Saturday, May 30, 2009

Meet in the Middle to Obama - "Show Me You Have the Courage" on Gay Marriage

Meet in the Middle, the huge gay marriage rally in Fresno protesting Proposition 8 and the Supreme Court ruling last week upholding it, just wrapped up, and it was a fantastic event.
Hundreds of gay and lesbian couples and activists gathered behind city hall before 7 am to be shuttled 15 miles south to Selma, California, for a symbolic march.  Clergy joined the marchers, who included Molly McKay from Marriage Equality USA in one of her signature wedding dresses; Harvey Milk protege Cleve Jones, carrying Harvey's own bullhorn, gay serviceman Dan Choi (who recently came out on the Rachel Maddow show), and Christine Chavez, the grandaughter of the great civil rights pioneer Cesar Chavez.
The march got off to a late start, but many of the marchers made it the whole 14.5 miles through the hot Fresno sunshine to arrive at the rally a little after noon.
Thousands showed up at City Hall for the official rally, from all over the state and even from outside California.  We've been to many of these things, but this one was different.
There were all the same speeches, from clergy supportive of gay rights, from gay and lesbian community leaders, and even celebrity sightings - Eric McCormick from Will & Grace, Michelle Clunie from Queer as Folk, Kyan Douglas from Queer Eye, but surprisingly no appearance by Charlize Theron, who had called for everyone to attend the rally last week.
But what crystalized the difference for us was the speech, given by Robin McGehee, the principal organizer of the rally, about why and how she had come to this point.
She spoke about the African American professor who had taken her under his wing in Alabama years ago, and helped her find her voice, but could not attend the rally because of how people in his little Texas town might feel if they knew he was supporting the gays.
She spoke about speaking out against Prop 8 in Fresno before the election and fighting to get Obama elected, and how devastated she was when Prop 8 passed, even as Obama won the election.
And she spoke of how she and 70 others met week in and week out to pull off this rally, and how many folks said she was crazy to try to do this in Fresno, but how each one eventually came around and became an enthusiastic supporter of the idea.
Robin is one of a new breed of gay activists, no longer content to wait for the crumbs government might hand her.  Burnt by Prop 8, but filled with a new resolve.
Here's where she hit it out of the park.  She asked the assembled press to take a message to President Obama.  She asked them to tell him:
"Show me you have the courage to produce change."
She called on him to make good on the promises he made to our community, who worked so hard for him during the election.  She called for full glbt equality from the federal government.
That's what's different.  We're done asking.  We want marriage equality, we want employment non-discrimination, and we want an end to Don't Ask, Don't Tell.
When she finished, the crowd went wild.  And then Cleve Jones got up, and he announced the March on Washington for October 10th and 11th.
Throughout the rally, there were calls for inclusion - especially to remember our transgender members, who have so often been left behind in the past.  They were the vanguard when we fought at Stonewall 40 years ago, and they're in the vanguard of the fight now, too.
The rally is over, and everyone is dispersed - some to their homes, many to the after parties in Fresno's gay bars.
Tomorrow, the leaders of many of the LGBT organizations are meeting here in Fresno to discuss the next steps in the fight for gay marriage in California and the country at large.
But no matter what they decide, the ball is rolling, and things they are a changin'.

Meet in the Middle Organizer Challenges Obama to Make Good On Promises

Robin McGehee, organizer of the Meet in the Middle rally today in Fresno, calls on Obama to make good on the promissory note he gave to the LGBT community during the election - we'll try to publish the full video later today.

Courage Campaign's Rick Jones Speaks at MITM

"We live in a revolutionary time."
"A time when we do not, any longer, have faith in the institutions that have been the bedrock of this country.  We have the faith in each other."
Rick thanks Robin McGehee - the "Gay Mayor of Fresno", for her hard work putting together Meet in the Middle.

Dustin Lance Black speaks at MITM

"Truth always finds the light."
"I came here to help restart the mighty grassroots campaign that Harvey Milk started 3 decades ago."
"We must build coalitions with our new allies here in Fresno.  The coalition of the us'es is unbeatable at the ballot box."
"Thirty years after Harvey Milk gave his life for the LGBT movement, I am still less than the heterosexual community when it comes to rights."
"There is a kid out there tonight in my hometown who woke up on Tueday and heard that gay and lesbian people had been denied their civil rights, and I know what flashed through their head."
"It is our obligation here today to save those lives.  Good things do not come to those who wait - good things come to those who agitate (quoting Julian Bond).
"There are people who are satisfied with crumbs because that is all they think they can get.  Where in reality, if they demand what they want, there is a good chance that they can get it." Harvey Milk
"It is time for us to stop asking for crumbs and to demand the real thing."
We must demand full and equal federal rights.
"To those who say wait, I say we should not be forced to wait to be treated equally under the constitution while our lives are going on."
MLK: For years now, I have heard the word "wait", and this word has almost always meant never.  Now is the time... Truth is on our side, and truth always finds the light."
To all the LGBT kids out there: "You are not less than - ypu have brothers and sisters - your struggle is our struggle, and your fight is our fight.  You are loved, and there is hope for a better tomorrow."

Meet in the Middle: Clergy Speaks at Gay Marriage Rally

President of the CA chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (founded by MLK) - Reverend Eric Lee.
"We continue that fight today until marriage equality is a right for all people."
There are people of all faiths here today standing together against Prop 8.  There are 15 religipu leaders onstage behind Rev Lee, a self proclaimed straight man fighting for gay righta.
"No faith or religious belief has the right to forcibly impose its beliefs on the citizens of this state - it's wrong and it needs to stop."
"Marriage Equality should never be framed within a religious context - it is a civil right because the state issues the license."
"Of all these Christian marriages that occur, 50% end in divorce.  When a couple divorces, is it the church that makes the decision, or the state?"
"The state enforces the civil rights of divorce - therefore they should enforce the civil rights of marriage."
He gets "emails like you would not believe", but he replies calmly with logical arguments.
About the relation of the gay rights moement with the civil rights movement:
"Today I walked 15 miles.  It reminded me of a march called Bloody Sunday, marching from Selma to Montgomery - 51 miles.  The pain that is in my feet, my knees, in my back, is nothing compared to the pain of the discrimination and injustice that you are going through now.  So I'll walk 15 miles, and another 15 miles, and another 15 miles, until we have marriage equality.  They have it wrong - you cannot deny rights a group of people have to another people and clal it just."
"It darn near killed me today - I'm gonna lead the march next time."  :::laughter:::
"On that journey today, when I was tired, I couldn't give up - what I could do was put one foot in front of another, and each step brought me closer.  Until at one point I saw the finish line... we keep putting one foot in front of the other until we reach marriage equality.  Thank you and God Bless.":

Christine Chavez, Grandaughter of Cesar, Speaks at MITM

"Si se puede" her grandfather said.  OMG, I think we rode with her on the way down to the march in Selma this morning!
"The United Farmworkers and the entire Chavez family were proud to stand with you in opposition to Prop 8."
"You never give up the fight."
"We need to stay focused on what we can change."
She attended Rosa Park's funeral - a poet explained that Miss Parks was tired that day, and then the poet asked what are you tired of?
"I am tired of having to defend my right to choose, that our african american and latina kids continue to drop out of school, and that immigrants and farm workers live in the shadows because we can't come up with good immigration policy.
And I'm especially tieed that gl;bt folks in this country aren't given the rights my husband and I were given when we decided to marry."
Chants of Si se puede!

Straight Advocates for Equality at Meet in the Middle

From the cheers in the crowd, there are many straight allies here in Fresno at Meet in the Middle.
"It's time for straight allies to come out, speak up, and work to create a juts and fair world for everyone."
The program is nearing an end. Cleve Jones still to come, as well as Lance Dustin Black.

Activist Lisa Powell Speaks at Meet in the Middle

She's the coordinator of Camp Courage - a training camp for LGBT activists.
"I stand here as a proud black lesbian organizer, sista, and I tell you right now - we know for sure that we are ready to fight."
"We are going everywhere."
"We lost prop 8 because we had not done our work."
"We have a quarter million black church ladies to talk to."

Meet in the Middle Update

It' a quarter to three - Michelle Clune from Queer as Folk just gave a moving speech, and Kyan from Queer Eye for the Str8 Guy just spoke as well.
It's still fricking hot, but no one cares.
"It's not just gay rights - it's LGBT rights."
Sign: Prop 8 is a Hate Crime!"
Sign: "Ironically, we think you're immoral."
"You are beautiful.  If you could see what I can see from here, you would just pass out."

Lt. Dan Choi Speaks at Meet in The Middle

"Love is worth it," says the man who was recently on Rachel Maddow to fight Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

"You are free before the noon day sun, and before the moon and the stars.  But you are a slave to the oen you love because you love him, and because he loves you back" - an Arabic poem, quoted in oart (my fingers aren't that fast).

The whole crowd chants Love is Worth It!

He says - what if I did what was expected, and married a woman, and died in Iraq?  If they gave my flag to my wife in a ceremony that was fake?

"Gay soldiers are slapped in the face and told "Don't Ask, Don't Tell.  Well, I'm telling!"

"We're done asking.  We're telling.  Would you tell with me?"

Huge roars form the crowd.

One Struggle One Fight Speaking at Meet in the Middle

They just tweeted a pic of the rally from the stage. :)
Talking about the March to Sacramento from SF in March.
"We are all part of a larger struggle."
"We are fighting entrenched systematic homophobia."
If a law is unjust - "you break it."
Danielle Estini (spelling?):
"This battlewill be fought at the intersections."
"I'm a queer trans woman, an immigrant, a person of jewish descent, and part of a trans national couple."
"I struggle as a transwoman to feel like I have a place at this table."
Chant: "One Struggle, One Fight"

Ellis Vance, Minister and Husband, Speaks at Meet in The Middle

In October, they will celebrate 43 years together - has worn his ring for the entire time.
They raised two children in Clovis California, where their kids attended school.  They were involved with kids in school, church - "we lived a very normal life".
"On June 17th, Robin and I were married at the Fresno County Clerk's office. Now I can legally call him my husband."
"We are a married couple in the eyes of God as well, and will remain so forever."
"The time is not later - the time is now!"

COLAGE at Meet in the Middle in Fresno

Children of Lesbians and Gays speaker here... COLAGE members Morgan Early and Emory Hannah now speaking.
Emory: 13 - from Fresno with her two moms - together 25 years. Parents married last fall.  She was sad when 8 past, angry that it was upheld - "What abiut me and my family? Protect me and other kids like me."
Morgan: 15 or 16? mother is single lesbian mother, father has been with his partner for many years - taught her that discrimination in any form is unacceptable.

Queer Youth Speak at Meet in the Middle

Youth speakers from LA:
"Prevention has to begin with education.  We cannot turn a blind eye to derogatory comments that are made."
"Prop 8 has only reinforced that hatred."
"Do not allow the system to continue to oppress us".
"Be an upstander, for if you are a bystander, you are only allowing this to continue".

Man, It's Hot in Fresno for Meet in the Middle...

A singer called Aleefa (not sure on the spelling) just belted out a song about love - beautiful, even tho she's a bit hoarse from her last gig on the Day of Decision.
California Rural Legal Assistance Network - Diana Oliva - trans woman... "Who ordered the damn sun - it is not transgender friendly!"
"Without our voice, we lose our own power."
"Until we put down roots here, we will not have full federal equality."
"In Fresno, we are the battleground for equality, and some must live behind enemy lines as we fight for our rights."

Molly McKay from Marriage Equality USA Speaks at Meet in the Middle

Molly McKay from Mariage Equality USA leads the crowd in a love warrior vow:
"No matter what it takes, we vow to see this done!"
sung to Queen's "We will rock you":
"We will, we will repeal prop 8, repeal prop 8!"
"We follow you, central valley!"

TR Knight Speaks at Meet in the Middle

"The Supreme Court has created three classes of citizens - I was not going to stand to be a 2nd class citizen, and I'm certainly not going to stand to be a 3rd class citizen."

Eric McCormick Speaks at Meeting the Middle

"I'm married because I'm allowed to be, you're not because you're not allowed to be.  What the fuck?"
Speaking to Prop 8 Supporters: "How does it hurt you?  How does it change your life?  You're not gonna stop them from falling in love, living together, having kids - it's legal.  So why hold out on marriage?  You're behaving like some mean older brother."
"The gays aren't gonna break marriage.  They'll probably spruce it up and make it a little nicer."

Robin Tyler, Co-Founder of Day of Decision, Speaks at Meet in the Middle

How stupid can 6 justices be?
How many of you are married?  There are 18k love warriors.
Not a matter of if we will when - when we will win.
We are no longer asking the democratic party - we are going to demand all of our civil rights in a comprehensive civil rights bill.
If we don't get them. the only divorce you'll see is a divorce of the gay community from the Democratic party.
No More Mrs.Nice Gay.  We will be going to washington.

Gay Activist Geoff Robinson Speaks at Meet in the Middle

Geoff Robinson: "I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Dorothy".  Has been in civil rights for years, "re-enlist in the modern civil rights movement today."
Fresno 5th largest city in CA, 6th largest LGBT film festival in nation.  In 2007 Fresno hs nominated trans prom king, pther hs nominated trans prom queen.  Next week, Fresno Pride reaches 19 years... "a political statement of defiance in this hostile environment."
At start of Fresno Pride, KKK showed up for 4 years.  Have not seen them since.
Fresno is the Bible Belt of CA... but last year, "we stood up for our rights."  "We did it here. Imagine what we could have done if the No on 8 campaign had not ignored the central valley."
"Obama: Sign ENDA, Repeal DOMA and DADT!"
"We will not leave trans brothers and sisters behind"

Meet in The Middle Rally in Full Swing

Gay Men's Chorus of Fresno now singing. "You can't have New York City without Queens."
The huge rainbow flag flying over the rally is the one from the corner of Castro and Market in San Francisco.
Man, it's hot!!!!!
There are tons of folks here!  Cameras, rainbow and US flags, tons of signs, umbrellas, and oooh, that breeze feels good.
--Scott & Mark

San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Sings at Meet in the Middle

The chorus is now singing - live feed at:
http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com/
"There comes a time, and the time is soon."
-Scott & Mark

Live rally blog - youth kicking off the rally

Brittney Reyes just read a moving poem about gay marriage.
Now a speaker from Youth Ministries in Sacramento is about to speak about the parallels to the civil rights movement.
Robin from MITM is talking about the original marches from Selma to Montgomery, AL, and how it relates to us ad today's march.
Now Richard Zaldovar from LA is speaking... "Hello, Fresno!"  Latino speaker who is both gay and Catholic.  "We need to look at how we become more active leaders in the lgbt community... we need campaigns that are targetted to our community".

Michelle Clunie from Queer as Folk Led Cheers

of "Gay, Straight, Black, White, Marriage is a Civil Right!" as the marchers arrived down the middle of the rally.  Tina Reynolds of Equality Action, Kip of One Struggle, One Fight, and others are being honored on stage.  All the seats have filled up, and there's a big crowd gathering.

The Marchers from Selma Arrive at Fresno City Hall

After several false alarms, the marchers from Selma who started at 7 this morning are just arriving at Fresno City Hall... the rally's about to kick off.  There's great cheers as they arrive.

Meet in the Middle is Streaming the Event Live at...

http://www.meetinthemiddle4equality.com/
So if you can't make it, watch the event live!
--Scott & Mark

Hundreds Gatherd for Fresno Meet in the Middle Rally So Far

...and the rally doesn't start for an hour.  But it's getting hot - you try holding an umbrella in 90 degree heat and typing a blog!
Spotted in the crowd:
"I don't see gender"
"Straight but not narrow"
"Love will conquer all"
"Repeal Prop 8 in 2010"
Santana music playing up on the stage as the crowds gather.  My partner Mark holding his umbrella over my head.  We're waiting for the shade, which is creeping toward us...
More soon.
--Scott & Mark

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Historic Gay Marriage March from elma, CA to Fresno

We were up early this morning, meeting behind Fresno's historic courthouse before 7 am to be shuttled down to Selma, CA for a historic march for gay marriage and gay rights.
More than 200 marchers showed up from all over California, including Cleve Jones with Harvey Milk's megaphone, and the grtand daughter of Cesar Chavez.  The march recalled the historic civil rights marches from Selma to Montgomery in Alabama, and the leaders of the march paid homage to those earlier civil rights leaders.
The 5 hour march got started a little late, and was shadowed by a woman in a late model sedan palying Christian music and carrying a marriage = man plus woman bumper sticker.  We ignored her.
We skipped ahead to be here in time for the start of the rally, and the first of the marchers are just arriving, to great appluuse from the folks already gathered here at City Hall.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Meet in the Middle Organizers Plan March on DC October 10th-11th

Organizers of a Fresno-based same-sex marriage rally will announce an October march on Washington, D.C., CBS 5 has learned. "We are kicking off a national march on Washington…because the person who really has promises he needs to make good on is President Obama," said Robin McGehee, director of the activist group Meet in the Middle for Equality. During a Saturday ceremony at Fresno City Hall, organizers will unfurl a banner that reads, "March on Washington – Full Equality Now!," said Jon Carroll, spokesman for Meet in the Middle for Equality. Full Story from CBS5.com - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Alliance Defense Fund Wants to Fight Prop 8 in Federal Court

An influential Christian group is seeking to formally fight a federal lawsuit aimed at overturning California's gay marriage ban. The Alliance Defense Fund filed court papers Thursday asking U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker to allow it to defend the constitutionality of Proposition 8. Gay couples prohibited from marrying filed a lawsuit in San Francisco federal court May 22 and allege that California's marriage ban violates constitutional equal protection provisions. The Alliance Defense Fund spent more than $37 million in leading the campaign to pass Proposition 8 in November and successfully defended it before the state Supreme Court. The judge will hold a hearing July 2 to consider the group's request and whether to temporarily suspend the ban while considering the lawsuit. Full Story from Mercury News - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

New Hampshire House/Senate Reach Compromise on Gay Marriage Bill

House and Senate negotiators on Friday agreed to add one sentence and change one word in a bill that will determine whether the state allows gay marriage. Both chambers have approved bills to legalize same-sex marriage, but Gov. John Lynch later demanded additional language to make it clear that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or to provide services, facilities and goods of any kind to participants. The Senate passed legislation to satisfy Lynch, but the House narrowly rejected it last week. The compromise reached Friday barely changes it. Full Story from Boston.com - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

David Hyde Pierce Marries Partner

After keeping his private life out of the spotlight for years, David Hyde Pierce has announced his marriage to longtime partner Brian Hargrove. The former "Frasier" star spoke candidly in an appearance on ABC's "The View." Wearing a wedding band, Hyde Pierce revealed they tied the knot "very quietly" in California on Oct. 24. The actor and Hargrove, a producer, are still legally wed despite the California Supreme Court's decision Tuesday to uphold Proposition 8. The gay-marriage ban was approved by voters in November, stopping legal nuptials going forward. Full Story from AP - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

New Hampshire Gay Marriage Bill Debated in New Hampshire Next Week

A gay marriage bill that includes the religious protections sought by Governor John Lynch is expected to return for debate next week in the New Hampshire Legislature. Senators agreed on Wednesday to negotiate a compromise with the House on the bill, opening the possibility of a return to debate on the issue as early as June 3. The Democratically-controlled Legislature passed a final gay marriage bill earlier this month. Governor Lynch surprised supporters on both sides by agreeing to sign the bill into law so long as lawmakers strengthened language that protected churches and their workers. Full Story from On Top Magazine - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Video Compilation of Prop 8 Coverage from the Last Few days

From our friends at Newsy.com - a video compilation of the news on Prop 8: The California Supreme Court has spoken – but the controversy over same-sex marriage in the state isn’t over. Newsy.com takes a look. Full Story: http://www.newsy.com/videos/california_decision_good_for_same_sex_marriage

Lesbian Speaker of NY City Council Reaches Out to Senate on Gay Marriage

As she lobbies members of the New York Senate these days, the politician in Christine Quinn can understand what the gay rights activist in her sometimes cannot. "The fear of the unknown," is how she describes it. "This is a vote they've never cast before. And they don't know how people are going to react. You are in a position where people's reaction to you is the key to your success. And the unknown creates fear and fear often creates paralysis." Quinn is the openly gay speaker of the New York City Council, and a proponent of legalizing same sex marriage in New York state. Full Story from CNN - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Pollsters: Wait Until 2012 to Challenge Prop 8?

With the ink barely dry on the California Supreme Court's decision upholding a ban on same-sex marriages, proponents are already preparing new political and legal efforts to overturn the ban. But at least some pollsters and legal experts think those efforts may be too soon to have a good chance to succeed. "I think the pro-side would have a significant challenge in 2010," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll. "I think it would be less of a challenge in 2012." Full Story from the Sacramento Bee - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Levis Supporst Gay Marriage in its Stores

Levi's recently took a bold step and visibly aligned its brand with those that support gay marriage rights. In company-owned stores across the country, it affixed to its mannequins the white knots that those in California and elsewhere are brandishing in rejection of a voter-approved amendment that defines marriage solely as a union between a woman and a man. The state's Supreme Court decided earlier this week to uphold that amendment. The jeans maker no doubt realizes that it risks alienating some consumers, but this is not the first time it has sought to align its name with a social cause. In the early 1990s it launched “Project Change” to address racism; became the first Fortune 500 company to provide domestic partnership health benefits; and stopped funding the Boy Scouts following the group's firing of a gay scout leader. The company's headquarters sit in San Francisco, home to arguably the country's strongest gay community, and more recently it has sponsored MTV Networks' gay cable channel, Logo, as well as thrown its support behind the anti-Prop 8 movement last year. Earlier this week, the company donated thousands of dollars to The National Center for Lesbian Rights and The San Francisco LGBT Community Center. So while the white knots don't represent a huge stretch for Levi's, the move sets the company apart from the competition. In taking such a stand, Levi's marks itself as an activist brand, but one that is smartly looking to build upon a movement that it sees as worthwhile and energetic. Instead of just selling to a community, it is becoming part of a community, and therein lies the key. Full Story from PR Week - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Thursday, May 28, 2009

DC Election Board Schedules Hearing on Gay Marriage Public Vote

D.C.'s Board of Elections and Ethics announced Thursday it will hold a hearing June 10 on whether to allow a referendum to block the District of Columbia from recognizing gay marriages performed elsewhere. Activists predict a divisive battle. "The referendum in the city will be divisive. It will be hard fought. It will be expensive," said Ward 8 gay activist Phillip Pannell. The D.C. Council voted earlier this month to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Congress has until July to review the council measure, and if it takes no action the legislation becomes law. Full Story from News8.net - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Maya Angelou Calling New York Senators in Support of Gay Marriage Bill

State Senator Shirley L. Huntley, a brassy, big-haired Democrat from Queens who opposes same-sex marriage, received a call on Wednesday that left her momentarily stunned. Maya Angelou was on the line, and she wanted to know if the senator might reconsider her position. Ms. Huntley, hardly the type to be played for a fool, at first thought her staff might be pulling a fast one. “I said, ‘What?’ ” Ms. Huntley recalled on Thursday, adding that she was not convinced that it was Ms. Angelou until she heard her deep timbre. “I heard the voice, and I said: ‘My God. It is her.’ And that was that.” Full Story from thw New York Times - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Gay Marriage Activists Occupy San Diego County Clerk's Office

“Today, where celebrations are taking place, instead are rallies, protests and marches,” said Michael Anderson inside the San Diego County Clerk’s office Wednesday afternoon, May 27. “At a time when we should be planning our weddings, we are planning a resistance. Instead of planning our vows, we must write speeches. Instead of standing at the altar, we are forced to stand for our right to be at the altar.” Anderson and his partner of eight years, Brian Baumgartner, made themselves the focal point of San Diego’s latest protest against the passage of Proposition 8, which banned marriage between same-sex couples in California, and the May 26 decision of the California Supreme Court upholding the measure. They agreed to be the first couple to go to the clerk’s office and demand a marriage license, then sit down and refuse to leave the office after they were denied one. Other Gay and Lesbian couples, individuals (including at least two who were already legally married to same-sex partners in California during last year’s 4 1/2-month window of opportunity) and non-Queer allies joined in. At the height of the action, over 70 people crowded into the waiting area inside the clerk’s office. According to Lisa Kove, strategic planning chair for the San Diego Equality Campaign, one of the organizations sponsoring the action, County fire marshals said there were too many people in the room for safety; and Kove, agreeing with them, did not contest it when they ordered some of the people to leave. The protesters had said throughout the day that they would not leave the building when it closed, and would accept being arrested in classic civil-disobedience fashion. In the end, however, no one was arrested and the building was cleared by 6 p.m., an hour after its usual closing time. Full Story from Indy Bay - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

New Hampshire Senate Yurns Down Referendum Vote on Gay Marriage

The state Senate turned down a nonbinding referendum on same-sex marriage and agreed to name a team of negotiators in hopes of reaching a new compromise. Senate Republican Leader Peter Bragdon of Milford argued this divisive issue should go to the voters in November 2010. "What better way to gauge the true feeling of this electorate than to ask them in a direct manner," Bragdon said. Full Story from The Nashua Telegraph - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

New Poll Says 60% in Rhode Island Support Gay Marriage

A survey of Rhode Island voters has found that 60 per cent support the introduction of a law allowing gay couples to marry. Vermont and Maine legalised gay marriage in the last two months, while it is also legal in Connecticut and Massachusetts. New Hampshire governor John Lynch has said he will sign a revised gay marriage bill but California's Supreme Court this week announced that Prop 8, which banned gay marriage in the state, will be upheld. Full Story from Pink News - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Pennsylvania Senator to Introduce Gay Marriage Bill in State

Civil rights organizations across Pennsylvania today commended Pennsylvania State Senator Daylin Leach for his intention to introduce legislation that would grant full marriage equality to same-sex couples. The Value All Families Coalition praised Senator Leach's longstanding dedication to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, calling the proposed legislation an inspiring glimpse into the future of equality for all Pennsylvania couples. "We absolutely look forward to the day when all Pennsylvania families can enjoy the same benefits and protections under the law that heterosexual couples currently have," said Jake Kaskey, policy and outreach coordinator of Equality Advocates Pennsylvania. "We are grateful for all of the work that Senator Leach has done on behalf of the LGBT community over the years and look forward to seeing full equality reached for all LGBT people." Senator Leach's decision to introduce an inclusive marriage bill comes as other states, including Iowa and Maine, pass same-sex marriage legislation and one day after California's Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, an amendment to California's constitution prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples. It also comes at a time when the Pennsylvania House of Representatives is debating House Bill 300, legislation to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Pennsylvanians from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations. Full Story from Out in Harrisburg - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Gay Marriage Opponemts in DC Demand Referendum

Opponents of same-sex marriage have formally requested a referendum to block the District of Columbia from recognizing gay marriages. The D.C. Council voted earlier this month to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Congress has until July to review the council measure, and if it takes no action the legislation becomes law. The group Stand 4 Marriage D.C. filed paperwork with the D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics on Wednesday. The group says it wants to begin collecting signatures. Full Story from Fox News - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Bush v/ Gore Lawyers Take Prop 8 Case to US Supreme Court

Attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, who argued against each other in the landmark 2000 case Bush v. Gore, have teamed up to bring another contentious issue to the Supreme Court. The pair filed suit in federal court Wednesday on behalf of two gay couples who say California's Proposition 8, a measure that bans marriage between homosexual couples, violates the U.S. Constitution. Earlier this week, the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8's validity. But the Court also upheld the rights of gay couples that had been married before the law went into effect, upholding some 18,000 marriages. Full Story from The Hill.com - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

National Organization for Marriage Launches Misleading Ad in New York

The National Organization for Marriage, a conservative Christian group that has fought efforts to legalize same-sex marriage in California and in the Northeast, has set its sights on New York with its latest media campaign. Beginning Thursday in the New York City and Albany markets, the organization will run a 30-second television commercial that warns of unanticipated social consequences if the state allows gay couples to marry. Echoing a theme that was used in turning public opinion against same-sex marriage in California in a vote last fall, the commercial suggests that children will be taught about homosexuality in schools. Full Story from NY Times - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Equality California to Push for Gay Marriage Bill on 2010 Ballot

This morning's state Supreme Court decision to uphold the Prop 8 gay marriage ban has one gay rights group thinking about the next ballot box battle. The question: When should gay marriage supporters put their own initiative up for a vote? Equality California, which says it's the largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender-rights advocacy organization in the state, has concluded that sooner is better than later. Here's why, according to a release the group put out this morning: Full Story from SacBee.com - Click Here

To subscribe to this blog, let me know at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

For gay marriage resources, click here.

Gay Marriage Rallies Across the Country After Prop 8 Ruling

Arizona: Phoenix: An estimated 300 people marched on Camelback Road in Phoenix to protest the California Supreme Court decision twhich upheld an amendment to that state's constitution, banning same-sex marriage. Source California: Hollywood: Last night, thousands of protesters hit the streets of Los Angeles (moving from West Hollywood to Hollywood) to protest the California Supreme Court's decision to uphold Prop 8, which bans gay marriage in the state. Drew Barrymore, Kathy Griffin, Pete Wentz, Shanna Moakler, Eliza Dushku, Haylie Duff, Emmy Rossum, Mark Hoppus, Kelly Osbourne and Sophia Bush were among the celebs that attended the rally, and Drew even took the podium at one point during the night. Source California: Orange County: 500 gathered at the Old Red Courthouse at 6 p.m. tonight. Three brave political figures showed up to offer support: Santa Ana City Councilwoman Michele Martinez, ex-state senator Joe Dunn and ex-Huntington Beach Mayor Debbie Cook. Source California, Santa Rosa: An evening gathering attracted between 150 and 200 people to downtown. Source California, West Hollyweood: Marchers gathered at San Vicente and Santa Monica boulevards, estimated at no more than 1,000 people. Source Colorado: Denver: 50 protesters descended upon the Wellington E. Webb Municipal Office Building following the California ruling to stage what organizers said was one of more than 100 such demonstrations across the country. Source Georia: 5/26: Atlanta: Roughly 100 people rallied at Piedmont Park Tuesday night in opposition to the California Supreme Court’s ruling that upheld the state’s gay marriage ban. Source Missouri, St. Louis: Aldermen at the rally here, held at City Hall, included Board President Lewis Reed, the Sixth Ward’s Kacie Starr Triplett, and new Alderman Shane Cohn, the city’s first openly-gay lawmaker. Source New York, New York City: Chanting and waving signs, hundreds of supporters of gay marriage marched through Greenwich Village to a rally in Union Square. Source Texas, El Paso: Protesters left signs for El Paso City Hall employees to find when they arrived for work Wednesday. Souce Virginia, Charlottesville: a group of about 15 equal rights supporters, including Democratic candidate for Delegate Cynthia Neff, stood in front of the Free Speech Monument at the end of the Downtown Mall to protest the decision of the Supreme Court. Source

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Gay Marriage Rally in San Francisco Draws Thousands

Just got back from the big gay marriage rally that started in Ciciv Center at the steps of City Hall, and ended at Yerba Buena Park in SOMA.  Several thousand people showed up starting at 5 PM for stirring speeches from city officials, clergy, and gay and lesbian couples. Several Prop 8 supporters heckeled the proceedings, but were roundly ignored.  One guy was so brazen as to stand in the middle of the steps holding a sign that said "Pow [sic] to the voters - we did it! Stop the sinners."  He tried to hold his sign up in front of the podium, but four or five ouf our folks held their signs up in front of his.  After 15 or 20 minutes, the cops stepped in and escorted him away from the rally. After the initial rally, the crowd, which reached from the steps halfway back into the plaza, started off past the courthouse (double barricaded and fronted by 20 or 30 cops side by side, as if we'd try to overrun the court), and down to Market Street, where we filled the whole street, side to side, for blocks - it was like Pride in reverse. Hundreds of onlookers lined up along the streets to watch us march by, many shouting words of encouragement or giving us the thumbs up. We ended at Yerba Buena, not far from the MLK monument, where there were more speeches, songs, and some couples dancing at the end.  It was a good end to a sad day... happy that we're still married, devastated that the Court affirmed the hateful Prop 8, comforted by being among friends.

San Francisco Police Arrest 80 in Pro Gay Marriage Rally

We've been in the middle of the civil disobedience at Van Ness and Grove St. here in San Francisco. The protesters, many of them from the equal rights group One Struggle One Fight, took over the intersection at about 10:30 this morning, after the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8 banning gay marriage in the state. About 80 protesters staged a peaceful sit-in in the middle of the intersection, with several hundred other supporters gathered around chanting "One Struggle, One Fight, Equal Justice, Equal Rights." The sit-in was peaceful, although one of the anti-gay-marriage protesters started shouting at the group at one point about how the people of California weren't haters, but just protecting marriage.  The croud was in an angry mood, and one protester engaged in an angry debate with him for about a minute, but many of the gay and lesbian attendees surrounded the man as peacekeepers, and encouraged hiom to step away, which he did. The poilce monitored the rally, and at about 1 PM, they stepped in and began to arrest the seated protesters one by one, asking them to stand, and then binding their hands behind their backs. They were then led off to a line for processing, and put into the back of paddywagons, in a scene eerily reminiscnt of the raids on gay bars that happened routinely before and for awhile after Stonewall. As each protester was led off, the croud applauded their courage and willingness to stand up for their convictions. The police, for their part, showed restraint, and one policman who spoke with us expressed regret that this even had to be an issue in this day and age. The protesters will be taken to the city jail, cited, and released. I'm including some of the pics we took of the protest and arrest with this post.  There's another rally tonight at 5 PM at Civic Center, marching to Yerba Buena Gardens at 6, and then a rally there from 7-8:30 PM.  If you can make it, come!