Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from January 2009

	N.H. Bishop to testify at gay marriage hearing The Rev. V. Gene Robinson will testify Thursday before the New Hampshire House Judiciary Committee on a bill to allow gay marriage in the Granite State.... Seacoast Online • Jan 30, 2009

	Uncommon ground That alleged "slippery slope" is protected by an impenetrable guard rail -- Amendment 3 of the Utah Constitution, which defines marriage as solely between a man and a woman. What Common Ground supporters seek are basic legal rights and protections, not marriage licenses. Lawmakers should set their paranoia aside, and listen to common sense instead of the radical right.... Salt Lake Tribune • Jan 30, 2009

	NH gay bill shelved A bill that would have mandated that partners in civil unions be added to all state insurance laws was put on hold just as House committee was about to hold a hearing on the measure. Rep. Edward Butler (D), the bill's sponsor, pulled the legislation, saying there were other measures dealing with same-sex couples that should be considered first. Among those is a proposal to change New Hampshire's... 365Gay • Jan 30, 2009

	BASF Asks State Bar To Reconsider Annual Meeting Hotel The Bar Association of San Francisco today asked the State Bar of California to reconsider holding it annual meeting, as well as the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations (CDCBA) meeting, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego in September. The hotel's owner, Doug Manchester, contributed $125,000 to the Yes on 8 Campaign which supported the passing of Proposition 8 in November 20... Press Release • Jan 29, 2009

	Third Increment's the Charm What has struck Murray--a veteran of Olympia's pitched battles over gay rights--is how little opposition there is to completing Washington state's domestic partnership law. "The most remarkable thing is how unremarkable this is," said Murray. "We're not having a culture war down here about domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian families. Even two years ago, three sessions ago, domestic partner... The Stranger • Jan 29, 2009

	Senate panel gives OK for domestic partnerships http://www.lcsun-news.com/ci_11578415?source=most_emailed... Las Cruces Sun-News • Jan 29, 2009

	Judge denies request to keep Proposition 8 donors secret "The court finds that the state is not facilitating retaliation by compelling disclosure," he said.... Sacramento Bee • Jan 29, 2009

	Editorial: No special protection for Prop. 8 backers We have heard nothing that convinces us that opponents of gay marriage require or deserve protections any greater than those contributing to other controversial measures, which have filled California's ballot for decades. Gun laws, abortion rights, property rights and other emotional issues have made regular appearances on the ballots.... Monterey County Herald • Jan 29, 2009

	GLAAD president Giuliano resigns Giuliano also expanded GLAAD's influence as a national voice and began media programs reaching out to young adults, communities of religion and faith, and sports media. GLAAD also acquired Queer Lounge at the Sundance Film Festival in 2007 and will launch an advertising media program later in 2009 with the assets of the former Commercial Closet Association.... 365Gay • Jan 29, 2009

	Utah gay rights bills get off to bad start Earlier this month, a poll commissioned by Equality Utah found that 63 percent support gay legal protections including some rights for same-sex couples. The survey found that 62 percent believe it should be illegal to fire someone for being gay and 57 percent said it should be illegal to deny housing to someone for being gay. On the issue of partner rights, 73 percent said they would support hea... 365Gay • Jan 29, 2009

	Colombia Rules Gay Couples Must Be Granted Same Rights as Straight The court's decision means Colombia's gay couples will be awarded dozens of rights that straight, unmarried couples have enjoyed for years and follows other recent rulings that have won the nation's same-sex couples inheritance, pension, health, and social security rights.... Advocate • Jan 29, 2009

	Prop 8 backers oppose initiative openness And yet, all that's been reliably documented are a few examples of gays and their supporters staying away from businesses whose owners were Proposition 8 donors. No physical harm whatsoever.... Highland Community News • Jan 28, 2009

	The Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Needs to Happen Now The key statement there, at least to us, is that evidence shows that the presence of gays (and lesbians!) does not undermine unit cohesion in the armed services. Contrary to what you might read over at the Center for Military Readiness, that's just a simple fact - gays and lesbians do not harm unit cohesion, do not negatively impact unit recruitment or retention, and do not harm military morale.... Change.org • Jan 28, 2009

	The Health Impact of Making Marriage Legal ACOG's statement looks specifically at the impact on lesbian relationships, noting that "many lesbians experience barriers to health care, including concerns about confidentiality, discriminatory attitudes and treatment, limited access to health care and health insurance, and often an inadequate understanding of their own health risks. Adding to these obstacles, lesbians and their families are ne... Change.org • Jan 28, 2009

	A Look At Yes! On Equality - The 2010 Proposed Ballot Measure Repealing Prop 8 Yes! On Equality is spearheaded by Sacromentian (Sacramento-ian?) Charles "Chazz" Lowe. Lowe, who has been involved in local LGBT issues for a long time, is confident that if the California Supreme Court does not over turn Prop 8 this Spring then voters will overturn it in a 2010 election. Like many same-sex marriage supporters, Lowe was disappointed by the insular and ineffective No-On-8 campaig... • Jan 28, 2009

	Voter initiative would allow civil partnerships in Arizona Two gay Arizona men have begun a voter initiative to legalize civil partnerships in the state. Send / Share Add Comment Gino Meriano and Philip Cotton filed notice of the proposal with the Secretary of State's Office, the first step to begin collecting signatures to have the question put to voters in 2010. "This was a special moment and one that Philip and I will not forget, at last a new start ... 365Gay • Jan 28, 2009

	Psychoanalysts call for end to military gay ban "It is the position of APsaA that sexual orientation is not germane to any aspect of military effectiveness, including unit cohesion, morale, recruitment or retention," the resolution says. "Empirical evidence, as well as comparative data from foreign militaries and domestic police and fire departments shows that when lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are allowed to serve openly there is no evidenc... 365Gay • Jan 28, 2009

	The money still matters in the ongoing battles over Prop. 8 At an often-tense conference in Los Angeles last Saturday, angry grassroots activists in the marriage equality movement loudly demanded that the leaders of the "No on 8" effort tell them how much money was spent, where it went and how much is left in the kitty. They weren't happy when the answer was little more than a shoulder shrug and a "We'll have to get back to you on that."... SF Gate • Jan 27, 2009

	Is It Time For A Gay Marriage Ballot Initiative in California? So, this thing is going to happen and our gut instinct is that it ought to happen. The time for careful, cautious strategies is over- it's time for the gay community to embrace a "shock and awe" approach. Each new campaign, whether it fails or not, will act as a battering ram on the door of intolerance. More importantly, our sense is that the gay community can not go through another five years of ... Queerty • Jan 27, 2009

	Foreign Policy Workers Ask U.S. To Back Benefits for Gay Partners The issue achieved prominence in 2007 when a respected ambassador, Michael Guest, resigned after 26 years in the Foreign Service to protest the rules and regulations that he argued gave same-sex partners fewer benefits than family pets. Guest said he was forced to choose "between obligations to my partner, who is my family, and service to my country," which he called "a shame for this institution ... Washington Post • Jan 27, 2009

	Married or not, let couples adopt With so many kids needing homes, it is shocking that a growing number of states now prohibit unmarried couples -- gay and straight -- from adopting or serving as foster parents. In November, Arkansas joined a growing list of states that ban such adoptions, including Georgia, Oklahoma, Utah and Mississippi. My partner, Dan, and I hope to adopt one day. (Gay adoption is legal in California.) And if... LA Times • Jan 27, 2009

	Just Issued: Guide To Your Rights As A Gay New Yorker Married Out Of State The Empire State Pride Agenda, the ACLU, the NYCLU, and Lambda Legal have collaborated to create a document called Your Government Respects Your Marriage: Developments in New York State Agency Recognition of Same-Sex Couples' Out-of-State Marriages.... Joe My God • Jan 27, 2009

	MarriageEqualityUSA: Collective Wisdom of Our Grassroots Community It goes without saying that I believe the slideshow is worth watching, and the reports are worth reading. Lots of good info in the collected thoughts.... Pam's House Blend • Jan 27, 2009

	Gay students at BYU still struggle for acceptance Recent studies show that gays rejected by their families have a far higher incidence of suicide, while mainstream psychology flatly rejects therapies intended to "cure" same-sex attraction.... Salt Lake Tribune • Jan 27, 2009

	Mormon Utah Legislators Oppose Even the Slightest of Gay Rights The more I experience the actions of those in leadership positions or those who have power withing the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, the more I become convinced that this organization is an instrument of organized homophobia and that there are no rights, no equalities, no measures of freedom for gay men and women that are too small for them to let pass unopposed.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 27, 2009

	"Everything but marriage" bill for gay couples The measure makes changes to all remaining areas of state law where currently only married couples are addressed.... Seattle Times • Jan 27, 2009

	Calif: Masking pro-Prop 8 names violates disclosure law The brief, filed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, contends that Proposition 8 supporters do not meet the criteria for the limited exemption to valid campaign disclosure laws - an exemption developed by the Supreme Court to protect the ability of historically persecuted minority parties to engage in political speech. The brief notes that supporters of Propositio... 365Gay • Jan 27, 2009

	EQCA Announces February 17 Lobby Day to Urge Invalidation of Proposition 8, Calls for Participants Equality California will sponsor a lobby day where participants will urge legislators to support companion resolutions, SR 7 (Leno) and HR 5 (Ammiano), in the State Senate and Assembly that would put the legislature on record as opposing Proposition 8 as an invalid revision to the California Constitution. THe dayu is set for Tuesday, February 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the California Sta... California Gay Marriage Blog • Jan 27, 2009

	Conservatives turn to gay adoption Nationwide polls show that a plurality of Americans think gays should be allowed to legally adopt children and a minority believe otherwise. In Arkansas, less than a month before the vote, a survey by the University of Arkansas found 55 percent of voters opposed to the ban. Also, organizations seeking to ban marriage equality in California, Florida and Arizona generated big money for ballot initi... 365Gay • Jan 27, 2009

	Get Ready to Lose Prop 8 Part Two: They're Already Fighting to Protect DOMA To be sure, some of the decisions over the last few months demand analysis. But while we're busy figuring out which opportunities we missed, it looks like we're about to miss an even bigger one.... SFist • Jan 27, 2009

	Prop 8 Musical Will Be Part of Star-Studded Defying Inequality Benefit A host of actors from stage and screen will take part in Defying Inequality: The Broadway Concert -- A Celebrity Benefit for Equal Rights, which will be held Feb. 23 at the Gershwin Theatre, the current home of Wicked.... Playbill • Jan 27, 2009

	Camp Courage: online tech tools session Julia Rosen of the Courage Campaign facilitated a great session on tools and techniques for online organizing. Here are notes from the session, taken by Kat.... Equality Camp • Jan 26, 2009

	Sixteen openly gay individuals earn presidential appointments So far, sixteen lesbian and gay individuals have received appointments from President Barack Obama. Many of these people applied for their positions through the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute's Presidential Appointments Project.... Victory Fund • Jan 26, 2009

	Prop 8: Repeal in 2010, 2012 or later? "I don't think anybody knows when is the best time to go back," Jacobs said. "My philosophy is having it go every time, and eventually we will win." Californians will be going to the polls in 2010 to elect a new Governor, so turnout will likely be high. There's also perhaps never been a more energized core of activists wanting to enact marriage equality. Just look at the people who poured into ... Change.org • Jan 26, 2009

	No on 8: 'We messed up' "When I look at what was the biggest mistake, when I lie awake at night prepping my e-mails I'm going to send to all of you and I think about the biggest mistake that we made, it's that we've turned everything over to political experts and political consultants," said Equality California Executive Director Geoff Kors. "And I would never ever do that again. You know, when we started Equality Califo... Rex Wockner • Jan 26, 2009

	Notes from This Weekend's 'Equality Summit' in Los Angeles Geoff Kors, Executive Committee member of 'No On 8', stated that the 'No On 8' campaign worked with social psychologists who interviewed people opposed to marriage equality even though they supported housing and employment rights for GLBT people. What they found was that ʻrights argumentsʼ did not appeal to this group of people when emotional appeals did. This resulted in the ʻGarden Weddingʼ ad w... Towleroad • Jan 26, 2009

	New Yorkers: Senator Gillibrand Needs to Hear from You! We urge our New York readers to call and congratulate your new Senator, and urge her to join Senator Schumer in supporting New York's lesbian and gay binational families by cosponsoring UAFA when it is reintroduced this year.... Immigration Equality • Jan 26, 2009

	More Questions Than Answers at Gay Marriage Equality Summit What's really needed - and this may seem stunningly obvious - is a meta-organization that would be dedicated to creating a multi-pronged strategy for marriage equality in all fifty states, that would include legal maneuvering, public outreach and community building. It would not be responsible for implementing the strategy, but would direct existing and yet-to-be created organizations on what they... Queerty • Jan 26, 2009

	The 'Yes I do' Campaign If your Members of Congress have not issued public statements supporting marriage equality, this is the time to contact them. These are new times; change is in the air. Check out a listing of congress members supporting marriage equality.... Queers United • Jan 25, 2009

	Prop. 8 replay not a sure bet for 2010 Kate Kendell, executive director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, said she understands the urgency gay marriage supporters feel. But ultimately, a decision on timing would have to be based on "what makes the most strategic and political sense" and "a full appreciation of the enormity of such an undertaking," she said. Apart from the practical mechanics, another factor to consider is whe... SF Gate • Jan 25, 2009

	Equality Summit vs. Camp Courage Bear in mind that these two events had different purposes and here really hadn't been an airing of what happened in the No on 8 campaign, which is why the Equality Summit happened, along with the question of what to do next. My experience so far:... Equality Camp • Jan 25, 2009

	Urge Senator Robert Bunda to Side With Equality on Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Sen. Robert Bunda, D-22nd (North Shore, Wahiawa) said he needs to get a better understanding of the legislation and will consider it even though he has been opposed to same-sex unions in the past.... Queers United • Jan 25, 2009

	Prop. 8 opponents unhappy with campaign leaders By bringing in professional consultants and making the campaign more about politics than the needs, stories and enthusiasm of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community, the No on 8 leaders not only lost the election, but missed the point, argued many of the more than 400 people at Equality Summit '09, held at the Los Angeles Convention Center.... SF Gate • Jan 25, 2009

	Hawaii civil unions backed by a majority in state House A majority in the state House has signed on to a bill that would legalize civil unions, giving the issue a genuine chance of advancing this session after years of stagnation.... Honolulu Advertiser • Jan 25, 2009

	Desire for Prop. 8 dialogue outweighing boycott "It was more important that we shout at the top of our lungs to keep the dialogue about Proposition 8 open."... Desert News • Jan 25, 2009

	Angry Crowd At The Equality Summit I don't want a witch hunt; I need a victory.... Pam's House Blend • Jan 24, 2009

	Post Election: Study Looks At What Happened With Prop 8 The study reveals conversations with friends, family, and co-workers were the most important -- most influential -- in driving No On Prop 8 votes.... Pam's House Blend • Jan 24, 2009

	Brown, ethics commission seek to preserve disclosure laws on Prop. 8 donors But in their court briefs this week, Brown and the state Fair Political Practices Commission said donors' information should remain public. "Political democracy demands open debate, including prompt disclosure of the identities of campaign donors," Brown said. Ethics commission officials argued that information on who contributes to ballot measure campaigns is necessary to prevent money launderi... LA Times • Jan 24, 2009

	The Pragmatism of Rep. (Now Sen.) Kirsten Gillibrand on Same-Sex Marriage Last night, Sen. Gillibrand spoke to the Empire State Pride Agenda, and they're reporting today that she now supports full marriage equality. That contradicts her statement below. Hmm...something smells fishy. We'll keep you posted.... Change.org • Jan 23, 2009

	So City Attorney Dennis Herrera was on 'No on 8' Executive Committee -- Can He Do That? And What Will Enraged LGBT Activists Think? "I don't think Dennis Herrera is going to be hurt by the fact he was on this committee," said Charles Sheehan, a political consultant with Whitehurst Mosher Campaign Strategy and Media -- and the co-chair of the Alice B. Toklas LGBT club. "LGBT advocates need to move on and overturn Prop. 8 at the ballot or in the courts -- and Dennis Herrera needs to be a part of this process. He's the meat and ... SF Weekly • Jan 23, 2009

	Props 8 and 187 - The republicans shoot themselves in the other foot Millennials will soon dominate our politics. They will legalize gay marriage.... Capitol Weekly • Jan 23, 2009

	Brown's Prop. 8 challenge may backfire In this context, the last thing supporters of gay marriage need is a grandstanding attorney general who, by abandoning his assigned institutional role, creates doubts about the fairness of the Supreme Court proceeding and provides an opening for Proposition 8 supporters to argue that the case has been transformed from a legal to a political contest in which victory goes to the most powerful intere... Sacramento Bee • Jan 23, 2009

	NAACP Joins Proposition 8 Challenge The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund has filed a friend of the court brief challenging California's Proposition 8, the voter-approved referendum against gay marriage ban, on the grounds that the basic rights of a minority group cannot be taken away by a simple majority. LDF joins other civil rights groups, the Asian American Pacific Legal Center, the Mexican American Legal Defense and Edu... Portland Observer • Jan 23, 2009

	Polls show shift in attitude toward gays A Florida poll shows a majority of prospective voters in that state believe the state's ban on gay adoption should be repealed and that there should be legal recognition of same-sex relationships, though they disagreed on whether that should be marriage or civil unions. The other poll, in Utah, found that a majority support LGBT civil rights.... 365Gay • Jan 23, 2009

	Survey: Politics, Money Concern College Freshmen Just under two-thirds (66 percent) support the right to same-sex marriage.... NY Times • Jan 22, 2009

	Proposition 8 foes hold gay marriage boot camps The idea is to train activists in "the practical, hands-on skills to organize in their communities to restore marriage equality for same-sex couples to California."... LA Times • Jan 22, 2009

	Summit planners stingy with No on Prop 8 dollars With hundreds of LGBT marriage equality advocates expected to attend the Equality Summit in Los Angeles Saturday, January 24 it appears that more than half of those organizing the event failed to contribute to the No on Prop 8 campaign during last year's election.... Bay Area Reporter • Jan 22, 2009

	Lawyers argue Ohio Constitution bans gay co-parenting Rita Goodman and her then-partner Siobhan LaPiana planned to have a family. LaPiana gave birth to two children, now aged 11 and 8. Both women equally parented the boys, who love and rely on both of them as their mothers ,according to court documents filed by Lambda Legal which represents Goodman. Before the birth of the first child, Goodman and LaPiana drafted and signed a parenting agreement d... 365Gay • Jan 22, 2009

	Pro-Gay Family Ads Rejected by Los Angeles ABC Affiliate Apparently, some families need to be protected from the sight of other families.... The Stranger • Jan 22, 2009

	Hawaii lawmakers to consider gaming, gay marriage Hawaii lawmakers convene a new session tomorrow. They expect to consider legalizing gambling, recognizing gay marriage and preserving Hawaiian lands. The session runs through May 7th.... Washington Blade • Jan 21, 2009

	Prop. 8 foes push new ballot measures to reverse gay marriage ban Angered by the passage of Proposition 8, grass-roots activists are working to place measures on the ballot to reverse California's ban on same-sex unions. The sparsely financed groups are acting independently of the No on 8 Campaign, which is challenging the measure in the state Supreme Court. They plan to use the Internet to collect the nearly 700,000 signatures of registered voters needed to g... Sacramento Bee • Jan 21, 2009

	Attorney General Brown Renews Call for California Supreme Court to Strike Down Proposition 8 Brown argues that Proposition 8 supporters are wrong to suggest that the people's right to amend the Constitution through the initiative process is unlimited and that the Court does not have the authority to invalidate Proposition 8. The Court, in fact, has exercised judicial review previously to invalidate a constitutional amendment that was deemed substantively improper. He also argues Proposit... Press Release • Jan 21, 2009

	Sweden to allow gay marriage in May While heterosexuals in Sweden can choose to marry in either a civil ceremony or a church ceremony, homosexuals are only allowed to register their partnerships in a civil ceremony. But this could all change, with parliament likely to pass new legislation on the matter.... The Local • Jan 21, 2009

	Queenslanders endorse need for gay marriage laws In the poll commissioned by a coalition of gay rights groups 54 per cent of Queenslanders supported civil unions, marriage and full legal recognition of same-sex parents. About two thirds of those polled supported law reforms.... Queensland Courier-Mail • Jan 21, 2009

	Colorado group lobbies in Wyoming on gay marriage A national conservative Christian group has begun a telephone lobbying campaign in Wyoming in support of a gay-marriage ban in the state Senate. Focus on the Family Action, of Colorado Springs, Colo., is pushing to get a constitutional amendment on the ballot that would stop the state from recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.... AP • Jan 21, 2009

	Camp Courage: Vote today for your California community To make Camp Courage as member-driven and people-powered as possible, we want you to choose where you think we should train marriage equality activists in California. Your vote will help our staff determine where to locate the next Camp Courage training. We will weigh many factors, including prioritizing trainings in communities that will likely not receive as many votes as major metropolitan are... Courage Campaign • Jan 21, 2009

	Iowa Event: Let My Parents Marry! Lambda Legal is looking for same-sex couples who want to marry and who are raising children to stand up with other families and be strong voices for marriage equality in Iowa.... Queers United • Jan 21, 2009

	Now, about gay marriage Obama is caught up in semantics, apparently believing that gays and lesbians should be allowed to engage in civil unions with all the rights of marriage, as long as they aren't called marriages. That's an evasion that was rightly rejected in May by the California Supreme Court when it overturned a previous ban on same-sex marriage, because such semantic distinctions tend to cast doubt on a union's... LA Times • Jan 21, 2009

	Postcards to the President The support of my peers and allies has come in overwhelming abundance. As is my style, Postcards to the President will start with a celebration: kickoff parties in both New York (January 28 at Therapy) and West Hollywood (January 25 at Here Lounge) from which thousands of postcards will be signed and sent. From there, a grassroots effort has begun to spread through college campuses and nationwide... Advocate • Jan 20, 2009

	Another Utah poll backs some gay rights, but same-sex couple adoption opposed A new statewide poll seeking to debunk the gay-Mormon divide shows substantial support -- 63 percent -- for additional legal protections for gay and transgender people. And 66 percent of the Utahns polled characterize their religious beliefs as LDS. The survey, conducted Jan. 8-14 by Ogden-based Information Alliance and commissioned by Equality Utah, also shows wide margins favoring workplace a... Salt Lake Tribune • Jan 20, 2009

	Family Law Specialists Argue That Proposition 8 Must Be Invalidated as Unconstitutional Attempt to Repeal Inalienable Rights Los Angeles Certified Family Law Specialist Leslie Shear, as lead author on behalf of the California Association of Certified Family Law Specialists (ACFLS) joined by the Northern California Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers has filed an amicus brief in support of Attorney General Jerry Brown's position that the California Supreme Court must hold Proposition 8 unconstitutional... NCLR • Jan 20, 2009

	Bishop Robinson's Prayer Will Be Re-Broadcast on Mall Citizens turned out on the Mall to watch the event on giant screens tomorrow will have a second chance to see the invocation by Gene Robinson, the gay Episcopal bishop, a source at the Presidential Inauguration Committee said.... Queers United • Jan 19, 2009

	Presidential Inauguration Committee says invocation was supposed to be broadcast. Might it be tomorrow? I'm also hearing that Robinson's invocation might be broadcast tomorrow on the jumbotron screens placed around the mall for the inauguration ceremony. That would be a smart gesture by PIC and would go some ways toward making up for this. PIC's statement doesn't exactly come out and say the whole thing is their fault, but it does seem to verify HBO's comments yesterday that they had nothing to do ... After Elton • Jan 19, 2009

	Gene Robinson, Obama Inaugural Committee Address Snub It seems to me that so many people fully expected to see Bishop Robinson's very public presence as an acknowledgement that LGBT concerns were being taken seriously by the incoming administration -- especially after the seething anger over Rick Warren's pick to deliver the invocation at the Inauguration just days after he compared gay relationships to incest, child rape and polygamy. Seeing Bishop... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 19, 2009

	HBO Blames Obama, Obama Blames HBO ...sound and video were cut as Robinson approached the microphone yesterday. Only folks at the very front, right up against the Lincoln Memorial, heard Robinson speak. And I could give a shit about prayers, or Robinson frankly. What matters here is that the Obama crowd really stepped in it with the Warren invite...... The Stranger • Jan 19, 2009

	Montana and Florida to Take Up LGBT Rights Measures Two more states are planning to address LGBT rights measures as their new legislative sessions prepare to start, focusing on expanding hate crimes and workplace anti-discrimination.... Change.org • Jan 18, 2009

	Marriage Ban Donors Feel Exposed by List The election law in question, the Political Reform Act of 1974, was approved by California voters as Proposition 9, and gay rights advocates say there is rich irony in supporters of Proposition 8 opposing the earlier ballot measure. "They believe in the will of the people if it's in tune with what they believe," said Jennifer C. Pizer, marriage project director with Lambda Legal, the gay rights l... NY Times • Jan 18, 2009

	Dozens Of Outside-Parties File Briefs In Prop. 8 Suit The court's docket as of Friday evening showed that 60 friend-of-the-court briefs had been filed by the Jan. 15 deadline, including 17 supporting Proposition 8 and 43 arguing it should be overturned. A court clerk said that number was close to the final total, but that one or two more briefs might remain to be docketed. The number is even more than the 45 friend-of-the-court briefs filed in an e... KTVU • Jan 18, 2009

	HBO says they aren't to blame for not including Gene Robinson in concert special Openly gay bishop Gene Robinson delivered the opening prayer before the start of the concert, but the prayer was not included as part of HBO's broadcast. Contacted Sunday night by AfterElton.com concerning the exclusion of Robinson's prayer, HBO said via email, "The producer of the concert has said that the Presidential Inaugural Committee made the decision to keep the invocation as part of the p... After Elton • Jan 18, 2009

	Permission To Get Upset? I don't see how straight Americans can recognize themselves in gay Americans if they're not allowed to see us, I don't see how this inauguration brings us all together if gay Americans are edited out of the festivities.... The Stranger • Jan 18, 2009

	Prop 8 inspires new army of Utah activists The ballot measure, eliminating the right of gay couples to marry in California, succeeded, but it also ignited a furor among gay-rights supporters, forging and fortifying a new generation of activists who could fuel the movement for years to come.... Salt Lake Tribune • Jan 18, 2009

	Get This On Television Now ToKnowUsFirst.com (disclosure: it's run by a friend of a friend of SFist). They're putting together some attractive ready-for-television PSAs about the California families who deserve the rights and responsibilities of marriage -- including the 1,138 that they're currently denied. They've worked out a smart media strategy for getting the ads into areas that need them most: counties that voted yes... SFist • Jan 17, 2009

	Was Sundance's Prop 8 Compromise Just Lip Service? at least two-thirds of the festival's programming will only screen for the industry at Cinemark-owned theaters--and that includes gay-themed films like Dare and One Day in a Life.... Defamer • Jan 17, 2009

	The Facebook Cabinet Meet the gay grassroots pushing to get more LGBT representation in the Obama administration.... 365Gay • Jan 17, 2009

	GOP PAC organizing to oppose gay-marriage bill The Maine Republican Project is opposing a bill to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. The bill sponsored by Democratic Sen. Dennis Damon of Trenton bill seeks allow two persons to marry. Dean Scontras of the Maine Republican Project said his group's members were concerned about the timing of the Damon's bill. "This will simply absorb valuable ... Maine Today • Jan 17, 2009

	support the Lesbian and Gay Bands of America's trip to the inauguration The tireless Mike Rogers has organized BANDING TOGETHER, an effort among bloggers to support this historic trip. It's completely independent from the LGBA and 100% of the gifts go directly to the band.... Pam's House Blend • Jan 17, 2009

	Briefs Filed In Legal Challange To Calif.'s Prop 8 This week, women's rights groups, religious organizations, civil rights groups, and labor unions, California municipal governments, children's welfare organizations, bar associations, and leading legal scholars collectively urged the California Supreme Court to strike down Proposition 8. These briefs argue, among other things, that Proposition 8 drastically alters the equal protection guarantee in... American Constitution Society • Jan 17, 2009

	Feminist Groups Support Legal Challenge to Prop. 8 If Proposition 8 goes into effect, the brief argues, it will jeopardize not just the rights of gay couples to marry, but fundamental constitutional rights for women including the right to decide whether or not to bear a child, the right of sexual privacy, and the right not to be discriminated against in employment. The brief states that it "would be a dangerous precedent that may lead to a downwar... Feminist Daily News • Jan 16, 2009

	New Laws Help LGBT Elders The first week of a new year usually brings a spate of newspaper articles about new laws that that have gone into effect. Imagine my surprise at learning about a couple of good ones for lesbian and gay elders. In California, the state will now require "licensed health care professionals" to undergo "diversity training" meant to "prevent bias in senior care facilities and nursing homes."... Time Goes By • Jan 16, 2009

	Advancing LGBT Rights in Red State America Aha! To paraphrase #44 again, "We coach little league in the blue states, and yes, we've got some gay friends in the red states." And this week there's news out in one red state (and one purple part of a blue state) with some good news for LGBT rights advocates.... Change.org • Jan 16, 2009

	Bill would extend insurance benefits to same-sex partners The bill is needed to help Colorado compete for quality workers against private companies and other states, which increasingly offer these benefits, Ferrandino said Thursday morning. It is also an issue of fairness to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees who don't know enjoy the same benefits as their heterosexual cohorts, he said.... Rocky Mountain News • Jan 16, 2009

	Legal Groups File Brief in Support of Same-Sex Marriage The Los Angeles County and San Francisco bar associations are among the bar and legal organizations supporting the effort on behalf of same-sex marriage cases before the California Supreme Court, said Elizabeth J. Cabraser of the law firm Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein. "Proposition 8 creates the dangerous precedent that the legal and civil rights of minorities, indeed, of any individual or g... NBC Los Angeles • Jan 16, 2009

	Take Action for Marriage Equality in Maine A bill to make marriage between same-sex couples legal and to reverse the existing ban on same-sex marriage in Maine will be brought up for a vote in the legislature. The bill is sponsored by Senator Dennis Damon (D-Hancock). The Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition is asking for people to get involved: * Talk with your legislators and senators. * Write a letter to the editor, and talk to t... Queers United • Jan 16, 2009

	World, Hold On: Activist Network Launched for Global LGBT Youth The LGBT Youth World List is a project of the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Youth and Student Organisation and the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association. What do they promise? Well, the largest network of LGBT young people and activists, willing to share their thoughts on LGBT rights and campaigns. As Nanna Moe, a Communications Offic... Change.org • Jan 16, 2009

	A lesbian mom's letter to Obama I do believe you are the most LGBT-friendly president we have ever had, and that you mean it when you say you are committed to LGBT equality. You have not hesitated to appoint openly LGBT people to high-level posts. Still, I think you have a few more things to learn.... 365Gay • Jan 16, 2009

	Hearing Date Set for Yes on 8's Lawsuit To Hide Names of Contributors Judge Morrison England has set this matter for hearing on January 26th at 10:00 a.m in Courtroom #7 on the 14th floor of the Federal Building in Sacramento. On the hypocrisy scale of 1-10, Yes on 8 's lawsuit is a 385. It's a laugh-out-loud, blow-coffee-out-your-nose, insult to anyone who paid attention to the deceptive and threatening campaign that it ran. Take a short walk down memory lane. R... Calitics • Jan 15, 2009

	Same-sex couples set to sue Minnesota over marriage rights As many as 10 same-sex couples plan to file a lawsuit soon against the state of Minnesota for the right to marry. It's a controversial move, one that some in the gay and lesbian community think is ill-timed, but those couples who are putting their money on the line -- and their lives under a microscope -- say the time is always right to fight for equality.... Minnesota Independent • Jan 15, 2009

	Colorado Adds Its Voice to LGBT Rights This Week Yesterday, two Colorado lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 88, which if passed would allow LGBT state employees to share their insurance and health benefits with their partners. "It's about equity and equality, and it's about competing in the marketplace as more and more employers offer it," said State Rep. Mark Ferrandino, one of the lawmakers introducing the bill. The money line: "It's about comp... Change.org • Jan 15, 2009

	Gay Marriage in New York By failing to pass the marriage equality bill, which has been passed by the Assembly, the Senate is driving wedding business out of New York, hurting New York's crumbling economy without stopping gay New Yorkers from assuming the rights and responsibilities of marriage.... NY Times • Jan 15, 2009

	News This Week: Your Rights Are Being Stolen. What Are You Going To Do? Only fifteen days into the new year, a year of promise that ushers in our first African American president, and yet, already our rights are being taken, no, stolen, away from us. But honestly, the fault is ours, for we haven't done enough to stop the slow creep of hatred and bigotry that is the result of an organized effort by the Right to marginalize and permanently cement gays into second-class ... The New Civil Rights Movement • Jan 15, 2009

	EU calls for gay couple rights, end to homophobia Members of the European Parliament have approved a motion calling for the recognition of the rights of same-sex couples and an end to homophobia in all 27 EU countries. "It is high time the EU practices what it preaches," said Spanish deputy Ignasi Guardans. "The European Commission wants to be a champion of human rights, but sadly every day we hear about anti-discrimination laws being flouted by... 365Gay • Jan 15, 2009

	Is California ready for 2010 vote on gay marriage? Could California be voting on gay marriage again next year? Well, there is a new group, Yes! on Equality, that is beginning a campaign for the "2010 Marriage Equality Initiative." It's hard to say how serious this is, and whether voters really want to take this issue up again, but the website says organizers have learned their lesson from Prop. 8.... LA Times • Jan 15, 2009

	Clinton Pledges Review of LGBT Policies at State Department Sen. Hillary Clinton said Tuesday during her confirmation hearing for secretary of State that she intended to review the department's policy of not extending benefits to partners of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender foreign service officers. But Clinton stopped short of giving a specific commitment to make partner benefits available, saying she needed more information on the existing policie... Equality Network • Jan 15, 2009

	Supporting equality In September of last year, Google announced its opposition to California's Proposition 8. While the campaign was emotionally charged and difficult for both sides, in the wake of the election many were concerned with the impact Proposition 8 could have on the personal lives of people they work with every day, and on California's ability to attract and retain a diverse mix of employees from around t... Google • Jan 15, 2009

	Religious and Civil Rights Groups, Legislators, Bar Associations, Labor, Businesses, and Legal Scholards Urge Court to Overturn Prop 8 Google, California Council of Churches, California NAACP, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Asian Pacific American Legal Center, and California Rural Legal Assistance among groups submitting friend-of-the-court briefs... NCLR • Jan 15, 2009

	MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA RELEASES REPORT: "PROP 8 HURT MY FAMILY, ASK ME HOW" "These stories reveal the real-life impact that these divisive and hateful ballot measures have had on people," said McKay. "We are hopeful that in sharing these stories, fair-minded Americans will reflect on these harms and help us stop any future ballot campaign aimed at stripping people of their fundamental rights. Voting down the basic family protections and dignity of your neighbors, family a... California Chronicle • Jan 14, 2009

	5 Couples, 5 Videos, 5 Families, 5 Stories: What Gay Marriage Equality Looks Like - Or Doesn't ... The New Civil Rights Movement • Jan 14, 2009

	When 7 Years Together and a Daughter Still Don't Make You a Family How can a gym membership shed light on the ways in which same-gender couples are discriminated against by not having equal access to civil marriage? To find out, head to Rochester, Minnesota, where a Minnesota Court just ruled in favor of a health club in a lawsuit brought by a lesbian couple for being denied a family membership at the gym. The Rochester Athletic Club (RAC) denied a family membe... Change.org • Jan 14, 2009

	New Film Shows Importance of Marriage Equality and Same-Gender Partner Benefits If there's any more real example of why it is urgent and necessary to recognize equal rights for same-sex couples, "For My Wife" is it. The new film is being released by Trick Dog Films, and captures the story of Charlene Strong, a Washington-state resident who lost her partner, Kate Fleming (a renowned audiobook narrator), in a tragic flooding incident in 2006. The story is a chilling example o... Change.org • Jan 14, 2009

	Why Can't We Talk About Black Homophobia? Failing to recognize homophobic attitudes in the black community is not only dishonest, it fails to acknowledge the unique hardships that African-American LGBT individuals face: in many surveys, African-American gays and lesbians have reported greater pressure to hide their identity and homosexual behavior and identify as straight. It has further been speculated that the hostility toward homosexua... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 14, 2009

	Vermont: The Time is Now for Same-Gender Marriage Another New England state adds its voice today in support of same-gender marriage - at least in the form of an editorial from its second largest daily newspaper. The Rutland Herald in Vermont, taking a cue from yesterday's news that legislators in Maine are working to pass a same-sex marriage bill through their state legislature, issued an editorial today that said the "time is now" for Vermont t... Change.org • Jan 14, 2009

	Advocates for Same-Sex Marriage Petition Scottish Government The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Network (LGBT Network) of Scotland is petitioning the Scottish Government to do away with the govt's ban on same-sex marriage, and recognize full marriage equality for all Scottish citizens.... Change.org • Jan 13, 2009

	Reaching Communities: What You Can Do Today Many of us may not "speak the language", know the culture, or have the connections necessary to bring about change in communities other than that in which we live. But we each have the power to support those who do have the language, culture, and connection to bring about a greater understanding of the concerns of gay men and women. The following is a small selection of groups who are dedicated t... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 13, 2009

	Unions Support Overturning Proposition 8 The listing of participating parties is impressive. And while I'm not particularly shocked by the support from the Screen Actors Guild or the Association of Flight Attendants, I'm happy to see ironworkers, cement masons, and teamsters giving their support to our cause as well.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 13, 2009

	Exposed: Prop. 8 part of 'Christian Taliban's' move to make Bible the law The man who more than any other has been associated with this kind of semi-covert activity over the past 25 years is reclusive billionaire Howard Ahmanson. Ahmanson is a Christian Reconstructionist, a devout follower of the late R.J. Rushdoony, who advocated the replacement of the U.S. Constitution with the most extreme precepts of the Old Testament, including the execution -- preferably by stoni... Raw Story • Jan 13, 2009

	Religious Leaders Urge California Court to Overturn Proposition 8 This Thursday, a group of religious organizations will file an amicus curiae brief with the court, urging that Proposition 8 be overruled and that gay and lesbian couples be returned the right to marry in California. The coalition of religious organizations, representing millions of members, will argue in their brief that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection fo... Change.org • Jan 13, 2009

	Obama Once Backed Full Gay Marriage Yup, he did. In a 1996 candidate survey, when Obama was running for the State Senate seat that launched his political career, here's what he had to say: I favor legalizing same-sex marriages, and would fight efforts to prohibit such marriages.... Change.org • Jan 13, 2009

	Labor Unions Side with Same-Sex Marriage More than 50 California Labor organizations today filed an amicus curiae brief with the California State Supreme Court, calling for the Court to overturn Proposition 8. These Labor organizations join a host of civil rights organizations, and California Attorney General Jerry Brown, in calling for the Proposition to be overruled. The Court right now is expected to hear arguments over Proposition 8... • Jan 13, 2009

	Marriage equality bill introduced in Maine legislature Shenna Bellows, executive director of the Maine Civil Liberties Union is, as we this post goes live, taking part in a press conference with the Maine Freedom to Marry Coalition as it introduces a civil marriage bill to the legislature. She said "We are purposefully doing a launch featuring sympathetic gay and lesbian couples, clergy, legislators and civil rights leaders in a very calm, positive at... Pam's House Blend • Jan 13, 2009

	Anti-Gay Democrat Tim Kaine Selected as DNC Chair Tim Kaine has been selected as chairman of the Democratic National Committee. Mr. Kaine is anti civil union and has endorsed an amendment banning same-sex marriage.... Queers United • Jan 12, 2009

	Tim Kaine on gay rights The Washington Post reports that Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine is going to be appointed the next chair of the Democratic National Committee, replacing Howard Dean. In 2005, when Kaine was running for governor, he was the only candidate to respond to questions from the Blade regarding gay rights. Though he has said he opposes gay marriage and civil unions, he doesn't believe the federal government shoul... Washington Blade • Jan 12, 2009

	Why Proposition 8 is Anti-Family As it turns out, there's now clear evidence that Proposition 8 as a measure itself hurts families and children. Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) has a new report out today, "Prop 8 Hurt My Family - Ask Me How," that depicts the painful and tragic stories of children and families who struggle against anti-LGBT rhetoric and policies. As Molly McKay, MEUSA's Communications Director, put it: "Marriage ... Change.org • Jan 12, 2009

	New Study Shows Pro-Marriage Legislators Win Elections Contrary to some political expectations, voting to support the freedom to marry and opposing anti-marriage measures helps rather than hurts politicians, a new study unequivocally shows. For many years legislators across the country have voted on laws aimed at ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. Others have been asked to vote on state constitutional amendments aimed at discri... Press Release • Jan 12, 2009

	Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How Marriage Equality USA releases the second of three reports, Prop 8 Hurt My Family, Ask Me How, a compilation of real stories from the campaign.... Press Release • Jan 12, 2009

	LGBT couples stressed by Prop. 8 Although a same-sex marriage ban passed this November in California, some locals might experience psychological effects, according to a study. A study in the Journal of Counseling Psychology by the American Psychological Association shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults experience more stress when same-sex marriage amendments are on the ballot, no matter the location.... Ohio University Post • Jan 12, 2009

	Stonewall 2.0 -- sizzle or fizzle I guess it depends on who's gabbing about it. Let's go to a conversation that Mike Signorile and Dan Savage had on Mike's show the other day. Both think the grassroots movement is having difficulty maintaining traction.... Pam's House Blend • Jan 11, 2009

	Tell the NYTimes What YOU Think About Their Editorial! Just a few days ago the NYTimes penned this eloquent editorial on Arkansas's Act 1, the ballot measure that banned all unmarried, cohabitating couples (including all gay and lesbian couples) from fostering or adopting children in the state. Join the Family Equality Council in praising the NY times for their positive coverage and editorials of LGBT issues.... Queers United • Jan 10, 2009

	Subscribe to these feeds Someone asked me what Prop-8-related RSS feeds I subscribe to, so here's the list. I check all of these feeds throughout the day, and post the best items here on Stop8.org. And I use NetNewsWire, because it syncs with my work computer and my iPhone Some of these sites aren't updating much anymore, but I keep them in my feedreader just in case they come back. ... • Jan 10, 2009

	All Protests Are Valuable Except for the Ones That Aren't If ERW wants the event to be a success--or even avoid a spectacular embarrassment--then ERW needs to plan it, or provide the resources to make sure it's not a flop. Likewise, the national organizer, Jointheimpact.com, needs to make sure the groups that volunteer to produce a protest know how to make the event a success. The function of a march and rally is to demonstrate the movement's gravity in ... The Stranger • Jan 10, 2009

	Brown's switch on Prop. 8 reflects times California Attorney General Jerry Brown has become a hero to gay rights advocates - and a potential leader in the 2010 Democratic gubernatorial field - with his recent controversial decision to mount a legal challenge to overturn Proposition 8, the initiative approved by voters that banned-same sex marriage in California. But few remember that 32 years ago, when Brown was governor of California, ... SF Gate • Jan 9, 2009

	"Get to Know me First" - Ad Campaign for LGBT Equality In the wake of Proposition 8's passage in CA, a group of LGBT parents have come together to produce five 30-second commercials telling the stories of our families. These are the ads we never saw during the campaign, which had focus group data that steered them away from presenting the actual LGBT people. The philosophy is, "If you are going to vote against me, get to know me first."... Queers United • Jan 8, 2009

	The Truth About Marriage's History Why do social conservatives not want to encourage stability, responsibility and commitment among gay Americans? What real policy do they have for gay Americans at all?... Andrew Sullivan • Jan 8, 2009

	Equality Camp Video-Brainstorming Hey everyone! Matt here. I've posted the notes from our Equality Camp session on video production. They're annotated, and await further commenting. Sometime soon -- maybe February? -- we'll hold a camp specifically for video.... • Jan 7, 2009

	Democrats Reach Pact to Lead the Senate Though it does not appear that a bill to legalize marriage of gay men and of lesbian couples will be voted on anytime soon, it will not be because of any bargain, senators said. With several Democratic senators opposed to same-sex marriage, there are not presently enough votes to get a bill through the Senate. "There are still five or six votes against the bill in the Democratic conference," said... NY Times • Jan 7, 2009

	The Collective Wisdom of the LGBT Grassroots Check out We Will Never Go Back, and watch for the two additional reports coming from MEUSA. Their next report will be released on January 12 and will look at stories of discrimination and harm that resulted from California's Prop 8 campaign, and mirror similar experiences of theour LGBTI community and straight allies who have faced similar ballot initiative campaigns throughout the states. A thir... Change.org • Jan 7, 2009

	Warren's Counterproductive AIDS Efforts in Africa The more I learn about Rick Warren's AIDS efforts in Africa, the less I respect him. He has endorsed policies that he knows are not the most effective and he has befriended and supported some of the most homophobic religious leaders in Christendom in their anti-gay political actions. It is commendable that Rick Warren feels compassion for those suffering from AIDS in Africa. It is not commendable... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 7, 2009

	Keep your word, gay group warns Congress Three of the bills - the Matthew Shepard Hate Crime Act, the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell - died when the the last session of Congress ended and will need to be reintroduced.... 365Gay • Jan 7, 2009

	Calif. Attorney General Pushes To Overturn Prop 8 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=99080036... NPR • Jan 7, 2009

	Tell the new Congress: Pass the Military Readiness Enhancement Act Call on congress to support the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, to repeal the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" statute banning open military service by lesbian, gay, and bisexual Americans.... Queers United • Jan 6, 2009

	Race not deciding factor in Prop. 8 vote, study shows The Rev. Mark Wilson, of Oakland, former pastor of Berkeley's McGee Avenue Baptist Church and now outreach coordinator for the African-American activist group And Marriage for All, agreed it's time to "redouble our work with people of faith." That means convincing people that supporting marriage equality is not at odds with their religious framework, and that to do otherwise conflicts with their ... Mercury News • Jan 6, 2009

	Congress swears in today! Let them know you care about ENDA! Today, January 6, members of Congress raise their right hands and swear to uphold the Constitution as they begin the new legislative session. Let's make sure the first thing they hear about is the importance of an Employment Non-Discrimination Act that protects all lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.... Press Release • Jan 6, 2009

	EQCA Legislative Scorecard may evidence division in the California Legislature How can we support those who support the us? And how can we help those who don't to change their minds?... California Ripple Effect • Jan 5, 2009

	Prop. 8 backers take on AG's argument Lawyers from the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union submitted their own response to Brown's brief. They reiterated the point from the original Proposition 8 lawsuits that the measure represented such a sweeping change that it should have gone before the Legislature before being submitted to voters. But they said they shared the attorney general'... Fresno Bee • Jan 5, 2009

	Jerry Brown wins praise, criticism for stance on Proposition 8 "Challenging Proposition 8 on broad, fundamental grounds is very much consistent with Jerry Brown's reputation," said Darry Sragow, a public policy lawyer and veteran Democratic political strategist. "This is a man who likes to think big thoughts. This is a challenge that is consistent with that."... Sacramento Bee • Jan 5, 2009

	New Filing in Prop 8 Legal Challenge The brief argues that Proposition 8 is invalid because it seeks to eliminate a fundamental right only for a targeted minority, which cannot be done through the initiative process. The brief also agrees with California Attorney General Jerry Brown that certain fundamental rights, including the right to marry, are inalienable and can not be put up for a popular vote. The brief also argues --again in... Press Release • Jan 5, 2009

	California gay marriage battle turns to court role Brown says that, unless there is a compelling societal need, the court must safeguard liberty first and foremost. Lawyers backing the ban, he said, want "to say that a fundamental liberty is only fundamental until 52 percent of the people say otherwise."... Reuters • Jan 5, 2009

	This Just In Oklahoma State Rep. Sally Kern of "gay people are the biggest threat to America" infamy now has a twitter account.... The Stranger • Jan 5, 2009

	Wedding blues In effect, DOMA's language reflects one-way federalism: It protects only those states that don't want to accept a same-sex marriage granted by another state. Moreover, the heterosexual definition of marriage for purposes of federal laws - including, immigration, Social Security survivor rights and veteran's benefits - has become a de facto club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability of a state ... LA Times • Jan 5, 2009

	Equality on Campus Day ... • Jan 4, 2009

	Gay marriage backers target New England "We can make New England a marriage-equality zone by strategically combining existing legal, electoral and on-the-ground know-how to fast-track marriage in every New England state," GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow said.... Washington Times • Jan 4, 2009

	New Jersey marriage equality hits a brick wall because of 2009 election concerns The governor promised to sign marriage-equality legislation when it reaches his desk. The question is whether state lawmakers will present him with the opportunity.... Marriage Equality USA • Jan 4, 2009

	Domestic partnership law finally set to pass? If the legislation passes, New Mexico will further its status as one of the top states in the nation in protecting the rights of people based on sexual orientation and gender identity. The state already has a nondiscrimination law based on sexual orientation, plus what Siegle describes as a "very advanced" hate crimes law.... New Mexico Independent • Jan 2, 2009

	Splaine pushes for gay marriage in N.H. House "It may not be in 2009, but I believe it will," Splaine said. "I put it in to continue the dialogue, because the more we talk about it, I believe people will see the fairness of full equality. Two years ago, civil unions passing opened the door and has been mostly well received. As of this weekend, there are 610 civil unions in New Hampshire."... Seacoast Online • Jan 2, 2009

	Harrumph! Proposition 8 ended up passing, of course, prompting protests across the country. "It's great that people feel passionate about this," he says 10 days after the election, when I ask whether the upswing in gay activism pleased him, "but do you really think a rally on the Boston Common does one thing to change anything? I would prefer people channeled that energy -- whether it's for marriage equalit... Advocate • Jan 1, 2009

	ACLU Challenges Gay Adoption Ban in Arkansas There are 29 plaintiffs in the case, including a grandmother raising a grandchild with her same-sex partner, and a lesbian couple raising two boys, one of whom is a special-needs child. There's at least one reason to be hopeful that this lawsuit might result in the ban being overturned - the lawsuit has been assigned to Pulaski County Circuit Judge Timothy Fox, who had initially overturned a stat... Change.org • Jan 1, 2009

	Is the Next GOP Nominee for President Trying to Ban Gay Adoption in His Home State? Twenty-nine (29) spots on the State's Commission on Marriage and Family have been appointed by Gov. JIndal, and a number of them have gone to several high profile anti-gay individuals, including conservative leaders who have called for bans on gay adoption.... Change.org • Jan 1, 2009

	Grassroots equality orgs pop up post-Prop 8 SDEC was launched by organizers of the Nov. 15 marriage equality march in San Diego, which drew more than 20,000 protesters. At a post-rally meeting, SAME organized too - not knowing the Equality Campaign was forming simultaneously.... Gay and Lesbian Times • Jan 1, 2009

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