Prop 8 News from Stop8.org: March 2009

Is the Iraqi Government Executing LGBT People? Tuesday, 03/31/09
Change.org

The UK-based group Iraqi-LGBT is reporting that approximately 128 individuals have been arrested and sentenced to death for nothing more than being LGBT. And according to Iraqi-LGBT, executions are scheduled this week to start in "batches of 20."

If true, this is shocking, and quite possibly one of the gravest consequences of the Bush administration's War in Iraq. Groups like Amnesty International have called for investigations into executions in Iraq based on sexual orientation discrimination, but sadly little has been done to address LGBT discrimination in Iraq.

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

S.115 Clears Next Hurdle Tuesday, 03/31/09
Vermont Free to Marry

The full House is scheduled to hold its first vote on Thursday. The House will be taking up the budget bill first, and it is impossible to predict how long the discussion will take. It could take the better part of the day, or it could move along quickly. In either event, you can be sure that the chamber will fill up quickly. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT WE HAVE A VISIBLE PRESENCE IN THE ROOM. Plan to spend the day at the Statehouse, and come early in order to claim seats in the chamber.

[Read the article or read more articles from Vermont Free to Marry.]

Gay donors propose omnibus rights bill Tuesday, 03/31/09
Washington Blade

The leaders of a nonprofit LGBT donors group in Florida are calling on members of Congress to introduce a far-reaching omnibus LGBT rights bill that combines all of the gay- and transgender-related bills that have been pending before Congress, some for as long as 30 years.

Called the Equality & Religious Freedom Act, the combined measure also includes new provisions, including a clause that requires the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships legalized by states.

"We decided that asking for our rights incrementally was not enough," said Juan Ahonen-Jover of Miami, a gay philanthropist and co-founder of eQualityGiving.org. "We feel the less you ask for, the less you get."

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

Cast of characters downs civil unions Tuesday, 03/31/09
Washington Blade

A complex mix of personalities, career ambitions and individual motivations led to the defeat of civil unions for gay couples in Hawaii.

In the end, it was a political soap opera, full of emotion, strong characters and plot twists.

Some of the reasons state senators voted to scrap the measure Wednesday had more to do with politics than principle.

How else could 18 of 25 Democratic senators claim to support civil unions but only six record "yes' votes in public?

How else could the Senate's two-man Republican minority come out the victor before a cheering crowd of civil union and gay marriage opponents in the Senate gallery?

Among the majority in the Democratic Senate that opposed holding a full Senate vote was Senate President Colleen Hanabusa, D-Nanakuli-Makua, who balks at the suggestion that she's a puppet master controlling the direction of the entire Senate.

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

Japan allows its citizens same-sex marriage abroad Tuesday, 03/31/09
AFP

Japan has given the green light for its nationals to marry same-sex foreign partners in countries where gay marriage is legal, a justice ministry official said Friday.

Japan does not allow same-sex marriages at home and has so far also refused to issue a key document required for citizens to wed overseas if the applicant's intended spouse was of the same gender.

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

Homophobia damaging lives across Europe-EU study Tuesday, 03/31/09
Reuters

Homophobia is damaging people's health and careers across Europe and the problem may be worse than reported because victims are scared to draw attention to themselves for fear of a backlash, an EU study said.

The European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights said police in most countries were incapable of dealing with homophobic crime -- ranging from verbal abuse to deadly attacks -- and said many governments and schools failed to take it seriously enough.

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

Out Vermont Rep. Jason Lorber on marriage: "I believe we can do it" Tuesday, 03/31/09
Gay Politics

Openly gay Vermont state Rep. Jason Lorber, a former Victory Fund endorsee, expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of passing marriage equality legislation in the state, despite Gov. Jim Douglas' declaration that he would veto such a bill.

"We need to just stay focused on getting this bill passed," Lorber told GayPolitics.com. "We're certainly disappointed with the governor, but we need to do the right thing. Anytime you try to override a governor it's a big [challenge] - but I believe we can do it."

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

Gay marriage no, divorce yes Tuesday, 03/31/09
365Gay

Gays and lesbians may not be able to get married in New York - but they can get divorced.

In what is believed to be the first ruling on the issue of gay divorce in the state, a judge in Binghamton, New York has granted a divorce to a lesbian couple.

Justice Molly R. Fitzgerald based her ruling on an executive order issued last May by Gov. David Paterson recognizing the marriages of New York gay and lesbian couples who had gone outside the state to wed. The order directed state agencies to revise their policies.

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

Lesbian mom ordered deported Tuesday, 03/31/09
365Gay

A Northern California family is expected to be torn apart on Friday when Shirley Tan is scheduled to be deported back to the Philippines, leaving behind her life partner and their 12 year old twin sons.

Tan and Jaylynn "Jay" Mercado were married in San Francisco in 2004. Their marriage was voided, but even if it still were in effect the federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents Mercado from sponsoring her partner of 23 years for immigration.

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

House committee approves gay marriage bill Tuesday, 03/31/09
Rutland Herald

The House Judiciary Committee voted 8-2 Tuesday morning to approve a same-sex marriage bill.

Seven Democrats on the committee were joined by a single Republican in approving the bill, which comes after more than a week of testimony. The bill is expected to be debated on the floor of the Vermont House Thursday and Friday.

"It's no secret where I stand on this issue," said Rep. William Lippert, D-Hinesburg, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, shortly before he voted yes. "I believe this is the right thing to do. I believe this is the right time to do it."

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

Libertarian Party of California Backs Domestic Partnership Initiative Tuesday, 03/31/09
Pam's House Blend

The Libertarian Party of California has formally endorsed the Domestic Partnership Initiative (DPI), a proposed state measure that would replace the word "marriage" with "domestic partnership" throughout the California constitution and statutes. The DPI was approved on March 9, 2009 by the California secretary of state for petition signature gathering.

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

Changing from civil union to marriage Tuesday, 03/31/09
News Times

The General Assembly's Judiciary Committee on Monday afternoon voted 30-10 to codify last October's landmark state Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage.

If approved by the Senate, then the House and signed into law by the governor, the legislation would create a transition period for those same-sex couples who joined together in civil unions.

Couples could either end those existing unions or automatically become married under state law. The bill would also delete references in existing state law to marriage being solely a relationship between a man and a women.

"This legislation is crafted with an eye toward conforming our state law to the mandate of the Connecticut Supreme Court," Sen. Andrew J. McDonald, D-Stamford, co-chairman of the committee, referring to the October 10 decision in Kerrigan & Mock v. the Connecticut Department of Health.

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

Survey Shows Support For Gay Marriage Monday, 03/30/09
WPTZ

An unscientific survey taken by state. Sen. William Doyle shows that 55 percent of Vermonters support gay marriage, 38 percent oppose it and 7 percent are undecided.

Meanwhile, Douglas is getting a lot of mail in the wake of his announcement that he plans to veto a same-sex marriage bill.

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

Phone Bankers and Canvassers Needed in Vermont Monday, 03/30/09
Freedom to Marry

Following the Vermont Senate's vote to support a bill to end the exclusion of gay couples from marriage last week, Vermont's Gov. Douglas said he would veto the civil rights bill. But with the right work we can make that threat irrelevant!

Vermont Freedom to Marry is urging anyone who supports equality for all families to take action now, wherever you are, to tell the Vermont legislature to continue its leadership. Hearings are being held on the bill currently in the House Judiciary Committee, and the House is expected to take action soon!

[Read the article or read more articles from Freedom to Marry.]

Vt. gays focus on house Monday, 03/30/09
365Gay

LGBT civil rights groups in Vermont are mounting a massive campaign to secure a veto-proof House vote on gay marriage.

The House is expected to vote later this week on a marriage equality bill. The measure passed the Senate last week with a massive 26-4 vote. It is expected to pass the House with a much narrower majority.

Following Senate passage of the bill, Gov. James Douglas (R) announced he would veto it.

Since then same-sex, marriage advocates have been stepping up the campaign to win enough House votes to override a veto.

On Friday, hundreds turned out at the Statehouse in a show of support. They buttonholed lawmakers and are using a telephone campaign to try and sway opponents and undecided representatives.

"No one said this would be easy," Senate President Pro Tem Peter Shumlin, D-Windham, told the rally. "But we are more determined than ever to overcome his veto."

Rep. David Zuckerman said the bill currently has more than 75 strong supporters in the House, but it would take 101 votes to overcome a veto.

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

Dean urges passage of same-sex marriage bill Monday, 03/30/09
Burlington Free Press

A boisterous crowd cheered former Gov. Howard Dean's support of Freedom to Marry legislation and health care reform Saturday at a Vermont Democratic Party reception at the Hilton Burlington.

Dean's emotional endorsement of both issues headlined his acceptance of the 10 annual David W. Curtis Award.

The event celebrated Dean's tenure as the chairman of the Democratic National Committee -- and his 50-state strategy that is credited for helping return the party to power in Congress, and for President Barack Obama's victory.
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Dean urged Vermont party members to press forward in this year's legislative drive to grant marriage rights to all Vermonters, regardless of gender.

"Vote your conscience, not your district," he advised legislators.

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

Tempers flare and emotions show during Nevada gay rights bill debates Monday, 03/30/09
Lez Get Real

Debate was intense, tempers flared and emotions ran high during committee hearings in the Nevada Senate and State Assembly on Friday as several bills dealing with same-sex domestic partnerships and discrimination based on sexual orientation and "gender identity or expression" were discussed.

Last week, Sen. David Parks, D-Las Vegas, introduced two of these bills into committee... Senate Bill 283, which calls for a new type of civil contract for domestic partnerships, in which domestic partners would have the same rights, protections and benefits as a married couple in Nevada and Senate Bill 207, which is designed to give protection from discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations. Both came under fire from opponents.

[Read the article or read more articles from Lez Get Real.]

Three Governors and Marriage Equality Monday, 03/30/09
Change.org

So there it is...the story of three governors in the states that very well could be the next three states in the country to recognize marriage equality. One could be a potential ally (Maine's Baldacci), one is certainly an obstacle (Vermont's Douglas), and one is still unknown (New Hampshire's Lynch). But as these three individuals demonstrate, the Governor's office is a critical component in the debate over marriage equality. It's something LGBT rights supporters should remember, as the 2010 election season approaches.

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

Gay marriage on the march Sunday, 03/29/09
LA Times

Vermont and California appear to be sliding in opposite directions these days, and we're not talking about tectonic plates. As the institution of marriage undergoes seismic shifts, Vermont is moving from civil unions for same-sex couples toward full marriage, while the California Supreme Court is weighing whether to uphold Proposition 8, which stripped marriage rights from gay and lesbian couples.

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

pro-equality forces rally outside office of Gov. Douglas after his marriage bill veto promise Sunday, 03/29/09
Pam's House Blend

He added that Monday was his proudest day as a legislator, a father, a husband and a Vermonter. There will be enough votes to override Douglas' veto, Shumlin promised, adding, "We are not a distraction, we are Vermonters."

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

California Family Threatened by Discriminatory Immigration Laws Saturday, 03/28/09
Immigration Equality

Immigration Equality today spoke out about a California family that may soon be torn apart. Due to immigration laws that discriminate against lesbian and gay couples, Shirley Tan will likely be deported April 3, separating her from her life partner Jay Mercado, their twelve-year-old twin sons, and Jay's mother, for whom Shirley is the primary caretaker. The deportation will send Shirley back to the Philippines, where she was a victim of extreme violence.

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

Gay marriage effort shifts back to New England Saturday, 03/28/09
365Gay

Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery. Neighboring New Hampshire declared its independence from England before any other colony. Maine led the way with Prohibition.
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These days, Yankee activism has another cause - gay rights.

Two states in New England already allow same-sex marriage, and lawmakers in three more are considering it, although passage is far from certain.

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

Hundreds gather to protest Douglas veto threat Saturday, 03/28/09
Rutland Herald

Same-sex marriage supporters vowed Friday to protest Gov. James Douglas wherever he travels until he reverses his vow to veto a bill working its way through the Vermont Legislature.

Hundreds of supporters turned out at the Statehouse Friday morning to rally support for the bill legalizing gay marriage, two days after the Republican governor made the surprise announcement that he would reject the legislation if it comes to his desk.

"This issue is not going away," said Paul O'Kane of Waterbury, who attended the rally with his civil union partner, Robert Tranchida. "We're going to follow the governor around the state and protest until he changes his mind."

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

Gay Marriage, Set Back in One State, Gains in a 2nd Friday, 03/27/09
NY Times

The New Hampshire House voted Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage, narrowly approving a bill that faces an uncertain future in the State Senate and, should it pass there, most likely a veto by Gov. John Lynch.

Only hours after the measure had failed by one vote, a handful of legislators reconsidered, allowing it to clear the Democratic-controlled House by 186 to 179.

The vote followed by a day an announcement by Gov. Jim Douglas of neighboring Vermont that he would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage if it reached his desk. The Vermont Senate approved the bill overwhelmingly last Friday, and the House is hearing testimony on it this week. Vermont was the first state to legalize civil unions of same-sex couples, in 2000, but same-sex marriage is now legal only in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

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

Groups say Maine gay marriage law good for kids Friday, 03/27/09
Boston Globe

At a news conference Thursday, the groups said their research shows that children thrive in homes where the parents have loving and committed relationships. Dr. David Lilly of the Maine Psychological Association says the development, adjustment and well-being of children does not differ markedly whether their parents are gay or straight.

[Read the article or read more articles from Boston Globe.]

With veto threat, Douglas missed chance to lead Friday, 03/27/09
Burlington Free Press

By issuing his veto threat, Douglas passes up the opportunity to be the leader who helps bridge the gulf between Vermonters on opposite sides of this issue. By focusing on the need to attend to other issues after the bill passed the Senate, Douglas fails to give proper recognition to the fact that marriage equality is about civil rights.

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

McCain strategist endorses same-sex marriage Friday, 03/27/09
Washington Blade

"If I [were] to offer free political advice to the gay community in California," Schmidt said, "it would be don't spend your time looking for people about why it was defeated, but instead focus on what you could do next time and get ready to run the next campaign, because they were very, very close to succeeding."

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

Another poll shows positions on marriage unchanged since Prop 8 passed Thursday, 03/26/09
California Ripple Effect

That said we're going to have to work even harder as a community, in a united, determined effort to open hearts and minds, secure support, and win back marriage.

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

Rallies/Vigils for Marriage Equality in Vermont Thursday, 03/26/09
Queers United

Please attend a vigil in support of equal civil rights and the marriage equality bill. This will show strong support for equal marriage across Vermont, and to the nation at large. It is crucial to act now as the senate passed equal marriage, and the house is set to vote with the Governor threatening to veto.

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

Gays protest Block's failure to vote on resolution against Proposition 8 Thursday, 03/26/09
SignOnSanDiego

Newly elected Assemblyman Marty Block, who has a long history of support for gay rights issues, is facing the ire of gays and lesbians over his failure to vote on a legislative resolution condemning Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage.

Some are so incensed that they are organizing a protest at tonight's meeting of the gay and lesbian San Diego Democratic Club that Block said he plans to attend.

"Marty chose to, as they say, take a walk. All I can say is the gay community's reaction is we were beyond dumbfounded," said Tom DiCioccio, former vice president of the club. "When you say one thing and do another, it's cowardly. More than the gay issue, a lot of us are upset because he didn't stick to his guns."

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

Don't Trash WeHo When Protesting Prop 8 Thursday, 03/26/09
WeHo News

Yes, if the CA Supreme Court upholds Prop 8 we will be angry. There is still anger in the community four months later.

I hear it, others do too, and yes, we need an outlet for that anger. But let's not allow the outlet to be violent and self-destructive.

Let's gather, yell, scream, march, stomp our feet, and other forms of getting the anger out.

Then let us come together as a community and do what we need to do together to turn this tide around.

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

Local gay advocates preparing for Prop 8 decision Thursday, 03/26/09
Desert Sun

Same-sex marriage resonates with many in the Palm Springs area, which has one of the largest gay populations per capita in the United States. About 1,200 same-sex couples have married in the Coachella Valley since June 17, the first day gays and lesbians could legally marry.

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

LGBT Equality Advocates to Foster Dialogue About Gay Rights in Faith Communities This Summer Through "Sundays of Solidarity" Campaign Thursday, 03/26/09
Atticus Circle

Atticus Circle and Soulforce are teaming up for seven weeks of action, starting on Sunday, May 17, involving LGBT equality advocates visiting faith communities across the United States. The actions will involve supporters of LGBT individuals, couples, and families, who will be visiting churches and other faith community gathering places, engaging those faith community members in discussions about the importance of LGBT rights.

[Read the article or read more articles from Atticus Circle.]

NH House approves gay marriage Thursday, 03/26/09
Boston Globe

The House has voted to make New Hampshire the third state allowing gays to marry two years after they granted them the right to enter into civil unions.

The House voted 186-179 to send the bill to the Senate.

[Read the article or read more articles from Boston Globe.]

White House restates support for binational couples to stay together Thursday, 03/26/09
Immigration Equality

The president thinks Americans with partners from other countries should not be faced with a painful choice between staying with their partner or staying in their country. We will work closely with Congress to craft comprehensive immigration reform legislation.

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

House panel takes up gay marriage bill Thursday, 03/26/09
Times Argus

There was a sense of déjà vu as former Rep. Tom Little testified before the House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday afternoon on the same-sex marriage bill quickly moving through the Vermont Legislature.

Little, a Shelburne Republican, was chairman of that committee nine years ago when it passed the first-in-the-nation civil union law.

Now, Little was back before the panel as the 11-member body kicked off its deliberations on the same-sex marriage bill, which was easily approved by the Vermont Senate in a 26-4 vote on Monday.

"I've learned a lot in the last eight-and-a-half years," Little told the committee. "I think that gay and lesbian couples, under Act 91, have been more open and received more legal recognition in Vermont."

Little quickly added that he believes Act 91 - the state's civil union law passed in 2000 - does not go the full length to bring equal rights to same-sex couples in the state.

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

Bloomberg Urges New York State To Pass Gay Marriage Bill Thursday, 03/26/09
The New Civil Rights Movement

"Mayor Bloomberg said Wednesday night he stands ready to ask the Legislature to allow gay marriage in New York State, but doesn't know when the time will be right."

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

NH House approves bill to allow gay marriage Thursday, 03/26/09
AP

The chamber voted 186-179 to send a gay marriage bill to the Senate.

The bill's future is uncertain in the Senate. Also, Democratic Gov. John Lynch has said he opposes gay marriage, but hasn't said whether he would veto the legislation if it made it to his desk.

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

Marriage equality due for expansion Thursday, 03/26/09
The Republican

As Massachusetts goes, so goes New England.

That's the hope of gay marriage advocates who are getting closer to the goal of extending marriage rights to all New England states by 2012. We wish them luck in their quest.

It's been five years since Massachusetts became the first state in the nation to legalize same-sex marriage, and since that time approximately 10,000 gay couples have been married.

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

Douglas to Veto Gay Marriage Bill Thursday, 03/26/09
WCAX

The move puts the pressure squarely on the House. It can override a governor's veto with a two-thirds majority. Speaker Smith says he works closely with Progressives and Republicans, but since gay marriage is such a personal decision, not all about political parties, he's not sure he has the votes. House Judiciary chairman Bill Lippert-- himself openly gay-- held back tears over his frustration.

"This touches the hearts of your neighbors and friends. It touches my heart. I am deeply disappointed the governor has interfered with this process at this time," said Lippert, D-Hinesburg. "But as the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, we will continue this work and we will move forward."

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

Walsh: LDS elders showed seasoned political savvy on California's Prop. 8 Thursday, 03/26/09
Salt Lake Tribune

Documents leaked to Californians Against Hate show in fascinating detail the calculated way Mormon spiritual leaders spearheaded Hawaii's gay marriage fight 10 years ago. The handful of memos from then-Elder Loren C. Dunn to various members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles reveal a political machine within a patriarchy of faith:

Richard Wirthlin, not yet a general authority, polled the relative popularity of Mormons versus Catholics. When results showed Catholics had a better image in Hawaii, Mormon leaders decided to stay in the background. They hired a Hawaiian advertising firm, McNeil Wilson, on a $250,000 retainer. They tacked on gambling and legalized prostitution to give the anti-marriage front group "room to maneuver in the legislature" and "broaden our base and appeal," Dunn wrote. They searched for an "articulate middle-age mother" who was neither Mormon nor Catholic to be the face of the campaign.

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

Prop 8 protestors march from Berkeley Thursday, 03/26/09
KGO

Along the way marchers plan to meet with minority and church groups in an attempt to woo people who may have voted for the same-sex marriage ban back in November. They would like to get them to now support the repeal of Proposition 8 if they need to get such an initiative on the ballot.

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

Inland gay-rights supporters form political coalition Thursday, 03/26/09
Press-Enterprise

Equality Inland Empire plans to seek meetings with local state legislators and members of Congress, attend legislative open houses, hold community town hall meetings and get involved with education and other issues that are not gay-specific but affect members and their families.

The group began meeting in January. The group's first big event, a March 4 rally in downtown Riverside on the eve of the Supreme Court hearing on Prop. 8, drew about 250 people.

Members of the coalition include the Jeffery Owens Community Center in Riverside, the San Bernardino-based Rainbow Pride Youth Alliance, Inland Counties Stonewall Democrats and several churches.

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

UCLA Biz Alums Angry Over Pro-Prop 8 Meg Whitman Commencement Speech Wednesday, 03/25/09
WeHo News

Appeals to the school's Dean, Judy Olian, to rescind the invitation have been denied; GLBA members are planning a protest.

The outcry stems from the fact that Ms. Whitman, who served as a campaign co-chair and advisor to the John McCain presidential candidacy, recently announced her run for the Governorship here in California and her support for Prop 8.

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

Anti-LGBT lobby goes after EQCA legislation Wednesday, 03/25/09
California Ripple Effect

What this all begins to show is that for our detractors, it's NOT just about marriage, and marriage is not where they'll stop. They want to round it out by taking away jobs, civil rights, proper healthcare, safe schools, you name it.

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

Study examines effect of marriage on gay couples Wednesday, 03/25/09
365Gay

Unmarried same-sex couples may suffer greater fear and anxiety around end of life issues than those in state-sanctioned unions, according to the findings.

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

Members of clergy voice support for civil unions bill Wednesday, 03/25/09
Honolulu Advertiser

The faith-based support comes on the heels of public support for the measure from civil rights and native Hawaiian organizations, said Paul Gracie, co-chairman of the Family Equality Coalition.

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

Same-sex marriage bills gain in N.E. Wednesday, 03/25/09
Boston Globe

Little more than five years after the Supreme Judicial Court legalized marriage for same-sex couples in Massachusetts, gay advocates say they're coming closer to their goal of extending gay marriage to all New England states by 2012.

[Read the article or read more articles from Boston Globe.]

Vermont Senate passes marriage equality bill Monday, 03/23/09
Bay Windows

Today's debate lasted just over an hour and was marked by considerable decorum. But behind the scenes, there was also considerable drama. The son of Republican state Sen. Kevin Mullin came out as gay in a Vermont daily newspaper today, and it was Mullin who offered an amendment to put off the vote on the bill and, instead, put the issue before voters. That amendment was struck down 11 to 19, and Mullin ultimately spoke in favor of and voted for the bill.

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

Senator Schumer Announces Support for Marriage Equality and Calls for the Full Repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act Monday, 03/23/09
Press Release

Van Capelle said that during the meeting, Schumer pledged his support to repeal DOMA and, in the interim, to work to provide federal recognition and portability of benefits to legally married same-sex couples.

Sen. Schumer is Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference and the highest ranking member of the Senate to endorse marriage equality.

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

Elon poll: NC split on gay marriage Monday, 03/23/09
Business Journal

On the broader topic of same-sex marriage, 44 percent opposed any legal recognition for same-sex couples, while 28 percent support civil unions but not full marriage rights. Twenty-one percent support full marriage rights.

[Read the article or read more articles from Business Journal.]

Experts: Don't bet on Proposition 8 outcome Sunday, 03/22/09
Desert Sun

"It's very difficult to predict outcomes to Prop 8 on the basis of arguments," said David B. Cruz, a University of Southern California law professor and constitutional law expert.

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

Therapists urge state group to oppose Prop 8 Saturday, 03/21/09
Bay Area Reporter

Mary Riemersma, the association's executive director, wrote, "The members of the CAMFT board have great respect for those organizations and individuals that have as their mission to act to protect the rights of same-sex couples, however that is not CAMFT's purpose. The various things that you have asked CAMFT to do would use resources intended to be used to assure parity for marriage and family therapists and parity for mental health treatment."

Riemersma, who's straight, told the Bay Area Reporter that she's not a voting member of the board. She also said that she supports same-sex marriages, but the association, which has a budget of about $3 million and approximately 30,000 members, has "limited resources."

Board members of the San Francisco chapter of the state association wrote to Riemersma saying they were "extremely disappointed" with CAMFT's decision and, among other requests, asked it to take a formal position to repeal Prop 8.

Bruce Weitzman, the openly gay president of the San Francisco chapter's board, told the B.A.R that he will give a presentation on same-sex marriage in Washington on Saturday to encourage the board to take a position "that is in line with their code of ethics."

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

Catholic bishops revealed as key in marriage battle Saturday, 03/21/09
Bay Area Reporter

In what turned out to be the largest total contribution from a single organization, $1.4 million of the Yes on 8 campaign's coffers came from the tax-exempt Knights of Columbus, based in New Haven, Connecticut. The Catholic Church operates its legislative efforts through the little understood entity, of which nearly all Catholic bishops and priests are members.

But the church's involvement in repealing same-sex marriage rights in California has been largely obscured by the intense public and media attention Mormon leaders received last year for their efforts to pass Proposition 8. After voters passed the anti-same-sex marriage constitutional amendment in November, LGBT protesters rallied outside the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' temples throughout the state rather than Catholic churches.

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

Leaked memos: Gay rights group make new charges over LDS Prop 8 role Saturday, 03/21/09

The memos -- 10 of which appear to have been written by the late Loren C. Dunn, a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy at the time -- reveal key aspects of the LDS Church's strategy in fighting same-sex marriage in Hawaii. Karger contends they also reveal a kind of electoral blueprint that the church modified for use in California.

Whether the documents bear any relevance to the Prop 8 efforts, they offer a glimpse into what appears to have been a major effort by senior church leaders at the time to battle same-sex marriage in a number of states, including Hawaii.

The memos focus on formation and operation of Hawaii's Future Today, the main group championing Hawaii's constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage, and the church's desire that the group's members be drawn from diverse religious faiths.

''One reason I wanted us organized in Hawaii the way we are is because President [Gordon B.] Hinckley wanted it that way,'' Dunn supposedly wrote to the late Neal A. Maxwell, then a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, in a March 6, 1996, memo.

Queer Liberaction already planning local rally for Prop 8 'Day of Decision' Saturday, 03/21/09
Dallas Voice

Organizer Laura McFarin said, "If we are victorious and the California Supreme Court overturns Prop 8, then the rally will be a celebration [and will take] the victory and press our advantage as much as possible. This can be done is such a way that the possible victory in California promotes further victories elsewhere."

If the court upholds Prop 8, the rally will become a protest.

QL founder and organizer Blake Wilkinson said, "Whether we are handed a victory or if we are defeated, we have got to move forward by building an independent civil rights movement in the streets. That's how it's been done in the past and we are kidding ourselves if we think that we can do it any other way."

[Read the article or read more articles from Dallas Voice.]

Study examines effect of marriage on gay couples Saturday, 03/21/09
365Gay

"The bottom line is that those who reside in states that do not recognize relationships or sanctioned marriages between same-sex couples feel less cared for and less cared about and must take extra legal steps to prepare for their later years," deVries said.

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

Press release regarding signature gathering to create an initiative to ammend the CA Constitution allowing Same Sex marriages Friday, 03/20/09
Press Release

The proponent for this measure, Charles Lowe, must collect signatures of 694,354 registered voters - the number equal to 8% of the total votes cast for governor in the 2006 gubernatorial election - in order to qualify it for the ballot. The proponent has 150 days to circulate petitions for this measure, meaning the signatures must be collected by August 17, 2009.

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

Benefits for Gay Couples Friday, 03/20/09
NY Times

We do not ask for a handout. We do not ask for special favors. And we gladly and lovingly accept taking care of children cast away by others. All we ask is to be treated like everyone else.

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

Vermont Senate panel approves gay marriage bill Friday, 03/20/09
AP

The full Senate is expected to take up the bill next week.

Gov. Jim Douglas has said he opposes the measure, but has not indicated whether he would veto it.

If approved, Vermont would join Massachusetts and Connecticut as the only U.S. states that allow gay marriage.

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

EDITORIAL: The time has come for marriage equality Thursday, 03/19/09
Burlington Free Press

Vermont's experience with civil unions since 2000 has shown us that people are more than ready to accept the idea of two people of the same gender should receive legal recognition for a committed relationship. The world as we knew it hardly changed at all for the larger population, though it did for that portion seeking a measure of equality. The fact that civil unions are so unremarkable today is perhaps the best testimony to their acceptance.

The years have also shown civil unions to be unequal to marriage, both in the views of society and in legal terms. Federal laws do not recognize same-sex unions when it comes to areas such as taxation and survivor benefits. Without state recognition of marriage, there is little grounds for challenging federal limitations on same-sex couples.

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

Gay marriage gets recognition - in the dictionary Thursday, 03/19/09
AP

A spokesman of the Springfield, Mass., company says the change was made in 2003 to reflect the popularity of the term "same-sex marriage" in print and common usage.

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

Clergy push for Maine gay marriages Wednesday, 03/18/09
Boston Herald

A coalition of clergy members who support gay marriage in Maine attempted to persuade lawmakers at a meeting Tuesday, the day the Senate referred the bill to a committee.

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

NH gay marriage bill deadlocks in committee Wednesday, 03/18/09
Burlington Free Press

Tuesday's split decision means that the bill goes to the whole House next week for a debate and vote without any recommendation from the committee.

The Legislature passed a civil unions bill for same-sex couples two years ago and the state began issuing civil unions last year.

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

How Chris Hughes Helped Launch Facebook and the Barack Obama Campaign Wednesday, 03/18/09
Fast Company

The main takeaways:
- Volunteers given tools to create their own local groups
- Keep volunteers interacting in the real world, not just online
- Provide structure -- let people communicate info about when and where things are happening
- Provide materials -- training, talking points, logos, help with permits, etc
- Help volunteers find other local volunteers (Blue State Digital's Neighbor-to-Neighbor software)
- Trust the community to do the work

[Read the article or read more articles from Fast Company.]

Business Groups Back Gay Marriage Wednesday, 03/18/09
WPTZ

Patten handed the Committee a new UCLA research study released last week projecting Vermont would see $31 million in new consumer spending, and 700 new jobs, in the first three years following passage of same-sex marriage. The study was based on Vermont's experience with civil unions, and data from other states with gay marriage rights.

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

US To Call for Worldwide Decriminalization Tuesday, 03/17/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

The Obama administration will endorse a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality that then-President George W. Bush had refused to sign, The Associated Press has learned.

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

Gay West Point grads come out Tuesday, 03/17/09
365Gay

In a statement, the group said that they are prepared to help the military college make the transition to LGBT equality once the ban is lifted.

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

Gay Activists Call for Immediate National Response Following CA Supreme Court Decision on Proposition 8; Thousands Expected to Participate in Nationwide Actions on Day of Decision Tuesday, 03/17/09
Press Release

The court will provide notice 24-hours in advance of issuing its ruling. That evening, DayofDecision.org actions across the country to either protest a decision that upholds Prop. 8 or that celebrates the invalidation of Prop. 8 will take place.

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

Bill would give gays same rights as married couples Tuesday, 03/17/09
Las Vegas Sun

Gay couples could have the same rights and responsibilities as married couples, under a bill introduced in the state Senate.

Senate Bill 283, sponsored by Sen. David Parks, D-Las Vegas, calls for a new type of civil contract for domestic partnerships, under which domestic partners would have the same rights, protections and benefits as spouses, former spouses, widows or widowers.

[Read the article or read more articles from Las Vegas Sun.]

The right thing for gay couples Tuesday, 03/17/09
Denver Post

House Bill 1260, known as the "designated beneficiaries" bill, would make it easier and less expensive for two unmarried people -- gay or not -- to file paperwork with their county clerk allowing them to share benefits and plan their estates.

Senate Bill 88 would enable same-sex partners of state employees to be eligible for health, life and dental insurance benefits, which is expected to cost $116,182, according to a state estimate.

We support HB 1260 without hesitation. As for SB 88, we have expressed concern about adding any expense to the state budget in such difficult times, but otherwise support the idea.

It is, simply, an issue of fairness.

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

Florists Can't Discriminate Against Gay Couples Monday, 03/16/09
Hartford Courant

This proposal has no place in a pluralistic society. Imagine Jewish businesses refusing to serve Arabs or Muslims or conservatives blacklisting liberal customers.

[Read the article or read more articles from Hartford Courant.]

Financial fight: spouses fight for federal benefits Monday, 03/16/09
365Gay

Married couples in Massachussetts say they're being unfairly penalized by the federal government's Defense of Marriage Act. We talk with the widower of former Congressman Gerry Studds, whose marriage is not recognized at the federal level and thus he is not able to collect Studds' congressional pension just like any other surviving spouse. Ross Palombo reports.

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

Vermont begins same-sex marriage hearings Monday, 03/16/09
365Gay

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee is hearing testimony about equality issues, other states' experiences and the conclusions of a study on the matter. More hearings are scheduled for later in the week.

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

Petition blasts Starr for Prop 8 'lies' Monday, 03/16/09
365Gay

The petition drive was featured on EndtheLies.org, launched by the Human Rights Campaign to confront what HRC said are lies and distortions repeatedly used to defeat LGBT equality measures.

Starr has referred to the struggle for marriage equality as "seizing and hijacking the marriage relationship in order to achieve apartheid-type values."

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

Surge in anti-gay hate crime cases Monday, 03/16/09
Mercury News

Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year -- 56 percent -- a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.

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

Civil Marriage Is a Healthy Choice Monday, 03/16/09
Washington Post

Although the government may not have intended to invest civil marriage with a public health role, in practice, it has become the vehicle for delivering such fortifications. People who are married have access to enhanced protections at those times of greatest human vulnerability: birth, death, illness, disability and unemployment. The government gives special treatment to civil marriage because it shifts the burden of care from the government to the individual and the family. By giving families the tools to take care of themselves, the government efficiently reallocates its responsibility for citizen welfare and invests the married couple in a caretaking role that extends beyond their individual interest. This is the essence of good governance -- providing people with tools to protect and improve the health of their own families.

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

Separation Anxiety: Gay couples should be allowed to stay together in the United States. Monday, 03/16/09
Washington Post

The strain of the status quo on gay and lesbian binational couples should not be discounted. Because their relationships are not legally recognized by the United States, some couples have resorted to illegal marriages where the foreign nationals marry Americans to get green cards that allow them to stay in the country permanently. In other cases, Americans have exiled themselves to be with their partners. Sixteen countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Israel, South Africa and the United Kingdom, allow residents to sponsor same-sex permanent partners for legal immigration. American gays and lesbians should not have to choose between their country and their partners.

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

State's gay married couples could increase even if Prop. 8 is upheld Saturday, 03/14/09
OC Register

However, one could argue that those married elsewhere between June 16 and Nov. 4 - when gay marriages were performed in California - should be recognized if those couples move here, she said.

[Read the article or read more articles from OC Register.]

Gay marriage bill pros shouting louder than cons Saturday, 03/14/09
USA Today

The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force has hired the Montpelier lobbying firm of Kimbell, Sherman & Ellis, and began airing TV commercials March 5 that feature couples talking about marriage equality.

It has held news events all week: On Tuesday, it was mental health and human service organizations saying children of lesbian and gay parents are as likely as those of heterosexual parents to flourish. On Wednesday, it was 181 members of the Vermont clergy vowing their support for the right of same-sex couples to participate in civil marriage. On Friday, representatives of more than 250 Vermont lawyers are to announce their support.

By contrast, neither Take It to The People nor Vermont Renewal, a Rutland-based opponent of same-sex marriage, has held a public event or aired a single commercial.

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

The Day of Decision on Prop 8 Saturday, 03/14/09
Change.org

As a means of gearing up for the upcoming California State Supreme Court ruling on Proposition 8, a host of LGBT rights activists and organizations have launched "The Day of Decision," a nationwide call to organize demonstrations and rallies across the U.S. on the day that the Court announces its opinion over whether Prop 8 is valid or discriminatory. As the organizers call it, this day will either be a day of "celebration" or a day of "protest."

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

What to do about DOMA? Friday, 03/13/09
Leonard Link

It is past time for the Administration to continue mouthing its good intentions to do something in the future. The issue is here and it is time for action. A motion to dismiss the Gill case would be an unfriendly act against the LGBT community, most certainly, in terms of immediate strategic decisions facing the Administration, since it would require arguing that Congress had a legitimate justification for discriminating against same-sex couples, relying on the offensive rationales articulated in the legislative history -- positions and rationales that the president purportedly disavowed on the campaign trail.

To compound the irony, of course, that OPM letter, which was issued by an underling in the department, emanates from an agency awaiting confirmation of its newly appointed director, an openly-gay man named M. John Berry, who upon taking office will also become the lead titular defendant in the Gill case. (Is there something odd about suing ourselves?) Berry has a distinguished career as an "out" gay man in the federal government, including a successful stint as head of the National Zoo in Washington. When he takes over the direction of OPM, he will be charged with administering the offensive policies that the Obama Administration has sworn to repeal. How will he act in that situation?

[Read the article or read more articles from Leonard Link.]

Experts: Gay Marriage Won't Hurt Kids Friday, 03/13/09
Gay DC Today

The Vermont Psychological Association, the Vermont Psychiatric Association, the Vermont Association of Mental Health Counselors, and the Vermont chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, all say legalizing gay marriage would help the children of same-sex couples.

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

Same-Sex Couples Call for Right to Marry Friday, 03/13/09
WBOC

Gay marriage advocates plan to gather in Annapolis to urge support for bills that would allow same gender couples to marry in Maryland.

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

Vermont Clergy Throw Support Behind Gay Marriage Bill Friday, 03/13/09
WPTZ

Maloney joined about 25 colleagues of varying Christian denominations at a news conference at City Hall in Burlington Wednesday to voice their support for marriage equality. They released a roster of Christian and Jewish clergy from across Vermont who signed a statement of support for same-sex marriage rights, framing the issue as one that protects their religious freedoms.

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

60 lawmakers co-sponsor Maine's gay marriage bill Friday, 03/13/09
Seacoast Online

Democratic Sen. Dennis Damon of Trenton said those lining up in support of his bill include representatives from Maine's smallest towns and its largest cities.

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

Gilchrest offers support in Annapolis for gay marriage Friday, 03/13/09
Baltimore Sun

Gilchrest came out of political retirement to share a personal view of the issue -- his brother David is gay and married to his longtime partner in Massachusetts. Gilchrest, who opposed changing the U.S. Constitution to ban gay marriage, argued that the unions should be allowed as a matter of "social justice, civil rights and a more viable democracy."

Britt, who met his wife while on a freedom ride against discrimination in public transportation in the 1960s, said he understands what it means to fight for equality. "Any couple in love should have the right to marry," he said. "Civil rights for gays and lesbians are just as important as civil rights for anybody else."

[Read the article or read more articles from Baltimore Sun.]

Obama on Spot Over a Benefit to Gay Couples Friday, 03/13/09
NY Times

As a presidential candidate, Mr. Obama said he would "fight hard" for the rights of gay couples. As a senator, he sponsored legislation that would have provided health benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.

Now, Mr. Obama is in a tough spot. If he supports the personnel office on denying benefits to the San Francisco court employees, he risks agitating liberal groups that helped him win election. If he supports the judges and challenges the marriage act, he risks alienating Republicans with whom he is seeking to work on economic, health care and numerous other matters.

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

New Gay-Marriage War Coming to California Friday, 03/13/09
LA Weekly

Jacobs is trying to organize a new, grassroots-oriented gay-rights movement in California. After November 4, the top-down management style of the campaign, which was headed up by such longtime gay leaders as Geoff Kors of Equality California and Lorri Jean of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, was widely seen as a weak link in the failed effort. Over the past few months, the Courage Campaign has been hosting a two-day training seminar, "Camp Courage," for gay activists throughout the state.

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

Rallies Planned for CA Supreme Court Decision Thursday, 03/12/09
Queers United

Groups have begun planning a response to the California Supreme Court decision that will decide the validity of prop 8 and the existing 18,000 same-sex marriages that have been performed during the months of May-November.

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

Tell your legislator Harvey Milk Day is still important! Wednesday, 03/11/09
California Ripple Effect

Anti-gay extremists are gathering at the Capitol in Sacramento tomorrow, March 11, to lobby against the Harvey Milk Day Bill. Members of the Capitol Resource Institute will lobby "to urge lawmakers to oppose the 'homosexual indoctrination' presented by SB 572, which would create a Harvey Milk Day in public schools . . .," according to the Capitol Morning Report.

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

Washington Domestic Partnership Upgrade Advances Wednesday, 03/11/09
Box Turtle Bulletin

Washington will join California and Oregon in having Domestic Partnerships that possess identitical state rights and responsibilities as marriages. And none of the federal ones.

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

Obama Wrote a Letter Opposing Prop 8. Why Wasn't It Used? Wednesday, 03/11/09

While the Vote No folks sat there and watched one African American church leader after another take the Vote Yes bait and come out in favor of Prop 8, the Vote No folks had perhaps the greatest weapon that they could ever want in their back pockets: a letter from the man that ended up winning over 95% of a massive and historically large African American vote. And they did NOTING WITH IT!

Another Epic Failure by the No On Prop. 8 Campaign Revealed Wednesday, 03/11/09
GayWired

Steve Smith, a consultant who worked for the campaign, was recently called out on his ineptitude, and he had this to say:

Smith acknowledged that the campaign should have used then-presidential candidate Barack Obama's stated opposition to Prop 8. Instead, little use was made of Obama's opposition in a letter last June to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club, and right before Election Day the Yes on 8 campaign sent out a mailer featuring Obama's image and quotes that he is opposed to same-sex marriage.

"That was a close call," Smith said. "Maybe we should have."

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

Anti-Gay Hate Group Allowed on U. Hawaii Campus Tuesday, 03/10/09
Queers United

This is unacceptable, that a non-student, non-Hawaiian hate group is allowed to come onto a campus to harass students. Please contact the chancellor immediately to revoke their permit to enter the campus, this is a safety issue, as well as a violation of the universities principles.

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

Andrea Shorter on her new EQCA marriage job Tuesday, 03/10/09
Bilerico Project

Marc Solomon - the highly regarded executive director of MassEquality - will be EQCA's new "marriage director."

EQCA also hired Andrea Shorter, who recently lead the post-Prop 8 Equality Summit. Shorter is co-founder and director of And Marriage For All, a public-education campaign that engages communities of color in dialogue about the freedom to marry for same-sex couples, and the co-founder and chair of the Bayard Rustin LGBT Coalition, the largest African-American LGBT political organization in the Bay Area.

[Read the article or read more articles from Bilerico Project.]

Support for Hawaii civil union vote wavering Tuesday, 03/10/09
AP

Legislators could also compromise by approving a watered-down version of civil unions that affirms gay partnerships but reserves some marital rights for heterosexual couples only. That version would permit same-sex couples or family members to enter into a relationship that provides hospital visitation, inheritance and auto insurance benefits but denies adoption and other parental rights. Additional rights such as health and tax benefits could be added.

Sen. Will Espero, who suggested the amendment and would vote against the current civil unions bill, said the compromise means opponents couldn't argue that civil unions are the same as marriage.

"There's not a sense of rushing and immediacy. We want to do it properly and in a manner we can all get behind," said Espero, a Democrat. "We understand how sensitive the issue is."

Other senators have said amending the bill would ruin its chances of passage because that would open a new round of negotiations in committee.

A compromise also may be untenable to the gay community, said Alan Spector, co-chair of the Family Equality Coalition.

"How does one compromise on equality and civil rights? We're being asked to accept less than equality," Spector said.

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

Professional organizations back gay marriage Tuesday, 03/10/09
Burlington Free Press

Included in the materials distributed at the news conference was a July 2006 article in the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics that concluded: "There is ample evidence that children raised by same-gender parents fare as well as those raised by heterosexual parents. More than 25 years of research have documented that there is no relationship between parents' sexual orientation and any measure of a child's emotional, psychosocial and behavioral adjustment. These data have demonstrated no risk to children as a result of growing up in a family with one or more gay parents."

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

Bill makes Iowa marriage law gender neutral Tuesday, 03/10/09
Iowa Independent

The point of the legislation would be to properly respond should the Iowa Supreme Court rule that the state's Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional. If that is the case, same-sex marriage would be legal in Iowa and the language in laws would have to reflect that.

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

Poll: 48 percent of voters would repeal Prop. 8 Tuesday, 03/10/09
SF Gate

The Field Poll of 761 registered voters found that 48 percent of those surveyed would support a new ballot initiative repealing Proposition 8, while 47 percent would favor keeping the ban in place. The remaining 5 percent were undecided.

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

Activists Call For Immediate National Response to Forthcoming CA Supreme Court Decision Monday, 03/09/09
Press Release

Recognizing that win or lose, the LGBTQ community must have an immediate response to the forthcoming California Supreme Court decision on whether or not to uphold Proposition 8, veteran activists Robin Tyler and Andy Thayer have called for "Day of Decision" actions the night that the court releases its decision. Volunteers for the effort are being coordinated through the new website, www.DayofDecision.org

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

The 2010 U.S. Census is Going to Fail the LGBT Population Monday, 03/09/09
Change.org

Citing DOMA, the U.S. government says that it would be illegal to count same-sex partners and identify them as gay and lesbian couples, since same-sex unions aren't recognized on a federal level. Moreover, for same-sex couples who have children, the injustice is even graver. Same-sex couples with kids won't even be listed as "families" on the 2010 U.S. census, and children will be listed as "belonging to single parents."

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

MassEquality's Solomon to lead Equality California's marriage effort Monday, 03/09/09
Bay Windows

After successfully leading the effort to preserve marriage equality in Massachusetts and overseeing his organization's transition from a single-issue political campaign into a broad-based LGBT political organization, MassEquality executive director Marc Solomon is leaving to head up Equality California's (EQCA) effort to restore marriage equality in that state.

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

Human Rights Campaign Announces Sponsorship of CA Activist Training Series in Wake of Prop 8 Monday, 03/09/09
Pam's House Blend

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, announced today the sponsorship of "Camp Courage," an intensive two-day training institute organized by the California-focused Courage Campaign. The training program will provide grassroots activists the practical, hands-on skills to organize in their communities on marriage equality for same-sex couples.

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

Fight for marriage, family is new protest focus Monday, 03/09/09
SF Gate

"Ten years ago, this (debate) was about rights and benefits," said Mike Marshall, a political consultant. "Thursday it was about love, commitment and family."

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

Lake Tahoe? I don't Think So. Monday, 03/09/09
Queers United

An Avalanche of negative reaction has hit The Incline Village General Improvement District after this North Lake Tahoe, Nevada resort town voted last month to rescind health care insurance benefits to domestic partners of its employees.

According to Incline Village General Improvement District financial research, the move to take back domestic partnership benefits will only save the district about $1,500 in expenses, the estimated amount the district would pay through the end of the fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009.

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

Social Media Is The Missing Link To Achieving Marriage Equality Monday, 03/09/09
The New Civil Rights Movement

In short, it's time to take decisive action to do what we did not in the campaign leading up to the Prop 8 vote: change hearts and minds. And our most effective tool to reach those very segments of the population we need to most is to utilize the same tool they are using: social media.

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

Southern Utah University "We Have Families Too" Sunday, 03/08/09
Press Release

A demonstration of Love and Support for GLBTQ families is in the planning stages for the May 2, 2009 Southern Utah University (SUU) Commencement in Cedar City, Utah. LDS Church President Thomas Monson will be a speaker and receive an honorary degree. Some SUU student organizations see Monson as an inappropriate choice for the commencement speaker. Alumni and other organizations see this is as an open invitation for demonstration showing that GLBTQ community have families too by requesting Monson support Common Ground for expanded health care, fair housing and employment, and removal of inheritance and insurance barriers for GLBTQ families. Elder L. Whitney Clayton stated the LDS Church "does not oppose civil unions or domestic partnerships." The SUU commencement is a perfect time to remind Monson his support will help GLBTQ graduates obtain employment, housing and medical care long after they graduate with their SUU diplomas.

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

Ruling could mean civil unions for all in Calif. Sunday, 03/08/09
Sacramento Bee

A ruling that upholds both voters' November decision to ban gay marriage and the 18,000 same-sex marriages conducted earlier in California could come off as a safe compromise. But it also promises to keep alive an issue that has split the state as few others have.

Such a decision would give same-sex marriage advocates an avenue to pursue a federal appeal, and an argument for compelling the state to, as Associate Justice Ming Chin put it, "get out of the marriage business."

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

Equality Utah uses the LDS own words in a new campaign for Gay Rights Sunday, 03/08/09
Lez Get Real

This week in an effort to sway voters in that state and prevent other of Equality Utah's legislative initiative's remaining bills from going down in flames, Equality Utah has come out swinging with a major multimedia ad blitz that turn the tables and proclaims...

"The Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples ..."

[Read the article or read more articles from Lez Get Real.]

Hawaii lawmakers cautious on future of civil union bill Saturday, 03/07/09
365Gay

Last month, after 15 hours of hearings, the Senate Judiciary and Government Operations Committee tied 3-3 on whether to advance the bill to the full Senate.

Senate leaders could move the bill from the committee directly to the Senate floor for a vote if they had nine of the Senate's 25 members agreeing.

Privately, at least nine senators have told LGBT groups they support the legislation, but are fearful of a voter backlash if they approve the seldom-used maneuver to force a full Senate vote.

That has left Senate leaders with trying to either push for a committee re-vote or get a majority - at least 13 Senators - to agree to move it directly to the full Senate.

Right now it appears there is no consensus on either plan.

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

Gay marriage backers still hard at work in California Saturday, 03/07/09
Sacramento Bee

Equality California, a gay rights group, is already making plans to hire field organizers to persuade more Californians to accept same-sex marriage. If necessary, activists say, they'll be the ones to take the issue to the ballot box next time.

"Regardless of what the court does, we have to change hearts and minds," said Geoff Kors, Equality California executive director.

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

Existing gay marriages now on a great divide Saturday, 03/07/09
LA Times

At the same time, the gay married couples may help educate Americans about same-sex marriage, Davidson said.

"They will be kind of living examples of the fact that no one else is harmed by the existence of married same-sex couples," he said.

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

Lobby Day sees record attendance: Equality Texas says turnout already paying dividends Saturday, 03/07/09
Dallas Voice

With a razor-thin Republican majority and new leadership in the House, legislative sources told Dallas Voice this week they believe at least two pro-equality bills have a chance of passing this year -- and possibly even making their way through the Senate to Gov. Rick Perry's desk.

If Perry were to sign the bills, it would mark the first time since 2001 that any pro-equality legislation has become law in Texas. And in a possible first since 1999, no anti-LGBT legislation had been filed as of Thursday, March 5. The bill filing deadline for this year's session is Friday, March 13.

[Read the article or read more articles from Dallas Voice.]

VT Lawmakers: Marriage Equality is Now a Priority - w/Poll! Saturday, 03/07/09
Pam's House Blend

Lawmakers want this done quickly. They will take up gay marriage in a week-and-a-half and they plan to hold a public hearing at the Statehouse. But the discussion might not matter. Lawmakers say the opposition had an opportunity to weigh in during statewide public meetings held in the fall of 2007. Opponents say they boycotted the meetings because it was a quote "dog and pony show," and point out that the Freedom to Marry Task Force begins airing TV ads tonight-- the same day the press conference was held.

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

More post-Prop 8 blame game - but where do we go from here? Saturday, 03/07/09
Pam's House Blend

Given where we are now, with thousands of California marriages hanging in the legal balance, and marriage equality rolled back for the time being, we should learn from mistakes; what I'm reading from Michael and Dan is a frustration that the LGBT leadership in place doesn't learn. It wasn't Obama's fault that his letter wasn't used effectively. It was a gift and the ball was dropped by those in charge of representing our interests.

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

Deceptive Ads on Domestic Partnerships Saturday, 03/07/09
The Stranger

Conservatives often claim that they don't oppose granting equal rights to gay couples; they want to preserve the institution of marriage. Well, this bill would preserve "marriage." So these ads--this fight--isn't about protecting their sacred word or their unions: They're blatantly fighting to deny equal rights.

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

Brown attacks US gay marriage ban Saturday, 03/07/09
BBC

He also praised equality campaigners in the UK for "changing opinion" about same-sex unions.

"You have shown how the legislative process, by your pressure, can respond," he said.

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

Bible Thumpers Threaten Domestic Partnership Bill Friday, 03/06/09
The Stranger

What needs to happen? Supporters of domestic partnership who live in swing districts--i.e., outside of Seattle--need to make personal contact with their senator and representatives. Tell them about how your same-sex relationship is lovely and you support domestic partnership rights, or say that you want your lesbian daughter to have the same rights as your straight son (or whatever is personal to you).

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

Same-sex marriage back at the Legislature Friday, 03/06/09
Minneapolis Star-Tribune

A bill that would define marriage as a civil contract between "two persons," rather than a man and a woman, was introduced in the state Senate, sponsored by five DFL members.

It has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but no hearings have been scheduled.

[Read the article or read more articles from Minneapolis Star-Tribune.]

Vt. lawmakers say they'll push gay marriage law Friday, 03/06/09
The Providence Journal

A same-sex marriage bill has already been introduced in the Senate, but a different version will be introduced after lawmakers return from the two-week Town Meeting Day break on March 16 and start a week of hearings on the topic before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A draft of the bill posted on the Legislature's Web site says town clerks would be authorized to issue marriage licenses for gay and lesbian couples starting Sept. 1, with each applicant specifying whether they want to be designated "bride," "groom" or "spouse. But it makes no mention of any rights that would be conferred by gay marriage that go beyond what people in civil unions now enjoy, other than marriage licenses.

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Repealing Prop 8: Ballot May Be Last Option Friday, 03/06/09
Huffington Post

It's depressing to think - after having just lost an expensive and exhausting campaign - that repealing Proposition 8 could mean going back to the ballot. It is unfair and unjust that a slim majority of California voters took a fundamental right away from a minority, jeopardizing equal protection. But the state Supreme Court heard oral arguments on the City Attorney's lawsuit yesterday, and the signs were very discouraging.

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Illinois House To Vote On Gay Civil Unions Thursday, 03/05/09
On Top Magazine

It would create a separate legal framework that offers many marriage-like benefits for gay couples, including the right to visit their partners in hospitals, make medical decisions and more. The bill would also recognize legal gay marriages and civil unions performed elsewhere as civil unions.

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A Display of Non-Violent Resistance Thursday, 03/05/09
Queers United

The picture shown is of a projected boycott sign on the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel whose owner Doug Manchester donated $125,000 to prop 8. This is a beautiful display of non-violent resistance.

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Prop 8 Oral Argument Reax Thursday, 03/05/09
Andrew Sullivan

If I had to guess, I'd say that those married between June and November 4, 2008 will still be married. Going forward, forget it. It's time to dive back into the political process.

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Santa Cruz Mormon family's quiet struggle illustrates complexity in Prop 8 fight Thursday, 03/05/09
Mercury News

"It felt like a smack in the face," said Pope, who knew her family opposed gay marriage but, at 31, didn't expect their longtime differences would get to her. "It's funny that those things still bother me, but it did."

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California Supreme Court signals mixed response to Proposition 8 Thursday, 03/05/09
LA Times

During a three-hour televised hearing in San Francisco, only Justices Carlos R. Moreno and Kathryn Mickle Werdegar suggested that the court could overturn the marriage ban as an illegal constitutional revision.

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Prop. 8 debate still alive, passionate, and younger than ever Thursday, 03/05/09
SF Gate

At today's Prop 8 rally in SF's Civic Center, the geographic fringe turned out to be across the street from the main event and its Jumbotron simulcast of the Supreme Court hearing, and involved school kids, teenagers, on both sides.

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Married and family in all but name Thursday, 03/05/09
Kennebec Journal

In its endless quest to honor its Dirigo motto, Maine will soon have a chance to become the first state to legislate marriage equality.

And so I've been thinking lately about the gay couple I've known the best and certainly the longest. Anna died in 1983 at age 90; Ruby, 12 years younger, passed on recently just short of 100. They had been together, in that confined way society permitted, since the 1920s.

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Brief the White House on Issues of Equality! Thursday, 03/05/09
Queers United

Stonewall Democrats is working with the Obama Administration to address a wide-range of pro-equality issues such as employment protections, hate crimes enforcement, military readiness and family policy. What are your priorities for the White House?

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The DOMA Challenge and What It Won't Achieve Thursday, 03/05/09
365Gay

In an effort to tailor the case to concrete examples of citizen's rights being denied for purely discriminatory reasons, GLAD has chosen not to challenge DOMA as a whole. This means that all of the discriminatory practices that don't fall under Social Security laws, benefits programs for federal employees, retirees and their surviving spouses, and the regulations and practices governing issuance of passports in states where people can marry aren't effected.

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Cal Law Legal Pad offers live oral argument updates through Twitter; Jerry Brown takes to Twittering about Prop. 8 Thursday, 03/05/09

03/04/09 Cal Law Legal Pad: The Recorder's blog will offer live updates through Twitter, starting at 9 a.m. tomorrow.

03/04/09 San Francisco Citizen: "It appears that former California Governor Jerry Brown will be a-Twittering away tomorrow to keep Twitter-ees appraised of Proposition 8 developments at the California State Supreme Court in San Francisco."

California Court Weighing Gay Marriage Ban Thursday, 03/05/09
NY Times

The three-hour hearing is a critical legal test for both sides. But opponents of Proposition 8 also used Thursday's hearing as a prime moment to rally their forces and demonstrate resilience after a stinging election loss that many among them believe could have been avoided.

"It's a need for the community to show that we will not be passive participants to our own struggle," said Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights , one of dozens of gay and civil rights leaders on the scene Thursday morning. "I think it goes to the heart of what we've seen since Nov. 5, and what we've come to appreciate as the critical importance of everyone stepping up and stepping out."

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Thousands attend vigils ahead of Prop 8 hearing Thursday, 03/05/09
365Gay

Vigils were held in more than 30 cities throughout the state with the biggest in San Francisco.

Called "The Eve of Justice," organizers said the turnout exceeded expectations.

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THE Legal Challenge to DOMA (the "Defense of Marriage Act") is Filed! Wednesday, 03/04/09
Leonard Link

What is the chance that this lawsuit will be successful? To me, the more interesting question is what is the likelihood that this lawsuit will become moot before it is finally decided?

Federal civil litigation presenting politically contentions issues tends to take a long time if there is no immediate requirement of a speedy disposition.

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California Supreme Court may reveal stance on Prop. 8 on Thursday Wednesday, 03/04/09
LA Times

By now, the court already has drafted a decision on the case, with an author and at least three other justices willing to sign it. Oral arguments sometimes result in changes to the draft, but rarely do they change the majority position. The ruling is due in 90 days.

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State lawmakers pass 2 anti-Prop. 8 resolutions Tuesday, 03/03/09
SF Gate

Both the Assembly and the Senate considered identical resolutions, which stated that the Legislature "opposes Proposition 8 because it is an improper revision, not an amendment, of the California Constitution."

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Deja new: Prop. 8 challenge reaches state Supreme Court Tuesday, 03/03/09
SignOnSanDiego

A broad spectrum of civil rights groups, including the NAACP, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund, and the National Organization for Women, have submitted friend-of-the-court briefs in the case, saying other minorities could have their rights put up for a vote if the measure is upheld.

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In the Hearing of the Century, NCLR Hopes to Overturn Prop. 8 Tuesday, 03/03/09
Queerty

I do think it's very important for our community and allies to stand in solidarity, opposed to Prop. 8. To certainly attend rallies or activities if community members are interested- but just as important is to have private and personal conversations with neighbors, friends, co-workers, family members, to write letters to the editor, to write letters to your church newsletter or your school newspaper or newsletter, talking about how important it is that the court strike down Prop. 8 and the threat Prop. 8 poses to any minority rights.

The reason we have such a broad array of support from our friend of the court briefs for invalidating Prop. 8, more briefs than that have been filed in any case, ever, before the California Supreme Court is that everyone understands in the labor, business and civil rights community how dangerous Prop. 8 is for California, and for other minority groups.

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Senate approves resolution opposing Proposition 8 Tuesday, 03/03/09
LA Times

Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) said the initiative is a fundamental revision to the document, not an amendment, and therefore required deliberation by the Legislature and a two-thirds vote of both houses to put it on the ballot.

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Stand in and march by candlelight to overturn Proposition 8 Tuesday, 03/03/09
California Gay Marriage Blog

Across the state on March 4th, thousands of Californians will stand in and march by candlelight to overturn Proposition 8 on the evening before the CA Supreme Court hears oral arguments about the validity of the Proposition.
To find an event near you, visit www.eveofjustice.com or www.marriageequality.org.
Many of these events feature faith leaders and are organized by people of faith. Join CA Faith for Equality, Marriage Equality USA, Equality California and other statewide and local cosponsors to share your voice and shine your light.

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Married gays in Mass. sue US for federal benefits Tuesday, 03/03/09

Laurence Tribe, a constitutional law professor at Harvard Law School, said the lawsuit is a "plausible challenge" to DOMA.

"It's a question of whether Congress oversteps its bounds and engages in irrational discrimination when it draws a line in terms of concrete benefits for individuals who are otherwise eligible simply because the marriages they have entered involve same-sex couples rather than opposite-sex couples," he said.

Prop. 8 strategy could backfire, says legal expert Monday, 03/02/09
OC Register

But Prop. 8 backer John Eastman, dean of the Chapman Law School, says that because of that strategy, the campaign's argument against gay marriage lacks durability and could eventually break down among the coalition of voters that supported the measure. That could lead to a subsequent ballot measure ending the gay marriage ban.

[Read the article or read more articles from OC Register.]

A Road Map for Empowering the LGBT Grassroots Sunday, 03/01/09
Change.org

The new report, in the words of MEUSA's Media Director Molly McKay, "adopts the Obama field campaign's mission statement as our own mission statement for the marriage equality movement going forward. It embodies what we missed the first time around in the No on 8 Campaign and creates a new vision where everyone is at the table and empowered and encouraged to participate in this civil rights moment of our generation."

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Gay marriage on trial Sunday, 03/01/09
LA Times

Who makes law in a democracy? What should we do when laws contradict one another? Who is the ultimate sovereign in the state of California -- the people at the polls or their written Constitution or their appointed judges or their elected legislators? Can fundamental constitutional rights -- inalienable rights -- be withdrawn from one group but not another?

These are big, thorny questions with implications that go well beyond whether gays are allowed to marry. What follows is a cheater's guide to the issues at hand.

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California gay rights timeline Sunday, 03/01/09
Sacramento Bee

Emotions still run high on the issue, but more Californians now say they know gays and lesbians, and approve of same-sex marriage. The shift is particularly pronounced among residents ages 18 to 29.

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

Guest View: Prop. 8 opens the door to discrimination against other groups Sunday, 03/01/09
Pasadena Star-News

Unfortunately, the very purpose of our state Constitution has been called into question as its guarantee of equal protection under the law is at risk. Proposition 8, passed last November by a slim majority of voters, took a fundamental right away from a targeted group. Most supporters of Prop. 8 would like to tell us it's only about marriage for same-sex couples, but in reality, Prop. 8 is about so much more.

By allowing voters to mandate government discrimination against one group, Prop. 8 opens the door to discrimination against almost any group of people in our state - including people of faith. Because of this problem, the United Church of Christ, my denomination, has joined more than 4,000 other houses of worship in asking the California Supreme Court to invalidate Prop. 8 on the grounds that it defeats the very purpose of our constitution, which is to protect all people from harm and make sure the law treats everyone of us equally. The rights of a one group cannot be determined by a simple majority vote.

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