US: Proposed Immigration Reform Leaves Out Same Sex Couples

Some gay rights advocates are upset with a Chicago congressman who's trying to spearhead an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws. Congressman Luis Gutierrez says he supports a proposal to allow lawful U.S. residents to sponsor the immigration of a same-sex partner. GUTIERREZ: If you're gay and you're married, if you're a man and man or a woman and a woman, I think the government should recognize that marriage. But a sweeping immigration bill that Gutiérrez unveiled this month leaves same-sex families out. A statement from the congressman's office says he does remain committed to ending discrimination against gay immigrants. Full Story from Chicago Public Radio: http://www.wbez.org/Content.aspx?audioID=39071

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NY: Jewish Groups Split Over Gay Marriage Vote

Orthodox leaders commended and Reform leaders condemned the New York State Senate's vote to defeat a measure legalizing same-sex marriage. Agudath Israel of America and the Orthodox Union lauded Wednesday's 38-24 vote against the bill. "While we must always respect all individuals as created b'tzelem Elokim, in the image of G-d, Jewish teaching clearly opposes homosexual conduct and the legal recognition of such relationships as being akin to traditional marriage," the Orthodox Union said in a statement. The OU also said it must "respectfully repudiate those who misquote or misappropriate Jewish law or thought in support of this legislation." Agudah noted the work its members did in advocating against the measure. "When our community comes together to respond to challenges, good things happen," said Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zweibel, the group's executive vice president. New York Reform leaders were disheartened by the vote. Full Story from JTA.org: http://jta.org/news/article/2009/12/03/1009517/orthodox-laud-reform-disappointed-by-ny-gay-marriage-vote

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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.