Gay Marriage for All!

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13438070793890369952008-07-05T15:54:30.593-07:00Gay Marriage for All!Scott at PurpleUnions.comhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06893539163975272261noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1343807079389036995.post-24958669315590848652008-07-05T15:49:00.001-07:002008-07-05T15:54:30.706-07:00Gay Marriage Watch: June 29th-July 5thHere's the latest news on gay marriage from around the world. Our favorite story of the week - the <a href="http://blog.washingtonpost.com/sleuth/2008/07/christian_sites_ban_on_g_word.html?hpid=news-col-blog">Christian site OneNewsNow's auto-replacement of sprinter Tyson Gay's last name</a> in the story posted on the site about his winning run at the Olympic trials: "Tyson Homosexual was a blur in blue, sprinting 100 meters faster than anyone ever has." OK, so it's not directly gay marriage related, but we just had to share this one with you. 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 <a href="mailto:info@purpleunions.com">info@purpleunions.com</a>. --Scott This Week's Woody Award: This week's Woody award honors goes to J. Matt Barber, writing about the <a href="http://www.postchronicle.com/commentary/article_212155371.shtml">horrors of gay marriage when it comes to the kids involved</a>. He cites the case of a lesbian-gone-Christian who doesn't want her daughter to see her other lesbian parent in Virginia, and piles on the hyperbole, including this: "In so doing, four black-robed Dr. Frankensteins have loosed that paradoxical abomination tagged "same-sex marriage" on the countryside.", "the target of a vicious legal attack by militant homosexual activists", and "in an act that can only be described as pure evil." Slow down, Matt, and take a deep breath. While the situation is indeed sad and unfortunate, your breathless commentary overlooks a couple key facts - first of all, the so-called "Christian" mother started all of this by breaking her vows to her partner and attempting to shut her out of her own daughter's life. And the second is that we do have courts in this country for a reason, and it's not to cater to your own blatantly homophobic views - it's to interpret the laws when cases like this come up, and to decide what's in the best interests of this child. But hey, why let facts get in the way of a good ole fashioned verbal gay bashing? So congratulations, Mister Barber, and enjoy your woody.Runner-up goes to Sylvia Thompson, a woman from Tennessee who in a letter to the editor asserts "My brown skin is neither a condition nor a decision, as are the condition of homosexual orientation and the decision to live a homosexual lifestyle. It cannot be treated away, as the homosexual condition has been in many cases, nor can I decide that I will no longer be of color. Consequently, the comparison of race to the homosexual condition is a demeaning crock." Hmm... since being gay or lesbian is clearly a choice in Ms. Thompson's mind, one must assume she has crossed that line at least once to have gained this knowledge. Wonder who the (un)lucky girl was? And how sad that a member of not just one but two historically less-than-equal groups in our society feels the need to put down members of another. Sorry, Ms. Thompson, but we have no woody for you, just this lovely certificate. Events of the Last Week: 6/29/08: India: 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. <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/02/MN5K11I4TH.DTL">Source</a>Ireland: 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. <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8169.html">Source</a> USA, Hawaii: There is a quiet, but steadily growing movement to reintroduce the legalization of same-sex marriage at the Hawaii Legislature next year. <a href="http://starbulletin.com/2008/06/29/business/story03.html">Source</a> USA, California: 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. <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gBqeOWTjCr7tV6mRHqWnUMnU0RVgD91K2S3G0">Source</a> 6/30/08: Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa presided over the wedding of Oscar-winning film producer Bruce Cohen and his partner of five years, Gabriel Catone. <a href="http://www.gaylesbiantimes.com/?id=12539">Source</a> USA, California: 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. <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/06/30/money_pours_into_calif_gay_marriage_campaigns/">Source</a> 7/1/08:San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom formed an exploratory committee to look at a possible gubenatorial bid in 2010. <a href="http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5js4ISCXHdikh8WcjfneejvvYY3FQD91LJP600">Source</a> Australia: The Tasmanian Greens are calling for a conscience vote on a bill to allow gay marriage in Tasmania. <a href="http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/07/01/2291363.htm">Source</a> USA: 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. <a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=76785">Source</a> USA, California: 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. <a href="http://www.kcpw.org/article/6250">Source</a> USA, Oregon: A three judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments next week in a lawsuit brought by conservative groups seeking to revive last year's failed referendum on Oregon's domestic partnership law. <a href="http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/07/070208ore.htm">Source</a> USA, Virginia: Without the aid of lawyers, advocates or lawmakers, a Virginia couple almost succeeded in getting around the state's same-sex marriage ban. Authorities say charges will not be filed against the couple. <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/30/AR2008063002069.html">Source</a> 7/2/08: Barack Obama says he opposes a ban on same sex marriage in California after the State's Supreme Court ruled that it is unconstitution to ban gay marriage. <a href="http://gaysocialites.com/2008/07/barack_obama_says_he_opposes_a.html">Source</a> New Zealand: 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. <a href="http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_6163.php">Source</a> 7/3/08: Republican Wade Connerly came out against the same sex marriage ban "Proposition 8" on the November ballot in California. <a href="http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/07/connerly-on-pro.html">Source</a> Europe: The International Gay and Lesbian Association has 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. <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8206.html">Source</a> Spain: National Court judge says gay marriage should not be declared unconstitutional. <a href="http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_17245.shtml">Source</a> USA, Arkansas: 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 Monday's deadline but will likely need more time to get the number required. <a href="http://www.365gay.com/Newscon08/07/070308ad.htm">Source</a> USA, California: A campaign is under way to educate consumers – and the stores where they shop –about what appear to be 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 href="http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=3126">Source</a> USA, Connecticut: Far right groups in the state are trying to rally the voters to hold a Constitutional Convention, in hopes of enshrining a ban on abortion, gay marriage, and high taxes in the state's constitution. <a href="http://www.fairfieldweekly.com/article.cfm?aid=8563">Source</a> USA, Illinois: Cook County's Board of Commissioners on Tuesday voted to revise the county's domestic partnership registry ordinance to preserve rights and benefits for LGBT couples who may choose to marry out of state where same-sex marriage is now legal. <a href="http://www.nbc5.com/news/16782722/detail.html">Source</a> USA, New York: Unmarried residents of Putnam County, regardless of sexual orientation, will have an opportunity to enroll in the county's Domestic Partner Registry now that County Executive Robert Bondi has signed the bill into law. Source USA, Oklahoma: In a case involving a trial judge who granted a divorce to a couple he did not know included two women, the Oklahoma Supreme Court unanimously upheld that judge's decision to vacate his order granting the divorce. <a href="http://www.gaycitynews.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19829144&BRD=2729&PAG=461&dept_id=568860&rfi=6">Source</a> USA, Wisconsin: Gay couples in Wisconsin have been warned that they could face jail time and fines if they marry outside the state. <a href="http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/07/03/Wis_gays_warned_of_big_marriage_penalty/UPI-25401215141701/">Source</a> 7/4/08: Florida Governor Charlie Crist, would-be presidential running mate for John McCain, is getting married after being dogged for years by gay rumors. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/uselection2008/johnmccain/2247571/John-McCain%27s-would-be-VP-Charlie-Crist-to-marry-after-being-dogged-by-gay-rumours.html">Source</a> Australia: 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-minded" for opposing marriage equality for gay couples. <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8217.html">Source</a> USA: 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." <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/03/AR2008070303769.html?hpid=moreheadlines">Source</a> USA, California: Kern County Counsel Bernard Barmann said any attempt by Kern County to restrict marriage as between a man and a woman would be illegal. <a href="http://www.bakersfieldnow.com/news/22921699.html">Source</a> 7/5/08: United Kingdom, England: London Mayor Boris Johnson, once a foe of gay rights, marched in the gay pride parade here wearing a pink cowboy hat. <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1032330/Boris-dons-pink-stetson-join-Gay-Pride-march.html">Source</a> United Kingdom, England: 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. <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/2247352/Gay-Anglican-vicars-embroil-the-Queen-in-new-controversy-over-homosexuality.html">Source</a> Ireland: Church of Ireland Primate Alan Harper has reignited a simmering controversy after suggesting that scientific breakthroughs may mean homosexual relationships are sanctioned by the Church. <a href="http://www.newsletter.co.uk/news/C-of-I-may-accept.4259429.jp">Source</a> Hungary: 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. <a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5i8Fn0WxdQjKBFqbS2AkkM8X4FF3g">Source</a> Great Articles/Columns Last Week: ^ <a href="http://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/Content?oid=oid%3A44932">Gay Marriage: It's None of Your Business</a>, by Charley Reese ^ <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/how-a-gay-spanish-mayor-brought-life-back-to-his-village-859118.html">How a gay Spanish mayor brought life back to his village</a>, by Elizabeth Nash ^ <a href="http://www.abc4.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=97b66a40-0f35-4f4c-b843-32138998993a">Did LDS Church violate tax exempt status with stand on gay marriage?</a>, by Chris Vancour ^ <a href="http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?id=19449&section=67">How a Marriage Contract Supports Same-Sex Commitments</a>, Gaywired ^ <a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=200880630032">Opinion: Politicians use gay marriage as a distraction</a>, by Martha Burke ^ <a href="http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=1946&mediaType=1&category=26">Gay Marriage Betrayal In Arizona</a>, by Carlos Santoscoy ^ <a href="http://www.sfbaytimes.com/?sec=article&article_id=8493">Homosexual Triumph</a>, by Ann Rostow ^ <a href="http://civilliberty.about.com/b/2008/07/01/will-californias-anti-gay-marriage-amendment-pass.htm">Will California's Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Pass?</a>, by Tom Head ^ <a href="http://www.chicoer.com/opinion/ci_9771531">North State Voices: Why I perform same-sex ceremonies</a>, by Susan Tchudi ^ <a href="http://www.madison.com/tct/opinion/column/293825">Gay soldier speaks out for right to marry</a>, by Connie Schultz ^ <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-moneymap,0,2198220.htmlstory">Proposition 8: Tracking the Money</a>, LA Times History by Region:ANDORRA: Legal Status: Civil Unions ARGENTINA Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) The Story So Far: Two of Argentina's gay rights leaders got married in mid January in Madrid in defiance of their country's ban on gay marriage. In early March, new President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner supports the legalization of same-sex marriage. 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.AUSTRALIA Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/spacific/australia.html" target="_blank">Australia Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: In mid January, Greens MP Lee Riannon promised to introduce civil unions legislation in State Parliament later this year. On 3/14, the Lower House in the Province of Victoria passed legislation by a 54 to 24 vote to allow GLBT couples to register as domestic partners, allowing them easier access to entitlements that require proof of relationship. The cities of Melbourne and Yarra already have city-based registries. 4/30: The federal government announced they would make changes in close to 100 laws that discriminate against gay couples, but would not change marriage law. 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. 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.BELGIUM Legal Status: Gay MarriageBRAZIL Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/samerica/brazil.html" target="_blank">Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: 4/10: 39% of Brazillians currently favor civil unions for same sex couples, while 45% are opposed, according to a recent poll. 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 <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/canada/_canada.html" target="_blank">Canada Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: On 4/4, news came out that Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski, who fought against gay marriage in '04, called gays "homosexual faggots with dirt under their fingernails that transmit diseases." He apologized but has not resigned. 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.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. <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7633.html">Source</a> CHINA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In Hong Kong, a High Court judge rejected the state Broadcasting Authority's censure of a 2006 program about a gay couple and a lesbian couple as "an impermissible restriction on the freedom of speech." <a href="http://www.thestandard.com.hk/news_detail.asp?pp_cat=11&art_id=65652&sid=18846256&con_type=1">Source</a> COLUMBIA Legal Status: Civil UnionsCROATIA Legal Status: Civil UnionsCUBA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In early February in Cuba, a member of the ruling Politburo came out in support of gay marriage. The legislation is being championed by Mariela Castro, head of the Nat'l Center for Sex Education and Raul Castro's daughter. On 3/28, Cuban lawmakers announce their intention to vote on legislation that would grant domestic partnerships and other rights to same sex couples.CZECH REPUBLIC Legal Status: Domestic Partnerships The Story So Far: Nearly 500 couples register their partnerships in the first year.DENMARK Legal Status: Civil UnionsECUADOR Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: On 4/10, President Rafael Correa promised to enact legislation to protect same sex couples, but will not go as far as marriage. 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.<a href="http://www.sfbaytimes.com/?sec=article&article_id=7899"></a>EGYPT Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: 4/9: Five men were sentenced to 3 years each in prison for "debauchery", the legal euphemism in Egypt for homosexuality. They joined four other men sentenced to a year each in February. <a href="http://www.canada.com/saskatoonstarphoenix/news/world/story.html?id=2ae7d74e-9c93-483b-85d1-4c3b20043ebf">Source</a>FINLAND Legal Status: Civil UnionsFRANCE Legal Status: Civil Unions <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/europe/france.html" target="_blank">France Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: A Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) hearing on the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships took place in Paris on 3/7/08 - and while some committee members expressed predictably homophobic views, the committee decided to merge issues of freedom of assembly, recognition of same sex partnerships, and discrimination into a single report. 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. GAMBIA Legal Status: n/a<a href="http://www.pinke.biz/news/112/Gambia-Announces-War-Against-Gays/"></a> The Story So Far: On 4/4/08, President Jammeh said his country has zero tolerance for gay marriage. On 5/20, Jammeh gave gay men and lesbians 24 hours to leave the country, threatening them with beheading.GERMANY Legal Status: Civil UnionsGREECE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: Late March: A lesbian couple planned to be civilly married, exploiting a loophole in Greek law that does not specify that a civil union must be between a man and a woman. On 4/2, the Greek government announced it was considering a civil unions law for later in 2008. On 4/4, the Greek Orthodox Church came out against it, calling civil marriages "fornication". 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 UnionsICELAND Legal Status: Civil UnionsIRELAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In January, Equality Minister Sean Power announced that Ireland will pass legislation in the spring to allow civil unions, and to recognize same sex marriages and civil unions performed elsewhere, by summer. In early March, the government started work on the legislation. A new poll on 4/1 showed 58% of Ireland's citizens support gay marriage, while 84% support civil unions. On 4/3, Ireland's cabinet announced plans to consider the new civil partnership bill the next week. 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. 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”.ISRAEL Legal Status: Civil Unions (recognizes marriages performed elsewhere) The Story So Far: In early January, Tel Aviv announced a plan to recognize same sex couples for all muncipal services, including taxes, making it the third Israeli city to do so, after Lod and Mevaserat Zion. On March 28th, Israel granted a rare residency permit to a gay man from Palestine who faced death threats at home, allowing him to live with his partner in Tel Aviv. 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.ITALY Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: Italy's new minister for equal opportunities has angered rights groups by refusing to back a "gay pride" march because, she said, gays no longer suffer discrimination in Italy. <a href="http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/05/19/europe/italy.php">Source</a> LUXEMBORG Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: The EU Court of Justice ruled that EU Nations that recognize legal same sex marriages must also grant surviving partners the same pension rights given to those in traditional marriages. The court did not force Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Ireland to recognize same sex unions.MEXICO Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas) <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/mexico/_mexico.html">Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors</a><a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/mexico/_mexico.html"></a> 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. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSN17471304">Source</a>MOROCCO Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In late November, 6 Moroccan men were arrested on "homosexuality charges" after a video surfaced on the internet showing them at what was called a "gay marriage" by the press. In early January, a Moroccan appeals court upheld prison sentences of the six men. On 3/17, The Moroccan Association for Human Rights petitioned to repeal Article 489, which provides prison terms for people who commit "lewd or unnatural acts with an individual of the same sex", and to quash the verdicts against the six men. On 3/25, a Moroccan paper that was the first to report the "gay marriage" was fined for mistakenly saying a Judge had been in attendance.MOZAMBIQUE Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: A conference organized by the Coalition of African Lesbians brings together 75 people from LGBT groups across Africa to try to end anti gay laws across the continent. The Coalition has since called in African governments to stop treating GLBT citizens as criminals.NETHERLANDS Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So far: On 4/15, The Equal Treatment Commission said that civil servants who object to performing gay marriages should be banned from performing any marriages, but should not lose their jobs. <a href="http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/international/5737126/Dutch-civil-servants-all-marriages-or-none">Source</a>NEW ZEALAND Legal Status: Civil Unions <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/spacific/_spacific.html" target="_blank">New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors</a><a href="http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/2/article_5907.php"></a> The Story So Far: In mid February, it was announced that Christchurch’s new Anglican Bishop Elect Right Reverend Victoria Matthews would be installed on 8/30. She has previously been quoted as being in support of of gay marriage. 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.NIGERIA Legal Status: n/a<a href="http://www.episcopal-life.org/80050_97023_ENG_HTM.htm"></a> The Story So Far: In early February, 18 men were accused of attending a gay wedding for the crime of being gay. 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 3/14, the Norwegian government proposed giving same sex couples the right to marry. On 4/25, a poll showed 58% of Norwegians support the proposed Marriage Act, with 31% against. The act is scheduled for a parliamentary hearing on 6/11. 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.POLAND Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: Poland's President used a NY couples wedding images without their permission in a speech against the EU's proposed charter of rights/gay marriage. On 3/31, the couple, Brendan Fay and Tom Moulton, visited Poland to raise awareness for gay marriage. On 4/2, Poland passed the new EU Charter, tied to a provision to ignore gay guarantees. On 4/9, it was reported that Poland's anti-gay organizations have ties to anti-semetic groups.PORTUGAL Legal Status: Civil UnionsROMANIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In early February, the Senate voted 38 to 10 on an amendment to the Family Code to define marriage as between a man and a woman. The Chamber of Deputies will decide the issue in June. RUSSIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: The leaders of all the major religions in Russia have written to the Council of Europe's Commissioner for Human Rights urging him not to support gay people's right to march. <a href="http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7591.html">Source</a> SERBIA Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In early January, Serbian Presidential Candidate Cedomir Jovanovic said he would remove all discriminatory provisions against GLBT folks from Serbian law if elected. SENEGAL Legal Status: n/a The Story So Far: In late January, The editor of the magazine Icone published an article about a gay wedding and received death threats, and five men who attended the wedding and were pictured in the article were arrested by authorities. All five were released, but may still face charges. In mid February, a wave of arrests and violent anti-gay street protests caused dozens of Senegalese gays to flee to neighboring Gambia. Senegal hosts a major Islamic Summit on March 12th, and is believed to be cleaning house in advance of the summit.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. <a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hAxGzmcKI8xoTWmgcJfhgJGPiQ8w">Source</a>SLOVENIA Legal Status: Civil UnionsSOUTH AFRICA Legal Status: Gay Marriage The Story So Far: HIV/AIDS activist and Nobel Prize nominee Zackie Achmat married his partner, Dalli Weyers, at a ceremony near Cape Town.SPAIN Legal Status: Gay Marriage <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/europe/spain.html" target="_blank">Spain Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: In early January, Conservative Popular Party Leader Mariano Rajoy promised not to repeal gay marriage in Spain if elected Prime Minister in early March. In late January, a new poll showed 75% of Spaniards approve of Spain's gay marriage law, and only 18% disapproved. Efforts by the Catholic to unseat PM Jose Luis Rodrigo Zapatero failed when his party won re-election on 3/9. 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.SWEDEN Legal Status: Civil Unions The Story So Far: In early January, the Swedish Legislature, with the support of the Church of Sweden, announced its intention to legalize gay marriage there, upgrading the current civil union laws established in 1995. A poll conducted in mid January showed 70% of Swedes support gay marriage. On 5/12, a gay couple who married in Canada filed suit against the Swedish government for refusing to recognize the marriage.SWITZERLAND Legal Status: Civil UnionsUNITED KINGDOM Legal Status: Civil Unions <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/europe/ukengland.html" target="_blank">England Gay Wedding Vendors</a> <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/europe/ukwales.html" target="_blank">Wales Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: In early January, a wedding registrar in Islington sued the city council for forcing her to perform gay marriages, saying it was against her religious beliefs. In early March, a Catholic couple from Scotland sued the Strathclyde police over the change in status from "married" to "married/civil partnership in their civil employee records. On 3/4, the Newington Green Unitarian Church announced it will ban all full wedding ceremonies until the law is changed to allow same sex couples full marriage rights. On 4/8, two British schools banned the book King & King, a children's picture book about a prince who wants to marry another boy, at the request of Muslim parents. 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. 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. 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. <a href="http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iE3oWgdu7sYDyt3aR3awS8k_0teA">Source</a>UNITED STATES (see individual states below) Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act The Story So Far: 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. 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. ARIZONA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/_arizona.html" target="_blank">Arizona Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: On 1/18, the Governor proposed extending benefits to same sex partners who are state employees. In early Feb, the GOP announced plans to put a constitutional ban before the voters in the Fall. On 4/3, opponents of the ban attached domestic partner rights to the bill, causing Republicans to reject it. In a separate action, the state approved benefits for the same sex partners of state employees. On 4/11, the House Judiciary Committee revived the anti-gay bill, gutting a resolution on Vietnam Veterans' Memorial Day and replacing it with the anti-gay-marriage language, and sending it to the full house on a vote of 6-4. A recent poll showed 49% in favor, 40% opposed, and 11% undecided. On 4/22, the AZ House approved the bill. 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. 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. CALIFORNIA Legal Status: Gay Marriage as of 6/15/08; Possible Constitutional Amendment in Nov 08 Ballot <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/_california.html" target="_blank">California Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: In early Jan., two groups began gathering signatures to put an anti gay marriage amendment on the California ballot in Nov. On 4/11, Governor Schwarzenegger announced his opposition to the amendments. On 5/10, one of the two anti gay marriage amendment bills failed to qualify. On 5/15, The Caifornia Supreme Court ruled that being gay or lesbian is an innate characteristic, and that the state cannot deny marriage to gay and lesbian couples. 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. 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.COLORADO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act & Constitutional Ban <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/colorado.html" target="_blank">Colorado Gay Wedding Vendors</a><a href="http://www.denverpost.com/headlines/ci_9187806"></a> The Story So Far: In early February, a lesbian couple from Englewood sued to overturn the state's ban on gay marriage. In late March, Larimer County voted to start offering insurance to same sex partners when one of them works for the county. On 4/14, 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 told their trial would be delayed until 5/6. On 5/7, Both women were found guilty of trespassing, and ordered to do 28 hours of community service and pay a $41 fee. No jail-time was imposed.CONNECTICUT Legal Status: Civil Unions <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/connecticut.html" target="_blank">Connecticut Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: A decision is pending with the Connecticut Supreme Court on gay marriage. In mid March, CT lawmakers held a hearing to review the existing civil unions legislation, to close loopholes uncovered since its inception.DELAWARE: Legal Status: n/a <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/delaware.html">Delaware Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: On 4/14, Haven, the GLBT organization at the University of Delaware, held a marry-in in support of same sex marriage. On 6/26, it's reported that Delaware has a law that ounishes marriage between persons of the same gender with a $100 fine or 30 days in jail. <a href="http://www.udel.edu/PR/UDaily/2008/apr/marryin041408.html">Source</a> FLORIDA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/_florida.html" target="_blank">Florida Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: After a manual count revealed that the Florida for Marriage fell 22K signatures short of the 611K needed to get an anti-gay-marriage initiative on the fall ballot in January, the group turned in 92K more signatures, and the initiative was certified for the ballot. It would require a 60% vote to pass. In late January, a pro-gay marriage group called Know thy Neighbor set up an online database where visitors can search to see who signed the petitions. On 4/17, a student group at the Univ of Miami called OUTSpoken began a campaign to raise awareness about the amendment. And amendment supporters took to the road for a 10 city tour. On 6/20, the Florida Professional Firefighters union joined the campaign to stop Amendment 2, the Florida Marriage Protection Amendment. On 6/20, rumors resurfaced that Republican Gov. Charlie Crist, a possible McCain VP pick and perpetual bachelor, is gay. Unitarian Universalists will gather in Ft. Lauderdale the week of 6/22 to discuss social issues, including gay marriage.HAWAII Legal Status: Civil Unions; Defense of Marriage Act <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/_hawaii.html" target="_blank">Hawaii Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: A gay couple sued the University of Hawaii after being denied on campus housing together because the State of Hawaii does not recognize same sex marriage.IDAHO Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act; Constitutional Ban The Story So Far: Idaho took a small step toward gay rights, proposing a bill that would make discrimination based on sexual orientation illegal for employers with 5 or more employees. Churches would be exempted. On 3/31, The AP reported on a gay couple, Ralph Martinelli and Robert Ryan, who were joined in a civil union in NJ, and then transferred to Idaho for Martinelli's job. After the move, the company dropped Ryan from their health plan, because Idaho does not recognize domestic partners. ILLINOIS Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/illinois.html" target="_blank">Illinois Gay Wedding Vendors</a><a href="http://www.windycitymediagroup.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=18172"></a> The Story So Far: In late February, Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, introduced a civil unions bill in the Illinois House. As of late March, the civil unions bill (House Bill 1826, Senate Bill 2436) had still not been brought up for a vote in either house. On 4/16, a group calling itself Protect Marriage Illinois began a drive to put an anti-gay amendment on the November ballot - they need 270K signatures. As of 5/7, the bill failed to collect enough signatures. On 5/17, Representative Harris announced plans to broaden pending civil unions legislation to include opposite sex seniors, in a bid to gain support for the measure. On 6/13, an openly gay Chicago alderman proposed changes to the city's domestic partner benefits plan to ensure that the partners of city workers remain insured if they marry in California.INDIANA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act <a href="http://www.purpleunions.com/usa/indiana.html" target="_blank">Indiana Gay Wedding Vendors</a> The Story So Far: In early January, state senator Brandt Hershman pushed for a constitutional ban on same sex marriage. State Rep. Scott Pelath, chairman of the House Riles and Legislative Procedure Committee, refused to bring up the bill, citing more urgent legislative concerns. Gay marriage opponents were unable to get a hearing in the House, and took their case to the state Senate in mid January. In late January, they got their way, as the GOP-controlled Senate passed the gay marriage ban. By mid February, House leaders decided not to pursue the ban this year. At the end of February, six House members signed a petition to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. The session ended in early April without a vote, sending ban supporters back to the starting block next year.IOWA Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act <span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helv