State Laws on Same-Sex Marriage

"It feels quite personal to have lost this civil right"

Conversation with Rabbi Lisa Edwards

Hosted by Rabbi Haim Dov Beliak, JewsOnFirst.org, January 27, 2008

Rabbi Lisa Edwards is rabbi of America's first gay synagogue, Beth Chaim Chadashim in Los Angeles and holds a Ph.D. in literature. Her writings include a handbook for Union of Reform Congregations entitled Kulanu : All of Us; The Women’s Torah Commentary: New Insights from Women Rabbis on the 54 Weekly Torah Portions; and Lesbian Rabbis: The First Generation.

As she says in this conversation, Edwards officiated at numerous weddings between May, when California's Supreme Court affirmed the right of same-sex couples to marry, and the passage of Proposition 8 in November:

The stark disappointment that resulted from the passage of Proposition 8 is quite startling. I officiated at 43 weddings. It feels quite personal to have lost this civil right by a vote of the people.

Rabbi Edwards and Tracy Moore were married under chuppah in 1995, and under California law in 2008 by Assemblymember Karen Bass and Rabbi Laura Geller.

"Religious views shouldn't come into play in a civil marriage"

Conversation with Michael Weinstein

Hosted by Rabbi Haim Dov Beliak, JewsOnFirst.org, February 10, 2009

Michael Weinstein is president of the Los Angeles-based AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the nation’s largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care. In our conversation he said: "In years past I thought that marriage itself was not that important and that civil unions took care of matters. But in this period of time that marriage was allowed in California, and having attended several ceremonies, and having known people who got married, it became apparent to me how it was very important and meaningful to couples."

Weinstein took issue with the popular perception of strong African American opposition to marriage equality. "There has been an important shift in the demographics, especially among young people," he said. "The exit polling on the Black community on the day of the election was not accurate. It turns out the numbers are much more favorable, and that points to the need to run a smarter campaign the next time."

The struggle, Weinstein said, is about civil rights. "It doesn't matter if you like gay and lesbian couples or approve of them. The majority in a democracy doesn't get to deprive the minority of rights... If you believe in democracy, if you believe in the separation of church and state, if you believe in civil marriage, therefore religious views shouldn't come into play in a civil marriage."

Continue reading about Proposition 8 and the May decision by the California Supreme Court affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry.

Opponents of same-sex marriage to look to states

AP, Advocate.com, February 28, 2007

A group lobbying for a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage concedes that its chances are slim with Democrats controlling Congress. So now it's setting its sights on state legislatures. The Washington, D.C.–based Alliance for Marriage wants to build a nationwide network of state lawmakers who would support a constitutional amendment, the group's leaders said Monday in an interview with the Associated Press.

''There is no question that the shift in the balance of power in Washington has, for the time being, made it difficult to reintroduce the federal amendment in Congress,'' said Matt Daniels, the group's founder and president. Continue.

Special collection: New York and Georgia courts rule against marriage equality

In one week in July 2006 courts in New York and Georgia upheld bans on same-sex marriage. Meanwhile, in Massachusetts, prominent business and civil leaders urged legislators not to put an amendment overturning that state's marriage equality on the 2008 ballot. Click here for links to reports on all these developments. Religious right sources are included. Click here

Alabama

Gay marriage amendment easily OK'd

By Jay Reeves, Associated Press Writer, Decatur Daily News, June 7, 2006

MONTGOMERY — Voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Alabama on Tuesday, granting what conservative supporters called additional protection for traditional families in a state where homosexual unions already are illegal.

With 17 percent of 3,240 precincts reporting, "yes" votes to approve the measure were leading "no" votes 160,309-41,155, or 80 percent to 20 percent. Continue

More to worry about than gay marriage

Op-ed article, by Rev. James L. Evans, The Decatur Daily (Decatur, Alabama), February 25, 2006

Rev. Evans writes of the cynical use politicians make of marriage amendments to turn out the vote. "Voters are warned that the homosexual agenda is about to wreck the American dream. They are whipped into a frenzy to pass laws that will stop this gay juggernaut." Click here to read the report.

'Ten Commandments Judge' Using Gay Marriage In Gubernatorial Bid

By 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, 365Gay.com, January 25, 2006

" Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore is making a state ban on same-sex marriage a key component of his bid to succeed Gov. Bob Riley. At a news conference Tuesday, Moore joined 16 ministers from across the state to urge a strong turnout at the polls to pass the proposed amendment." Click here for the report.

Arizona

South Dakota abortion ban, Arizona gay marriage ban fail

Daniel C. Vock, Stateline.org, November 8, 2006

Arizona has become the first state in the country to reject a ballot initiative to ban same-sex marriage, on the same night that South Dakota voters refused to make their state a test case in the fight to outlaw abortion.

South Dakota voters pulled the plug on an attempt to challenge the landmark abortion case of Roe v. Wade, as citizens there overrode a law that would have banned abortion in that state. In a ballot campaign that drew nationwide attention and dollars, opponents of the ban succeeded in taking it off the books by a vote of 56 percent to 44 percent with 99 percent of votes tallied.

The gay marriage vote in Arizona is likely to capture national attention, even as seven more states on Election Day joined the 20 states that already had passed constitutional prohibitions on gay marriage.

Arizona refused to outlaw gay marriage by a vote of 51 to 49, with 98 percent of voting precincts counted. The vote is likely to spur debate about whether public opposition to same-sex unions is weakening since Massachusetts became the lone state to allow gays and lesbians to marry in May 2004. Continue

Arizona rejects anti-gay marriage amendment

Similar measures pass in seven other states

By Eric Ervin, Washington Blade, November 08, 2006

Arizona voters narrowly defeated a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, becoming the first state in the country to reject such a measure.

Some 51.4 percent of those who voted rejected the measure and 48.6 supported it, with 2,208 of the state’s 2,209 precincts reporting, according to unofficial results from the Arizona Secretary of State’s office on Wed. Continue.

Marriage ban heads to Arizona ballot

Advocate.com, September 1, 2006

The Arizona supreme court on Thursday ruled that an anti-same-sex marriage amendment to the state constitution can appear on the November 7 ballot, while a recently released poll of Arizona voters indicates the harsh measure will fail.

The justices, upholding a lower court decision, spurned Arizona Together's arguments that the marriage measure violates the state's single-subject rule for ballot initiatives. Continue

Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Ruling To Be Appealed

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 10, 2006

(Phoenix, Arizona) An organization fighting a proposed Arizona amendment to ban same-sex marriage and partner benefits said Thursday it would appeal a ruling approving the language in the measure.

Earlier Thursday Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Douglas Rayes ruled that the proposed amendment did not violate a state law requiring single issues be put to voters. Continue

Arizona judge rejects challenge to antigay amendment proposal

Advocate.com, August 12-14, 2006

A judge on Thursday rejected a legal challenge to an initiative that would ban same-sex marriage and ruled that the proposed state constitutional measure can go on Arizona's November 7 general election ballot. Judge Douglas Rayes of Maricopa County superior court rejected opponents' argument that the Protect Marriage Arizona initiative, which would appear on the ballot as Proposition 107, violated a constitutional requirement that each constitutional amendment be a separate ballot measure.

The opposition Arizona Together campaign said it will appeal Rayes's ruling to the Arizona supreme court. The measure would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman and prohibit state and local governments from providing marriage-like legal status to other relationships. Continue

Lawsuit Filed Over Arizona Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 12, 2006

(Phoenix, Arizona) A proposed amendment to the Arizona constitution aimed at blocking same-sex marriage is so broad it would adversely affect thousands of couples who are not even gay a lawsuit filed Wednesday says.

Five opposite-sex couples from Phoenix and Tucson filed suit in Phoenix seeking to have the amendment invalidated on the grounds that it violates the Separate Amendment Rule by seeking to incorporate in one ballot measure at least three separate issues. Continue

Same-sex marriage ban makes Arizona's ballot

Sirius OutQ News, Advocate.com, July 8-10, 2006

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Arizona have filed for the November ballot. Organizers of the initiative, called Protect Marriage Arizona, have submitted over 300,000 signatures with the secretary of state's office. The group needs about 184,000 valid names to qualify for the ballot.

Supporters say the goal is to preserve and protect marriage in Arizona as a union between one man and one woman. It would also prohibit any type of legal status for unmarried people similar to marriage, like civil unions. Continue

Same-sex marriage ban makes Arizona's ballot

Sirius OutQ News, Advocate.com, July 8-10, 2006

Supporters of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Arizona have filed for the November ballot. Organizers of the initiative, called Protect Marriage Arizona, have submitted over 300,000 signatures with the secretary of state's office. The group needs about 184,000 valid names to qualify for the ballot.

Supporters say the goal is to preserve and protect marriage in Arizona as a union between one man and one woman. It would also prohibit any type of legal status for unmarried people similar to marriage, like civil unions. Continue

Arizona Church Leaders Pray For Gay Marriage

by 365Gay.com, May 12, 2006

(Tucson, Arizona) Leaders from more than 20 churches in the Tucson area want people in the state to know that not all Christian ministers oppose same-sex marriage.

On Saturday they will hold a special service at the Midtown First Congregational United Church of Christ to pray for the defeat of an initiative that would amend the state constitution that would ban same-sex marriage marriage. Continue

California

Mormons Tipped Scale in Ban on Gay Marriage

Jesse Mckinley And Kirk Johnson, The New York Times, November 14, 2008

Sacramento — Less than two weeks before Election Day, the chief strategist behind a ballot measure outlawing same-sex marriage in California called an emergency meeting here.

“We’re going to lose this campaign if we don’t get more money,” the strategist, Frank Schubert, recalled telling leaders of Protect Marriage, the main group behind the ban.

The campaign issued an urgent appeal, and in a matter of days, it raised more than $5 million, including a $1 million donation from Alan C. Ashton, the grandson of a former president of the Mormon Church. The money allowed the drive to intensify a sharp-elbowed advertising campaign, and support for the measure was catapulted ahead; it ultimately won with 52 percent of the vote. Continue.

State high court interested in Prop. 8 suits

Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, November 14, 2008

San Francisco -- The California Supreme Court has asked state Attorney General Jerry Brown to reply by Monday to lawsuits challenging the voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage - a sign that the justices are taking the cases seriously and will not dispose of them quickly.

Two groups of gay and lesbian couples and local governments led by the city of San Francisco filed the suits a day after the Nov. 4 election, when Proposition 8 passed with a 52 percent majority.

They argue that the initiative, a state constitutional amendment, violates other provisions of the California Constitution by taking rights away from a historically persecuted minority group and stripping judges of their power to protect that group. The couples' suits contend that Prop. 8 makes such fundamental changes that it amounts to a constitutional revision, which can be placed on the ballot only by a two-thirds vote of the Legislature. Continue.

Black, Gay Communities Collide Over Gay Marriage

National Public Radio, November 13, 2008

The controversy over California's gay marriage ban, known as Prop 8, has spilled into the streets.

Protests have snaked their way through Los Angeles and across the country.

But in some places, the fight for gay rights has turned into an public indictment of African-Americans who voted in favor of the ban. Some neighborhoods have become hotbeds for racial tension. Click here for a link to a conversation moderated by Farai Chideya.

Across nation, advocates protest ban

Jay Lindsay, Associated Press, Daily Camera, November 16, 2008

BOSTON -- Gay rights supporters waving rainbow colors marched, chanted and danced in cities coast to coast Saturday to protest the vote that banned gay marriage in California and to urge supporters not to quit the fight for the right to wed.

Crowds gathered near public buildings in cities large and small, including Boston, San Francisco, Chicago and Fargo, to vent their frustrations, celebrate gay relationships and renew calls for change.

"Civil marriages are a civil right, and we're going to keep fighting until we get the rights we deserve as American citizens," Karen Amico said in Philadelphia, holding up a sign reading "Don't Spread H8" Continue.

Opening wallets for and against Proposition 8

Anti same-sex marriage issue drew nearly $1 million from Colorado

Ryan Morgan, Scripps Online Newspaper, Daily Camera, November 16, 2008

Herbert "Bruce" Hensley doesn't typically give money to political campaigns. But over the last few months, the Boulder resident made seven contributions totaling $1,400 to committees devoted to defeating California's Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriages in that state.

"The measure in California seemed like it was so close that it might actually fail," said Hensley, 66. "I was thinking that a (donation) wouldn't be just to salve my conscience... it might actually work."

Hensley, who's gay, said he thought it made sense to support same-sex marriage rights everywhere -- not just Colorado. Continue.

Religious Leaders and the Protect Marriage Coalition Leadership Unite Against Vicious Attacks by Prop 8 Opponents

News release from Protect Marriage, ChristianNewsWire, November 14, 2008

Santa Ana, California Today, leaders representing the broad coalition of Californians who supported Proposition 8 called on leaders of the No on Proposition 8 campaign, in addition to Senator Diane Feinstein and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, to denounce the attacks against citizens who supported the constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

"Amidst all this lawlessness, harassment, trampling of civil rights and now domestic terrorism, one thing stands out: the deafening silence of our elected officials. Not a single elected leader has spoken out against what is happening. Where is Governor Arnold Schwarzenengger while churches are being attacked? And where is Senator Dianne Feinstein while people are losing their jobs and grandmothers are being bullied by an angry mob?" said Campaign Co- Manager Frank Schubert. Continue.

Marriage Advocates Respond to Harassment, Intimidation

Jennifer Mesko, Focus on the Family, November 14, 2008

Ten days after a majority of California voters approved a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman, the "tolerance" is out in full force.

Those who supported Proposition 8 have been blacklisted, harassed and intimidated. Churches have been defaced. Donors and volunteers for the Yes on 8 campaign have been fired or forced to resign — just because they exercised their constitutional right to participate in the political process. And African-Americans have been accused of abandoning civil rights. Continue.

Elderly Prop. 8 supporter roughed up, filing charges

Allie Martin and Charlie Butts, OneNewsNow, November 11, 2008

An elderly California woman will file charges against homosexuals who attacked her during a protest against the passage of Proposition 8.

Last Friday evening, homosexual activists and their supporters gathered at the Palm Springs City Hall, protesting voter approved Prop. 8, which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Phyllis Burgess went to the rally, and carried a Styrofoam cross through the crowd.

As ABC affiliate KESQ-TV carried that rally live, homosexuals surrounded the 69-year-old woman, began pushing her, reportedly spit on her, and grabbed the cross from her arms and threw it on the ground. Continue.

Gay Anarchist Group Storms Church Service in Michigan

Church Report Online.com, November 12, 2008

Some churches are fighting back after a self-proclaimed gay anarchist group stormed into a Mid-Michigan Church. It happened at Mount Hope Church in Lansing,MI. The Eaton County Sheriff’s office was called in and is investigating.

Reports say that protesters were outside the church beating on buckets and using megaphones to shout “Jesus is a homo” as church-goers went in for morning services. According to those reports, half of the protesting group was dressed to blend in with the church-goers and entered the church. Continue.

Calif. Court Allows Anti-Gay Marriage Measure To Go To Voters

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 16, 2008

(San Francisco, California) The California Supreme Court declined on Wednesday to hear a challenge to a ballot measure asking voters to ban same-sex marriage.

As is the court's practice it did not give a reason for deciding not to hear the challenge by LGBT rights groups. The decision virtually assures the issue will be put to voters in November. Continue.

California County Refuses To Ban Gay Marriage

Associated Press, Advocate.com, July 9, 2008

Kern County supervisors refused to ban gay marriage, rebutting a conservative group that sought to make it the first California county to reject the statewide policy.

The Campaign for Children and Families hoped the passage of a gay marriage ban in Kern County would embolden other counties to follow suit. Continue.

Marriage Supporters Introduce New Argument to Stop Amendment

Associated Press, Advocate.com, June 24, 2008

Gay rights activists asked California's highest court Friday to keep off the November ballot a citizens' initiative that would again ban same-sex marriage. Lawyers for Equality California filed a petition arguing that the proposed amendment to the California constitution should be invalidated because its impact was not made clear to the millions of voters who signed petitions to qualify the measure before the state supreme court legalized same-sex unions. ''This court has recognized that gay and lesbian couples have a fundamental right to marry, and as of June 16 such couples have been getting married across the state,'' the petition states.

''Rather than effecting 'no change' in existing California law, the proposed initiative would dramatically change existing law by taking that fundamental right away and inscribing discrimination based on a suspect classification into our state constitution.''

The petition also claims the so-called California Marriage Protection Act should be disqualified because it would revise, rather than amend, the state constitution by altering its fundamental guarantee of equality for all -- in essence writing a law the state high court has already found unconstitutional into the constitution. Continue.

Kern County Clerk refuses to perform marriages

Shuns County Counsel in favor of Christian right Alliance Defense Fund

Background by JewsOnFirst.org, June 18, 2008

Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett ended all marriages performed by her office in Bakersfield, the county seat, and in satellite offices around the far-flung county. Barnett's move followed her order to the Kern County Counsel to file for a delay in the implementation of same-sex marriage as ordered last month by the California Supreme Court. When the court refused to delay marriage equality, Barnett announced the suspension of marriages and the local paper reported that she had retained the Alliance Defense Fund, a religious right legal powerhouse, to represent her. The County Counsel told the Bakersfield Californian that Barnett's reliance on outside counsel concerned him.

Meanwhile, a local school district trustee threatened to unseat any elected officials who did not support Barnett. Chad Vegas, who has led successful efforts to put "In God We Trust" posters into classrooms and rename Winter and Spring breaks as Christmas and Easter breaks, stated that officials should follow the constitution they swore to uphold -- not judges or the legislature.

Wedding bells ring for local gay couples

James Burger And Tara Mclaughlin, The Bakersfield Californian, June 17, 2008

It was close to 9 a.m. when the first gay couple wed.

There was barely a hint of a breeze, the sun was shining through the trees and a man sprinkled the ground beneath their feet with yellow and red rose petals.

Karen Briefer and Kathi Gose were surrounded by a crowd, mostly media peppered with their loved ones.

The Briefer-Gose family, who had what they called a spiritual ceremony 11 years ago, exchanged vows acknowledging their love and commitment. Continue.

Clerk: Weddings a financial loser

Stacey Shepard, The Bakersfield Californian, June 13, 2008

County Clerk Ann Barnett released figures Friday showing her office lost $18,000 in the past year performing civil marriage ceremonies.

Barnett cited the high cost of solemnizing marriages as a reason for ending them, a decision announced last week after the California Supreme Court stood by its legalization of gay marriage.

Despite the financial drain, Barnett did not suggest eliminating ceremonies earlier this year when all county departments were instructed to reduce expenditures 20 percent in the face of a general fund shortfall of more than $47 million. Continue.

Chad Vegas warns supervisors to support Barnett

The Bakerfield Californian, June 16, 2008

Conservative groups in Kern County and around the country are lining up to oppose same-sex marriage, which becomes legal in California Monday night.

High-profile pastor and school trustee Chad Vegas led the charge locally with an e-mail threatening any Kern County supervisor who fails to fully support Ann Barnett, the Kern auditor-controller who announced June 5 she would halt all county civil ceremonies before the Tuesday morning deadline to allow same-sex weddings.

“When people stand for something that is wrong and you don’t believe in it, you work to remove them from office,” Vegas said Friday. Continue.

I Do’? Oh, No. Not Here You Don’t

By Jesse McKinley, New York Times, June 13, 2008

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Thousands of gay and lesbian couples across California are expected to marry next week, when a State Supreme Court decision granting that right becomes official.

But here in the seat of Kern County, same-sex marriages will not take place in the county clerk’s office. Nor will any others.

In a statement, County Clerk Ann K. Barnett announced that her office would not solemnize any wedding vows after Friday, a move that she said reflected administrative and budgetary concerns, but that gay rights activists think reflects Ms. Barnett’s distaste for same-sex marriage. The decision does not affect the ability of any couple in the county to obtain a marriage license. Continue.

Buzz up!2 counties to halt all weddings, gay or not

Marisa Lagos, The San Francisco Chronicle, June 11, 2008

County officials in at least two California counties say they'll stop performing all wedding ceremonies by next week, arguing that they don't have enough resources to marry both gay and straight couples.

Officials in Kern and Butte counties cited budget and staffing constraints as the rationale for halting the ceremonies. But clerks in other counties say that claim is specious. Some activists went further, arguing that the decision to stop the ceremonies amounts to poorly disguised discrimination against gay and lesbian couples. Continue.

Radio Personality Harrison Takes on Kern County

Harrison, The Advocate.com, June 18, 2008

While cities throughout California commemorate June 17th’s greenlighting of same-sex marriage, the 8,000 square mile backwoods county of Kern—home to Edwards Air Force Base and the China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station—remains a virtual stand-alone in glad defiance of the California supreme court’s recent celebrated ruling.

Kern County, recently ranked by The American Lung Association as the most ozone-polluted county in the nation, is also heralded as the “Country Music Capitol of the West” and home of Cousin' Ebb Pilling of the Pumpkin Center Barn Dance.

Kern County is larger than the entire state of Connecticut, gushing 35,000 active oil wells amidst a dusty landmass of dereks, trailer parks, and 7-11s. The county seat is plopped in sun-blistered Bakersfield, made famous as the residence of “Hee-Haw” star Buck Owens. It is here that Ann Barnett, Kern County Auditor-Controller and County Clerk, decided to flash her Crucifix against the state supreme court’s equality ruling to openly administer marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Ms. Barnett even pushed County Counsel Bernard Barmann to file a legal brief with the State of California to block all same-sex marriages, statewide. Continue.

Court Refuses To Stop Calif. Gay Weddings

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 17, 2008

(San Francisco, California) A California state appeals court on Tuesday refused a motion by a conservative group to halt the rush by same-sex couples to marry.

The Campaign for California Families argued that marriage licenses should not be issued until the legislature amends dozens of state laws addressing marriage to conform with the state Supreme Court ruling that gays and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry.

The organization was represented by the Virginia-based Liberty Counsel. Continue.

With court ruling taking effect Monday, area congregations grapple with gay marriage

Jennifer Garza, The Sacramento Bee, June 15, 2008

Whether they embrace the concept or oppose it, Sacramento's religious groups are grappling with the arrival Monday of legal same-sex marriages in California.

Churches willing to host same-sex marriages are rewriting wedding vows and marriage pamphlets, replacing "bride" and "groom" with non-gender-specific words. At Sierra Arden United Church of Christ in Sacramento, "bridal party" is now "wedding party" in church brochures.

"We want everyone to feel welcome," said Pam Engle, office manager. Continue.

For some clergy, topic stirs spiritual struggle

Anne Krueger and Angela Lau, San Diego Union-Tribune, June 16, 2008

For some religious leaders, gay marriage is a simple issue: It's either a fundamental right or an unholy union.

For others, the court ruling that legalizes such marriages in California beginning this evening presents more of a spiritual struggle.

The topic was generally avoided during weekend sermons in San Diego County, but as with other hot-button issues, same-sex marriage has prompted contemplation, discussion and even dissent in places of worship since the state Supreme Court issued its ruling May 15. Continue.

Foes of California same-sex marriage ruling ask a lower court to delay it

With a state Supreme Court ruling set to become law June 16, a group asks an appeals court to delay its imposition until after a November vote on the issue. The ruling's proponents deride the effort.

Maura Dolan, Los Angeles Times, June 12, 2008

San Francisco -- Opponents of same-sex marriage asked the California Court of Appeal today to put on hold a ruling that permits gays to marry next week, a move that supporters of the ruling quickly belittled as frivolous and certain to fail.

The California Supreme Court, which approved same-sex nuptials in a historic ruling May 15, already has refused to delay the effective date of its decision. Opponents wanted the court to postpone the ruling's effect until after a November ballot initiative to limit marriage to opposite-sex couples. The ruling becomes law June 16 at 5 p.m. Continue.

Gay 'Marriage': All Hope is Not Lost

"God is not having an anxiety attack over same-sex 'marriage.' "

Jennifer Mesko, Citizenlink.com, June 16, 2008

As the first same-sex "wedding" takes place in California today, it's important to put things into perspective.

"God is not having an anxiety attack over same-sex 'marriage,' " said Peter Brandt, senior director of government and public policy at Focus on the Family Action.

Ron Prentice, executive director of the California Family Council, said God is raising up a new generation of leaders. Continue.

Day of Prayer for Marriage

Same-sex "Marriage" Ruling Prompts Call for Day of Prayer on June 17

Concerned Women for America, Press Release, June 16, 2008

Washington, D.C. — Concerned Women for America (CWA) is calling for a Day of Prayer and Fasting to ask God’s intervention to protect marriage. Tuesday, June 17, is the first full day that California will begin allowing same-sex “marriages,” opening the floodgates of legal chaos to further undermine marriage nationwide. Unlike Massachusetts, which allows only state residents to obtain same-sex “marriage” licenses, California’s sweeping decision can be transported nationwide by homosexual couples demanding that other states recognize their California “marriage.” Already, New York Governor David Paterson (D) has ordered all New York state agencies to recognize same-sex “marriages” performed in other states or countries in which it is considered legal. Continue.

Biblical marriage vs. CA courts: Ruling today

Jeff Johnson, OneNewsNow, June16, 2008

Pro-family attorneys are trying another legal route to block implementation of so-called "gay marriage" in California this evening.

The California Supreme Court has rejected appeals of its ruling that the state must issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning at 5:01 p.m. (local time) today. But the Supreme Court's decision merely hands the case back down to the California Court of Appeal, which is charged with deciding how and when to implement the high court's ruling. It is that power that Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, is appealing to now. Continue.

Initiative to ban gay marriage is on ballot

John Wildermuth, San Francisco Chronicle, June 3, 2008

(06-02) 19:24 PDT Sacramento - -- A constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in California was placed on the Nov. 4 ballot Monday, kick-starting an election struggle that will have repercussions across the nation.

Secretary of State Debra Bowen's certification of the initiative, which would amend the state Constitution to limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman, comes as no surprise to either side of the same-sex marriage issue.

When backers of the initiative, who needed 694,354 valid signatures to make the ballot, turned in more than 1.1 million signatures, the only question was when the certification would come. Continue.

State Supreme Court says same-sex couples have right to marry

Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, May 15, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO -- Gays and lesbians have a constitutional right to marry in California, the state Supreme Court said today in a historic ruling that could be repudiated by the voters in November.

In a 4-3 decision, the justices said the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates the "fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship." The ruling is likely to flood county courthouses with applications from couples newly eligible to marry when the decision takes effect in 30 days.

"The California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples," Chief Justice Ronald George wrote in the majority opinion. Continue.

Order of the California Supreme Court affirming the right of same-sex couples to marry.

California Supreme Court, May 15, 2008

To read the 172-page document posted on the court's website, please click here.

Gay Couples Rejoice at Ruling

by Jesse McKinley, The New York Times, May 16, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO — Gay and lesbian couples in San Francisco rejoiced Thursday over a California Supreme Court decision affirming their right to marry even as political leaders on both sides of the issue girded for an extended fight in the courts and at the ballot box. Continue.

California Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage Fuels a Battle, Rather Than Ending It

By Jesse Mckinley, New York Times, May 18, 2008

SAN FRANCISCO — Just hours after the California Supreme Court ruled on Thursday that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, Mathew D. Staver was already raising money to overturn the decision.

Mr. Staver, the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, a Florida group that defends traditional marriage, flew to Dallas on Thursday night for a late dinner meeting with a fund-raiser. The topic was how to finance a campaign for the California Marriage Protection Act, a November ballot initiative that would amend the state Constitution and effectively undo the court’s decision.

“I flew to Dallas to discuss this specific issue,” said Mr. Staver, who had several trips on similar business planned in the coming week. “And we talked until the early morning hours.” Continue.

Gay-marriage ruling splits faith leaders

Some Rejoice; Others Are 'Soul-Sick'

By Mary Anne Ostrom, San Jose Mercury News, May 18, 2008

Nowhere is the opinion divide on gay marriage sharper than in the nation's religious communities. And last week's same-sex marriage ruling will do little to bring agreement on the definition of marriage, a social and religious touchstone that has torn apart families, congregations and entire dioceses.

"I don't expect the picture in the religious community to change very much with this decision," said Mary Tolbert, executive director of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry in Berkeley. "As more and more gays and lesbians marry, it may become less of an issue, but right now I don't expect much to change, maybe not for a decade."

While clergy addressing Bay Area liberal congregations this morning, including pioneers in the battle to win legal recognition of gay marriage, are celebrating the decision, many others, including evangelical and Catholic pastors, are decrying the ruling that they say promotes a gay agenda and is at odds with their religious doctrines.

Thursday's California Supreme Court ruling allowing state-sanctioned same-sex marriages, of course, has no legal consequences for organized religions. Still, the controversial topic has not stopped faith leaders from crossing into the political arena. Faith leaders on both sides of the divide are gearing up for the expected battle over a constitutional amendment, likely headed to the November ballot, that would attempt to overturn Thursday's ruling and write a ban into the state's constitution. Continue.

California Rules in Favor of Same-Sex ‘Marriage’; Dr. Dobson Outraged

'The justices have undermined and endangered the basic building block of society.'

by Devon Williams, CitizenLink (Focus on the Family), May 15, 2008

The California Supreme Court ruled today that a law defining marriage as the union between one man and one woman is “unconstitutional,” allowing same-sex couples to marry within the next 30 days. The ruling struck down Proposition 22, a voter-approved statute protecting traditional marriage.

Dr. James Dobson, founder and chairman of Focus on the Family, is outraged by the court’s blatant disregard for marriage and the voters of California.

“The will of the people has now arrogantly been declared null and void,” he said. “In so doing, the justices have undermined and endangered the basic building block of society, which has been honored and preserved in every nation on earth through most of human history.” Continue.

Gary Bauer promises fight

Gary Bauer's daily email, May 15, 2008

"The California Supreme Court has issued a devastating opinion today overruling the common sense of the good people of California regarding the meaning of marriage. We will have more analysis of the opinion tomorrow, but rest assured, my friends, this is not the last word! The people are not powerless, and they do not have to accept this decision without a fight. And we fully intend to fight for our values! Stay tuned."

California legislators again pass bill legalizing gay marriage; veto likely

Robert Marus, Associeted Baptist Press, September 11, 2007

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (ABP) -- In a repeat performance, California legislators sent Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) a bill legalizing same-sex marriage Sept. 10.

And, in another repeat performance, the governor is expected to veto the measure.

The California Senate approved the bill on a 22-15 party-line vote, with Democrats in the majority. The legislature’s lower chamber had already approved the bill.

It would have modified the California Family Code to define marriage as a civil contract between two people, regardless of gender. With a similar measure in 2005, the California Assembly became the first legislature in the nation to approve full marriage rights for same-sex couples without having been ordered by a court to do so. Continue.

Legal Battle For Same-Sex Marriage Advances In California

365Gay.com, August 17, 2007

(San Francisco, California) Attorneys for same-sex couples seeking the right to marry in California on Friday submitted answers to a series of questions posed earlier this year by the state Supreme Court on the legal ramifications of the case.

The justices sought the answers after both sides in the case filed their initial briefs in June, (story) saying the briefs failed to address three key issues. Continue.

California Assembly for second time adopts gay marriage bill

By Samantha Young, Associated Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, June 5, 2007

SACRAMENTO – The state Assembly on Tuesday voted to allow gay couples to marry in a challenge to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has said he would veto the bill if it passes the full Legislature.

Lawmakers approved the measure on a party-line vote, with the majority saying the Legislature should not to wait for the state Supreme Court to act on the issue. It passed 42-34. Continue.

Marriage law goes to high court

State Supreme Court sets aside appellate ruling on same-sex issue, agrees to hear arguments

Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, December 21, 2006

The fate of same-sex marriage in California is in the hands of the state Supreme Court.

More than two years after it nullified nearly 4,000 weddings of gay and lesbian couples performed at San Francisco City Hall, the court voted unanimously Wednesday to decide whether state law, which defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman, violates a constitutional right to marry the partner of one's choice.

The justices granted a hearing on appeals by same-sex couples and the city of San Francisco after a state appellate court voted 2-1 on Oct. 5 to uphold the state law, which the Legislature passed in 1977 and voters reaffirmed in 2000. Continue.

California high court to review same-sex marriage case

AP, Advocate.com, December 22, 2006

The California supreme court unanimously agreed Wednesday to decide whether the state's ban on same-sex marriage violates a constitutional ban on discrimination, though an outcome is not likely until late next year. The justices are reviewing an October decision by the first district court of appeal, which ruled that California marriage laws do not discriminate because gay and lesbian couples can get most rights the state confers to married couples. Continue.

California Supreme Court takes 'gay marriage' case

Baptist Press, December 21, 2006

The California Supreme Court announced Dec. 20 it would take up a much-publicized "gay marriage" case.

The decision to accept the case was unanimous among the court's seven justices, although a date for oral arguments has yet to be set. Conservative groups had hoped the court would decline the appeal and allow a lower court ruling against "gay marriage" to stand.

At issue is a California law passed by voters in 2000 that protects the natural, traditional definition of marriage. Known as Proposition 22, it passed with 61 percent of the vote. Continue

San Francisco appeals anti–marriage equality ruling

AP via Advocate.com, November 15, 2006

A month after an appeals court ruled against same-sex marriage, the city of San Francisco and about a dozen gay couples have filed an appeal to the California supreme court. Same-sex marriage advocates hope to overturn the ruling that said limiting marriage to a man and a woman does not violate the constitutional rights of gays and lesbians.

If the high court takes the case, a decision on same-sex marriage is likely a year or more away. The justices have 90 days to announce their intentions. Continue.

California Supreme Court Asked To Rule On Gay Marriage

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 13, 2006

(San Francisco, California) The California Supreme Court was asked Monday to overturn a lower court ruling that upheld the state's ban on same-sex marriage but if the court decides to hear the case it will do so without the lead litigants.

Lancy Woo and Cristy Chung lead plaintiffs in the omnibus case have split up and are no longer involved. Continue.

Supreme Court declines to hear same-sex marriage case

Advocate.com, October 12, 2006

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear an appeal by a California gay couple whose quest for a marriage license was rejected by a federal appeals court earlier this year. Arthur Smelt and Christopher Hammer have been in court since the Orange County clerk rejected their marriage license applications in 2004, The Orange County Register reports.

The pair was unable to win support from gay rights groups, who wanted to focus legal efforts on winning same-sex marriage rights in state courts. Continue.

Same-sex marriage ban upheld by court

Ruling says change can come only from voters or Legislature

Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, October 6, 2006

Gays and lesbians have no constitutional right to marry in California, and any change giving them that right must come from state lawmakers or the voters rather than the legal system, a state appeals court declared Thursday.

The 2-1 decision reversed a lower-court ruling in favor of plaintiffs who were among the thousands of gays and lesbians who married at San Francisco City Hall in 2004. It cleared the way for both sides to argue their case before the state Supreme Court, which will have the final say on whether the courts can give same-sex couples the right to marry. Continue.

Divided California Court of Appeal Rejects Challenge to Discriminatory Marriage Law

Families Disappointed in Ruling, Will Appeal

News release, American Civil Liberties Union, October 5, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO -- In a 2-1 decision that will be appealed to the California Supreme Court, a divided panel of the California Court of Appeal ruled today that the state may continue to bar same-sex couples from marriage.

In a strong dissent, Justice Anthony Kline wrote: "the inescapable effect of the analysis the majority adopts is to diminish the humanity of the lesbians and gay men whose rights are defeated. The right to marry is of fundamental importance for all individuals."

"Today's decision was disappointing, especially for the thousands of same-sex couples throughout the state who are relying on the courts to do right by their families," said Tamara Lange, a Senior Staff Attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union. "But we're hopeful that we will be able to show the California Supreme Court that same-sex couples make lasting commitments just like different-sex couples and their families shouldn't be denied the dignity and protections that the state provides through marriage." Continue.

Advocates of same-sex marriage vow appeal of California ruling

AP, Advocate.com, October 6, 2006

Advocates of same-sex marriage vowed to appeal a state appeals court ruling upholding California's ban on same-sex weddings—a decision that would be a critical defeat for their cause if it stands. In reversing the March 2005 ruling of a San Francisco trial judge, the first district court of appeal on Thursday dealt another setback to the movement to expand same-sex marriage beyond Massachusetts. Continue.

PFLC Celebrates California Court of Appeal Ruling on Gay Marriage

News release, Pro-Family Law Center via Christian Newswire, October 5, 2006

TEMECULA, Calif., Oct. 5 /Christian Newswire/ -- The Pro-Family Law Center and public interest firm of Lively, Ackerman & Cowles are hailing today's ruling by the First District California Court of Appeal on the issue of gay marriage. In short, the Court concluded that gay marriage is an issue that should be left to the democratic process and not to courts and judges.

The two original lawsuits to challenge San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's unilateral decision to make gay marriage legal were brought by the Alliance Defense Fund, Campaign for California Families, Pete Knight, Proposition 22 Defense Fund, Liberty Counsel, and the Lively-Ackerman public interest law firm. Continue.

State Appeals Court Hears Same-Sex Marriage Debate

Plaintiffs seeking to void the ban on gay marriage enacted after San Francisco issued licenses find a sympathetic ear on state appellate court.

By Maura Dolan, The Los Angeles Times, July 11, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO - The debate over same-sex marriage reached a California appeals court Monday, with one of the panel's three judges indicating agreement with the gay rights position.

During five hours of arguments, the sole Democrat on the three-judge panel observed that the state's domestic partner law gave gay couples only "half a loaf," and he took jabs at the state's defense of traditional marriage. Continue

Angelides Would Sign Gay Marriage Bill

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 7, 2006

(San Francisco) The Democrat trying to unseat Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says if he is elected he would sign legislation to legalize same-sex marriage.

At a San Francisco news conference on Friday Phil Angelides criticized Schwarzenegger for last year's veto of a gay marriage bill passed by the legislature. Continue

Gay couple can't contest marriage definition

By Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, May 5, 2006

SAN FRANCISCO - A federal appeals court today dismissed a challenge by two Orange County men to a law denying federal marriage benefits to same-sex couples, saying a couple that isn't legally married under state law has no right to contest the federal definition of marriage.

The Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reached the result urged by gay-rights groups, which opposed the federal suit because they are trying to overturn California's marriage law in state court. Continue

Federal Judges Question Gay Marriage Case

by David Kravets, Associated Press, 365Gay.com, April 5, 2006

A three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments in the appeal of a gay couple bidding to overturn California's law as discriminatory. A district judge rejected their argument saying that the purpose of marriage is procreation. According to the report, the Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union do not regard this case as well timed for a Supreme Court test. Click here for the report.

Taking Sides on Same-Sex Marriage

Political, religious and civil rights groups file briefs as the legal fight over gay unions builds

By Lee Romney, Los Angeles Times, January 11, 2006

"San Francisco - In a preview of California's looming court battle over same-sex marriage, scores of religious, civil rights and conservative groups filed briefs on both sides of the issue." Click here to read the report.

See also: Read the brief signed by Jewish and other religious organzations on the Lambda Legal website.

Signature drive for California marriage amendment fails court case

By Michael Foust, Baptist Press News (Southern Baptist Press), January 6, 2006

"A pro-family coalition in California failed in late December to submit enough signatures to place a constitutional marriage amendment on the ballot, blaming divisions within the conservative movement and a November election that served as a distraction." Click here to read article.

California: Same-sex marriage ban unlikely to make June ballot

By Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, December 21, 2005

"A proposed state constitutional amendment that would outlaw same-sex marriages and marital benefits for domestic partners in California will probably fail to qualify for the June ballot, a lawyer with the sponsoring group said Tuesday." Click here to read the report.

Colorado

Colorado Voters Pass Gay Marriage Ban, Reject Gay Benefits

Foxnews.com, November 8, 2006

DENVER — Colorado voters overwhelmingly outlawed gay marriage Tuesday, joining more than two dozen other states in amending their constitutions to declare marriage must be a union between a man and a woman.

A second proposal that would award same-sex couples some of the same benefits enjoyed by married spouses under state law was failing. Continue.

Citing Dobson group as a source, Post publishes misleading map with article on domestic partnership, same-sex and marriage ballot issues

Colorado Media Matters, September 15, 2006

Summary: A U.S. map accompanying a Denver Post article about the two Colorado ballot measures related to gay marriage and domestic partnerships designated five states as allowing "[d]omestic partnership or civil union." But it did not indicate four of those states also have statutory bans on same-sex marriage, creating the misleading impression that civil unions are not allowed in any states that ban same-sex marriage.

Click here for details on protesting to the Denver Post.

One of two DP initiatives pulled from Colorado ballot

A.P., Advocate.com, August 24, 2006

One of two Colorado proposals that would allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners was withdrawn from the November ballot Tuesday because backers said the other proposal would accomplish the same goal. Coloradans for Fairness pulled Amendment 45, which would have changed the state constitution to give registered domestic partners some of the same rights as married couples.

Still on the ballot is Referendum I, which would put domestic partnerships into state law rather than into the constitution. It was placed on the ballot by the legislature. Continue

2nd Pro-Gay Amendment OK For Colorado Ballot

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 18, 2006

(Denver, Colorado) Electors will get to vote on two pro-gay and one anti-gay amendments to the Colorado state constitution in November.

Secretary of State Gigi Dennis has certified that a proposed amendment by Coloradans for Fairness and Equality has enough signatures to proceed to the ballot.

The proposed amendment, to be labeled on the ballot at Amendment 45, declares that domestic partnerships are not marriages. Continue

Colorado GOP In Damage Control After 'Gay Marriage Like Bestiality' Remark

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 16, 2006

(Denver, Colorado) Just a day after Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Beauprez announced his running mate would be Mesa County commissioner Janet Rowland the ticket is in "deep damage control" after Democrats released a transcript of a March TV interview in which Rowland compared same-sex marriage to bestiality. Continue.

Colorado Catholics Instructed To Support Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 23, 2006

(Denver, Colorado) Roman Catholic churches throughout Colorado will be used to collect signatures for two ballot measures that will restrict the rights of same-sex couples.

One is an amendment to the state Constitution to ban gay marriage, the other would block benefits to same-sex couples.

There are about 370,000 Catholics in the state. The ballot measures each need about 68,000 signatures by Aug. 7 to qualify for a statewide vote. Continue

Colorado Supreme Court OKs Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com, June 19, 2006

(Denver, Colorado) The Colorado Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to a ballot measure aimed at barring the state from giving any legal recognition to same-sex couples. Continue

Proposals on Same-Sex Unions Compete for Favor of Coloradans

By Kirk Johnson, The New York Times, May 6, 2006

DENVER, May 6 - Colorado is set to become a bruising and confusing battleground over marriage and same-sex unions this year, with up to four conflicting proposals competing for a spot on the November ballot. Continue

Gay, Anti-Gay Measures Gain Support In Colorado

by 365Gay.com, March 24, 2006

"A proposed amendment to the Colorado constitution to ban same-sex marriage and a counter proposal to give same-sex couples some of the benefits of marriage both made headway on Friday. Each would need final approval by voters in November." Click here for the report.

Colorado Dems Want Statewide Vote On Gay Benefit Plan

Associated Press on 365Gay.com, January 17, 2006

"(Denver Colorado) Two leading Democrats said Monday they want to ask Colorado voters to decide whether the state should legalize domestic partnerships for same-sex couples, calling it a legal issue, not a debate over traditional marriage values." Click here for the report.

Push to nix gay nuptials begins

But groups not all on same page

By Eric Gorsky, Denver Post, December 9, 2005

"What was envisioned as a broad coalition coming together to put a constitutional amendment prohibiting gay marriage on the Colorado ballot next fall is divided over what exactly the measure should say.

"According to sources involved in the discussions, the influential Colorado Springs evangelical Christian group Focus on the Family is pressing for a measure that would ban not only gay marriage but also same-sex civil unions or domestic partnerships." Click here to read the report.

Benefactor's group to fight effort to ban gay marriage

By Eric Gorski, Denver Post, December 6, 2005

"Denver philanthropist Tim Gill has formed a political nonprofit group to get more involved in candidate races and fight constitutional amendments barring gay marriage, including one anticipated on the Colorado ballot next fall. Click here to read the report."

Connecticut

Connecticut Group Pushes For Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, May 26, 2007

(Hartford, Connecticut) A conservative group opposed to same-sex marriage has begun gathering support for an amendment to the state constitution. Continue.

Gay Marriage Bill Advances In Connecticut

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 13, 2007

(Hartford, Connecticut) A bill to legalize same-sex marriage is headed to a vote in the Connecticut House of Representatives, but if the measure passes both houses it is likely to suffer the same fate as similar legislation in California - a veto.

The Judiciary Committee voted 26 - 15 Thursday to send the bill to the floor of the House for a vote. Continue.

Lawmakers push for marriage equality in Connecticut

Advocate.com, February 01, 2007

Gay rights advocates in Connecticut said on Wednesday they would introduce legislation that aims to make the state the second in the United States to legalize same-sex marriage, but they face tough opposition. Democratic state senator Andrew McDonald and Rep. Michael Lawlor said they would file the bill before a February 14 deadline for new legislation. "We'll treat same-sex couples exactly the same way we'll treat opposite-sex couples," said Lawlor, also a Democrat. Continue.

Conn. Gov: No Gay Marriages

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 27, 2007

(Hartford, Connecticut) Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell said Friday that if the legislature passes a same-sex marriage bill she will veto it.

The threat comes as LGBT civil rights groups prepare for a new push next week on lawmakers to approve same-sex marriage.

In 2005, Rell, a Republican, signed a civil union bill - at the time the second in the nation, after Vermont, and the first to enact such a law without being ordered by a court. Continue.

Gay Couples Lose Connecticut Marriage Case

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 12, 2006

(Hartford, Connecticut) A Connecticut state judge late Wednesday ruled that same-sex couples do not need marriage because they already are entitled to civil unions.

"Civil union and marriage in Connecticut now share the same benefits, protections and responsibilities under law," Judge Patty Jenkins Pittman said in a written ruling. Continue

Florida

Florida church exposes foes of same-sex marriage

Advocate.com, June 24-26, 2006

A gay-friendly church in Jacksonville, Fla., is turning heads and sparking debate by publishing on its Web site a list of Floridians who signed a petition voicing opposition to same-sex marriage, reports News4Jax.com.

The Christ Church of Peace has made public not only the names but also the addresses of 400,000 foes of marriage equality. Opponents of same-sex marriage in the state need 100,000 more signatures to qualify the issue for the 2008 ballot. Floridians would then vote on whether to constitutionally ban same-sex marriage, although it’s already illegal in the state. Continue

Gay Friendly Church To Publish Names Of Florida Marriage Amendment Supporters

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 12, 2006

(Jacksonville, Florida) A small Jacksonville church announced Monday it is setting up a Web site to publish the names of people who signed petitions calling for a plebiscite on a proposed amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida.

The site is similar to one in Massachusetts, set up after gay marriage foes began a petition drive in that state. In the Massachusetts case many of the people's names collected turned out to be bogus leading to a legislative inquiry. Continue

Florida Anti-Gay Amendment Appears Doomed

By Fidel Ortega, 365Gay.com, January 23, 2006

"Ironically it is the GOP that wants to see the amendment put to voters. The party has been the campaign's biggest sponsor. Last week an investigation by the St. Petersburg Times into funding for Florida4Marriage has found that of the $193,000 that has been raised by the group $150,000 came from a single donor - the Florida Republican Party." Click here for the report.

Fla. marriage amendment signature drive looking like a bust

By Michael Foust, Baptist Press , January 20, 2006

With the deadline looming and the anti-marriage campaign short thousands of signatures, Baptist Convention leaders urge churches to get involved in the peititon drive. One quoted here says involvement would not jeopardize churches' tax exempt status. Go to the article.

Marriage amendment coalition announces endorsements as petition deadline nears

'We are behind,' leader admits; concern about apathy expressed

By James A. Smith Sr., Florida Baptist Witness, January 10, 2006

"TALLAHASSEE (FBW)-Backers of the proposed Florida Marriage Protection Amendment held simultaneous news conferences at nine locations across the state Jan. 6 to announce the endorsement of the state constitutional amendment by hundreds of religious, political and business leaders and to announce an 'ultimate mailing deadline' of Jan. 23 to receive petitions." Click here for the article.

Georgia

Georgia keeps ban on gay marriage

State justices rule amendment passed in 2004 constitutional

By Sonji Jacobs, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, July 7, 2006

The Georgia Supreme Court's decision Thursday upholding a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage capped a two-year battle that mobilized the gay community, brought conservative voters to the polls in 2004 and threatened to become a politically charged issue in this year's election.

The state's highest court unanimously affirmed the constitutional amendment - approved by 76 percent of voters in 2004 - that defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Continue

Georgia Supreme Court Mulls Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 27, 2006

(Atlanta, Georgia) The Georgia Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in a case involving the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

The courtroom was packed with both supporters of gay marriage and its opponents. At issue is the question put to voters in 2004 where the amendment passed by 76 percent. Shortly after the amendment passed Lambda Legal filed suit alleging the question put to the electorate was itself unconstitutional, arguing that the wording contained multiple issues. Continue

You will find clips on the religious right's triumphal reaction to the court's decision in our special collection on the New York and Georgia court decisions. Click here.

Georgia Supreme Court Told Governor Playing Politics With Gay Marriage Appeal

by 365Gay.com, May 23, 2006

(Atlanta, Georgia) Lawyers for Georgia gays seeking the right to marry have accused Gov. Sonny Perdue (R) of playing politics in its appeal of a ruling that struck down a constitutional amendment blocking same-sex marriage.

The state's appeal calls for an expedited hearing noting that if the court does not hear the case and issue a ruling by August 7th, Perdue will call a special session of the Legislature to get a similar amendment on the ballot in November. Continue

Hawaii

No vote held on Hawaii civil unions bill

Mark Niesse, AP, Advocate.com February 28, 2007

Hawaii lawmakers effectively killed a proposal to create civil unions for gay couples by declining to vote on the legislation.

More than 100 people packed the House Judiciary Committee hearing Tuesday, many waving pink signs reading, ''Civil Unions. Equal protection, justice for all.'' At least 400 people submitted extensive written or oral testimony.

After five hours of testimony, though, the committee declined to vote. Representatives offered little explanation to the public, but it was a sign that the bill lacked enough support to become law. Continue.

Civil Unions Bill Filed In Hawaii

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 29, 2007

(Honolulu, Hawaii) Legislation to legalize civil unions has been filed in the Hawaii state legislature. but how far it will advance it unknown. The bill, written by local LGBT civil rights activist Bill Woods-Bateman, does not have a sponsor. At the moment it is sitting on the desk of House Judiciary Chair, Representative Tommy Waters (D). Continue.

Idaho

Idaho Amendment To Ban Gay Marriage Advances

Associated Press, 365Gay.com, February 3, 2006

Idaho's House State Affairs Committee passed a proposed constitutional amendment on February 2, 2006 that would ban gay marriage in Idaho. HJR002 must pass the full House and Senate to gain a spot on the November 2006 ballot. Similar bills failed in 2004 and 2005. Click here for the report.

Illinois

Gay Marriage Bill Filed In Illinois

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 22, 2007

(Springfield, Illinois) Illinois state Rep. Greg Harris filed legislation Thursday that would permit same-sex couples in the state to marry.

Harris (D-Chicago), who is gay and represents a district with a large LGBT community admits he faces an uphill battle. Still he believes it is a matter of basic civil rights and that the people of Illinois are behind him. Continue.

Illinois Anti-Gay Group Ends Ballot Fight

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 15, 2006

(Chicago, Illinois) An Illinois group involved in a legal battle to get a referendum on gay marriage placed on the November ballot has decided to give up. But the organization says it intends to continue pressing the legislature to act.

Protect Marriage Illinois said late Thursday that it would not seek a full court review of last week's decision by a panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals that the state decision not to place the referendum before voters was a violation of the group's constitutional rights. Continue

Federal Court Rebuffs Bid To Put Anti-Gay Referendum On Illinois Ballot

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 8, 2006

(Chicago, Illinois) A three judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled against a conservative group trying to get a same-sex marriage referendum on the November ballot.

Protect Marriage Illinois, a group made of of several anti-gay religious organizations, argued that Illinois election laws "excessively burden access" to the ballot after the state rejected their referendum for not securing enough supporters. Continue.

Federal Appeal Filed In Illinois Gay Marriage Ballot Fight

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 15, 2006

(Chicago) A group trying get a same-sex marriage referendum on the November ballot in Illinois has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the state of a flawed system for citizen-based initiatives. In an 82-page brief filed with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, Protect Marriage Illinois argues that Illinois election laws "excessively burden access" to the ballot. Continue

Illinois Gay Foes Take Marriage Amendment To Federal Court

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 11, 2006

(Springfield, Illinois) A conservative group trying to get a proposed referendum on gay marriage on the ballot in Illinois said Friday it would go to a federal appeals court after the state said the organization had failed to get enough signatures to qualify.

The Illinois Board of Elections earlier on Friday upheld a decision that found Protect Marriage Illinois did not collect enough valid signatures. Continue

Illinois officials reject antigay ballot measure

Advocate.com, August 12-14, 2006

The Illinois board of elections agreed on Friday with a hearing officer that an advisory referendum on same-sex marriage doesn't have enough signatures to be on the November ballot. But opponents of marriage equality have taken their fight to federal court, contending that the process to get a referendum on the Illinois ballot is burdensome and unconstitutional. "Unless they pull a rabbit out of a hat in federal court, it's not going to be on the ballot," said Patricia Logue, senior counsel for Lambda Legal. Continue

Signatures Questioned In Illinois Anti-Gay Amendment

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, June 7, 2006

(Springfield, Illinois) John and Char Cepek have spent dozens of hours fact-checking information to try to keep a measure off Illinois ballots this fall that would ask voters if the state should amend its constitution to ban gay marriage.

The Cepeks are part of the volunteer Fair Illinois Committee that says it has found so many errors on the ballot petitions that the referendum won't go before voters. However, gay marriage opponents who back the referendum are confident their efforts will meet the state's technical requirements. Continue

Illinois Anti-Group Hands In Referendum Names

Governor Extends Benefits To Same-Sex Partners Of Civil Servants

by Steph Smith, 365Gay.com, May 8, 2006

(Springfield, Illinois) Illinois voters might get a chance to express their opinion on gay marriage this fall.

A conservative action group calling itself Protect Marriage Illinois on Monday turned in petitions to the Board of Elections to have a referendum on same-sex marriage placed before voters.

The move came as Gov. Rod Blagojevich was signing an order extending domestic partner benefits to gay and lesbian employees of the State of Illinois.

Protect Marriage Illinois submitted 340-thousand names for the referendum, more than the 283-thousand required, but opponents predict it may not be enough to get on the ballot. Continue

Volunteers Needed for Illinois Marriage Referendum

Petition drive would place the issue on the ballot

by Jenny Tyree, Citizen Link (Focus on the Family), March 17, 2006

"One month remains for Illinois residents to complete the process for placing a marriage referendum on the November ballot. Protect Marriage Illinois (PMI) and nearly 20,000 volunteers are attempting to gather at least 283,111 signatures by the April 20 deadline." Click here for the report.

Indiana

Indiana same-sex marriage ban dies in legislature

Advocate.com, April 05, 2007

The Indiana house rules subcommittee rejected a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage Tuesday, after a 5–5 vote, according to the Indianapolis Star. An emotional speech by a Democratic representative who fought against the ban wrapped up the evening's victory for Indiana gays. Continue.

Terri Austin was emotional in the Statehouse on Tuesday, April 03, 2007. The Democratic representative from Anderson was about to vote on the proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

Steve Dick, The Herald Bulletin, (Anderson, Indiana), April 04, 2007

Terri Austin was emotional in the Statehouse on Tuesday. The Democratic representative from Anderson was about to vote on the proposed constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.

There was something about it she -- and many other Democrats -- didn’t like. After wrestling with her conscience, she voted no.

The bill’s first provision was to recognize marriage as a union between man and woman. But the second provision was the sticking point. It said that state law "may not be construed to require that marital status or the legal incident of marriage be conferred upon unmarried couples or groups." Continue.

State Lawmaker Who Voted Against Ban on Gay Marriage Target of Ads

Jim Shella, WISH-TV Broadcating, April 9, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS - A state lawmaker who voted against a ban on gay marriage is now the target of newspaper and radio ads. Micah Clark of the Indiana Family Association said voters need to know which lawmakers voted against the marriage amendment. He said Rep. Terri Austin of Anderson cast a pivotal vote.

Austin is one of five Democrats who voted against the proposed ban on gay marriage killing it in a House committee. She is the only one targeted in a pair of ads that began Sunday. An ad in her hometown newspaper accused her of betraying constituents; the American Family Association purchased it. A statewide radio ad by the Family Research Council uses similar terminology.

"Now Terri Austin has betrayed the will of the people in this state by surrendering to the maneuvers of her party's leadership," on ad said.

"I have cried over this. I have prayed over it," Austin said. Continue

FRC Action Ad Calls on Indiana House Speaker to Keep His Promise

Family Research Council, March, 27 2007

Washington, D.C. - Indiana House Speaker Patrick Bauer's failure to keep his campaign pledge to allow a floor vote on the Marriage Amendment is the subject of a full-page ad in today's South Bend Tribune. Connie Mackey, Senior Vice President of FRC Action announced the ad buy today which is part of a grassroots effort to hold the House Speaker accountable. Continue.

Gay Families Rally Against Indiana Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 20, 2007

(Indianapolis, Indiana) About 300 same-sex couples and their supporters rallied in front of the Indiana legislature to protest a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage and block any recognition of unmarried couples.

"You know what? Same-sex marriage already is illegal in Indiana, but it's the second part of this that they (proponents) don't want you to know anything about, that they want you to ignore," said Candice Gingrich one of the speakers at the rally. "They don't want you to dig into the second part of the amendment because it could harm not just gay Hoosiers, but all Hoosiers." Continue.

Indiana LGBT Group Gets $275,000 In Memory Of Man's Dead Son

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 8, 2006

(Indianapolis, Indiana) Indiana Equality, battling a proposed amendment to the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, has been given $275,000 by a retied businessman in memory of his gay son. Continue

Iowa

Iowa same-sex marriage ruling stirs 2008 race

Associated Press, Advocate.com, September 05, 2007

An Iowa county judge's ruling knocking down the state's same-sex marriage ban stirred up the presidential race Friday, as Republicans jostled to stake out a position with the state's conservative voters in mind.

Mitt Romney was the first to seize on the ruling, promptly aligning himself with Iowa political leaders in denouncing the decision.

The former Massachusetts governor's swift criticism served to bolster the conservative image his campaign has been working hard to promote to Iowa's Republican voters. Romney stressed his support for a federal amendment that would ban same-sex marriage-a stand that distinguishes him from his top rivals, who have said they prefer to leave such decisions to the states. Continue.

Iowa Permits Same-Sex Marriage, for 4 Hours, Anyway

Monica Davey, The New York Times, September 1, 2007

Des Moines, Aug. 31 — From towns around the state, places like Cedar Falls, Ames and Cedar Rapids, same-sex couples converged on this city as early as dawn on Friday as word spread that a judge had overturned a state law banning gay marriage.

“Imagine this — right here in Iowa,” Amanda Duncan said as she and her partner of three years, Aleece Ramirez, filled out their application for a marriage license and put down $35. “Hopefully, this starts a fire that spreads to other places.”

The chance was fleeting. After four hours, Robert B. Hanson, the same county judge who had deemed the ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional, delayed further granting of licenses until the Iowa Supreme Court decided whether to consider an appeal. Continue.

Iowa Gay Marriages Abruptly Halted

Associated Press, 365Gay.com, August 31, 2007

(Des Moines, Iowa) Two men sealed the state's first legal same-sex marriage with a kiss Friday morning, less than 24 hours after a judge threw out Iowa's ban on gay marriage and about two hours before he put the ruling on hold.

It was a narrow window of opportunity.

Thursday afternoon, Polk County Judge Robert Hanson temporarily cleared the way for same-sex couples across the state to apply for marriage licenses in Polk County when he ruled that Iowa's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act, which allowed marriage only between a man and a woman, violated the constitutional rights of due process and equal protection of six gay couples who had sued. Continue.

Iowa Gay Marriage Ban Overturned

365Gay.com, August 30, 2007

(Des Moines, Iowa) A Des Moines judge late Thursday afternoon stuck down the state's law that prevents same-sex couples from marrying.

Judge Robert B. Hanson ruled that the state's so-called Defense of Marriage Act violates the Iowa state constitution.

In his decision, Hanson said, "Couples, such as Plaintiffs, who are otherwise qualified to marry one another may not be denied licenses to marry or certificates of marriage or in any other way prevented from entering into a civil marriage pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 595 by reason of the fact that both persons compromising such a couple are of the same sex." Continue.

Iowa Court Asked To Find Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, May 4, 2007

(Des Moines, Iowa) A Des Moines judge was told Friday that preventing same-sex couples from marrying violates the Iowa state constitution.

Attorneys for six same-sex couples are seeking a summary judgment striking down the state's so-called Defense of Marriage Act. A summary judgment is ruling issued without a trial because the facts are overwhelming.

The case began more than a year ago when the couples were denied marriage licenses. Continue.

Anti-Gay AFA Accuses Iowa Lawmakers Of Quashing Debate On Marriage Amendment

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, March 17, 2006

The Iowa House passed a bill defining marriage as between a man and a woman, and it awaits a vote in a Senate committee. Nevertheless, Focus on the Family placed ads in Iowa newspapers attacking five senators for supposedly interfering with Iowans' right to vote on the measure. Click here for the report.

Kansas

Year After Kansas Bans Gay Marriage Concerns Not Addressed

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, April 7, 2006

An overview of possible legal ramifications of Kansas's anti-marriage law and those of other states. Click here

Kentucky

Opposed Gay Marriage Ban But Kentucky State Rep. Won't Try To Overturn It Despite New Powers

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 6, 2007

(Frankfort, Kentucky) Kentucky state Rep. Kathy Stein has been named chair of the House Judiciary Committee but despite her history as a champion of LGBT civil rights and her impassioned opposition to the 2004 state amendment banning same-sex marriage she says she will not propose legislation that would set the ball rolling to overturn the measure. Continue.

Maryland

Maryland High Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 18, 2007

(Annapolis, Maryland) Maryland's Court of Appeals reversed a lower court decision on Tuesday and upheld the state law barring gay and lesbian couples from marrying.

Attorneys for nine same-sex couples had argued that the ban violates the Maryland constitution's Equal Rights Amendment, which protects against sex discrimination.

In a 4 - 3 split decision the Court of Appeals rejected the argument. Continue.

Anti-Gay Amendment Resurfaces In Maryland

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, March 2, 2007

(Annapolis, Maryland) A proposed amendment to the Maryland Constitution that would bar same-sex couples from marrying has been filed in the state legislature.

Maryland already has a law restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples. The law has been challenged on constitutional grounds and the Court of Appeals - the highest court in Maryland - is expected to make a ruling sometime this year. Continue.

Gay marriage ban resurfaces in Md.

Lawmakers also to consider trans anti-discrimination bill

By Joshua Lynsen, Washington Blade, February 9, 2007

Maryland lawmakers are certain to consider at least two gay issues this session, including a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.

That measure — along with a bill to bar discrimination based on gender identity and expression — were filed this week in the General Assembly. Both issues are guaranteed hearings before the session concludes April 9.

Equality Maryland Executive Director Dan Furmansky pledged to fight the proposed amendment. Continue.

‘Legal strangers’ just want equal treatment under the law

Commentary by Dan Furmansky, Executive Director of Equality Maryland, Gazette Newspapers, January 24, 2007

Thirty years ago, legal marriage between two men or two women was unthinkable. Few of us who are gay and lesbian were brave enough to ask for equal treatment under the law. The majority of us were in the closet, afraid if we lived openly, we would lose our jobs, apartments, parents and faith community. Too often, we were right.

Some things still haven’t changed. Discrimination against gays and lesbians is still a fact, although Maryland is among a minority of states with laws against it. Upon coming out, many of us do still lose our families and faith communities. And in most places a same-sex couple cannot kiss each other goodbye or hold hands while strolling down the street without fear of hostile remarks, icy glares or violence.

Thankfully, many things have changed. The mainstream mental health community understands now that sexual orientation isn’t changeable and rejects so-called ‘‘conversion therapy.”

Our lives and stories are no longer invisible to the world. Our child welfare organizations and — in Maryland, at least — family courts understand that the best interests of a child have nothing to do with the sexual orientation of his or her parents.

Despite all of this, Maryland law does not protect same-sex couples. No matter how long they have been together, the couple remains legal strangers. Continue.

Maryland Child Care Workers Voice Support For Gay Families As High Court Prepares To Hear Marriage Case

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 30, 2006

(Baltimore, Maryland) In advance of oral arguments before Maryland's high court, prominent Maryland psychologists, social workers, and child welfare advocates spoke out Thursday in support of marriage for same-sex couples.

At a press conference at the Maryland chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, representatives of the professional groups stressed there is extensive, consistent scientific evidence showing that children raised by lesbian and gay couples develop as well as children raised by heterosexual couples.

"The evidence is clear: No matter how you measure it, children raised by same-sex couples are no different from their peers raised by opposite-sex couples. In areas such as social development, psychological functioning, cognitive ability, and adjustment, there is no difference when comparing these kids," said Dr. Paul Clavelle, President of the Maryland Psychological Association. Continue.

Maryland Supreme Court To Hear Gay Marriage Case

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 27, 2006

(Annapolis, Maryland) The Maryland Supreme Court next week will hear arguments in a state appeal of a Baltimore judge's ruling that declared the state law banning same-sex unions is unconstitutional.

The case will be the first high profile arguments to be Webcast by the court. This week technicians are frantically trying to get the system up and running. Continue.

Maryland legislators' stances on failed anti-gay marriage amendment

1. Marriage and God’s will — according to man’s interpretation

Op-ed article by Doyle Niemann (Democratic member of the House of Delegates), The Gazette (Maryland suburban newspaper), February 10, 2006

"I do not believe it is proper to put provisions restricting rights for any one category of people into our constitution. That is what this amendment would do..."

"Allowing two people who want to make a commitment to each other to do so does nothing to harm me — or you — or anyone else. Your rights and privileges are not diminished. No one is forced to change his or her moral beliefs. No one is physically harmed or impaired from acting in unreasonable ways — the underlying bases for civil law." Click here for Niemann's opinion article.

2. ‘We cannot escape the moral and spiritual underpinnings of our law’

Op-ed response article by Donald H. Dwyer Jr. (Republican member of House of Delegates) and Caleb Griffin, The Gazette (Maryland suburban newspaper), February 17, 2006

"It’s almost humorous that a man would use the Bible to justify behavior that the Bible condemns. How can he [Niemann] suggest that God might call homosexuality ‘‘love” when the Bible calls it ‘‘confusion” and ‘‘an abomination”? He denies any responsibility to craft biblically sound policy in one sentence and appeals to the authority of Jesus in the next..."

God-centered morality says that there is a timeless universal truth, which man did not create and man cannot adjust. Man must look to an external source for guidance because he did not design life nor is he wise enough to write its instruction manual." Click here for Dwyer's op-ed response.

Antigay marriage amendment killed in Maryland

AP, Advocate.com, February 3, 2006

After Democrats in the Maryland House Judiciary Committee amended a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage to permit civil unions, Republicans joined them in unanimously killing the measure. But Republicans were vowing to maneuver until they got every Democrat on record on the issue. Click here for the report.

Gay marriage ban falls

Judge rules law unconstitutional; decision is stayed as state appeals

Kelly Brewington, Baltimore Sun, January 21, 2006

"A Baltimore Circuit Court judge sided with nine gay couples yesterday, ruling that Maryland's law defining marriage as being between a man and a woman violates the state's Constitution." Click here to read the report.

Update: On March 9, 2006 the Maryland House of Delegates Judiciary Committee voted 20-3 against a bill calling for the impeachment of Judge M. Brooke Murdock, who issued the ruling. According to a short item in the March 11th Baltimore Sun, critics of the measure, introduced by Del. Donald Dwyer, said it was intimidating to judges.

Maryland judge orders 'gay marriage' to be legalized; appeal expected

By Michael Foust, Baptist Press, January 20, 2006

Anti-gay marriage activists said the judge's decision gave their campaigns a boost. A spokesperson for Concerned Women for America said "This is one more outrageous, illogical ruling by a judge with an agenda." Click for the report.

Massachusetts

Mass. Senate Votes to Let Out-of-State Gays Marry

Associated Press, 365Gay.com, July 16, 2008

The Massachusetts senate voted Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law used to bar out-of-state gay couples from marrying in the state, a law that critics say was originally aimed at interracial marriages.

The law prohibits couples from obtaining marriage licenses if they can't legally wed in their home states.

The House is expected to vote on the repeal measure later this week. The Senate action came on a voice vote. Continue.

Anti-Gay Group Drops Plan To Put Marriage Issue On 2010 Ballot

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 24, 2007

(Boston, Massachusetts) An umbrella organization that has fought for four years to end same-sex marriage in Massachusetts has given up on plans to put the issue to voters in 2010.

VoteOnMarriage was thwarted last month in its bid to get a proposed amendment banning gay marriage on the ballot in 2008. Continue.

Massachusetts Bar Sued for Gay Marriage Question

Erin Conroy, Associated Press, Forbes Magazine, July 6. 2007

A man said he failed the Massachusetts bar exam because he refused to answer a question about gay marriage, and claims in a federal lawsuit the test violated his rights and targeted his religious beliefs.

The suit also challenges the constitutionality of same-sex marriage, which was legalized in Massachusetts in 2003.

Stephen Dunne, who is representing himself in the case and seeks $9.75 million, said the bar exam was not the place for a "morally repugnant and patently offensive" question addressing the rights of two married lesbians, their children and their property. He said he refused to answer the question because he believed it legitimized same-sex marriage and same-sex parenting, which is contrary to his moral beliefs. Continue.

Right of gays to marry set for years to come

Vote keeps proposed ban off 2008 state ballot

By Frank Phillips and Andrea Estes, The Boston Globe, June 15, 2007

The Legislature, in a vote as swift as it was historic, reaffirmed the state's first-in-the-nation same-sex marriage ruling yesterday, unequivocally protecting the rights of gays and lesbians to wed in Massachusetts until at least 2012. Article Tools

The vote followed 3 1/2 years of fierce arguments, emotional testimonies, and controversial legal decisions. It came on a day filled with cheering and jeering in the streets of Beacon Hill.

But when the hour arrived, there was neither debate nor delay. In a packed chamber, first senators and then House members cast their votes to reject a constitutional amendment that would have defined marriage in Massachusetts as only a union between a man and a woman. Continue.

Mass. AG: Proposed Gay Marriage Ban Likely Illegal

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, May 12, 2007

(Boston, Massachusetts) Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley says that a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage is likely unconstitutional and if it gets to voters and is approved her office will work with gay rights groups to challenge it in court. Continue.

Patrick warns of 'circus' atmosphere if gay marriage is on ballot

By Ken Maguire, Associated Press, Boston Globe, May 10, 2007

BOSTON --Gov. Deval Patrick warned Thursday that Massachusetts will be crippled by a "political circus" if a proposed constitutional amendment banning gay marriage makes it to the state ballot.

The Democratic governor, speaking to reporters a day after lawmakers delayed a vote on the proposed amendment, said he was actively lobbying legislators to kill it.

"If this does get to a popular ballot, there is very little other business that will get done in Massachusetts politics and policy making while that is pending," Patrick said.

Lawmakers on Wednesday postponed a vote until at least June 14. As expected, a joint session of the House and Senate convened, but quickly recessed without the vote. Continue.

Gay Marriage Foe Arraigned On Charges Stemming From Demonstration

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 12, 2007

(Worcester, Massachusetts) The former leader of a Catholic group advocating a constitutional ban on gay marriage in Massachusetts has been arraigned on assault and civil rights violations stemming from a demonstration last December.

Larry Cirignano, 50, who at the time was the head of Catholic Citizenship, is alleged to have attacked a woman taking part in a counter demonstration at an anti-gay rally in front of Worcester City Hall last December 16. Continue.

Gay Marriage Supporters Vow To Defeat Mass. Marriage Ban Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 3, 2007

(Boston, Massachusetts) Supporters of same-sex marriage handed a defeat in the legislature Tuesday vowed on Wednesday that they are far from throwing in the towel - and helping lead the attack on a proposed amendment to ban gay weddings is the state's new governor. Continue.

Mass. High Court Refuses To Order Anti-Gay Amendment Vote

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 27, 2006

(Boston, Massachusetts) A bid by Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney to force the legislature to take up a proposed amendment to ban same-sex marriage was rejected Wednesday by the state's highest court.

In an 11 page ruling the justices said that it had no authority to order lawmakers to vote on the measure. Continue.

Catholic Leader Denies Assaulting Gay Marriage Supporter

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 21, 2006

(Worcester, Massachusetts) The leader of a Catholic organization holding an anti-gay demonstration in Worcester on the weekend denies assaulting a woman in the crowd who was carrying a sign promoting same-sex marriage.

Larry Cirignano, the executive director of Catholic Citizenship has been charged with assault and battery after allegedly leaving the podium in front of city hall and tackling then shoving Sarah Loy, 27, to the ground. Continue.

Gay Marriage Advocate Beaten At Mass. Rally

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 18, 2006

(Worcester, Massachusetts) A same-sex marriage advocate is nursing cuts and bruises after being attacked by a leading advocate of a constitutional amendment to end gay marriage in the only state where it is legal. Continue.

Old Remarks On Gay Marriage Bite Romney

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 8, 2006

(Boston, Massachusetts) As Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney continues to ratchet up his attacks on same-sex marriage a 1994 interview he gave to a Boston gay publication has surfaced.

"People of integrity don't force their beliefs on others, they make sure that others can live by different beliefs they may have," Romney told Bay Windows a dozen years ago when the paper interviewed him on LGBT civil rights.

Bay Windows republished the interview this week, after lawyers for Romney went to the state's highest court seeking an order to place on the 2008 ballot a proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage. Continue.

Romney is a big fat liar

Laura Kiritsy, Bay Windows (New England LGBT newspaper), December 6, 2006

The fact that there’s intense interest in a letter Mitt Romney wrote to the Massachusetts Log Cabin Club 12 years ago in which he pledged to be a more ardent advocate for gay rights than U.S. Sen. Ted Kennedy isn’t a surprise. (See “Follow That Trail,” page 15.) Romney is an all-but-declared candidate for president who’s staked his candidacy on social conservatism. Any hint of hypocrisy on Romney’s part with regard to LGBT issues is of great use for political reporters, GOP primary opponents and LGBT activists alike. What is surprising, though, is the depth of Romney’s hypocrisy.

In 1994, when Romney was running for U.S. Senate against Ted Kennedy, he engaged in a lengthy interview with Bay Windows during which he discussed his views on employment nondiscrimination legislation, the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy — and civil marriage rights for same-sex couples (see “Mitt’s secret gay history II,” page 10). The interview was published Aug. 25, 1994. His views on gay issues in 1994 are largely at odds with his stated views today. Continue.

Same-sex marriage ban goes before Massachusetts high court

AP, Advocate.com, December 01, 2006

The entire high court in Massachusetts should decide whether to force lawmakers to take action on a proposed state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage, one justice decided on Thursday. Justice Judith Cowin made the ruling after hearing arguments on last week's request by Gov. Mitt Romney and other same-sex marriage opponents to force the lawmakers to decide whether voters can consider the proposal in 2008.

A hearing before the seven-member Massachusetts supreme judicial court—the same panel that said same-sex marriage was legal in 2003—was set for December 20. Continue.

Romney Asks Court To Order Anti-Gay Amendment Put To Voters

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 24, 2006

(Boston, Massachusetts) Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney asked the state's highest court Friday for an order placing a proposed amendment that would ban same-sex marriage on the ballot without the approval of the legislature.

Lawyers for Romney and ten other citizens filed the motion with a single justice of the court. The motion says the Republican governor is acting a an individual citizen. It was filed by a private lawyer representing the group. Continue.

Gain for Same-Sex Marriage in Massachusetts

By Pam Belluck, The New York Times, November 10, 2006

BOSTON, Nov. 9 -- Lawmakers in Massachusetts, the only state where same-sex marriage is legal, dealt what appeared to be a fatal blow Thursday to a proposed constitutional amendment to ban it.

In a flurry of strategic maneuvering, supporters of same-sex marriage managed to persuade enough legislators to vote to recess a constitutional convention until the' afternoon of Jan. 2, the last day of the legislative session.

On that day, lawmakers and advocates on both sides said, it appeared likely that the legislature would adjourn without voting on the measure, killing it. Continue.

Mass. Lawmakers Put Off Bid To End Gay Marriage

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 9, 2006

(Boston, Massachusetts) The Massachusetts legislature, meeting in a special joint session Thursday, voted to once again delay debate and a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to end same-sex marriage in the state. Continue.

Mass. Session Adjourns Without Taking Up Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 12, 2006

(Boston, Massachusetts) A special joint session of the Massachusetts legislature considering a long list of constitutional amendments abruptly adjourned Wednesday evening without taking up a proposal that would ban same-sex marriage.

They decided to reconvene on Nov. 9, two days after the general election.

The vote drew jeers from supporters of the amendment who had crowded into the State House for the session. Continue

NY Ruling Ends Mass. Out-Of-State Marriage Challenge

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 7, 2006

(Boston) New York state same-sex couples were delivered a double blow by Thursday's Court of Appeal ruling that nixed gay marriage in the Empire State.

The ruling also means an end to a challenge by New York couples to a Massachusetts law barring clerks from issuing marriage licenses to people whose weddings would be illegal in their home states. Continue

Mass. can bar marriage for nonresident gay couples

SJC rules that home state's laws prevail

By Jonathan Saltzman, Boston Globe, March 31, 2006

"The Supreme Judicial Court said the obscure [1913] law, which prohibits Massachusetts from marrying an out-of-state couple if the marriage would not be legal in their home state, passed constitutional muster and could be applied to five same-sex couples from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, because gay marriage is expressly prohibited in those states.

"The court, however, said state officials had applied the law too broadly when they refused to allow the marriage of three couples from New York and Rhode Island, because same-sex marriage is not explicitly prohibited in those states. The high court sent the case of those three couples back to Superior Court Judge Carol Ball, who upheld the 1913 law last year, to quickly determine whether same-sex marriage is prohibited in those states. No time frame was set. Click here to read the report

Ruling shrinks issue to those from states without explicit ban

By Michael Levenson, The Boston Globe, March 31, 2006

"The Supreme Judicial Court's decision upholding a 1913 marriage law significantly narrows the battleground over same-sex marriage to a handful of states, lawyers on both sides of the issue said yesterday." Click here to read the report

Gays, Foes Gird For Battle Following Mass. Ruling

by Denise Lavoie, Associated Press via 365Gay.com, April 1, 2006

"Gay-rights opponents predict that a ruling from the Massachusetts high court barring out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying here could reinvigorate efforts in a handful of states that do not expressly prohibit such marriages." Click here for the report

Frank denounces groups trying to ban same-sex marriage in Massachusetts

Associated Press, The Advocate.com, January 2, 2006

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D, MA), said sponsors of an anti-gay marriage ballot measure are disturbing the social peace over the issue that prevails in Massachussetts. "'Basically, they're the disturbers of the civic peace,' the Democrat said in a wide-ranging Associated Press interview Thursday. 'We now have social peace in Massachusetts. They're the ones who want to stir it up.... This is a nonissue in Massachusetts.'" Click here to read the report.

Bill to provide benefits to same-sex couples, others announced

By Brooke Donald, The Boston Globe, January 11, 2006

In an effort to deflect opposition to a ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriage, legislators announced they would give some marriage benefits to same-sex couples. Opponents of the ballot measure called the bill a "hoax." Click here to read the report.

Petition vs. gay marriage advances

Number of signers breaks state record

By Raphael Lewis, The Boston Globe, December 22, 2005

"Opponents of the ballot question say the eye-popping number of signatories does not reflect a tidal wave of support for overturning the Supreme Judicial Court's landmark 2003 ruling that declared same-sex matrimony legal. Rather, they said, it shows that paid signature-gatherers were particularly effective at tricking unsuspecting voters into signing a petition they didn't support." Click here to read the report.

Marriage Digest: Mass. amendment signature drive appears successful

By Michael Foust, Baptist Press, November 23, 2005

"BOSTON (BP)--Supporters of a constitutional marriage amendment in Massachusetts say they have collected approximately twice the number of signatures required in their effort to place an amendment [outlawing same-sex marriage] before voters in 2008." Click here to read the report.

Minnesota

Minnesota Justices Cleared In Gay Marriage Allegations

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 30, 2006

(St. Paul, Minnesota) An investigation has found no validity to allegations that Minnesota Supreme Court justices had told a politician the court would not take up a challenge to the state's ban on same-sex marriage if a case ever came before them. Continue

Minnesota GOP Floods Senate With Anti-Gay Amendments

by The Associated Press via 365Gay.com, March 30, 2006

"Senate Republicans are quickly extinguishing any doubt of their commitment to prohibit same-sex marriage. In recent weeks, members of their caucus have introduced at least eight separate constitutional amendments to do just that." Continue

Minnesota Senate Leader's Judges Remark Energizes Both Sides In Gay Marriage Battle

by Martiga Lohn, Associated Press, 365Gay.com, March 18, 2006

"Senate Majority Leader Dean Johnson's comments about the Minnesota Supreme Court and gay marriage have energized both sides in the highly charged debate, Johnson acknowledged as he apologized for what he characterized as embellishments Opponents of gay marriage have been pushing to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex unions, and they see Johnson as a key roadblock. On Wednesday, Minnesota for Marriage - a group pushing for the constitutional amendment - released the tape recording, made by a minister at a January meeting of the New London-Spicer Ministerial Association without Johnson's knowledge." Continue.

Nebraska

Court restores Nebraska's sweeping same-sex marriage ban

AP, Advocate.com, July 15-17, 2006

Supporters of banning gay marriage won two major court rulings Friday, with a federal appeals court reinstating Nebraska's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage and the Tennessee supreme court ruling that voters should have a say on the issue. Last week the highest courts in two others states also dealt gay rights advocates setbacks. The New York court rejected a bid by same-sex couples to win marriage rights, and the Georgia court reinstated a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage there.

The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday overturned an earlier ruling by U.S. district judge Joseph Bataillon, who said last year that the Nebraska measure was too broad and deprived gays and lesbians of participation in the political process, among other things. Nebraska voters approved the amendment by 70% in 2000. Continue

Q&A: Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning

Official explains how the arguments went as seen from the front row.

By Pete Winn, Citizen Link (Focus on the Family), February 17, 2006

Interview about the 8th Circuit's hearing on a challenge to Nebraska's anti-gay marriage amendment. According to Bruning, the amendment is expressly written to prevent the legislature from recognizing domestic partnerships. Click here for the report.

New Hampshire

N.H. governor signs civil unions law

AP, Advocate.com, June 1, 2007

Gay couples in New Hampshire will be able to join in civil unions starting next year under a bill Gov. John Lynch signed into law in Concord on Thursday.

''We in New Hampshire have had a long and proud tradition taking the lead and opposing discrimination,'' Lynch said. ''Today that tradition continues.''

Couples who enter civil unions will have the same rights, responsibilities, and obligations as married couples. Same-sex unions from other states also would be recognized if they were legal in the state where they were performed. Continue.

N.H. Civil Unions Bill Passes Legislature

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, April 26, 2007

(Concord, New Hampshire) New Hampshire lawmakers voted Thursday to authorize civil unions and sent the measure to Gov. John Lynch, who announced last week that he would sign it.

"This legislation is a matter of conscience, fairness and of preventing discrimination," said Colin Manning, a spokesman for the Democratic governor. "It is in keeping with New Hampshire's proud tradition of preventing discrimination." Continue.

NH Civil Union Bill Stalls

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 14, 2007

(Concord, New Hampshire) The breaks have been slammed on a bill to create civil unions in New Hampshire that was to have gone to a vote next Wednesday in the state Senate.

Senate President Sylvia Larsen (D) tells the Associated Press that she made the decision to put off the vote because "I didn’t want the senators to be rushed when it came time to be voting."

No new date for a vote has been scheduled and some lawmakers are blaming the heavy hand of Gov. John Lynch (D). Continue.

N.H. Civil Unions Bill Heads To Historic Senate Vote

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 12, 2007

(Concord, New Hampshire) Legislation that would allow same-sex couples to have civil unions passed a key committee Thursday and heads to the floor of the Senate for a vote.

The measure passed the House earlier this month (story) by a two-to-one margin. Continue.

Gay Bishop Urges Approval Of Civil Unions In N.H.

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 11, 2007

(Concord, New Hampshire) Gene Robinson, the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, and the only openly gay bishop in the worldwide Anglican Communion, has called on the state Senate to pass a civil unions bill.

The measure passed the House earlier this month (story) by a two-to-one margin. Continue.

Critics call bill to change marriage law homophobic

By Beverley Wang, The Union Leader (Manchester, New Hampshire), January 25, 2007

CONCORD -- Critics mocked a proposed change to New Hampshire's marriage law Tuesday, calling the bill ludicrous, homophobic and silly, and urging legislators to toss it out.

Opponents of Fremont Republican Daniel Itse's bill worry it breaches the divide between church and state, taking aim at liberal clerics who perform marriage and commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples.

Itse, sponsor last year and this year of a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, denied that's the point of the bill, which had a hearing yesterday before the House Judiciary Committee. He said the bill's intention is to extend an exemption that so far has only been given to Quakers and rabbis. The exemption makes clear that Quakers and rabbis have the right to perform marriages according to their custom, even though both religions do not have ordained clergy. Continue.

New Hampshire House Nixes Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com, March 21, 2006

On March 21st the New Hampshire House defeated 207-125 an amendment to the state constitution that would have banned same-sex marriage. That ends the effort for this session. Click here for the report.

Bid to ban gay unions rejected

House votes 207 to 125 against amendment

By Eric Moskowitz, The Concord Monitor, March 22, 2006

"The idea needed three-fifths approval from the full House - 240 of the 400 members - to succeed. But it earned little more than half that.." Click here to read the report.

House Takes Up Same-Sex Marriage Amendment

By Josh Rogers, New Hampshire Public Radio, February 6, 2006

Transcript and link to audio of New Hampshire legislature's debate on an amendment to the state constitution that would prohibit recognition of marriages made in other states. Click here for the report.

New Mexico

New Mexico gays can marry in Massachusetts

Advocate.com, July 26, 2007

Following up on a March 2006 court ruling, Massachusetts officials announced last week that New Mexico same-sex couples who want to marry in Massachusetts may legally do so. Continue.

New Mexico Lawmakers Shelve Anti-Gay Proposals

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 2, 2007

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) Two bills aimed at blocking same-sex couples from marrying have been defeated.

The House Consumer and Public Affairs Committee voted down both a proposed amendment to the state constitution, and a separate Defense of Marriage bill that each would define marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

The vote was along party lines - all four committee Democrats voted in favor of tabling the measures; the three Republicans against it. Continue.

Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Revived In New Mexico

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 18, 2007

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) A New Mexico lawmaker who spearheaded the push for a so-called Defense of Marriage Act two years ago is now pressing for the passage of an amendment to the state constitution to bar same-sex marriage.

Rep. Gloria Vaughn (R) introduced the resolution Wednesday. Continue.

New Jersey

NJ Site Loses Tax Exemption After Refusing Civil Unions

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 18, 2007

(Trenton, New Jersey) A scenic pavilion on the boardwalk in Ocean Grove, N.J. that refuses to allow same-sex couples to have civil union ceremonies has lost its tax exempt status.

The pavilion is owned by the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a Methodist group.

While it is frequently rented out for marriages, two lesbian couples were turned down when they tried to hold their civil unions there. Continue.

NJ Church Sues State Over Civil Unions

Associated Press, 365Gay.com, August 14, 2007

(Trenton, New Jersey) A church group sued New Jersey on Monday over the state's investigation of a complaint that the group refused to allow a lesbian couple to hold a civil union ceremony at a beachfront pavilion it owns.

The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association, a Methodist group, alleges that by finding enough reason to investigate the complaint, the state's Division on Civil Rights is threatening to prosecute the group in order to force it to allow such ceremonies to take place.

The investigation is the first of its kind for New Jersey, which began allowing same-sex couples to enter into civil unions in February. Continue.

First Gay Couples Exchange Vows In New Jersey

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, February 22, 2007

(Asbury Park, New Jersey) Gay couples across New Jersey began claiming the same legal rights as married couples early Thursday in ceremonies that formalized their relationships as civil unions. Continue.

New Jersey Clergy Not Required to Perform Civil Unions

BeliefNet, January 12, 2007

New Jersey, Jan. 12 - Clergy in New Jersey cannot be required to unite gay couples in civil unions, the state attorney general said in a decision that quieted the fears of some religious groups opposed to same-sex ceremonies.

Attorney General Stuart Rabner's legal opinion, sent Thursday to the state registrar of vital statistics, came less than a month after the state became the third to approve civil unions for gay couples.

The unions offer the legal benefits of marriage, but not the title. Couples may begin applying for licenses in New Jersey Feb. 19 and can be united 72 hours later. Continue

N.J. officials told they must perform civil union ceremonies

Advocate.com, December 30, 2006 - January 1, 2007

New Jersey attorney general Stuart Rabner has issued an opinion stating that any state official performing marriage ceremonies must also now perform civil union ceremonies for same-sex couples. The opinion comes in light of a state superior court decision and subsequent legislation earlier this month giving gay couples the right to enter into civil unions beginning January 1.

"Either do marriages and civil unions, or do nothing," states John M. Carbone, an attorney representing county clerks and surrogates in all 21 New Jersey counties, in an internal memo obtained Wednesday by New Jersey's Bridgeton News. Continue.

N.J. legislators pass same-sex civil unions bill

Baptist Press, December 15, 2006

TRENTON, N.J. (BP)--The New Jersey legislature passed a same-sex civil unions bill Dec. 14, sending the legislation to the governor and moving the state one step away from becoming the third nationwide to legalize such unions for homosexual couples.

Passage came nearly two months after the New Jersey Supreme Court ordered legislators either to legalize "gay marriage" or civil unions, which grant same-sex couples all the legal benefits of marriage except the title. The General Assembly and the Senate chose civil unions, and New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine, a Democrat, has indicated he will sign the bill into law. Continue.

New Jersey Lawmakers' Passage of Civil Unions Bill Draws Strong Criticism

By Jim Brown and Jenni Parker, AgapePress, December 15, 2006

Conservative critics are blasting New Jersey lawmakers for their vote yesterday to allow civil unions. The measure passed by the State Legislature, which Democratic Governor Jon Corzine has said he will sign, extends full marital rights to same-sex couples.

According to Associated Press reports, Democratic Assemblyman Wifredo Caraballo supported the New Jersey civil unions bill and says he hopes the passage of the measure will lead to legalized same-sex "marriage" in his state. However, Republican State Assemblyman Rick Merkt is criticizing his colleagues who voted in favor of civil unions for letting the New Jersey Supreme Court tell them what to do...

...New Jersey Pastor Vincent Fields, who shepherds Greater Works Ministries in Absecon, New Jersey, has reportedly been banned from the New Jersey Senate for denouncing same-sex marriage from the floor of the chamber this past Monday. During his recent prayer before the legislative body, he "cursed the spirit that would come to bring about gay marriage," taking hearers -- and perhaps even himself, to a degree -- by surprise.Continue.

NJ Civil Union Bill Heads To House Vote

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 7, 2006

(Trenton, New Jersey) Ignoring the pleas of same-sex couples the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee approved a bill granting civil unions to gay and lesbian couples, voting to send the measure to the full Assembly for a floor vote.

It is likely the measure will become law before the end of the year.

Dozens of gay rights supporters rallied at the Capitol on Thursday in an attempt to convince lawmakers that civil unions are not an acceptable alternative to marriage. Continue.

N.J. Conservatives Try End Run Around Gay Marriage

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, November 27, 2006

(Trenton, New Jersey) Conservative groups in New Jersey are pushing a proposal that would grant the rights of marriage — but not the title — to gays, siblings and others involved in domestic partnerships.

The plan comes in reaction to a landmark Supreme Court ruling last month that said gay couples in New Jersey should have access to the same rights and benefits as married couples. Whether to call those rights marriages, civil unions or something else was left up to lawmakers. Continue.

Compromise Bill May Protect Marriage in New Jersey

Act would grant benefits and rights without consideration of the relationship of the people involved.

Agape Press, November 29, 2006

New Jersey lawmakers are considering a proposal that might satisfy the state Supreme Court’s demand for same-sex marriage or its equivalent, as well as pro-family efforts to protect marriage from redefinition.

An equal-benefits bill would grant any two people in the same household access to benefits and rights similar to those of marriage -- but would be blind to the relationship of the people involved.

Under the Equal Benefits Act, people would have an easier time dealing with pensions, property transfers and hospital visits -- rights generally already available through legal contracts. Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, told Family News in Focus the key is it does not create special rights based on homosexuality. Continue

Two N.J. lawmakers move to resolve marriage question

Advocate.com, November 11-13, 2006

Two New Jersey lawmakers have introduced opposing bills in the state legislature in response to the state supreme court's ruling in favor of same-sex unions, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Friday. Continue.

Bill Would Legalize Gay Marriage In New Jersey

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 10, 2006

(Trenton, New Jersey) A same-sex marriage bill has introduced in the New Jersey Legislature despite opposition from the Assembly leadership and Gov. Jon Corzine.

The bill fulfills a commitment by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D) following last month's state Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples must have all the rights of marriage. Continue.

N.J. Court Rejects Gay Marriage

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, October 25, 2006

(Trenton, New Jersey) The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that same-sex couples do not have the right to marry. But the court said that same-sex couples must have all of the rights and responsibilities as married couples.

That leaves the issue up to the legislature. It could enact civil unions or it could pass a bill allowing same-sex couples to wed. Continue.

Same-sex marriage now becomes political dispute in New Jersey

Advocate.com, October 27, 2006

The same-sex marriage issue in New Jersey is moving from a legal dispute to a political one. The state supreme court on Wednesday ruled that New Jersey must extend all the rights of marriage to gay couples. But the justices left it to state lawmakers to decide whether to provide those rights in the form of marriages, civil unions, or something else, giving the legislature 180 days to reach a decision.

Several Democratic lawmakers said they will push for full marriage rights. But some Republicans, the minority party in both houses of the legislature, said they will seek a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Rrepublican assemblyman Richard Merkt vowed to have the justices impeached. Continue.

It's marriage, just not by name

By Heather Haddon, Herald News (NorthJersey.com) October 26, 2006

Chris Lodewyks, of Pompton Lakes, woke up Wednesday morning hoping New Jersey's top court would allow him to wed his partner of 35 years. He ended the day quite sure of their love, but not their legal status.

"Who knows what a civil union is," the 56-year-old Lodewyks said. "You have no idea what the commitment between a couple is with that."

Gay residents reacted with mixed emotions Wednesday afternoon when the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that same-sex couples have all the benefits granted by marriage, but not the name. The court has handed over that decision to state lawmakers who must assess whether the Garden State is ready to allow gay couples to be called married. Continue.

McGreevey Prods NJ Lawmakers To Pass Gay Marriage Bill

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, October 30, 2006

(Trenton, New Jersey) Former New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey called on state lawmakers Monday to pass legislation legalizing same-sex marriage.

"I hope the Legislature and the government does what's right and embraces the idea of marriage for two loving and committed individuals," McGreevey told WNBC television. Continue.

Lawmakers cool to gay marriage

State legislators showing more support for civil union law

By John P. Martin, The New Jersery Star-Ledger, October 27, 2006

Half of New Jersey's 40 state senators said yesterday they would not support a bill legalizing gay marriage, dimming chances for the state to become the second to recognize homosexual partners the same way it views husbands and wives.

A day after the New Jersey Supreme Court directed legislators to adopt marriage or civil unions for same-sex partners, 20 of 26 state senators reached by The Star-Ledger said they would oppose a gay marriage bill, while just three said they would support it. Continue.

G.O.P. Moves Fast to Reignite Issue of Gay Marriage

By Sheryl Gay Stolberg, The New York Times, October 27, 2006

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 -- The divisive debate over gay marriage, which played a prominent role in 2004 campaigns but this year largely faded from view, erupted anew on Thursday as President Bush and Republicans across the country tried to use a court ruling in New Jersey to rally dispirited conservatives to the polls.

Wednesday’s ruling, in which the New Jersey Supreme Court decided that gay couples are entitled to the same legal rights and financial benefits as heterosexual couples, had immediate ripple effects, especially in Senate races in some of the eight states where voters are considering constitutional amendments to ban gay marriage. Continue.

Bush Hits Hard at Gay Marriage

Jennifer Loven, Forbes-Associated Press, October 30, 2006

President Bush has for months cast the midterm elections as a choice about just two issues: taxes and terrorism. Now, with polls predicting bleak results for Republicans, he is trying to fire up his party by decrying gay marriage.

"For decades, activist judges have tried to redefine America by court order," Bush said Monday. "Just this last week in New Jersey, another activist court issued a ruling that raises doubt about the institution of marriage. We believe marriage is a union between a man and a woman, and should be defended."

The line earned Bush by far his most sustained applause at a rally of 5,000 people aimed at boosting former GOP Rep. Max Burns' effort to unseat a Democratic incumbent. In this conservative rural corner of eastern Georgia, even children jumped to their feet alongside their parents to cheer and clap for nearly 30 seconds - a near-eternity in political speechmaking. Continue

Religious Conservatives Cheer Ruling on Gays as Wake-Up Call

By Alan Cooperman, The Washington Post, October 27, 2006

The New Jersey court decision that gay couples are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples was bad news for social conservatives -- the bad news they were hoping for.

"Pro-traditional-marriage organizations ought to give a distinguished service award to the New Jersey Supreme Court," said the Rev. Richard Land, head of the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention.

Land and other conservative religious leaders predicted that the court's 4 to 3 ruling, which was handed down Wednesday, would boost turnout of social conservatives in the midterm elections, particularly in the eight states that have constitutional amendments against same-sex marriage on the Nov. 7 ballot. Continue.

Garden State Plants Seeds for Big Turnout

Tony Perkins' Washington Update, Family Research Council, October 27, 2006

Perkins attributes conspiratorial powers to the "media establishment" because of the amount of its coverage of the New Jersey decision on marriage equality. He writes: "Obviously, some candidates are hoping for the "Massachusetts effect," when the state court imposed in favor of same-sex marriage in 2003. The decision prompted voters to turn out mightily across the country and crush the issue with state marriage amendments. Analysts later discovered that the ruling ultimately helped elect candidates who support traditional marriage. That may explain why the media establishment says the New Jersey ruling is much ado about nothing. They are desperate to put liberal, anti-family people -not only on Capitol Hill-but on the federal bench. An unprecedented turnout of values voters would dash those hopes." Click here.

The pros and cons of the New Jersey marriage ruling

By Sean Kennedy, Advocate.com, October 27, 2006

In a candid interview, legal expert and sexual orientation scholar Ed Stein breaks down the New Jersey supreme court’s ruling in favor of equal rights and protections for gay couples. On balance, he finds a lot to like—although, he says, the Defense of Marriage Act prohibiting benefits on a federal level remains “a thorn in our side.” Click here.

N.J. Gay Marriage Ruling Unlikely To End Battle

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 13, 2006

(Trenton, New Jersey) The wedding clothes are ready. The invitations have been picked out. The date is still up in the air. That is the situation for hundreds of same-sex couples in New Jersey as they await for the state Supreme Court to decide if they can say "I do".

Social conservatives in the state also are bracing for the outcome of the case. Political action groups and politicians say if the court allows same-sex marriage they will push for an amendment to the New Jersey constitution to thwart gay nuptials. Continue

New Jersey State Court Deliberates Issue of Gay Marriage

David J. Chen, New York Times, February 16, 2006

"TRENTON, Feb. 15 — Plunging into a contentious case of national interest, the State Supreme Court on Wednesday began weighing arguments about whether New Jersey should become the second state in the nation to permit same-sex marriage.

"Throughout the 65-minute hearing, all but two of the seven justices peppered lawyers for the plaintiffs — seven gay couples — and the defendant — the State of New Jersey — with pointed questions indicating curiosity and concern." Click here to read the report.

New York

New York to Back Same-Sex Unions From Elsewhere

By Jeremy W. Peters, New York Times, May 29, 2008

ALBANY — Gov. David A. Paterson has directed all state agencies to begin to revise their policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions, like Massachusetts, California and Canada.

In a directive issued on May 14, the governor’s legal counsel, David Nocenti, instructed the agencies that gay couples married elsewhere “should be afforded the same recognition as any other legally performed union.” Continue.

NYC Comptroller: Gay Marriage Would Be Cash Cow

365Gay.com, June 5, 2007

(New York City) A report released Tuesday by New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr. says that if the state legalized same-sex marriage it would boost the economy by $184 million statewide with $142 million going into the city.

The report, Love Counts: The Economic Benefits of Marriage Equality for New York, looked specifically at the economic impact over the first three years if the legislature approved Gov. Elliott Spitzer's same-sex marriage bill.

The study says the money mostly would be generated from the spending of residents and visitors on their weddings, along with the spending of their out-of-town guests.

"Legalizing marriage for same-sex couples in New York would have impacts beyond allowing individuals to make the full legal commitments to their partners that opposite-sex couples take for granted," Thompson said in the report. Continue.

N.Y. marriage bill introduced in state assembly with record support

Advocate.com, May 23, 2007

New York State assembly member Daniel O'Donnell, one of three gay assembly members, officially introduced Gov. Eliot Spitzer's marriage bill in the chamber Monday with a record number of 53 cosponsors, up from 24 the year before.

A marriage bill has been introduced in both houses of the New York legislature for five years running now, but it has never been allowed to come up for a vote in either the Democrat-controlled assembly or the Republican-controlled senate. Continue.

Spitzer Files Gay Marriage Bill

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 27, 2007

(Albany, New York) New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer on Friday became the first governor in the country to introduce same-sex marriage legislation.

Attorneys for the governor arrived at the legislature shortly after 8:00 am and filed the bill in the Assembly at the office of Speaker Sheldon Silver (D) and then in the Senate at the office of Majority Leader Senate Joseph L. Bruno (R).

Silver has avoided taking a position on gay marriage - saying he will leave it up to the party caucus. Bruno is opposed to gay marriage. Continue.

Spitzer Vows to Push for Gay Marriage in New York

By Danny Hakim,The New York Times, October 7, 2006

By saying on Thursday night that he will push to legalize gay marriage, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer put himself at the vanguard of the effort to recognize such unions, staking out a position that most prominent Democrats, including Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, have shied away from.

Mr. Spitzer, who is running for governor and holds a commanding lead in the polls, made his strongest declaration yet in support of gay marriage in his remarks to the Empire State Pride Agenda, the state’s leading gay lobbying group. He told the audience, "We will make it law in New York."

If elected, Mr. Spitzer, a Democrat, would be the most prominent state official in the nation to call for the legalization of gay marriage, though Democratic candidates for governor in California and Massachusetts have also expressed support. Many prominent Democrats, including Senator Clinton, have supported gays on other issues but not on this one, which has led to friction in their relations with gay leaders. Among the few prominent politicians who support it are Senators Russell D. Feingold of Wisconsin and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, both Democrats; and Lincoln Chafee, a Rhode Island Republican. Continue.

Suit Filed To End NYS Gay Benefits

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 14, 2006

(New York City) A conservative legal group has filed a lawsuit to block the state public employee retirement system from recognizing Massachusetts and Canadian marriages entered into by gay and lesbian current and retired New York State workers.

In 2004, NY Attorney General Elliot Spitzer issued a legal opinion stating that the New York is obligated to recognize same-sex marriages performed in areas where same-sex marriages are legal. Continue.

New York Court Upholds Gay Marriage Ban

By Anemona Hartocollis, The New York Times, July 6, 2006

New York's highest court today turned back a broad attempt by gay and lesbian couples across the state to win the right to marry and raise children under New York State's marriage law, saying that denying marriage to same-sex couples does not violate the state constitution.

In a 4-2 decision, the Court of Appeals found that the state's definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, enacted more than a century ago, could have a rational basis, and that it was up to the State Legislature, not the courts, to decide whether it should be changed.

The majority decision, written by Judge Robert S. Smith, who was appointed by Gov. George Pataki, found that limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples could be based on rational social goals, primarily the protection and welfare of children. Continue

You will find clips on the religious right's triumphal reaction to the appeals court's decision in our special collection on the New York and Georgia court decisions. Click here.

NY Ruling Ends Mass. Out-Of-State Marriage Challenge

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 7, 2006

(Boston) New York state same-sex couples were delivered a double blow by Thursday's Court of Appeal ruling that nixed gay marriage in the Empire State.

The ruling also means an end to a challenge by New York couples to a Massachusetts law barring clerks from issuing marriage licenses to people whose weddings would be illegal in their home states. Continue

Spitzer Says He Would Do What Pataki and Courts Have Not

By Danny Hakim, The New York Times, July 6, 2006

Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said on Thursday that he would draft and propose legislation to legalize gay marriage in New York State if elected governor in November. His comments came after the State Court of Appeals deferred to the Legislature on the issue, leaving the fate of gay marriage in New York to elected officials. Continue

Same-sex marriage fails at N.Y. court

By Joan Biskupic, USA TODAY, July 7, 2006

WASHINGTON — New York's highest court on Thursday rejected claims that same-sex couples should be granted marriage licenses, in a stinging opinion that dealt a blow to efforts to expand gay rights.

Voting 4-2, the Court of Appeals said that nothing in New York's state constitution requires the state to give marriage licenses to same-sex couples. The court's leading opinion emphasized the state's interest in promoting heterosexual marriages to ensure that children are reared with a mother and a father. Continue

NY Ruling Ends Mass. Out-Of-State Marriage Challenge

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 7, 2006

(Boston) New York state same-sex couples were delivered a double blow by Thursday's Court of Appeal ruling that nixed gay marriage in the Empire State.

The ruling also means an end to a challenge by New York couples to a Massachusetts law barring clerks from issuing marriage licenses to people whose weddings would be illegal in their home states. Continue

Ohio

Court: Gay Marriage Ban Does Not Void Ohio Domestic Violence Law

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, July 25, 2007

(Columbus, Ohio) Ohio's domestic violence laws do not conflict with the state's ban on gay marriage, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Wednesday.

In a 6-1 decision, justices rejected the argument that the domestic violence law was unenforceable in cases involving unmarried couples because it refers to them as living together "as a spouse." Continue.

Ohio Gays Regroup After Devastating Marriage Amendment Battle

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, May 18, 2006

(Columbus, Ohio) A gay rights group is starting a new effort to lobby lawmakers and advocate for candidates, saying the easy passage of a same-sex marriage ban in 2004 showed gay people had to improve how they promote their opinions.

"We consider ourselves the phoenix rising out of the ashes of Issue 1," the gay marriage ban, said Lynne Bowman, executive director of Equality Ohio. Continue

Ohio Anti-Gay Amendment Ties Prosecutor's Hands In Domestic Violence Cases

by 365Gay.com, March 26, 2006

"In case that has been closely watched by lawyers across the country an Ohio appeals court has ruled that domestic violence charges cannot be laid in cases where the couple is unmarried because of the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

"Opponents of the ban, passed in 2004, warned that it was so poorly worded it could be used to deny rights to unmarried opposite sex couples. Click here for the report.

In his daily email for March 28th, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council writes of the court's decision:

This is the latest, hare-brained attempt to stop states from adopting Marriage Amendments. This strained ruling is only one of 12 appellate courts in Ohio, so their absurd reading of the domestic violence law and the Marriage Amendment is not likely to stand. Judge Mary Donovan dissented from the opinion arguing that the majority's notion of "quasi-marriage" has no more basis in Ohio law than "quasi-pregnancy" or "quasi-divorce". Good for her! In this case, the abuse victim was a man, but the overwhelming majority of domestic violence victims are women and children. This legal maneuver shows that liberals are even willing to throw women and children off the sled--just to appease the homosexual lobby.

Oregon

Election Law Complaint Filed Over Anti-Gay Petition Gatherers

365Gay.com, September 6, 2007

(Portland, Oregon) Oregon's Secretary of State has been asked to investigate two groups collecting signatures to overturn LGBT civil rights laws in the state.

The complaint, filed by Ellen Lowe, a longtime activist for "clean elections" in Oregon, claims that 'Concerned Oregonians' and ' Defense of Marriage and Family Again!' are misleading the public to solicit contributions for the repeal effort.

According to the complaint the two groups are claiming that contributions to their efforts are eligible for a "dollar-for-dollar" political tax credit of up to $100. Continue.

Oregon governor signs domestic-partner, nondiscrimination bills

Brad Cain, Associated Press, Advocate.com, May 11, 2007

Oregon on Wednesday joined a growing list of states prepared to offer gay couples at least some of the benefits of marriage.

Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed legislation creating domestic partnerships starting January 1 for gays and lesbians in the state. He also signed a bill that outlaws discrimination based on sexual orientation, effective the same date.

Kulongoski, a strong backer of both measures, said they would ''transform our state from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion.'' The measures had been attempted before but were always blocked by the legislature until this year.

Opponents of the two bills said they planned to launch a signature-gathering campaign next week to try to refer both measures to the November 2008 ballot. Continue.

Oregon Gov. Signs Gay Rights Bills

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, May 9, 2007

(Salem, Oregon) Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed two major LGBT civil rights bills Wednesday at a ceremony in front of the legislature. One bill would allow same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples unable to marry to form legally recognized partnerships. The other amends the state's non-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation. Continue.

Gay Relationship Bill Introduced In Oregon

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 26, 2007

(Portland, Oregon) Legislation that would recognize same-sex couples was introduced in the Oregon legislature on Monday. Called the Family Fairness Act it would provide many of the state rights of marriage on gay couples.

Oregon has a constitutional amendment barring same-sex marriage and the Fairness Act carefully avoids using the terms civil unions or domestic partnerships. But many LGBT activists who pushed for the bill are calling it civil union legislation.

The bill was the result of recommendations of the Governor's Task Force on Equality a diverse committee of business, clergy and civil rights advocates from across Oregon. Continue.

Governor's Panel Calls For Civil Unions In Oregon

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 22, 2006

(Washington) A task force appointed by Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) is recommending the state allow same-sex couples to have civil unions and calls for the passage of legislation to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The task force handed its report to Kulongoski on Thursday. It says that despite a law banning same-sex marriage gay and lesbian couples need "legal recognition" and recommends modeling a law similar to Vermont's civil union legislation.

But unlike the Vermont law the task force recommends limiting civil unions to Oregon residents. Continue.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Senators Let Down Pro-Family Group

Focus on the Family, June 27, 2006

A pro-family group is charging Pennsylvania lawmakers with destroying traditional marriage for stripping a proposed state constitutional amendment of language that would prevent civil unions.

The state House approved a marriage amendment that defined marriage as being the union of one man and one woman and forbade any union that would try to imitate marriage -- such as civil unions Continue

Amended Gay Marriage Ban Moves Forward In Pennsylvania

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, June 13, 2006 - 3:00 pm ET

(Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) A Senate panel on Tuesday approved a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage in Pennsylvania, but it shortened the reach of the legislation by removing a portion that also would have outlawed civil unions. Continue

Pennsylvania House passes gay marriage ban

By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette (Pittsburgh, PA), June 7, 2006

HARRISBURG -- There's still a long way to go, but advocates of traditional marriage between a man and a woman won a significant victory last night.

As the first step toward amending the state constitution, the state House voted 136-61 for a bill that would outlaw same-sex marriages and polygamous marriages in the Keystone State. Continue

Anti-Gay Amendment Advances In Pennsylvania

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 7, 2006

(Harrisburg, Pennsylvania) A proposed amendment banning same-sex marriage has passed the Pennsylvania House on a 136 - 61 vote, but still has a long way to go before it can be put to voters.

A similar measure is awaiting a vote in Senate. If, as expected, it passes, the legislation would need to be approved again by both houses in the next session before it could be placed on the ballot. Continue

PA Anti-Gay Amendment Advances

by 365Gay.com, March 16, 2006

A proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania state Constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions was sent by a committee to the full House for a vote with opponents of the bill saying there has been inadequate time for public hearings. The opponents also say that the measure is badly worded and could affect opposite-sex unmarried couples, too. Click here for the report.

Pennsylvania House Committee Considers Marriage Amendment

If the Legislature fails to pass it, the people will not get to vote

Mona Passignano, Focus on the Family's CitizenLink, March 13, 2006

Mona Passignano, the legislative ananlyst for Focus on the Family, claims that lacking "a constitutional amendment to protect it, the definition of marriage will be in the hands of activist judges." Click here to read the article.

Rhode Island

Marrying Same Sex Like Marrying Corpse Court Told

365Gay.com, August 17, 2007

(Providence, Rhode Island) Lawyers for conservative groups have told Rhode Island's highest court that a case involving a same-sex couple seeking a divorce should be thrown out because the state does not explicitly allow same-sex marriage.

The case involves Margaret R. Chambers and Cassandra B. Ormiston who were married in Massachusetts in 2004.

The marriage was never recognized in their home state of Rhode Island. Continue.

Rhode Island May Recognize Some Mass. Gay Marriages

by The Associated Press, February 21, 2007

(Providence, Rhode Island) Rhode Island should recognize state employees' gay marriages that are performed in neighboring Massachusetts and extend benefits to their partners, the state's attorney general said in an opinion released Wednesday.

Rhode Island prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and also extends benefits such as health insurance to domestic partners of state employees, Attorney General Patrick Lynch noted in the opinion, requested by a state department. Continue.

Out-of-state lesbian couple marries in Massachusetts

AP, Advocate.com, October 7-9, 2006

A lesbian couple from Rhode Island who won the right to marry in Massachusetts held their ceremony Sunday. After being denied a marriage license in Massachusetts, Wendy Becker and Mary Norton challenged a 1913 state law that prohibits out-of-state residents from marrying if the union would not be permitted in their home state.

They argued that same-sex marriage was not specifically banned in Rhode Island. Superior court judge Thomas Connolly agreed last month, saying he saw no evidence of a ''constitutional amendment, statute, or controlling appellate decision'' making same-sex marriage illegal in Rhode Island. Continue.

South Dakota

Poll Shows Conservative South Dakota Likely To Reject Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 10, 2006

(Sioux Falls, South Dakota) A survey of 800 South Dakota voters shows that a proposed amendment to the state constitution banning same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships would likely fail.

The poll shows that 49 percent of voters oppose the amendment with 41 percent supporting it and the rest undecided.

The results startled even LGBT rights groups which noted the state supported President Bush in 2004 by a margin of 60 percent to 40. Continue

Tennessee

Easy passage for measure outlawing gay marriage

71% of Knox voters support ban, 10% less than statewide pace

By Rose French, Knoxville News Sentinel, November 8, 2006

NASHVILLE -- Tennessee voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages Tuesday.

With 75 percent of precincts reporting, more than eight in 10 voters backed the amendment that defines marriage as between one man and one woman only.

The ballot question had to be approved by a supermajority that equals more than half the voters in the gubernatorial election. It was obvious Tuesday that it would clear that hurdle. Continue.

Same-sex marriage defeated

By Kate Howard, The Tennesean, (Nashville, Tennesse), November 7, 2006

A constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man and woman passed easily Tuesday.

Activists on both sides credited their campaigns with energizing voters on a personal level.

State Sen. David Fowler of the pro-amendment group RealMarriage.org said he felt the energy of the campaign mounting toward victory as he conducted a bus tour of the state last week. Continue.

Tennessee Supreme Court Tosses Challenge To Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 14, 2006

(Nashville, Tennessee) The Tennessee Supreme Court on Friday threw out a challenge to a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would block same-sex marriage.

The unanimous ruling means the issue will now go to voters in November. Continue

Tennessee Supreme Court To Hear Gay Marriage Suit

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, March 18, 2006

"The Tennessee Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case challenging the way lawmakers took up a resolution banning gay marriage in Tennessee.

"The American Civil Liberties Union is appealing a lower court ruling last month that found the legislature followed the rules in preparing the amendment. (story) Click here for the report.

Texas

Texas becomes 19th state with marriage amendment

By Michael Foust, Baptist Press, November 9, 2005

The Texas amendment banning both same-sex marriage and civil unions. According to the Baptist Press, "although Texas already had a law banning 'gay marriage,' the amendment prevents state courts from overturning the law -- something that has happened in other states such as Massachusetts."

According to the report, the measure won with 76 percent of the vote, despite editorial opposition by nearly every newspaper in the state. The Baptist Press notes that "A marriage amendment has never lost at the ballot." Which is undoubtedly why such amendments are popular activities for right-wing Christian organizations. Click here to read the report

Vermont

Vermont Social Conservatives, GOP Vow To Make Gay Marriage 2008 Issue

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 27, 2007

(Montpelier, Vermont) This week's announcement by the Democratic leadership in the Vermont House and Senate that a commission to study gay marriage would not produce a report until after the 2008 election to avoid making it an election issue state Republicans and socially conservative groups say they intend to do just that.

"I actually laughed out loud. I had a real good belly laugh," said Stephen Cable of Rutland, the founder and president of Vermont Renewal saying his group will quiz prosecpective candidates from all parties on their position on gay marriage. Continue.

Gay Marriage Bill Introduced In Vermont

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 7, 2007

(Montpellier, Vermont) Legislation that would replace Vermont's landmark civil union law with same-sex marriage was introduced Wednesday at the State House.

The bill is sponsored by Rep. Mark Larson (D) and has 32 house members and 10 senators as co-sponsors.

"After seven years of civil unions, this is simply the right thing to do," Larson said in introducing the legislation. Continue.

Virginia

Gay Marriage Amendment Passes in Virginia

Foxnews.com, November 07, 2006

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia voters easily approved a state constitutional ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday, making the state one of nearly two dozen to pass such measures.

Close to 60 percent of voters favored the measure. Similar questions were on the ballot in seven other states Tuesday. Wisconsin and South Carolina joined Virginia in approving them, while results were pending in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, South Dakota and Tennessee. Similar amendments have passed previously in all 20 states to consider them.

"We knew all along that a majority favored the amendment. It was just a matter of getting people to the polls," said Victoria Cobb, head of the Family Foundation, which pushed for the Virginia amendment. "Tonight, this issue has been settled." Continue.

Police Threaten Virginia Marriage Ban Opponents With Arrest

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, October 12, 2006

(Richmond, Virginia) With less than a month until Virginia voters go to the polls to consider an amendment that would ban gay marriage, civil unions and likely domestic partner benefits canvassers going door to door urging people to vote against the measure in the town of Warrenton have been threatened with arrest.

Police officers pointed to a town ordinance meant to control door-to-door salespeople. It does not specifically mention political campaigns, and it is believed candidates running for office have not been threatened. Continue

Virginia official issues report backing marriage amendment (Gay)

McDonnell’s legal opinion draws ire of gay rights groups, governor

By Elizabeth A. Perry, Washington Blade, September 22, 2006

In addition to reporting on legal objections to Republican Virginia Attorney General Robert McDonnell positive legal opinion of the anti-marriage measure on the November ballot, this article notes plans to have students at Patrick Henry College campaign for the measure. Continue

100 Lawyers Join Opposition to Virginia Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 8, 2006

(Richmond, Virginia) A group of 100 lawyers, including two former attorneys general, are calling for the rejection of a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban same-sex marriage, civil unions and possibly be used to void domestic partner benefits for both gay and unmarried opposite-sex couples. Continue.

Gays Thwarted Again In Marriage Amendment Dispute

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, May 12, 2006

(Richmond, Virginia) Opponents of a proposed gay marriage ban voters will consider this fall failed Friday for the second time in three days to have lawmakers alter what they say is a biased official explanation of the measure. Continue

Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Measure's full text may go on ballot. Both sides say plan, now before Kaine, needs more than summary

By Pamela Stallsmit, Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia), February 21, 2006

"Opponents of the amendment have contended that voters require more than a summary because they need to realize they are also deciding whether to ban civil unions and possibly outlaw legal contracts between all unmarried couples." Click here to read the report.

House endorses bill barring gay marriage

By Pamela Stallsmith, Richmond Times-Dispatch, January 14, 2006

"A state constitutional amendment to effectively outlaw gay marriage in Virginia is on a fast track in the General Assembly." Click here to read the report.

Virginia House Passes Anti-Gay Amendment

By 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 13, 2006

"Virginia law already defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman. Proponents say the constitutional amendment will make it clear that Virginia doesn't have to recognize gay marriages and same-sex civil commitments from other states.

"Opponents put up a fight on the House floor. They argued that amendment is discriminatory and could have broad unintended consequences for all unmarried couples, gay or straight." Click here for the report.

Editorial: Gay Marriage Politics

Washington Post, January 29, 2006

"Populist champions of intolerance in Virginia and Maryland are pushing constitutional amendments that would outlaw not only gay marriage but also civil unions, domestic partnerships and any other arrangement between consenting adults who happen to be homosexuals. Those amendments could have cruel and discriminatory effects, but that is of little moment to some of their advocates, who, confident that the wind of popular opinion is at their backs, assert a monopolistic claim on morality and God's law. We don't doubt that some state lawmakers genuinely believe that gay marriage somehow constitutes a threat to the traditional variety, or that they think that the children of gay unions may in some way be disadvantaged. But those views are tainted by an atmosphere of blatant political opportunism now seizing Richmond and Annapolis." Click here to read the editorial.

Washington

Same-sex couples register vows in Olympia

Law granting partner rights goes into effect

Chris Mcgann, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 24, 2007

OLYMPIA -- Same-sex couples came here Monday with mixed feelings, lining up to register as domestic partners with the Secretary of State's Office.

They said the new set of legal rights that went into effect Monday morning -- including hospital visitation, property inheritance and funeral planning -- were steps in the right direction but still a far cry from full marriage equality.

Decked out in a veil, the top half of a wedding gown and black leather pants, Amanda Swarr, 34, walked with her partner T Steele, 41, carrying a small sign that read: "When we get the rest of our rights, we'll wear the rest of the dress." Continue.

Lawsuit Challenges Seattle Gay Marriage Order

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 25, 2007

(Seattle, Washington) A lawsuit has been revived challenging a 2004 executive order by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels recognizing the same-sex marriages of civic workers.

The suit argues that Nickels exceeded his authority when he ordered city departments to provide equal benefits to employees married by governments that license same-sex marriages.

The California-based Pacific Justice Institute argues in the lawsuit that the order violates Washington's ban on same-sex marriage. Continue.

Washington Passes Partnership Bill

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, April 11, 2007

(Olympia, Washington) Nearly a year after the state Supreme Court upheld Washington's ban on same-sex marriage, the state Legislature passed a measure to give gay and lesbian couples some of the rights that come with marriage. Continue.

Initiative ties marriage, procreation

By Lornet Turnbull, Seattle Times, February 6, 2007

A group of gay-marriage supporters could begin collecting signatures today for a November ballot initiative that would limit marriage in Washington to couples willing and able to have children.

The measure would also dissolve the union of those who remain childless three years after marrying.

Are they serious?

Gregory Gadow, of the Washington Defense of Marriage Alliance, said the group hopes to make a point by parodying a state Supreme Court ruling last year that denied gays the right to marry because, among other reasons, such unions don't further the purpose of procreation. Continue.

Republicans Vow To Defeat Wa. Gay Marriage Bill

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 13, 2007

(Olympia) The Washington state GOP says there will be no gay marriage bill passed this year, even though the party does not have control of either house in the legislature.

And many Democrats agree the time is not right to enact same-sex marriage legislation. But most Democrats feel the time may have come for domestic partner rights.

A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage and other that would support domestic partnership benefits were unveiled Thursday by the LGBT caucus in the legislature. Continue.

Washington Supreme Court Asked To Reconsider Gay Marriage Ruling

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 30, 2006

(Olympia, Washington) Attorneys for same-sex couples Tuesday asked the Washington state Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling upholding the state's ban on gay marriage.

Washington state law allows the losing side in appeals to the high court to petition for reconsideration. Under court rules the attorneys for the gay and lesbian couples involved in the case had until August 15 to file a motion but were given an extension until Tuesday.

In its request to revisit the ruling the Northwest Women's Law Center, the ACLU and Lambda Legal said the court erred in two points of law. Continue

No wedding bells for state's gay couples

Court upholds ban on same-sex marriage

By Tracy Johnson and Phuong Cat Le, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, July 27, 2006

Told by Washington's highest court they can't marry, same-sex couples pledged to continue their fight and use Wednesday's painful loss as a way to show people across the country how important they view the right to wed.

Proponents said they'd take their efforts to the Legislature, work to build more support and even discuss accepting justices' implied invitation to seek the same legal rights and benefits that married couples already receive. Continue

Washington State legislator promises to introduce marriage-equality bill

Advocate.com, July 28, 2006

In the wake of the Washington State supreme court decision Wednesday to uphold the state's same-sex marriage ban, one of the state's gay legislators vowed to introduce a marriage-equality bill. But a dispirited state representative, Seattle Democrat Ed Murray, said he wasn't optimistic it would pass anytime soon, the Associated Press reports.

"I'll introduce a marriage equality bill," Murray, the senior of the state's four openly gay legislators, said, "but I don't expect it to pass next session or for many sessions." In its sharply divided 5–4 ruling, the court left open the possibility that the legislature could reverse its 1998 Defense of Marriage Act and legalize same-sex marriage. Continue

Washington State: Victory Number Seven for Traditional Marriage

by Kim Trobee, Focus on the Family, July 27, 2006

In a 5-4 decision, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that state lawmakers have the power to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples. Continue

Wash. Court's Surprise Ruling Delights Traditional Marriage Supporters

By Allie Martin and Jenni Parker, AgapePress, July 27, 2006

Pro-family groups and traditional marriage defenders are hailing yesterday's 5-4 decision by the Washington Supreme Court to overturn two lower-court rulings and uphold the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman. Continue

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Gays Face Fine, Jail Time for Marrying in California

Advocate.com, July 16, 2008

Same-sex couples from Wisconsin who marry in California can face nine months in jail and a $10,000 fine on returning home, CNN reported last Tuesday.

The penalty, based on a 1915 law originally enacted to prevent interracial marriages performed in other states, is being revived to persecute same-sex couples who tie the knot in California. “If you leave the state to get married with the intent of coming back to the state, you can be subject to imprisonment for nine months and up to a $10,000 fine,” Glenn Carlson of the LGBT advocacy group Fair Wisconsin told CNN in a video interview. Continue.

Madison Wisc. Mulls Gay Marriage Protest In Oaths Of Office

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 15, 2007

(Madison, Wisconsin) Madison, Wisconsin could become the first city in the nation to require a statement supporting same-sex marriage in the oaths of office of city officials.

The state passed a constitutional amendment in November banning same-sex marriage and civil unions. But the electorate in Madison voted 2-to-1 against the measure. Continue.

Wisconsin Gay Marriage Foes Gaining Strength

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, October 2, 2006

(Madison, Wisconsin) A statewide poll released Monday appears to show that supporters of a proposed amendment barring the recognition of same-sex couples are gaining widespread support throughout the state. Continue.

Feingold Announces Support For Gay Marriage

by 365Gay.com, April 4, 2006

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) has come out in favor of marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. Responding during a constituent meeting to a question about Wisconsin's anti- marriage ballot measure, Feingold said "“The proposed ban on civil unions and marriage is a mean-spirited attempt to divide Wisconsin and I indicated that it should be defeated.” When he finished denouncing the measure, Feingold expressed support for the right of gays and lesbians to marry." Click here for the report

Same-sex marriage ban goes to voters

By Jason Stein, Wisconsin State Journal, February 28, 2006

"The state Assembly voted 62-31 Tuesday to let voters decide whether to write a ban on same-sex marriages and civil unions into the state constitution. But before the last lawmaker's vote was taken, supporters and opponents of the proposal were already looking past that action toward a costly campaign to win voters' support in November's popular referendum." Continue reading.

A Fair Wisconsin Votes No (FairWisconsin.com) offers many options for action to defeat the anti-marriage amendment.

Wisconsin To Vote On Gay Marriage In November

By The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, March 1, 2006

"Wisconsin voters will decide in November whether to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage and civil unions after the proposal cleared its final hurdle in the Republican-controlled Legislature in Madison Tuesday night." They will also decide on re-electing the state's Democratic governor. Click here for the report.

Heated vote nears for gay marriage

By Ann Babe, The Badger Herald (University of Wisconsin, Madison), February 27, 2006

"State Assembly members are gearing up to vote Tuesday on a controversial constitutional amendment to permanently ban gay marriage and civil unions...

"But according to Action Wisconsin spokesperson Ingrid Ankerson, many citizens do not have an accurate understanding of what the amendment entails." Click here to read the report.

Wyoming

Wyoming House Kills Ban On Out-Of-State Gay Marriages

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 22, 2007

(Cheyenne, Wyoming) Legislation to ban the state of Wyoming from recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states or countries where they are legal died in committee Thursday on a single vote. Continue.