Gay Marriage Watch - April 6th-April 12th, 2008

Hi all,

Here's the weekly update of everything we could find about the fight over Gay Marriage. Just yesterday, we heard that Arnold Schwarzenegger has committed to fighting the anti-gay-marriage ballot amendments if either get on the November ballot.

If you have any thoughts about how we can make this feature better or easier to use, or any updates on the issues covered here, let me know at info@purpleunions.com.

Enjoy!

--Scott

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ANDORRA: Legal Status: Civil Unions

ARGENTINA Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) The Story So Far: Two of Argentina's gay rights leaders got married in mid January in Madrid in defiance of their country's ban on gay marriage. In early March, new President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner supports the legalization of same-sex marriage. On 3/17, Bishop Ruben Oscar Frassia declared his displeasure with the effort to make gay marriage equal to straight marriage.

AUSTRALIA Legal Status: Civil Unions Australia Gay Wedding Vendors 4/8/08: The Australian Government is proposing a "roaming registrar" who would complete the paperwork for any commitment ceremony a couple chooses to perform.  This is apparently to get around conservative protests about recognizing gay unions in any way like "real" marriages. Source The Story So Far: A gay couple gets married in early January at the opening of the Sydney Festival in front of 20,000 people. In mid January, Greens MP Lee Riannon promises to introduce civil unions legislation in State Parliament later this year. On 3/14, the Lower House in the Province of Victoria passed legislation by a 54 to 24 vote to allow GLBT couples to register as domestic partners, allowing them easier access to entitlements that require proof of relationship - the bill now goes to the Legislative Council to likely be debated on 4/8 or 4/15, where it is expected it to pass. The cities of Melbourne and Yarra already have city-based registries. On 3/18, National Opposition leader Brendan Nelson says he's against gay marriage, but supports equal financial benefits for same sex couples.

BELGIUM Legal Status: Gay Marriage

BRAZIL Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors 4/10/08: 39% of Brazillians currently favor civil unions for same sex couples, while 45% are opposed, according to a recent poll. Source

CZECH REPUBLIC Legal Status: Domestic Partnerships The Story So Far: Nearly 500 couples register their partnerships in the first year.

CANADA Legal Status: Gay Marriage Canada Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, Anglican Bishop John Chapman plans to decide soon whether to allow blessings of same sex unions in the Ottawa Diocese. In mid January, one of the pioneering lesbian couples in NS whose test case reached the NS Supreme Court filed for divorce. And at the same time, Toronto's Church of Holy Trinity bucked the Anglican Church and vowed to continue blessing gay weddings. On 4/4, news came out that Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski, who fought against gay marriage in '04, called gays "homosexual faggots with dirt under their fingernails that transmit diseases." He apologized but has not resigned.

COLUMBIA Legal Status: Civil Unions

CROATIA Legal Status: Civil Unions

CUBA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In early February in Cuba, a member of the ruling Politburo came out in support of gay marriage. The legislation is being championed by Mariela Castro, head of the Nat'l Center for Sex Education and Raul Castro's daughter. On 3/28, Cuban lawmakers announce their intention to vote on legislation that would grant domestic partnerships and other rights to same sex couples.

CZECH REPUBLIC Legal Status: Civil Unions

DENMARK Legal Status: Civil Unions

ECUADOR Legal Status: n/a 4/10/08: President Rafael Correa promises to enact legislation to protect same sex couples, but will not go as far as marriage. Source

EGYPT Legal Status: n/a 4/9/08: Five men were sentenced to 3 years each in prison for "debauchery", the legal euphemism in Egypt for homosexuality. They joined four other men sentenced to a year each in February. Source

FINLAND Legal Status: Civil Unions

FRANCE Legal Status: Civil Unions France Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: A Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) hearing on the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships took place in Paris on 3/7/08 - and while some committe members expressed predictably homophobic views, the committee decided to merge issues of freedom of assembly, recognition of same sex partnerships, and discrimination into a single report.

GAMBIA The Story So Far: On 4/4/08, President Jammeh said his country has zero tolerance for gay marriage.

GERMANY Legal Status: Civil Unions

GREECE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: A lesbian couple will be civilly married next week, exploiting a loophole in Greek law that does not specify that a civil union must be between a man and a woman. On 4/2, the Greek government announced it was considering a civil unions law for later in 2008. On 4/4, the Greek Orthodox Church came out against it, calling civil marriages "fornication".

HUNGARY Legal Status: Civil Unions

ICELAND Legal Status: Civil Unions

IRELAND Legal Status: n/a 4/13/08: The CoChair of MarriagEquality responds to the government's promises of Civil Partnership legislation with a call for full Marriage Equality. Source The Story So Far: In January, Equality Minister Sean Power announces that Ireland will pass legislation in the spring to allow civil unions, and to recognize same sex marriages and civil unions performed elsewhere, by summer. In early February, Lesbian Gat Transgender Noise submits 1,000 signatures to the PM in support of gay marriage. Later that month, gay couple talks about their relationship on national TV. In early March, the government starts work on the legislation.  A new poll on 4/1 shows 58% of Ireland's citizens support gay marriage. On 4/3, Ireland's cabinet announced plans to consider the new civil partnership bill the next week.

ISRAEL Legal Status: Civil Unions (recognizes marriages performed elsewhere) The Story So Far: In early January, Tel Aviv announces a plan to recognize same sex couples for all muncipal services, including taxes, making it the third Israeli city to do so, after Lod and Mevaserat Zion. On March 28th, Israel granted a rare residency permit to a gay man from Palestine who faced death threats at home, allowing him to live with his partner in Tel Aviv.

LUXEMBORG Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: The EU Court of Justice ruled that EU Nations that recognize legal same sex marriages must also grant surviving partners the same pension rights given to those in traditional marriages. The court did not force Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ireland to recognize same sex unions.

MEXICO Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors

MOROCCO Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In late November, 6 Moroccan men were arrested on "homosexuality charges" after a video surfaced on the internet showing them at what was called a "gay marriage" by the press. In early January, a Moroccan appeals court upheld prison sentences of the six men. On 3/17, The Moroccan Association for Human Rights petitioned to repeal Article 489, which provides prison terms for people who commit "lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex", and to quash the verdicts against the six men. On 3/25, a Moroccan paper that was the first to report the "gay marriage" is fined for mistakenly saying a Judge had been in attendance.

MOZAMBIQUE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: A conference organized by the Coalition of African Lesbians brings together 75 people from LGBT groups across Africa to try to end anti gay laws across the continent. The Coaliton has since called in African governments to stop treating GLBT citizens as criminals.

NETHERLANDS Legal Status: Gay Marriage

NEW ZEALAND Legal Status: Civil Unions New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In mid February, Christchurch’s new Anglican Bishop Right Reverend Victoria Matthews, announces support of of gay marriage. She will be installed on August 30th.

NIGERIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In early February, 18 men were accused of attending a gay wedding for the crime of being gay.

NORWAY Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 3/14, the Norwegian government proposed giving same sex couples the right to marry.

POLAND Legal Status: n/a 4/9/08: It's reported that Poland's anti-gay organizations have ties to anti-semetic groups. Source The Story So Far: Poland's President used a NY couples wedding images without their permission in a speech against the EU's proposed charter of rights/gay marriage.  On 3/31, the couple, Brendan Fay and Tom Moulton, visited Poland to raise awareness for gay marriage.  On 4/2, Poland passed the new EU Charter, tied to a provision to ignore gay guarantees.

PORTUGAL Legal Status: Civil Unions

ROMANIA Legal Status: n/a 4/8/08: over 100 "pro family" leaders from around the world signed a petition in support of Romania's efforts to outlaw gay marriage there. Source The Story So Far: In early February, the Senate voted 38 to 10 on an amendment to the Family Code to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The Chamber of Deputies will decide the issue in June.

SERBIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In early January, Serbian Presidential Candidate Cedomir Jovanovic said he would remove all discriminatory provisions against GLBT folks from Serbian law if elected.

SENEGAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In late January, The editor of the magazine Icone published an article about a gay wedding and received death threats, and five men who attended the wedding and were pictured in the article were arrested by authorities. All five were released, but may still face charges. In mid February, a wave of arrests and violent anti-gay street protests caused dozens of Senegalese gays to flee to neighboring Gambia. Senegal hosts a major Islamic Summit on March 12th, and is believed to be cleaning house in advance of the summit.

SLOVENIA Legal Status: Civil Unions

SOUTH AFRICA Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: HIV/AIDS activist and Nobel Prize nominee Zackie Achmat married his partner, Dalli Weyers, at a ceremony near Cape Town. Same sex marriage has been legal in South Africa since 2005.

SPAIN Legal Status: Gay Marriage Spain Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, Conservative Popular Party Leader Mariano Rajoy promised not to repeal gay marriage in Spain if elected Prime Minister in early March. In late Jnauary, a new poll shows 75% of Spaniards approve of Spain's gay marriage law, and only 18% disapprove. The Catholic Church joined efforts to unseat PM Jose Luis Rodrigo Zapatero in an effort to overturn gay marriage. The government responded by telling the Vatican to stop meddling in the election. In mid Feb., PM Zapatero promises to fight any attempt to repeal or weaken gay rights lawas enacted while he was PM. After the election on 3/9, Zapatero is declared the winner.

SWEDEN Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: In early January, the Swedish Legislature, with the support of the Church of Sweden, announced its intention to legalize gay marriage there, upgrading the current civil union laws established in 1995. A poll conducted in mid January shows 70% of Swedes support gay marriage.

SWITZERLAND Legal Status: Civil Unions

UNITED KINGDOM Legal Status: Civil Unions England Gay Wedding Vendors Wales Gay Wedding Vendors 4/8/08: Two British schools have banned the book King and King, a children's picture book about a prince who wants to marry another boy, at the request of Muslim parents. Source The Story So Far: In early January, Lillian Ladelle, a wedding registrar in Islington sued the city council for forcing her to perform gay marriages, saying it's against her religious beliefs. In early March, a Catholic couple from Scotland sued the Strathclyde police over the change in status from "married" to "married/civil partnership in their civil employee records. On 3/4, the Newington Green Unitarian Church announced it will ban all full wedding ceremonies until the law is changed to allow same sex couples full marriage rights.

URUGUAY Legal Status: Civil Unions

UNITED STATES (see individual states below) Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act

ARIZONA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors 4/11/08: The House Judiciary Committee voted 6-4 to define marriage as between one man and one woman in the state constitution - the bill now goes before the full House.  Opponents will once again try to attach domestic partner legislation to the bill. Source The Story So Far: on 1/18, the Governor proposed extending benefits to same sex partners who are state employees. In early February, the GOP announced plans to put a constitutional ban before the voters in the Fall. As of late March, the ban was still pending in the legislature. On 4/3, opponents of the ban attached domestic partner rights to the bill, causing Republicans to reject it.  In a separate action, the state approved benefits for the same sex partners of state employees.

CALIFORNIA Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Law Bans Recognition of Out of State Same Sex Marriages California Gay Wedding Vendors 4/11/08: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, speaking to a gathering of Log Cabin Republicans,  comes out against the proposed constitutional amendments, calling them a waste of time and vowing to fight them if they get onto the Fall ballot. Source 4/11/08: A new group, Jews for Marriage Equality, formed by 100 rabbis in Los Angeles to support gay marriage. Source The Story So Far: In early January, after several months of inactivity, two groups are gathering signatures again to put an anti gay marriage amendment on the California ballot in November. The groups need 700K valid signatures by April 21st to qualify. In early February, Let California Ring airs a new ad asking "What if you couldn't marry the one you love?" In mid February, Equality for All starts tracking progress on the signature gathering and sends volunteers to educate potential signers. The California Supreme Court jumps into the fray with a hearing on 3/4/08, promising a ruling by 6/4. In late March, it comes out that signature gatherers are lying about the measures to get people to sign. On 4/1, "Protect Marriage" claimed to have collected 881K signatures, 80% to their goal of 1.1M. By 4/2, they claimed 951K.

COLORADO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early February, a lesbian couple from Englewood sued to overturn the state's ban on gay marriage, established by a 2006 ballot initiative. In late March, Larimer County voted to start offering insurance to same sex partners when one of them works for the county.

CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Civil Unions Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors 4/7/08: H&R Block responds that the tax problem arises because of differences in CT law (which recognizes civil unions for tax purposes) and Federal law (which does not) and can be worked around with assistance from an H&R Block agent. Source The Story So Far: In early January, rumors surfaced that the Connecticut Supreme Court may hand down their decision on January 11th in favor of gay marriage in the constitution state. In mid March, CT lawmakers held a hearing to review the existing civil unions legislation, to close loopholes uncovered since its inception. On 3/28, the ACLU asked H&R Block to allow CT domestic partners to file their state taxes jointly online.

FLORIDA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Florida Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, the Sec. of State required submission of signatures on paper for the anti-gay amendment (which would also strip away insurance coverage and hospital visitation rigths for same sex coules), after an audit revealed overcounts on electronically submitted numbers. The count a week later revealed that the Florida for Marriage fell 22K signatures short of the 611K needed to get the initiative on the fall ballot. By the deadline, the group turns in 92K more signatures, and the initiative is certified for the ballot. It requires a 60% vote to pass. In late January, a pro-gay marriage group sets up an online database where visitors can search to see who signed the petitions.

HAWAII Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Hawaii Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: A gay couple is suing the University of Hawaii after being denied on campus housing together because the State of Hawaii does not recognize same sex marriage.

IDAHO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban The Story So Far: Idaho took a small step toward gay rights, proposing a bill that would make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal for employers with 5 or more employees. Churches would be exempted. On 3/31, The AP reported on a gay couple, Ralph Martinelli and Robert Ryan, who were joined in a civil union in NJ, and then transferred to Idaho for Martinelli's job.  After the move, the company dropped Ryan from their health plan, because Idaho does not recognize domestic partners.   

ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In late February, Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, introduces a civil unions bill in the Illinois House. As of late March, the civil unions bill has still not been brought up for a vote in either house.  On 4/2, civil union supporters called for a lobbying day on 4/9 to urge legislators to support the pending civil unions bill.

INDIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Indiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, state senator Brandt Hershman pushed for a constitutional ban on same sex marriage in that state. State Rep. Scott Pelath, chairman of the House Riles and Legislative Procedure Committee, refused to bring up the bill, citing more urgent legislative concerns. Gay marriage opponents were unable to get a hearing in the House, and took their case to the state Senate in mid January. In late January, they got their way, as the GOP-controlled Senate passed the gay marriage ban. And at the same time, the faculty at Ball State University voted to stand up against the ban. By mid February, House leaders have decided not to pursue the ban this year. At the end of February, six House members sign a petition to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. The session ended in early April without a vote, sending ban supporters back to the starting block next year.

IOWA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: In Early January, Republicans tried to force the Democratic-controlled legislature to add an anti-gay-marriage amendment to the Iowa constitution to pre-empt a pending Iowa State Supreme Court ruling on the state's Defense of Marriage. In mid Jan, gay marriage foes submitted 6K signatures to the legislature demanding the impeachment of Polk Co. Judge Robert Hanson, the judge who ruled in favor of gay marriage last Summer. Gov. Chet Culver (DINO) asked the Supreme Court to hurry up its ruling so the state could rush thru a gay marriage ban to the constitution. In late January, five GOP lawmakers filed papers with the Supreme Court to urge them to overturn Judge Polk's ruling. In late Feb., a poll showed 62% of Iowans are against gay marriage, but only 48% believe it should be banned in the constitution. In late Feb., Democrats in the state house defeated a constitutional ban bill. Chances of passage this year appear unlikely. In late March, two former lieutenant governors (Democrat and Republican) submitted friend of the court briefs in favor of gay marriage to the Supreme Court.  As of 4/4, at least 17 friend of the court briefs had been filed with the Suprem Court in support of gay marriage.

KENTUCKY Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Kentucky Gay Wedding Vendors 4/10/08: Northern KY's gay-straight alliance, Common Ground, held a series of events as part of their Second Annual Pro-Choice day in favor of privacy and same sex marriage. Source The Story So Far: In mid-January, a state senate committee approved legislation that would amend Kentucky's constitution to prohibit gay marriage. The bill appears to have little chance of passage through the full house and senate this year. In late January, Gov. Steve Beshear vowed to veto the bill. In late March, a bill to bar state agencies and schools from giving domestic partners health insurance was killed in Committee.

LOUISIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Louisiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In mid-February, the student Senate at LSU debated a measure to University's ticket office to provide spousal privileges to domestic partners of students - allowing them to buy tickets.

MAINE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Maine Gay Wedding Vendors 4/10/08: Michael Heath, Director of the "Christian" Civic League in Maine, is initiating a referendum to ban gay marriage, civil unions, and adoption by same sex couples. It would require 55K valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, and would roll back existing domestic partner rights in Maine. Source

MARYLAND Legal Status: n/a Maryland Gay Wedding Vendors 4/10/08: The House and Senate have sent a bill to the Governor giving same sex couples additional medical decision making rights. Source The Story So Far: In early January, the legislature planned to take on the gay marriage issue that's been punted to them by the Maryland courts. Two state Senators propose a civil marriage act. Within a week, more than a quarter of state lawmakers sign up to sponsor a gay marriage bill. In retaliation, House member Donald H. Dwyer, Jr. announced a plan to try to place an anti gay marriage measure on the Nov. ballot. In early Feb., the state Atty General came out in favor of gay marriage. Mid-Feb: hundreds rallied in favor of gay marriage outside the state house. In late Feb., state Senator C. Anthony Muse (DINO) said he had trouble reconciling his religious views with the gay marriage bill. In early March, legislators decided they wouldn't be able to pass civil unions or gay marriage, so they plan to pass a series of smaller measures adding rights piecemeal. In mid-March, the Senate took up legislation to allow same sex couples to make medical decisions for each other. On 4/1, the Senate passed a measure to allow xfer of property between same sex couples without recordation taxes. A bill to waive inheritance taxes for same sex couples was held up in both chambers.

MASSACHUSETTS Legal Status: Gay Marriage Massachusetts Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In late February, a new study from the Boston Business Journal was released showing that the state is benefiting from an influx of gay professionals moving to the state because of Massachusetts’ gay marriage law, helping to reverse a decades-long “brain drain”. In late March, the US State Department refused to recognize the new last name for a passport of a man who married his partner in Massachusetts, citing the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.

MICHIGAN Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Michigan Gay Wedding Vendors

MINNESOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: David Dillon, CEO of a Twin Cities printing company, announced he'll run for congress in Minnesota's 3rd District as an Independent, a seat formerly held by Republican Jim Ramstad, who is retiring. Dillon is pro-gay-marriage.

MISSOURI: Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment The Story So Far: A lesbian woman is asking the state to annul her same sex marriage, originally performed in Massachusetts. On 4/3, Sen. Delbert Scott-R said the state should not grant the annulment, saying it would amount to recognition of gay marriage.

NEVADA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Nevada Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, Huckabee supporters using infamous Republican robo-call tactic to slime opponents for supposed support on gay issues and gay marriage - 546K calls planned to Nevada residents. At the same time, the board of the Nevada Public Employees Benefits Program votes to extend coverage to unmarried couples and their dependents.

NEW HAMPSHIRE Legal Status: Civil Unions New Hampshire Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, in the two weeks since New Hampshire enacted a new civil unions law, more than 100 couples have taken advantage of it.

NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In mid-January, in the first dissolution of a domestic partnership to come before the courts in NJ, a judge ruled that property must be divided between each partner. In mid-February, Democratic Governor Jon Corzine indicated he would sign a bill to legalize gay marriage, but wants to wait until after the 2008 elections. The civil unions law there reached its one year mark with more than 2,300 couples taking part, and a new report found that civil unions in NJ have created a second-class citizenship for same sex couples. An August 2007 poll of NJ voters showed 63% would be fine with going from civil unions to gay marriage if it was determined that civil unions did not provide full equality under the law.

NEW MEXICO Legal Status: n/a New Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In mid-January, the House Judiciary Committee passed a domestic partnership bill, which would give gay and lesbian couples in New Mexico the same legal protections and benefits as married couples. Governor Bill Richardson supports the bill. On 2/9, the Senate Judiciary tabled the bill on a 6-4 vote, effectively killing it this session.

NEW YORK Legal Status: Does not Recognize Same Sex Marriage New York Gay Wedding Vendors 4/9/08: Ithaca, NY starts a new domestic partnership registry for same sex and opposite sex couples in Thompkins County. Source 4/8/08: New York Governor David Paterson says "We will push on and bring full marriage equality in New York State" in a taped message to NGLTF's 2008 NY Leadership Awards dinner. Source The Story So Far: In late January in Monroe County, a judge rules that the state has to recognize marriages performed in other jurisdictions. The county files an appeal in late February. Also in late February, another judge rules that one partner can sue the other for divorce for a marriage originally performed in another state. On 4/2, an appeals judge ruled that govt agencies must provide insurance benefits to same sex partners of state employees who get married in other jurisdictions.

OREGON Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Oregon Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: Same sex couples held vigils throughout the state in early January to protest a court ruling delaying the implementation of a domestic partner registry, orginally planned for January 1st. On 2/1, hundreds of same sex couples gathered in Portland to protest the delay. At the end of January, the hold wass finally lifted, and at least 1,700 couples have registered since then. In March, the Alliance Defense Fund (a conservative, AZ-based group) filed an appeal to the 9th district court in the Lemons vs. Bradbury case. On 2/29, State Rep. Sal Esquivel (R) proposed an initiative to repeal the domestic partner registry, which needs 82,769 signatures by 7/3 to qualify for the November ballot. A second initiative would roll back anti-discrimination provisions in housing, employment, and public accommodations.

PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors 4/11/08: A public hearing on the proposed constitutional amendment brought out both sides at Pittsburgh's Allegheny County Courthouse.  A recent poll showed 65% if Pensylvanians support civil unions for same sex couples. Source The Story So Far: At the end of January, lawmakers announced a plan to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage. To make the change, the bill will have to be passed in two consecutive sessions, and then be put before the people of Pennsylvania for a vote - the earliest this could happen will be in 2009. In mid-February, State College Mayor Bill Welch took a stand against the measure, presiding over a civil union ceremony for 6 couples. On 3/18, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on sending the anti-gay marriage amendment to the voters. On 3/19, the SJC held a second hearing, and then sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee on a vote of 10-4. On 3/29, the Coalition of LGBTA Students organized a public commitment ceremony.

PUERTO RICO Legal Status: n/a Puerto Rico Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila announced in late January that he plans to sign Resolution 99, which woyld put an anti-gay marriage amendment on the May Ballot, if the resolution receives he required 2/3 majority in the House. The resolution passed in the Senate previously. On 2/28, the measure was pulled from the floor of the House and sent back to the Judiciary Committee for further review.

RHODE ISLAND Legal Status: Does not recognize same sex marriage Rhode Island Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early February, House Majority Leader Gordon Fox announced plan to introduce a bill that would let gay and lesbian couples who married elsewhere file for divorce in Rhode Island.

TENNESSEE Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban The Story So Far: In mid-January, State Representative John Deberry (DINO) and Senator Paul Stanley (R) filed companion bills to ban gay and lesbian couples from adopting. It would also ban straight couples from adopting if they are not married. A poll on 3/8 showed 66% of TN residents against gay marriage.

TEXAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Texas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: University of Texas lecturer Uri Horesh endured a seven day hunger strike to protest UT's lack of health care for domestic partners. UT has a non-discrimination policy, but claims Texas's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage prevents it from providing any domestic partner benefits.

UTAH Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban; Domestic Partner Registry in Salt Lake City Utah Gay Wedding Vendors 4/8/08: LDS officials have finally agreed to meet with representatives of Affirmation, a support group for GLBT Mormons, to discuss church policies on homosexuality. Source The Story So Far: In early January, Salt Lake City Mayor Ron Becker made good on a campaign pledge to create a domestic partner registry. In late January, Affirmation, a group if gay Mormons sought a meeting with the new leader of the church to begin a conversation. In early February, State Sen. Chris Buttars proposed a measure to prohibit city and county officials from starting domestic partner registries - the bill then stalled in the Senate. On 3/5, the House and Senate passed a revised, watered-down version of the measure, which bans "domestic partnerships", but allows registries based on financial dependence or interdependence. To comply with the new law, Salt Lake City changed the name of its registry to a "Mutual Commitment Registry on 3/27.

VERMONT Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Vermont Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, The Vermont Marriage Advisory Council announced a plan to "educate" Vermonters about the evils of gay marriage. On 3/26, the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition, a legislative committee, announced plans to release its report on Vermonters' views on gay marriage, likely the week of 4/15, and the commission may recommend that the legislature offer same sex couples full marriage rights. A new survey shows 54% of Vermonters now support gay marriage, with only 37% opposed.

VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act 4/11/08: A lesbian woman is using the state's anti-gay marriage law to try to deny her partner custody of their daughter.  The two were joined in a VT civil union, and a VT court ordered visitation for her former partner.  The VA Supreme Court will hear the matter next week. Source WASHINGTON DC Legal Status: Domestic Partnership Washington DC Gay Wedding Vendors Legal Status: Civil Unions

WASHINGTON STATE Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Washington State Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In mid January, the Washington state legislature begins consideration of legislation that would provide for end of life rights, nursing home visitation, and the dissolution of gay relationships in the state. State Senator Ed Murray then introduced legislation to extend domestic partner benefits to same sex couples. In late February, the domestic partner measure passes the House by a 62-32 vote, and is making its way through the Senate. On 3/10, the bill, granting same sex couples 170+ rights and responsibilities, is sent to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk - he signs it into law on 3/13. The new law goes into effect on June 12th, 2008. A 2007 poll showed 59% of state voters supported equal rights to those given to their straight peers.

WEST VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act West Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In late January, state legislators proposed an amendment to the state constitution to ban gay marriage, and half the sponsors are Democrats - DINO's.

PEOPLE 3/21/08: John McCain, when asked if he would support anti gay marriage amendments in FL, CA and AZ, said "Yes, sir.... I am proud to have been the honorary chairman of our effort last time [in Arizona]... I think we can win it this time. Source 3/12/08: The American Psychoanalytic Association (APsaA) has issued a position statement supporting the legal recognition of same-sex civil marriage. Source 2/28/08: Asked about her position on gay marriage by ACDNews.com, Janet Jackson replied: "I'm all for it. Why not? It's two people that are in love with one another. What's the issue?" WEEK OF 2/29: In an open letter to the LGBT community, presidential candidate Barack Obama stated his support for full same-sex marriage in states that choose to go that route. Alec Baldwin condemns his brother Stephen’s attack on gay marriage. WEEK OF 2/15: On CNN, basketball star Charles Barkley came out in support of gay marriage during an interview with Wolf Blitzer. In Washington State, Pastor Ken Hutcherson, who has led the fight to strip Microsoft's GLBT employees of benefits, is quoted as saying during a sermon "If I was in a drugstore and some guy opened the door for me, I'd rip his arm off and beat him with the wet end.” WEEK OF 2/8: In Detroit, Michigan, Julian Bond, the National Chair of the NAACP, says "I believe gay rights are civil rights." In the current issue of W Magazine, Scarlett Johansson and Natalie Portman came out strongly in favor of gay marriage: "Why are they making rules that say my lover can stay in the United States if they're foreign or share my health care benefits because I'm straight, but if you're gay, you can't have that?" Portman said. WEEK OF 2/1: And cheers to Stephen Colbert for shooting holes in the conservative arguments on gay marriage in a two part interview with Joe Solomnese, the head of the HRC. WEEK OF 1/25: Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, a staunch opponent of gay marriage, is caught having an affair. The British soap Emmerdale will feature a gay wedding between two of the show's characters, Paul Lambert and Jonny Foster. John McCain fans the flames of anti-gay bigotry in Robo Calls against his chief rival, Mitt Romney. Colin Farrell to be the best man at his brother, Eamon Ferrell's wedding to his partner, Steve Mannion. The Chief of staff of the Democratic National Committee, Leah Daughtry, is against gay marriage, helping to explain why the DNC has done little to fight anti gay marriage initiatives around the country. WEEK OF 1/18: Former Vice president Al Gore has come out in favor of gay marriage in a blog posting on the current.com website. WEEK OF 1/11: Mike Huckabee tells supporters he wants to change the US Constitution to match the Bible - "it's a lot easier to change the Constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God. WEEK OF 1/3: Threesome star (ok, we use that term lightly) Stephen Baldwin comes out against gay marriage and for Mike Huckabee - and says "what I think doesn't matter."