesbian partners to share custody, and that the court's order unconstitutionally infringed on her right to autonomy as a parent.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Pro-Gay Family Ads Rejected by Los Angeles ABC Affiliate Thursday, 01/22/09
The Stranger

Apparently, some families need to be protected from the sight of other families.

[Read the article or read more articles from The Stranger.]

Hawaii lawmakers to consider gaming, gay marriage Wednesday, 01/21/09
Washington Blade

Hawaii lawmakers convene a new session tomorrow. They expect to consider legalizing gambling, recognizing gay marriage and preserving Hawaiian lands. The session runs through May 7th.

[Read the article or read more articles from Washington Blade.]

Prop. 8 foes push new ballot measures to reverse gay marriage ban Wednesday, 01/21/09
Sacramento Bee

Angered by the passage of Proposition 8, grass-roots activists are working to place measures on the ballot to reverse California's ban on same-sex unions.

The sparsely financed groups are acting independently of the No on 8 Campaign, which is challenging the measure in the state Supreme Court. They plan to use the Internet to collect the nearly 700,000 signatures of registered voters needed to get on the ballot.

Two groups took the first step toward qualifying a ballot measure last week with the state Attorney General's Office, asking for an official title and summary. A third group is expected to follow suit this week.

"Our logic is that we should not put all our eggs in one basket and wait for the Supreme Court," said Charles Lowe, who after campaigning against Proposition 8 founded a Davis-based group called Yes! on Equality. "By doing so, we lose anywhere from 8 to 12 months."

[Read the article or read more articles from Sacramento Bee.]

Attorney General Brown Renews Call for California Supreme Court to Strike Down Proposition 8 Wednesday, 01/21/09
Press Release

Brown argues that Proposition 8 supporters are wrong to suggest that the people's right to amend the Constitution through the initiative process is unlimited and that the Court does not have the authority to invalidate Proposition 8. The Court, in fact, has exercised judicial review previously to invalidate a constitutional amendment that was deemed substantively improper.

He also argues Proposition 8 does not invalidate the same-sex marriages entered into between June 16 and November 4, 2008, as some Proposition 8 supporters contend. To invalidate those marriages, Brown argues, would violate the due process rights of those same-sex couples who entered into marriage based on the Court's ruling in In re: Marriage Cases.

[Read the article or read more articles from Press Release.]

Sweden to allow gay marriage in May Wednesday, 01/21/09
The Local

While heterosexuals in Sweden can choose to marry in either a civil ceremony or a church ceremony, homosexuals are only allowed to register their partnerships in a civil ceremony. But this could all change, with parliament likely to pass new legislation on the matter.

[Read the article or read more articles from The Local.]

Queenslanders endorse need for gay marriage laws Wednesday, 01/21/09
Queensland Courier-Mail

In the poll commissioned by a coalition of gay rights groups 54 per cent of Queenslanders supported civil unions, marriage and full legal recognition of same-sex parents.

About two thirds of those polled supported law reforms.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queensland Courier-Mail.]

Colorado group lobbies in Wyoming on gay marriage Wednesday, 01/21/09
AP

A national conservative Christian group has begun a telephone lobbying campaign in Wyoming in support of a gay-marriage ban in the state Senate.

Focus on the Family Action, of Colorado Springs, Colo., is pushing to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would stop the state from recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.

[Read the article or read more articles from AP.]

Camp Courage: Vote today for your California community Wednesday, 01/21/09
Courage Campaign

To make Camp Courage as member-driven and people-powered as possible, we want you to choose where you think we should train marriage equality activists in California.

Your vote will help our staff determine where to locate the next Camp Courage training. We will weigh many factors, including prioritizing trainings in communities that will likely not receive as many votes as major metropolitan areas. Ultimately, we want to make strategic decisions and pick locations that will help build the Marriage Equality Movement across California.

[Read the article or read more articles from Courage Campaign.]

Iowa Event: Let My Parents Marry! Wednesday, 01/21/09
Queers United

Lambda Legal is looking for same-sex couples who want to marry and who are raising children to stand up with other families and be strong voices for marriage equality in Iowa.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

Now, about gay marriage Wednesday, 01/21/09
LA Times

Obama is caught up in semantics, apparently believing that gays and lesbians should be allowed to engage in civil unions with all the rights of marriage, as long as they aren't called marriages. That's an evasion that was rightly rejected in May by the California Supreme Court when it overturned a previous ban on same-sex marriage, because such semantic distinctions tend to cast doubt on a union's legitimacy.

At the time of Obama's birth in 1961, some states would not have allowed his interracial parents to marry. He, of all people, should know better.

[Read the article or read more articles from LA Times.]

Postcards to the President Tuesday, 01/20/09
Advocate

The support of my peers and allies has come in overwhelming abundance. As is my style, Postcards to the President will start with a celebration: kickoff parties in both New York (January 28 at Therapy) and West Hollywood (January 25 at Here Lounge) from which thousands of postcards will be signed and sent. From there, a grassroots effort has begun to spread through college campuses and nationwide LGBT communities that are starting to get on board with this initiative.

But I only know so many people. I can only make a certain number of phone calls and send a certain number of e-mails a day. I submit my story to you because we are not done yet. I urge you to stand with me, to write with me, to put your ideas into motion. I urge you to set up booths and send postcards and celebrate our existence and continue being involved.

I am one person with an idea. Will you help me?

[Read the article or read more articles from Advocate.]

Another Utah poll backs some gay rights, but same-sex couple adoption opposed Tuesday, 01/20/09
Salt Lake Tribune

A new statewide poll seeking to debunk the gay-Mormon divide shows substantial support -- 63 percent -- for additional legal protections for gay and transgender people.

And 66 percent of the Utahns polled characterize their religious beliefs as LDS.

The survey, conducted Jan. 8-14 by Ogden-based Information Alliance and commissioned by Equality Utah, also shows wide margins favoring workplace and housing protections for gay or transgender residents as well as health-insurance availability for same-sex partners.

[Read the article or read more articles from Salt Lake Tribune.]

Family Law Specialists Argue That Proposition 8 Must Be Invalidated as Unconstitutional Attempt to Repeal Inalienable Rights Tuesday, 01/20/09
NCLR

Los Angeles Certified Family Law Specialist Leslie Shear, as lead author on behalf of the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS) joined by the Northern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers has filed an amicus brief in support of Attorney General Jerry Brown's position that the California Supreme Court must hold Proposition 8 unconstitutional.

[Read the article or read more articles from NCLR.]

Bishop Robinson's Prayer Will Be Re-Broadcast on Mall Monday, 01/19/09
Queers United

Citizens turned out on the Mall to watch the event on giant screens tomorrow will have a second chance to see the invocation by Gene Robinson, the gay Episcopal bishop, a source at the Presidential Inauguration Committee said.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

Presidential Inauguration Committee says invocation was supposed to be broadcast. Might it be tomorrow? Monday, 01/19/09
After Elton

I'm also hearing that Robinson's invocation might be broadcast tomorrow on the jumbotron screens placed around the mall for the inauguration ceremony. That would be a smart gesture by PIC and would go some ways toward making up for this.

PIC's statement doesn't exactly come out and say the whole thing is their fault, but it does seem to verify HBO's comments yesterday that they had nothing to do with Robinson's (pictured, right) exclusion from the broadcast. The network was in touch with us today and again reiterated this by saying, "It was not an HBO omission. We merely televised the show beginning at 2:30pm. Had the PIC told us upfront that this was to be part of the telecast, it would have been."

HBO has also given PIC permission to post Rev. Robinson's prayer on their website, but we're waiting for word when that will happen.

[Read the article or read more articles from After Elton.]

Gene Robinson, Obama Inaugural Committee Address Snub Monday, 01/19/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

It seems to me that so many people fully expected to see Bishop Robinson's very public presence as an acknowledgement that LGBT concerns were being taken seriously by the incoming administration -- especially after the seething anger over Rick Warren's pick to deliver the invocation at the Inauguration just days after he compared gay relationships to incest, child rape and polygamy.

Seeing Bishop onstage with the Obama and Biden would have been a tremendously healing, uniting experience. Instead, the episode did nothing but open old wounds and widen the gulf of mistrust which has emerged between the LGBT community and the incoming administration. Simply saying "we regret the error" doesn't cut it. Not without a better explanation of how such a terrible tin-ear blunder could have occurred in the first place.

[Read the article or read more articles from Box Turtle Bulletin.]

HBO Blames Obama, Obama Blames HBO Monday, 01/19/09
The Stranger

...sound and video were cut as Robinson approached the microphone yesterday. Only folks at the very front, right up against the Lincoln Memorial, heard Robinson speak.

And I could give a shit about prayers, or Robinson frankly. What matters here is that the Obama crowd really stepped in it with the Warren invite...

[Read the article or read more articles from The Stranger.]

Montana and Florida to Take Up LGBT Rights Measures Sunday, 01/18/09
Change.org

Two more states are planning to address LGBT rights measures as their new legislative sessions prepare to start, focusing on expanding hate crimes and workplace anti-discrimination.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Marriage Ban Donors Feel Exposed by List Sunday, 01/18/09
NY Times

The election law in question, the Political Reform Act of 1974, was approved by California voters as Proposition 9, and gay rights advocates say there is rich irony in supporters of Proposition 8 opposing the earlier ballot measure.

"They believe in the will of the people if it's in tune with what they believe," said Jennifer C. Pizer, marriage project director with Lambda Legal, the gay rights legal organization, in Los Angeles.

Opponents of Proposition 8 are also suspicious of the intent of trying to prevent donors from being identified. "Do they want to hide something?" said Shannon P. Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights in San Francisco.

[Read the article or read more articles from NY Times.]

Dozens Of Outside-Parties File Briefs In Prop. 8 Suit Sunday, 01/18/09
KTVU

The court's docket as of Friday evening showed that 60 friend-of-the-court briefs had been filed by the Jan. 15 deadline, including 17 supporting Proposition 8 and 43 arguing it should be overturned.

A court clerk said that number was close to the final total, but that one or two more briefs might remain to be docketed.

The number is even more than the 45 friend-of-the-court briefs filed in an earlier case in which the court ruled by a 4-3 vote in May that the state constitution provides a right to same-sex marriage. Proposition 8 overturned that ruling.

Some of last week's briefs were filed on behalf of dozens of organizations or individuals, bringing the total number of voices represented to several hundred.

Some 75 civil rights groups and local bar associations joined in two briefs and more than 50 labor groups in a third brief asking the court to strike down Proposition 8.

[Read the article or read more articles from KTVU.]

HBO says they aren't to blame for not including Gene Robinson in concert special Sunday, 01/18/09
After Elton

Openly gay bishop Gene Robinson delivered the opening prayer before the start of the concert, but the prayer was not included as part of HBO's broadcast.

Contacted Sunday night by AfterElton.com concerning the exclusion of Robinson's prayer, HBO said via email, "The producer of the concert has said that the Presidential Inaugural Committee made the decision to keep the invocation as part of the pre-show."

Uncertain as to whether or not that meant that HBO was contractually prevented from airing the pre-show, we followed up, but none of the spokespeople available Sunday night could answer that question with absolute certainty.

However, it does seem that the network's position is that they had nothing to do with the decision.

[Read the article or read more articles from After Elton.]

Permission To Get Upset? Sunday, 01/18/09
The Stranger

I don't see how straight Americans can recognize themselves in gay Americans if they're not allowed to see us, I don't see how this inauguration brings us all together if gay Americans are edited out of the festivities.

[Read the article or read more articles from The Stranger.]

Prop 8 inspires new army of Utah activists Sunday, 01/18/09
Salt Lake Tribune

The ballot measure, eliminating the right of gay couples to marry in California, succeeded, but it also ignited a furor among gay-rights supporters, forging and fortifying a new generation of activists who could fuel the movement for years to come.

[Read the article or read more articles from Salt Lake Tribune.]

Get This On Television Now Saturday, 01/17/09
SFist

ToKnowUsFirst.com (disclosure: it's run by a friend of a friend of SFist). They're putting together some attractive ready-for-television PSAs about the California families who deserve the rights and responsibilities of marriage -- including the 1,138 that they're currently denied.

They've worked out a smart media strategy for getting the ads into areas that need them most: counties that voted yes on Prop 8. GTKUF needs to raise funds to get the ads on TV -- and they need the funds right now. You can donate via Google Checkout, and your donation is tax-deductible. This one is a smart, worthy cause -- if you were wondering which post-Prop-8 groups deserve your financial support, look no further.

[Read the article or read more articles from SFist.]

Was Sundance's Prop 8 Compromise Just Lip Service? Saturday, 01/17/09
Defamer

at least two-thirds of the festival's programming will only screen for the industry at Cinemark-owned theaters--and that includes gay-themed films like Dare and One Day in a Life.

[Read the article or read more articles from Defamer.]

GOP PAC organizing to oppose gay-marriage bill Saturday, 01/17/09
Maine Today

The Maine Republican Project is opposing a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dennis Damon of Trenton bill seeks allow two persons to marry.

Dean Scontras of the Maine Republican Project said his group's members were concerned about the timing of the Damon's bill. "This will simply absorb valuable legislative cycles that should be dedicated toward repairing the economic situation of so many Mainers," Scontras said.

Meanwhile, Republican state Rep. Les Fossel of Alna is sponsoring a bill to ensure that couples on Maine's Domestic Partner Registry receive the same legal rights and benefits as married couples. Fossel said that currently, married couples enjoy certain rights that are denied to unmarried couples in a variety of areas, including financial benefits.

[Read the article or read more articles from Maine Today.]

support the Lesbian and Gay Bands of America's trip to the inauguration Saturday, 01/17/09
Pam's House Blend

The tireless Mike Rogers has organized BANDING TOGETHER, an effort among bloggers to support this historic trip. It's completely independent from the LGBA and 100% of the gifts go directly to the band.

[Read the article or read more articles from Pam's House Blend.]

Briefs Filed In Legal Challange To Calif.'s Prop 8 Saturday, 01/17/09
American Constitution Society

This week, women's rights groups, religious organizations, civil rights groups, and labor unions, California municipal governments, children's welfare organizations, bar associations, and leading legal scholars collectively urged the California Supreme Court to strike down Proposition 8. These briefs argue, among other things, that Proposition 8 drastically alters the equal protection guarantee in California's Constitution, and that the rights of a minority cannot be eliminated by a simple majority vote; that writing inequality into the constitution is bad for business; that Proposition 8 is invalid because it is a constitutional revision rather than amendment; that the rights of all Californians to equal treatment under the constitution would be compromised, and that union members' rights could be in jeopardy if Proposition 8 were held to be valid; that Proposition 8 prevents the courts from exercising their essential constitutional role of enforcing the equal protection rights of minorities; and that Proposition 8 poses a serious threat to religious freedom.

[Read the article or read more articles from American Constitution Society.]

Feminist Groups Support Legal Challenge to Prop. 8 Friday, 01/16/09
Feminist Daily News

If Proposition 8 goes into effect, the brief argues, it will jeopardize not just the rights of gay couples to marry, but fundamental constitutional rights for women including the right to decide whether or not to bear a child, the right of sexual privacy, and the right not to be discriminated against in employment. The brief states that it "would be a dangerous precedent that may lead to a downward spiraling slope leaving no fundamental right...safe from the whims of the voting majority."

[Read the article or read more articles from Feminist Daily News.]

New Laws Help LGBT Elders Friday, 01/16/09
Time Goes By

The first week of a new year usually brings a spate of newspaper articles about new laws that that have gone into effect. Imagine my surprise at learning about a couple of good ones for lesbian and gay elders.

In California, the state will now require "licensed health care professionals" to undergo "diversity training" meant to "prevent bias in senior care facilities and nursing homes."

[Read the article or read more articles from Time Goes By.]

Advancing LGBT Rights in Red State America Friday, 01/16/09
Change.org

Aha! To paraphrase #44 again, "We coach little league in the blue states, and yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states." And this week there's news out in one red state (and one purple part of a blue state) with some good news for LGBT rights advocates.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Bill would extend insurance benefits to same-sex partners Friday, 01/16/09
Rocky Mountain News

The bill is needed to help Colorado compete for quality workers against private companies and other states, which increasingly offer these benefits, Ferrandino said Thursday morning. It is also an issue of fairness to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees who don't know enjoy the same benefits as their heterosexual cohorts, he said.

[Read the article or read more articles from Rocky Mountain News.]

Legal Groups File Brief in Support of Same-Sex Marriage Friday, 01/16/09
NBC Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County and San Francisco bar associations are among the bar and legal organizations supporting the effort on behalf of same-sex marriage cases before the California Supreme Court, said Elizabeth J. Cabraser of the law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein.

"Proposition 8 creates the dangerous precedent that the legal and civil rights of minorities, indeed, of any individual or group, could be excised from the California Constitution and the courts would be powerless to reverse such discrimination," Cabraser said.

Backers of the measure maintain it is constitutional and have criticized efforts to overturn the will of voters through the courts.

But Los Angeles County Bar Association President Danette Meyers said the effort involves protecting the rights of minorities.

"The question whether a protected class may be barred from enjoying a fundamental right based on a bare majority vote is a matter of statewide importance," said Meyers. "The implications of the question are wide-reaching; if the majority can relegate disfavored minorities to second class citizenship via the initiative process, no fundamental rights are safe."

[Read the article or read more articles from NBC Los Angeles.]

Take Action for Marriage Equality in Maine Friday, 01/16/09
Queers United

A bill to make marriage between same-sex couples legal and to reverse the existing ban on same-sex marriage in Maine will be brought up for a vote in the legislature. The bill is sponsored by Senator Dennis Damon (D-Hancock).

The Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition is asking for people to get involved:

* Talk with your legislators and senators.

* Write a letter to the editor, and talk to the media.

* Volunteer with MFMC.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

World, Hold On: Activist Network Launched for Global LGBT Youth Friday, 01/16/09
Change.org

The LGBT Youth World List is a project of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. What do they promise? Well, the largest network of LGBT young people and activists, willing to share their thoughts on LGBT rights and campaigns. As Nanna Moe, a Communications Officer with the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association said: "This will create a global conversation about LGBT rights, allowing young people to make contact and work together in an international fight for respect."

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

A lesbian mom's letter to Obama Friday, 01/16/09
365Gay

I do believe you are the most LGBT-friendly president we have ever had, and that you mean it when you say you are committed to LGBT equality. You have not hesitated to appoint openly LGBT people to high-level posts.

Still, I think you have a few more things to learn.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Same-sex couples set to sue Minnesota over marriage rights Thursday, 01/15/09
Minnesota Independent

As many as 10 same-sex couples plan to file a lawsuit soon against the state of Minnesota for the right to marry. It's a controversial move, one that some in the gay and lesbian community think is ill-timed, but those couples who are putting their money on the line -- and their lives under a microscope -- say the time is always right to fight for equality.

[Read the article or read more articles from Minnesota Independent.]

Hearing Date Set for Yes on 8's Lawsuit To Hide Names of Contributors Thursday, 01/15/09
Calitics

Judge Morrison England has set this matter for hearing on January 26th at 10:00 a.m in Courtroom #7 on the 14th floor of the Federal Building in Sacramento.

On the hypocrisy scale of 1-10, Yes on 8 's lawsuit is a 385. It's a laugh-out-loud, blow-coffee-out-your-nose, insult to anyone who paid attention to the deceptive and threatening campaign that it ran. Take a short walk down memory lane. Remember back in October when the Yes on 8 camp sent certified letters to companies that contributed to Equality California?

[Read the article or read more articles from Calitics.]

Colorado Adds Its Voice to LGBT Rights This Week Thursday, 01/15/09
Change.org

Yesterday, two Colorado lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 88, which if passed would allow LGBT state employees to share their insurance and health benefits with their partners. "It's about equity and equality, and it's about competing in the marketplace as more and more employers offer it," said State Rep. Mark Ferrandino, one of the lawmakers introducing the bill.

The money line: "It's about competing in the marketplace." If states want to hire and retain the most qualified employees, they shouldn't discriminate or deny benefits to a particular group of people. It's that simple.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Gay Marriage in New York Thursday, 01/15/09
NY Times

By failing to pass the marriage equality bill, which has been passed by the Assembly, the Senate is driving wedding business out of New York, hurting New York's crumbling economy without stopping gay New Yorkers from assuming the rights and responsibilities of marriage.

[Read the article or read more articles from NY Times.]

News This Week: Your Rights Are Being Stolen. What Are You Going To Do? Thursday, 01/15/09
The New Civil Rights Movement

Only fifteen days into the new year, a year of promise that ushers in our first African American president, and yet, already our rights are being taken, no, stolen, away from us. But honestly, the fault is ours, for we haven't done enough to stop the slow creep of hatred and bigotry that is the result of an organized effort by the Right to marginalize and permanently cement gays into second-class status once and for all.

[Read the article or read more articles from The New Civil Rights Movement.]

EU calls for gay couple rights, end to homophobia Thursday, 01/15/09
365Gay

Members of the European Parliament have approved a motion calling for the recognition of the rights of same-sex couples and an end to homophobia in all 27 EU countries.

"It is high time the EU practices what it preaches," said Spanish deputy Ignasi Guardans. "The European Commission wants to be a champion of human rights, but sadly every day we hear about anti-discrimination laws being flouted by member states."

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Is California ready for 2010 vote on gay marriage? Thursday, 01/15/09
LA Times

Could California be voting on gay marriage again next year? Well, there is a new group, Yes! on Equality, that is beginning a campaign for the "2010 Marriage Equality Initiative." It's hard to say how serious this is, and whether voters really want to take this issue up again, but the website says organizers have learned their lesson from Prop. 8.

[Read the article or read more articles from LA Times.]

Clinton Pledges Review of LGBT Policies at State Department Thursday, 01/15/09
Equality Network

Sen. Hillary Clinton said Tuesday during her confirmation hearing for secretary of State that she intended to review the department's policy of not extending benefits to partners of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender foreign service officers. But Clinton stopped short of giving a specific commitment to make partner benefits available, saying she needed more information on the existing policies.

Beyond being deprived of health care benefits, same-sex partners of foreign service personnel are currently unable to access other services available to heterosexual spouses, such as subsidized relocation, language training, employment opportunities, on-site medical treatment, and evacuation aid in emergency situations.

Democratic senator Russ Feingold of Wisconsin posed the question to Clinton after he noted that addressing these inequities was a natural outgrowth of the need to build a more robust diplomatic corps.

[Read the article or read more articles from Equality Network.]

Supporting equality Thursday, 01/15/09
Google

In September of last year, Google announced its opposition to California's Proposition 8. While the campaign was emotionally charged and difficult for both sides, in the wake of the election many were concerned with the impact Proposition 8 could have on the personal lives of people they work with every day, and on California's ability to attract and retain a diverse mix of employees from around the world.

That's why we've signed an amicus brief (PDF file) in support of several cases currently challenging Proposition 8 in the California Supreme Court. Denying employees basic rights isn't right, and it isn't good for businesses. We are committed to preserving fundamental rights for every one of the people who work hard to make Google a success.

Please join us in continuing to fight for equality for all Californians.

[Read the article or read more articles from Google.]

Religious and Civil Rights Groups, Legislators, Bar Associations, Labor, Businesses, and Legal Scholards Urge Court to Overturn Prop 8 Thursday, 01/15/09
NCLR

Google, California Council of Churches, California NAACP, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and California Rural Legal Assistance among groups submitting friend-of-the-court briefs

[Read the article or read more articles from NCLR.]

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA RELEASES REPORT: "PROP 8 HURT MY FAMILY, ASK ME HOW" Wednesday, 01/14/09
California Chronicle

"These stories reveal the real-life impact that these divisive and hateful ballot measures have had on people," said McKay. "We are hopeful that in sharing these stories, fair-minded Americans will reflect on these harms and help us stop any future ballot campaign aimed at stripping people of their fundamental rights. Voting down the basic family protections and dignity of your neighbors, family and friends violates the most basic tenets of the Golden Rule which instructs 'Do unto others as you would have done unto you.'"

[Read the article or read more articles from California Chronicle.]

When 7 Years Together and a Daughter Still Don't Make You a Family Wednesday, 01/14/09
Change.org

How can a gym membership shed light on the ways in which same-gender couples are discriminated against by not having equal access to civil marriage?

To find out, head to Rochester, Minnesota, where a Minnesota Court just ruled in favor of a health club in a lawsuit brought by a lesbian couple for being denied a family membership at the gym. The Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) denied a family membership to Amy and Sarah Monson, who have been together for over seven years and are currently raising a daughter together, because the club did not consider them to be a legal family.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

New Film Shows Importance of Marriage Equality and Same-Gender Partner Benefits Wednesday, 01/14/09
Change.org

If there's any more real example of why it is urgent and necessary to recognize equal rights for same-sex couples, "For My Wife" is it. The new film is being released by Trick Dog Films, and captures the story of Charlene Strong, a Washington-state resident who lost her partner, Kate Fleming (a renowned audiobook narrator), in a tragic flooding incident in 2006. The story is a chilling example of what can happen when a state fails to recognize equal rights for gay and lesbian couples, and an example of how even the most brutal tragedy can yield inspired activism.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Why Can't We Talk About Black Homophobia? Wednesday, 01/14/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

Failing to recognize homophobic attitudes in the black community is not only dishonest, it fails to acknowledge the unique hardships that African-American LGBT individuals face: in many surveys, African-American gays and lesbians have reported greater pressure to hide their identity and homosexual behavior and identify as straight. It has further been speculated that the hostility toward homosexuality among blacks is partially responsible for the "down low" phenomenon in the black community and the increased prevalence of HIV among black LGBT individuals. Failing to acknowledge homophobia in the black community erases the experience of black LGBT individuals from the story of LGBT rights and ignores the numerous sociological and medical implications of these attitudes.

[Read the article or read more articles from Box Turtle Bulletin.]

Vermont: The Time is Now for Same-Gender Marriage Wednesday, 01/14/09
Change.org

Another New England state adds its voice today in support of same-gender marriage - at least in the form of an editorial from its second largest daily newspaper. The Rutland Herald in Vermont, taking a cue from yesterday's news that legislators in Maine are working to pass a same-sex marriage bill through their state legislature, issued an editorial today that said the "time is now" for Vermont to join the list of states that support marriage equality. (Vermont was the first state to recognize civil unions between same-sex couples, back in 2000.)

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Advocates for Same-Sex Marriage Petition Scottish Government Tuesday, 01/13/09
Change.org

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network (LGBT Network) of Scotland is petitioning the Scottish Government to do away with the govt's ban on same-sex marriage, and recognize full marriage equality for all Scottish citizens.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Reaching Communities: What You Can Do Today Tuesday, 01/13/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

Many of us may not "speak the language", know the culture, or have the connections necessary to bring about change in communities other than that in which we live. But we each have the power to support those who do have the language, culture, and connection to bring about a greater understanding of the concerns of gay men and women.

The following is a small selection of groups who are dedicated to working in specific populations to build bridges and work for equality. This is not by any means a comprehensive list, and I am not endorsing any of them.

But these that have come to my attention as groups that work in communities that may be beyond the abilities of many of our readers to reach. And I believe that these organizations could make a difference in changing the perspectives of their communities.

[Read the article or read more articles from Box Turtle Bulletin.]

Unions Support Overturning Proposition 8 Tuesday, 01/13/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

The listing of participating parties is impressive. And while I'm not particularly shocked by the support from the Screen Actors Guild or the Association of Flight Attendants, I'm happy to see ironworkers, cement masons, and teamsters giving their support to our cause as well.

[Read the article or read more articles from Box Turtle Bulletin.]

Exposed: Prop. 8 part of 'Christian Taliban's' move to make Bible the law Tuesday, 01/13/09
Raw Story

The man who more than any other has been associated with this kind of semi-covert activity over the past 25 years is reclusive billionaire Howard Ahmanson.

Ahmanson is a Christian Reconstructionist, a devout follower of the late R.J. Rushdoony, who advocated the replacement of the U.S. Constitution with the most extreme precepts of the Old Testament, including the execution -- preferably by stoning -- of homosexuals, adulterers, witches, blasphemers, and disobedient children.

Ahmanson himself has stated, "My goal is the total integration of biblical law into our lives."

[Read the article or read more articles from Raw Story.]

Religious Leaders Urge California Court to Overturn Proposition 8 Tuesday, 01/13/09
Change.org

This Thursday, a group of religious organizations will file an amicus curiae brief with the court, urging that Proposition 8 be overruled and that gay and lesbian couples be returned the right to marry in California. The coalition of religious organizations, representing millions of members, will argue in their brief that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all, and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitution.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Obama Once Backed Full Gay Marriage Tuesday, 01/13/09
Change.org

Yup, he did. In a 1996 candidate survey, when Obama was running for the State Senate seat that launched his political career, here's what he had to say:

I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Labor Unions Side with Same-Sex Marriage Tuesday, 01/13/09

More than 50 California Labor organizations today filed an amicus curiae brief with the California State Supreme Court, calling for the Court to overturn Proposition 8. These Labor organizations join a host of civil rights organizations, and California Attorney General Jerry Brown, in calling for the Proposition to be overruled.

The Court right now is expected to hear arguments over Proposition 8 in March, though groups have until the end of January to submit legal briefs.

Marriage equality bill introduced in Maine legislature Tuesday, 01/13/09
Pam's House Blend

Shenna Bellows, executive director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union is, as we this post goes live, taking part in a press conference with the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition as it introduces a civil marriage bill to the legislature. She said "We are purposefully doing a launch featuring sympathetic gay and lesbian couples, clergy, legislators and civil rights leaders in a very calm, positive atmosphere." Here is her diary.

[Read the article or read more articles from Pam's House Blend.]

Anti-Gay Democrat Tim Kaine Selected as DNC Chair Monday, 01/12/09
Queers United

Tim Kaine has been selected as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Mr. Kaine is anti civil union and has endorsed an amendment banning same-sex marriage.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

Tim Kaine on gay rights Monday, 01/12/09
Washington Blade

The Washington Post reports that Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is going to be appointed the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, replacing Howard Dean.

In 2005, when Kaine was running for governor, he was the only candidate to respond to questions from the Blade regarding gay rights. Though he has said he opposes gay marriage and civil unions, he doesn't believe the federal government should regulate marriage.

[Read the article or read more articles from Washington Blade.]

Why Proposition 8 is Anti-Family Monday, 01/12/09
Change.org

As it turns out, there's now clear evidence that Proposition 8 as a measure itself hurts families and children. Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) has a new report out today, "Prop 8 Hurt My Family - Ask Me How," that depicts the painful and tragic stories of children and families who struggle against anti-LGBT rhetoric and policies. As Molly McKay, MEUSA's Communications Director, put it: "Marriage Equality USA received hundreds of gut wrenching stories, particularly from children of same-sex couples and LGBTI youth, that describe harm and even threats and violence that resulted from California's Prop 8 campaign. These stories mirror research released this month from the American Psychological Association that anti-gay initiatives create psychological stress 'as a direct result of negative images and messages associated with the ballot campaign and the passage of the amendment."

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

New Study Shows Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections Monday, 01/12/09
Press Release

Contrary to some political expectations, voting to support the freedom to marry and opposing anti-marriage measures helps rather than hurts politicians, a new study unequivocally shows.

For many years legislators across the country have voted on laws aimed at ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. Others have been asked to vote on state constitutional amendments aimed at discriminating against same-sex couples and their children by denying them the freedom to marry and other legal protections.

A review of all of these votes from 2005 to the present shows that legislators who vote to end marriage discrimination for same-sex couples are consistently re-elected. The success of more than 1,100 state legislators who voted to support the freedom to marry stands in bold contrast to the commonly held belief that supporting marriage equality ends political campaigns and careers. In fact, these legislators are re-elected no matter what party they represent or if they changed their vote from opposing to supporting marriage equality. Even better, legislators who run for higher office win after voting in favor of marriage for same-sex couples.

[Read the article or read more articles from Press Release.]

Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How Monday, 01/12/09
Press Release

Marriage Equality USA releases the second of three reports, Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How, a compilation of real stories from the campaign.

[Read the article or read more articles from Press Release.]

LGBT couples stressed by Prop. 8 Monday, 01/12/09
Ohio University Post

Although a same-sex marriage ban passed this November in California, some locals might experience psychological effects, according to a study.

A study in the Journal of Counseling Psychology by the American Psychological Association shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults experience more stress when same-sex marriage amendments are on the ballot, no matter the location.

[Read the article or read more articles from Ohio University Post.]

Stonewall 2.0 -- sizzle or fizzle Sunday, 01/11/09
Pam's House Blend

I guess it depends on who's gabbing about it. Let's go to a conversation that Mike Signorile and Dan Savage had on Mike's show the other day. Both think the grassroots movement is having difficulty maintaining traction.

[Read the article or read more articles from Pam's House Blend.]

Tell the NYTimes What YOU Think About Their Editorial! Saturday, 01/10/09
Queers United

Just a few days ago the NYTimes penned this eloquent editorial on Arkansas's Act 1, the ballot measure that banned all unmarried, cohabitating couples (including all gay and lesbian couples) from fostering or adopting children in the state.

Join the Family Equality Council in praising the NY times for their positive coverage and editorials of LGBT issues.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

All Protests Are Valuable Except for the Ones That Aren't Saturday, 01/10/09
The Stranger

If ERW wants the event to be a success--or even avoid a spectacular embarrassment--then ERW needs to plan it, or provide the resources to make sure it's not a flop. Likewise, the national organizer, Jointheimpact.com, needs to make sure the groups that volunteer to produce a protest know how to make the event a success. The function of a march and rally is to demonstrate the movement's gravity in numbers. That requires excellent promotion, credible speakers, banners with a clear message--and the wisdom to not hold an event if you can't draw a big crowd.

"We decided to let every organization have a voice," says Amy Balliett, founder of Jointheimpact.com. "Queer Ally Coalition wanted to plan this." While allowing upstart activists to try their hand at organizing is valuable--it's how movements get new leaders--those new organizations need guidance. ERW, Jointheimpact.com, and other leaders in Seattle's gay-rights community need to direct this movement. Ragtag events, where the greatest presence is the International Socialist Organization (a parasitic group that shows up at every damn event to sell sanctimonious books), will cause the resurging gay-rights movement to atrophy and die--at least in the public eye.

[Read the article or read more articles from The Stranger.]

Brown's switch on Prop. 8 reflects times Friday, 01/09/09
SF Gate

California Attorney General Jerry Brown has become a hero to gay rights advocates - and a potential leader in the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial field - with his recent controversial decision to mount a legal challenge to overturn Proposition 8, the initiative approved by voters that banned-same sex marriage in California.

But few remember that 32 years ago, when Brown was governor of California, he played a crucial role on the same issue - he signed the landmark bill that changed the state's definition of marriage from a contract between two persons to one specifically between a man and a woman.

At the time, proponents of the bill praised it as one that would "outlaw marriages between homosexuals."

[Read the article or read more articles from SF Gate.]

"Get to Know me First" - Ad Campaign for LGBT Equality Thursday, 01/08/09
Queers United

In the wake of Proposition 8's passage in CA, a group of LGBT parents have come together to produce five 30-second commercials telling the stories of our families. These are the ads we never saw during the campaign, which had focus group data that steered them away from presenting the actual LGBT people.

The philosophy is, "If you are going to vote against me, get to know me first."

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

The Truth About Marriage's History Thursday, 01/08/09
Andrew Sullivan

Why do social conservatives not want to encourage stability, responsibility and commitment among gay Americans? What real policy do they have for gay Americans at all?

[Read the article or read more articles from Andrew Sullivan.]

Equality Camp Video-Brainstorming Wednesday, 01/07/09

Hey everyone! Matt here. I've posted the notes from our Equality Camp session on video production. They're annotated, and await further commenting. Sometime soon -- maybe February? -- we'll hold a camp specifically for video.

Democrats Reach Pact to Lead the Senate Wednesday, 01/07/09
NY Times

Though it does not appear that a bill to legalize marriage of gay men and of lesbian couples will be voted on anytime soon, it will not be because of any bargain, senators said. With several Democratic senators opposed to same-sex marriage, there are not presently enough votes to get a bill through the Senate.

"There are still five or six votes against the bill in the Democratic conference," said Senator Jeffrey D. Klein, who represents parts of Bronx and Westchester County. He insisted that same-sex marriage was not discussed at all among Democrats on Tuesday.

"And I certainly don't know five or six Republicans who are going to vote for it," Mr. Klein added. "Everybody understands that."

[Read the article or read more articles from NY Times.]

The Collective Wisdom of the LGBT Grassroots Wednesday, 01/07/09
Change.org

Check out We Will Never Go Back, and watch for the two additional reports coming from MEUSA. Their next report will be released on January 12 and will look at stories of discrimination and harm that resulted from California's Prop 8 campaign, and mirror similar experiences of theour LGBTI community and straight allies who have faced similar ballot initiative campaigns throughout the states. A third and final report will map out a plan for the future that looks at how to effectively run and win campaigns for marriage equality.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Warren's Counterproductive AIDS Efforts in Africa Wednesday, 01/07/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

The more I learn about Rick Warren's AIDS efforts in Africa, the less I respect him. He has endorsed policies that he knows are not the most effective and he has befriended and supported some of the most homophobic religious leaders in Christendom in their anti-gay political actions.

It is commendable that Rick Warren feels compassion for those suffering from AIDS in Africa. It is not commendable that he has used this suffering as a way to get a political and religious foothold in the region or that he capitalized on - and encouraged - hatred against gay people in the process.

[Read the article or read more articles from Box Turtle Bulletin.]

Keep your word, gay group warns Congress Wednesday, 01/07/09
365Gay

Three of the bills - the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell - died when the the last session of Congress ended and will need to be reintroduced.

[Read the article or read more articles from 365Gay.]

Tell the new Congress: Pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act Tuesday, 01/06/09
Queers United

Call on congress to support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" statute banning open military service by lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans.

[Read the article or read more articles from Queers United.]

Race not deciding factor in Prop. 8 vote, study shows Tuesday, 01/06/09
Mercury News

The Rev. Mark Wilson, of Oakland, former pastor of Berkeley's McGee Avenue Baptist Church and now outreach coordinator for the African-American activist group And Marriage for All, agreed it's time to "redouble our work with people of faith."

That means convincing people that supporting marriage equality is not at odds with their religious framework, and that to do otherwise conflicts with their faiths' concepts of freedom and justice, he said. It would mean building long-term relationships between African-American churches and the LGBT community, he added.

[Read the article or read more articles from Mercury News.]

Congress swears in today! Let them know you care about ENDA! Tuesday, 01/06/09
Press Release

Today, January 6, members of Congress raise their right hands and swear to uphold the Constitution as they begin the new legislative session. Let's make sure the first thing they hear about is the importance of an Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

[Read the article or read more articles from Press Release.]

Prop. 8 backers take on AG's argument Monday, 01/05/09
Fresno Bee

Lawyers from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union submitted their own response to Brown's brief. They reiterated the point from the original Proposition 8 lawsuits that the measure represented such a sweeping change that it should have gone before the Legislature before being submitted to voters. But they said they shared the attorney general's position that majority rule must bow, in the case of Proposition 8, to the constitution's guarantee of equality.

[Read the article or read more articles from Fresno Bee.]

Jerry Brown wins praise, criticism for stance on Proposition 8 Monday, 01/05/09
Sacramento Bee

"Challenging Proposition 8 on broad, fundamental grounds is very much consistent with Jerry Brown's reputation," said Darry Sragow, a public policy lawyer and veteran Democratic political strategist. "This is a man who likes to think big thoughts. This is a challenge that is consistent with that."

[Read the article or read more articles from Sacramento Bee.]

New Filing in Prop 8 Legal Challenge Monday, 01/05/09
Press Release

The brief argues that Proposition 8 is invalid because it seeks to eliminate a fundamental right only for a targeted minority, which cannot be done through the initiative process. The brief also agrees with California Attorney General Jerry Brown that certain fundamental rights, including the right to marry, are inalienable and can not be put up for a popular vote. The brief also argues --again in agreement with the Attorney General -- that Proposition 8 cannot be applied to invalidate existing marriages because new laws and amendments are presumed to apply only on a prospective basis.

[Read the article or read more articles from Press Release.]

California gay marriage battle turns to court role Monday, 01/05/09
Reuters

Brown says that, unless there is a compelling societal need, the court must safeguard liberty first and foremost. Lawyers backing the ban, he said, want "to say that a fundamental liberty is only fundamental until 52 percent of the people say otherwise."

[Read the article or read more articles from Reuters.]

Wedding blues Monday, 01/05/09
LA Times

In effect, DOMA's language reflects one-way federalism: It protects only those states that don't want to accept a same-sex marriage granted by another state. Moreover, the heterosexual definition of marriage for purposes of federal laws - including, immigration, Social Security survivor rights and veteran's benefits - has become a de facto club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability of a state to choose to recognize same-sex unions.

[Read the article or read more articles from LA Times.]

Gay marriage backers target New England Sunday, 01/04/09
Washington Times

"We can make New England a marriage-equality zone by strategically combining existing legal, electoral and on-the-ground know-how to fast-track marriage in every New England state," GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow said.

[Read the article or read more articles from Washington Times.]

New Jersey marriage equality hits a brick wall because of 2009 election concerns Sunday, 01/04/09
Marriage Equality USA

The governor promised to sign marriage-equality legislation when it reaches his desk. The question is whether state lawmakers will present him with the opportunity.

[Read the article or read more articles from Marriage Equality USA.]

Domestic partnership law finally set to pass? Friday, 01/02/09
New Mexico Independent

If the legislation passes, New Mexico will further its status as one of the top states in the nation in protecting the rights of people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The state already has a nondiscrimination law based on sexual orientation, plus what Siegle describes as a "very advanced" hate crimes law.

[Read the article or read more articles from New Mexico Independent.]

Splaine pushes for gay marriage in N.H. House Friday, 01/02/09
Seacoast Online

"It may not be in 2009, but I believe it will," Splaine said. "I put it in to continue the dialogue, because the more we talk about it, I believe people will see the fairness of full equality. Two years ago, civil unions passing opened the door and has been mostly well received. As of this weekend, there are 610 civil unions in New Hampshire."

[Read the article or read more articles from Seacoast Online.]

Harrumph! Thursday, 01/01/09
Advocate

Proposition 8 ended up passing, of course, prompting protests across the country. "It's great that people feel passionate about this," he says 10 days after the election, when I ask whether the upswing in gay activism pleased him, "but do you really think a rally on the Boston Common does one thing to change anything? I would prefer people channeled that energy -- whether it's for marriage equality or employment nondiscrimination -- into mobilizing and trying to persuade those who disagree with them. Notice that the NRA never marches. This is my continual debate with people in the gay community, many of whom want to hold rallies instead of doing political lobbying."

[Read the article or read more articles from Advocate.]

ACLU Challenges Gay Adoption Ban in Arkansas Thursday, 01/01/09
Change.org

There are 29 plaintiffs in the case, including a grandmother raising a grandchild with her same-sex partner, and a lesbian couple raising two boys, one of whom is a special-needs child. There's at least one reason to be hopeful that this lawsuit might result in the ban being overturned - the lawsuit has been assigned to Pulaski County Circuit Judge Timothy Fox, who had initially overturned a statewide gay foster parent ban that anti-gay (and anti-children!) activists sought in Arkansas in 2006.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Is the Next GOP Nominee for President Trying to Ban Gay Adoption in His Home State? Thursday, 01/01/09
Change.org

Twenty-nine (29) spots on the State's Commission on Marriage and Family have been appointed by Gov. JIndal, and a number of them have gone to several high profile anti-gay individuals, including conservative leaders who have called for bans on gay adoption.

[Read the article or read more articles from Change.org.]

Grassroots equality orgs pop up post-Prop 8 Thursday, 01/01/09
Gay and Lesbian Times

SDEC was launched by organizers of the Nov. 15 marriage equality march in San Diego, which drew more than 20,000 protesters. At a post-rally meeting, SAME organized too - not knowing the Equality Campaign was forming simultaneously.

[Read the article or read more articles from Gay and Lesbian Times.]