LGBTQ news and entertainment
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit’s public information office expects a ruling on Tuesday, Feb. 7 in the Perry v. Brown case challenging the constitutionality of Proposition 8.
Get ready, kids.
Freedom To Marry’s Evan Wolfson took on NOM president Brian Brownshirt usual lies and distortions about marriage equality yesterday during an appearance on a local NYC politics show.
I encourage everyone to watch this. If you aren’t aware of the arguments (lies) NOM makes on a daily basis, you see them in action here. Brian Brown isn’t very good at much other than repeating NOM’s talking points. AND you see Evan Wolfson bat them all down one by one in a calm, logical manner.
Great job Evan.
From the Southern Poverty Law Center: Tracey Cooper-Harris served her country for 12 years in the U.S. Army. She received more than two dozen medals and commendations. She was honorably discharged in 2003. In 2010, Cooper-Harris was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a disabling disease that attacks the brain and central nervous system. The Department of Veterans Affairs denied Cooper-Harris’ request for benefits for her partner, even though their same-sex marriage was recognized by California.
The Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit on behalf of Cooper-Harris and her partner, charging that the Department of Veterans Affairs discriminated against them by denying these benefits but granting them to spouses in heterosexual marriages. It also charges the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional because it bans federal agencies from recognizing such same-sex marriages, denying these couples benefits available to couples in heterosexual marriages
Tonight, Wednesday February 1, 2012, marriage equality passed in Washington state’s Senate by a vote of 28-21. Three more votes than necessary.
The bill goes to the House where it is expected to pass.
Gov. Gregoire introduced the bill and has made clear she will sign it when it comes to her desk.
Lacey All, Chair of Washington United for Marriage, said in a statement, “We thank Majority Leader Brown, Sen. Murray and the bipartisan coalition of senators who stood with us today in the name of equality. The overwhelming support we’re seeing from businesses, labor, faith communities and people all across the state is a testament to the momentum of this movement and sensibilities of Washingtonians. Volunteers from every part of the state have contributed thousands of hours of their time to make today possible, and we thank them for their commitment to this issue.”
My personal favorite place to shop – Amazon.com – has issued a statement of support for marriage equality in Washington state:
“Amazon is joining other Pacific Northwest companies, including Microsoft, Starbucks and Nike, in support of Washington state’s marriage equality bills,” Amazon said in a statement released by spokeswoman Mary Osako. “The spirit of these bills is consistent with our longstanding employment practices.”
Six other prominent Washington state based companies – Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Microsoft, Nike, RealNetworks, and Vulcan – have come out in favor of the pending legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.
The Washington state senate may vote on the legislation tonight.
The Maryland Senate Judiciary Committee heard testimony on Tuesday from advocates and opponents of the marriage equality bill currently pending in the state legislature.
Among those testifying were 14-year-old Sarah Crank, who told legislators that it “would be the best birthday present ever if you would vote no on gay marriage.”
“I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender,” she said. […] “They have no idea what kind of wonderful experiences they miss out on.”
“People have the choice to be gay, but I don’t want to be affected by their choice. People say they were just born that way, but I’ve met really nice adults who did change.”
Listen — audio courtesy of Think Progress:
“It’s rather scary to think that when I grow up the legislature or the court can change the definition of any word they want,” she added.
“If they could change the definition of marriage then they could change the definition of any word,” said the home schooled teen.
Imagine being 14 years old and asking – as a birthday present – that legislators deny equal rights to other people.
Just think about that.
Think about the parents that raised a child to stand in front of the world and ask that people be denied equal rights.
Please think about it. And after you think on that, please tell me you’re sad.
I was raised in Texas where I COULD have had a red-neck, bigoted father who might have beat me for being who I am. Thank god my father was the amazing man he was.
This little girl… wish her good luck.
That’s all I got….
Five former governors of New Jersey are on record supporting gay marriage, while sitting Republican Gov. Chris Christie remains opposed.
Democrats Brendan Byrne and James Florio told NBC New York Monday they endorsed efforts in the Legislature to pass it.
“I think the climate is right on a basis of civil rights,” said Byrne, the oldest of the former Garden State governors. “I would ask that the Legislature pass it.”
Florio told NBC New York, “I have no difficulties with it.”
“There are already people living together, as good neighbors and good people and contributing to the economy of this state, and I don’t see any reason why they shouldn’t be able to continue with the blessing of marriage,” Tom Kean said.
Former Govs. Jon Corzine and Jim McGreevey are both on record as supporting gay marriage.
From the Advocate: Ed Murray, the lead sponsor of Washington State’s marriage equality bill in the Senate, told The Advocate Tuesday afternoon that he expects the measure to pass during a floor vote tomorrow. Twenty-five senators, including two Republicans, have pledged their support as of last week, and they represent the minimum number needed to pass the legislation.
“We believe we have the votes to pass the bill and to defeat any attempt to put it on a referendum,” said Murray, one of six openly gay legislators in Washington. “My guess is that probably towards the end of next week, the bill will be signed by [Gov. Chris Gregoire].”
Washington law mandates a 60-day period after a bill is passed before it goes into effect, which allows anyone in the state to ask for the measure to be put on the ballot. Murray said marriage equality opponents have already pledged to do so the same day the bill would be signed, and said he’s “absolutely” sure they’ll hold to their promise.
“It’s going to be a pretty ugly and tough campaign ahead,” Murray said.
Marriage equality opponents, including the National Organization for Marriage and local antigay groups, have vowed to stop the bill’s passage. NOM has pledged $250,000 to fund primary challenges to any Republican legislator who supports the bill.
But Murray said he’s confident about tomorrow’s vote, and with the help of Washington United for Marriage — the key group working on grassroots support for the measure statewide — the bill will passed into law during November’s election season if it does go to a public vote. If that happens, Washington would be the first state in the nation to pass marriage equality in both the legislature and on a ballot.