Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from May 2011

	Comics do show in Santa Cruz to help repeal Prop. 8 "Back in 2008, Mormons and evangelicals exercised their first amendment rights by pumping millions of dollars into depriving gay people of their civil rights," St. Paul said. "So we will be telling jokes to get those rights back." Proceeds from the five shows go to the American Foundation For Equal Rights, said St. Paul, the event producer. "We humbly consider ourselves healers and laughing for ... Santa Cruz Sentinel • May 31, 2011

	This Could be the End for Equality Maryland By Matt Baume This week: The chaos at Equality Maryland has gotten so bad, the organization may have to shut down altogether. Time's nearly run out to pass a marriage bill in New York. Catholic Charities is so unwilling to provide adoption services to gay couples that they simply abandoned 350 children to the state of Illinois this week. And it looks like the Prop 8 proponents just ... MNW • May 31, 2011

	Debate over judge's sexual orientation not likely to affect Prop. 8 case Gay and lesbian judges may preside over gay-rights cases and rule on same-sex marriage disputes as long as the jurists are not attempting to marry their partners, according to the nation's top experts in legal ethics. But ethicists disagree on whether retired federal judge Vaughn R. Walker, 67, should have disclosed his 10-year relationship with his partner before presiding over the challenge to ... LA Times • May 29, 2011

	Iowa Republican launches campaign in support of same-sex marriage A former Republican senator next week will unveil a new advocacy group for conservatives who support same-sex marriage. The group, being launched by former Sen. Jeff Angelo, challenges the GOP's standard opposition to same-sex marriage. Support of same-sex marriage has traditionally been viewed as a 'liberal' stand, which Angelo - who calls himself a conservative - rejects.... DesMoins Register • May 29, 2011

	Judge Decides Transgender Widow's Marriage Was Illegal A Texas judge has announced that he plans to nullify the marriage of a transgender woman whose firefighter husband died in the line of duty, on the grounds that they had an illegal same-sex marriage. His family is fighting the widow for inheritance, but the case is also a setback for transgender rights in the state. Nikki Araguz, who was born Justin Graham Purdue, married Thomas Trevino Araguz II... Jezebel • May 28, 2011

	Maryland Money Woes Equality Maryland could shut down operations at the end of June if it does not collect $20,000 to $25,000 in donations to cover operating expenses, according to members of the statewide LGBT-advocacy organization's board. Those expenses include rent for its Baltimore office headquarters, as well as salary for current staff. Equality Maryland has two full-time staff members, while interim Executiv... Metro Weekly • May 28, 2011

	Equality Md. leader's status uncertain Lynne Bowman, interim executive director of Equality Maryland, told the Blade today that she has left the state and is headed to Ohio for a previous commitment and is unsure when she will return. She said she has not resigned her post, and that she is in "conversation with the board about what next month could look like."... Washington Blade • May 28, 2011

	Prop 8 Supporters: We Didn't Really Mean What We Said About Same-Sex Marriage Cooper's attempt to nuance his way out of a tight spot is admirable but totally unpersuasive. During the Perry trial, he relied heavily on claims that heterosexuals and society as a whole had a substantial interest in denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. One need look no further than a document Cooper submitted to Judge Walker before the trial, responding to a number of questions f... Equality Matters • May 28, 2011

	It's time for Prop. 8 opponents to re-engage The public awareness raised through the federal lawsuit is no substitute for the dignity and power that would have flowed to gays and lesbians in California and their supporters by winning back equality through political organizing and the democratic process. This is true even though our basic rights, dignity, and equality should not be up for popular vote in the first place. In answer to the com... OC Register • May 28, 2011

	Dayton vetoes anti-gay marriage amendment in symbolic gesture On Wednesday morning, Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in the Minnesota Constitution. The veto is only symbolic -- the Minnesota governor has no authority over constitutional amendments. In his veto message Dayton called the amendment "divisive and destructive" and urged Minnesotans to vote against it in 2012. Dayton told reporters at a press conference... Minnesota Independent • May 28, 2011

	Human Rights Watch Appeals to Latvian Leaders to Recognize Same-Sex Partnerships International rights group Human Rights Watch this week sent a letter to Latvia's legislators and president urging them to support legislation that would grant formal recognition for same-sex partners. In the letter, Boris O. Dittrich, advocacy director of the Human Rights Watch, also praises President Valdis Zalter's recent comments reported by the media in which Zalter said "it is a duty of the... Care2 • May 28, 2011

	Activists In Chile Call For National Gay Marriage March; Target Sebastian Pinera Chile's largest gay rights group Movimiento Chileno de Minorias Sexuales (MOVILH) on Tuesday called for a national march in support of gay marriage. "It's time to mobilize," the group said. "It seems the only way officials listen. We are confident that we will be thousands and thousands of people." The June 25 demonstration will be held in the nation's capital and largest city, Santiago, startin... On Top Magazine • May 28, 2011

	Catholic Charities Fight Back On Gay Adoption Days Before Civil Union Law Rockford Catholic Charities has announced it will discontinue state-funded adoption and foster care services, which will displace 350 area children. This comes just days before the state's first Civil Union licenses will be made available, and after multiple attempts were made in the General Assembly to ensure Catholic Charities' right to effectively discriminate against a prospective parent on t... Progress Illinois • May 28, 2011

	New York: Mayor Urges Gay Marriage Mayor Michael Bloomberg forcefully championed marriage equality as a "fundamental civil right" during a sweeping speech in Manhattan on Thursday, urging the state Legislature to vote on the issue before the session ends next month. Introduced by his niece, Rachel Tiven, who is gay, Mr. Bloomberg spoke in personal terms about why he is an advocate for gay marriage, declaring that he sees the "pain... Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2011

	French MP compares gay weddings to 'unions with animals' Brigitte Barèges sparked angry jeers in parliament during a debate on a law "to open up marriage to same-sex couples" in France. The 58-year-old Right-winger from Montauban, southern France, appalled MPs by exclaiming: "So in that case, why not unions with animals? Or polygamy?" Gay rights groups branded the comments "insulting and disdainful", and threatened legal action. ... The Telegraph • May 28, 2011

	White House issues statement on Minn. marriage amendment The White House on Monday issued a statement in response to a proposed measure in Minnesota that would make a ban on same-sex marriage part of the state constitution. The complete statement follows: "The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same sex couples or to take such rights away. While he believes this is an issue best addressed by t... Washington Blade • May 27, 2011

	Obstacles remain for a Prop 8 repeal Should California challenge Proposition 8, the state's same-sex marriage ban, at the ballot box in 2012? In an effort to answer that question, Equality California is holding a series of town hall meetings around the state to share research and gauge public interest in such a campaign. But data presented at a May 19 meeting in San Francisco indicates that significant obstacles remain.... Bay Area Reporter • May 27, 2011

	House Passes Defense Bill With DADT and DOMA Amendments This afternoon, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with three amendments opposed by LGBT advocates, including one that would add a step to the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal process and two that reaffirm or expand the Defense of Marriage Act. On a 322-96 vote with substantial Democratic support and only token Republican opposition, t... Metro Weekly • May 27, 2011

	Did CA same-sex marriage foes undermine own case? Campaigners for California's ban on same-sex marriage in 2008 told traditional families they had much at stake: the future of marriage itself and the need to "protect our children," as one ad put it, from the impact of legalized gay and lesbian unions. Now, as the sponsors of Proposition 8 try toconvince the courts that the judge who overturned the measure had a built-in bias as a gay man with a ... SF Gate • May 26, 2011

	Minnesota Marriage Battle Begins Though extensive polling does not yet exist, a May 13 survey by the Star Tribune did not find "widespread support" for a constitutional amendment: 55% of respondents opposed the antigay initiative and 39% approved. But it's unclear how a likely multimillion-dollar campaign waged by both sides of the debate will ultimately sway voters. Whether such an amendment could survive a court challenge if i... Advocate • May 25, 2011

	Focus on the Family Knows They've "Lost" Gay Marriage, Keeps Fighting For the Thrill of the Fight I guess it's understandable that, even given their president's reservations, they plan to continue with this fight - belief in the face of unreliable odds is, of course, what faith is. But questions remain. Perhaps the first and most obvious thing: "Christians can't expect the culture to be the church?" Of course there are millions of Christians in America who fully understand and respect the sep... Autostraddle • May 24, 2011

	Support in polls for same-sex marriage could influence Proposition 8 legal battle, experts say A series of recent polls suggesting a majority of Americans support the right of gays to marry may influence the outcome of the legal dispute over California's ban on same-sex marriages, some legal experts and gay rights advocates predict. The courts don't look to opinion polls when they decide cases, but shifts in popular sentiment can influence their thinking on evolving interpretations of civi... LA Times • May 23, 2011

	Bad News from Coast to Coast It's almost all bad news this week, with an anti-gay measure gaining ground in Minnesota, slow progress in New York, a resignation in North Carolina, and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker staking out a position against LGBT hospital visitation. http://youtu.be/RkVHecHFiQU Another survey out this month shows that ... MNW • May 23, 2011

	Minn. voters will decide on gay marriage ban The Minnesota House has signed off on a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, meaning voters will decide the issue in 2012. After nearly six hours of emotional debate, the House voted 70-62 to approve the plan late Saturday.... KARE • May 22, 2011

	Obama pick for bench blocked by GOP for first time President Barack Obama lost his first vote on a judicial nominee Thursday, as Senate Republicans derailed the nomination of a liberal professor who leveled acerbic attacks against two conservative Supreme Court nominees - both now justices. Democrats fell short of the 60 votes they need to end a filibuster and give Goodwin Liu an up-or-down vote on his nomination to the San Francisco-based 9th U.... AP • May 22, 2011

	Equality NC executive director Ian Palmquist to step down July 1 Serving the LGBT community and our allies here in my home state of North Carolina has been the greatest honor of my life, so it is with mixed emotions that I share this news. I have informed our Board of Directors that I will be stepping down after more than eleven years at Equality North Carolina, the last five as Executive Director. Now, my partner, Brad Oaks, and I will be moving to Boston, wh... Pam's House Blend • May 22, 2011

	Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Rep. Barney Frank say Obama will come out for marriage equality in 2012 We've heard Obama promises before, so I'm sure the reaction to this will range from pleased to skeptical. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) was interviewed by the Advocate. Would he back marriage equality in 2012, leaving "god is in the mix" behind? ... Pam's House Blend • May 22, 2011

	Thousands rally to back NC gay marriage ban Thousands of conservative Christians rallied Tuesday to urge the North Carolina Legislature to vote on a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage now that its Republican leaders are open to the idea after Democrats blocked it for years. North Carolina is the only Southeastern state that hasn't approved an amendment restricting marriage to one man and one woman. Thirty states have voted to al... TriValley Central • May 22, 2011

	Conservative Party Is Obstacle to Gay Marriage Michael R. Long works out of a cluttered office above a Greek restaurant in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, one block from the liquor store that still bears his family's name, with a replica John Wayne revolver and a photo of Ronald Reagan on the wall. Unlike other political bosses, he fields no phalanx of high-priced lobbyists and consultants. He is virtually unknown to most New Yorkers. But Mr. Long, the ... NY Times • May 22, 2011

	Minnesota: LPMN rebukes MNGOP on Gay Marriage Ban and Voter ID proposals In an unusual action, the Libertarian Party of Minnesota held a special meeting on May 7 to consider a response to the anti-liberty legislation now being proposed by Republican legislators in the Minnesota House and Senate. By an 11-0 vote, the LPMN Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing a constitutional amendment that would prohibit gays from becoming married. ... Libertarian Party of Minnesota • May 22, 2011

	Leaders of Color for N.Y. Marriage More than 50 prominent leaders of color signed a letter to New York lawmakers in support of marriage equality Thursday, while a new poll suggested that African-American voters' opposition to same-sex marriage was solidifying but Latino voters' support may be increasing. New Yorkers United for Marriage, the bipartisan coalition of five LGBT advocacy organizations working with Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ... Advocate • May 22, 2011

	NC Faith Leaders Speak Out Against Gay Marriage Ban Equality NC held a press conference to highlight the views of five faith leaders: Rev. Anthony Spearman, pastor of Clinton Tabernacle AME Zion Church, Rev. Stephen Shoemaker, from Charlotte's Myers Park Baptist, Rev. Dr. Amy Laura Hall, ordained elder at United Methodist Church in Durham, Ari Margoils, assistant rabbi at Temple Beth Or in Raleigh, and Bishop Tonyia Rawls of Unity Fellowship Church... Unicorn Booty • May 22, 2011

	Chinchilla says she would not oppose legalization of gay marriage in Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla said Tuesday she would not object to a ruling legalizing gay marriage. Two gay couples, as part of the Diversity Movement, asked a Costa Rican court Monday to be married in a civil union, drawing attention to the issue. Chinchilla made the statement during the last day of her visit to California, as part of a 6-day visit to the United States. The Latin American leader n... Tico Times • May 21, 2011

	For First Time, Majority of Americans Favor Legal Gay Marriage For the first time in Gallup's tracking of the issue, a majority of Americans (53%) believe same-sex marriage should be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as traditional marriages. The increase since last year came exclusively among political independents and Democrats. Republicans' views did not change.... Gallup • May 21, 2011

	NY: Senate Bill Would Void Same-Sex Marriage From Other States A Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Martin Golden, R-Brooklyn, would void same-sex marriage from other states and was quietly introduced today. The bill does not have an Assembly sponsor or a bill memorandum attached. The measure comes as Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a coalition of advocacy groups continue to push for same-sex marriage legalization by the time session wraps up in June. New York currently ... Capital Tonight • May 21, 2011

	Paul Clement files motion on behalf of House to intervene in DOMA case Today, the U.S. House of Representatives filed a motion to intervene in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management the multi-plaintiff challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), filed by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) with co-counsel Foley Hoag LLP, Sullivan & Worcester and Jenner & Block in March 2009. ... Prop 8 Trial Tracker • May 21, 2011

	Prop 8 lawyers honored at D.C. events The two lead attorneys in the widely followed lawsuit seeking to overturn the California ballot measure that bans same-sex marriage in the state and the attorney who successfully argued the Supreme Court case that overturned anti-gay sodomy laws were honored this week in Washington. The Cato Institute, an LGBT supportive libertarian think tank, held a forum on Wednesday that featured presentation... Washington Blade • May 21, 2011

	Republicans block judicial nominee's confirmation The nomination of a liberal judicial candidate considered supportive, at least personally, of marriage equality, failed to muster enough votes in the U.S. Senate Thursday, May 19, to bring his confirmation to the floor. The Senate voted 52 to 43 on a motion for cloture--to end debate on the nomination of California law professor Goodwin Liu. But such motions require 60 votes to pass, so the resul... Keen News Service • May 20, 2011

	R.I. House approves civil unions The civil-unions bill -- opposed by hundreds who came out to testify last week and thousands, according to one lawmaker's count, who signed petitions -- did indeed pass in the House, with a vote that cut across party lines, even as it left lawmakers at odds over where the issue goes from here and what people in Rhode Island really want. Supporters called the vote a historic victory, one that prov... Providence Journal • May 20, 2011

	House Dems urge Boehner to provide information on DOMA lawyer contract House Democrats are pushing Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) for information regarding the contract between House Republicans and the lawyer hired to defend the Defense of Marriage Act. Reps. Robert Brady (D-Pa.), Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), and Charles Gonzalez (D-Texas) sent a letter to Boehner Wednesday requesting that all members of the Committee on House Administration be able to review the contrac... The Hill • May 19, 2011

	Minnesota: Dayton strongly opposes gay marriage ban Gov. Mark Dayton says he opposes outlawing gay marriage in the Minnesota Constitution "with every fiber of my being" and believes an amendment to do so will be defeated if it ends up on the statewide ballot.... Times Union • May 19, 2011

	Rhode Island Civil Unions Includes Strange Reciprocity Clause Rhode Island will recognize a couple joined in a civil union from New Jersey, but married couples from just a few miles across the border in Connecticut and Massachusetts will be legal strangers to each other.... Box Turtle Bulletin • May 19, 2011

	Several legislators who want to 'protect marriage' are divorced, records indicate In testimony before Minnesota Senate and House committees last week, religious leaders and representatives from religious right organizations cited single-parent families and a skyrocketing divorce rate as reasons to protect marriage from being redefined to include same-sex couples by "activist judges" and "handfuls of legislators." And GOP members rebuffed efforts by DFLers to include a ban on di... Minnesota Independent • May 19, 2011

	Walker seeks to stop defense of state's domestic partner registry Gov. Scott Walker believes a new law that gives gay couples hospital visitation rights violates the state constitution and has asked a judge to allow the state to stop defending it. Democrats who controlled the Legislature in 2009 changed the law so that same-sex couples could sign up for domestic partnership registries with county clerks to secure some - but not all - of the rights afforded marr... Milwaukee Wisconsin Journal Sentinel • May 18, 2011

	Gays "Worthy Of Death?" Demand Maggie Gallagher Denounce This Statement From NOM's Marriage Rally Advocating death, especially death of a particular group, is unacceptable, and certainly hate speech. Maggie Gallagher, Chairman of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) must immediately denounce this hate-filled statement that occurred at her event, and agree that no one should advocate or support the killing of LGBT people.... The New Civil Rights Movement • May 18, 2011

	Conservative Group Files Lawsuit Over DOMA Records A conservative public interest group wants Justice Department records about the decision to not defend the Defense of Marriage Act. In its suit filed on April 29 and announced Tuesday, Judicial Watch insists the DOJ turn over any documents it may have containing internal communications about the decision announced in February not to defend the 1996 statute, which defines marriage as a union betwe... Main Justice • May 18, 2011

	Tom Udall signs onto DOMA repeal Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., released a video Tuesday announcing that he will support legislation that would effectively repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. The legislation, called the Respect for Marriage Act, is sponsored by Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., and progressive groups have been pressuring their senators to cosponsor the legislation.... New Mexico Independent • May 18, 2011

	Committee sends civil union bill to RI House The House Judiciary Committee voted 9-3 to advance the measure to a House vote now scheduled for Thursday. The bill would allow gay couples to enter into civil unions granting all of the rights and benefits given to married couples under Rhode Island law, but stops short of sanctioning marriage. The proposal was introduced as a compromise after legislative leaders said gay marriage legislation la... Boston Globe • May 18, 2011

	Bloomberg Lobbies G.O.P. Senators on Gay Marriage Urging lawmakers to put themselves on "the right side of history," Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg visited the Capitol on Tuesday and vowed to support the re-election campaign of any Republican senator who votes to allow gay couples to wed. For six hours, the mayor plodded from one office to another in the mazelike legislative office building and the Capitol, across the street, meeting with six rank-... NY Times • May 18, 2011

	Senator and Granddaughter on Two Sides, but One Stage, in Debate on Gay Marriage Rubén Díaz Sr., the Bronx state senator, Pentecostal minister and steadfast opponent of same-sex marriage, gathered his flock on Sunday for a rally on the steps of the monumental Art Deco courthouse in the Bronx, serenaded by church bands and an ear-piercing soundtrack of Latin song. The slogan they shouted, aimed at the State Legislature, said it all: "One Man. One Woman. God's Will." Across th... NY Times • May 17, 2011

	Minnesota: DFLers offer bill to repeal state Defense of Marriage Act Minnesota Democrats introduced a bill on Monday that would repeal the state's Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits same-sex couples from benefiting from the rights and responsibilities of marriage. The bill, the Marriage and Family Protection Act, was offered just as heated debate at the Capitol continues over a proposed constitutional amendment that would write a ban on gay marriage into the ... Minnesota Independent • May 17, 2011

	The civil union bait-and-switch: Compromise is far from true marriage equality Unlike the universally accepted concept of marriage, employers, businesses and individuals simply do not know how to treat civil unions. Several states have experimented with these so-called compromise solutions and have already reached the conclusion that they just don't work. For example, after New Jersey granted civil unions to gay and lesbian couples, many employers refused to offer them part... New York Daily News • May 16, 2011

	Republicans Could Tip the Scales for Marriage: Marriage News Watch for May 16, 2012 The fight for marriage intensifies in New York with the long-awaited marriage bill finally introduced. But do LGBT groups have the support needed to pass it? Cathy Marino-Thomas will fill us in on their latest lobbying progress. New York's pro-marriage Republicans could tip the scale in our favor, but in other states Republicans are working to ban marriage, and to penalize employers who provide he... MNW • May 16, 2011

	'Minnesota malicious': Papers statewide pan GOP anti-gay marriage effort Newspapers throughout the state have come out against a Republican bill that proposes a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage in Minnesota. The geographic breadth of opposition to the amendment, from the larger Winona, Duluth and Minneapolis to the southern Minnesota farming communities of Albert Lea, New Ulm, Fairmont and tiny Grant County in Western Minnesota suggests it may be a li... Minnesota Independent • May 15, 2011

	Donors to G.O.P. Are Backing Gay Marriage Push The donors represent some of New York's wealthiest and most politically active figures and include Paul E. Singer, a hedge fund manager and top-tier Republican donor, as well as two other financiers, Steven A. Cohen and Clifford S. Asness. At the same time, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, a billionaire businessman and philanthropist who has been a major contributor to Senate Republicans in New York, ... NY Times • May 14, 2011

	Jerry Brown Accuses Prop 8 Supporters Of Conducting 'Witch Hunt' California Governor Jerry Brown has accused Proposition 8 supporters of conducting a "witch hunt" against U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who last year struck down the gay marriage ban as unconstitutional, the AP reported.... On Top Magazine • May 14, 2011

	Rhode Island civil union proposal to face first legislative test next week A proposal to create civil unions for gay couples in Rhode Island will soon face its first legislative test. The House Judiciary Committee has set a vote on the measure for Tuesday. If the committee endorses civil unions the proposal will head to the full House for consideration.... Washington Post • May 14, 2011

	Kirsten Gillibrand: "My Goal is to Talk to All of Them." Senator (D-Democratic Wing of the Democratic Party) Gillibrand of New York said today in a television interview that her goal was to talk to every NY State Senator, Democrat or Republican who is undecided on the issue of marriage equality.... Pam's House Blend • May 14, 2011

	Minnesota Poll: Support falls for ban on gay marriage A majority of Minnesotans oppose amending the state Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, according to a new Star Tribune Minnesota Poll. Fifty-five percent of respondents said they oppose adding such an amendment while 39 percent favor a constitutional ban -- views that appear to be a sharp reversal of poll results seven years ago.... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • May 14, 2011

	Is John Boehner's Lawsuit Defending DOMA Actually Illegal? Gay blogs weren't the only ones up in arms when word leaked that defending the Constitutionally-challenged and dated Defense of Marriage Act would cost $500,ooo minimum. Nancy Pelosi and many other financial consultants familiar with cases of this stature suggested that figure is on the extremely conservative side (Get it?) and that legal fees could easily soar upwards of 100 million dollars. Whi... Unicorn Booty • May 14, 2011

	DOMA law firm flap a 'misunderstanding' A top partner in the law firm that abruptly dropped the House of Representatives as its client in defending the federal law defining marriage blamed the move on "an unfortunate misunderstanding" that caused the firm to lose one of its top lawyers. J. Sedwick "Wick" Sollers, head of the Washington office of Atlanta-based King & Spalding, said in a statement he understood how Paul D. Clement, the f... Washington Times • May 13, 2011

	Judge Sets Schedule in Edith Windsor's DOMA Challenge Legal filings in Edith Windsor's challenge to the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act could be completed as early as August 19, according to an order filed today by the magistrate judge overseeing this part of the case. The discovery and briefing schedule in Windsor's case -- the first case in which the lawyers for the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) appeare... Metro Weekly • May 12, 2011

	House committee approves three anti-gay DADT, DOMA amendments The full U.S. House Armed Services Committee approved three amendments late Wednesday night that seek to delay implementation of repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell and to reiterate Congress's support for the Defense of Marriage Act. The votes were largely along partisan lines and are unlikely to be sustained in the Democratic-controlled Senate, even if they are approved by the Republican-dominated H... LGBT POV • May 12, 2011

	New York: National Organization For Marriage Regurgitates Debunked 2009 Ad The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), which is claiming it will spend $1.5 million to defeat New York's upcoming same-sex marriage bill -- including the politicians who vote for it -- has just put out an anti- "gay marriage" television spot -- the exact same one they ran in 2009. Exactly the same from the revised ad, since the first one misspelled the word "marriage." The ad itself was be... The New Civil Rights Movement • May 12, 2011

	Marriage Worth $391 Million to New York The New York state senate Independent Democratic Conference released a report Tuesday showing that marriage equality would generate at least $391 million for the state in business, tax revenue, and savings within three years of becoming law. The four members of the breakaway Democratic conference, who all support marriage equality, released the report, "For Love or Money?: The Economic Impact of ... Advocate • May 12, 2011

	RI civil union compromise wins little support Civil unions may make for good legislative compromise in Rhode Island's gay marriage debate, but the proposal won nothing but scorn during a public hearing at the Statehouse on Wednesday. Gay marriage supporters told lawmakers that civil unions treat gay couples as second-class citizens. Opponents said the bill creates an easy steppingstone to full marriage rights for same-sex couples. The bill ... Sacramento Bee • May 12, 2011

	Navy Reverses Course On Weddings Navy officials have suspended recent guidance that would have allowed chaplains to perform weddings for same-sex couples at on-base facilities. In an April 13 memo on "don't ask, don't tell" repeal training, Rear Adm. Mark L. Tidd, Chief of Navy Chaplains (pictured), clarified that base facilities are "sexual orientation neutral," and that chaplains may perform marriages for gay couples "if it is... Advocate • May 12, 2011

	New York: O'Donnell drops same-sex marriage bill Opting not to wait for Gov. Andrew Cuomo to introduce a program bill, Assemblyman Danny O'Donnell, an openly gay Democrat from Manhattan, has re-introduced a measure he has shepherded through the Assembly three times. The bill is now live. It's unclear whether it will advance through the Assembly (or whether Speaker Sheldon Silver might wait for the Cuomo bill, or whether there's a switch-a-roo..... Times Union • May 12, 2011

	House approves penalty for colleges that offer partner benefits The Michigan House approved an amendment to the education budget on Thursday night that will penalize state universities and colleges five percent for offering domestic partner benefits for same-sex or unmarried partners.... Michigan Messenger • May 12, 2011

	Delaware: Civil unions bill now signed into law Gov. Jack Markell tonight signed Delaware's civil unions bill into law -- a law that, effective Jan. 1, 2012, will provide legal protections and benefits for same-sex couples. Markell signed the bill before a jammed, cheering house at The Queen in Wilmington. About 600 people were expected at the reception and signing organized by Equality Delaware, and it appeared that they all showed up.... Delaware Online • May 12, 2011

	California bill would promote same-sex benefits State agencies would be prohibited from contracting with businesses that do not provide equal benefits to their employees' same-sex spouses or domestic partners, under a bill narrowly approved by the state Senate. ... Mercury News • May 12, 2011

	Slim majority of Republicans support legal recognition of gay relationships Only 12 per cent said gay couples should be allowed to marry. Support for civil unions was higher, with 39 per cent agreeing with them. This meant that 51 per cent back either marriage equality or civil unions. But 48 per cent said there should be no recognition at all of gay relationships.... PinkPaper • May 12, 2011

	Presbyterians clear way for gay clergy After decades of debate, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) on Tuesday struck down a barrier to ordaining gays, ratifying a proposal that removes the celibacy requirement for unmarried clergy, in the latest mainline Protestant move toward accepting gay relationships. The change was endorsed last year by the Presbyterian national assembly, but required approval by a majority of the denomination's 17... AP • May 12, 2011

	Navy halts move to allow gay unions by chaplains Under pressure from more than five dozen House lawmakers, the Navy late Tuesday abruptly reversed its decision that would have allowed chaplains to perform same-sex unions if the Pentagon decides to recognize openly gay military service later this year. In a one-sentence memo obtained by The Associated Press, Rear Adm. Mark Tidd, chief of Navy chaplains, said his earlier decision has been "suspen... AP • May 12, 2011

	UAFA-inclusive family immigration bill introduced A U.S. House member from California on Thursday introduced family immigration legislation that includes language allowing gay Americans to sponsor their foreign partners for residency in the United States. Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) introduced the Reuniting Families Act, which has a provision that would protect bi-national same-sex couples as one of its six prongs to keep families together in the... Washington Blade • May 10, 2011

	Immigration lawyers try to discern meaning of AG Holder's action in deportation case "What it means is that the Attorney General has asked the Board of Immigration Appeals to look at the facts of this case as if DOMA were not a factor and decide whether a civil union could qualify someone as a sponsor [for their partner/spouse] under New Jersey and under immigration law," says Williams. In other words, if you forget about DOMA for a second, is it possible that a civil union or a ... AmericaBlog • May 10, 2011

	House approves penalty for colleges that offer partner benefits The Michigan House approved an amendment to the education budget on Thursday night that will penalize state universities and colleges five percent for offering domestic partner benefits for same-sex or unmarried partners.... Michigan Messenger • May 10, 2011

	EQCA seeks community input on a proposed ballot initiative to overturn Prop. 8 Equality California (EQCA) has put together a survey and a series of town hall meetings across the state to discuss the possibility of putting a measure on the ballot in 2012 to overturn Proposition 8. If the measure were successful, marriage equality would be restored in the state. EQCA says that conversations have started about the possibility of taking such a measure to the ballot because of t... San Diego Gay and Lesbian News • May 10, 2011

	Should we Push for Marriage or Compromise on Civil Unions? May 9th Marriage News Watch Disagreement over marriage versus civil unions could drive Rhode Island's LGBT activists against each other. Meanwhile, an unknown source is funneling millions of dollars to anti-gay groups in fifteen states. We'll talk about Target's role in Minnesota's proposed double-ban on marriage, and share some good news from Brazil, Scotland, and Taiwan. The fight for marriage grew even more heated this ... MNW • May 9, 2011

	Justice Dept. to Continue Policy Against Same-Sex Marriage A Justice Department official said Saturday that Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. had made no change in the administration's approach to the law, the Defense of Marriage Act, suggesting that deportations could continue in other immigration cases involving married gay couples. On Friday, an immigration judge in Newark suspended the deportation of Henry Velandia, a Venezuelan man who was legally... NY Times • May 9, 2011

	Rhode Island Civil Unions Bill Introduced; Gay Marriage Supporters Declare War Democratic Representative Arthur Handy, the sponsor of the gay marriage bill, said he would introduce an amendment to Petrarca's civil union bill, thus forcing a House vote this year on the issue. Many supporters believe Handy's bill would have cleared the House. Less likely is the Senate, where Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed has said she supports civil unions but not marriage for gay couples.... On Top Magazine • May 8, 2011

	House gives gay Congressmen special rights So legally married same-sex couples have special rights in Congress, the right to ignore disclosure laws. Ironically, back in 2008 conservative Republicans were screaming their heads off about how Barney Frank's relationship with a Fannie May executive was a conflict of interest. And they were right. But now that it comes to applying the rules that Frank must comply with, they're back to saying ... Box Turtle Bulletin • May 8, 2011

	Palm Springs Votes Unanimously for Marriage Equality The Palm Springs, Calif., city council Tuesday unanimously passed a resolution to support same-sex marriage.... Advocate • May 8, 2011

	Top Gill officials depart to form new firm Gay philanthropist Tim Gill announced today that the two top officials of Gill Action Fund will depart the organization this summer to launch their own public affairs firm. Patrick Guerriero and Bill Smith serve as executive director and deputy executive director, respectively, of Gill Action Fund, which funds organizations and individuals "working to advance equality."... Washington Blade • May 8, 2011

	Brazil top court recognizes same-sex civil unions Brazil's Supreme Court recognized the legal rights of same-sex partners in "stable" civil unions, Chief Justice Cezar Peluso announced. The 10 justices unanimously ruled that partners in a same-sex union had the same legal rights as a man and woman in a marriage. "Those who opt for a homosexual union cannot be treated less than equally as citizens," Justice Camen Lucia said. "No one should be d... AFP • May 8, 2011

	Taiwan: MOE explains plan to put gay issues on school curriculums The MOE announced last month that effective September, gay issues would be included in elementary and junior high school curriculums. The decision to put gay issues on school curriculums was in accordance with the Gender Equity Education Act and was meant to promote gender equality and raise students' awareness of diversity, the MOE said. The Gender Equity Education Act was passed in 2004, banni... Focus Taiwan • May 7, 2011

	DOMA: First GOP Debate Showcases Santorum's Anti-Gay Politics Thursday night's GOP debate between Rick Santorum, Herman Cain, Ron Paul, Tim Pawlenty, and Gary Johnson showcased the anti-gay politics of the GOP, but especially of Rick Santorum. While it took almost an hour for the DOMA and "gay marriage" question to be posed, it was. Rick Santorum, introduced as the most socially-conservative of the candidates, did not disappoint. Asked, "Are you willing to ... The New Civil Rights Movement • May 7, 2011

	Photo: Chelsea phonebanking for NY equality, likely in neighborhood that bears her name Chelsea Clinton is no stranger to making a political hone call. Tonight, she did so on behalf of marriage equality: ... Good As You • May 7, 2011

	Conference set Monday for ACLU lawsuit against DOMA A schedule could be established on Monday for federal litigation challenging the Defense of Marriage Act during a status conference before a New York federal district court. The status conference concerns the case of Windsor v. United States, which was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, and will take place before Magistrate Judge James Francis at the Southern District of New York Courth... Washington Blade • May 7, 2011

	New bill seeks end to adoption bias Rep. Stark's "Every Child Deserves a Family Act," which was introduced with 33 original cosponsors, would withhold federal adoption and foster care assistance funds from states that discriminate against LGBT people in foster placements or adoption. Individuals seeking redress under the law would have access to federal courts. It would also require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to ass... Keen News Service • May 7, 2011

	Illinois: Civil-union ceremony with 30 couples to take place June 2 In celebration of the first day of civil-union ceremonies in Illinois, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations' Advisory Council on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Issues will host 30 ceremonies at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 2, in Wrigley Square at Millennium Park, at Randolph and Michigan. The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events--in partnership with the Chicago... Windy City Media Group • May 7, 2011

	PENNSYLVANIA: Constitutional Ban On Same-Sex Marriage Introduced In House Pennsylvania state GOP Rep. Daryl Metcalfe today introduced a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Pennsylvania already bans gay marriage by state statute. ... Joe My God • May 7, 2011

	Don't put bigotry up for a vote In the less enlightened days of America's past, it was illegal in some places for blacks to marry whites, for women to vote and for people of color to occupy the same public spaces as whites. The laws were racist, sexist and discriminatory -- and the nation came to understand the human toll. Unfortunately, we're still struggling to get it right when it comes to same-sex marriage. A proposal sail... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • May 7, 2011

	Faith Groups Campaign to Block Gay Marriage Evangelical, Roman Catholic and Orthodox Jewish leaders, determined to head off momentum for same-sex marriage in Albany, say they are mobilizing an extensive campaign to block legislation that would make New York the sixth state to allow gay men and lesbians to wed. "Our pastors are fired up by the governor's assault on marriage," said the Rev. Jason J. McGuire, executive director of New Yorker... NY Times • May 7, 2011

	Victory for Josh & Henry: Judge Halts Deportation Proceedings, Citing Pending Marriage-Based Petition and Recent Decision by Attorney General The Immigration Judge adjourned deportation proceedings against Henry Velandia on the grounds that the marriage-based green card petition filed by Joshua Vandiver was still pending and because of the potential implications of a move by Attorney General Eric Holder in a related case that may signal a shift in the Administration's interpretation of the law as it concerns same-sex bi-national couples... Stop the Deportations • May 7, 2011

	Deportation of partner in same-sex couple halted A dancer from Venezuela who legally married an American man in a same-sex ceremony last year had his deportation placed on hold Friday, one day after U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder set aside an immigration ruling in a similar case. Henry Velandia, 27, a professional salsa dancer from Caracas, wants to be allowed to remain in the U.S. as the spouse of U.S. citizen Josh Vandiver, a 29-year-old g... AP • May 7, 2011

	Activists call for gay marriage progress after SNP win Daniel Donaldson, of the Equality Network, called for fast progress on the matter. He told PinkNews.co.uk: "We were really pleased to see that the SNP manifesto contained a pledge to consult on marriage equality and that Alex Salmond also gave his personal support. "We hope and expect that a consultation will now proceed quickly"... Pink News • May 7, 2011

	Anti-gay groups plan increased spending, activity through 2012 Anti-gay rights groups around the country will see a cash infusion over the next two years through a plan called "Ignite an Enduring Cultural Transformation." And the groups are remaining mum about who is responsible. The campaign, which largely targets states where Republicans won control of legislatures or governorships, has garnered the support of Republican political superstars such as former... American Independent • May 7, 2011

	Startling New Development on Same-Sex Couples and US Immigration Is it possible that A.G. Holder is looking for a theory that would avoid the application of DOMA for committed same-sex couples? Might it be argued that the BIA inappropriately applied DOMA in this case when the couple in question are not married and not claiming to be married, but are presenting a different status - civil union - for the consideration of Immigration authorities? ... Leonard Link • May 6, 2011

	GLAD supports marriage, not civil unions After Rhode Island Speaker Gordon Fox announced that he would support a civil union bill rather than a marriage bill, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) issued a statement criticizing Fox and reiterating its support for full marriage equality in Rhode Island. Karen Loewy, GLAD senior staff attorney, said, "Nothing short of marriage is equality for Rhode Island's gay and lesbian citizens a... Warwick Online • May 6, 2011

	Sen. Sherrod Brown to support DOMA repeal; 1 of 2 former House members to vote against DOMA Today, we got word, confirmed by Senate sources, that Sen. Sherrod Brown will co-sponsor Sen. Feinstein's legislation, the "Respect for Marriage Act", to repeal DOMA. A longtime supporter of LGBT equality, Sen. Brown is one of two Senators who voted against DOMA while serving in the House of Representatives in 1996, the other being Sen. Bernie Sanders (and one of just eight Senators serving curren... Prop 8 Trial Tracker • May 5, 2011

	President Bill Clinton Endorses Marriage Equality Legislation in New York Our nation's permanent mission is to form a 'more perfect union' - deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community. That mission has inspired and empowered us to extend rights to people previously denied them. Every time we have done that, it has strengthened our nation. Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For ... Human Rights Campaign • May 5, 2011

	Palm Springs considering its stand on gay marriage The resolution, if passed, would make Palm Springs one of the only cities in California to even address the gay marriage issue, according to Equality California, a statewide advocacy group focused on securing legal protections for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community. Equality California said the group chose Palm Springs specifically because of its large gay population, estimated ... Desert Sun • May 5, 2011

	Calif AG: Prop 8 backers can't defend marriage ban California's attorney general has again come out against the state's same-sex marriage ban, this time telling the state Supreme Court the proponents of successful ballot initiatives do not have the right to defend their measures in court. Kamala Harris, a Democrat who succeeded Gov. Jerry Brown in January as attorney general, submitted an amicus brief Monday in the ongoing legal dispute over the ... AP • May 5, 2011

	Watch: New Ad from NY Marriage Equality Coalition Demands That Committed Lesbian Couple Gets to Say Vows A soft new ad from New Yorkers United for Marriage, the coalition of five LGBT advocacy groups working for marriage equality in New York, is set to begin airing statewide tomorrow. It coincides with the launch of their website.... Towleroad • May 5, 2011

	Bill to give Prop. 8 proponents legal standing dies A bill to give initiative proponents the right to defend voter-approved ballot measures against legal challenges was rejected by a Senate panel yesterday. Senate Bill 5 targets an issue that has emerged in the court fight over Proposition 8, the 2008 voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage that was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge last year. The Senate Judiciary Committee rejected the bi... Sacramento Bee • May 5, 2011

	RI gay marriage advocates not giving up Advocates of gay marriage delivered a message to Rhode Island state lawmakers who blocked a same-sex marriage bill this year: We're putting a political bull's-eye on your back. Hundreds of Rhode Islanders rallied at the Statehouse Tuesday in favor of gay marriage -- despite legislative leaders who say they'll consider a compromise measure to create civil unions instead. Those at the rally vowed p... AP • May 5, 2011

	Fit to Rule on Same-Sex Marriage Indeed, following the open-ended logic of Proposition 8's lawyers, it is hard to think who, if anyone, is qualified to rule on this case. Certainly not wedded heterosexual judges whose marriages stand to be somehow diminished, according to the antimarriage crowd, if Judge Walker's ruling survives appeal in federal circuit court. Some ethics experts say the ruling might have triggered credible con... NY Times • May 4, 2011

	Roman Catholic Bishops Support Marriage Amendment According to Jason Adkins, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference-the Church's public policy voice-the purpose of marriage is to ensure the well-being of children and, as a result, properly nurture the next generation of society. "Reason, science, and experience all show that children need a mother and a father," he said.... Minnesota Catholic Conference • May 3, 2011

	Down to the Wire for Josh & Henry: ICE Refuses to Terminate Deportation Proceedings, Citing DOMA Last week the Chief Counsel for ICE denied our request to terminate proceedings against Henry, citing DOMA. ICE asserts that because Josh's pending petition for Henry's green card will eventually be denied because of DOMA it wouldn't be "appropriate" to entertain our request to slow down or terminate these proceedings. But by blaming DOMA, ICE misses the point of our request. Obviously, we are a... Stop the Deportations • May 3, 2011

	Prop 8: New briefs in support of plaintiffs' arguments on standing issue An initiative's official proponents have a great interest in the validity of a successful measure, but a limited role in California's initiative process.Our law does not protect their post-adoption interest by giving proponents the authority to represent the state's interest against a challenge to the validity of a measure that has become state law. And our law does not afford official proponents ... Prop 8 Trial Tracker • May 3, 2011

	NRA Drops King & Spalding as Clement Fallout Continues In a letter dated today to King & Spalding chairman Robert Hays, NRA general counsel David Lehman said the firm's decision was "indefensible" but emphasized that the NRA's action in dropping King & Spalding is "not motivated by any position on the statute itself." The NRA is a "single issue organization" focused on the Second Amendment, Lehman wrote. But he said that in retaining outside counsel, ... Blog of Legal Times • May 3, 2011

	Clement Signs New DOMA Contract The contract is similar in form to that signed by Clement on behalf of King and Spalding, whose firm chairman said in a statement last week that a vetting process for taking the case had been "inadequate." It includes provisions prohibiting firm employees from advocacy that would "alter or amend the Defense of Marriage Act." The hourly rate of $520 for legal work remains the same. A "cap" of $500... Advocate • May 3, 2011

	A Tipping Point for Gay Marriage? Thirteen years passed between the Brown decision and Loving v. Virginia, the 1967 Supreme Court decision striking down bans on interracial marriage. "A large majority of supporters of racial integration and even nondiscrimination in the workplace did not believe that interracial marriage was tolerable," Professor Eskridge said. "In race, the marriage issue was the very last form of discrimination... NY Times • May 2, 2011

	Righteous Elbows: In state's gay-marriage push, the limits to playing nice. So it's a fortunate thing that even as gay people across the state are working on hearts and minds, the advocacy groups and the governor have other tools at hand. Cuomo, for example, can offer carrots on hot-button issues like rent regulation and property-tax caps. "Federally, what did Lyndon Johnson do?," noted one gay leader. "[He said] 'We'll give you your federal money. You give us civil right... NY Magazine • May 2, 2011

	Irrational Prop 8 Demands Get Their Day in Court What really prompted a prominent law firm to give up its defense of DOMA, and lose a key lawyer in the process? The date's been set for a showdown over the secret Prop 8 trial tapes, and over Judge Walker's personal life. Rhode Island legislators give up on marriage in favor of civil unions, and New York keeps ratcheting up the pressure with a massive lobbying effort slated for next week. There w... MNW • May 2, 2011

The Show & The News

About Marriage News Watch