Gay Marriage Watch: November 30th-December 6th
In addition to the news of the week, you'll find our weekly woody award, links to some great articles and columns from the last seven days, and of course you'll also find our ongoing recap of gay marriage happenings worldwide over the last four months - for a longer history, just click on one of the older Gay Marriage Watch blogs from our archives.
To subscribe to this blog, or if you have any thoughts about how we can make this feature better or easier to use or any updates on the issues covered here, let me know at info@purpleunions.com.
--Scott
Take Action
--Tell Your Wedding Story to Cleis Press --Sign this petition to repeal Prop 8 --Participate in Day Without a Gay - December 10th --Join or Help Organize the Nationwide Rally/Food Drive on December 20th --Another List of Prop 8 Rallies/Protests --Sign EQCA's Petition to Win Back Marriage --Shine a Blue Light for Equality --Send a Postcard for Marriage Equality to President Elect Obama --Join the Equality Action Now Maillist --Thank the folks at Seaside Community Church in Torrance for posting a banner in support of gay marriage --Support Businesses Who Donated to No on 8 (Palm Springs List) --See Which Businesses Suppported Prop 8 (no direct action - just withhold your $) --Sign this petition to repeal the tax-exempt status of the Mormon Church --Wear a white ribbon to support the cause
This Week's Woody Award:
This week's Woody award honors goes to Alexander F. Petzinger, whi wishes gays and lesbians would just shut the hell up and go away because he finds the whole thing "distasteful": "No one does my thinking for me and no one shoves distasteful issues down my throat. I've yet to read any Bible that indicates after God created man and woman he created the middleman/woman as insurance." We'll remember that when they come to take your rights away. Expect us to tell you to just go away quietly because we find your braying about your own rights so, um, distasteful. Enjoy your woody, Mister Petzinger!
Runner-up is Rob Malcomnson, a letter writer who decries calling Prop 8 "hateful" because that argument is "designed to demonize decent people who are simply exercising their free speech rights and participating in the democratic process our ancestors died to establish." Then he goes on to call being gay "dangerous and indecent behavior", and talks about "the inherent destructiveness of the gay lifestyle". Um, Mister Malcomnson, if this isn't hateful toward gays and lesbians, than what is? As 1/2 of a gay couple who has seen almost 17 years together, I can testify that our relationship is a hell of a lot more stable, long lasting, and less destructive than many of our friends' and families' marriages. You don't know me, so please, don't presume to know what my life is like. No woody for you.
Special Mention to letter writer Troy R. Wallis, Jr., for this gem of love and tolerance: "You gay people are entitled to all the rights normal people are... But you can't call it a marriage, because it isn't.". 'nuff said.
Events of the Last Week:
11/30/08:
Australia: Victorians in gay relationships can now apply to have their unions included on a Government register, and will be recognised by the state's courts. Source
USA, Connecticut: several JPs voiced “really intense disagreement with the decision” and said they would not perform same-sex weddings. Source
12/1/08:
USA, Florida: A group called Impact-Florida is organizing a demonstration at the wedding of Gov. Charlie Crist on December 12th. Source
USA, Indiana:
--Backers of a constitutional ban on gay marriage plan to reintroduce the proposal in next year's legislature, but in a slightly revised form. Source
--The odds appear slim that Indiana lawmakers will give serious consideration to an anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment next year. Source
USA, Ohio: The Cleveland City Council's legislative committee passed ordinances to include transgender people in the city’s non-discrimination code and to create Ohio’s third domestic partner registry - both will likely be passed by the full council at their December 8 meeting. Source
USA, Texas: A group calling for broader gay and lesbian civil rights met to make its case public on the Texas Tech campus Monday. Source
12/2/08:
Ireland: One of RTE's digital radio channels will broadcast Ireland's first ever programme specifically for the gay community. Source
USA, Maine: Nearly 100 ministers and lay leaders representing churches from Fort Fairfield to Richmond met Tuesday afternoon at Calvary Chapel in Orrington to launch a biblically based opposition to same-sex marriages or civil unions in Maine. Source
USA, Massachusetts: About 40 people held a vigil in Cambridge before the opening-night screening of the new movie Milk in support of the newly resurgent movement for gay rights. Source
12/3/08:
The Vatican has come out against a United Nations resolution that calls on all governments to decriminalize homosexuality. Source
USA: A new survey shows that 47% of Americans favor same-sex marriage, and 49% oppose it. 22% percent say gays and lesbians should have no legal recognition. And 75% favor marriage, domestic partnerships or civil unions for same-sex couples. Source
12/4/08:
Philippines: Various groups of lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) in the Philippines have closed ranks to fight what they consider as the pervasive evil that has stalked them for decades: discrimination. Source
Spain: A Spanish judge who held up a lesbian couples' adoption request for two years because she doesn't believe n gay marriage and gay adoption faces a tribunal today. Source
USA, California:
--A new poll found that that 85% of Evangelical Christians voted for Prop 8, along with 69% who did not attend college, and 63% who make less than $40,000 a year. Source
--Lawmakers began the 2009-2010 legislative session by introducing resolutions in support of invalidation of Proposition 8. Source
USA, Colorado: A slim majority of Coloradans support gay marriage and four-fifths support gay civil unions, according to the survey commissioned by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation in California in November. Source
USA, North Carolina: The Carrboro (near Chapel Hill) Board of Aldermen voted 5-0 on Tuesday to support civil marriage for same-sex couples. Source
USA, Utah: A proposal that would allow financially dependent same-sex couples to sue in the event of a wrongful death has won support from a legislative committee. Source
12/5/08:
Argentina: In his first meeting with Argentina's new ambassador to the Vatican, Juan Pablo Cafiero , Pope Benedict XVI urged the Latin American nation to resist attempts to further decriminalize abortion and gay marriage. Source
Greece: A Greek court is considering a prosecutor’s request to overturn the country’s first gay weddings, celebrated this year despite official warnings they were illegal. Source
USA, California:
--Ten years after the Berkeley City Council became the first city government in the United States to support same-sex marriage, council members will likely vote Monday to participate in a lawsuit that seeks to invalidate Proposition 8. Source
--Supporters of Prop 8 personally visited 70% of California households before the election, and fielded 100,000 volunteers, 5 per precinct, on election day, vs. just 11,000 for the No on 8 side. Source
USA, New York: Legislation to legalize gay marriage is on indefinite hold in the Senate as the result of the deal brokered by Senate Majority Leader-in-waiting Malcolm Smith and the Gang of Three. Source
USA, Washington: About 200 people attended a rally Friday at the University of Washington to protest an anti-gay marriage column that ran in the student newspaper, The Daily. Source
USA, Washington DC: Anyone seeking to place a same sex marriage ban on the ballot here would face a number of hurdles, including time constraints and a requirement that the signatures gathered come from 5 of the 8 city districts. Source
12/6/08:
USA: Delegates to a national Episcopal Church meeting voted overwhelmingly Saturday to support lifting a moratorium on consecrating bishops who are in same-sex relationships. Source
Great Articles/Columns Last Week:
^ Churches spend big on gay marriage ban, by Lisa Rehling ^ VIEWS Gay marriage overturned by mob rule, by Jamar Osborne ^ Gay Marriage: The Victory After the Defeat, by Brian Doherty ^ Drummond: Spaniards spite dictator, allow same-sex marriage, by Tammerlin Drummond ^ "I'm Tired of Being Expected to Be Patient", by Jim MacDonald ^ Dorman: Same-sex marriage column has responses rolling in, by Todd Dorman ^ Gay rights must be restored, by James Stewart ^ Gay, Straight, Black, White, Marriage is a Civil Right, by Mikaela Sutherland Dunitz ^ Article Slams ’No on 8’ Campaign as ’Political Malpractice’, by Kilian Melloy ^ Same-Sex Setback, by Tim Dickinson ^ The Year in Queer, From The Advocate ^ Bread & Cake, by Rodney Croome ^ My Gay Problem, Your Black Problem, by Earl Ofari Hutchinson ^ Prop 8 & M36: Opening the door to persecution of the church, by T.A. Barnhart ^ Behind the Asian American Split Vote on Prop 8, by Russell Jeung Ph.D ^ The Information: Gay divorce in Europe, by Tara kelly
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:
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.
November: On 11/12, a Labor Senator said she hopes the Federal Parliament will pass laws that will let same-sex couples get married. Same-sex couples who love each other should be able to have their relationship recognised by marriage, Australian Greens leader Bob Brown said on 11/14. On 11/25, 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. On 11/26, the Australian senate passed legislation giving same-sex couples the same rights as straight couples.
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.
BULGARIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 10/1, according to a new poll, 80% of all Bulgarians have negative attitudes towards gay people, and 59% are extremely homophobic.
BURUNDI Legal Status: Homosexuality is Illegal The Story So Far: On 11/24, 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.
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. On 11/26, it was reported that a marriage commissioner is suing the Saskatchewan government after being fined $2,500 for refusing to marry a gay couple.
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.
FRANCE Legal Status: Civil Unions France Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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.
INDIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 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 The Story So Far: 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. After a recent supreme court ruling, it was announced on 11/26 that a committee will be formed to make recommendations about implementing civil unions or gay marriage in Nepal.
NETHERLANDS Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: As of 11/24, 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.
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 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.
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."
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. On 11/25, it was reported that legislation would be introduced shortly to make Sweden the seventh country to legalize gay marriage.
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."
UNITED KINGDOM Legal Status: Civil Unions England Gay Wedding Vendors Wales Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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:
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. As of 11/24, The Unitarian Universalist Church was running google ads in support of gay marriage and welcoming gay and lesbian couples. As of 11/25, Christine Quinn, the first female New York City Council Speaker and possible mayoral candidate, was under consideration to replace Hilary Clinton in the US Senate when Clinton becomes Secretary of State. Quinn is an out lesbian. On 11/26, an anonymous source within the Obama camp told 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. And the fight for gay marriage rights gained a new symbol - a white ribbon tied in a knot. On 11/27, it was announced that an unprecedented declaration against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity would be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in mid-December. On 11/29, it was reported that 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).
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:
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. On 11/28, supporters of gay marriage were out in force when Christmas displays were lit at an LDS Church temple in Mesa.
ARKANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arkansas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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:
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. Also, it was reported that 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." On 11/25, 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. And California officials announced they will look into accusations that the Mormon church didn't report many contributions to support a state ballot measure that bans same-sex marriage. As of 11/26, Lassen's Health Food Store in Ventura was being boycotted after it became public that store owner Peter Lassen donated $27,500 to support Prop 8. And gay rights leaders announced that they hope to build a $1-million war chest to defend any judge threatened with recall for ruling in favor of gay marriage. On 11/27, 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. As of 11/28, a lesbian couple was marching 450 miles starting from West Hollywood Park to the California Supreme Court in San Francisco to protest Prop 8. On 11/29, 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.
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. On 11/28, gay-rights activists planned to protest a Boulder Cinemark theater because the theater's chief executive supported a California ban on same-sex marriages.
CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Gay Marriage Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
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. A new study by the UCLS Law School, released on 11/23, said that up to $13 million could be pumped into the Connecticut economy over the next three years from same-sex marriages. On 11/28, 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.
DELAWARE: Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Delaware Gay Wedding Vendors
FLORIDA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Florida Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
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. On 11/25, A Miami-Dade circuit judge decided 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.
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. As of 11/28, Jim Martin, in a run-off for the Senate seat currently held by Saxby Chambliss, received support from two national gay political groups - the Human Rights Campaign and the Stonewall Democrats. And GA 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."
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. In Evanston on 11/24, 400 people protested a $9,999 donation that Cinemark CEO Alan Stock made to the Yes on 8 campaign.
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. As of 11/26, a poll indicated 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.
KANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
KENTUCKY Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Kentucky Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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: Defense of Marriage Act 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. On 11/24, it was reported that Minnesota's gay community is purposely moving slowly on gay marriage efforts.
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: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment 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: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment
NEVADA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Nevada Gay Wedding Vendors
NEW HAMPSHIRE Legal Status: Civil Unions New Hampshire Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 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. On 11/29, Portsmouth Democrat Jim Splaine, the legislator who sponsored New Hampshire's civil union bill, said he would push next year to legalize same-sex marriage.
NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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: no legislation New Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors
NEW YORK Legal Status: Does not Recognize Same Sex Marriage New York Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:.
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. As of 11/25, an upstate New York county 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. On 11/29, it was reported that Democrats now in the majority of the state senate for the first time in over forty years are stalling on voting to legalize gay marriage, a big issue that helped push them over the top this election year.
NORTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act North Carolina Gay Wedding Vendors
NORTH DAKOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment
OHIO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment 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. After a hearing 11/24, Special District Judge Robert Perugino said he was unable to grant the divorce requested by Cait O'Darling, the second judge to do so.
OREGON Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment 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 The Story So Far: The passage of California's gay marriage ban brought people to the steps of the Capitol in Harrisburg on 11/23 to rally support for same-sex marriage and gay rights.
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 Tennessee Gay Wedding Vendors 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:
October: 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.
November: On 11/7, Gay rights activists called for a boycott of Utah after the Mormon 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. On 11/28, Park City Mayor Dana Williams said gays are welcome in Park City. And on 11/29, officials in Draper were considering an ordinance to set up a "free speech zone" near a new Mormon temple as a means of restricting protests.
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
WASHINGTON DC Legal Status: Domestic Partnership Washington DC Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: 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. On 11/28, black gay activists in Washington 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.
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 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
11/24/08: 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
11/24/08: 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
11/24/08: 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
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
11/22/08: 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
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
posted by Mark & Scott at
12/07/2008 07:29:00 PM
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