Gay Marriage Watch: May 11th-May 17th

Hi all,

Here's the weekly update of everything we could find about the fight over Gay Marriage. The big story: The California Supreme Court, on a 4-3 vote, did the right thing and legalized gay marriage in California - as California residents, we are thrilled, but cautiously optimistic, too, that the proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage will fail here in November.

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.

This week's Woody award honors go to Mitt Romney for decrying the California Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage, saying he was unhappy "to see one more time a one-vote majority of a state Supreme Court overturn the will of its people. That is simply wrong.". Hmmm... like 8 years ago when the US Supreme Court overruled the will of the people by one vote to install W as president? Mitt, you're a hypocrite and a fraud, and you've earned our Woody of the Week!

Enjoy the rest of the Watch!

--Scott

To subscribe, just email scott@mongooseontheloose.com and ask to be added to the marriage blog mailing list - we'll send you a quick note whenever a new blog is posted.

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 The Story So Far: In mid January, Greens MP Lee Riannon promised 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 is likely to 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. 4/8: The Australian Government proposed a "roaming registrar" who would complete the paperwork for any commitment ceremony a couple chooses to perform to get around conservative protests about recognizing gay unions in any way like "real" marriages. 4/27: Australian Marriage Equality starts publically naming Australian businesses that recognize their employees' and customers' same sex marriage to increase acceptance. 4/30: The federal government announced they would make changes in close to 100 laws that discriminate against gay couples, but would not change marriage law. 5/3: ACT Labor Senator Kate Lundy backtracked on support of an ACT domestic partner bill. On 5/7, The Federal Government backed away from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's promise not to interfere with local action to enact civil unions legislation, and forced the ACT to back down and offer a watered down version of civil unions, specifically banning legal recognition of any ceremony held by same sex couples. On 5/9, The ACT passed watered-down civil unions legislation that will not allow same sex couples to have official ceremonies.

BELGIUM Legal Status: Gay Marriage

BRAZIL Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 4/10: 39% of Brazillians currently favor civil unions for same sex couples, while 45% are opposed, according to a recent poll. 5/3: A gay US citizen separated from his Brazillian partner for 9 months by immigration law placed an ad in the Washington Post appealing to President Bush and Congress to do something about same sex couples and immigration law.

CANADA Legal Status: Gay Marriage Canada Gay Wedding Vendors 5/16/08: A Canadian Lutheran church proceeded with plans to ordain a gay pastor who is married to another man, despite warnings it would be violating church teachings and would be disciplined. Source The Story So Far: In early January, Anglican Bishop John Chapman planned 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.

CAYMAN ISLANDS Legal Status: n/a 5/14/08: The Cayman Islands will noy accept gay partnerships, government says. Source

CHINA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In Hong Kong, a High Court judge rejected the state Broadcasting Authority's censure of a 2006 program about a gay couple and a lesbian couple as "an impermissible restriction on the freedom of speech." Source

COLUMBIA Legal Status: Civil Unions

CROATIA Legal Status: Civil Unions

CUBA Legal Status: n/a 5/17/08: Another report that Cuba is considering the legalization of gay marriage. Source 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: Domestic Partnerships The Story So Far: Nearly 500 couples register their partnerships in the first year.

DENMARK Legal Status: Civil Unions

ECUADOR Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 4/10: 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 The Story So Far: 4/9: 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. 5/2: A gay French man who married his partner in The Netherlands had his French Citizenship revoked, because, although French law allows those that marry to have dual citizenship, France does not recognize gay marriage.

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: Late March: A lesbian couple planned to be civilly married, 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 The Story So Far: In January, Equality Minister Sean Power announced 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 Gay Transgender Noise submits 1,000 signatures to the PM in support of gay marriage. In early March, the government started work on the legislation. A new poll on 4/1 showed 58% of Ireland's citizens support gay marriage, while 84% support civil unions. On 4/3, Ireland's cabinet announced plans to consider the new civil partnership bill the next week. On 4/13, the Co-Chair of MarriagEquality responded to government promises of civil partnership legislation with a call for full Marriage Equality.

ISRAEL Legal Status: Civil Unions (recognizes marriages performed elsewhere) The Story So Far: In early January, Tel Aviv announced 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 5/17/08: In Mexico, a transgender couple got married, hoping to shine light on pending legal protections for transgender couples under consideration by the Mexican government. Source

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 The Story So far: On 4/15, The Equal Treatment Commission said that civil servants who object to performing gay marriages should be banned from performing any marriages, but should not lose their jobs. Christian groups called the ETC the Thought Police. Source

NEW ZEALAND Legal Status: Civil Unions New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In mid February, it was announced that Christchurch’s new Anglican Bishop Elect Right Reverend Victoria Matthews would be installed on 8/30. She has previously been quoted as being in support of of gay marriage. As of 5/6, 316 couples registered for Civil Unions in New Zealand in 2007 - 103 male couples, 150 female couples, and 63 opposite sex couples. In addition, 77 overseas residents registered, bringing the total to 393.

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. 5/9 - There's legislation pending, which church groups support banning "same-sex unions, all homosexual acts and the formation of any gay groups."

NORWAY Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 3/14, the Norwegian government proposed giving same sex couples the right to marry. On 4/14, hundreds protested the proposed law in downtown Oslo. On 4/25, a poll showed 58% of Norwegians support the proposed Marriage Act, with 31% against. The act is scheduled for a parliamentary hearing on 6/11.

POLAND Legal Status: n/a 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. On 4/9, it was reported that Poland's anti-gay organizations have ties to anti-semetic groups.

PORTUGAL Legal Status: Civil Unions

ROMANIA Legal Status: n/a 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. On 4/8, more than 100 "pro family" leaders from around the world signed a petition in support of the amendment.

RUSSIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: The leaders of all the major religions in Russia have written to the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights urging him not to support gay people's right to march. Source

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.

SINGAPORE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 5/4: A Singapore TV station was fined $11,000 for "promoting a gay lifestyle" for showing an episode of a design show featuring a gay couple. Abolishing laws against gay sex could "send the wrong signal" and push gay activists to ask for gay marriage, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Source

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 January, a new poll showed 75% of Spaniards approve of Spain's gay marriage law, and only 18% disapproved. Efforts by the Catholic to unseat PM Jose Luis Rodrigo Zapatero failed when his party won re-election on 3/9.

SWEDEN Legal Status: Civil Unions 5/12/08: A gay couple married in Canada has filed suit against the Swedish government for refusing to recognize the marriage. Source 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 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. On 4/8, two British schools banned the book King & King, a children's picture book about a prince who wants to marry another boy, at the request of Muslim parents.

URUGUAY Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 4/16, After the nation's "cohabitation union law" went into effect on 1/1/08, the country's first known gay marriage took place in Montevideo. Source

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

ARIZONA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors 5/17/08: Senate President Tim Bee, R-Tucson, prime sponsor of one version of the amendment, has so far refused to schedule a date to vote on the ballot measure. Source 5/13/08: The AZ House passes the bill with the help of two DINO's, Reps. Jack Brown of St. Johns and Pete Rios of Hayden - shane on these two turncoats. Source The Story So Far: on 1/18, the Governor proposed extending benefits to same sex partners who are state employees. In early Feb, the GOP announced plans to put a constitutional ban before the voters in the Fall. 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. On 4/11, the House Judiciary Committee revived the anti-gay bill, gutting a resolution on Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Day and replacing it with the anti-gay-marriage language, and sending it to the full house on a vote of 6-4. The House planned to vote on the measure again on 4/22, after which the Senate would also vote immediately. A recent poll showed 49% in favor, 40% opposed, and 11% undecided. On 4/22, the AZ House approved the bill, which now goes to the Senate, where it has been attached to an unrelated bill already approved by the Senate, an underhanded move that blocks any amendments. 5/1: Opponents of the proposed amendment suggest the new version may also curtail rights of unmarried straight couples.

CALIFORNIA Legal Status: Gay Marriage as of 6/15/08; Possible Constitutional Amendment in Nov 08 Ballot California Gay Wedding Vendors 5/17/08: Gov Schwarzenegger affirms his support of the court ruling, and reiterates his opposition to the pending anti-same-sex-marriage amendment. Sourc e 5/16/08: Same sex marriage opponents plan to ask for a stay of the ruling until the November election. Source 5/15/08: The Caifornia Supreme Court rules that being gay or lesbian is an innate characteristic, and that the state cannot deny marriage to gay and lesbian couples. The ruling takes effect on 6/14. Source The Story So Far: In early Jan., two groups began gathering signatures to put an anti gay marriage amendment on the California ballot in Nov. In early Feb., Let California Ring aired a new ad asking "What if you couldn't marry the one you love?" The California Supreme Court jumped into the fray with a hearing on gay marriage 3/4/08, promising a ruling by 6/4. On 4/11, Governor Schwarzenegger announced his opposition to the amendments, planning to fight them if they make the ballot. And 100 Rabbis formed a group called Jews for Marriage Equality. A new field poll showed only 51% of Californians oppose gay marriage, down 11% in 8 years. On 4/21, "Protect Marriage" they claimed to have reached their goal of 1.1M signatures, but verification may take thru mid-June. On 4/23, GLAAD announced plans to withdraw from an event called Pride Rocks in San Diego because the hotel where the event was to take place is owned by Doug Manchester, the Republican who donated $125K in support of the "Protect Marriage" amendment. 5/2: Gay Democrats are supporting Republican Mayor Jerry Sanders in his re-election bid against Republican challenger Steve Francis. Mayor Sanders reversed his stand on gay marriage last year, citing his own lesbian daughter. On 5/8, an appeals copurt ruled that unregistered domestic partners who believe they have registered with the state have the same rights and responsibilites to one another as those who actually have. On 5/10, According to the Secretary of State's website, one of the two anti gay marriage amendment bills failed to qualify for the Nov ballot - the one that would have also rolled back domestic partner benefits. The other bill has 735K raw signatures counted, with a random sample showing a verification rate of 76% to date - if this holds up, there would be over 900K valid signatures, enough to easily qualify for the November ballot. On 5/8, a state appeals copurt ruled that unregistered domestic partners who believe they have registered with the state have the same rights and responsibilites to one another as those who actually have. On 5/10, according to the Secretary of State's website, one of the two anti gay marriage amendment bills failed to qualify for the Nov ballot - the one that would have also rolled back domestic partner benefits. The other bill has 735K raw signatures counted, with a random sample showing a verification rate of 76% to date - if this holds up, there would be over 900K valid signatures, enough to easily qualify for the November ballot.

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. On 4/14, a lesbian couple charged with trespassing after staging a sit-in at the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office after they were denied a marriage license were told their trial would be delayed until 5/6. On 5/7, Both women were found guilty of trespassing, and ordered to do 28 hours of community service and pay a $41 fee. No jailtime was imposed.

CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Civil Unions Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors 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. On 4/7, H&R block claimed the problem was because of differences between state and federal marriage law, and can be worked around with assistance from an H&R Block agent.

DELAWARE: Legal Status: n/a Delaware Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 4/14, Haven, the GLBT organization at the University of Delaware, held a marry-in in support of same sex marriage. Source

FLORIDA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Florida Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early Jan., 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 turned in 92K more signatures, and the initiative was certified for the ballot. It requires a 60% vote to pass. In late January, a pro-gay marriage group set up an online database where visitors can search to see who signed the petitions. On 4/17, a student group at the Univ of Miami called OUTSpoken began a campaign to raise awareness about the amendment. And amendment supporters took to the road for a 10 city tour.

HAWAII Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Hawaii Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: A gay couple sued 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 5/17/08: Representative Harris plans to broaden pending civil unions legislation to include opposite sex seniors, in a bid to gain support for the measure. Source The Story So Far: In late February, Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, introduced a civil unions bill in the Illinois House. As of late March, the civil unions bill (House Bill 1826, Senate Bill 2436) had 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. On 4/16, a group calling itself Protect Marriage Illinois began a drive to put an anti-gay amendment on the November ballot - they need 270K signatures. On 5/7, The proposed gay marriage ban failed to collect enough signatures to make the November ballot. As of 5/10, a student's online Facebook group to support civil union legislation in Illinois has swelled to nearly 9,000 members.

INDIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Indiana Gay Wedding Vendors 5/16/08: California's Supreme Court ruling used as ammunition by same sex marriage opponents in Indiana to try to kick-start the anti-marriage amendment. Source 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. 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 signed 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 Jan., 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 law. 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 Jan., 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 Supreme Court in support of gay marriage. On 4/17, Polk County filed a brief in favor of Lambda Legal and gay marriage with the Supreme Court. And a new UCLA study showed gay marriage could generate an additional $5.3 million in additional revenue for Iowa State per year. This year's legislative session ended without any action on the amendment.

KENTUCKY Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Kentucky Gay Wedding Vendors 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. On 4/10, N KY's gay-straight alliance held a series of events in favor of privacy rights and same-sex marriage. In Louisville, the top court of the Presbyterian Church (USA) reviewed the case of a minister found guilty of officiating at the weddings of two lesbian couples in 2004-2005. 4/28: The church court decides that same sex marriages are not actually marriages, so there's no reason to censure the minister who officiated at two same sex ceremonies.

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 5/16/08: Maine election officials expect to give the "Christian" Civic League of Maine the go-ahead next week to start a petition drive to send their proposal to the Legislature next year - they need at least 55,087 signatures. Source 5/12/08: The Maine Secretary of State approved, and the Christian Civic League accepted the final text/title of a citizen-initiative petition that would not only strip the state of its laws prohibiting anti-gay discrimination but also ban gay marriage, civil unions, gay adoption and funding for civil rights teams (the Maine version of a gay-straight alliance) in public schools. Source The Story So Far: On 4/10, Michael Heath, Director of the "Christian" Civic League in Maine, initiated 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. On 4/14, The ME Civil Liberties Union, Equality Maine, & The Gay/Lesbian Advocates & Defenders sent a 12 page letter to Sec. of State Matthew Dunlap, protesting the planned amendment.

MARYLAND Legal Status: n/a Maryland Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early January, the legislature planned to take on the gay marriage issue that was sent to them by the Maryland courts. Two state Senators proposed a civil marriage act. Within a week, more than a quarter of state lawmakers signed 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. On 4/10, the legislature sent a bill to the Governor giving same sex couples additional medical decision-making rights. On 5/10, The Maryland Catholic Conference called on Gov. Martin O'Malley yesterday to veto two bills the group contends would undermine the legal status of marriage in Maryland.

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 The Story So Far: On 5/8, the state Supreme Court ruled that the same-sex marriage ban prevents governments and universities in Michigan from providing health insurance to the partners of gay workers. On 5/9, it was revealed that Eric Doster, the lawyer who represented religious groups who sponsored the anti gay marriage initiative the Supreme Court in the state just used to overturn domestic partner benefits assured voters it would not take away domestic partner medical benefits. Justice Stephen Markman basically called Michigan voters stupid in his opinion, while calling Doster a liar: "Supporters of legislative and constitutional initiatives often tend to downplay the effect of such initiatives," Markman blithely observed in his opinion. If voters wanted to know what the gay marriage ban would really do, he added, they could have read "newspapers such as the Detroit Free Press."

MINNESOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Gay Wedding Vendors 5/16/08: The Minnesota legislature sent a bill that would enable cities, counties, school boards, and other local units of government to offer whatever employee benefits they choose, including domestic partner benefits for LGBT employees, to Governor Tim Pawlenty, who is not said if he would sign it. Source 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. On 4/17, thousands showed up at a rally in favor of gay rights at the State Capitol.

MISSOURI: Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment The Story So Far: A lesbian woman asked 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 used 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 after New Hampshire enacted a new civil unions law, more than 100 couples had taken advantage of it. 4/29: Anglican Bishop Gene Robinson to enter into a civil union with his partner of 20 years.

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 wanted 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. 5/2: NJ took another step toward full marriage rights for gay couples when Gov. Corzine signed a bill extending paid family leave to same sex partners.

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 supported 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 5/16/08: California's gay marriage ruling may kick-start New York's stalled gay marriage legislation, which has passed in the assembly but is stalled in committee in the senate. Source The Story So Far: A gay marriage bill was passed by the State Assembly last year, and is awaiting Senate approval. 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. On 4/8, Governor David Paterson said "We will push on and bring full marriage equality in New York State." On 4/9, the city of Ithaca started a new registry for same and opposite sex couples in Thompkins County. On 4/26, it's reported that the group Outspoken for Marriage plans to meet with state leaders about legalizing marriage in NY state. 4/27: The New York Times published a landmark story on young gay men and their desire for marriage. 4/29: A gay couple in Oyster Point were denied a marriage license and were ticked for trespassing. On 5/8, NY's Court of Appeals bounced a case dealing with family benefits for a lesbian couple married out of state to the NY Legislature. On 5/9, anti gay state lawmaker Vito Fossella (R) admitted to an affair and bearing a child out of wedlock.

NORTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act North Carolina Gay Wedding Vendors 5/16/08: Sen. Jim Forrester, R-Gaston, has introduced a bill calling for a referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriages in North Carolina. Source

OREGON Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Oregon Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: A last-minute court ruling delayed the implementation of a domestic partner registry, orginally planned for January 1st. At the end of January, the hold was 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. On 5/8, Anti-gay activists were granted an expedited review of their appeal of a federal lawsuit challenging the Oregon Secretary of State's signature verification process in their attempt to place a referendum to overturn the state's domestic partner law on the November ballot. The case may be decided by July.

PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors 5/17/08: Same sex marriage opponets in Pennsylvania are trying to use the recent CA Supreme Court ruling to try to convince lawmakers to revive the same sex marriage amendment there. 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. On 4/11, lawmakers held a public hearing on the matter. A poll showed 65% of Pennsylvanians support civil unions. 4/29: Supporters and opponents of the proposed amendment squared off at a Senate Appropriations Committee Hearing. As of 5/7, the Pennsylvania state legislature has declined to pursue the anti-gay-marriage amendment after the Senate tabled the measure and the House declined to hear it - the bill went to far for some supporters by threatening to also ban civil unions.

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 would put an anti-gay marriage amendment on the May Ballot, if the resolution received 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 5/15/08: The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony for and against several bills relating to the definition of marriage in Rhode Island, including the divorce bill. Source 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. The Supreme Court denied a divorce to a couple married in Massachusetts. On 5/7, R.I. lawmakers debated bills allowing gay couples to divorce.

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. As of 4/16, both bills are stalled in Senate/House committees.

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. 5/2: More than 200 Methodists attended a lesbian wedding in Fort Worth in defiance of a vote to uphold church law that says gay relationships are "incompatible with Christian teachings."

UTAH Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban; Domestic Partner Registry in Salt Lake City Utah Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: In early Jan., 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. On 4/8, LDS officials finally agreed to meet with Affirmation, a gay Mormon group, to discuss church policies on homosexuality. On 4/15, gay and lesbian couples began registering their relationships with Salt Lake City.

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. The report was released on 4/21, and while it endorsed the benefits of gay marriage, it stopped short of recommending that the state actually implement it.

VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: On 4/11, it was reported that a lesbian was 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 heard arguments in the case on 4/17. WASHINGTON DC Legal Status: Domestic Partnership Washington DC Gay Wedding Vendors

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 began 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 passed the House by a 62-32 vote, and was making its way through the Senate. On 3/10, the bill, granting same sex couples 170+ rights and responsibilities, was sent to Governor Chris Gregoire's desk, and was signed 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 5/17/08: Ellen Degeneres and Portia de Rossi announced plans to get married when the CA Supreme Court ruling takes effect. Source 5/9/08: Sacramento mayoral candidate and former basketball star Kevin Johnson upset local gay and lesbian leaders after saying he believes marriage is between a man and a woman. Source 5/6/08: Mildred Loving, who fought for interracial marriage in the famed Loving v. Virginia case and who was a strong supporter of same sex marriage rights, passed away on 5/2. She will be missed. Source 5/6/08: Janet Jackson, on a worldwide tour to promote her new album "Discipline", says of gay marriage: "I think it should be legalised. I think it’s about finding your soul mate. It’s finding that person you connect with, but most people don’t get it right.” Source 5/3/08: Star Jones is divorcing her husband, Al Reynolds, who has ben beset by gay marriage rumors. Source 4/19/08: Kevin & Scotty to have a civil union in the season finale of Brothers & Sisters. Source 4/17/08: Luke McFarlane, who plays Scotty on Brothers & Sisters, came out this week, saying "It's my truth." Congrats to Luke! Source 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."