Gay Marriage Watch: July 27th-August 2nd
In addition to the news of the week, you'll find our weekly woody award, links to some great articles and columns from the last seven days, and of course you'll also find our ongoing recap of gay marriage happenings worldwide. To subscribe to this blog, or 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:
This week's Woody award honors goes to Matt Barber, one of our previous woody winners, for insinuating that most of McDonald's customers are as bigoted as he is. "In an apparent effort to pierce the hyper-demanding good graces of the radical homosexual lobby, these clowns (pun intended) have thrown the vast majority of potential Mickey D’s customers, worldwide, under the bus." Unfortunately for Mister Barber, who claims McDonalds is "now facing an embarrassing and ever-growing international boycott", the fast food giant posted a huge profit in the second quarter, so the boycott does not seem to be having any discernable effect. Kudos to McDonalds for standing up to small-minded folks like this, and we hope Mister Barber enjoys his second woody. Hey, three's the charm!
BTW, see here for some unintentionally funny comments culled from the boycott Mcdonalds site.
Events of the Last Week:7/27/08:
Costa Rica: Yesterday, some 20,000 people from around Costa Rica dressed in white t-shirts paraded down a main street in San José to express their opposition to a legislative proposal to make gay marriage legal. Source
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom married again over the weekend, this time to actress Jennifer Siebel. Source
Australia: A Victorian country town has been divided over a lesbian "wedding" carried out in a public square dedicated to fallen Diggers. Source
United Kingdom, England: Top Tory Alan Duncan and his partner James Dunseath pose for a wedding snap in true blue suits yesterday after their gay marriage. Source
USA, California: Bruce Bastian, co-founder of WordPerfect from Utah, stood up Saturday night at a San Francisco dinner and wrote a $1 million check for the campaign against Proposition 8. Source
USA, Tennessee: A man accused of fatally shooting two adults and wounding seven others at a Knoxville church told police the church's liberal teachings prompted him to attack, according to court papers. The church supports gay marriage and welcomes gay men and lesbians. Source
USA, California: The ballot title and summary for Prop 8, the anti gay marriage amendment, now describe the initiative as a constitutional change to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry. Source
7/28/08:
Ireland: A forum that advises the Irish government on equality and social inclusion has said that there has been progress on gay rights in the past five years. Source
Uganda: A leading gay rights organisation has said that a Ugandan human rights activist was tortured by police. Source
USA, Florida: Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami came out against anti-gay marriage proposal Amendment 2 on the November ballot in Florida. Source
USA, Michigan: A lesbian couple is pleased with Spectrum Health's apology for a doctor who allegedly lectured them against gay marriage, but say they are concerned it might happen again. Source
USA, New York: Blue Cross & Blue Shield will provide spousal benefits to married same-sex couples. Source
7/29/08:
Spain: A "pro-family" activist group in Spain has filed charges against the organisers of the 2008 Madrid Gay Pride march, accusing them of hate speech. Source
USA: It was just reported that Monica M. Goodling, an aide in the Justice Department, exercised what amounted to veto power over a wide range of critical jobs, asking candidates for their views on abortion and same-sex marriage. Source
USA, California: Supporters of Proposition 8, the proposed state constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage, said they would file suit today to block a change made by California Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown to the language of the measure's ballot title and summary. Source
USA, Massachusetts: The Massachusetts House voted Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law that had been used to block gay marriages involving out-of-state couples. Source
7/30/08:
Estonia: The Ministry of Justice in Estonia is preparing a draft law which would allow same-sex partners to register their cohabitation. Source
Saudi Arabia: 50 men were arrested for allegedly participating in a "homosexual wedding." Source
USA: Gay and lesbian couples with children and strong religious beliefs are more likely than their peers to hold commitment ceremonies, a new study shows. Source
USA, Arizona: Ariz. Senate ethics panel OK'd probe of referendum to prohibit same-sex marriage. Source
USA, California: The owner of a San Diego-based storage company whose family has donated nearly $300,000 to end California same-sex marriage is the latest target of the Californians Against Hate awareness campaign. Source
USA, California: Pacific Gas and Electric Co., California's largest investor-owned utility, has contributed $250,000 to defeat a ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage in the state. Source
USA, Florida: A high school principal who suspended several students and declared that no one could have any message on anything in the school that was pro-gay rights lost the case in court. Source
7/31/08:
USA: A new study published today by UCLA's Williams Institute finds that more than 85,000 couples have already signed up for legal recognition in eleven states - 40% of all same-sex couples in these states. Source
USA, Arizona: The gay and lesbian community and its local and national allies have launched a campaign to defeat Prop 102, the anti-gay constitutional amendment on the November ballot. Source
USA, California: A Mercury News analysis of campaign fundraising reports filed Thursday shows gay marriage supporters raised about $1.6 million since the May 15 court ruling - almost three times more than the lead groups supporting a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage raised in late May and June. Source
USA, California: A second Field Poll has found that Californians do not plan to amend the state constitution Nov. 4 to re-ban same-sex marriage. Source
USA, Massachusetts: Gov. Deval Patrick signed a bill Thursday that repealed a 1913 law that had blocked gay couples from outside Massachusetts from marrying here. Source
USA, North Dakota: Some North Dakota attorneys are outraged over the latest North Dakota Law Review, saying a scholarly publication was simply hijacked by national religious right activists bent on stopping gay marriage. Source
USA, Oregon: A nationwide auto organization, The Better World Club, is offering free one-year memberships to same-sex couples who officially tie the knot between now and Sept. 20. Source
8/1/08:
Orson Scott Card, Sci Fi writer, has threatened to try to overthrow the federal government if gay marriage passes nationally. Source
Out lesbian actress Heather Matarazzo, of Exes and Ohs fame, will take advantage of California’s lifting of the gay marriage ban and tie the knot with her girlfriend Carolyn Murphy. Source
USA, California: The Grossmont Union High School District in San Diego went on record yesterday supporting a November initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California. Source
USA, Iowa: In 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court is expected to rule on the issue of same sex marriage when deliberations begin in Varnum v. Brien. Source
USA, Montana: A hearing before a federal appeals court is scheduled for next week in a case involving an East Helena church accused of breaking state campaign laws by not reporting its activity in support of a constitutional initiative to ban gay marriage. Source
USA, Utah: An August meeting between a gay Mormon support group and a social service agency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been indefinitely delayed. Source
USA, Utah: A Utah paper published their first lesbian wedding announcement. Source
8/2/08:
Australia: Sunday marks the 4th annual National Day of Action for same-sex marriage in Australia. Source
Great Articles/Columns Last Week:
^ They did it for love — and equal rights, by Amy Cavalier ^ Will gays' boycott turn the tables? by Bill Ainsworth ^ Same-sex marriage ban might be costing Nevada, by Richard Lake ^ Gay marriage benefits, by Alex Chidester ^ Is Marriage Worth Fighting For? by Courtney E. Martin ^ How Gay Marriage Politics Would Change Under Obama, by David Nather ^ Growing Up With My Lesbian Parents, by Ailbhe Egan ^ The politics of sanctity, by Ron Cunningham ^ A minister speaks out for marriage equality, by Rev. Chris Schriner ^ Equal Rights, by Dawn Fitzpatrick ^ Married Mass. Couple Still Separated by Immigration Laws, by Zachary Violette ^ 'I Didn't Do It': John McCain and the Deception of States' Rights, by David Salter
History by Region:
ANDORRA: Legal Status: Civil Unions
ARGENTINA Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) The Story So Far: On 5/22, a bill legalizing same-sex marriage was informally presented to Argentina's Congress by the head of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism.
AUSTRALIA Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner Australia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. 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. On 6/4, The ironically-named Liberal party was trying to slow down legislation to give gay and lesbian couples more rights, afraid it would lead to a repeal of the country's same sex marriage ban. On 6/19, The Australian Democrats accused opposition parties of homophobia after they used their Senate majority to delay legislation to remove same-sex discrimination. On 6/21, Tasmania picked up the baton of same sex marriage, with the Greens to introduce an enabling bill into the Senate's parliament. On 7/1, The Tasmanian Greens called for a conscience vote on a bill to allow gay marriage in Tasmania. On 7/4, Matthew Mitcham, a gay 20-year-old diver set to represent Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in August has said that the country's Prime Minister is "narrow-minded" for opposing marriage equality for gay couples.
AUSTRIA Legal Status: Limited Civil Union Rights The Story So Far: On 7/12, About 120,000 people in colourful and often scanty dress took part in Vienna's annual Rainbow Parade on Saturday to call for equal rights for gays and lesbians
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. On 6/19, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silv, the president of Brazil who was the first head of state to ever hold a national conference to promote LGBT rights this month, called homophobia a "peverse disease" and plans to "do all that is possible so that the criminalization of homophobia and [the legalization of] the civil union may be approved."
CANADA Legal Status: Gay Marriage Canada Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 5/16, 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. On 5/21, Prince Edward Island became the last province in Canada to change its laws to officially allow same sex marriage. On 5/29, The Federal Court of Appeal rejected the legal challenge of a longtime public servant who wanted her $800 annual union dues diverted to her church to protest the union's support for gay marriage and its zero tolerance against "homophobia" and "heterosexism." On 6/1, Saskatchewan's civil marriage commissioners were directed to abide by the law and perform same-sex marriage ceremonies after a human rights tribunal fined a Regina commissioner $2,500 for discriminating against a gay couple. 7/9 was the 5 year anniversary of legal gay marriage in British Columbia. On 7/17, it was reported that same-sex unions are growing at five times the rate of opposite-sex ones according to census numbers.
CAYMAN ISLANDS Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 5/15: The Cayman Islands will not accept gay partnerships, government says. On 6/12, Leader of the Opposition McKeeva Bush filed a Private Members Motion proposing an amendment to the Marriage Law that would define marriage in the Cayman Islands as being between a man and woman. As of 7/10, an amendment to legislation in the Cayman Islands defining marriage as between a man and a woman was expected to get support from the government and opposition.
CHINA Legal Status: n/a
COLUMBIA Legal Status: Civil Unions
COSTA RICA Legal Status: N/A On 7/14, bishops of Costa Rica warn that rights for gay unions undermine family.
CROATIA Legal Status: Civil Unions
CUBA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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: On 4/10, President Rafael Correa promised to enact legislation to protect same sex couples, but will not go as far as marriage. On 6/13, The government proposed constitutional changes that would remove the word God from the nation s constitution and legalise abortion and gay marriage.
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
EUROPE The Story So Far: On 7/3, the International Gay and Lesbian Association broadly welcomed the new discrimination directive announced by the European Commission yesterday, but said that gay and lesbian people who want to get married will still face discrimination.
FINLAND Legal Status: Civil Unions
FRANCE Legal Status: Civil Unions France Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 5/28, one of Europe's most high-profile gay politicians has indicated he is ready to run for leader of France's Parti Socialiste and possibly the Presidency. On 7/25, Fashion designer Marc Jacobs reportedly will wed his Brazilian boyfriend Lorenzo Martone in Paris, France, this weekend.
GAMBIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 4/4/08, President Jammeh said his country has zero tolerance for gay marriage. On 5/20, Jammeh gave gay men and lesbians 24 hours to leave the country, threatening them with beheading.
GERMANY Legal Status: Civil Unions
GREECE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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". On 5/30, Greece's top public prosecutor on Friday moved to block a gay marriage ceremony after a mayor on a tiny Greek island said he was willing to perform one. On 6/4, The mayor faced possible prosecution after conducting Greece's first same-sex weddings.
HUNGARY Legal Status: Civil Unions On 7/5, Forty-five people were taken into custody and 10 others were injured in clashes between police and homophobes during a gay rights march in the Hungarian capital Saturday, reports said.
ICELAND Legal Status: Civil Unions
INDIA Legal Status: n/a On 6/29, Gays and lesbians found their voice in three major cities - New Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore - in the first large public display of gay pride India has ever seen.
IRELAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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 5/27, a disagreement between coalition partners was holding up government recognition of same sex relationships - the main governing party Fianna Fail wants civil unions, while the Greens, the junior coalition partner, want full marriage. On 6/16, Ireland s Catholic bishops have restated their opposition to gay marriage today, claiming that sexual differentiation is intrinsic to our understanding of the sacrament of marriage . On 6/29, Advocates of same-sex civil marriage in Ireland made their voices heard at rallies in the capital Dublin and in Cork, Galway and Waterford on Saturday. On 7/5, Church of Ireland Primate Alan Harper reignited the controversy after suggesting that scientific breakthroughs may mean homosexual relationships are sanctioned by the Church. On 7/9, An Anglican Archbishop who made a speech that appeared to give the go-ahead for same-sex marriage has clarified his position today, basically saying he only meant to call for a dialoge, not to change church policy on same sex marriage. On 7/10, A gay couple living on the Northside called on the Government to treat them as fully equal citizens by extending full marriage rights to them.
ISRAEL Legal Status: Civil Unions (recognizes marriages performed elsewhere) The Story So Far: On 6/20, The Union of Students (USI) urged for a push for equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian citizens ahead of today s Dublin Pride Parade.
ITALY Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: Italy's new minister for equal opportunities has angered rights groups by refusing to back a "gay pride" march because, she said, gays no longer suffer discrimination in Italy. Source
LUXEMBORG Legal Status: Civil Unions
MEXICO Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 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: 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" was fined for mistakenly saying a Judge had been in attendance.
MOZAMBIQUE Legal Status: n/a
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. As of 7/18, The Dutch civil service has developed a new name for "maiden name" so married gay men won't feel awkward. "Geboortenaam" translates to "birth name". It will replace maiden name on official forms.
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: On 7/24, the Court of First Instance in Willemstad ruled that married gay couples in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba have the same rights as in the Netherlands, and the colony plans to appeal the ruling.
NEW ZEALAND Legal Status: Civil Unions New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 6/20, it was reported that the marriage of two gay priests in the UK last month is not actually the first of its kind, according to a Wellington pastor who says he married his male lover in a London Anglican church over twenty years ago. As of 7/2, Green MP Metiria Turei's private member's bill aiming to legalise adoption by same-sex couples has been taken out of the parliamentary ballot.
NIGERIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: 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. On 5/28, two political parties which normally avoid each other teamed up in an unusual alliance to protest Norway's looming same-sex marriage law. On 6/11, Parliament adopted a new marriage law that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt children and permits lesbians to be artificially inseminated. On 6/17, Parliament gave final approval to gay marriage in Norway.
POLAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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.
RUSSIA Legal Status: n/a
SERBIA Legal Status: n/a
SENEGAL Legal Status: n/a
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: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: On 7/8, A lesbian couple was turned away from an East London resort where they had planned to marry, because the owner disapproved on religious grounds.
SPAIN Legal Status: Gay Marriage Spain Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 6/5, the Government once again forced the Dénia judge, Laura Alabau to carry out the wedding for two gay British men which she refused to do last March. As of 6/18, The Partido Popular managers were trying to get agreement in the party on the subject of gay marriage, to avoid any debate or vote on the matter at the party s congress which is about to get underway in Valencia on 6/20. On 7/3, a National Court judge said gay marriage should not be declared unconstitutional.
SWEDEN Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 5/12, a gay couple who married in Canada filed suit against the Swedish government for refusing to recognize the marriage.
SWITZERLAND Legal Status: Civil Unions
UNITED KINGDOM Legal Status: Civil Unions England Gay Wedding Vendors Wales Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 5/30, after the Earl of Devon refused to allow a gay wedding at his Powderham Castle home, the Devon County Council moved to revoke his wedding license. On 6/14, Two male priests exchanged vows in a traditional ceremony at St Bartholomew the Great in London. On 6/16, The New Zealand priest whose gay wedding ceremony has fuelled a row that threatens to split the Anglican Church in Britain surrendered his own licence to officiate. On 6/23, The Bishop of London issued a stern rebuke to the vicar who conducted a "wedding service" for two homosexual priests. On 7/5, London Mayor Boris Johnson, once a foe of gay rights, marched in the gay pride parade here wearing a pink cowboy hat. And the two gay vicars whose church marriage blessing plunged the Anglican communion into fresh turmoil over homosexuality have triggered a new controversy which threatens to embroil the Queen. On 7/12, the Christian registrar won her case against the Islington city council, and will not have to officiate for gay/lesbian couples. On 7/15, it was reported that the registrar in Islington who claimed her Christian belief wass so fundamental that she could not conduct civil partnerships is an unmarried single mother. On 7/22, The British Soap Coronation Street is planning on introducing its first lesbian character.
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 The Story So Far: On 5/21, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) said he plans to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage. On 6/5, A new USA Today Poll showed 63% of Americans believe that gay marriage should be a private matter, and should not be regulated by the government. On 6/13, a new Pew Research Center Study showed mixed opinions on same sex marriage, and its importance in the fall elections. As of 6/19, The plight of a Vermont couple has led to the federal government ruling that the Social Security Administration must extend benefits to the nonbiological children of partners in same-sex unions. On 6/25, Sen. Roger Wicker introduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In lighter news, it's being cosponsored by Larry "toe-tapping" Craig and David "sorry-about-the-prostitute-thing" Vitter. On 7/1, Feit Publishing Ventures has announced plans to move ahead with a magazine devoted to marriages of every sort: interracial, inter-denominational, so-called destination weddings... and same-sex weddings, too. As of 7/4, a group that opposes same-sex marriage has called for a boycott of McDonald's, saying the fast-food giant has refused "to stay neutral in the cultural war over homosexuality." On 7/11, McDonald's returned fire, saying family advocates opposed to their affiliation with pro-homosexual organizations are guilty of "hate." On 7/12, it's reported that same-sex couples won't be counted as married in the 2010 census, despite what their California marriage license says because the Bureau is playing strictly by the federal rule book on this one. On 6/16, a new study showed that 65% of African Americans are against gay marriage in the US, as opposed to 53% of Whites. As of 7/17, 52% of respondents to a new Pew poll oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, while 40% are in favor. In 2006, it was 56% against and 35% in favor.
ALABAMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Amendment Alabama Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 7/21, the DNC funded an anti-gay "Faith & Voters Guide" here in 2006 that included a plan to "defeat any efforts to redefine marriage or provide the benefits of marriage to a same-sex union".
ARIZONA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 4/3, opponents of a proposed constitutional ban on same sex marriage 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. A recent poll showed 49% in favor, 40% opposed, and 11% undecided. On 4/22, the AZ House approved the bill. As of 5/17, Senate President Tim Bee, R-Tucson, prime sponsor of one version of the amendment, had so far refused to schedule a date to vote on the ballot measure. On 6/17, KAET pollster Bruce Merrill said "About two-thirds of the people in Arizona support partners of gay rights getting the same rights as married couples, but it probably runs 55-45 against gay marriage itself." On 6/27, The AZ Legislature's Repugnicans got the votes together to put the anti-gay-marriage amendment on the November ballot. On 7/5, retired AZ Rep. Jim Kolbe, the only gay republican to serve in the AZ house, withdrew his support of Senate President Tim Bee's campaign after Bee voted to put the anti-same-sex-marriage referendum on the ballot. As of 7/22, the dust-up in the Senate debate over gay marriage on the last night of the legislative session had one lawmaker seeking to have another one formally reprimanded: Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix, said Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, used his position to illegally interrupt debate, and then purposely ignored legal protests. As of 7/23, Out the Vote, a voter registration drive geared toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender voters is ramping up in the face of an electric presidential contest and a statewide ballot measure to ban gay marriage.
ARKANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arkansas Gay Wedding Vendors On 7/3, an organization collecting signatures to place an initiative on the November ballot to ban unmarried couples from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas said Thursday it will submit its petitions by the 7/7 deadline but will likely need more time to get the number required. On 7/24, it was reported that supporters of a proposal that would ban unmarried couples living together from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas did not gather enough signatures to secure a place on the November ballot, but were given a 30 day extension.
CALIFORNIA Legal Status: Gay Marriage as of 6/15/08; Possible Constitutional Amendment in Nov 08 Ballot California Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 4/11, Governor Schwarzenegger announced his opposition to the amendments. On 5/10, one of the two anti gay marriage amendment bills failed to qualify. On 5/15, The Caifornia Supreme Court ruled that being gay or lesbian is an innate characteristic, and that the state cannot deny marriage to gay and lesbian couples. On 5/17, Gov Schwarzenegger affirmed his support of the court ruling. On 5/23, groups that fought San Francisco's lawsuit seeking marriage for same-sex couples asked the California Supreme Court to delay its decision to allow the marriages. Also, a new Los Angeles Times poll found that 54% of those surveyed support a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage, while 35% oppose it. On 5/29, a new California Field Poll showed that 51% of Californians support gay marriage, with 42% opposed; and more Californians in each age group are for it than are against it, with the exception of those 65 and older. The state's Office of Vital Records set June 17th as the start date for same sex weddings. On 6/3, California's top court refused to stay the weddings. Also, opponents of same-sex marriage collected enough signatures for a statewide vote to ban gay unions in California's constitution. And a professor estimated that gay weddings could add $370 million to the state economy over the next three years. On 6/7, Kern County and Merced County announced they would provide same sex marriage licensing, but will not preside over any marriages, gay or straight. On 6/12, in an attempted end-run around the CA Supreme Court, attorneys with Liberty Counsel filed a petition with the California Court of Appeal today requesting a stay on issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. And messengers to the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting passed resolutions in the June 11 evening session supporting the ban. On 6/16, A number of California counties began marrying same sex couples at 5:01 PM. On 6/17, Gay couples from across America started getting married legally in California. And an appeals court rejected The Liberty Council's request to block same-sex weddings until voters could decide the issue on the November ballot. As of 6/19, at least 14 employees in the San Diego County Clerk's Office had raised religious objections to performing gay wedding ceremonies but were told by their boss they couldn't pick and choose between marriage applicants. On 6/20, Gay-rights advocates asked the California Supreme Court to remove the ban from the November ballot, saying it would destroy fundamental rights that cannot be legally altered by a voter initiative. The Los Angeles Times reported that more than 2,700 marriage licenses were issued by the state between 5:01 p.m. on Monday and the close of business Tuesday (gay/straight), more than in a typical week. On 6/23, Mormon church leaders asked California members to join the effort to support the ban. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Monday presided over the same-sex marriage of a Hollywood producer and his companion. On 6/25, The sponsors of the ban said John McCain had endorsed the measure. On 6/28, leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) overturned a long-standing ban on the ordination of gays and lesbians. On 6/29, a lesbian motorcycle group dressed in bridal veils, wedding gowns and leather lent a matrimonial touch to San Francisco's gay pride parade Sunday as revelers celebrated their newfound freedom to marry. On 6/30, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presided over the wedding of Oscar-winning film producer Bruce Cohen and his partner of five years, Gabriel Catone. And backers of Proposition 8, the anti-gay-marrage initiative that would amend California's constitution to ban same-sex marriage, had, as of last week, raised nearly $2.3 million while foes had raised about $1.3 million. On 7/1, Westminister College Professor Jeffrey Nielsen, an LDS member, wrote his own open letter to California's Mormons, encouraging them not to support the anti-gay-marriage amendment. On 7/8, Kern County supervisors shot down a proposal to define marriage between a man and woman in Kern County, saying to do so would be illegal. On 7/9, Gay rights supporters and their union allies launched a boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt because its owner, Doug Manchester, contributed $125,000 to Proposition 8, an amendment to ban same-sex marriage on the November ballot. One United Methodist Church legislative body in California has gone on record supporting those who enter into same-sex marriage and another has commended pastors who agree to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. In San Diego, a series of e-mails from county employees who objected to performing same-sex marriage ceremonies was released this week under the California Public Records Act. And a boycott was called to protest the conservative leanings of William J. Bolthouse, who used to own part of Wm. Bolthouse Farms Inc., which makes juices, dressings, and other products sold in San Francisco and elsewhere. In March, Bolthouse contributed $100,000 to ProtectMarriage.com, a group behind Proposition 8. On 7/10, a new study by the University of California, conducted by four retired U.S. military officers, concluded "evidence shows that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly is unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline, or cohesion." As of 7/18, a new nonpartisan Field Poll found that 51 percent of likely voters oppose Prop. 8, while 42 percent are in favor, and just 7% are undecided. On 7/20, The San Francisco Convention and Visitor's Bureau added a new feature to its website that helps guide same-sex visitors through the process of getting married. On 7/23, a California labor group that represents 1,200 union locals and 2.1 million union members in that state voted unanimously on July 23 to oppose Proposition 8. And the majority Republican City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to oppose Proposition 8, intended to define marriage in California as between a man and a woman. On 7/25, it was reported that San Diego's official tourism and convention bureau is staging a "Here Comes the Pride" give away aimed at same sex couples. And the Secretary of State's Office changed the ballot title and summary of Prop 8 to describe the initiative as a constitutional change to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry, and to say the state could lose several tens of millions of dollars in sales taxes if same-sex marriage were banned. Opponents of same sex marriage planned to falsely claim that Prop 8 would protect children as young as kindergarten age from being taught in school about the virtues of gay and lesbian matrimony. And LAPD Chief Bratton backed gay marriage with checkbook.
COLORADO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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 jail-time was imposed. On 7/14, it was reported that a library patron asked for the book "Uncle Bobby's Wedding", a children's book about gay marriage, to be banned from a state library. The librarian's reply is amazing. As of 7/17, A voter initiative to reinstate a ban on same-sex marriage will remain on the November ballot, the California Supreme Court decided unanimously Wednesday.
CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Civil Unions Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 7/3, Far right groups in the state were trying to rally the voters to hold a Constitutional Convention, in hopes of enshrining a ban on abortion, gay marriage, and high taxes in the state's constitution.
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. On 6/26, it's reported that Delaware has a law that ounishes marriage between persons of the same gender with a $100 fine or 30 days in jail. Source
FLORIDA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Florida Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 6/20, the Florida Professional Firefighters union joined the campaign to stop Amendment 2, the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment. On 6/20, rumors resurfaced that Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, a possible McCain VP pick and perpetual bachelor, is gay. Unitarian Universalists will gather in Ft. Lauderdale the week of 6/22 to discuss social issues, including gay marriage. As of 7/10, The latest Quinnipiac poll found that the Florida amendment was supported by 58 percent of voters, two percent shy of the 60 percent needed for passage.
GEORGIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Georgia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 7/5, 56 same sex couples pledged their commitment to one another at Atlanta Pride to show the importance of their relationships to their friends, family and community. As of 7/11, the Democratic primary for Georgia's District 5 seat in the U.S. House of Representatives had two challengers promise to be stronger gay advocates than a long-standing ally, with both challengers being in favor of same sex marriage. On 7/25, A transgender woman filed a federal lawsuit against the leaders of the Georgia General Assembly and Sewell Brumby, legislative council, in an effort to get her job back.
HAWAII Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Hawaii Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 6/29, it was reported that there is a quiet but steadily growing movement to reintroduce the legalization of same-sex marriage at the Hawaii Legislature next year.
IDAHO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban
ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 5/7, the bill failed to collect enough signatures. On 5/17, Representative Harris announced plans to broaden pending civil unions legislation to include opposite sex seniors, in a bid to gain support for the measure. On 7/1, Cook County's Board of Commissioners voted to revise the county's domestic partnership registry ordinance to preserve rights and benefits for LGBT couples who may choose to marry out of state where same-sex marriage is now legal.
INDIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Indiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: The legislative session ended in early April without a vote on an anti-same-sex marriage measure, sending ban supporters back to the starting block next year.
IOWA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: 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, 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: On 4/10, 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: As of 5/24, The American Political Science Association was considering relocating its 2012 annual conference from New Orleans because of a state law banning gay marriage and same-sex partner recognition.
MAINE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Maine Gay Wedding Vendors 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. On 5/12, The Maine Secretary of State approved, and the Christian Civic League accepted the final text/title of the citizen-initiative petition. On 5/16, Maine election officials expected 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. On 6/19, the CCL announced that it had abandoned its campaign to overturn Maine's law protecting gays and lesbians from discrimination.
MARYLAND Legal Status: n/a Maryland Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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 5/22, Gov. O'Malley signed both measures into law. On 6/19, experts said they believe that couples who get married under California's new same-sex marriage law would be honored as legal in Maryland.
MASSACHUSETTS Legal Status: Gay Marriage Massachusetts Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 6/13, Katherine Patrick, the 18-year-old daughter of Governor Deval Patrick told a local newspaper that she is gay. As of 7/10, state lawmakers were expected to vote next week on repealing a 1913 law that prevents out-of-state gay and lesbian couples from getting married in Massachusetts. On 7/11, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that marriage benefits for same-sex couples do not extend back to a time before the justices legalized gay marriage in Massachusetts. On 7/17, The State Senate voted to repeal a 1913 law that prevents Massachusetts from marrying out-of-state couples if their marriages would not be legal in their home states. It was expected to pass the House later in the week and be signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick. On 7/22, disgruntled Democratic lawmakers facing tough challengers in the fall elections lashed out at House Speaker Salvatore F. DiMasi for forcing a vote on a hot-button bill to allow out-of-state gay couples to wed in Massachusetts.
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 7/17, it was reported that Detroit radio station WRIF offered a gay wedding in San Diego as a contest prize to listeners.
MINNESOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 4/17, thousands showed up at a rally in favor of gay rights at the State Capitol. On 5/16, 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 vetoed the bill. On 7/24, Minnesota couples filed a lawsuit challenging the state’s ban on gay marriage.
MISSOURI: Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment The Story So Far: On 4/3, Sen. Delbert Scott-R said the state should not grant a lesbian couple an annulment for a marriage performed in Massachusetts, 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: On 6/7, The board of the Nevada Public Employees Benefits Program voted to expand coverage to unmarried couples and their dependents.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Legal Status: Civil Unions New Hampshire Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 4/29: Anglican Bishop Gene Robinson to enter into a civil union with his partner of 20 years. On 5/30, NH decided to recognize same sex marriages performed in CA as Civil Unions.
NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 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. On 6/19, a California law professor told a state commission that New Jersey could boost its economy by more than half a billion dollars over the next three years by promptly legalizing same-sex marriage. On 6/20, LGBT rights activists were stepping up their pressure on New Jersey lawmakers to take up legislation that would convert the state's civil unions law to provide for marriage. And New Jersey congressman Steve Rothman announced this week that he supports the legalization of same-sex marriage, according to the Bergen Record.
NEW MEXICO Legal Status: n/a New Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors
NEW YORK Legal Status: Does not Recognize Same Sex Marriage New York Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. 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 ticketed 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. On 5/14, Governor David Paterson directed all state agencies to recognize same sex marriages performed out of state. On 6/3, the Alliance Defense Fund filed their lawsuit against Governor Paterson, joined by a number of state Republican lawmakers. On 6/13, a new poll showed that New York State voters support 53 40 percent Gov. David Paterson s order to state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside New York. On 6/16, a new survey of NY voters showed that concerns about gay marriage and other social issues were taking a back seat to worries about the economy. On 6/24, an appeals court in Brooklyn appeared poised to allow state officals to recognize same sex marriages performed outside the state. As of 6/26, with the announced departure of Joseph Bruno from the state senate, Democrats' chances of controlling both houses of the state legislature just got better. They need only two seats to gain control of the NY senate in November, which could pave the way for a gay marriage bill in the state to finally pass. As of 7/3, unmarried residents of Putnam County, regardless of sexual orientation, will have an opportunity to enroll in the county's Domestic Partner Registry now that County Executive Robert Bondi has signed the bill into law. On 7/9, the Rite Aid in Greenwich Village posted a note that prohibited "same sex kissing, hugging, touching, or anything that would make our custoemrs uncomfortable" and set off a firestorm of controversy. On 7/10, a Buffalo, New York lesbian couple sued Blue Cross & Blue Shield, accusing the insurer of contravening state policy in denying spousal benefits.
NORTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act North Carolina Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 5/16, Sen. Jim Forrester, R-Gaston, introduced a bill calling for a referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriages in North Carolina. Source
OHIO Legal Status: n/a Ohio Gay Wedding Vendors As of 6/20, a woman trying to use Ohio's gay marriage ban to end a child-custody arrangement with her former partner lost an appeal on a technicality.
OKLAHOMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act On 7/3, in a case involving a trial judge who granted a divorce to a couple he did not know included two women, the Oklahoma Supreme Court unanimously upheld that judge's decision to vacate his order granting the divorce. On 7/21, An Oklahoma County Commissioner, running for re-election, published a 16-page comic book to highlight his commitment to destroying the queers.
OREGON Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Oregon Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 5/21, the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage that Oregon voters approved in 2004 was upheld by the state Court of Appeals. On 6/17, Opponents of two Oregon LGBT rights laws said they were giving up their fight to have a domestic partnership repeal measure placed on November's ballot, but say they may try again in 2010. On 6/19, Oregon Republican Sen. Gordon Smith apologized for comments he made last week linking the debate over same-sex marriage to the polygamy of his Mormon ancestors. On 7/1, A three judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said they would hear oral arguments the next week in a lawsuit brought by conservative groups seeking to revive last year's failed referendum on Oregon's domestic partnership law. On 7/8, a three judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments on the merits of a lawsuit brought by conservative groups seeking to revive last year's failed referendum on Oregon's domestic partnership law.
PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 4/29: Supporters and opponents of the proposed anti same sex marriage 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 too 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: On 6/13, Puerto Rico's House of Representatives denied a measure to toughen a ban on same-sex marriage, killing it for this term.
RHODE ISLAND Legal Status: Does not recognize same sex marriage Rhode Island Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 5/7, R.I. lawmakers debated bills allowing gay couples to divorce. On 5/15, The House Judiciary Committee heard testimony for and against several bills relating to the definition of marriage in Rhode Island, including the divorce bill. On 6/12, a lesbian married in Massachusetts and seeking a divorce in Rhode Island lost another court battle, this time in Superior Court.
TENNESSEE Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban The Story So Far: As of 4/16, companion bills to ban gay and lesbian couples from adopting in the house and senate were stalled in Senate/House committees.
TEXAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Texas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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: 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: On 4/21, the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition, a legislative committee, released a report on civil unions/gay marriage, and while it endorsed the benefits of gay marriage, it stopped short of recommending that the state actually implement it. On 7/12, gay and lesbian couples called for full marriage rights at VT Pride after reporting problems with Vermont's civil union law that passed eight years ago.
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. On 6/5, a court ruled that the woman could visit the girl in Virginia even though that state doesn't recognize same-sex unions. As reported on 7/1, without the aid of lawyers, advocates or lawmakers, a Virginia couple almost succeeded in getting around the state's same-sex marriage ban. Authorities say charges will not be filed against the couple.
WASHINGTON DC Legal Status: Domestic Partnership Washington DC Gay Wedding Vendors On 6/12, Mayor Adrian Fenty said he had directed his interim attorney general, Peter Nickles, to conduct a thorough review on what the city s legal options might be if same-sex couples in D.C. go to California to marry and ask the District government to recognize their marriages. On 6/24, Council Member Marion Barry said that he would vote for a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the city, if such a measure is introduced. On 7/10, Leaders of the anti-gay right wing gathered at the Family Research Council to discuss the results of their latest poll on the political impact of anti-gay amendments on the November ballot.
WASHINGTON STATE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Washington State Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 7/22, some 300 couples around the state celebrated their first anniversary as domestic partners.
WEST VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act West Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 6/3, A handful of Republican delegates in West Virginia want a ban on same sex marriage placed on the ballot.
WISCONSIN Legal Status: Constitutional Ban Wisconsin Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 5/30, a judge upheld Wisconsin's constitutional ban on gay marriage, rejecting a challenge that claimed the 2006 referendum was improperly put to voters. The plantiff plans to appeal. As of 7/3, gay couples in Wisconsin have been warned that they could face jail time and fines if they marry outside the state.
People
7/23/08: Cybill Shepard says in an interview "...I'm thrilled to see [gay] couples getting married in California, and I'm gonna do what I can to keep it that way. Because if you're voting against gay marriage, you need to get a life." Source
7/23/08: Neil Patrick Harris, is on the fence about tying the knot himself. When it comes to gay marriage in California, Neil told OK!, "Oh I'm all for it! Big fan!" But when asked if he saw himself as a married man, he said, "I don't know. If I did, no one would know about it 'til after I got married." Source
7/17/08: Former Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington just made a big donation to the Equality California fund that's working to stop the anti-marriage amendment on the November California ballot. Source
7/11/08: San Jose, California Mayor Chuck Reed came out against gay marriage. Source
7/11/08: U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), one of two openly gay members of Congress, was among 20 people appointed this week to the Democratic National Convention s Platform Drafting Committee. Source
7/10/08: Kate and Pat of 'The Amazing Race 12' married in California. Source
7/8/08: TV news and gossip column Ask Ausiello reports that the Julia Louis-Dreyfus sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS) will have a gay wedding sometime in the near future. Source
7/6/08: Charlize Theron said in a recent interview: "I thought it was unfair that different sex couples could marry but same-sex ones could not. That's unfair and was certainly a reason I didn't want to get married. Everyone should have equal rights, especially when it comes to love. But it broke my heart that my friends couldn't do it. I have two girlfriends who are getting married today: I always felt like I wish I could give them my right to marry. And today they get to have that." Source
7/4/08: Florida Governor Charlie Crist, would-be presidential running mate for John McCain, is getting married after being dogged for years by gay rumors. Source
7/3/08: Republican Wade Connerly came out against the same sex marriage ban "Proposition 8" on the November ballot in California. Source
7/2/08: Barack Obama says he opposes a ban on same sex marriage in California after the State's Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitution to ban gay marriage. Source
7/1/08: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom formed an exploratory committee to look at a possible gubenatorial bid in 2010. Source
6/26/08: Michelle Obama won a standing ovation on Thursday when she paid a campaign visit to gay and lesbian Democratic activists to promote her husband Barack Obama's presidential quest. Source
6/21/08: Christine Chavez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez, says her grandfather would have supported marriage equality for gay couples. Source
6/20/08: George Michael, who kicked off his North American tour in San Diego on Tuesday, calls California's legalization of gay marriage "fantastic." Source
6/19/08: TR Knight and his partner do not plan to marry... yet - the couple has only been together 6 months. Source
6/18/08: Kmart Senior VP-Chief Marketing Officer Bill Stewart is leaving the company to become a full-time volunteer on a campaign to protect gay marriage in California, the company said. Source
6/17/08: USA, California: Donald Pile and Ray Williams, who many know as the "Gay Travelers" and for their syndicated column, "Traveling in Our Fabulous World" were legally married in Palm Springs on June 17. Source
6/17/08: USA, California: Star Trek actor George Takei got a marriage license Tuesday to wed his gay partner in California. Source
6/13/08: Ellen DeGeneres, in an attempt to raise awareness and acceptance of gay marriage, will distribute a single photo of her wedding to 35 year-old actress Portia DeRossi, to any media outlet who asks. Source
6/12/08: Bisexual temptress Tila Tequila is claiming she was at least partially responsible for the California Supreme Court s decision to overturn a ban on same-sex marriage in the state. Source
6/5/08: Rosie O'Donnell plans to wait to marry her partner until all 50 states recognize gay marriage. Source
6/4/08: In a letter to the LGBT community, Barack Obama promised to get rid of anti gay legislation in America, including DOMA. Source
6/3/08: Jay Leno was among the boldfaced names at a gay marriage celebration and rally tomorrow night at the Abbey in West Hollywood. Source
6/2/08: TR Knight says he doesn't plan to marry his boyfriend at this time, but is thrilled that the CA Supreme Court has legalized gay marriage. Source
5/19/08: George Takei plans to marry his partner, he announced this week. Source
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
posted by Mark & Scott at
8/02/2008 10:14:00 PM
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