Breaking Marriage Equality News Headlines from Washington Post

	After narrow House passage, gay marriage bill sent to Delaware Senate for vote A state Senate committee has sent a bill authorizing same-sex marriage in Delaware to the full Senate for consideration. The measure cleared the Senate executive committee Wednesday after a 90-minute hearing.... Washington Post • May 1, 2013

	Delaware House set to vote on bill legalizing same-sex marriage The bill is scheduled for a House vote Tuesday. It was introduced earlier this month, a little more than a year after Delaware began recognizing same-sex civil unions. ... Washington Post • Apr 23, 2013

	Del. lawmakers propose bill that would legalize gay marriage, make it the 10th state to do so Delaware lawmakers introduced a bill Thursday that would legalize same-sex marriage in the state, with plans to have it signed into law by the end of June. The legislation, which the governor has pledged to sign if passed by lawmakers, was filed a little more than a year after Delaware first began recognizing same-sex civil unions.... Washington Post • Apr 12, 2013

	South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson says he now supports gay marriage after 'lengthy consideration' South Dakota Sen. Tim Johnson, who announced his retirement last month, has reversed his position on gay marriage, saying Monday that he supports the legalization of same-sex unions. The 66-year-old Democrat has said for years that he doesn't support gay marriage, and he voted for the 1996 federal law that defined marriage as the union of a man and woman and provided that a state did not have to ... Washington Post • Apr 9, 2013

	Florida Sen. Bill Nelson endorses gay marriage His announcement leaves six Democrats in the Senate who have not endorsed gay marriage; Nelson is the 51st senator to do so. ... Washington Post • Apr 4, 2013

	IL: Gay marriage supporters look to next session With a vote to legalize same-sex marriage in Illinois looking less likely to happen in the next few days, supporters of marriage equality are looking ahead to the following legislative session as their next best hope. A Senate committee voted 8-5 late Thursday in favor of a bill that would allow gay marriage. But with key supporters absent, Senate Democrats delayed a full floor vote. The Senate t... Washington Post • Jan 4, 2013

	MD: O'Malley to celebrate with same-sex marriage supporters at mansion On Thursday morning, O'Malley signed a proclamation making the election results official. That move allows clerks and circuit courts to immediately start issuing marriage licenses to gay couples that will take effect on Jan. 1, when the new law takes effect. Friday night's event in Annapolis is expected to draw a mix of legislators, clergy, union members and others active in the fight.... Washington Post • Dec 7, 2012

	Maine's gay marriage law to become effective Dec. 29 Gay marriage advocacy groups say Maine's new same-sex marriage law is going into effect Dec. 29. EqualityMaine says Gov. Paul LePage signed off on the certified election results on Nov. 29. The new law goes into effect 30 days from that date.... Washington Post • Dec 3, 2012

	Oregon may be next state for gay marriage ballot battle "This has unfolded exactly as it should," Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights Oregon, said Wednesday. Rather than seeing Tuesday's cross-country support for gays and lesbians as a missed opportunity, Frazzini said the votes in Washington, Maine, Maryland and Minnesota help set the stage for 2014. ... Washington Post • Nov 12, 2012

	Mormon church is conspicuously absent in Md. same-sex marriage referendum But Mormon leaders in Maryland have been silent on the ballot measure to affirm or toss the state's new same-sex marriage law. Activists in other states voting next month on the issue (Maine, Minnesota and Washington) say they see the same thing. The dramatic turnaround from 2008 reflects the tightrope the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is walking as it tries to maintain a generally a... Washington Post • Oct 30, 2012

	Changing minds on gay marriage Between 2004 and 2011, support for marriage across the country went up 16 points: from 30% to 46%. But among people born within the same year, support rose 12 points during the same time period. This means that a quarter of the total change was due to replacement of older voters by a younger generation, but a full 75% of the shift was due to Americans changing their mind on the issue of marriage. ... Washington Post • Oct 24, 2012

	Same-sex couple blocked from wedding site files complaint with NY human rights agency Two upstate New York women turned away from a potential wedding site because they are gay have filed a discrimination complaint, setting up a possible precedent-setting battle involving the state's new same-sex marriage law. The complaint with the state Division of Human Rights appears to be a first involving a wedding venue since same-sex marriage became legal in New York in July 2011, according... Washington Post • Oct 23, 2012

	France delays debate on gay marriage and adoption, amid mounting opposition Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault first named Oct. 31 as the date when government ministers would present the law, insisting there would be no backtracking. But his office said Friday that this date has been pushed back to Nov. 7. And the debate in parliament is now expected to last until January.... Washington Post • Oct 19, 2012

	Same-sex marriage favored by Maryland likely voters The November referendum on whether to uphold a state law allowing gay nuptials is favored 52 percent to 43 percent among likely voters, according to the poll. ... Washington Post • Oct 17, 2012

	Poll: Support grows for same-sex marriage in Florida, Ohio and Virginia In Florida, 54 percent of voters believe gay marriage should be legal, while 33 percent think it should be illegal. In Ohio, 52 percent say it should be legal, while 37 percent say it should be illegal. In 2004, by contrast, nearly two-thirds of Ohio voters -- 62 percent -- supported a constitutional amendment defining marriage as "only a union between one man and one woman." The Ohio ballot init... Washington Post • Oct 10, 2012

	Gay marriage arguments put government lawyer in awkward position in NY federal appeals court A federal appeals court panel forced a Justice Department lawyer into an awkward position Thursday, making him explain the government's decision to abandon defending the Defense of Marriage Act as judges decide the fate of a law destined for the U.S. Supreme Court. "In my day, when you won, you didn't appeal," a smiling Chief Judge Dennis Jacobs of the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals told Actin... Washington Post • Sep 28, 2012

	Poll: Md. divided on gambling, favors gay marriage and 'Dream Act' Fifty-one percent say they will vote to uphold the state's same-sex marriage law, while 43 percent say they will vote against it. Six percent are undecided. The law would allow gay nuptials to begin in January. ... Washington Post • Sep 26, 2012

	While GOP opposes gay marriage, key donors fund the other side Singer has given $1 million this year to Freedom to Marry, a national bipartisan advocacy group focused on winning state ballot measures on gay marriage in Maine, Minnesota and Washington. The group plans to spend at least $3 million on its efforts. Singer, founder of the $20 billion Elliott Management fund, also gave $1 million in start-up money to American Unity PAC, a new super PAC focused on ... Washington Post • Aug 23, 2012

	Big gulf between political parties, divisions within Do you think it should be LEGAL or ILLEGAL for gay and lesbian couples to get married? 53% legal, 42% illegal, 5% no opinion.... Washington Post • Aug 20, 2012

	Poll: Obama's endorsement of gay marriage leaves both sides more entrenched President Barack Obama's endorsement of gay marriage appears to have made Americans on both sides of the issue even more entrenched in their positions, firing up his young, liberal backers and intensifying opposition from Republicans and conservatives, according to a new poll.... Washington Post • Jun 22, 2012

	Brazil Senate committee OKs gay civil unions, first legislative step for the issue A measure allowing same-sex civil unions passed its first legislative step in Brazil's Congress, where it has lingered for 16 years. The human rights committee in Brazil's Senate approved a measure Thursday that would change law to say a civil union is between two people, without specifying gender. It doesn't approve gay marriage.... Washington Post • May 25, 2012

	RI governor signs order to recognize same-sex marriages performed out of state Rhode Island's governor on Monday declared that the state will recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, giving gay couples the same rights as heterosexual ones when it comes to health insurance and a slew of other benefits. The order signed by Gov. Lincoln Chafee in a Statehouse ceremony directs state agencies to recognize marriages performed out of state as legal and treat same-sex marr... Washington Post • May 14, 2012

	Dem candidates mostly quiet on marriage equality The web sites of the 10 Democratic candidates running as challengers or for open seats show that very few of these candidates are eager to jump on this particular bandwagon. Only two -- Elizabeth Warren in Massachusetts and Chris Murphy in Connecticut -- trumpet their support for marriage equality and for repealing the Defense Of Marriage Act. To be sure, none of the other six openly opposes the i... Washington Post • Apr 19, 2012

	Marylanders for Marriage Equality hires new campaign manager, referendum effort continues Levin has worked as a campaign manager for several congressional candidates and as the Illinois state director for Americans Against Escalation in Iraq. ... Washington Post • Apr 11, 2012

	Maryland split on same-sex marriage referendum, poll finds http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/maryland-politics/post/maryland-split-on-same-sex-marriage-referendum-poll-finds/2012/03/28/gIQAZ5mSgS_blog.html... Washington Post • Mar 29, 2012

	Obama administration allows health coverage for same-sex spouse The Obama administration has directed a health insurance company to cover the same-sex spouse of a federal employee. Gay rights advocates say they believe this is the first time such coverage has been allowed. A March 9 letter to Blue Cross Blue Shield, from Shirley Patterson, assistant director of federal employee insurance operations for the Office of Personnel Management, said that "OPM hereby... Washington Post • Mar 27, 2012

	Obama advisers debating gay marriage This does not mean that it will happen, and there are plenty of reasons to assume it won't. Indeed, it would be political malpractice if Obama's top advisers didn't discuss every permutation and possibility, no matter how far fetched. However, the fact that it has been discussed seriously at high levels means it's not out of the question. Those advisers are convinced that Obama will make this cal... Washington Post • Mar 26, 2012

	Same-sex marriage opponents in Md. start collecting signatures If opponents gather 55,736 valid signatures from Maryland voters by June 30, the new law will be put on hold pending the outcome of a November ballot measure. ... Washington Post • Mar 14, 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

	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

	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

	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

	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

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

	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

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

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

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

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

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

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

	Former NAACP leader lends voice to Md. same-sex marriage campaign Longtime national civil rights leader Julian Bond is the latest face of a campaign to build support for same-sex marriage in Maryland. "As chairman emeritus of the NAACP, I know a little something about fighting for what's right and just," Bond says in a new Web video produced by Marylanders for Marriage Equality. "Gay and lesbian couples in Maryland have the same values as everyone else: love, c... Washington Post • Nov 1, 2011

	Gay troops to file suit challenging Defense of Marriage Act Gay and lesbian service members and veterans plan to file suit Thursday challenging the constitutionality of the federal ban on gay marriage and federal policy that define a spouse as a person of the opposite sex. ... Washington Post • Oct 27, 2011

	Poll: Marylanders split on gay marriage, immigrant tuition The Gonzales poll found 48 percent of Marylanders who vote regularly favor a law allowing same-sex marriages, while 49 percent of that population are against allowing same-sex marriages.... Washington Post • Oct 4, 2011

	O'Malley, potential successors tout same-sex marriage Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) and two Democrats seeking to succeed him voiced their support for same-sex marriage at a fundraiser Wednesday night for the state's leading gay-rights advocacy group. O'Malley, who has pledged to sponsor a gay nuptials bill in next year's legislative session, cast the issue in terms of "protection of families" in his remarks at the event in Chevy Chase benefiting... Washington Post • Sep 8, 2011

	Only 9 couples enter into civil unions in Rhode Island during first month of new law Few Rhode Islanders have entered into civil unions since the state began offering them to gay couples. Only nine couples were joined in a civil union in July, the first month civil union licenses were available, according to numbers obtained by the Associated Press on Monday.... Washington Post • Aug 16, 2011

	Census shows surge in gay couples in D.C. area; officials cite more honesty The number of people who identify themselves as part of a same-sex couple has soared over the past decade in what demographers say is the product of an aggressive outreach effort by the Census Bureau and growing cultural acceptance. Census figures released Thursday show 17,000 same-sex couples live in Maryland, a 51 percent increase over a decade ago. That accounts for 1.5 percent of couples in t... Washington Post • Aug 12, 2011

	Americans split on New York gay marriage law As New York gears up for its second weekend of same-sex nuptials, a Washington Post-ABC News poll finds Americans split 50 to 46 percent over whether the state's law legalizing such unions is a positive or negative outcome. Reactions to the new legislation -- like support for legalizing gay marriage in general -- range tremendously across generational, political and religious lines. ... Washington Post • Jul 29, 2011

	Rick Perry: A breakthrough on gay marriage? As I have suggested before, a 10th Amendment approach to gay marriage and abortion is both in keeping with the party's defense of federalism and smart politics. As gay rights moves from the courts to state legislatures and referendums, it will, I would suggest, become increasing difficult for conservatives to decry democratically approved gay marriage laws. Social conservatives certainly have ever... Washington Post • Jul 25, 2011

	Md. governor says he will sponsor gay marriage bill in 2012; measure narrowly failed this year Maryland's governor says he will make legalizing gay marriage a top priority of his administration by sponsoring a bill next year.... Washington Post • Jul 22, 2011

	In year since Argentina approved gay marriage, 2,697 same-sex couples have tied the knot It has been a big year for gay marriages in Argentina: Since the country became the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriages, a total of 2,697 gay and lesbian couples have tied the knot.... Washington Post • Jul 19, 2011

	Md. Gov. Martin O'Malley expresses support for new gay marriage bill Gov. Martin O'Malley said Friday he will push harder for a same-sex marriage measure in Maryland next year if it mirrors legislation that passed in New York after changes were made to protect religious freedom. "I think we can learn from what they did," O'Malley, a Democrat, said while attending the National Governors Association meeting in Salt Lake City. "One of the things we're looking at in t... Washington Post • Jul 16, 2011

	Gay-marriage advocates in Md. urge O'Malley to step up role With New York's embrace of same-sex marriage last week, advocates of gay nuptials in Maryland are pressing Gov. Martin O'Malley to play a more vigorous role as state lawmakers prepare to push the issue again. New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, another Democrat whose national profile is on the rise, is widely credited with getting a bill through his divided legislature with a well-funded lobbying camp... Washington Post • Jun 28, 2011

	Gay marriage win sparks talk of Andrew Cuomo presidential bid in 2016; he doesn't rule it out New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's successful push to legalize gay marriage in his state has made him a national hero to liberal voters and has sparked talk of a potential presidential bid for Cuomo in 2016. But Cuomo paired his quest for same-sex marriage with efforts to slash state spending and curb the power of public employee unions, suggesting a blend of fiscal prudence and progressivism on social ... Washington Post • Jun 28, 2011

	Brazilian judge gives male couple approval for what court says is country's first gay marriage A Brazilian state judge on Monday approved what the court said is the nation's first gay marriage. Sao Paulo state Judge Fernando Henrique Pinto ruled two men could convert their civil union into a full marriage. Brazil's Supreme Court cleared the way in May for the recognition of same-sex civil unions, but stopped short of approving gay marriages.... Washington Post • Jun 28, 2011

	Same-sex marriage in the United States: A status check California, of course, is the complicated one: In 2008, voters approved Prop 8, which says that only marriages between a man and a woman are valid there. That was challenged by lawsuits, but the state Supreme Court rejected them. Then a federal judge overturned Prop 8 in a separate case, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit is considering that ruling. Same-sex couples that were marrie... Washington Post • Jun 26, 2011

	Why this Supreme Court could be the best hope for gay-marriage advocates Most observers believe that any decision on gay marriage by the current court would probably come down to the opinion of Justice Anthony Kennedy. But that is no cause for pessimism. The gay equality movement has had few judicial friends more staunch than Kennedy, the author of the court's two leading decisions honoring that cause. In addition to writing Lawrence in 2003, Kennedy wrote a significa... Washington Post • Jun 25, 2011

	Newsflash: Obama will eventually come out for gay marriage But whether it's before or after 2012, Obama will eventually declare support for legalized gay marriage. Of course, it's always possible that he won't get reelected, and that he'll come out for it as an ex-president. If so, he'll ultimately end up claiming that it was one of his regrets, because he would have squandered the chance to declare support for it as a sitting president, something that wo... Washington Post • Jun 23, 2011

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

	Pelosi questions Boehner on DOMA lawyer in second letter Pelosi wrote to Boehner that since Democrats were not provided with information on the contract with Clement before its signing late last week, several questions remained unanswered. The questions range from issues of transparency (was there a call for bids?) and cost (how was Clement's $520-an-hour rate negotiated?) to ethics (what restrictions will be placed on the lobbying practice of Clement'... Washington Post • Apr 21, 2011

	House sets $500,000 cap for Defense of Marriage Act lawyer The House has set a salary cap of $500,000 for the outside counsel it has hired to defend the Defense of Marriage Act in court, according to a contract signed late last week. Paul D. Clement, a former Bush administration solicitor general who has been tapped by House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to lead the House's legal defense of DOMA, will work at a rate of $520 an hour, to be paid by the Hou... Washington Post • Apr 19, 2011

	Going legal and getting more business? Da Vinci's is among a number of local wedding vendors to have witnessed an increase in business since the District legalized gay marriage, supporting predictions that the law would benefit the region's economy. "There seems to be some windfall for our small businesses engaged in the event and wedding industry," said Jeffrey D. Richardson, director of the D.C. Mayor's Office of Gay, Lesbian, Bisex... Washington Post • Mar 22, 2011

	Slim majority back gay marriage, Post-ABC poll says Five years ago, at 36 percent, support for gay marriage barely topped a third of all Americans. Now, 53 percent say gay marriage should be legal, marking the first time in Post-ABC polling that a majority has said so.... Washington Post • Mar 22, 2011

	Gay marriage defeat leaves couples crestfallen Nobody knows for certain how many Maryland couples are affected by the bill's defeat. In a statistic that experts say they think is low, the 2000 census counted 11,000 Maryland households headed by same-sex couples. For now, same-sex marriages legally performed in other jurisdictions, including the District, are recognized by the state under an opinion issued last year by state Attorney General D... Washington Post • Mar 14, 2011

	Same-sex couples lead to marriage licenses doubling At least as many same-sex couples as heterosexual couples - and possibly more - appear to have applied for marriage licenses since gay marriage was legalized in the city last March. The total number of applications more than doubled since the first same-sex couples lined up to get their licenses, from about 3,100 in the previous year to 6,600 during the past 12 months, said Leah H. Gurowitz, spok... Washington Post • Mar 9, 2011

	MD: Same-sex bill debate postponed Maryland's same-sex marriage bill arrived on the House floor Tuesday morning, but before debate could begin, it was postponed until Wednesday. House rules allow members to lay over bills for a day under certain circumstances. House leaders said they expect debate over proposed amendments to begin Wednesday, with a vote on the bill expected by Friday.... Washington Post • Mar 9, 2011

	Maryland: House panel passes same-sex marriage bill A previously stalled bill to allow same-sex marriages in Maryland was approved by a House committee Friday, but only after the panel's chairman, who rarely votes, augmented the final tally. The 12-to-10 vote by the House Judiciary Committee sends the bill to the floor next week for what is expected to be a dramatic debate on the highest-profile issue being considered in the General Assembly this ... Washington Post • Mar 4, 2011

	African Americans respond to Obama's shift on DOMA As a question on its own, churchgoing African Americans are against same-sex marriage. But when the issue is wrapped up into a larger political context, it becomes just one of many and generally not the deciding one, said the Rev. Al Sharpton, an Obama ally. "I remember in 2003 when I said I was for gay marriage. I got a lot outrage from my fellow ministers," Sharpton said. "I've been on my radio... Washington Post • Mar 4, 2011

	Missing delegates stall Md. same-sex marriage bill One of two legislators who went missing Tuesday morning for a committee vote on Maryland's same-sex marriage legislation said they are withholding their votes on the bill to gain "leverage" on unrelated issues they consider equally important. Del. Jill Carter (D-Baltimore) told reporters Tuesday afternoon that she and Del. Tiffany T. Alston (D-Prince George's) are concerned about school funding f... Washington Post • Mar 2, 2011

	Next up for Obama: Marriage equality for gay Americans There is a serious flaw in the president's position of viewing civil unions as a path to giving same-sex couples equal relationship recognition: The federal government does not recognize civil unions for the purposes of spousal benefits. In fact, no legislation to formalize civil unions exists at the federal level. That means that advocates of civil unions, Obama included, are suggesting for lesb... Washington Post • Feb 24, 2011

	Md. GOP urges 'no' vote on same-sex marriage The Maryland Republican Party has stepped up its lobbying efforts on the biggest social issue of the legislative session -- same-sex marriage -- as the Senate prepares to begin debate next week. In an "action alert" emailed Saturday to party members, state GOP Chairman Alex X. Mooney lists the names and numbers of nine senators he suggests are key to whether Maryland legalizes marriages between g... Washington Post • Feb 22, 2011

	Majority supports same-sex marriage In the poll, 51 percent of voters say they would favor a law in Maryland allowing same-sex couples to marry, while 44 percent opposed such a law and 5 percent gave no response. If the legislature passes a same-sex marriage bill, it is likely to be petitioned to the ballot for a statewide vote in 2012.... Washington Post • Jan 26, 2011

	With Democratic gains in state Senate, Maryland poised to approve same-sex marriage A majority of senators on a key committee in Maryland now favor legalizing same-sex marriage, making it increasingly likely that the state will join five others and the District in allowing such unions.... Washington Post • Dec 12, 2010

	2 of 3 judges in Prop 8 case appointed by Dems The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals announced Monday that Judges Michael Hawkins, Stephen Reinhardt and N. Randy Smith were randomly assigned to the case over the constitutionality of the voter-approved ban, known as Proposition 8. Reinhardt is regarded as one of the 9th Circuit's most liberal jurists. He, along with Hawkins, were appointed by Democrat presidents. Smith was appointed by a Repub... Washington Post • Nov 30, 2010

	Lawyers: Gay marriage ban aim was to deny stature The lawyers argued that the 2008 ban's only purpose was to deny same-sex couples of "the honored stature" of marriage and to avoid having anyone "view gay relationships as 'OK.'"... Washington Post • Oct 19, 2010

	Same-sex marriage gains GOP support A growing number of Republicans are breaking with the party's traditional stance to publicly state their support for same-sex marriage, a shift strategists say stems as much from demographics as from the renewed focus on economics and the "tea party" movement. A solid majority of adults younger than 30 - about six in 10 - support the right of gay and lesbian couples to legally wed, according to a... Washington Post • Aug 31, 2010

	Both sides in same-sex marriage debate see chance to galvanize support after California ruling In anticipation of the ruling, Brown's group embarked on a 22-state tour to end this month in the District that is aimed at spreading the view that heterosexual marriage is the building block of society. The group has stepped up fundraising, Brown said, and expects to nearly double its budget to $12 million this year. Polls show that Americans have become more accepting of gay marriage in recent ... Washington Post • Aug 7, 2010

	Marriage equality for all couples Toward that goal, we have agreed to co-chair the advisory board of the American Foundation for Equal Rights. The foundation helped launch the case of Perry v. Schwarzenegger, which is currently before a federal district court in California but is likely to be appealed all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Perry case -- scheduled for closing arguments next Wednesday -- was brought by two coup... Washington Post • Jun 8, 2010

	Opponents of gay marriage ban must release memos The American Civil Liberties Union and Equality California, two of the groups that must turn over the campaign materials, said Monday they are reviewing Walker's order to determine whether to appeal it. The ACLU and Equality California, the state's largest gay rights group, had argued that the campaign documents being sought were irrelevant to the Proposition 8 lawsuit. They also claimed it was u... Washington Post • Mar 23, 2010

	D.C. Council votes to legalize same-sex marriage The council will have to take a second vote in two weeks before the bill goes to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), who has pledged to sign it.... Washington Post • Dec 1, 2009

	Can Minorities Derail the Equal Marriage Express? At the end of the day, what may very well stop the equal marriage agenda in its track, will not be the efforts of repackaged Falwells, Reeds or Robertsons. The equal marriage train may not reach the station of National and Federal acceptance because it did not count with the fact that along the way it needed to pass by the Garcia, Rivera, and Jackson stops.... Washington Post • Jul 29, 2009

	Cheney on gay couples: 'Freedom for everyone' Former Vice President Dick Cheney said Monday he supports gays being able to marry but believes states, not the federal government, should make the decision.... Washington Post • Jun 1, 2009

	Supporters of Same-Sex Couples Trumpet the Church's Work Against Them With the battle moving east, some advocates are shouting that fact in the streets, calculating that on an issue that eventually comes down to comfort levels, more people harbor apprehensions about Mormons than about homosexuality.... Washington Post • May 30, 2009

	Gay marriage in DC moves debate to black community Despite Barry and Jackson's claims, there's evidence the city isn't as split on equal marriage as some suggest. Of the 12 council members who voted in favor of the equal-marriage bill, six are black. A group of Democrats in the primarily black ward that Barry represents voted 21 to 11 to support same-sex couples over the weekend. And Washington has a history of supporting equal rights; the city p... Washington Post • May 21, 2009

	DC: A Vote for Same-Sex Marriage But yesterday, gay rights advocates declared victory in a key battle to set the tone for the issue when the Ward 8 Democrats voted 21 to 11 to support the legalization of same-sex marriage, in preparation for legislation expected to be introduced in the D.C. Council this year. The Ward 8 vote came after almost two hours of discussion about religion, referendums and civil rights among the crowd of... Washington Post • May 17, 2009

	Gay-Marriage Issue Awaits Court Pick Questions on social issues in confirmation hearings have tended for the past 30 years to focus squarely on abortion, with partisans from both sides poring over a nominee's writings and rulings and presidents typically denying that any "litmus test" was employed in the selection. Same-sex marriage carries the same freighted potential to dominate a hearing, conservatives say.... Washington Post • May 17, 2009

	Barry, Obama & The Winding Road To Gay Marriage Politicians such as Obama and Barry won't hesitate to go where the people are when the time is right, but on difficult and divisive issues, they're much happier to hold back until the people have spoken. Call it timidity, call it craven, but it's how things work.... Washington Post • May 11, 2009

	Uproar in D.C. as Same-Sex Marriage Gains Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D) has said he will sign the bill recognizing same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. The council's action puts the matter before Congress, which under the Home Rule Charter has 30 days to review District legislation. The bill could present the House and Senate with their biggest test on the same-sex marriage issue since Congress approved the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996.... Washington Post • May 5, 2009

	Gay-Rights Groups Employ Faith to Push Bills Today, more than 300 clergy from a variety of faith and denominations will fan out over Capitol Hill to preach a unified gay-rights message to members of Congress: Pass the hate crimes bill that would give sexual orientation and gender identity the same federal protection as race, and pass the employment non-discrimination bill that would protect gays. Clergy Call is the second clergy event organ... Washington Post • May 4, 2009

	Brian Moran Gambles on Same-Sex Union Issue Moran's decision to push out ahead of his opponents on the issue suggests he is counting on a shift in an electorate that in past years has backed avowed centrists. He is gambling that Virginia Democrats, testing their strength after winning the governor's mansion twice and helping to deliver the White House, will now embrace the candidate they see as their most progressive option in the June 9 pr... Washington Post • Apr 29, 2009

	How Gays Won a Marriage Victory When taking the court route, the activists identify same-sex couples to bring test cases, typically after meeting and spending time with scores of couples. They prepare the selected couples for what is likely to be intense, sometimes harsh media attention. They study the state's constitution and review past court rulings, waiting to move until they feel the political and legal climate is favorable... Washington Post • Apr 15, 2009

	Faith Groups Increasingly Lose Gay Rights Fights "We are not required to pay the price for other people's religious views about us," said Jennifer Pizer, director of the Marriage Project for Lambda Legal, a gay rights legal advocacy group.... Washington Post • Apr 9, 2009

	D.C. Council Votes To Recognize Gay Nuptials Elsewhere The D.C. Council unanimously voted yesterday to recognize gay marriages performed elsewhere, joining a growing number of states to loosen restrictions on the unions. The District's actions came the same day as Vermont became the fourth state to recognize same-sex marriages and a week after the Iowa Supreme Court legalized such unions. The moves generated a sense of momentum and hope among gay act... Washington Post • Apr 8, 2009

	Triumph for Equality Gay couples in the great majority of states do not enjoy the basic benefits that often are automatically bestowed on married heterosexual couples, such as the right of inheritance or the right to make medical decisions for, and be by the bedside of, a hospitalized spouse. Gay couples usually have to take extra, often extraordinary and usually expensive legal steps just to protect their loved ones.... Washington Post • Apr 8, 2009

	Civil Marriage Is a Healthy Choice Although the government may not have intended to invest civil marriage with a public health role, in practice, it has become the vehicle for delivering such fortifications. People who are married have access to enhanced protections at those times of greatest human vulnerability: birth, death, illness, disability and unemployment. The government gives special treatment to civil marriage because it ... Washington Post • Mar 16, 2009

	Separation Anxiety: Gay couples should be allowed to stay together in the United States. The strain of the status quo on gay and lesbian binational couples should not be discounted. Because their relationships are not legally recognized by the United States, some couples have resorted to illegal marriages where the foreign nationals marry Americans to get green cards that allow them to stay in the country permanently. In other cases, Americans have exiled themselves to be with their p... Washington Post • Mar 16, 2009

	Gay Bloggers' Voices Rise in Chorus of Growing Political Influence "What happened after Proposition 8 caught the national gay groups completely off guard. I think it surprised them. I think it really showed them that when it comes to harnessing grass-roots energy, they need to get online," says Kevin Naff, editor of the Washington Blade, a gay newspaper. "What happened online came together overnight for little or no money, and the protests were covered by the mai... Washington Post • Feb 24, 2009

	Straight Couples in France Are Choosing Civil Unions Meant for Gays In passing the law without making it specific to gays, however, France distinguished itself from other European countries that have approved civil unions or even marriage for same-sex couples. As a result of that ambiguity, the PACS broadened into an increasingly popular third option for heterosexual couples, who readily cite its appeal: It has the air of social independence associated with the ti... Washington Post • Feb 17, 2009

	Foreign Policy Workers Ask U.S. To Back Benefits for Gay Partners The issue achieved prominence in 2007 when a respected ambassador, Michael Guest, resigned after 26 years in the Foreign Service to protest the rules and regulations that he argued gave same-sex partners fewer benefits than family pets. Guest said he was forced to choose "between obligations to my partner, who is my family, and service to my country," which he called "a shame for this institution ... Washington Post • Jan 27, 2009

	Judge: 2 adoptive dads belong on birth certificate The facts are so clear that no trial is needed, U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey wrote.... Washington Post • Dec 29, 2008

	Mormons' Uneasy Victory ... Washington Post • Nov 24, 2008

	Legality of Same-Sex Marriage Ban Challenged ... Washington Post • Nov 11, 2008

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