Gay Marriage Watch: April 12th-18th
10. Think of the antique dealers. First of all, you must know by now that gays love antiquing. We saw it in a movie once and thus, it must be true. If gays and lesbians get married, chances are they're going to have more kids and have you ever put a 19th Century Shaker chest in the same room as a toddler with crayons before? With our disposable income being wasted on disposable diapers, gays will have less time to go to cute rural towns and waste their money buying old junk. The economy just can't handle a blow like that right now.
9. What will become of Laurel Toby?! The Mediabistro founder is a one-woman impersonation of Sex & The City and without a cavalcade of amusing gays at her side to go out to Balthazar, what the hell is she going to do with her time? We can not leave our nation's fag hags and fruit flies high and dry.
See the rest of the list here.
Also, there's a great new parody out of the NOM ad - check it out here.
Hero of the Week:
My hero this week is New York Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell, an openly gay politician, for stating this so eloquently and clearly:
"I do not want a pew in your church. I do not want a seat in your synagogue. What I want is a piece of paper that was issued by my government that many of you have, some of you have had it two or three times. I only want it once. I was born in this state, I was raised in this state, I was educated in this state, I’m an elected official in this state, I pay taxes this state, I want a piece of paper from this government just like the rest of you."
Go, Danny, go!
And special mention to Stephen Colbert, for his parody of the NOM ad.
Woody Award:
Our woody award this week goes to Andrew Cline of the UnionLeader.com, for their recent editorial Defending marriage: It's not about gays:
"Sure, people who are anti-gay also oppose same-sex marriage. But they aren't the issue. The issue is not homosexuality. It's marriage. It wouldn't matter if homosexuals or polygamists or some other group were pushing to change the definition of marriage. It must be preserved as is because it is the foundation of modern society."
Ever notice that when someone protests too much, usually the opposite of what they're saying is true? I wonder if my parents heard the same arguments in the sixties - "Oh, it's not about blacks - they and the polygamists deserve all the same rights. See, we're not bigots!"
We heard a lot of this in California before Prop 8 passed: "It's not about gays, it's just about the word marriage. They should have all the rights - we just want to keep the word." It was a blatant attempt to pander to the folks on the fence on this issue, and sadly, it worked. Enough independents were scaredc into joining the Yes on 8 folks by the perceived threat to their own rights, and soothed by the argument that they really weren't discriminating at all when they cast their yes vote. After all, the yes on 8 folks didn't even use any gay or lesbian prople or images in their ads.
And yet, when gay rights advocates try to get laws passed to protect couples in long-term relationships and specifically exclude the word "marriage", which should be ok according to the argument above, we're told - "Sorry, it's too much like marriage."
The "it's only about the word" claim is an insidious argument because it lets those who actively work to take away the rights of others believe that they are the true victims, and that thewir actions do no real harm. Tell that to the gay and lesbian couples who can't make health decisions for their partners when they are sick, or who aren't eligible for pensions when their partner dies and end up losing their homes. Tell it to the international couples torn apart because they don't have access to marriage in this country.
And it's amazing how fast it becomes about more than just the word "marriage" when the word "marriage" is dropped from the debate.
So sorry, Mister Cline, but this is about The Gays, no matter how much you try to obfuscate that fact.
Enjoy your woody, Mister Cline.
We're also noting a new term entering the gay marriage fight lexicon this week. As more and more states offer "gay marriage", we're suddenly seeing references not to just "traditional marriage" but to "true marriage". In some ways, this is encouraging, as it amounts to a tacit acknowledgement that gay marriages (and lesbian ones) do actually exist. That said, it's a bit snobbish as well - in a "My kind of marriage is the only true kind of marriage" way.
Gay Marriage Watch:
Now on to this week's Gay Marriage Watch. The blog is now organized almost entirely by area, with news of the week, upcoming marriage equality events, and great recent articles and columns. For a longer history of past news stories, just click on one of the older Gay Marriage Watch blogs from our archives.
To subscribe to this blog, or if you have any thoughts about how we can make this feature better or easier to use or any updates on the issues covered here, let me know at info@purpleunions.com.
Enjoy the rest of the Watch!
--Scott
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--news-->
4/17: Victoria University psychologist Dr Warwick Hosking is conducting research to discover if gay men’s relationships are different from heterosexual ones. Source
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--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Vancouver: Gather at 6pm at Morton Park (corner of Davie Street and Denman Street). More Info
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CHINA:
--news-->
4/16: Gay couples say 'I do' in symbolic marriages with "marriage certificates" issued by Beijing LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual) Center. Source
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NIGERIA:
--news-->
4/18: A Nigerian man is seeking asylum in Canada after he suffered "two severe beatings, ongoing harassment, forced intercourse with a prostitute, death threats and expulsion from the association". Okoli was outed by a village priest he had sought to perform a same-sex marriage. He thought the priest "was gay and receptive to the idea," the court heard. Source
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--articles-->
4/16: The case of a man who killed his ex-partner before committing suicide last week in Almeria, Spain, has revealed that domestic violence legislation in the country does not apply to gay men. Source
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UGANDA:
--articles-->
South Africa's paradox for gays: progressive laws, persistent hate, by Shashank Bengali Source
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--upcoming events-->
10/4: Cardiff: Gay wedding show. More Info
10/18: Manchester: Gay wedding show. More Info
11/15: Brighton: Gay wedding show. More Info
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USA:
--news-->
4/13:
--Charlize Townsend: "I don't like living in an elitist world, it bothers me. I don't want to be part of an elitist sexual preference. It bothers me, maybe it's because I come from a country where I lived under apartheid but this is a form of apartheid and I don't want to be a part of that." Source
--The National Organization for Marriage seems to be ratcheting up its efforts to suppress the audition videos that leaked from its anti-gay-rights "gathering storm" shoot. According to YouTube, the group has gotten a clip from MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show pulled from the site. Source
--Meghan McCain says the GOP should get behind gay marriage. Source
4/14: GOProud, the new tax-exempt 527 will offer another home for gay and lesbian conservatives outside of the Log Cabin Republicans, will focus will be elections and federal issues. Source
4/14: The Universal Life Church Monastery today announced its legal defense campaign to take action in states that have enacted unconstitutional restraints against same-sex sacramental marriage. States that deny ministers their religious right to perform the sacrament of marriage, regardless of the couple's sexual orientation, according to Universal Life Church Monastery, are doing so in violation of the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution. Source
4/15:
--The newest openly gay member of Congress is considering introducing an omnibus LGBT rights bill in the U.S. House. Source
--According to the Detroit News, Obama invited LGBT leaders to recent White House events like the health care and fiscal responsibility summits, the signing of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the executive order creating the White House Council on Women and Girls, and the online town hall. Source
--House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) told the Bay Area Reporter Wednesday, April 15 that repealing the federal Defense of Marriage Act is not a top priority of hers right now. Source
4/17: Student leaders at a Sacramento community college have approved a resolution opposing today's national Day of Silence. Source
--upcoming events-->
6/28: Million Gay March: Annual event on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall in all 50 states. More Info
Day of Decision: Rallies country-wide on the day of the CA Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info
--articles-->
The Bigots Last Hurrah, by Frank Rich Source
Gay Marriage and Conservatives, by Michael van der Gallen Source
Defense of Marriage Act is becoming indefensible, by Ellen Goodman Source
Is same-sex marriage still a generation away? by David L. Kirp Source
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USA, ARIZONA:
--news-->
4/17: In Casa Grande, a small city about 50 miles southeast of Phoenix, a police officer shut down a gay rights rally Wednesday. Source
--upcoming events-->
6/27-6/29: Driving Equality Arizona, 12 AM 6/27 to 11 AM 6/29. Contact Email
9/19: Sedona: First annual Sedona Pride - details coming soon. More Info
Day of Decision: Phoenix: Gather at 6pm at the southwest corner of Camelback at 7th Avenue for a rally and then march. More Info
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USA, CALIFORNIA:
--news-->
4/12: The Desert Stonewall Democrats, which has called for a boycott of four auto dealerships because they claim a co-owner contributed to the campaign on behalf of Proposition 8, expect to conduct a public protest this week, the group's vice chair said. Source
4/14:
--By a 3-1 vote, the St. Helena City Council put itself on record Tuesday in support of gay marriage and in opposition to all forms of discrimination. Source
--Riverside County prosecutors will not seek criminal charges against a Beaumont city councilman accused of pushing a Prop. 8 protestor on the eve of Election Day. Source
--LGBT rights activists, workers, and labor leaders joined forces outside the Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood Tuesday to support the ongoing fight for marriage equality. Source
--upcoming events: northern california-->
Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the Placer County Courthouse (101 Maple Street). More Info
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Davis:
Day of Decision: Gathering at Central Park at the new stage south of the carousel from 6-7:30pm. More Info
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Eureka:
Day of Decision: Gather at Arcata plaza and County Courthouse in Eureka. 6PM. More Info
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Oakland:
4/25: What relevance does the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) have in the world today? Hear from California native Ben Jealous, the new NAACP President and CEO, on its 100-year history and its vision for the future. At Oakland Museum of California, 6 PM. More Info
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Day of Decision: Gather at Corner of El Camino Real and Embarcadero (across from Stanford University entrance at Galvez/El Camino). 11AM. More Info
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Sacramento:
4/17-4/20: GAYLA (GSA Advocacy & Youth Leadership Academy) will take place in Sacramento from April 17th to April 19th, culminating in QYAD (Queer Youth Advocacy Day) on April 20th. More Info
4/19: Equality Team Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 1 PM. More Info
4/21: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at Curtis Hall, Sierra 2, 6-8 PM. More Info
4/28: Equality Team Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 6 PM. More Info
5/18: EQCA Equality Awards at the Sheraton Grand, VOP Reception 5 PM, General Reception 5:30 PM-7 PM. Source
5/30: Statewide Rally at Capitol Building to Kick off Pride More Info
Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the Sacramento Gay & Lesbian Center (1927 L Street, Midtown). More Info
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San Francisco
4/19: Signature Gathering Kick-Off to GET OUR RIGHTS BACK! rally, by One Struggle One Fight. At Dolores Park, 10:30 AM-4 PM. More Info
4/24: Trigger is thrilled to host the supporters of Equality California at an exclusive preview party, 2344 Market Street, 7-9 PM. More Info
6/27-6/28: San Francisco: Pride More Info
Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source
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San Jose:
4/19: Talking Marriage Equality seminar. Co-hosted with Peninsula Marriage Equality Coalition! It is the intent of this training to help empower all people who believe in marriage equality to answer the questions posed by people who oppose marriage equality. More Info
4/19: Cleve Jones, labor organizer, community activist, creator of the Names Project Quilt, protege of Harvey Milk will be joining us in San Jose on Thursday, April 30th at 8 PM at the DeFrank Center. Donations will gladly be accepted. More InfoDay of Decision: Gathering at 5:30pm at the Billy de Frank LGBT Center at 938 The Alameda. For more information, contact Gloria Nieto at glorianieto@comcast.net or 6 PM, gather at Plaza de César Chávez at S. Market St. and Park Ave. We will march to SJ City Hall at 200 E. Santa Clara St. for a rally. More Info
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Santa Clara
5/9: Santa Clara: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info
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Santa Rosa:
Day of Decision: Gathering on the steps of the Santa Rosa City Hall (100 Santa Rosa Avenue and corner of 1st Street) at 6pm. More Info
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--upcoming events: central california-->
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Bakersfield:
5/9: Walking Precincts for Gay Marriage! This is our second canvass, and we are looking forward to it! 9AM. More Info
Day of Decision: Gathering in three locations at 5pm. Rally location #1 - Mall View & Mt Vernon; Rally location #2 - Outback Steakhouse on Stocdale Hwy; or Rally location #3 at Rosedale and Coffee. More Info
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Delano:
Day of Decision: Gather at Delano Cecil Park at 5:30pm. More Info
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Fresno:
4/19: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info
4/26: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info
5/3: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info
5/10: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info
5/17: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:15 PM. More Info
Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source
Every Monday: Meet in the Middle 4 Equality Planning Meeting, 6 PM, at the Wesley United Methodist Church. More Info
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Modesto:
Day of Decision: Community gathering at 5:30 pm at Graceada Park, 401 Needham St. downtown Modesto. More Info
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Monterey:
Day of Decision: Gather at 5pm at Colton Hall at 580 Pacific Street. Event is co-sponsored by the Monterey County Chapter of Marriage Equality and Salinas Valley Equality. More Info
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Salinas:
Day of Decision: Gather at 4:30pm at the Monterey County Courthouse at the corner of W. Alisal Street & Church Street. Event is co-sponsored by Salinas Valley Equality and the Monterey County Chapter of Marriage Equality USA. More Info
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Day of Decision: Gather at 6pm at the Tulare County Courthouse (221 S. Mooney Blvd). More Info
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--upcoming events: southern california-->
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Costa Mesa:
Day of Decision: Gather at the Fairview Community Church, 2525 Fairveiw Road from 5:30 to 7 p.m. More Info
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Garden Grove:
5/7: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at Pacific Pride Foundation. More Info
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Hollywood:
4/19: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 3:30 PM. More Info
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Huntington Beach:
4/25: Equality Team Second Canvassing Event with Courage Campaign, 10 AM. More Info
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Long Beach
4/23: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at The Art Theater, 7 PM. More Info
5/16-5/17: Long Beach Pride More Info
Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source
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Los Angeles
4/19: Talking Across the Table: Elder Voices: Their Voices Then to Now (Special Presentation): We will listen to our sisters speak about their life experiences and see what we have learned and we will need to learn. Discussion of Prop 8 in the Black community will be one of our topics, Jewel's Catch One, 3-5 PM. More Info
4/25: West Adams/South LA Equality Team Presents: The Country Club Park Friendship Walk (Canvass) (Equality Team Event), at Jewel's Catch One, 1-3 PM. More Info
4/30: Spring Kick Off Party and Happy Hour for the 2009 Los Angeles Equality Awards, at the Cantina at Ciudad, 6 PM. More Info
5/11-5/12: Divorce! The Musical will create two special reading presentations to benefit the Courage Campaign. These performances will take place at the Hudson Mainstage Theatre in Los Angeles and showcase a lesbian couple on Monday, May 11 and a gay couple on Tuesday, May 12. 100% of the proceeds will go toward the Courage Campaign's efforts to restore marriage equality. More Info
6/12-6/14: Los Angeles Pride More Info
7/9-7/19: Outfest is the oldest continuous film festival in Southern California. Since its founding in 1982, Outfest has presented more than 4,500 films and videos for audiences of over half a million people. More Info
8/1: Los Angeles Equality Awards. More Info
Day of Decision: Two Locations: Gathering in two locations at 6pm: Rally location #1 in Hollywood at 647 N San Vincente Boulevard (Santa Monica and San Vincente); Rally location #2 in Santa Monica Courthouse (1725 Main Street). More Info
Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. More Info
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Palm Springs:
5/2: Kick Off Party 2009 Palm Springs Equality Awards, at a private home in Palm Springs, 5-7 PM More Info
10/17: Palm Springs Equality Awards More Info
11/7-11/8: Palm Springs Pride More Info
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Rancho Cucamonga:
Day of Decision: Gathering at the corner of Day Creek and Foothill Boulevard at 7pm. More Info
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San Diego:
4/18-4/19: The Human Rights Campaign is sponsoring a two-day training to provide grassroots activists hands-on skills to organize their communities on marriage equality for same-sex couples. More Info
7/18-7/19: San Diego Pride More Info
Day of Decision: Two Locations: Gather at 6pm at the Escondido City Hall (201 North Broadway) in Escondido; Gather at 5pm at Balboa Park (6th Ave & Laurel Street) in San Diego.Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info
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San Luis Obispo:
Day of Decision: Gather at 5:30pm at the City Hall Steps (990 Palm). More Info
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Santa Ana:
Day of Decision: Gather at 6pm at the Old Orange County Courthouse (211 W. Santa Ana Blvd, Santa Ana). More Info
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Santa Barbara:
4/29: Equality California Town Hall Meeting to discuss Prop 8 and the future of the movement, at Louise Lowry Davis Center, 6-8 PM. More Info
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Ventura:
Day of Decision: ather at 5:30pm at the Ventura County Government Center on the corner of Telephone Road and Victoria Avenue. More Info
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West Hollywood:
4/28: Talkin' Q Politics - Hate Crimes Legislation Update on actions to advance bill through the House and Senate, at HRC East/West, 6:30 PM.
5/9: The Teach-in will be a day-long event where participants will learn about our LGBTQ community’s shared history, and connect with their LGBTQ predecessors through a series of break-out sessions, performances, and speakers, at Plummer Park, 9 AM-5:30 PM. More Info
Day of Decision: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source
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--upcoming events: statewide-->
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5/22: Harvey Milk Day. More Info
5/31-6/6: AIDS Life Cycle - Team Marriage Equality. Contact Email
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USA, COLORADO:
--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Denver: Gather at the Wellington Webb Building (intersection of Colfax and 15th). More Info
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USA, CONNECTICUT:
--news-->
4/16: Anti gay groups ran a two page ad in the Hartford Courant claiming that "Church groups who won't comply will be punished by the government." Source
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USA, FLORIDA:--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Tampa: Gather at 6:30pm at the Joe Chillura Courthouse (corners of Morgan, Kennedy, Pierce & Madison). More Info
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USA, GEORGIA:--upcoming events-->
5/2: Atlanta: Human Rights Campaign's 2009 Atlanta Gala & Dinner. More Info
Day of Decision: Atlanta: Gathering is being planned. More Info
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USA, ILLINOIS:--news-->
4/14:
--Illinois advocates are backing a new gay-rights bill sponsored by a state representative from Chicago. Source
--Gov. Pat Quinn said he thinks Springfield lawmakers will eventually allow for civil unions, which would give homosexual couples rights comparable to those of married couples. Source
4/14: In bright yellow capital letters, the sign on the karaoke bar in downtown Peoria was clear: "WE ARE NOT A GAY BAR!!" Source
--upcoming events-->
4/26: Chicago: Same Love, Same Rights® LGBT Wedding Expo, hosted by the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, from 12:30pm-3:30pm on Sunday, April 26, 2009. More Info
Day of Decision: Chicago: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. More Info
Day of Decision: Springfield: Gather at 5:30pm at the Illinois Supreme Court Building (202 E Capitol). More Info
--articles-->
Battle Lines Drawn on Legalizing Civil Unions, by Pamela Jones Source
Illinois gays not betting on marriage, by Rex W. Huppke and Monique Garcia Source
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USA, INDIANA:--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Indianapolis: Gather at City County Building - Corner of Washington and Delaware St. 2PM until nightfall. If you can't make it at 2PM, We will be there ALL DAY. Please join us as soon as you are done with Work or School. We need EVERYONE out in FORCE to make this a success!!! More Info
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USA, IOWA:--news-->
4/13:
--Republicans "want this governor to issue an executive order that says there will be a stay on all same-sex marriages until the people of Iowa have the right to vote," said Republican Bob Vander Plaats. Source
--An openly gay state lawmaker received a death threat Monday, according to public safety officials. Source
--Iowa officials are working to change marriage licenses, birth certificates and other documents following a state Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage. Source
--Anti-gay marriage activists protested today at the Iowa state capitol in Des Moines, 11 days before gay marriage will become legal in Iowa. Source
--Republican State Senator Randy Feenstra of Hull, Iowa took to the floor and asked gay marriage to be brought to a public vote. Source
4/14: The Legislature has again blocked debate over issues linked to gay marriage, which was legalized earlier this month by the Iowa Supreme Court, turning back an amendment that would have allowed county recorders to deny licenses to same sex couples if they object to gay marriage. Source
4/16: Opponents of gay marriage in Iowa wear clothing that's red, to symbolize the blood of Christ, when they protest and lobby at the Iowa Capitol. Source
--articles-->
On gay rights, Iowa plows asunder California's claims of coolness, by Maureen Dowd Source
How Gays Won a Marriage Victory, by Keith B. Richburg Source
Here's a Little Challenge for Iowa's Homophobic Republican Legislators, by Andy Ostroy Source
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USA, MAINE:--news-->
4/15: More than 300 clergy members signed a letter sent to legislators and Gov. John Baldacci last week urging lawmakers to vote against LD 1020, the bill — sponsored by Dennis Damon, D-Trenton — that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Maine. Source
4/18: Nine men who identified themselves as members of a Pennsylvania-based group that supports "traditional family values" demonstrated Saturday afternoon near the Bangor Mall against a gay marriage bill currently being considered by the Maine Legislature. Source
--upcoming events-->
4/22: Because so many people are expected to turn out, Maine's Legislature has moved a public hearing on a gay marriage proposal to the Augusta Civic Center. The Judiciary Committee also has changed the date of its daylong public hearing from April 24 to April 22. Doors will open at 8 a.m. More Info
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USA, MASSACHUSETTS:--news-->
4/15: Tricorn hats and colonial garb graced Boston Harbor once again as activists staged a reinterpretation of the Boston Tea Party Wednesday. The protesters threw boxes of tea, labeled “1040EZ” and “Tax Forms,” to protest what they say is unfair taxation of same-sex couples. The protest, organized by gay-rights group Join the Impact Massachusetts, was one of 75 across the nation coinciding with the federal deadline to file income tax returns. More than 40 people attended and joined the rally calling, “Equal taxes, equal rights.” Source
--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Boston: Gather at 7pm at Copley Plaza. More Info
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USA, MICHIGAN:
--news-->
5/2: Detroit: Same Love, Same Rights® LGBT Wedding Expo, hosted by Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters on May 2, 2009 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm, aboard their two luxurious crafts anchored at the Jefferson Beach Marina in St. Clair Shores, MI. Source
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USA, NEW HAMPSHIRE:
--news-->
4/12: The Senate will hold a hearing Wednesday on whether to make New Hampshire the fourth state to allow gay couples to marry. Source
4/14: About 10 volunteer members of the American Society for the Defense of Tradition, Family and Property planted themselves on Library Hill, chanting and holding signs supporting "traditional" marriage. Source
4/15: At least 500 people crowded into New Hampshire's Statehouse on Wednesday for an emotional and sometimes boisterous Senate committee hearing over whether allowing gay marriage would weaken or strengthen the institution. Source
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USA, NEW YORK:
--news-->
4/14: New York's new archbishop is anti-gay marriage. Source
4/15:
--Gov. David A. Paterson plans to introduce legislation on Thursday to make marriage between same-sex couples legal in New York. Source
--New York Archbishop-designate Timothy Dolan says he'll challenge any effort to legalize gay marriage in New York. Source
--Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. has called an emergency summit of the New York Hispanic Clergy Organization tomorrow to strategize on the "next steps to take" in response to Gov. David Paterson's expected introduction of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Source
4/17:
--Gov. David A. Paterson introduced a bill on Thursday to legalize same-sex marriage, vowing to personally involve himself in the legislative debate at a level that is rare for a chief executive in New York. Source
--New York state senator Ruben Diaz Sr., a Pentecostal minister and ardent foe of same-sex marriage, said that he plans to hold a rally in May where he will call for the ouster of Gov. David Paterson. Source
--A New York Assemblywoman who previously voted against legalizing same-sex marriage has had a change of heart. Source
--Seventeen people, some wearing T-shirts and sporting tape over their mouths, walked from Binghamton University's Downtown Center to Binghamton High School and back to Binghamton City Hall to take a stand against anti-gay and lesbian bullying and to show support for the social advancement of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community. Source
--upcoming events-->
4/24-26: Utica: 2009 Pride and Joy Families Weekend Conference to be held April 24-26. More Info
4/25: Goshen: Rally for Marriage Equality, 2-4 PM at Church Park, Contact Email
4/28: Albany: Equality & Justice Day, 6 am-8 PM, Albany Legislative Buildings Contact Email
5/9: New York: 7:30pm, Off Center will present "Are We Tying the Knot Too Tight?: Gains and Losses in the Rush to Normalcy." This moderated panel will address some of the issues the LGBT community faces when dealing with whether and how to support the movement for same-sex marriage. More Info
9/9: Brooklyn: Family Law Day, In Conjunction with Lavender Law 2009, Brooklyn, NY, Co-sponsored by the National Lesbian & Gay Law Association and the National Family Law Advisory Council of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. More Info
Day of Decision: Albany: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source
Day of Decision: New York: Gathering planned the day of decision. More Info
--articles-->
GOP Votes for Gay Rites?: Some Republican Senators Could Break Ranks to Support a Bill for Same-Sex Marriage in New York, by Irene Jay Liu Source
Paterson's Gay Marriage Gamble, by Chris Rovzar Source
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USA, NEVADA:
--news-->
4/14: Gov. Jim Gibbons (R) said Tuesday that he will veto SB283, the domestic partner measure now under consideration in the state Senate, if it reaches his desk because "I just don't believe in it." Source
4/15: A gay and lesbian group wants to meet with Gov. Jim Gibbons to discuss “the daily realities of same-sex relationships.” Source
--articles-->
Activists keep close eye on Nevada, by Zamna Avila Source
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USA, NORTH CAROLINA:
--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Charlottesville: Gathering planned at 6pm. More Info
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USA, OREGON:
--upcoming events-->
4/19: Portland: The Clark County Chapter of Americans United for Separation of Church and State is cosponsoring a program on same-sex marriage at 2pm Sunday, April 19th, to be held at Portland State University’s Hoffman Hall (1825 SW Broadway). Source
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USA, PENNSYLVANIA:--upcoming events-->
4/27-5/3: Philadelphia: Equality Forum celebrates international gay culture and politics with parties and educational events made possible by more than 75 regional, national and international organizations. More Info
5/3: Philadelphia: National Equality Rally at Independence Hall More Info
5/15-5/17: New Hope: Pride More Info
6/14: Philadelphia: Pride More Info
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USA, TEXAS:
--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Dallas: Queer Liberaction, a local direct action group organized in the wake of Prop 8's passage last November, is already planning to hold a rally at 7 p.m. at the intersection of Cedar Springs Road and Oak Lawn Avenue on the Day of Decision, when the CA Supreme Court announces their decision. More Info
Day of Decision: San Antonio: Rally on the day of the California Supreme Court decision on Prop 8. Source
Ongoing: Dallas: Queer Liberaction meetings, 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month at Buli Cafe, located at 3908 Cedar Springs. Meetings start at 7 pm. More Info
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USA, TENNESSEE:
--news-->
4/17: Public High Schools in Tennessee are filtering out access to LGBT websites like the Human Rights Campaign, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), and many more. Source
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USA, UTAH:
--news-->
4/15: On 4/17, the Salt Lake City domestic partner registry will be one year old. Source
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USA, VIRGINIA:
--news-->
4/16: Several hundred people gathered at UVA’s amphitheater in Charlottesville for the Stand Against Hatred. Source
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USA, WASHINGTON
--news-->
4/15:
--Washington's House debated a domestic partnership expansion bill,. Source
--The state senate voted 62-35 to send the bill to Gov. Chris Gregoire for signing the bill, which provides “all the rights of marriage” allowed for couples under state law. Source
--upcoming events-->
Day of Decision: Charlottesville: Gather at 5pm at Westlake Corner Park, 400 Pine Street. More Info
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USA, WASHINGTON, DC
--news-->
4/16: Steve Schmidt, a key architect of John McCain's presidential campaign, will use a speech Friday to Log Cabin Republicans, to urge conservative Republicans to drop their opposition to same-sex marriage. Source
4/17: Congressional opponents of same-sex marriage most likely will attempt to overturn or block a D.C. marriage recognition law through an amendment to the city’s annual appropriations bill, according to political activists. Source
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WisPolitics: Same-sex marriage advocates focus on domestic partner benefits ahead of overturning ban, by Greg Bump Source
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posted by Mark & Scott at
9:03 AM
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