Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from December 2011

	Federal Judge Clears Way for Hawaii Civil Unions It's all systems go for civil unions in Hawaii, according to a court order issued Friday afternoon. The order was a relief for four couples who feared the new law allowing their legal unions on New Year's Day might be put on hold before it even went into effect.... Honolulu Civil Beat • Dec 31, 2011

	Hawaii's Civil Union Law Greeted With Lawsuit "Neither Act 1 not it's [sic] implementing regulations exempts religious institutions, churches and houses of worship, clergy, officers and members from being subject to the injunctive relief and fine provisions of H. R. S. 489," the complaint states. "Within the last 12 months, private individuals have already initiated complaints with the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission against churches and hous... Courthouse News • Dec 31, 2011

	Serbia: For gays, a ghetto in modern Europe Though more than half of Serbians say they oppose violence against homosexuals, more than two thirds believe homosexuality is a disease. LGBT Serbians and their allies report that the country's society is rabidly intolerant of sexual minorities, often equating gays and lesbians with the inhabitants of the doomed Biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, painting homosexuality as a Western import bent... Global Post • Dec 31, 2011

	Anti-Gay Groups Struggle, Make Year-End Pleas For Financial Help Andy Pugno, the general counsel for Protect Marriage, the Proposition 8 legal defense fund, said in a fundraising email on Wednesday that his "greatest fear is that the Ninth Circuit's decision could arrive at any minute, because right now we simply do not yet have enough money in the Defense Fund account to mount an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court."... Talking Points Memo • Dec 31, 2011

	Gay rights' surprise weapon: Morality For the first time ever, a majority of people polled -- 53 percent -- told Gallup that "Marriages between same sex couples should be recognized by the law as valid." Crossing the 50 percent mark on marriage means much more than any specific victory and more than the approval of gay service or equal employment or any of the other hallmarks of citizenship. Approval of marriage represents moral accep... Salon • Dec 31, 2011

	Equality Delaware's Lisa Goodman First To Enter Civil Union On New Year's Day Lisa Goodman of Equality Delaware and her partner will be the first couple to enter a civil union in Delaware on New Year's Day, the AP reported. ... On Top Magazine • Dec 30, 2011

	The year ahead in Maryland politics Building on the experience of lawmakers in New York, which legalized gay marriage a few months after the legislation failed here, advocates have developed a smart, coordinated campaign to win over a few more supporters. But their biggest coup was getting Gov. Martin O'Malley to agree to sponsor the legislation and make it a priority for this General Assembly session.... Baltimore Sun • Dec 30, 2011

	State Says Halting Civil Unions Would Be 'Devastating' for Hawaii The Hawaii attorney general's office says blocking civil unions would "wreak havoc" on the state. The statement came in a response to a lawsuit filed by two churches seeking to prevent Hawaii's new civil unions law from going into effect on New Year's Day.... Honolulu Civil Beat • Dec 30, 2011

	On Gay Rights, Obama Lets Aides Take the Lead There is little indication that Mr. Obama plans to endorse same-sex marriage before the presidential election in November, despite recent statements that tiptoe right up to that position. Speaking to a gay-rights group in October, he said, "Every single American -- gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, transgender -- every single American deserves to be treated equally before the law."... NY Times • Dec 30, 2011

	As Governor, Romney Said "I Do" To Gay Marriage AT Least 189 Times As a gay-marriage proponent, I was pleased to learn that then-Governor Willard Mitt Romney (R - Massachusetts) issued at least 189 special-issue, one-day marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2005 alone. These documents let these 378 people enjoy nuptials officiated by relatives, friends, and others who normally do not perform weddings.... Human Events • Dec 30, 2011

	Waipahu churches file suit to block civil unions law In the lawsuit filed Wednesday, the churches said the law, Act 1, exempts the churches from performing civil unions, but not from refusing to rent their church premises for same-sex ceremonies and receptions. ... Honolulu Star Advertiser • Dec 30, 2011

	Poll claims only 4% of Lithuanians support same-sex civil unions A poll by Lithuanian market research company RIAT claims only 4% of the country supports the introduction of civil partnerships for gay couples. The Baltic News Agency-commissioned poll says 70% of the population is in favour of some form of legal recognition for relationships outside marriage, but not for gays.... Pink News • Dec 30, 2011

	San Francisco Family Law Firm Outlines How the Domestic Partnership Equality Act Adds to Domestic Partnership Rights While California's domestic partnership laws grant certain rights to same-sex couples, they do not provide all of the rights of marriage. On October 9, 2011, the legislature and Governor Brown corrected some of that inequity by passing the Domestic Partnership Equality Act. Effective in January, the law will provide for several rights already existing in marriage. Erik Newton, a partner at the San... Press Release • Dec 30, 2011

	Poll: Virginians Warmer to Civil Unions Than Gay Marriage Public Policy Polling's most recent survey of Virginia's electorate found that 53 percent of those questioned opposed legalization of same-sex marriage, while 34 percent supported it. But 59 percent of respondents said they would be willing to accept civil unions for gay couples. Democrats (70 percent) and independents (66 percent) were more likely than Republicans (39 percent) to be in favor.... Sun Gazette • Dec 30, 2011

	Civil union FAQ issued for Delaware same-sex couples The Delaware Civil Union and Equality Act passed the state legislature in April 2011 and was signed by the Governor in May 2011. The law goes into effect on January 1, 2012. New Castle County's Clerk of the Peace office plans to open for special hours on New Year's Day by appointment only. Sussex and Kent County Clerks of the Peace Offices will be open to issue licenses on January 3, 2012, after t... San Diego Gay and Lesbian News • Dec 30, 2011

	Eight Gay Couples To Marry In Cancun, Mexico The city-state of Mexico City legalized gay marriage in 2010 and remains the only municipality in Mexico where such marriages are officially allowed. However, the couples' lawyers have successfully argued in front of judges that the Civil Code of the Mexican state of Quintana Roo does not specifically bar such marriages because the state's marriage application is gender neutral.... On Top Magazine • Dec 30, 2011

	Handful of couples to get same-sex civil union licenses New Year's Day as law takes effect The dawning of the new year in Delaware brings with it a new law allowing same-sex couples to enter into legally recognized civil unions. The new law takes effect at 10 a.m. Sunday. That means most same-sex couples will have to wait until government offices reopen Tuesday after the long holiday weekend before applying for a license.... The Republic • Dec 30, 2011

	2011 Marriage Equality Year in Review OMG, 2011 -- what a year for marriage equality. We're still not ready to get married yet, but wow we are so close. Think about where we were a year ago -- so much has happened. I'm Matt Baume; let's do a quick year-in-review to look at all the amazing stuff of 2011, and look ahead to where we're going to win in 2012. There were five big trends this year: 1. Multiple polls that show a majority su... MNW • Dec 29, 2011

	Sen. Durbin Supports Repeal of Defense of Marriage Act in 2012 Illinois Senator Dick Durbin (D) strongly supports ending forms of discrimination that denies federal benefits to same sex marriages. Underscoring the "profound leadership" of Sen. Diane Feinstein (D-CA) with regard to calling for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in the Senate Judiciary Committee, Durbin stated on Friday that he will urge support for the repeal. He said "I bel... Examiner • Dec 27, 2011

	POSITION STATEMENT OPPOSING DEFENSE OF MARRIAGE AMENDMENT The North Carolina Psychological Association (NCPA) opposes the Defense of Marriage amendment for the following reasons:... Equality North Carolina • Dec 27, 2011

	Poll: Virginians Warmer to Civil Unions Than Gay Marriage Public Policy Polling's most recent survey of Virginia's electorate found that 53 percent of those questioned opposed legalization of same-sex marriage, while 34 percent supported it. But 59 percent of respondents said they would be willing to accept civil unions for gay couples. Democrats (70 percent) and independents (66 percent) were more likely than Republicans (39 percent) to be in favor.... Sun Gazette • Dec 27, 2011

	New Hampshire Gay Marriage Repeal To Wait Until After Primary Republican leadership in the New Hampshire Legislature has said a bill that would repeal gay marriage in the state won't be considered until after the state's presidential primary. House Republican Leader D.J. Bettencourt told the Associated Press that a vote on the issue most likely won't come up until January 11 or January 18.... On Top Magazine • Dec 27, 2011

	Same-sex spouses lose big on taxes Same-sex spouses are paying as much as $6,000 a year in extra taxes because the federal government doesn't recognize gay marriage, according to an analysis conducted for CNNMoney by tax specialists. While marriage provides tax benefits for many heterosexual couples, same-sex families don't enjoy the same perks because they are not allowed to file their federal returns jointly.... CNN • Dec 27, 2011

	Government Could Ban Church Weddings A new law in Ireland means that New Yorkers have more rights on Emerald Isle than they do in their own country. A hospital in Tennessee violates federal guidelines in denying visitation to a lesbian couple. There's a new ad for marriage equality in New Hampshire that epitomizes Yankee thrift. And 20,000 Australian doctors agree: marriage equality is good for your head. I'm Matt Baume at ... MNW • Dec 26, 2011

	West Virginia Delegate John Doyle Plans Civil Unions Bill West Virginia Delegate John Doyle has said he plans to introduce a bill that would recognize gay and lesbian couples with civil unions. ... On Top Magazine • Dec 25, 2011

	Gay Couple Wants Their Spanish Marriage Recognized By France A gay couple has filed a legal challenge to have France recognize their Spanish marriage, France's Liberation reported. Manuel de Aguirre, a Spanish engineer living in France since 1969, and Antonio Damieta, who holds dual French and Spanish citizenship, were married last February in the Spanish consulate in Cape Town, South Africa. Spain legalized gay marriage in 2005.... On Top Magazine • Dec 25, 2011

	GOP senators say vote for same-sex marriages has been praised Three of the four Senate Republicans to vote to legalize same-sex marriage in June said they've been met mainly with praise from constituents the past six months. ... Democrat and Chronicle • Dec 25, 2011

	Poll: Support for Marriage Equality Growing in New Mexico 45% of New Mexico voters think it should be legal to 43% who believe it should be illegal. We also found narrows pluralities in support of gay marriage on recent Nevada and Colorado polls. When you expand the discussion to include civil unions 67% of New Mexicans support some form of legal recognition for gay couples to only 32% completely opposed.... Advocate • Dec 25, 2011

	ONE-THIRD OF SENATORS SUPPORT REPEALING DOMA Box Turtle Bulletin's Timothy Kincaid points out that one-third of all senators have now signed on to legislation repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, including 13 Democrats who voted for the legislation in 1996 as senators or representatives.... Think Progress • Dec 23, 2011

	Psychologists urge support of gay marriage as beneficial to mental health THE Australian Psychological Society has urged federal parliamentarians to change the law to allow same-sex marriage on the grounds of mental health and wellbeing. The body, which represents 20,000 psychologists across the country, yesterday urged a change in the Marriage Act, citing evidence that marriage is beneficial for an individual's mental health and that harm is caused by social exclusion... The Australian • Dec 22, 2011

	D.C. divorce bill for same-sex couples set for vote in 'early' 2012 In a little noticed development, D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson (D-At-Large) introduced a bill in October that would allow same-sex couples who marry in D.C. but live in states that don't recognize their marriage to return to the District to get a divorce. ... Washington Blade • Dec 22, 2011

	2011: An 'epic' year for marriage equality Despite the negatives, Evan Wolfson, president of the national Freedom to Marry group, said in an interview that 2011 was "an epic year of real transformation." ... Bay Area Reporter • Dec 22, 2011

	Key EQCA staffer returns Alice Kessler, who previously served as EQCA's government relations director from 2005 to 2009, is working with the organization as part of its transition team. Along with the firm where she currently works, DiMare, VanVleck, and Brown, Kessler will lead EQCA's legislative work and assist with the nonprofit's political action committees.... Bay Area Reporter • Dec 22, 2011

	Standing Up for NH Families Launches TV Ad Standing Up For NH Families, a bi-partisan, grassroots group comprised of residents and a leadership council of more than 200 civic, business, academic and political leaders, has bought airtime on WMUR-TV in New Hampshire. ... Standing up for New Hampshire Families • Dec 22, 2011

	MERI: Same-Sex Couples Will Legally Marry in R.I. Within Two Years Marriage Equality Rhode Island will continue their efforts to pass a marriage equality bill when the state's General Assembly reconvenes next month. Ray Sullivan, campaign director for MERI, told EDGE he expects marriage equality will come to the Ocean State within an 18-month to 2-year timeframe. ... Edge • Dec 22, 2011

	Straight couples opt for civil unions to show solidarity with gays Berube participated in the fall survey involving a member of 46 out of 87 heterosexual couples who had taken out civil union licenses at the time. She was among the bulk of respondents - 12 - who offered the No. 1 reason for obtaining a marriage license: "fairness" and "solidarity with the gay community." ... Chicago Sun-Times • Dec 22, 2011

	Bill repeal will traumatise gays: psych Repealing laws allowing same sex couples to form civil unions will cause psychological damage to gays and lesbians, a psychologist says. Independent Queensland MP Rob Messenger on Tuesday announced he would put forward a private member's bill after the state election to repeal the same-sex civil union bill passed recently by Queensland parliament.... Brisbane Times • Dec 22, 2011

	Fearing persecution, 'gay marriage' student says won't come home A Malaysian who reportedly married his Irish lover in a same-sex civil union has said he would fear for his safety if he were to return home. The Irish Times reported 28-year-old Ariff Alfian Rosli as saying he had never wanted to create any trouble or controversy, and that the reason why he could not return home to work was because of perceived attitudes towards same-sex relationships here.... The Malaysian Insider • Dec 22, 2011

	Scottish Catholic Church uses "hate group" research to fight gay marriage The Scottish Catholic Church has argued against equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, saying "exceptionally hazardous" gay relationships lead to shorter life expectancies, relying on a study which was discredited by its own authors for this purpose ten years ago and a paper authored by the founder of the Family Research Institute, which is designated a "hate group" in the US.... Pink News • Dec 22, 2011

	The Latest Proposition It's difficult to guess whether LHC will succeed in its effort to put Prop. 8 to a vote. But it is woefully underprepared to launch an advocacy campaign that can outgun the opposition. LHC is pretty short on cash; whereas Equality California received $3.2 million in contributions in 2010, LHC says it has only $500,000. The results of a recent poll--in which 48 percent of Californians said they sup... American Prospect • Dec 20, 2011

	Gay Marriage in Germany and France? Marriage equality could come sooner as the city state of Hamburg has introduced it into the German Senate and the SPD has introduced a bill into the Bundestag. ... Care2 • Dec 20, 2011

	Same-sex New York marriages to be recognised in Ireland Any Ireland-based couples who have availed of the new laws in New York will have the benefits, including recognition in the tax laws brought in by the Irish Government in July, applied to them. ... Irish Examiner • Dec 20, 2011

	Poll shows Utahns' attitude toward LGBT community While 64 percent of those polled somewhat or strongly favor allowing legally recognized forms of partnerships -- short of marriage -- for gay and transgender couples, such as domestic partnerships or civil unions, 57 percent somewhat or strongly oppose Utah recognizing marriages of gay and transgender couples who move here from other states. Additionally, 65 percent of respondents somewhat or str... KSL • Dec 20, 2011

	Mixed Reactions to Minn. Antimarriage Amendment It's the latest in a series of anti-marriage equality efforts by Minnesota's Catholic hierarchy, the paper reports, noting that this fall, "the state's Catholic bishops took the unusual step of directing parish priests across the state to form committees to help get the marriage amendment passed by voters." Meanwhile, some Republicans are rallying against the amendment. A recent gathering aimed a... Advocate • Dec 20, 2011

	Obama, the Courts, and Gay Marriage But now, the remarkable new reality for Obama in this election is that supporting marriage equality is smart politics. A majority of independents and young voters already favor equal marriage rights. These are important voting blocks, and a key part of the President's reëlection strategy. Support for gay rights will also help him energize liberals in the Party and others who think he has not acted... The New Yorker • Dec 20, 2011

	Woman denied visitation of partner at local hospital A Middle Tennessee woman is seeking answers after being prevented from seeing her partner in a local hospital last week. Rolling Hills Hospital in Franklin denied multiple requests by Val Burke to visit her partner, who is currently a patient in the hospital's residential facility. Staff members excluded her from the room since she was not a legal spouse or family member.... Out & About Newspaper • Dec 20, 2011

	Update: Married woman in same-sex couple faces deportation to Japan When CNN met Frances Herbert and Takako Ueda this summer, they were newlyweds - legally married in Vermont - but worried that Ueda would be required to return to her native Japan. The Defense of Marriage Act prevents the federal government from giving them any benefits, so Herbert can't sponsor Ueda for a green card. Just this month, the government denied Ueda's application to remain in the Unit... CNN • Dec 19, 2011

	Barack Obama preps pitch to gay voters Among gay activists, the Obama administration's recent actions -- including what they perceive as a signal from someone like Donovan -- have fueled speculation that Obama may finally take a step they say would energize a core constituency and strengthen a largely positive but occasionally strained political relationship. "The initial question the president faces is, does he come out for same sex ... Politico • Dec 19, 2011

	Family Values: A Call to Advocate Gay Marriage on Christmas Cards This week is peak season for Christmas cards, and if you get one that features friends or relatives holding a sign that says "Equality for ALL Families in 2012" or "Love Makes a Family," you can thank Zach Wahls. Wahls is an Eagle Scout and engineering student at the University of Iowa, who also happens to be the son of two lesbian moms. Earlier this year, he unleashed an impassioned defense of g... Time • Dec 19, 2011

	After all the horse-trading, Gillard team braces for judgment day The constitution grants the Commonwealth a power to pass laws on ''marriage'', but it is up to the High Court to determine what this word means. It has not yet decided whether ''marriage'' in the constitution means the union of a man and woman, as it did when the constitution was drafted in the 1890s, or something broader that could now encompass gay marriage. ... Sydney Morning Herald • Dec 19, 2011

	Prop 8 repeal cleared for signature-gathering A gay rights group that wants to repeal the state constitutional amendment that stripped same-sex couples in California of the right to get married received clearance Friday to start gathering signatures for a measure that would rescind the gay marriage ban known as Proposition 8. Los Angeles-based Love Honor Cherish has until May 14 to collect the 807,615 voter signatures required to qualify its ... Mercury News • Dec 19, 2011

	Some young Republicans rally against gay marriage ban If opponents of the gay marriage ban are going to succeed, wooing young Republicans will likely prove a key part of their strategy. That's because polling consistently suggests that support for same-sex marriage -- particularly among younger voters -- is rapidly growing. In a national Pew Research Center poll released last month, 46 percent of respondents indicated support for gay marriage, while ... Politics in Minnesota • Dec 19, 2011

	Scotland: SNP set to move on gay weddings A COMPROMISE deal that would legalise gay marriage in Scotland but ban the ceremonies from being held in churches is being considered by the Scottish Government, Scotland on Sunday has learned. ... Scotsman • Dec 19, 2011

	MINNESOTA: GOP Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch Resigns in Adultery Scandal Defender of marriage and Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R) has resigned her post in disgrace after allegations of an affair with a Senate staffer. Koch, who is is married with one child, was one of the proponents of Minnesota's 2012 anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment.... Joe My God • Dec 19, 2011

	Freedom to Marry Applauds Sen. Bob Menendez as 32nd Sponsor of DOMA Repeal Today Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) announced his support for the Respect for Marriage Act, making him the 32nd sponsor of the landmark bill that would repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Sen. Menendez came out in support of the freedom to marry and in favor of repealing the so-called Defense of Marriage Act in an opinion editorial in the Star Ledger, New Jersey's largest newspaper.... Freedom to Marry • Dec 19, 2011

	Marriage Equality Makes you 13% Healthier George Clooney takes a stand for marriage equality with his latest role. A new study connects anti-gay marriage laws to cardiovascular disease. Republican voters increasingly favor marriage equality, but this week several presidential frontrunners had some particularly unpleasant things to say about LGBTs. And after a year of monetary and staffing battles, there's fresh conflict in Maryland. How'... MNW • Dec 19, 2011

	Justice Department, Lambda Legal to Make Case Against DOMA On Friday in San Francisco, the Justice Department will make its first court appearance in a lawsuit challenging the Defense of Marriage Act since the Obama administration declared in February that the 1996 law is unconstitutional. ... Advocate • Dec 17, 2011

	Prop 8 repeal cleared for signature-gathering A gay rights group that wants to repeal the state constitutional amendment that stripped same-sex couples in California of the right to get married received clearance Friday to start gathering signatures for a measure that would rescind the gay marriage ban known as Proposition 8. Los Angeles-based Love, Honor, Cherish has until May 14 to collect the 807,615 voter signatures required to qualify it... Mercury News • Dec 17, 2011

	Golinski Has Her Day in Court, DOJ Sends Senior Lawyer To Argue DOMA's Unconstitutionality In White's questions, he not only appeared skeptical of BLAG's arguments but also appeared at least curious about BLAG's view of its constitutional basis to be there at all. In one question, he asked, "What is the statutory authority for and evidence of compliance with the role that the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group has assumed in this matter? Is this group actually bipartisan? Does BLAG have th... Metro Weekly • Dec 16, 2011

	DOJ sends top attorney to DOMA challenge The Department of Justice sent its top civil rights attorney, Tony West, to argue against the Defense of Marriage Act in a federal district court in San Francisco Friday. ... Keen News Service • Dec 16, 2011

	Rick Santorum Blames Same-Sex Marriage For Plummeting Rates Of Marriage Across The Nation Rick Santorum indirectly sounded off on same-sex marriage yet again today, blaming the "changing definition" of the institution for plummeting rates of marriage across the nation. ... Huffington Post • Dec 16, 2011

	Freedom to Marry's change of heart in Maryland As Maryland prepares for another shot at marriage equality when the legislature reconvenes next month, one national marriage advocacy group has bowed out of the fight. Evan Wolfson of Freedom to Marry told the Blade last week that because of concerns about a marriage bill being sent to a voter referendum in 2012, that his organization declined to join a high-profile and diverse coalition of group... Washington Blade • Dec 16, 2011

	Newt Gingrich: Gay People Choose To Be Gay Like Priests Choose Celibacy Newt Gingrich told the Des Moines Register's editorial board this morning that gay people have a "significant range of choice within a genetic pattern" and can choose to be straight just like someone can "choose to be celibate." The former House speaker, who opposes same-sex marriage, explained that there is a "big difference between saying that you're to have an acceptance of people's lifestyles ... Think Progress • Dec 16, 2011

	Elizabeth Warren: Protecting and Promoting Equality As other states grapple with whether to support marriage equality, I'm ready to move to the next step: End the two-tiered system created by the Defense of Marriage Act. Our federal government should not be in the business of selecting which married couples it supports and which it treats with contempt. States define marriage among couples, and, once married, all those couples and their families sh... Blue Mass Group • Dec 16, 2011

	Gay Marriage Laws Actually Improve Health Of Gay Men "Gay men are able to lead healthier, less stress-filled lives when states offer legal protections to same-sex couples, according to a new study examining the effects of the legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts," a Columbia University news report states. "The study, 'Effect of Same-Sex Marriage Laws on Health Care Use and Expenditures in Sexual Minority Men: A Quasi-Natural Exper... The New Civil Rights Movement • Dec 16, 2011

	Gay marriage opponents in Scotland criticised for doctored petition Scotland For Marriage, the campaign against same-sex marriage, have come under strong criticism for wrongly including the names of equal marriage supporters on an online petition that opposes equality. Lothians MSP Kezia Dugdale has written to Nicola Sturgeon asking that the petition be discounted after having been contacted by "furious" constituents raising their concerns that their names had b... PinkPaper • Dec 16, 2011

	Romney Unveils 3-Tier Marriage System For Gays Expressed support for a constitutional amendment that could create a complex three-tier system of marriage -- maintaining marriage rights for straight couples, allowing gays who have already married to remain married, but barring future same-sex marriages.... Think Progress • Dec 16, 2011

	Several Republicans to 'come out' for civil unions After last year's civil unions legislation died in a Republican House committee on a party-line vote, a group of Republicans plan to 'come out' in favor of the proposal, which is sure to be reintroduced at the Capitol next year. On Jan. 5, a week before the start of the 2012 legislative session, a group of Republicans plan to host an event to highlight their support for the state recognizing same... KWGN • Dec 16, 2011

	Marriage Equality Groups Merge Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA) & Marriage Equality New York (MENY) have agreed to merge, bringing together 2 of the strongest forces in our movement. MENY will continue as a fully functioning chapter within MEUSA.... Outtake Online • Dec 16, 2011

	EQCA announces new team members Equality California, the statewide LGBT lobbying organization, announced some new team members today. ... Bay Area Reporter • Dec 16, 2011

	Local elected official joins lawsuit over state marriage license requirements Guilford County Register of Deeds Jeff Thigpen and 10 other people filed a lawsuit last week that challenges a requirement that marrying couples in North Carolina obtain a state-issued license.... News & Record • Dec 15, 2011

	SAN FRANCISCO REQUESTS ADVANCE NOTICE OF PROP 8 DECISION TO PREPARE FOR PROTESTS In a highly unusual letter, the City of San Francisco wrote the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit yesterday requesting advance notice of any decision upholding or striking down California's anti-gay Proposition 8:... Think Progress • Dec 15, 2011

	Gillard faces gay marriage dinner queries The prime minister has set February 21 as the date she will dine with couples in same-sex relationships at The Lodge in Canberra. The dinner was won by GetUp and Australian Marriage Equality in a charity auction in June.... Nine News • Dec 15, 2011

	Majority of Colorado voters favor civil unions for same-sex couples According to a poll released last week by Public Policy Polling, Colorado voters narrowly favor making same-sex marriage legal and favor legalizing civil unions by a more than 3-1 margin.... Washington Independent • Dec 14, 2011

	Anti-Gay Marriage Group Bankrolled By Two Very Wealthy Jerks Remember the National Organization for Marriage, the anti-gay marriage group that brought us that hilarious "Gathering Storm" ad? Turns out, it's not nearly as "grassroots" as it purports to be. It's actually funded almost exclusively by two donors.... Jezebel • Dec 14, 2011

	Courage Campaign and allies meet with Sen. Collins, deliver signatures Today in Maine, we're delivering thousands of signatures to Sen. Collins and meeting with her and her staff to discuss repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. While Sen. Collins hasn't been an outspoken champion of equality, she has taken significant steps to supporting the LGBT community, and we hope she'll consider the hardships her constituents are suffering in Maine as a result of DOMA.... Prop 8 Trial Tracker • Dec 14, 2011

	George Clooney joins L.A. cast of Prop. 8 play George Clooney is throwing his considerable star power behind the fight against Prop. 8 by signing on to appear in a reading of the play "8" in Los Angeles. The play, by Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, is scheduled to have a staged reading at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre on March 3. ... LA Times • Dec 14, 2011

	In gay marriage fight, a new cast of combatants Backing the repeal effort, Concord political strategist Michael Dennehy signed on last week as a lobbyist for the National Organization for Marriage, joining gubernatorial candidate Kevin Smith, who has also registered on behalf of the group. Meanwhile, Patrick Hynes, a communications consultant in Concord, announced his July Fourth Forum PAC is planning a strong push for repeal.... Concord Monitor • Dec 13, 2011

	Abbott demands Coalition unity on gay marriage vote TONY Abbott has toughened his position against a conscience vote on gay marriage, declaring that every member of the Coalition was elected on a platform that marriage was only between a man and a woman. While the Opposition Leader says the party's position on a conscience vote still has to be discussed at a shadow cabinet meeting this week and in the party room next year he thinks it is important... The Australian • Dec 13, 2011

	Australia: Conscience vote on gay marriage wins favour A NEW poll shows an overwhelming majority believes all MPs should be given a conscience vote on same-sex marriage, just as Tony Abbott all but ruled the option out for the Coalition. He also warned his MPs yesterday against crossing the floor to support gay marriage in defiance of party policy. The latest Herald/Nielsen poll shows while support for same-sex marriage has slipped over the past mon... Sydney Morning Herald • Dec 13, 2011

	Montana Split on Gay Marriage Rights ThinkProgress' Igor Volsky fills us in: "Sixty-two percent of Montana voters 'want same-sex couples to have legal equality, including 84 percent of Democrats, 65 percent of independents, and 39 percent of Republicans,' but 51 percent still oppose marriage equality."... Towleroad • Dec 13, 2011

	Social Democrats In Germany Endorse Gay Marriage The Social Democratic Party of Germany (SPD) has endorsed gay marriage. The SPD is Germany's oldest and second largest political party. Prime Minister Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) is the country's dominant party.... On Top Magazine • Dec 13, 2011

	NC: latest PPP poll shows voters do not know how extreme the marriage discrimination is Public Policy Polling's latest data shows just how confused many North Carolinians are about the scope of the effect if this is passed. Most North Carolinians are fair-minded and want legal recognition for same-sex relationships...but some of these voters are still in favor of the amendment. ... Pam's House Blend • Dec 13, 2011

	Plurality Of Colorado Voters Support Gay Marriage Forty-seven percent of those contacted said they believe gay marriage should be legal, while forty-three percent disagreed. Ten percent said they did not know. ... On Top Magazine • Dec 13, 2011

	Love Honor Cherish's new leader vows to fight for marriage equality in California The organization has ideas, Harrison said, but they are not set yet. "Love Honor Cherish does not have a position on collecting signatures [for the 2012 ballot] at this time," Harrison said.... San Diego Gay and Lesbian News • Dec 13, 2011

	Majority of IA caucus-goers favor marriage/civil unions for gay and lesbian couples The report found that 58% of respondents favored marriage or civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, while only 38% oppose any recognition for these couples.... Iowa Republicans for Freedom • Dec 13, 2011

	What's Next for Prop 8 Prop 8's finished -- or at least, oral arguments in the appeals court are all done. Now a ruling on California's marriage ban could come at any minute. A couple in Hawaii sues for marriage; Scotland may reform its marriage laws; Australian legislators are moving towards equality but the battle's still far from over. How exciting was that Prop 8 hearing last week? It was about as exciting... MNW • Dec 12, 2011

	Gay Marriage Proponent Dies at 78 Without Fulfilling Dream of Marrying His Partner They had spent the past 40 years in a committed relationship after all. Now they simply wished for that relationship to be affirmed under the eyes of the law, thus affording the couple valuable legal protections as Ed's medical condition worsened. It is with great sadness that I write today that at age 78, Ed passed away. Complications from Alzheimer's, diabetes and hypertension were to blame.... Unicorn Booty • Dec 9, 2011

	Board: Some ads discussing Minn. gay marriage measure subject to less disclosure than others Campaign-style ads that discuss the pros or cons of gay marriage but don't specifically mention a 2012 vote on a Minnesota constitutional amendment will require less disclosure about who's financing them, a state board determined Thursday.... The Republic • Dec 9, 2011

	Couple sues state to get same sex marriage rights A local couple is suing the state in order to get marriage rights. They say a civil union is not enough and they plan to fight the constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.... Hawaii News Now • Dec 9, 2011

	Gay Iowa lawmaker fears undoing of marriage rights The only openly gay member of the Iowa State Senate believes marriage equality in the state could "absolutely" be in danger, despite a recent win solidifying a Democratic majority in the chamber for the remainder of the year. State Sen. Matt McCoy, who's served in the legislature since 1993 -- first as a House member and then as a senator -- said marriage rights for gay couples could be in jeopar... Washington Blade • Dec 9, 2011

	Big response to Scottish gay marriage plan The Scottish government's consultation on bringing in same-sex marriage has had about 50,000 responses. SNP ministers favour the move but it is opposed by big religious organisations such as the Church of Scotland and the Roman Catholic Church. Submissions to the 14-week consultation close at midnight on Friday.... BBC • Dec 9, 2011

	Proposition 8 Appeals Case Winds Down The panel is expected to release its final ruling soon, possibly early next year. But that decision seems almost certain to be appealed.... NY Times • Dec 9, 2011

	U.S. appeals court seems unlikely to dismiss ruling against Prop. 8 A three-judge panel appears unswayed by Prop. 8 backers' argument that the judge who issued the original ruling was in an undisclosed same-sex relationship. The panel also appears reluctant to make videos of the trial public.... LA Times • Dec 9, 2011

	Hawaiian Civil Unions Will Be Same as Marriage for State Income Taxes All provisions of the Internal Revenue Code referred to in this chapter that apply to a husband and wife, spouses, or person i in a legal marital relationship shall be deemed to apply in this chapter to partners in a civil union with the same force and effect as if they were "husband and wife", "spouses", or other terms that describe persons in a legal marital relationship.... Forbes • Dec 8, 2011

	Raleigh, North Carolina City Council Opposes Gay Marriage Ban Raleigh, North Carolina's 8-member City Council on Tuesday voted in favor of a resolution objecting to a proposed constitutional amendment that would bar all legal recognition of gay and lesbian couples, including marriage, civil unions and possibly domestic partnerships. ... On Top Magazine • Dec 8, 2011

	Snatching Defeat From the Jaws of Victory: Australia's Battle for Marriage Equality Labor faithfully came up with a compromise that gives the appearance of supporting same-sex marriage while actually throwing gay couples under the bus. Enough Labor MPs oppose equality that if they were free to vote against the platform, it would fail. Gillard insisted on a "conscience vote" and got it. While equality won a place in the Labor platform, Gillard snatched defeat from the jaws of vict... Huffington Post • Dec 8, 2011

	For Benjamin Anderson and Mattia Lumaca, it's wedding bells and sad farewells Instead of going on a honeymoon, they're going into exile. Benjamin Anderson, a disabled U.S. Coast Guard veteran, wed his long-term partner, Italian immigrant Mattia Lumaca, in a bittersweet Manhattan ceremony Wednesday. Even though Anderson's an American citizen, the pair are barred from getting immigration benefits as a gay couple by the federal Defense of Marriage Act.... New York Daily News • Dec 8, 2011

	IOWA: Majority Of GOP Voters Support Same-Sex Marriage Or Civil Unions JMG reader Matthew points out that buried way down in the latest New York Times poll we learn that 58% of Iowa's "likely GOP caucus goers" support either full marriage equality or civil unions.... Joe My God • Dec 8, 2011

	Legal Brief: Appeals court arguments over video of Prop 8 trial The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments on Thursday on whether to allow the dissemination of video recordings of a trial that found that Proposition 8, the California ballot initiative to outlaw same-sex marriage, violated the U.S. Constitution. Opponents of same-sex marriage are appealing a lower court decision to release the recordings. Same-sex marriage advocates, along with a co... Reuters • Dec 7, 2011

	DNC hiring of minister disappoints activists The DNC's announcement in October that it had named Rev. Derrick Harkins, senior pastor of D.C.'s Nineteenth Street Baptist Church, to head its faith outreach program created an immediate stir when news surfaced that Harkins doesn't support same-sex marriage and that he was incorrectly identified in 2009 as a supporter of D.C.'s same-sex marriage law. ... Washington Blade • Dec 6, 2011

	Anti-Gay Groups Significantly Outspend LGBT Advocacy Organizations The Movement Advancement Project has released its annual National LGBT Movement Report, which analyzes the financial documents of 40 prominent LGBT organizations. According to this year's report, the number of individual donors to these groups constitutes at most 3 percent of the estimated LGBT population. Considering many of those donors are also heterosexual allies, the number is probably even l... Think Progress • Dec 6, 2011

	Freedom to Marry spurns Md. marriage campaign The head of the national advocacy group Freedom to Marry startled leaders of Maryland's campaign to pass a same-sex marriage bill in 2012 when he implied this week that organizers weren't doing the work needed to defeat an expected voter referendum to overturn such a bill. Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, told the Washington Blade on Monday that his group chose not to join a c... Washington Blade • Dec 6, 2011

	Victory for Monica & Cristina! Government Closes Deportation Case Against Married Lesbian Couple in New York For the first time since the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) November 17 announcement that a national "working group" had begun reviewing all cases currently pending in immigration courts, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) has closed a deportation case involving a married same-sex couple. Although the latest DHS "prosecutorial discretion" guidance still did not explicity include LG... Stop the Deportations • Dec 6, 2011

	U.S. Campaign Launches To Air Australia's "It's Time" Marriage Equality Clip Donations are being sought for the American airing of Australia's famed It's Time marriage equality clip, which went globally viral immediately upon its posting on YouTube. ... Joe My God • Dec 5, 2011

	Australia's ruling party endorses gay marriage The impact of the vote at the center-left Labor Party's annual conference was diluted by the party's endorsement of a motion by Prime Minister Julia Gillard to allow lawmakers to make a "conscience vote" on bills attempting to legalize gay marriage. That means legislators can vote on the issue according to their personal beliefs rather than being forced to vote in line with the party's official po... USA Today • Dec 5, 2011

	Australia: Can Tony say 'YES' ? Four in five Australian's want Opposition Leader Tony Abbott to grant Coalition MPs a conscience vote on marriage equality, according to a poll released today. Over the weekend the Labor Party voted to change its party platform to allow for same-sex marriage, however, also supported a move to allow Labor MPs a conscience vote when the issue comes before parliament. Without Coalition MPs allowed a ... Star Observer • Dec 5, 2011

	Abbott dismisses calls for gay marriage conscience vote Federal Opposition Leader Tony Abbott says it is unlikely Coalition MPs will be given a conscience vote on gay marriage. Labor figures have been urging Mr Abbott to grant his members a conscience vote after delegates at the ALP national conference voted on Saturday to change the party policy to endorse same sex marriage.... ABC News • Dec 5, 2011

	Legalize same-sex marriage -- Seattle commission The Seattle Human Rights Commission, in a resolution adopted Friday, has endorsed same-sex marriage and called on Mayor McGinn and the Seattle City Council to actively support its legalization. ... Seattle PI • Dec 5, 2011

	Cheat Sheet for Thursday's Prop 8 Hearing Prop 8's back in court -- but why, exactly? I'll answer all your questions about what's going on this time. Plus, the backstory behind the most effective -- and adorable -- marriage equality video ever made. Prop 8's legal team celebrates a bill in Nigeria that would throw you in prison for over a decade just for witnessing a gay couple getting married. All that, plus robot marriage, and one gay c... MNW • Dec 5, 2011

	Julia Gillard loses on same-sex marriage despite win on surplus THE Labor Party's national conference will today reject Julia Gillard's position on marriage equality by amending its platform to support same-sex marriage. But factional leaders were last night working to rescue the Prime Minister from the indignity of having to implement a policy she opposes by moving to grant MPs a conscience vote on the issue, virtually guaranteeing that any legislation allow... The Australian • Dec 2, 2011

	Wash. Legislature weighs marriage equality for 2012 While same-sex marriage remains a hotly contested issue in United States politics, same-sex couples have won the right to legally wed in six states -- New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Iowa, as well as the District of Columbia. Supporters of marriage equality are looking to make Washington the seventh state on this list.... Western Front • Dec 2, 2011

	After Pushing Gay Marriage, Cuomo Is Thanked With Money In the aftermath of New York's legalization of same-sex marriage this summer, gay men and lesbians lionized Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, showering him with gratitude, praise and awards. Now, they are rewarding him with something more tangible: campaign cash.... NY Times • Dec 2, 2011

	Australia: LNP may repeal same-sex civil union laws Queensland's Liberal National Party may repeal laws that allow same-sex civil unions in the state if it wins government next year. The Civil Partnerships Bill passed parliament on Wednesday night, 47 votes to 40, with all 31 LNP MPs voting as a block against it.... Brisbane Times • Dec 2, 2011

	Alliance Defense Fund Celebrates Pending Criminalization of Consensual Relationships and LGBT Advocacy in Nigeria The bill which ADF is so keen on celebrating criminalizes all LGBT advocacy by organizations or individuals with ten years imprisonment.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Dec 2, 2011

	Vote on gay marriage prompts project With six films on its shelf exploring the topic of gay marriage, Working Films - which helps filmmakers get their work, usually documentaries, in front of people who will see it and then mobilize to effect change - went to work, bringing the Reel Equality project to North Carolina. Working Films will show trailers of the six films during an open house 7-9 p.m. Friday at the company's Wilmington o... Star News Online • Dec 1, 2011

	Maryland, Marriage, Appliance: 'What's to stop a woman from marrying a computer?' Since Maryland's anti-equality forces are ramping up their efforts to stop basic fairness in that state, I thought it'd be fun to remind folks of what one of that movement's top guys, Protect Marriage Maryland's Robert Broadus, said while speaking at an official New York campaign rally (hosted by NYFRF) this past spring. For the second time this year, Broadus repeated the claim that same-sex marri... Good As You • Dec 1, 2011

	Gay marriage pressure grows in Australia Prime Minister Julia Gillard personally opposes same-sex marriage rights, but her centre-left Labor party is being urged to reverse its official ban when it debates policy changes at its party conference this weekend. Calls for a shake-up in national laws defining marriage as between a man and a woman have had some high-level backing from lawmakers including Finance Minister Penny Wong.... AFP • Dec 1, 2011

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