Sunday, November 30, 2008

Gay Marriage Watch: November 23rd-29th

Here's the latest news on gay marriage from around the world. The big news, from Edge Boston: "Australia’s gay and lesbian families have won de facto legitimacy thanks to changes in the law that now includes same-sex couples under the same legal provisions as unmarried heterosexual couples." It's not marriage, but it's something!

Also, remember when the Dixie Chicks said they were ashamed of their country, and the right went nuts? Or when Michelle Obama said she was finally proud of her country, and they threy accusations of unpatriotism at her for weeks? Well conservative radio host Michael Savage, talking about support for gay marriage by California politicians, just said this: "We're probably 50 leagues below the degeneracy that brought about Hitler. We are the sickest, most disgusting country on the earth." Um, hello... where are you right-wing patriots on this one????

One bright bit of news, and the headline here says it all:

Ann Coulter's Mouth Is Wired Shut

In addition to the news of the week, you'll find our weekly woody award, links to some great articles and columns from the last seven days, and of course you'll also find our ongoing recap of gay marriage happenings worldwide over the last four months - for a longer history, just click on one of the older Gay Marriage Watch blogs from our archives.

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

This week's Woody award honors goes to blogger John Fay, who writes: "Now, there are several major problems with legalizing gay marriage. Once you’ve legalized gay marriage, why not polygamy, incest, bestiality or any other form of union?" Yeah, because legal contracts can be signed by sheep and 10 year olds. Nice try, Mister Fay.

He also offers this chestnut: "...the Christian concept of marriage predates any state-sanctioned licensing program, which means marriage is an inherently religious concept in America. Any state interpretation of marriage that violates traditional church views may well be a violation of the First Amendment." Has this IDIOT never heard of the separation of church and state? And if not, why single out gay marriage? Why not fight for a ban on shellfish? The right to own slaves? A constitutional amendment against home mortgages? Sorry, Mister Fay, but you've tripped over your own two feet - enjoy your woody!

Runner up is Michael J. McMonagle, who came up with this novel justification for denying marriage to same sex couples, saying that comparing anti-gay-marriage activists to opressors is "...similar to accusing those who oppose giving blind people a driver's license of oppression of disabled people." Nice. So being gay is a handicap, and if we'd just realize that and settle for second class citizenship, eveyone would be better off, right? First of all, Mister McMonagle's statement is an insult to anyone who's blind. And second, doesn't it suggest that, like blindness, being gay is not a choice, and if so, why should we be denied equal rights? Falling down the logic hole... no woody fore you!

Events of the Last Week:

11/22/08:

Newt Gingrich on Bill O'Reilly: “I think there is a gay and secular fascism in this country that wants to impose its will on the rest of us, is prepared to use violence, is prepared to use harassment. I think it is prepared to use the government if it can get control of it. I think it is a very dangerous threat to anybody who believes in traditional religion. And I think if you believe in historic Christianity, you have to confront the fact — for that matter, if you believe in the historic version of Islam or the historic version of Judaism, you have to confront the reality that these secular extremists are determined to impose on you acceptance of a series of values that that are antithetical, that are the opposite.” Source

Candace Gingrich, Newt's lesbian sister, in response: "This is a movement of the people that you most fear. It’s a movement of progress — and your words on Fox News only show how truly desperate you are to maintain control of a world that is changing before your very eyes. Then again, we’ve seen these tactics before. We know how much the right likes to play political and cultural hardball, and then turn around and accuse us of lashing out first. You give a pass to a religious group — one that looks down upon minorities and women — when they use their money and membership roles to roll back the rights of others, and then you label us “fascists” when we fight back. You belittle the relationships of gay and lesbian couples, and yet somehow neglect to explain who anointed you the protector of “traditional” marriage." Source

USA, California: There's a divide between moderate yes on 8 proponents who saw Prop. 8 as about marriage and what children are taught, and more outspoken activists who have problems with the "homosexual agenda." Source

11/23/08:

USA, Connecticut: Up to $13 million could be pumped into  the Connecticut economy over the next three years from same-sex  marriages, a new study by the Williams Institute at UCLA Law School says. Source

USA, Pennsylvania: The passage of California's gay marriage ban brought people to the steps of the Capitol in Harrisburg on Sunday to rally support for same-sex marriage and the rights of homosexuals. Source

11/24/08:

American Idol Winner David Cook om Gay Marriage & Prop 8: "I would have loved to have seen it (go) the other way. Human rights is human rights... I hope that very soon we get to this point where we look back now, [like] on women's rights and that struggle in the 20's - I hope this is another hurdle this country can overcome really quick." Source

California Senator Dianne Feinstein on gay marriage: “I started out not supporting it. The longer I’ve lived, the more I’ve seen the happiness of people, the stability that these commitments bring to a life. Many adopted children who would have ended up in foster care now have good solid homes and are brought up learning the difference between right and wrong. It’s a very positive thing." Source

Radio Host Michael Savage on gay marriage: ""[S]ocially, we're far worse -- more degenerate than Weimar Germany. At least in Weimar Germany, men couldn't marry men and women couldn't marry women. So we're probably 10 leagues below the degeneracy that brought about Hitler. We're probably 50 leagues below the degeneracy that brought about Hitler. We are the sickest, most disgusting country on the earth, and we are psycholo -- psychotically -- we are psychotic as a nation. It's a psychotic nation when the attorney general of the state of California, when the senator from the state of California named Dianne Feinstein, when the governor from the state of California who posed as a strongman gets up there and says that homosexuals have a right to marry that's equal to a man and a woman, they're insane. They are fundamentally insane." So much for tolerence from the right. Source

Australia: Same-sex couples who love each other should be able to have their relationship recognised by marriage, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown says. Source

Burundi: The parliament of Burundi passed a law making same-sex acts punishable by between three months and two years in prison, along with a substantial fine. Source

The Netherlands: The Dutch opposition party Democrats 66 (D66) considers it unacceptable that, for the time being, same sex marriages won’t be allowed on the BES islands Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba. Source

USA: The Unitarian Universalist Church is running google ads in support of gay marriage and welcoming gay and lesbian couples. Source

USA, Illinois: In Evanston, 400 people protested a $9,999 donation that Cinemark CEO Alan Stock made to the Yes on 8 campaign. Source

USA, Minnesota: Minnesota's gay community purposely moving slowly on gay marriage efforts. Source

11/25/08:

Australia: A sizeable crowd from attended a rally organised by the National Union of Students (NUS) in support of same-sex marriage on the steps of Melbourne’s State Library last Saturday. Source

France: Nicolas Sarkozy won a solid 53% of the vote in the second round of the Presidential elections last May, after speaking out against gay marriage throughout his campaign. A 2006 Ipsos survey showed that 62% of French voters support gay marriage, while 37% were opposed, but passage seems unlikely for now. Source

Sweden: Legislation to be introduced shortly seeks to make Sweden the seventh country to legalize gay marriage. Source

USA: Christine Quinn, the first female New York City Council Speaker and possible mayoral candidate, is under consideration to replace Hilary Clinton in the US Senate when Clinton becomes Secretary of State. Quinn is an out lesbian. Source

USA, California:

--Richard Raddon, the director of the Los Angeles Film Festival who has been at the center of controversy ever since it was revealed almost two weeks ago that he had contributed $1,500 to the campaign to ban gay marriage in California, resigned from his post over the weekend. Source

--California officials will look into accusations that the Mormon church didn’t report many contributions to support a state ballot measure that bans same-sex marriage. Source

USA, Florida: A Miami-Dade circuit judge decided Tuesday that a Florida man's sexual orientation should not preclude him from adopting his two foster children, effectively ruling unconstitutional a decades-old state law barring gays and lesbians from adopting children. Source

USA, New York: An upstate New York county has decided not to challenge an appeals court ruling in February declaring that a lesbian couple's marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York. Source

11/26/08:

Australia: The Australian senate has passed legislation giving same-sex couples the same rights as straight heterosexual couples. Source

Canada: A marriage commissioner is suing the Saskatchewan government after being fined $2,500 for refusing to marry a gay couple. Source

Nepal: After a supreme court ruling, a committee will be formed to recommendations, about implementing civil unions or gay marriage in Nepal. Source

USA:

--An anonymous source within the Obama camp tells the Washington Blade that no decision has been made either way on whether to delay the reversal of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy on gays in the military. Source

--The fight for gay marriage rights has a new symbol - a white ribbon tied in a knot. Source

USA, California:

--Lassen’s Health Food Store in Ventura is being boycotted after it became public that store owner Peter Lassen donated $27,500 to support Prop 8. Source

--Gay rights leaders hope to build a $1-million war chest to defend any judge threatened with recall for ruling in favor of gay marriage. Source

USA, Iowa: A poll indicates that nearly 60% percent of Iowans support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples, with 28% supporting gay marriage, 30% opposing gay marriage but favoring civil unions, and 32% opposing both. Source

USA, Oklahoma: After a hearing Tuesday, Special District Judge Robert Perugino said he was unable to grant the relief requested by Cait O'Darling, the second judge to do so. Source

11/27/08:

An unprecedented declaration against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in mid-December. Source

USA, California: A coalition of labor leaders and supporters of same-sex marriage renewed its boycott of Douglas Manchester’s properties at an evening rally that drew more than 100 people. Source

11/28/08:

USA, Arizona: Supporters of gay marriage were out in force when Christmas displays were lit Friday night at an LDS Church temple in Mesa. Source

USA, California: A lesbian couple is marching 450 miles starting from West Hollywood Park to the California Supreme Court in San Francisco to protest Prop 8. Source

USA, Colorado: Gay-rights activists plan to protest a Boulder Cinemark theater because the theater's chief executive supported a California ban on same-sex marriages. Source

USA, Connecticut: State Comptroller Nancy Wyman notified the heads of all state agencies on Friday that benefits for state-employees with unmarried same sex partners will cease on  Nov. 30, 2009, unless the partners marry or enter into a civil union. Source

USA, Georgia:

--Jim Martin, in a run-off for the Senate seat currently held by Saxby Chambliss, has received support from two national gay political groups - the Human Rights Campaign and the Stonewall Democrats. Source

--Supreme Court Chief Justice Leah Ward Sear: “Marriage is what it is right now, Nov. 20, 2008,” she said. “I would hope that if the definition of marriage is ever expanded, that people would want strong same-sex marriages.” Source

USA, Utah: Park City Mayor Dana Williams says gays are welcome in Park City. Source

USA, Washington DC: Black gay activists in Washington have expressed concern that advocates for legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the city have not developed a strategy for winning support from black residents, who make up 56.5 percent of the D.C. population. Source

11/29/08:

USA: Anti-gay marriage groups alarmed at the election of a gay-affirming president are readying their forces and shoring up their defenses to protect the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Source

USA, California: A new SurveyUSA poll found that 8% off those who voted for the measure to ban gay marriage in California have changed their minds and would now vote no, enough to have defeated the ballot measure. Source

USA, New Hampshire: Portsmouth Democrat Jim Splaine, the legislator who sponsored New Hampshire’s civil union bill will push next year to legalize same-sex marriage. Source

USA, Utah: Officials in Draper are considering an ordinance to set up a "free speech zone" near a new Mormon temple as a means of restricting protests. Source

USA, New York: Democrats now in the majority of the state senate for the first time in over forty years appear to be preparing to stall on voting to legalize gay marriage, a big issue that helped push them over the top this election year. Source

Great Articles/Columns Last Week:

^ Minorities fear trend from California gay marriage ban, by Peter Henderson ^ Mormons' Uneasy Victory, by Stephen Stromberg ^ Gay marriage is about equality, by Patrick Stoney ^ What if 52 percent voted not to let blacks drink at the fountain?, by Marlene Davis ^ NJ same-sex marriage political debate looms, but when?, From The Gay & Lesbian Times ^ Beauty Will Save the World, by Megan Coffey ^ Is Gay the New Black? Marriage Ban Spurs Debate, by Jesse Washington ^ Gay Marriage and a Moral Minority, by Charles M. Blow ^ Why Churches Fear Gay Marriage, by Jeanne Carstensen ^ An Interview with Gavin Newsom, by Chris Johnson ^ Double Standards on Gay Marriage, by Robert McNeal ^ Proposition This, by Bob Moser ^ Maybe it is time to re-think gay marriage (satire), by Matt Hirschfield ^ Religion has made homosexualtiy a false bogeyman, by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach ^ Intolerance Shown Towards Gays in Election, by Barbara Beaser ^ Quantum of Canines, by Nick Welsh ^ Explain Yourself, by Penny Patterson ^ Your Days Are None the Better For What You Have Done, from After Ellen ^ The Tyranny of the Majority, by Christopher Chock ^ No on 8 Leadership in the Hot Seat, by Patrick Range McDonald ^ Bigotry on the Bus, by Dan Wentzel

History by Region (Last Three Months):

ARGENTINA Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)

AUSTRALIA Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner Australia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

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". On 10/21, Federal Attorney-General Robert McClelland quashed the latest call for same-sex marriage by gay advocacy group Australian Marriage Equality. And a coalition of anti-gay groups in Australia asked the government to fund cures for homosexuality. On 11/12, a Labor Senator said she hopes the Federal Parliament will pass laws that will let same-sex couples get married.

AUSTRIA Legal Status: Limited Civil Union Rights The Story So Far: 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: 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." On 10/31, Canada's Anglican bishops sidestepped a request from the worldwide Anglican Communion to stop blessing gay marriages for now, despite warnings that failure to do so would imperil Anglican unity. As of 11/4, the Diocese of Montreal planned to take "an incremental step forward" and start preparing rites for the blessing of gay civil marriages.

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

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.

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

GERMANY Legal Status: Civil Unions

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: 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 here 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. On 10/21, 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. On 11/14, in the first known gay marriage at India's legendary tribute to love, the Taj Mahal, two young Swedish women tied the knot following traditional Hindu rituals conducted by a priest at the Mahadeva Shiva temple in Agra.

IRELAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 10/22, an Irish gay rights group said that civil partnerships were "a matter of immediate urgency." As of 11/5, the Roman Cahtolic Church in Ireland said they may support a legal challenge to new legislation that aims to give gay and lesbian couples the right to civil partnerships. On 11/13, Cardinal Sean Brady suggested Ireland should ban same-sex marriages, like California. As of 11/14, Boyzone's new video, in which Stephen Gately is seen in a steamy clinch with a male model, has sparked more debate amongst punters over just when 'Civil Unions' or same sex marriage will be passed in Ireland.

JAMAICA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 11/15, the Upper House was considering legislation to define marriage as between a man and a woman only.

MALTA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 10/23, a woman who was refused the right to get married to her male partner because she used to be male challenged the decision in court.

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

MOROCCO Legal Status: Being Gay Illegal 0The 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." On 11/10, the Court of Appeals in Rabat ruled to uphold the first court decision against Morocco's Al-Massae newspaper after its director, Rashid Nini, and newspaper staff were accused of "defaming and insulting" four deputies from the government's prosecution office. The case goes back to a November 2007 article published in Al-Massae about an alleged gay marriage that took place in Al-Qasr Al-Kabir, a city north of Rabat.

NEPAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 11/18, the Supreme Court asked the Maoist government to form a seven-member committee to study same sex partnership/marriage acts in other countries and recommend a similar act to the Nepal government.

NETHERLANDS Legal Status: Gay Marriage

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: On 10/27, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science, Ronald Plasterk said thatBonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius may have to register same-sex marriages in the future.

NEW ZEALAND Legal Status: Civil Unions New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors

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. On 11/14, Lutheran Bishops were considering a new blessing for same-sex couples when gay marriage becomes legal in January.

PAKISTAN Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: As of 11/15, the Lahore high court banned the screening of Bollywood flick Dostana across Pakistan, saying it has some highly objectionable "gay content".

PHILIPPINES Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 10/23, Comedian Jon Santos revealed that he has been married to West Stewart, an Italian-American man, for three years.

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.

RUSSIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 11/14, the European Court of Human Rights said Wednesday that it would not consider the appeal of two men who claim they were denied the right to marry in Russia.

SAUDI ARABIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far:

SENEGAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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. On 11/13, The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission announced its increased aid to Senegal's gay and lesbian community to "re-group, and to turn this tragedy into positive action."

SOUTH AFRICA Legal Status: Gay Marriage

SPAIN Legal Status: Gay Marriage Spain Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 10/31, the Queen of Spain was quoted in a new book: "If those persons want to live together, dress up as bride and groom and get married, they can do so, but that should not be called marriage because it is not."

SWEDEN Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 11/5, Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt said that Sweden might allow gays to wed in the Lutheran Church as of May 2009 if parliament adopts legislation due to be presented shortly.

TURKEY Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 10/23, 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."

UGANDA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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:

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. 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. As of 10/20, the UK has granted her asylum. On 10/24, The London vicar who performed a gay wedding for two homosexual clergy in his church in the City escaped without any sanction or reprimand. As of 10/27, 45% of respondents opposed gay marriage and 40% wanted a higher age of consent for gay sex, according to The Observer Sex Poll 2008. And 24% wanted gay sex to be recriminalised.

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

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. On 10/20, 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. As of 10/21, "Ex-gay" activist Greg Quinlan, founder of the Pro-Family Network, saw his mixed-gender marriage end and his credibility 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. As of 10/22, 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.

November: On 11/6, it was reported that anti-gay hate crimes increased 6 percent in 2007. On 11/7, a new Pew Poll showed that half of adults in the United States disagreed with the concept of same-sex marriage. On 11/9, it was reported that fewer gays and lesbians voted for Obama (70%) in 2008 than for Kerry in 2004 (77%); McCain increased GLBT support to 27% from Bush's 23%. On 11/13, Bill Marriott, of Marriott Hotels, issued a release in which he assured company's employees and guests that Marriott Hotels did not, as a company, contribute to the successful campaign to revoke the right of gay and lesbian families in California to marry.

ALABAMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Amendment Alabama Gay Wedding Vendors

ARIZONA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Amendment Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

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. On 10/29, nearly 500 people gathered in Phoenix to rally against Proposition 102.

November: As of 11/3, Phoenix investor Bill Lewis had given $250,000 in opposition to Prop. 102. On 11/4, Arizona voters approved a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

ARKANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arkansas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 10/26, a poll released the week before by the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville indicated that 55% of registered voters opposed Proposed Initiative Act 1, the ban on gay adoption. 38% favored it, and 7% were undecided.

CALIFORNIA Legal Status: Constitutional Amendment California Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

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 SurveyUSA poll 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. As of 10/20, 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., As of 10/21, 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" was beamed via satellite to 170 churches around the state. And 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. As of 10/23, proponents of Prop 8 were 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. A new poll from the Public Policy Institute of California shows 52% opposed to Prop 8 and 44% in favor. New numbers showed a staggering 77% of the money supporting Prop 8 has come from LDS church members. It was reported that Scientology supports Prop 8. 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. As of 10/23, Hollywood contributors to No on 8 included: "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). A doctor at the University of California, San Francisco caused a stir by signing an argument in favor of Proposition 8 that voters are seeing in their November 4 ballot guide. And former Folsom (Sacramento area) Mayor Glenn Fait said that he's gay and strongly opposed to Prop. 8. On 10/24, it was reported that Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page have donated a combined $140,000 to fight the measure. It was also reported that 45% of Yes on 8's out of state funding came from Utah. Apple made a $100,000 pledge to defeat Proposition 8. 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. A spokesman for Arnold 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."And 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, was planned for Wednesday, October 29 at the University of California, San Francisco from noon to 1 PM. On 10/25, the Knights of Columbus gave an additional $100k to Yes on 8, bringing their total to $1.4 million. And 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. As of 10/26, Prop 8 supporters had raised at least $28.2 million; opponents had taken in $32.3 million, closing a fundraising gap that had them $8 million behind a month ago. And Maria Shriver, California's first lady, said she would vote against a ballot initiative that would prohibit same-sex couples from getting married in California. As of 10/27, Samuel L. Jackson put his voice behind the campaign to stop Proposition 8, recording radio spots to campaign against the ban on gay marriage. The No on Prop 8 campaign launched a powerful new Spanish language television ad featuring America Ferrera, Tony Plana and Ana Ortiz, from "Ugly Betty" on Spanish language television stations throughout California. California boitech firms worried about losing gay workers to Massachusetts if Prop 8 passes. The pro-gay marriage protester who was video taped being punched and kicked by Kern High School District Board of Trustees member Ken Mettler has decided to pursue charges. Pastor Rick Warren publicly endorsed Prop 8. And the San Diego City Council voted 6-2 Monday to oppose Proposition 8. As of 10/28, John and Josephine Templeton of Bryn Mawr were the largest individual contributors to Yes on 8, having given $1 million. According to a poll last week by the Public Policy Institute of California, 52 percent of Californians said they would vote "No" to banning gay marriage, while 44 percent would check the "Yes" column, with a three-point margin of error. Robert J. Birgeneau, chancellor of the University of California at Berkeley, last week issued a statement suggesting that Proposition 8 is inconsistent with university values. A man wearing a "No on 8" button was beaten with a "Yes on 8" lawn sign in Torrance this week in what police characterized as a possible hate crime. And No on 8 released two new ads, one featuring California Superintendent of Schools Jack O'Connell, and a similar ad with Senator Diane Feinstein. As of 10/29, the Screen Actors Guild announced they were opposed to Prop 8. Jeff Kent, who played second base for the Los Angeles Dodgers this season, gave $15,000 in support of Prop 8. Elsa Prince Broekhuizen gave $450,000 to Yes on 8. Her late husband, Edgar Prince, founded Prince Automotive and co-founded the Family Research Council. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops gave $200,000 to support Prop 8., and KHUM radio recently decided to leave potential advertising revenue on the table by declining to run an advertisement in favor of Proposition 8. On 10/30, internal polling for proponents of Proposition 8, which would ban same-sex marriage in California, showed the race tied; public polls have it tied at 44% to 44% with 12 percent undecided. Internal polling for opponents of proposition 8 have the race within the margin of error. Gay marriage supporters said they were victims of a sophisticated cyber attack that briefly crashed a Web site central to their fundraising efforts to defeat a ballot initiative that would outlaw same-sex weddings. The Secret Service was investigating the denial-of-service attack on NOonprop8.com, an attack that began Wednesday afternoon and eventually made the site unreachable that evening. The No on 8 campaign released a statement signed by more than 300 leading California pediatricians announcing their joint opposition to Prop 8 and concluding that the physician who signed the Prop 8 ballot statement, Jane Anderson, MD, in no way represents the majority of pediatricians on this issue. And classical violinist Yitzhak Perlman is doing an ad against Prop 8 on behalf of his lesbian daughter, who married her partner in California. On 10/31, actress Anne Hathaway donated $10,000 to No on 8. Former president Bill Clinton recorded a robo-call against Proposition 8. Concert promoter Live Nation donated $50,000 to oppose Prop 8. A group of prominent Silicon Valley executives and investors publicly opposed Proposition 8, taking out a full page ad in The San Jose Mercury News on Friday urging readers to vote no. Sponsors of Prop 8 were using quotes by Barack Obama to drum up support for Proposition 8, even though Obama opposes the measure. The FBI was investigating a cyber attack after websites campaigning against Florida and California's proposed gay marriage bans were hacked into on Wednesday night, preventing supporters from donating. Surprised parents found Prop on 8 propaganda tucked into their children's candy bags on Halloween Night. The Gay and Lesbian Service Center in Los Angeles donated $1 million to No on 8. The combined total for Yes on 8 and No on 8 was around $65 million, with money still coming in. Alan Ashton, co-creator of Wordperfect and grandson of the late Mormon church President David O. McKay, put up $1 million to match contributions to the "Yes on Prop. 8" campaign. His former Wordperfect partner had previously donated $1 million to No on 8. And Republicans Against 8 released a new video ad highlighting the opposition of Republican California Governors Reagan and Schwarzenegger to anti-gay initiatives in the battle to prevent Proposition 8 from being written into California's Constitution on Tuesday.

November: On 11/1, a new Field Poll found opponents of the same-sex marriage ban on Tuesday's ballot had a 49 percent to 44 percent lead over those who support it. And San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders (R) attended a candlelight rally tomorrow night to support same-sex marriage rights. Sander's daughter is a lesbian. On 11/3, British actor Sacha Baron Cohen returned to gate-crashing in the U.S., this time bringing his flamboyant gay fashion reporter character Bruno to a California rally calling for a ban on same-sex marriage. And a recent YouTube video released in support of same-sex marriage portrayed men in white shirts and ties claiming to be representatives for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as invaders inside a lesbian home, looking to "take away" marriage rights. On 11/4, it was reported that opponents of gay marriage in California used Google's advertising network to post messages on popular websites against the owners' wishes. Joe LaMuraglia of GayWheels.com expressed his dismay that Google's AdSense banner revenue program allowed "Yes on 8" ads to appear on his site when vistors from California surfed his site. And the Mormon Church's members had contributed some $22 million into Prop 8. And voters passed Prop 8 52% to 47%, eliminating gay marriage in California. On 11/5, it was reported that No on 8 had raised $43.6 million, compared with $29.8 million for Yes on 8. And the first same-sex couple to wed in Los Angeles anounced that they were filing a lawsuit against the measure. The Los Angeles County Registrar's Office stopped issuing same-sex marriage licenses after the passage of a ballot measure to eliminate the right of gay couples to marry. Napa County immediately stopped performing gay marriages and issuing same-gender marriage licenses today. Solano County, the one county still issuing same-sex marriage licenses the day after California voters passed Proposition 8 announced they would no longer perform gay and lesbian weddings. And Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett said she has stopped issuing marriage licenses to same sex couples following the passage of Proposition 8. Also, the American Civil Liberties Union and two gay-rights groups are challenging Prop 8 in court. As of 11/6, Prop 8 opponents officially conceded when it became clear that there weren't enough uncounted votes to affect the outcome. More than 2,000 gay-rights activists gathered outside the gates of a Mormon temple in Los Angeles. Ellen Degeneres said she was "saddened beyond belief", and that Prop 8 "took a giant step away [from equality]." And hundreds of people protesting California's new ban on gay marriage demonstrated outside a Mormon temple in Westwood on Thursday, blocking traffic on a major boulevard. On 11/7, it was reported that African Americans came out for Barack Obama in record numbers, and voted for Prop 8 70% to 30%. Asian Americans went the other way: 57% were against banning gay marriage. A crowd of protesters angered by the passage of a state measure banning gay marriage marched through downtown San Francisco during rush hour, carrying signs and snarling traffic. 2,000 people gathered in Long Beach to protest Prop 8 - there were three arrests. Lance Bass "drove by, rolled down his window and started honking his horn to start shouting with the crowd," at a No on 8 Rally. Melissa Etheridge said she was standing up to the state of California, refusing to pay her state taxes if she and her partner are not allowed to be married like straight couples. On 11/8, it was reported that Supporters of Prop 8 used "robo-calls" containing an excerpt from a speech where Obama said he wasn't in favor of gay marriage, even though he came out publicly against Prop 8. San Diego police said 8,000 to 10,000 people have hit the streets to protest passage of an anti-gay marriage bill. In Laguna Beach, where residents voted 68 percent against Prop. 8 and 31 percent for the gay marriage ban, opponents were planning to march in protest of Prop 8. USA, California: On 11/10, a couple thousand people gathered outside the Capitol in Sacramento this afternoon to rally for the legalization of same-sex marriages just days after voters imposed a constitutional ban. More than 400 people gathered outside the distinctive Mormon Temple in Oakland to protest the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' support of Proposition 8. About 40 young gay rights advocates protested outside Fresno City Hall to protest the gay marriage ban. And the San Luis Obispo County clerk stopped issuing same-sex marriage licenses. On 11/11, Lynn Holton, a spokeswoman for the California Supreme Court, said she expected the court to rule as early as this week on a lawsuit that seeks to invalidate Prop 8. On 11/12, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted this afternoon to join a lawsuit filed by the City of Los Angeles, San Francisco and Santa Clara County challenging the constitutionality of Prop 8. The artistic director at California's largest non-profit musical theater company resigned Wednesday amid protests over his donation to a campaign to ban gay marriage in the state. And gay rights groups in California said they may ask voters to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage they approved last week if legal challenges to Proposition 8 are unsuccessful. On 11/13, the Log Cabin Republicans, the nation's largest gay GOP group, opposed Prop. 8 and is supporting lawsuits to have it overturned. The Mormon temple in Westwood was closed Thursday afternoon after an envelope filled with an unidentified white, powdery substance was delivered to temple employees. The No on Prop 8 campaign made a television ad that featured a lesbian talking about marriage but the commercial never aired. It was reported that Cinemark Theaters' CEO Alan Stock donated $9,999 to Yes on 8, and activists are now calling for a boycott of the Cinemark chain. A lesbian mother in Fresno says she was forced to resign from her position as president of the parent-teacher association at her son's Catholic school after she spoke out against banning gay marriage. And artist Kemery, who does not use a last name professionally, plans to display artwork in opposition to Prop 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. Nov. 18 at Michael's on Naples Ristorante. On 11/14, the California Supreme Court has asked state Attorney General Jerry Brown to reply by Monday to lawsuits challenging the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage - a sign that the justices are taking the cases seriously and will not dispose of them quickly. County clerks across California are clamoring for legal advice to resolve confusion about when to begin the gay-marriage ban that voters passed last week in a ballot initiative. About 200 students and others walked out of class at UC San Diego to protest the passage of Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage in California. Californians Against Hate filed a complaint with California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), alleging The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints failed to report non-monetary contributions that helped pass the measure. And the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Mexican-American Legal Defense Fund, Asian Pacific American Legal Center and two other groups asked the state Supreme Court to issue a stay preventing the ballot initiative approved by voters last week from taking effect. On 11/15, employees of the Los Angeles restaurant that came under fire this week after a manager gave $100 to the campaign to ban same-sex marriage in California said they had made a $500 contribution to the advocacy group that is raising money to challenge Proposition 8. On 11/19, it was reported that The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) was the largest monetary supporter of Proposition 8, giving $1.8 million. And Yes on 8 forces started talking about a recall against members of the California Supreme Court if they throw out the measure. On 11/20, the California Supreme Court agreed to consider three lawsuits that challenge the legality of Proposition 8's abolition of same-sex weddings. Briefs must be filed by January, arguments could be heard as soon as March, and a ruling would come within 90 days after. On 11/21, a banner in support of gay marriage at Torrance's Seaside Community Church, which read "Someday everyone will have the right to legally marry. Don't give up hope!", was pulled down from their front lawn and slashed with a knife. On 11/22, 5,000 rallied for marriage equality at the State Capitol Building.

COLORADO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. As of 10/23, former U.S. Rep. Bob Beauprez was blanketing the state with recorded calls that take aim at Democratic Senate candidate Mark Udall over issues such as gay marriage and human cloning. On 11/4, Marilyn Musgrave lost her US House seat in Colorado, bringing to a halt the Congressional career of one of the most outspoken opponents of gay equality. On 11/17, right-wing advocacy group Focus on the Family laid off 20% of its staff, after dumping more than a half-million dollars into passing California's Proposition 8 gay-marriage ban.

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

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. As of 10/19, the Constitution Convention Campaign, which is urging residents to vote yes on Nov. 4, had raised $11,400. The Connecticut Vote No coalition had raised nearly $830,000. 10/28 was the official "release date" of the CT Supreme Court's decision legalizing gay marriage, though same sex couples may not be able to wed until November 10th. And justices of the peace will no longer be allowed to refuse to perform a same-sex ceremony simply because the couple is gay Attorney General Richard Blumenthal ruled. As of 10/30, 50% of voters supported a convention to amend the state constitution and 39 percent were opposed. But 55 percent oppose a constitutional ban on gay marriage.

November: On 11/4, voters rejected the state's first constitutional convention in more than 40 years by a 2 to 1 ratio. On 11/9, a legal opinion by state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal said CT justices of the peace may not opt out of performing same-sex marriage ceremonies. On 11/12, gay and lesbian couples began marrying in the state today. And the Episcopal church's laws and the state's laws concerning marriage no longer agree, and while priests are able to give pastoral blessings to gay marriages, they are unable to perform them. As of 11/20, about 100 couples havd taken out marriage licenses since November 12th, when the marriages became legal.

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

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

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. On 10/26, 200 Tampa Bay area residents attended a Sunday afternoon rally against Amendment 2. On 10/28, opponents of Amendment 2 went to court to force the proposal's backers to disclose its donors and take their TV ads off the air. On 10/31, a new Mason-Dixon poll of 625 likely voters on Thursday and Friday showed 55 percent support for Amendment 2, with 35 percent opposed.

November: On 11/4, Sex and the City's Cynthia Nixon was in Florida to speak out against Amendment 2. And a Miami judge declined to rule on a lawsuit against John Stemberger and florida4marriage.org filed by Amendment 2 opponents Florida Red and Blue and the anti-gay marriage amendment ads will stay on the air. And Amendment 2 passed by a margin of 4.68 million to 2.85 million votes, or by 62 percent to 38 percent. As of 11/16, a poll taken during the run-up to the election showed that 89% of Floriians believed that gays and lesbians should have the same rights as everyone else with regards to housing, job opportunities and public accommodations, such as restaurants and movie theaters. On 11/21, David Caton, executive director of the Florida Family Association, said he will seek a change to the Hillsborough County Charter in 2010 to pre-emptively ban same-sex benefits for county employees.

GEORGIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Georgia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 11/21, Proving he's not above gay-baiting, Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R), in a runoff against Jim Martin for his Senate Seat, promised to fight against "activist judges" if elected, ie: judges who might vote in favor of same sex marriage. It's the new millenium equivallent of "state's rights", code for racism in the '70's and 80's.

HAWAII Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Hawaii Gay Wedding Vendors

IDAHO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: On 11/9, it was reported that campaign finance reports showed Idaho residents contributed more than $400,000 to support Prop 8 in California.

ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 11/18, The Illinois Family Institute and other conservative groups, emboldened by three ballot measures passed in other states, asked legislators to put a referendum on the 2010 ballot asking whether the state constitution should be changed to ban gay marriage.

INDIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Indiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 10/28, an anti-gay flier sent by the Indiana Democratic State Committee on behalf of State Representative candidate Andy Schemenaur called for "a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as existing only between one man and one woman." The DNC has condemned the mailing.

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

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. On 10/21, Louisville Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz began chairing an ad hoc task force appointed recently by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, which works with the Knights of Columbus to lead a new Catholic effort advocating for laws that define marriage as between one man and one woman.

LOUISIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Louisiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 10/23, more than a dozen young adults from around the country held a candlelight vigil just outside the Louisiana College campus to show support for gay students at the Baptist school.

MAINE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Maine Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 11/4, volunteers from the group EqualityMaine were posted at petition tables in nearly 100 polling places in 12 of 16 Maine counties, speaking with thousands of voters about marriage for same-sex couples. On 11/13, gay activists started laying the groundwork to bring forward a gay marriage bill during the 2009 legislative session, but say they are still mulling their options. And religious leaders across the state held news conferences Thursday to urge Mainers to end marriage discrimination against gay and lesbian couples and called for the state to create same-sex civil marriages. On 11/16, the leader of Maine's Roman Catholic diocese issued a letter to be read at weekend Masses opposing gay marriage.

MARYLAND Legal Status: n/a Maryland Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 10/20, 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.

MASSACHUSETTS Legal Status: Gay Marriage Massachusetts Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On November 16, the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum will be the site of a discussion on same-sex marriage on the 5th anniversary of the landmark Massachusetts Supreme Court decision on the case that led to the legalization of same-sex marriage. As of 10/31, The effort by the anti-gay group MassResistance to reinstate the 1913 law had failed, after the group only collected 1/3 of the signatures needed to place it on the 2010 ballot by the deadline. On 11/17, the Family Life Institute, a group opposed to gay marriage, held a forum to discuss the affect of the legalization of gay marriage in the state. And over 11,000 same sex marriages have been performed in Massachusetts since 2004, and now average about 1,500 a year.

MICHIGAN Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Michigan Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 10/24, Republican candidate Ray Franz was running an ad alleged that "billionaire homosexual activist Jon Stryker" and his "dirty money" were behind Democratic candidate Scripps' campaign.

MINNESOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 10/12, openly gay, longtime Minnesota State Senator Allan H. Spear died at the age of 71 from complications following heart surgery.

MISSISSIPPI Legal Status: Constitutional Amendment The Story So Far: As of 10/19, Incumbent Republican Roger Wicker was running ads against his Democratic opponent Ronnie Musgrove that use offensive gay stereotypes to try to link Musgrove to extreme left liberalism. On 10/20. two members of soulforce, a gay rights advocacy group, were arrested at Mississippi College in Clinton. As of 10/24, the state Republican party was trying to link Kristy Manning (D), running for state representative, to "extreme liberals" and gay marriage.

MONTANA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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: 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. On 11/19, The group that helped legalize gay marriage in two New England states said they want to do the same in the other four by the year 2012.

NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 9/26, religious fundamentalists accused a state Civil Unions panel of pushing for gay marriage. On 11/11, Governor Corzine said he wants to pass an economic stimulus package before the state takes up 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:

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.

October: 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.

November: On 11/4, Democrats took the New York senate. The entire New York legislature is now in Democratic hands, and New York's governor, David Paterson, is one of the nation's most eloquent pro-marriage-equality representatives. On 11/6, Lawmakers said that they were focused on rejuvenating New York's economy and dealing with the state's massive budget deficit, not legalizing gay marriage. On 11/7, anti-gay marriage groups said they plan to focus next on New Jersey and New York, where the state legislatures are being lobbied to pass laws legalizing same-sex marriage, using the same strategy they used to win in California. On 11/12, three newly-elected Democrats in the state senate said they may not even allow any gay marriage discussion to reach the state senate floor. Hundreds of supporters of gay marriage gathered outside a Mormon temple to protest the church's support of Prop 8 in California. New Yorkers engaged in peaceful demonstion against last week's passage of Prop 8. On 11/13, some Democrats were resisting the appointment of senate minority leader Malcolm A. Smith, a pro-marriage lawmaker, to the post of Senate Majority Leader. Opponents of marriage equality are pushing for a new senate majority leader who would be antithetical to allowing gay and lesbian families to marry.

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

NORTH DAKOTA Legal Status: n/a

OHIO Legal Status: n/a Ohio Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 10/24, the Ohio Republican Party was paying for anti-LGBT campaign mailings and radio spots in at least two hotly contested Ohio House districts. On 11/13, Cleveland took up the idea of a domestic partner registry for gay and straight couples. On 11/18, Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman introduced legislation for the creation of a domestic partner registry for gay and straight couples in the city.

OKLAHOMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: 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:

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. On 10/31, a Coquille Indian Tribe member challenged a recent decision by the Tribal Council to allow domestic partnerships and marriages regardless of sexual orientation.

November: On 11/4, The city of Silverton, Oregon, elected the country's first openly transgender mayor.

PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors

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 The Story So Far: As of 11/17, strategists were determining whether to fight for gay marriage in the state via a legislative vote or voter-approved constitutional amendment.

SOUTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: As of 10/24, 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." On 10/29, voters in Lancaster and York counties were getting automated phone calls from a phony gay organization that says it supports the Democratic candidate for the local South Carolina state Senate seat.

TENNESSEE Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban

TEXAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Texas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 10/23, it was reported that, if Democrats picked 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.

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 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. On 10/27, a heated debate about same-sex marriage at Utah Valley University attracted so many students Thursday that some had to leave the UVU Ragan Theater for fear of violating the 400-person fire code. On 10/31, Mormon mothers of gay children staged a candlelight vigil in Salt Lake City to oppose the LDS Church's support of California's proposed gay-marriage ban on 11/2. On 11/7, Gay rights activists called for a boycott of Utah after the Mormom Church helped push Prop 8 through in California. And in Salt Lake City, a crowd of about 2,000 chanted "Separate church and state" and waved rainbow flags outside the headquarters of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On 11/12, hundreds rallied on the UT campus demanding that the university provide domestic partner benefits. On 11/16, the FBI said the white powder that spilled onto a mail clerk's hand at the Utah headquarters of the Mormon church is nontoxic. On 11/19, the first in a series of gay-rights bills being pushed for the 2009 legislative session cleared a committee, but not without drawing staunch opposition from conservative activists.

VERMONT Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Vermont Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: As of 10/17, it was reported that the legislature may consider legalizing gay marriage here in the 2009 session. As of 11/11, it was unclear whether the Vermont legislature will take up gay marriage in the 2009 session. On 11/19, Senate Majority Leader John Campbell said he planned to introduce a bill to allow gay marriage in the state that first approved civil unions for same-sex couples. On 11/20, Gov. Jim Douglas (R) said he would oppose legislation allowing same-sex marriages, saying the state's civil unions law is adequate and that lawmakers should be focusing on the state's money problems. And police were investigating a death threat against John Campbell a day after the Democrat announced he would introduce a marriage equality bill in the new session of the legislature.

VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

WASHINGTON DC Legal Status: Domestic Partnership Washington DC Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 11/17, D.C. Council member David Catania (I-At-large) reassured local gay and lesbian business owners that a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia will pass the D.C. Council next year.

WASHINGTON STATE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Washington State Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:

WEST VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act West Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 11/12, the West Virginia Convention of Southern Baptists passed a resolution calling for an amendment to the state constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

WISCONSIN Legal Status: Constitutional Ban Wisconsin Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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

11/22/08: Jon Stewart on Prop 8: ""How in God's name is gay marriage allowed to be an issue in this country in elections?" Stewart questioned, yelling enthusiastically to cheers in the audience. "Black people voted 70 percent to ban gay marriage in California... 'We shall overcome, but you motherf*ckers are taking a step back.'" Source

11/20/08: Comedian and part-time Florida resident Rosie O'Donnell says that "every American should have the right to be married to anyone they choose who is above legal age" and the so-called "marriage protection amendment" passed by a majority of voters doesn't really protect marriages. "The fact that more than 50 percent of heterosexual marriages end in divorce, I don't know how reverential we should be about the term to begin with." Source

11/20/08: Radio host Jim Quinn claimed that heterosexual opponents of Proposition 8 are "guilty straights" and suggested that "gays never wanted to get married until ... about five years ago." Source

11/19/08: In an admirable attempt to emphasize the positive and deny the negative, Mike Huckabee said: "The very people who voted for Barack Obama in California voted to sustain traditional marriage. I refuse to use the term, 'ban same-sex marriage.' That's not what those efforts did. They affirmed what is. They did not prohibit something. They simply affirmed that which already has and forever has existed." Source

11/18/08: Darren Hayes (Savage Garden): "Just so we are clear, this is our definition of marriage: We want to grow old together. We love each other so much that we want to share our lives together, forever. We are monogamous. We ?re faithful. We ?re in it for the long haul. Sometimes we argue over who ?[s turn it is to make a cup of tea, but for the most part we are soul mates. If, God forbid, one of us should fall ill, one of us will take care of the other one. If, God forbid, one of us should pass away suddenly, we would want our estate to go to the one of us who survives. We ?d like other stuff too, like, you know, the same tax breaks as other married couples and the civil rights you would extend any other committed couple in the free world. And to be able to be respected and receive the same rights that everyone else has. But mostly, we just want to grow old together." Source

11/18/08: Guns N Roses guitarist Slash has released a video in support of gay marriage. Source

11/18/08: A Prince source tells Internet blogger Perez Hilton, "What His Purpleness actually did was gesture to the Bible and said he follows what it teaches, referring mainly to the parts about loving everyone and refraining from judgment. We're very angry he was misquoted." Source

11/17/08: Prince, the gender-bending Minnesota rocker who now lives in California and makes the rounds as a Jehovah's Witness, spoke out in a newly released interview that the Bible opposes homosexuality and gay marriage: "God came to earth and saw people sticking it wherever and doing it with whatever, and he just cleared it all out. He was, like, 'Enough.'" Source

11/17/08: 150 people showed their support for same sex marriage in Des Moines - among the group of protesters Sunday was state senator Matt McCoy. The Iowa Supreme Court is due to rule on gay marriage in December. Source

11/15/08: Comedian Wanda Sykes says the passage of a same-sex marriage ban in California has led to her be more outspoken about being gay. "You know, I don't really talk about my sexual orientation. I didn't feel like I had to. I was just living my life, not necessarily in the closet, but I was living my life," Sykes told a crowd at a gay rights rally in Las Vegas. Source

11/15/08: Saying he feels sorry for those affected by Prop 8, Darren Hayes, former Savage Garden frontman, posted a picture of himself and "husband" Richard Cullen hugging. "It's us, tearing down the fabric of good society and the sanctity of marriage in Paris." Source

11/14/08: "The idea that gay marriage is still an issue in this country is maybe the strangest thing I've ever heard." - Jon Stewart Source

11/14/08: Christina Aguilera says, "They're (gay couples) constantly pushing to be heard and given equal rights. I think there's a lot of unfairness that goes along with being gay, so the more I can do to give them a voice, then I'll do so. But I think we'd be fooling ourselves if we thought that everywhere was accepting of gay rights and marriages. I think it's unfair there has to be some kind of standard for marriage. Marriage should be about two people celebrating their love for each other. It shouldn't have anything to do with someone's sexual preference." Source

11/14/08: Josh Brolin on Prop 8: "Who gives a s***! Who cares!... Doesn't mean (gay and lesbian people) are going to stop kissing in the streets, just cause they can't get married. And that's the issue for the religious, that it's visible and it's always going to be visible, it ain't going to go away. Gay life is more mainstream, but at the same time, things like this happen and you go, 'You got to be kidding me!' especially in California... I think it's awful, but I understand it, everybody has their perspective." Source

11/13/08: George Clooney: "At some point in our lifetime, gay marriage won't be an issue, and everyone who stood against this civil right will look as outdated as George Wallace standing on the school steps keeping James Hood from entering the University of Alabama because he was black." Source

11/13/08: Elton John on Prop 8: "We're not married. Let's get that right. We have a civil partnership. What is wrong with Proposition 8 is that they went for marriage. Marriage is going to put a lot of people off, the word marriage." Source

11/12/08: Paris Hilton: "They shouldn't make a law saying who you can be in love with," the heiress said. "Hopefully, they'll overturn it because it's not fair." Source

11/12/08: Sex and the City creator Darren Star: "There is no question in my mind that gay marriage is an inevitability. Californians like to think of themselves as socially progressive and were surprised and angry to wake up to find bigotry introduced into their constitution. Exit polls show gay marriage has overwhelming support among younger voters, so obviously this is just a matter of time." Source

11/10/08: Drew Barrymore joined the protest against Prop 8 this past weekend in Los Angeles and gave a rousing speech. Source

11/10/08: Madonna said it was a shame the United States could put a black man in the White House but not allow same-sex marriage. Source

11/9/08: "It's unfortunate, obviously, but it's not the end," Governor Schwarzenegger said in an interview Sunday on CNN. "I think that we will again maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area." Source

11/8/08: "I am the luckiest girl in the world, but am sad because African-Americans are equal finally, but gay marriage is not." - Britney Spears Source

11/7/08: Christina Aguilera: "I think [Prop. 8] is discrimination and I don't understand how people can be so closed-minded and so judgmental... Why you would put so much money behind something [aimed at] stopping from people loving each other and bonding together?... Mormons aren't gonna buy my album but, you know, what are you gonna do?" Source

11/7/08: Fallout Boy's Pete Wentz: "Many people were intimidated on this issue due to the scary misleading communications on the other side. I believe that this is, and has always been, a civil rights issue. We should not allow inequality like this in America." Source

11/7/08: "If we can elect an African-American as president, we can support gay marriage!" Madonna shouted to 20,000 fans at Dodger Stadium late Thursday, referring to president-elect Barack Obama. "Defeat Prop 8! We will not give up!" Source

11/6/08: "I guess people care more about farm animals that they do their fellow man, that's really sad to me.." --Samantha Ronson - Source

11/6/08: Clear Channel radio host Jim Quinn asserted: "[G]ay marriage doesn't produce anything that the state has an interest in. Gay sex produces AIDS, which the state doesn't have -- or should have an interest in. They should charge homosexuals more for their -- for their health insurance than they charge the rest of us." Source

11/5/08: Former NBA player Doug Christie and his wife are in favor of gay marriage: "We are living in a generation where no man or woman should be told who they can marry," Jackie Christie comments. "Everyone should be able to love freely, and my husband and I stand strongly behind voting NO on Proposition 8." Source

11/2/08: Sacha Baron Cohen has gone undercover as his alter ego Bruno, a gay Austrian fashion show presenter, to crash a rally in support of a measure that would ban same-sex marriage in California. Source

11/2/08: Barack Obama said in an interview with MTV he did not support same-sex weddings and believed "marriage is between a man and a woman". He also reaffirmed his opposition to Prop 8. Source

10/31/08: "It frustrates me and breaks my heart, that someone who's a minority himself would want to discriminate against others," says Cuban American Perez Hilton, who is openly gay, about telenovela star Eduardo Verastegui. Source

10/31/08: Former 49ers Quarterback Steve Young, a Mormon, and his wife Barb oppose Prop 8: "We believe ALL families matter and we do not believe in discrimination, therefore, our family will vote against Prop. 8," she said. Source

10/30/08: Actors Emile Hirsch, James Franco and Josh Brolin hope they'll entertain audiences of forthcoming film MILK beyond the big screen - by prompting more support for same-sex marriage in California. Source

10/30/08: Steve Knight, son of the anti-gay bigot Pete Knight, is running for the 36th District Assembly seat in California that was once held by his father, and like his dad, he is a strong supporter of banning same-sex marriage. Source

10/28/08: Charles Barkley on gay marriage: "My idea of religion is we are supposed to encourage people to love other people. I am a big pro-choice guy. I am a big gay marriage guy and they are so divisive and that is not my idea of religion. My idea of religion is we are supposed to bring people together. We are not supposed to judge other people." Source

10/27/08: Congressman Dan Lungren said he plans to vote "yes" on Proposition 8. Source

10/27/08: Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt - the villains of MTV's "reality" show The Hills - has come out in support for gay marriage, even though they are both Republican John McCain / Sarah Palin supporters. Source

10/26/08: Congressman Barney Frank: "Same-sex marriage is of no concern to anyone who does not choose to enter into one," Frank went on. "The notion that it weakens the institution of marriage is nonsense. We've had same-sex marriage in Massachusetts for four years; there has been no negative effect." 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

10/24/08: 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

10/24/08: Gay actor Sir Ian McKellan in a statement urging California voters to defeat Proposition 8, which would stop gay marriage in the state. Source

10/24/08: 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

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

10/23/08: 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

10/21/08: Telenovela star Eduardo Verastegui supports Prop 8. Source

10/21/08: 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

10/21/08: 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

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

posted by Mark & Scott at 11/30/2008 11:40:00 AM 0 Comments