Gay Marriage Watch: September 21st-27th
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 over the last four months - for a longer history, just click on one of the older Gay Marriage Watch blogs from our archives. 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 Jordan Rothman, who does what Republicans do (projection, anyone?) and accuses the "liberals" and "activist judges" in California of taking away rights: "Gay marriage is another issue where the courts have taken away the democratic rights of ordinary Americans." So let me get this straight... you get to vote on this issue in November. You got to vote on this issue in 2000. I couldn't marry my partner legally before the court ruling. So tell me, once again, whose rights were being violated here? Enjoy your Woody, Mister Rothman.
Runner up goes to John McCain's Chief of Staff, Mark Buse, if the man is indeed gay, as has been recently reported. We're so tired of these self-hating gay Republicans working against the interests of themselves and their community. Sorry, Mister Buse - only one Woody a week!
Events of the Last Week:9/21/08:
Gay porn star Brent Everett and his boyfriend and event producer Steve Pena will settle down and take advantage of California’s legal gay marriage to say their “I do’s” to one another in a ceremony slated for Oct. 3. Source
Australia: A same-sex commitment ceremony was held in a synagogue in Sydney, an Australian first. Source
USA, California: A church group from El Dorado County and a controversial minister from Los Angeles on Sunday protested outside mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson's church, saying he should be cast out of his congregation for opposing Proposition 8, the initiative to ban gay marriage. Source
USA, California: The Hayward (Bay Area) city council passed a resolution that urged Hayward residents to vote down the constitutional amendment come November. Source
9/22/08:
The New Adventures of Old Christine debuted its 2008-09 season with a lesbian wedding of convenience. Source
Clay Aiken came out on the cover of People Magazine. Source
Steven Spielberg and his spouse, Kate Capshaw, chipped in a $100,000 donation to fight Proposition 8. Source
United Kingdom, Wales: A vicar carried out a church blessing of a lesbian "wedding", in defiance of Anglican rules. Source
USA: Uncle Bobby's Wedding, a new picture book on gay marriage, adds to the ever-growing diversity in today's children's literature. Source
USA, California: The first No on 8 TV ad aired. Source
USA, California: As of 9/23, supporters of Prop 8 raised $16.2 million, with $4.1 million of it coming from outside the state. Opponents donated $10.8 million, with close to half of that coming from outside the state. Source
9/23/08:
Ellen DeGeneres advocated against Prop 8 on her blog, explaining with her usual wit "I can't return the wedding gifts," she quipped. "I love my new toaster." Source
USA, Arkansas: Anti-gay Tony Alamo Christian Ministries was raided by Arkansas and federal authorities Saturday, in search of child pornography. Source
USA, Nebraska: An LDS member who has spoken out against the church's support of California's Prop 8 may be excommunicated. Source
9/24/08:
When asked during a radio interview how long Lindsey Lohan and Samantha Ronson had been "going out," Lohan simply said, "A very long time." Source
Rumors surface that Condoleeza Rice was passed over as McCain's VP pick because of rumors that she is a lesbian. Source
Award winning singer/songwriter Tokyo Rosenthal has recently released a new CD with a “pro” gay marriage blues rocker called “Love Won Out”. Source
Portugal: Portugese politicians differ on what rights to allow gay and lesbian couples. Source
USA, Florida: A group of Tampa Bay black leaders plans to announce support Wednesday for the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage headed to voters in November. Source
9/25/08:
ABC's Brothers and Sisters will run a storyline addressing the fight over Prop 8 this fall. Source
Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz called Prop 8 "pretty lame- as many others do too. its fucking lame." Source
USA, Florida: Miami Mayor Manny Diaz is joining the fight against Amendment 2. Source
USA, New York: Gov. Paterson appeared as a "special guest" at a $5k per person pro-gay marriage fund-raiser on the East Side on Thursday night, to raise money to fight Prop 8 in California. Source
9/26/08:
Australia: A new bill has been passed by the Australian lower house aimed at ensuring equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples. Now through Federal Parliament, the Same-Sex Entitlements Bill moves to the Senate. Source
Australia: Senator Brandis said the Coalition would support the changes — including the bill that passed the House of Representatives this week, that would alter 68 pieces of Commonwealth law. Source
USA, New Jersey: Religious fundamentalists accused a state Civil Unions panel of pushing for gay marriage. Source
USA, California: Levi Strauss donated $25K to Equality for All to fight Prop 8. Source
9/27/08:
Bulgaria: a proposed revision of the country's Family Code leaves out gay marriage entirely. Source
USA, California: Google has taken a public stand against Proposition 8, an anti-gay marriage measure on the November ballot in California. Source
Great Articles/Columns Last Week:
^ The World as it Should Be, by Michelle Obama ^ Gay marriage hurts families? There's no evidence, by Donald Yost ^ Census: More Utahns cohabiting, living with same-sex partners, by Brandon Loomis & Rosemary Winters ^ Prop. 8 Battle Lines Drawn in Long Beach, CA, by Brandon Loomis & John Canalis ^ Critique of Florida's gay-marriage foes evokes kudos, curses, by Scott Maxwell ^ Rights and Recognition for Same-Sex Marriage, by Jane Goodman ^ Hollywood's in slo-mo on Prop. 8 fight, by Tina Daunt ^ An assault on common sense, by Victor Moldanado ^ Why most Canadian gays and lesbians are choosing not to marry, by Jillian Deri ^ Anything But Straight: What if We Win? by Wayne Besen ^ The Right Hook, by James Kirchick
History by Region (Last Four Months):
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. On 8/18, Argentina extended its pension system to cover same-sex couples.
AUSTRALIA Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner Australia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
June: 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.
July: 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-a Victorian country town was been divided over a lesbian "wedding" carried out in a public square dedicated to fallen Diggers.
August: 8/3 marked the 4th annual National Day of Action for same-sex marriage in Australia - hundreds of people took to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne calling on the federal government to repeal its ban on same-sex marriage. On 8/14, the ACT Government has done a U-turn on the issue of same-sex unions and says it will not support a Greens push to reinstate its original legislation. On 8/20, Kogarah Council, in Sydney, moved to recognise same-sex marriages and unions in deciding benefits for council employees and residents. On 8/28, General Robert McClelland said changes to family law will make life easier for de facto couples - straight or gay - who are breaking up. A bill before parliament would allow de facto couples to sort out their finances and arrangements for children in the one court, in the one proceeding. On 8/29, Labor's new gay senator Louise Pratt, the first member of parliament with a transgendered partner, used her maiden speech to break from ALP policy and call for gay marriage to be legalised.
September: On 9/4, The Same-Sex Entitlements Bill was introduced in the Federal Parliament - the bill aims to ensure equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples. As of 9/13, Three progressive rabbis agreed to conduct a wedding ceremony in Sydney for bookshop owner Scott Whitmont, 47, and nurse Christopher Whitmont-Stein, 38. As of 9/14, a bill to start reforming over 100 Australian laws discriminating against same sex couples was working its way through the legislature, but may again be delayed by the Liberal Party. As of 9/17, lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME) launched a new push for gay and lesbian marriage rights, drawing the ire of Federal Labor ministers in the process.
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
BRAZIL Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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." "Gay couples exist and we must give them legal recognition", the President of Brazil said on 9/18.
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: Defense of Marriage Act 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. On 9/7, Cayman Islands lawmakers voted in favour of a ban on same sex marriages following a debate Friday in the Legislative Assembly. Passage still requires the formality of a third vote. On 9/8, the anti-gay-marriage amendment here received its final, formal passage in the Legislative Assembly.
COSTA RICA Legal Status: N/A The Story So Far: On 7/14, bishops of Costa Rica warn that rights for gay unions undermine family. On 7/26, 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. On 8/9, the nation's highest court ruled that gay inmates in Costa Rica do not have the right to conjugal visits. The decision may be revisited if Costa Rica allows gay marriage.
CZECH REPUBLIC Legal Status: Domestic Partnerships The Story So Far: Nearly 500 couples register their partnerships in the first year.
ECUADOR Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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.
ESTONIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 7/30, the Ministry of Justice in Estonia is preparing a draft law which would allow same-sex partners to register their cohabitation.
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.
FIJI Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 9/10, Members of a local choir were freaked out after a mock-wedding featuring two women was held at a local resort where the choir was asked to sing.
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. As of 8/28, Bertrard Delanoe, mayor of Paris and one of Europe's most high-profile gay politicians, planned to run for leader of France's Parti Socialiste.
GAMBIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 5/20, President Jammeh gave gay men and lesbians 24 hours to leave the country, threatening them with beheading.
GERMANY Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: As of 8/22, in the first five years after the introduction of registered partnerships, about 12,000 (about 20 percent) same-sex couples in Germany have entered into this lifetime bond.
GREECE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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 The Story So Far: 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. As of 9/3, the Constitutional Court placed the issue of registered partnerships for same-sex couples on its docket for its autumn session, and may declare a new domestic partner registration law unconstitutional before it is due to take effect ehre in January.
INDIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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. As of 9/19, gay activists were seeking the repeal of a decades-old law governing sexual behavior.
IRELAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far:
May: 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.
June: 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.
July: 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. On 7/28, A forum that advises the Irish government on equality and social inclusion said that there has been progress on gay rights in the past five years.
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.
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
NETHERLANDS Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: 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. On 8/12, the Justice Ministry proposed a new Dutch law would make it easier for the partner of a lesbian mother to become the legal parent of a child born into the relationship.
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. On 8/4, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Ronald Plasterk said the Netherlands Antilles wil ultimately have to recognize gay marriages performed in the Netherlands, even if they do not allow such weddings to be peformed in the islands.
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. On 8/25, the retiring MP who spearheaded the successful campaign to legally acknowledge same sex relationships in New Zealand, via the controversial Civil Unions legislation, has thrown doubt on whether legal same-sex marriage will become available to glbt Kiwis any time soon, or ever.
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 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.
PANAMA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 7/29, Panamanian President Martín Torrijos Espino signed a decree repealing a 1949 law that criminalized sodomy under penalty of a $500 fine or jail time.
PHILIPPINES Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 8/29, the country's Supreme Court ruled that being gay is not a valid ground to have one's marriage annulled; hiding such a fact is.
PORTUGAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 9/20, a conference for parliamentary leaders was been scheduled for October 10th on legal gay unions between two people of the same sex.
SAUDI ARABIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 7/30, 50 men were arrested for allegedly participating in a "homosexual wedding."
SENEGAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 8/29, a court in sentenced a same-sex couple to two years in prison for marrying in Belgium.
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
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. On8/29, what is believed to be the first lesbian divorce in South Africa since gay marriages were legalised in 2006 was finalised in the Cape High Court on Friday.
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. On 7/22, with strong support from the Spanish government led by Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the nation's federation of queer activist groups, La Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gays, Transexuales y Bisexuales (FELGTB), on July 22 won official consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). On 7/29, a "pro-family" activist group in Spain filed charges against the organisers of the 2008 Madrid Gay Pride march, accusing them of hate speech. On 8/14, Laura Alabau, who has persistently refused to marry gay couples, stood down from her post. On 9/18, the disciplinary committe of the General Council of Judicial Power (CGPJ) delivered another controversial ruling by lifting a 305 euro fine imposed in May last year on Dénia judge, Laura Alabau, for publicly questioning the constitutionality of homosexual marriages and for refusing to officiate at them.
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.
UGANDA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 7/28, a leading gay rights organisation said that a Ugandan human rights activist was tortured by police. On 9/14, a pastor at Makerere Community Church received an award for his fight against homosexuality and gay marriage.
UNITED KINGDOM Legal Status: Civil Unions England Gay Wedding Vendors Wales Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
June: 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.
July: 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. On 7/26, Top Tory Alan Duncan and his partner James Dunseath were married.
August: On 8/4, it was reported that the Reverend Canon Rodney Bomford, 65, and gardener Paddy O'Neil were given approval by a Bishop to enter into a civil union because their relationship is not sexual. On 8/7, it was revealed that the Archbishop of Canterbury wrote letters in 2000 & 2001 disclosing his personal position supporting a sort of moral equivalency between homosexual paramours sexual activity and marital love. As of 8/8, it was reported that only about one percent of marriages between same-sex couples in the UK have so far ended in divorce.
September: On 9/4, Sir Cliff Richard called on church to bless gay marriage. As of 9/11, it was announced that UK Treasury Minister Angela Eagle plans to marry her long-term partner, Maria Exall.
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:
June: 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.
July: 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. On 7/29, it was 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. As of 7/30, a new study showed that fay and lesbian couples with children and strong religious beliefs were more likely than their peers to hold commitment ceremonies. On 7/31, a new study by UCLA's Williams Institute found 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. On
August: 8/4, a new study was published by UCLA's Williams Institute that found that same-sex couples eagerly take advantage of the ability to marry or form civil unions when presented with the opportunity.. On 8/7, gay activists pushed the U.S. Census Bureau to reconsider its decision to ignore same-sex marriages. On 8/14, an all-but-final draft of the 2008 Democratic Party platform, approved by the full 186-member Platform Committee at an August 9 meeting in Pittsburgh, put the party on record in opposition to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, in support of a "comprehensive" Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and more generally in favor of the fight to end discrimination against numerous categories of Americans, including those who are gay, lesbian, and transgendered. As of 8/18, American voters oppose same-sex marriage 55 - 36 percent, but they don't want government to get involved in banning the practice, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today. As of 8/20, a new poll shows that among LGBT registered voters Democrat Barack Obama has a clear lead - with 68 percent favoring the Illinois Senator. On 8/21, Hallmark came out with same-sex wedding cards - featuring two tuxedos, overlapping hearts or intertwined flowers, with best wishes inside. "Two hearts. One promise," one says. And it was reported that the Employment Non Discrimination Act contains a clause that would allow companies to continue to treat legally married gay couples differently than straight couples when providing benefits. As of 8/22, a new survey showed that more Americans now believe that religious institutions should stay out of politics, after a decade of support for church involvement in social and political issues. On 8/23, it's reported that 1,049 US newspapers now accept same sex wedding announcements.
September: On 9/2, a recently released CBS/New York Times poll showed a slight increase, compared to 2004, in the number of Republican delegates that support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples. And the Log Cabin Republicans officially threw their support behind Sen. John McCain in the GOP candidate's bid for the White House this week amid festivities at the Republican National Convention. A new study release on 9/19 found that people who are frightened of spiders are more likely to support capital punishment and hate gay marriage.
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:
June: 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.
July: 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. On 7/30, Ariz. Senate ethics panel OK'd probe of referendum to prohibit same-sex marriage. On 7/31, the gay and lesbian community and its local and national allieslaunched a campaign to defeat Prop 102, the anti-gay constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
August: On 8/5, a Senate panel voted to hear from Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, and the senator who filed an ethics complaint against him, but not anyone else for now if ever. On 8/12, a legislative committee dismissed an ethics complaint Tuesday against a lawmaker accused of breaking rules to force a vote to put a same-sex marriage ban on the ballot. On 8/23, Secretary of State Jan Brewer went to court to avoid having to tell Arizona voters that state law already bars same-sex marriage, because that might cause voters to vote against the measure. And eight gay, lesbian and bisexual young people aged 19 to 28 walked 96 miles through the metro area to the state Capitol to raise awareness about gay rights and the fall referendum that would add a gay-marriage ban to the state constitution. On 8/27, Attorney Peter Gentala quietly dropped the lawsuit he had filed the day before to limit what information voters are given on the ballot of Proposition 102 - the description will still tell voters that gay marriage is already illegal in the state.
September: On 9/4, Wingspan, Southern Arizona's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center, hosted an event that was the first step in a group effort to oppose Proposition 102. And Arizona's two Catholic bishops are urging the faithful to vote for Prop 102 to constitutionally ban gays from marrying in the state. On 9/18, more than 800 pastors, mostly evangelical Christian clergy, gathered at the Arizona Biltmore Resort in Phoenix to hear how important they will be in getting their parishioners and the state's voters to make marriage limited to one man and one woman.
ARKANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arkansas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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:
June: 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.
July: 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. On 7/26, Bruce Bastian, co-founder of WordPerfect from Utah, wrote a $1 million check for the campaign against Proposition 8. And the ballot title and summary for Prop 8, now describes the initiative as a constitutional change to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry. On 7/29, Supporters of Proposition 8 said they would file suit to block the description change. On 7/30, the owner of a San Diego-based storage company whose family has donated nearly $300,000 to end California same-sex marriage, became the latest target of the Californians Against Hate awareness campaign. And 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. As of 7/31, 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. And a second Field Poll has found that Californians do not plan to amend the state constitution Nov. 4 to re-ban same-sex marriage.
August: On 8/1, the Grossmont Union High School District in San Diego went on record supporting Prop 8. As of 8/3, The San Leandro school board was considering a resolution to oppose Prop 8, and The American Family Association has given $500K to Protect Marriage Prop 8 group. As of 8/4, opponents of gay marriage raised about $3.7 million from Jan. 1 through June 30 in support of the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California, some $1.2 million more than the $2.5 million raised by gay-rights activists who oppose the measure, As of 8/5, California's Roman Catholic bishops were urging parishioners to support Prop 8. And if voters approve a November ballot measure banning same-sex marriages in California, thousands of gay and lesbian weddings conducted since the state Supreme Court legalized the unions on May 15 will probably remain valid, Attorney General Jerry Brown said. As of 8/8, the San Diego county pension board planned to go ahead with a conference at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego despite a plea yesterday from a board member offended by the hotel owner's opposition to same-sex marriage, and a Superior Court judge Friday rejected a suit filed by Prop 8 proponents against the ballot title proposed by Attorney General Jerry Brown: "Eliminates the Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry." Judge Timothy M. Frawley said Brown's language was neither false nor misleading. Frawley also said Prop 8 supporters would have to tweak their statement that teachers "will be required" to teach young children about gay marriage if the measure fails. The argument should read that teachers "may" or "could" be required to teach about gay marriage, Frawley ordered. On 8/9, a lesbian couple in Fresno has filed for a divorce just three days after getting married. On 8/10, A new Action News/SurveyUSA poll showed that 65% of central valley residents oppose gay marriage. On 8/11, The sponsors of Prop 8 said they won't ask the state's highest court to throw out the revised title and summary Attorney General Jerry Brown prepared for the initiative.On 8/12, it was reported that the Los Angeles Equality Awards last weekend raised $2 million to fight Prop 8, including $500k frin The Service Employees International Union (SEIU-California), $250K from the California Teacher s Association, and $25K from AT&T. And the Democratic National Committee gave $25,000 to help defeat Prop 8. On 8/13, Attorneys Shannon Minter and Therese Stewart, who fought successfully to overturn California s ban on same-sex marriage, were named the recipients of the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association s 2008 Dan Bradley Award.On 8/14, And Marriage for All, a newly formed same-sex marriage education campaign created to provide outreach primarily to African American communities throughout Northern California, was looking for dozens of newly married, engaged, or committed same-sex African American, or African American bicultural couples to act as media and community spokespeople. On 8/16, Let California Ring was airing its "What if you couldn't marry the person you love" ad in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. On 8/19, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the constitutional rights of religious freedom and free speech do not exempt doctors from state anti-discrimination laws. On 8/20, The Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic men's group, donated 1 million dollars to support a November ballot measure that would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage in California. On 8/22, A Yes on 8 rally drew several hundred people in Fresno, California. Some Mormons are voicing opposition to the proposed ban on the Internet saying in cyberspace what they might not be able to express in church buildings. It was reported that the Manchester Grand Hyatt has lost its second major conference in a week in large part because of owner Doug Manchester's stance against same-sex marriage. And after trailing in fundraising by $3 million, supporters of a proposed California marriage amendment have taken the lead over opponents, thanks in part to a series of gifts totaling nearly $2 million. As of 8/24, Religious organizers hoped to get 1 million Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, evangelical Christians, Sikhs and Hindus to post lawn signs supporting Prop. 8 in unison next month. And a new poll showed Latinos favor Prop 8 by 49% to 38% against. As of 8/28, a new poll showed that 54% of likely voters are against Prop. 8, with 40% supporting the measure. On the question of whether gay and lesbian couples should be aloowed to marry, respondents split 47% in favor and 47% against. It was also announced that gay inmates in state prisons and county jails would soon be able to marry their partners, as long as their spouse is not also incarcerated. The most powerful Orthodox Jewish umbrella group threw its support behind Prop 8. The Association of American Law Schools said Aug. 18 it will move the events of its January 2009 annual meeting from San Diego s Manchester Grand Hyatt to the Marriott hotel next door, honoring a gay rights boycott. Backers of Prop 8 have made a multimillion dollar television ad buy in eight media markets, while Prop 8 opponents said they have also made a substantial media buy.
September: As of 9/1, A new Log Cabin Republicans website aimed to highlight Republicans who are against Proposition 8 California's constitutional amendment which would once again ban gay marriage in the State. As of 9/3, Californians Against Hate was calling attention to companies whose employees have donated $5,000 or more in support of a November ballot initiative that would ban gay marriage in the state. As of 9/4, Prop 8 supporters had raised at least $11.9 million, while opponents have raised at least $11.6 million. And engaged couple Heather Matarazzo and Caroline Murphy, actors Tyne Daly, Christine Lahti, Camryn Mannheim and Wilson Cruz, Air America comediennes Frangela, labor organizer Dolores Huerta and Rev. Neil G. Thomas are among those who also contributed their time and voices to a new campaign for No on 8, against the same sex marriage ban. As of 9/7, Orange County donors had contributed $1.6 million for Proposition 8. On 9/8, San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newson helped launch a pro-gay marriage campaign in San Francisco, spearheaded by a coalition of nearly sixty gay, civil rights, faith and labor groups called No on 8, Equality for All. On 9/10, Sacramento mayoral candidate Kevin Johnson announced that he opposes a Nov. 4 ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage even though his personal belief is that marriage is "between a man and a woman." On 9/10, LAUSD, the largest school district in the state (and second largest in the country) voted to oppose Proposition 8. And San Diego City Councilwoman Toni Atkins married her longtime partner, Jennifer LeSar, in a small, private wedding ceremony over the weekend. On 9/14, two groups supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples held simultaneous walks across the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge for the fifth year in a row. On 9/15, San Mateo County officials formally voted to oppose Prop 8. As of 9/16, Mormon church members, mostly from California, have made individual donations close to $5 million in support of Proposition 8, counting only donations of more than $1,000 - nearly a third of all donations to support the amendment. And a Sacramento couple was challenging the new gender neutral state marriage license forms that list Partner A and Partner B instead of Bride and Groom. On 9/17, The "Pacific Justice Institute" filed a complaint against the California gas and electric utility provider PG&E for giving over a quarter of a million dollars toward efforts against Proposition 8. As of 9/18, a new Field Poll found that support for Prop 8 had dropped from 42% to 38%, while opposition has risen from 51% to 55% since July. And the Palm Springs City Council voted 3-0-2 to oppose a ballot initiative that would outlaw same-sex marriage in California, saying it's a civil rights issue that is making an economic impact in the city.
COLORADO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 5/7, 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 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. On 8/11, A lesbian couple getting married in California published their announcement in the Durango Herald - the first same sex wedding announcement in the paper's history. On 8/21, 360 openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender delegates from the Stonewall Democrats descended on Denver, four days before the Democratic National Convention.
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. On 8/13, six pro-marriage equality candidates in Connecticut scored important victories in Tuesday s party primary elections. On 8/20, The Connecticut Constitution Convention Campaign has raised only $1,110 to convince voters to approve a constitutional convention in November. The state's largest teachers union, the Connecticut Education Association, has contributed $40,000 to the group "Vote No: Protect Our Constitution." Planned Parenthood of Connecticut has given $5,000 to the same cause. On 8/28, rumors surfaced that the state Supreme Court is deadlocked or closely fivided on the gay marriage case that's been before the court since May 2007. On 9/17, two of the state's top elected officials urged voters Wednesday to reject a proposal on the November ballot for a convention to consider changing the Connecticut Constitution.
DELAWARE: Legal Status: n/a Delaware Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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:
June: 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.
July: 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. On 7/28, Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Miami came out against anti-gay marriage proposal Amendment 2 on the November ballot in Florida. On 7/30, 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.
August: As of 8/8, in the face of rampant rumors about his own sexuality and a potential shot at being named Sen. John McCain s running mate in the fall elections, Florida governor, Charlie Crist has simultaneously announced plans for a December wedding to his fiancee and reversed his position of support for same-sex marriage and domestic partnerships. On 8/13, the pastor of one of the largest Southern Baptist churches in Florida was been named to lead a new effort to rally pastors to pass the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment in November. As of 8/21, opponents of Amendment 2, the anti-gay-marriage amendment on the November ballot, have raised more than $2 million, four times what amendment proponents have raised. On 8/28, a new poll showed that 57% of Florida voters favored writing a same-sex marriage ban into the Florida constitution - passage requires 60%. On 9/8, A new Quinnipac poll found that a proposed state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage is supported by 55 percent of voters, down from 58% 3 months ago. And Miami Mayor Manny Diaz on Monday announced his opposition to Florida's Amendment 2. On 9/9, Broward School Board members on Tuesday unanimously approved a resolution to oppose a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage in Florida. On 9/10, Charlie Crist says he won't campaign for gay marriage ban in Florida.
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. On 8/15, by more than a two-to-one margin, the Medical College of Georgia faculty endorsed a resolution calling for the ability to give employees domestic partnership benefits.
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. On 8/29, more than a year since a gay couple was denied access to housing at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, a settlement was reached between the two parties, allowing accommodations for committed same-sex couples.
ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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
IOWA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: In 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court is expected to rule on the issue of same sex marriage when deliberations begin in Varnum v. Brien. As of 8/29, a gay Iowa couple marked first year of marriage as the state's only legally married same sex couple.
KANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: 8/19 was the 1 year anniversary of domestic partnerships in Lawrence, Kansas.
KENTUCKY Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Kentucky Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 9/16, Kentucky Court of Appeals handed down a harshly-worded, 3-0 judgment against a lower court's ruling that allowed a lesbian to adopt her partner's child.
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 5/12, The Maine Secretary of State approved, and the Christian Civic League accepted the final text/title of the citizen-initiative petition to roll back gay and lesbian rights in the state. 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 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. On 9/9, the state's highest court ruled that signatures were overcounted in a drive to roll back transgender protections passed last year by the Montgomery County Council, throwing out the referendum petition that had threatened to roll back the civil rights law.
MASSACHUSETTS Legal Status: Gay Marriage Massachusetts Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
June: On 6/13, Katherine Patrick, the 18-year-old daughter of Governor Deval Patrick told a local newspaper that she is gay.
July: 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. On 7/29, the Massachusetts House voted to repeal the 1913 law that had been used to block gay marriages involving out-of-state couples. On 7/31, Gov. Deval Patrick signed the bill into law.
August: On 8/13, a new survey showed that 59% of Massachusetts voters feel out-of-state same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry in the state according to a new poll from Suffolk University. On 8/16, gay marriage opponents in Massachusetts began gathering signatures to try to repeal the new law overturning the 1913 law banning out of state same sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts - the group will need 32K signatures to get the measure on the ballot. On 8/25, Attorney General Martha Coakley gave the go-ahead to a group that wants to overturn the Legislature s repeal of a law barring marriages in Massachusetts by out-of-state same-sex couples.
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. As of 7/28, the lesbian couple who were lectured about gay marriage by their physician received an apology, but were concerned it might happen again. On 8/14, the wedding annoucement for a gay couple in Jackson was rejected by the Jackson Citizen-Patriot, the local paper - the paper said the couple were "asking us to venture into uncharted waters".
MINNESOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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.
MONTANA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 8/1, A hearing before a federal appeals court was scheduled for 8/4 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.
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: On 5/30, NH decided to recognize same sex marriages performed in CA as Civil Unions. On 8/16, Democrat Katy Forry, who is challenging current Gov. John Lynch (D) in the Sept. 9 primary, she would sign a gay marriage law and believes federal law eventually will recognize gay unions. As of 9/16, a newly released study finds that same-sex couples in New Hampshire are more eager to be married than enter into a civil union.
NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 8/3, The New Jersey Family Policy Council claims to have collected 70,000 signatures so far to put an anti-gay-marriage amendment on the ballot at some point in the future. As of 8/19, by a 50%-42% margin, likely New Jersey voters support allowing same sex couples to marry, according to a new Zogby poll.
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:
June: 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 by 53 to 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.
July: 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. On 7/28, Blue Cross & Blue Shield announced they would provide spousal benefits to married same-sex couples.
August: On 8/7, North Country Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava said voting for gay marriage may be the risky thing to do, but it is what she believes in. And Assembly Republicans who bucked party leaders and voted to legalize same-sex marriage in New York have been rewarded with an outpouring of donations from gay rights advocates across the nation. On 8/8, the New York Supreme Court heard arguments from the Alliance Defense Fund carpet baggers who are trying to overturn Governor Paterson's executive order recognizing gay marriages performed out of state. The Court appears poised to rule against the ADF - a ruling is expected after labor day. On 8/10, A gay father kidnapped his son from his ex-partner, taking him to Israel. On 8/13, Otsego County Treasurer Myrna Thayne amended the county's health care plan to specifically exclude same-sex couples, regardless of their legal status, ostsnsibly to save money. On 8/15, a distraught gay father was reunited with his abducted son after Israeli officials tracked down the man s ex-husband and retrieved the boy. As of 8/22, Christians claiming their First Amendment rights were violated at a gay Pride event in June have brought suit against New York city.
September: On 9/2, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled NY Gov David Paterson's memo ordering state agencies to recognize gay and lesbian marriages performed in other states and countries is legal. On 9/8, the state Department of Civil Service said it was aware of only 33 same-sex married couples who have signed up for the state's health insurance since it extended the benefits to them on May 1, 2007. On 9/14, two groups supporting marriage equality for same-sex couples held simultaneous walks across the Golden Gate Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge for the fifth year in a row. On 9/18, Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith (D) declined to say definitively how or when he might address the pending gay marriage bill in the state if he becomes majority leader. And Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R) appeared at his first LGBT function this week, a fundraiser at a private East Village residence organized by the Log Cabin Republicans, a gay GOP group.
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
NORTH DAKOTA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 7/31, it was reported that some North Dakota attorneys were 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.
OHIO Legal Status: n/a Ohio Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 9/18, Senator James Inhofe, a Republican of Oklahoma, was running a new ad that clearly has gay undertones and basically abuses his opponent Democrat Andrew Rice.
OREGON Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Oregon Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
May: 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.
June: 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.
July: 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. As of 7/31, 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.
August: On 8/14, a three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a challenge to Oregon's domestic partnership law after a sampling count of signatures showed the opponents of gay rights in Oregon had fallen just 96 signatures short of the 55,179 needed to get a measure to repeal the state's new domestic partnership law on the ballot. On 8/21, the Coquille Indian Tribe, based on the southern Oregon coast, recently adopted a law recognizing same-sex marriage, and its first such wedding is set for next spring.
PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 8/21, a Presbyterian minister who officiated at a lesbian wedding in 2005 is heading for church court again, two years after charges against her were dismissed on a technicality.
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 7/27, 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.
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: As of 8/1, 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. And a Utah paper published their first lesbian wedding announcement. On 8/4, conservative readers freaked out when a local paper ran an annoucement of a lesbian wedding.
VERMONT Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Vermont Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 8/3, A woman who married one woman in Canada and then left her for another in a civil union ceremony in Vermont was accused of bigamy by her ex partner.
VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 6/5, a court ruled that a lesbian whose partner was using the state's anti-gay marriage law to try to deny her partner custody of their daughter 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. As of 8/22, A decision by House Democrats to allow a vote next month on a proposal to gut the city s handgun law stunned local home rule advocates and could foretell a congressional overturn of a future same-sex marriage bill. As of 9/8, A Williams Institute Study estimated that 1,600 gay couples in DC would marry if gay marriage was legalized. According to activists and City Hall insiders on 9/17, If Democrats expand their majority in Congress and California voters uphold same-sex marriage, a gay marriage bill is likely to be approved by the D.C. City Council as early as April 2009.
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. On 9/18, the Dane County Board (Madison area) voted to add a domestic partner registry and to require companies that offer spousal benefits to married couples to also offer them to domestic partners.
People
9/18/08: Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 to fight Prop 8. "Because no one has the right to deny another their life even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another, and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8." Source
9/18/08: Hall Sparks on Gay Marriage: "You could go after the religious Right for attacking gay marriage, instead go after anyone attacking gay marriage and the absurdity of it. Or point out the fact that gay people invented marriage, that the marriage ceremony in the Bible is based on a Greek same sex marriage ceremony from a thousand years before. When you go at it from that level, you are helping deprogram people." Source
9/16/08: I urge Californians to oppose Proposition 8, Senator Diane Feinstein said in a statement. Source
9/15/08: Lynne Cheney on gay marriage: "I would wish my daughter to have happiness and freedom to make her own choices," she said. "The Vice President said in the debate with Joe Lieberman ever so long ago in 2000 that freedom in this country ought to mean freedom for everyone." Source
9/14/08: Unofficial girlfriends Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson jointly eviscerated Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin on her anti-gay rights and anti-abortion views on Ronson's official blog. Source
9/12/08: Mary Cheney has jumped on board to help defeat Proposition 8 in California. Source
9/10/08: Susan Sarandon on gay marriage: "You know, I think so much of [ the controversy over gay marriage ] has to do with language. The word "marriage" does trigger things in a lot of people, and it's a shame we can't find a way to get around that because what it does is really polarize people and make it about something it really doesn't need to be about. But I think separate from the legal aspects of being able to share with your partner and own a house and have rights to your kids and insurance and all that, if you ask most Americans "Does everyone have a right to be happy?" they'll say "Yes." I'm not married so I'm probably the wrong person to talk to about how significant it is to be married. I've created a life that isn't about a traditional marriage, but I understand why some people want that kind of a metaphor, a symbol." Source
9/6/08: Gov. Sarah Palin's church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. Source
9/5/08: Former wrestler and Governor Jesse Ventura sounded off in favor of gay marriage this week. Source
9/4/08: Newt Gingrich announced his support of Prop 8 to eliminate same-sex marriage in California. Source
9/3/08: Fran Drescher, the star of TV comedy The Nanny has said that everyone should have the right to get married, gay or straight. Source
9/1/08: On Saturday evening at the Alfred E. Clarke Mansion in San Francisco, gay activist Matthew Foreman married long-time partner Francisco Adex De Leon. Source
8/29/08: Therese Stewart, the chief deputy city attorney who successfully argued San Francisco's historic same-sex marriage case, legally wed her partner, attorney Carole Scagnetti, in a City Hall ceremony Friday, August 29. Source
8/28/08: Yoko Ono on gay marriage: "Isn't it amazing? I think it's great. But it should not be great, but normal. I was jumping up and down in my mind. Source
8/28/08: Barack Obama brought up gay marriage during his nomination acceptance speech in Denver. Source
8/28/08: Michelle Obama surprised more than 600 attendees at an LGBT convention delegate and media luncheon to offer remarks that ran to more than 15 minutes. Source
8/27/08: Lesbian activist Del Martin died on Wednesday, just two months after marrying her partner of 55 years in one of the first legally recognized California same-sex weddings. Source
8/22/08: Ellen & Portia's wedding appears on the cover of the latest issue of People Magazine. Source
8/16/08: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were scheduled to marry in Los Angeles today. Source
8/15/08: Margaret Cho is ordained to perform gay weddings. Source
8/15/08: Barack Obama's campaign is reaching out to gay and lesbian voters in Georgia. Source
8/15/08: The co-founder of Manhunt.net stepped down as CEO after the flap that ensued when he gave $2,300 to John McCain's campaign for President. Source
8/14/08: States that do not allow same-sex marriage should not be forced to legally recognize same-sex marriages contracted in California and Massachusetts where the practice is allowed, says Rep. Barney Frank. Source
8/14/08: David Knight, the openly gay son of the late state Senator William "Pete" Knight, who authored Proposition 22 that voters passed in 2000, told the Bay Area Reporter that he is "absolutely" opposed to Prop 8. Source
8/12/08: George Takei will marry his partner on September 14th. Source
8/12/08: California Chief Justice Ronald George is enduring from gay marriage foes the very complaints of "judicial activism". Source
8/11/08: Comedian Dennis Miller says in a new interview: "I'm for the war, but I'm also for gay marriage. I don't care if two folks with the same genitalia want to get hitched, I just don't want some a hole from another country coming over here and blowing up their wedding to make a political statement."
8/10/08: Simon Doonan, creative director for Barneys New York, and his partner, potter and decorator extraordinaire Jonathan Adler, will exchange vows next month. Source
8/8/08: Anne Hathaway is "an advocate for gay marriage, abandoning her youthful plans to become a nun after her older brother Michael came out." Source
8/4/08: Dollhouse actress Heather Matarazzo became engaged to musician Carolyn Murphy. Source
8/3/08: Rumors are circling about Lindsey Lohan and a possible gay wedding with DJ Samantha Ronson. 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
8/1/08: 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
7/27/08: San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom married again over the weekend, this time to actress Jennifer Siebel.
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
posted by Mark & Scott at
9/27/2008 06:55:00 PM
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