Gay Marriage Watch

Gay Marriage Watch Blog Moving Today

2010-03-04T08:36:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Because Google has decided to stop supporting bloggers who publish their blogs to their own websites using Blogger.com as of 5/1, we're moving the blog to a new blog program, Wordpress, most likely this afternoon.

We are taking steps to make sure all of our archival content is maintained in the new program, and that our RSS feed forwards, so if everything works out the way it's supposed to, RSS subscribers should still receive our new posts after the transition without having to change anything on your end.

But if you do not receive any new posts from us tomorrow morning, you can go to the new blog and sign up again - the address will be the same as the old blog:

http://www.purpleunions.com/blog

We thank everyone for their ongoing support of Gay Marriage Watch, and hope Wordpress will allow us to make some great improvements going forward.

If you have any questions, you can email me at info@purpleunions.com.

:)

--Scott, Gay Marriage Watch

UK: Vicars on Gay Weddings: "Put Them to Death. And Then Perhaps a Lovely Hymn." (Satire)

2010-03-04T07:43:00.000-08:00

CHURCH of England vicars will bless gay couples as long as they are allowed to quote Bible passages about them being abominations who must be put to death. As the House of Lords voted to allow same-sex church ceremonies, vicars said they would extend a 'warm Christian welcome to the evil doers and their perverted bedtime acrobatics'.

Rev Denys Hatton, vicar of St Gary's in Folkham, said: "I am more than happy to perform a gay blessing as long as I am allowed to pick the reading. And since you ask, I would kick things off with a spot of Corinthians, where St Paul makes it abundantly clear that homosexuals are 'unrighteous'.

"Then I'd crank it up with a quote from Romans where St Paul describes them as 'degrading', 'depraved' and 'indecent'."

Full Story from The Daily Mash
Click here for gay marriage resources in England.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Mexico: Gay Marriage Legal Today in Mexico City

2010-03-04T07:27:00.000-08:00

A law allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry comes into effect on Thursday in Mexico City. The law, which was passed by the city's local assembly in December, gives gay people full marital rights, including the right to adopt.

Several gay couples are now expected to register to get married as early as next week. Mexico City is one of the first capitals in Latin America to fully recognise gay marriages.

Judith Vazquez and partner Lol-kin Castaneda hope to become one of the first couples to marry under the new law. "It's the end of our fight and the beginning of life in freedom in Mexico City," Ms Vazquez told the BBC. "This is a great, historic moment for the whole of society in Mexico City," added Ms Castaneda.

Full Story from BBC News
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

RI: Three Candidates for Governor Publicly Support Gay Marriage

2010-03-04T07:00:00.000-08:00

Three major candidates running for governor of Rhode Island have promised to support and sign a bill allowing gay marriage if elected. General Treasurer Frank Caprio and Attorney General Patrick Lynch, both Democrats, and former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, who is running in November as an independent, made the pledge at a Statehouse rally on Wednesday before more than 200 people.

Moderate Party candicate Ken Block said through a spokeswoman that he also supports gay marriage.

Proponents of gay marriage believe the state is closer to approving the measure since Republican Gov. Don Carcieri (kuh-CHEHR'-ee), a social conservative and gay marriage opponent, can't run again because of term limits.

Full Story from CT Now
Click here for gay marriage resources in Rhode Island.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Mexico: Mexico City Gay Marriages Begin Tomorrow

2010-03-03T10:32:00.000-08:00

The same-sex Mexican wedding will be born tomorrow as a new law puts Mexico City on the front lines of the gay marriage battle raging across Latin America.

But even as gay couples line up to tie the knot, the Catholic Church and President Felipe Calderon's conservative party are gearing up to fight the law, the Washington Post reports.

Same-sex unions are legal in Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Ecuador, as well as Argentina, where two gay men wed in December, but Mexico City is the first place south of the border to formally allow gay marriage. A local cardinal blasted the law as "perverse" and Calderon said it violates the Mexican constitution, which "speaks explicitly of marriage between a man and a woman," but advocates note there has been no popular backlash against gay marriage in the city.

Full Story from Newser
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

UK: House of Lords Votes 95-21 to Allow Gay Weddings in Welcoming Churches

2010-03-03T10:04:00.000-08:00

When the Church of England's bishops defeated a clarification of the Equality Bill's clause on religious exemption last month it was possible to construct a principled defence of their position. But the campaign to block the celebration of civil partnerships from other denominations' buildings was wholly indefensible. Last night it failed by a spectacular margin in the House of Lords - 95 to 21; although the bishops' votes were evenly split: of the serving ones, Bradford voted to block, and Newcastle to permit; of the retired bishops, Lord Harries voted for permission, and Lord Eames, the former Archbishop of Armagh, voted against.

The case in favour as put by Lady Butler-Sloss, who had earlier that evening been accused of putting down homophobic amendments that would have protected Catholic adoption agencies against the law, an accusation she angrily disputed. In this context, she said:

"Same-sex couples can have strong and devoted relationships equal to, but different from, marriage and they may wish to have those relationships sanctified by a religious ceremony. If there are churches and synagogues prepared to do that, why should we stand in their way? They have rights to be loved and rights to have their ceremonies recognised."

Full Story from The Guardian
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Canada: Conservative Edits Gay References Out of New Immigration Manual

2010-03-03T09:46:00.000-08:00

Tory Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney should be ashamed of himself for editing out references to gay and lesbian rights in a government manual, critics say. Kenney, who represents a riding in Calgary, last June ordered references to historical achievements in gay rights edited from a manual for immigrants applying for citizenship, according to news reports from Ottawa.

A senior bureaucrat made a last-ditch effort to have the references reinserted into the new manual before it went to press in November, but Kenney refused to budge. The news report said Kenney ensured that two paragraphs from an earlier draft were not included in the new 63-page manual, which replaces a 1995 edition of the manual.

According to the Canadian Press, the draft included this paragraph under a section titled Towards a Modern Canada: "Homosexuality was decriminalized in 1969 and more recently, civil marriage rights to same-sex couples was legalized nationwide in 2005." Under the section on citizenship rights, the earlier draft said: "Equality Rights -- Canadians are protected against discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or age."

Full Story from The Province
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Argentina: Gay Couple Celebrates First Gay Wedding in Buenos Aires

2010-03-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

After a series of bumps in the road, Damian Ariel Bernath and Jorge Esteban Salazar, a gay couple who had been authorized last week by Judge Elena Liberatori to get married, they finally made history today by celebrating the first gay marriage in the city of Buenos Aires.

Last Friday Judge Maria del Carmen Gioco had appealed Liberatori's ruling by stating that her decision had to be revoked by the Contentious Administrative Court after she considered it had not made part of the process.

"Attorneys are obligated to follow due process in every case, and to make everyone comply with the law. In this case, the judge denied our unconstitutionality request, and for that reason, the attorney's capability is limited. Hence, the judge understood it was not necessary to communicate her decision to Court," said Florencia Kravetz, the couple's lawyer.

Full Story from the Buenos Aires Herald
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

DC: Local Methodist Church Defies Church Leaders, Will Perform Gay/Lesbian Weddings

2010-03-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

A United Methodist congregation in Washington, D.C. has vowed to celebrate same-sex weddings, putting itself at odds with other Christian churches protesting the District of Columbia's new marriage equality law. The pastor and 12 other ordained clergy who attend Dumbarton United Methodist Church in Georgetown said they would conduct such ceremonies after Congress failed to override D.C.'s new law on March 3. The larger United Methodist Church does not permit same-sex weddings, and no other Methodist congregation in Washington has taken the same step.

"As a pastor, I am called to extend care and grace to all people even as Jesus did," said Rev. Mary Kay Totty, pastor at the 238-year-old church. "We celebrate love and loyalty wherever it is found."

Dumbarton church's stand is poles apart from the protests by other Christian churches that same-sex marriages are against biblical teachings. Catholic Charities has announced that it will close its adoption and foster care programs in the District, rather than provide services to gay and lesbian couples. Some Christian ministers have rallied against the marriage equality law.

Full Story from PR Newswire
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Poland: European Court of Human Rights Rules in Favor of Gay Widower

2010-03-03T08:40:00.000-08:00

Poland may not discriminate against gay couples, in spite of a clause in the its constitution stating that marriage is "a union of a man and a woman", the European Court of Human Rights ruled in Strasbourg.

The court found, in a unanimous ruling released on Monday, in favour of Piotr Kozak, whose partner died in 1998, and who had his request to continue living in their municipal flat in the western city of Szczecin turned down, in spite of a provision in Polish law allowing a "person who has lived in de facto cohabitation with the tenant" to succeed to the tenancy.

The Strasbourg tribunal recognised the difficulty in maintaining a balance between traditional marriage and the rights of sexual minorities but found that the 1950 European Convention on Human Rights is "a living instrument" and has to be interpreted in the light of present-day conditions. It also found that, in this case, Poland did not have a clear interest in discriminating between heterosexual and homosexual couples.

The case was greeted with joy by gay and lesbian groups in Poland.

Full Story from FT.com
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

DC: Supreme Court Refuses to Block Gay Marriage Law: Licenses Start Today

2010-03-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

In an order issued late Tuesday evening by Chief Justice John Roberts, the US Supreme Court refused to block a gay marriage ordinance passed by the District of Columbia's City Council. In a short opinion, Roberts wrote "Without addressing the merits of petitioners' underlying claim, however, I conclude that a stay is not warranted. First, as "a matter of judicial policy" - if not "judicial power" - "it has been the practice of the Court to defer to the decisions of the courts of the District of Columbia on matters of exclusively local concern."

"Second, the Act at issue was adopted by the Council and placed before Congress for the 30-day period of review required by the D. C. Charter," Roberts continued. "A joint resolution of disapproval by Congress would prevent the Act from going into effect, but Congress has chosen not to act."

A Congressional veto could have overruled the Council, but attempts by conservatives were blocked in the House. Conservative groups then went to the Courts, but failed.

Full Story from Chicago Pride
Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington, DC.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Costa Rica: Update on Proposed Gay Unions Bill

2010-03-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

In Costa Rica, the issue of same-sex relationships has been an active topic for the past several years, but little progress has been made in terms of establishing an official policy. In a country with Roman Catholicism as the official Constitutional religion and with a large majority conservative population, it has been a controversial topic with supporters and opponents on both sides of the issue.

After several attempts to bring the issue to the legislative level, the most recent proposal called Coexistence Societies, which can be read here in Spanish, does not seek to legalize same-sex marriage, but seeks to offer alternatives for these couples. The text is based on four basic points [es], which include hospital visitation rights, dividing of earned wealth, inheritance rights, and insurance options.

During the presidential campaign, Laura Chinchilla of the National Liberation Party (PLN), who was elected on February 7, 2010 promised to support same-sex unions as an alternative to marriage, as she expressed in this video [es]. However, shortly after she was elected and after meetings with Assembly deputies from the Christian-aligned parties and with Evangelical Christian leaders, she hardened her position towards the proposal of same-sex unions [es].

Full Story from Global Voices
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

DC: Gay Marriage Foes Ask Supreme Court for Emergency Injunction

2010-03-02T06:15:00.000-08:00

The Associated Press is reporting that foes of a DC gay marriage law set to take effect Wednesday are asking the Supreme Court to halt its start. The challenge was filed with Chief Justice John Roberts on Monday. Opponents say the law should be put up for a vote.

The government of DC approved the law in December, but has been defending gay marriage since it approved a law last spring that recognizes the marriages of gay and lesbian couples from other states.

A last-minute appeal to the District of Columbia Appeals Court, which was rejected Friday, left opponents with few legal options to head off the law from going into effect.

Full Story from On Top Magazine
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Isle of Man: Civil Partnership Bill Get Second Reading 3/23 in the House of Keys

2010-03-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

THE Civil Partnership Bill has been held over until March 23, the House of Keys was told. The bill would enable same-sex couples to obtain legal recognition of their relationship through a civil partnership, and remove restrictions so they could adopt. The bill passed its first reading - where it can not be debated - in the court last week and was listed for its second reading in the Keys today (Tuesaday).

But Speaker Steve Rodan told MHKs that the Bill would not be moved until a presentation has been made to Tynwald members. It is understood that the second reading will now be debated on March 23.

Peter Murcott, a former Isle of Man law lecturer and Methodist preacher, has written to MHKs warning them that the bill's proposals were at odds with the values of a 'Christian island'.

Full Story from IOM Today
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

CA: APA Shuns Manchester's Hotel in Support of Prop 8 Boycott

2010-03-02T05:54:00.000-08:00

The American Psychological Association, which will hold its annual convention in San Diego in August, is the latest group to officially protest San Diego hotelier Doug Manchester's financial support two years ago of California’s gay marriage ban.

While the association is not formally calling for its members to boycott the Manchester Grand Hyatt, its governing body and many of those planning to attend the conference have opted to cancel meetings scheduled at the hotel as a way of expressing their displeasure over Manchester's financial contribution to the successful Proposition 8 campaign to outlaw gay marriage.

The group, which expects to draw 14,000 attendees to its first San Diego convention, acknowledges that it may take a financial hit for its cancellation of some meeting-room bookings, spokeswoman Rhea Farberman said.

Full Story from Sign On San Diego
Click here for gay marriage resources in California.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

France: Country Removes Transexuals from List of Mental Disorders

2010-03-02T05:46:00.000-08:00

Several decades have passed since the West stopped considering homosexuality a mental illness. But for transsexuals, that kind of milestone has been elusive - until now. Last month, France became the first country in the world to remove transsexualism from its official list of mental disorders - a major victory when it comes to acceptance of this oft misunderstood condition.

"I'm relieved. People might begin to look at us differently," says transsexual blogger Caphi (a blended name she's chosen to represent Philippe, the man she was born as, and Caroline, the woman she's transforming into). "It's a start."

But only a start, many transsexuals in France say. In practice, the declaration will do little to improve their legal or medical rights in the country. For example, transsexuals are still required to have a sex-change operation before they can change their gender in the eyes of the law. And to get the green light for surgery, they must still undergo extensive medical and psychiatric evaluations.

Full Story from Time Magazine
Click here for gay marriage resources in France.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Washington DC Expecting Long Lines, Protesters When Gay Marriage Licenses Released Tomorrow

2010-03-02T05:35:00.000-08:00

D.C. Superior Court, where couples go to get marriage licenses, is preparing for big crowds as soon as same-sex marriage becomes legal Wednesday. "The one thing that we want people to keep in mind because they want to be part of the initial rush to get a license is that you bring with you your ability to be patient," says D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Lee F. Satterfield.

Expect long lines and lots of protesters.

On a typical day, the court gets about a dozen applications for marriage licenses. In addition to your patience, Satterfield asks that if you are coming down to be one of the first to apply for a license that you bring your identification and cash or a money order.

Full Story from WTOP.com
Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington, DC.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

RI: Anti Gay Conference Held in Smithfield

2010-03-01T08:47:00.000-08:00

Representatives from several anti-LGBT organizations gathered in Rhode Island on Saturday, Feb. 27, for a conference billed as the New England Family, Life and Marriage Summit. The event, organized by the Family Research Council, was held at Ocean State Baptist Church in Smithfield.

Rhode Island remains the only New England state not to have recognized nuptials for same-sex couples, and is therefore, a battleground for activists on both sides of the issue. Governor Don Carcieri has supported the efforts of the National Organization for Marriage to stop marriage and appeared at a fundraiser last October for the Massachusetts Family Institute.

The 60 people in attendance were matched by an equal number of protesters from LGBT organizations. Members of the Providence Equality Action Committee and Queer Action of RI held signs and condemned the homophobic sentiments being expressed inside the church.

Full Story from Edge Boston
Click here for gay marriage resources in Rhode Island.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Australia: 5,000 Gather in Sydney for Naked Photo Shoot in Equality Protest

2010-03-01T08:38:00.001-08:00

More than 5000 people have gathered in front of the Sydney Opera House to be photographed nude in the name of art and diversity today. A pregnant woman was among the first group of Australians to take their place on the steps of the Opera House just after dawn in photographer Spencer Tunick's latest installation, Mardi Gras: The Base.

Mardi Gras festival executive producer Danielle Harvey said 5200 people, including sportspeople, doctors, teachers and retirees, had lined up to take part. "We were expecting 2000 or so ... we're absolutely thrilled," Ms Harvey said.

Tan lines were the most prominent feature of the Australian line up, which whooped and cheered its way onto the Opera House forecourt in lines in cool, cloudy conditions.

Full Story from the Sydney Morning Herald
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Portugal: Gay Marriage Bill Gets Final Approval

2010-03-01T07:13:00.000-08:00

The final wording of a gay marriage bill approved by Portugal's Parliament received approval on Wednesday, Portugal's IOL Diario reported. The government's Committee for Constitutional Affairs unanimously agreed on the bill's final language.

The measure now heads to the desk of President Anibal Cavaco Silva. Cavaco Silva is a Roman Catholic and a member of the PSD party, groups which oppose the legalization of gay marriage, and he has publicly stated his opposition to gay marriage.

Opposition to gay marriage in the mostly Roman Catholic country has been nominal, but last Sunday opponents staged a huge rally attended by thousands. A crowd estimated at 5,000 marched down Lisbon's main downtown artery Av. da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue) calling on the president to reject the gay marriage bill and demanding a referendum on gay marriage, although Parliamentarians have already rejected such a measure.

Full Story from On Top Magazine
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Gay Marriage Watch: Gay Marriage Events List 2/28/10

2010-02-28T09:00:00.000-08:00

Gay Marriage Watch Events List:

We now publish a weekly recap of all the upcoming gay marriage events we can find. Know about something that's not on this list? Email us the information 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

Upcoming Gay Marriage Events (in Country, State, City Order)

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA

Australia, NSW, Sydney: 3/3: NMG’s Dinner at the Zoo, to raise money for Australian Marriage Equality (AME). http://tinyurl.com/yjcc8ks
Australia, NSW, Sydney: 3/20: National Year of Action Launch, Town Hall, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/mnINL
Australia, QLD, Brisbane: 3/20: Marriage Equality Rally, Queens Park, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/aAQSYv
Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 3/5: Marriage Equality Speakout, Crnr Bourke & Swanson, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn
Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 3/13: Marriage Equality Rally, State Libarary, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn
Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 5/15: National Day of Action, State Libarary, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ITALY

Italy, Rome: 3/23: Constitutional Court Gay Marriage Ruling Due. http://bit.ly/bm2MSE

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MEXICO

Mexico, Merida: 2/28: Gay Kiss In, Plaza Grande, 2 PM. http://bit.ly/b1OC6B

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MUMBAI

India, Mumbai: 4/22-4/25: Queer Film Festival. http://bit.ly/6kcDhP

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

UK, England, Brighton: 11/14: Gay wedding show, The Corn Exchange, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT
UK, England, London: 3/7: Gay wedding show, St. James Hotel, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT
UK, England, Manchester: 10/10: Gay wedding show, Ramada Piccadilly, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT
UK, Wales, Cardiff: 10/3: Gay wedding show, Cardiff City Hall, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ALABAMA

AL, Huntsville: 3/15: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Oakwood University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA

CA, Hollywood: 2/28: Prop 8 Signature Gathering, Farm Mkt, 8 AM-1 PM. http://bit.ly/9jhBO0
CA, Hollywood: 3/3-3/7: ManifestEquality Art & Music Supporting Equality, 1341 Vine St. http://bit.ly/765A20
CA, Santa Monica: 2/28: Prop 8 Signature Gathering, Farm Mkt, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM. http://bit.ly/9jhBO0
CA, Studio City: 2/28: Prop 8 Signature Gathering, Farm Mkt, 10 AM-2 PM. http://bit.ly/9jhBO0
CA, Long Beach: 2/28: Courage Academy Workshop, TBD. http://bit.ly/aEAXJp
CA, Los Angeles: Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. http://tinyurl.com/ntkal4
CA, Los Angeles: Every Thursday: Voter canvass training, at The Village, 6:30-9:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3
CA, Los Angeles: 3/3: Proposition 8 & Marriage Equality, USC Law Scl, Rm 3, 4-6:30 PM. http://bit.ly/9gihNI
CA, Los Angeles: 3/4: Celebration of Marriage Equality in Mexico City, El Paseo Inn, 5-7 PM. http://bit.ly/dpmUB5
CA, Los Angeles: 3/3-3/7: Manifest Equality Art Show, 1341 Vine St. http://bit.ly/8XAZ7E
CA, Los Angeles: 3/24: Los Angeles Awards Kickoff, East West Lounge, 6:30-8 PM. http://bit.ly/aPa1EY
CA, Los Feliz: 3/14: EQCA Fundraiser at Sowden House, 5-7 PM. http://bit.ly/94zZhB
CA, Palm Springs: Every Saturday: Equality Happy Hour, Hamburger Mary's, 4-7 PM. http://bit.ly/bKvO8V
CA, Rancho Mirage: 2/28: Faith & Marriage Forum, Tolerance Ctr, 3-5 PM. jorge@eqca.org
CA, Rancho Mirage: 3/29-4/4: Buy tkts to Kraft Nabisco Golf Championship Thru EQCA, Fundraiser. http://bit.ly/dbl9Sx
CA, Sacramento: 4/26: Queer Youth Advocacy Day. http://bit.ly/9sleYK
CA, Sacramento: 5/11: Harvey Milk Day Org Meeting, Hamburger Patties, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/aon6jX
CA, Sacramento: 5/22: Harvey Milk Day Rally, State Capitol, 11-3 PM. http://bit.ly/aon6jX
CA, San Francisco: Every Thursday: One Struggle One Fight Meeting, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/7HQ8D4
CA, West Hollywood: Every Tuesday: Love Honor Cherish Meeting. 7:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/r2kruq
CA, West Hollywood: Every Wednesday: Equal Network Meet, Plummer Pk Comm Ctr Bldg. 7-9:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/nlt3la

CA, West Hollywood: 3/7-3/8: CPK Fundraiser - 20% Goes to Equal Roots (bring flier), CPK Beverly Ctr. http://bit.ly/b0Ktxr
CA, West Hollywood: 3/24: LA Awards Kickoff, East West, 6:30-8 PM. http://bit.ly/aPa1EY

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN DC

Washington DC: 3/20: 400 Couples to Marry, Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. http://bit.ly/dv99LH
Washington DC: 4/28: Supreme Court Hearing in WA State Petition Signer Case. http://bit.ly/ccJGKW
Washington, DC: 5/2: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Dupont Circle Hotel. http://bit.ly/8XR7Rm

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN FLORIDA

FL, Daytona Beach: 3/22: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Bethune Cookman University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
FL, Gainesville: 5/22: Harvey Milk Day Equality Protest, Bo Diddley Plaza, 12-5 PM. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN GEORGIA

GA, Atlanta: 3/25: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Morehouse College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
GA, Atlanta: 4/11: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Hotel Palomar. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6
GA, Atlanta: 5/17: Int'l Day Against Homophobia, VA Highlands Church, 6-11 PM. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ILLINOIS

IL, Chicago: 3/12-3/14: Unite+Fight LGBT Equality Conference, Columbia College. http://bit.ly/9lhmeS
IL, Chicago: 4/18: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 1-4 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ybwrvjj

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN INDIANA

IN, Mishawaka: 4/16: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Bethel College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN IOWA

IA, Cedar Rapids: 3/29: Charity Bingo for One Iowa, Hamburger Mary's, 8-10 PM PM. http://bit.ly/4qRStd
IA, Des Moines: 4/3: Marriage Equality Anniversary Party, Temple for Performing Arts, 6:30-11 PM. http://bit.ly/bTTCkV
IA, Iowa City: 2/25-2/26: Race, Gender, and Class Symposium, U of I. http://bit.ly/5bYy1J
IA, Iowa City: 3/26: Sweet Equality, Hotel Vetro, 5:30-8 PM. http://bit.ly/bbDKLH

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MAINE

ME, Augusta: 5/28-5/30: LGBT Civil Rights March, Ends at Capitol Park. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MARYLAND

MD, Annapolis: 3/3: Senate Hearing on Marriage Equality Bill, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/blCzeq
MD, Annapolis: 3/4: House Hearing on Marriage Equality Bill, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/blCzeq

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MINNESOTA

MN, Minneapolis: 3/26: Beyond the Boxes Therapist Convention, Univ of MN. http://bit.ly/duvWTg

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MISSISSIPPI

MS, Clinton: 3/31: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Mississippi College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
MS, Jackson: 3/29: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Belhaven University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MISSOURI

MO, Saint Louis: 2/28: Rally at St. Francis Xavier "College" Church, 9 PM. http://bit.ly/9xnACB
MO, Bolivar: 4/14: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, SW Baptist University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEBRASKA

NE, Lincoln: 4/21: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Union College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
NE, Omaha: 3/12-14: Building Bridges to the Future Pride Conference, Magnolia Hotel. http://bit.ly/9qtuXz

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEVADA

NV, Summerlin: 11/14: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, JW Marriott, 12:30-3:30 PM. http://bit.ly/9cB2Us

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

NH, Portsmouth: 10/17: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Sheraton Harborside, 12:30-3:30 PM. http://bit.ly/9XPmfR

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW MEXICO

NM, Albuquerque: 5/22: Harvey Milk Day Equality Protest, TBD. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW YORK

NY, Houghton: 3/9: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Houghton College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
NY, New York: 3/20-3/21: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Javits Center. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

NC, Lillington: 3/18: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Campbell University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
NC, Wake Forest: 3/17: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, SE Baptist Theological Seminary. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OHIO

OH, Canton: 4/23: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Malone University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OKLAHOMA

OH, Oklahoma City: 3/31: LGBT Lobby Day, State Capitol, 9 AM-2 PM. http://bit.ly/9YPxB7

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OREGON

OR, Statewide: 6/24: Bites for Rights Benefit for Basic Rights OR. http://bit.ly/4rN6UC
OR, Portland: Every Tuesday: Portland Equal Rights Coalition Meeting, Catholic Workers House. http://tinyurl.com/yfqd2pz
OR, Portland: 4/21: Oregonians Against Discrimination Business Leaders Luncheon, OR Conv Ctr. http://bit.ly/4XUsp6
OR, Portland: 10/2: Basic Rights OR Annual Dinner/Auction, OR Conv Ctr. http://bit.ly/4rN6UC

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

PA, Langhorne: 3/7: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Sheraton Bucks Co. Hotel. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6
PA, Phoenixville: 3/5: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Valley Forge Christian College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN RHODE ISLAND

RI, Providence: 3/2: Love Across Borders: Queer Immigrant Rights Forum, 669 Elmwood Av, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/aUW3vQ
RI, Providence: 3/3: Marriage Equality Rally, State House, 4 PM. http://bit.ly/cSrjHh

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN TENNESSEE

TN, Ooltewah: 3/6: Find the Courage Meeting, Jill & Lorie's House, 7-9 PM. http://bit.ly/8xb0YJ
TN, Knoxville: 3/11: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN TEXAS

TX, Abilene: 4/7-8: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Hardin Simmons University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
TX, Abilene: 4/9: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Abilene Christian University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
TX, Austin: 3/4: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Begins. http://bit.ly/chHIjx
TX, Waco: 4/6: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Baylor University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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

fini

India: Being Gay and Indian

2010-02-28T07:51:00.000-08:00

I am 33. For the last few years, all my friends, colleagues and acquaintances have been asking just one thing, when am I going to get married. I tell them I was married, well almost, before my girlfriend dumped me and went to the US. I could never forget her. Such a sad love story! It's not true. It's not a lie either. It's fiction. I have constructed this heterosexual love story meticulously, bit by bit, to the last detail - the day I met her, the day we first kissed, the day she dumped me, everything.

No, I'm not in denial; I’m not in closet either. However, I see no point in confusing those who won't understand. On the other hand, people who are important to me, they know about me. The pictures on the walls of my flat are good tell-tale signs.

Yet, at 33, I’m terrified being a gay man, and knowing that this is my life. I live alone, far away from home. I have chosen a profession which gives me enough excuses not to visit home often. Whenever I do, my parents, relatives broach that inevitable subject: Marriage. I tell them, not yet, not yet. I need to settle down first. I have consciously avoided being 'successful,' so as to avoid the marriage business. But, as I keep adding numbers to my age, I know, I'm running short of excuses. I cannot tell my parents I’m gay. I cannot get married either.

Full Story from the Deccan Herald
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

CA: Both Sides File Written Arguments in Prop 8 Trial

2010-02-28T07:33:00.000-08:00

Opposing sides in the legal battle over same-sex marriage in California have laid out their cases in writing to a federal judge, disputing the status of gays and lesbians in society, the nature of marriage, and the motives behind the ballot measure that defined marriage as the union of a man and a woman. "Californians voted for Proposition 8 because they thought it would strengthen the institution of marriage (and) ... because they thought it would benefit children," sponsors of Prop. 8 said Friday night in papers filed in federal court in San Francisco.

Their opponents, representing two same-sex couples and the city of San Francisco, said those purported goals of Prop. 8 were contradicted by overwhelming evidence at a 12-day trial in January that allowing same-sex couples to wed would benefit their children and the institution of marriage. Regardless of the intentions of individual voters, they argued, the Prop. 8 campaign was designed to appeal to fear and deep-seated prejudice.

"The evidence demonstrates that Proposition 8's actual motivation was moral disapproval of gay and lesbian individuals," said the measure's opponents, plaintiffs in the federal court case. They said the ballot measure "sends a message to gay and lesbian individuals that they are not welcome in California."

Full Story from SFGate
Click here for gay marriage resources in California.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Cyprus: Government to Consider Legalizing Gay Marriage

2010-02-28T07:16:00.000-08:00

THE GOVERNMENT will soon examine the issue of making same-sex marriages legal in Cyprus, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Lazaros Savvides has told the Sunday Mail. Savvides said that the intention is to hold a meeting next month involving the Attorney-general's office, Law Commissioner Leda Koursoumba, Ombudswoman Eliana Nicolaou - who also heads the Authority against Racism and Discrimination - as well as senior representatives of the relevant government ministries.

The move was prompted by a letter sent to the Interior Ministry by a man who lives permanently in Cyprus, asking for the law governing civil marriages to be amended to allow same-sex marriages. Savvides said that the Ministry did not think it should take a decision on such a matter on its own, and so decided to convene the meeting.

According to one press report, the Interior Ministry simply turned down the request, prompting the man to complain in writing to the House of Representatives. The complaint is said to have then been passed on by the House administrative services to members of the House committees for legal affairs and human rights.

Full Story from the Cyprus Mail
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

NY: Senate Passes Family Health Care Decisions Bill

2010-02-27T07:45:00.000-08:00

After being stalled in the Legislature for 17 years, the New York State Senate has finally joined the Assembly in passing the Family Health Care Decisions Act that enables a loved one to made health care decisions when the patient is not able to do so. The bill places a same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partner, just like a spouse, ahead of a surviving child or parent in making these decisions. Governor Paterson has said he will sign the bill into law when it is sent to him.

New York has been one of just two states where without a health care proxy, no one-not a domestic partner, spouse, or family member-could make health care decisions when the patient lacked the ability to do so. This gap in state law has sometimes forced loved ones to seek medical decision-making authority from a judge at the very time they should be focusing all their attention on caring for their partner.

The enactment of this legislation will allow loved ones including same-sex spouses who were married out-of-state or fit the domestic partnership definition to have the ability to make these decisions.

Full Story from Outcome
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

CA: Prop 8 Trial Re-Enactment Halfway Done, Available on YouTube

2010-02-27T07:35:00.000-08:00

Most Californians know of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the trial currently questioning the constitutional validity of Proposition 8. They also know that on Jan. 13, the U.S. Supreme Court put a stop to the proposed broadcasting of the associated court proceedings on YouTube. What most people do not know, is that within a few hours of that decision, a film production team in L.A. was readying a script from court transcripts, securing a courtroom set and casting actors in an effort to bring the landmark trial to the people - by way of re-enactment.

In the seven weeks since the trial began, John Ainsworth and John Ireland, the two men behind the production, have scripted over 3,000 pages, working diligently on the massive production undertaking.

After placing several calls to their network of friends in the entertainment industry, Ainsworth and Ireland signed a media agreement with the Screen Actors Guild (actors/actresses are donating their time) on Friday, Jan. 15. On Saturday, they held auditions, and on Sunday, before the eighth day of litigation began, they were shooting.

Full Story from SDGLN
Click here for gay marriage resources in California.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

CA: Court Proposes Televising Prop 8 Closing Arguments

2010-02-27T07:25:00.000-08:00

The U.S. district court in San Francisco has proposed that closing arguments in the trial over the anti-gay-marriage measure Proposition 8 be televised, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. An attempt to televise the entire trial failed after the U.S. Supreme Court intervened, saying the pro-Prop. 8 side feared its witnesses would be subject to intimidation. The anti-Prop. 8 side had supported televising the proceedings.

The proposal to televise the closing arguments was posted on the court's website, and the court has taken public comments on it. The plan to televise the full trial had received overwhelmingly positive comments from the public before the Supreme Court quashed it.

No date has been set for closing arguments; Judge Vaughn Walker had postponed them until after he received a final round of briefs, due Friday.

Full Story from the Advocate
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

FL: Kissimmee to Discuss Domestic Partner Coverage for City Employees

2010-02-27T07:19:00.001-08:00

Kissimmee commissioners have a difficult road ahead when they consider whether to allow city employees to buy health insurance for their domestic partners, whether those partners are the same or opposite sex. The policy, if approved, would allow employees with domestic partners the same benefits their married counterparts already receive.

Commissioner Cheryl Grieb said the proposal is a health care and an equal rights issue, not one on whether gay people living together is right or wrong. We believe Grieb has the best interests of city employees at heart in this matter.

If such benefits were extended to employees' domestic partners, there likely would be some added administrative costs - though minimal, we believe - as the city would have more paperwork to process. Plus, if the financial payout for claims were to rise dramatically due to the poor health of additional health plan members, costs for premiums could go up significantly for all involved. However, such a scenario is impossible to predict.

Full Story from Around Osceola
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Lithuania: Anti Gay Law Takes Effect March 1st

2010-02-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

Amnesty International has called on the authorities of Lithuania to remove all restrictions on the distribution of public information relating to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people decreed in a new law. The controversial "Law on the Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information" enters into force next Monday, 1 March.

"This law will violate the freedom of expression and will directly discriminate against people on account of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said John Dalhuisen, expert on discrimination at Amnesty International.

"It will stigmatize gay and lesbian people and exposes advocates for their rights to the risk of censorship and financial penalties. This law is an anachronism in the European Union."

Full Story from Amnesty International
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

How the US Military Has Evolved on Gay Rights

2010-02-27T06:50:00.000-08:00

JOINT CHIEFS of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen proved that his recent support for openly gay and lesbian soldiers was no fluke. Earlier this month he said that ending the "don't ask, don't tell" policy was the "right thing to do." Mullen said he was "troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie."

Last week, Mullen reiterated his views to a soldier at a military town hall who asked about the policy. He intimated that soldiers no longer fret about this issue, saying it was the fourth town hall he has done and the first time that anybody asked him about it. Mullen reasserted that he has served with gay soldiers since 1968. He said the feedback he has received from countries where openly gay and lesbian soldiers serve is that "there just wasn't that much impact after the policy got changed."

This continues the reversal of 17 years ago, when President Clinton said letting openly gay and lesbian soldiers serve was the right thing to do, but was shouted down by the military, including then-Joint Chiefs Chairman Colin Powell. More than 14,000 gay and lesbian soldiers were discharged after they were outed or admitted their sexual orientation.

Full Story from Boston.com
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

CA: Gather Signatures to Repeal Prop 8 This Weekend

2010-02-26T13:08:00.000-08:00

Just got this from Love Honor Cherish:

Help get signatures this weekend

This weekend volunteers throughout the state will gather to collect signatures to put a new initiative on the ballot in November 2010 that would repeal Proposition 8 and restore equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. In the Los Angeles area join us at these events:

Saturday:

Saturday, Feb 27
8 a.m. to 12 noon
Burbank Farmers Market
Meet at corner of 3rd and Orange Grove in Burbank (park at City Hall, same corner)

Saturday, Feb 27
9 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Torrance Farmer's Market
2400 Jefferson St. (park in parking lot)
Meet at 8:50 a.m. for a brief training

Saturday, Feb 27
10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Whole Foods Market - Redondo Beach
405 N. Pacific Coast Hwy (park in parking lot)
Meet at 9:45 a.m. for a brief training

Sunday:

Sunday, Feb 28
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hollywood Farmers Market
Meet at Cinerama Dome, 6360 Sunset Blvd (park on street or at lot at Ivar & Delongpre - $2 for first 2 hrs w/validation at market)

Sunday, Feb 28
9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Santa Monica Farmers Market (Ocean Park)
Meet at grassy area near SW corner of Main St. and Ocean Park (park on street)

Sunday, Feb 28
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Studio City Farmers Market
Meet at main gate of CBS Studios, 4024 Radford (free parking at CBS)

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

Please come on time, but if you're late, look for the volunteers in the yellow SignForEquality T-shirts. And, be sure to bring:

1. A couple of clipboards and a few pens (if you can).
2. Plenty of quarters for parking meters (City of Los Angeles meters now operate on Sundays!)
3. $10 donation for our Sign For Equality volunteer t-shirt

To find out more about signature gathering, or to learn how you can help, go to SignForEquality.com, the first-ever social networking site for volunteer signature gatherers. Download a petition, print it, get signatures and then send it in. You can also:
- Get trained using online videos.
- Join or create a signature gathering team and set goals for yourself and your team.
- Share tips and learn about events where signature gathering is taking place.

P.S. Join us for our next weekly meeting Tuesday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Crescent Heights United Methodist Church, 1296 N Fairfax Ave.

WV: NOM Leads Small Rally Demanding Gay Marriage Vote

2010-02-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

Frustrated by what they see as legislative indifference, about 150 people rallied at the state Capitol Thursday to a demand a statewide referendum aimed at reserving marriage for heterosexual couples. The Family Policy Council of West Virginia, which organized the rally, has set its hopes on a measure in the Senate that would allow a referendum to amend the state constitution defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

A similar measure has been bottled up in a House of Delegates committee, and Republicans there failed this week in an attempt to use a parliamentary procedure to force a vote on it. Jeremy Dys, executive director of the council, opposed the Republicans' effort, saying the maneuvering makes a partisan issue of something that has broad support among West Virginians.

Such wrangling was far from the minds of many who turned up to hear speakers from national groups warn of the dangers to traditional marriage, as snow fell and temperatures hovered in the 20s.

Full Story from the Charleston Daily Mail
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Gay Marriage Opponents Tell Supreme Court: Release Names, Gays Will Attack

2010-02-26T08:39:00.000-08:00

Backers of a failed referendum aimed at reversing the state's domestic partnership law have filed their arguments with the U.S. Supreme Court, setting the stage for proceedings scheduled for the spring on whether anti-gay rights petitioners names must be made public.

Writing the high court Thursday, proponents of Referendum 71 - which appeared on the ballot in an effort to overturn the state's "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law - said petition signers' names should not be released. Doing so, they asserted, could see those who wanted the landmark gay rights law repealed subjected to harassment or violence.

The move puts opponents of the gay rights law at odds with Washington Secretary of State Sam Reed and state Attorney General Rob McKenna. Both officials, the highest-ranking Republicans serving in state government, have held that state law requires the release of petitioners' names.

Full Story from Seattle PI
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

MD: Comptroller Trying to Square AG Gay Marriage Opinion, Federal Law

2010-02-26T08:21:00.000-08:00

Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot and his staff are trying to work same-sex couples into the state's tax equation without violating federal law. The comptroller's office began crunching numbers Thursday after Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler said state agencies must begin recognizing same-sex unions performed outside the state.

"We're looking at how [Gansler's opinion] could change how same-sex couples file their tax returns," said Franchot spokesman Joseph Shapiro. Eligibility and rates for more than 1,000 federal benefits depend on marital status, according to the Congressional Budget Office.

Shapiro said he does not know what economic effect recognizing same-sex marriages would have on Maryland. He expects the office to provide that answer within the next month, with a report on whether same-sex couples can file jointly benefits without violating federal law. If Franchot's office finds the federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents the state from giving those benefits, lawmakers or the Court of Appeals would have to change state law.

Full Story from the Washington Examiner
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

MD: Democrats Afraid Gay Marriage Decision Will Make Their Reelections Harder

2010-02-26T08:09:00.000-08:00

A long-awaited attorney general's opinion on same-sex marriage thrust the polarizing issue into an election year spotlight that had Democrats cringing as they braced for an expected onslaught of Republican campaign rhetoric.

"In my opinion, it couldn't have been worse timing," Del. Galen R. Clagett said of the opinion, released Wednesday, in which Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler (D) found that Maryland courts could recognize same-sex marriages performed out-of-state. "You know they say in politics, timing is everything."

Clagett said he does not expect issues raised by Gansler to come up for a floor vote in the House of Delegates, but that the opinion could complicate re-election chances for Democrats in more conservative parts of the state.

Full Story from Gazette.net
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

Austria: Gay Couple Says Austria Discriminates

2010-02-26T07:47:00.000-08:00

A gay couple accused Austria before Europe's top rights court yesterday of discriminating against homosexuals in adoption and other matters despite a new law allowing same-sex unions. Horst Michael Schalk and Johann Franz Kopf, 48 and 50 respectively, claim they were denied the right to wed after Vienna authorities declined to marry them in 2002.

Austria's constitutional court also ruled it justified to limit the definition of marriage to the traditional union between woman and man.

The couple, who filed their petition before the European Court of Human Rights in 2004, claim "that the notion of marriage had evolved over time thus having to be understood nowadays as a permanent union encompassing all aspects of life", the Strasbourg-based court said in a statement.

Full Story from the Jamaica Observer
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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DC: Gay Marriage Licenses Likely Available March 3rd

2010-02-25T09:08:00.000-08:00

The projected start date of gay marriages in Washington has slipped by a day. The city now says March 3, a Wednesday, will likely be the first day same-sex couples can apply for a marriage license in the city.

The D.C. City Council passed a law in December that allows the unions, but because the city is under Congress' control the bill doesn't take effect until it has undergone a 30-day Congressional review period. Congress could act to stop the bill from taking effect, though that doesn't appear likely.

Congress wasn't in session on one day, Feb. 12, that district officials thought it would be, lengthening by a day the time until same-sex couples can marry.

Full Story from the Washington Examiner
Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington, DC.
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Peru: Political Parties Discussing Legalization of Gay Marriage

2010-02-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

The possibility of legalizing the so-called "gay marriage" in Peru is creating a public debate that has passed to the media headlines. While some people say that this is a revindication of sexual minorities civil rights, others estimate that this would lead to human degradation.

Lawmaker Carlos Bruce is requesting its politic party, Peru Posible, to include a statement in favor of gay unions in its government plan. Lawyer Susel Paredes, representative of LGTB Legal (a sexual minorities collective) said that this would be an important step in favor of civil rights of all Peruvians.

In order to grant legal recognition to homosexual unions, Peru would have to modify both the Constitution and the Civil Code.

Full Story from Living in Peru
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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DC: Marriage Equality Opponents Appeal Board Decision, Again

2010-02-25T08:23:00.000-08:00

Opponents of same-sex marriage in Washington DC appealed a court order today that upheld a DC Board of Elections ruling against holding a referendum on the issue.

Stand4MarriageDC and the Alliance Defense Fund, two conservative groups active in the nation's capital, lodged the appeal on Wednesday. Attorneys for the two organizations placed the appeal in the hopes of allowing the issue of same-sex marriage to be decided by a popular vote.

"We are appealing because the District's marriage redefinition law shouldn't go into effect until voters have the opportunity to vote on a critical matter that affects everyone in the District," senior legal counsel Austin R. Nimocks said in a news release picked up by the Washington Post.

Full Story from Examiner.com
Click here for gay marriage resources in Washington, DC.
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Australia: Senate Votes 45-5 Against Gay Marriage, 26 Absent

2010-02-25T08:03:00.000-08:00

The Australian Senate today rejected a bill to give equal marriage rights to gay citizens. The bill was introduced by the Greens but was defeated 45-5, just days before the world’s biggest gay celebration, Sydney Mardi Gras. Twenty-six senators were absent from the vote, with some of these choosing to abstain because they disagreed with their parties’ official stances against same-sex marriage.

Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who introduced the bill, said: ”There may have been a group of senators voting to keep discrimination against same-sex couples being able to marry the one they love, but well over one-third of all senators were absent for the final vote, presumably the only form of protest open to them.”

Marriage equality campaigners claim that 60 per cent of Australian citizens support the right of gay couples to marry. Alex Greenwich of Australian Marriage Equality, said it was “arrogant” of Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd to “ignore” the public.

Full Story from Pink News
Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.
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NY: Fight Back New York Targets Anti Gay State Senator

2010-02-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

Gay fund-raisers who helped change the makeup of the New York State Senate during the last election cycle are gearing up to take revenge on those who did not vote for last year's gay-marriage bill.

A group called Fight Back New York, which is backed by national gay activist and donor Tim Gill, has already announced it will target Hiram Monserrate, likely one of the easiest state senators to replace - seeing as he was ousted by his fellow legislators after being convicted of misdemeanor assault, and the Queens Democratic machine is already against him.

But just to make absolutely sure he'll be replaced by Dem rival (and gay-marriage supporter) Jose Peralta, FBNY is spending up to $100,000 on direct mailings in the next three weeks leading up to the special election to fill his seat.

Full Story from NYMag.com
Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.
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Maryland Rally Today to Celebrate Attorney General's Marriage Equality Opinion

2010-02-24T09:31:00.000-08:00

Just got this from EQMD:

This morning, as you know, Attorney General Doug Gansler released his long-awaited opinion stating that the marriages of same-gender couples legalized in other jurisdictions have standing to be honored here at home. Please join us tonight for a rally and reception to celebrate!

WHAT:

Rally and reception to celebrate Attorney General's opinion on recognition of out-of-state marriages

WHERE:

Rally at First Unitarian Church, 1 W. Hamilton St., Baltimore
Reception at Mount Vernon Stable, 909 N. Charles St., Baltimore

WHEN:

We will meet for the rally at 6:30 pm, and after the rally we'll head to Mount Vernon Stable for a reception.

Are you free this afternoon? We could also use your support at our press conference in Annapolis. Just come to the Lowe House Office Building, Room 318, at 2:30.

UT: Catholic Bishop Visits Mormon BYU, Calls for Stronger Alliance Against Marriage Equality

2010-02-24T09:11:00.000-08:00

The fight to defend moral principles is linking Mormons and Catholics like never before. "In recent years, Catholics and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have stood more frequently side by side in the public square to defend human life and dignity," Cardinal Francis George told nearly 12,000 students, faculty and community members gathered Tuesday at BYU.

"I'm personally grateful that after 180 years of living mostly apart from one another, Catholics and Latter-day Saints have begun to see each other as trustworthy partners in defense of shared moral principles."

Believed to be the highest-ranking Catholic official to ever visit BYU, Cardinal George spoke about the need for both religions to stand together to protect religious freedom - not simply as a set of private beliefs, but the ability of individuals and groups to practice their religion in the public square.

Full Story from Deseret News
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Argentina: Second Gay Marriage OK'd By Judge

2010-02-24T09:01:00.000-08:00

A judge on Tuesday authorized two men to marry in Buenos Aires in what would be the country's second same-sex marriage. In December, two Argentine men, Alex Freyre and Jose Maria Bello, became the first homosexuals to legally marry in heavily Roman Catholic Latin America, after the governor of southernmost Tierra del Fuego province allowed them to wed in the provincial capital, Ushuaia.

Judge Elena Liberatori gave her approval to the second couple, two men whose names were not immediately released, to set a date to wed at the Civil Registry.

She said they were exercising their rights even if current laws "are not in line with the times."

Full Story from AFP
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Turkey: Government Objects to Oblique Gay Marriage Reference in Council of Europe Document

2010-02-24T08:55:00.000-08:00

The Council of Europe has amended an article of its declaration on children's rights after Turkey objected to a specific article alluding to gay marriage. European ministers for family affairs gathered in June to discuss regulations about the rights of children who grow up with diverse family situations.

While Turkey said it supported public policies on the issue, it issued a statement, saying: "As a country, we would like to mention that we do not accept gay marriages and also we do not accept the institution of homosexual family parenting."

Selma Aliye Kavaf, the minister responsible for family and women, participated in the conference, while Ayşen Gürcan, a director from the ministry, signed the statement of objection.

Full Story from Hurriyet Daily News
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Russia: Marriage Equality Group Registration Denied

2010-02-24T08:12:00.000-08:00

The Russian Justice Ministry has rejected an application to register Marriage Equality, a nonprofit organization set up to provide legal assistance and information services to sexual minorities.

"A necessary package of documents for the registration of the organization was submitted with the Justice Ministry Central Office for Moscow on December 14 last year, but the authorities thought the organization's objectives contradict the current laws," prominent Russian gay rights activist Nikolay Alexeyev told Interfax on Wednesday.

Under the movement's charter, its objectives include, in particular, "to provide assistance and information services so as to overcome discrimination, defamation and violation of the rights of citizens because of their sexual orientation and gender identity; to assist in protecting human rights in the area of spousal relations and to achieve marriage equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people in the Russian Federation, as well as to carry out activities aimed at achieving the legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the Russian Federation."

Full Story from Interfax
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Argentina: Archbishop Tries to Meddle With Gay Marriage Ruling Again

2010-02-24T08:05:00.000-08:00

Buenos Aires Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio rejected a court ruling that allow a gay couple to marry for considering it "against the law" and asked Macri "to appeal against it." However, Macri had already stated that the government would not appeal against the decision.

Macri and Bergoglio held a tense meeting last November after the City Hall came out in support of the civil unions. The Mayor had decided not to appeal against a court ruling that allowed for Alex Freyre and José María Di Bello to get married. The couple eventually did it in Ushuaia.

Back then, the Archbishop harshly criticized Macri for considering that by not condemning the court ruling was a "grave failure" of his duties as a public official. "Even since the dawn of time marriage has stood for the union of a man and a woman," the religious leader said, according to the Argentine Catholic Information Agency.

Full Story from the Buenos Aires Herald
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Examiner Interview With Leaders of NoH8 Campaign

2010-02-24T07:58:00.000-08:00

Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley are at the helm of something pretty spectacular in the LGBT community. Their thought-provoking silent protest against hate and Proposition 8 helped to create the widely-popular NO H8 Campaign that has transcended race, color, religion, sexuality and party lines (Cindy McCain just posed).

I recently joined "the boys" in their studio in Los Angeles to have my photograph taken and chat with Adam and Jeff about Proposition 8, the upcoming pool party at The Dinah in Palm Springs and how the whirlwind that is the NO H8 Campaign all began. Oh, and Rosie O'Donnell, if you’re listening - they want you to call them.

Sarah Toce: By now, I'm pretty confident that almost everyone has seen or at least heard of the NO H8 Campaign. For the few people who are unfamiliar with the NO H8 Campaign, can you describe what it is about and how it started?

Adam Bouska: The NO H8 Campaign is a silent photo protest we started in our living room in our apartment after the passage of Proposition 8 in California. It was never intended to be this big campaign. We just wanted to speak out to our social networks (our own friends and family). The first photo was actually of Jeff. We took his photo after seeing victim of hate logos online. People had posted those, but we wanted people to lend their face to the cause and not hide behind logos. So, we started with Jeff's image and he posted it to his Facebook and then from there some of his friends saw it and it just grew and grew.

Full Story from Examiner.com
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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WV: Democrats Block Republican Attempt to Ban Gay Marriage

2010-02-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Democrats in West Virginia have blocked a measure that would limit marriage to a heterosexual union in the state's constitution from reaching the House floor, the Charleston Gazette reported.
House resolution HJR5 stalled out in committee, but Republicans on Tuesday attempted to wrench the measure out of committee and bring the proposal to the House floor for a vote.

Only one Democrat, Delegate Tom Louisos of Fayette, crossed the aisle to join Republicans in the effort.

“Once again, through a procedural motion, [debate] has been blocked,” House Minority Leader Tim Armstead, a Kanawha Republican and cosponsor of the measure, said.

Full Story from On Top Magazine
Click here for gay marriage resources in West Virginia.
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MD: Attorney General Issues Positive Opinion on Gay Marrriage

2010-02-24T07:41:00.000-08:00

Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler says he believes Maryland's highest court likely would rule that gay marriages valid in another state would be valid in Maryland. However, Gansler writes in a 45-page opinion on Wednesday that while he doesn't know for sure how the Maryland Court of Appeals would rule, he's outlining his view of how the court "would likely resolve this issue."

Maryland law defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. But the state also generally acknowledges couples married elsewhere.

Maryland has extended a variety of protections to same-sex couples in recent years, but it has stopped short of legalizing marriages or civil unions.

Full Story from WJZ.com
Click here for gay marriage resources in Maryland.
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Italian Constitutional Court Ruling on Marriage Equality Due March 23rd

2010-02-23T06:37:00.000-08:00

Just got this from one of the friends of GMW:

"I want to share with you that on March, 23rd. the Italian Constitutional Court will issue an opinion on gay marriage, responding to inquiries made by four lower courts."

Here's a little background from an article on the ILGA-Europe.org site:

Is the Italian Civil Code unconstitutional in indirectly limiting marriage to opposite sex couples? This is the question put forward to the Constitutional Court by the Tribunal of Venice. A same-sex couple lodged a complaint against the refusal of the mayor to proceed with the publication of the notice of marriage, the first step in order to enter civil marriage in Italy. The two men argued that the Civil code does not explicitly define marriage as a union between a man and a woman nor does it include sameness of sex in the list of hindrances. In any case, if such obstacle were to exist, then it would collide with the Constitution and the fundamental freedoms set forth therein.

In April 2009 the three-judge panel found that even though no explicit limit exists, a systematic approach to the Civil code rooted on provisions like those that refer to wife and husband for the exchange of vows lead inevitably to such conclusion. Nevertheless, some articles of the 1948 Constitution appear to undermine the legitimacy of these provisions of the 1942 Civil code. The judges referred to article 2, which protects "inviolable human rights" and social groups like family, to art. 3's prohibition of discrimination on grounds of personal conditions, to art. 29 on the recognition of marriage, as well as to art. 107, which binds Italy to respect international obligations (ECHR, EU law, etc.).

Fingers crossed, everyone!

CA: EQCA Sponsors Bill Allowing Dissolution of a Gay Marriage/Civil Union at the Same Time

2010-02-23T06:28:00.000-08:00

Equality California is sponsoring a new bill introduced last Friday by Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco) that would create a consolidated form and procedure to dissolve both a civil marriage and domestic partnership.

AB 2700 would amend the state's family code, allowing for couples who first registered as domestic partners and who legally married thereafter, to dissolve both contracts through a single, uniform procedure. The current system forces couples to go through a separate process for each.

"Currently, couples must navigate a confusing system that is especially daunting for those who lack legal representation," said Geoff Kors, Equality California executive director. "Since the State of California treats the relationships of same-sex couples differently, we need this legislation to prevent couples from having to jump through bureaucratic hoops until we restore a system of fairness and equality."

Full Story from EQCA
Click here for gay marriage resources in California.
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UK: Church of England Tries to Quell Furor Over Special Access With Offer of Gay Church Weddings

2010-02-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

What happens when Church of England bishops hold unelected seats in the House of Lords? Not surprisingly, they get criticized when they are seen to be protecting the interests of the Church over the interests of the country. This is what has happened during the ongoing debate over the Equality Bill. The Equality Bill is intended "to harmonise discrimination law, and to strengthen the law to support progress on equality."

Recently in the Equality Bill debates, the bishops fought for and won their special right to retain the right to legally discriminate against gay employees. This has won their unelected presence in the House of Lords a fresh round of criticism, with words like "privileged" and "unaccountable" being frequently used.

Happily, several senior bishops are making an effort at compromise (and perhaps distract from the question of the wisdom of their unelected presence in the House of Lords).

Full Story from Pam's House Blend
Click here for gay marriage resources in England.
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Macedonia: EU Tells Parliament to Protect Gay Rights or Be Denied Entry into Union

2010-02-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

Ulrike Lunacek, the MEP who is co-president of the European Parliament's all-party 'Intergroup' for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, today told Macedonian politicians that there was no opting-out from fundamental human rights as Macedonia continues the process of accession to the European Union.

She was speaking to members of the Committee for Protection of Freedom and Rights of the Parliament of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia during a public debate on a proposed anti-discrimination law. This proposed law falls short of European Union standards, notably for its omission of sexual orientation as a ground of discrimination.

The public debate attracted strong interest from national media and civil society representatives, and focused on the proposed anti-discrimination law in the context of the country's accession to the European Union.

Full Story from UK Gay News
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Australia: NSW Plans to Create Domestic Partner Registry

2010-02-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

Gay and unmarried heterosexual couples will soon be able to sign up to a relationships register in New South Wales, designed to make it easier for them to access legal entitlements. The State Government has announced it is introducing legislation to create the register, modelled on those already in place in the ACT, Victoria and Tasmania.

NSW Attorney General John Hatzistergos says unlike the ACT, the state will not provide for civil unions. "The Commonwealth has the responsibility for marriage generally," he said.

"What we're trying to do here is provide a simple and dignified mechanism for people to be able to have their relationships recorded, whether they are same-sex or heterosexual, and to be able to facilitate access to the family court system, but also to various entitlements under state and federal law."

Full Story from ABC News
Click here for gay marriage resources in Australia.
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How They Argue Against Gay Marriage

2010-02-23T05:53:00.000-08:00

It is not entirely unfounded to claim that the past year has been a humiliation for those who had previously been confident about the inevitable forward march of gay rights, particularly same-sex marriage. California's Proposition 8, widely expected to fail, was inscribed in the state constitution in November 2008. Then came Maine; a legislative victory for gay marriage was followed by a resounding "people’s veto" of the newly signed law. The New York Senate, wary, perhaps, of endorsing a position rejected by the voters of another solidly Democratic state, voted overwhelmingly against same-sex marriage. Finally, a bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey failed by a wide margin in the State Senate.

If this recent string of events has chastened and humiliated gay rights advocates, it has brought recognition and prestige to the National Organization for Marriage (NOM). Claiming as its mission "protect[ing] marriage and the faith communities that sustain it," NOM has undoubtedly emerged as the leading organization opposing same-sex marriage. This invites the question: to what does NOM owe its rapid and powerful rise?

Many gay rights supporters acknowledge that part of the reason behind NOM’s success may be the organization's conscious decision to limit its mission to opposing marriage for gay and lesbian people and to avoid the bombastic, far-reaching, and overtly religious rhetoric of such Christian conservatives as James Dobson and the late Jerry Falwell. These same gay-rights supporters are quick to point out that the mere absence of egregiously homophobic material in NOM's campaigns does not mean that the organization or its core membership is in any way opposed to or removed from the virulent and religiously motivated anti-gay sentiment that characterizes so much of the Christian right. Gay rights leaders are correct on both these counts; unfortunately, they have, by and large, failed to identify, articulate, and expose the system that has enabled NOM to exercise its current degree of influence over ordinary Americans.

Full Story from the Bi-College News
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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MN: House Debates Marriage Equality Bills

2010-02-23T05:44:00.000-08:00

Lawmakers in Minnesota's House are considering several legislative bills on the subject of gay unions, Politics in Minnesota reported. Three proposals would limit marriage to a heterosexual union by amending Minnesota's Constitution. Those bills have yet to receive a hearing in this session.

But on Monday, three pro-gay bills introduced last March were aired out in a House committee. One measure, sponsored by Representative Joe Mullery, DFL-Minneapolis, would recognize gay and lesbian couples with civil unions. And Golden Valley Representative Ryan Winkler's bill seeks to recognize legal marriages performed outside the state. A third bill proposes legalizing gay marriage.

Representative Phyllis Kahn, a Minneapolis Democrat and sponsor of the measure, testified on behalf of her bill. "I just want to personally state that I think allowing other people to get married poses absolutely no threat to my marriage," Kahn told the committee. "The legislative session is probably a little more damaging."

Full Story from On Top Magazine
Click here for gay marriage resources in Minnesota.
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WV: GOP Trying to Force Gay Marriage Ban Vote

2010-02-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

Earlier this month I reported that GOP House lawmakers in West Virginia were planning a "drastic" parliamentary move to force votes on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Looks like it could happen this week.

The Charleston Gazette reports: "House Republicans plan a series of procedural motions this week to force floor votes on proposals they say Democrats have allowed to die in committees. Those include a resolution (HJR5) that calls for a statewide referendum on whether to amend the constitution to define marriage, and a proposal (HJR104) to boost tax breaks for elderly and disabled people."

A move to force the tax measure failed on Monday.

Full Story from Towleroad.com
Click here for gay marriage resources in West Virginia.
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Isle of Man Considering Civil Partnership Bill

2010-02-23T05:32:00.000-08:00

A retired law lecturer and preacher on the Island says he has serious concerns about the Civil Partnership Bill. The Bill went before the House of Keys for first reading this morning (Tuesday) and would give new rights to gay couples on pensions and benefits.

It's being promoted by Treasury Minister Allan Bell, who says the Island has had a bad reputation in the past for homophobia.

But Peter Murcott says the bill replicates existing legislation on marriage - and he says a Christian Island should keep the institution of marriage restricted to men and women.

Full Story from IsleofMan.com
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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CPAC Poll: Gay Marriage Tied for Last Place in List of Conservative Priorities

2010-02-22T07:30:00.000-08:00

Fighting gay marriage tied for last in a poll of CPAC attendees' priorities. And you can thank the kids for that. Via the conservative blog Hot Air:

"Only 16 percent had abortion, gay marriage, or "promoting traditional values" as either of their top two priorities? Granted, students comprised 48 percent of the sample - how else could Paul have won? - but that might be less significant as evidence that the poll's an outlier than as evidence that it may not be such an outlier a few years from now. (More than half the votes cast in the poll were by those 25 years old or younger.)"

Between this poll result and GOProud/Ryan Sorba dustup, CPAC certainly was fascinating this year. I wish I could see Maggie's face when they hand her this poll.

Full Story from Joe.My.God
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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At CPAC, Religious Right Shows True Feelings: Sorba Calls Gay GOProud Member "Intrinsically Evil"

2010-02-22T07:23:00.000-08:00

“Well, I don’t really want to shake your hand, you’re intrinsically evil.” At CPAC, Ryan Sorba got into a debate with Alex Knepper, an openly gay conservative, which culminated in the above statement. My reaction upon seeing that: “Woooow!”

I want to say that I don’t agree with Knepper characterization of Sorba’s speech as “evil” at the beginning of their conversation, but neither was Sorba any more correct in his own statement that gays are intrinsically evil.

That, by the way, must make all of us non-gay supporters of rights for them the right hand of intrinsic evil, so excuse me while I go and have some tea with the devil.

Full Story from Poligazette
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Portugal: Thousands Attend Anti Gay-Marriage Protest in Lisbon

2010-02-22T07:16:00.000-08:00

Thousands of Portuguese poured onto the streets of Lisbon Sunday in protest of a gay marriage law currently seeking the president's approval, the Spanish news agency EFE reported. Organizers estimated the event, called "in defense of the family," attracted a crowd of 5,000, but no official figures were reported.

Demonstrators marched down Lisbon's main downtown artery Av. da Liberdade (Liberty Avenue) calling on President Anibal Cavaco Silva to reject a gay marriage law approved twice by lawmakers. Silva is a Roman Catholic and a member of the PSD party, groups which oppose the legalization of gay marriage, and he has publicly stated his opposition to gay marriage.

However, Silva has several options before him, including vetoing the bill. Commentators in the Portuguese press have speculated he could forward the issue to the Constitutional Court. Last year, despite the fact that Portugal's Constitution outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation, the court denied a lesbian couple the right to marry in a narrow 3-to-2 decision. The ruling prompted Socialists to draft the gay marriage bill.

Full Story from On Top Magazine
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China: Gay Life Legal, But Still in the Closet

2010-02-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

It's past midnight and hundreds of men pack Destination. They talk in smoky corridors, move to the beat on a crowded dance floor and play shirtless around a dance pole. Destination is a lot like any number of gay bars in the United States, but outside of the club, it's a different world for gays in China.

Openness about homosexuality is seen by some as too much of a refutation of the Communist Party line in a country where men are pressured by the government and tradition to marry and father a child, gays say. Gay festivals are shut down and websites closed, and laws preventing discrimination do not exist. "If something's different and you publicly promote it, (the authorities) worry it could get out of control and threaten their harmonious society," says Bin Xu, director of Common Language, a lesbian, gay and transgender support group based in Beijing.

In January, authorities canceled the Mr. Gay China pageant an hour before it was to start. Police in Songzhuang, an artist's colony in the suburbs of Beijing, sought last year to shut down a gay arts exhibition, which Xu's group helped organize, because it was deemed "not proper," Xu says. She negotiated with authorities and was allowed to hold the event after taking down four paintings.

Full Story from USA Today
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New Music Video Opposes Prop 8

2010-02-22T07:01:00.000-08:00

Justice Through Music, www.jtmp.org, a national non profit that works with famous bands to bring attention to important social issues, teamed up the band Op-Critical in a music video called Prop 8, to oppose the California referendum that was used to overturn the state's gay marriage law. The video, now on YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0ls8cIRwuM, looks at the struggle for marriage equality through the lens of past struggles for women's rights, civil rights and voting rights.

Op-Critical's Storm wrote the tune in a 1930's Delta Blues style and recorded it on a 1937 National resonator steel guitar. The video was filmed with Storm on a porch, sitting in a rocking chair playing the steel guitar like so many well known blues artists.

"The battle for marriage equality is historic in the same way as past civil rights struggles," he said. "The best way for us to portray that was by channeling past blues masters who sang with conviction about the struggles they were seeing during their lifetimes. The next generation will look back on the gay rights battles with the same dismay we now look at previous civil rights battles. It takes a while for people prejudices to be overcome but they always are. We are hopeful that this video will help and give people a real perspective on what is occurring rather than seeing this as simply a matter of politics or religion."

Full Story from PR Newswire
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Gay Marriage Watch: Gay Marriage Events List 2/21/10

2010-02-21T08:56:00.000-08:00

Gay Marriage Watch Events List:

We now publish a weekly recap of all the upcoming gay marriage events we can find. Know about something that's not on this list? Email us the information 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

Upcoming Gay Marriage Events (in Country, State, City Order)

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA

Australia, NSW, Sydney: 3/3: NMG’s Dinner at the Zoo, to raise money for Australian Marriage Equality (AME). http://tinyurl.com/yjcc8ks

Australia, NSW, Sydney: 3/20: National Year of Action Launch, Town Hall, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/mnINL

Australia, QLD, Brisbane: 3/20: Marriage Equality Rally, Queens Park, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/aAQSYv

Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 3/5: Marriage Equality Speakout, Crnr Bourke & Swanson, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn

Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 3/13: Marriage Equality Rally, State Libarary, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn

Australia, VIC, Melbourne: 5/15: National Day of Action, State Libarary, 1 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MEXICO

Mexico, Merida: 2/28: Gay Kiss In, Plaza Grande, 2 PM. http://bit.ly/b1OC6B

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MUMBAI

India, Mumbai: 4/22-4/25: Queer Film Festival. http://bit.ly/6kcDhP

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM

UK, England, Brighton: 11/14: Gay wedding show, The Corn Exchange, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT

UK, England, London: 3/7: Gay wedding show, St. James Hotel, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT

UK, England, Manchester: 10/10: Gay wedding show, Ramada Piccadilly, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT

UK, Wales, Cardiff: 10/3: Gay wedding show, Cardiff City Hall, 12-4:30 PM. http://bit.ly/rMWTT

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ALABAMA

AL, Huntsvulle: 3/15: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Oakwood University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA

CA, Hollywood: 2/21: Gather Prop 8 Repeal Signatures, Farm Mkt, 8 AM-1 PM. http://bit.ly/boXdDV

CA, Long Beach: 2/28: Courage Academy Workshop, TBD. http://bit.ly/aEAXJp

CA, Los Angeles: Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. http://tinyurl.com/ntkal4

CA, Los Angeles: Every Thursday: Voter canvass training, at The Village, 6:30-9:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3

CA, Los Angeles: 2/21: Gather Prop 8 Repeal Signatures, Farm Mkt, 10 AM-2 PM. http://bit.ly/boXdDV

CA, Los Angeles: 3/3-3/7: Manifest Equality Art Show, 1341 Vine St. http://bit.ly/8XAZ7E

CA, Los Angeles: 3/24: Los Angeles Awards Kickoff, East West Lounge, 6:30-8 PM. http://bit.ly/aPa1EY

CA, Los Feliz: 3/14: EQCA Fundraiser at Sowden House, 5-7 PM. http://bit.ly/94zZhB

CA, Palm Springs: Every Saturday: Equality Happy Hour, Hamburger Mary's, 4-7 PM. http://bit.ly/bKvO8V

CA, Rancho Mirage: 2/28: Faith & Marriage Forum, Tolerance Ctr, 3-5 PM. jorge@eqca.org

CA, Sacramento: 4/26: Queer Youth Advocacy Day. http://bit.ly/9sleYK

CA, Sacramento: 5/11: Harvey Milk Day Org Meeting, Hamburger Patties, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/aon6jX

CA, Sacramento: 5/22: Harvey Milk Day Rally, State Capitol, 11-3 PM. http://bit.ly/aon6jX

CA, San Francisco: Every Thursday: One Struggle One Fight Meeting, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/7HQ8D4

CA, San Francisco: 2/25: Nor Cal LGBT Activism Conf Coalition Kick Off, 7-9 PM, 209 Golden Gate Av. http://bit.ly/bIq4HO

CA, San Francisco: 2/27: Courage Academy Workshop, Leonard Flynn Elementary School. http://bit.ly/bquTxM

CA, West Hollywood: Every Tuesday: Love Honor Cherish Meeting. 7:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/r2kruq

CA, West Hollywood: Every Wednesday: Equality Network Meeting, at Crescent Hts UMC. 7-9PM. http://tinyurl.com/nlt3la

CA, West Hollywood: 3/7-3/8: CPK Fundraiser - 20% Goes to Equal Roots (bring flier), CPK Beverly Ctr. http://bit.ly/b0Ktxr

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN DC

Washington DC: 4/28: Supreme Court Hearing in WA State Petition Signer Case. http://bit.ly/ccJGKW

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN FLORIDA

FL, Daytona Beach: 3/22: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Bethune Cookman University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

FL, Gainesville: 5/22: Harvey Milk Day Equality Protest, Bo Diddley Plaza, 12-5 PM. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN GEORGIA

GA, Atlanta: 3/25: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Morehouse College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

GA, Atlanta: 4/11: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Hotel Palomar. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6

GA, Atlanta: 5/17: Int'l Day Against Homophobia, VA Highlands Church, 6-11 PM. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ILLINOIS

IL, Chicago: 4/18: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 1-4 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ybwrvjj

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN INDIANA

IN, Mishawaka: 4/16: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Bethel College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN IOWA

IA, Cedar Rapids: 3/29: Charity Bingo for One Iowa, Hamburger Mary's, 8-10 PM PM. http://bit.ly/4qRStd

IA, Des Moines: 4/3: Marriage Equality Anniversary Party, Temple for Performing Arts, 6:30-11 PM. http://bit.ly/bTTCkV

IA, Iowa City: 2/25-2/26: Race, Gender, and Class Symposium, U of I. http://bit.ly/5bYy1J

IA, Iowa City: 3/26: Sweet Equality, Hotel Vetro, 5:30-8 PM. http://bit.ly/bbDKLH

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MAINE

ME, Augusta: 5/28-5/30: LGBT Civil Rights March, Ends at Capitol Park. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MARYLAND

MD, Annapolis: 2/22: Equality Maryland Lobby Day & Rally, Lawyer's Mall, 5-8 PM. http://bit.ly/bv8Zqj

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MINNESOTA

MN, Minneapolis: 2/22: House Civil Justice Committee hearing on Marriage Equality. http://bit.ly/99Ygjl

MN, Minneapolis: 3/26: Beyond the Boxes Therapist Convention, Univ of MN. http://bit.ly/duvWTg

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MISSISSIPPI

MS, Clinton: 3/31: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Mississippi College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

MS, Jackson: 3/29: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Belhaven University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MISSOURI

MO, Bolivar: 4/14: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, SW Baptist University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEBRASKA

NE, Lincoln: 4/21: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Union College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

NE, Omaha: 3/12-14: Building Bridges to the Future Pride Conference, Magnolia Hotel. http://bit.ly/9qtuXz

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEVADA

NV, Summerlin: 11/14: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, JW Marriott, 12:30-3:30 PM. http://bit.ly/9cB2Us

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

NH, Portsmouth: 10/17: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Sheraton Harborside, 12:30-3:30 PM. http://bit.ly/9XPmfR

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW JERSEY

NJ, Trenton: 2/22: Demolish the Divide Rally, Hughes Justice Complex, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/dBC8mY

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW MEXICO

NM, Albuquerque: 5/22: Harvey Milk Day Equality Protest, TBD. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW YORK

NY, Albany: 2/23: Marriage Education Day w/Marriage Equality NY. http://bit.ly/bCBKGx

NY, Houghton: 3/9: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Houghton College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

NY, New York: 3/20-3/21: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Javits Center. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NORTH CAROLINA

NC, Lillington: 3/18: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Campbell University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

NC, Wake Forest: 3/17: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, SE Baptist Theological Seminary. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OHIO

OH, Canton: 4/23: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Malone University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OKLAHOMA

OH, Oklahoma City: 3/31: LGBT Lobby Day, State Capitol, 9 AM-2 PM. http://bit.ly/9YPxB7

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OREGON

OR, Statewide: 6/24: Bites for Rights Benefit for Basic Rights OR. http://bit.ly/4rN6UC

OR, Portland: Every Tuesday: Portland Equal Rights Coalition Meeting, Catholic Workers House. http://tinyurl.com/yfqd2pz

OR, Portland: 2/21: Veterans for Human Rights Meet & Mix, Crush, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/9tZQ2S

OR, Portland: 2/24: Building a Local Education Campaign for Marriage Equality, Whitaker School Blgd, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/aSAaZa

OR, Portland: 4/21: Oregonians Against Discrimination Business Leaders Luncheon, OR Conv Ctr. http://bit.ly/4XUsp6

OR, Portland: 10/2: Basic Rights OR Annual Dinner/Auction, OR Conv Ctr. http://bit.ly/4rN6UC

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN PENNSYLVANIA

PA, Langhorne: 3/7: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Sheraton Bucks Co. Hotel. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6

PA, Phoenixville: 3/5: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Valley Forge Christian College. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN RHODE ISLAND

RI, Providence: 3/3: Marriage Equality Rally, State House, 4 PM. http://bit.ly/cSrjHh

RI, Smithfield: 2/27: Protest NOM, MFI & FRC, Ocean State Baptist Church, 12-1:30 PM. http://bit.ly/iHHwf

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN TENNESSEE

TN, Knoxville: 3/11: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN TEXAS

TX, Abilene: 4/7-8: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Hardin Simmons University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

TX, Abilene: 4/9: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Abilene Christian University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

TX, Austin: 3/4: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Begins. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

TX, Waco: 4/6: Soulforce 2010 Equality Ride Stop, Baylor University. http://bit.ly/chHIjx

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fini

India: 16 Groups Petitioning Supreme Court to Reinstate Anti Gay Law

2010-02-21T07:35:00.000-08:00

Using fresh arguments that range from imperiling India's defence to making its people delusional, 14 new organisations have joined the final legal battle against the decriminalisation of homosexuality. On Saturday, the number of petitioners in the Supreme Court - challenging the July 2009 decision of the Delhi High Court to strike down an anti-sodomy law - stood at 16 from the original two.

Two Christian church coalitions, three Muslim NGOs, two Hindu astrologers, a disciple of yoga guru Baba Ramdev, an NGO run by a former Delhi police officer, and an environmentalist, will be among those in the Supreme Court when it hears an appeal next month against the overturning of the Indian Penal Code' section 377.

Only one person, film director and Rajya Sabha MP Shyam Benegal, has quietly joined the original petitioner, Delhi NGO Naz Foundation, in support of gay rights in the Supreme Court. With the government saying it will not oppose the Delhi High Court judgement, which experts consider legally strong, the new opponents are readying a range of fresh arguments:

· "Medical opinion" that only the vagina has the muscles required for sex, not the anus (Utkal Christian Foundation, Cuttack)

· Expanding the constitutional right to non-discrimination to include sexual orientation could lead to demands for job reservations (Apostolic Churches Alliance, Thiruvananthapuram)

Full Story from the Hindustan Times
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.

ME: Ethics Panel to Determine if NOM Violated Campaign Finance Laws

2010-02-21T07:24:00.000-08:00

More than three months after Mainers voted down same-sex marriage, the organization that provided much of the money to the traditional marriage camp is still fighting to block the state from forcing disclosure of their donor lists. This past week, the National Organization for Marriage lost another skirmish in the larger legal battle over its campaign finances.

U.S. District Court Judge D. Brock Hornby in Portland overruled NOM's objections to having to turn over donor lists and correspondence between NOM and Stand for Marriage Maine regarding the campaign to repeal Maine's gay marriage law. The court has yet to rule on the larger case challenging Maine's campaign reporting laws, however.

The documents being sought -- and what they say about who donated to NOM and why -- are key to a Maine Ethics Commission investigation into whether the group's failure to disclose donors violated state campaign finance laws.

Full Story from istocknews
Click here for gay marriage resources in Maine.
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GOProud Gets Mixed Reception at CPAC

2010-02-21T07:16:00.000-08:00

It takes courage to walk into the lion's den. While some lions might be friendly or tolerant, not all will be. For GOProud, the push to be included in CPAC is one that is a bold step in the direction of LGBT Rights. In many ways, the need has always been there to build support for the LGBT Community from the Left and the Right. While we may disagree on some points of policy, we can agree on the need for greater rights for gays, lesbians, transpeople, bisexuals, and all who are part of the LGBTQ Community, even if we cannot agree on what is suppose to go into our name, or even what order those letters should be in.

In fact, GOProud has been gaining support for the repeal of DADT while at CPAC, and they are working hard to get that support to show among Republicans who have been, until now, both reluctant and reticent about repeal.

The inclusion of GOProud in CPAC is not going without notice, or without commentary. Both those who have supported and opposed GOProud’s inclusion in CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) have spoken, and had their speakers booed or silenced. The National Organization for Marriage, which has been vehemently anti-LGBT, was first nice to Jimmy LaSilva of GOProud, and then trashed them when the cameras were off. To this, LaSilva stated "When the cameras were rolling they were very nice. Now that the cameras aren't rolling, rather than walking 20 feet over to us, they fire off a news release. What kind of man can't walk across the row to deliver a message? I just have a question for them: Who’s the pansy at CPAC? What wusses. Just come over. Don’t play nice if you're not going to be nice."

Full Story from Lez Get Real
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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VA: Episcopal Diocese Delays on Recognition of Gay Marriages

2010-02-21T07:06:00.000-08:00

The Episcopal Diocese of Virginia hedged on recognizing same-sex unions Saturday, instead voting to form a committee to set standards for church-sanctioned blessings of such unions once they are approved by the entire 2-million-member Episcopal Church. About 346 delegates to the dioceses annual council meeting at Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria narrowly voted -- by a show of hands - to form the committee.

It was a less radical choice for the 80,000-member Virginia diocese, the largest in the Episcopal Church. A substitute amendment suggesting the diocese allow openly gay clergy and same-sex blessings failed after a lengthy debate.

The vote was in response to last summer's decision by the Episcopal General Convention, which met in Anaheim, Calif., to pass resolution C056, which empowered the denomination to begin "collecting and developing theological resources and liturgies" for same-sex blessings. The denomination is expected to endorse some kind of rite at its 2012 meeting in Indianapolis.

Full Story from the Washington Times
Click here for gay marriage resources in Virginia.
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Andrew Sullivan Asks Maggie Gallagher: What Am I Supposed to Do With My Life?

2010-02-20T07:03:00.000-08:00

Prominent blogger and political commentator Andrew Sullivan got to ask Maggie Gallagher, the leader of the conservative anti-gay National Organization for Marriage (NOM) the question he's always wanted to ask her his week: "What do you think that am I supposed to do with my life?"

Suppose, he asked, that he found himself in agreement with her. Suppose he concluded that same-sex marriage was corrosive to society. Should he leave his husband? Should he send his adopted daughter back to the state? Should he enter ex-gay therapy, which isn't likely to work? Should he tell his whole family that he's single now, and that his husband Scott shouldn’t be welcome at family events? Should he live his whole life alone, and loveless? Should he hide? Where is the life he's supposed to live?

Gallagher's very simple answer was: "I don't know."

Full Story from Irish Central
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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Malawi: Debate Over Whether to Legalize Gay Marriage

2010-02-20T06:55:00.000-08:00

In late December, two gay men held an engagement ceremony - and were promptly arrested. The event prompted a public debate over the legalization of homosexuality. Sections 153 and 156 of the country’s penal code outlaw sexual intercourse between people of the same sex. But some human rights campaigners argue that the laws contravene the constitution and international conventions that guarantee equality and non-discrimination regardless of sexual orientation.

Section 20 of the Malawi Constitution says discrimination against persons in any form is prohibited and all persons are guaranteed equal and effective protection against discrimination because of race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, nationality, ethnic or social origin, disability, property, birth or other status.

Crispin Sibande, a human rights lawyer for the Malawi Human Rights Commission, says he thinks the phrase "other status" includes sexual orientation. He also describes the penal code as inconsistent with the Constitution, which deplores any form of discrimination.

Full Story from VOA News
Click here for gay marriage resources.
To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or 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.