"The reason gay marriage makes some social conservatives uncomfortable is because it forces them to admit that straight marriage has changed—and that it was straight people who redefined marriage, not gay people."
--Dan Savage, getting to the heart of the matter, as usual.
Showing posts with label marriage equality. Show all posts
Showing posts with label marriage equality. Show all posts
Quote of the Day
"I fear I'll be remembered for the work I did on this campaign."
--Marc Mutty, the Chairman of the Yes on 1 Campaign in Maine that overturned marriage equality in that state in 2009. Mutty was on leave from his job as public relations director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine while running Yes on 1. He also bemoaned the "hyperbole" used in the campaign and said,
"You know, we say things like 'Teachers will be forced to (teach same-sex marriage in schools)!' " he continues. "Well, that's not a completely accurate statement and we all know it isn't, you know?"
His statements are part of a documentary on the Yes on 1 campaign that will be released later this summer or in the fall.
In related news, Equality Maine has announced a new campaign to gather signatures to put marriage equality on the ballot again in 2012.
--Marc Mutty, the Chairman of the Yes on 1 Campaign in Maine that overturned marriage equality in that state in 2009. Mutty was on leave from his job as public relations director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine while running Yes on 1. He also bemoaned the "hyperbole" used in the campaign and said,
"You know, we say things like 'Teachers will be forced to (teach same-sex marriage in schools)!' " he continues. "Well, that's not a completely accurate statement and we all know it isn't, you know?"
His statements are part of a documentary on the Yes on 1 campaign that will be released later this summer or in the fall.
In related news, Equality Maine has announced a new campaign to gather signatures to put marriage equality on the ballot again in 2012.
Equality in Rhode Island....sort of?
The Rhode Island Senate has passed a civil unions bill and Governor Lincoln Chafee is expected to sign it. However, a group of marriage advocates, including Marriage Equality Rhode Island, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Freedom to Marry and the American Civil Liberties Union, have sent a letter to the governor asking him to veto the bill and demand that the legislature pass full marriage equality. According to The Providence Journal,
In a two-page letter sent to the governor, the groups said the bill — scheduled for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Wednesday afternoon — “represents a huge step backward from Rhode Island’s longstanding nondiscrimination commitments” and provides “individuals and institutions a free-floating license to discriminate against a whole class of people, in defiance of general law.”
“This amendment could allow individuals, who are legally required to recognize everyone else’s legal commitments, to opt out of doing so only for gay and lesbian people,” the groups wrote. “In practical terms, this law could allow religiously affiliated hospitals to deny a civil union’s spouse’s right to be by his spouse’s side and make medical decisions for him.”
The National Organization for Marriage, naturally, says the religious protections don't go far enough. There has been no response from the Governor's office.
In a two-page letter sent to the governor, the groups said the bill — scheduled for a Senate Judiciary Committee vote on Wednesday afternoon — “represents a huge step backward from Rhode Island’s longstanding nondiscrimination commitments” and provides “individuals and institutions a free-floating license to discriminate against a whole class of people, in defiance of general law.”
“This amendment could allow individuals, who are legally required to recognize everyone else’s legal commitments, to opt out of doing so only for gay and lesbian people,” the groups wrote. “In practical terms, this law could allow religiously affiliated hospitals to deny a civil union’s spouse’s right to be by his spouse’s side and make medical decisions for him.”
The National Organization for Marriage, naturally, says the religious protections don't go far enough. There has been no response from the Governor's office.
Quote of the Day
"I was a strong opponent of same-sex marriage. Fourteen years ago, Andrew Sullivan and I forcefully debated the issue at length online (at a time when online debate was a brand new thing). Yet I find myself strangely untroubled by New York state's vote to authorize same-sex marriage -- a vote that probably signals that most of "blue" states will follow within the next 10 years. I don't think I'm alone in my reaction either. Most conservatives have reacted with calm -- if not outright approval -- to New York's dramatic decision. Why? The short answer is that the case against same-sex marriage has been tested against reality. The case has not passed its test."
--David Frum, conservative writer and former Special Assistant to President G.W. Bush. Right-wing opposition to marriage equality is crumbling and I predict that this will only accelerate. Read it all here.
--David Frum, conservative writer and former Special Assistant to President G.W. Bush. Right-wing opposition to marriage equality is crumbling and I predict that this will only accelerate. Read it all here.
Monday's Man: The Men of Marriage Equality
Marriage equality would not have come to The Empire State this year without the valiant efforts of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, pictured above. Standing next to him, third from the left, is openly gay Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, who has been fighting hard for this for years. He is largely responsible for the bill's passage in the Assembly. He also happens to be Rosie's brother.
Almost hidden in the picture at top, second from the right, is openly gay and openly HIV positive Senator Thomas Duane, who has been tireless in his efforts to bring marriage to New York. He has also championed a host of causes including HIV/AIDS funding and employment nondiscrimination:
Then there are the four Republicans who broke ranks with their party, enabling the bill to pass in the GOP-controlled Senate. They are Sen. Mark Grisanti:
Sen. James Alesi:
Sen. Alesi had this to say to The Village Voice:
And Sen. Roy McDonald:
Sen. McDonald had this to say:
"You might not like that. You might be very cynical about that. Well, fuck it, I don't care what you think. I'm trying to do the right thing.
"I'm tired of Republican-Democrat politics. They can take the job and shove it. I come from a blue-collar background. I'm trying to do the right thing, and that's where I'm going with this."
These four Republicans have broken the ice and made it easier for others in their party to vote for equality and begin the process of putting this sad Rovian, gay bashing chapter behind them. Look for the haters to get desperate, like cornered animals, now that the realization is sinking in that they can't even rely on the Republicans anymore. Without the GOP, they have nothing and no one. This is all certainly far from over, and God knows they can still rely on the Republicans in Texas, but the writing is clearly on the wall.
NOM Plots Revenge/Big GOP Money Backs Equality
The so-called National Organization for Marriage has pledged $2 million to defeat the Republican New York state senators who voted for marriage equality. Here's a quote:
"Last night we were sold out by the Republican Party in New York. Shortly before 10:30 last night, the New York Senate voted 33 to 29 in favor of same-sex marriage. Four Republicans – Jim Alesi, Roy McDonald, Steve Saland, and Mark Grisanti provided the margin of passage.
But this fight is far from over. In response to last night's vote, I have doubled our pledge to New York, committing at least $2 million dollars to make sure that New York Republicans understand that voting for gay marriage has consequences."
If I were Senators Alesi, McDonald, Saland, or Grisanti, I wouldn't loose much sleep over Mr. Brown's tough guy stance. NOM wasn't just innefective in the New York marriage battle, it wasn't even a factor. What do they spend all their money on? It's certainly not effective advocacy. Remember when Brian bragged that he would make sure marriage equality was repealed in New Hampshire when the Republicans won super-majorities there? If they made an effort, it was DOA. NOM failed to defeat marriage equality in DC. NOM failed to prevent civil unions in Illinois and Delaware. NOM failed to repeal the Washington state domestic partnership bill even though it was on the ballot and they fought it as a marriage battle. Are their self-styled "victories" anything more than claiming credit for the efforts of others? Brian is begging for money on his NOM site right now. Who would continue to throw good money after bad?
The New York marriage victory marked the first time a GOP-controlled legislative body voted for marriage equality, or any other gay rights issue, for that matter. The Senate leadership didn't have to send it down for a vote, but they did and enough Republicans voted in favor to put the bill over the top. Further, today's New York Times reported that, major Republican donors bankrolled this effort and vowed to protect the Republicans who voted for equality. If I were a Republican elected official, I would much rather have deep-pocket Wall Street tycoons on my side than Bryan Brown and Maggie Gallagher. NOM is toast.
"Last night we were sold out by the Republican Party in New York. Shortly before 10:30 last night, the New York Senate voted 33 to 29 in favor of same-sex marriage. Four Republicans – Jim Alesi, Roy McDonald, Steve Saland, and Mark Grisanti provided the margin of passage.
But this fight is far from over. In response to last night's vote, I have doubled our pledge to New York, committing at least $2 million dollars to make sure that New York Republicans understand that voting for gay marriage has consequences."
If I were Senators Alesi, McDonald, Saland, or Grisanti, I wouldn't loose much sleep over Mr. Brown's tough guy stance. NOM wasn't just innefective in the New York marriage battle, it wasn't even a factor. What do they spend all their money on? It's certainly not effective advocacy. Remember when Brian bragged that he would make sure marriage equality was repealed in New Hampshire when the Republicans won super-majorities there? If they made an effort, it was DOA. NOM failed to defeat marriage equality in DC. NOM failed to prevent civil unions in Illinois and Delaware. NOM failed to repeal the Washington state domestic partnership bill even though it was on the ballot and they fought it as a marriage battle. Are their self-styled "victories" anything more than claiming credit for the efforts of others? Brian is begging for money on his NOM site right now. Who would continue to throw good money after bad?
The New York marriage victory marked the first time a GOP-controlled legislative body voted for marriage equality, or any other gay rights issue, for that matter. The Senate leadership didn't have to send it down for a vote, but they did and enough Republicans voted in favor to put the bill over the top. Further, today's New York Times reported that, major Republican donors bankrolled this effort and vowed to protect the Republicans who voted for equality. If I were a Republican elected official, I would much rather have deep-pocket Wall Street tycoons on my side than Bryan Brown and Maggie Gallagher. NOM is toast.
Witness To History
My dear friend (and LC reader) Ray and his friend Carlos were at The Stonewall Inn last night as the New York Senate passed marriage equality. Here are his pictures and his beautifully written report. You might want to grab a tissue before you read it:
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"I got a call from my friend Carlos to come down to the village and have dinner with him last evening and as decided last minute to do so. After having a nice dinner and discussion about the impending state senate passage of the marriage equality act, we of course were anxious to know as it was about to happen any moment.
After dinner we walked over to Sheridan Square and Christopher Street and low and behold as we walked over at 10:31 my phone flashed with the NY Times news alert that the state senate had passed the measure and it was now going to be law!! The streets erupted and we made our way to the Stonewall Inn where it all began some 42 years ago, the beginning of the gay rights movement and the struggle for equality, Christopher Street had been cordoned off and the thousands were flocking and cheering and celebrating what it truly an hard fought and historic moment.
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As we made our way through the crowd I had such emotions. Seeing all the different types...young, old, black, white, latino, asian, indian, phillipino, tall, thin, heavy....gosh what diversity our community has and there in lies our strength!! I felt such pride in our coming together to celebrate this moment and I too had some emotion (and a few tears) as I remembered all those friends who were NOT here to celebrate in this moment....Willy, Stan, Gray, David, Reid, Lloyd, Thomas, Web, Kevin....too many and yet I said, "you are here, in my heart and in my memory and I share this moment with you! You may be gone but not forgotten!"
A very incredible moment and crowd and energy....I'm so GLAD I got a chance to witness, to be alive and to experience a part of this!! (thank you! Carlos!!)"
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"I got a call from my friend Carlos to come down to the village and have dinner with him last evening and as decided last minute to do so. After having a nice dinner and discussion about the impending state senate passage of the marriage equality act, we of course were anxious to know as it was about to happen any moment.
After dinner we walked over to Sheridan Square and Christopher Street and low and behold as we walked over at 10:31 my phone flashed with the NY Times news alert that the state senate had passed the measure and it was now going to be law!! The streets erupted and we made our way to the Stonewall Inn where it all began some 42 years ago, the beginning of the gay rights movement and the struggle for equality, Christopher Street had been cordoned off and the thousands were flocking and cheering and celebrating what it truly an hard fought and historic moment.
As we made our way through the crowd I had such emotions. Seeing all the different types...young, old, black, white, latino, asian, indian, phillipino, tall, thin, heavy....gosh what diversity our community has and there in lies our strength!! I felt such pride in our coming together to celebrate this moment and I too had some emotion (and a few tears) as I remembered all those friends who were NOT here to celebrate in this moment....Willy, Stan, Gray, David, Reid, Lloyd, Thomas, Web, Kevin....too many and yet I said, "you are here, in my heart and in my memory and I share this moment with you! You may be gone but not forgotten!"
A very incredible moment and crowd and energy....I'm so GLAD I got a chance to witness, to be alive and to experience a part of this!! (thank you! Carlos!!)"
Equality in New York!
I LOVE NEW YORK!
Quote of the Day II
"I won't believe in marriage equality in New York until I am being fitted at Vera Wang!"
--LC NY Bureau Chief Doug, taking a sensible approach to the impending vote in the NY state senate. Let's hope Doug is on the phone to Vera tomorrow!
--LC NY Bureau Chief Doug, taking a sensible approach to the impending vote in the NY state senate. Let's hope Doug is on the phone to Vera tomorrow!
Cuomo "Cautiously Optimistic" on Marriage Equality
Despite NY Gov. Cuomo's push to get a marriage equality bill through the GOP-controlled state Senate, passage seems tenuous at best. The House has already passed the bill and it is within one vote of passage in the Senate, that is if the Senate leadership advances the bill that far. That's a big if. Cuomo and the Senate leadership reached a deal on all remaining issues for this legislative session, including bills regarding rent reform and property taxes, except for marriage. Cuomo told reporters late yesterday that he still believes marriage will come up for a vote. According to Politicker NY:
"We early on said we’re not going to advance a bill unless we’re confident that it has a good chance of success,” Cuomo said. “Not that you know it’s going to succeed, because you never know until the vote is actually cast. But we’ve reached the point, the threshold where we believe there was a high likelihood of success, we felt good about the chances of success, so then we moved the bill.”
Sen. Tom Duane, the marriage bill's sponsor, was asked if he thought there were enough votes for the bill and he said “I’m not going to predict that.”
"We early on said we’re not going to advance a bill unless we’re confident that it has a good chance of success,” Cuomo said. “Not that you know it’s going to succeed, because you never know until the vote is actually cast. But we’ve reached the point, the threshold where we believe there was a high likelihood of success, we felt good about the chances of success, so then we moved the bill.”
Sen. Tom Duane, the marriage bill's sponsor, was asked if he thought there were enough votes for the bill and he said “I’m not going to predict that.”
President Obama on Marriage: Still Evolving
LC NY Bureau Chief Doug alerted me to this New York Times article on President Obama's views on marriage equality. He reminds of William Hurt's character in The Big Chill who declared "I was evolving. I'm still evolving." This week, the President will headline a $1250 a plate dinner called "Gala With the Gay Community" and on June 29, he will host a gay pride celebration at the White House. This gives him two golden opportunities to announce that he's evolved to what I have always suspected to be his personal position: full marriage equality. You can read the article here.
Civil Unions Begin in Illinois
As yet, there is no word on Richland County, but my sources report that gay white squirrel couples began to form orderly lines in front of the courthouse in the early morning hours.
"Fundamental Shift"
"Americans are just as likely as before to think things are going badly, but rather than direct all their anger at Democrats, they now have Republicans driving the agenda with a high-profile budget with wildly unpopular priorities. We haven’t returned to a 2006 or 2008 landscape, where the public held Republicans responsible for everything, but the pendulum has swung back."
Read more here.
And one other thing, Kathy Hochul supports marriage equality. Corwin does not and Maggie Gallagher's National Organization for Marriage supported her. I don't think marriage was a big issue in this campaign, but you can bet if Corwin had won, NOM would be taking credit for her victory and exploiting it as an example of how America doesn't want to redefine marriage, or whatever tortured phrase they're using now.
Evolution in Virginia
Moving down Delmarva from the previous post, check out these poll results from Virginia:
That's an amazing and exciting result from a state that voted in a ban on any civil rights for gay couples just five years ago.
via Andrew Sullivan
via Andrew Sullivan
Equality in Delaware!
Delaware Governor Jack Markell has signed the civil unions bill into law. It will take effect on January 1, 2012. Congratulations Delaware! You can watch the Governor's speech here:
Navy Reverses Itself on Same-Sex Marriages
The Navy has abruptly reversed it's new policy allowing same-sex marriages to be performed in Naval facilities in states where they are legal. Under intense pressure from over 5 dozen members of the House of Representatives, the Chief of Navy Chaplains issued a one sentence statement that his earlier decision had been "suspended until further notice pending additional legal and policy review and interdepartmental coordination." The 5 dozen House members had sent a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, expressing their dubious claim that the new policy violates the so-called Defense of Marriage Act.
As always with the gay rights movement, it's one step forward, two steps back.
As always with the gay rights movement, it's one step forward, two steps back.
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