Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from January 2012

	Calling opponent 'numbnuts,' Christie refuses to back down from gay marriage comments Gusciora, the state's first openly gay lawmaker, said in a statement, "If he doesn't like the comparison, then he should change his position on marriage equality and sign the bill into law." While his statement said Christie "reverts to name calling" when the facts aren't on his side, Gusciora earlier said he wasn't bothered by the governor's comment.... NJ.com • Jan 31, 2012

	N.C.'s gay marriage amendment, post-Perdue Public Policy Polling's Tom Jensen broke things down for us Monday afternoon. Right now, he says, 64 percent of Democrats in the state support legal recognition for gays in the form of gay marriage or civil unions. "The more of those folks who come out, the greater the chance the amendment fails," Jensen said. But: If the contested primary causes a 10-point increase in Democratic turnout, that wo... Charlotte Observer • Jan 31, 2012

	WA Senate to Vote On Marriage Equality Wednesday The Washington State Senate has scheduled a vote on SB 6239, the bill to provide marriage quality, on Wednesday.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 31, 2012

	Legalizing same-sex marriage in Maryland Half of Marylanders favor a law allowing same-sex marriage, an increase over the past decade. ... Washington Post • Jan 31, 2012

	Md. Senate committee to consider marriage bill Tuesday The Maryland Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee will hold its first hearing on the Civil Marriage Protection Act tomorrow at 1 p.m. but LGBT supporters will be at work hours before the testimony begins.... Washington Blade • Jan 31, 2012

	Opponents Rally Against Marriage Equality In Maryland: 'I Believe In Adam And Eve!' Some 300 opponents of same-sex marriage rallied in front of the Maryland State House in Annapolis Monday night, calling on lawmakers to abandon legislative efforts to allow gays and lesbians to enter into civil marriages. The protest came on the eve of a Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee hearing at which Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) is expected to make his case for marriage equality later this aft... Think Progress • Jan 31, 2012

	Why Voting on Rights is a Lousy Idea Maine, Washington, and Maryland are all closer than ever to marriage equality, but the Governor of New Jersey thinks that civil rights should be put to a popular vote -- whether it's marriage today, or school desegregation in the 1950s. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxMtKN0xbwg There's a lot to talk about this week, so let's dive right ... MNW • Jan 30, 2012

	Minnesota Voters Divided On Gay Marriage Ban According to a Public Policy Polling survey released Friday, 48 percent of voters support the amendment while 44 percent are opposed. Eight percent said they were not sure. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 30, 2012

	N.J. Assembly to hold hearing on same-sex marriage bill next week The Democratic-controlled Assembly Judiciary Committee will meet Thursday to consider legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey. ... New Jersey Newsroom • Jan 30, 2012

	Gay marriage foes to hold rally in Annapolis on eve of hearing Opponents of legalizing gay marriage will be holding a rally in Annapolis. The rally is scheduled to begin around 6 p.m. on Monday next to the State House.... Washington Post • Jan 30, 2012

	Maryland Atty. Gen. Gansler warns gay couples: 'Marriage will go to referendum' Maryland's Attorney General, Doug Gansler, joined a standing-room only crowd at a church in Frederick on Sunday to support gay marriage. Gansler called Maryland's current ban against same-sex marriage "unconstitutional." He then explained his reasoning for supporting equality for gay and lesbian couples. Gansler also offered his take on the nature of negative feedback from Republicans and religio... Metro Weekly • Jan 30, 2012

	Parents of gays make TV pitch to Abbott on same-sex marriage vote PARENTS and grandparents of gay and lesbian children will make a direct appeal to Tony Abbott to allow them to marry in a television commercial which will air nationally from today. The advertisement, organised by the Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, is designed to increase the pressure on Mr Abbott to grant Coalition MPs a conscience vote on same-sex marriage.... Sydney Morning Herald • Jan 30, 2012

	Foes of marriage amendment raise $1.2 million A group leading the effort to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage has raised $1.2 million, mostly in the closing months of 2011, according a new campaign finance report. Minnesotans United for All Families raised the funds last year from more than 5,100 people, with some larger donations coming from wealthy and prominent Minnesotans, including James Pohlad, owner ... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Jan 30, 2012

	Civil Rights Leader to Enter NJ Gay Marriage Battle A Georgia congressman who is widely regarded for his courage during the Civil Rights Movement is making a trip to New Jersey to discuss the right of gay couples to marry. Rep. John Lewis will appear with Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and fellow Congressman Rush Holt at a news conference Monday afternoon.... NBC New York • Jan 30, 2012

	New Hampshire House To Vote On Gay Marriage Repeal Wednesday The New Hampshire House is expected on Wednesday to vote on a bill which would repeal the state's 2-year-old gay marriage law. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 30, 2012

	Bill Tries to Prevent Gay Marriages on Bases A congressional lawmaker opposed to homosexuals serving openly in the military is taking another stab at preventing gay couples from marrying on military bases and ensuring chaplains who oppose homosexuality do not suffer for their views. Kansas Republican Rep. Tim Huelskamp is sponsoring a bill that stipulates the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" cannot be used to force chaplains to do anything ... Military.com • Jan 30, 2012

	Gay Marriage Foes Lack Votes To Repeal New Hampshire Law, GOPer Seth Cohn Says On Sunday, Rep. Seth Cohn became the first Republican to suggest that the effort to repeal marriage equality was in real trouble. "I know for a fact, based on people I've talked to, that if Gov. Lynch vetoes it, that veto is not override-able," Cohn told the Concord Monitor.... On Top Magazine • Jan 30, 2012

	Marriage ban opponents hail Perdue's move Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/27/2962673/marriage-ban-opponents-hail-perdues.html#storylink=cpy Opponents of the proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage and civil unions say they got a boost Thursday with Gov. Bev Perdue's decision not to seek a second term. With Perdue out, there's likely to be a primary for governor that draws more Democrats to the polls May 8.... Charlotte Observer • Jan 27, 2012

	NEW POLL SHOWS 59% SUPPORT FOR CIVIL UNIONS - IN TEXAS. Texas matches most of the rest of the country when it comes to increased rights for same sex couples: voters there are against gay marriage, but support some form of equality in the form of either marriage or civil unions. Only 29% say they think gay marriage should be legal, while 57% believe it should be illegal. But 59% support either gay marriage or civil unions with only 38% completely oppose... Log Cabin Republicans • Jan 27, 2012

	McKenna reaffirms stance against same-sex marriage As a bill to legalize gay marriage edged closer to becoming law Thursday, the front-running Republican candidate for governor is making clear he'll vote against it if given the chance this fall. ... The Everett Herald • Jan 27, 2012

	Domestic Partners Join DOMA Health Care Lawsuit While the ruling determined only that the suit can proceed on behalf of registered partners as well as spouses, Wilken indicated - as she did in another ruling a year ago - that she is inclined to overturn the law. Federal officials "have failed to show a plausible, legitimate rationale for excluding registered domestic partners from (the law's) list of eligible family members (for the tax benefi... SF Gate • Jan 27, 2012

	NEW MEXICO LAWMAKER INTRODUCES ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE AMENDMENT New Mexico state Rep. David Chavez (R) has introduced a state-level Defense of Marriage Act that would amend the constitution to ban same-sex marriage and void recognition of marriages and civil unions from other states. ... Think Progress • Jan 27, 2012

	Maryland State Bar endorses same-sex marriage bill The Maryland State Bar Association announced its support Thursday of a same-sex marriage bill sponsored by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D), following what the organization said was an "overwhelming" vote by its board of governors. ... Washington Post • Jan 26, 2012

	Mehlman Urges N.H. Republicans to Keep Marriage Equality Following his work to help pass the marriage equality law in New York, former Republican National Committee chairman Ken Mehlman is taking his conservative argument for same-sex marriage to New Hampshire, where lawmakers are considering a bill that would repeal the marriage equality law. ... Advocate • Jan 26, 2012

	Dallas mayor says he'll meet group over gay marriage pledge refusal The growing controversy between Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and gay and lesbian groups in the city will spill on to City Hall Plaza Friday night. The gay groups say they're organizing a 7:00 p.m. protest of Rawlings' refusal to sign a pledge to fight for gay marriage.... WFAA • Jan 26, 2012

	St. Paul City Council opposes marriage amendment The St. Paul City Council overwhelmingly approved a resolution Wednesday opposing an amendment on the Nov. 6 ballot that would ban same-sex marriage. Six of the seven City Council members sponsored the resolution so it passed easily. Only Council Member Don Bostrom didn't sign on to the proposal.... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Jan 26, 2012

	Same-sex marriage likely to go to voters for a 2nd time in Maine Gay rights activists in Maine, the only New England state that doesn't allow gay marriage or civil unions, said Thursday that they are forging ahead with plans to put the marriage question up to a second statewide vote. EqualityMaine, the Maine Civil Liberties Union and the Maine Women's Lobby have collected more than 100,000 signatures -- far more than needed to seek the referendum -- and made t... Washington Post • Jan 26, 2012

	College Freshmen Are More Liberal on Gay Marriage, Abortion First-year college students are more socially liberal than their predecessors on issues such as same- sex marriage and public education for undocumented students, according to an annual survey released today. More than 71 percent of respondents who were freshmen in 2011 indicated same-sex couples should be able to marry, up from 64.9 percent two years earlier, according to the survey by the High... Business Week • Jan 26, 2012

	Christie: African-American Civil Rights Should Have Been Put Up To A Vote "The fact of the matter is, I think people would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South," Christie said Tuesday, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer: ... The New Civil Rights Movement • Jan 26, 2012

	Adam Levine And Maroon 5 Boycotting Mexican Restaurant For Anti-Gay Marriage Stance Adam Levine has long been a supporter of the LGBT community and once again he's putting his money where his mouth is -- this time in regards to gay marriage. The Maroon 5 singer and "The Voice" star recently revealed that the band, which is up for the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance on February 12, has changed the location of their upcoming post-awards show party due to an unnamed Los A... Huffington Post • Jan 26, 2012

	Prop 8 repeal group works to raise profile with SF party "Our online giving continues to grow and we're planning a celebrity event in Los Angeles next month," interim Executive Director Eric Harrison told the Bay Area Reporter. When asked more about fundraising, Harrison said, "we have seen so much energy and enthusiasm and we need to channel that sooner rather than later." He declined to provide a specific dollar amount.... Bay Area Reporter • Jan 26, 2012

	Black NJ leaders: No public vote on civil rights Two of New Jersey's most influential black leaders blasted Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday for proposing gay marriage be put to a popular vote in November, but the Republican governor insisted he's offering a reasonable compromise amid his personal opposition to same-sex nuptials. Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Newark Mayor Cory Booker said in separate forums that civil rights are guaranteed... AP • Jan 26, 2012

	Starbucks, Google, Alcoa endorse gay-marriage legislation Starbucks, Google and Alcoa are the latest large corporations to endorse legalizing gay marriage in Washington, according to the group Washington United for Marriage, which backs the legislation. ... Bellingham Herald • Jan 26, 2012

	Newark Mayor Cory Booker blasts proposed N.J. gay marriage referendum In an unprecedented public divergence with Gov. Chris Christie, Newark Mayor Cory Booker said today he is firmly against leaving the question of gay marriage up to a referendum. "I shudder to think what would have happened if the civil rights gains, heroically established by courageous lawmakers in the 1960s, were instead conveniently left up to popular votes in our 50 states," Booker said in a s... NJ.com • Jan 26, 2012

	Indiana Senate to Study Civil Marriage Structure? Indiana State Senate Minority Leader State Vi Simpson (D - Ellettsville), has introduced legislation to form a study committee to investigate "alternatives to civil marriage". The committee would begin work this summer and make recommendations to the General Assembly after it concludes.... Bilerico Project • Jan 25, 2012

	Gay-marriage advocates ready to announce decision Gay-marriage advocates will announce Thursday whether they will pursue a campaign to put the issue back before voters in November.... Morning Sentinel • Jan 25, 2012

	N.C. Lesbian Couple Found Guilty of Trespassing A North Carolina lesbian couple who were arrested last year for staging a sit-in at the Buncombe County Register of Deeds office after being denied a marriage license were found guilty Tuesday of second-degree trespassing. ... Advocate • Jan 25, 2012

	Starbucks supports gay marriage legislation Starbucks today joined a growing list of corporations, including Microsoft, that have endorsed gay marriage legislation in the state House and Senate. Gay marriage supporters have apparently secured the votes needed to pass a measure through both houses, and Gov. Chris Gregoire has said she'll sign it into law.... Seattle Times • Jan 25, 2012

	Gay groups angry Kansas anti-sodomy law remains on books Gay rights groups are outraged that a Kansas state law banning sex between people of the same gender was left off statutes Governor Sam Brownback wants to repeal, even though the U.S. Supreme Court in 2003 ruled such a Texas law unconstitutional.... Reuters • Jan 25, 2012

	Gay marriage 'sexual chaos' petition put on hold An anti-marriage equality petition criticised by rights groups for its "outdated, inaccurate and homophobic" views has been put on hold by the Scottish Government until it publishes the results of its consultation. The petition titled 'Preserving Marriage' was submitted to the Scottish Parliament by Amy King, and claims that same-sex couples should not have equal rights to marry because of "poor ... Pink News • Jan 25, 2012

	NH bill would allow service refusal to gay couples Florists, caterers and other wedding-related businesses could turn away engaged gay couples under legislation before the House that opponents likened to segregation and Nazi Germany's race laws. The House Judiciary Committee held a hearing Tuesday on the bill, which would allow providers of wedding-related goods or services to withhold those services if they believe doing business with gay couple... Boston Globe • Jan 25, 2012

	MARYLAND'S SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL INCLUDES MOST 'EXPLICIT' RELIGIOUS CONSCIENCE PROTECTIONS The new same-sex marriage bill introduced yesterday by Gov. Martin O'Malley (D-MD) in the Maryland Senate includes additional protections for religious institutions that were not part of last year's failed measure, the Baltimore Sun reports.... Think Progress • Jan 25, 2012

	Christie Wants Voters to Decide on Gay Marriage Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said Tuesday that he would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, and he challenged the State Legislature instead to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide. Democrats, who control the Legislature, swiftly rejected the idea, accusing the governor, a Republican, of trying to punt on a politically sensitive issue.... NY Times • Jan 25, 2012

	VIDEO: Homophobe Looks Like He's About to Die at Marriage Equality Hearing Buzzfeed has a collection of the four most homophobic people at the hearing for for marriage equality in Washington state but I love this one the best- Listen as he, himself, says with what sounds like, HIS dying last breath, "The lifespan of a homosexual lifespan is 1/2 the lifespan of a non-homosexual" What a maroon!... Feast of Fun • Jan 25, 2012

	Same-Sex Marriage May Hinge On Supreme Court With New York's legalization of same-sex marriage effectively doubling the number of Americans living in states where gays can marry, gay advocates like to say 2011 was a big year. It's hard to imagine another doubling this year, but proponents are still hoping to build on last year's success. Same-sex marriage is currently legal in six states plus Washington, D.C., and it may come up for a vote ... NPR • Jan 25, 2012

	Senate panel OKs gay marriage bill; gov vows veto A New Jersey Senate panel has approved a same-sex marriage bill the same day Gov. Chris Christie vowed to veto it. The Democratic-controlled Senate Judiciary committee forwarded the bill to the full Senate in an 8-4 party-line vote.... AP • Jan 24, 2012

	Christie says NJ voters should decide on gay marriage in November New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said Tuesday that the issue of gay marriage in his state should not be decided by himself or the state legislature, but instead by the people of New Jersey in November. Speaking in Bridgewater, NJ, Christie said that while he personally opposes gay marriage, he thought the correct course of action was for voters to weigh in on the issue via the ballot.... NY Post • Jan 24, 2012

	NH: Lawmakers To Discuss Gay Marriage Legislation People could refuse to provide accommodations, goods or services to gay couples getting married in New Hampshire under legislation being considered by the House.... WMUR • Jan 24, 2012

	Australia: Greens seek inquiry to explore gay marriage SAME-SEX marriage advocates hope a parliamentary inquiry could help persuade sympathetic Liberals to cross the floor when the matter comes to a vote. "This is an issue that's been debated throughout the community and now the community is streets and streets ahead of the elected representatives," Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young said yesterday. She would move for the inquiry when parliament retur... The Australian • Jan 24, 2012

	Gay-marriage bill draws crowds for hearings, rallies at Capitol A rabbi, a priest, a State Patrol officer, a retired Coast Guard admiral, business owners, students, moms and dads -- some nervous, some emboldened -- one by one sat before lawmakers to urge support or rejection of same-sex marriage in Washington state. They were among hundreds who descended on the Capitol on Monday as the Legislature took a giant step toward granting gays and lesbians the right ... Seattle Times • Jan 24, 2012

	N.J. gay marriage advocates rally at Statehouse A small but growing group of gay marriage supporters are staging a rally on the steps of the Statehouse this morning as lawmakers prepare to hold a committee hearing on a bill that would allow gay couples to wed.... NJ.com • Jan 24, 2012

	Paull Shin could hold fate of gay marriage bill But Shin has voted for broadening gay rights, just not lately. In 2006, he backed the very controversial bill to outlaw discrimination based on one's sexual orientation. That measure passed with the minimum 25 votes. If he steps up again, politics won't be the determining reason. He's in a safe district for Democrats, even conservative ones. He didn't feel any heat for his voting record in his re... The Everett Herald • Jan 23, 2012

	WA: Packed hearings likely Monday on gay-marriage bills The uncommitted lawmakers are being inundated with calls, emails and lobbyist visits. The first hearings on the legislation, scheduled for Monday in the House and Senate, could heat matters up even more. ... Seattle Times • Jan 23, 2012

	Dallas gays urge mayor to rethink rejecting gay marriage pledge The gay and lesbian community is calling for Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings to reconsider and sign a pledge in support of same-sex marriage. In Washington, D.C. Friday, more than 80 other mayors in 25 states had signed the pledge sponsored by the group 'Freedom to Marry,' including the mayors of Houston and Austin.... WFAA • Jan 23, 2012

	Marriage Equality Would Boost Washington Economy by $88 Million The Williams Institute released a report which estimates the economic impact of marriage for gays and lesbians in Washington State. According to a statement released by the Williams Institute about the report, "The report finds that the total spending on wedding arrangements and tourism by resident same-sex couples and their guests will add an $88-million boost to the Washington economy over the f... Seattle PI • Jan 23, 2012

	Mayor Thomas Menino Says Gay Marriage Has Made Boston Better Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino has said gay marriage has made Boston "a much better place to live."... On Top Magazine • Jan 23, 2012

	SC Activists Demand Marriage Licenses ... Joe My God • Jan 23, 2012

	Why This Washington Republican Broke With GOP on Marriage Two Republican senators have made waves in Washington State after announcing their support for a marriage equality bill proposed earlier this month by Gov. Christine Gregoire. And one told The Advocate he's not afraid of the retaliation promised by antigay groups. ... Advocate • Jan 23, 2012

	MD: O'Malley expected to introduce gay marriage bill Monday Gov. Martin O'Malley is expected Monday to introduce most of his proposed legislation for this year's General Assembly, but some Democrats are already criticizing the budget he submitted last week.... Washington Times • Jan 23, 2012

	NJ: Crowded hearing expected for gay marriage proposal New Jersey's Statehouse will likely be crowded Tuesday when activists show up to make their case for and against a bill that would allow gay marriage. Democratic lawmakers have said allowing gay couples to marry is 1 of their top priorities.... WHTM • Jan 23, 2012

	MN: Appeals court: Gay marriage case must return to district court In a win for gay rights advocates, a state appeals court on Monday overturned the dismissal of a lawsuit that sought to remove legal barriers to gay marriage in Minnesota. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of three same-sex couples, will now return to Hennepin County District Court, where it will likely proceed to trial as debate heats up over a statewide vote next fall to ban gay marriage in Minnesot... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Jan 23, 2012

	Canadian Marriages May be in Danger After All Canadian marriages may not be so safe after all, with an author of the country's marriage equality law raising the possibility of an anti-gay attack. Here in the US, nearly a hundred mayors come out for marriage equality, including one who testified during the Prop 8 trial. We're just one vote away from passing marriage equality Washington state Senate, but time's quickly running out. And remember... MNW • Jan 23, 2012

	Dunn riles GOP circles by backing gay marriage Republican attorney-general candidate Reagan Dunn is facing a backlash from some GOP leaders and activists over his decision to come out in support of gay marriage. In the last week, Dunn has been disinvited to big Republican dinners in Whatcom and Franklin counties, and faces a new conservative rival in the attorney-general's race.... Seattle Times • Jan 20, 2012

	Rahm Emanuel, Mike Bloomberg, Antonio Villaraigosa Pledge To Support Gay Marriage Mayors Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Mike Bloomberg of New York City and Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles are among 80 mayors pledging to support gay marriage. The group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry launched Friday with a press conference held at the 80th annual U.S. Conference of Mayors in Washington D.C.... On Top Magazine • Jan 20, 2012

	Gay Marriage Amendment Opponents Planning NC March A group calling itself Honest NC announced Thursday the March 15 event will take protesters from the school's iconic bell tower to Halifax Mall behind the Legislative Building. Organizer Matt Huffman says there will be a voter registration drive at the mall to encourage participation in the May 8 ballot measure. ... WXII • Jan 20, 2012

	2012 could prove landmark year for marriage rights Advocates are working to legalize marriage rights for gay couples in Washington State, Maryland and New Jersey; efforts are also underway to pursue civil unions in Colorado. Meanwhile, opponents are hoping to repeal same-sex marriage in New Hampshire. ... Washington Blade • Jan 20, 2012

	Don't touch same-sex marriage laws, prof warns But the minister's promise to change the law has Lahey worried the Conservatives could take cues from other countries and introduce a residency requirement for marriage. While that could help couples who later want to get divorced in Canada, it would create legislation that discriminates against non-citizens, Lahey explained. Further, enacting any changes to the Civil Marriage Act could open a... Global News • Jan 20, 2012

	NE: Another fight over legal protection for gays City Councilman Ben Gray says he plans to place a measure to ban discrimination against homosexual and transgender people on the council's agenda -- as early as the end of the month or by late February. But an Omaha state senator wants to bar cities and local governments from unilaterally creating such protected classes. Instead, the bill would grant such authority solely to the state.... Omaha World-Herald • Jan 20, 2012

	Microsoft, Vulcan, other companies support gay marriage "Microsoft is joining other Northwest employers Concur, Group Health Cooperative, Nike, RealNetworks and Vulcan Inc. in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. This position builds on our history of supporting corporate and public policies that promote inclusion and equality. ... Seattle Times • Jan 20, 2012

	KING 5 poll: State divided over gay marriage In our poll, 47% said they would approve the law, while 46% said they would reject it; 7% said they weren't sure. The poll has a margin of +/-4%. ... KING5 • Jan 20, 2012

	Washington Marriage Bill Gets Another Vote, Corporate Boost The marriage equality bill in the Washington senate is just one vote shy of the 25 needed for passage following an announcement from Democratic senator Jim Kastama, while businesses including Microsoft and Nike have also announced their support for the measure. Kastama, a conservative Democrat from Puyallup south of Seattle, announced his decision at a news conference Thursday afternoon. He said ... Advocate • Jan 19, 2012

	NOM ramps up spending, support in 2012 presidential race As of Jan. 9, NOM's 501(c)4 nonprofit corporation has made $131,260.34 worth of independent expenditures in the 2012 presidential race, according to campaign-finance disclosure reports published by the Federal Election Commission. (It should be noted that the FEC designates the National Organization for Marriage as a "person or group, not a committee"; thus it is permitted to make independent expe... American Independent • Jan 19, 2012

	N.J. Lawmaker: Gay Marriage Nears Veto-Proof Support New Jersey Democrats believe they are within spitting distance of securing enough support to override a veto of same-sex marriage legislation if Gov. Chris Christie chooses not support it. State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, one of the bill's sponsors, estimated the chamber had between 24 and 27 supporters for legislation to allow for same-sex marriage in New Jersey. It takes 27 votes in the 40-member st... Wall Street Journal • Jan 19, 2012

	Gay Would-Be Documentarian's Viral Video A Success -- But Largely Excludes Female, Trans And Non-White People In just three days, Yezak's video gained more than a million views on YouTube and raised almost double his goal, securing more than $96,600 in donations by this afternoon. Shared more than 120,000 times on Facebook and reposted on many LGBT blogs nationwide, it was a viral "success." Yezak's video, however, also captured the attention of LGBT bloggers Pam Spaulding of Pam's House Blend and Karen O... Metro Weekly • Jan 19, 2012

	How the Mormons bashed gays in Nebraska too Prop 8 wasn't the Mormons' first time to the hate dance. They've been bankrolling anti-gay legislation for at least two decades. Here is one Mormon's story about how they helped push DOMA in the state of Nebraska. ... AmericaBlog • Jan 19, 2012

	Maryland gay marriage survey reveals declining support? A new survey released by Patrick E. Gonzales' Research and Marketing Strategies, Inc. could indicate a small but important decline in support for same-sex marriages in Maryland over the past year. The company conducted three surveys over the past 12 months -- January 2011, October 2011, and the newly released January 2012. Some 800 registered Maryland voters were questioned by telephone each tim... Metro Weekly • Jan 19, 2012

	Poll: Majority of N.J. voters support gay marriage As Democrats are making a legislative push for same-sex marriage, a poll released this morning shows that a majority of New Jersey voters supports the measure. Fifty-two percent of Garden State voters think same-sex couples should have the right to marry, while 42 percent think they should not.... NJ.com • Jan 19, 2012

	Republican Rep. Glenn Anderson supports gay marriage bill Rep. Glenn Anderson, R-Fall City, is the second House Republican to announce support for legislation that would legalize same sex marriage in the state. Rep. Maureen Walsh, R-Walla Walla, is a co-sponsor of the bill.... Seattle Times • Jan 19, 2012

	The Romney factor in our amendment The chances of defeating Proposition 1 in North Carolina are still low. May 8 is largely a Republican primary that will still attract GOP voters. But when turnout is low, a lot can happen. The most motivated voters win the day. Opponents of Proposition 1 can mobilize liberal voters who support the rights of same-sex couples and moderate voters who are unlikely to support sweeping changes to the c... News & Observer • Jan 19, 2012

	Christie Leaves Door Open For Same Sex Marriage In NJ A day after his State of the State address, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie was non-committal on whether he would veto a same-sex marriage bill in the Garden State. Speaking with WCBS 880 anchors Wayne Cabot and Steve Scott, Christie said, "we'll see what happens" when directly asked if he would reject a gay marriage bill.... CBS New York • Jan 19, 2012

	Gay marriage proponents want to reach out to public As the 2012 session has begun, House Speaker Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha, said he has no plans to revisit the issue. That means any constitutional amendment would be at least three years out, giving gay marriage supporters a chance to capitalize on polling numbers that show Iowa and the nation becoming more accepting of the issue. "We want to put the issue to bed," said One Iowa Executive Director T... Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier • Jan 19, 2012

	Two Votes Away from Marriage Equality State senator Ed Murray (D-43), who introduced the bill on January 13, says it's a nail-biter. "I think we have a very good chance," Murray says. "But we are not there yet. We could lose. There are a handful of votes we still need." In other words, just a few hand-wringing state senators stand between marriage equality and no marriage equality.... The Stranger • Jan 19, 2012

	NORTH CAROLINA LAUNCHES ADS OPPOSING MARRIAGE DISCRIMINATION AMENDMENT The newly launched Coalition to Protect All NC Families has released two ads opposing a proposed amendment to North Carolina's constitution that would ban all same-sex marriages, civil unions, and domestic partnerships. The first features same-sex families discussing how the amendment would impact their families while the other explains the importance of voting against the amendment on May 8 and e... Think Progress • Jan 19, 2012

	Gay marriage rifts appear in several US states Politicians and campaigners in Minnesota, New Jersey and North Carolina on both sides of the same-sex marriage debate are gearing up for battle ahead of legislative sessions later this month. ... Pink News • Jan 19, 2012

	FOUR GOP NY SENATORS WHO SUPPORTED MARRIAGE EQUALITY MAKE BANK The NYT reports that the New York GOP state Senators who voted to pass marriage equality have been rewarded by donors:... Towleroad • Jan 19, 2012

	Love Honor Cherish, NOH8 Campaign kick off signature gathering drive for marriage-equality initiative As the fight to repeal Proposition 8 on the November ballot begins, Love Honor Cherish has partnered with the NOH8 Campaign to create a public education campaign telling voters why marriage equality is important. The partnership will launch at a party being organized by nonprofit group "Reason to Party" in San Francisco this Sunday, Jan. 22.... San Diego Gay and Lesbian News • Jan 19, 2012

	Washington Governor Maps Marriage Equality Journey Gregoire expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for the bill, saying that one immediate obstacle concerned whether lawmakers would agree to pass the bill as filed, without a referendum clause. Such a clause would impose a requirement that the voting public approve the measure. As it stands now, under state law, if the bill passes without a referendum clause, petitioners would still have t... Advocate • Jan 19, 2012

	Big-City Mayors Press for Same-Sex Marriage Rights The mayors planning to attend Friday's news conference include Annise Parker of Houston, Thomas Menino of Boston, Antonio R. Villaraigosa of Los Angeles and Marilyn Strickland of Tacoma, Wash. Michael Bloomberg of New York and Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Mr. Obama's first White House chief of staff, have also joined the effort. ... Wall Street Journal • Jan 18, 2012

	Md. same-sex legislation to be examined in two committees, House speaker says In a sign of the tough road ahead for same-sex marriage legislation in Maryland, House Speaker Michael E. Busch said Monday that he would assign this year's bill to two committees instead of one, a procedural change that could increase the measure's chances of passage.... Washington Post • Jan 18, 2012

	Same-sex marriage vote delayed Republican House leaders have delayed the vote on gay marriage, House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt, R-Salem, said yesterday. "The legislation will not be considered for a floor vote until February," Bettencourt said in an email.... Eagle-Tribune • Jan 18, 2012

	Colorado Catholics Ask Church Goers To Oppose Civil Unions The Colorado Catholic Conference is urging parishioners to oppose the state's pending civil unions bill, the Denver Post reports, and is distributing flyers during mass asking church goers to pressure lawmakers into defeating the measure. "The key flaw with civil unions legislation is that it creates an alternative parallel structure to marriage," the Conference says.... Think Progress • Jan 18, 2012

	LDS LEADERS READ STATEMENT TO MINNESOTA CHURCHES REFERRING TO ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE AMENDMENT The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints read a letter to all Minnesota wards on Sunday, Jan. 15 reminding church-goers that "the family is the fundamental unit of society" and urged them to re-read the "Proclamation of the Family," which begins, "We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marria... Q Salt Lake • Jan 18, 2012

	With the 90-day clock ticking down, Maryland's advocates say they are leaving 'no stone unturned' in the effort to pass marriage equality With the start of the Maryland General Assembly's 90-day legislative session Jan. 11, advocates are actively lobbying Free State legislators to pass a marriage-equality bill after a similar bill died in the General Assembly last year. ... Metro Weekly • Jan 18, 2012

	Garden State Equality Looking for Witnesses for Senate Hearing January 24th We are compiling witnesses to testify at the New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Tuesday, January 24 at 11:00 am on S.1, the marriage equality bill. The hearing will be Tuesday at 11:00 am at the State House, though we will be meeting way earlier to get seats. We are specifically seeking: Civil union couples who have faced difficulties with the civil union law. Civil union couples wh... Gay Marriage Watch • Jan 18, 2012

	Opponents of marriage amendment want to have 1 million conversations before primary Opponents of a proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment on gay marriage are joining forces - and want to have 1 million conversations with people before the May primary. The Coalition to Protect All North Carolina Families met at 11 a.m. on Jones St. in downtown Raleigh to hold a news conference on the proposed Amendment One that will be on the ballot May 8, the date of the North Carolina... WNCN • Jan 18, 2012

	Poll: Marylanders split on Dream Act, gay marriage Maryland residents remain closely divided over the Dream Act and same-sex marriage, but the strongly Democratic state overwhelmingly approves of party leaders Gov. Martin O'Malley and President Obama, according to a Gonzales research poll released Wednesday. Of respondents in the telephone survey, 49 percent said they support legalizing gay marriage while 47 percent said they were opposed.... Washington Times • Jan 18, 2012

	Is Prop 8 Behind Romney's Tax Secrecy? Newly uncovered stock contributions made during Romney's Bain days suggest there is another dimension to Romney's support for the church -- one that could involve millions more than has been previously disclosed.... Joe My God • Jan 18, 2012

	Coalition begins campaign against gay marriage ban The Coalition to Protect All North Carolina Families unveiled plans at a news conference today in Raleigh. The group is launching an effort to defeat the amendment question put on the ballot by the state legislature. ... AP • Jan 18, 2012

	A call for gay marriage rights in South Carolina: 'We love each other' South Carolina law explicitly stipulates that marriage must be between a man and a woman, after a 2006 constitutional amendment - approved by 78% of voters - banned gay marriage in the state. ... Guardian • Jan 18, 2012

	Survey: N.J. Dems might have enough votes in state Senate to approve gay marriage As state lawmakers gathered Tuesday to usher in a new session with their high hopes and soaring phrases, an informal survey showed that a majority of senators support the idea of same-sex marriage, though some said they wanted to review the details of newly proposed legislation.... NJ.com • Jan 18, 2012

	Matthew Morrison, Jesse Tyler Ferguson join '8' reading Convincing major actors to commit to a theater project in Los Angeles isn't always the easiest sell. But "8," the play by Oscar-winning screenwriter Dustin Lance Black, is proving to be the exception to the rule, with a cast that will feature George Clooney and a host of television stars including Matthew Morrison of "Glee" and Jesse Tyler Ferguson of "Modern Family." ... LA Times • Jan 18, 2012

	SAME-SEX COUPLES, FRIENDS, FAMILY AND CLERGY TO GATHER ON DAY NINTH CIRCUIT PROP 8 RULING IS RELEASED Anti-marriage equality proponents have had their day in court, again. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has heard both sides of the issue and is due to announce their decision on the challenge to Proposition 8 any day now. Communities through-out California are prepared to gather to either celebrate or rededicate their resolve to achieve full marriage equality. ... Marriage Equality USA • Jan 17, 2012

	Your Canadian Marriage is Safe Washington, Colorado, New Jersey -- state legislatures are moving even faster than we thought on marriage equality. But it's not all good news. Meanwhile, Canadian turmoil calls thousands of marriages into question, and preparations continue for the impending decision in the Prop 8 case. If you haven't already, check out ... MNW • Jan 17, 2012

	Maryland Gay Marriage Bill To Be Heard In Two House Committees A proposed bill that would make Maryland the seventh state to legalize gay marriage will be heard in two House committees, House Speaker Michael E. Busch announced on Monday. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 17, 2012

	The amazing public turnaround of Bernice King on LGBT rights LGBT people who attended the rally said they were shocked that King - who has a long anti-gay past -- actually acknowledged the community in a public speech, but said they were also glad because it shows people can evolve. ... Pam's House Blend • Jan 17, 2012

	Cuba to weigh civil unions for gays: Official Cuba's National Assembly this year will take up the issue of civil unions for same-sex couples, as part of the Communist government's bid to end discrimination, the president's daughter said on Monday.... AFP • Jan 17, 2012

	Cameron faces Tory backbench revolt over gay marriage plans David Cameron is facing the threat of a fresh backbench Tory revolt as traditionalists line up to oppose government plans to legalise gay marriage. Tory MPs, who have raised concerns about the move with ministers at meetings of the 1922 committee, are hoping to rally more than 100 backbenchers, according to the Independent.... Guardian • Jan 17, 2012

	Gay marriage play '8' goes national during 2012 The pro-gay marriage American Foundation for Equal Rights and partner Broadway Impact are sponsoring dozens of productions of Dustin Lance Black's play starring local actors across the country this election year. It'll be shown in states where marriage battles loom, including Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire and North Carolina. ... Chicago Tribune • Jan 17, 2012

	Gay-marriage backers still short by a couple votes in state Senate Gay-marriage backers still short by a couple votes in state Senate In addition, it's not clear if Microsoft will lend its support to the measure. Murray considers the company's endorsement "very important." Company officials are reviewing the legislation but have not decided whether to take a position, said Jeff Reading, a spokesman for the company. Microsoft created a flap in 2005 when said it was neutral on the initial gay-rights legislation. It failed in the... Seattle Times • Jan 16, 2012

	Democrats' late-blooming enthusiasm for marriage equality ... NJ.com • Jan 16, 2012

	TOWLEROAD EXCLUSIVE: MATT BOMER AND MATTHEW MORRISON IN ON '8' Towleroad has learned that Matt Bomer, star of the hit USA drama, White Collar, and Matthew Morrison, who plays Mr. Schuester on the popular show Glee, will play plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, respectively, at the March 3 west coast premier of Dustin Lance Black's play, 8, in Los Angeles. ... Towleroad • Jan 16, 2012

	3 gay couples to ask for marriage licenses in SC 'Three same sex couples plan to go to the Greenville County courthouse this week to ask for marriage licenses. Alyssa Weaver and Michel McIver, along with the other two couples, know their request will be denied, because in 2006, the state passed a constitutional amendment not just banning gay marriage, but any other type of domestic union. But Weaver said she wants to call attention to the fund... Deseret News • Jan 16, 2012

	MGRM appeals for civil unions for same-sex couples In a report which aims to highlight the injustice created by the current scenario and appeal for marriage equality, the Malta Gay Rights Movement is appealing for same-sex couples to be allowed to marry civilly. ... The Malta Independent • Jan 16, 2012

	MN: Legislators propose repeal of anti-gay marriage amendment DFL legislators in the Minnesota House introduced a bill during the legislative recess on Friday to repeal a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage from the 2012 ballot. The bill faces high hurdles as the Republicans still control the House. ... • Jan 16, 2012

	Announcement On Campaign To Win Gay Marriage In Maine Expected January 23 Support for marriage equality has grown since 2009 in the Pine State. A survey released late last year shows a narrow majority of Mainers (51%) now support the institution. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 16, 2012

	Support For North Carolina Gay Marriage Ban Drops 3 Months In A Row According to a Public Policy Polling survey released on Thursday, 56 percent of voters support the amendment. However, support has steadily declined since October, when 61 percent of voters said they would support it.... On Top Magazine • Jan 16, 2012

	Why Gay Parents May Be the Best Parents In fact, the only consistent places you find differences between how kids of gay parents and kids of straight parents turn out are in issues of tolerance and open-mindedness, according to Goldberg. In a paper published in 2007 in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, Goldberg conducted in-depth interviews with 46 adults with at least one gay parent. Twenty-eight of them spontaneously offered th... Live Science • Jan 16, 2012

	Patty Murray Backs Washington Effort To Legalize Gay marriage ... On Top Magazine • Jan 16, 2012

	Same-Sex Marriage Supporters Hashing Out New Bill Senate President Mike Miller, who opposes same-sex marriage, said he expects his chamber to take up the issue early in the session, predicting passage with same number of votes as last year. ... WBAL • Jan 14, 2012

	Statement by Washington United for Marriage on the Introduction of Marriage Equality in the Legislature Washington United for Marriage, a broad statewide coalition of organizations, congregations, unions and business associations that will work to obtain civil marriage for lesbian and gay couples in Washington State in 2012, today applauded the introduction of SB 6239, an act relating to providing equal protection for all families in Washington by creating equality in civil marriage and changing the... Press Release • Jan 14, 2012

	Ed Murray: Put the Champagne Away, Pull the Checkbook Out State senator Ed Murray is concerned by the premature celebrations prompted by stories like this: "Gay Marriage Within Reach in Washington State." The marriage equality bill does not currently have the votes it needs to get out of the state senate, says Murray, and, even if it did, the fight would not be over. ... The Stranger • Jan 13, 2012

	Washington Senate now 2 votes shy on gay marriage Democratic Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell said that the legislation is "long overdue." She had said earlier in the week that she was leaning in favor of support but was unwilling to commit to it. ... Seattle PI • Jan 13, 2012

	Ocean Grove Methodists illegally discriminated against women's civil union, judge rules Ocean Grove's Camp Meeting Association violated state anti-discrimination laws when it refused two women the use of its boardwalk pavillion for a civil union on the grounds of Methodist doctrine, a state administrative law judge has ruled. ... Cliffview Pilot • Jan 13, 2012

	Sarkozy's Minister Denies Gay Marriage to Be Added to Platform Valerie Pecresse, the French government spokeswoman, denied a report in Liberation newspaper today that said Nicolas Sarkozy may include gay marriage in his re-election platform. ... Bloomberg Businessweek • Jan 13, 2012

	Tories seek to clarify message on same-sex marriage interpretation Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said Thursday the federal government is looking at clarifying the law to allow non-resident gays and lesbians married in Canada the right to get divorced here even if their place of origin doesn't recognize them as a married couple. "I will be looking at options to clarify the law so that marriages performed in Canada can be undone in Canada," Nicholson said in a st... Canada.com • Jan 13, 2012

	Same-sex marriage vote ready for showdown in N.J. In 2010, Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) of Gloucester, helped defeat a same sex marriage bill by 20-14, and the Assembly declined to take it up. Sweeney now calls his past vote a "terrible mistake", and counts at least 21 backers of the bill out of the 40-member Senate, including Republican Senator Jennifer Beck of Red Bank, who did not support the bill two years ago.... New Jersey Newsroom • Jan 13, 2012

	Gay Marriage Bills Introduced In Washington, New Jersey Bills that would legalize gay marriage were formally introduced Wednesday in New Jersey and Thursday in Washington state. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 13, 2012

	Minister vows to clarify laws The federal justice minister says he will look at clarifying the law to ensure gay couples from abroad who marry in Canada can also get divorced. Rob Nicholson says he will study options to make it clear that same-sex marriages "performed in Canada can be undone in Canada."... Winnipeg Free Press • Jan 13, 2012

	Maryland Marriage Equality Bill Expected To See Quick Action In State Senate; House Support Still In Question Expect Maryland senators to approve marriage equality legislation in a hurry. As The Washington Post's John Wagner reported Thursday, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert County) "wants his chamber to act quickly on a same-sex marriage bill" during the 90-day legislative session, which began this week.... Huffington Post • Jan 13, 2012

	LGBT Legal Groups: Canadian Marriages of Same-Sex Couples Are Not in Jeopardy No one's marriage has been invalidated or is likely to be invalidated. The position taken by one government lawyer in a divorce is not itself precedential. No court has accepted this view and there is no reason to believe that either Canada's courts or its Parliament would agree with this position, which no one has asserted before during the eight years that same-sex couples have had the freedom ... NCLR • Jan 13, 2012

	Colorado Gov. Hickenlooper: 'It's Time To Pass Civil Unions' In his State of the State address today, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D) urged lawmakers to pass civil unions legislation: ... Think Progress • Jan 13, 2012

	EQCA 2011 Report Recognizing the tough economic times, in 2011 we evaluated priorities and refocused our efforts and staffing to best support long-term movement initiatives to achieve equality, while at the same time focusing on the work ahead in California in the upcoming election year. We began by revisiting and recommitting to our mission and our role in the LGBT equality movement: legislative reform. Equality ... Equality California • Jan 12, 2012

	N.H. Lawmakers Expected to Vote on Marriage Equality Repeal Bill Next Week Sources familiar with the legislative calendar indicate that the vote will likely take place on Jan. 18. The measure is expected to pass in the Republican-controlled state Legislature, but Gov. John Lynch, who signed the marriage equality bill into law in 2009, has said he would veto the measure. It remains unclear whether there are enough votes to override the governor's veto. ... Boy in Bushwick • Jan 12, 2012

	Same-sex stumble feeds conspiracy theories on Harper agenda The conspiratorial would claim a hidden agenda, lumping this decision in with the campaign of Conservative MP Stephen Woodworth to force a debate on abortion in the House of Commons. Mr. Harper, according to this line of reasoning, longs to reverse the liberal consensus on abortion and gay rights. But he knows that such a campaign would alienate voters who support his government's fiscal policies... Globe and Mail • Jan 12, 2012

	Gay Marriage In Cancun, Mexico Suspended The upcoming weddings of six gay and lesbian couples near the tourist destination city of Cancun, Mexico have been suspended, La Reforma reported. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 12, 2012

	PM not interested in debating same-sex marriage Pressed for comment on a report that his government is signalling an about-face in its same-sex marriage policy, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said he does not intend to reopen the debate. A court decision effectively legalized same-sex in Canada in 2004. Then in 2005, under the government of Liberal prime minister Paul Martin, same-sex marriage was formally legalized with the passage of Bill C-3... CTV • Jan 12, 2012

	Thousands of same-sex marriages performed in Canada may not be legal: report The Globe and Mail reported Thursday that the government is contending in a Toronto court case that non-Canadians gays and lesbians who have been married here since 2004 are only considered married under this country's laws if gay marriage is also recognized in their home country or state. ... National Post • Jan 12, 2012

	What's Going on With Canadian Marriages? To suddenly be told by the Canadian government that they are not valid, at least under Canadian law, is a very disruptive and destructive development, if it is upheld. Fortunately, there is no need for the court to go there if it wants to dismiss the divorce petition, since the lack of Canadian residency by either of the parties to the same-sex marriage would be sufficient grounds to do so, unles... Leonard Link • Jan 12, 2012

	CO: Hope permeates Springs rally to support civil union bill Nearly 100 people gathered Wednesday evening at the Cornerstone Arts Center in Colorado Springs to support the Colorado Civil Union Act, which was introduced hours earlier into the General Assembly by Sen. Pat Steadman, D-Denver. ... The Gazette • Jan 12, 2012

	WASHINGTON ATTORNEY GENERAL: RESIDENTS SHOULD VOTE ON GAY MARRIAGE RIGHTS Washington Attorney General and Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob McKenna is responding to Gov. Chris Gregoire's (D) call for marriage equality by arguing that voters should decide if gay and lesbian people should be allowed to marry. ... Think Progress • Jan 12, 2012

	WA: Near majority in state Senate may favor same-sex marriage Twenty-two senators told the AP they back gay marriage with 18 opposed, leaving supporters three votes shy of the majority needed for passage. ... HeraldNet • Jan 12, 2012

	Senate President Predicts Backlash if Maryland Passes Marriage Equality The leaders of Maryland's legislature seem to expect that lawmakers will pass marriage equality this year, but the Senate President warned today that passing the bill would trigger a backlash from voters who would then overturn them at the ballot box. ... Advocate • Jan 12, 2012

	Tacoma City Council joins fight for marriage equality The Tacoma City Council says it will make marriage equality a priority during this season's legislative session. The council voted Tuesday evening to add support for Gov. Chris Gregoire's push for marriage equality to its legislative agenda, made each year to direct the city in its relationship with the Washington State Legislature.... KOMO • Jan 12, 2012

	AP: Gay marriage within reach in Wash. Legislature In contacts with all 49 senators over the past week, The Associated Press found that more lawmakers are now firmly supporting gay marriage than opposing it. That margin currently stands at 21-18, and the measure needs 25 votes to pass the Senate. ... Seattle Times • Jan 11, 2012

	Equality California Posts Job for Interim Executive Director EQCA is seeking an Interim Executive Director who brings demonstrated experience to the position. S/he will be an objective, passionate, credible and articulate individual who will be able to successfully advocate on behalf of the LGBT community and serve as a leader and visible spokesperson for LGBT issues in California. S/he will have strong interpersonal skills and will be a team player as well... LGBT POV • Jan 11, 2012

	D.C. Council candidate no longer opposes gay marriage law An outspoken advocate for placing D.C.'s same-sex marriage law on the ballot in a voter referendum in 2010 says he no longer holds that view and will express "respect" for the law as a candidate for the City Council in a special election this spring. Civic activist Delano Hunter has announced plans to run for the Ward 5 Council seat that became vacant last week when incumbent Harry Thomas, a Demo... Washington Blade • Jan 11, 2012

	Civil celebrants get behind gay marriage In a statement issued today, the national president of the Australian Federation of Civil Celebrants (AFCC), Lance Tapsell, said the association was committed to marriage equality and keenly awaited changes in legislation which would see the end of discrimination for couples in loving same-sex relationships. ... Star Observer • Jan 11, 2012

	DC Council to consider making it easier for gay couples who marry in district to get divorced Washington began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in March 2010. Six states also allow same-sex marriage. But divorcing couples can face legal hurdles if they live in a state that does not recognize their union. ... Washington Post • Jan 11, 2012

	Meet Stephen Hill, Soldier Who Asked Rick Santorum About DADT, & his Husband Josh Snyder ... MNW • Jan 11, 2012

	NC: Elections official resigns over gay marriage ban The top elections official in a socially conservative North Carolina county has resigned, saying she could not in good conscience preside over the upcoming vote on a proposed amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage. Former Harnett County Elections Director Sherre Toler said her romantic relationship with a man of a different race cemented her belief that the civil rights of ... Blue Ridge Now • Jan 11, 2012

	Marriage equality bill delayed The Washington state Legislature began its 2012 regular session Monday, Jan. 9, without a finalized draft of the proposed marriage equality bill. ... Western Front • Jan 11, 2012

	SAN FRANCISCO LGBT COMMUNITY PLANS DAY OF PROP 8 DECISION 9:45 AM COURTHOUSE PROP 8 DECISION: Gather on the steps of the Ninth Circuit Federal Courthouse, 95 7th Street (at Mission), San Francisco to receive the ruling (anticipated at 10:00 AM). Afterwards, we will proceed to San Francisco City Hall, where clergy will be available to bless couples who are not able to marry because of Prop. 8. (Even if the Ninth Circuit rules in our favor, it is highly li... Gay USA • Jan 11, 2012

	RI: Activists' patience running short over Sen. Jack Reed's 'short' wait It has been exactly 103 days since Sen. Reed said at a press conference that he would make a decision on this important bill 'very shortly.' Clearly, Washington politicians and Rhode Island families have very different understandings of what 'very shortly' means.... Daily Kos • Jan 11, 2012

	WA: Second Republican state senator chooses to support marriage equality Pflug of Maple Valley is the second Republican senator in recent days to say she will support gay-marriage legislation. She has voted for domestic-partnership benefits twice and believes strongly in fairness for all. ... Seattle Times • Jan 11, 2012

	Gay Marriage Fight Coming Soon to New Jersey New Jersey Democrats plan to introduce a new gay marriage bill at the upcoming legislative session, and say they have the votes to pass it in both houses, unlike in 2010, when the State Senate voted down the measure. "Marriage equality represents the third leg of the stool of civil rights and equality in this country," said Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver at a news conference yesterday. Even if the... NY Magazine • Jan 10, 2012

	Illinois legislators meeting on marriage equality State representatives Greg Harris, Deb Mell, Ann Williams, Kelly Cassidy, Sara Feigenholtz and Senator Heather Steans are in talks with Illinois organizations about introducing a bill that would allow same-sex partners to marry in Illinois. According to Harris, the bill will not likely be introduced until at least 2013. Harris believes the fight will be difficult, especially as anti-gay political... Windy City Media Group • Jan 10, 2012

	Gay marriage in N.J. could succeed via constitutional amendment Sponsors of the gay marriage bill hope they can win new converts in the next few months, enough to override Christie's expected veto. Some even hope the governor will change his mind. That would be the ideal outcome. Remember, too, that supporters of gay marriage have filed suit, so the state Supreme Court could save the day by endorsing full marriage equality, as courts have in several other stat... NJ.com • Jan 10, 2012

	Opponent of same-sex marriage files initiative As lawmakers prepare to consider a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state, an Everett attorney on Monday filed an initiative seeking to clarify the definition of marriage. Stephen Pidgeon filed the initiative with the state secretary of state's office on the first day of the legislative session. Pidgeon previously worked with groups who unsuccessfully tried to overturn the stat... Seattle PI • Jan 10, 2012

	Poll: Comments on homosexuality hurt Santorum in NH Santorum's support among independents, who can vote in New Hampshire's Republican contest, dropped from 6 percent to 3 percent after the college event, according to Suffolk's findings. His support from 18 to 34 year olds dropped from 9 percent to 2 percent. ... The Hill • Jan 10, 2012

	Sweeney: N.J. gay marriage fight will be with Christie, not Legislature Promising to put marriage equality at the top of the agenda in the new legislative session beginning Tuesday, state Senate President Stephen Sweeney said today he expects the battle over a bill allowing same-sex couples to wed will not be in the Legislature but with Gov. Chris Christie, who has been a staunch opponent.... NJ.com • Jan 10, 2012

	WA: Majority in state back gay marriage Support for marriage equality was strongest in the Puget Sound area, where 63 percent of respondents in favor. In the rest of Western Washington, about 53 percent support same-sex marriage. About 43 percent of respondents supported it in Eastern Washington. ... Columbian • Jan 10, 2012

	What Washingtonians (And the Rest of Us) Can Do to Help Make Marriage Equality a Reality Among some of the specific senators whom Washington United for Marriage will be focusing its efforts on is Democratic Senator Mary Margaret Haugen of the 10th Legislative District, who Silk says has publicly admitted to be wrestling with the issue. Silk also identifies Republican Senator Andy Hill of the 45th Legislative District as another target of the campaign. ... Huffington Post • Jan 10, 2012

	Ex-Gay Leader: "99.9% Have Not Experienced A Change In Their Orientation" The majority of people that I have met, and I would say the majority meaning 99.9% of them, have not experienced a change in their orientation or have gotten to a place where they could say that they could never be tempted or are not tempted in some way or experience some level of same-sex attraction.... Box Turtle Bulletin • Jan 10, 2012

	Same-Sex Marriage a Priority for Democrats in Trenton Democratic leaders in New Jersey are planning to make a bill allowing same-sex marriage the centerpiece of their agenda for 2012, reflecting a key change from two years ago, when a leading Senate Democrat abstained from a vote on the issue.... NY Times • Jan 10, 2012

	Md. Marriage Equality Could End Up On Ballot With State's Dream Act If Maryland lawmakers approve a marriage equality bill during the upcoming legislative session, opponents of same-sex marriage have pledged to organize a petition initiative and put it before voters during November's general election. If that happens, marriage equality in Maryland may end up on the same ballot as the state's Dream Act, which gives in-state tuition to college students living in th... Huffington Post • Jan 10, 2012

	NJ's Gay Marriage Bill Reintroduced Democrats in the New Jersey Legislature will reintroduce a gay marriage bill this week and have vowed to make same-sex unions a top priority two years after similar legislation was voted down. ... NBC Philadelphia • Jan 10, 2012

	Gronstal: Gay marriage ban won't be debated The leader of the Democrat-controlled Iowa Senate vows to continue to block any attempts to ban same-sex marriage. Sen. Mike Gronstal said this week that he will not allow a vote on an amendment to the constitution that would ban gay marriage.... WCF Courier • Jan 10, 2012

	Update: EQCA Hiring, Doing Better Equality California Communications Director Rebekah Orr says the statewide lobbying group is doing better going into the new year. EQCA has posted job offerings for a Director of Special Events and Major Gifts Officer and is expected to have an official Interim Executive Director in a few weeks with a projected budget for 2012 of around $500,000. ... Bilerico Project • Jan 10, 2012

	New study: Lesbian households produce a child abuse rate of 0% The U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS) just released its results on its 24-year long study on families with lesbian parents, finding that not one of the 78 adolescents in the study had reported being sexually or physically abused by their parents.... Feministing • Jan 10, 2012

	Civil Unions are Unstoppable We're just one week in and already 2012 is looking like a strong year for marriage, with encouraging action in Washington, Maryland, and Colorado. The governor of Michigan revokes health care coverage for domestic partners, leaving families with no access to medical care. And a binational couple in San Francisco gets a two-year reprieve, but their eventual fate may depend on whoever occupies the W... MNW • Jan 9, 2012

	Santorum Says Gay Parents Worse Than Convicts Rick Santorum continued his string of antigay pronouncements while on the trail in New Hampshire, saying a man in jail would be a better parent than a same-sex couple. The Los Angeles Timesreports from Manchester, New Hampshire that Santorum claimed to quote an anti-poverty expert while explaining his case.... Advocate • Jan 7, 2012

	Rick Santorum jeered after comparing gay marriage to polygamy Santorum is an ardent, outspoken opponent of gay marriage, favoring an amendment to the Constitution that would define marriage as solely between a man and a woman. He received a rough welcome from a group of college Republicans in Concord -- and it likely didn't help matters when he compared a same-sex union to polygamy.... LA Times • Jan 6, 2012

	More twists and turns as Colorado legislature wrestles with civil unions When the Colorado Civil Union Act of 2012 is introduced on the first day the General Assembly convenes, it will start a journey for the LGBT community -- and for politicos, alike -- that no one is quite sure where it will end up. So many factors and actors are in play at this point that everyone involved should be prepared for more ups and downs than a roller coaster ride at Elitch Gardens.... LGBTQ Nation • Jan 6, 2012

	Wash. lawmakers diverge on gay marriage debate Speaking during the annual Associated Press Legislative Preview, Senate Republican Leader Mike Hewitt said the gay marriage debate would particularly create problems because Democratic budget negotiator Ed Murray is "vested in this personally." Murray is gay and a long-time proponent of expanding marriage to same-sex couples. ... Seattle Times • Jan 6, 2012

	ACLU Challenges Michigan Domestic Partner Health Care Ban The American Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU of Michigan filed a lawsuit today asking a federal court to strike down a discriminatory and unjust new state law that bans many public entities from providing health care insurance to the domestic partners of their employees. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of school teachers, city and county workers and their domestic partners who will lose their h... Press Release • Jan 6, 2012

	Fed. judge rules DOMA unconstitutional in response to Pa case A federal judge has ruled the Defense of Marriage Act to be unconstitutional in response to a Pennsylvania case that disputed whether a woman's same-sex partner was entitled to her death benefits, according to a report from the Legal Intelligencer. ... Metro Philly • Jan 6, 2012

	Maryland Lawmakers To Insist On 'Religious Exemptions' Before Voting For Marriage Equality As Maryland lawmakers consider legislation expanding marriage equality to gays and lesbians this session, some on-the-fence Democrats will introduce language to exempt religious institutions from performing same-sex marriages and allow those organizations to deny services to same-sex couples: ... Think Progress • Jan 6, 2012

	Labor MP seeks out gay marriage advocates for bill Mr Jones is expected to introduce his bill when Parliament resumes next month. It appears likely to be defeated by the combined forces of its Labor opponents - including Prime Minister Julia Gillard - and the Coalition. At its national conference in December, Labor changed its platform to support gay marriage, but granted MPs a conscience vote on the issue. ... The Age • Jan 6, 2012

	Gregoire proposes bill to legalize gay marriage Supporters admit they don't yet have the votes in Olympia to pass a same-sex marriage bill. They will need at least a few Republicans to sign on, since some of the more conservative Democrats are still opposed to gay marriage. If the bill is approved by the Legislature, Washington would become the seventh state in the country to legalize gay marriage. The Legislature begins its 2012 session on M... Baltimore Sun • Jan 5, 2012

	Gregoire shift on gay marriage pairs up with polls It is tempting to see Gov. Chris Gregoire's embrace of same-sex marriage yesterday as a decisive move to the political left and a step toward redeeming her legacy as a Democrat with both conservative and progressive impulses. But Gregoire is also a pragmatist, and her personal journey on gay rights also appears to be in synch with polling that shows solid, near-majority voter support in Washington... Bellingham Herald • Jan 5, 2012

	City to study offering domestic partner benefits Councilman Chris Seelbach is circulating a motion that would order the city administration to study and report to council on how best to offer the benefits and what doing so might cost. The city's first openly gay councilman had said he would introduce the idea within 100 days of his Nov. 8 election. An earlier Enquirer survey of council members suggest a clear majority of council backs the idea. ... Cincinnati.com • Jan 5, 2012

	Gay San Francisco couple wins deportation reprieve U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued a letter to Makk today saying he has been granted "deferred action" on his case for two years. The letter said the action is "an exercise of prosecutorial discretion" that allows the agency not to pursue deportation for a specific period. Makk met multiple conditions of the agency's new guidelines for immigration agents to prioritize deportation cas... SF Gate • Jan 5, 2012

	Maryland to take up marriage, trans bills Bills calling for legalizing same-sex marriage and banning discrimination against transgender persons are among the hot-button issues set to emerge next week when the Maryland State Legislature begins its 2012 session. Officials with an expanded coalition backing the marriage bill and a new transgender advocacy group leading the effort on behalf of the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act say t... Washington Blade • Jan 5, 2012

	Judge Won't Block New Hawaii Civil Union Law He added that there is no "realistic danger of sustaining a direct injury" under the statute, and a "general intent to violate a statute at some unknown date in the future does not rise to the level of an articulated, concrete plan." "A couple would have to ask, they would have to be denied, and they would then have to file suit," Seabright wrote.... Courthouse News • Jan 4, 2012

	Sources say Gregoire will publicly support gay marriage Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to announce her support for gay marriage at a news conference Wednesday morning, according to sources close to the discussions. ... Seattle Times • Jan 4, 2012

	New Hungarian constitution comes into effect with same-sex marriage ban Hungary's new constitution, which bans gay marriage and does not explicitly protect gay people from discrimination, has come into force amid public unrest. The constitution was enacted 262-44 in April of last year, with 80 members of parliament boycotting the drafting and voting process, and took effect on 1 January 2012.... Pink News • Jan 4, 2012

	Gay rights in N.C. face scrutiny in spotlight of Democratic Convention Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/03/2894553/gay-rights-in-nc-face-scrutiny.html#storylink=cpy September's convention comes on the heels of a statewide ballot question in May, where voters will decide whether a ban on same-sex marriage should be written into North Carolina's constitution. Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/01/03/2894553/gay-rights-in-nc-face-scrutiny.html#storylink=cpy... Charlotte Observer • Jan 3, 2012

	Colorado GOP group organizes support for civil unions, saying they fit party's personal-freedom philosophy Coloradans for Freedom is holding a "conservative cocktail reception" Thursday night at a Denver home. A bill allowing civil unions in Colorado passed last year in the state Senate but died in a state House committee, with every Republican voting "no" and every Democrat voting "yes." A similar bill will be introduced in the 2012 session, which begins Jan. 11.... Dover Post • Jan 3, 2012

	Domestic partner benefits ban signed; ACLU promises lawsuit Many government employers in Michigan will be barred from providing health care benefits to the domestic partners of public employees under legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday. Snyder said the prohibition will not apply to employees of the state public universities or to state government employees. The measure does apply to municipal and school employees, and to homosexual and het... Detroit Free Press • Jan 2, 2012

	Gay Couples Credited With Nearly 14 Percent Rise In New York City Marriages While New York City does not ask license applicants to identify by gender, officials believe that a 14% rise in demand, an increase of 4,042 licenses over last year, is due almost entire to the unions of gay and lesbian couples. ... On Top Magazine • Jan 2, 2012

	Call for patience in same sex marriage push The Opposition Leader, Tony Abbott, has ruled out giving Coalition MPs a conscience vote, saying to do so would break an election commitment. But the Liberal senator Simon Birmingham has signalled he will argue for a conscience vote when Mr Abbott seeks party room approval for his position. ... Sydney Morning Herald • Jan 2, 2012

	Same Sex Civil Unions Legalized in Delaware, 400 Line Up on New Year's Day Read more - http://w.po.st/share/entry/redir?publisherKey=Inquisitr.com-607&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.inquisitr.com%2F174609%2Fsame-sex-civil-unions-legalized-in-delaware-400-line-up- The new law went into effect today, and according to the Associated Press, more than 400 people lined up on New Year's Day to get a civil union.... The Inquisitor • Jan 2, 2012

	Hawaii Celebrates First Civil Unions Four Hawaii same-sex couples celebrated civil unions just after midnight Sunday at a party in east Honolulu. The festivities were marked by a proclamation from Gov. Neil Abercrombie and Lt. Gov. Brian Schatz, a stark contrast from an event less than two years ago at the state Capitol when then-Gov. Linda Lingle vetoed a civil unions bill at a public ceremony.... Honolulu Civil Beat • Jan 2, 2012

	NC: Cooper will defend suit against marriage laws Guilford County Registrar of Deeds Jeff Thigpen, Greensboro ministers and Triad residents filed a suit Dec. 8 challenging state laws that require couples to seek licenses and participate in a marriage ceremony conducted by a magistrate, pastor, priest or rabbi. ... • Jan 2, 2012

	Gay marriage row set to flare Labor backbencher and Left faction member Stephen Jones will introduce legislation aimed at legalising same-sex marriage when Federal Parliament resumes next month. His move comes after last month's ALP national conference voted to reverse the party's long-standing opposition to same-sex marriage. But with Labor MPs allowed a conscience vote on the issue, Mr Jones' bill is doomed to be voted dow... WAtoday • Jan 2, 2012

	Civil Unions and Beyond in 2012 Welcome to 2012! We got a lot of work to do this year, so let's roll up our sleeves and get to work. The new year marks new civil union laws in Delaware, Hawaii, and California. Psychologists in North Carolina lash out at anti-gay prejudice, LGBTs can marry in Cancun -- probably -- and something fishy's going on with civil unions in the European Union. ... MNW • Jan 2, 2012

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