Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from February 2012

	Same-sex marriage poll finds majority approve Support for same-sex marriage in California has never been higher, with 59 percent of the state's voters backing the legalization of gay nuptials, according to a new Field Poll. What's notable is that some of the more significant gains in support came from Catholics, Latinos and older voters - part of the core of support for voter-approved Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that defined marri... SF Gate • Feb 29, 2012

	Supreme Court won't hear gay marriage foe NOM's disclosure challenge NOM, which spent more than $1.9 million to repeal the state's gay marriage law, claimed that Maine's rules were overly burdensome and unconstitutional. The state requires groups that raise or spend more than $5,000 to influence elections to register with the state and disclose donors who make contributions in excess of $100.... GoPride • Feb 29, 2012

	Standoff on gay marriage - What happens now? January 2014 is a long way off and by then Christie could be vice president, re-elected governor, or retired. Between now and then there are elections for Senate and Assembly and some incumbents will have tough races. What will influence them most - money, religion, sad stories or Chris Christie? We'll just have to wait and see. ... NJ.com • Feb 28, 2012

	NC: Baptists oppose gay-marriage ban About 100 people attended a statewide rally Feb. 25 at a Baptist church to oppose an upcoming vote to ban gay marriage in North Carolina. The gathering at Myers Park Baptist Church in Charlotte, N.C., was the first of three events planned by progressive Baptists to defeat Amendment One, which would add to the state constitution the words: "Marriage between one man and one woman is the only domest... Associated Baptist Press • Feb 28, 2012

	As Gay Marriage Gains Ground in Nation, New Hampshire May Revoke Its Law A House vote would need to take place by March 29, the deadline for the House to send its legislation to the Senate. Mr. Bates said Monday that he was working on ways to broaden the bill's support in both chambers, like changing or removing a sentence that states, "Children can only be conceived naturally through copulation by heterosexual couples." ... NY Times • Feb 28, 2012

	Ex-gay movement deeply tied to marriage amendment push A Republican state legislator and a man who claims to be a "former homosexual" have teamed up to support an anti-gay-marriage amendment to the Minnesota constitution. The group -- called the Pro-Marriage Amendment Forum -- is just one example of the deep ties between backers of the marriage amendment and the "ex-gay" movement. The connections have left some LGBT advocates wondering if it's not ju... American Independent • Feb 27, 2012

	Maryland same-sex couples travel to D.C. to marry By KARA ROSE -- Capital News Service Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/02/27/3903556/maryland-same-sex-couples-travel.html#storylink=cpy Gov. Martin O'Malley is set to sign legislation approving same-sex marriage in Maryland on March 1 - but it won't take effect unless Maryland voters approve it this fall. If that happens, couples like the McGonigles will no longer have to trek across the state line to marry. Advocates expect that change will lead to many more same-sex marriages in the state, which could boost the Maryland economy... Bradenton Herald • Feb 27, 2012

	Iowa Poll: Majority opposes ban on same-sex marriage The poll found that 38 percent favor a legislative initiative to pass a constitutional amendment, while 56 percent are against. Six percent aren't sure. The findings show little movement on the issue from February 2011, when 40 percent of those surveyed supported passing an amendment, while 54 percent were opposed.... DesMoins Register • Feb 27, 2012

	Both sides eager to spend in NH's gay marriage fight New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg recently gave $50,000 to Standing Up for New Hampshire Families, a Concord group that backs gay marriage. And the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) plans to tap a nationwide donor base to spend $250,000 on television commercials and to donate to candidates who oppose gay marriage.... Union Leader • Feb 27, 2012

	Changes seen in Maine on gay marriage since vote Supporters say 54 percent of respondents in a December survey of 800 likely voters favored legalizing gay marriage. They say they've also gotten a positive response from the more than 40,000 people they've talked to in person and by phone on the issue, many of them in places that opposed same-sex marriage in the 2009 election. They plan to talk to another 100,000 Mainers one-on-one before Election... Seacoast Online • Feb 27, 2012

	New Hampshire has logged 1,887 same-sex marriages As of Friday, there have been 1,887 same-sex marriages recorded in New Hampshire, including 785 civil unions that converted to marriages after the state's same-sex marriage law took effect on Jan. 1, 2010. ... Union Leader • Feb 27, 2012

	NH: Change vowed in bill to repeal gay marriage Bates said some lawmakers have expressed concerns about the "religious liberty" section of his bill, which would bar penalizing any "individual, corporation, entity, association, educational institution or society" for refusing to solemnize or treat as valid any civil union if that violates "their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs." ... Union Leader • Feb 27, 2012

	Gov. Martin O'Malley sets gay marriage bill signing for Thursday The governor is scheduled to sign the legislation in a 5 p.m. ceremony Thursday, making Maryland the eighth state to legalize same-sex unions. ... WJLA • Feb 27, 2012

	Almost too Many Equality Victories to Count! Another crazy week: Maryland's legislature passes a marriage bill, a lawsuit widens in New Jersey, the governor of Hawaii comes out for equality, and a huge victory in a federal case against DOMA. Lately we've racking up so many wins, it's getting hard to keep up. Let's start with this week's big news in the Prop 8 case. ... MNW • Feb 27, 2012

	Gay marriage law likely will be up to voters State elections officials say they are already getting calls seeking information on how to start the process. Even the bill's staunchest supporters expect its opponents to easily gather the 55,736 signatures necessary to put the question on the November ballot. ... Baltimore Sun • Feb 24, 2012

	Republican group appeals ruling striking down federal gay marriage ban In court papers, a group of congressional Republicans defending the federal gay marriage ban revealed they are appealing the ruling to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit will become the second federal appeals court to now consider the legality of the Defense of Marriage Act, a 16-year-old law known as DOMA. ... Mercury News • Feb 24, 2012

	Grindr, Courage Campaign, gay activists push Democratic Party to support marriage equality Courage Campaign and gay activists including Pam Spaulding (Pam's House Blend blog) have teamed with Grindr, the gay men's dating app, to leverage the Democratic National Committee to support marriage equality. The campaign hopes to mobilize Grindr users to sign pro-marriage equality petitions, which will be delivered to DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz, the South Florida congresswoman.... Miami Herald • Feb 24, 2012

	Storey plans to continue in Prop. 8 case Clerk-Recorder Chuck Storey plans to appeal the recent ruling in the Proposition 8 case that barred him from participating in support of the ban on gay marriage.... Imperial Valley Press • Feb 24, 2012

	BREAKING: Maryland Senate Passes Marriage Equality 25-22, Bill Heads to O'Malley for Signature O'Malley, who has made the bill part of his 2012 legislative agenda, has vowed to sign the bill. Opponents have vowed to collect the more than 55,000 signatures needed for a referendum seeking to overturn the law, which would be placed on the 2012 ballot. ... Metro Weekly • Feb 24, 2012

	DOMA ruled unconstitutional by 2nd federal judge The government's denial of all federal benefits to same-sex married couples is an irrational and unconstitutional act of discrimination, a federal judge ruled Wednesday, a step toward a likely Supreme Court test of the law known as the Defense of Marriage Act. ... SF Gate • Feb 23, 2012

	Queensland's first civil unions registered Same sex couples lined up outside the Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages to be the first to register their civil partnerships with the Queensland Government this morning. ... Brisbane Times • Feb 23, 2012

	Tasmania: MARRIAGE EQUALITY TO BRING $100M WINDFALL FOR STATE ECONOMY, EXPERT SAYS As the Federal Government considers three private members bills to legalise same-sex marriage, a leading American academic visiting the country launched a report suggesting that Tasmania could reap almost $100 million towards its economy should it become the first state to move for marriage equality. Professor Lee Badgett, an economics professor at the University of Massachusetts and Director of ... Gay News Network • Feb 23, 2012

	Ireland: New poll confirms public support for marriage equality as a Constitutional right The poll builds on past research which has tracked increasing support for equality among the Irish public. Public support for marriage equality has grown from 56% in 2008 to 62% in 2009 to this latest figure of 73%. ... Gaelick • Feb 23, 2012

	Gay nups boo$t city Total revenue to the city's marriage bureau jumped from $2.07 million from August through December 2010, to $2.26 million in the same period last year, after same-sex nuptials went into effect, according the City Clerk's Office. ... NY Post • Feb 23, 2012

	LGBT advocates fight Catholic Charities' threat to stop adoptions if civil unions are legalized Gay advocacy group One Colorado has started an online petition to fight against what it calls "scare tactics" by Catholic Charities, whose reps testified at the Capitol last week that if lawmakers legalize civil unions, it may stop providing adoption and foster care services. Why? Because civil unions could lead to same-sex marriage, which Catholics oppose. ... Denver Westword • Feb 23, 2012

	Orange leaders agree to domestic-partner registry Orange County leaders agreed Tuesday to write a law broadening Orlando's domestic-partner registry that gives certain visitation and end-of life rights for all unmarried couples at hospitals, jails and funeral homes countywide. ... Orlando Sentinel • Feb 23, 2012

	BREAKING: DOMA's Federal Definition of Marriage Unconstitutional, Judge Rules in Golinski Case In part, U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey S. White today found that Section 3 of DOMA violates the equal protection rights of Golinski, finding that heightened scrutiny applies -- as urged by the DOJ -- and noting that it might not even pass rational basis -- the lowest -- legal scrutiny: ... Metro Weekly • Feb 22, 2012

	WA: Voters Support Gay Marriage Voters say if there was a referendum on the new law legalizing same-sex marriage, they would vote to uphold it rather than repeal it, 50%-46%. Only 20% of voters say they feel there should be no legal recognition of same-sex couples at all, with 46% supporting legal gay marriage and 32% supporting civil unions but not gay marriage.... Public Policy Polling • Feb 22, 2012

	NJ: Part of gay marriage suit is reinstated A New Jersey judge has reinstated a previously dismissed portion of a lawsuit from gay couples seeking to have the state recognize same-sex marriage. The ruling, issued Tuesday by Superior Court Judge Linda Feinberg, broadens the scope of the suit by allowing further argument over whether denying gay couples permission to wed violates the U.S. Constitution. Gay-rights groups see the reinstatemen... Philadelphia Enquirer • Feb 22, 2012

	Vt. lesbian couple fight DOMA, deportation A lesbian couple in Vermont has been thrust into the national spotlight. They are legally married here, but not at the federal level. Now one of them is considered an illegal immigrant and is facing deportation. ... WCAX • Feb 22, 2012

	Same-sex couples can sign up for civil unions from Thursday as Queensland's Civil Partnership Act comes into effect on March 5 GAY couples are preparing to line up outside the Brisbane registry office on Thursday to sign up for the state's first civil unions. That's when the Civil Partnership Act comes into effect, with the first ceremonies able to take place on March 5.... Courier Mail • Feb 22, 2012

	CA SENATOR MARK LENO INTRODUCES BILL REAFFIRMING RELIGIOUS FREEDOM Senator Mark Leno introduced legislation today that clarifies the religious freedom of clergy members in California. Senate Bill 1140 reaffirms the separation of church and state and clarifies under state law that no member of clergy will be required to perform a marriage that is contrary to his or her faith. SB 1140 also protects churches from losing their tax-exempt status if they refuse to perf... Gay USA • Feb 22, 2012

	Gov. Abercrombie: Same-Sex Marriage Ban Unconstitutional Governor Neil Abercrombie believes the state prohibition against same-sex marriage is unconstitutional but his administration will defend it in federal court. ... Hawaii Reporter • Feb 22, 2012

	Minnesota has become the Wild, Wild West of campaign disclosure this cycle HRC today welcomed the formal complaint launched by Common Cause Minnesota charging anti-gay groups have run afoul of Minnesota campaign finance laws. According to the complaint, Minnesota for Marriage - the umbrella group that opposes marriage equality - filed a false and "sufficiently suspicious" financial report to the state elections board. Just because the group may disagree with Minnesota's ... Human Rights Campaign • Feb 22, 2012

	WV: Same Sex Civil Union Bill Going Nowhere Delegate John Doyle says he does not expect H.B. 4569 to go anywhere in the remaining weeks of the 2012 Regular Legislative Session, but he says the idea needs to, at least, be floated at the State House. ... West Virginia Metro News • Feb 22, 2012

	California gay-marriage opponents launch a legal gambit In deciding to ask a federal appeals court to reconsider the ruling against Proposition 8, backers of the ballot measure that banned same-sex marriage in California are gambling on the possibility that a more conservative panel of judges would issue a broader ruling in favor of such bans, legal scholars said Tuesday. "They don't have much to lose," UC Davis Law professor Vikram Amar said. "If the... LA Times • Feb 22, 2012

	Repeal of marriage equality law is stalled in N.H. House A bill to repeal New Hampshire's marriage equality law is waiting to be brought to the floor of the House, where proponents said they've been expecting action for weeks. Sponsored by Rep. David Bates, R-Windham, the bill was introduced in the last session of the Legislature. Following a well-attended public hearing, the House Judiciary Committee voted in February 2011 that the entire House ought ... Seacoast Online • Feb 21, 2012

	Mormons for Marriage concerned about possible church involvement in Washington state Less than 24 hours after personally filing Referendum 74 with the Washington state attorney general's office, Joseph Backholm of the Family Policy Institute of Washington and John Paulton of Focus on the Family met with "Mormon Church Leaders" in Washington. A staffer at the Family Policy Institute initially disclosed the meeting by phone, the meeting was later confirmed directly by Joseph Backhol... Box Turtle Bulletin • Feb 21, 2012

	ACLU faults state over civil union law In the six months since Governor Lincoln Chafee signed the legislation into law, only 46 couples have entered into civil unions. It's a number the ACLU calls "embarrassingly" low.... WPRI • Feb 21, 2012

	Minneapolis-area Lutherans oppose marriage amendment Minneapolis-area Lutherans on Friday went on record against changing the state Constitution to define marriage as between one man and one woman. Their vote made them one of the largest faith groups yet to formally oppose the amendment that will go before voters Nov. 6, which would ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Close to 700 Lutherans, representing congregations in the Minneapolis Area Synod ... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Feb 21, 2012

	Civil unions could generate $4.8 million for Colorado in first three years, study says If Colorado lawmakers pass a bill to legalize civil unions, the state could see a bump in its bank account -- $4.8 million in the first three years, according to a report by the California-based sexual orientation think tank The Williams Institute. That money would come from a combination of things, including spending on civil union ceremonies and savings on public benefit programs, which tend t... Denver Westword • Feb 21, 2012

	Colorado civil unions battle a heated all-Republican affair At a state Senate committee hearing on a same-sex civil unions bill held here Wednesday, a series of witnesses battered Republican lawmakers opposed to the bill, suggesting they were confused in their ideology, nonstrategic in their thinking and enslaved to an outdated anti-gay "hateful bigoted mantra." The harsh criticism came not from Democrats and their allies but from Republicans testifying i... Colorado Independent • Feb 21, 2012

	Christie vetoes gay-marriage bill, offers ombudsman instead Gov. Christie followed through on his promise to veto a bill to legalize same-sex marriage, but did it with a twist Friday: He offered to appoint an ombudsman who would ensure that civil-union licenses are recognized and respected as equal to marriage licenses, as required by state law. ... Philadelphia Enquirer • Feb 21, 2012

	Bridgewater State student says she was punched over pro-gay marriage piece Police at Bridgewater State University are looking for a woman who allegedly punched a student journalist in the face for her pro-gay marriage editorial. Meanwhile, the school is rallying behind the writer, Destinie Mogg-Barkalow, and is planning a rally on campus on Tuesday.... Enterprise News • Feb 21, 2012

	After soul searching, swing votes make difference for same-sex marriage But this time the faith-driven opposition didn't carry the day. Instead, lawmakers say, they were swayed by the emotional stories of gay couples. Some delegates wanted to be assured that churches would never be forced by the state to preform same-sex marriages. Several were convinced that voters would get the final say. Their decisions pushed the vote count past the 71 needed to pass the measure. ... Baltimore Sun • Feb 21, 2012

	A Quiet Struggle Within the Gay Marriage Fight The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit earlier this month upheld a decision declaring Proposition 8, California's ban on same-sex marriage, unconstitutional. The ruling represented a milestone in the secular struggle over gay rights. In the shadow of that struggle, however, a quieter battle is being waged within churches over whether gay people can be married and ordained. Long ... NY Times • Feb 21, 2012

	England: Petition against same-sex marriage Christian groups backed by former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey said they are sending 175,000 emails which will invite people to sign a petition opposing the introduction of same-sex marriage. ... AP • Feb 21, 2012

	Illinois push begins for gay marriage, amid much skepticism The conventional wisdom in Springfield is that lawmakers will first focus on winning March 20 primary contests as they run in new districts and then attempt to pass a budget and escape the spring session taking as few controversial votes as possible. ... Chicago Tribune • Feb 21, 2012

	Snub claim a sign of discord among gay-marriage foes It appears two separate camps of gay-marriage opponents will be running simultaneous campaigns this spring. Stephen Pidgeon, candidate for attorney general and a gay-marriage opponent, is behind Initiative 1192, which seeks to reaffirm the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. Joseph Backholm, executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington, who has emerged as ... Seattle Times • Feb 21, 2012

	Md. Senate could take gay marriage vote this week, committee will vote on House version Tues. The Maryland Senate is expected to act quickly on a bill that could legalize same-sex marriage. The chamber's Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to send the legislation to the full Senate on Tuesday and a final vote on the bill could come by the end of the week, said committee chairman Brian Frosh, D-Montgomery.... Washington Post • Feb 21, 2012

	Gay marriage 'inevitable', Gillard tells guests PRIME Minister Julia Gillard has told three same-sex couples she believes laws allowing them to marry in Australia are inevitable. Ms Gillard and partner Tim Mathieson hosted the couples at The Lodge last night. She told them the growing number of countries legislating in favour of the issue is placing increasing pressure on politicians to support reform.... Sydney Morning Herald • Feb 21, 2012

	Maryland Senate takes up gay marriage legislation The chamber's Judicial Proceedings Committee is scheduled to send the legislation to the full Senate on Tuesday and a final vote on the bill could come by the end of the week, said committee chairman Brian Frosh, D-Montgomery. ... AP • Feb 21, 2012

	The New Democratic Litmus Test After decades of avoiding what was once a toxic issue, Democrats are on the verge of establishing a new litmus test, one that will demonstrate just how quickly and dramatically the political landscape will change: When a new crop of Democrats run for the White House in 2016, the top contenders will likely all embrace same-sex marriage the way Republicans embrace a pro-life stand. Just as there is ... National Journal • Feb 21, 2012

	Campaign to Stop Marriage in WA Ramping Up The fight's not over in Washington: the governor may have signed the bill last week, but the campaign to overturn is just ramping up. Meanwhile, there's incredible momentum for marriage around the country, with legislators passing bills in Maryland and New Jersey, a civil unions bill advancing in Colorado, and brand new legislation popping up in West Virginia and Rhode Island. This week, watch fo... MNW • Feb 21, 2012

	BREAKING: Proposition 8 Proponents to Seek Full Ninth Circuit Review Charles Cooper, the lead attorney for the proponents of Proposition 8, tells Metro Weekly that the proponents of the California marriage amendment will be asking the full U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to review the three-judge panel decision issued on Feb. 7 holding that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.... Metro Weekly • Feb 21, 2012

	Same-sex marriage bill passes Maryland House of Delegates A bill to legalize same-sex marriage won approval in the Maryland House of Delegates on Friday night, capping a dramatic turnaround from a year ago and all but assuring the measure will be sent to Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) for his promised signature. ... Washington Post • Feb 18, 2012

	NJ Gov. Christie vetoes gay marriage bill as vowed Lawmakers in New Jersey have until the end of the legislative session in January 2014 to override the veto. They would need two-thirds of the lawmakers in the Assembly and Senate to agree. Both votes to pass it fell short of that mark. Christie has virtually guaranteed that no override would succeed because Republicans wouldn't cross him.... AP • Feb 17, 2012

	Obama Administration Wouldn't Defend Blocking Military Benefits From Same-Sex Couples The Obama Justice Department has concluded that legislation banning same-sex couples from receiving military and veterans benefits violates the equal protection component of the Fifth Amendment and will no longer defend the statute in court, Attorney General Eric Holder wrote in a letter to Congressional leaders on Friday. ... Talking Points Memo • Feb 17, 2012

	Maryland lawmakers under national pressure on marriage bill By far the biggest boost came in the morning when Republican Del. Wade Kach, who was considered a sure-fire no vote, threw his support behind O'Malley's bill. Kach had voted against the bill two days earlier in committee. The Baltimore County delegate said he reached his decision after mulling the testimony he'd heard during a nearly 11-hour hearing on the bill last week and watching how same-sex... Baltimore Sun • Feb 17, 2012

	New Mexico DOMA DOA New Mexico State Representative David Chavez' HJR-22, aka Super-DOMA, has been defeated. ... Lez Get Real • Feb 17, 2012

	Marriage Fairness Act meets continued opposition in Illinois Excluding the Religious Freedom-Marriage Act, none of the House bills Harris introduced made it past the Rules Committee in the House. Harris said the main point of introducing these bills was to build awareness among his colleagues on the issue of same-sex marriage. Harris added a lot of work needs to be done in order for this new bill to gain some traction within districts across the state. ... Daily Illini • Feb 17, 2012

	Canada: Same-sex marriage loophole to be closed The governing Conservatives are expected to detail changes to the Civil Marriage Act to ensure the marriages are recognized.... CBC News • Feb 17, 2012

	Statement on the Governor's impending veto of the marriage equality bill It's why I chose not to waste a breath in pleading with the Governor not to veto - and have put Garden State Equality immediately to work to achieve an override. The great news is, we have until the end of the legislative session, in January 2014, to do it. ... Garden State Equality • Feb 17, 2012

	Gay, lesbian couples apply to marry in Va. For the eighth year, the applications by gay and lesbian couples were rejected because Virginia does not recognize same-sex marriage. But Hunt and Herron followed their hearts and later were unofficially wed outside the John Marshall Courts Building. ... Richmond Times-Dispatch • Feb 17, 2012

	W.Va. delegate files bill to grant civil unions A West Virginia lawmaker introduced a bill Thursday that would give gay and lesbian couples the same legal protections as heterosexual married couples. Delegate John Doyle, D-Jefferson, said he wants to start a conversation about family equality. Gay and lesbian couples should have the same safety net to deal with the death of a parent or the loss of a job as married couples.... Herald Times Reporter • Feb 17, 2012

	Gay-rights bills to again be submitted at R.I. Assembly Following last year's passage of a law recognizing same-sex civil unions, gay rights will again be a focus at the General Assembly this year.... Providence Journal • Feb 17, 2012

	Maryland gay marriage debate delayed to Thursday Debate on contentious legislation to permit gay marriage in Maryland, initially scheduled to begin Thursday morning in the House of Delegates, has been delayed until a special late-afternoon session of the full House.... Reuters • Feb 16, 2012

	Vote by Colorado Senate panel embraces civil unions The committee voted 5-2 to pass the civil-unions bill after a five-hour hearing that attracted about 200 people and left several Democratic lawmakers in tears. ... Denver Post • Feb 16, 2012

	Amendments to gay marriage bill expected Thurs. in Md. House, debate on civil unions predicted Members of the House of Delegates will begin debating a bill to legalize gay marriage Thursday morning. Delegates are expected to consider amendments to the bill Thursday with a final vote possible this week.... Washington Post • Feb 16, 2012

	Gay rights advocates step up pressure on Mayor Johnson Marriage rights activists are stepping up their pressure on Mayor Kevin Johnson to join dozens of other elected officials in supporting gay marriage. ... Sacramento Bee • Feb 16, 2012

	Stonewall publishes draft marriage equality bill Gay rights charity Stonewall has published a draft marriage bill which it says contains the provisions necessary to extend equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. The bill would retain civil partnerships for gay couples and give civil partners the option of converting their union to a marriage. The two-page bill lists five legislative steps necessary to implement equal marriage and comes ahea... Pink News • Feb 16, 2012

	Is Gay Marriage on the Table in Rhode Island? A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage in Rhode Island will "absolutely" be introduced during this legislative session, Marriage Equality Rhode Island (MERI) executive director Ray Sullivan confirmed Tuesday. ... GoLocalProv • Feb 16, 2012

	Same-sex marriage march in Edinburgh More than 1,000 campaigners for same-sex marriage have taken to the streets of Edinburgh to urge the Scottish government to change the law. The march featured a giant Valentine's Day card to Alex Salmond.... BBC • Feb 15, 2012

	UPDATE: Md. braces for close vote on marriage The Maryland House of Delegates is preparing for a close vote on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage on Friday. The vote is expected just days after the measure was moved to the floor following approval by a joint committee on Tuesday.... Washington Blade • Feb 15, 2012

	Emanuel backs Illinois gay marriage measure Mayor Rahm Emanuel today said he would press for legislation pending in Springfield that would legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois. "I'll push for it because it is consistent with the values base, and the practical values base, that I think is right as a city, as a state and as a country," said Emanuel, who supported gay marriage during the campaign.... Chicago Tribune • Feb 15, 2012

	Nancy Pelosi Supports 2012 Democratic Party Platform Including Marriage Equality House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) supports the 2012 Democratic Party platform including, for the first time, language in full support of marriage equality, her spokesman told Metro Weekly on Tuesday evening, Feb. 14. ... Metro Weekly • Feb 15, 2012

	The road to same-sex marriage in Washington November 2009: Referendum 71, which would repeal "everything but marriage" law, fails at ballot; Washington becomes first state where voters approve rights of same-sex partners. January 2012: Gregoire, saying "I have been on my own journey," announces her support of same-sex marriage legislation. February 2012: Legislature passes bill to legalize same-sex marriage, and Gregoire signs it into law... Seattle Times • Feb 15, 2012

	Civil unions bill gets 1st hearing in Colo. Senate; similar proposal failed last year in House The debate of whether to grant Colorado same-sex couples rights similar to married couples returns to the state Capitol Wednesday, this time with more momentum than when it failed narrowly last year. The proposal is likely to be among the most emotionally charged this year, with supporters pleading for equal rights and opponents saying civil unions undermine traditional marriages.... Washington Post • Feb 15, 2012

	Millions To Be Spent In Minnesota's Gay Marriage Fight In November, Minnesota voters will head to the polls to vote on a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage. Already, the two key advocacy groups facing off over the measure have raised big bucks. Minnesotans United for All Families -- a group opposing the amendment -- raised $1.2 million in 2011 and boasts a "broad coalition" of people supporting their efforts. Among the group's 5... Talking Points Memo • Feb 15, 2012

	Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn Retreating On Gay Marriage Support? The Associated Press reported on Tuesday that Quinn is not sure of his support of gay marriage. Quinn reportedly said he wants to study the issues surrounding marriage equality before he makes a decision.... On Top Magazine • Feb 15, 2012

	Australian gay marriage bills find support According to a Galaxy poll this week, over 80 percent of people aged 18 to 24 said they supported same-sex marriage. ... PhilStar • Feb 15, 2012

	CHRISTIE SAYS HE'LL TAKE 'SWIFT ACTION' TO VETO NJ MARRIAGE EQUALITY, CALLS ATTEMPT TO PASS IT 'THEATER': VIDEO New Jersey Governor Chris Christie assured reporters that the legislature would not have the votes to override a promised veto of the marriage equality bill which the Senate passed yesterday and the House is expected to pass on Thursday, Think Progress LGBT reports. ... Towleroad • Feb 15, 2012

	Washington's Anti-Gay Hydra National Organization for Marriage is going to have their hands full trying to control all the back-biting factions within Washington's anti-gay industry. Did they know what they were in for when they decided to spend upwards of $6 million to interfere in the affairs of a state 2,500 miles distant from their offices in Washington, D.C.? Dominic Holden reported in The Stranger that apparently ther... Pam's House Blend • Feb 15, 2012

	Md. House committees approve marriage bill The Judiciary Committee and the Health & Government Operations Committee heard joint testimony last week on the marriage bill. The committees voted jointly in a closed session over several hours late Tuesday afternoon. The vote was 25-18 in favor, with one abstention, Del. Sam Arora (D-Mont. Co.), a former supporter of the bill. ... Washington Blade • Feb 15, 2012

	New Mexico Super-DOMA Reintroduced Well here is a nice how-do-you-do. Apparently, Representative Devid Chavez has reintroduced his super-DOMA bill today after pulling it from consideration just before it was set to go before the House Consumer & Public Affairs Committee. ... Lez Get Real • Feb 15, 2012

	Pew poll: Public not particularly happy about Prop 8 decision or contraception mandate More than four-in-ten (44%) say they are disappointed (31%) or angry (13%). Just a third (33%) say they are pleased (20%) or very happy (13%). About one-in-five (22%) volunteer that they have none of these reactions (15%) or have no opinion (7%). ... Hot Air • Feb 15, 2012

	Majority Of Catholics Support Gay Unions More than two-thirds of Catholics and an overwhelming majority of Democrats support gay unions, a new New York Times/CBS News poll found. ... On Top Magazine • Feb 15, 2012

	Support Is Found for Birth Control Coverage and Gay Unions Gay marriage is another debate in which the Catholic laity disagrees with church doctrine. More than two-thirds of Catholic voters supported some sort of legal recognition of gay couples' relationships: 44 percent favored marriage, and 25 percent preferred civil unions. Twenty-four percent said gay couples should receive no legal recognition. Again, white evangelical Christian voters expressed mo... NY Times • Feb 15, 2012

	Maryland Gay Marriage Bill Advances After Joint Panel Passes Measure The House of Delegates' Judiciary Committee and the Health and Government Operations Committee approved the measure 25-18 in a joint vote, a judiciary panel spokeswoman said. The measure is expected to go to the full House on Wednesday, she said. ... Huffington Post • Feb 15, 2012

	New Jersey Senate approves gay marriage; veto looms "The word marriage is society's universal civil and legal acknowledgment of a loving relationship," Sen. Loretta Weinberg, the bill's sponsor, said during the debate. "It's time for New Jersey to get on the right side of history and enact true marriage equality for every one of our residents." In a tacit acknowledgment of how long the fight might continue, she added, "With enough votes, in the fu... Reuters • Feb 14, 2012

	Civil-unions bill gains traction among Colorado Republicans Backers of civil unions in Colorado say there is growing support for their measure, and no one is a better symbol of that changing landscape than Sen. Shawn Mitchell. The Broomfield Republican said Monday he is considering supporting a civil-unions bill when it comes to the Senate floor. Only a few years ago, a bill Mitchell introduced about teaching human sexuality served as the catalyst for we... Denver Post • Feb 14, 2012

	Civil unions bill to be heard in Senate Judiciary Committee on Weds. Colorado's pending civil union legislation will see its first legislative hearing of the 2012 session on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The bill, SB-2, would establish civil unions for gay and lesbian couples - or any two consenting, unrelated adults. At 1:15 p.m., the Senate Judiciary Committee will hear public testimony on the bill, which is expected to pass the Democrat-controlled committee. Last year's l... Examiner • Feb 14, 2012

	MD Del. Hogan undecided on gay marriage, chairman says committee could vote this week A Republican member of Maryland's State House who has been mentioned as a possible supporter of a bill to legalize gay marriage says he's unsure if he will support it. Republican Delegate Patrick Hogan represents an increasingly Democratic district in Frederick and had been seen as a potential supporter of same-sex unions.... Washington Post • Feb 14, 2012

	UK study: 61% of Christians back equal rights for gay couples Results of a poll released today say 61% of people in the UK who identify as Christian back fully equal rights for gay couples. The 2011 Ipsos MORI study explored the "beliefs, knowledge and attitudes" of people who identified as Christian after the nationwide census last year.... Pink News • Feb 14, 2012

	Bills to allow gay marriage introduced in Australian Parliament but may fail due to politics wo bills to allow gay marriages in Australia were introduced in Parliament on Monday but may fail because of political conflicts. The bills are essentially the same, lifting a current ban on same-sex marriages while letting religious ministers refuse to solemnize ceremonies inconsistent with their beliefs.... Washington Post • Feb 13, 2012

	Gay marriage could generate $64 million over 3 years in Maryland A survey from the California-based Williams Institute indicates that the legalization of marriage for same-sex couples in Maryland could generate as much as $64 million over three years for the state economy. The institute, in a release on Feb. 11, said, "allowing same-sex couples to marry will have positive effects on the Maryland economy and tax revenues. Over three years, weddings by resident M... Wisconsin Gazette • Feb 13, 2012

	Metro-east group wants gay marriage bill passed; opponents ready for a tussle BY BRIAN BRUEGGEMANN - News-Democrat Read more here: http://www.bnd.com/2012/02/13/2056081/group-wants-gay-marriage-bill.html#storylink=cpy Opponents of gay marriage include the Catholic Conference of Illinois, which recently created a Defense of Marriage Department within the organization. The department is headed by Zach Wichmann, who said Hoffman isn't alone in his differing views on civil unions and gay marriage. "I've heard the same thing from other legislators, that they view civil unions as kind of a contractual arrangement, an... Belleville News Democrat • Feb 13, 2012

	Gay marriage advocates to rally in Annapolis, bill before committees Gay marriage advocates will host a rally Monday evening in Annapolis.... Washington Post • Feb 13, 2012

	With same-sex marriage victories on their side, gay rights advocates picket Holy Name The sidewalk outside the downtown church is popular territory for protests, but some participants said they felt special hope because of victories in two other states and the introduction of the same-sex marriage bill in Springfield on Wednesday. Washington state lawmakers approved a gay marriage bill Wednesday, and appeals judges struck down California's same-sex marriage ban Tuesday. ... Chicago Tribune • Feb 13, 2012

	Two Bellingham congregations announce support for gay marriage law MORE FROM OUR PARTNER Read more here: http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/02/11/2022437/two-bellingham-congregations-announce.html#storylink=cpy Some of the most vocal opposition to Washington's soon-to-be-approved same-sex marriage law has come from politicians and clergy who believe they are protecting traditional religious values. But a few Bellingham congregations, and dozens of faith groups around the state, are throwing their support behind the gay marriage bill passed by the state Legislature this month. At a pro-gay-marriage pane... News Tribune • Feb 13, 2012

	Support Continues To Grow For Freedom To Marry The number of mayors from across the country who have pledged to support marriage equality via the Mayors For the Freedom To Marry campaign has now reached 141. ... Advocate • Feb 13, 2012

	NJ Senate OKs gay marriage bill in milestone vote New Jersey lawmakers gave their blessing to legalizing gay marriage for the first time Monday as the state Senate passed a bill that would allow nuptials for same-sex couples, despite Gov. Chris Christie's insistence that he will veto such legislation. The Senate's 24-16 vote sends the bill to the Assembly, which is expected to pass it on Thursday.... AP • Feb 13, 2012

	Will Prop 8 Ruling Protect Marriage in Washington? Prop 8's unconstitutional, Washington's passing its marriage equality bill, Illinois just introduced a bill of their own, we're making more progress in Maryland, and now New Mexico has pulled a proposed anti-gay marriage law. I told you 2012 was going to be busy. There are four big things you need to know about last week's ruling. First, it is a huge deal that for the first time ever, a federal ... MNW • Feb 13, 2012

	Washington state governor to sign gay marriage bill on Monday Governor Christine Gregoire plans to sign newly passed legislation on Monday to legalize gay marriage in Washington state, making it the seventh with a law on the books to recognize same-sex nuptials, her office said on Thursday.... Reuters • Feb 10, 2012

	Debate on Md. same-sex marriage bill set to begin The House debate on Gov. Martin O'Malley's same-sex marriage initiative is scheduled to begin Friday with testimony from the Democratic governor and a Republican lawmaker who is expected to introduce a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman. ... Washington Times • Feb 10, 2012

	Australia: MPs set to debate gay marriage in House of Representatives THE national legislature will on Monday become the Pink Parliament with a total of four gay marriage bills being up for consideration. It has taken roughly a century for Parliament to formally debate the issue and suddenly it looks like happening all at once. However, it will still be several months before Parliament gets down to an actual vote - certainly into the second half of the year - becau... News.com.au • Feb 10, 2012

	Charlie Morgan, Lesbian Guardsman With Cancer, Meets John Boehner Staffer To Push DOMA Repeal Morgan spoke to HuffPost immediately after meeting with Haley. She said it went "very well. I was very pleased with the reception." She said she was able to explain her situation and "ask personally for Speaker Boehner not to defend DOMA because I may not have time to see this through the legislative process." She also gave Haley a packet to give to Boehner with photos of her wife, Karen; her fat... Huffington Post • Feb 10, 2012

	Gay Service Member Questions Boehner's Staff on DOMA "I explained to her that the reason I'm here today is that I have stage IV breast cancer, and I don't have the luxury of time for the legislative process to overturn this," Morgan said via phone following the meeting with Haley. Morgan said the speaker's representative was "very empathetic" but told her that Boehner would continue to defend DOMA. ... Advocate • Feb 10, 2012

	Poll: Opposition to N.H. Marriage Equality Repeal Bill Remains Strong The WMUR/University of New Hampshire Survey Center poll that was released late on Tuesday found that 59 percent of respondents oppose House Bill 437. Previous surveys conducted last October and February found that 62 percent of New Hampshire residents oppose any effort to repeal the state's marriage equality law that took effect in Jan. 2010. ... Edge • Feb 10, 2012

	MD: Lobby Day set for Feb. 13 Maryland's annual pro-LGBT Lobby Day, which many believe will be critical for proponents of marriage equality and gender identity nondiscrimination legislation in Maryland, will take place on Feb. 13 in Annapolis. The event kicks off with a rally at Lawyers Mall at 6 p.m. that typically draws hundreds of supporters. ... Washington Blade • Feb 10, 2012

	Colorado Lawmakers Plan To Debate Civil Unions Lawmakers in Colorado will most likely take up the issue of civil unions in this year's legislative session.... CBS Denver • Feb 10, 2012

	Australia: Gay marriage bill to be introduced next week Throsby MP Stephen Jones will introduce his same-sex marriage bill to federal parliament next week, one of two such bills to be presented. Mr Jones' private member's bill will be tabled on Monday, along with a second to be jointly sponsored by Greens MP Adam Bandt and Tasmanian independent Andrew Wilkie.... Illawarra Mercury • Feb 10, 2012

	Al Sharpton supports same-sex marriage in Maryland MSNBC commentator Rev. Al Sharpton cut a web video supporting same-sex marriage legislation in Maryland and hosted MD Gov. Martin O'Malley on his cable show this evening to talk about the issue. ... Baltimore Sun • Feb 10, 2012

	Rabbis oppose Minnesota marriage amendment Dozens of Minnesota rabbis have gone on record opposing the proposed marriage amendment, urging "all Minnesotans of conscience and faith" to vote against the change to the state constitution that would define marriage as a union between a man and woman. ... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Feb 10, 2012

	N.J. gay marriage referendum is favored by more than half polled The Kean University/NJ Speaks poll of 1,000 likely voters found 57 percent support a public referendum on whether to allow same-sex couples to get married, while 32 percent oppose it. When asked simply if they favor or oppose gay marriage, 48 percent favor it and 37 percent oppose it.... NJ.com • Feb 10, 2012

	WA: Gay marriage supporters to march from Kalama to Longview on Saturday Same-sex marriage supporters will march in Cowlitz County Saturday and Sunday as part of a longer march from Vancouver to Olympia. The Love for All March for Marriage Equality is to express support for legalizing gay marriage in Washington and will cover a total of 100 miles. Most participants will only walk in one or two segments.... The Daily News • Feb 10, 2012

	MD: Shore lawmakers oppose same-sex marriage The hearing this Friday in the House Judiciary Committee will be the first this year looking at establishing marriage as between one man and one woman, but the second hearing analyzing same-sex marriage. Last week the Judicial Proceedings Committee in the Senate held the first public debate on same-sex marriage, featuring O'Malley. ... Delmarva Now • Feb 10, 2012

	New Jersey gay marriage votes set for later in February The state senate has scheduled a vote on February 13 and the assembly will take up the issue three days later. A similar bid to approve marriage for same-sex couples was defeated by the senate two years ago. ... Reuters • Feb 10, 2012

	Gay Marriage Draws Big Crowd at UMD The panel discussion was sponsored by UMD's Center for Ethics and Public Policy. The panel was comprised of four members both for and against the November initiative. The goal was to give audience members a more informed view to better understand both sides. ... WDIO • Feb 10, 2012

	New Mexico's DOMA Bill Yanked Progress New Mexico has sent out word that Representative David Chavez, a Republican, has withdrawn his DOMA bill from consideration. ... Lez Get Real • Feb 10, 2012

	WA: Voters may face 2 ballot measures OLYMPIA (AP) -- Voters may be presented with two ballot measures seeking to overturn a recently passed measure that would legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state. Voters may be presented with two ballot measures seeking to overturn a recently passed measure that would legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state. On Wednesday, the Legislature approved a gay marriage bill with a 55-43 vote in the House. The Senate approved it last week on a 28-21 vote, and now the bill awaits a signature from Gov. Chris Gregoire. She is expected to sign the measure into l... Tri-City Herald • Feb 10, 2012

	Marriage Equality Bill introduced in Illinois Illinois state representatives have filed a much-anticipated marriage equality bill in the Illinois General Assembly, local LGBT groups announced Feb. 8. Reps. Greg Harris, Deb Mell and Kelly Cassidy have introduced the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act, which would allow same-sex couples to marry in Illinois.... Windy City Media Group • Feb 10, 2012

	Gay-marriage amendment would exclude religious-school chapels As originally written, the measure exempted religious leaders from having to perform marriages for gay couples, and prevented state and local government agencies from penalizing religious organizations that refuse any part in same-sex weddings. Still, many religious leaders raised concerns that the exemptions didn't go far enough. • In addition to being able to refuse to perform same-sex marriag... Seattle Times • Feb 8, 2012

	Hank Plante on Prop 8: The Arc of History is Clear Tuesday's court victory upholding same-sex marriage in California should come as no surprise to anyone who's been paying attention to changing public opinion on gay rights. And judges pay as much attention to these shifting trends as the rest of us, whether they like to admit it or not.... Calbuzz • Feb 8, 2012

	Washington state House poised to pass gay marriage bill The Washington state House of Representatives was expected to endorse gay marriage on Wednesday in a vote that would move the state another step closer to becoming the seventh to recognize same-sex nuptials. Floor debate was scheduled to begin in the afternoon, with supporters and opponents predicting the measure would win House passage by at least as comfortable a margin as it took to clear the ... Reuters • Feb 8, 2012

	Divided court rejects Proposition 8 Instead of expanding the constitutional rights of gays and lesbians, the court based its decision on a 1996 U.S. Supreme Court precedent that said a majority may not take away a minority's rights without legitimate reasons. ... LA Times • Feb 8, 2012

	Dissenting Prop. 8 judge says 'optimal partnership' is man, woman Governments have an interest in "a responsible procreation theory, justifying the inducement of marital recognition only for opposite-sex couples" because they are the only ones who can create children from their union, Smith said.... LA Times • Feb 8, 2012

	Prop. 8 ruling: White House, GOP candidates react White House press secretary Jay Carney said the White House wouldn't be commenting on the court's rejection of California's same-sex marriage ban, saying that the administration doesn't weigh in on ongoing litigation. But the president's top spokesman also seemed to suggest an endorsement of the decision, without saying so. "He has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights... LA Times • Feb 8, 2012

	Gay marriage: U.S. Supreme Court may not hear Prop. 8 appeal "The opinion holds that Prop. 8 was unconstitutional only in a case where the state had already granted full legal rights to same-sex couples," said University of Minnesota law school professor Dale Carpenter. The decision "is specifically looking at the role of Proposition 8 in the California context," said Santa Clara University law professor Margaret M. Russell. Because it is limited to Califo... LA Times • Feb 8, 2012

	Gay marriage opponents begin drive to put issue on ballot Fervor against the legislation is particularly strong in areas east of the Cascades, such as the Yakima Valley, where tea party activists and conservative religious groups are discussing how they'll attack the measure. Opponents could soon be gathering signatures for a voter initiative -- or potentially a referendum on the law itself -- that would define marriage as between a man and a woman.... Yakima Herald • Feb 6, 2012

	Australia: Gay debate delayed to lift support THE gay marriage debate in Parliament will be pushed back to later in the year to give advocates for change more time to garner enough support to have legislation for same sex marriage passed. Instead of the debate being held immediately - which would have seen the bill defeated - the gay marriage campaign has changed focus to increase pressure on Tony Abbott to change his mind and allow oppositi... Sydney Morning Herald • Feb 6, 2012

	Church of England failing gay Christian couples, says bishop The Church of England is failing gay Christian couples and must rethink the traditional, biblical portrayal of homosexuality as "idolatrous, promiscuous and exploitative", according to one bishop. In remarks that reveal deep divisions in the church hierarchy, the Right Rev Nicholas Holtam said there were gay couples who were living faithfully and lovingly for life and that the quality and nature ... Guardian • Feb 6, 2012

	Prominent Tory disowns 'religious right' and supports gay marriage A prominent Conservative has broken ranks with his allies on the "religious right" by declaring his support for the Government's controversial plans to legalise gay marriage. In an interview with The Independent, Tim Montgomerie dismissed criticism that extending equal rights to gays and lesbians would weaken marriage. He said Tories and church leaders should support gay marriage because it would... The Independent • Feb 6, 2012

	Blankfein to Speak Out for Same-Sex Marriage Lloyd C. Blankfein, the chief of Goldman Sachs who has become a lightning rod for Wall Street critics, might seem an unlikely advocate for same-sex marriage. But his credentials -- a public figure in a conservative industry -- could make him a powerful voice for that cause. The Human Rights Campaign, a national organization that promotes equal rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender peo... NY Times • Feb 6, 2012

	Gay marriage support in N.J. Assembly to be measured with head count The leader of the New Jersey Assembly is planning a head count to gauge how many Democrats would support legislation allowing gay couples to marry.... NJ.com • Feb 6, 2012

	New Hampshire's David Bates Bankrolls Anti-Gay Marriage Campaign New Hampshire State Rep. David Bates is bankrolling a campaign for legislation he introduced that would repeal the state's 2-year-old gay marriage law, the Concord Monitor reported. ... On Top Magazine • Feb 6, 2012

	Washington Same-Sex Marriage Bill Passes Committee, Moves To Full House Today, the Judiciary Committee of the Washington State House voted to approve a same-sex marriage bill. Several Republicans attempted to add anti-gay amendments to the bill. Rep. Jamie Pedersen (D) (image, right) Chaired the Committee. ... The New Civil Rights Movement • Feb 6, 2012

	Prop 8 Trial Tapes Can't Stay Secret Forever Another crazy week, with news in the Prop 8 case and major advances in Washington, Maryland, and New Jersey. And yet another court has slapped down NOM's attempts to hide their donors. The big news this week: the tapes of the Prop 8 trial will remain under seal -- for n... MNW • Feb 6, 2012

	Local bishop supports same-sex marriage The Episcopal bishop in Western Washington, in sharp disagreement with Catholic prelates, believes that same-sex marriage is "a conservative proposal" that should be adopted "not only in our society but in our church." "It seems to me we have held our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters in a Catch-22," the Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel, Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Olympia, argues in a blog post pu... Seattle PI • Feb 5, 2012

	NJ: Same-sex marriage bill faces uncertain future John Tomicki, president of the New Jersey Coalition to Preserve and Protect Marriage who is opposed to the bill, said the effort appears to be far short of reaching the two-thirds supermajorities needed to override a Christie veto. ... Daily Record • Feb 5, 2012

	Santorum To Gay Man: You Don't Deserve 'Privilege' Of Marriage Because Gay Unions Don't 'Benefit Society' Rick Santorum told a gay man in Fulton, Missouri Friday afternoon that he didn't deserve the "privilege" of marriage because his same-sex relationship does not "benefit" society in the same way that opposite-sex marriage does. Marriage, Santorum explained is an "intrinsic good" in which gay and lesbian people should not be allowed to partake in: ... Think Progress • Feb 5, 2012

	Lawmakers facing backlash over gay marriage vote Wednesday's historic Senate vote to approve same sex marriage has energized supporters, but it has also caused a backlash for some of the lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill. Officials from the state information office said just prior to Wednesday's vote, 2,300 calls flooded into the state capitol, with most of the calls opposing gay marriage.... KOMO • Feb 5, 2012

	Colorado gay rights group donates to Republican lawmakers who voted for civil unions One Colorado, the group leading the lobbying effort for civil unions here, has repeatedly pledged to support any lawmaker -- Republican or Democrat -- who supports relationship recognition legislation. This week, campaign finance reports show the group has made good on its promise. ... LGBTQ Nation • Feb 5, 2012

	Will the Democrats Pony Up? DNC officials did not respond to several requests for comment on whether the organization intends to commit resources to state marriage battles. Clo Ewing, a spokeswoman for the Obama campaign, referred questions for the article to the DNC. ... Advocate • Feb 5, 2012

	National Organization for Marriage reports raising $280K in Minnesota, lists zero donors According to the filings, NOM reported giving $250,000 to the group Minnesota for Marriage, of which NOM is a member. NOM also reported that its contributions to Minnesota for Marriage came from "membership dues" to NOM. Under a loophole in Minnesota law, those donations would not have to be disclosed so long as NOM did not directly solicit contributions in the state. Minnesota for Marriage also ... American Independent • Feb 5, 2012

	News Analysis: Post Poll Shows Marylanders Split on Marriage Equality, Supporters Looking for Votes Just as a recent Washington Post poll shows for the first time that a majority of Marylanders support marriage equality, LGBT activists and their allies are scrambling to deliver the votes needed to pass the measure through the Maryland General Assembly. The Post poll found that 50 percent of Marylanders support marriage equality, while 44 percent are opposed. The poll was conducted by telephone... Metro Weekly • Feb 5, 2012

	Gay marriage opponent: We've raised $1 million already for referendum "Yesterday, there was a commitment of $1 million made to this campaign," said Joe Fuiten, senior pastor of the Cedar Park Assembly of God Church in Bothell. Fuiten is part of a coalition to overturn the likely gay marriage law. When asked who contributed the money, Fuiten said: "I'm not going to say, but it's been committed."... Chicago Tribune • Feb 4, 2012

	VIDEO: Former RNC Chairman Pitches Preservation of Same-Sex Marriage At his visit to the Statehouse, along with members of the Standing Up For New Hampshire Families organization, Mehlman held a short media availability, stating he was stressing the popularity of the state's law and the need for Republicans to be the party of personal liberties and freedom. He said polling data showed that state residents supported the same-sex marriage law by a two-to-one margin. ... Patch • Feb 4, 2012

	Gay marriage foes to fight expected Washington state law With the bill seemingly headed for swift enactment, several parallel efforts by opponents are shaping up to rally Washington voters against the prospective law. Their options included two possible ballot measures in November -- a referendum to repeal the gay marriage statute outright and an initiative defining marriage as being exclusively between one man and one woman. ... Reuters • Feb 3, 2012

	Author Of New Mexico DOMA Has History Of Domestic Abuse When it comes to respecting marriage, though, Chavez has a pretty spotty record. In October 2010, Chavez was accused of domestic abuse, and his wife filed for divorce. The two were married for four years and two months. ... Lez Get Real • Feb 3, 2012

	Catholic Church Is Biggest Funder Of MN Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment The Catholic Archdiocese of Minneapolis & St. Paul and the Catholic Dioceses of New Ulm contributed $700,000 last year to support an anti-gay Minnesota constitutional amendment. ... The Uptake • Feb 3, 2012

	Equality Michigan Pride PAC Launches Campaign Against Gov. Snyder Equality Michigan Pride PAC has launched an ad campaign which encourages voters to "talk back to Rick." That would be Rick Snyder, the Governor of Michigan who recently signed HB 4770. It stripped away healthcare coverage for domestic partners of public employees. ... Lez Get Real • Feb 3, 2012

	OMG: New Hampshire Republicans may not vote to repeal marriage!! Hot-button social issues like gun rights, immigration and labor reform were all absent from the agenda, but the biggest hole was left by gay marriage, which is the target of several bills aiming to repeal it. ... Box Turtle Bulletin • Feb 2, 2012

	New Jersey Assembly Panel Advances Gay Marriage Bill The New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee approved the marriage equality bill in a vote Thursday afternoon, promising to escalate the standoff between Democratic lawmakers and Republican governor Chris Christie, who has vowed to veto the legislation. ... Advocate • Feb 2, 2012

	Court won't release CA gay marriage trial videos A federal appeals court refused Thursday to unseal video recordings of a landmark trial on the constitutionality of California's same-sex marriage ban. Siding with the ban's supporters, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco ruled the public doesn't have the right to see the footage.... AP • Feb 2, 2012

	Charlie Morgan, John Boehner Staffer To Meet To Discuss DOMA Repeal The lesbian National Guardsman whose fruitless effort to secure an audience with someone in Speaker of the House John Boehner's office was first reported by The Huffington Post Wednesday will meet with one of his policy advisers next week. The meeting between Chief Warrant Officer 2 Charlie Morgan and Katherine Haley, who focuses on social policy, education and labor in the Speaker's office, is s... Huffington Post • Feb 2, 2012

	Civil union licenses more than expected Since civil unions became legal in the state on Jan. 1, there have been 138 civil union licenses issued statewide. Based on these numbers, Delawarel could reach 1,000 civil unions this year -- 400 more than projected, said Ken Boulden, clerk of the peace for New Castle County.... Delaware Online • Feb 2, 2012

	Gay marriage supporters closing ranks in Maine Days after marriage equality proponents turned in petitions to the Maine secretary of state's office to put the question on the November ballot, both supporters and opponents of the measure are gearing up for a political fight. Again. ... Seacoast Online • Feb 2, 2012

	Seven Republicans who stood up for gay marriage in Washington The fact that seven Republican politicians are taking a risk to do what is right says a lot about the individuals, writes Times editorial columnist Joni Balter. It may say just as much about how unique our Republicans are and about a party updating itself before our eyes. ... Seattle Times • Feb 2, 2012

	Washington state Senate passes gay marriage bill The Washington state Senate passed legislation on Wednesday to legalize gay marriage in a highly charged vote that moved the state closer to joining six others and the District of Columbia in recognizing same-sex nuptials. The 28-21 vote in favor of the measure -- three more votes than needed for passage -- sent it on to the state's House of Representatives, where the bill is expected to win swif... Chicago Tribune • Feb 2, 2012

	Disabled vet in same-sex marriage sues over denial of full benefits An Iraq war veteran from Pasadena filed suit against the Department of Veterans Affairs on Wednesday over its refusal to pay her full disability benefits because she is in a same-sex marriage. The lawsuit filed in Los Angeles by Tracey Cooper-Harris seeks a federal court ruling that the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional because it discriminates against gays, lesbians and legally ma... LA Times • Feb 2, 2012

	Scotland likely to legalize same-sex marriage 'by the end of 2013' Scotland is likely to have full marriage equality by the end of 2013 at the latest, Tim Hopkins, Director of the Equality Network, told LGBTQ Nation at a reception in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday evening. ... LGBTQ Nation • Feb 2, 2012

	Amazon joins business push for gay marriage Seattle-based Internet retailer Amazon.com said Wednesday it has joined other large Northwest companies to support legislation that would legalize gay marriage in Washington state. ... Seattle Times • Feb 2, 2012

	O'Donnell, driving force behind NY same-sex marriage, weds After years of fighting for marriage equality, a local gay-rights champion was finally married this week. New York State Assembly member Daniel O'Donnell, the first openly gay man to be elected to the New York State Assembly, married his partner of 31 years, John Banta, on Sunday.... Columbia Spectator • Feb 2, 2012

	Minnesota election board urged to investigate NOM Reports filed with the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Disclosure Board reveal that marriage equality opponents received only seven individual donations and one donation from a family estate. However, they have raised more than $1.2 million from just three entities: $750,000 contributed by the Minnesota Catholic Conference, $250,000 by the National Organization for Marriage and $226,000 by the Minn... San Diego Gay and Lesbian News • Feb 2, 2012

	SPLC Files Suit Challenging DOMA On Behalf Of Disabled Lesbian Veteran The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a lawsuit challenging the Defense of Marriage Act. They have filed the suit on behalf of Tracey Cooper-Harris, who served in the US Army for twelve years. She received multiple commendations while in the military. She is also married. . .to a woman. This means that she does not get the same disability benefits as heterosexual veterans. ... Lez Get Real • Feb 2, 2012

	Freedom to Marry's federal program grows with new Respect for Marriage Coalition With federal recognition of the freedom to marry hitting new milestones, our work in Washington, D.C. is only becoming more relevant. Today, Freedom to Marry and the Human Rights Campaign announced the Respect for Marriage Coalition, a coalition made up of over 50 diverse groups whose mission is to advance the Respect for Marriage Act and serve as the voice for the freedom to marry in Washington, ... Freedom to Marry • Feb 2, 2012

	WASHINGTON: Openly Gay State Sen. Ed Murray Speaks Before Marriage Roll Call Here's the bill's openly gay sponsor and then the vote. ... Joe My God • Feb 2, 2012

	O'Malley presses case for tax increases, same-sex marriage In his speech, which was interrupted with applause two dozen times but greeted with blistering criticism afterward from Republicans, O'Malley also pressed his case for legalizing same-sex marriage this year. ... Washington Post • Feb 2, 2012

	Gay Marriage Gets Hearing in New Jersey Assembly The New Jersey Assembly judiciary committee will hold a hearing Thursday morning on the marriage equality bill, which a senate panel advanced last month, but Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto. ... Advocate • Feb 2, 2012

	News Analysis: Ninth Circuit Expects Prop 8 Trial Videotape Decision on Thursday The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit's public information office has announced that it "anticipates" issuing its decision on Thursday, Feb. 2, as to whether the tape recordings of the trial over the constitutionality of Proposition 8 should be released to the public. ... Metro Weekly • Feb 1, 2012

	Minnesota Odds and Ends Minnesota's constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage is headed for a close vote. 48% of voters say they support it while 44% are opposed. ... Public Policy Polling • Feb 1, 2012

	Support Grows for Freedom to Marry Four more mayors have added their names to the growing list of marriage equality supporters endorsing a new effort called Mayors for the Freedom to Marry, bringing the total to 116. ... Advocate • Feb 1, 2012

	Religious leaders testify against O'Malley's same-sex marriage bill Though several hundred people attended, the hearing had the feel of a dress rehearsal for the big show, a similar hearing in the House of Delegates. ... Baltimore Sun • Feb 1, 2012

	Christie Alone On Gay Marriage Five former governors of New Jersey are on record supporting gay marriage, while sitting Republican Governor Chris Christie remains opposed. ... WGBA • Feb 1, 2012

	Minnesota foes of gay marriage raise $830K The lead group pushing to ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota raised $830,000 in 2011 in the latest signal that a fierce, high-dollar contest is taking shape over the proposed constitutional amendment. Minnesota for Marriage, a coalition of groups formed in an effort to get the marriage amendment approved this November, said that in addition to its fundraising, it also recruited more than 10,000 v... Minneapolis Star-Tribune • Feb 1, 2012

	Christie apologizes for his comment on the civil rights movement Gov. Christie apologized Tuesday night for his highly criticized comment about the civil rights movement. "To those folks out there who were somehow offended or concerned about the ambiguity in my statement, I apologize," Christie said during his monthly appearance on the 101.5 FM segment Ask the Governor.... Philadelphia Enquirer • Feb 1, 2012

	Md. governor testifies for gay marriage before Md. Senate committee Gov. Martin O'Malley says legalizing gay marriage in Maryland is a matter of protecting children. The governor, a Democrat, testified in support of his proposal to allow same-sex marriages before the Senate Judicial Proceeding Committee Tuesday afternoon.... Washington Post • Feb 1, 2012

	N.H. Governor Reaffirms Pledge to Veto Marriage Equality Repeal Bill New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch on Tuesday once again vowed to veto a bill that would repeal the state's marriage equality law. ... Edge • Feb 1, 2012

	Scotland: Parties unite to back gay marriage Labour's Johann Lamont, Ruth Davidson of the Conservatives, Willie Rennie of the Lib Dems and the Greens' Patrick Harvie signed a pledge expressing their backing for homosexual weddings. ... Scotsman • Feb 1, 2012

	Anti-gay-marriage group loses Maine list appeal An appeals court on Tuesday upheld the state's campaign disclosure law that requires a national anti-gay-marriage group to release its donor list, but the group plans to take the fight to shield the list to the U.S. Supreme Court.... Boston Globe • Feb 1, 2012

	Prop 8 repeal effort DOA Love Honor Cherish would be wise to consider the fact that until the federal court case is concluded, the issue is really in limbo. Instead of trying to raise money that isn't there, it should be utilizing its supporters to focus on public education and building bridges with lawmakers and other leaders in the event that Prop 8 is upheld. Because if that happens, we anticipate the community would b... Bay Area Reporter • Feb 1, 2012

The Show & The News

About Marriage News Watch