Tag: marriage equality

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Illinois: GOP State rep. Ed Sullivan Jr supports marriage equality

First we got Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk’s evolution to marriage equality

And now comes word that we have the support of Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr.

The Illinois House Republican came around to support same-sex marriage over the weekend, citing his gay mother-in-law as the impetus for his decision.

The Chicago Tribune reports:

State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr., who is chairman of the House Republican campaign organization, said his decision to back same-sex marriage represented a personal and family evolution on the issue. Previously an opponent of civil unions, Sullivan told the Tribune that his mother-in-law, who lives in the southwest suburbs, has been in a same-sex relationship. “The first reaction from people might be, ‘Well he might be voting for that just because of his mother-in-law,'” Sullivan said. “The reality is, because my mother-in-law is gay, I have more of an understanding and familiarity with same-sex couples.”

A state representative since 2003, Sullivan and state Rep. Ron Sandack of Downers Grove are the only House Republicans to publicly announce their backing of the same-sex marriage bill, which already passed the state Senate.

According to Rep. Sullivan, the Illinois House is still 12 or so votes shy of passing marriage equality.

But that could all change very quickly. “There is tremendous momentum leading up to this vote. I think we’re very close,” he said. “There’s many of my colleagues that have talked about this, that have said it’s the right thing to do.”

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Utah: Sen. Orrin Hatch thinks civil unions could preserve “traditional” marriage

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah wants to preserve marriage as between a man and a woman, and he says one way to do that would be to offer gay couples civil unions.

“I’ll say this, I do believe this could be solved greatly by a civil-union law that would give gay people the same rights as married people,” said Hatch, who mentioned hospital visitations and tax benefits. “I think we can solve this problem without undermining the very basis of marital law in our country.”

Hatch said he doesn’t believe people choose to be gay, but “I draw the line on traditional marriage.”

Six states offer civil unions, including Colorado and Hawaii, while nine others and the District of Columbia have legalized gay marriage. Same-sex marriage is illegal in the rest of the nation.

More at the Salt Lake Tribune

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Louisiana: Sen. Landrieu “believes” in marriage equality

With so many politicians coming out in favor of marriage equality, the question begs “what’s holding back the four remaining Senate Democrats that have yet to show their support?”

Clearly there’s a lot of concern about keeping their jobs with their socially conservative constituents.

Sen. Mary Landrieu of Louisiana offered CNN an explanation.  CNN reports:

Landrieu told CNN National Political Correspondent Jim Acosta in an interview Friday that she personally believes “people should love who they love and marry who they want to marry,” but that her obligation rests with the people of Louisiana who elected her.

“My state has a very strong constitutional amendment not only against gay marriage but against gay partnerships. So I’m looking at the people of Louisiana trying to represent their interests,” she said.

So Landrieu’s personally in favor of marriage equality, but she’s representing the values of her constituents.

Question: as an elected official – do you lead? Or do you follow?

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Brazil: State of Parana legalizes marriage equality

Word comes from On Top Magazine that Parana is the tenth state in Brazil to legalize marriage equality:

On Wednesday, Parana (South) became the tenth Brazilian state to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry without the permission of a judge, the AFP reported. While no federal law allows gay couples to marry in Brazil, the nation’s Supreme Court in 2011 ruled that the government must recognize the unions of gay couples.

It looks like Brazil, with 27 states, has a similar situation as the USA with marriage equality proceeding state by state.

One major difference is that there’s no DOMA, and so these states’ couples are recognized at the federal level, too.

Congratulations Parana!

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Brendon Ayanbedejo cut by Baltimore Ravens

Marriage equality ally Brendon Ayanbadejo’s contract was terminated by the Baltimore Ravens yesterday, Newsday reports:

At tonight’s Straight for Equality Gala in Manhattan where he and Vikings punter Chris Kluwe were being honored, Ayanbadejo said his non-football activities were a factor in the Ravens’ decision.

“My bark is louder than my bite,” he told Newsday. “I make a lot of noise and garner a lot of attention for various things off the football field. When that starts happening, why do you have that player around?”

Ayanbadejo said he understands it’s just a piece of the ultimate decision. The three-time Pro Bowler as a special teamer said he knows the Ravens can find players to do what he does for less money and conceded that his productivity has gone down in recent years.

“But,” he said, “I don’t necessarily think that teams want this type of attention.”

The Ravens say it had nothing to do with that:

“We are surprised that Brendan would indicate that,” said Ravens spokesman Kevin Byrne. “We have always respected Brendan’s opinions and his right to express them. He was released for football reasons, period.”

UPDATE – Brendon posted the following statement on his Facebook page clarifying he was NOT cut for speaking out about marriage equality:

“Just a heads up I did an interview today and no way said I was cut because my views. I said my talk was louder than my production and at 36 when you are not producing it is a fair move. You can find cheaper guys to do what I do. Ravens are the best organization in the NFL period!”

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North Dakota: Sen. Heidi Heitkamp supports marriage equality

“In speaking with North Dakotans from every corner of our great state, and much personal reflection, I have concluded the federal government should no longer discriminate against people who want to make lifelong, loving commitments to each other or interfere in personal, private, and intimate relationships. I view the ability of anyone to marry as a logical extension of this belief. The makeup of families is changing, but the importance of family is enduring.” – Sen. Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), becoming the 52nd sitting U.S. Senator to endorse marriage equality.

(Via JMG)