NBC Show Looking for Gay Married Couples

I just got this from Theresa Horwitz at Shed Media: I contacted you because we are searching the country for gay married couples. This could be an excellent opportunity to show on primetime television that marriage is marriage - a show about married life simply would not be complete without showcasing married couples in all forms. I am a casting associate producer for a new show on NBC called "The Marriage Ref." The show is produced by Jerry Seinfeld and will focus on couples that bicker naturally about every day issues - we will then bring in a marriage referee to settle arguments. We are also accepting applications from straight couples. If anyone comes to mind I was hoping you could forward them my info or vise versa. The show is going to air Sunday nights at 8pm on NBC and will feature celebrities like Chris Rock, Madonna, Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston. Please let me know if you know any couples personally or otherwise that may be interested in this exciting opportunity. I have included a link to the preview on NBC.com below. Hope to hear from you soon! Contact Theresa at: realityshownbc@gmail.com More Info from NBC.com: http://www.nbc.com/upcoming-shows/video/clips/now-casting-the-marriage-ref/1155592/

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Seattle City Council Urges Approval of Ref 71, Domestic Partnerships

The Seattle City Council has approved a resolution urging voters to approve Referendum 71, the Washington State ballot measure that puts a gay-inclusive domestic partnership law up for a vote in November. On Monday, lawmakers unanimously approved the resolution that backs the law dubbed the “everything but marriage” law by the media and passed it to Mayor Greg Nickels, a supporter of the law. If passed, Referendum 71 would extend a 2007 domestic partnership law for a second time, granting gay and lesbian couples all the remaining state-provided rights, benefits and responsibilities of marriage. Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4612&MediaType=1&Category=26

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Bravo Planning Gay Version of Real Housewives - "Kept"

A gay version of Bravo's Real Housewives franchise is in the works, it has been reported. The tentatively titled Kept will air on MTV-owned all-gay channel Logo in 2010, Gawker reports. The reality programme is to centre on a group of Manhattan-based 'party boys'. It is thought that True Entertainment, the company that produces Real Housewives, will helm the series as it previously sent out emails regarding casting over the summer. Full Story from Digital Spy: http://www.digitalspy.com/ustv/a179746/logo-developing-gay-housewives-show.html

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Gay Couples Get Official Ceremonies in Tasmania as of November 1st

Gay couples in the Australian state of Tasmania will soon be able to have an official ceremony in which to register their relationships. Currently, couples can have a Deed of Relationship, which is the Tasmanian form of a civil partnership. However, they can only hold informal ceremonies. The change, from November 1st, means that they will be able to sign their Deed of Relationship in a ceremony presided over by a marriage celebrant and in front of their friends and families. Full Story from Pink News: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/09/30/tasmania-to-give-gay-couples-official-ceremonies/

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Australia.

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Four Reasons Not to Ban Gay Marriage

This year, the California Supreme Court will decide whether or not to overturn Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 2005 veto of a bill legalizing same-sex marriages. This should be a fairly easy day on the bench. The following are a collection of the most common arguments against gay marriage and some opinions as to why they are simply insufficient. 1. ‘The country, as a whole, has a right to determine what it will and won’t accept.’ This is a valid point. America is a democracy and we vote to express our opinions so we can be accurately represented. However, there are certain things the majority has the right to determine and then there are those it doesn’t. Our government has built-in checks against simple majority rule, because it’s incredibly dangerous. The majority of our country was, at various points in our history, in favor of slavery, segregation and President George W. Bush. Today we recognize those stances as regrettable and foolish. Might we be saying the same of this debate in 50 years? Full Story from the New University: http://www.newuniversity.org/2007/01/opinion/no_reason_to_ban21/

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New York Gay Marriage Vote Still Possible This Year

Officials and lobbyists familiar with New York state politics are disputing the New York City mayor’s recent comments that there’s no chance the state will enact same-sex marriage this year, saying instead that passage is possible this fall. In an article published Sept. 21, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg was quoted in the Gay City News as saying that the chances of moving a marriage bill in Albany this year are “zero,” even as the political independent said he believes he can move some Republican lawmakers to vote in favor of such a measure. Bloomberg, who supports legalizing same-sex marriage, reportedly said he doesn’t know how to get the measure to come before the full Senate, particularly when leadership isn’t “willing to stand up for less controversial issues.” Full Story from the South Florida Blade: http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=27424

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South African Diocese to Debate Gay Marriage

A second South African diocese will take up the question of pastoral care for gays and lesbians when the False Bay synod meets from Sept 23-26. Carved out of the eastern half of the Diocese of Cape Town in 2005, the Diocese of False Bay will debate a resolution akin to last month’s Cape Town request for an official church policy on gay marriage in light of the country’s gender-neutral marriage laws. The South African general synod in 2002 endorsed a resolution that “acknowledges and gives thanks to God for the role played by lesbian and gay members of the CPSA and encourages the welcoming and affirmation of all members regardless of their sexual orientation, in all the Churches of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.” However, the church forbids its clergy from performing gay marriages or blessing same-sex unions in churches. The False Bay resolution states that it affirms a “pastoral response to same-sex partnerships of faithful commitment in our parish families; notes the positive statements of previous Provincial Synods that Gay and Lesbian members of our Church share in full membership as baptised members of the Body of Christ, and are affirmed and welcomed as such;” and affirms the call to “prayerful and respectful dialogue” on this issue. Full Story from Religious Intelligence: http://www.religiousintelligence.co.uk/news/?NewsID=5068

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Southern Christian Leadership Conference Reverend to Speak Out for Gay Marriage in DC

The Rev. Eric P. Lee, president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, will be in the District most of this week to try to drum up support for same-sex marriage within the African-American community. Lee, who is heterosexual, has become a leading black advocate for same-sex marriage, a stance that has put him at odds with many of his peers in the faith community. After Lee came out against California's Proposition 8, which overturned same-sex marriage in that state, the leaders of the Atlanta-based Southern Christian Leadership Conference tried to have him removed from his position in Los Angeles. Lee has so far held onto his job, and he is not relenting from his support for same-sex marriage. In a series of private meetings and media events around town this week, Lee will be trying to erode African-Americans' long-held suspicion of same-sex marriage. Full Story from the Washingtonj Post: http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2009/09/sclc_leader_from_la_speaks_out.html?hpid=news-col-blog

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington, DC.

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New Zealand Study Looks at Difficulties Facing Gay/Lesbian Families

The authors of We're a family: A study of how lesbians and gay men are creating and maintaining family in New Zealand spoke to couples who had children by assisted reproduction, and some who were bringing children into a 'rainbow family' from a previous heterosexual relationship. "For donor families," co-researcher Nicola Surtees says, "the challenges focused on how best to achieve assisted reproduction. For instance, access to sperm was not automatic. The numbers of donors available via fertility services prepared to assist lesbian couples to conceive, as well as the numbers of men approached through social networks that were willing to help, were limited. "Approval processes and waiting lists at fertility services, coupled with lengthy searches for, and negotiation with, potential donors, were also contributing factors to delaying inseminations." Full Story from GayNZ: http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_7967.php

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in New Zealand.

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Nevada Domestic Partner Law Takes Effect October 1st

Nevada officials say they are expecting 1,400 couples to apply for a gay-inclusive domestic partnership on Thursday, October 1, the first day the law goes into effect. The state began accepting applications for domestic partnerships in late August. “We have received nearly 700 registration forms,” Pam duPré, a spokesperson for Secretary of State Ross Miller, told On Top Magazine in an email. DuPré added that officials expect to hand out an additional 700 applications on Thursday. Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4611&MediaType=1&Category=26

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President Obama Includes Gay/Lesbian Families in Proclamation

President Obama included gay and lesbian families in his proclamation for Family Day 2009. “Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things,” the White House proclamation says. The inclusion is certain to draw fire from social conservatives who oppose gay rights, but it also received a tepid welcome from the gay community, which increasingly fears Obama is all tongue and no trousers on the issue of gay rights. Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4610&MediaType=1&Category=26

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Maine's Yes on 1 Campaign to Attack Diverse Families

Using the same right-wing consultants that passed Proposition 8 in California, the “Yes on 1” campaign in Maine is once again trying to scare voters into believing gay marriage will be “taught” in public schools. But supporters of marriage equality this time have effectively re-framed the issue, arguing that schools should be “safe havens” for all Maine families – and that opponents want the children of gay parents to “feel ashamed.” Faced with more savvy adversaries than what they had last year, “Yes on 1” now plans to attack an award-winning film schools have been using for years (and was screened at the Clinton White House) that teaches respect for all families – beyond the children of gay couples to include mixed-race families and adopted children. If they want to re-play the Prop 8 game, it won’t work. Yesterday, President Obama issued a proclamation honoring families “from all walks of life” – including those raised by same-sex couples. Last year, Prop 8 went from being 17 points behind in the polls to winning on Election Day – because campaign manager Frank Schubert used two very effective tactics. First, the specter of gay marriage being “taught” in public schools scared enough parents into believing it would change their lives. Second, the campaign selectively quoted Barack Obama to make voters believe he supported Prop 8 – when in fact the opposite was true. The latter was very effective in getting African-Americans to vote to repeal marriage equality. Full Story from Beyond Chron: http://www.beyondchron.org/articles/_Yes_on_1_Set_to_Attack_Diverse_Families_7397.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.

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Portugese PM Who Promised to Legalize Gay Marriage if Re-Elected Wins Another Term

Socialist leader Jose Socrates, set for another four years as Portugal's prime minister after elections Sunday, has antagonized many — even inside his own party — with his determination to reform and modernize Portugal. But the 52-year-old civil engineer, who once described himself as a "ferocious animal" in politics, is unrepentant. During the parliamentary election campaign he vowed to keep breaking the chains holding Portugal back, saying he will not "waver in implementing reforms, even when they are met with incomprehension, obstacles and opponents. Full Story from the AP: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jL9erDRYTS0lmiZSpB6BB2QO9X8QD9AVU2PO0

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No On 1 Maine's New Ad Calls Claims of Harm to Children False

In a newly released ad, supporters of gay marriage in Maine have responded to allegations by opponents that gay marriage will harm children, calling the claims “not true.” Opponents of gay marriage in the Pine State have mounted a “people's veto” to repeal a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers in the spring. The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) and its partner, the Catholic Diocese of Portland, formed Stand for Marriage Maine to put the issue up for a vote in the state. NOM played a pivotal role in backing a successful ban on gay marriage in California last November. The group's first ad in Maine recycled arguments used during the California debate. The ad tells viewers that gay marriage will inevitably harm children. Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4604&MediaType=1&Category=26

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in in Maine.

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New Greensboro, NC Billboard Supports Gay Marriage

Forty-three years.  That’s how long it’s been since Ellen Gerber fell in love with the person who would become her partner for life. Forty-three years of love — but no wedding ring. And that’s why they soon will be on a billboard above Battleground Avenue near Cone Boulevard. The billboard, paid for by the Triad Equality Alliance, features pictures of long-term gay and lesbian couples, including Gerber and her partner, Pearl Berlin. It’s part of an effort aimed at achieving what Gerber, 73, describes as her dream. “I want to live long enough to be able to get married in North Carolina,” she said. Full Story from the News-Record: http://www.news-record.com/content/2009/09/27/article/billboard_supports_gay_marriage

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in North Carolina.

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Wisconsin Asks State Supreme Court to Reject Challenge to Domestic Partnership Registry

Lawyers representing Gov. Jim Doyle, a gay rights group and several gay couples have asked the Wisconsin Supreme Court to reject a challenge to the state's new domestic partnership registry. Members of a social conservative group filed a lawsuit in July claiming the registry violates the constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions approved by voters in 2006. They asked the Supreme Court to take the case immediately, bypassing trial and appeals courts, because of its statewide significance. The Supreme Court is considering whether to take the case and had ordered the state to respond by Tuesday. At least four justices have to agree to do so. Full Story from the Green Bay Press Gazette: http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20090928/GPG0101/909280508/1207/GPG01/Domestic-partnership-battle-wages-on

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in Wisconsin.

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California Bill to Recognize Pre Prop 8 Marriages Performed Out of State Awaits Schwarzewnegger's Decision

SB 54 (Leno) – Enrolled. Awaiting the governor's signature, this bill would provide that, notwithstanding any other provision of law, a marriage between two persons of the same sex contracted outside California that would be valid by the laws of the jurisdiction in which the marriage was contracted, would be valid in California if the marriage was contracted prior to the passage of Proposition 8 on November 5, 2008. Sponsored by EQCA. Full Story from CA Progress Report: http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2009/09/lgbt_california.html

Planning to marry your partner? Click here for gay marriage resources in California.

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Gay Marriage Watch: Gay Marriage Events List 9/27/09

Gay Marriage Watch Events List: We now publish updates daily, and a weekly recap of upcoming gay marriage events. For the posted stories during the week and our occasional "woody award" for gay marriage homophobia, just scroll down the blog or check the archives on the right. 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. 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 Enjoy the rest of the Watch! --Scott Upcoming Gay Marriage Events (in Country, State, City Order) ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA Australia, SA, Adelaide: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info Australia, QLD, Brisbane: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info Australia, QLD, Canberra: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info Australia, NSW, Lismore: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info Australia, WA, Perth: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info Australia, NSW, Sydney: 11/28: Kickoff event/rally for a "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage." More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM UK, England, Manchester: 10/18: Gay wedding show. More Info UK, England, Brighton: 11/15: Gay wedding show. More Info UK, Wales, Cardiff: 10/4: Gay wedding show. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ARIZONA USA, AZ, Tucson: 10/9: Tucson Pride Inc. in association with Bud Light presents Pride on Parade October 9th on 4th Avenue and Pride in the Desert on October 10th at Reid Park. 10 AM- 8 PM. More Info USA, AZ, Tucson: 11/20: The first annual Wingspan Classic Golf Tournament will tee off at the Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Golf Club north of Tucson, Arizona Friday, November 20, 2009.  The proceeds of the event will be donated entirely to Wingspan, Southern Arizona’s GLBT community center that is in dire financial need. 12:30 PM. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA USA, CA. Aanaheim: 10/2-10/4: Gay Days at Disneyland. More Info USA, CA, Berkeley: 9/30: Alameda County Equality Team's Strategy and Team Development Meeting. 6-8 PM. More Info USA, CA, Eureka: 10/3: Join the High Desert and Inland Empire Equality Teams, the Courage Campaign Equality Program staff & Courage Campaign Founder Rick Jacobs for a dessert potluck and intimate discussion about the Courage Campaign's vision for the next campaign and local Equality Teams. 6:30-8:30 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: Every Tuesday: Love Honor Cherish Meeting. 7:30 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 10/3: OktoberFest at Mickey's, hosted by Equality Network! 3-9 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 10/4: Entertainment Industry Equality Team Pre-Production Meeting: After an amazing Kickoff event, the Entertainment Industry Equality Team is ready to get to business on our first campaign -- "The Wedding Matters." 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 10/8: Tabling at Art Walk. 7-9:30 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 10/11: Los Angeles Equality March and Rally in Solidarity with the National Equality March. 12-3 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 10/24: A Fundraiser For Equality California to Help Fight Prop 8: Come celebrate Studio One with a night of Disco, Magic and Love. $30-40, 9 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 10/25: Field Trip/Activist Retreat for Equality Network. 9 AM-6 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 11/4: Marriage Equality Day - Mourning the loss of Rights stripped away by Prop 8, 7-10 PM. More Info USA, CA, Los Angeles: 11/7-11/20: Roots of Equality, an LGBT cultural activist group, is developing “Lavender Los Angeles: The Making of our pre-Stonewall LGBT Movement”. Lavender Los Angeles is a visually engaging exhibit running for two weeks from November 7-20th in Downtown LA. More Info USA, CA, Mountainview: Every Sunday Thru Nov Election: Phonebanking for Maine Marriage Equality. 2-7 PM. More Info USA, CA, North Hollywood: 10/17: Dialing for Marriage Equality in Maine, 11 AM-2 PM. More Info USA, CA, Palm Springs: 10/17: Palm Springs Equality Awards More Info USA, CA, Palm Springs: 11/7-11/8: Palm Springs Pride More Info USA, CA, Riverside: 10/3: Town hall to elect state representatives for 2010 gay marriage fight. More Info USA, CA, Sacramento: 11/7: Camp Courage Sacramento - Camp Courage is an intensive 2-day training program that teaches principles of community organizing; Camp Courage intends to train those working to restore marriage equality in California. More Info USA, CA, San Diego: 10/31: Family trick or treat, 3-6 PM. More Info USA, CA, San Diego: 11/14: 2009 San Diego Equality Awards. More Info USA, CA, San Francisco: Every Friday thru 10/2: Please join the Equal Rights Initiative for weekly outreach sessions every Friday through Oct. 2, 5-6 PM, at Harvey Milk Plaza, Market & Castro. More Info USA, CA, San Francisco: 9/30: 4th Annual EQCA Women & Wine Mixer, $50 suggested donation, 6-8 PM. More Info USA, CA, San Francisco: 10/3: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival: Talking with festival attendees, volunteer recruitment, light fundraising. 12 PM. More Info USA, CA, San Francisco: 10/11: 6th Annual Coast to Coast Bridge Walk: Meet at 9:30am at Crissy Field and together we will march the span of the Golden Gate Bridge.  This is a great event for kids, dogs, grandparents and the whole family.  We will have speakers and cake to toast our efforts thus far and a short conference call with the National March happening simultaneously in D.C. More Info USA, CA, San Francisco: 10/26: Defying Inequality Concert, Palace of Fine Arts, with Patty Duke, Bruce Vilanch, the Cast of Wicked, and more. $100 per person. VIP Party afterwards ($250). 7:30 PM. More Info USA, CA, Santa Barbara: 10/3: Town hall to elect state representatives for 2010 gay marriage fight. More Info USA, CA, Sonoma: 10/10: Geoff Kors will discuss strategy and next steps in the fight for equality in California. Enjoy wine and appetizers. 3-5 PM. More Info USA, CA, Studio City: 10/10: Join us for this year’s Los Angeles / Valley Pride “Rally in the Valley,” the first ever LGBT Rights Rally to be held in the San Fernando Valley. 7:30 PM-9 PM More Info USA, CA, Visalia: 10/4: Tabling at the Family Fest to inform people about marriage equality and Courage Campaign. 11 AM-4 PM. More Info USA, CA, West Hollywood: Every Wednesday: Equality Network meeting. 7-9:30 PM. More Info (see Upcoming Events scroll in sidebar) USA, CA, West Hollywood: 10/7: The Classic Game Show Hour with Jackie Beat - A Benefit for Equality Network and Launch Party for Toy Drive for ASC Children affected by HIV. At Fubar, 9 PM. More Info USA, CA, West Hollywood: 10/24: Come celebrate Studio One with a night of Disco, Magic and Love - Keep the Music Playin Productions Presents A Fundraiser For Equality California to Help Fight Prop 8. Tickets: $30 before September 15, $35 after. $40 at the door if available. 9 PM. More Info USA, CA, West Hollywood: 11/7: An Action / Rally to officially kick-off a new campaign to enact marriage equality in California, thereby overturning Prop 8. 5-8 PM. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN WASHINGTON, DC USA, DC: 9/30: Rally/convocation for gay marriage at the True Reformer building on U Street NW, 7 PM. More Info USA, DC: 10/10: On October 10th we will be picketing the White House to demand that the most powerful politician in the world implement the many reforms that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans community needs. At Lafayette Park, H Street North side of WH, 6 PM. More Info USA, DC: 10/10: the day before the National Equality March (NEM), students will come together with service members organizations, including the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, Servicemembers United, Knights Out, and the GW Veterans, to protest and call for an immediate end to the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy. More Info USA, DC: 10/10: On October 10-11, 2009, we will gather in Washington, D.C. from all across America to let our elected leaders know that now is the time for full equal rights for LGBT people. This is simply a major national strategy to kick start our national grassroots Equality Across America campaign. Full Events Calendar Here More Info USA, DC: 10/11: 6th Annual Coast to Coast Bridge Walk: Marriage Equality New York is moving their annual Wedding March, traditionally across the Brooklyn Bridge, to Washington D.C. this year to participate in the Equality Across America rally for LGBT rights. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MAINE USA, ME, Waterville: 9/29: House party fundraiser, 5:30-7:30. More Info USA, ME, Scarborough: 10/2: Join us for a NO On 1 House Party in Scarborough! Hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Chef Jonathan Carr of Man With A Pan and Beth George & Tim Kane of Spelt Right Bakery. More Info USA, ME, Cape Neddick: 10/3: Unity dinner at Clay Hill Farm. $100-500. More Info USA, ME, Cape Neddick: 10/4: Benefit Piano Concert: Come support marriage equality in Maine and listen to some great music! Then, join us for a reception. Featuring Martin Perry, who will take us on a journey of American music from Ragtime & Blues to Gershwin, Ives and Bolcom. You must purchase tickets in advance to attend. $50. 4 PM. More Info USA, ME, Portsmouth: 10/18: Over 30 select wedding professionals will participate as exhibitors, each one screened to be LGBT-friendly. Travel planners, Gift Companies and Home & Family-Planning Resources also will be represented. Other highlights will include Music, Interactive Presentations, Samples & Fabulous Fun! 12:30-3:30 PM. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MASSACHUSETTS USA, MA, Boston: 10/6: Boston house party for No on 1 Maine. 6-7:30 PM. $125 donation suggested. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW YORK USA, NY, New York: 10/1: The New York host committee invites you to join US Reps Barney Frank, Jerry Nadler and Chellie Pingree and others in supporting NO On 1 / Protect Maine Equality. More Info ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OREGON USA, OR, Portland: 10/10: Love: Basic Rights Oregon’s 27th Annual Dinner & Auction, 5:30 PM. More Info ----------------------------------------------- fini

Boston College Professor's Appearance in Anti Gay Marriage Ad in Maine Sparks Controversy

The appearance of Scott Fitzgibbons, a professor in the Boston College Law School, in an ad campaign in support of the Maine Marriage Initiative, which seeks to overturn Governor John Baldacci's signature of the same-sex marriage bill, has sparked controversy in the BC Law School. Fitzgibbons did not obtain clearance from the BC Law School before appearing in the advertisement, in which he stated his opposition to gay marriage and identified himself as a BC professor. In the advertisement, Fitzgibbons is identified as a professor at the Law School, with a footnote admitting that the title was for "identification purposes only," and that no endorsement on behalf of the university was meant to be implied. Full Story from Pam's House Blend: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/13204/foxnoise-boston-college-professors-appearance-in-progay-marriage-ad-sparks-outrage

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Australian Gay Marriage Groups to Kick Off "Year of Action for Same Sex Marriage" November 28th

Following the bigger-than-expected turn-out across Australia for the August 1 national day of action for marriage equality, lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) activist groups are gearing up for a big year in 2010. A new campaign, “Year of Action for Same-Sex Marriage”, will be launched on November 28, two days after a Senate inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill is due to be tabled. The inquiry has reportedly received the most submissions of any Senate inquiry in Australia: the number of submissions in favour of legalising same-sex marriage is believed to exceed 10,000. Full Story from Green Left: http://www.greenleft.org.au/2009/812/41759

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Gay Philippines Group Won't Campaign for Gay Marriage

Ang Ladlad, the gay advocacy group seeking accreditation from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as a party-list group, said it would not campaign for same-sex marriage in the Philippines. Danton Remoto, Ladlad chair, said the group aimed to provide gays a legal representation in Congress. He also stressed that their group would focus on ending discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders in the workplace and schools. Full Story from the Inquirer: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090926-226952/Gay-party-list-wont-campaign-for-same-sex-marriage

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New Jersey Republicans Call for Popular Vote on Gay Marriage

Six Republican legislators and their conservative allies want a constitutional referendum on allowing gay marriage in New Jersey and oppose any effort to move measures approving it in the lame duck Legislature in November and December. The Republicans and activists, led by Assembly members Michael Doherty (R-Warren) and Alison Littell McHose (R-Sussex), plan to hold a press conference at the Statehouse in Trenton on Monday to detail their positions. "This is nothing we haven't call for before,'' Doherty said Friday. "We put in a constitutional amendment to let voters decide the issue one way or another, yes or no. It's simple, we can let the voters decide or let a judge decide or let the lame duck session decide after November. We are going to try to re-invigorate the effort to let voters decide.'' Full Story from NJ Newsroom: http://www.newjerseynewsroom.com/state/republican-lawmakers-allies-call-for-referendum-on-gay-marriage

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Bill Clinton on Gay Marriage: "I was wrong about that"

Anderson Cooper interviews former President Bill Clinton in a segment airing tonight (10pm ET) on AC360. Anderson asks Clinton about his recent statements about same-sex marriage, and why he changed his mind. In Toronto in May, while on a speaking tour with George W. Bush, Clinton described his position on same-sex marriage as "evolving". More recently, speaking at the Campus Progress National Conference in Washington, D.C., Clinton said, "I'm basically in support" of it. In his most extensive remarks to date, Clinton now says he was "wrong" about same-sex marriage and was "hung up about the word." Full Story from Towleroad.com: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/09/bill-clinton-i-was-wrong-about-gay-marriage.html

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Effort to Add Consitutional Ban on Gay Marriage, Adoption Fails in El Salvador

Constitutional reforms that would ban same-sex couples from marrying and adopting children in El Salvador failed to obtain the required number of votes in Congress. The proposed amendments were backed by right-wing parties in Congress, but opposed by the governing leftwing Farabundo Martí National Liberation Front (FMLN). During the weeks running up to the vote on Thursday, Catholic and evangelical churches in El Salvador joined forces with rightwing parties to try to push through the constitutional reforms. Full Story from IPS: http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=48604

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Some Gay/Lesbian Couples Married in Canada Finding it Hard to Divorce

Gay and lesbian couples coming from the U.S. and other parts of the world to marry in B.C. are finding the old “’’til death do us part” piece of the wedding service isn’t to be trifled with. It’s easy to get married in B.C., but there’s no such thing as a quickie divorce, as a growing number of foreign same-sex couples who came here to be married — but now want a divorce — are finding out. Vancouver lawyer barbara findlay gets about three inquiries a month from same-sex couples who were married in B.C. but now want a divorce. Full Story from the Vancouver Sun: http://www.vancouversun.com/life/marriages+easy+divorces+aren/2035627/story.html

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Gay Marriage Supporters Seeking Access to Yes on 8's Internal Campaign Documents

Even the discovery fights in a federal challenge to Proposition 8 are weighty. Gay marriage opponents trooped into Northern District of California Chief Judge Vaughn Walker's courtroom Friday to quash requests for internal campaign e-mails and other documents from last year's "Yes on 8" effort. Marriage supporters, meanwhile, argued that the motivations of those behind the ballot initiative are highly relevant because discriminatory intent would undermine opponents' claims of a rational state interest in the ban. First Amendment protections on political speech and free association should shield much of the evidence sought by gay marriage supporters, argued Yes on 8 attorney Charles Cooper of Cooper & Kirk. Communications made to the public at large are subject to discovery, Cooper conceded, but interactions among political consultants, volunteers and other campaign leaders should remain private. Full Story from Law.com: http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202434112536&Discovery_Fight_in_Suit_Challenging_Calif_Ban_on_Gay_Marriages

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Anti Gay Marriage Group in Washington Uses Divorced Family in Flyer Campaign

Floating on a lurid sea of male symbols pornographically piercing female symbols is a picture of the Nelson family of Ozzie and Harriet fame. This is a new leaflet from the opponents of domestic partnerships in Washington state. The page title reads "There is something very good in this picture", with arrows drawn to "Dad" and "Mom". The following is written on the bottom of the last page of the leaflet: On the cover is a photo of the most traditional American Families [sic] from the 1950's television series, Ozzie & Harriet. David and Ricky Nelson really had it pretty good. They had a normal mother and father and grandparents. We simply want this for tomorrow's children and families. Indeed they made a beautiful family, and for all I know were blissful together. But that didn't result in sons David and Ricky Nelson growing up to be good fathers or husbands. Ricky's wife Kristin gave birth 6 months after their wedding. After making 3 more children, they divorced. Full Story from Pam's House Blend: http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/13107/referendum-71-opponents-use-divorcees-as-poster-children

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New UN President Says Being Gay "Not Acceptable"

The 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly opened Friday with a press conference by its new president, Ali Abdussalam Treki, a Libyan diplomat. When asked about a UN resolution that calls for the universal decriminalization of being gay, Treki called the matter “very sensitive.” “[T]hat matter is very sensitive, very touchy,” Treki said. “As a Muslim, I am not in favor of it … it is not accepted by the majority of countries. My opinion is not in favor of this matter at all. I think it's not really acceptable by our religion, our tradition” Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4596&MediaType=1&Category=26

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Socialist Party Leads in Portugal Poll - Has Promised to Legalise Gay Marriage

Portugal's ruling Socialists have extended their lead over the main centre-right Opposition, but are still short of an absolute majority in Parliament, according to a poll published yesterday, three days before a general election. Prime Minister Jose Socrates' Socialists have the support of 40 per cent of voters against 31.6 per cent for the Social Democratic Party (PSD) led by former finance minister Manuela Ferreira Leite, the Marktest poll for business daily Diario Economico and news radio TSF said. ... The party platform includes a promise to legalise gay marriage in what was seen as an effort to cut the appeal of the far-left Left Block which is forecast to almost double its vote to more than 10 per cent. Full Story from the Jamaica Observer: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20090924T200000-0500_160399_OBS_POLL_SHOWS_SOCIALISTS_EXTEND_LEAD_AHEAD_OF_PORTUGAL_VOTE.asp

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DC Gay Marriage Supporters Planning Convocation for September 30th

A coalition of local LGBT groups were finalizing plans this week for a Marriage Equality Convocation scheduled to be held in the District Sept. 30 to build support for a same-sex marriage bill expected to be introduced in the City Council within the next few weeks. Rev. Eric Lee, president and CEO of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Los Angeles and chair and president of the California Christian Leadership Conference is scheduled to be among the speakers at the Convocation, set to take place 7 p.m. at the historic True Reformer Building at 1200 U St., N.W. Lee, who supports same-sex marriage, has been praised by LGBT activists in California for his strong and vocal opposition to Proposition 8, the ballot measure approved by California voters last year that bans same-sex marriage in the state. Full Story from the Washington Blade: http://www.washblade.com/2009/9-25/news/localnews/15220.cfm

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Vermont Governor Claims Gay Marriage Will Not Benefit State Economically

The governor of Vermont says marriage rights for same-sex couples won’t bring his state any economic benefit, even though a report released earlier this year indicates otherwise. Gov. Jim Douglas, a Republican, addressed the issue in response to a question the Blade submitted during an event Thursday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. Douglas called same-sex marriage “a matter of great debate” and “intense personal opinion.” He also noted that he sees the matter “quite differently from other issues that we confront.” Full Story from the Washington Blade: http://www.washblade.com/2009/9-25/news/national/15225.cfm

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