Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from August 2009

	Slow start: No rush for same-sex weddings in Vt. After the civil unions law took effect July 1, 2000, there were 1,704 civil unions established in the next six months, including 405 in July alone. Out-of-state residents accounted for 78 percent of them -- with most involving people from New York, Massachusetts and California, according to state vital records. Nearly 69 percent were between female partners. The slow start to the same-sex marriag... Newsday • Aug 29, 2009

	Mass. Case May Be Key in Taking Gay Marriage Fight to Supreme Court While the high-profile, Ted Olson- and David Boies-managed legal fight against California's Proposition 8 captures headlines, a carefully planned case quietly under way in Massachusetts federal court could be the gay marriage test with the greatest national impact. The challenge, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, is one of four lawsuits in different parts of the country that ask federal cou... Law.com • Aug 29, 2009

	Therapists push group to back same-sex marriage Marriage and family therapists in California are continuing to urge their state association to take an official position in support of same-sex marriage. At a town hall forum in San Francisco last weekend, officials from the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists heard from many therapists who were unhappy about the group's recent actions. Those actions include publication of h... Bay Area Reporter • Aug 28, 2009

	EQCA: Ripeness Is All Those who insist on returning to the ballot in 2010 should explain how EQCA's analysis is wrong, rather than merely serenade us with stirring rhetoric. Strategy is not a dirty word, and enthusiasm is not enough. None of us with a stake in this fight wants to wait. Every day that I am separated from my own foreign partner is painful. Unfortunately, wanting is not having. There is a great deal of w... Bay Windows • Aug 28, 2009

	GAY MARRIAGE OPPONENTS WATCH AS THEIR RANKS DWINDLE The culture has changed considerably since 1996, when a few state legislatures were beginning to seriously debate the concept of extending full marriage equality to gays and lesbians. That's when the GOP rushed to stoke its base of religious conservatives with a law that blocked that full equality. Where tradition (and law) had dictated that a marriage in New York or Hawaii must be recognized in A... Kansas City Tribune • Aug 28, 2009

	Want an Active Role in a Marriage Equality Campaign? Learn How at OUT West's Campaign Boot Camp! OUT West Campaign Boot Camp will train activists in fundamental campaign skills and offer them a campaign manager's view of how a solid campaign is run. Committed activists will gather for two days of training at USC in Los Angeles, CA that will prepare them to be leaders in the next campaign for marriage equality.... Unite the Fight • Aug 28, 2009

	My top three questions about the Perry case Lastly, what will the impact be of Perry on the effort to repeal Prop 8? Emotions are running high and ragged in California about whether to put repeal on the 2010 ballot (a prospect that diminishes in likelihood every day) or whether to wait, presumably until 2012. But how - if at all - will the dynamics change if the trial court rules that Prop 8 is unconstitutional, maybe a year from now, in su... Hunter for Justice • Aug 26, 2009

	After 5 Years of Legal Gay Marriage, Massachusetts still has the lowest state divorce rate and Western Civilization is intact Provisional data from 2008 indicates that the Massachusetts divorce rate has dropped from 2.3 per thousand in 2007 down to about 2.0 per thousand for 2008. What does that mean ? To get a sense of perspective consider that the last time the US national divorce rate was 2.0 per thousand (people) was 1940. You read that correctly. The Massachusetts divorce rate is now at about where the US divorce ra... AlterNet • Aug 26, 2009

	Gay Marriage Seems to be Helping Straight Marriage Well, five years after Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage, not only has none of these doomsday predictions come true, but Massachusetts ranks as the state with the lowest divorce rate in the entire country. Now there's a talking point: gay marriage reduces divorce. And the evidence is there to back it up.... Change.org • Aug 26, 2009

	Anti-gay group to fight marriage efforts in D.C. In a little noticed development, a national organization credited with playing a lead role in persuading California voters to ban same-sex marriage through Proposition 8 moved its headquarters last month to Washington, D.C. The National Organization for Marriage plans to use its projected 2009 budget of $6 million to, among other things, help ban same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia and ... Washington Blade • Aug 26, 2009

	Back to Square one for California DOMA Challenge This dismissal is merely a speed-bump, since clearly the federal district court would have jurisdiction over a case filed directly in that court. Furthermore, at the very least I think it should be possible for Smelt and Hammer to file a suit that appropriately alleges some deprivation of rights under federal law attributable to Section 3 of DOMA.... Leonard Link • Aug 26, 2009

	The 2010 campaign to repeal Prop 8 begins to form a campaign structure Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) grassroots activists will reconvene to discuss the next steps to win back marriage equality. This will be the continuation of a previous meeting that was held in Los Angeles on August 9th where Steve Hildebrand, deputy campaign manager for Barack Obama urged the attendees to quickly establish a structure for the campaign.... Examiner • Aug 26, 2009

	Court Decisions and Trends in Support for Same-Sex Marriage If current trends continue, a majority of Americans will support same-sex marriage by the year 2014. While majority support does not always lead to movement in policy, the tone of the national debate would likely change significantly if support for gay marriage can no longer be written off as a minority viewpoint.... Polling Report • Aug 25, 2009

	California Senate Officially Calls for End to 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' The California Senate officially endorsed a resolution calling for the repeal of the discriminatory federal policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and introduced by Senator Christine Kehoe (D-San Diego), the resolution calls on the United States Congress to pass and President Barack Obama to immediately sign the Military Readiness Enhancement Act of 2009, ... Equality California • Aug 25, 2009

	Judge Dismisses DOMA Case Which Prompted Controversial Obama DOJ Brief Judge David O. Carter dismissed the case on a technicality, ruling that that the suit had been improperly filed in state court before transferring to Federal Court. For the case to go forward, it must be re-filed in Federal Court. Plaintiffs' lawyer Richard Gilbert said he would re-submit the suit again.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Aug 25, 2009

	Md. should be a leader on gay marriage So far, five American states have legalized gay marriage: four New England states - Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont - plus (more surprisingly) Iowa, heart of heartland America. Why isn't Maryland, one of the nation's more progressive states, a member of this small but growing club? The proximate reason is that the state judiciary has yet to rule in favor of gay marriage. In Septemb... Baltimore Sun • Aug 25, 2009

	Group that backed Prop. 8 focuses on reinstating Iowa's gay-marriage ban The National Organization for Marriage, which was active in getting Proposition 8 approved by voters in California, sent out an appeal for donations to run advertisements on behalf of political candidates who oppose same-sex marriage. It said the first ad would support Republican Stephen Burgmeier, who supports putting the issue of same-sex marriage to a vote in the Hawkeye State. He is up for el... LA Times • Aug 24, 2009

	Will The DNC Repeat Their Prop 8 Error With Maine? With the opposition stating they will need to raise $2 million or more, let's hope that the DNC can send a check quickly to prevent a repeat of last year.... Pam's House Blend • Aug 24, 2009

	NOM Skirts IRS Regulations on Disclosure of Tax Returns In the current issue of the Washington Blade, Lou Chibbaro interviews Brian Brown, the executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, the anti-gay group behind Proposition 8. The interview contains this gem: "Brown promised to release to the Blade NOM's 2007 IRS 990 finance reporting form and said the group also would release its 2008 990 form as soon as it completes its processing... Right Wing Watch • Aug 24, 2009

	The Shadow Complex Conundrum Orson Scott Card is a hateful homophobe with an Xbox 360 game coming out this week.... Gay Gamer • Aug 24, 2009

	NJ activists ready for battle over gay marriage A bill that would allow gay marriage is expected to be debated in Trenton during the lame-duck period between the Nov. 3 election and start of a new legislative session in January. In the fall, there probably will be television and radio ads on the issue. But for now, the focus is mostly on the faithful speaking to their representatives in Trenton. In 2006, the state Supreme Court said that comm... Boston Herald • Aug 22, 2009

	Wis. AG won't defend domestic partnership law Wisconsin's attorney general says he won't defend a law that grants same-sex couples spousal benefits. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said Friday that a law extending legal privileges such as hospital visitation and inheritance to gay and lesbian couples is unconstitutional.... AP • Aug 22, 2009

	Testimony from CA DOMA resolution committee vote The following is from Frank and Joe Capley-Alfano, witnesses for AJR 19, the Resolution in Support of Repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. AJR 19 recently passed the California Assembly Judiciary Committee along with two other EQCA sponsored resolutions. All three pieces of legislation now move to the Senate and Assembly floors to await an official vote.... California Ripple Effect • Aug 22, 2009

	Action Alert: Maine Donor Increased Generous Offer! In less than 48 hours, you raised $16,098 through 354 supporters. I just shared the news with our donor, who is so impressed with your initiative that he has doubled his challenge: he will now match every dollar up to $20,000 raised by midnight tonight. That gives us less than 12 hours to raise $3,902.... Pam's House Blend • Aug 21, 2009

	Maine gay marriage foes estimate $2 million needed for campaign The effort to block gay marriage from becoming law in Maine will likely cost more than $2 million. A referendum based on the state's "people's veto" provision has set up a Nov. 3 showdown over the state's gay marriage law approved by the legislature earlier this year.... Everyday Christian • Aug 21, 2009

	Equality Maine released first television ad today to protect marriage equality "Stand for Marriage Maine's" website was the focus of an embarrassing controversy this week because of an alleged breach of contract with istock photo. They had to replace a photo of a family played by actors because it allegedly violated the terms of use. Check out the full story and the photos in question over at Good As You.... Seattle PI • Aug 20, 2009

	Prop 8 Deja-vu: Early Alarm Bells Ringing in Maine's Discriminatory Marriage Campaign Both ads are about "equality," which is a very nice word that everyone likes to say that they would vote for. But here's the problem with that: we're not voting for equality. We're voting against discrimination. We need a NO campaign, but what we're getting in Maine is a YES campaign. Equality, fairness, smiling families, coming together, standing united, upholding tradition ... these are all lov... San Francisco Appeal • Aug 20, 2009

	MEUSA split over Prop 8 repeal "It may appear to the untrained eye that these two organizations are totally divided," she said, referring to EQCA and Courage. "I don't think that is true and I think MEUSA, in partnership with other organizations, can continue to move forward in a productive and synergistic fashion." "Everyone agrees we can't wait and should be in motion now to restore marriage equality," McKay added. McKay be... Bay Area Reporter • Aug 20, 2009

	TV ads begin in gay marriage battle in Maine The first television advertisements in an anticipated referendum on Maine's gay marriage law begin airing Thursday across the state. Carisa Cunningham from Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders says the advertisements are airing in multiple markets in Maine.... Boston Globe • Aug 20, 2009

	Steve Chapman :: Townhall.com Columnist An Odd Silence on Gay Marriage But with the experiment looming, some opponents seem to be doubting their own convictions. I contacted three serious conservative thinkers who have written extensively about the dangers of allowing gay marriage and asked them to make simple, concrete predictions about measurable social indicators -- marriage rates, divorce, out-of-wedlock births, child poverty, you name it. You would think they w... Town Hall • Aug 20, 2009

	Request your ballot today Please fill out your information below to let us know that you will be voting NO on 1 early and we will direct you to the Maine Secretary of State's website where you can request your absentee ballot.... No On 1 - Protect Maine Equality • Aug 20, 2009

	Help Protect Marriage Equality Take a Volunteer-Vacation In Maine During the month leading up to the election, the campaign will be hosting a team of highly motivated volunteers from around the country to serve as full-time volunteer campaign staff. In Maine voters will begin casting their ballots in October, so we are planning the Volunteer-Vacation to run during the entire month of October.... No On 1 - Protect Maine Equality • Aug 19, 2009

	Proposition 8 Lawsuit on a Fast Track - January 11 trial date set Of course, when one takes this together with the profile of Ted Olson published this morning in The New York Times, it is clear that the goal of this case is to establish that denying the right to marry to same-sex couples violates the 14th Amendment. If Olson and Boies can get the federal courts to hold that way, then all the state constitutional amendments and DOMA statutes - barriers to same-s... Leonard Link • Aug 19, 2009

	Olson / Boies Prop 8 Trial Date Set Those concerned that the time is not right for this case to be tried before the SCOTUS may wish to consider how the referendum movement to overturn Proposition 8 could impact the case. It appears that this case could reach the Supreme Court between 2010 and 2012. Those who fear a loss at the top of the judicial system may find it beneficial to try and derail the case by reversing Proposition 8 bef... Box Turtle Bulletin • Aug 19, 2009

	BREAKING NEWS: Federal Prop 8 Case Goes to Public Trial January 11, 2010; City of San Francisco Joins Plaintiffs For federal timelines, this is breakneck speed, giving very little time for both parties to prepare for a full blown trial, including witnesses and expert accounts. However, a trial will a establish a solid record for appeals courts, where everyone expects this case to be headed. Unlike for the LGBT legal organizations, Judge Walker ruled that the City of San Francisco can join the case as City I... Unite the Fight • Aug 19, 2009

	California Legislature Advances Three Resolutions on Federal Policy Affecting the LGBT Population Good news comes from the California state capitol today, where the Assembly Judiciary Committee passed three resolutions concerning federal laws affecting LGBT people by a margin of 6-3: a resolution urging the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act or DOMA (AJR 19), a resolution in support of the Uniting American Families Act (AJR 15), and a resolution calling for the FDA to repeal the U.S. Blood ... Unite the Fight • Aug 19, 2009

	The Trial of the Prop 8 Campaign What will be a dramatic component of a trial, if it proceeds that way, is an effort to put the campaign itself under scrutiny. The No on 8 side claimed often that ads aired by ProtectMarriage used scare tactics, like the threat that churches would be forced to perform same-sex marriages and teachers would have to somehow add it to their curriculum.... Variety • Aug 19, 2009

	Maine: 'No' vote would uphold traditional Maine values Doctors, nurses, school secretaries - even IRS agents - don't get to decide which couples deserve to be considered married. Either they have a license or they don't, and if they do, they get to make medical decisions, pick a child up from school or file a joint tax return without facing any questions about their sexual practices. Basic fairness dictates that same-sex couples should be able to form... Portland Press Herald • Aug 19, 2009

	A Conservative's Road to Same-Sex Marriage Advocacy The Supreme Court has long recognized marriage between men and women as a right, most notably in a 1967 case overturning bans on interracial marriage. Since sexual orientation, unlike race, is not mentioned in the Constitution, the question is whether that right extends to gay men and lesbians. The answer, in Mr. Cooper's view, can be found in a 1970 case, in which the Supreme Court refused to he... NY Times • Aug 19, 2009

	Preview of Today's Perry Parties Party The most important thing already has been learned this week, and that is the lengths and depths to which the Proposition 8 proponents -- already permitted to intervene -- will go in defending against the challenge. In the Supplemental Case Management filings on Monday, Judge Walker's order has led to an early view of the arguments to be made in the case. The most remarkable, and oddest, claim co... Law Dork • Aug 19, 2009

	Heads' Up: Maine Donation Matching Challenge! Can you believe in only 34 days, the people of Maine can start voting to protect marriage equality? I received a note today from a very generous anonymous Mainer who wants to challenge you directly. Here's the deal - if we can raise $10,000 by Friday, he'll double it. That means we'll have $20,000 to protect marriage equality. Donate today to double your impact.... Pam's House Blend • Aug 19, 2009

	Boies and Olson to go after 'Yes on 8′ Campaign Today, all parties to the suit filed another round of "case management statements," proposals that outline what the trial will cover, what legal questions will be addressed, and which sort of evidence will be gathered and presented. What is interesting about these statements is that the case is shaping up to be much broader than the state challenge to Prop. 8, which hinged on the technical distin... Box Turtle Bulletin • Aug 19, 2009

	Religious groups play major role in campaign to repeal Maine marriage law The Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Latter Day Saints are pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into Stand for Marriage Maine, the organization that has submitted more than 100,000 petition signatures.... Edge • Aug 19, 2009

	Action Alert: Help Protect the Freedom to Marry in Maine Maine needs you now more than ever. Please donate to protect the freedom to marry for same-sex couples in Maine. A victory in Maine is essential for marriage equality nationwide. We need to send a clear message that eliminating fundamental rights is no longer tolerated and that we will fight to ensure that our families are valued equally under the law.... NCLR • Aug 19, 2009

	State resolution urging marriage equality passes committee The Assembly Judiciary Committee today approved a resolution with a 6-3 vote to support the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act.... Desert Sun • Aug 19, 2009

	Ted Olson's Supreme Court Adventure Is this the right time to go to a conservative Supreme Court with such a controversial issue -- one that even President Obama has shied away from?... NY Times • Aug 19, 2009

	Marriage Equality In Maine! We Need The Netroots! Start talking about this issue. Health Care Reform is a huge deal, but we can walk and chew gum at the same time. Start mentioning this issue to your bloggy friends and writing about it in comments, if we mobilize, if the money comes in at the start not the end, then we can defeat the forces of intolerance. Maine can be the place where we show the nation that generational change is here, and we ar... Daily Kos • Aug 18, 2009

	The True Face Of Our Enemy The incoherency springs from the fact that the spots themselves insult the target of their message, which might work to attract attention, but the actual payload of the spots isn't savage enough to kindle any kind of genuine analysis. They're trying to regulate jerks by being jerks, but they're not really jerks, so they can't carry it off. This is the danger of assuming that your opponent is anyth... Penny Arcade • Aug 17, 2009

	The Government's New DOMA Brief In the original motion brief, they argued that DOMA was not discirminatory, but was merely an attempt by Congress to be "neutral" in the ongoing controversy over same-sex marriage. They no longer argue that DOMA is not discriminatory. That would be pretty hard to do when your supremo boss, POTUS himself, has said publically that DOMA is discriminatory. But they persist in arguing that in light ... Leonard Link • Aug 17, 2009

	DOJ Files Reply Brief In DOMA Challenge Case This case particular case challenging the constitutionality of DOMA is considered by many legal experts as rather weak. Another case filed in Massachusetts by the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defendersis considered a much stronger case. Last month, the Massachusetts Attorney General announced a second lawsuitto challenge DOMA's constitutionality.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Aug 17, 2009

	Gay marriage supporters tangle over legal strategy In court papers filed Aug. 7, lawyers for the two same-sex couples suing to block Proposition 8 asked Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker to bar the American Civil Liberties Union, Lamba Legal and the National Center for Lesbian Rights from being parties to the lawsuit. San Francisco city officials also are trying to intervene, but the plaintiffs appear neutral on whether they should be allowe... Mercury News • Aug 17, 2009

	Outsmarting Proposition 8 Gay-rights activists must recognize that their lackluster campaign did little to sway the public, especially considering the misleading ads by gay-marriage opponents. So far, the Courage Campaign has not articulated a sophisticated strategy for changing this. Without other gay-rights groups by its side, its low chances are further weakened. It's not as though waiting three years means idly lettin... LA Times • Aug 17, 2009

	Why Adam Bouska's "NO H8″ Campaign Doesn't Stick There is no doubt that everyone involved in this project has only the best of intentions, and as long as you are making noise in the ether (including this article), you are doing something. Regardless of what I have written above, the only thing that matters is this: if his efforts have changed just one person's mind on the issue, or at the very least raised awareness, then it should be considered... Homorazzi • Aug 17, 2009

	EQCA Announces Matching Dollar Donation Challenge to Support Maine's NO on 1 Campaign In an email sent out to its members today, EQCA's Executive Director Geoff Kors announced a matching-dollar fundraising drive to support the NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign.... Unite the Fight • Aug 17, 2009

	Federal judge reviews arguments in Prop. 8 case If Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker decides against a trial, some issues will be taken off the table, including any examination of the Prop. 8 campaign, its ads and ballot arguments, and the motives of its backers. That could prove to be the critical issue in the case. The plaintiffs hope to prove that Prop. 8, promoted as a measure to preserve traditional marriage, was actually motivated ... SF Gate • Aug 17, 2009

	Gay marriage fight, 'kiss-ins' smack Mormon image National organizers say Saturday's broadly held gay rights demonstrations were not aimed specifically at the Mormon church. But observers say the church's heavy-handed intervention into California politics will linger and has left the faith's image tarnished.... AP • Aug 17, 2009

	The Fierce Urgency of Maine For our side, there are important steps we need to take now to win this campaign. First, early money matters. If you can give $5.00, $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, or whatever to help preserve marriage equality, please consider doing so now (via Act Blue). Second, talk to your friends (or friends of friends) who live in Maine. Third, consider traveling up to Maine for what marriage equality organizer... Change.org • Aug 17, 2009

	UTF EXCLUSIVE: EQCA's Marc Solomon Talks About Juggling Plans for 2012 While Working With 2010 Supporters "I don't view this as the end of discussion and conversation," Marc said about the announcement right off the bat. "We promised the LGBT community that we would let them know what we think the wisest course of action is. It's our responsibility. That's why we put something out today. But we're not saying that it's our way or the highway. We certainly can't force anyone to adopt our position."... Unite the Fight • Aug 14, 2009

	Protector of traditional marriage Doug Manchester leaving wife of 43 years In July 2008, hotelier and developer Doug Manchester donated $125,000 to help gather signatures for a proposition that would ban same-sex marriage in California. The early money was crucial to getting the initiative--which ultimately passed--on the ballot. At the time, he told The New York Times that he made the donation because of "my Catholic faith and longtime affiliation with the Catholic Chur... San Diego City Beat • Aug 14, 2009

	Call to Action in California - How to Win Marriage Back Equality California's plan to win is not a call to "wait." It is a call to action, and the work is at hand now. I hope that everyone committed to undoing Prop 8 and restoring the freedom to marry in California as soon as possible will seize this opportunity to sign up, join in, donate, contact friends and families, and be part of the early and sustained affirmative work to win every day between no... Straight Talk on Marriage • Aug 14, 2009

	Caution on Fighting Marriage Ban One of California's leading gay rights groups, Equality California, said Wednesday that it would not seek to overturn the state's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage next year, even as another group advocating for same-sex marriage said 2010 was the right time to go back to the ballot. Officials with Equality California had argued for a quick return to the polls to overturn Proposition 8, whi... NY Times • Aug 14, 2009

	VIDEO: Next Steps Working Meeting Creates 'Coalition for Marriage Equality'; Decides on San Francisco Convention to Determine Next Campaign Structure The key next step that developed from the meeting was the decision to have a convention of delegates from different organizations statewide to come together and hammer out a campaign governing structure. The convention will take place August 22nd and will be hosted in San Francisco.... Independent Gay Forum • Aug 14, 2009

	Why Gay Guys Are Churchier Than Their Straight Brethren A new survey of 9,000 gay, lesbian, and bisexual Americans from George Barna, a well-known evangelical pollster, showed that 70 percent of gay adults describe themselves as Christian and 60 percent say their faith is "very important" in their lives. Granted, those figures are lower than the population as a whole, which register 85 and 70 percent on those rankings, respectively. But Barna, himself ... Politics Daily • Aug 14, 2009

	Maine Moves Into High Gear Marriage equality opponents led by Stand for Marriage Maine turned in 100,000 signatures -- 45,000 more than necessary -- at the end of July to qualify for the ballot. If they are certified by the state, as everyone expects they will be, Maine's vote on a so-called "people's veto" of the marriage law will be the first such vote on the right of gay couples to marry since California's highly conten... Advocate • Aug 14, 2009

	Our Recommendations for Returning to the Ballot We can't afford to wait to start working toward this ambitious goal. We have an initial plan and are already on the ground across the state, but we need you. We're still listening and want to hear what YOU have to say about winning marriage back. We are posting the plan here because this blog is a space for us to connect and talk. Please leave a comment to share your thoughts or ask any questions... California Ripple Effect • Aug 14, 2009

	Would Gay Marriage Not Being on the 2010 Ballot Help or Hurt Gavin Newsom? The Answer: Yes. When you boil it down, it was a simple decision. Less simple, however, is how this will affect the ongoing gubernatorial run of San Francisco's erstwhile mayor, Gavin Newsom. On the one hand, Newsom became a folk hero for many (and hamstrung his progressive critics for years to come) in 2003 when he unilaterally made San Francisco the Las Vegas of same-sex weddings. Yet on the other hand, his bray... SF Weekly • Aug 14, 2009

	Equality California: We do not support returning to the ballot to repeal Prop 8 until 2012 Kors: It's really important that resources get directed to Maine. ... We'll be sending field staff (to) Maine. It's a critical election for the entire community. Having our rights taken away in a second state ... would really be harmful to the movement. ... If we can get a victory in Maine, it will really show the tide turning.... Rex Wockner • Aug 14, 2009

	Judge orders new filings in gay marriage lawsuit U.S. District Court Judge Vaughn Walker ordered new submissions with more details by Aug. 17. Walker said the filings made last week "fail to get down to the specifics of how we are going to proceed in this case." He faulted lawyers on all sides, including those representing Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic Attorney General Jerry Brown. The judge said Tuesday he wants detaile... SF Gate • Aug 13, 2009

	Key gay rights group backs 2012 repeal of Prop. 8 Kors of Equality California, asked about those differences, said that "if people want to move forward with 2010, it's a democracy." He called for all the groups "to unite and coordinate our work." But he cautioned that in the fight for same-sex marriage, "we think we have one shot" at what will be a considerable political challenge. Same-sex marriage supporters need to "make the most strategic d... SF Gate • Aug 12, 2009

	California Log Cabin Republicans Responds to 2012 Decision by Equality California We welcome the opportunity to spend more time building bridges to diverse communities across this state and we take our message of equality, a commitment to individual responsibility and a commitment to personal freedoms to rural communities, the communities of faith and color, and to continue our outreach efforts to the Republican Party. We must ensure that the foundation for our next fight at th... Republicans Against 8 • Aug 12, 2009

	Equal rights group will wait until 2012 to challenge Prop. 8 The leaders of Equality California, which calls itself the largest gay rights advocacy group in the state, said they won't try to qualify a measure on the subject for the 2010 ballot despite demands from many gay and lesbian activists seeking quicker movement on the issue. That decision, however, hasn't stopped a liberal advocacy group, Courage Campaign, from collecting signatures for a 2010 ball... Sacramento Bee • Aug 12, 2009

	Equal marriage group calls for 2012 ballot measure Equality California leaders said that while they initially favored a 2010 initiative, subsequent polling and other research showed that such a measure would have a better chance of passing in 2012. "There's no question that the community is not united on when to go forward," said Marc Solomon, marriage director of Equality California. "But we have a responsibility to present the best information ... OC Register • Aug 12, 2009

	Equality California's Online Town Hall Find out more about EQCA's analysis and plan to build a state of equality and win marriage back. Please join us for our online town hall to discuss our position, outlined in Winning Back Marriage Equality in California: Analysis and Plan. We'll present our ideas for a few minutes and then open up both a web chat and a phone line for people to ask questions.... Equality California • Aug 12, 2009

	CA's Largest Gay Group Announces That They Will Fight At 2012 Ballot WSJ asks if Courage Campaign's recent announcement that they have raised 100K for 2010 fight will impel EQCA to ask them not to move forward? "People are free to move forward, it's a democracy" says Solomon "if something qualifies, we will support it" he says, but argues that 2012 seems to be the most strategic decision from a campaign standpoint. Frontiers LA asks for clarification on the 2010 "... San Francisco Appeal • Aug 12, 2009

	Out of State Gay Marriage Recognition Does Not Necessarily Include Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships When it comes to out of state recognition of same sex relationships, names are important. Laws that recognize out of state "gay marriage" do not necessarily also recognize "civil unions" and "domestic partnerships." Even when these unions and partnerships give gay couples everything but marriage in name, they are still at risk of non-recognition from other states because they are called something... Gay Couples Law Blog • Aug 12, 2009

	Courage Campaign States 60 Hours Are Left for a 2010 Fundraising Benchmark - Over Half of Goal Raised If 1,000 more people can raise $41,967 by August 13, we will meet the time-sensitive $100,000 goal we set for the Courage Campaign community -- and half of the $200,000 needed to launch this mission-critical research as soon as possible. We have less than 60 hours to raise $41,967 from Courage members. Will you help us get over the top by donating whatever amount you can afford -- $25, $50, $100,... Unite the Fight • Aug 11, 2009

	What divides plaintiffs' counsel in the Perry case and allied interests seeking intervention? Different arguments reflect different strategic goals. Why are the LGBT Groups and SF so concerned to develop the factual record about how and why Prop. 8 was adopted, while Boies and Olson prefer arguments to attack any ban on same-sex marriage? The former have a more limited goal. By examining how and why Prop. 8 was adopted, they can demonstrate that Prop. 8 was solely intended to express hostility and disapproval against same-sex couples, and that... Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Aug 11, 2009

	A reader writes the Courage Campaign about a 2010 Prop 8 repeal fundraising letter I love the Courage Campaign, and I deeply support them; however I have a few questions about this call out for $200,000 and I was wondering if you guys might be able to help me better understand.... Pam's House Blend • Aug 11, 2009

	Equal marriage advocates debate next California move he finger-pointing continues with a very sharp internal argument over whether to seek Proposition 8's repeal in 2010, or wait until 2012 for a new ballot fight. Sometime this week, it appears, that decision will be made by the myriad gay rights organizations because any attempt at qualifying a measure for the 2010 ballot must begin very soon. The internal debate pits younger and more liberal equ... Sacramento Bee • Aug 11, 2009

	Oklahoma: Plaintiffs file complaint against equal marriage ban Four Oklahoma women have filed a new complaint challenging federal and state laws banning equal marriage. Their latest filing changes some aspects of the case, including which government officials are named as defendants. It also points out that two of the plaintiffs, Susan Barton and Gay Phillips, were married in California last Nov. 1, while the case was on appeal. Barton and Phillips have been... Oklahoma Journal Record • Aug 11, 2009

	When Should Gay Marriage Advocates Try to Reverse California's Prop 8? And so the question remains: When best to try to roll back the ultimate failure of 2008? In 2010 or in 2012? The emotional answer is clearly the former. The more measured answer the latter. But politics frequently turns, for better or worse, on emotion.... Huffington Post • Aug 11, 2009

	Will the Repeal Prop 8 Campaign Look Like No on 8 After All? Hildebrand was both inspirational and offered what he described as "tough love." Noting upfront that he is "an outsider" from South Dakota, not California, he said his 22 years of experience is largely with federal candidates. And he, like Jacobs, stressed the importance of winning the ballot initiative fight in Maine. (Jacobs called for an "October vacation in Maine" - though it is unclear if tha... Bilerico Project • Aug 11, 2009

	Steve Hildebrand's Mission to Sell 2010 I don't think the campaign should ever shy away from the fact that we're asking voters in this state to allow two men to get married, two women to get married or whatever combination thereof. I can't sit here and suggest what should be in television ads and what shouldn't be. But I would be disturbed, I guess, if the campaign shied away from the fact that this is about same sex marriage. My point... Bilerico Project • Aug 11, 2009

	Are gay churchgoers more devout, more active? The survey indicates that not only do a majority of gay and lesbian Americans consider themselves Christian, but the pollster's anecdotal findings suggest that gays and lesbians who actively attend church may be more invested and committed participants in their church than their straight counterparts.... 365Gay • Aug 10, 2009

	Professional Associations Back Gay Marriage Both the National Education Association (NEA) and the American Bar Association (ABA) have adopted resolutions backing GLBT rights, including the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry.... On Top Magazine • Aug 10, 2009

	Connecticut: AG Richard Blumenthal Urged To Defend State Law: Marriage Equality In addition to Attorney General Richard Blumenthal having a duty to defend state law, defending marriage equality just so happens to be the politically expedient thing to do as well. The majority of Connecticut citizens support marriage equality and those numbers continue to grow. Actions to take during August 10th-14th: Call: (860)-808-5318 & Fax: (860)-808-5387 Email: attorney.general@po.stat... Queers United • Aug 10, 2009

	NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality's Opposition Issues Condescending Response to Their Call for a Fair Campaign The NO on 1/Protect Maine Equality campaign has been organizing way in advance of the opposition because they knew very well the potential for the new marriage equality law would be threatened by a "People's Veto" and they were right. They know their state well and will fight hard to protect the rights of LGBT to marry. But they will need our help. Be sure to visit the NO on 1/Protect Maine Equal... Unite the Fight • Aug 9, 2009

	Live Streaming of the Next Steps Working Meeting We know that it is not practical for everyone across the state to come in person to this meeting, but we do want everyone to have the opportunity to discuss, plan, join, and work on the next steps we need to take to gather the signatures this fall. Therefore, we are looking for 3 locations that we can stream to. Activists who attend these streaming sessions can view the proceedings in L.A. and th... Unite the Fight • Aug 9, 2009

	How Churches May Actually Help Gays Win the Marriage Fight Over 6,000 members of California's clergy currently stand opposed to Proposition 8. Their ranks stretch from Sacramento to San Diego and include Christians, Muslims, Jews and Buddhists.... AlterNet • Aug 9, 2009

	Prop 8 Suit Plaintiffs Oppose Intervention of LGBT Groups, San Francisco Ted Olson, arguing on behalf of four people, whose legal bills are being paid for by a newly-formed organization whose board consists of six people (who themselves have several overlapping, sometimes indistinguishable interests), on Friday argued that the Our Family Coalition, Lavender Seniors of the East Bay, and Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays -- represented by the American C... Law Dork • Aug 9, 2009

	Equality Forward - New Study Released on LGBT People of Color Key findings of the report: * Voices of LGBT POC are not at the forefront of groups fighting to end racial injustice as well as in LGBT equality groups. * LGBT POC share the same concerns as the rest of the population and have broader issues beyond LGBT specific ones. They are concerned with health care and economic priorities. * More than 50% of LGBT POC feels as though the Church tr... Queers United • Aug 8, 2009

	Courage Campaign Gives Deadline for 2010 Fundraising Benchmark, Marriage Equality USA Accepts the Challenge It will be interesting to see what other organizations join in on this tangible challenge. And now that there is a deadline, how quickly they and the community will hop on board with this goal.... Unite the Fight • Aug 8, 2009

	Agenda for Next Steps Summit Released The logistics team for the August 9th Next Steps Summit, a working meeting in Los Angeles that will tackle actual next steps for an upcoming ballot initiative to undo Proposition 8, has released an agenda in advance. It is subject to change.... Unite the Fight • Aug 8, 2009

	Prop. 8 foes clash over federal suit Lamba Legal and the other groups have been careful and deliberate in challenging marriage bans, and they have a successful track record. They won the marriage case in the California Supreme Court -- which Proposition 8 partly overturned -- and helped win marriage rights in other states. Fearing a defeat in the conservative-dominated U.S. Supreme Court, the groups have chosen to litigate in state ... LA Times • Aug 8, 2009

	Maine's Senators Stay Quiet on Marriage Ballot Initiative Looking for two high profile politicians to come out against efforts in Maine to take away marriage rights for gay and lesbian couples? If you are, don't go looking to Senators Olympia Snowe or Susan Collins. So far both have decided to stay silent, while conservative activists in Maine ramp up their efforts to strip civil marriage rights away from same-sex couples. Senator Susan Collins even w... Change.org • Aug 8, 2009

	Conflict between Liberty Counsel and Alliance Defense Fund: the flip side of affaire de American Foundation for Equal Rights In the Perry case, bloggers and the news media have followed recent tensions between the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) - which funds the work of Ted Olson and David Boies - and several legal organizations at the forefront of gay rights advocacy. I have, however, seen no discussion of comparable tensions between the legal organizations representing ProtectMarriage.com / Yes on 8 - wh... Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Aug 8, 2009

	Eight Words and Phrases to Avoid in LGBT Communications Language is key to our battle for equality and acceptance. Below is a list of eights words and phrases to avoid when discussing LGBT topics.... Queers United • Aug 8, 2009

	A Moral Crossroads For Conservatives: The genie that gay-marriage opponents still hope to stuff back into the bottle is out for good. Conservatives have a decision to make. They can continue pretending that the bond between Mike and Bill does not exist, is of no social value, or has no place on conservatives' agenda. Doing so would be of a piece with their retreat to economic Hooverism, their embrace of cultural Palinism, and, in general, their preference for purity over relevance. Or they can acknowledge what to most of the co... National Journal • Aug 7, 2009

	Feingold lobbied to push DOMA repeal Equal rights activists in D.C. are lobbying a Wisconsin lawmaker to introduce in the Senate legislation that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Allison Herwitt, HRC's legislative director, told the Blade on Friday that her organization has been communicating with Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) to introduce DOMA repeal legislation that would complement a... Washington Blade • Aug 7, 2009

	City Council rejects resolution in same-sex marriage debate The Porterville City Council on a split vote late Tuesday rejected a resolution in opposition of a state Senate bill that, if passed, would alter how the state views gay people from outside California. The resolution drafted by Councilman Cameron Hamilton was in opposition to Senate Bill 54 by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco.... Porterville Recorder • Aug 7, 2009

	All Eyes on Maine As LGBT activists discuss how and when to restore the freedom to marry in California, dramatic events are unfolding on the other side of the country that will greatly affect our fight for marriage rights here and ultimately across the rest of America.... Advocate • Aug 6, 2009

	When Gay People Get Married: What Happens When Societies Legalize Same-Sex Marriage The evidence shows both that marriage changes gay people more than gay people change marriage. In the end, Badgett compellingly shows that allowing gay couples to marry does not destroy the institution of marriage and that many gay couples do benefit, in expected as well as surprising ways, from the legal, social, and political rights that the institution offers.... NYU Press • Aug 6, 2009

	ACTION: Defend the Law Campaign Urges Connecticut Attorney General to Sue Government Over DOMA Recently, Massachusetts AG Martha Coakley announced that her state would be filing a lawsuit in federal courts, challenging the U.S. government over the Defense of Marriage Act. Defend the Law has taken its cue from Coakely and is now setting its sights on Connecticut's AG Richard Blumenthal, whose state became the second to legalize marriage equality last year.... Unite the Fight • Aug 6, 2009

	Equal marriage backers seek pledge of civility Equal marriage supporters are calling on one of the leaders of a campaign to toss out Maine's equal marriage law to sign a pledge to conduct a civil campaign.... Portland Press Herald • Aug 6, 2009

	Courage Campaign Gives the Community a Challenging Fundraising Benchmark for a 2010 Ballot Initiative - You Game? Now this is something tangible that the community can get behind. Part of the sound and valid objections to returning to the ballot in 2010 is that the economy will make fundraising extremely difficult and that donations will dry up. If the community can meet the goal of raising $100,000 through Courage Campaign, and $200,000 as a whole, then this could be a sign that the unity and commitment tha... Unite the Fight • Aug 6, 2009

	From the Courage Campaign: 2010: It's time to make a decision The first step in running a winning campaign is to ensure we use the most effective initiative language that a majority of California voters will support. This takes research - expert polling and focus group work that will help us gain the best understanding of the California electorate. And we must begin that research immediately. Along with our allies, we need to raise $200,000 to conduct this ... Calitics • Aug 6, 2009

	A Concerted Effort to Sue the U.S. Government Over the Defense of Marriage Act Now, activists are hoping to jump on the momentum started by Coakley and urge other state Attorney Generals to follow a similar path. That's the motivation at least behind the Web site Defend the Law (defendthelaw.org), which announced a concentrated action alert this week to urge Connecticut's Attorney General, Richard Blumenthal, to challenge the U.S. government over DOMA. Last year, Connectic... Change.org • Aug 5, 2009

	GLAD Files Amended Complaint in Gill Challenge This is strong, and GLAD's lawyers should be congratulated on some great improvements in the case with this filing.... Law Dork • Aug 5, 2009

	Only The Right Kind Of Symbolic Sex Beneath the elegant philosophical language is a blunter message to George's gay fellow human beings: be straight or go away. And since when is that a practical option in the 21st century? I repeat to conservatives: we know what you're against, in healthcare, energy, counter-terrorism, taxation, gay rights, abortion. What are you actually for? How do you intend to actually address the questions of... Andrew Sullivan • Aug 5, 2009

	The Gay Agenda after Marriage Some of my friends have been discussing what should be the "gay agenda"--or even if there needs to be such a thing--after we obtain marriage and military access. Well, yes, there are a number of concerns that will still need to be addressed, but I think the whole discussion is a little premature.... Independent Gay Forum • Aug 5, 2009

	Attitudes shift on abortion, same-sex marriage In 1977, a Field Poll found that Californians opposed equal marriage, 62 to 31 percent; three decades later, the Field Poll shows they now support it, 49 to 44 percent. In November, Proposition 8 - an initiative to amend the state Constitution to ban the recognition of same-sex couples - passed by a 52-48 percent vote. Supporters of equal marriage, however, have cited growing popular support for ... SF Gate • Aug 5, 2009

	Hope and History He looked like a hero, and that was the problem. His apparent integrity frightened us at first. Then it became the reason we chose him. We voted for Obama because he appealed to our better angels, because we wanted to be better. And it worked. One of the most profound and least remarked-upon effects of this presidency is the speed with which doubt that America was "ready" for a black president h... Advocate • Aug 5, 2009

	Congrats, Wisconsin Couples This day is historic in that Wisconsin became the first midwestern state to grant recognition of same-sex couples by legislation and it is the first state with a clause banning "legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage" to offer any limited recognition at all.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Aug 4, 2009

	Marriage Equality USA Calls on Community to Open Hearts, Strengthen Ties and Forgive as Key to Future Campaign "In the words of esteemed Christian theologian and marriage equality supporter, Lewis Smedes, 'When we forgive, we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us,'" said McKay. "We must forgive and release the past in order to create a new future. We need to learn from past mistakes, but more importantly we must create and foster an environment of trust between our allied org... Unite the Fight • Aug 4, 2009

	Equal Marriage Measure Passes House Without Debate The ABA policy-making House of Delegates passed by an overwhelming voice vote a resolution calling on Congress to repeal a section of the Defense of Marriage Act that denies federal marital benefits and protections to lawfully married same-sex couples.... American Bar Association Journal • Aug 4, 2009

	Metroid's Samus Aran Speaks Out About Gay Marriage. I would flit between one relationship and another, hopping inside my gunship and speeding off to the next planet before things got too serious. Then the Mother Brain decided to outlaw same-sex marriage on planet SR-388. Planets Tallon IV, Aether and my birth planet K-2L followed suit. What year are we living in? Earth Year 2009? It's time for the universe to redefine its narrow concept of marriage... McSweeney's • Aug 4, 2009

	The Grassroots Activist Organization Taking Shots at Equality California In an email sent out to supporters, EN co-founder David Comfort makes clear how his organization is not one of the establishment big boys on the block -- as a reason you should support it.... Queerty • Aug 4, 2009

	Post-1980s Children of Gay Parents Thrive in School, More Open Society Less research has been done on children in families headed by gay men, but data collected as part of the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study have shown few differences in psychosexual development, psychological adjustment and overall well-being. "Boys seem to do as well as girls," said Dr. Nanette Gartrell, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at University of California, San Francis... ABC News • Aug 3, 2009

	Four-Part Series on Marriage Equality and Religious Liberty By Professor John Culhane: Part I: Defining the Conflicts and Issues Dale Carpenter hasn't found a single reported case testing the religious freedoms of objectors against the rights of same-sex couples to marry or "civilly unite." That doesn't mean, of course, that conflicts haven't arisen, or even that the odd suit hasn't been filed. (Generally, only appellate cases are reported, and many cases of course settle even before trial.) But he's probably right that con... Prop 8 Legal Commentary • Aug 3, 2009

	Protests as Australia Affirms Equal Marriage Ban Equal marriage remains illegal in Australia, but the states of Tasmania and Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory, all allow a form of civil union, which gives gay couples similar rights to married couples. Labour promised to push for a national framework to register gay couples, but stopped short of endorsing their marriages. Rudd's government is also committed to ending all other discr... NY Times • Aug 2, 2009

	Madeline Koch: Wanted: GOP for the next generation First: We want equal marriage. Though we may not all be willing to march in the Pride parades or even send fiery letters to our congressmen about it, most of us believe that gay couples deserve the right to be legally wed. I can guarantee you this: The issue of equal marriage is not going to go away, and unless you start shifting within the Republican Party, you will not gain our support.... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Aug 1, 2009

	Questions for Benjamin Todd Jealous: Race Matters If gay rights groups want to change the opinion polls in the black community, they have to invest in it. It's a long-term conversation. The battle to oppose Prop 8 could have been much better run. They came to the black community late, with the expectation that they were going to get certain results.... NY Times • Aug 1, 2009

	Senator Kirsten Gillibrand: Marriage Equality is the Equal Rights Battle of Our Generation As you'll see, Sen. Gillibrand - who originally represented in Congress a fairly conservative district - has staked out one of the most progressive positions possible on the subject of marriage equality. It's the equal rights struggle of our generation, according to the Senator.... Change.org • Aug 1, 2009

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