"WASHINGTON – Amendments that restrict civil marriage rights of same-sex couples – such as Proposition 8 that recently passed in California – have led to higher levels of stress and anxiety among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults, as well as among their families of origin, according to several new studies to be published by the American Psychological Association."The studies go o
You've got to take the time to watch this! Thanks to Kelly for sharing:The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10cMike Huckabee Pt. 2 Barack Obama InterviewJohn McCain InterviewSarah Palin VideoFunny Election Video
What a Blessed day of Thanksgiving for God and His Reign! “Thy will be done on earth just as it is in heaven!” But obviously California is exempt from God’s Will. Today Maureen Dowd published a little article titled “Gay marriage on the rocks” In it she quotes: “Feinstein felt sure that gays who [...]
California’s highest court has agreed to hear legal challenges to a new ban on gay marriage, but is refusing to allow gay couples to resume marrying until it rules. The California Supreme Court on Wednesday accepted three lawsuits seeking to overturn Proposition 8. The amendment passed this month with 52 percent of the vote. The [...]
-The battle over Proposition 8 is apparently not over. California voters may have to face the issue of gay marriage once again in the 2010 election.-Government officials in the U.K. want to double the number of girls using long term contraceptive jabs and implants.-U.S. government money for the U.N. Population Fund that supports China's policy of coercive abortion will apparently flow once again d
Yes. And that ain't discrimination. Thats the bible, i am not going against the bible so you can get a piece of paper and feel all good. I have always been guy that is suspicious of dudes that dislike gay people because only a in the closet gay dude would be worried about who someone else sleeps with. But as far as making it legal, that's too far. Do your thing and we will do ours. Yall the ones t
Two more states besides California - namely, Arizona and Florida - have joined the list of nearly 30 U.S. states banning gay marriage, as the result of last week's elections. Although California still has civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, most of the states with bans, including Arizona and Florida, do not have civil unions, domestic partnerships, or any kind of recognition of these
Two more states besides California - namely, Arizona and Florida - have joined the list of nearly 30 U.S. states banning gay marriage, as the result of last week's elections. Although California still has civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, most of the states with bans, including Arizona and Florida, do not have civil unions, domestic partnerships, or any kind of recognition of these
While one C state on the West coast banned it last week, another on the East coast made it legal today. Connecticut state courts ruled a gay marriage ban to be unconstitutional last month and began officiating same-sex marriages today. California’s ruling on Prop 8 may have set the gay rights movement back, [...]
In an interesting post Thurber looks at smoking and gay marriage, wondering how the same people who support gay marriage can also oppose smoking. Her point is that both are practised by minorities, and in both cases the majority take away the right of the minority to do something.Which is an interesting point. At the Ashtray Blog we support the smoking ban insofar as it is to protect non-smokers f
Shadowed by the news of President Obama’s win in the recent U.S. elections was the news on the passage of a constitutional amendment against gay marriage in California. The amendment overrides the state Supreme Court decision made in May by defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
I am happy that [...]
By Darnell Washington, Newsophile Staff WriterSACRAMENTO, CA -- According to Chip White, a spokesman for the victorious Yes on 8 campaign, the proponents of the measure to restrict marriage in California to one man and one woman are growing increasingly frustrated with the daily demonstrations throughout the state from the losing side."We just don't get it," White told the Sacramento Bee on Sunday
November 4th symbolized a huge step back for gay rights when three states voted to change their constitutions to define marriage.While some expected bans to pass in, let's face it, far more conservative states like Florida and Arizona, the California loss was shocking to many especially due to the fact that those who opposed the proposition raised a staggering, unprecedented $43.6 million to figh
The Celebrities and thousands of protesters are angry about California’s ban on gay marriage. Melissa Etheridge says she won't pay taxes 'cos, ‘I am not a full citizen’ Many celebrities grieved the passing of Proposition 8 in California this week. Some — such as Wanda Sykes, Rose McGowen and Lance Bass — attended a Wednesday protest criticizing the state’s gay marriage ban. Others —
I’m not a social conservative, but Andrew Sullivan makes a good point:
Or to put it in a way that might appeal to social conservatives: grant marriage equality and we can stop talking about homosexuality. We can start talking about love and friendship and commitment and family - for gays and straights. We can leave this [...]
From Chuck Colson:This vote on whether we stop the gay-marriage juggernaut in California is ArmageddonFrom Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research Council:We’ve picked bad presidents before, and we’ve survived as a nation. But we will not survive if we lose the institution of marriage.Heh. Did they both really say that? Really?
Lets be very clear. Proposition 8, in California, want
I was going to base my next blog on this subject but I ran across a blog by a gentleman on Huffington Post today that I believe sized it up better than I could ever have done myself. I figured I would pass it along to anyone who actually reads my page [...]
McCain believes that the family represents the foundation of Western Civilization and civil society and John McCain believes the institution of marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It is only this definition that sufficiently recognizes the vital and unique role played by mothers and fathers in the raising of children, and the role of the family in shaping, stabilizing, and strengthe
Article written and posted on USA Today's blog by David Person, columnist for The Huntsville Times and host of the daily radio show on WEUP-AM. He also is a member of USA TODAY's board of contributors.
In the region where the seeds of the civil rights movement were sown, gay rights are still a foreign concept
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —Lauren Martin, 17, and Chelsea Overstreet, 18, have matching rings.
Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 (£55,000) to oppose a California referendum seeking to ban gay marriage, according to reports.Brad Pitt and partner Angelina Jolie have said they would wed when everyone who wants to get married in the United States is able to do so Photo: APGay marriage has been legal in California since June but opponents of same-sex marriages collected enough signatures to fo
I thought I’d share a great post on the Queers United Blog about how to coutner the arguments against Gay Marriage:
Its well worth a read, and reiterates a lot of arguments I’ve previously made myself on various web forums so I’m very happy to recommend it.
Currently, I’m of the opinion that the all-out-battle I see presented by Christians in the political realm against gay marriage terribly misses the mark. It’s as if we think the most appropriate way to love our neighbor is to stand at a distance and vote away their immorality. All that aside, from what I can [...]
It’s seems when it comes to Christian voting decisions there are two main issues I hear spoken about on the Christian radio and from the pulpits. Gay Marriage is one of those and I’ve had a hard time wrapping my mind around why. As I mentioned earlier, in high school I probably would have agreed [...]
1. Being gay is not natural Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester and air conditioning.2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.3. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can si
I have long been waiting for the Law and Economics blogging professor duo from the University of Chicago - Judge Richard Posner and Gary Becker - to address gay marriage on their blog. Well, the wait is over, as they both specifically addressed the issue today. See Judge Posner's post The Economics of Gay Marriage and Gary Becker's post Should Gay Marriages be Allowed? Gary Becker's piece is
I have long been waiting for the Law and Economics blogging professor duo from the University of Chicago - Judge Richard Posner and Gary Becker - to address gay marriage on their blog. Well, the wait is over, as they both specifically addressed the issue today. See Judge Posner's post The Economics of Gay Marriage and Gary Becker's post Should Gay Marriages be Allowed? Gary Becker's piece is
Thanks Annette!Rules for California Gay Marriages1) On the day of a gay wedding, it's bad luck for thetwo grooms to see each other at the gym.2) Superstition suggests that, for good luck, thecouple should have:Something bold, something flirty, something trashy,something dirty.3) It's customary, at gay and lesbian nuptials, forthe parents to have an open bar during the entireceremony.4) Gay wedding
When I received this email from The Human Rights Campaign, it made me so happy, I had to share it. "Marriage – HRC has hit the million mark! We're up to 1,003,118 signatures on our Million for Marriage petition. Sign now »" Sign up, loverdeedos.
I have always felt, or came to understand through debate, that an important component in Liberalism is the emotional lure of it’s arguments. By no means do I discredit experience, as it’s an important factor of understanding reality, but a political theory founded in emotional principles is weak at best.
I have engaged myself in various political [...]
I’m sure most people have heard the news by now about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraging it’s nearly 1million members in California to do “all they can do” to support the initiative in November to over-turn the ruling supporting bay marriage.
If you haven’t heard about this, you can read the following [...]
(Nashville, TN) Henry Garrey is a God-fearing Christian, and like all other proper God-fearing Christians, he disapproves of the gays and their marriage. “Boy do I ever,” said Henry. “The fact that gays can get married in Massachusetts and California just drives me nuts!
Yesterday at 5:01 PM on the Western Coast of the U.S. lovers of the same sex became more than just lovers as they exchanged matrimonial vows under the loving (or politically acute?) eyes of San Fransisco mayor, Gavin Newsome. The first couple to participate comprised lesbian couple Del Martin, 87, and Phyllis Lyon, 84. More homosexual exchanged vows today, most rushing to legalize their relation
(Picture credit: PR Photos) George Takei and Brad Altman made a further step toward their September 14's same-sex marriage. The gay partners of 21 years have received their the certificate of marriage which cost the couple only $70 in West Hollywood in the morning June 17, 2008.
Give California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger some credit. (Just don't grant credit to the state of California!)
Actually, Governor Schwarzenegger deserves some sort of recognition for being flexible and creative when it comes to balancing the state budget.
SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Arnold to Use Lottery, Gay Marriage to Balance Budget!", url: "-lottery-gay-marriage-balance-budget/" });
You don't know me but you don't like meYou say you care less how I feelBut how many of you that sit and judge meHave ever walked the streets of Bakersfield?Dwight Yockam… The Streets of Bakersfield.And Walking the streets of Bakersfield is just what you will have to do if you want to get married there after June 13, as local officials have said after that date they will no longer be solemnizing
Well Beam Me Up Scotty... William Shatner will not boldly go to the ceremony when his former “Star Trek” co-star George “Sulu” Takei weds his longtime gay partner in Los Angeles.After the California Supreme Court last month ruled that gay marriage was legal, Takei’s partner of 21 years, Brad Altman, proposed to 71-year-old Takei in the couple’s kitchen. They plan to wed in September, t
California set for gay marriage ballot showdown | Politics | Reuters"Values voters have even more reason to go to the polls in 2008," said Tony Perkins, a leading religious conservative who is president of the Family Research Council.Initiatives to ban gay marriage played a role in President George W. Bush's 2004 re-election as they propelled the Republican Party's conservative Christian base to t
This is no surprise, but the news just came out that the "Gay marriage ban qualifies for California ballot," and that story is located here. For what it's worth, I'm cautiously optimistic, particularly given the results of the recent Field Poll, although mitigated by the results of two other polls, that the voters will defeat this measure by a slight margin, and that the California Supreme Court
For conservative Christian activists, this month’s California Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage provides an opportunity to rekindle interest in an issue that has fallen well behind the price of gas in the national consciousness.[...]
But it won’t be easy, and not just because of pressing secular issues like the housing downturn and an unpopular war [...]
New York's Governor Of Infidelity Issues New DirectiveAs If New York's Human Rights Law IntentWas to Legalize Gay MarriageGov. David Patterson of New York has told state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states and countries where they are legal, his spokeswoman said Wednesday.New York agencies have been told to recognize same-sex marriages performed in places where they are le
As much as we've been troubled and enraged by their papa and husband, we've always had a soft spot in our heart for the female Bushes. They surely seem to love their family's patriarch, but it's also always seemed to...
Last week, on May 17th, the California State Supreme Court overturned the state's ban on gay marriage, and the floodgates opened for same-sex unions. Ellen DeGeneres immediately announced her wedding plans, and actually asked John McCain to walk her down the aisle and give her away (I'm not making this up). That loud twang you heard was McCain's Republican underpants twisting into a rigid knot to
In the episode of the Ellen DeGeneres Show that was taped yesterday and aired today, our favorite lesbian talk show host pushes her guest, the presumed GOP nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz, on his opposition to same sex marriage, which last week the California Supreme Court cleared the way for.Soon after the California Supreme Court Decision was announced, Ellen announced her intention to marry he
"We are all the same people, all of us. You're no different than I am. Our love is the same," Ellen said. "When someone says, 'You can have a contract, and you'll still have insurance, and you'll get all that,' it sounds to me like saying, 'Well, you can sit there, you just can't sit there." McCain said Ellen was very eloquent but she still can't get married.read more | digg story
A better writer would give you all the background and previous information needed to full assess the California gay marriage ban and subsequent ruling but the state supreme court deeming that ban unconstitutional under the equal protection clause of the constitution.What I found amazing in listening to a debate about it yesterday on Newshour, wasn't that people are opposed to gay marriage, it's th
(San Francisco, CA) Yesterday, the California Supreme Court overturned a voter initiative banning same-sex marriage. Its 4-to-3 decision will pave the way for California’s gays and lesbians to legally marry. And no one is more excited than Charlie J, a 9 month-old gay baby. “Mom, Dad, I’m gay, and I can’t wait to have a big gay wedding,” is what Charlie told his paren
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You people are not fooling me, anyone who reads this blog knows by asking for my opinion on something is like tossing a smoke bomb in the girls locker room and pulling the fire alarm!!
Hell I was not gonna do any blogging today maybe a few funny You Tube clips to torture Muscle Daddy, [...]
This just in—an official statement from Rob Reiner on today’s history-making California Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage:
ROB REINER SAME SEX MARRIAGE STATEMENT
“Our nation was founded on the principle that all people are created equal. Today’s decision is a huge step toward fulfilling that promise.
“Celebration is certainly called for, but the fight for equal
California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban: In a 4-3 decision, the justices rule that people have a fundamental 'right to marry' the person of their choice and that gender restrictions violate the state Constitution's equal protection guarantee.The California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage Thursday in a broadly worded decision that would invalidate virtuall
Gay Marriage are now constitutional in California, the Supreme Court of California ruled in a 4-to-3 decision to overturn the same sex marriage ban in California on Thursday, May 15, 2008
“In view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship,” Chief Justice Ronald M. George wrote of marriage for the majority, “the California
The ruling, striking down laws limiting marriages to unions between a man and a woman, would make California the second state to allow same-sex marriage.
In a controversial and long standing fight, gay rights activists are rejoicing as the California Supreme court today overturned the gay marriage ban. In what could be a historic ruling, the California Supreme Court ruled:
“. . . that a ban on gay marriage was unlawful Thursday, effectively leaving same-sex couples in America’s most populous state [...]
AP News reports that today the California Supreme Court has overturned the gay marriage ban, making Califonia the second state in the US to allow gay and lesbian weddings.
The justices' 4-3 decision states that domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage. Today's ruling by the Republican-dominated court affects more than 100,000 same-sex couples in the state, about a
WOW! What a glorious day! Today, hours ago, the California Supreme Court ruled that gays, my people, have a right to marry in the beautiful state of California!!!!!(05-15) 10:13 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- Gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry in California, the state Supreme Court said today in a historic ruling that could be repudiated by the voters in November. In a 4-3 decision, the
California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban
... "The justices' 4-3 decision Thursday says domestic partnerships are not a good enough substitute for marriage. Chief Justice Ron George wrote the opinion." ...
Congratulations to friends, loved ones and strangers alike.
I could preach, rationalize, quote Scripture, whatever... but I won't. Simply, this is a victory for equal rig
could this be a young Pete Burns?
According to a report today, Pete Burns who married Michael Simpson, in a civil partnership only ten months ago, has separated from his partner.
He was seen on the Richard & Judy Show, flashing an engagement ring and speaking of his happiness at marrying his partner, but now he has [...]
1. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.3. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.4. Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn't changed at all; women are still property, blacks still can't marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.5. Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of Britany Spears' 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.6. Straight marriages are valid because they produce c
1. Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.2. Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.3. Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can
A new poll by the Norwegian newspaper, Vart Land, discovered an overwhelming majority of Norwegians support the proposed law that would allow gay marriage to become legal in their nation. Of those surveyed, 58% expressed support for the new Marriage Act and 31% were opposed. The remainder either were uncertain or had no opinion. Gay [...]
This is not easy to write about controversial issues like gay marriage, but this is what you will have to do in your essays on gay marriage.
First thing you should remember is that it is necessary to be extremely polite when writing your essays on gay marriage. What does it mean? Well, even if you [...]
Norway already has a “partnership law” that allows homosexuals to form legal domestic partnerships. It now appears gays and leslbians will be allowed in Norway to marry since a majority in parliament is expected to pass such legislation. Anniken Huitfeldt, minister in charge of children and family issues, termed the proposed law “an historic step [...]
When Utah is endorsing the idea of treating gay and lesbian folk just like everyone else, you know that the Rapture can't be far behind. The Utah House has overwhelming approved legislation that would permit Salt Lake City, and other municipalities, to treat same sex couples the same as anyone who has been joined by sacred covenant in the Salt Lake City Temple.Just don't call it marriage—or domestic partnership either.While the no name feature of the law is a snide institutionalized swat, if they are going to start treating everyone like full-fledged citizens, maybe it is not really all that important. Civilly and legally a marriage is just a civil union. And since everyone likes to play word games these days, maybe it really doesn't matter what they want to call it—or if, like
Yesterday Hillary Clinton made a comeback of sorts winning the Democratic primaries in Texas, Ohio and Rhode Island while Obama took only Vermont.That leaves this race undeniably very tight.Mr. Obama has 1,477 pledged delegates compared to Mrs. Clinton’s 1,391. 2,025 are needed to win. With this close race we have now I see that makes my North Carolina Lesbian Mom vote a much more relevant and necessary one for both candidates to woo if they want to be the Democratic chosen one.Here is what remain for primaries races:March 8: WyomingMarch 11: MississippiApril 22: PennsylvaniaMay 6: Indiana, and my home state, North CarolinaMay 13: Nebraska (primary), West VirginiaMay 20: Kentucky, OregonJune 3: Montana, New Mexico (R), and South DakotaIt does not take an Einstein to figure the math and k
From Jeffrey Lalloway at the California Divorce and Family Law Blog, comes the news that the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on gay marriage on March 4.
Excerpts from the California Divorce and Family Law post:
"The pros and cons of same-sex marriage will get an airing here March 4 in oral arguments before the California Supreme Court, the court announced Wednesday. In dispute
From Jeffrey Lalloway at the California Divorce and Family Law Blog, comes the news that the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on gay marriage on March 4.
Excerpts from the California Divorce and Family Law post:
"The pros and cons of same-sex marriage will get an airing here March 4 in oral arguments before the California Supreme Court, the court announced Wednesday. In dispute
Thanks to this recent New York Divorce and Family Law Blog post for reporting on the recent New York Appellate Division (intermediate level state appellate court) case of Martinez v. County of Monroe, which recognized a same-sex marriage of a lesbian couple which had been performed in Canada, and gave it effect in New York, despite the fact that New York, like all U.S. states save Massachusetts,
Thanks to this recent New York Divorce and Family Law Blog post for reporting on the recent New York Appellate Division (intermediate level state appellate court) case of Martinez v. County of Monroe, which recognized a same-sex marriage of a lesbian couple which had been performed in Canada, and gave it effect in New York, despite the fact that New York, like all U.S. states save Massachusetts,
I had been planning to post an article on gay marriage some time soon (I’ve also been planning to write an article on procrastination, but I keep putting it off), but I’m glad to say that Ebonmuse has beaten me to it at Daylight Atheism. He’s done a far more thorough and clinical job than I would have done, so it’s my pleasure to direct you to it.
Had I written my thoughts on the matter, though, I would have included Roy Zimmerman’s great song Defenders of Marriage, which I’ve decided to do anyway. Enjoy!
Here’s a story which Mitt Romney might really find of value for his anti-France campaign. He’s already attacked France with untrue claims about marriage practices there which probably came either from a 1993 comedy or a science fiction story about Mormon practices in space. Now we have a report which argues that there was legalized same-sex marriage in medieval France:
“Western family structures have been much more varied than many people today seem to realize,” Tulchin writes in the September issue of the Journal of Modern History. “And Western legal systems have in the past made provisions for a variety of household structures.”
For example, he found legal contracts from late medieval France that referred to the term “affrèrement,” roughly translated as brotherment. Similar contracts existed elsewhere in Mediterranean Europe, Tulchin said.
In the contract, the “brothers” pledged to live together sharing “un pain, un vin, et u
After yesterday’s rant, I thought I sum up a bit on how I feel about the topic of gay marriage. I haven’t written about it because, as I said before, it’s an old argument that has run its course. But, I thought that I’d at least let you all in on how I honestly feel about it. I’m not one to get on a soap box and spew my ideology until people’s ears start bleeding. There’s no reason to harp on something over and over again. When you do that, you simply can’t evolve. I prefer to stay unstuck, to keep moving and to grow in my opinions and in life. In order to do that, I say my peace and then I move on.
Here’s my “peace” on gay marriage:
I don’t mind being a bridesmaid. I think it’s fun to be involved with the wedding and to witness two people who think so much of one another that they decide to pledge their love and spend the rest of their lives together.
But lately I’ve been pondering the ever-popular c
Elizabeth Edwards did what no other Democratic or Republican presidential candidate or spouse of him, including her own husband, still hasn't. She has publically endorsed the idea of gay marriage.“I don’t know why someone else’s marriage has anything to do with me, I’m completely comfortable with gay marriage.”Few marriages are as rock solid as the Edwards'. If they don't feel threatened by gay marriage, no one else should either.
Diane Steele, a 52 year-old woman participating in a Christian extremist rally in Boston to support a same-sex marriage ban, was arraigned on assault charges for attacking a gay marriage supporter at an opposing rally. It seems that Ms. Steele went out of her way to express her Christian love, crossing the street to slap her surprised victim.Boston Police spokesperson James Kenneally said Steele apparently decided to "escalate" the debate into a physical confrontation.Unfortunate and hardly the first time this sort of thing has happened. It is bad enough that Christian extremists want to take away the freedom of two consenting American adults to marry without their having to resort to violence to express themselves.H/T to Pam's House BlendTags: gay marriage, religion, Christian extremism, Christian extremists, Christianity, Christian, intolerance, homophobia, Boston, assault, marriage
Massachusetts legislatures today voted against putting a gay marriage ban amendment on the ballet in ‘08. The bigger issue here to me is the way that the legislature with help from the governor, Deval Patrick, have shown complete disdain for the state constitution.
A group was able to gather 140,000 signatures in favor of the amendment, this should have been more than enough to have the issue go to the voters. At first it looked as though this would happen, however the governor started applying immense pressure and even bribed members with the promise of government hack jobs in return for their votes, and in some cases to have the legislators accept the jobs and step down before the vote. This group did everything according to the state constitution to have an amendment voted on and the legislators turned their backs on the constitution.
You can read more about that here, and here.
Governor Patrick was able to successfully delay the vote until he was able to get the vote he want
In a huge victory for gay rights activists the state legislature of Massachusetts today defeated a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage. This ends a three-year campaign to overturn the legalization of gay marriage.The Boston Herald reports that the ban was defeated in a roll-call vote of both houses of the Legislature. This dramatic legislative battle ended with the thunderous applause of gay couples seated in the Senate House. The final vote tally was 151-45, a slim 5 point margin of victory for gay marriage supporters.Massachusetts is currently the only state where same-sex unions are legal. Today’s vote means the ban will be blocked from reaching the 2008 ballot, allowing gay marriage to clear its first hurdle since it was legalized in a historic 2003 state court ruling. The 2003 decision ruled that a ban on gay marriage was unconstitutional that paved the way for the country's first same-sex marriages the next year. According to Reuters, over 8,000 gay and lesbian couples
Gay Marriage by 2 to 1.Bush's approval in the Garden State- 26%Californians who support marriage equality- 48%Ronald Reagan's Home State has sure turned on the GOP, hasn't it?
with 53 cosponsers, 52 Democrats and one lone Republican.The bill is being introduced by Daniel O'Donnell (D-Morningside Heights)The co-sponsers;Marc Alessi (D-Mastic), Jeffrion Aubry (D-Corona), Michael Benedetto (D-Pelham Bay), Jonathan Bing (D-Upper East Side), William Boyland, Jr. (D-Brownsville) Adam Bradley (D-White Plains), James Brennan (D-Park Slope), Richard Brodsky (D-Greenburgh), Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston), Vivian Cook (D-South Jamaica), Luis Diaz (D-University Heights), Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-Riverdale), Patricia Eddington (D-Medford), Steve Englebright (D-Setauket), Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D-Washington Heights), Ginny Fields (D-Oakdale), Deborah Glick (D-Greenwich Village), Richard Gottfried (D-Chelsea), Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), Sam Hoyt (D-Buffalo), Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern), Hakeem Jeffries (D-Fort Greene), Susan John (D-Rochester), Brian Kavanagh (D-Turtle Bay), Ivan Lafayette (D-Jackson Heights), Rory Lancman (D-Flushing), George Latimer (D-Rye), Charles Lavine (D-
I recently read something on NY Governor Eliot Spitzer and his legislature for same sex marriage in New York; Governor Eliot Spitzer's same sex marriage hoax. According to the writer, there was no law in New York that denies the right to marriage for gay couples. In fact, the writer goes to say that the law is not gender specific and the only thing standing in the way is in the Department of Health where they state it is between one man and one woman. Could it really be that simple? Governor Spitzer could simply change the wording in the Department of Health documents pertaining to marriage by executive order and same sex couples can marry? No legislature necessary; can it be?
There was a letter written from the Attorney General’s office to Darrin B Derosia from the City of Cohoes in NY and Peter Graham from the town of Olive in NY back in 2004 addressing this very issue. It gave an overview of the Domestic Relations Law, formal requirements, voidable marriages, annulments and
The main argument commonly used against gay marriage is the necessity to protect the “sanctity of marriage” — whatever that means. For the most part it is an argument based on religious positions. Since our constitution requires a separation of Church and State, it is only logical that the government should get out of the marriage business completely.
The benefits being sought by gay couples are mainly legal and economic in nature. This amounts to a contractual agreement, freely made, between two people. There is no valid reason for the government to stand in the way of a consensual contractual agreement.
The benefits of a “religious” marriage are based on faith and commitment. There are already churches that will perform this ceremony for people, gay or straight. This type of commitment does not need the sanction of government authority to take place, it just needs an agreed upon mindset between two people.
The co
New York Governor unveils gay marriage bill - AP/Concord MonitorExcerpt:"Following through on a campaign pledge, Democratic Gov. Eliot Spitzer unveiled a bill yesterday that would legalize gay marriage in New York - a bill he has conceded has almost no chance of passing."http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070428/REPOSITORY/704280360/1013/NEWS03Alex
If there is any doubt Spitzer is spending his political capital like a drunken sailor, I give you his push for gay marriage to a divided legislature.Spitzer is a strong support of gay marriage and has vowed to work to make New York the second state to legalize it, and the first to do it by legislation.Some polls have shown a small majority of New Yorkers support gay marriage. A larger majoriity support civil unions and domestic partnerships. More over, although I have no proof of this, my belief is that to most New Yorkers, gay marriage is low on the issues meter; meaning if it was legalized, the large minority who opposes it would not suddenly begin rioting and picketing, nor would it destroy Spitzer or the state's Democratic Party.Still, Spitzer's chances of getting a bill to sign into law are slim. Although a majority in the legislature supports it, some Democrats oppose it and the Republicans still control the State Senate.While I applaud the Governor's spending of political cap
Earlier today I discovered a blog owner that had copied two articles from my blog as well as hotlinking the photos. I emailed him and explained the error of his ways. He made the appropriate changes.
Mike Davidson, CEO of Newsvine, and designer of a very popular MySpace template, discovered a...
After years of listening to the gay marriage debate, I agree with the conservatives; gay couples should not get married. I too, feel that it would rock the foundation of marriage. Imagine how threatening a gay couple living next door to a heterosexual couple would be? Those men managed to earn a living; participate in cultured and civic life; and still find the time to do the dishes, fix the sink, prepare an exceptional dry martini, reupholster the furniture, and redecorate the entire house on a yearly basis. As for lesbians, think about what the shared housework, shared child raising and equal financial contribution would spark in all of those desperate suburban housewives? How could the heterosexual male compete? Soon, the inability to meet the same expectations would cause the marriage to crumble and divorce rates to skyrocket well beyond the already existing 50% divorce rate! Think about all of the single parent households that would produce and God knows it takes both a male an
sarcasm at it's finest...Top Ten Reasons to Make Gay Marriage Illegal01) Being gay is not natural. Real Americans always reject unnatural things like eyeglasses, polyester, and air conditioning.02) Gay marriage will encourage people to be gay, in the same way that hanging around tall people will make you tall.03) Legalizing gay marriage will open the door to all kinds of crazy behavior. People may even wish to marry their pets because a dog has legal standing and can sign a marriage contract.04) Straight marriage has been around a long time and hasn’t changed at all like many of the principles on which this great country was founded; women are still property, blacks still can’t marry whites, and divorce is still illegal.05) Straight marriage will be less meaningful if gay marriage were allowed; the sanctity of marriages like Britney Spears’ 55-hour just-for-fun marriage would be destroyed.06) Straight marriages are valid because they produce children. Gay couples, infertile coup
12.10.06In 1994 Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) wrote a letter to the log cabin republicans. In it, he makes several statements that imply his support in gay marriage, especially the federal "don't ask, don't tell" policy when he wrote it, "will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation's military". Conservative leaders immediately began to express doubts. However, he did get the endorsements of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Florida State House Speaker Allan Bense.
Yesterday, Conservative Judaism decided to take a somewhat liberal approach to gay marriage (and gay rabbis): It's allowed, but it's up to the individual congregation to decide to accept it. As explained by The New York Times:In doing so, the committee left it up to individual synagogues to decide whether to accept or reject gay rabbis and commitment ceremonies, saying that either course is justified according to Jewish law. "We believe in pluralism,†said Rabbi Kassel Abelson, chairman of the panel, the Committee on Jewish Law and Standards of the Rabbinical Assembly, at a news conference after the meeting at the Park Avenue Synagogue in New York. "We recognized from the very beginnings of the movement that no single position could speak for all members†on the law committee or in the Conservative movement.I've said it before, but it bears repeating: Not only is this openminded and fair, but it's the right answer.
Yesterday we saw the proposed constitutional to ban gay marriage defeated in the House by a vote of 236-187 (hooray for our side!). While this is certainly good news on some level, the fact remains that while this amendment probably won't go anywhere, many states are easily passing and upholding bans on the state level, and even trying to eliminate the possibility of civil unions.But as I listened to Dennis Hastert saying "Be assured that this issue is not over," and then to Joe Pitts of PA saying, "We must not allow an institution of such great importance to be arbitrarily redefined for the entire nation by a small number of unelected judges," I was left with the same question that I always seem to be left with on this issue. What's the big deal?If the Republicans and their friends want to be honest and just say "We hate queers and we just don't want them to have any rights whatsoever," then I can understand. But this whole issue of the sanctity of marriage or this so-called "in
I am personally all for gay marriage. I have no issue with and am impressed by the S.A. governments liberal and progressive stand point regarding this issue. I do have an issue with rushed marriage, gay or straight.I think that marriage is something that should be considered carefully, financially, emotionally, mentally and physically. It should not be fucked with, at all, ever. I fear that many, many gay South Africans will soon be following Vernon Gibbs and Tony Halls who went to get married on the day that same-sex marriage was legalised in South Africa. I am concerned not because of the implications and that bullshit banter. I am concerned because I think that many people will simply be getting married cause it's the latest trend in the pink circles. Crit me, mock me or disagree, but I think that there will be many, many gay divorces in the near future. Join the heteros and get married, cool, but lest us not forget that marriage is all too often followed by divorce.
Add another government entity to the list surrounding the US that has approved gay marriage. Canada and now even the Mexican state of Coahuila that borders Texas has approved gay marriage.How long will it take to gain equality in America? As long as that Christian fundamentalist GW Bush is in office we will never gain equality. I am pinning my hopes on the next presidential election when a Democrat is swept into office....Type rest of the post here
12.10.06In 1994 Governor Mitt Romney (R-MA) wrote a letter to the log cabin republicans. In it, he makes several statements that imply his support in gay marriage, especially the federal "don't ask, don't tell" policy when he wrote it, "will ultimately lead to gays and lesbians being able to serve openly and honestly in our nation's military". Conservative leaders immediately began to express doubts. However, he did get the endorsements of Missouri Governor Matt Blunt and Florida State House Speaker Allan Bense.
Brad Pitt is putting his money to yet another good cause. On Wednesday, the actor donated $100,000 towards fighting California’s November ballot initiative that would overturn the state Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.
“Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right [...]