First thoughts coming out of SCOTUS hearing on Prop 8.
It may be that Justice Kennedy is wary of the issue of “standing” by the proponents. If dismissed, the 9th Circuit of Appeals decision would stand.
First thoughts from SCOTUS hearing on Prop 8
West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller supports marriage equality
“Like so many of my generation, my views on allowing gay couples to marry have been challenged in recent years by a new, more open generation.
“Churches and ministers should never have to perform marriages that violate their religious beliefs, but the government shouldn’t discriminate against people who want to marry just because of their gender.
“Younger people in West Virginia and even my own children have grown up in a much more equal society and they rightly push us to question old assumptions – to think deeply about what it means for all Americans to be created equal. This has been a process for me, but at this point I think it’s clear that DOMA is discriminatory.
“I’m against discrimination in all its forms, and I think we can move forward in our progress toward true equality by repealing DOMA.” – Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV)
Alaska Sen. Mark Begich supports marriage equality
Sen. Mark Begich (D-AK) has announced he supports the freedom to marry for same-sex couples just hours after similar announcements from Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) and Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO).
Sen. Begich issued this statement on his support for marriage:
“I believe that same sex couples should be able to marry and should have the same rights, privileges and responsibilities as any other married couple. Government should keep out of individuals’ personal lives—if someone wants to marry someone they love, they should be able to. Alaskans are fed up with government intrusion into our private lives, our daily business, and in the way we manage our resources and economy.”
(via Buzzfeed)
Now is the time to overturn DOMA
“In America, we don’t have second-class citizens, and we shouldn’t have second-class marriages, either.”
via Freedom To Marry
More proof that Rush Limbaugh is either a liar or an idiot
In the last election cycle alone, Maryland, Maine and Washington state all passed same-sex marriage by popular vote of those states’ citizens.
Rush Limbaugh knows this. But it makes him feel better to lie to his listeners and say the issue has lost every time when it has not.
Last week, a new Post-ABC News poll revealed 58 percent support for marriage equality.
“So same-sex marriage and wiping out the Defense of Marriage Act is now a civil right. People that oppose it are bigots and nobody wants to be a bigot. But the thing you can’t say is that if left to a vote of the people, same-sex marriage loses every time it’s on the ballot. I think so far it’s 30 times. State ballots, initiatives and other things, and the Defense of Marriage Act at the federal level. It’s never passed.
You wouldn’t know that, would you, by listening to the pop culture media? You would think that this issue has overtaken everything, it’s the most important issue to everybody and anybody, and that it has massive public support. And yet every time it’s been voted on by the people it has gone down to defeat. That’s why the courts have to get involved, because the people, according to the left, won’t do the right thing.” – Rush Limbaugh, speaking on yesterday’s radio show.
NYC Pride announces Grand Marshals
NYC Pride announced today that DOMA plaintiff Edie Windsor, along with Harry Belafonte and Earl Fowlkes, will serve as Grand Marshals for the 44th annual NYC LGBT Pride March.
Via press release:
Edith Windsor will be taking her fight against DOMA all the way to the Supreme Court after paying more than $360,000 in federal estate taxes upon the death of her partner of 44 years.
Harry Belafonte has been a longtime advocate for civil rights and universal equality on a global scale.
Earl Fowlkes serves as the President/CEO of the Center for Black Equity, whose mission is to fight for health, social and economic equity in the Black LGBT community.
“We believe this year will be historic. LGBT rights are expanding across the country and these individuals embody the soul of a movement far from over. They are tirelessly fighting for all of us. They are the great waves in a sea of hope: Edith’s never-ending battle for marriage equality, Harry’s unending fight for human rights, Earl’s focused leadership and selfless spirit. So with great pride, we congratulate them and honor them for their unwavering dedication to the idea of a more just and verdant future for all peoples,” said Chris Frederick, Managing Director of NYC Pride.
For more on this year’s NYC Pride, visit their official site. This year’s March takes place on June 30.
We do have a budget problem
Virginia Sen. Mark Warner supports marriage equality
“I support marriage equality because it is the fair and right thing to do. Like many Virginians and Americans, my views on gay marriage have evolved, and this is the inevitable extension of my efforts to promote equality and opportunity for everyone.
“I was proud to be the first Virginia governor to extend anti-discrimination protections to LGBT state workers. In 2010, I supported an end to the military’s ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, and earlier this month I signed an amicus brief urging the repeal of DOMA. I believe we should continue working to expand equal rights and opportunities for all Americans.” – Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA), today announcing his support on his Facebook page.
UPDATE: According to BuzzFeed, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Tim Johnson (D-SD) have also indicated today that they no longer support the Defense of Marriage Act.
(via JMG)
Backstreet Boys do “Harlem Shake”
And for those paying attention, it looks to be Nick Carter shirtless with his guitar in his underwear doing his part to entertain…
Sneak peek at Broadway Bares 23
From the YouTube description: Broadway Bares, the unrivaled evening of sexy striptease that benefits Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, will return for its 23rd edition on Sunday, June 23, 2013.
This year’s theme will be announced on Thursday, March 28 at broadwaybares.com and broadwaycares.org.
This always sold-out annual event combines the naughtiness of burlesque and the razzle-dazzle of Broadway. More than 200 of the hottest male and female dancers in New York City take to the stage for two sensational shows at 9:30 pm and midnight.