Gay Marriage Watch: January 18th-24th
Meanwhile, Rick Warren's invocation went off without a hitch before possibly billions of viewers.
Next, there was a gay and lesbian marching band at the inaugural parade, but both CNN and MSNBC cut to commercial as the band went by.
And finally, Melissa Etheridge and Gene Robinson were both invited at the last minute to sit on the stage for the inauguration, but there was little or no reporting about their presence in the major media.
This is probably all unfortunate coincidence, but still, it has to make you wonder...
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:
Attend Rallies and Events
--Attend the 2009 Marriage Lobby Day in Sacramento --A List of Prop 8 Rallies/Protests --Join One Struggle One Fight's march from San Francisco to Sacramento March 25th-30th
Sign a Petition (or 3):
--Sign this petition to repeal Prop 8 --Send a Postcard to Protest Rick Warren's Selection to Give the Inaugural Invocation --Sign this Petition to President Obama to disinvite Rick Warren to his Inauguration --Sign this Petition to ask Rick Warren to debate Prop 8 and Gay Marriage --Sign this petition to repeal the tax-exempt status of the Mormon Church --Sign EQCA's Petition to Win Back Marriage
Other Actions:
--Congratulate Obama on his Inauguration & Ask Him to Champion Gay Rights --Join the March for Equality on Facebook --Tell Your Wedding Story to Cleis Press --Shine a Blue Light for Equality --Join the Equality Action Now Maillist --Support Businesses Who Donated to No on 8 (Palm Springs List) --See Which Businesses Suppported Prop 8 (no direct action - just withhold your $) --Wear a white ribbon to support the cause --Check out the resources at Stop8.org
This week's Woody award honors goes to Terrence C. Casey, a letter writer in Maine who rips the mask off the pretty face Rick Warren has tried to put on the anti-gay-marriage front:
All of those legislators in favor of gay marriage can twist the words anyway that they want to in order to justify all of the reasons why they approve of gay marriage, with discrimination at the forefront because "Maine Won't Discriminate."
But you cannot twist the fact that it is immoral for two men or two women to engage in sexual activity and allowing them to marry will not alter this fact one bit.
So, if you still approve of gay marriage, in spite of this, which do you think the Lord will consider to be the real issue on Judgement Day -- discrimination or immorality?
So it's not about religious bigotry against gays, huh? Just fess up, Mister Warren, and be as honest about the real feelings behind your opinions as this guy. And you guys say the GLBT community is being intolerant???
Enjoy your woody, Mister Casey!
EVENTS OF THE LAST WEEK:
1/18/09
Jennifer Beals on Prop 8 and Amendment 2: "It’s very frustrating that it was on the ballot, to begin with. I am encouraged by the fact that, when you educate people and when you expose them to this idea of two people of the same sex, loving each other and wanting to be together, people change their minds. It’s about exposure and contact. With this issue, the community needs to be more organized, in terms of getting their message out, and they can’t take it for granted that people will be able to completely unravel their own cultural upbringing, in the space of the few moments that they’re inside the voting booth. It really takes an education and, to that end, I hope that people start writing their stories and that they’re able to find representation in the mainstream media. That’s really what it will take for people to understand what’s at stake. It’s about love, and that’s the bottom line. And, it’s about civil rights. I really believe that there will come a day when kids say, 'I can’t believe that there was a time when gay people couldn’t get married. That’s so weird!' I think it will probably pass within the next decade, if not sooner. I’m hoping that it goes back to the courts and gets overturned." Source
Portia De Rossi on her marriage to Ellen: "“There’s a peace to [being married] and a sense of togetherness that we just didn’t have before. And I didn’t even realize it would change as much as it has, but it’s so lovely." Source
While the hundreds of thousands on the National Mall heard Gene Robinson’s opening prayer on Sunday, millions around the country missed it, because HBO did not televise his remarks. Source
Nigeria: The House of Representatives in Nigeria voted unanimously in favour of a new legislation that "prohibits marriage between persons of same gender, solemnisation of same and other matters related therewith." Source
Portugal: Prime Minister José Sócrates moved to get Portugal’s ruling Socialist party to endorse civil unions for lgbt couples. Source
USA, California:
--Levi Strauss & Co, Google, a coalition of more than 50 California labour organisations representing two million workers, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and dozens of scholars from Harvard University, Stanford University and Yale University have all filed friend of the court briefs opposing the validity of Prop 8. Source
--About 100 demonstrated outside Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, upset that the pastor opposed to gay marriage was chosen by Obama to give the invocation. Source
USA, New York: Congregation B'nai Jeshurun was given the Star Award from Empire State Pride Agenda in recognition of the synagogue's leadership on working to obtain passage of marriage equality legislation in New York State. Source
1/20/09
Malta: An opposition MP in Malta has accused the government of ignoring the rights of gay people now they have been re-elected. Source
UK, Scotland: A row over whether a gay minister should be appointed to a north-east church represents the biggest “crisis” facing the Church of Scotland in over 150 years, a minister warned last night. Source
USA:
--The new White House official website says ''Change has come to America,'' and includes a whole roster of LGBT civil rights issues. Source
USA, Georgia: A former Fayette man is challenging an order that he not be allowed to entertain “his homosexual partners and friends” while his three minor children visit him once weekly. Source
USA, Maine: An Alna Republican wants to find common ground in the debate about gay marriage by extending more rights to gay and lesbian couples without calling it "marriage." Source
1/21/09
Sweden: Sweden may allow homosexuals to wed in the Lutheran Church or civil ceremonies as of May if parliament adopts legislation presented to parliament Wednesday, the prime minister's party said. Source
USA, California:
--The names of all 16 members of No on 8's executive committee were finally made public. Source
--KABC-TV in Los Angeles has disappointed a gay advocacy group by refusing to air an advertisement promoting “gay families” during the Obama inauguration. Source
--Final briefs on a challenge to a voter initiative banning same-sex marriage were filed in the California Supreme Court in San Francisco today, setting the stage for a hearing as soon as March. Twenty of the friend-of-the-court briefs supported Proposition 8, while 43 favored striking it down. Source
USA, Hawaii: Hawaii lawmakers convene a new session Wednesday in which they expect to consider recognizing gay marriage. Source
USA, Iowa: One Iowa, a gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender advocacy group, organized a forum on gay marriage at the University of Northern Iowa. Source
USA, Louisiana: A state appeals court has ruled that the city of New Orleans had the right to offer health benefits to the unmarried domestic partners of city employees. Source
USA, New Mexico: Curry County commissioners on take a stand on same sex marriage today by issuing a resolution banning marriage licenses to gay couples in the county. The commissioners also signed a resolution opposing the adoption of a domestic partner rights and responsibilities act for the state. Source
USA, North Dakota: Groups pushing legislation to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians say the bill is not about same-sex marriages but about fairness. Source
USA, Wyoming: Focus on the Family has begun a telephone lobbying campaign in Wyoming in support of a gay-marriage ban in the state Senate. Source
1/22/09
Australia: 54% of Queenslanders support same-sex marriages and 60% endorse gay civil unions, in the interests of children, according to a new Galaxy poll. Source
Bolivia: Church groups are running commercials in Bolivia, hoping to convince voters to turn down a constitutional reform that would give some rights to gays and lesbians. Source
Canada: A Canadian man with about 20 wives is set to battle polygamy charges by arguing his lifestyle is legally protected on the grounds that polygamy should be considered as legitimate as same-sex marriage. Source
Sweden: Out of the 1,700 pastors who responded to a poll conducted by Sveriges Television (SVT), 68% answered positively to the question of whether they could imagine officiating gay marriages in churches. Source
USA:
--A nasty, lengthy discrimination dispute between the Democratic National Committee and openly gay former employee Donald Hitchcock has been settled. Source
--Voting for same-sex marriage or against an attempt to ban same-sex marriage is a safe move for politicians, a new study by the group Freedom to Marry has found. Source
USA, California:
--Gay rights activists are launching the first of what they hope will be many “marriage equality training camps” in Los Angeles this weekend. Source
--San Francisco assessor Phil Ting has called for the Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco to hand over $15 million in taxes because of an internal restructuring of the archdiocese, a move that some are describing as "retaliation" for the Church's opposition to Proposition 8. Source
USA, Florida: A new Quinnipiac poll shoes 31% of Floridians are opposed any legal recognition, 27% backed gay marriage and 35% approved of civil unions. Source
USA, Indiana: Religious leaders, conservative groups and some Indiana lawmakers are renewing calls for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage and civil unions. Source
USA, Nebraska: The Omaha World-Herald has refused to publish a gay couple's marriage announcement. Source
USA, New York: A state appeals court validated the state's recognition of same sex marriages performed out of state. Source
1/23/09
Lady Bunny takes on gay marriage in a new stage comedy called ‘Veranda’. Source
Europe: All Labour and Lib Dem MEPs have backed a written declaration on civil partnerships at the European Parliament. However, it did not attract enough support to move to the next stage. Source
USA: By a lopsided vote of 70-29, Washington Presbytery turned down an amendment to the denomination's Book of Order that could allow the ordination of gay pastors. Source
USA, California: This weekend, dueling conferences will be held in California to address the post-Proposition 8 marriage climate. Source
USA, Georgia: Several dozen gay rights activists braved chilly temperatures Jan. 19 to counter Rev. Rick Warren’s keynote address at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day Commemorative Service at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church. Source
USA, Idaho: The Nampa Rec Center gym has denied a lesbian family a family membership because they could not provide legal documents showing that they were married in Idaho. Source
USA, Maryland: Equality Maryland, the state's largest gay rights group, was among the peaceful protest groups to be classified as terrorists in a Maryland State Police database. Source
USA, Minnesota: A new bill would give Minnesota same-sex couples legal rights to deal with end-of-life issues. Source
USA, New Hampshire: Republican lawmakers said they're throwing their weight behind a new bill that would recognize marriage between a man and a woman as the only legal union. Source
USA, New York: The pick to replace Secretary of State Clinton in the U.S. Senate has spoken out in favor of marriage equality. Source
USA, Pennsylvania: Harrisburg's Life Partnership Registry started accepting couples today. Source
USA, Texas: A gay Texas couple married in Massachusetts are seeking a divorce, which the state may refuse to grant. Source
USA, Utah: Gay rights activists and the man behind the state's same-sex marriage ban met for an hour to discuss common ground on the issue of glbt rights. Source
1/24/09
Australia: The Liberal Party has been cleared of inciting hatred against same-sex couples in a 2006 state election pamphlet. Source
Bolivia: Bolivians will vote on a new constitution Sunday that grants rights to gays and lesbians in the country while defining marriage as a heterosexual union. Source
USA, California: In their court briefs this week, Jerry Brown and the state Fair Political Practices Commission said Prop 8 donors' information should remain public. Source
GREAT ARTICLES/COLUMNS LAST WEEK:
^ No one should be denied equal right to marry, from the Morning Sentinel ^ Now, about gay marriage, from the LA Times ^ Prop. 8 opponents unhappy with campaign leaders, by John Wildermuth ^ Legalizing same sex marriage would help boost the economy, from AfterEllen.com ^ Proposition 8 is an Irrational Assault on Gays, by Joel A. Harrison ^ Constitution guarantees that minority’s rights will be protected, by Ryan Bloedow ^ Gay couples should be allowed to marry, by Stephany Yong ^ Props 8 and 187 - The republicans shoot themselves in the other foot, by Richie Ross ^ Bending Over for the Right, by John-David Brown ^ Waiting on the world to change, by Steph Greegor ^ Straights favor restricting gays, by Randy LaSante
HISTORY BY REGION (Last Two Months):
ARGENTINA Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) The Story So Far: On 12/5, during 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.
AUSTRALIA Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner Australia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/10, a new poll showed that 87% of respondents from Australia's gay community support same sex marriage.On 12/17, it was reported that And a group held a vigil in Spinks Park in Australia to campaign for same-sex marriage. As of 1/12, Australian Marriage Equality has once again called on the government to introduce same-sex marriages in Australia, to stop gay and lesbian couples from being forced to prove their status when accessing entitlements.
AUSTRIA Legal Status: Limited Civil Union Rights The Story So Far: As of 12/9, the UK Government has withdrawn its opposition to a case in European Court brought by a gay couple who argued that argued that Austria has violated their right to a private and family life and their right to marry.
BELIZE Legal Status: n/a Belize Gay Wedding Vendors
BRAZIL Legal Status: n/a Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors
BURUNDI Legal Status: Homosexuality is Illegal
CANADA Legal Status: Gay Marriage Canada Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: One of BC's giants of the gay liberation movement died Jan 4 at the age of 78. Floyd St Clair is mourned by his partner of 58 years, David Watmough, one of BC's first openly gay authors.
CAYMAN ISLANDS Legal Status: Defens of Marriage Act The Story So Far: Declaring its opposition to the draft of the new Cayman Islands Constitution, the Cayman Ministers Association on 1/14 led the dissent at the start the latest round of talks on the document, fearing that open-ended legal phrasing that could allow judicial interpretations favouring gay marriage.
CHILE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 12/15. an organization called Muevete Chile has launched a campaign to stop the Senate committee from approving a measure that would open the door to gay unions under of the banner of "non-discrimination."
CHINA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: A proposal to amend Hong Kong's Domestic Violence Ordinance does not give legal recognition to same-sex relationships or provide legal entitlements to people in such relationships. On 1/10, Catholics at a public hearing on a proposed amendment to the domestic violence law voiced concern that the amendment could undermine the traditional concept of "family" and pave the way for same-sex marriage.
COSTA RICA Legal Status: n/a Costa Rica Gay Wedding Vendors
CZECH REPUBLIC Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 12/18, it was reported that Czech President Václav Klaus wants Europe to remain pretty much the way it is -- without gay marriage.
CYPRUS Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 12/19, the Migration Department has had its knuckles rapped for preventing the gay partner of a Cypriot man from working in Cyprus. The department was accused by the Ombudswoman of taking "hypocritical" and "paradoxical" decisions while discriminating against homosexual couples.
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Legal Status: n/a Dominican Republic Gay Wedding Vendors
EUROPE The Story So Far: On 12/3, it was reported that the Vatican came out against a United Nations resolution that calls on all governments to decriminalize homosexuality. On 12/9, it was reported that the European Union (EU) wants this week's 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights to also mark the expansion of the document to condemn the criminalization of same-sex relations. On 1/14, The European Parliament adopted a report today that, among other things, "calls on those Member States who have adopted legislation on same-sex partnerships to recognise provisions with similar effects adopted by other Member States... and urges the Commission to submit proposals ensuring that Member States apply the principle of mutual recognition for homosexual couples, whether they are married or living in a registered civil partnership." On 1/16, an American legal group associated with homophobic Christian preachers such as James Dobson attacked a European Parliament initiative on human rights.
GREECE Legal Status: N/A Greece Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/5, a Greek court was considering a prosecutor's request to overturn the country's first gay weddings, celebrated this year despite official warnings they were illegal.
HUNGARY Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 12/15, Hungary's Constitutional Court struck down Parliament's Domestic Partnership Act, which gave legal recognition to unmarried and same-sex partnerships, because the court said the Act diminished the importance of "true" marriage. On 12/22, it was reported that the government's new bill on registered partnership - to replace a new law recently vetoed by the Constitutional Court - could be submitted to parliament as early as mid-February next year, Justice Minister Tibor Draskovics said.
INDONESIA Legal Status: n/a Indonesia Gay Wedding Vendors
IRELAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 12/2, it was reported that one of RTE's digital radio channels will broadcast Ireland's first ever programme specifically for the gay community. On 12/8, LGBT Noise, a group that advocates full civil marriage for same-sex couples in Ireland demonstrated in Dublin.
ITALY Legal Status: n/a Italy Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/6, Hundreds of people protested outside the Vatican City on Saturday in support of a declaration calling for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality to be presented at the UN the next week. On 12/19, the Vatican governments around the world to decriminalize homosexuality but said a proposed U.N. resolution on the issue went too far. On 12/23, it was reported that gay groups and activists reacted angrily after Pope Benedict XVI said that mankind needed to be saved from a destructive blurring of gender. On 12/24, it was reported that Catholic publications have rushed to the defense of Pope Benedict XVI's comments that the human race is as imperiled by gay and lesbian families as by the wanton destruction of the rain forests. On 1/16, it was reported that a singer who has penned a song about a man that "used" to be gay is going to be one of the acts headlining at the Sanremo music festival in Italy in February.
LITHUANIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: As of 12/18, Lithuanian legislators were considering an amendment to their protection-of-minors statute that affirms "public information that agitates for homosexual relations" produces "a detrimental effect on the development of minors" and "defies family values." Lithuania already has regulations against Gay Pride parades and rainbow-flag displays.
MEXICO Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) The Story So Far: Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors As of 12/26, social activists and members of "unusual couples," as the Catholic Church calls gay, lesbian and transsexual unions, were discussing possible actions to be taken on Jan. 13-18, 2009 when Mexico hosts the Sixth World Meeting of Families organised by the Vatican.
MOROCCO Legal Status: Being Gay Illegal
NETHERLAND ANTILLES Legal Status: n/a Netherlands Antilles Gay Wedding Vendors
NETHERLANDS Legal Status: Gay Marriage
NEW ZEALAND Legal Status: Civil Unions New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors
NORWAY Legal Status: Gay Marriage
PHILIPPINES Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 12/4, it was reported that 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.
SENEGAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 1/8, the jailing in Senegal of nine gay men for eight years over "indecent conduct and unnatural acts" was been condemned by an international gay rights group.
SOUTH AFRICA Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: As of 12/10, 82% of the adult population of South Africa think that sex between two men or two women could be considered 'always wrong,' according to the latest South African Social Attitudes Survey.
SPAIN Legal Status: Gay Marriage Spain Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/4, a Spanish judge who held up a lesbian couples' adoption request for two years because she doesn't believe in gay marriage and gay adoption faced a tribunal. On 12/28, tens of thousands of people attended a Mass in central Madrid on Sunday designed to promote traditional family values and protest gay marriage in a predominantly Roman Catholic country that has legalized gay marriage and made it easier for people to divorce. On 1/1/09, the controversial Dénia judge, Laura Alabau, who refused to carry out gay and lesbian weddings in the town has been transferred. She is being moved to another court which has no responsibilities for marriage.
SWEDEN Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 12/17, a Swedish court ruled that a gay couple who got married in Canada should not be regarded as a married couple under Swedish law.
UGANDA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 12/30, a court in Uganda handed down a landmark ruling which is being hailed by gay rights activists around the world. The case involves the arrest and torture of two women, Yvonne Oyoo and Victor Juliet Mukasa, who were suspected of being lesbians.
UNITED KINGDOM Legal Status: Civil Unions England Gay Wedding Vendors Wales Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/14, a tribunal ruling in favour of Christian registrar Lillian Ladele who refused to marry gays was criticised by an eminent employment law judge because it was based on a "fundamental error". On 12/18, the Green Party slammed the government's decision to lend its support to EU countries that do not offer gay civil partnerships, and questioned its commitment to LGBT rights. On 12/19, London's Employment Appeals Tribunal (EAT) has overturned a ruling that granted compensation to Miss Ladele because she claimed she was subjected to harassment and the potential loss of her job after refusing to conduct civil unions between same-sex couples. As of 1/1, it is no longer legal for agencies to discriminate against gay and lesbian couples from adopting children in England, Wales and Scotland. Roger Irons, 21, appeared on the controversial ITV daytime show with Matthew Millington, 26, whom he married in a civil ceremony in 2006. But in August last year he was found hanging from a tree in woods after telling his family he "couldn't take any more" homophobia. On 1/9, Church of Scotland leaders stood by the controversial appointment of a gay Angus minister despite opposition from conservative members of the Aberdeen church to which he is moving. On 1/14, a petition was been launched on the website of the Scottish Parliament, arguing that traditional marriage should no longer have a distinct status from same-sex unions.
URUGUAY Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: On 12/18, The Senate passed a bill allowing people aged 12 and older to legally change their name and gender on their identity papers, a move that opens the doors to gay marriage.
UNITED STATES (see individual states below) Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far:
December:
As of 12/3, a new survey showed 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.
On 12/6, delegates to a national Episcopal Church meeting voted overwhelmingly to support lifting a moratorium on consecrating bishops who are in same-sex relationships.
As of 12/8, Former Ohio Secretary of State and U.N. ambassador Ken Blackwell was in the running to chair the RNC, according to the Washington Times. Blackwell played a huge part in both "winning" Ohio for Republicans in 2004 and putting the anti gay marriage amendment on the ballot there. And the U.S. Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated that if same-sex marriages were legalized in all 50 states and recognized by the federal government, the federal budget would gain almost $1 billion a year in new revenue.
On 12/10, the trendy clothing retailer Urban Outfitters pulled a T-shirt with a pro-marriage equality message within days of the item first appearing in stores and at the company's Web site. And the Rev. Richard Cizik resigned effective Thursday from the National Association of Evangelicals after a radio interview in which he voiced support for same-sex civil unions and said he is "shifting" on gay marriage.
On 12/11, an Urban Outfitters spokesman told New York Magazine on Wednesday that gay marriage shirts were pulled because they weren't selling well and that "the head merchant is open to finding other products that support gay marriage and carry the same message but will be more popular with our customers," not because the company CEO, Richard Hayne, is a right-wing Republican.
As of 12/14, it was reported that Disney is now allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry at all of its parks. And a rash of attacks against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people across the country - including the severe beating of a New York man whose attackers believed he was gay - suggests the number of reported assaults could rise in 2008, an advocacy group said.
On 12/17, nearly 60 leaders of an evangelical faction wrote the National Association of Evangelicals president in support of the NEA vice president for governmental affairs who resigned after saying he supports same-sex unions - and they want a replacement like him. The Alliance for Marriage Foundation (AMF), the organization that drafted the Marriage Protection Amendment (MPA) in Congress, was working against any attempt to repeal the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
As 12/18, alone among major Western nations, the United States has refused to sign a declaration presented Thursday at the United Nations calling for worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality.
On 12/20, "Light Up the Night" candlelit vigils to protest Prop 8 were held around the country.
On 12/23, it was reported that a series of new Campbell Soup Company ads published in gay monthly The Advocate are being protested by the American Family Association (AFA). And it was reported that In June, 44% of those surveyed said that gay marriages should be recognized by law as valid, and a slim majority, 53% said they should not. Six months later, public opinion seems frozen in place, at least for the moment: support for gay marriage remains at 44 percent. So does the opposition - at 55%, it's statistically unchanged from the summer result, given the survey's margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
As of 12/24, Campbell Soup was not backing down in the face of pressure from right-wing groups over an ad that recently appeared in The Advocate. And it was reported that Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, President-elect Obama's choice to deliver the benediction at the upcoming Inauguration, said on Tuesday that he hesitates to support civil marriage for same-sex couples. He does, however, support civil unions.
January:
On 1/4, it was reported that Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, known as GLAD, launched a first-of-its-kind regional campaign aimed at winning approval for same-sex marriage in the six-state New England region by 2012.
On 1/5, a new CNN poll showed opposition to gay marriage increased slightlly between June and December, 2008, rising from 53% to 55%, while support remained the same at 44%.
On 1/7, The Alliance for Marriage Foundation launched a national petition drive to Protect DOMA in response to the People for the American Way's (PFAW) efforts to encourage Congressional Leadership to "Dump DOMA."
Events were planned for 1/10 at state capitols around the country to protest Prop 8.
On 1/12, the national tour of the hit musical "Wicked" hosted "Defying Inequality" benefits in four major cities across the country - Los Angeles, New York, Louisville and Chicago - with the intent to promote equal rights and raise money to overturn Proposition 8.
On 1/13, the American Family Association called for a boycott of PepsiCo over contributions to the Human Rights Campaign and Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. And a new study concluded that a large majority of legislators who supported gay marriage won re-election nationwide.
On 1/15, it was reported that a new group that's proposing to have a marriage equality march on Washington, D.C. includes two men whose firms were paid a total of at least $365,000 last year in connection with a voter guide that featured a paid endorsement from Yes on 8, the Bay Area Reporter has learned. Also, openly gay Bishop Gene Robinson has been invited to give an invocation at one of the pre-inaugural events by President Obama. And openly gay National Zoo Director John Berry is being named to head the Office of Personnel Management.
And on 1/18, the Rev. Joseph Lowery has been asked by President Obama to give the benediction Tuesday at the inauguration. Lowrey has embraced gay rights, supporting civil unions and opposing Prop 8.
ALASKA Legal Status: Constitutional Amendment Alaska Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/16, With the ashes barely cool from what seems to have been an arson attack against the Wasilla church attended by Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin, conservatives were hurling incendiary accusations, without any evidence to back up the charges, at gays and lesbians.
ALABAMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Alabama Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 1/10, dozens of gay students demonstrated on the steps of the Capitol, shouting slogans and urging the repeal of federal and state laws they consider unfair to them.
ARIZONA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/10, it was reported that a man who champions equality for gays in the United Kingdom has traveled to Arizona to begin a drive for a ballot initiative that would establish civil partnerships, which since 2005 have allowed same-sex couples to legally register their relationships. On 12/17, the Phoenix City Council approved a resolution to create a gay domestic partner registry. On 1/2, it was reported that Arizona's new Governor, Jan Brewer, is opposed to giving health benefits to unmarried domestic partners and to adding sexual orientation to protected classes in antidiscrimination laws. On 1/4, Mesa Councilman Dennis Kavanaugh asked the city attorney to draft an ordinance that would allow people to register their relationships with the city.
ARKANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Arkansas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/30, at a Little Rock, Arkansas press conference, more than a dozen families announced they would ask a court to strike down a new law that bans unmarried couples from adopting or fostering children.
CALIFORNIA Legal Status: Constitutional Amendment California Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
December:
On 12/4, 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. And lawmakers began the 2009-2010 legislative session by introducing resolutions in support of invalidation of Proposition 8.
On 12/5, 10 years after the Berkeley City Council became the first city government in the United States to support same-sex marriage, it was reported that council members planned to vote Monday to participate in a lawsuit that seeks to invalidate Proposition 8. And it was reported that 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.
A lesbian couple walking from LA to SF to protest Prop 8 arrived in Salinas, CA on 12/14.
On 12/8, about 200 faculty, staff and students gathered at the American River College for "Eight Minutes of Silence" to show support for the gay and lesbian members of our campus community. Opponents of the Proposition 8 gay marriage ban are taking their fight to Signal Hill City Hall on Wednesday, where they plan to rally in support of a possible recall petition of city Treasurer Emerson Fersch. And 57% of voters with a college degree opposed Prop 8, while 69% of voters whose education had stopped after gradating high school cast their vote in favor of rescinding marriage equality.
On 12/10, Bishop J. Jon Bruno of Los Angeles authorized the use of a rite for the "Sacramental Blessing of a Life-long Covenant" for both same-gender and heterosexual couples. And a Day Without a Gay the day's events drew only scattered support in the Bay Area, the heart of the gay rights movement.
On 12/11, the San Francisco city attorney filed an amended petition (note: PDF file) challenging the constitutionality of Prop. 8 in the state Supreme Court Wednesday, adding seven same-sex married couples and 11 more cities and counties as parties. The amended filing also argues that Prop. 8 (if the high court would uphold it as constitutional) wouldn't affect the marriage status of couples who tied the knot before it passed. And it was reported that voters economic status and religious convictions played a greater role than race and age in determining whether they supported the Nov. 4 ballot measure outlawing same-sex marriage in California, a new poll shows.
On 12/14, although more than 55 percent of Contra Costa County voters opposed the gay marriage ban on the November ballot, county supervisors voted against joining the lawsuit against the measure, making Contra Costa the first Bay Area county to stay on the sideline, angering the area's gays. And at a forum held in West Hollywood over the weekend, speakers discussed problems with the campaign against the measure, which banned gay marriage in California. And like previous discussions, this one ended up coming down hard on the tactics used by the No on 8 campaign.
On 12/15, a lesbian couple from Los Angeles marching across the state in their fight for equal rights made a stop in Palo Alto. And attorneys for the ACLU sent a letter to Big Bear High School saying that school officials cannot prohibit students from wearing anti-Proposition 8 T-shirts.
On 12/16, it was reported that the ongoing boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt by gay activists and labor groups has cost the hotel $2.4 million in canceled meetings and conventions. A Bristol-Myers Squibb employee's $1,500 donation to Yes on 8 caused controversy within the company. Final election results show that 599,602 more California voters cast ballots in favor of outlawing same-sex marriage than voted to keep such unions legal.
On 12/18, it was reported that Andrew Knox and Doug Reid awoke on the morning of December 12 to see the word fag scrawled across the front window of their Clearview Road home in Santa Barbara. And Equality California Executive Director Geoffrey Kors said he will skip Barack Obama's inauguration ceremony to protest the participation of the Rev. Rick Warren, who supported Prop 8.
On 12/19, the lesbian couple from Pasadena who walke d 450 miles through California to support a continuing movement to overturn Proposition 8 arrived at the end of their journey, leading a group of marriage rights advocates from San Francisco City Hall to the steps of the state Supreme Court. And the first briefs in the lawsuit over Prop 8 were due before the CA Supreme Court. Kenneth W. Starr, the former U.S. Solicitor General who led the inquiry into President Bill Clinton's affair with Monica L. Lewinsky, was named as the leader of the case in favor of upholding a ban on gay marriage before the California Supreme Court. State Attorney General Jerry Brown, in a surprise turnabout, asked the California Supreme Court to overturn Proposition 8, saying the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage violates basic rights guaranteed in the state Constitution. And sponsors of Proposition 8 asked the California Supreme Court on Friday to nullify the marriages of the estimated 18,000 same-sex couples who exchanged vows before voters approved the ballot initiative that outlawed gay unions.
--On 12/22, a woman in the San Francisco Bay area was jumped by four men, taunted for being a lesbian, repeatedly raped and left naked outside an abandoned apartment building. --On 12/23, Saddleback Church, home to Pastor Rick Warren, removed a section of their website saying the church does not welcome "unrepentant" gays. --On 12/25, ity was reported tgat a progressive San Diego Church has bought a billboard in the Hillcrest District that says: "Missiongathering Christian Church is sorry for the narrow-minded, judgmental, deceptive, manipulative actions of those who took away the rights and equality of so many in the name of God. Our hearts are with you. Christianity for all." As of 12/30, it was reported that a new California campaign has started to try to change the anti-same-sex marriage mentality present across the states: GetToKnowMeFirst.org. The idea behind this campaign is to introduce Internet users and California TV viewers to non-traditional families. January: On 1/1, new laws took effect in California to protect GLBT seniors and foster youth, and insert "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" language into several civil rights laws that lacked comprehensive lists of protected groups. On 1/2, Vandals spray-painted swastikas on a Catholic church in San Francisco's Castro District Saturday night. On 1/3, at Sunday's AHA (American Historical Association) Business Meeting, gay activists won support for a resolution to embarrass Doug Manchester, owner of the Marriott Hotel in San Diego that's the site of the association's 2010 convention, by hosting "a series of panels and special events that will address issues of equity and place questions of marriage and family in historical perspective." The AHA declined a request to boycott the hotel. though. On 1/5, proponents of a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage filed legal briefs urging the California Supreme Court to reject the novel legal argument put forth last month by state Atty. Gen. Jerry Brown and to preserve Proposition 8. On 1/6, a new study of election results and post-vote surveys showed that neither African-Americans nor any other ethnicity were disproportionately in support of Proposition 8. On 11/9, it was reported that, because of the passage of Prop 8, The Peace and Justice Center in Chico would no longer host marriages of any kind on its property. And Supporters Prop 8 filed a lawsuit seeking to block their campaign finance records from public view, saying the reports have led to the harassment of donors. Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, noted the hypocrisy - Prop 8 supporters used campaign finance records during the campaign to threaten gay rights supporters. On 1/10, As part of a nationwide call to action, Santa Barbarans gathered at the downtown Courthouse Sunken Gardens on Saturday, January 10, to sign a petition asking President-elect Barack Obama to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). A rally and march was held in San Diego by gay-rights supporters yesterday about repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. Also, because of issues changing marriage forms (they have been changed by the state four times in less than a year), San Bernardino County has limited licensing to its San Bernardino city office. And a protest on the a ban on same-sex marriages saw about 80 supporters Saturday in front of City Hall in Pasadena. On 1/12, it was reported that Prop 8 sponsors asked a judge to seal selected documents and issue a gag order in their lawsuit challenging the state's campaign finance reporting rules. And it was also reported that the Church of Scientology is urgently trying to push through a Riverside County ordinance revision that would bar HIV+ protesters. Scientology also obtained private medical records of two protesters, who happened to be HIV+, and disclosed their status publicly. On 1/14, the Union for Reform Judaism joined with other civil rights and faith organizations to file an amicus brief challenging Proposition 8. On 1/16, it was reported that a new group, Yes! on Equality, is beginning a campaign for the "2010 Marriage Equality Initiative" in California. On 1/16, 65 current and former state legislators filed a friend-of-the court brief Friday to support legal efforts to void Prop 8. Also, the Beverly Hills Bar Association formally objected to the site selected for the annual meeting of the State Bar and Conference of Delegates, the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, whose owner donated $125k to support Prop 8. On 1/17, Google filed an amicus brief in several legal challenges to Proposition 8, which make gay marriage illegal in California. The company argues that it has many gay, lesbian and bi-sexual employees and many come to work for the company because they can get married in California. If those marriages are annulled then the company says it would lose key talent and be placed at a competitive disadvantage. Also, 40 bar and legal organizations said that Prop 8 violates the constitution's guarantee of equal protection in a brief filed with the state Supreme Court. On 1/18, it was reported that someone has put together an interactive google map showing where donors to the Yes on Proposition 8 campaign live or work.
CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Gay Marriage Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/17, a new Quinnipiac University poll showed that a slim majority of Connecticut voters support a recent state Supreme Court ruling to allow same-sex couples to marry.
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:
December:
On 12/1, a group called Impact-Florida announced it was organizing a demonstration at the wedding of Gov. Charlie Crist on December 12th.
On 12/12, about 200 people showed up in Williams Park to protest outside of the nuptials of Gov. Charlie Crist and Carole Rome.
On 12/14, hundreds of protestors convened on the church where Florida Governor Charlie Crist has been married yesterday to express their anger at the state's decision to outlaw same-sex marriage.
As of 1/6, leaders in Florida created a new statewide gay rights group formed from several local lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied organizations called Organizations United Together (OUT).
GEORGIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban Georgia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/11, it was reported that the same Atlanta organizers who put on the Nov. 15 gay rights rally at the State Capitol hope hundreds turn out again Saturday for their next visibility action, "All I Want for Christmas is Equal Rights." On 1/13, it was reported that a coalition of activists was planning to protest The King Center's choice of the Rev. Rick Warren as keynote speaker on the federal observance of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.
HAWAII Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Hawaii Gay Wedding Vendors
IDAHO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 1/14, it was reported that Chicago gay groups participated in two protests this past week, both propelled by the November passage of Proposition 8 in California and subsequent protests against them nationwide.
INDIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Indiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/1, backers of a constitutional ban on gay marriage said they plan to reintroduce the proposal in next year's legislature, but in a slightly revised form. But the odds appear slim that Indiana lawmakers will give serious consideration to an anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment next year. On 1/13, it was reported that religious leaders, conservative groups and some Indiana lawmakers were renewing calls for a constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions.
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.
December:
On 12/9, the Iowa Supreme Court pressed lawyers for both sides with sharp questions on topics like the 4,000-year-old history of marriage and whether a ruling favoring gay couples would open the door to polygamy.
On 12/12, a city councilman in Sioux City was pushing his colleagues to adopt a resolution the next Monday that opposes gay marriage.
On 12/14, elected leaders in Sioux City, in a split vote, delayed action on a controversial proposal to publicly oppose gay marriage.
On 12/16, supporters of the gay marriage ban, aware the court might overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, were redoubling their efforts to win approval for a constitutional amendment to prevent same-sex couples from marrying. Such a change would likely take at least 3 years.
KANSAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
KENTUCKY Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Kentucky Gay Wedding Vendors
LOUISIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Louisiana Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/23, in a major victory for same-sex parents nationwide, a U.S. District Court judge in Louisiana has ordered the state registrar to honor the New York adoption of a baby boy by a same-sex couple, saying her continued failure to do so violated the U.S. Constitution. On 12/30, it was reported that gay rights advocates fear the state may try to ban gay adoption.
MAINE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Maine Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: Nearly 100 ministers and lay leaders representing churches from Fort Fairfield to Richmond met on 12/2 at Calvary Chapel in Orrington to launch a biblically based opposition to same-sex marriages or civil unions in Maine. As of 12/14, Maine religious leaders and activists were mobilizing for a legislative battle over the politically charged issue of gay marriage. On 1/13, state Senator Dennis Damon introduced a bill that would rewrite the marriage law in Maine - that currently defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman - defining it as a union between two people. Maine Governor John Baldacci commented: "In the past, I have opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I have been a tireless defender of equal opportunity and have fought to end discrimination in employment, housing and throughout society. Unfortunately, there is no question that gay and lesbian people and their families still face discrimination." On 1/17, a Republican political action committee said it is organizing a grassroots effort to defeat the new a gay marriage bill.
MARYLAND Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Maryland Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/11, the University of MD's SGA passed a resolution in support of same-sex marriage without a single dissenting vote yesterday during its final legislative meeting of the semester. On 1/7, state Delegate Don Dwyer, R-Glen Burnie, said he plans to reintroduce his bill to put a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage before Maryland voters.
MASSACHUSETTS Legal Status: Gay Marriage Massachusetts Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/2, 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. On 12/10, it was reported that the Massachusetts Family Institute's influence has greatly waned over the last two years. On 12/11, a group of about 20 people gathered in a drizzling rain outside the South End's Cathedral of the Holy Cross to protest the Vatican's opposition to a gay rights declaration currently pending before the United Nations. On 12/23, The Coalition for Marriage announced that it plans to hold a fundraiser in Quincy Jan. 10 to give local anti-gay Bay Staters the chance to toast the passage of California's Prop 8.
MICHIGAN Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Michigan Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/31, petitions seeking the repeal of a newly adopted city ordinance that extends discrimination protections to gays and lesbians in Kalamazoo were filed. On 1/15, the Kalamazoo city council rescinded the new law in order to avoid a divisive repeal campaign.
MINNESOTA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/18, it was reported that Sen. John Marty, DFL-Roseville, plans to introduce a bill to legalize same sex marriage in 2009. On 1/6, a man held a sign outside the chamber door while legislators filed inside on Tues. He says he wants people to know about the inequality gay couples face since they cannot legally get married in Minnesota. On 1/14, it was reported that as many as 10 same-sex couples planned to file a lawsuit against the state of Minnesota, asking for the right to marry.
MISSISSIPPI Legal Status: Constitutional Amendment
MISSOURI Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment The Story So Far: Kansas City residents joined the nationwide protest against DOMA on 1/10.
MONTANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment
NEBRASKA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Nebraska Gay Wedding Vendors
NEVADA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Nevada Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/26, it was reported that GayVegasblacklist.com has been set up for gay marriage supporters to find out which Vegas businesses and locals worked against gay marriage by specifically supporting Proposition 8 in California.
NEW HAMPSHIRE Legal Status: Civil Unions New Hampshire Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/11, New Hampshire state Rep. Jim Splaine announced plans to introduce a bill next year to legalize same-sex marriage. As of 12/16, a state commission that studied all aspects of the Civil Union Act concluded that civil unions are unequal. On 12/31, State Rep. David Hess (Republican) said he will introduce legislation that would repeal the part of the civil unions bill that recognizes legal gay marriages performed elsewhere. And it was reported that a bill to legalize gay marriage will likely be scheduled for a public hearing or sent to a committee after its introduction in the new legislative session on January 7.
NEW JERSEY Legal Status: Civil Unions New Jersey Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/8, Princeton undergraduates voted against petitioning the University to sign an amicus brief opposing California Proposition 8, but did support the first clause of the Equality Action Network (EAN)'s referendum, stating that the U.S. government should, without delay, begin to afford same-sex partners the same rights and privileges they do to partners of a different sex vis-a-vis those that flow from the recognition of a marriage. On 12/10, a state commission recommended that New Jersey should follow two other U.S. states and allow same-sex couples to marry rather than just enter into civil unions, as the law currently permits. On 12/29, a New Jersey department ruled that a church group that owns beachfront property discriminated against a lesbian couple by not allowing them to rent the locale for their civil union ceremony.
NEW MEXICO Legal Status: no legislation New Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 1/2, it was reported that when New Mexico's state legislature convenes on Jan. 20, one of the first bills to be considered will be domestic partnership legislation. On 1/15, it was reported that odds are good that New Mexico may finally pass domestic partner legislation this year.
NEW YORK Legal Status: Does not Recognize Same Sex Marriage New York Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
December:
On 12/5, it was reported that legislation to legalize gay marriage was being put 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.
On 12/10, Following an outcry from gay activists, New York Democratic leaders vowed they would not sacrifice any civil rights initiatives as they worked to unify the party.
On 12/12, state officials said they will now let married same-sex couples list both their names on their children's birth certificates. And a Brooklyn man who was attacked with a baseball bat Dec. 7 as he walked arm in arm with his brother died.
On 12/20, Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., who infuriated gay advocates for tying his state Senate leadership vote to the issue of same-sex marriage, released a statement praising Barack Obama for picking Rick Warren to deliver his inaugural invocation.
On 12/29, it was reported that openly gay Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell was being considered for Hillary Clinton's Senate seat.
A unanimous four-judge panel of the New York Appellate Division for the 2nd Department issued a brief decision on 12/30, rejecting a challenge to the same-sex marriage recognition order that Westchester County Executive Andrew J. Spano, a Democrat, issued in June 2006.
January:
On 1/7, the state legislature reconvened, giving Queens Democrat Malcolm Smith the top job as Senate Majority Leader. Smith is well-known as a supporter of same-sex marriage.
On 1/8, in response to inquiries from gay and lesbian couples who have married in locales such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Canada, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance has in recent weeks been sending back a letter informing them that they cannot file jointly on their state income tax forms due April 15.
On 1/11, it was reported that New Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith has promised the Empire State Pride Agenda to allow a vote, if a gay marriage bill gains enough support to pass.
On 1/14, Nyack mayor John Shields, 65, who was the second mayor of a New York town to issue licenses to same-sex families during a brief span in 2004, announced he would not run again for Mayor.
NORTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act North Carolina Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/4, the Carrboro (near Chapel Hill) Board of Aldermen voted 5-0 on Tuesday to support civil marriage for same-sex couples.
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:
December:
On 12/1, 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.
On 12/8, the Cleveland City Council approved a domestic partner registry for gay and straight couples.
On 12/12, retired Temple Israel Rabbi David Horowitz was named the national vice president of the advocacy group PFLAG.
As of 12/15, the Columbus city council was considering legislation to give transgender residents of Columbus legal protection.
As of 12/21, one year after Toledo created a new domestic partners registry, 89 couples have registered with the city.
On 12/31, it was reported that several local pastors have banded together in an effort to repeal Cleveland's recently passed domestic-partner registry.
January
As of 1/7, anti-gay ministers failed to gather enough signatures by the January 5th deadline to block the new domestic partner registry, but they plan to use the "ordinance by initiative" option laid out by the city charter, which allows the group to submit legislation directly to council leaders, has no time limit, and requires only 5,000 signatures.
Three groups joined on 1/9 in Columbus to protest the Defense of Marriage Act.
On 1/16, it was reported that domestic partner registry opponents, called the Greater Cleveland Coalition of Churches, have been circulating two petitions simultaneously. The failed one was for the referendum, to stop the measure from taking effect until a vote was held. The other is for an initiative to put a repeal on the ballot later. It was also reported that the Ohio Supreme Court last week turned away an attempt to use the measure to void a child custody agreement.
OKLAHOMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
OREGON Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Amendment Oregon Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 1/1, it was reported that, with the election of Sam Adams, Portland just became the largest city in the US with an openly gay mayor. On 1/6, an Oregon church dedicated to equal civil protections for the GLBT community announced that its clergy will not sign off on marriages for straight couples until gay and lesbian families have the same access to marriage as do straights. On 1/13, clergy members at an Ashland church performed marriage ceremonies for five same-sex couples, even though Oregon doesn't recognize the marriages as legal.
PENNSYLVANIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Pennsylvania Gay Wedding Vendors
PUERTO RICO Legal Status: n/a Puerto Rico Gay Wedding Vendors
RHODE ISLAND Legal Status: Does not recognize same sex marriage Rhode Island Gay Wedding Vendors
SOUTH CAROLINA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act South Carolina Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/18, it was reported that a South Carolina high school student newspaper was not distributed last month after students published an editorial advocating same-sex marriage without consulting administrators. On 12/29, gay rights activists were urging Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman and City Council members to back a domestic partnership ordinance.
TENNESSEE Tennessee Gay Wedding Vendors Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban The Story So Far: On 12/22, it was reported that gay marriage supporter and State Sen. John Marty, who was the DFL candidate for governor in 1994, may join a growing list of Democrats seeking the office in 2010. As of 12/24, a same-sex couple is asking the Tennessee Court of Appeals to remove an overnight "paramour" clause in a child custody agreement, which prevents the divorced mother's partner of nine years from staying overnight.
TEXAS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban Texas Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: A group calling for broader gay and lesbian civil rights met to make its case public on the Texas Tech campus on 12/1. On 12/16, Queer Liberaction, the newly formed LGBT direct action group, held its first public organizing meeting Wednesday at the Resource Center of Dallas. On 1/15, it was reported that anew moderate Speaker of the House may either help or hinder gay rights legislation in the state.
US VIRGIN ISLANDS Legal Status: n/a US Virgin Islands Gay Wedding Vendors
UTAH Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban; Domestic Partner Registry in Salt Lake City Utah Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far:
December:
On 12/4, a proposal that would allow financially dependent same-sex couples to sue in the event of a wrongful death won support from a legislative committee.
On 12/9, an openly gay entertainer was calling on the music industry to refuse to license certain material to LDS musical groups.
On 12/12, a pro gay-rights organization in Brooklyn, N.Y., has placed a full-page advertisement in today's Salt Lake Tribune, decrying the arguments made by religious leaders in an earlier full-page ad defending Mormon involvement in passing Prop 8.
On 12/15, it was reported that Stephen Schwartz finds Mormon organizational zeal on behalf of California's Proposition 8 to be "reprehensible," but the award-winning composer of hits such as "Wicked" has no plans to withhold his works from Utah or LDS-related singing groups.
On 12/19, a national gay rights group said it will deliver about 27,000 letters to Mormon church leaders next week, urging their public support of equality legislation in Utah.
On 12/25, it was reported that a group called Equality Utah has developed the "Common Ground" initiative, which includes legislation that would find acceptable solutions to solve the many problems LGBT people in Utah face everyday, including the creation of a domestic partner registry.
On 12/26, it was reported that State Rep. Rebecca Chavez-Houck is sponsoring a bill called the "Forever Homes for Every Child" that would make explicit the state's right to choose heterosexual married couples over gay, lesbian, or single prospective adoptive parents, but would also deliberately and specifically allow for adoption by single parents or unmarried couples.
On 12/30, Bruce Palenske, a Park City gay-rights activist, accused Salt Lake City newspapers of blocking him from running a political ad in both The Salt Lake Tribune and the Deseret News, criticizing the LDS Church's efforts to ban gay marriage in California. And the full-page advertisement did run in Park City's The Park Record, in which he said he was "appalled and dismayed" with what he sees as the role of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the dispute about Prop 8.
January:
On 1/11, Gary S. Barkley, a gay Iraq war vet and author, announced the creation of an Exploratory Committee to test the waters for candidacy to become the next United States Representative from Utah's 2nd Congressional District.
On 1/13, it was reported that organizers cancelled Park City's gay ski week in January after many regular participants indicated they would not go to Utah this year, after the Mormon Church supported Prop 8.
On 1/17, a Salt Lake Tribune poll found that 56 percent of Utah voters support increased legal protections for same-sex couples. The poll also found that 69% of Utahns and 85% of Mormons in the state support the church's push to pass Prop 8.
VERMONT Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act Vermont Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 1/7, Senate Leader John Campbell said he would introduce legislation this session to legalize same-sex marriage in Vermont.
VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 1/7, Delegate David Englin (D-45) filed legislation for the 2009 session of the Virginia General Assembly to begin the process of repealing the 2006 amendment to the Virginia constitution that outlaws same-sex marriage, civil unions, domestic partnerships, and any state recognition of legal status for same-sex relationships.
WASHINGTON DC Legal Status: Domestic Partnership Washington DC Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/5, it was reported that 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. On 12/11, More than 200 people debated Thursday during a community forum in Washington whether and when the city should pass legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia. On 1/1, it was reported that several gay rights groups are looking into promoting a March on Washington for gay marriage. On 1/15, it was reported that the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington will sing at an inauguration event on 1/18.
WASHINGTON STATE Legal Status: Domestic Partnership; Defense of Marriage Act Washington State Gay Wedding Vendors The Story So Far: On 12/5, about 200 people attended a rally at the University of Washington to protest an anti-gay marriage column that ran in the student newspaper, The Daily. As of 1/5, State Sen. Ed Murray of Seattle and five other gay members of the Legislature were working on a bill that would expand the rights approved in the 2007 domestic-partnership law. On 1/10, about 30 people gathered Saturday at Olympia City Hall to express support for same-sex marriage and opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act.
WEST VIRGINIA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act West Virginia Gay Wedding Vendors
WISCONSIN Legal Status: Constitutional Ban Wisconsin Gay Wedding Vendors
WYOMING Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: As of 1/14, legislation has been introduced that would specify that Wyoming won't recognize gay marriages performed in other states.
PEOPLE (Last Two Months)
1/18/09: At Barack Obama's swearing-in ceremony, the Rev. Joseph Lowery has been asked by President Obama to give the benediction Tuesday at the inauguration. Lowrey has embraced gay rights, supporting civil unions and opposing Prop 8. Source
1/17/09: Portia de Rossi on her marriage to Ellen: "There's a peace to [being married] and a sense of togetherness that we just didn't have before. And I didn't even realize it would change as much as it has, but it's so lovely." Source
1/16/09: Tom Hanks, an Executive Producer for HBO's controversial polygamist series "Big Love," on the show, Prop 8 and gay marriage. "The truth is this takes place in Utah, the truth is these people are some bizarre offshoot of the Mormon Church, and the truth is a lot of Mormons gave a lot of money to the church to make Prop-8 happen," he told Tarts. "There are a lot of people who feel that is un-American, and I am one of them. I do not like to see any discrimination codified on any piece of paper, any of the 50 states in America, but here's what happens now. A little bit of light can be shed, and people can see who's responsible, and that can motivate the next go around of our self correcting Constitution, and hopefully we can move forward instead of backwards. So let's have faith in not only the American, but Californian, constitutional process." Source
1/15/09: The retirement of anti-gay Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy has brought forth some divided opinions from two different sets of minorities about the coach's legacy as a human being. Source
1/14/09: The Windy City Times discovered two candidate surveys conducted in 1996, when Obama was running for the Illinois state senate. In the first, Obama responded to a question by writing "I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages." Source
1/12/09: Will Obama work to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell? Yes, says White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs. Source
1/11/09
--Al Sharpton on gay marriage: "It amazes me when I looked at California and saw churches that had nothing to say about police brutality, nothing to say when a young black boy was shot while he was wearing police handcuffs, nothing to say when they overturned affirmative action, nothing to say when people were being delegated into poverty, yet they were organizing and mobilizing to stop consenting adults from choosing their life partners." Source
--The X-box game Fable is being hailed on gay gaming Web sites and blogs as the most gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-inclusive game ever released, allowing GLBT characters and gay marriage. Source
1/9/09: Chris Evans, the hunky actor of The Fantastic Four, on gay marriage: "As for gay marriage, it's mindbloggling and appalling that human beings are denied being civil rights in this country." Source
1/7/09: Brad Pitt on gay marriage in W Magazine's Feb. issue: "People who are against gay marriage do not understand the very freedoms that they themselves are enjoying." Source
1/6/09: In a 1997 interview with BLACKlines and Outlines newspapers ( which later merged with Windy City Times ), Illinois Senate Nominee Roland Burris said he would not endorse gay marriage, using an argument that was somewhat evangelical in its fervor: If you take it [ same-sex marriage ] to its ultimate conclusion, it will then be the destruction of the species. Source
1/2/09: Prince on his anti-gay marriage comments in November: ""I have friends that are gay and we study the Bible together." Source
1/1/09: Mickey Rourke on Sean Penn in Milk (in a text message): "Look seans an old friend of mine and I didnt buy his performance at all. Thought he did an average pretend acting like he was gay besides he's one of the most homophobic people I kno." Source
12/31/08: USA: U.S. Rep. Barney Frank, D-Mass., wrote to U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on Dec. 23 strongly objecting to the refusal by the U.S. Mission to the United Nations to join 66 other nations Dec. 18 in signing a statement affirming that international human rights protections include sexual orientation and gender identity. Source
12/23/08:
--Pastor Rick Warren, chosen by President-elect Barack Obama to pray at his inauguration, said in a video message to his church that he doesn't equate gay relationships with incest or pedophilia, but opposes redefining marriage just as any conservative Christian would. Source
--Lifetime will air Prayers for Bobby on 1/24/09, a movie about Mary Griffith and her son Bobby, who killed himself when his parents wouldn't accept that he was gay. Sigourney Weaver will play Mary Griffith. Source
12/22/08: Christian singer Ray Boltz has released a new song, "Don't Tell Me Who To Love", about gay marriage. Source
12/20/08:
--Asked if he is homophobic, Rick Warren replied: "Of course not. I've always treated them with respect when they come and want to talk to me. I talk to them. When the protesters came, we served them water and doughnuts." One gay rights advocate is encouraging supporters of gay marriage to "return the favor" by sending Mr. Warren gift cards to Dunkin' Donuts. Source
--Caroline Kennedy on gay marriage: She "supports full equality and marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples," her spokesman wrote. Obama supports civil unions for gay couples, but not marriage rights. Source
12/19/08: The advanced fan film website Star Trek: Phase II is resurrecting a homosexual story line deemed too risky for The Next Generation's TV run. Source12/18/08:
--Paul Weyrich, conservative leader and co-founder of the anti-gay Heritage Foundation, has died. He was 66. Source
--At a news conference in Chicago, Obama defended his personal record of support for gay rights issues and said he believed his choice of Warren would help unite the country after a politically divisive election. "I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on, and I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency," Obama said. Source
--Out jazz artist Dave Koz: "I know in my heart and I believe it with every fiber of my being that same-sex marriage will be legal in the United States in a matter of years. I just believe that. It's coming. It may take a few minutes for certain states, but it's coming. That train has left the station. Now it's just a matter of time." Source
12/17/08:
--Kenny from Survivor on gay marriage: "I voted 'no' on [California's Proposition 8 gay marriage ballot question]. I was hoping to be really good friends with Charlie out there, but I wasn't on the same side with him. When we merged we had very little time to talk and I feel like he kinda did distance himself from me [as] if he thought I was like a homophobe or something like that." Source
--Controversial Evangelical pastor and marriage equality opponent, Rev. Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, will be delivering the invocation at President-elect Obama's inauguration in January. Source
12/15/08: Out lesbian rocker Melissa Etheridge gently faced off with conservative The View co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck over gay marriage rights and Proposition 8 on Tuesday's show. And in a rare move, Hasselbeck backed down and made nice and then Etheridge and Hasselbeck said "I love you," to each other. Source
12/11/08:
--The Golden Globe nominations were announced this morning and the Harvey Milk biopic "Milk" only received one nomination; Sean Penn was nominated as Dramatic Actor for his performance as Harvey Milk. Source
--After Leno announced Wanda Sykes, she took her sweet time coming to the stage. Once there, she explained that she was "calling in gay" and giving Leno and the audience "a little taste of what it would be like if I didn't show up." Source
12/10/08: Brad Pitt on Prop 8 and gay marriage: I just found it so stifling, my religion. I know it's very comforting for other people. [Church] was too much of what you shouldn't be doing instead of what you could be doing. I get enraged when people start telling other people how to live their lives. It drives me mental. This Prop. 8 thing just drives me mental. Source
12/8/08: Hairspray star Aubrey O'Day came out to help support the fight against Prop 8. Source
12/7/08: Pat Boone compared proponents of gay marriage protesting Prop 8 to the terrorists in Mumbai in a recent blog posting. Source
posted by Mark & Scott at
1/25/2009 08:28:00 AM
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