Gay Marriage Watch: August 31st-September 6th
In addition to the news of the week, you'll find our weekly woody award, links to some great articles and columns from the last seven days, and of course you'll also find our ongoing recap of gay marriage happenings worldwide. To subscribe to this blog, or if you have any thoughts about how we can make this feature better or easier to use or any updates on the issues covered here, let me know at info@purpleunions.com.
This Week's Woody Award:
This week's Woody award honors goes to Sarah Palin, the new VP candidate for the Republican Party. After what can only be described as a truly dickish speach (thanks to John Stewart for that analysis) at the Republican Convention, where she decided to forgo actual content and instead recited a number of lies about Obama and the Democrats with such a snarky attitude that you wanted to reach in and slap her through the television, details about her disdain for the GLBT community have emerged, including that she supported the anti-gay-marriage bill in Alaska in 1998, only reluctantly vetoed a bill that would have taken away the rights of GLBT sdtate employees becuase she was advised it was unconstitutional, and that the church she attends is sponsoring an ex-gay seminar. And a related "shame on you" to the log cabin republicans for endorsing mccain-palin - y'all must be a bunch of masochists because you sure like having your asses whipped, repeatedly, by these folks who would be happy to se you run out of the country or worse. Grow a pair, boys, and learn to think for yourselves.
Runner up is Carl Gregory of Merced, California, who in a letter to the editor of the Merced Sun Star writes: "One thing that isn't talked about is the right (or the need) of a child to a mother and a father. Having two mothers doesn't make up for not having a father. Having two fathers doesn't make up for not having a mother." Watch out, all you single mothers and fathers out there - they're coming for your families next. Gregory also asserts: "Homosexual marriage is just like no-fault divorce; it's all about me and my wants. The needs of children or anyone else aren't in the equation," blithely ignoring the fact that many gay and lesbian families do have children who are aided by the protection a marriage provides. Is he asking that these families be torn apart and their children placed in mother-father households? Cause I sure don't see a surplus of straight adoptive couples out there right now.
Events of the Last Week:8/29/08:
Therese Stewart, the chief deputy city attorney who successfully argued San Francisco's historic same-sex marriage case, legally wed her partner, attorney Carole Scagnetti, in a City Hall ceremony Friday, August 29. Source
9/1/08:
On Saturday evening at the Alfred E. Clarke Mansion in San Francisco, gay activist Matthew Foreman married long-time partner Francisco Adex De Leon. Source
South Africa: What is believed to be the first lesbian divorce in South Africa since gay marriages were legalised in 2006, was finalised in the Cape High Court on Friday. Source
USA, California: A new Log Cabin Republicans website aims to highlight Republicans who are against Proposition 8 – California's constitutional amendment which would once again ban gay marriage in the State. Source
9/2/08:
USA: A recently released CBS/New York Times poll shows a slight increase, compared to 2004, in the number of Republican delegates that support some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples. Source
USA: The Log Cabin Republicans officially threw their support behind Sen. John McCain in the GOP candidate’s bid for the White House this week amid festivities at the Republican National Convention. Source
USA, New York: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled NY Gov David Paterson's memo ordering state agencies to recognize gay and lesbian marriages performed in other states and countries is legal. Source
9/3/08:
Fran Drescher, the star of TV comedy The Nanny has said that everyone should have the right to get married, gay or straight. Source
Hungary: The Constitutional Court has placed the issue of registered partnerships for same-sex couples on its docket for its autumn session, and may declare a new domestic partner registration law unconstitutional before it is due to take effect ehre in January. Source
USA, California: Californians Against Hate is calling attention to companies whose employees have donated $5,000 or more in support of a November ballot initiative that would ban gay marriage in the state.
9/4/08:
Newt Gingrich announced his support of Prop 8 to eliminate same-sex marriage in California. Source
Australia: The Same-Sex Entitlements Bill was introduced in the Federal Parliament today - the bill aims to ensure equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples. Source
United Kingdom: Sir Cliff Richard calls on church to bless gay marriage. Source
USA, Arizona: Wingspan, Southern Arizona's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community center, hosted an event Thursday that would be the first step in a group effort to oppose Proposition 102. Source
USA, Arizona: Arizona's two Catholic bishops are urging the faithful to vote for Prop 102 to constitutionally ban gays from marrying in the state. Source
USA, California: Prop 8 supporters have raised at least $11.9 million, while opponents have raised at least $11.6 million. Source
USA, California: Engaged couple Heather Matarazzo and Caroline Murphy, actors Tyne Daly, Christine Lahti, Camryn Mannheim and Wilson Cruz, Air America comediennes Frangela, labor organizer Dolores Huerta and Rev. Neil G. Thomas are among those who also contributed their time and voices to a new campaign for No on 8, against the same sex marriage ban. Source
9/5/08:
USA, Minnesota: Former wrestler and Governor Jesse Ventura sounded off in favor of gay marriage this week. Source
9/5/08:
Gov. Sarah Palin's church is promoting a conference that promises to convert gays into heterosexuals through the power of prayer. Source
Great Articles/Columns Last Week:
^ Times Really Are Changing, by Allison Collins
^ Book Review: Labor of Love: Taking a Closer Look at the History of "Biblical Marriage", at Queerty.com
^ The Democratic Dossier on Palin: 62 Pages of Oppo Research Revealed, by Greg Mitchell
^ Gay wedding rings: Bringing fresh style to the tired old band, by Bruce Watson
^ Domestic Partnership vs. Marriage and Board Preview, by Melissa Griffin
^ Same-Sex Marriage in California: Six Big Lies the Freedom-Haters Are Spreading About Proposition 8, by Joyce A. Rogers
History by Region (Last Four Months):
ARGENTINA
Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)
The Story So Far: On 5/22, a bill legalizing same-sex marriage was informally presented to Argentina's Congress by the head of the National Institute Against Discrimination, Xenophobia and Racism. On 8/28, Argentina extended its pension system to cover same-sex couples Aug. 18.
AUSTRALIA
Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner
Australia Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far:
May: On 5/7, The Federal Government backed away from Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's promise not to interfere with local action to enact civil unions legislation, and forced the ACT to back down and offer a watered down version of civil unions, specifically banning legal recognition of any ceremony held by same sex couples. On 5/9, The ACT passed watered-down civil unions legislation that will not allow same sex couples to have official ceremonies.
June: On 6/4, The ironically-named Liberal party was trying to slow down legislation to give gay and lesbian couples more rights, afraid it would lead to a repeal of the country's same sex marriage ban. On 6/19, The Australian Democrats accused opposition parties of homophobia after they used their Senate majority to delay legislation to remove same-sex discrimination. On 6/21, Tasmania picked up the baton of same sex marriage, with the Greens to introduce an enabling bill into the Senate's parliament.
July: On 7/1, The Tasmanian Greens called for a conscience vote on a bill to allow gay marriage in Tasmania. On 7/4, Matthew Mitcham, a gay 20-year-old diver set to represent Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in August has said that the country's Prime Minister is "narrow-a Victorian country town was been divided over a lesbian "wedding" carried out in a public square dedicated to fallen Diggers.
August: 8/3 marked the 4th annual National Day of Action for same-sex marriage in Australia - hundreds of people took to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne calling on the federal government to repeal its ban on same-sex marriage. On 8/14, the ACT Government has done a U-turn on the issue of same-sex unions and says it will not support a Greens push to reinstate its original legislation. On 8/20, Kogarah Council, in Sydney, moved to recognise same-sex marriages and unions in deciding benefits for council employees and residents. On 8/28, General Robert McClelland said changes to family law will make life easier for de facto couples - straight or gay - who are breaking up. A bill before parliament would allow de facto couples to sort out their finances and arrangements for children in the one court, in the one proceeding. On 8/29, Labor's new gay senator Louise Pratt, the first member of parliament with a transgendered partner, used her maiden speech to break from ALP policy and call for gay marriage to be legalised.
AUSTRIA
Legal Status: Limited Civil Union Rights
The Story So Far: On 7/12, About 120,000 people in colourful and often scanty dress took part in Vienna's annual Rainbow Parade on Saturday to call for equal rights for gays and lesbians
BRAZIL
Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)
Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 6/19, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silv, the president of Brazil who was the first head of state to ever hold a national conference to promote LGBT rights this month, called homophobia a "peverse disease" and plans to "do all that is possible so that the criminalization of homophobia and [the legalization of] the civil union may be approved."
CANADA
Legal Status: Gay Marriage
Canada Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 5/16, A Canadian Lutheran church proceeded with plans to ordain a gay pastor who is married to another man, despite warnings it would be violating church teachings and would be disciplined. On 5/21, Prince Edward Island became the last province in Canada to change its laws to officially allow same sex marriage. On 5/29, The Federal Court of Appeal rejected the legal challenge of a longtime public servant who wanted her $800 annual union dues diverted to her church to protest the union's support for gay marriage and its zero tolerance against "homophobia" and "heterosexism." On 6/1, Saskatchewan's civil marriage commissioners were directed to abide by the law and perform same-sex marriage ceremonies after a human rights tribunal fined a Regina commissioner $2,500 for discriminating against a gay couple. 7/9 was the 5 year anniversary of legal gay marriage in British Columbia. On 7/17, it was reported that same-sex unions are growing at five times the rate of opposite-sex ones according to census numbers.
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: 5/15: The Cayman Islands will not accept gay partnerships, government says. On 6/12, Leader of the Opposition McKeeva Bush filed a Private Members Motion proposing an amendment to the Marriage Law that would define marriage in the Cayman Islands as being between a man and woman. As of 7/10, an amendment to legislation in the Cayman Islands defining marriage as between a man and a woman was expected to get support from the government and opposition.
COSTA RICA
Legal Status: N/A The Story So Far: On 7/14, bishops of Costa Rica warn that rights for gay unions undermine family. On 7/26, some 20,000 people from around Costa Rica dressed in white t-shirts paraded down a main street in San José to express their opposition to a legislative proposal to make gay marriage legal. On 8/9, the nation's highest court ruled that gay inmates in Costa Rica do not have the right to conjugal visits. The decision may be revisited if Costa Rica allows gay marriage.
CZECH REPUBLIC
Legal Status: Domestic Partnerships
The Story So Far: Nearly 500 couples register their partnerships in the first year.
ECUADOR
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 6/13, The government proposed constitutional changes that would remove the word "God" from the nation's constitution and legalise abortion and gay marriage.
ESTONIA Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: As of 7/30, the Ministry of Justice in Estonia is preparing a draft law which would allow same-sex partners to register their cohabitation.
EUROPE
The Story So Far: On 7/3, the International Gay and Lesbian Association broadly welcomed the new discrimination directive announced by the European Commission yesterday, but said that gay and lesbian people who want to get married will still face discrimination.
FRANCE
Legal Status: Civil Unions
France Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 5/28, one of Europe's most high-profile gay politicians has indicated he is ready to run for leader of France's Parti Socialiste and possibly the Presidency. On 7/25, Fashion designer Marc Jacobs reportedly will wed his Brazilian boyfriend Lorenzo Martone in Paris, France, this weekend. As of 8/28, Bertrard Delanoe, mayor of Paris and one of Europe's most high-profile gay politicians, planned to run for leader of France's Parti Socialiste.
GAMBIA
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 5/20, President Jammeh gave gay men and lesbians 24 hours to leave the country, threatening them with beheading.
GERMANY
Legal Status: Civil Unions
The Story So Far: As of 8/22, in the first five years after the introduction of registered partnerships, about 12,000 (about 20 percent) same-sex couples in Germany have entered into this lifetime bond.
GREECE
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 5/30, Greece's top public prosecutor on Friday moved to block a gay marriage ceremony after a mayor on a tiny Greek island said he was willing to perform one. On 6/4, The mayor faced possible prosecution after conducting Greece's first same-sex weddings.
HUNGARY
Legal Status: Civil Unions
On 7/5, Forty-five people were taken into custody and 10 others were injured in clashes between police and homophobes during a gay rights march in the Hungarian capital Saturday, reports said.
INDIA
Legal Status: n/a
On 6/29, Gays and lesbians found their voice in three major cities - New Delhi, Kolkata and Bangalore - in the first large public display of gay pride India has ever seen.
IRELAND
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far:
May: On 5/27, a disagreement between coalition partners was holding up government recognition of same sex relationships - the main governing party Fianna Fail wants civil unions, while the Greens, the junior coalition partner, want full marriage.
June: On 6/16, Ireland's Catholic bishops have restated their opposition to gay marriage today, claiming that sexual differentiation is intrinsic to our understanding of the sacrament of marriage. On 6/29, Advocates of same-sex civil marriage in Ireland made their voices heard at rallies in the capital Dublin and in Cork, Galway and Waterford on Saturday.
July: On 7/5, Church of Ireland Primate Alan Harper reignited the controversy after suggesting that scientific breakthroughs may mean homosexual relationships are sanctioned by the Church. On 7/9, An Anglican Archbishop who made a speech that appeared to give the go-ahead for same-sex marriage has clarified his position today, basically saying he only meant to call for a dialoge, not to change church policy on same sex marriage. On 7/10, A gay couple living on the Northside called on the Government to treat them as fully equal citizens by extending full marriage rights to them. On 7/28, A forum that advises the Irish government on equality and social inclusion said that there has been progress on gay rights in the past five years.
ISRAEL
Legal Status: Civil Unions (recognizes marriages performed elsewhere)
The Story So Far: On 6/20, The Union of Students (USI) urged for a push for equal marriage rights for gay and lesbian citizens ahead of today s Dublin Pride Parade.
MEXICO
Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)
Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 5/17/08, in Mexico, a transgender couple got married, hoping to shine light on pending legal protections for transgender couples under consideration by the Mexican government. Source
NETHERLANDS
Legal Status: Gay Marriage
The Story So Far: As of 7/18, The Dutch civil service has developed a new name for "maiden name" so married gay men won't feel awkward. "Geboortenaam" translates to "birth name". It will replace maiden name on official forms. On 8/12, the Justice Ministry proposed a new Dutch law would make it easier for the partner of a lesbian mother to become the legal parent of a child born into the relationship.
NETHERLANDS ANTILLES
Legal Status: Gay Marriage
The Story So Far: On 7/24, the Court of First Instance in Willemstad ruled that married gay couples in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba have the same rights as in the Netherlands, and the colony plans to appeal the ruling. On 8/4, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Ronald Plasterk said the Netherlands Antilles wil ultimately have to recognize gay marriages performed in the Netherlands, even if they do not allow such weddings to be peformed in the islands.
NEW ZEALAND
Legal Status: Civil Unions
New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: As of 5/6, 316 couples registered for Civil Unions in New Zealand in 2007 - 103 male couples, 150 female couples, and 63 opposite sex couples. In addition, 77 overseas residents registered, bringing the total to 393. On 6/20, it was reported that the marriage of two gay priests in the UK last month is not actually the first of its kind, according to a Wellington pastor who says he married his male lover in a London Anglican church over twenty years ago. As of 7/2, Green MP Metiria Turei's private member's bill aiming to legalise adoption by same-sex couples has been taken out of the parliamentary ballot. On 8/25, the retiring MP who spearheaded the successful campaign to legally acknowledge same sex relationships in New Zealand, via the controversial Civil Unions legislation, has thrown doubt on whether legal same-sex marriage will become available to glbt Kiwis any time soon, or ever.
NIGERIA
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: 5/9 - There's legislation pending, which church groups support banning "same-sex unions, all homosexual acts and the formation of any gay groups."
NORWAY
Legal Status: Gay Marriage
The Story So Far: On 5/28, two political parties which normally avoid each other teamed up in an unusual alliance to protest Norway's looming same-sex marriage law. On 6/11, Parliament adopted a new marriage law that allows homosexuals to marry and adopt children and permits lesbians to be artificially inseminated. On 6/17, Parliament gave final approval to gay marriage in Norway.
PANAMA Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 7/29, Panamanian President Martín Torrijos Espino signed a decree repealing a 1949 law that criminalized sodomy under penalty of a $500 fine or jail time.
PHILIPPINES Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 8/29, the country's Supreme Court ruled that being gay is not a valid ground to have one's marriage annulled; hiding such a fact is.
SAUDI ARABIA Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 7/30, 50 men were arrested for allegedly participating in a "homosexual wedding."
SENEGAL
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 8/29, a court in sentenced a same-sex couple to two years in prison for marrying in Belgium.
SINGAPORE
Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: 5/4: A Singapore TV station was fined $11,000 for "promoting a gay lifestyle" for showing an episode of a design show featuring a gay couple. Abolishing laws against gay sex could "send the wrong signal" and push gay activists to ask for gay marriage, according to Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Source
SOUTH AFRICA
Legal Status: Gay Marriage
The Story So Far: On 7/8, A lesbian couple was turned away from an East London resort where they had planned to marry, because the owner disapproved on religious grounds.
SPAIN
Legal Status: Gay Marriage
Spain Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 6/5, the Government once again forced the Dénia judge, Laura Alabau to carry out the wedding for two gay British men which she refused to do last March. As of 6/18, The Partido Popular managers were trying to get agreement in the party on the subject of gay marriage, to avoid any debate or vote on the matter at the party's congress which is about to get underway in Valencia on 6/20. On 7/3, a National Court judge said gay marriage should not be declared unconstitutional. On 7/22, with strong support from the Spanish government led by Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the nation's federation of queer activist groups, La Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gays, Transexuales y Bisexuales (FELGTB), on July 22 won official consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). On 7/29, a "pro-family" activist group in Spain filed charges against the organisers of the 2008 Madrid Gay Pride march, accusing them of hate speech. On 8/14, Laura Alabau, who has persistently refused to marry gay couples, stood down from her post.
SWEDEN
Legal Status: Civil Unions
The Story So Far: On 5/12, a gay couple who married in Canada filed suit against the Swedish government for refusing to recognize the marriage.
UGANDA Legal Status: n/a
The Story So Far: On 7/28, a leading gay rights organisation said that a Ugandan human rights activist was tortured by police.
UNITED KINGDOM
Legal Status: Civil Unions
England Gay Wedding Vendors
Wales Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far:
May: On 5/30, after the Earl of Devon refused to allow a gay wedding at his Powderham Castle home, the Devon County Council moved to revoke his wedding license.
June: On 6/14, Two male priests exchanged vows in a traditional ceremony at St Bartholomew the Great in London. On 6/16, The New Zealand priest whose gay wedding ceremony has fuelled a row that threatens to split the Anglican Church in Britain surrendered his own licence to officiate. On 6/23, The Bishop of London issued a stern rebuke to the vicar who conducted a "wedding service" for two homosexual priests.
July: On 7/5, London Mayor Boris Johnson, once a foe of gay rights, marched in the gay pride parade here wearing a pink cowboy hat. And the two gay vicars whose church marriage blessing plunged the Anglican communion into fresh turmoil over homosexuality have triggered a new controversy which threatens to embroil the Queen. On 7/12, the Christian registrar won her case against the Islington city council, and will not have to officiate for gay/lesbian couples. On 7/15, it was reported that the registrar in Islington who claimed her Christian belief wass so fundamental that she could not conduct civil partnerships is an unmarried single mother. On 7/22, The British Soap Coronation Street is planning on introducing its first lesbian character. On 7/26, Top Tory Alan Duncan and his partner James Dunseath were married.
August: On 8/4, it was reported that the Reverend Canon Rodney Bomford, 65, and gardener Paddy O'Neil were given approval by a Bishop to enter into a civil union because their relationship is not sexual. On 8/7, it was revealed that the Archbishop of Canterbury wrote letters in 2000 & 2001 disclosing his personal position supporting a sort of moral equivalency between homosexual paramours sexual activity and marital love. As of 8/8, it was reported that only about one percent of marriages between same-sex couples in the UK have so far ended in divorce.
URUGUAY
Legal Status: Civil Unions
The Story So Far: On 4/16, After the nation's "cohabitation union law" went into effect on 1/1/08, the country's first known gay marriage took place in Montevideo. Source
UNITED STATES (see individual states below)
Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
The Story So Far:
May: On 5/21, U.S. Rep. Paul Broun (R-Ga.) said he plans to introduce an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage.
June: On 6/5, A new USA Today Poll showed 63% of Americans believe that gay marriage should be a private matter, and should not be regulated by the government. On 6/13, a new Pew Research Center Study showed mixed opinions on same sex marriage, and its importance in the fall elections. As of 6/19, The plight of a Vermont couple has led to the federal government ruling that the Social Security Administration must extend benefits to the nonbiological children of partners in same-sex unions. On 6/25, Sen. Roger Wicker introduced an amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. In lighter news, it's being cosponsored by Larry "toe-tapping" Craig and David "sorry-about-the-prostitute-thing" Vitter.
July: On 7/1, Feit Publishing Ventures has announced plans to move ahead with a magazine devoted to marriages of every sort: interracial, inter-denominational, so-called destination weddings... and same-sex weddings, too. As of 7/4, a group that opposes same-sex marriage has called for a boycott of McDonald's, saying the fast-food giant has refused "to stay neutral in the cultural war over homosexuality." On 7/11, McDonald's returned fire, saying family advocates opposed to their affiliation with pro-homosexual organizations are guilty of "hate." On 7/12, it's reported that same-sex couples won't be counted as married in the 2010 census, despite what their California marriage license says because the Bureau is playing strictly by the federal rule book on this one. On 6/16, a new study showed that 65% of African Americans are against gay marriage in the US, as opposed to 53% of Whites. As of 7/17, 52% of respondents to a new Pew poll oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, while 40% are in favor. In 2006, it was 56% against and 35% in favor. On 7/29, it was reported that Monica M. Goodling, an aide in the Justice Department, exercised what amounted to veto power over a wide range of critical jobs, asking candidates for their views on abortion and same-sex marriage. As of 7/30, a new study showed that fay and lesbian couples with children and strong religious beliefs were more likely than their peers to hold commitment ceremonies. On 7/31, a new study by UCLA's Williams Institute found that more than 85,000 couples have already signed up for legal recognition in eleven states - 40% of all same-sex couples in these states. On
August: 8/4, a new study was published by UCLA's Williams Institute that found that same-sex couples eagerly take advantage of the ability to marry or form civil unions when presented with the opportunity.. On 8/7, gay activists pushed the U.S. Census Bureau to reconsider its decision to ignore same-sex marriages. On 8/14, an all-but-final draft of the 2008 Democratic Party platform, approved by the full 186-member Platform Committee at an August 9 meeting in Pittsburgh, put the party on record in opposition to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, in support of a "comprehensive" Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and more generally in favor of the fight to end discrimination against numerous categories of Americans, including those who are gay, lesbian, and transgendered. As of 8/18, American voters oppose same-sex marriage 55 - 36 percent, but they don't want government to get involved in banning the practice, according to a Quinnipiac University national poll released today. As of 8/20, a new poll shows that among LGBT registered voters Democrat Barack Obama has a clear lead - with 68 percent favoring the Illinois Senator. On 8/21, Hallmark came out with same-sex wedding cards — featuring two tuxedos, overlapping hearts or intertwined flowers, with best wishes inside. "Two hearts. One promise," one says. And it was reported that the Employment Non Discrimination Act contains a clause that would allow companies to continue to treat legally married gay couples differently than straight couples when providing benefits. As of 8/22, a new survey showed that more Americans now believe that religious institutions should stay out of politics, after a decade of support for church involvement in social and political issues. On 8/23, it's reported that 1,049 US newspapers now accept same sex wedding announcements.
ALABAMA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Amendment
Alabama Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 7/21, the DNC funded an anti-gay "Faith & Voters Guide" here in 2006 that included a plan to "defeat any efforts to redefine marriage or provide the benefits of marriage to a same-sex union".
ARIZONA
Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far:
May: As of 5/17, Senate President Tim Bee, R-Tucson, prime sponsor of one version of the amendment, had so far refused to schedule a date to vote on the ballot measure.
June: On 6/17, KAET pollster Bruce Merrill said "About two-thirds of the people in Arizona support partners of gay rights getting the same rights as married couples, but it probably runs 55-45 against gay marriage itself." On 6/27, The AZ Legislature's Repugnicans got the votes together to put the anti-gay-marriage amendment on the November ballot.
July: On 7/5, retired AZ Rep. Jim Kolbe, the only gay republican to serve in the AZ house, withdrew his support of Senate President Tim Bee's campaign after Bee voted to put the anti-same-sex-marriage referendum on the ballot. As of 7/22, the dust-up in the Senate debate over gay marriage on the last night of the legislative session had one lawmaker seeking to have another one formally reprimanded: Sen. Ken Cheuvront, D-Phoenix, said Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, used his position to illegally interrupt debate, and then purposely ignored legal protests. As of 7/23, Out the Vote, a voter registration drive geared toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender voters is ramping up in the face of an electric presidential contest and a statewide ballot measure to ban gay marriage. On 7/30, Ariz. Senate ethics panel OK'd probe of referendum to prohibit same-sex marriage. On 7/31, the gay and lesbian community and its local and national allieslaunched a campaign to defeat Prop 102, the anti-gay constitutional amendment on the November ballot.
August: On 8/5, a Senate panel voted to hear from Sen. Jack Harper, R-Surprise, and the senator who filed an ethics complaint against him, but not anyone else for now — if ever. On 8/12, a legislative committee dismissed an ethics complaint Tuesday against a lawmaker accused of breaking rules to force a vote to put a same-sex marriage ban on the ballot. On 8/23, Secretary of State Jan Brewer went to court to avoid having to tell Arizona voters that state law already bars same-sex marriage, because that might cause voters to vote against the measure. And eight gay, lesbian and bisexual young people aged 19 to 28 walked 96 miles through the metro area to the state Capitol to raise awareness about gay rights and the fall referendum that would add a gay-marriage ban to the state constitution. On 8/27, Attorney Peter Gentala quietly dropped the lawsuit he had filed the day before to limit what information voters are given on the ballot of Proposition 102 - the description will still tell voters that gay marriage is already illegal in the state.
ARKANSAS
Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act
Arkansas Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 7/3, an organization collecting signatures to place an initiative on the November ballot to ban unmarried couples from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas said Thursday it will submit its petitions by the 7/7 deadline but will likely need more time to get the number required. On 7/24, it was reported that supporters of a proposal that would ban unmarried couples living together from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas did not gather enough signatures to secure a place on the November ballot, but were given a 30 day extension.
CALIFORNIA
Legal Status: Gay Marriage as of 6/15/08; Possible Constitutional Amendment in Nov 08 Ballot
California Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far:
May: On 5/17, Gov Schwarzenegger affirmed his support of the court ruling. On 5/23, groups that fought San Francisco's lawsuit seeking marriage for same-sex couples asked the California Supreme Court to delay its decision to allow the marriages. Also, a new Los Angeles Times poll found that 54% of those surveyed support a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage, while 35% oppose it. On 5/29, a new California Field Poll showed that 51% of Californians support gay marriage, with 42% opposed; and more Californians in each age group are for it than are against it, with the exception of those 65 and older. The state's Office of Vital Records set June 17th as the start date for same sex weddings.
June: On 6/3, California's top court refused to stay the weddings. Also, opponents of same-sex marriage collected enough signatures for a statewide vote to ban gay unions in California's constitution. And a professor estimated that gay weddings could add $370 million to the state economy over the next three years. On 6/7, Kern County and Merced County announced they would provide same sex marriage licensing, but will not preside over any marriages, gay or straight. On 6/12, in an attempted end-run around the CA Supreme Court, attorneys with Liberty Counsel filed a petition with the California Court of Appeal today requesting a stay on issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. And messengers to the 2008 Southern Baptist Convention annual meeting passed resolutions in the June 11 evening session supporting the ban. On 6/16, A number of California counties began marrying same sex couples at 5:01 PM. On 6/17, Gay couples from across America started getting married legally in California. And an appeals court rejected The Liberty Council's request to block same-sex weddings until voters could decide the issue on the November ballot. As of 6/19, at least 14 employees in the San Diego County Clerk's Office had raised religious objections to performing gay wedding ceremonies but were told by their boss they couldn't pick and choose between marriage applicants. On 6/20, Gay-rights advocates asked the California Supreme Court to remove the ban from the November ballot, saying it would destroy fundamental rights that cannot be legally altered by a voter initiative. The Los Angeles Times reported that more than 2,700 marriage licenses were issued by the state between 5:01 p.m. on Monday and the close of business Tuesday (gay/straight), more than in a typical week. On 6/23, Mormon church leaders asked California members to join the effort to support the ban. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Monday presided over the same-sex marriage of a Hollywood producer and his companion. On 6/25, The sponsors of the ban said John McCain had endorsed the measure. On 6/28, leaders of the Presbyterian Church (USA) overturned a long-standing ban on the ordination of gays and lesbians. On 6/29, a lesbian motorcycle group dressed in bridal veils, wedding gowns and leather lent a matrimonial touch to San Francisco's gay pride parade Sunday as revelers celebrated their newfound freedom to marry. On 6/30, L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presided over the wedding of Oscar-winning film producer Bruce Cohen and his partner of five years, Gabriel Catone. And backers of Proposition 8, the anti-gay-marrage initiative that would amend California's constitution to ban same-sex marriage, had, as of last week, raised nearly $2.3 million while foes had raised about $1.3 million.
July: On 7/1, Westminister College Professor Jeffrey Nielsen, an LDS member, wrote his own open letter to California's Mormons, encouraging them not to support the anti-gay-marriage amendment. On 7/8, Kern County supervisors shot down a proposal to define marriage between a man and woman in Kern County, saying to do so would be illegal. On 7/9, Gay rights supporters and their union allies launched a boycott of the Manchester Grand Hyatt because its owner, Doug Manchester, contributed $125,000 to Proposition 8, an amendment to ban same-sex marriage on the November ballot. One United Methodist Church legislative body in California has gone on record supporting those who enter into same-sex marriage and another has commended pastors who agree to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. In San Diego, a series of e-mails from county employees who objected to performing same-sex marriage ceremonies was released this week under the California Public Records Act. And a boycott was called to protest the conservative leanings of William J. Bolthouse, who used to own part of Wm. Bolthouse Farms Inc., which makes juices, dressings, and other products sold in San Francisco and elsewhere. In March, Bolthouse contributed $100,000 to ProtectMarriage.com, a group behind Proposition 8. On 7/10, a new study by the University of California, conducted by four retired U.S. military officers, concluded "evidence shows that allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly is unlikely to pose any significant risk to morale, good order, discipline, or cohesion." As of 7/18, a new nonpartisan Field Poll found that 51 percent of likely voters oppose Prop. 8, while 42 percent are in favor, and just 7% are undecided. On 7/20, The San Francisco Convention and Visitor's Bureau added a new feature to its website that helps guide same-sex visitors through the process of getting married. On 7/23, a California labor group that represents 1,200 union locals and 2.1 million union members in that state voted unanimously on July 23 to oppose Proposition 8. And the majority Republican City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to oppose Proposition 8, intended to define marriage in California as between a man and a woman. On 7/25, it was reported that San Diego's official tourism and convention bureau is staging a "Here Comes the Pride" give away aimed at same sex couples. And the Secretary of State's Office changed the ballot title and summary of Prop 8 to describe the initiative as a constitutional change to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry, and to say the state could lose several tens of millions of dollars in sales taxes if same-sex marriage were banned. Opponents of same sex marriage planned to falsely claim that Prop 8 would protect children as young as kindergarten age from being taught in school about the virtues of gay and lesbian matrimony. And LAPD Chief Bratton backed gay marriage with checkbook. On 7/26, Bruce Bastian, co-founder of WordPerfect from Utah, wrote a $1 million check for the campaign against Proposition 8. And the ballot title and summary for Prop 8, now describes the initiative as a constitutional change to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry. On 7/29, Supporters of Proposition 8 said they would file suit to block the description change. On 7/30, the owner of a San Diego-based storage company whose family has donated nearly $300,000 to end California same-sex marriage, became the latest target of the Californians Against Hate awareness campaign. And Pacific Gas and Electric Co., California's largest investor-owned utility, has contributed $250,000 to defeat a ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage in the state. As of 7/31, a Mercury News analysis of campaign fundraising reports filed Thursday shows gay marriage supporters raised about $1.6 million since the May 15 court ruling - almost three times more than the lead groups supporting a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage raised in late May and June. And a second Field Poll has found that Californians do not plan to amend the state constitution Nov. 4 to re-ban same-sex marriage.
August: On 8/1, the Grossmont Union High School District in San Diego went on record supporting Prop 8. As of 8/3, The San Leandro school board was considering a resolution to oppose Prop 8, and The American Family Association has given $500K to ‘Protect Marriage’ Prop 8 group. As of 8/4, opponents of gay marriage raised about $3.7 million from Jan. 1 through June 30 in support of the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California, some $1.2 million more than the $2.5 million raised by gay-rights activists who oppose the measure, As of 8/5, California's Roman Catholic bishops were urging parishioners to support Prop 8. And if voters approve a November ballot measure banning same-sex marriages in California, thousands of gay and lesbian weddings conducted since the state Supreme Court legalized the unions on May 15 will probably remain valid, Attorney General Jerry Brown said. As of 8/8, the San Diego county pension board planned to go ahead with a conference at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in downtown San Diego despite a plea yesterday from a board member offended by the hotel owner's opposition to same-sex marriage, and a Superior Court judge Friday rejected a suit filed by Prop 8 proponents against the ballot title proposed by Attorney General Jerry Brown: "Eliminates the Right of Same-Sex Couples to Marry." Judge Timothy M. Frawley said Brown's language was neither false nor misleading. Frawley also said Prop 8 supporters would have to tweak their statement that teachers "will be required" to teach young children about gay marriage if the measure fails. The argument should read that teachers "may" or "could" be required to teach about gay marriage, Frawley ordered. On 8/9, a lesbian couple in Fresno has filed for a divorce just three days after getting married. On 8/10, A new Action News/SurveyUSA poll showed that 65% of central valley residents oppose gay marriage. On 8/11, The sponsors of Prop 8 said they won't ask the state's highest court to throw out the revised title and summary Attorney General Jerry Brown prepared for the initiative.On 8/12, it was reported that the Los Angeles Equality Awards last weekend raised $2 million to fight Prop 8, including $500k frin The Service Employees International Union (SEIU-California), $250K from the California Teacher’s Association, and $25K from AT&T. And the Democratic National Committee gave $25,000 to help defeat Prop 8. On 8/13, Attorneys Shannon Minter and Therese Stewart, who fought successfully to overturn California’s ban on same-sex marriage, were named the recipients of the National Lesbian and Gay Law Association’s 2008 Dan Bradley Award.On 8/14, And Marriage for All, a newly formed same-sex marriage education campaign created to provide outreach primarily to African American communities throughout Northern California, was looking for dozens of newly married, engaged, or committed same-sex African American, or African American bicultural couples to act as media and community spokespeople. On 8/16, Let California Ring was airing its "What if you couldn't marry the person you love" ad in Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Diego. On 8/19, the California Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the constitutional rights of religious freedom and free speech do not exempt doctors from state anti-discrimination laws. On 8/20, The Knights of Columbus, a Roman Catholic men's group, donated 1 million dollars to support a November ballot measure that would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage in California. On 8/22, A Yes on 8 rally drew several hundred people in Fresno, California. Some Mormons are voicing opposition to the proposed ban on the Internet — saying in cyberspace what they might not be able to express in church buildings. It was reported that the Manchester Grand Hyatt has lost its second major conference in a week in large part because of owner Doug Manchester's stance against same-sex marriage. And after trailing in fundraising by $3 million, supporters of a proposed California marriage amendment have taken the lead over opponents, thanks in part to a series of gifts totaling nearly $2 million. As of 8/24, Religious organizers hoped to get 1 million Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Muslims, evangelical Christians, Sikhs and Hindus to post lawn signs supporting Prop. 8 in unison next month. And a new poll showed Latinos favor Prop 8 by 49% to 38% against. As of 8/28, a new poll showed that 54% of likely voters are against Prop. 8, with 40% supporting the measure. On the question of whether gay and lesbian couples should be aloowed to marry, respondents split 47% in favor and 47% against. It was also announced that gay inmates in state prisons and county jails would soon be able to marry their partners, as long as their spouse is not also incarcerated. The most powerful Orthodox Jewish umbrella group threw its support behind Prop 8. The Association of American Law Schools said Aug. 18 it will move the events of its January 2009 annual meeting from San Diego’s Manchester Grand Hyatt to the Marriott hotel next door, honoring a gay rights boycott. Backers of Prop 8 have made a multimillion dollar television ad buy in eight media markets, while Prop 8 opponents said they have also made a substantial media buy.
COLORADO
Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban
Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors
The Story So Far: On 5/7, a lesbian couple charged with trespassing after staging a sit-in at the Denver Clerk and Recorder's Office after they were denied a marriage license were found guilty of trespassing, and ordered to do 28 hours of community service and pay a $41 fee. No jail-time was imposed. On 7/14, it was reported that a library patron asked for the book "Uncle Bobby's Wedding", a children's book about gay marriage, to be banned from a state library. The librarian's reply is amazing. As of 7/17, A voter initiative to reinstate a ban on same-sex marriage will remain on the November ballot, the California Supreme Court decided unanimously Wednesday. On 8/11, A lesbian couple getting married in California published their announcement in the Durango Herald - the first same sex wedding announcement in the paper's history. On 8/21, 360 openly lesbian, gay,