Gay Marriage Watch

NY: New Gay Marriage Play Opens Off Broadway

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

"When Joey Married Bobby", starring Lady Bunny, two-time S.A.G.Award Nominee Tina McKissick and introducing former Detroit Tiger Pitcher Matthew Pender as Joey, opened on February 6, 2010 for an open-ended run at Off-Broadway house Theatre 80 St. Marks, between 1st & 2nd Avenues. In attendance at the opening night were Fred Schneider (The B-52's), Frank DeCaro (Sirius Radio), Randy Jones (The Village People), singer Athena Reich and Mike Diamond (LOGO).

From the comic mind, of GLAAD Award winning playwright, William Wyatt (Peachtree Battle, A Sunday Afternoon At Loehmans, The Limousine Ride and Veranda) comes a tale about gay marriage in an ultra conservative household. Bright-eyed hunk Joey (Matthew Pender) has finally met the man of his dreams and ready to take a plunge into marriage.

The thought of a gay wedding has Joey's southern socialite mother Sarah Edwards (Tina McKissick) in quite a tizzy. Worried that the news of her son's nuptials might jeopardize her chances of winning "Christian of the Year," Sarah stops at nothing to protect her name, image and reputation. The legendary Lady Bunny co-stars in the play as the power-wielding, Baptist Minister's Wife, Charity Divine.

Full Story from Broadway World
Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.
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The New Republican Senate Majority Offers a Compelling Agenda (Satire)

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

As their party now controls the Senate with an insurmountable 41-59 minority, Republican leaders yesterday presented their legislative agenda for 2010 and asked Democrats to join them in crafting non-partisan solutions to nation’s problems.

Jobs, jobs, jobs is the Republicans’ highest priority. Their Shelby stimulus plan would create 125 jobs by funding $40 billion of earmarks for two projects in Alabama. In a conciliatory gesture, Sen. Shelby (R-AL) would also release his blanket hold on Obama nominees, thus putting at least 70 more people to work.

The second part of the Republican jobs plan is tax cuts for America’s wealthiest. “We must change the incentives,” Republican Leader Mitch McConnell argued. “With taxes so high, most of the unemployed see no reason to get a job. Moreover, as we have proven before, tax cuts by themselves create jobs.” McConnell pointed to the Bush tax cuts that resulted in over 800 new jobs in catering bat mitzvahs for daughters of hedge fund operators. Sen. DeMint (R-S.C.) added that that enacting Republican social initiatives — the prohibition of gay marriage, abortion, and reality-based thought — would create millions of jobs.

Full Story from Crosscut.com
Click here for gay marriage resources.
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VA: Delegate Tries to Repeal Gay Marriage Ban

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

Delegate David Englin, D-Alexandria, wants Virginia to repeal its constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages. He says the amendment, which voters approved four years ago, is unfair to gay and lesbian couples. So he’s trying for the third time to repeal it. “If we are to take our founding values seriously, where we say that every human being deserves equal treatment under the law, then we cannot enshrine in the Constitution a policy that boils down to nothing but bigotry,” Englin said.

In the 2006 general election, 57 percent of voters supported amending the Virginia Constitution to say: Marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

Virginia will not recognize “a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance, or effects of marriage.” Nor will the state recognize “another union, partnership, or other legal status to which is assigned the rights, benefits, obligations, qualities, or effects of marriage.”

Full Story from WTOP
Click here for gay marriage resources in Virginia.
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IA: 62% Say Gay Marriage Not Worthy of Legislators' Time

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

A majority of Iowans think the issue of gay marriage doesn't deserve lawmakers' limited time. Among six hot-button topics, a new Iowa Poll shows a majority of Iowans consider only a ban on text messaging while driving worth the Legislature's time during a session shortened by 20 days to cut costs. Iowans are not enthusiastic about devoting time to debates on gay marriage, puppy mills, gun control, payday loans or gambling.

The Democrats who control what comes up for a vote say budget issues will dominate the 2010 session as the recession continues to pinch state revenues. But lawmakers have introduced hundreds of bills on other topics.

Friday marks the first so-called funnel, a deadline that winnows the workload by letting some bills move forward and others die.

Full Story from the Des Moines Register
Click here for gay marriage resources in Iowa.
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Gay Marriage Watch: Gay Marriage Events List 2/7/10

2010-02-07T10:02:00.000-08:00

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: 2/14: No More Forbidden Love Rally, Taylor Sq, Darlinghurst, 12-2 PM. http://bit.ly/9biD8P

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: 2/12: Marriage Equality Speakout, Crnr Bourke & Swanson, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/cT0LVn

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

Anstralia, WA, Perth: 2/14: Not Invisible on Valentine's, Stirling Gardens, 12 PM. http://bit.ly/9lCUhB

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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, Camarillo: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, CSU Channel Is., 6 PM. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

CA, Culver City: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, CS HS, All Day. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

CA, Fresno: 2/12: Freedom to Marry Rally, County Clerk's Offc, 1-2 PM. http://bit.ly/cqF12V

CA, Garden Grove: 2/12-14: Courage Campaign/EQCA Booth (C29) at Tet Festival 2010, Garden Grove Park, 10 AM. http://bit.ly/4Jx3De

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: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, LA City Hall, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

CA, Los Angeles: 2/12: Singles for Marriage Event, Rudolph's, 6-9 PM. http://bit.ly/5IObNd

CA. Los Angeles: 2/18: State of Our Union - Being Black & Gay, Lucy Florence Coffee House, 7-10 PM. http://bit.ly/b59Dcd

CA, Los Banos: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, LB HS, 3:30 PM. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

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

CA, Palm Springs: 2/20: PS Equality Awards Kickoff Party, Riviera Resort, 4-6 PM. http://bit.ly/9zGaIQ

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: 2/12: Freedom to Marry Rally, City Hall Steps, 11 AM. http://bit.ly/cqF12V

CA, San Francisco: 2/12: Love Everywhere Performance Project, City Hall Rotunda, 12 pM. http://bit.ly/cqF12V

CA, San Francisco: 2/17: Same-Sex Marriage: Fed v. State, Commonwealth Club, $20, 6-7 PM. http://bit.ly/aBnHEB

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

CA, San Francisco: 2/13: 2010 San Francisco Equality Awards, City Hall. http://bit.ly/5dVRbH

CA, San Jose: 2/12: Freedom to Marry Rally, Clerk-Recorder's Offc, 10 AM-12 PM. http://bit.ly/cqF12V

CA, Walnut Creek: 2/11: Marriage Equality Flier Distribution, Pleasant Hill BART, 6-9 AM, 4-7 PM. http://bit.ly/cqF12V

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: 2/15: Equality Network Valentines Benefit, Sassy, 8 PM-2 AM. http://bit.ly/d7IXAC

CA, West Hollywood: 2/18: EQCA Sponsored Chris Kelly for AG Fundraiser, 11 Restaurant, 6-8 PM. http://bit.ly/aSO5Eh

CA, Woodland: 2/12: Freedom to Marry Rally, County Admin Bldg, 12-1 PM. http://bit.ly/cqF12V

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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

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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

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ILLINOIS

IL, Mattoon: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, Lake Land College, All Day. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

IL, Chicago: 2/14: Picket Holy Name Cathedral, 10:30 AM. http://bit.ly/axWRCu

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: 2/10: Unitarian Universalists Meet B4 Lobby Day, Judicial Bldg, 8 AM. http://bit.ly/doGtnH

IA, Des Moines: 2/10: Marriage Equality Lobby Day, Capitol Room, 9 AM-4 PM. http://bit.ly/5kEWAv

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, Portland: 2/9: Toolkit for Courageous Conversations, Equality Maine Office, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/cmQ4pA

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN MARYLAND

MD, Annapolis: 2/8: 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, Blaine: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, Blaine HS, 11 AM-1 PM. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

MN, Minnesota: 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 NEW JERSEY

NJ, Asbury Park: 2/19: Demolish the Divide Rally, Garden State Equality Offc, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/dBC8mY

NJ, Collingswood: 2/17: Demolish the Divide Rally, Scottish Rite Auditorium, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/dBC8mY

NJ, Montclair: 2/18: Demolish the Divide Rally, Bnai Keshet Reconstructionish Synagogue, 7 PM. http://bit.ly/dBC8mY

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 YORK

NY, New York City: 2/14: Valentine's Day UnMarriage Rally, Bethesda Fountain, Ctrl Park, 1-2 PM. http://bit.ly/aMBuUt

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 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

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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 TENNESSEE

TN, Ooltewah: 2/11: Find the Courage Networking Meeting, Jill & Lorie's, 7-9 PM. http://bit.ly/8xb0YJ

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, Dallas: 2/12: Freedom to Marry Day Protest, Historical Plaza, 12 PM. http://bit.ly/9qKucM

TX, Southlake: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, Bicentennial Park, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

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

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>>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN VIRGINIA

VA, Arlington: 2/12: Remembering Lawrence King Vigil, Wakefield HS, All Day. http://bit.ly/tJRhx

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fini

Senator Gillibrand Introduces Bill to De-Fund Don't Ask Don't Tell

2010-02-07T07:55:00.000-08:00

A bill that would withhold the cost of implementing the “don't ask, don't tell” policy is expected to be announced tonight by New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand at a gay fundraiser, the New York Times reported. Gillibrand is the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) ninth annual greater New York fundraiser in Manhattan. HRC, the nation's largest gay rights advocate, recently endorsed Gillibrand's 2010 candidacy.

The bill seeks to deny funding to the military for the costs of implementing the policy that bans gay troops from serving openly in Armed Forces. Gillibrand is expected to introduce her proposal as an amendment to the federal budget.

The policy has come under heavy scrutiny since President Obama called for an end to the law during his first State of the Union address. On Tuesday, the Pentagon's top brass – Admiral Mike Mullen, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Defense Secretary Robert Gates – told a key Senate panel considering the issue that the military should end the policy.

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.

Anne Hathaway & Family Left Catholic Church Over Anti-Gay Bias

2010-02-07T07:49:00.000-08:00

Oscar nominee and bird flipper to the paparazzi, Anne Hathaway - and her family - bid a fond adieu to the Catholic church over its prehistoric views on lesbians and gays, she tells GQ - in so many words.

The Rachel Getting Married star broke from with religion of her upbringing when her big brother came out of the closet. "The whole family converted to Episcopalianism after my elder brother came out," she said. "Why should I support an organization that has a limited view of my beloved brother?"

Although, Hathaway who was one of a few celebrities to sport a "White Knot" for marriage equality at last year's Tony Awards and who famously costarred in Hollywood's biggest gay flick to date, Brokeback Mountain, said that the Episcopal church isn't perfect for her either. "So I'm... nothing (no denomination)," she said, "Fuck it, I'm forming. I'm a work in progress."

Full Story from SheWired
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.

Why Republicans Are Largely Silent On Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal

2010-02-07T07:43:00.000-08:00

A funny thing happened after Adm. Mike Mullen called for gay men and lesbians to serve openly in the military: A curious silence befell much of the right. If this were a Sherlock Holmes story, it would be the case of the attack dogs that did not bark. John McCain, commandeering the spotlight as usual, did fulminate against the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell.” But the press focus on McCain, the crazy man in Washington’s attic, was misleading. His yapping was an exception, not the rule.

Many of his Republican colleagues said little or nothing. The right’s noise machine was on mute. The Fox News report on Mullen’s testimony was fair and balanced — and brief. The network dropped the subject entirely in the Hannity-O’Reilly hothouse of prime time that night. Only ratings-desperate CNN gave a fleeting platform to the old homophobic clichés. Michael O’Hanlon, an “expert” from the Brookings Institution, speculated that “18-year-old, old-fashioned, testosterone-laden” soldiers who are “tough guys” might object to those practicing “alternative forms of lifestyle,” which he apparently views as weak and testosterone-deficient. His only prominent ally was the Family Research Council, which issued an inevitable “action alert” demanding a stop to “the sexualization of our military.”

The occasional outliers notwithstanding, why did such a hush greet Mullen on Capitol Hill? The answer begins with the simple fact that a large majority of voters — between 61 percent and 75 percent depending on the poll — now share his point of view. Most Americans recognize that being gay is not a “lifestyle” but an immutable identity, and that outlawing discrimination against gay people who want to serve their country is, as the admiral said, “the right thing to do.”

Full Story from the New York 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.

Analysis: Prop 8 Case and the US Supreme Court

2010-02-07T07:27:00.000-08:00

The legal struggle in California involving the state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage eventually will make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. Whether the justices will accept the case -- which would come to them out of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, generally believed to be the most liberal appeals court in the country -- and how they would rule if they accepted the case is highly speculative at this point.

The battle against gay and lesbian marriage in California was engaged in 2000 when alarmed voters enacted the California Defense of Marriage Act, Proposition 22, a law that banned same-sex marriage or the recognition of such a marriage performed in another state. The margin was wide: 61 percent voted for the new law, which said simply, "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Since it was a state law, it was vulnerable to court challenge. In about a month, it was struck down by the California Supreme Court 4-3, which said it violated the rights of gays and lesbians. The majority included the Republican-appointed chief justice. Democratic state officials then allowed the law to die.

Full Story from UPI.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.

Malawai: Man Arrested for Putting Up Gay Rights Posters

2010-02-07T07:20:00.000-08:00

Malawian police have arrested a man for allegedly putting up posters supporting homosexuality, which is illegal in the southern African nation. Peter Sawali was charged this week with conduct likely to cause breach of peace, said police spokesman Davie Chingwalu.

Sawali, 21, was putting up posters that read, "Gay rights are human rights," on a busy road in the city of Blantyre, the spokesman said.The man had stacks of glossy posters with the same message in his possession, according to the spokesman. An investigation is under way to seek more suspects, because Sawali said he was not acting alone.

"Homosexuality is illegal in Malawi and is punishable by prison time and hard labor," Chingwalu said. "Basically, he was promoting a criminal act. This is what this is all about."

Full Story from CNN
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's Judge Walker is Gay

2010-02-07T07:09:00.000-08:00

The biggest open secret in the landmark trial over same-sex marriage being heard in San Francisco is that the federal judge who will decide the case, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, is himself gay. Many gay politicians in San Francisco and lawyers who have had dealings with Walker say the 65-year-old jurist, appointed to the bench by President George H.W. Bush in 1989, has never taken pains to disguise - or advertise - his orientation.

They also don't believe it will influence how he rules on the case he's now hearing - whether Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure approved by state voters to ban same-sex marriage, unconstitutionally discriminates against gays and lesbians.

"There is nothing about Walker as a judge to indicate that his sexual orientation, other than being an interesting factor, will in any way bias his view," said Kate Kendell, head of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, which is supporting the lawsuit to overturn Prop. 8. As evidence, she cites the judge's conservative - albeit libertarian - reputation, and says, "There wasn't anyone who thought (overturning Prop. 8) was a cakewalk given his sexual orientation."

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.

Imagining 2011: What Democratic Inaction Could Mean for the LGBT Community

2010-02-06T08:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to America. It is Jan. 4, 2011. John Boehner is now Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mitch McConnell is now Senate Majority Leader. The first piece of legislation introduced in each house in the new Congress is the following proposal for a constitutional amendment:

Section 1. No governmental or private entity in the United States shall, in any form, recognize as a marriage any union other than one consisting of one man and one woman.

Section. 2. No governmental or private entity in the United States shall, in any form, afford any legal recognition to any union of any two or more individuals which in any way equals or approximates marriage.

Full Story from Pam's House Blend
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Africa: A Hotbed of Homophobia

2010-02-06T08:29:00.000-08:00

The announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense that it will consider lifting a military policy that discriminates against gays and lesbians is a laudable move. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said this week that it was time to repeal the military’s 17-year-old “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy.

Yet in most countries of Africa, homosexuals have become even more endangered after several governments recently created laws to criminalize their sexual orientation. Political leaders in many African countries have made a deliberate attempt to ostracize people who engaged in same-sex relationships.

In West Africa, the Gambian dictator Yahya Jammeh has threatened to behead any gay person found in his country. A report published in the BBC’s Focus on Africa Web site quotes Jammeh issuing a 24-hour ultimatum to all gays to get out of the Gambia or he would cut off their heads. The Gambia had become a safe haven for gay refugees fleeing persecution from the country’s neighbor, Senegal. Jammeh embarked on a countrywide anti-gay campaign, and the BBC reported that he told a political rally, “The Gambia is a country of believers where sinful and immoral practices such as homosexuality will not be tolerated.”

Full Story from KansasCity.com
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New Report: Independents Not Listening to Marriage Equality Argument

2010-02-06T08:19:00.000-08:00

They believe that gay and lesbian relationships deserve legal recognition but fear that calling such unions “marriage” would tarnish the institution. They have close friends or family members who are gay, yet they are concerned about how same-sex marriage would affect their children.

And changing the way they think about marriage equality is crucial to future state initiative battles.

In a new study released Friday by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research for the moderate-progressive think tank Third Way, researchers polled the elusive “middle” voter base — one that gay rights groups have failed to persuade at the ballot box with messages of fairness and equality. Greenberg Quinlan polled voters from two ballot initiatives with opposing outcomes in November: Question 1 in Maine, which stripped marriage rights from same-sex couples; and Referendum 71 in Washington, which expanded rights for domestic partners.

Full Story from the Advocate
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Israel: Serving Proudly in the Military

2010-02-06T08:09:00.000-08:00

I began my mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces in the summer of 1994, just a year after the government decided that gays could serve openly in the military. At the time, I had not yet solidified my sexual orientation, having had encounters with both men and women. I was generally confused.

One thing I did know was that I wanted to join an infantry unit and also serve as a paratrooper—like a "real man." Basic training was grueling, with sleepless nights, agonizing exercises, and long runs in full battle gear. Those hardships taught me the value of friendship: men struggling together, bleeding together, and supporting one another while pushing themselves to the limits of their abilities. They also taught me that there's a flip side to military machismo: a helping hand when times are tough or a brotherly hug when missions are accomplished successfully. These friendships enabled me to open up to the other men and talk about my sexual identity. The reactions were always supportive; regardless of whom you share your bed with, these friends would say, we know you are a good fighter and a member of the team.

And so, oddly enough, it was my military service that helped me make sense of my sexual orientation. By the time I became a young officer, I'd come out of the closet to my family and friends and had a steady partner. I did not pin a gay-pride flag on my duffel bag or hang one at my base; I don't think that would have been appropriate in the military, given the diversity of opinions and beliefs. But I never lied about my preferences, and by the time I became a senior officer in an elite unit, most of my fellow officers knew my story. Yes, I was a gay officer in a special-forces unit—and a damn good one, at that.

Full Story from Newsweek
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USA: 2009 Saw 50 Positive LGBT Bills Passed, and Only 4 Negative Bills

2010-02-06T07:57:00.000-08:00

The number of pro-LGBT bills passed at state levels in 2009 totaled more than those passed in 2007 and 2008 combined. That, according to a report from the Human Rights Campaign, marks great progress despite a year wherein community members felt stinging defeats. At the same time HRC was releasing its annual rankings of LGBT-friendly companies, the national organization also unveiled its “Equality State by State,” a report of legislative actions across the country written by HRC State Legislative Director Sara Warbelow.

Overall, the LGBT community saw success on state-level legislation. A total of 332 pro-LGBT bills were introduced and 50 were passed. Only 69 negative pieces of legislation were introduced. Of those, only four passed.

Despite a setback in Maine, when voters chose to overturn their state legislature’s decision to offer marriage to all couples, other states and jurisdictions moved forward on marriage. On April 7, 2009, Vermont passed legislation opening marriage to all couples. New Hampshire decided to join Vermont on June 3, 2009. Their law went into effect on Jan. 1, 2010. And, on Dec. 18, 2009, the Washington, D.C. City Council passed legislation extending marriage rights there. In April, Iowa’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of a gay couple seeking a marriage license there.

Full Story from QNotes
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Profile of One of the Prop 8 Trial Couples

2010-02-06T07:43:00.000-08:00

Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo had hoped for years to get married, but as they watched anti-same-sex marriage campaign material proliferate in their Burbank community, the obstacles facing them became clear. More than a dozen “Yes on 8” signs — supporting the 2008 initiative that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman — cropped up in one neighbor’s yard as the election approached.

“It was a slap in the face every time you left for work, and it was a slap in the face every time you came home,” Katami said. But when the campaigning was over, and the state’s law prohibiting their union was passed, the couple decided to challenge it.

Together with a lesbian couple from Berkeley, the men are part of a federal lawsuit in San Francisco claiming that the same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional because it discriminates against a minority group. Proposition 8, the couple said, was too troubling of an affront on their rights to allow it to stand, particularly after they had built a relationship together and fallen in love like any other couple.

Full Story from the Burbank Leader
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CA: Join the Largest Signature Gathering Event of the Prop 8 Repeal Campaign Tomorrow

2010-02-05T08:44:00.000-08:00

Feb. 6th is the Day of Action for the repeal of Prop 8! Equality supporters from all over the state will be out collecting signatures to reverse 2008's divisive ballot measure. RE2010's goal is to collect 100,000 signatures in just one day. The bigger the number of volunteers, and the bigger the number of volunteers those volunteers invite to the event, the more easily that goal will be met! This is a crucial day for marriage equality, and one that all supporters of equality should have a chance to be a part of.

Here are the current locations and dates:

San Diego Central:
Place - The Bamboo Lounge
Address - 1475 University Ave
Time - 10 AM

San Diego North County - Oceanside:
Place - The Hill Street Cafe
Address - 524 South Coast Highway
Time - 10 AM

San Diego South:
Place - Chicano Park
Address - National Ave & Dewey St
Time - 10 AM

San Francisco:
Place - Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco
Address - 1 Market St. Embarcadero Plaza
Time - 11 AM
Bay Area:
Place - Justin Herman Plaza, San Francisco
Address - 1 Market St. Embarcadero Plaza
Time - 11 AM

Chico:
Place - Congregational Church of Chico
Address -1190 E. First Avenue
Time - 10 AM

Bakersfield:
Place - Casablanca Club
Address - 1825 N Street, Bakersfield
Time - 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM

Fresno:
Place -just outside the Chicken Pie Shop
Address - 835 E. Olive (Tower District)
Time - 10:00am

Sanger / South Fresno County:
Place - Sanger Wal-Mart Parking lot (South-East Parking lot area near Jamba Juice)
Address: 2761 Jensen Ave., Sanger, CA
Time - 2:00PM - 4:30PM

Inland Empire - Riverside:
Place - Riverside Plaza (in front of Borders)
Address - 3615 Riverside Plaza Dr, Riverside, CA 92506
Time - 11-3pm
Orange County:
Location: Metro Q Bar & Grill
Street: 19092 Beach Blvd Ste J Huntington Beach, CA
Time: 11:15am - 4:00pm
See more information on Facebook

Los Angeles:
Place - Echo Park United Methodist Church
Address - 1226 North Alvarado Street, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Time - 1:00pm to 4:30pm

Place - Hollywood Lutheran Church
Address - 1733 North New Hampshire Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Time - TBA
Latino Unity @ Olvera Street
Community Education, Outreach & Signature Gathering for Marriage Equality
Place - Iglesia Nuestra Señora Reina de los Angeles
Address - 535 N Main Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Time - Check-In 11:30 am in front of La Placita Church

Place - Michael & Nowlin's Home
Address - 15426 Lull Street, Van Nuys, CA 91406
Time - TBA

Long Beach:
Place - East Village Long Beach Certified Farmers Market
Address - 1st Street between Elm and Linden
Time - 9:15 AM to 11:30 PM

Oxnard:
Place -Oxnard Flea Market. Oxnard Community College.
Address - 4000 South Rose Ave.
Time - 9AM to 1 PM

Ventura:
Place -Ventura Flea Market and Swap Meet. County Fairgrounds.
Address - 10 Harbor Boulevard
Time - 9am-3pm

North San Fernando Valley:
Place - TBA
Address -
Time -

Oakland:
Place - Rockridge BART Station Parking Lot
Address - 5660 College Avenue, Oakland
Time - 10:30 AM

For updates, visit the Restore Equality 2010 Website at http://restoreequality2010.com/pressroom.htm

IA: GOP To Try to Force Gay Marriage Ban Out of Committee

2010-02-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

A legislative push to overturn the Iowa Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage is likely to begin Monday, according to the state’s largest gay-rights organization. After numerous meetings at the Capitol Thursday, Brad Clark, campaign director for One Iowa, told The Iowa Independent that he expects Republican lawmakers in the Iowa House to attempt to bring about a vote on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage by invoking Rule 60, which allows a majority vote on the floor of the House to pull a bill out of a committee even if the committee has not approved it.

Democratic leadership has repeatedly promised that the legislature would not discuss gay marriage this session. Gay-rights advocates have long believed conservative lawmakers would attempt some procedural move to force a vote on the issue in spite of Democratic opposition.

In the closing days of the 2009 legislative session, Republicans in both the House and Senate made numerous attempts to force a vote on a constitutional ban on gay marriage, including attaching it to a tax proposal and the state’s Health and Human Services budget. Democrats successfully blocked the efforts.

Full Story from the Iowa Independent
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DC: Elections Board Rejects Gay Marriage Opponents for a Third Time

2010-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Third time was not the charm for opponents of gay marriage in the District of Columbia. On Thursday, their latest effort to delay the expected March 3 start of a gay marriage law also ran aground. In its third ruling on the issue, the Board of Elections and Ethics rejected opponents' latest attempt to place on the ballot an initiative that would ban gay marriage in the District. The board has consistently ruled that such a measure would violate the city's Human Rights Act (HRA) that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

“The Referendum seeks to frustrate this effort, and would, if successful, have the effect of authorizing discrimination in contravention of the HRA,” the board said in its 18-page ruling. “Accordingly, it does not present a proper subject for referendum, and may not be accepted by the Board.”

Opponents have appealed the board's previous rulings to the D.C. Superior Court, and are likely to appeal its latest decision. In both cases, however, the court agreed with the board.

Full Story from On Top Magazine
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UK: Update on Gay Rights Legislation

2010-02-05T07:57:00.000-08:00

THE LAW covering church employment will stay as it is, the Minister for Women and Equality, Harriet Harman, said on Tuesday. She was speaking after the defeat in the Lords of an amendment to the Equality Bill (News, 29 January), which sought to clarify the exemption for religious bodies from the existing legislation, to ensure that it applied only to church ministers.

In a statement, Ms Harman said: “Employment and non-discrimination law applies to religious organisations when they employ people in non-religious jobs in the same way that it does to all other employers. We have never insisted on non-discrimination legislation applying to religious jobs such as being a vicar, a bishop, an imam, or a rabbi.”

She continued: “We thought that it would be helpful for everyone involved to clarify the law, and that is what the amendment that we brought forward aimed to do. That amend ment was rejected. So the law remains as it was.”

Full Story from the Church Times
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Sarah Silverman on Gay Marriage Bans: "It's Embarrassing."

2010-02-05T07:48:00.000-08:00

Sarah Silverman may have a new beau in her life, but that doesn't mean she plans to march down the aisle and make him her husband anytime soon. Silverman has made a name for herself with her quirky and dirty sense of humor, but she is quite serious when it comes to the subject of equal rights - she has made it known that she will not marry and doesn't believe anyone else should marry until gay people have the right to as well.

The outspoken comedienne and star of "The Sarah Silverman Program," which premieres tonight at 10:30 p.m. on Comedy Central, clearly stated that the only way she will ever marry is if gays and lesbians are granted the right to do the same.

When she stopped by the MTV News offices to talk about the show, her passion for the subject was obvious. "Not only would I not get married, it actually actively bums me out that anyone who is for equal rights would get married right now," she said.

Full Story from MTV
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NY: NoH8 Holds Photoshoot in New York City

2010-02-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

You’ve certainly seen the photos — white backdrop with white t-shirts, mouths taped shut, glossy bright eyes and the standard “NOH8″ logo on the cheek. Since November 4, 2008 (the night Prop 8 passed in California), Adam Bouska (the photographer) and his partner, Jeff Parshley (the visionary), have been photographing thousands of individuals in California for the photo project and silent protest known as the NOH8 Campaign. The project has grown exponentially over the last year to include notable celebrities and politicians: Jane Lynch, Kathy Griffin, Cindy McCain, Meghan McCain, Ashlee Simpson, Pete Wentz, Marlee Matlin, and Isaiah Washington have all posed for the campaign.

However, until this week only those in LA LA land had the opportunity to participate (shoots have also been held in San Diego and Palm Springs). On February 1, an open shoot was held at the Empire Hotel in New York City, inviting everyone and anyone to throw on their best white t-shirt and strike a pose. Over 500 New Yorkers lined up from 2 – 8pm (despite the cold) to have their photo taken by Bouska and during the time I was there, I saw a healthy mix of ages, races and gender.

While in line among strangers, I chatted with two adorable men living in Brooklyn, Steven and Abdul, ages 31 and 26, who had been following the campaign since the beginning: “I had been following them online and just waiting for them to come to New York, just stalking them til they got here. We stand and get photographed for tons of other things that aren’t important at all, so why not be photographed for something and make a statement? We support the idea of marriage quality.”

Full Story from Autostraddle
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Uganda: Obama Issues Condemnation of Anti Gay Bill

2010-02-05T07:14:00.000-08:00

U.S President Barack Obama has criticized the controversial anti-gay law which has been proposed to Uganda's legislature. Speaking at a national prayer breakfast in Washington, DC, on Thursday, Obama described the proposed law as "odious," according to a text posted to the White House website.

"We may disagree about gay marriage," he said, "but surely we can agree that it is unconscionable to target gays and lesbians for who they are."

A bill before the Ugandan parliament proposes that penalties for homosexuality should be increased, raising the sentence for "same gender sexual activity" to life imprisonment.

Full Story from AllAfrica.com
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Albania: Parliament Passes Gay Rights Bill, But Not Gay Marriage

2010-02-05T07:04:00.000-08:00

ALBANIA'S new anti-discrimination law defends gays and minorities and meets European standards, its sponsors said on Friday, but warned that homophobia is rife and winning over the public will be slow. Albanian rights groups and the Alliance against the Discrimination of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) welcomed the law as a powerful legal tool to protect against any kind of discrimination.

Approved by the ruling Democratic Party and its allies in parliament late on Thursday, the law does not allow same-sex marriage as promised by Prime Minister Sali Berisha. Muslim, Orthodox and Catholic communities condemned the idea.

'This law is not simply a fulfilment of requirements that Albania has undertaken for European Union integration and visa liberalisation. Above all, it is a victory for democracy and for human rights for all Albanians,' the LGBT community said. The group hoped that Berisha would eventually keep his promise to legalise same-sex marriage.

Full Story from The Straits Times
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