]]> "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."

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/gay-marriage-opponent-weve-raised-1-million-already-for-referendum.html
Source: Chicago Tribune  

]]> 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. Mehlman also said repealing the law could hurt the state's economy.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/video-former-rnc-chairman-pitches-preservation-of-same-sex-marriage.html
Source: Patch  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/gay-marriage-foes-to-fight-expected-washington-state-law.html
Source: Reuters  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/author-of-new-mexico-doma-has-history-of-domestic-abuse.html
Source: Lez Get Real  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/catholic-church-is-biggest-funder-of-mn-anti-gay-marriage-amendment.html
Source: The Uptake  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/equality-michigan-pride-pac-launches-campaign-against-gov-snyder.html
Source: Lez Get Real  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/omg-new-hampshire-republicans-may-not-vote-to-repeal-marriage.html
Source: Box Turtle Bulletin  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/new-jersey-assembly-panel-advances-gay-marriage-bill.html
Source: Advocate  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/court-wont-release-ca-gay-marriage-trial-videos.html
Source: AP  

]]> 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 set for Thursday, Feb. 9, on Capitol Hill.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/charlie-morgan-john-boehner-staffer-to-meet-to-discuss-doma-repeal.html
Source: Huffington Post  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/civil-union-licenses-more-than-expected.html
Source: Delaware Online  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/gay-marriage-supporters-closing-ranks-in-maine.html
Source: Seacoast Online  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/seven-republicans-who-stood-up-for-gay-marriage-in-washington.html
Source: Seattle Times  

]]> 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 swift approval by a comfortable margin as early as next week.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/washington-state-senate-passes-gay-marriage-bill.html
Source: Chicago Tribune  

]]> 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 married same-sex couples.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/disabled-vet-in-same-sex-marriage-sues-over-denial-of-full-benefits.html
Source: LA Times  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/scotland-likely-to-legalize-same-sex-marriage-by-the-end-of-2013.html
Source: LGBTQ Nation  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/amazon-joins-business-push-for-gay-marriage.html
Source: Seattle Times  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/odonnell-driving-force-behind-ny-same-sex-marriage-weds.html
Source: Columbia Spectator  

]]> 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 Minnesota Family Council.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/minnesota-election-board-urged-to-investigate-nom.html
Source: San Diego Gay and Lesbian News  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/splc-files-suit-challenging-doma-on-behalf-of-disabled-lesbian-veteran.html
Source: Lez Get Real  

]]> 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, D.C. The organizations include religious groups, legal organizations, unions, and advocates devoted to a number of other causes. Together, with Freedom to Marry's Jo Deutsch as a staff leader of the coalition, the groups will work to change the hearts and minds of legislators in Congress, lining up the next round of cosponsors to put us in a position to pass the Respect for Marriage Act as soon as 2013.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/freedom-to-marrys-federal-program-grows-with-new-respect-for-marriage-coalition.html
Source: Freedom to Marry  

]]> Here's the bill's openly gay sponsor and then the vote.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/washington-openly-gay-state-sen-ed-murray-speaks-before-marriage-roll-call.html
Source: Joe My God  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/omalley-presses-case-for-tax-increases-same-sex-marriage.html
Source: Washington Post  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/gay-marriage-gets-hearing-in-new-jersey-assembly.html
Source: Advocate  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/news-analysis-ninth-circuit-expects-prop-8-trial-videotape-decision-on-thursday.html
Source: Metro Weekly  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/minnesota-odds-and-ends.html
Source: Public Policy Polling  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/support-grows-for-freedom-to-marry.html
Source: Advocate  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/religious-leaders-testify-against-omalleys-same-sex-marriage-bill.html
Source: Baltimore Sun  

]]> Five former governors of New Jersey are on record supporting gay marriage, while sitting Republican Governor Chris Christie remains opposed.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/christie-alone-on-gay-marriage.html
Source: WGBA  

]]> 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 volunteers in 2011 to help.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/minnesota-foes-of-gay-marriage-raise-830k.html
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/christie-apologizes-for-his-comment-on-the-civil-rights-movement.html
Source: Philadelphia Enquirer  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/md-governor-testifies-for-gay-marriage-before-md-senate-committee.html
Source: Washington Post  

]]> New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch on Tuesday once again vowed to veto a bill that would repeal the state's marriage equality law.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/nh-governor-reaffirms-pledge-to-veto-marriage-equality-repeal-bill.html
Source: Edge  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/scotland-parties-unite-to-back-gay-marriage.html
Source: Scotsman  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/anti-gay-marriage-group-loses-maine-list-appeal.html
Source: Boston Globe  

]]> 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 be willing to wage a campaign to repeal Prop 8.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/02/prop-8-repeal-effort-doa.html
Source: Bay Area Reporter  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/calling-opponent-numbnuts-christie-refuses-to-back-down-from-gay-marriage-comments.html
Source: NJ.com  

]]> 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 would shave only 2-4 points off the marriage amendment's margin for passage. Right now, it's passing by 22 percentage points, according to PPP's polling.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/ncs-gay-marriage-amendment-post-perdue.html
Source: Charlotte Observer  

]]> The Washington State Senate has scheduled a vote on SB 6239, the bill to provide marriage quality, on Wednesday.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/wa-senate-to-vote-on-marriage-equality-wednesday.html
Source: Box Turtle Bulletin  

]]> Half of Marylanders favor a law allowing same-sex marriage, an increase over the past decade.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/legalizing-same-sex-marriage-in-maryland.html
Source: Washington Post  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/md-senate-committee-to-consider-marriage-bill-tuesday.html
Source: Washington Blade  

]]> 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 afternoon.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/opponents-rally-against-marriage-equality-in-maryland-i-believe-in-adam-and-eve.html
Source: Think Progress  

]]> 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 in.

First, it's official: Maine's moving ahead with a citizen-led effort to win back marriage equality. The state has a statutory ban on marriage, but equality organizers have collected more than enough signatures to get a repeal of the anti-gay ban before voters in November of 2012. But keep an eye on the Maine legislature: they have the option to pass a repeal themselves, which would restore marriage equality without the need for a popular vote. Or they could put their own version of the bill on the ballot, splitting votes between two competing measures. Either way, it's shaping up to be a very busy 2012.

New Jersey's Senate Judiciary Committee passed a marriage bill this week, but Governor Chris Christie has promised to veto the measure. Christie said that civil rights should be put up for a popular vote. And that includes, he said, African Americans in the 1960s, who would have "been happy for a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South."

Civil rights leaders have denounced that position. Here's Newark Mayor Corey Booker.

"Dear God. We should not be putting civil rights issues to a popular vote. To be subject to the sentiments, to the passions of the day. ... This is a fundamental bedrock of what our nation stands for."

Of course, when the United States Supreme Court ended the ban on interracial marriage in 1967, 74% of Americans would have opposed that decision. And it's been nearly a century since New Jersey put civil rights on the ballot, the last time being a 1915 referendum on allowing women to vote. Voters rejected that measure.

Maryland governor Martin O'Malley introduced a marriage bill this week, with strengthened religious exemptions that closely mirror those of the successful bill in New York. That won an endorsement from the state Bar Association. But a bill in New Hampshire would go much further, creating a nondiscrimination loophole that would allow any person or business to discriminate on any basis. The so-called "conscience" bill would eliminate protection guarantees for any group, gay and straight, male and female.

That's separate from the other anti-gay New Hampshire bill that would eliminate marriage equality. This week AFER Board Member and former chairman of the Republican National Committee Ken Mehlman, announced that he'd travel to New Hampshire to persuade Republicans that marriage equality is a fundamental freedom and a non-partisan value that all lawmakers should protect.

A hearing on Washington state's marriage equality bill drew crowds this week, and a Senate Committee voted to pass the measure to the full body. But the final vote may not come right away. As soon as the measure passes, anti-marriage activists can start gathering signatures for a referendum. Lawmakers may therefore wait until the end of the legislative session to pass the law, thereby reducing the amount of time that our opponents will have to try to overturn the measure.

Meanwhile dozens of Washington businesses have endorsed marriage equality, from giants like Starbucks, Nike, and Microsoft to local employers. And a study by the Williams Institute shows that marriage equality would bring $88 million to the state over the next three years.

In Minnesota, an appeals court gave a green light to a lawsuit that challenges that state's marriage ban. In Dallas, residents are pushing that mayor to join over a hundred others in signing a marriage equality pledge, but he's proven reluctant so far. New Mexico State Rep David Chavez has introduced a constitutional amendment that would ban marriage in state. A new survey in Texas shows 59% support relationship recognition. In Indiana, they're considering a bill that would enable lawmakers to study alternatives to marriage. And the Democratic Governor of North Carolina, Bev Purdue,  will not seek a second term. That means there's likely to be a Democratic Primary in May. And that could boost turnout among voters who oppose the anti-gay constitutional amendment on the ballot. And a North Carolina lesbian couple has been found guilty of trespass for occupying a county office in protest over discriminatory marriage laws. Their punishment: a ten dollar fine, which they've promised to appeal.

These municipal sit-ins have been a tactic for a long time, usually centered around Valentine's Day. Recently I chatted with Cecile Veillard and Michael James Anderson, two San Diego activists who were arrested when they accompanied a gay couple to request a marriage license. Their trial is coming up in March. Visit youtube.com/AmericanEqualRights to watch our full interview about what happened and why they're not giving up.

And a study out this week shows what we already knew: young people are overwhelmingly in favor of marriage equality. The study from the Higher Education Research Institute shows marriage support at 71%, up from 65% just two years ago.

Those are the headlines, visit us at MarriageNewsWatch.com for more on all these stories and more, and to sign up for breaking news alerts. Visit AFER.org for more information on the federal fight to overturn Prop 8 and win full federal marriage equality. I'm Matt Baume at the American Foundation for Equal Rights. We'll see you next week.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/why-voting-on-rights-is-a-lousy-idea.html
Source: MNW  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/minnesota-voters-divided-on-gay-marriage-ban.html
Source: On Top Magazine  

]]> The Democratic-controlled Assembly Judiciary Committee will meet Thursday to consider legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/nj-assembly-to-hold-hearing-on-same-sex-marriage-bill-next-week.html
Source: New Jersey Newsroom  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/gay-marriage-foes-to-hold-rally-in-annapolis-on-eve-of-hearing.html
Source: Washington Post  

]]> 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 religious leaders. And he predicted that the current marriage bill would pass but, he warned, supporters will need to make a significant effort to vote against an inevitable anti-gay referendum, saying: "That's where we're really going to need your help."

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/maryland-atty-gen-gansler-warns-gay-couples-marriage-will-go-to-referendum.html
Source: Metro Weekly  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/parents-of-gays-make-tv-pitch-to-abbott-on-same-sex-marriage-vote.html
Source: Sydney Morning Herald  

]]> 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 of the Minnesota Twins.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/foes-of-marriage-amendment-raise-12-million.html
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/civil-rights-leader-to-enter-nj-gay-marriage-battle.html
Source: NBC New York  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/new-hampshire-house-to-vote-on-gay-marriage-repeal-wednesday.html
Source: On Top Magazine  

]]> 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 against their beliefs, he said in an announcement Friday, including marrying gay partners.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/bill-tries-to-prevent-gay-marriages-on-bases.html
Source: Military.com  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/gay-marriage-foes-lack-votes-to-repeal-new-hampshire-law-goper-seth-cohn-says.html
Source: On Top Magazine  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/marriage-ban-opponents-hail-perdues-move-read-more-here-httpwwwcharlotteobservercom201201272962673ma.html
Source: Charlotte Observer  

]]> 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 opposed to any legal recognition.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/new-poll-shows-59-support-for-civil-unions-in-texas.html
Source: Log Cabin Republicans  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/mckenna-reaffirms-stance-against-same-sex-marriage.html
Source: The Everett Herald  

]]> 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 benefits), and the court can think of none," Wilken wrote.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/domestic-partners-join-doma-health-care-lawsuit.html
Source: SF Gate  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/new-mexico-lawmaker-introduces-anti-gay-marriage-amendment.html
Source: Think Progress  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/maryland-state-bar-endorses-same-sex-marriage-bill.html
Source: Washington Post  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/mehlman-urges-nh-republicans-to-keep-marriage-equality.html
Source: Advocate  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/dallas-mayor-says-hell-meet-group-over-gay-marriage-pledge-refusal.html
Source: WFAA  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/st-paul-city-council-opposes-marriage-amendment.html
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune  

]]> 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 their announcement Thursday at the State House.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/same-sex-marriage-likely-to-go-to-voters-for-a-2nd-time-in-maine.html
Source: Washington Post  

]]> 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 Higher Education Research Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/college-freshmen-are-more-liberal-on-gay-marriage-abortion.html
Source: Business Week  

]]> "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:

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/christie-african-american-civil-rights-should-have-been-put-up-to-a-vote.html
Source: The New Civil Rights Movement  

]]> 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 Angeles restaurant's backing of Proposition 8, which made gay marriage illegal in California.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/adam-levine-and-maroon-5-boycotting-mexican-restaurant-for-anti-gay-marriage-stance.html
Source: Huffington Post  

]]> "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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/prop-8-repeal-group-works-to-raise-profile-with-sf-party.html
Source: Bay Area Reporter  

]]> 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 by the Constitution and don't belong on the ballot.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/black-nj-leaders-no-public-vote-on-civil-rights.html
Source: AP  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/starbucks-google-alcoa-endorse-gay-marriage-legislation.html
Source: Bellingham Herald  

]]> 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 statement.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/newark-mayor-cory-booker-blasts-proposed-nj-gay-marriage-referendum.html
Source: NJ.com  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/indiana-senate-to-study-civil-marriage-structure.html
Source: Bilerico Project  

]]> Gay-marriage advocates will announce Thursday whether they will pursue a campaign to put the issue back before voters in November.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/gay-marriage-advocates-ready-to-announce-decision.html
Source: Morning Sentinel  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/nc-lesbian-couple-found-guilty-of-trespassing.html
Source: Advocate  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/starbucks-supports-gay-marriage-legislation.html
Source: Seattle Times  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/gay-groups-angry-kansas-anti-sodomy-law-remains-on-books.html
Source: Reuters  

]]> 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 social outcomes for homosexual adults" including "higher rates of domestic violence, suicide, STDs, and mental illness."

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/gay-marriage-sexual-chaos-petition-put-on-hold.html
Source: Pink News  

]]> 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 couples would violate their conscience or religious faith. The bill also would bar lawsuits against business owners in such situations.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/nh-bill-would-allow-service-refusal-to-gay-couples.html
Source: Boston Globe  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/marylands-same-sex-marriage-bill-includes-most-explicit-religious-conscience-protections.html
Source: Think Progress  

]]> 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.

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/christie-wants-voters-to-decide-on-gay-marriage.html
Source: NY Times  

]]> 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!

]]> Read more: http://marriagenewswatch.com/2012/01/video-homophobe-looks-like-hes-about-to-die-at-marriage-equality-hearing.html
Source: Feast of Fun