Gay Marriage Watch: October 19th-October 25th

Here's the latest news on gay marriage from around the world. The good news this week? Prop 8 seems to be behind in the polls again this week, though it's still way too close to call. The No on 8 folks have now outpaced the Yes on 8 side in contribuutions after being behind by almost $10 million, thanks in part to a Hollywood Fundraiser where Mary J. Blige and Melissa Etheridge sang that raised almost $4 million in one night. Google founders and Apple also chipped in some hefty sums this week to fight Prop 8. There's hope!

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.

--Scott

This Week's Woody Award:

This week's Woody award honors goes to Richard Kirk, who says on his blog: "Who would have suspected that a state Supreme Court majority of one would equate inherently barren same-sex relationships with male-female unions whose reproductive consequences are typically enormous?" but fails to take it the next logical step. If marriage is for procreation, when are you going to push for a law banning infertile couples from getting married? Can't have it both ways, Mister Kirk. And beyond the fact that calling gay and lesbian couples barren (can't lesbians get pregnant?) you also conveniently left out all the same sex couples raising the unwanted children of straight folks.Your attempt at logic is just a thin veneer over your disgust for and probable hatred of the GLBT community, so why not just come out and say it? At least you'd be honest. Enjoy your woody, Mister Kirk.

Runner up is conservative Tom McClintock in California, who said:

"Lincoln asked, 'If you call a tail a leg, how many legs has a dog? The answer is four. Calling a tail a leg doesn’t make it one,'" McClintock said in a statement. "And calling a homosexual partnership a marriage doesn’t make it one."

Sorry, Mister McClintock, no woody for you.

Events of the Last Week:

10/19/08:

USA, Connecticut: The “Constitution Convention Campaign,” which is urging residents to vote yes on Nov. 4, says it has raised $11,400. The “Connecticut Vote No” coalition has raised nearly $830,000. Source

USA, Mississippi: Incumbent Republican Roger Wicker is running ads against his Democratic opponent Ronnie Musgrove that use offensive gay stereotypes to try to link Musgrove to extreme left liberalism. Source

10/20/08:

United Kingdom, England: Prossy Kakooza, 26, fled her homeland after her family found her in bed with her partner and marched both women naked to the police station where Ms Kakooza was raped and tortured by police officers. The UK has granted her asylum. Source

USA, Maryland: Two women blocked from ordination as United Methodist ministers because one is a married lesbian and the other disagrees with church rules on gay rights received "extraordinary ordination" in Baltimore yesterday. Source

USA, Mississippi: Two members of soulforce, a gay rights advocacy group, were arrested at Mississippi College in Clinton. Source

USA: Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin says she supports a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, a break with John McCain who has said he believes states should be left to define what marriage is. Source

USA, California: Three dozen right wing Christians have spent every waking minute since Sept. 24 at a San Diego County megachurch fasting and praying for the passage of Proposition 8. Source

10/21/08:

Telenovela star Eduardo Verastegui supports Prop 8. Source

Judge Judy officiated the A-list marriage between four time Grammy nominee, singer/pianist Michael Feinstein and his partner of 11 years, Terrence Flannery, on Friday in Los Angeles. Source

William Shatner on George Takai's gay wedding: "Obviously, [George Takei] hiding his homosexuality -- talk about festering and not living the truth of your life, and feeling badly about yourself, and being fearful that somebody might find out this terrible, terrible secret, so he thought. Finally, at the age of 70, he decides to come out of the closet and say, "I'm gay." Like, who cares? Be gay, don't be gay. That's up to you George.... He makes this big deal out of not inviting me to his wedding. Well, if I was such a terrible force in his life, even 40-some odd years later ('cause I haven't seen him) that I affect his marriage where he has to isolate it, and say --. What kind of sickness is going on in a man.... There must be something else inside George that is festering that he takes it out on me, in effect, a total stranger." Source

Australia: Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland has quashed the latest call for same-sex marriage by gay advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality. Source

Australia: a coalition of anti-gay groups in Australia wants the government to fund cures for homosexuality. Source

India: Irritated by the government's contradictory and unscientific stand on the issue of homosexuality, the Delhi High Court on Monday told the government that the homosexual trait in a human being cannot be termed as a "disease" and objected to the contention that if legalised, homosexuality would bring "devastation" to society. Source

USA: "Ex-gay" activist Greg Quinlan, founder of the Pro-Family Network, has seen his mixed-gender marriage end and his credibility be called into question after he made a claim that Nobel Prize-wining geneticist Francis Collins had declared that no "gay gene" exists, reported Ex-Gay Watch. Source

USA, California:

--A Skyline Church (San Diego) sermon denouncing gay marriage as "a move against Christians by the homosexual lobby, the devil's strategy to destroy the church, a confrontation between light and darkness" is beamed via satellite to 170 churches around the state. Source

--Tom McClintock, the carpetbagging republican from Southern California running for John Doolittle's (R) seat against Democrat Charlie Brown in Northern California, came out in support of Prop 8. Brown is against Prop 8. Source

USA, Kentucky: Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz is chairing an ad hoc task force appointed recently by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which will also work with the Knights of Columbus to lead a new Catholic effort advocating for laws that define marriage as between one man and one woman. Source

USA, Oregon: A Coquille Indian Tribe member is challenging a recent decision by the Tribal Council to allow domestic partnerships and marriages regardless of sexual orientation. Source

10/22/08:

Ireland: Irish gay rights group says civil partnerships "a matter of immediate urgency." Source

USA: Members of the so-called “ex-gay” community are suing the Washington D.C. Office of Human Rights for “failing to protest former homosexuals under its sexual orientation anti-discrimination law.” Source

10/23/08:

Project Runway's Tim Gunn has put out an ad against Prop 8, the ballot measure that would make gay marriage in California illegal. Source

Ellen DeGeneres spoke out about Sarah Palin’s stance on the federal marriage amendment, saying that despite being raised by heterosexuals, being surrounded by heterosexuals and even “dabbling” with heterosexuality in high school, she still came out gay. Source

Malta: A woman who has been refused the right to get married to her male partner because she used to be male has challenged the decision in court. Source

Philippines: Comedian Jon Santos revealed that he has been married to West Stewart, an Italian-American man, for three years. Source

Turkey: A court in Istanbul found that “Even if it shocks or brings discomfort to some members of society, gay intercourse between consenting adults is not criminal.” Source

USA, California:

--Proponents of Prop 8 are trying to blackmail companies who donated money to fight it by threatening to "out" them if they don't also give to Yes on 8. Source

--A new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California shows 52% opposed to Prop 8 and 44% in favor. Source

--New numbers show a staggering 77% of the money supporting Prop 8 has come from LDS church members. Source

--Scientology supports Prop 8. Source

--Mary J. Blige and Melissa Etheridge have helped raise $3.9 million to fight a ban on gay marriage in California - by singing at a star-studded gala. Source

--Hollywood contributors to No on 8 Include: "Point of No Return" actress Bridget Fonda ($200); "One Life to Live" actor Jason Tam ($100); "In Plain Sight" actress Mary McCormack ($200); "Good Will Hunting" director Gus Van Sant ($2,500); "Brothers & Sisters" executive producer Greg Berlanti ($5,000), "Star Trek" actor George Takei ($2,600), and "The Real World" co-creator and executive producer Jonathan Murray, ($10,000). Source

--A doctor at the University of California, San Francisco has caused a stir by signing an argument in favor of Proposition 8 that voters are seeing in their November 4 ballot guide. Source

--Former Folsom (Sacramento area) Mayor Glenn Fait said that he's gay and strongly opposed to Prop. 8. Source

USA, Colorado: Former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez is blanketing the state with recorded calls that take aim at Democratic Senate candidate Mark Udall over issues such as gay marriage and human cloning. Source

USA, Louisiana: More than a dozen young adults from around the country on Wednesday held a candlelight vigil just outside the Louisiana College campus to show support for gay students at the Baptist school. Source

USA, Texas: If Democrats pick up five seats in this year’s election, they’ll have a majority in the state House, which would enable them to pass several gay rights bills that were stalled by conservatives last year. Source

10/24/08:

The groundbreaking feature film based on cable channel Logo's Noah's Arc arrived in select theaters. In Jumping the Broom, the four friends travel to Martha's Vineyard to plan the perfect wedding for Noah and Wade. Source

Country singer Trace Adkins spoke out against gay marriage, saying "That shit ain't right, you know," at a concert in Massachusetts The crowd responded with applause. Source

Gay actor Sir Ian McKellan in a statement urging California voters to defeat Proposition 8, which would stop gay marriage in the state. Source

A new mailer from Elizabeth Dole (R) targets Kay Hagan (D) as having a "radical homosexual agenda," even though Hagan is against gay marriage. Source

United Kingdom, England: The London vicar who performed a “gay wedding” for two homosexual clergy in his church in the City is to escape without any sanction or reprimand. Source

USA, California:

--Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have donated a combined $140,000 to fight the measure. Source

--45% of Yes on 8's out of state funding came from Utah. Source

--Apple made a $100,000 pledge to defeat Proposition 8. Source

--A recall effort against 9 student government members at American River College, started after they voted in support of Prop 8, failed with only 4,000 of 39K students voting. Source

--A spokesman for Arnolkd Schwarzenegger said he hasn't been available to campaign against Proposition 8 because he has been focused on the state's fiscal crisis and on a redistricting initiative he supports, despite promising last spring that "I will always be there to fight against that, because it should never happen." Source

--A No on 8 rally featuring Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) and Stuart Gaffney, a plaintiff in the landmark California Supreme Court same-sex marriage case, will be held Wednesday, October 29 at the University of California, San Francisco from noon to 1 PM. Source

USA, Michigan: Republican candidate Ray Franz ran an ad alleged that "billionaire homosexual activist Jon Stryker" and his "dirty money" were behind Democratic candidate Scripps' campaign. Source

USA, Mississippi: The state Republican party is also trying to link Kristy Manning (D), running for state representative, to "extreme liberals" and gay marriage. Source

USA, Ohio: The Ohio Republican Party is paying for anti-LGBT campaign mailings and radio spots in at least two hotly contested Ohio House districts. Source

USA, South Carolina: An openly gay congressional candidate's sexuality emerged as an issue in a campaign in which both sides had studiously avoided it, after a Republican lawmaker publicly used her activism on gay-related issues to denounce her as an "ultra-liberal." Source

10/25/08:

USA, California:

--The Knights of Columbus gave an additional $100k to Yes on 8, bringing their total to $1.4 million. Source

--Between Oct. 1 and Oct. 18, the closing date for the latest state financial report, opponents of Prop 8 raised more than $12 million, compared with $2.5 million for Prop. 8 backers. Both sides had about $7 million in the bank for the final push to the Nov. 4 election. Source

Great Articles/Columns Last Week:

^ Questions raised over Yes on Proposition 8 ads, by Mike Swift ^ Two-tiered marriage system unfair, and so is Prop. 8, by Ruben Navarrette Jr. ^ A whirlwind of gay weddings, by Carla Hall ^ Unitarian Universalists work to preserve gay marriage in Calif., by Michelle Bates Deakin ^ Vows of love at last, by Wendy Leung ^ Gay Marriage, a Federal Issue, by Keith Watson ^ Same-sex marriage debate growing ugly in San Jose and beyond, by Mike Swift & Sandra Gonzales ^ Spotswood's Dream Wedding, by Beth Spotswood ^ Ours Is a Love Story -- The Case Against Banning Gay Marriage, by Heather Hiles ^ We Must Pass the Constitutional Amendment to Ban Gay Marriage (satire), by Elayne Boosler ^ Kirby on gay marriage: It's official - I don't care, by Robert Kirby ^ Gay Marriage Will Battle Avoided, by Robert Kirby ^ Life in a box, by Jason Cassidy ^ Anti-Gay Activist Casts Horrifyingly Offensive Post-Obama Report, from Queerty.com ^ Marriage battles in four states go down to the wire, from Queerty.com ^ Do Mormons Deserve Equal Protection Under the Law? by Rick Jacobs

History by Region (Last Four Months):

ARGENTINA Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) The Story So Far: 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:

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. A same-sex commitment ceremony was held in a synagogue in Sydney, an Australian first. On 9/26, a new bill was 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. And Senator Brandis said the Coalition would support the changes - including the bill that passed the House of Representatives, that would alter 68 pieces of Commonwealth law.

October: On 10/13, The Australian Senate debated the first raft of same-sex reforms in light of the Senate Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee's final report on the bills. On 10/14, Senator Cory Bernardi told the Senate legislation granting rights (but not marriage) to same sex couples would degrade the sanctity of marriage and that gay couples should be treated differently from heterosexuals because they were different. "Is is fair that same-sex couples be treated the same as married couples? I say no." On 10/16, Retiring gay High Court judge Michael Kirby has likened civil registration for same-sex relationships to a "dog or a busker's licence".

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. On 10/18, it was reported that a right-wing politician who has fought against gay marriage and who just passed away was gay and was drinking at a gay bar on the night of his death.

BRAZIL Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: "Gay couples exist and we must give them legal recognition", the President of Brazil said on 9/18.

BULGARIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 9/27, a proposed revision of the country's Family Code left out gay marriage entirely. As of 10/1, according to a new poll, 80% of all Bulgarians have negative attitudes towards gay people, and 59% are extremely homophobic.

CANADA Legal Status: Gay Marriage Canada Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 10/1, police were investigating whether a federal candidate running as an Independent committed a hate crime by telling high school students in northern Ontario that homosexuals should be "executed."

CAYMAN ISLANDS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: 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.

CHILE Legal Status: N/A The Story So Far: On 10/13, it was reported that the Movement for Homosexual Integration and Liberation (MOVILH), Chile's leading sexual-minorities advocacy group, last weekend spoke out against what it claims is discrimination against sexual minorities by a Catholic bishop and a group of Evangelical professionals.

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.

ECUADOR Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 9/28, Ecuador approved a new constitution with a 64 percent yes vote, in the process legalizing civil unions.

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 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.

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 9/28, dozens of gays and lesbians protested outside parliament on Monday against the conservative government's attempt to overturn Greece's first same-sex marriages.

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: As of 9/19, gay activists were seeking the repeal of a decades-old law governing sexual behavior. As of 9/30, a high court in Dehli was considering arguments for and against legalizing homosexuality there.

IRELAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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.

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

MOROCCO Legal Status: Being Gay Illegal The Story So Far: On 9/29, an international congress on gay rights in Muslim countries was told that the north African nation of Morocco may grant rights to homosexuals "within fifty years."

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 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.

NORWAY Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: As of 10/15, the bishops of Norway's state church have ruled that there will be no weddings in church for gay and lesbian couples.

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. As of 9/24, Portugese politicians differed on what rights to allow gay and lesbian couples. As of 10/3, the governing Socialist Party planned block an attempt by smaller parties to pass legislation allowing same-sex marriages in Portugal, a senior official said. On 10/10, Portugal's parliament rejected two motions Friday that would have allowed same-sex marriages in the conservative Roman Catholic country.

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. As of 10/6, a West African man accused in the media of his home country of putting together a same-sex wedding was accepted as a gay refugee by the U.S. government.

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 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.

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:

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. On 9/22 in Wales, a vicar carried out a church blessing of a lesbian "wedding", in defiance of Anglican rules.

October: On 10/7, a Church of England clergyman who wrote that gay men should be forced to have "sodomy" warnings tattooed on their bodies issued a "full and complete" apology for his remarks.

UNITED STATES (see individual states below) Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far:

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. Recently published, Uncle Bobby's Wedding, a new picture book on gay marriage, adds to the ever-growing diversity in today's children's literature. As of 9/28, Christian fundamentalists were suggesting gays and lesbians are to blame for Wall Street's woes, a frequently made charge in the wake of national calamities.

October: As of 10/3, the Uniting American Families Act, a bill that would grant equal immigration rights to same-sex couples in bi-national relationships, made strides forward when four more senators and 16 more representatives joined in co-sponsoring the legislation. On 10/10, after months of pressure from an anti-gay-marriage group, McDonald's Corp. gave up a director's seat and will stop sponsorship of a national gay business organization.

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:

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.

October: As of 10/1, a new survey by KAET-TV, the Phoenix PBS affiliate, showed that 49% said they'll vote for Prop 102, while 42% were opposed and 9% were undecided. And as of 10/3, supporters of Prop 102 had raised $6.9 million, 17 times more than opponents have raised. On 10/6, Opponents of Prop 102 released their first television ad. On 10/18, it eas reported thst contributors to Yes for Marriage include prominent East Valley Mormon families, who gave from $10,000 to $100,000 apiece for the effort.

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. On 9/23, anti-gay Tony Alamo Christian Ministries was raided by Arkansas and federal authorities Saturday, in search of child pornography. On 10/16, after losing the Governor's support for a ban on gay adoption, supporters of the measure are trying to demonize gays and lesbians to sway public support.

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:

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. On 9/21, 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. And the Hayward (Bay Area) city council passed a resolution that urged Hayward residents to vote down the constitutional amendment come November. On 9/22, the first No on 8 TV ad aired. And as of 9/23, supporters of Prop 8 had 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. In 9/26, Levi Strauss donated $25K to Equality for All to fight Prop 8. On 9/27, Google took a public stand against Proposition 8, an anti-gay marriage measure on the November ballot in California. On 9/28, Chino's School District voted unanimously to support Prop 8. And Bishop Jamie Soto of Sacramento spoke at the National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries, surprising attendees by calling them deviants and urging a yes vote on Prop 8. On 9/29, a group of Republicans, including Governor Schwarzenegger, who oppose California's ballot measure to ban gay marriage, released an ad, titled "Freedom Is a Republican Value."

October: On 10/1, gay Ohio entrepreneur and political activist Jonathan Lewis issued a challenge of sorts to Los Angeles's entertainment industry... raise $500,000 for No on Prop. 8, and he and his family will match the contributions dollar for dollar. And a supposed "liberal against gay marriage" being used by supporters of Prop 8 was unmasked as a right-wing conservative. Also, a new poll by SurveyUSA showed Prop 8 trailing by 44 % to 49%, a narrower margin than in other polls. On 10/2, the American River College Student Council (Sacramento), five of whom are slavic christians, voted to back Proposition 8. A recall petition is already being circulated. And a hearing on Proposition 8 by a joint panel of the state Senate and Assembly judiciary committees became heated when proponents of both sides of the issue spoke on the issue. As of 10/2, dupporters of Prop 8 had raised $19.2 million so far, while opponents have raised $13.6 million. Pepperdine University distanced itself from a pro Proposition 8 ad featuring a professor from the university. A gay advocacy law firm that helped win the fight for gay marriage in San Francisco dissolved. As of 10/3, supporters of Prop 8 had their plan to plant a million signs against the measure at the same time foiled by "production delays". And the State of California caved after a Roseville couple sued over gender-neutral marriage licenses. The state added bride and groom back to the form with checkboxes. saying gay and lesbian couples can just leave the boxes blank. As of 10/6, California has married more same-sex couples in three months than Massachusetts has married in three years, according to a new study from UCLA's Williams Institute for the study of law and sexual orientation. Margaret Cho will host Equalipalooza - a fundraiser to help defeat Prop 8, On October 15th in San Francisco. And a Catholic priest in Fresno came out as a gay man and against Prop 8 in a sermon this week. As of 10/7, a new SurveyUSApoll found that 47 percent expected to vote yes on Proposition 8, which would eliminate the right of same-sex couples to marry, while 42 percent expected to vote no.. And the labor union Unite Here has contributed $100,000 to support gay marriage in California. The union also pledged to raise another $50,000 for marriage equality. On 10/8, Prop 8 won support Wednesday from the Yuba County Board of Education after a board member linked successful children to having a mother and father in the home. And Yes on 8 released its second television ad of the campaign, featuring a young girl arriving home from school to show her mother a picture book that was read to her class by their teacher that day. The book, "King and King," is about a prince marrying another prince, "and I can marry a princess" the girl says, to her mother's disbelief. Also, Mormons living outside California have been asked to volunteer for a telephone campaign to help pass a ballot initiative banning same-sex marriage in the state. On 10/9, opponents of Prop 8 released two new ads, one a rebuttal of a previous Yes on 8 ad, another a "softer" approach. The First Congregational Church of Berkeley, United Church of Christ, will celebrate the weddings of couples who have been married since June on 10/19. The congregation voted unanimously in September to oppose Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriages. And as of 10/9, Mormons, whose members only make up about twelve percent of California's population, have donated an estimated 75% of the $25 million raised to pass Proposition 8 - $19 Million to date. Also, the gender-neutral terms Party A and Party B are out on California marriage licenses, state officials said this week - Instead, marriage licenses used by California county clerks will revert back to using the words "bride" and "groom" next month, with checkboxes. As of 10/12, county clerks across California were up in arms about the state's recent decision to rush through a change allowing couples to once again mark "bride'' and "groom'' on marriage licenses instead of "Party A" and "Party B.'' On 10/13, it was reported that two Mormon families, one with five children and one a retired couple, gave $50,000 and $35,000 each, respectively, to the Yes on 8 Campaign. And Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa donated $25,000 to help fight Prop 8. As of 10/15, a new poll showed that Asian-American voters in California are solidly against Prop 8, with 57% against, 32% for, and 11% undecided. And with the battle over Prop 8 tightening, $3.6 million in large contributions has poured into the No on Proposition 8 campaign in the past week. Also, a group of San Mateo County residents, reverends, church members, business people, a county supervisor, parents, labor leaders and students gathered on the steps of the historic courthouse in downtown Redwood City Thursday morning to garner support for an effort to defeat Proposition 8. And cergy, business, faith and community leaders across Monterey County rallied against discrimination by opposing Prop 8. Finally as of 10/15, the estimated number of same sex marriages performed in California since June was 11,442, according to a new study. On 10/16, in a lively meeting that drew more than 100 people, the Vista Unified school board decided Thursday night to stay out of the debate over same-sex marriages. And Reverend Janet McKeithen, the leader of the interfaith Church in Ocean Park, continued the Church's activist tradition by her insistence on officiating at gay marriage ceremonies in defiance of the United Methodist Church's official doctrine. On 10/17, Equality for All won an online poll in the Hell to Pay contest on Daily Kos, meaning it's the fundraising recipient for Saturday night's efforts on the popular blog site. Also, a new Action News (Fresno)/Survey U.S.A. statewide poll showed that 48% of voters said they'd vote 'yes' on Prop 8, while 45% said they'd vote 'no'. 7% said they weren't certain. Comedian Ellen DeGeneres bought $100,000 of television airtime to urge Californians to vote to save the right to gay marriage in a November ballot. Also, Hollywood film producer Steve Bing made a personal donation of $500,000 to the No on 8 campaign. Business magnate Ron Burkle planned to host a major fundraiser for No on 8 at his home in Beverly Hills on 10/21, at which Melissa Etheridge and Mary J Blige will perform. Guests include Barbra Streisand, and the chat-show host Ellen DeGeneres, who wed Portia de Rossi in August in one of the most high-profile same-sex unions. And the California Teachers Assn. donated $1 million this week to defeat Prop 8. As of 10/18, San Francisco City Hall planned to expand its wedding hours to accommodate the rush of gay and lesbian couples nervous about the outcome of the Nov. 4 election.

COLORADO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 10/3, nti-gay-marriage Representative Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) was losing her race against democratic challenger Betsy Markey by 43% to 50%, according to a new survey.

CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Gay Marriage Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

July: 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.

August: 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 was deadlocked or closely fivided on the gay marriage case that's been before the court since May 2007.

September: 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. On 9/28, roughly 2,800 people converged on the steps of the state Capitol in Hartford on Sunday, Sept. 28 for a Family Institute of Connecticut (FIC) rally to raise support for a constitutional convention to block gay marriage efforts there.

October: As of 10/2, Boaz ItsHaky, the Republican candidate for Greater New Haven's U.S. Congress seat, distanced himself from his state party boss's remarks about gay rights, saying he supports legislation to upgrade civil unions to include all the benefits of marriage. amd Love Makes a Family, a Connecticut GLBT equality organization, initiated a new program to advocate for marriage equality. FaithAction offers a series of training sessions for people of all faiths. On 10/10, a sharply divided Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to get married, saying legislators did not go far enough when they approved same-sex civil unions that were identical to marriages in virtually every respect except the name. The Governor of CT's response to the Supreme Court Ruling: "The Supreme Court has spoken. I do not believe their voice reflects the majority of the people of Connecticut. However, I am also firmly convinced that attempts to reverse this decision - either legislatively or by amending the state Constitution - will not meet with success. I will therefore abide by the ruling." As of 10/12, gay marriage opponents stepped their efforts to get voters to approve a constitutional convention in November, to try to eliminate gay marriage there. On 10/13, a number of Connecticut clergy held a worship service Monday in support of same-sex marriage. On 10/14, a new poll said that 53% of Connecticut residents support last week's state Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay and lesbian marriages.

DELAWARE: Legal Status: n/a Delaware Gay Wedding Vendors

FLORIDA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Florida Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

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%.

September: 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. On 9/24, a group of Tampa Bay black leaders planned to announce support Wednesday for Amendment 2. On 9/25, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz joined the fight against Amendment 2. On 9/29, opponents of a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution protested against Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos on the day season-ticket holders were selecting their seats. DeVos contributed $100,000 to Florida4Marriage, a group that supports Amendment 2. As of 9/30, Latino Faith "Leaders" came out in support of Amendment 2.

October: On 10/3, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced plans Thursday to offer domestic-partner benefits to gay city employees when the City Council approves changes to its employee health-care policy Monday. As of 10/8, a new poll showwed that support for Amendment 2 is at 55% vs. 34% opposed, a slight drop from the previous poll numbers. Also, a group of Fort Lauderdale Democrats rallied behind an amendment to the state Constitution that would make it harder for a judge to overturn Florida's same-sex marriage ban. And members of the legal community joined forces in opposition to a statewide ballot measure that would ban gay marriage by specifying that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. On 10/9, Amendment 2 opponents released their second ad against the anti gay marriage proposition. As of 10/14, proponents of Amendment 2 had collected $1.1 million in cash and in-kind donations. Opponents had raised approximately $2.5 million. As of 10/15, an organization called Progress Florida was running a new web ad against Amentment 2 starring Michael Schiavo, husband of Terri Schiavo. On 10/17, sponsors of Amendment 2 began a two-part advertising campaign today, warning that the other side is trying to scare voters about the proposal. And Florida Clergy for Fairness, a coalition of religious leaders from across Florida joined forces Thursday to speak against Amendment 2. As of 10/18, the head of the Florida Family Association said he wouldn't rule out going after domestic partner benefits for gays and seniors if Amendment 2 passes. And a new Sun Sentinel and Florida Times-Union poll showed Amendment 2 support at just 53%, less than the 60% needed to change the constitution.

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

ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 10/3, the Iowa Supreme Court said it would hear arguments in a case challenging the state's law banning gay marriage on December 9th.

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. Two "experts" will discuss gay marriage at a forum at Northern Kentucky University on 10/7/08.

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

MARYLAND Legal Status: n/a Maryland Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 10/15, four mothers went to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners last week, asking them to remove "And Tango Makes Three," a 2005 book for young children that tells the true story of Roy and Silo, two male penguins in the Central Park Zoo in New York City who fostered and hatched an abandoned egg, from the county library.

MASSACHUSETTS Legal Status: Gay Marriage Massachusetts Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

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.

October: On 10/2, the board of the statewide gay political group MassEquality voted unanimously Sept. 29 to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama's bid for the White House. As of 10/11, MassResistance, the anti-gay group based out of Waltham, had just four more days to collect 33,297 signatures to try to overturn the legislature's repeal of the 1913 law.

MICHIGAN Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Michigan Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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 7/24, Minnesota couples filed a lawsuit challenging the state s ban on gay marriage. On 10/12, openly gay, longtime Minnesota State Senator Allan H. Spear died at the age of 71 from complications following heart surgery.

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. On 10/1, a judge ruled in favor of a woman who sought parental rights to a boy and girl adopted by her former same-sex partner, a decision described as a first for Montana.

NEBRASKA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 9/23, an LDS member who has spoken out against the church's support of California's Prop 8 was in danger of being excommunicated.

NEVADA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Nevada Gay Wedding Vendors

NEW HAMPSHIRE Legal Status: Civil Unions New Hampshire Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 9/28, Lawmakers planned to debate at least two bills dealing with gay marriage when they return to Concord in January, one that would legalize gay marriage, and another that would repeal recognition of civil unions/gay weddings performed in other states.

NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 9/26, religious fundamentalists accused a state Civil Unions panel of pushing for gay marriage.

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:

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. On 9/24, 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. On 10/15, a state appeals court heard arguments on whether New York can give equal benefits to same-sex couples married in other jurisdictions.

NORTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act North Carolina Gay Wedding Vendors

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

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:

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.

October: As of 10/3, Republican U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith began airing a new TV ad touting his support for a law to protect gays from hate crimes. But he opposed gay marriage, according to Basic Rights Oregon.

PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. A Presbyterian minister did not violate church law when she officiated at the wedding of two women because in the eyes of the state and the church, no marriage occurred, a church panel ruled on 10/2.

PUERTO RICO Legal Status: n/a Puerto Rico Gay Wedding Vendors

RHODE ISLAND Legal Status: Does not recognize same sex marriage Rhode Island Gay Wedding Vendors

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

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. As of 9/29, Laura Milliken Gray, a woman who fought for gay marriage rights in Utah, was leaving the country to be with her partner in England because she is not allowed to come to the US. As of 10/1, it was reported that the number of same sex couples living together in Utah had increased from just over 3,300 in 2000 to more than 5,500 in 2007, according to the American Community Survey, an extension of the U.S. Census. As of 10/15, a group of Mormons who support gay marriage said planned to deliver 300 protest letters and a petition to church headquarters.

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. As of 10/17, it was reported that the legislature may consider legalizing gay marriage here in the 2009 session.

VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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 The Story So Far: 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. On 9/28, The agency that regulates the state's lawyers came out in favor of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples.

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 On 10/15, a Christian evangelical group has issued an ultimatum to Gov. Joe Manchin: call a special session to pass a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, or face the wrath of voters.

WISCONSIN Legal Status: Constitutional Ban Wisconsin Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 10/16, Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton rallied for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and asked University of Wisconsin students to support the cause with their votes in the fast-approaching presidential and state legislative elections.

People

10/17/08: Democratic vice presidential hopeful Sen. Joseph Biden has appeared on an episode of Ellen to oppose California's proposed constitutional gay marriage ban. Source

10/16/08: Anti-gay Virginia congressman Virgil Goode denied allegations made by liberal activists Mike Stark and Mike Rogers that he contributed money to a film with gay themes. Source

10/15/08: In a PSA produced by gay entertainment group Homotracker, Molly Ringwald, the star of TV's The Secret Life of the American Teenager plays one-half of a straight couple being harranged by a buffoon who is against gay marriage. Source

10/15/08: Ellen DeGeneres hasn't contributed to the No on 8 campaign, but she did post a video on her show's website, saying her wedding was the happiest occasion in her life, and urging people to vote no on California's Prop. 8. Source

10/13/08: Father Geoffrey Farrow of Fresno, CA was stripped of his salary and benefits by the Catholic Church and ordered to stay away from the people of his church after he came out against Prop 8 and as a gay man. Source

10/12/08: "If Prop. 8 is defeated, I believe that within my lifetime we will see a majority of states allow same-sex couples to marry," said Chemerinsky, 55, a renowned constitutional scholar who became the founding dean of UCI's Law School earlier this year. Source

10/10/08: Ron Moore's new Sci Fi movie Virtuality includes the sure-to-be-controversial married couple Manny (Jose Pablo Cantillo) and Val (Gene Farber), who hold hands freely aboard the starship Phaeton.

10/9/08: Joan Rivers, asked if she supports gay marriage: "You ve publicly come out in support of gay marriage in California &. Of course. It s so stupid [that anyone wouldn t support it.] I think we have more to do with our lives that worry." Source

10/9/08: Julia Louise Dreyfus on the gay marriage storyline on the New Adventures of Old Christine: "...all of us are very comfortable with and supportive of same-sex marriage. We don t want to make fun of it. I m all for it. I can t imagine not being for it. That seems ludicrous." Source

10/9/08: T.R. Knight has donated $50,000 to help defeat a California proposition aimed at ending gay marriage. Source

10/7/08: Drew Barrymore: "When I heard him speak about a gay person never having to sit outside the hospital room with their loved one sick inside, I burst into tears because so many people I care about are homosexual and it was profound to have someone be sensitive to that." Source

10/6/08: Tom Arnold on gay marriage: "Even if you don't like gay people. You should vote for this. Marriage isn't that great. If we have to get married - why shouldn't they." Source

10/3/08: Fall Out Boy has donated $50,000 to efforts to defeat California's Proposition 8. Source

10/2/08: Melissa Etheridge plans to marry her girlfriend before Californians vote next month on the gay marriage law. Source

10/2/08: Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin discussed gay marriage at the VP debate in St. Louis. Source

10/2/08: Chargers second-stringer Jacques Cesaire and former San Diego State/Oakland Raider linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila appeared on a Christian radio show to argue against gay marriage. Source

10/1/08: John McCain trys to win over the gay vote by hinting in an interview with the Washington Blade that he'd support a review of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Source

10/1/08: Right-wing radio host Michael Savage blamed the financial meltdown on Wall Street on gay people. Source

10/1/08: Sarah Palin believes being gay is a choice, she says in her interview with Katie Couric. Source

9/28/08: Savage Garden's Darren Hayes: "I would love to see my marriage recognised here [in Australia], more than anything as a sign of reciprocal respect for Richard," Hayes said. Source

9/25/08: ABC's Brothers and Sisters will run a storyline addressing the fight over Prop 8 this fall. Source

9/25/08: Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz called Prop 8 "pretty lame- as many others do too. its fucking lame." 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

9/24/08: Rumors surface that Condoleeza Rice was passed over as McCain's VP pick because of rumors that she is a lesbian. Source

9/24/08: Award winning singer/songwriter Tokyo Rosenthal has recently released a new CD with a pro  gay marriage blues rocker called Love Won Out . 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

9/22/08: The New Adventures of Old Christine debuted its 2008-09 season with a lesbian wedding of convenience. Source

9/22/08: Clay Aiken came out on the cover of People Magazine. Source

9/22/08: Steven Spielberg and his spouse, Kate Capshaw, chipped in a $100,000 donation to fight Proposition 8. Source

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

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