Gay Marriage Watch: April 26th-May 2nd

Here's the latest news on gay marriage from around the world. Our favorite thing this week? Gay and lesbian couples getting married in Iowa and Sweden. :) Take Action: From Equality California: he thousands of married same-sex couples living in California have a special—and unprecedented—role to play in the movement forward. Never before has there been a group like this. We just have to find them. As I’ve traveled the state attending town halls, I’ve heard from many married couples who feel a special responsibility to speak out and share their stories with their fellow Californians. We’re launching a project to identify and organize the married couples across the state, and we need your help. If you and your spouse, your friends, or family members are one of the thousands of same-sex married couples living in California, please sign up for our Married Couples Project eqca.org/couples. Woody Award: Our woody award this week goes to "Doctor" Joseph Nicolosi, a "reparative therapy" practitioner ("I can make you straight") who claims: "...that fact remains that if you traumatize a child in a particular way you will create a homosexual condition. If you do not traumatize a child, he will be heterosexual. If you do not traumatize a child in a particular way, he will be heterosexual. The nature of that trauma is an early attachment break during the bonding phase with the father." Lovely, huh? All the gay men who experienced traumatizing breaks with their fathers during the bonding phase, raise your hands. Now, everyone who "knew" they were different since they were self-aware?I thought so. These charlatans start from the basic premise that being gay is "wrong", and then proceed to try to fix it: "...the unspoken taboo is never to ask why a person is homosexual. A true intellectual inquiry always addresses causation." You have to wonder, if causation is so important, has "Doctor" Nicolosi ever asked himself what caused him to become straight? I'm happy, healthy, and gay, "Doctor" Nicolosi, and I don't need any help from you and your ilk. Enjoy your woody! Special notice goes to Perez Hilton for his Gavin Newsom moment, footage where he calls Miss California a "dumb b**tch", which is now being used by the National Organization for Marriage in a new commercial. Perez, we're with you in wishing more folks were pro-gay-marriage, but the way you handled this showed a total lack of class and a lack of understanding for the consequences of insulting our opponents without thinking. Your words make a more effective argument for the NOM folks than any gathering storm ever could. Fight for the cause, but please, think about what you're going to say before you say it. Side note: an online poll at gay.com shows that , as of this writing, 88% of respondents repudiate Perez and his comments about Miss California. Gay Marriage Watch: Now on to this week's Gay Marriage Watch. The blog is now organized almost entirely by area, with news of the week, upcoming marriage equality events, and great recent articles and columns. For a longer history of past news stories, 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. 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 ---------------------------------------------- AUSTRALIA: --news--> 4/28: Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd has rejected a proposal that civil unions should be offered to gay couples. Source ---------------------------------------------- BURUNDI: --news--> 4/27: Lawmakers in Burundi have passed, and its president has signed, a bill that makes being gay illegal in the African country. Source ---------------------------------------------- CANADA: --upcoming events--> Day of Decision: Vancouver: Gather at 6pm at Morton Park (corner of Davie Street and Denman Street). More Info ---------------------------------------------- EL SALVADOR: --news--> 4/30: After weeks of public debate and protest, El Salvador’s Legislative Assembly approved an amendment to the constitution to ban marriage between same-sex couples and same-sex couples’ ability to adopt a child. Source ---------------------------------------------- FRANCE: --articles--> 5/2: The French Government is set to follow several other European countries in recognising civil unions and legal partnerships. Source ---------------------------------------------- HUNGARY: --articles--> Is Hungary ready for same-sex unions? by Chiara Sassoli Source ---------------------------------------------- ICELAND: --news--> 4/26: Voters in Iceland have voted in their first gay prime minister, Johanna Sigurdardottir, in general elections Saturday, The New York Times reported Sunday. Source ---------------------------------------------- ISRAEL: --news--> 4/26: The 11th annual Tel Aviv Gay Pride parade this summer will feature an event organizers believe to be the first ever for such an event anywhere in the world and certainly in Israel - two weddings, one of a gay couple and one of a lesbian pair. Source ---------------------------------------------- SOUTH AFRICA: --news--> 5/2: A Tamil priest who conducted South Africa's first known gay wedding by Hindu rites has gone underground as upset community leaders slammed the elaborate wedding of two young men, complete with embossed invitations, outfits from India and one tying a necklace with a pendant of Lord Ganesha on his partner. Source ---------------------------------------------- SWEDEN: --news--> 5/1: --A gender-neutral marriage law in Sweden has come into force today, meaning gay couples can now marry in the country in religious or civil ceremonies. Source --A Swedish couple, Alf Karlsson and Johan Lundqvist, both local politicians for the Greens in the Uppsala region, were the first gay men married in Sweden. Source ---------------------------------------------- UNITED KINGDOM: --news--> 4/26: A celebrity, three drag queens and about 100 people of mixed background, ages, race, gender, beliefs, ability and sexual orientation protested a "gay cure" conference in London. Source --upcoming events--> --10/4: Cardiff: Gay wedding show. More Info --10/18: Manchester: Gay wedding show. More Info --11/15: Brighton: Gay wedding show. More Info ---------------------------------------------- USA: --news--> 4/27: --Miss California, Carrie Prejean said she believes that people are not born gay, and she appealed to President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to support her ?opinion ? that marriage is between a man and a woman. Source --Gretchen Rossi of Bravo's Real Housewives of Orange County on gay marriage: "I have a lot of dear friends within the community, and I think they're wonderful, great people," Gretchen Rossi told E! on Friday evening.. "They're the most talented, friendly, outgoing friends to have, so I think everybody should be OK with everybody having the same rights." Source -42% of Americans now say same sex couples should be allowed to legally marry, a new CBS News/New York Times poll finds, up 9% from last month, when 33% supported it. 28% say same sex couples should have no legal recognition, down from 35% in March - while 25% support civil unions, but not marriage, for gay couples. Source 4/28: Howard Stern on gay marriage: "I was talking to someone recently and they said, 'Oh you have so many gay guests lately, the show is getting too gay.' OK -- first of all, we don't have that many gay guests. And my feeling about gay people is that we have a responsibility not only to make gay marriage acceptable and to make gays feel as accepted as heterosexuals, but that we have to hold gay people above all others." Source 4/30: --A new ABC/Washington Post Poll shows 49% support gay marriage versus 46% opposed -- the first time in ABC/Post polls that supporters have outnumbered opponents. Source --The National Organization for Marriage is running a new ad featuring Miss California, Carrie Prajean. Source --Online poll at gay.com shows 88% think Perez Hilton is a poor representative of the glbt community. Source --Perez Hilton has asked YouTube to remove the new NOM ad, claiming a copyright violation under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act. Source 5/1: The Victory Fund reports that lesbian Stanford Law School professor Kathleen Sullivan's name is being mentioned as a potential nominee to fill Souter's position on the SCOTUS. Source 5/3: United Methodist clergy cannot perform same-sex marriages or gay civil unions, even if their regional church district supports the idea, the denomination's high court ruled. Source --upcoming events--> --6/28: Million Gay March: Annual event on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall in all 50 states. More Info --Day of Decision: Rallies country-wide on the day of the CA Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info --articles--> Gay couples in 4 states have strange dual citizenship, by Ellen Goodman Source Dems: Opportunity as gay marriage acceptance grows, by Liz Sidoti Source Same Sex Marriage Holds Peril for GOP, by Adam Nagourey Source ---------------------------------------------- USA, CALIFORNIA: --news--> 4/29: --The passage of Proposition 8 sparked the creation of Prop 8: The Web Series, conceived by Benny & Rafi Fine (they’re brothers, not spouses). Source --Former Miss USA Shanna Moakler has shot a new advertisement blasting the ban on gay marriage in California. Source 4/30: Leaders of a Coachella Valley gay and lesbian political organization suspended its boycott Wednesday of four auto dealerships whose family member in Utah donated $100,000 to support the Proposition 8 ban on gay marriage. Source 5/3: 2008 Miss California Raquel Beezley joins campaign to overturn Prop 8. Source --upcoming events: northern california--> Auburn: Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the Placer County Courthouse (101 Maple Street). More Info ----------------------- Davis: Day of Decision: Gathering at Central Park at the new stage south of the carousel from 6-7:30pm. More Info ----------------------- Eureka: Day of Decision: Gather at Arcata plaza and County Courthouse in Eureka.  6PM. More Info ----------------------- Palo Alto: Day of Decision: Gather at Corner of El Camino Real and Embarcadero (across from Stanford University entrance at Galvez/El Camino).  11AM. More Info ----------------------- Sacramento: --5/18: EQCA Equality Awards at the Sheraton Grand, VOP Reception 5 PM, General Reception 5:30 PM-7 PM. Source --5/30: Statewide Rally at Capitol Building to Kick off Pride More Info --Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center (1927 L Street, Midtown). More Info ----------------------- San Francisco: --6/27-6/28: San Francisco: Pride More Info --Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source ----------------------- San Jose: Day of Decision: Gathering at 5:30pm at the Billy de Frank LGBT Center at 938 The Alameda. For more information, contact Gloria Nieto at glorianieto@comcast.net or 6 PM, gather at Plaza de César Chávez  at S. Market St. and Park Ave. We will march to SJ City Hall at 200 E. Santa Clara St. for a rally. More Info ----------------------- Santa Clara: 5/9: Santa Clara: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info ----------------------- Santa Rosa: Day of Decision: Gathering on the steps of the Santa Rosa City Hall (100 Santa Rosa Avenue and corner of 1st Street) at 6pm. More Info --upcoming events: central california--> Bakersfield: --5/9: Walking Precincts for Gay Marriage! This is our second canvass, and we are looking forward to it! 9AM. More Info --Day of Decision: Gathering in three locations at 5pm. Rally location #1 - Mall View & Mt Vernon; Rally location #2 - Outback Steakhouse on Stocdale Hwy; or Rally location #3 at Rosedale and Coffee. More Info ----------------------- Delano: Day of Decision: Gather at Delano Cecil Park at 5:30pm. More Info ----------------------- Fresno: --5/3: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info --5/10: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info --5/17: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info --Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source --Every Monday: Meet in the Middle 4 Equality Planning Meeting, 6 PM, at the Wesley United Methodist Church. More Info ----------------------- Modesto: Day of Decision: Community gathering at 5:30 pm at Graceada Park, 401 Needham St. downtown Modesto. More Info ----------------------- Monterey: Day of Decision: Gather at 5pm at Colton Hall at 580 Pacific Street.  Event is co-sponsored by the Monterey County Chapter of Marriage Equality and Salinas Valley Equality.  More Info ----------------------- Salinas: Day of Decision: Gather at 4:30pm at the Monterey County  Courthouse at the corner of W. Alisal Street & Church Street.  Event is co-sponsored by Salinas Valley Equality and the Monterey County Chapter of Marriage Equality USA. More Info ----------------------- Visalia: Day of Decision: Gather at 6pm at the Tulare County Courthouse (221 S. Mooney Blvd). More Info --upcoming events: southern california--> Costa Mesa: Day of Decision: Gather at the Fairview Community Church, 2525 Fairveiw Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m. More Info ----------------------- Garden Grove: 5/7: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at Pacific Pride Foundation. More Info ----------------------- Long Beach: --5/16-5/17: Long Beach Pride More Info --Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info ----------------------- Los Angeles --5/11-5/12: Divorce! The Musical will create two special reading presentations to benefit the Courage Campaign. These performances will take place at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre in Los Angeles and showcase a lesbian couple on Monday, May 11 and a gay couple on Tuesday, May 12. 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Courage Campaign's efforts to restore marriage equality. More Info --6/12-6/14: Los Angeles Pride More Info --7/9-7/19: Outfest is the oldest continuous film festival in Southern California. Since its founding in 1982, Outfest has presented more than 4,500 films and videos for audiences of over half a million people. More Info --8/1: Los Angeles Equality Awards. More Info --Day of Decision: Two Locations: Gathering in two locations at 6pm: Rally location #1 in Hollywood at 647 N San Vincente Boulevard (Santa Monica and San Vincente); Rally location #2 in Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main Street). More Info --Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. More Info ----------------------- Palm Springs: --10/17: Palm Springs Equality Awards More Info --11/7-11/8: Palm Springs Pride More Info ----------------------- Rancho Cucamonga: Day of Decision: Gathering at the corner of Day Creek and Foothill Boulevard at 7pm.  More Info ----------------------- San Diego: --7/18-7/19: San Diego Pride More Info --Day of Decision: Two Locations: Gather at 6pm at the Escondido City Hall (201 North Broadway) in Escondido; Gather at 5pm at Balboa Park (6th Ave & Laurel Street) in San Diego.Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info ----------------------- San Luis Obispo: Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the City Hall Steps (990 Palm). More Info ----------------------- Santa Ana: Day of Decision: Gather at 6pm at the Old Orange County Courthouse (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana). More Info ----------------------- San Diego: 5/3: Mama Bear Equality Team Canvass: Founded by progressive moms, the Mama Bear Alliance is a group of activists and parents working together to change the conversation about marriage equality. Meet at Mama Bear Headquarters, 6141 Romany Drive, San Diego, CA, 4-6 PM. More Info ----------------------- Ventura: Day of Decision: ather at 5:30pm at the Ventura County Government Center on the corner of Telephone Road and Victoria Avenue.  More Info ----------------------- West Hollywood: --5/9: The Teach-in will be a day-long event where participants will learn about our LGBTQ community's shared history, and connect with their LGBTQ predecessors through a series of break-out sessions, performances, and speakers, at Plummer Park, 9 AM-5:30 PM. More Info --Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source --upcoming events: statewide--> --5/22: Harvey Milk Day. More Info --5/31-6/6: AIDS Life Cycle - Team Marriage Equality. Contact Email --articles--> Same-sex marriage advocates brace for 'Day of Decision', by Scott Sabatini Source The Likely Effect of Proposition 8 (and it's not what you think), by Blueprnt Z Source States' same-sex marriage laws set precedent, by Rachel Draznin-Nagy Source ---------------------------------------------- USA, COLORADO: --news--> 4/28: A bill allowing partners of gay and lesbian state workers to get health insurance coverage is headed to the governor. Source --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Denver: Gather at the Wellington Webb Building (intersection of Colfax and 15th). More Info ---------------------------------------------- USA, FLORIDA: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Tampa: Gather at 6:30pm at the Joe Chillura Courthouse (corners of Morgan, Kennedy, Pierce & Madison). More Info ---------------------------------------------- USA, GEORGIA: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Atlanta: Gathering is being planned. More Info ---------------------------------------------- USA, GEORGIA: --upcoming events--> 5/21-5/24: Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival. More Info 5/29-5/30: Hilo: Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival showings on the Big Island. More Info --------------------------------------------- USA, ILLINOIS: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Chicago: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info --Day of Decision: Springfield: Gather at 5:30pm at the Illinois Supreme Court Building (202 E Capitol). More Info --------------------------------------------- USA, INDIANA: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Indianapolis: Gather at City County Building - Corner of Washington and Delaware St. 2PM until nightfall. If you can't make it at 2PM, We will be there ALL DAY. Please join us as soon as you are done with Work or School. We need EVERYONE out in FORCE to make this a success!!! More Info --------------------------------------------- USA, IOWA: --news--> 4/26: --Monday morning all 99 counties in Iowa start processing applications for same sex marriages. Iowa normally requires a three day waiting period, but a judge can wave that rule. Last year a survey showed nearly 3,000 same-sex couples in Iowa would get married in the first three years after it became legal. Source --Melisa Keeton and Shelley Wolfe, the first lesbian couple in Des Moines's capitol city to marry, exchanged vows outside the Polk County Administration building before a swarm of friends, family and news crews. Source 4/27: --More than 380 same-sex couples ushered in a new chapter of Iowa history Monday when they applied for marriage licenses under a state Supreme Court ruling that gave them marital rights equal to those of heterosexuals. Source --Iowa Gov. Chet Culver today instructed county recorders to "follow the law," by granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples today even if the officials had personal objections to gay marriage. Source --More than 17,860 Iowans were reported to have signed petitions protesting gay marriage as of late this afternoon ? an unofficial number from county recorders that amounts to less than 1 percent of the state ?s population. Source --The Board of Supervisors in Jefferson County unanimously passed a resolution demanding a public vote on gay marriage. Source 4/28: There were no reports of county recorders denying marriage applications to gay couples in Iowa Monday. Source 5/1: --70% of likely Iowa voters surveyed said they preferred a candidate focused on economic and government management issues., not social issues. Only a quarter said they preferred a candifate who stressed gay marriage and abortion. Source --100 people protested gay marriage in Audubon, in Western Iowa. Source --Dozens of same-sex couples in neighboring states have sought marriage licenses in Iowa. Source --17 gay couples traveled from Missouri to Iowa to marry Friday. Source 5/3: The Des Moines Register's survey of county recorders offices indicates more than 450 same-sex couples sought marriage licenses last week. Source --articles--> Gay marriage's impact on Iowa politics unclear, by Mike Glover Source --------------------------------------------- USA, MAINE: --news--> 4/27: Maine-The Maine Legislature's Judiciary Committee is holding a work session today on the gay marriage bill. Source 4/28: The joint judiciary committee of the Legislature approved a bill to allow same-sex marriage in the state, setting the stage for the House and Senate to vote on it as soon as next week. Source 4/29: Most Christian denominations prohibit their clergy from officiating at same-sex wedding ceremonies, and no local pastors have said explicitly that they would perform them. Several have said they would not marry a same-sex couple. Source 4/30: The Maine Senate voted 21-14 to support a bill to allow gay marriage. The bill will be debated in the House Tuesday. Source 5/2: Michael Heath of the Maine Family Policy Council announced this week he will work to gather the signatures necessary for a people's veto of the gay-marriage bill. Source --upcoming events--> 5/5: The Maine House of Representatives will debate the gay marriage bill. Source --------------------------------------------- USA, MASSACHUSETTS: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Boston: Gather at 7pm at Copley Plaza. More Info --------------------------------------------- USA, MINNESOTA: --news--> 5/1: A new Star Trubune Poll shows 1/3 of Minnesotans want a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, 1/3 want no change to the current state law and want the Supreme Court to rule on its constitutionality, and 1/4 think it should be legalized. Source --articles--> Gay couples wait for chance to get married in Minnesota rather than rush to Iowa, by Jason Hoppin Source --------------------------------------------- USA, NEBRASKA: --articles--> Gay Marriage in Nebraska? from Nebraska.tv Source --------------------------------------------- USA, NEW HAMPSHIRE: --news--> 4/28: New Hampshire moves to the forefront of America's debate on gay marriage on Wednesday when the state Senate will decide whether to approve a bill to legalize same-sex marriage and send it to the governor. Source 4/29: New Hampshire's Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage after an amendment was added that prohibits polygamy and marriage of family members, among other measures. Source --articles--> Pass gay marriage bill and end discrimination, by the Concord Monitor Staff Source --------------------------------------------- USA, NEW YORK: --news--> 4/28: --Thousands of people rallied in Albany on Tuesday in a call for gay marriages to be legal in the State of New York. Source --The Judiciary Committee of the New York State Assembly will vote today on a bill, sponsored by Morningside Heights Democratic assemblyman, Daniel O'Donnell, to legalize same-sex marriage in the state. Source 4/29: --upcoming events--> --5/9: New York: 7:30pm, Off Center will present "Are We Tying the Knot Too Tight?: Gains and Losses in the Rush to Normalcy." This moderated panel will address some of the issues the LGBT community faces when dealing with whether and how to support the movement for same-sex marriage. More Info --9/9: Brooklyn: Family Law Day, In Conjunction with Lavender Law 2009, Brooklyn, NY, Co-sponsored by the National Lesbian & Gay Law Association and the National Family Law Advisory Council of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. More Info --Day of Decision: Albany: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source --Day of Decision: New York: Gathering planned the day of decision. More Info ----------------------------------------------- USA, NEVADA: --news--> 4/27: Dawn Gibbons , the estranged wife of Gov. Jim Gibbons, said in an interview last week that she hopes legislators will pass a bill to create domestic partnerships for same-sex couples despite the governor's threatened veto. Source ----------------------------------------------- USA, NORTH CAROLINA: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Charlottesville: Gathering planned at 6pm. More Info ----------------------------------------------- USA, PENNSYLVANIA: --upcoming events--> --5/3: Philadelphia: National Equality Rally at Independence Hall More Info --5/15-5/17: New Hope: Pride More Info --6/14: Philadelphia: Pride More Info ----------------------------------------------- USA, TEXAS: --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Dallas: Queer Liberaction, a local direct action group organized in the wake of Prop 8's passage last November, is already planning to hold a rally at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue on the Day of Decision, when the CA Supreme Court announces their decision. More Info --Day of Decision: Houston: Gathering planned at 5:30pm on the day of decision. For more information, contact Meghan Baker: More Info --Day of Decision: San Antonio: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info --Ongoing: Dallas: Queer Liberaction meetings, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Buli Cafe, located at 3908 Cedar Springs. Meetings start at 7 pm. More Info ----------------------------------------------- USA, VERMONT: --news--> 4/26: A group called America Forever ran a homophbic full page ad in the entire back page of the Times Argis Perspective section of Sunday's newspaper. Source 4/27: Supporters of Vermont's new gay marriage law spent more than $228,000 lobbying for it in the three months before the historic April 7 votes to pass it over Gov. Jim Douglas' veto. Source ----------------------------------------------- USA, VIRGINIA: --news--> 4/30: The three leading candidates for the Democratic nomination for governor of Virginia all oppose same-sex marriage, but they also oppose the draconian 2006 constitutional amendment that forbids any government recognition of gay relationships. Source ----------------------------------------------- USA, WASHINGTON --upcoming events--> --Day of Decision: Seattle: Gather at 5pm at Westlake Corner Park, 400 Pine Street. More Info ----------------------------------------------- USA, WASHINGTON DC --news--> 4/28: Freedom Plaza was transformed into an intersection of faith and protest yesterday as about 150 people rallied to denounce support for same-sex marriage in the District. Source ----------------------------------------------- fini

Gay Marriage Watch: April 19th-25th

Here's the latest news on gay marriage from around the world. My favorite thing of the week? This new Funny or Die parody of the NOM ad. Including Alicia Silverstone, Lance Bass, and many more. Check it out here.

Take Action:

We received this from Tina Reynolds at Equality Action Now:

Join us in taking over statewide newspapers on Sunday, May 3rd! we want to take over statewide classifieds in the CA newspapers for a day. The ads will need to be in the May 3rd paper, so make sure you submit yours with enough time to meet the deadline. Make sure your ad is not printed early! We want to be in all publications in CA that have classifieds.

We need as many people as possible to submit marriage equality classified or personal ads to publications in CA. Be as creative as you can, but make sure it is obvious you are talking about marriage equality. If you can submit multiple ads or hit numerous publications, please do so. We want to make sure no one will miss our ads, so the more that are submitted the better. If you want to submit half page or full page adds, please do that as well. If you can write in a foreign language, please consider submitting ads in newspapers that are published in different languages.

Classifieds are read by numerous people across the state. This is our chance to reach out to people in a humorous, non-confrontational way that will be remembered. While protests are great, they can’t be the only way we fight back. In order to keep our issue in the media, we will need to be more creative.

SAMPLE ADS:

LOST AND FOUND: Lost - my right to marry the person I love. Last seen on November 4th, 2008. If seen, please return to law abiding, taxpaying citizen. It is dearly missed.

FOR SALE: My Rights

FOR SALE: Equal rights for minorities.

WANTED: The right to marry the person I love. If anyone has a right to marry that they are not using, please let me know. This right must be non-revocable and available to all people regardless of their sexual orientation. Please call ASAP if you can help me secure equality for all.

TEMPORARY HOME NEEDED: My right to marry the person I love needs a good home since I am temporarily displaced from my Constitutional Protections. If you know of a place where I can protect my dream to marry him/her until I can get my rights back, please contact me.

PERSONALS: Seeking responsible committed right to visit my spouse in the hospital when I travel out of state, ability to give my social security benefits to my spouse and seeking the 1,138 other federal rights denied my spouse at present . No flakes or substitutes need apply!

So give it a try!

Hero of the Week:

My hero this week is Tony Jones, a straight christian on Beliefnet who talks candidly about how "the ick factor" influenced his past beliefs about homosexuality and gay marriage, and who has learned to move beyond such gut-level reactions to become more supportive of same sex marriage.

It's great to see this POV from the christian side of thingsl

Go, Tony, go!

Woody Award:

Our woody award this week goes to American River College student council member Viktor Choban, one of the group of Eastern European council members who voted last year to support Prop 8. Up for re-election, Mister Choban showed the mindset of these religious zealots who oppose gay marriage based on their right-wing beliefs:

Christian students feel like they can't speak their mind in class, said Viktor Choban, a student council member who is running for re-election as part of Popko's slate. He said he is tired of professors' support for feminism and science teachers whose tests ask how old the Earth is. "It depends on your religion," said Choban, 25. "I would say 6,000 years based on my religion. The evolutionists would say 2 million years."

So there you have it. Just because something is a proven fact doesn't mean it should be taught in a college science course. Who care if the earth is really 2 million years old? My pastor says it's just 6,000. Who cares if gay people form meaningful relationships and want to be treated equally? My pastor says they're a bunch of perverts who only deserve scorn and pity, not marriage.

Mister Choban, students go to college to learn. If you've already made up your mind about how the world works based on what some guy told you in church, do us all a favor and drop out. There are many more deserving than you who would love the chance at higher learning that you were given.

Enjoy your woody, Mister Choban.

A little side note - on April 23rd, "Students at American River College in Sacramento voted to oust several conservative council members who sparked controversy on campus." :)

Special mention to the Alliance Defense Fund, a right-wing group out of Arizona who previously chided Gavin newsom for going against the law to officiate gay marriages in SF in 2004. The group is now advocating that Iowa county marriage recorders go against the law and deny gay and lesbian couples marriage licenses.

Would you like some whipped cream with your slice of hypocrisy? No woody for you guys!

Special mention #2: to "Stand for Life" (gyess they were too coward to post their name on their own blog, for this observation:

"What's behind most of what the far left fights for is ultimately their goal to silence any Christian. For example, they eventually want it to be a hate crime to say anything negative about gay marriage from the pulpit, in church groups, or just in private conversations."

Just like it's illegal to be racist behind closed doors (or even from the pulpit) now? Oh, wait, it's not. Just like it's illegal to be sexist now in this country when talking to your friends? Oh, wait, it's not.

This is another of the paranoid fantasies the religious right uses to make themselves the victims when they oppose equal rights for others, and it's getting old fast.

Sorry, "Stand for Life" - no woody for you.

Gay Marriage Watch:

Now on to this week's Gay Marriage Watch. The blog is now organized almost entirely by area, with news of the week, upcoming marriage equality events, and great recent articles and columns. For a longer history of past news stories, 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.

Enjoy the rest of the Watch!

--Scott

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AUSTRALIA:

--articles-->

The Legacy of Toonen vs. Australia, by Harley Dennett Source

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CANADA:

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Vancouver: Gather at 6pm at Morton Park (corner of Davie Street and Denman Street). More Info

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CHILE:

--news-->

4/23: Adults in Chile are opposed to allowing gay and lesbian couples to wed, according to a poll by Ipsos. 65.2% of respondents are not in favour of same-sex marriage. Source

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EL SALVADOR:

--news-->

4/22: Members of El Salvador’s gay community hang a rainbow flag bearing the words ‘Priests paedophiles’ in Spanish outside the Legislative Assembly in San Salvador on Monday, April 20, 2009 to protest the Catholic Church’s request to legally prohibit marriages between gays. Source

4/22: The Lawmaking Assembly of El Salvador will once more discuss the controversial theme of homosexual marriages on April 23. The declaration is ready to be approved and all the political parties, except the Farabundo Marti Front for National Liberation (FMLN), are ready to support a Constitutional amendment that establishes that marriage can only exist between a man and a woman. The amendment needs 56 votes for approval. The Catholic Church presented 300,000 signatures against homosexual unions. Source

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HUNGARY:

--news-->

4/21: Parliament yesterday passed a bill that allows same-sex couples of over 18 to establish legal registered partnerships with 199 affirmative votes, 159 dissensions and eight abstentions. The bill does not permit gay couples to adopt children, however. Source

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IRELAND:

--news-->

4/19: Same sex marriage rights, not civil partnership was the call to the Government by over 600 members of the gay and lesbian community and their supporters at a rally held in Dublin city centre. Source

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NEPAL:

--articles-->

Nepal becoming haven for persecuted lesbians, by Sundh Today Source

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SENEGAL:

--news-->

4/20: Nine men in Senegal who were sentenced to eight years in prison for "indecent conduct and unnatural acts" have had their convictions overturned. Source

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SINGAPORE:

--news-->

4/20: A Singapore lawyer, Thio Su Mien, has orchestrated a coup of a major women's advocacy group in Singapore because of her concerns that it had become too "pro-lesbian" and "pro-homosexual". Source

----------------------------------------------

UNITED KINGDOM:

--news-->

4/21: The dispute over gay relationships and clergy threatening schism in the Church of Scotland worsened yesterday with the evangelical wing of the Kirk accusing its house magazine of an ignorant attack which mocked their faith. Source

--upcoming events-->

10/4: Cardiff: Gay wedding show. More Info

10/18: Manchester: Gay wedding show. More Info

11/15: Brighton: Gay wedding show. More Info

----------------------------------------------

USA:

--news-->

4/20:

--The government should have no say about marriage, and the plank in the Republican Party platform that calls for preserving marriage between a man and a woman should be scrapped, former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman (R) told CNSNews.com. Source

--During question time at the Miss USA pagent, contest judge Perez Hilton asked Miss California, 21 year old Carrie Prejean, about same-sex marriage. Perez says that her answer was “the worst answer in pageant history”, evoking boos from the audience. Source

4/21: Reality TV star Heidi Montag on gay marriage: "I know in my heart that gays and lesbians should have the same government rights that Spencer and I will when we get married." Source

4/22:

--Miley Cyrus, responding to Perez Hilton about gay marriage: "Jesus loves you AND your partner and wants you to know how much he cares! thats like a daddy not loving his lil boy cuz hes gay and that is WRONG and very sad! like i said everyone deserves to be happy (sic)." Source

--Britney Spears on gay marriage: "Love is love!” the Toxic singer wrote on her Twitter account Tuesday. “People should be able to do whatever makes them happy!" Source

4/23:

--The Rev. Jo Hudson of Dallas' Cathedral of Hope will be part of a high-profile team of pastors visiting Congress to lobby for gay rights. Source

--San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom told attendees at a gay and lesbian political caucus at the state Democratic Party's annual convention today that he wants the U.S. Census to count same-sex couples who say they are married. Source

4/25: In August, members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will consider a policy that would allow individual churches and synods to decide whether gay or lesbian couples may have their relationships blessed in church, and whether qualified gay or lesbian candidates may be ordained as pastors. Source

--upcoming events-->

6/28: Million Gay March: Annual event on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall in all 50 states. More Info

Day of Decision: Rallies country-wide on the day of the CA Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info

--articles-->

Will Gay Marriage Pit Church Against Church? by Michael A. Lindberger Source

Pressure Builds for the Administration to Tackle DOMA, by Diane Silver Source

Why the word "marriage" matters, by Mary Pitman Kitch Source

Will gay marriage still work as a Republican wedge issue? by Thomas Schaller Source

Core Values? Some in GOP Call for Gay Marriage Support, by Rachel Martin Source

----------------------------------------------

USA, ALABAMA:

--news-->

4/25: A resolution has been approved in the Alabama House that praises Miss USA contestant Carrie Prejean for speaking out against gay marriage during Sunday night's televised pageant. Source

----------------------------------------------

USA, ARIZONA:

--upcoming events-->

6/27-6/29: Driving Equality Arizona, 12 AM 6/27 to 11 AM 6/29. Contact Email

9/19: Sedona: First annual Sedona Pride - details coming soon. More Info

Day of Decision: Phoenix: Gather at 6pm at the southwest corner of Camelback at 7th Avenue for a rally and then march. More Info

----------------------------------------------

USA, CALIFORNIA:

--news-->

4/23:

--A new measure, Assembly Bill 67,would prohibit the use of a minor's image, name, voice, signature or likeness in an ad for a candidate or ballot measure without the consent of a parent or guardian for children under 12 and the child's consent for those 12 and older. It's based on the use of pictures of kids on a field trip to a gay wedding in San Francisco used without consent by the Yes on 8 campaign. Source

--Fed up with the budget crises and partisan battles that have paralyzed California for years, some influential voices believe it's time to tear open the state constitution and start anew. Source

--A native of the Philippines threatened with deportation who is the mother of twin boys born in the Bay Area won't have to choose between separation from her sons, or forcing them and her same-sex partner to leave the United States. Source

--upcoming events: northern california-->

Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the Placer County Courthouse (101 Maple Street).  More Info

-----------------------

Davis:

Day of Decision: Gathering at Central Park at the new stage south of the carousel from 6-7:30pm. More Info

-----------------------

Eureka:

Day of Decision: Gather at Arcata plaza and County Courthouse in Eureka.  6PM. More Info

-----------------------

Palo Alto:

Day of Decision: Gather at Corner of El Camino Real and Embarcadero (across from Stanford University entrance at Galvez/El Camino).  11AM. More Info

-----------------------

Sacramento:

4/28: Equality Team Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 6 PM. More Info

5/18: EQCA Equality Awards at the Sheraton Grand, VOP Reception 5 PM, General Reception 5:30 PM-7 PM. Source

5/30: Statewide Rally at Capitol Building to Kick off Pride More Info

Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center (1927 L Street, Midtown).  More Info

-----------------------

San Francisco

6/27-6/28: San Francisco: Pride More Info

Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source

-----------------------

San Jose:

Day of Decision: Gathering at 5:30pm at the Billy de Frank LGBT Center at 938 The Alameda. For more information, contact Gloria Nieto at glorianieto@comcast.net or 6 PM, gather at Plaza de César Chávez  at S. Market St. and Park Ave. We will march to SJ City Hall at 200 E. Santa Clara St. for a rally. More Info

-----------------------

Santa Clara

5/9: Santa Clara: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info

-----------------------

Santa Rosa:

Day of Decision: Gathering on the steps of the Santa Rosa City Hall (100 Santa Rosa Avenue and corner of 1st Street) at 6pm. More Info

-----------------------

--upcoming events: central california-->

Bakersfield:

5/9: Walking Precincts for Gay Marriage! This is our second canvass, and we are looking forward to it! 9AM. More Info

Day of Decision: Gathering in three locations at 5pm.  Rally location #1 - Mall View & Mt Vernon; Rally location #2 - Outback Steakhouse on Stocdale Hwy; or Rally location #3 at Rosedale and Coffee. More Info

-----------------------

Delano:

Day of Decision: Gather at Delano Cecil Park at 5:30pm. More Info

-----------------------

Fresno:

4/26: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info

5/3: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info

5/10: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info

5/17: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info

Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source

Every Monday: Meet in the Middle 4 Equality Planning Meeting, 6 PM, at the Wesley United Methodist Church. More Info

-----------------------

Modesto:

Day of Decision: Community gathering at 5:30 pm at Graceada Park, 401 Needham St. downtown Modesto. More Info

-----------------------

Monterey:

Day of Decision: Gather at 5pm at Colton Hall at 580 Pacific Street.  Event is co-sponsored by the Monterey County Chapter of Marriage Equality and Salinas Valley Equality.  More Info

-----------------------

Salinas:

Day of Decision: Gather at 4:30pm at the Monterey County  Courthouse at the corner of W. Alisal Street & Church Street.  Event is co-sponsored by Salinas Valley Equality and the Monterey County Chapter of Marriage Equality USA. More Info

-----------------------

Visalia:

Day of Decision: Gather at 6pm at the Tulare County Courthouse (221 S. Mooney Blvd). More Info

-----------------------

--upcoming events: southern california-->

Costa Mesa:

Day of Decision: Gather at the Fairview Community Church, 2525 Fairveiw Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m. More Info

-----------------------

Garden Grove:

5/7: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at Pacific Pride Foundation. More Info

-----------------------

Hollywood: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:30 PM. More Info

-----------------------

Long Beach

5/16-5/17: Long Beach Pride More Info

Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info

-----------------------

Los Angeles

4/28-4/29: Truth to Power: Peaceful Direct Action Training, 7 PM at Congregation Koi Ami. More Info

4/30: Spring Kick Off Party and Happy Hour for the 2009 Los Angeles Equality Awards, at the Cantina at Ciudad, 6 PM. More Info

5/11-5/12: Divorce! The Musical will create two special reading presentations to benefit the Courage Campaign. These performances will take place at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre in Los Angeles and showcase a lesbian couple on Monday, May 11 and a gay couple on Tuesday, May 12. 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Courage Campaign's efforts to restore marriage equality. More Info

6/12-6/14: Los Angeles Pride More Info

7/9-7/19: Outfest is the oldest continuous film festival in Southern California. Since its founding in 1982, Outfest has presented more than 4,500 films and videos for audiences of over half a million people. More Info

8/1: Los Angeles Equality Awards. More Info

Day of Decision: Two Locations: Gathering in two locations at 6pm: Rally location #1 in Hollywood at 647 N San Vincente Boulevard (Santa Monica and San Vincente); Rally location #2 in Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main Street). More Info

Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. More Info

-----------------------

Orange:

4/29: Candlelight Vigil- Celebrate Stonewall: From Prop 8 to Stonewall, United We Stand. Join the Chapman University Queer community and its allies for a candlelight vigil, 8 PM at Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866. More Info

-----------------------

Palm Springs:

5/2: Kick Off Party 2009 Palm Springs Equality Awards, at a private home in Palm Springs, 5-7 PM More Info

10/17: Palm Springs Equality Awards More Info

11/7-11/8: Palm Springs Pride More Info

-----------------------

Rancho Cucamonga:

Day of Decision: Gathering at the corner of Day Creek and Foothill Boulevard at 7pm.  More Info

-----------------------

San Diego:

7/18-7/19: San Diego Pride More Info

Day of Decision: Two Locations: Gather at 6pm at the Escondido City Hall (201 North Broadway) in Escondido; Gather at 5pm at Balboa Park (6th Ave & Laurel Street) in San Diego.Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info

-----------------------

San Luis Obispo:

Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the City Hall Steps (990 Palm). More Info

-----------------------

Santa Ana:

Day of Decision: Gather at 6pm at the Old Orange County Courthouse (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana). More Info

-----------------------

Santa Barbara:

4/29: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at Louise Lowry Davis Center, 6-8 PM. More Info

-----------------------

San Diego:

4/30: Truth to Power: Peaceful Direct Action Training, 7 PM at Mission Hills United Church of Christ. More Info

5/3: Mama Bear Equality Team Canvass: Founded by progressive moms, the Mama Bear Alliance is a group of activists and parents working together to change the conversation about marriage equality. Meet at Mama Bear Headquarters, 6141 Romany Drive, San Diego, CA, 4-6 PM. More Info

-----------------------

Ventura:

Day of Decision: ather at 5:30pm at the Ventura County Government Center on the corner of Telephone Road and Victoria Avenue.  More Info

-----------------------

West Hollywood:

4/28: Talkin' Q Politics - Hate Crimes Legislation Update on actions to advance bill through the House and Senate, at HRC East/West, 6:30 PM.

5/9: The Teach-in will be a day-long event where participants will learn about our LGBTQ community’s shared history, and connect with their LGBTQ predecessors through a series of break-out sessions, performances, and speakers, at Plummer Park, 9 AM-5:30 PM. More Info

Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source

-----------------------

--upcoming events: statewide-->

5/22: Harvey Milk Day. More Info

5/31-6/6: AIDS Life Cycle - Team Marriage Equality. Contact Email

--articles-->

States' same-sex marriage laws set precedent, by Rachel Draznin-Nagy Source

----------------------------------------------

USA, COLORADO:

--upcoming events-->

4/27: Breckenridge: A gay and human rights rally on Monday in Breckenridge is intended to spread awareness of hate crime issues and support for gay marriage. 4:30-6 PM, at the Blue River Plaza by the Riverwalk Center. More Info

Day of Decision: Denver: Gather at the Wellington Webb Building (intersection of Colfax and 15th). More Info

----------------------------------------------

USA, CONNECTICUT:

--news-->

4/22:

--The Roman Catholic Church is heading a coalition in Connecticut arguing for religious exemptions for those who oppose same-sex marriage. Source

--Leading lawmakers Tuesday said they are reluctant to alter same-sex marriage legislation to accommodate conscientious religious objectors. Source

--Connecticut state lawmakers have passed a bill that updates the state's marriage laws to conform with a state court ruling allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry. The bill includes an exemption for religious organizations, but not for businesses. Source

4/23: Gov. M. Jodi Rell signed the legislation Thursday, one day after the state House and Senate both approved it. Source

--articles-->

Taking Away Their Only Argument, by Andrew Sullivan Source

----------------------------------------------

USA, FLORIDA:

--news-->

4/21: With only weeks to go before the premiere of Director Kirby Dick's new documentary on the outing of gay and lesbian politicians, rumors have surfaced that the film outs Florida Republican Governor Charlie Crist. Source

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Tampa: Gather at 6:30pm at the Joe Chillura Courthouse (corners of Morgan, Kennedy, Pierce & Madison). More Info

----------------------------------------------

USA, GEORGIA:

--news-->

4/21: With only weeks to go before the premiere of Director Kirby Dick's new documentary on the outing of gay and lesbian politicians, rumors have surfaced that the film outs Florida Republican Governor Charlie Crist. Source

--upcoming events-->

5/2: Atlanta: Human Rights Campaign's 2009 Atlanta Gala & Dinner. More Info

Day of Decision: Atlanta: Gathering is being planned. More Info

---------------------------------------------

USA, ILLINOIS:

--news-->

4/20: Hoping to piggyback off the landmark Iowa State Supreme Court decision overturning a ban on gay marriage, Illinois gay rights activists are busy organizing in support of State Rep. Greg Harris' (D-Chicago) civil unions bill (HB 2234). Source

--upcoming events-->

4/26: Chicago: Same Love, Same Rights® LGBT Wedding Expo, hosted by the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, from 12:30pm-3:30pm on Sunday, April 26, 2009. More Info

Day of Decision: Chicago: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info

Day of Decision: Springfield: Gather at 5:30pm at the Illinois Supreme Court Building (202 E Capitol). More Info

--articles-->

Battle Lines Drawn on Legalizing Civil Unions, by Pamela Jones Source

Illinois gays not betting on marriage, by Rex W. Huppke and Monique Garcia Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, INDIANA:

--news-->

4/25: Holding rainbow flags and placards with slogans that begged for equal treatment, about 100 people rallied in support of gay marriage Saturday in Goshen. Source

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Indianapolis: Gather at City County Building - Corner of Washington and Delaware St. 2PM until nightfall.  If you can't make it at 2PM, We will be there ALL DAY. Please join us as soon as you are done with Work or School. We need EVERYONE out in FORCE to make this a success!!! More Info

---------------------------------------------

USA, IOWA:

--news-->

4/20: Iowa's county recorders have received the new marriage license forms. Source

4/22:

--Eastern Iowa residents have received telephone polls on same-sex marriage from the National Organization for Marriage or from Rep Steve King (R). Source

--Republican State Senator Merlin Bartz is circulating a petition urging country recorders to refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Source

--One Iowa released a television advertisement to support the freedom to marry in Iowa. Source

4/23:

--At least one Iowa judge has stopped performing marriages, in part a reaction to the state supreme court ruling this month giving same-sex couples the right to wed. Source

--The Alliance Defense Fund (ADF), a legal advocacy group founded in 1994 by Focus on the Family’s James Dobson and the late Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ, sent an e-mail to each of Iowa’s county recorders asking them to tell their staff that they “shall not be required to issue or process a marriage license, or to perform, assist or participate in such procedures, against that individual’s religious beliefs or moral convictions.” Source

4/24:

--A former legislator has filed an ethics complaint against a northern Iowa lawmaker, claiming he violated his oath of office by urging county recorders to defy a court ruling legalizing gay marriage. Source

--Caught in an interesting position between State Sen. Merlin Bartz (R-Grafton) on one side and same-sex marriage advocates on the other, the Iowa ACLU determined today that it would represent any same-sex couples who are denied marriage licenses by a county recorder while also offering to defend the man who is asking county recorders to deny them. Source

--Applications for marriage are public records in Iowa, and one county official worries that information on the documents could be used to harass same-sex couples. Source

-- A Jefferson County supervisor is requesting that the county leave in effect the Iowa Code, which says that only marriage between a male and female is valid. Source

4/25: An Iowa woman is organizing a statewide prayer service against gay marriage on Monday, the first day of legalized same-sex unions. Source

--articles-->

How gays won a marriage victory, by Keith B. Richburg Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, LOUISIANA:

--news-->

4/21: A gay New Orleans couple has filed a lawsuit claiming their constitutional rights were violated when they were denied a marriage license. Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, MAINE:

--news-->

4/19: Nine men who said they were with a Pennsylvania-based group were in Bangor over the weekend protesting a gay marriage bill that has been proposed in the Maine Legislature. Source

4/22:

--About 4,000 people packed into the Augusta Civic Center, snarling traffic throughout the capital city, for a daylong public hearing on a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Maine. Source

--Maine Attorney General Janet Mills of Farmington received a standing ovation for her remarks in support of the gay marriage bill. Source

--Opinions are almost evenly split when it comes to a bill before Maine lawmakers to allow same-sex marriage, with 49.5% opposed and 47.3% supporting, according to new public polling data. Source

4/23: During a hearing April 22 in Augusta, Maine, a representative of Episcopal Diocese of Maine Bishop Steven Lane told legislators that they ought to "extend the rights and obligations of civil marriage to all Maine citizens." Source

4/25: Lawmakers are expected to take swift action on a bill that would allow gay marriage in Maine, partly because it's a sensitive issue and because they need to make way for votes on the budget and bonds. Source

--upcoming events-->

4/28: Augusta: The Legislature's Judiciary Committee will vote on the bill Tuesday, and from there, it will go to the Senate for consideration. More Info

---------------------------------------------

USA, MARYLAND:

--articles-->

Baby steps in Maryland, by Richard S. Madaleno Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, MASSACHUSETTS:

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Boston: Gather at 7pm at Copley Plaza. More Info

---------------------------------------------

USA, MICHIGAN:

--upcoming events-->

5/2: Detroit: Same Love, Same Rights® LGBT Wedding Expo, hosted by Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters on May 2, 2009 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, aboard their two luxurious crafts anchored at the Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores, MI. Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, MINNESOTA:

--news-->

4/23: Nearly a thousand supporters of gay marriage rallied outside the Capitol Thursday. Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, MISSOURI:

--news-->

5/2: Washington University students are fighting on behalf of two bills up for consideration for the state of Missouri: the Safe Schools Bill and the Missouri Non-Discrimination Act (MONA). Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, NEW HAMPSHIRE:

--news-->

4/23: The state Senate's Judiciary Committee has recommended that the Legislature reject legalizing gay marriage in New Hampshire. The full senate will still vote on the bill, possibly next week. Source

4/25: Sen. Beth Reynolds, D-Plymouth, sealed the Gay Marriage Bill's fate with her decision Thursday to come out in favor of killing it. Sen. Betsi DeVries, D-Manchester, has told associates she, too, can't go along with it right now. Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, NEW JERSEY:

--news-->

4/23: A new Quinnipiac University Poll finds 49% in NJ support gay marriage; 43% are opposed. 63% support vcivil unions, with just 30% opposed. Source

--articles-->

Gay marriage opposition prompts only shame, by Cortney Collins Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, NEW MEXICO:

--news-->

4/22: Local Democrats are pushing for the legalization of same-sex marriage to be added to the state Democratic Party platform. Source

4/23: A committee appointed by New Mexico’s Catholic archbishop has been charged with seeking out a potential compromise with backers of the domestic partners bill. Source

4/23: A vote Saturday by the Democrat Central Committee approved the marriage equality measure 309 to 35. Source

---------------------------------------------

USA, NEW YORK:

--news-->

4/19:

--On Sunday, Giv. Paterson took his message to national audiences, talking about his proposal with John King on CNN's "State of the Union." Source

--Most members of the Rochester City Council are out with a statement of support for the Marriage Equality program being pushed by Governor David Paterson. Source

4/20:

--Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith is sticking to his guns on gay marriage, insisting that he won't heed the governor's call to bring his program bill to the floor regardless of whether it has sufficient votes to pass. Source

--A new Siena College poll found 53 percent of voters want a gay marriage bill backed by Gov. Paterson passed in the Senate, where it continues to languish. Source

4/21:

--As the marriage-equality debate moves to the New York state legislature, the state’s leading gay rights advocacy organization released an online-only video today that seeks to deflate three of the myths used by religious groups to oppose same-sex marriage. Source

--Rudy Giuliani, the thrice-married former New York City mayor, has come out strongly against Democratic Gov. David Paterson's proposed gay marriage bill. Source

4/22:

--New York Democratic Gov. David Paterson, who last week called for immediate action on legislation to legalize gay marriage in New York, said Wednesday he will abide by the Senate Democratic leader's decision on the best approach for trying to win Senate passage. Source

--New York State Senator Antoine Thompson(D) Buffalo, seems to have finally gone on the record in favor of same-sex marriage. Source

--The Rainbow Sash Movement, a National Catholic Organization whose ministry is to Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender Catholics, and their families, is opposing the position of the Catholic bishops of New York and supporting New York Gov. David A. Paterson's efforts to permit same-sex marriages. Source

--Sponsors of same-sex marriage bills in the state Legislature officially introduced the legislation. Source

4/23:

-- The New York State Assembly on Tuesday voted 97-38 to pass the Gender Expression Non-discrimination Act (GENDA A.5710), which would add gender identity and expression as protected categories under the state’s human rights law. Source

--New York Sen. Betty Little spoke out against gay marriage this week, saying she respects same-sex couples, but denies their right to marry. Source

4/24: While all of Brooklyn’s other Democratic State Senators have gone on record in favor of same-sex marriage, Canarsie State Senator John Sampson said he is “undecided” on the issue. Sheepshead Bay-Mill Basin State Senator Carl Kruger did not return repeated calls for comment. Source

--upcoming events-->

4/28:

--Albany: The Assembly's Judiciary Committee will take up Gov. David Paterson's same-sex marriage program bill on Tuesday - the same day the Empire State Pride Agenda is holding its Equality & Justice Lobby Day in Albany. 10 AM, Room 832 LOB. More Info

--Albany: Equality & Justice Day, 6 am-8 PM, Albany Legislative Buildings Contact Email

5/9: New York: 7:30pm, Off Center will present "Are We Tying the Knot Too Tight?: Gains and Losses in the Rush to Normalcy." This moderated panel will address some of the issues the LGBT community faces when dealing with whether and how to support the movement for same-sex marriage. More Info

9/9: Brooklyn: Family Law Day, In Conjunction with Lavender Law 2009, Brooklyn, NY, Co-sponsored by the National Lesbian & Gay Law Association and the National Family Law Advisory Council of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. More Info

Day of Decision: Albany: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source

Day of Decision: New York: Gathering planned the day of decision. More Info

--articles-->

GOP Votes for Gay Rites?: Some Republican Senators Could Break Ranks to Support a Bill for Same-Sex Marriage in New York, by Irene Jay Liu Source

Paterson's Gay Marriage Gamble, by Chris Rovzar Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, NEVADA:

--news-->

4/22: A domestic partner measure won approval on a 12-9 Nevada Senate vote late Tuesday and moved to the state Assembly where it’s expected to get favorable treatment. Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, NORTH CAROLINA:

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Charlottesville: Gathering planned at 6pm. More Info

-----------------------------------------------

USA, PENNSYLVANIA:

--upcoming events-->

4/27-5/3: Philadelphia: Equality Forum celebrates international gay culture and politics with parties and educational events made possible by more than 75 regional, national and international organizations. More Info

5/3: Philadelphia: National Equality Rally at Independence Hall More Info

5/15-5/17: New Hope: Pride More Info

6/14: Philadelphia: Pride More Info

-----------------------------------------------

USA, RHODE ISLAND:

--news-->

4/24: Bishop Thomas Tobin of Providence calls gays "unnatural and gravely immoral. It’s offensive to Almighty God. It can never be condoned, under any circumstances. Gay marriage, or civil unions, would mean that our state is in the business of ratifying, approving such immoral activity." Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, TENNESSEE:

--articles-->

Legalizing gay marriage could solve Tennessee's unemployment woes, from Gay Socialites.com Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, TEXAS:

--news-->

4/24: Forty-three percent of Harris County residents now favor same-sex marriage, according to the annual Houston Area Survey conducted by Rice University. Source

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Dallas: Queer Liberaction, a local direct action group organized in the wake of Prop 8's passage last November, is already planning to hold a rally at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue on the Day of Decision, when the CA Supreme Court announces their decision. More Info

Day of Decision: Houston: Gathering planned at 5:30pm on the day of decision. For more information, contact Meghan Baker: More Info

Day of Decision: San Antonio: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info

Ongoing: Dallas: Queer Liberaction meetings, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Buli Cafe, located at 3908 Cedar Springs. Meetings start at 7 pm. More Info

-----------------------------------------------

USA, UTAH:

--news-->

4/23: Republican Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman says the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage is unclear on the issue of civil unions between gay couples. Source

4/24: Attorney General Mark Shurtleff said Friday that Utah's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage also prohibits civil unions, and that Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. is wrong when he says it's open to interpretation from the courts. Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, VERMONT:

--articles-->

Gay Marriage in Vermont: Three Progressive Lessons, by Aaron Zelinsky Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, WASHINGTON

--upcoming events-->

Day of Decision: Seattle: Gather at 5pm at Westlake Corner Park, 400 Pine Street. More Info

--articles-->

SB 5688 is about fairness, not gay marriage, from The Olympian Source

-----------------------------------------------

USA, WASHINGTON, DC

--news-->

4/19: The Gertrude Stein Democratic Club voted to endorse same-sex marriage in the District, clearing the way for a broader debate within D.C. Democratic State Committee over the issue in the coming weeks. Source

4/23: D.C.-area clergy who oppose same-sex unions are forming a coalition. Source

-----------------------------------------------

fini