Gay Marriage Watch

Anglican Diocese in Niagra to Bless Same Sex Unions

2009-07-11T09:26:00.000-07:00

As of Sept. 1, the diocese of Niagara will allow its priests to bless same-gender couples who have been civilly married.

Niagara becomes the second diocese in the Anglican Church of Canada, after the Vancouver-based New Westminster, to offer a sacrament for same-sex blessings. (The diocese of New Westminster, which allowed same-sex blessings in 2002, currently limits the rite to eight parishes.) The issue of same-sex blessings continues to deeply divide Anglicans in Canada as well as worldwide.

“The Niagara Rite is intended for the voluntary use of priests who wish to offer a sacrament of blessing regardless of the gender of the civilly married persons…” the diocese of Niagara said on its Web site.

Full Story from the Anglican Journal

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Model Jonathan Waud Joins NoH8 Campaign

2009-07-11T09:19:00.000-07:00

Make Me A Supermodel alum Jonathan Waud joined the NOH8 campaign, which seeks to overturn the California Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ban on same-sex unions.

“I think marriage is a beautiful expression of love between two people so how could anyone wish to limit that,” the 26-year-old British model tells JustJared.com. “I feel anyone should have the right to get married. Gay/straight should never be a point of consideration, it should simply be based on the love between two people. It sounds cheesy I know but how could anyone have a negative view of two people wanting to unite themselves for life. NOH8 helps give people a voice to show their support.”

Full Story from Just Jared

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Bill to Recognize Gay Marriages Performed Outside California Before Prop 8 Passes Assembly Committee

2009-07-11T07:47:00.000-07:00

A bill that would recognize what may be thousands of same-sex marriages performed outside of California sailed through a policy committee Thursday, increasing the likelihood that the latest post-Proposition 8 dilemma will be thrown into the lap of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 54 by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, with seven Democrats supporting the measure and three Republicans voting against it. The bill addresses a question left unanswered by the California Supreme Court ruling in Strauss v. Horton, 46 Cal.4th 364: How does the state treat same-sex marriages performed in other states that do authorize those unions?

SB 54 would recognize the marriages of gay and lesbian couples performed outside California before Prop 8 became official on Nov. 5. Same-sex couples married after that date would receive the same rights and obligations of opposite-sex newlyweds, although their unions would not be called "marriage" in California.

Full Story from Law.com

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SCLC Threatens to fire Los Angeles President Over Gay Marriage Support

2009-07-11T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights group partly founded by Martin Luther King Jr., has threatened to fire the president of its Los Angeles chapter because he supports same-sex marriage.

The Rev. Eric P. Lee, president of the local SCLC chapter for two years, became an outspoken advocate of same-sex marriage during the recent campaign against Proposition 8, an amendment to the state Constitution that banned such unions.

The SCLC national board notified Lee on May 27 that he would have to attend a hearing at its Atlanta headquarters on June 4 to explain his stance on same-sex marriage. If he did not show up, they said, they would suspend and fire him.

Full Story from the LA Times

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Gov. Paterson May Reintroduce Gay Marriage Bill in September Special Session

2009-07-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Gov. Paterson said last night that lawmakers' wheeling and dealing "borders on the boundaries of illegality" -- and revealed that one legislator even tried to shake him down.

In an interview the day after the state Senate deadlock was finally broken after more than a month, Paterson chastised legislators using some of the strongest language he has to date.

...

The governor may reintroduce a gay marriage bill at a special session in September.

Full Story from the NY Post

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Four Gay Couples Get Married in India

2009-07-11T07:17:00.000-07:00

Four gay couples in Chandigarh, India tied the knot on Friday after the Delhi HC decriminalised homosexuality last week.

Dressed in bridal attire, Deepak alias Sapna is delighted that he can enter into a marital affair with long time partner Jarnail Singh.

“Though the High Court order is not valid, we will fight for our rights,” says Deepak alias Sapna dressed in red bridal dress.

Full Story from IBN Live

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New York Senate Dem Says No Gay Marriage Bill Vote For Now

2009-07-10T09:02:00.001-07:00

...Sen. Thomas Duane, who's been leading the marriage effort, clues us in via statement:

The month long stalemate in the Senate has ended. I am pleased that the Democratic Conference remains, as they were elected to be, in the majority. It is now time for the Senate to get back to work.

The June 8th coup was a painful and disturbing moment in the history of the Senate. Members’ emotions are raw, feelings are hurt and trust is lost. It will take time for these wounds to heal. As a result, I expect that the Senate this week will pass only time-sensitive, non-controversial legislation.

As disappointing as it is to admit, it is clear that this week is not the right moment for same-sex marriage legislation. Senators need some time and distance to regroup after this month’s partisan-charged and explosive atmosphere. Before June 8th, Senators from both sides of the aisle committed to me that they would vote for marriage equality. I still believe this to be the case. However, as I have said many times this session, I will not gamble when civil rights are at stake. If this means a short delay in order for marriage to become law it is well worth the wait.

Full Story from Queerty.com

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US Lawmakers Working On 2009 Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act

2009-07-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

Lawmakers and witnesses at a hearing on Wednesday discussed how best to extend benefits to the partners of gay and lesbian federal employees and retirees, a conversation that involved occasionally pointed exchanges on the nature of discrimination.

"It's baffling that this blatant inequity persists on the federal level, despite the significant expansion in the availability of employment-related benefits and equal treatment for domestic partners among other public and private sector employers," said House Oversight and Government Reform Federal Workforce Subcommittee Chairman Stephen Lynch, D-Mass.

The 2009 Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act (H.R. 2517) would grant the partners of gay and lesbian federal workers access to the full range of benefits currently available to the spouses of heterosexual employees. Those benefits include enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and full coverage of relocation costs. The legislation also would require the partners of gay and lesbian employees to abide by anti-nepotism and financial disclosure rules, which Rep. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis., the bill's sponsor, pointed out her long-term partner has been exempt from throughout Baldwin's political career.

Full Story from GovernmentExecutive.com

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Gay Groups Want to be Involved in Federal Prop 8 Suit

2009-07-10T08:40:00.000-07:00

Gay legal groups who vehemently criticized a federal Prop 8 case have now changed their tune and want in on the action. But the group filing the suit has vowed to block their attempts to intervene, suggesting they may sabotage the case.

Lambda Legal, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, and the American Civil Liberties Union all say they wish to "bring their voice and expertise to the table". But the American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER), which filed the suit, has strongly rebuffed their offer.

Full Story from Examiner.com

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Episcopalian Discuss Gay Marriage

2009-07-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

More than 50 people testified on a collection of resolutions requesting marriage equality or rites for same-gender blessings, with a vast majority speaking in favor of the resolutions, in hearings before the joint Prayer Book, Liturgy and Music Committee on July 9.

Four resolutions proposed canonical changes, while seven recommended developing rites for same-gender blessings or marriage. Witnesses supporting the resolutions varied in age, gender, sexual orientation and marital status, including one newly engaged visitor planning a same-gender wedding for 2011 who told the committee, "I am counting on you." Retired Utah Bishop Otis Charles and his partner Felipe Sanchez Paris each testified, while the Rev. Reid Farrell, Vermont alternate deputy, testified with Dale Willard, his partner of 20 years, at his side.

Speaking in support of Resolution C028 asking for the development of additional gender-neutral language for marriage rights in the Book of Common Prayer, Otis compared it to a "coming out" process for the church.

Full Story from Episcopal Life

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Guam Gay Marriage Bill Author Waters Down Bill to Civil Unions

2009-07-10T08:16:00.000-07:00

After several controversial town hall meetings were held on legislation that would allow for same-sex civil unions on Guam, Acting Speaker of the 30th Guam Legislature B.J. Cruz has introduced an amended version of Bill 138. But the question remains where the changes in the bill will be enough to garner support from the Catholic Church, which staunchly opposes any union involving same-sex couples.

After a series of town meetings were held to allow the public to provide comments on legislation that would allow for same-sex civil unions on Guam, Cruz has introduced a substitute version of his proposed legislation, which was prompted by, as he says, "Considerable debate in the community about the bill."

The acting speaker introduced the original version of Bill 138 on behalf of the Guam Youth Congress, but as a result of several concerns raised in the community and discussions with the Catholic Church he decided to keep the bill the same number, but with revisions. "I met with the archbishop and he asked that we not use the word 'marriage', and we not use the word 'union'," Cruz recalled. "There was some concern about solemnization the ceremonies that were conducted we've taken out the ceremony and its just going to be a registration where you go in and before a notary public you would attest to the fact that you' re in this committed relationship with this other person".

Full Story from KUAM.com

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New York Staleate Ends as Espada Goes Back to Democrats - Will Gay Marriage Get a Vote?

2009-07-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

The month-long stalemate in the New York state senate ended as abruptly as it began on Thursday, when Sen. Pedro Espada, Jr announced his return to the Democratic caucus, forgoing an alliance with the Republicans that split the chamber 31-31 and stalled the passage of all legislation, including the marriage equality bill. Under the arrangement that resolved the impasse, Democrats will maintain the narrow 32-30 majority they held before the leadership struggle erupted on June 8, and Espada will be their majority leader, though insiders expect a delay in passage of the marriage equality bill.

While senators started to pass long-delayed legislation as early as Thursday evening, it remained unclear whether they would take up the marriage equality bill anytime soon. The bill passed the assembly in May and is supported by Governor David Paterson.

Senator Thomas K. Duane, the openly gay Democrat who carries the marriage equality bill, issued a statement on Thursday in which he said the he expects the senate this week will “pass only time-sensitive, non-controversial legislation.”

Full Story from The Advocate

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Pennsylvania Senator Introduces Bill to Legalize Gay Marriage

2009-07-09T09:23:00.000-07:00

Pennsylvania state Sen. Daylin Leach introduced legislation to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples. He announced on Good Day Philadelphia that he has scheduled a press conference for Wednesday afternoon in order to increase support for the bill.

Currently, law in Pennsylvania define marriage as “a civil contract by which one man and one woman take each other for husband and wife.” Senate Bill 935 would update that definition to “a civil contract between two people who enter into matrimony.”

Senate Bill 935 has been referred to the state Senate Judiciary Committee. Only one local co-sponsor has signed on, Sen. Jim Ferlo. Under the bill, no religious sect will be required to perform or endorse same-sex marriages.

Full Story from SheWired

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Legislature Considering Bill to Grandfather in Out of State Gay Marriages Performed Before Passage of Prop 8

2009-07-09T08:48:00.000-07:00

The California Legislature is getting back into the Proposition 8 fight with a bill that would recognize possibly thousands of same-sex marriages performed outside of California before the measure was passed.

SB 54 , introduced late last week by Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco, also would ensure that gay and lesbian couples who have married in other states or countries since Nov. 5 -- when Prop 8 became official -- receive all the rights and obligations opposite-sex California couples enjoy, with the exception of the designation of "marriage."

The bill faces its first test today in the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which is dominated by Democrats. It already has generated opposition from two conservative groups, the California Catholic Conference and the Capitol Resource Institute.

Full Story from Law.com

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Are Gay & lesbian Couples Who Married Outside of State Still Legally Married in California?

2009-07-09T08:33:00.000-07:00

Natalie and Kim Bergman took their two daughters on the Rosie O'Donnell cruise in 2006, and while docked in Victoria, Canada, took advantage of the fact that the country allows same-sex couples to wed. When they returned home to Los Angeles, they considered themselves to be married.

But in the eyes of California officials, their wedding was legally meaningless.

That changed June 16, 2008 at 5 p.m. when the state Supreme Court's ruling overturning California's anti-gay marriage statutes went into effect. The decision specified that out-of-state same-sex marriages were now deemed valid by the state.

"Last June I called first over to the county clerk's office and said to the woman that we were married in Canada and could we still be married in California or did we need to get married in California. She said no, not only do you not need to get married but you can't get married because you are already legally married and you can't get married twice," recalled Kim Bergman.

Full Story from The Bay Area Reporter

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Mother of Gay Son Sends Letter to Irish Parliament, Inspires Protest

2009-07-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

A letter sent to the Irish justice minister by the mother of a gay son has inspired a protest today outside the Irish parliament for gay marriage.

Helen Doody's letter, in which she asked minister Dermot Ahern to "revise [the civil partnerships bill] so everyone can be equal", is fast becoming an internet sensation.

Speaking to PinkNews.co.uk last night, her son Declan said: "When the letter came out on the internet, my mum didn't expect the reaction.

Full Story from Pink News

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India Court Hears Appeal of Ruling Legalizing Gays and Lesbians

2009-07-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily on Thursday said that the government will study and formulate an opinion on the Delhi High Court judgement legalising gay sex. The minister, although stopped short of clarifying government’s stand on the issue, said that all aspects of the Delhi HC judgement will be reviewed shortly. His reaction came shortly after the Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre on a petition challenging the Delhi High Court judgement legalising gay sex among the consenting adults. The apex court posted the matter for hearing on July 20.

The Bench headed by Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said that any interim order against the High Court verdict, if necessary, will be considered only after hearing the parties concerned. Now the government will have to make its stand clear on the Delhi HC verdict suggesting ‘decriminalising’ homosexuality between two consenting adults.

The High Court, in a landmark verdict, legalised gay sex among consenting adults. The verdict had retained the penal provision for non consenting gay and homosexual acts involving minors. Notices were also issued to Naz Foundation, the NGO and other respondents who were parties before the High Court.

The court was hearing the appeal filed by Suresh Kumar Kaushal, an astrologer, against the July 2 verdict of the High Court. While mentioning the petition, the counsel, appearing for the astrologer, said that since the High Court verdict, there have been seven cases of gay marriages, and raised several questions, which, he claimed, were likely to affect the institution of marriage. However, the Bench said, "We have not changed the definition of marriage."

Full Story from Zee News

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Massachusetts Attorney General Sues US Over Gay Marriage, DOMA

2009-07-08T09:33:00.000-07:00

Attorney General Martha Coakley is suing the U.S. government to force it to extend a wide range of benefits to some 16,000 gay and lesbian couples legally married in Massachusetts.

The lawsuit, filed this morning in federal court in Boston, challenges the application of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which Coakley says prevents gay and lesbian couples here from receiving tax, retirement, insurance, Social Security and other benefits.

The attorney general says in court papers that her action would not affect other states’ laws regarding marriage.

Full Story fromthe Boston Herald

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NOM Arrives in DC to Fight Gay Marriage

2009-07-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

The nation's most vocal opponent of gay marriage is preparing to lead the fight in the District of Columbia as a new law that recognizes legal gay marriage takes effect Tuesday.

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has been vociferous in its opposition to gay marriage victories this spring in Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.

In a Tuesday tweet, NOM said: “I've arrived in DC and am opening up our DC office. Keep us in your prayers.”

Full Story from On Top Magazine

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Almost 3/4's of Czechs Say Gays Should Have Registered Partnerships

2009-07-08T09:02:00.000-07:00

Nearly three-fourths of Czechs agree that gays and lesbians should be allowed to conclude registered partnerships, according to the CVVM poll released to CTK Tuesday.

The law on partnership of same-sex couples took effect three years ago in the Czech Republic and 780 gay and lesbian couples have entered registered partnership since then in the country.

The CVVM poll showed that almost half of Czechs believe that homosexuals should be also allowed to conclude marriage.

Full Story from Prague Daily Monitor

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NEA Supports Gay Marriage - Mostly

2009-07-08T08:53:00.000-07:00

The National Education Association, the nation's largest labor union, has endorsed marriage equality, with a couple of slight dodges. From the "new business items" recap of their national convention:

1. NEA will support its affiliates seeking to enact state legislation that guarantees to same-sex couples the right to enter into a legally recognized relationship pursuant to which they have the same rights and benefits as similarly-situated heterosexual couples, including, without limitation, rights and benefits with regard to medical decisions, taxes, inheritance, adoption, and immigration.

2. NEA does not believe that a single term must be used to designate this legally recognized "equal treatment" relationship, and recommends that each state decide for itself whether "marriage," "civil union," "domestic partnership," or some other term is most appropriate based upon the cultural, social, and religious values of its citizenry.

Full Story from JoeMyGod

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Sikh Leader in India - No to Gay Marriage

2009-07-08T08:24:00.000-07:00

Jathedar Akal Takht (highest Sikh temporal seat) Gyani Gurbachan Singh here Wednesday disapproved the gay marriage as earlier approved by the Delhi High Court recently.

Singh has said that as per Sikh tenets and custom Gay marriage has no room in Sikh community as this is deadly against the culture and ethics of Sikh community.

He said that Sikhs community would not tolerate gay marriages in Sikh families and it would never be allowed to be solemnized in any of the Sikh Gurdwdara (Sikh shrine) all over the world.

Full Story from Punjab Newsline

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Anti Gay Marriage Forces in Main Say they Have Signatures to Place Measure on November Ballot

2009-07-08T08:18:00.000-07:00

Looking to overturn a bill signed by Governor John Baldacci in May approving same sex marriage, Stand For Marriage Maine announced today that they have collected more than the 55,087 signatures needed to place a People's Veto on the November ballot and are collecting additional signatures as insurance to meet the deadline to qualify the measure for the 2009 statewide election.

"In just four weeks, we've gathered more than 55,000 signatures from Mainers who believe they, not the legislature and governor, should have the final say on the definition of marriage," said Marc Mutty, Chairman of the coalition. "There has been an extraordinary outpouring of support from voters across the state. This response gives us momentum that will lift us over the first hurdle of putting the issue before the people and, ultimately, carry us to victory in November."

All signatures must be certified by the Secretary of State for validity. Once certified, the issue is cleared to appear on the November

Full Story from PR Newswire

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Episcopalians to Discuss Blessings for Gay Marriages at General Convention

2009-07-07T07:14:00.000-07:00

Blessings of same-sex marriage and removal of an informal ban on gay bishops are expected to be the top items at the upcoming 10-day meeting of the Episcopal General Convention, which starts Wednesday in Anaheim, Calif.

Since the 2006 General Convention in Columbus, Ohio, the number of states that have legalized same-sex marriage has increased to six.

Bishops from those six states - Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Iowa and Connecticut - have put forth a resolution asking a "generous and flexible response" to same-sex couples seeking to be wed in these states, according to Religion News Service.

Full Story from The Washington Times

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Australian Government Requests Senate Report on Gay Marriage

2009-07-07T07:02:00.000-07:00

The Rudd Government has announced a Senate Inquiry into same-sex marriage.

The inquiry follows the tabling of a private members bill by Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young. Hanson-Young introduced the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill 2009 which, if passed, would grant same-sex couples equal marriage rights and recognise unions entered into abroad.

In 2004, the ALP joined the Howard government to legislate against same-sex marriage. PM Kevin Rudd ruled out its introduction since being elected.

Full Story from the Sydney Star Observer

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