Tag: marriage equality

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Washington state has the votes for marriage equality

Mary Margaret Haugen became the 25th member of the state senate, and the last vote needed to pass the bill, after scores of same-sex marriage supporters told their stories in the state capital for more than two hours.

The bill, first brought up by Washington governor Christine Gregoire, is expected to easily pass in the House but was one vote short of passage in the Senate until Haugen announced her support this afternoon.

Haugen, a Democrat, cited her “very strong Christian beliefs” as part of the reason she supports marriage equality.

“Only one being in this world is omniscient, and it’s not me,” she said in a statement. “Personally I have always said when I accepted the Lord, I became more tolerant of others. I stopped judging people and try to live by the Golden Rule. This is part of my decision. I do not believe it is my role to judge others, regardless of my personal beliefs.”

Lacey All, chair for Washington United for Marriage, said the senator’s decision was the result of those stories told by LGBT Washingtonians.

“We’ve known for a long time that our stories are powerful, and sharing those stories can change hearts and minds,” All said in a statement cheering the decision. “Hundreds of constituents shared their stories of love, commitment and family with Sen. Haugen, and in doing so convinced her that she was doing the right thing for Washington.”
(source)

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Washington state: Same-sex marriage would bring $88 million to state economy

A report released Friday by The Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law indicates marriage equality in Washington would add $88 million to the state economy in the first three years.

Bills to legalize marriage for same-sex couples have been introduced in both the state house and senate with strong support from Washington governor Chris Gregoire.
Findings of the report, per the Williams Institute:

Total spending on wedding arrangements and tourism by resident same-sex couples and their guests will add an $88-million boost to the Washington economy over the first three years. This spending is likely to generate $8 million in tax revenue for state and local governments.

The figures in the report draw upon data on average wedding expenditures in Washington and tourism reports from 2010, along with data regarding marriage expenses by same-sex couples in other states.

The report considers that couples in existing registered domestic partnerships might have different spending patterns from couples that do not have that status. Even if there was no new spending by the 7,518 couples currently in registered domestic partnerships, the state would see an estimated increase in spending of $18 million and a tax boost of $1.6 million.

The full report is available here.

(source)

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Maryland Gov. O’Malley to introduce same-sex marriage bill Monday

Gov. Martin O’Malley is expected Monday to introduce most of his proposed legislation for this year’s General Assembly.

Among the bills the Democratic governor is expected to submit is one to legalize same-sex marriage, an O’Malley spokeswoman said.

Yet lawmakers are expected to take relatively fast action on the governor’s gay-marriage bill that should draw national attention.

Mr. Miller has said the Senate will take up the issue before the House and could move to pass the bill as soon as possible.

The bill is expected to pass the Senate with support from 25 of 47 senators but could have trouble in the 141-member House where it died last year.

Mr. Barve said Democratic leaders are working to gain support for the bill but remain three votes short of a majority.

“I believe we’ll get there, but it’s going to be a tough fight again,” he said.

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Microsoft supports marriage equality

Microsoft has released a statement expressing their support for gay marriage, specifically in Washington state where their company headquarters are based.

As other states recognize marriage equality, Washington’s employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits and their families. Employers in the technology sector face an unprecedented national and global competition for top talent.

Despite progress made in recent years with domestic partnership rights, same-sex couples in Washington still hold a different status from their neighbors. Marriage equality in Washington would put employers here on an equal footing with employers in the six other states that already recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples – Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. This in turn will help us continue to compete for talent.

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Olivia Newton-John on marriage equality

Four time Grammy Award winner and star of GREASE, the most successful movie musical of all time, has issued a statement in support for marriage equality. Olivia, who enjoys a wide fan-base including the LGBT community, has been a longtime LGBT ally and friend.

“With respect to marriage equality – I believe that no one has the right to judge and deny couples who love each other the ability to make a marriage commitment. Love is love.”
– Olivia Newton-John
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Washington state: Gay marriage within one vote of passage

State Sen. Jim Kastama announced today he will support gay-marriage legislation.

Kastama was one of six undecided senators on marriage equality – and a current candidate for Secretary of State.

The Puyallup Democrat is the 24th announced supporter of same-sex marriage in a Senate where 25 votes make a majority. Although Democrats hold majorities in both our state’ chambers, a bill is not certain to pass, as some conservative Democrats have sided with Republicans on the issue.

Six U.S. states currently allow same-sex marriage: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Iowa. Gay marriage is also legal in the District of Columbia.

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NJ: Gay marriage approaches possible veto-proof support

New Jersey Democrats believe they are within spitting distance of securing enough support to override a veto of same-sex marriage legislation if Gov. Chris Christie chooses not support it. State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, one of the bill’s sponsors, estimated the chamber had between 24 and 27 supporters for legislation to allow for same-sex marriage in New Jersey. It takes 27 votes in the 40-member state senate to override a governor’s veto. “I’m wishing and hoping,” said Lesniak, who also acknowledged that some potential supporters still needed “shoring up.”

Lesniak, a Democrat representing Union County, counted up to 23 Democrats and four Republicans as supporting a gay marriage, but wouldn’t disclose specific names of those he believes would vote to override a veto. Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver, a Democrat, has said that she has majority support for same-sex marriage legislation, and that she would work to garner the 54 votes necessary for a veto override in the 80-member Assembly.

A new Quinnipiac poll released Thursday morning reveals that for the first time a majority of New Jersey voters (52 percent) support marriage equality with just 42 percent opposing.
(source)

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Nick Jonas: “We love our gay fans”

Click pic for larger view

In a recent interview with the Advocate, Nick Jonas discusses his new role in Broadway’s How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, as well as his relationship with the gay community.

“Our gay fans been incredible over the years,” says Jonas. “My brothers and I totally look forward to meeting them, because they really respond to our style, and it’s cool to see how our influence has impacted what they’re wearing… They always have good taste.”

As far as he and his brother’s strict Christian upbringing is concerned, Jonas says, “My upbringing was faith-based, but we believed you should love all others as you want to be loved, because everyone should be treated equally. That’s helped me have an understanding of people on different journeys and in different walks of life. At the end of the day, we’re all the same, because we all want to be loved.”

When asked about marriage equality, he says “My thoughts on gay marriage are that everyone has the right to love and be loved, and that’s the position I take.”

Aside from starring in the show, Jonas also discusses plans to get involved with Trevor Project and the It Gets Better campaign: “Once I join the show, I plan to do all I can on a few different efforts, including Trevor Project and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. I want to inspire all young people, whether they’re diabetic, being bullied, or just having a hard time at home.”

Jonas follows Daniel Radcliffe and Darren Criss starring in the Broadway revival. He begins his performance as J. Pierrepont Finch on January 24, 2012.

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Hugh Jackman joins the call for marriage equality in Australia

Hugh Jackman has joined an ever-growing list of prominent supporters of marriage equality that also includes two former NSW Premiers – Nick Greiner and Kristina Keneally – as well as Derryn Hinch and Wallaby’s Captain David Pocock.

Hugh has signed a statement declaring:

“Marriage should be about love and respect, not discrimination. Australia is at its best when we value equality over prejudice and fear. That’s why we support marriage equality for same-sex couples. Marriage equality will help remove discrimination against same-sex couples and their children. It will also benefit marriage by allowing it to embrace more loving committed couples who uphold its values. It’s time for Australia to join the other nations that have benefitted from this important reform.”

More Australian celebrities who support full marriage equality will be announced at Wednesday’s Equality Dinner in Sydney.