Same Sex Marriage

 

 

 

 

"The marriage bond, in which man and woman together constitute a life-long association, ordered by its very nature for the good of the spouses and the generation and education of children," is the basis of the family, the heritage and shared wealth of humanity. "Thus the Church cannot cease to announce that, in accordance with God's plans, marriage and the family are irreplaceable and admit no alternatives."

-Pope Benedict XV

 

 

NY: State Attorney General Asks Court To Throw Out Challenge To Same-Sex Marriage

Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is asking a state court to throw out a lawsuit challenging New York's same-sex marriage law.

Opponents of the law filed suit claiming the State Senate violated its own rules and the state's open meetings law before the July vote legalizing gay marriage.

In papers filed Friday, Schneiderman argued the law's opponents have not been harmed by it and that procedural actions of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the senate are not subject to judicial review.

Schneiderman has requested a hearing on the matter next month. watch video NY1

 

CA: State justices seem to favor allowing proponents to defend Prop. 8

The California Supreme Court appeared inclined Tuesday to give sponsors of ballot initiatives the right to defend them in court, a key issue in the federal dispute over Proposition 8.

During an hour of arguments, several state high court justices suggested the initiative system would be rendered meaningless if there was no one to defend ballot measures from court challenges.

This would be a victory for proponents of Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, because it allows them to appeal last year's ruling overturning the ballot measure.

California Gov. Jerry Brown and Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris have refused to challenge a federal district judge’s decision last year overturning Proposition 8.

A federal appeals court must now decide whether ProtectMarriage, the group that sponsored Proposition 8, has standing to appeal that order in federal court.

The U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals asked the California court to rule on the status of initiative sponsors in state court.

The California court’s decision is likely to influence the 9th Circuit's decision on whether ProtectMarriage has standing in federal court.

If the appeals court finds ProtectMarriage lacks the right to appeal, the district court's order declaring Proposition 8 unconstitutional will remain in place, legal analysts said. But the dispute won't affect marriage rights beyond California. LA TimesBlog

 

Calif. Supreme Court sets gay 'marriage' hearing for September 6

The battle over Proposition 8, California’s ban on same-sex marriage, is set to resume September 6 when the California Supreme Court will hear arguments on whether proponents of the ban can legally defend the initiative they sponsored.

The hearing, set to take place in San Franscisco, is pivotal to ProtectMarriage.com, the conservative group responsible for getting Prop. 8 onto the 2008 ballot.

At issue in the case to be heard by the California Supreme Court is whether proponents of ballot measures, like Prop. 8, have the legal authority to defend such measures in court when the governor and attorney general refuse to do so.

In August of 2010, then Chief U.S. District Judge Walker struck down Prop. 8, declaring it "unconstitutional."

Both former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Gov. Jerry Brown, attorney general at the time, refused to challenge the Walker’s ruling, so supporters of Prop 8 are hoping to take matters into their own hands.

Members of ProtectMarriage.com cannot continue with their appeal of the 2010 ruling overturning the ban until the state supreme court makes its decision. read more christianpost

 

 

NY Same-Sex Marriages Not Accepted in Many States

New York’s recently passed legislation allowing homosexual couples to legally marry goes into effect on Sunday, July 24. Thousands of same-sex couples are planning ceremonies to marry, but those that are residents of other states may find the benefits guaranteed to their friends in New York will not be recognized by the state where they reside.

If a homosexual couple living in nearby states such as New Jersey venture to New York state to marry, they will soon discover New Jersey will not recognize their marriage as a legal union.

New York is the sixth state to recognize same-sex marriage but it is still illegal in 29 other states.

Regardless of the legality of the marriage in any state, same-sex couples will not be able to take advantage of federal benefits such as Social Security death benefits or file income taxes jointly. Federal law still does not recognize homosexual marriages since the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was signed into law by President Clinton in 1996, stating that marriage is between a man and a woman. read more ChristianPost

 

The Harms of Same-Sex Marriage

How is this law going to hurt your marriage? That is the jeer hurled at opponents of New York’s new same-sex marriage law. As the Boston Globe put it memorably some time ago, same-sex marriage will “no more undermine traditional marriage than sailing undermines swimming”.

Indeed, many supporters of traditional marriage don’t know how to respond. Fortunately, however, at least three answers were quickly presented in the New York Times. The Times supported the law and praised as “a powerful and principled choice” when it was passed. Since it is New York’s newspaper of record and the flagship of American progressive thinking, there can be little doubt that the ideas promoted in its pages will someday emerge as real options.

The first was an op-ed piece by Katherine M. Franke, a Columbia University law professor. On the day before the bill passed, she confessed that she really didn’t want to marry her long-time lesbian partner anyway. Why lose the flexibility and benefits of living as domestic partners? As far as she was concerned, “we think marriage ought to be one choice in a menu of options by which relationships can be recognized and gain security”. read more Crisis

 

After New York Vote, Bachmann Suggests Constitutional Amendment Against Gay Marriage

Fresh off a formidable showing in an Iowa preference poll of 2012 Republican presidential candidates, Rep. Michele Bachmann on Sunday said that as president she would offer a federal constitutional amendment to list marriage as solely between a man and a woman. 

However, the Minnesota congresswoman said it's also up to the states to decide whether they permit same-sex marriage.

Bachmann, who has staked out much of the social conservative ground in the GOP primary race, was threading a thin needle in explaining that her views are not inconsistent on gay marriage. She was speaking after New York's Legislature this weekend approved same-sex marriage, making it the sixth state to allow it.

"The states have the right to pass the laws they want to," Bachmann told "Fox News Sunday," adding that such an issue should really be on the ballot so that voters can decide whether gay marriage should be the law of the land. 

"Every time it's going on the ballot, the people have decided to keep the traditional definition," she said. "After all, the family is the fundamental unit of government."

But Bachmann added that it's not a contradiction to pursue a federal constitutional amendment that would trump state law, and if she were president she would do so. A constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds vote of Congress and ratification by three-quarters of the states. 

"It's a high hurdle. We only have 27 amendments to the federal Constitution," Bachmann acknowledged. 

The last place, it should be decided, however, is in the courts, she added.read more FoxNews

 

NY gay 'marriage' talks hinge on religious rights

ALBANY, N.Y.(AP)  — Will the Knights of Columbus be required to open their halls for gay weddings if New York lawmakers legalize same-sex marriage? Will Catholic adoption agencies be forced to choose between placing children with gay married couples or leaving the business?

As New York moves closer to a vote on legislation that would make it the sixth and largest state where same-sex marriage is allowed, some Republicans are demanding stronger legal protections for religious organizations that object to the practice.

Many states that offer gay marriage or civil unions have some religious exemptions. But in some places, Catholic adoption agencies shut down and at least one religious organization lost its tax-exempt status.

Supporters of gay marriage say there are already adequate protections in New York law, and they have suggested the GOP objections are just a smoke screen. But religious leaders say the fears are genuine. read more Times Herald

 

NY marriage fight focuses on threat to religious freedom

Senate Republicans who say they are undecided about their stance on gay marriage are pushing for more assurances of legal protections for Catholic charities and other religious institutions that refuse to recognize same-sex couples.

The Republican concerns suggest a shift in the debate toward the wording of legislation and the extent to which religious safeguards are explicitly spelled out in statute. The same questions about religious freedom have flared in other statehouses that ultimately adopted same-sex marriage laws with provisions to insulate religious groups and their services from legal exposure.READ MORE WSJ

 

GOP House members seek impeachment of Iowa justices for same-sex marriage decision

Iowa House Republicans drew an immediate negative reaction late Thursday when they filed four articles of impeachment, one for each remaining member of the Iowa Supreme Court that participated in an April 2009 decision that struck down a legislative ban on same-sex marriage as a violation of the state’s equal protection clause.

The four House resolutions target Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Cady (HR 48) and Justices Brent Appel (HR 47), Daryl Hecht (HR 49) and David Wiggins (HR 50) for “malfeasance in office” specifically for their ruling in the Varnum v. Brien case, saying that each justice “exercis[ed] functions properly belonging to the legislative and executive departments.”

The four GOP lawmakers offering the resolutions were Reps. Tom Shaw of Laurens, Dwayne Alons of Hull, Betty De Boef of What Cheer, Glen Massie of Des Moines and Kim Pearson of Pleasant Hill.

Rep. Kevin McCarthy of Des Moines, a member of Democratic leadership, immediately challenged House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (R-Hiawatha) and Majority Leader Linda Upmeyer (R-Garner) to speak against the actions taken by their caucus members. read more IowaIndependent

 

CA: 'Gay' Prop 8 judge called 'direct beneficiary' of ruling to overturn same sex marriage ban

With the stunning revelation by the recently retired federal judge who overturned California's Proposition 8 and thereby legalized same-sex marriage that he himself is involved in a long-time homosexual relationship, prominent legal analysts are now saying Vaughn Walker's controversial decision should be vacated immediately as the judge was clearly a "direct beneficiary" of his own ruling.

Proposition 8, widely approved by California voters, was a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman.

Although it was reported in some California newspapers during the trial that Walker is homosexual, in an interview with Reuters only days ago he revealed additional details about his personal life.

"Walker had never previously discussed his sexual orientation in the press, but on Wednesday said he was in a 10-year relationship with a physician," the reporter wrote.

That alarmed legal analysts. read more WorldNetDaily

 

Prop 8 Supporters File Motion Accusing Judge Walker of Illegally Releasing Videotape

Just a few days before he left the federal bench, Judge Walker’s swan song was to play videotape from the Prop 8 trial — during a speech covered by C-SPAN. The clip was from the testimony of an expert witness, and not his most flattering moment. Judge Walker had promised that witness from the bench that the videotape was only for his personal use and would not be released.

As Brian Brown says, “What more evidence do we need we have a rogue judge on our hands?”

The motion is up on the NOM blog.nationalreview

 

MD Marriage Vote Uncovers Disconnect Between Catholic Legislators and Church Teaching

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland House of Delegates “killed” a bill March 11 that sought to legalize same-sex “marriage” in the state.
The House of Delegates sent the bill back to the Judiciary Committee — a move described in The Washington Post as “an acknowledgment by supporters that it did not have sufficient votes to pass on the floor.” It was an unexpected conclusion to an intense political fight that pitted key Democratic lawmakers who are Catholic, but whose votes were contrary to Church doctrine, against the leaders of their Church. 

Local Catholic pastors applauded the outcome, yet the disconnect between the public stance of the Maryland Catholic Conference and prominent Democrats like Gov. Martin O’Malley remains unresolved. Is the source of the problem a failure of catechesis or the triumph of partisan loyalties — or both? Certainly, the battle lines underscored the difficulty of changing minds and hearts in a society that increasingly views same-sex “marriage” as a fundamental civil right.

Reflecting on the lessons learned during the course of two political fights over legal same-sex “marriage” in the Archdiocese of Washington — the first in the District of Columbia and the second in Maryland — Cardinal Donald Wuerl of Washington acknowledged that Church leaders are on a sharp learning curve. read more NCRegister

 

Maryland Gay Marriage Bill Dies With No Final Vote

A bill to legalize gay marriage in Maryland has died after the House of Delegates avoided a final vote on the measure.

House Speaker Michael Busch said the issue will not be taken up again this year.

Supporters said they didn't think they had the 71 votes needed to pass the bill Friday, and it was sent back to committee in a procedure that will allow them to to continue with the legislation next year.

The measure would give same-sex couples in Maryland the same marriage rights as heterosexuals.

Governor Martin O'Malley supported the bill, and said he had hoped for its passage. Maryland would be the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. Fox News

 

MN judge rules a 1971 state Supreme Court ruling and state law prohibit same-sex marriage

Citing a 40-year-old precedent, a Hennepin County judge has dismissed a lawsuit that sought to remove legal barriers to gay marriage in Minnesota.

In an order signed Monday, District Judge Mary Dufresne rejected an argument by the group Marry Me Minnesota that the state's 13-year-old Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violates same-sex couples' rights to due process, equal protection, religious freedom and freedom of association.

"Unless and until" the state Supreme Court overrules a 1971 decision limiting marriage to a man or a woman or repeals DOMA, Dufresne wrote, "Same-sex marriage will not exist in this state."

Last May, three couples sued Hennepin County Registrar Jill Alverson and the State of Minnesota after Alverson's office denied them applications for marriage licenses, citing the Defense of Marriage Act. read more startribune

 

California Supreme Court to consider key issue in battle over same-sex marriage

The California Supreme Court will decide Wednesday whether to plunge back into the legal battle over same-sex marriage.

The state high court, meeting in closed session, will review a request by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to determine whether Proposition 8’s sponsors have legal authority to defend the ballot measure.

Depending on the court’s ruling, the 9th Circuit could either dismiss the Proposition 8 appeal on procedural grounds -- limiting the case’s effect to California -- or rule on federal constitutional questions that would affect same-sex marriage throughout the country.

A federal judge in San Francisco struck down Proposition 8 in August, ruling after a 12-day trial that the 2008 ballot measure violated equal protection guarantees under the U.S. Constitution. Experts testified during the trial that one’s sexual orientation was largely fixed and that matrimony benefits the families of gays and lesbians.

California state officials refused to appeal the ruling. Now the 9th Circuit must determine whether Proposition 8’s sponsors, ProtectMarriage.com, have legal standing to challenge the trial court's decision. LATimes

 

 

Maryland Senate Pres. expects marriage redefinition bill to pass

Hours before a high-profile hearing on legalizing same-sex marriage Tuesday, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. predicted a close vote in his chamber next week, with the odds favoring passage.

Miller (D-Calvert) put the chances of the legislation passing the Senate at 60 percent to 70 percent, but said the vote count "is going to be very close." He suggested that the bill would get somewhere between 22 and 25 votes in the chamber. Twenty-four are required for passage.

Miller, who opposes same-sex marriage, said he expects everyone in the Senate to "do what you think is right on this issue."

If opponents mount a filibuster, Miller said he expects to corral the 29 votes needed to end debate and allow a vote on the legislation.

The bill is being heard Tuesday afternoon by the Judicial Proceedings Committee, where a majority of members have announced their support. Miller said he expects the bill to arrive on the Senate floor next week.

 

Illinois Catholic Governor Signs Civil Union Bill Into Law

While the state’s Catholic governor Pat Quinn said his faith prompted him to support the bill, his bishop has warned that the governor’s actions clearly contradict Church teaching.

“If the Governor wishes to pursue a secular agenda for political purposes, that is his prerogative, for which he is accountable to the voters,” said Bishop Thomas J. Paprocki of Springfield, Ill., after the contentious vote.

“But if he wishes to speak as a Catholic, then he is accountable to Catholic authority,” he continued, “and the Catholic Church does notsupport civil unions or other measures that are contrary to the natural moral law.” In the governor’s case, the local “Catholic authority” is Bishop Paprocki himself…

 

It’s official, Illinois has joined the states that have civil unions. Today, Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois Religious Freedom and Protection and Civil Union Act. The law was drafted by lawyers with the ACLU of Illinois. The new law gives Illinois couples, including same-sex couples, the right to enter into legal relationships which provide the basic legal protections and responsibilities currently offered only through marriage.

According to John Knight, director of the LGBT Project of the ACLU of Illinois, “Illinois is taking an historic step forward in embracing fairness and extending basic dignity to all couples in our state. We commend Governor Quinn for signing this bill.” read more

 

Federal appeals court boots Imperial County from Prop. 8 case, asks for help from CA Supreme Court

Then Attorney General and now Gov. Jerry Brown, and then Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger both refused to defend Prop. 8 on appeal.

A federal appeals court in San Francisco ruled yesterday that Imperial County lacks standing to defend Proposition 8 before the court, and sent a request to the California Supreme Court asking it to clarify who has the legal right under state law to defend an initiative when government officials refuse to do so.

The federal appellate court said “it is critical that we be advised of the rights under California law of the official proponents of an initiative measure to defend the constitutionality of that measure upon its adoption by the people when the state officers charged with the laws' enforcement, including the attorney general, refuse to provide such a defense or appeal a judgment declaring the measure unconstitutional."

The California Supreme Court is under no obligation to answer the question. read more CalCatholic

 

Illinois Catholic Conference Statement on Passage of Civil Union Bill

The Catholic Conference of Illinois (CCI) regrets the General Assembly’s passage of Senate Bill
1716. Upon the Governor’s signature, this legislation will legalize civil unions and explicitly grant
these unions the same status as marriage in state law.

Marriage is not just any relationship between human beings. Marriage has been established by our
Creator in harmony with the nature of man and woman and with its own essential properties and
purpose. The Church did not invent marriage and neither has any state. No ideology can erase
from the human spirit the certainty that marriage exists solely between a man and a woman, who by
personal gift, proper and exclusive to themselves, mutually commit to each other in order to
cooperate with God in the procreation and upbringing of new human lives.

The legislation also contains the potential for a serious conflict with religious liberty. While the bill
states that nothing in the Act should interfere with or regulate the religious practice of any religious
body, such language may offer little protection in the context of litigation religious institutions may
soon encounter in relation to charitable services, adoption and foster care.
We hope these issues will be seriously evaluated by policy makers in the coming months and that
additional conscience protections will be afforded.

Civil unions allowed in Illinois beginning next year

 

Hawaii Positioned to Pass Same-sex Civil Unions

 

Iowa Voters Kick Out Gay “Marriage” Justices

By Peter J. Smith

DES MOINES, Iowa, November 3, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Iowans punished three state Supreme Court Justices on Tuesday for their rulings legalizing same-sex “marriage” by denying all three another 8-year term.

Voters decided “no” on retaining Justice David L. Baker (54.27 percent), Justice Michael J. Streit (54.41 percent), and Chief Justice Marsha Ternus (55.04 percent) in their posts at the high court.

All three were up for retention votes to stay on the state Supreme Court under Iowa’s constitution. Under a 1962 amendment to Iowa’s constitution, eight years after being appointed judges must go on the ballot for a popular vote to retain their position or be sent packing.

Conservative activist and former GOP candidate for governor Bob Vander Plaats led the charge against the three justices. He argued that the state’s retention vote provides an antidote to the politicization of the court, and that the court usurped the state law by mandating same-sex “marriage.”

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled 7-0 on April 3, 2009 that the state Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) violated the state constitution’s guarantees of equal protection.

Vander Plaats and his “Iowa for Freedom” campaign barnstormed the state, arguing that the justices not only violated the legislature’s role by legalizing same-sex “marriage,” but also the executive’s role by ordering the state’s 99 counties to implement their decision.

 

 

Calif. same-sex "marriage" ruling defended

 

Stand4MarriageDC Appeals Same-Sex Marriage Ruling to the High Court

A group of family advocates filed a petition today with the U.S. Supreme Court, asking it to intercede on behalf of D.C. residents who are being denied the right to vote on the definition of marriage.

The D. C. City Council – using shrewdly added so-called human rights regulations – has voted in favor of same-sex marriage. Gay activists also have used the regulations to block efforts to appeal the decision through a resident-driven petition initiative.

Bishop Harry R. Jackson, chairman of Stand4MarriageDC, said the council is forcing on residents an ordinance that they did not want or ask for.

“Twelve hundred ministers have signed on with us in Maryland, Virginia and D.C. –people who live, work or worship in D.C.,” he said. “What (the court does) will have far-reaching consequences.”

Bruce Hausknecht, judicial analyst with CitizenLink, said the Supreme Court should not only accept this case, but reverse the lower court ruling.

“The right of D.C. residents to place a marriage amendment on the election ballot via a public initiative is guaranteed by the D.C. Charter,” he said. “Yet, to this point, liberal politicians and activist judges in the D.C. court system have acted in concert to impose same-sex marriage on District residents – and derail all opposition. This travesty requires a reversal.” citizenlink

 

Iowa: Catholic Conference backs constitutional convention to ban same-sex "marriage"

The Iowa Catholic Conference, the political and policy arm of the state’s four Catholic dioceses, announced Monday that it is urging Iowans to convene a constitutional convention in order to eventually ban same-sex marriage.

“The ICC is encouraging Iowa Catholics to vote ‘yes’ on the decennial ballot question as a way to work with others for a marriage amendment to the Iowa Constitution that would affirm the traditional understanding that marriage is a union between a man and a woman,” said the group Call the Convention* in a press release, later adding: “For far too long, the Iowa legislature has denied the people of Iowa their voice on issues such as traditional marriage, spending limits, tax reform, term limits, and Second Amendment rights. ”

Every 10 years, Iowa voters get a chance to remake the state’s government through the constitutional convention. In 2000, the last time Iowans voted on whether the state should convene a constitutional convention, only about 32 percent supported it. However, following last year’s Iowa Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage, many conservatives began openly advocating for a convention to be called as a quick method to reverse the ruling. IowaIndependent read more

 

Court won't force Calif officials to defend Prop 8

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—A California court has refused to order Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown to appeal a ruling that overturned the state's gay marriage ban.

The 3rd District Court of Appeal in Sacramento on Wednesday denied a conservative legal group's request to force the officials to defend Proposition 8 in court.

The court did not give a reason why it turned down the request by the Pacific Justice Institute.

Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker struck down Proposition 8 as unconstitutional last month.

The sponsors of Proposition 8 had defended the ban during the trial when Brown and Schwarzenegger, the named defendants, refused.

The state has until Sept. 11 to challenge Walker's ruling. Both Brown and Schwarzenegger have said they don't plan an appeal. mercury news

 

9th Circuit puts brakes on decision that struck down Calif. marriage amendment

Appellate court reverses district court’s denial of stay motion filed by ProtectMarriage.com legal team

ALLIANCE DEFENSE FUND NEWS RELEASE
www.adfmedia.org/home/contact

SAN FRANCISCO — The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit Monday put the brakes on an Aug. 18 implementation date for U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s order overthrowing the will of 7 million California voters with regard to marriage.

The court granted a motion filed by the ProtectMarriage.com legal team, including attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund, that asked the court to stay the judge’s Aug. 4 decision in Perry v. Schwarzenegger until the appellate court has time to hear the case.

“It made no sense to impose a radical change in marriage on the people of California before all appeals on their behalf are heard, so the 9th Circuit’s decision is clearly the right call,” said ADF Litigation Staff Counsel Jim Campbell.  “Refusing to stay the decision would only have created more legal confusion surrounding any same-sex unions entered while the appeal is pending.  This case has just begun.  ADF and the rest of the legal team are confident that the right of Americans to protect marriage in their state constitutions will ultimately be upheld.”

As part of its order, the 9th Circuit also issued an expedited appeal schedule in the case, with the opening brief due Sept. 17 and oral argument to be heard the week of Dec. 6.

Case Name:  Perry v. Schwarzenegger

 

California Judge Refuses to Stay Prop 8 Marriage Ruling

www.LC.org - Liberty Counsel

San Francisco, CA – Today U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker refused to stay his ruling in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, in which he struck down Proposition 8 (Prop 8), the state marriage amendment defining marriage as the union of one woman and one man in the California Constitution. In November 2008, California voters amended their state constitution by passing Prop 8, and the California Supreme Court upheld the marriage amendment. This current challenge is in federal court.

Without a stay of the August 4 ruling, Prop 8 is enjoined, meaning that people in California will be able to obtain same-sex marriage licenses. Judge Walker’s ruling today states that effective August 18 at 5:00 p.m. PT, the state of California is ordered to stop enforcing Prop 8. Same-sex marriages will resume. In the meantime, Judge Walker’s refusal to stay his opinion will be appealed to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Except for this case, Liberty Counsel has represented the Campaign for California Families to defend the state’s marriage laws since 2004 and has argued at the trial, appellate and state Supreme Court levels.

Mathew Staver, Founder of Liberty Counsel and Dean of Liberty University School of Law, commented: “It is outrageous that Judge Walker refused to stay his ruling. This is a classic example of radical individualism and judicial activism. Judge Walker obviously has not learned the lesson of 2008, when the California Supreme Court refused to stay its decision on marriage. That decision was reversed in short order, but it caused a huge disruption. Staying the effect of Judge Walker’s ruling pending the appeal is the only logical thing to do in this case. This case has a high probability of being overturned on appeal. It makes no sense for one person to set aside a state constitutional amendment, radically change the longstanding status quo, and then later be reversed. The disruption will be enormous if this decision is not stayed. In the end, the commonsense and constitutional definition of marriage as one man and one woman will be upheld.”

 

U.S. judge overturns California gay marriage ban

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – A federal judge on Wednesday struck down a California ban on same-sex marriages as unconstitutional, handing a key victory to gay rights advocates in a politically charged decision almost certain to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

Legal scholars said the decision has wide implications for nearly 40 states with similar laws on their books, making it more difficult to defend those measures in court on the basis of moral grounds or social tradition.

Still, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ordered the voter-approved ban, known as Proposition 8, to remain in place at least temporarily until he decides on a request by supporters of the ban to keep it intact while the case moves to a higher court.

Although the result leaves gay men and lesbian couples unable to marry for now, Walker said Prop 8 opponents "demonstrated by overwhelming evidence" that it violates due process and equal-protection rights under the U.S. Constitution. read more

 

California judge strikes down Prop. 8 citing 'fundamental right to marry'

San Francisco, Calif., Aug 4, 2010 / 04:21 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- A California federal judge issued a ruling this afternoon striking down Proposition 8, which defined marriage as between man and one woman. The judge ruled that the measure violated the rights of same-sex couples.

In a landmark case that is expected to reach the Supreme Court, U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker ruled on Aug. 4 that Prop. 8 – an initiative which passed in Nov. of 2008 with the support of 7 million Californians – both “unconstitutionally burdens the exercise of the fundamental right to marry and creates an irrational classification on the basis of sexual orientation.”

Judge Walker concluded that Prop. 8 “fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license.”

“Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples,” he added. “Because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.”

The American Civil Liberties Union and Equality California, joined by the first lesbian couple to contract a legal same-sex “marriage” in California, filed a lawsuit immediately after the election to try and overturn the measure.

Today's ruling is expected to be appealed to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals and then up to the Supreme Court by the pro-traditional marriage group, ProtectMarriage.com. read more CNA

 

People Have no Right to Vote on Gay 'Marriage' Rules D.C. Appeals Court

(LifeSiteNews.com) - In a 5-4 decision, the D.C. Court of Appeals held today that the residents of Washington D.C. do not have the right to vote on the issue of same-sex "marriage," and that allowing a vote on the issue would amount to allowing “discrimination.”

The decision is the latest in a lengthy battle by Stand 4 Marriage DC, a coalition of the federal district's religious leaders led by Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church, to put the issue of gay “marriage” to a vote by the people.

In May of 2009 the 13 members of the D.C. City Council voted to recognize same-sex "marriages” that were performed in other U.S. states, after which Stand 4 Marriage appealed to allow a referendum on the issue.

However, their efforts have been blocked every step of the way, with local bureaucrats and judges repeatedly deciding that putting same-sex “marriage” to a popular vote would violate the human rights of homosexuals. read more

 

Federal gay marriage ban is ruled unconstitutional

A U.S. judge in Boston has ruled that a federal gay marriage ban is unconstitutional because it interferes with the right of a state to define marriage.

U.S. District Judge Joseph Tauro on Thursday ruled in favor of gay couples' rights in two separate challenges to the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA.

The state had argued the law denied benefits such as Medicaid to gay married couples in Massachusetts, where same-sex unions have been legal since 2004.

Tauro agreed, and said the act forces Massachusetts to discriminate against its own citizens. The act "plainly encroaches" upon the right of the state to determine marriage, Tauro said in his ruling on a lawsuit filed by state Attorney General Martha Coakley.

In a ruling in a separate case filed by Gays & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, Tauro ruled the act violates the equal protection clause of the U.S. Constitution. read more AP

 

Same-Sex Marriage and Formal Discrimination

Another reason the analogy between same-sex marriage and interracial marriage fails.

Recently in Public Discourse, Francis Beckwith argued that the frequently invoked analogy between same-sex marriage and interracial marriage is flawed, and should not be used by advocates for the legal recognition of same-sex unions. As Beckwith wrote, this analogy is freighted with enormous moral and intellectual force, but it does not withstand examination. Bans on interracial marriage are not relevantly similar to current marriage law with respect to homosexuality. Professor Beckwith specifically points out that bans on interracial marriage attempted to revise centuries of common law that had always allowed persons of different races to marry one another. Legal bans on the practice merely made illegal actions that had once been legal (and remained legal except in the few polities that enacted such bans), and which everyone understood to be possible by nature. This is an important difference from the current argument about the legal recognition of same-sex unions, which revolves in part around whether it is in fact possible for two people of the same sex to be married to each other. Professor Beckwith does not address another difference, one possibly even more important because it undermines the moral force of the analogy: bans on interracial marriage were formally discriminatory. Existing marriage law is not. read more

Hawaii House Sneaks Gay Civil Unions Bill out of the Closet and into Law with Surprise Vote

HONOLULU, April 30, 2010 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Pro-family advocates were taken by surprise when the Hawaii House of Representatives unexpectedly revived and passed legislation that would establish same-sex civil unions and make them equivalent to marriage, nearly three months after everyone thought the issue was a dead letter.

The Senate bill taken up by the House (HB 444) "extends the same rights, benefits, protections, and responsibilities of spouses in a marriage to partners in a civil union."

Back in February, the House decided to take the legislation off its agenda for the rest of the legislative year in a voice vote that would have required two-thirds of the Democratic-controlled chamber to revive the issue.

However on Thursday, the very last day of the state’s legislative session, Rep. Blake Oshiro moved to revive the Senate bill. Instead of following the rules established for taking up the shelved bill, Speaker Calvin Say had the House take four votes to suspend those rules and pass the bill with just a majority.

The bill passed 31 votes in favor to 20 against, and will now proceed to the desk of Republican Gov. Linda Lingle. The governor has 45 days to make a decision on whether to sign or veto the civil unions bill, and has not indicated which way she will decide.

 

D.C. Archdiocese Forced to Drop Coverage for Spouses over Same-Sex “Marriage”

WASHINGTON, DC, March 2, 2010 Catholic Charities of the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has been forced to amend the health care coverage of it employees in order to avoid giving benefits to same-sex partners, as a result of the implementation of same-sex "marriage" in the District.

The Washington Post reported today that Catholic Charities employees received an email yesterday stating that the charitable organization will no longer offer health care benefits to spouses of new employees or to spouses of current employees who are not already enrolled in the plan.

"We looked at all the options and implications," said the charity's president, Edward J. Orzechowski. "This allows us to continue providing services, comply with the city's new requirements and remain faithful to the church's teaching."

Late last year, when representatives of the Archdiocese of Washington spoke in support of natural marriage at a hearing examining the proposed same-sex "marriage" legislation, they predicted that if the legislation was approved the archdiocese would be forced into an untenable position. read more LifeSite

 

Appeals continue to seek stay of D.C. same-sex ‘marriage’ law

The attorneys filing the appeal represent registered voters such as Bishop Harry Jackson, the senior pastor of Hope Christian Church, the Alliance Defense Fund (ADF) reports. Opponents of the law say that 59 percent of registered voters in the District want to vote on the new City Council law that changes the legal definition of marriage.

“The people have a right to have the final say on any law regarding marriage passed by the D.C. Council. The D.C. Charter makes that right clear, and officials should not be ignoring the right of the people to vote for or against the new definition of marriage fabricated by the council,” said ADF Senior Legal Counsel Austin R. Nimocks.

Nimocks said the redefinition of marriage should not go into effect “until voters have the opportunity to vote on a critical matter that affects everyone in the District.” read more CNA

FPCWV announces launch of "I'm voting for marriage . . ." petition drive

Campaign hopes to generate more than 2,500 signatures by February 25th.

CHARLESTON, W.Va., – On Wednesday, the Family Policy Council of West Virginia (FPCWV) announced an aggressive campaign to garner 2,500 signatures on a petition asking legislators to let the people vote on the definition of marriage.

“Lawmakers need to understand that their silence on this issue is being understood by those who put them in office as support for the redefinition of marriage,” said Jeremy Dys, president and general counsel of the FPCWV.  “Voters know that there is no legitimate reason not to let the people vote on the definition of marriage.  Now, voters are asking, ‘Does the democratic process apply to all West Virginians or just those who are asking for my vote?’”

The petition notes the nationwide effort to redefine marriage, the silent opposition of lawmakers in West Virginia that prevents citizens from voting, and concludes by saying, “As I head to the polls in 2010, among the qualifications for office I will consider of any candidate –regardless of party – is his or her willingness to let me govern myself by voting for marriage as one man and one woman.” read more

 

DC court rejects bid for same-sex “marriage” referendum

A judge in Washington, D.C., has thrown out a lawsuit by opponents of gay marriage against the city's elections board.

Plaintiffs led by a Maryland pastor, Bishop Harry Jackson, sued after the Board of Elections and Ethics refused to put their initiative on the ballot. The measure would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman. The board ruled it violated the city's Human Rights Act.

D.C. Superior Court Judge Judith N. Macaluso ruled Thursday in favor of the city. She said the board's action was justified because the initiative would in effect authorize discrimination.

The District of Columbia passed a bill in December that would let same-sex couples marry. Because the city is a federal district, the law is pending a period of review by Congress. FresnoBee

 

U.S. Supreme Court says no TV coverage of Prop. 8 Trial

Splitting 5-4, the Supreme Court on Wednesday blocked any television broadcast to the general public of the trial in a San Francisco federal court of the challenge to California’s ban on same-sex marriage.  The stay will remain in effect until the Court rules on a coming appeal challenging the TV order.  The Court, chastizing the trial court for attempting “to change its rules at the eleventh hour,” issued an unsigned 17-page opinion.  The ruling, banning TV broadcasting “around the country,” came out nearly 40 minutes after an earlier temporary order blocking TV had technically expired. scotus blog

 

New Jersey Senate Kills Gay "Marriage" Bill

The New Jersey state senate voted down a measure to legalize gay "marriage" this afternoon by a 20-14 margin, putting an end to a last-minute campaign to win approval before the departure of Democrat Gov. Jon Corzine, a same-sex "marriage" advocate.

Prior to the vote, lawmakers went back and forth with final speeches advocating for and against S1967, the "Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage Act."  Several lawmakers, including Richard Codey, sought to win over support by putting the new definition of marriage on a par with the civil rights movement. 

Opponents, on the other hand, questioned why supporters of the bill refused to allow New Jersey citizens to tackle the contentious question in a referendum vote.  In all the states that have allowed voters to decide the marriage question, all have kept intact the definition of marriage between a man and a woman. read more LifeSite

 

 

 

Vermont custody dispute highlights legal consequences of same-sex unions

In a case showing some ramifications of the legal recognition of same-sex unions, a Virginia woman has disobeyed a Vermont court order to turn over sole custody of her biological daughter to her former lesbian partner.

Lisa Miller conceived and gave birth to her daughter Isabella through artificial insemination in 2002 while living in a same-sex civil union with Janet Jenkins in Vermont. Miller left Jenkins and homosexual practice a year later and converted to an evangelical form of Christianity, the New York Times reports.

Jenkins brought a legal action seeking custody of Isabella in a Vermont court, claiming that the Vermont homosexual civil union law guarantees her parental rights.

Judge William D. Cohen of the Vermont Family Court granted significant visitation rights to Jenkins when he dissolved their union. He awarded custody to Jenkins on Nov. 20, 2009 after finding Miller in contempt of court for denying access to Isabella. read more CNA

 

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR MARRIAGE VOWS TO DC COUNCIL: We Will Overturn Your Same-Sex Marriage Bill

"We have one message for David Catania and the rest of these politicians today: this fight is not over.
We will go to Congress, we will go to the courts, we will fight for the people’s right to vote and we will win!"
- Brian Brown, Executive Director, NOM -

(WASHINGTON) - The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) released the following statement today in response to the D.C. Council’s passage of a same-sex marriage bill:

"The people of D.C. have a right, guaranteed by the charter, which is D.C.'s constitution, to vote to protect marriage. Politicians on the city council are acting as if they have the right through legislation to deprive citizens of D.C. of their core civil right to vote, but we will not let them get away with it," said Brian Brown, Executive Director of NOM. "We have one message for David Catania and the rest of these politicians today: this fight is not over. We will go to Congress, we will go to the courts, we will fight for the people’s right to vote and we will win!"

NOM has led successful campaigns to protect marriage in states across the country, including victories in California in 2008 and most recently in Maine in November, 2009, as well as legislative battles to block gay marriage in New York (where gay marriage failed in the Senate by a lopsided vote of 38 no to 24 yes).

 

DC to hold final vote on whether to legalize gay marriage

The D.C. Council will hold its final vote Tuesday on whether to legalize same-sex marriage in the District, capping a debate that has gone on almost all year.

Most members of the 13-member council have said they will support the legislation. The vote is expected about midday. If the bill passes, it will be sent to Mayor Adrian M. Fenty (D), who is expected to sign it before Christmas. The bill will become law this spring if, as expected, it survives a 30-day congressional review period.

The only suspense in recent days has been about whether the council would consider amendments to try to assuage some of the concerns the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington has raise about the proposal.

Under the bill, church officials are already exempt from having to participate in same-sex wedding ceremonies or celebrations. But if gay couples are allowed marry, church officials worry Catholic Charities would be forced to extend spousal benefits and adoption services to same-sex couples. read more WashPost

 

New Jersey Marriage Vote Canceled

The battle over a bill that would legalize gay marriage in New Jersey shifted locations unexpectedly late Wednesday as sponsors of the legislation canceled a vote scheduled for Thursday in the State Senate, where the measure appeared headed for defeat.

The sponsors, Senators Raymond J. Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg, both Democrats, withdrew the bill from the agenda in the Senate session, saying they wanted to first allow a hearing in the General Assembly, where support for same-sex marriage is believed to be stronger.

But opponents were outraged by the last-minute switch and accused Democrats of abusing their leadership positions to force a controversial issue through the Legislature during the waning days of the session. The bill was passed narrowly on Monday by a Senate committee. read more NYTimes

 

First vote for same-sex 'marriage' approved in D.C.

On Tuesday, D.C. council members voted 11 to 2 in favor of a bill that will allow same-sex “marriage” in the nation's capital, a “tragic choice” says Catholic political advocate. “The decision to legalize same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia is a tragic choice for marriage generally, and a troubling encroachment on the freedom of the Church to practice its faith free of governmental interference,” said Brian Burch, President of CatholicVoteAction.org to CNA.

The Dec.1 vote is the first of two necessary for the legislation to be signed for approval by D.C Mayor Adrian Fenty. On Dec. 15, the second vote, which is also expected to be in favor of bill, will take place.

“Engaged Catholic citizens have worried for years that legally sanctioned same-sex marriage was destined to infringe upon the religious freedom of the Church,” Burch told CNA on Tuesday. “The more honest gay marriage activists have admitted as much. This is in part why voters have overwhelmingly affirmed the traditional definition of marriage when offered the choice.”

Burch continued to say that “while a sensible compromise may still be worked out between the District and the Archdiocese, today’s decision confirms the need to remain vigilant in the struggle to protect marriage between a man and a woman.”

“Today’s vote is a disturbing reminder of the far reaching consequences wrapped up in the efforts to redefine marriage.” CNA

 

Religious Freedom at Stake in DC Gay Marriage Bill

The District of Columbia City Council is moving to pass a bill next month that would recognize same-sex relationships as marriage. The council has refused to exempt religious organizations or individuals from the mandate to treat same-sex couples as married. If the council majority persists, and if Congress does not intervene, Christian ministries could be forced to provide benefits to same-sex partners of employees, to place children for adoption with same-sex partners, and to offer counseling and support to same-sex couples.

When the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington indicated that its charities would have to obey church teachings rather than the council's mandates, and therefore Catholic Charities might become ineligible for city social services contracts, council members reacted harshly. According to Washington Post coverage, Mary Cheh called the archdiocese "somewhat childish." David Catania suggested that Catholic Charities were not "an indispensable component of our social services infrastructure" and could easily be replaced. "It's a dangerous thing when the Catholic Church starts writing and determining the legislation and laws of the District of Columbia," fumed Tommy Wells.

The Post reports that DC Catholic Charities "is the largest non-governmental contracted provider for DC citizens in need." Its $20 million in city contracts provide services such as homeless shelters, medical clinics, and tutoring programs to 68,000 residents. read more christianewswire

 

Wisconsin Supreme Court Rejects Challenge to State's Homosexual Partnership Law

The Wisconsin Supreme Court has declined to hear a legal challenge regarding the constitutionality of the state's homosexual partnership law.

The law was challenged in July by Wisconsin Family Action, which argued that it violates an amendment to the Wisconsin state constitution passed by referendum in 2006.  This amendment states not only that marriage must be between a man and a woman in Wisconsin but also that a "legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized in this state."
 
The petition arguing the law's unconstitutionality cites numerous eligibility requirements, entrance procedures, and rights pertaining to the partnership that are identical to those pertaining to marriage.  For instance, both applicants must be at least 18 years old, share a common residence, be no closer in kinship than second cousins, not be married or in another domestic partnership, and share a relationship that one state document calls "the functional equivalent of a marriage." read more LifeSite

 

Archdiocese opposes legalizing gay marriage in District of Columbia

The Washington Archdiocese said in written testimony Oct. 26 that it opposes legislation to allow same-sex marriages to be performed in the District of Columbia and is concerned the bill "would restrict the free exercise of religious beliefs if it is passed as drafted."

The archdiocese said it "opposes this legislation and any effort to redefine marriage as other than that between a man and a woman."

"Besides overturning the definition of marriage," it said, the bill has no exemptions for churches and faith-based organizations that oppose gay marriage for religious reasons but provide services to the general public or rent space to individuals or groups outside their faith.

Citing the Knights of Columbus and religiously-owned nonprofits such as Catholic Charities as examples, it said that under the measure they would be forced to offer their facilities and services to same-sex couples or face a lawsuit.

The archdiocese's testimony was presented during a hearing of the district's Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary. read more pilot

Supreme Court intervenes in favor of traditional marriage backers in Washington state

Backers of Referendum 71, a Washington measure seeking to protect traditional marriage in the state, say that Tuesday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to block the internet publication of petition signers will protect them from the harassment that targeted supporters of California’s Proposition 8.

By an 8-1 vote, the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily blocked Washington state officials while it decides whether to take up the request by Protect Marriage Washington, which is appealing a decision by the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Justice John Paul Stevens was the only member of the court who voted to turn down the stay request.

Referendum 71 asks voters to approve or reject what some call the “everything but marriage” law, which grants registered domestic partners the same legal rights as married couples. Most domestic partners are homosexual couples, but opposite-sex seniors can also register as domestic partners.

Backers of the referendum say they fear harassment from homosexual rights supporters, some of whom have pledged to post the names of petition signers on the internet. read more CNA

 

US judge refuses Prop. 8 backers' request to dismiss gay-marriage case

A federal judge today refused to dismiss a legal challenge to Proposition 8, concluding that the ongoing courtroom battle over California's voter-approved ban on gay marriage must be resolved in a full-blown trial.

After two hours of legal sparring, Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker largely rejected the arguments of Proposition 8 supporters, who maintained that U.S. Supreme Court precedent and a lack of proof of constitutional violations should sidetrack a lawsuit designed to overturn the ballot measure.

The judge seemed particularly unpersuaded by Proposition 8 attorney Charles Cooper's argument that the state can outlaw same-sex marriage because of the traditional definition of marriage and its purpose of procreation.

"Procreation doesn't require marriage," Walker noted at one point.

The judge's decision sets the stage for a January trial, which will allow same-sex marriage advocates to argue that Proposition 8 violates the equal protection rights of gay couples because it denies them the equal right to marry. Two same-sex couples sued to overturn the law in the spring, when the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, concluding that it could not trump the voters who approved the measure in November 2008. read more MercuryNews

 

California to recognize some out-of-state gay marriages

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has signed legislation that recognizes same-sex marriages legally performed in other states during the five-month window when they were legal in California.

Senate Bill 54 by Democratic Sen. Mark Leno from San Francisco resolves uncertainty about how California will treat same-sex couples who married out of state from mid-June — when the California Supreme Court made same-sex marriage legal — to Nov. 5, 2008, when voters approved Proposition 8.

The bill requires California to recognize all same-sex marriages performed in states where gay marriage is legal, but does not recognize those performed outside the window as “marriage.” These couples will have the same rights and responsibilities as couples who are married, with the sole exception of using the legal designation, “marriage.” read more bizjournal

 

Microsoft donates $100k to R-71 campaign to undermine marriage in Washington

Microsoft Corp. has donated $100,000 to Washington Families Standing Together, the campaign seeking through Referendum 71 to retain the latest expansion of the state's domestic partnership law, up for a public vote on Nov. 3. The domestic partnership law extends marriage-like state benefits to gay and some senior couples.

Microsoft's donation is the largest the campaign has received to date, according to reports filed with the state Public Disclosure Commission.

It brings to nearly $780,000 the total amount raised so far by Washington Families - an amount that dwarfs the $60,000 raised to date by the law's opponents, Protect Marriage Washington.

Beginning Oct. 13, and through the election, donations from companies and individuals will be limited to $5,000 maximum. seattletimes

 

Texas’ marriage amendment under assault

Texas will appeal a ruling that the state's Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.

In January, two Texas men who were "married" in Massachusetts three years ago filed for divorce in Dallas. State District Judge Tena Callahan decided to proceed with the case and on Thursday ruled the Lone Star State's marriage amendment unconstitutional. She ruled that the state ban on same-sex "marriage" violates equal protection under the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
 
Austin Nimocks, senior legal counsel with Alliance Defense Fund, tells OneNewsNow Callahan's decision is a slap in the face of Texas voters. OneNewsNow

 

CA Marriage Fight Brewing Once More as Groups File Proposal to Repeal Prop 8

SACRAMENTO, California, September 30, 2009 - A coalition of 40 organizations last Thursday submitted an initiative to the CA Secretary of State for the 2010 ballot to open legal marriage to homosexual couples.

The Los Angeles homosexualist group Love Honor Cherish led the Restore Equality 2010 coalition in submitting the ballot proposal Thursday.

The proposal would repeal the language in the California state constitution declaring that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California," and would instead read: "Marriage is between only two persons and shall not be restricted on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, or religion."

The proposed language includes a provision to prevent religious ministers from being forced by the courts "to perform any marriage in violation of his or her religious beliefs."

If state Attorney General Jerry Brown approves the submission, it will have 150 days starting November 17 to gather the 694,354 valid signatures needed to launch it onto the 2010 ballot. read more (LifeSiteNews.com)

D.C. Archbishop mobilizes priests to oppose gay marriage in city

"We will continue to let the voice of the Church, the teachings of the Church, be heard as clearly as it can be heard," Wuerl said. "That is why we have sent out so much material to our priests to help them explain this to our faithful people."

Washington Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl is plunging the Catholic Church deeper into the battle over legalizing same-sex marriage in the District, a tactic that could complicate the D.C. Council's efforts to quickly take up the matter this fall.

 

Federal court tosses lawsuit challenging federal Defense of Marriage Act

A federal court Monday threw out a lawsuit filed against the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The decision to dismiss the case comes just over a month since the same court threw out a portion of the lawsuit that challenged California’s constitutional amendment protecting marriage. Alliance Defense Fund attorneys represent ProtectMarriage.com in the suit.

“Marriage is not just any two people in a committed relationship. Americans understand and believe that there’s more to a marriage than that. Therefore we are pleased that this challenge to the federal law defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman has been dismissed,” said ADF Senior Counsel Brian Raum. “If another lawsuit is filed against the federal DOMA, we are confident that it will be found to be constitutional.”

In December 2008, two men filed the lawsuit Smelt v. United States of America claiming that the California marriage amendment, which voters decisively passed as Proposition 8 in last November’s election, violates the U.S. Constitution.  They also challenged the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act. The two men obtained a “marriage” license in California during the short window of time in which such licenses were allowed to be issued to members of the same sex. read more ADF

Maine same-sex “marriage”: ‘Yes’ vote will correct lawmakers’ mistake

When the issue of same-sex marriage arose in Augusta, a compromise was offered. Rep. Leslie Fossel, R-Alna, proposed a domestic partner registry that would have offered protections and benefits similar to those obtained in marriage without transforming the age-old institution itself.

The proposal sank without a trace, making inevitable a statewide people's veto referendum on whether we will redefine marriage so that it no longer includes either a husband or, alternately, a wife. And thus no longer also includes either a father or, alternately, a mother, when children are involved.

Some people may wonder how defenders of traditional marriage so quickly and easily gathered not only enough signatures to place it on the ballot, but nearly twice that number.

Some will blame the presence of paid circulators, but there were plenty of unpaid ones, too. read more pressherald

 

NEA Goes All-Out for Same-Sex Marriage

The National Education Association, which usually passes a dozen or more pro-homosexual resolutions every year at its annual national convention, this year in San Diego went all-out in support of same-sex marriage. This emphasis on advocacy for homosexuals was spelled out in a five-point New Business Item E.

Point No.1 tells its union affiliates to support state legislation that registers same-sex couples in a way that mimics marriage. This registration would cover taxes, inheritance, adoptions, medical decisions, and even immigration.

Point No. 2 says that states can call this same-sex registration marriage or civil union or domestic partnership so long as same-sex relationships are treated like marriage.

In Point No. 3, the NEA promises to "support its affiliates" in opposing state constitutional amendments and laws that "could have the effect" of differentiating between homosexual and heterosexual couples. The NEA's California affiliate spent $1.25 million of teachers' dues money on the campaign to defeat Proposition 8 last year. read more Phyllis Schlafly,Townhall

 

Washington Advocates Hand in 138,000 Signatures for Marriage Referendum

OLYMPIA, WA, July 28, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Pro-family advocates in Washington say they have gathered 138,000 signatures in support of Referendum 71, a pro-natural marriage referendum. The signatures were handed in to the Secretary of State at the deadline last Saturday. 120,577 signatures were required to put R-71 on the November ballot. 

The referendum would allow voters to decide whether to elevate homosexual partnerships to the level of marriage.  If the state verifies enough of the signatures, it will put on hold recently-passed legislation that gives registered heterosexual and homosexual domestic partners the same benefits as married spouses. 

The Secretary of State's office this week said that the numbers were too close to call, as a significant percentage of signatures are usually found to be invalid.  Secretary of State spokesman David Ammons called the final tally within the "iffy range."

A final tally is expected to be announced within one to two weeks.

 

Federal court throws out challenge to Calif. marriage amendment

A federal court Thursday threw out a legal challenge filed against California’s constitutional amendment that defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Alliance Defense Fund attorneys represent ProtectMarriage.com, the official proponent and campaign committee of Proposition 8, which was allowed to intervene as a defendant in the lawsuit in May.

“The people of California want marriage to remain as the union between one man and one woman; they made their voice clear last November at the polls,” said ADF Senior Counsel Brian Raum.  “We are pleased that the court dismissed the challenge to Proposition 8, which asked the court to nullify the voices of more than 7 million California voters.” read more ADF

 

People's Veto to Overturn Gay Marriage in Maine Nears Finish Line

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

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

All signatures must be certified by the Secretary of State for validity. Once certified, the issue is cleared to appear on the November 2009 ballot. read more PRNewswire

 

Pennsylvania considers same-sex marriage

 

National Organization for Marriage plots course in gay marriage debate

Brian Brown has as much of a background – and as much at stake – in the ongoing debate over gay marriage as anyone.

Brown is the executive director of the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) which strongly advocates in favor of traditional marriage. NOM has a noticeable television advertising presence in states where gay marriage is an issue and flexes its political muscle with legislators and voters alike.

Brown discussed a wide range of gay marriage-related topics with Everyday Christian including future battlegrounds and counter-arguments to gay marriage proponents. read more

 

Prop. 8 under legal attack again

Another federal lawsuit has been filed against California's voter-approved Proposition 8, claiming there's a constitutional right to same-gender "marriage."

 George W. Bush's former solicitor general, Ted Olson, has filed the lawsuit, which claims Prop. 8 -- approved by 52 percent of voters in November 2008 -- violates the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. "Creating a second class of citizens is discrimination plain and simple," Olson stated at a May 27 press conference. "Proposition 8 denies people fundamental constitutional rights."

Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel says Olson's involvement in the lawsuit absolutely disgusts him. In his White House role, Olson argued cases on behalf of the United States before the Supreme Court.
 
"In fact he was someone that George Bush had potentially considered as a U.S. Supreme Court justice," Staver adds. "I was never fully in favor of that opinion, and fortunately we never had to come to that point in time. Obviously what we now see is that he's gone off the deep end." read more OneNewsNow

 

CA: Petition to repeal Prop. 8 given go ahead

 

Former Bush Solicitor General Ted Olson Files Suit Claiming Same-Sex Marriage is Constitutional Right

Attorney David Boies and former Bush administration Solicitor General Theodore Olson have filed a lawsuit in California to overturn voter-approved Proposition 8, which says only male-female marriages are valid in the state, declared unconstitutional so that homosexuals can marry.
 
Olson and Boies say that Prop. 8 violates the due process and equal protection clauses of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, and that homosexuals have a constitutional right to marry.
 
“Creating a second class of citizens is discrimination plain and simple,” said Olson at a May 27 press conference. “The Constitution of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and Abraham Lincoln does not permit it. Proposition 8 denies people fundamental constitutional rights.” read more CNS

 

Obama Admin to allow same-sex married couples married names on passports

The Obama administration has changed course and will now allow same-sex couples to use their spouse’s surname when they apply for passports with the US State Department, a gay activist group said today in Boston.

The Obama administration has changed course and will now allow same-sex couples to use their spouse’s surname when they apply for passports with the US State Department, a gay activist group said today in Boston.

A gay married couple, Al and Keith Toney, joined the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in challenging the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed during the Clinton administration, in federal court in Boston.

One issue the couple and GLAD raised was the State Department’s refusal to allow Keith Toney -- his name before marriage was Keith Fitzpatrick -- to seek a new passport under his spouse’s surname.

In a letter dated June 15, the US Justice Department notified GLAD and the Toneys that the prohibition has been stricken from federal rules. Keith Toney was invited to apply for a new passport and was also told the normal fees will be waived. He will file the paperwork June 22, GLAD said. read more BostonGlobe

 

N.Y. gay marriage bill may get new life

Foes fear GOP strategy could turn issue into 'bargaining chip'

A New York bill legalizing same-sex marriage appeared dead in the water last week after Republicans overthrew the Democrat-controlled Senate, but reports of the legislation's demise may be greatly exaggerated.

Opponents of the gay marriage bill worry that the ensuing turmoil could actually bolster the legislation's chances of passage this year as Republicans attempt to stake out a clear majority by luring Democrats into their fold.

"My fear is they [Republicans] could give the bill up in order to get Democrats to join the majority," said New York state Conservative Party Chairman Michael Long. "Some people are trying to use it as a bargaining chip."

State Supreme Court Justice Thomas McNamara refused Tuesday to get involved in the state Senate's power struggle, saying that it would be an "intrusion" to decide which party is in charge and that legislators should work out their leadership issues themselves. read more WashTimes

 

 

Coup in New York State Senate Effectively Ends Same-Sex “Marriage” Bill

In a dramatic turn of events, key defections from the Democratic Party in New York have placed control of the state senate effectively back in Republican control, likely putting to an end the former Democratic leadership’s bid to legalize same-sex “marriage.”

Two Democratic state senators, Hiram Monserrate of Queens and Pedro Espada of the Bronx, voted with Republicans Monday afternoon to strip control of the Senate away from Majority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-Queens), who had been engaged in building a majority behind closed doors to legalize same-sex “marriage” before the end of the legislative session on June 22.

Around 3 p.m. Sen. Thomas Libous (R-Binghamton) shouted for a roll-call vote before the end of the day’s session demanding a leadership change in the Senate. Espada and Monserrate, both described by North Country Public Radio as “socially conservative” Democrats unhappy with Smith’s leadership, voted along with the GOP, making the margin 32-30. read more LifeSite

 

Fight Erupts Over Backroom Dealing and “Mind Game” in New York Same-Sex “Marriage” Bill

With less than three weeks to go before the end of New York’s legislative session, a fight is brewing over what one senator has called a “mind game” being played over the same-sex “marriage” bill by its chief proponent. Backroom deals over the contentious bill, however, have still not gained a solid majority in the state Senate to pass the measure.

The political maneuverings of the bill’s chief sponsor, homosexual state senator Tom Duane (D-Manhattan), has angered the Senate’s foremost opponent of same-sex “marriage,” Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx), who yesterday stated he found Duane’s attempts to manipulate his fellow senators into forming a majority on the issue a “disgrace.”

Duane has stated publicly that he has the majority of the Senate’s 62 votes to pass, a claim made highly dubious by Democratic majority leader Malcolm Smith’s continued reluctance to bring the bill to a vote.

“It is a disgrace that Senator Duane is playing this mind game with his colleagues and with the public,” stated Senator Diaz. “If Senator Duane has the votes, he should release the names.  If not, then he should be ashamed of himself. ”

A recent NY1 survey tallies only twenty committed “yes” votes – all Democrats, and only two of them upstate representatives. On the other hand, 22 Republicans and 6 Democrats have stated they will vote “no.” In a senate not famous for bipartisan cooperation, and narrowly split 32-30, Democrats to Republicans, the loss of six Democrats puts the passage of the bill into doubt. read more LifeSite

 

New Hampshire Legalizes Same-Sex “Marriage”: Governor Signs Bill

Governor John Lynch has signed a bill that will legalize same-sex “marriage” in New Hampshire when it comes into effect in January 2010. The bill passed in the House today by a vote of 198-176.

Same-sex "marriage" legislation was originally passed in the House on March 26 by a vote of 186-179 and was then approved by the Senate in a 13-11 vote on April 29.  The legislation was then passed on to Gov. Lynch for approval or veto.

However, Governor Lynch stated at the time that he would not sign the bill unless it was amended to adequately protect religious groups. The bill was then amended to do so, but then defeated in late May, apparently over opposition to the inclusion of the religious protections. However, the House then worked out a compromise, and another amended form of the bill was passed today that included some protections for religious groups.

Kevin Smith, executive director of Cornerstone Policy Reearch, complained about the confusing and fragmented process that the bill followed on its way to being passed. "It is no surprise that the Legislature finally passed the last piece to the gay marriage bill today. After all, when you take 12 votes on five iterations of the same issue, you're bound to get it passed sooner or later," said Smith.

Religious groups, according to the amended bill, are free to have control over doctrine, policies, teaching, and belief about marriage. Also, religious organizations that are charitable or educational are not required to pay insurance or other benefits to the “spouse” of a homosexual employee.

New Hampshire is now the sixth state in the US to allow same-sex “marriage,” along with Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, and Iowa. LifeSite

 

Compromise reached on NH gay marriage bill

House and Senate negotiators on Friday agreed to add one sentence and change one word in a bill that will determine whether the state allows gay marriage.

The new version, which is expected to come up for a vote Wednesday, adds a sentence specifying that all religious organizations, associations or societies have exclusive control over their religious doctrines, policies, teachings and beliefs on marriage. It also clarifies that church-related organizations that serve charitable or educational purposes are exempt from having to provide insurance and other benefits to same sex spouses of employees. The earlier version said "charitable and educational" instead of "charitable or educational."

The changes amount to slightly stronger language than what Lynch proposed, and the governor approves of the revisions. read more Boston

Polls: Opposition to 'gay marriage' on rise

A handful of state legislatures may be embracing "gay marriage," but two new polls show that Americans -- as well as Californians -- are not.

A Gallup poll of 1,015 adults released Wednesday (May 27) shows that Americans oppose legalizing "gay marriage" by a margin of 57-40 percent, the highest opposition has been in the poll since 2005, when a similar survey showed a margin of 59-37 percent against "gay marriage." The poll was conducted May 7-10 via landline and cell phones.

Last year, the Gallup poll showed 56 percent opposing "gay marriage," 40 percent supporting it. In 2007, it was 53-46 percent in opposition.

Additionally, this year's Gallup poll showed that 48 percent of Americans believe "that allowing two people of the same sex to marry will change our society for" the worse. Thirty-six percent say it would have no effect and 13 percent say it will change society for the better. read more Bpress

 

Homosexual Group Challenges Tax-Exempt Status of Catholic Church in Maine for Opposing Same-Sex "Marriage" Law

A homosexualist group is seeking to strip the Catholic Diocese of Portland of its tax-exempt status, after the diocese announced it would gather support for a voter's referendum on the new same-sex "marriage" law.

The California-based Empowering Spirits Foundation filed the challenge Wednesday claiming that the Church's signature-gathering violates IRS rules forbidding partisan political activity by non-profit organizations. 

"By their individuals going on television, stating what they were doing, they're engaging in lobbying activities which is prohibited by the IRS for tax exempt purposes," objected Tyler Davis, a spokesperson for the Empowering Sprits Foundation, according to the Maine Public Broadcasting Network. 

Soon after Maine Gov. John Baldacci approved the state's same-sex "marriage" legislation May 6, the Portland diocese condemned the law and announced that it would support a voter's referendum to overturn it. read more LifeSite

 

Gay marriage bill hits snag in N.H. - lawmakers reject religious freedom protection

Catholic Gov. Lynch said he would sign with an exemption to protect churches

After a yearlong string of victories nationwide, the campaign for gay marriage hit an unexpected snag Wednesday when the New Hampshire House rejected a bill that also included legal protections for religious institutions.

The House voted down the legislation 188-186, shortly after the Senate approved the bill 14-10 on a party-line vote. Both Democrat-led chambers had approved a same-sex marriage bill and sent it earlier this month to the governor for his signature.

But Gov. John Lynch sent it back, asking the legislature to include language that would protect churches and other religious institutions from prosecution if, for example, they refuse to perform same-sex marriages.

"If the legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex marriage bill into law. If the legislature doesn't pass these provisions, I will veto it," Mr. Lynch, a Democrat, said in his May 15 statement. read more WashTimes

 

New York Assembly Passes Gay Marriage Bill - Bishops dismiss votes as "dangerous experiment"

Exactly a week after Maine became the fifth state to allow gay marriages, the New York State Assembly late Tuesday passed a same-sex marriage bill that was introduced by Gov. David Paterson in April.

By a 89-52 vote, the measure passed with five Republicans voting in support. The Assembly had passed a gay marriage bill in 2007 by a 85-61 vote that ran along party lines. The measure was defeated in the state Senate, where Democrats were a minority in the chamber at the time.

Democrats now hold a narrow 32-30 majority in the state Senate, which is headed by Majority Leader Malcom Smith. And not all of them support the legislation. Opposition is being led by state Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr., a Democrat and Pentecostal minister.

The New York State Catholic Conference dismissed the vote as a "radical social experiment" that shows how "terribly misguided" the Assembly is about the concept of marriage.

"Marriage is not simply a mechanism with which to provide people with benefits. By creating same-sex 'marriages,' the state is endorsing the notion that procreation is completely disconnected from marriage and that a nontraditional family structure serves a child as well as a traditional one," New York State Catholic Conference executive director Richard Barnes said in a statement

Read more: http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7015121111#ixzz0FPKI3KRr&B

 

'People's veto' looms despite passage of gay marriage in Maine

Catholic Gov. John Baldacci has signed into law the state's gay marriage bill.

Maine has a mechanism to overturn a law called the "people's veto." Opponents must gather signatures of registered voters equal to 10 percent of those who voted in the last gubernatorial election. If verified, the veto measure is put on the next statewide ballot, with voters either upholding or repealing the law.

The secretary of state received an application for a people's veto on Thursday, Flynn said. The office has 10 business days to write a legal ballot question and return it to the applicant.

The coalition of opponents, including the Catholic diocese of Portland and the Maine Jeremiah Project, must collect 55,087 valid signatures, but in practice need to get more than that in case signatures are disqualified. read more seacoast

 

New ad warns same-sex ‘marriage’ activists want to silence opposition

The National Organization for Marriage on Thursday launched a new advertisement highlighting the efforts of some gay “marriage” advocates to characterize defenders of marriage as liars and bigots. The ad warns of the “devastating consequences” the establishment of same-sex “marriage” would have on religious liberty and claims proponents want to “silence opposition.”

The ad, titled “No Offense,” also refers to attacks on beauty pageant contestant Carrie Prejean, Miss California, after she expressed her support for marriage between a man and a woman.

Asked a question about same-sex “marriage” by Miss USA pageant judge Perez Hilton, an openly homosexual gossip blogger, Prejean replied:

“I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be.”

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) ad reproduces that reply, as well as Hilton’s YouTube video calling Prejean a “dumb b----.” read more CNA

 

New Hampshire Senate passes gay-marriage bill

New Hampshire's Senate passed a bill on Wednesday that would legalize same-sex marriage after an amendment was added that prohibits polygamy and marriage of family members, among other measures.

Governor John Lynch has not indicated whether he will veto the bill, which passed in a 13-11 vote and would make New Hampshire the nation's fifth state where gay marriage is legal. But the Democrat has expressed opposition to the measure.

The bill passed the state's House of Representatives on March 26 but looked set for near certain defeat in the Senate before the amendment, which appeared to mollify some critics in the Democrat-controlled chamber.

The last-minute changes to the legislation would allow clergy to decline to marry homosexual couples and give couples the freedom to either keep the words "bride" and "groom" on marriage licenses, or simply use the word "spouse" instead. read more reuters

 

Runner-up Miss USA lost crown for 'gay marriage' response

Sunday night, Miss North Carolina Kristen Dalton was named Miss USA, but news  coverage of the pageant since then has focused on Miss California and her answer to a judge’s question regarding “same-sex marriage.

The Las Vega pageant, which included women from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, aired Sunday night on NBC.  The contestants were judged in swimsuit and evening gown competitions before being asked a question by one of the judges.

Miss California, Carrie Prejean, was asked a question by the pageant judge Perez Hilton, who is an openly homosexual gossip blogger.  In the final round of the competition, Prejean, from San Diego, was asked by Hilton: “Vermont recently became the fourth state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit? Why or why not?”

To which she answered:  “I think it's great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage and, you know what, in my country and my family I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be between a man and a woman." read more CNA

 

Banished priest now full-time ‘gay rights activist’ working with group to repeal Prop 8

Fr. Geoffrey Farrow, the suspended Fresno diocesan priest turned full-time gay rights advocate, has been invited to speak at this summer’s 19th biennial convention of the dissident pro-homosexual group Dignity USA in San Francisco.

Fr. Farrow says he received an official commendation from the City of West Hollywood, where he apparently now resides, “for my public statements in support of basic human dignity/civil rights for LGBT people.”

Since his suspension from active ministry, Fr. Farrow says he has adopted the following view of the Church: “As far as the Catholic Church is concerned, if you think of the Catholic Church as the hierarchy then, there is very little reason to remain a Catholic. On the other hand, if you see the Church as the People of God, a living community of faith, then there are many reasons for hope. Catholics in the pews disagree sharply with their bishops on a host of social issues and tend to be far more progressive than their protestant counterparts. Eventually, the bishops will get it, or will die off and be replaced by bishops who do get it.” read more CalCatholic

 

NH Sen. committee takes up gay marriage bill

Bishop John McCormack submitted a letter arguing that same-sex marriage would be inconsistent with thousands of years of human civilization

At least 500 people crowded into New Hampshire's Statehouse on Wednesday for an emotional and sometimes boisterous Senate committee hearing over whether allowing gay marriage would weaken or strengthen the institution.

The New Hampshire Legislature is weighing a bill that would make it the fifth state to allow gay marriage. The state House has approved it, and it is now before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The governor hasn't said whether he would sign or veto it.

Roman Catholic Bishop John McCormack submitted a letter arguing that same-sex marriage would be inconsistent with thousands of years of human civilization.

"Marriage is not simply a matter of emotional intimacy between two people, a lifestyle choice, or purely a private relationship protected by the state," he wrote. "Civil society benefits from a stable marital order." read more ChicTrib

D.C. to recognize state gay marriages

Gay-marriage advocates scored major victories in the District and Vermont on Tuesday, with the passage of legislation allowing same-sex couples to marry in Vermont and the approval of a bill that would see those marriages recognized in the nation's capital.

The developments came just days after the Iowa Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage on Friday, ruling that a state law restricting marriage to a union of a man and a woman violated the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.

If signed by Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, the D.C. bill would allow same-sex couples in the city to marry in states such as Iowa and Vermont and then return to the District and have that marriage recognized. read more WashTimes

 

Rick Warren disavows support for Prop. 8

California mega-church pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life Rick Warren says he apologized to his homosexual friends for making comments in support of California's Proposition 8, and now claims he "never once even gave an endorsement" of the marriage amendment.

Monday night on CNN's Larry King Live, Pastor Rick Warren apologized for his support of Prop. 8, California's voter-approved marriage protection amendment, saying he has "never been and never will be" an "anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist."
 
"During the whole Proposition 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting, never once issued a statement, never -- never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop. 8 was going," Warren claimed.
 
However, just two weeks before the November 4 Prop. 8 vote, Pastor Warren issued a clear endorsement of the marriage amendment while speaking to church members. "We support Proposition 8 -- and if you believe what the Bible says about marriage, you need to support Proposition 8," he said. read more OneNewsNow

 

Iowa Supreme Court clears the way for gay marriage in Iowa

The Iowa Supreme Court has ruled the state law which forbids gay marriage in Iowa is unconstitutional. Six gay couples filed a lawsuit in 2005, arguing a state law which banned same-sex marriage was discriminatory. This morning at 8:30, the court issued its ruling on the case as activists on both sides of issue stood waiting outside the Iowa Judicial Building -- ready to speak with reporters on the scene.

Since 1998, a state law had stipulated that the only legally recognized marriages in Iowa are those between a man and a woman. Today's ruling will allows same-sex couples to file for a license and get married here. State law does not require people who are married in Iowa to be Iowa residents, so couples from out-of-state may travel to Iowa to tie the knot.

On Thursday, legislative leaders from both parties said the 2009 legislature will likely adjourn for the year within the next week or 10 days without passing a bill in reaction to this ruling. Opponents of gay marriage have been pressing for an amendment to the state constitution which would ban gay marriage in Iowa. If the 2010 legislature endorses the idea, November of 2012 is the earliest Iowans would be able to vote on that constitutional amendment. read more radioiowa

 

Iowa Supreme Court ruling on gay marriage could be released Friday

A long awaited and significant Iowa Supreme Court case ruling on same-sex marriage will be released tomorrow, likely at 8:30 a.m.

The case, Varnum vs. Brien, involves six same-sex Iowa couples who sued Polk County Recorder Timothy Brien in 2005, after his office denied them marriage licenses. Polk County District Judge Robert Hanson sided with the couples in a ruling last year, but he suspended his decision until the high court speaks.

The case would have consequences outside the state's borders. Iowa would become the first Midwestern state to allow same-sex marriage and the fourth in the nation if the court sides with the gay couples. Legal experts say such a decision would echo across the country and strengthen the gay rights movement.
read more DesMoinesReg

Vermont House to Vote on Gay-marriage today - outcome unclear

Reps. Debbie Evans and Diane Lanpher are both Democrats, both active in their Catholic churches, both representing districts with a conservative streak. The two will vote differently today on same-sex marriage legislation.

Through the ranks of the 150-member House, decisions on this emotionally charged issue are deeply personal. They can sometimes transcend religious faith, buck party affiliation and go against sentiment back home.

That means that on the eve of the vote, the fate of same-sex marriage legislation in Vermont is tough to predict.

The bill is expected to pass by a wide margin, but with a promised veto from the governor, the big question is whether supporters have the 100 votes needed for an override. Predicting the outcome is complicated by the fact that some Democrats who plan to vote against the bill say they would change course and challenge the governor’s veto, meaning that even if today’s vote falls short of 100 in support, an override might be possible. read more burlington

 

Same-sex marriage bills gain in N.E.

Vt. Senate passes plan; votes set in N.H., Maine

In a special session, the Vermont Senate yesterday voted to legalize same-sex marriage. Later this week, a similar bill is scheduled for a vote in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Next month a legislative panel in Maine will hold a hearing on a bill to allow gay couples to marry, just as lawmakers did last month in Rhode Island.

Little more than five years after the Supreme Judicial Court legalized marriage for same-sex couples in Massachusetts, gay advocates say they're coming closer to their goal of extending gay marriage to all New England states by 2012. read more Boston

 

GLAD Challenges Federal Marriage Act

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the Boston-based legal group that successfully sued to bring same-sex marriage to Connecticut, is filing a lawsuit in federal district to challenge the federal Defense of Marriage Act.

Only two states, Connecticut and Massachusetts, permit gay and lesbian couples to marry and this lawsuit wouldn't change that. But it could give couples in those two states access to federal benefits, legal experts say. read more courant

Targeted Proposition 8 supporter urges Catholics to 'stand up' despite critics

The owner of a family-owned ice cream shop and restaurant in Sacramento who has been targeted by angry phone calls and e-mails and obscene Valentine’s Day cards because of his support for the Proposition 8 campaign says Catholics should “stand up” for marriage despite the consequences and the “lies” of extremist activists.

The passage of Proposition 8, which overturned a California Supreme Court decision instating same-sex “marriage,” prompted major protests from homosexual activists and their allies.

Allan Leatherby, 46, told CNA that he and other family members decided to contribute to the Yes on 8 campaign after Bishop of Sacramento Jaime Soto personally called him to ask for his support.

Members of the Leatherby family, which owns Leatherby’s Family Creamery, gave $20,000 to the campaign. “It was a response to his personal request. Otherwise we might not have supported it in that amount,” he explained to CNA. read more CNA

 

Calif. Legislative Committee Backs Efforts to Overturn Prop. 8

A legislative committee in California approved on Tuesday a resolution that puts members of the Assembly on record opposing the validity of Proposition 8, the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee voted 7-3 in favor of a resolution asking the Supreme Court to overturn the measure, which was approved by voters in November.

Although it is non-binding, House Resolution 5 states that the Assembly opposes Proposition 8 because it is "an improper revision, not an amendment, of the California Constitution" and should have been approved by a two-thirds vote of each house of the Legislature before being submitted to the voters. read more ChristianPost

 

Former President Clinton Caught in Attempt to Punish Hotel Owner Opposed to Homosexual "Marriage"

Clinton attempted to have a function at which he was speaking transferred to another hotel, because the owner of the hotel had supported California's Proposition 8 with a donation

During all his political campaigns former President Bill Clinton claimed to be in favor of true marriage and opposed to homosexual "marriage." During his presidency Clinton even made good on his opposition by signing the Defense of Marriage Act, which specified that the federal government may not treat same-sex relationships as "marriages" for any purpose.  However, a letter from his chief of staff shows that he has now attempted to punish a hotel owner for his opposition to homosexual "marriage." 
 
A letter from Clinton's office, signed by Laura Graham, his chief of staff, indicates that Clinton attempted to have a function at which he was speaking transferred to another hotel, because the owner of the hotel had supported California's Proposition 8 with a donation. Proposition 8 was the California ballot proposition which passed on November 4, 2008, which added to the state Constitution a new section, reading: "Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."
 
Should Clinton's bid to move the event been successful it would have cost the hotel tens of thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
 
Addressed to homosexual activist and Union President Brigette Browning, the February 13 letter states: "We made several attempts to change the venue," referring to the San Diego Manchester Grand Hyatt.  Homosexual activists had called for a boycott of the hotel ever since it was revealed that owner Doug Manchester donated $125,000 to the campaign to protect true marriage in California. read more LifeSiteNews

Same-sex marriage advocates plan to 'Obamify' their movement

As gay marriage supporters prepare for a noon demonstration today in Sacramento, a growing number are planning their next ballot campaign. Their new strategy: "Obamify" the gay marriage movement.

Obamification, organizers say, is more than just connecting supporters through social networking sites such as Facebook and building mile-long e-mail lists. It would involve pairing new media technology with old-fashioned, door-to-door outreach - two tactics that were not used well in the unsuccessful opposition to Proposition 8 in November, according to a report by Marriage Equality USA, an Oakland-based organization that supports gay marriage.

The strategy means ditching scripted phone-bank calls and TV commercials that Marriage Equality say "lacked heart." Instead, gay families - and their friends and sympathetic clergy - would be encouraged to get out of the state's big cities and knock on doors in places where they have little support, such as the Central Valley. It would mean allowing supporters more leeway to tell their own stories. read more SFGate

 

Ninth Circuit Strikes Two Blows Against Defense of Marriage Act

Attorneys on both sides of the same-sex marriage issue agree that two administrative rulings last week from different judges on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California were blows to the federal Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA.
 
Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute in Sacramento, Calif., said both decisions are troubling because they ordered the federal government to cover the health benefits of the same-sex partners of two federal lawyers.
 
“These two judges took administrative actions that basically declared that the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, and federal employees who have a partner are entitled o be able to receive benefits if they are in a state – like California – which recognizes homosexual marriage,” Dacus said. read more CNSNews

 

Current legal status of same-sex Marriage

Bills to legalize same-sex marriage are expected to see action this year in Maine, New Jersey, New York and Vermont. In addition, the Iowa Supreme Court will decide a case that could legalize same-sex marriage there.

In California, the state Supreme Court is expected to issue a ruling in June on whether Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

Same-sex marriage currently is legal in Connecticut and Massachusetts. Internationally, it is legal in Belgium, Canada, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, South Africa and Spain.

Three other U.S. states — Hawaii, New Mexico and Washington — are expected to consider passing civil-union laws this year that extend all or nearly all of the rights and obligations of marriage.

Such laws already are in place in California, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Oregon and Vermont.

The District of Columbia, Maine, Hawaii and Washington presently have laws that extend limited spousal rights to same-sex couples. SFBayTimes

 

CA: Cash-strapped state finds funds for billboards encouraging adoption by homosexuals

At the same time that it can't pay its bills or mail tax refunds, California's government is spending time and money on an advertising campaign that invites homosexuals, bisexuals, and transsexuals to adopt children.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is partnering with the California Department of Social Services and the County of Los Angeles to sponsor two billboards, one in West Hollywood, and later, another in Alameda County, that encourages homosexuals, bisexuals, and transsexuals to apply to become adoptive parents and bring impressionable children into their homes. The California Department of Social Services is under the lead of openly homosexual director John Wagner, a Human Rights Campaign advisory board member.

"At a time when the state doesn't have enough money to provide hard-working people with their tax refunds, it's a shame that state and county funds are being wasted on this propaganda," said Randy Thomasson, president of Campaign for Children and Families / SaveCalifornia.com, a leading California statewide pro-family organization. read more CalCatholic

 

Mass. couple who led gay marriage fight to divorce

The lesbian couple who led the fight for gay marriage in Massachusetts are filing for divorce.

Julie and Hillary Goodridge were among seven gay couples whose lawsuit, Goodridge vs. Department of Public Health, thrust Massachusetts into the center of a nationwide debate on gay marriage. The couple became the public face of the debate in the state, the first to legalize same-sex marriages.

The couple was married on May 17, 2004, the first day same-sex marriages became legal under a court ruling. Their daughter served as ring-bearer.

The divorce filing is not unexpected. The couple announced they were separating in 2006. ABCNews

 

California Releasing Donor List for $83 Million Marriage Vote

Nearly 14,000 donors — including homemakers, priests and a former member of the Los Angeles Dodgers — poured millions of dollars into the last two weeks of the campaign to pass Proposition 8, which outlawed same-sex marriage in California. According to a campaign finance report made public on Monday, in all, both sides spent more than $83 million.

The report came just days after supporters of the ballot measure lost a suit in Federal District Court in Sacramento that sought to prevent the names of donors from being revealed. The suit argued that past disclosures had led to donors’ receiving harassing e-mail, death threats and boycotts of businesses. The court said the release of the names was particularly important in such expensive campaigns.

A summary report of opponents’ donations, meanwhile, showed the losing side spent $43.1 million. A more detailed report of those names — which ran some 7,600 pages — was still being formatted by the office of the California secretary of state. read moreNYTimes

 

Brief filed on behalf of bishops, other religious leaders, says California Supreme Court should not overturn Proposition 8

A coalition of Jewish, Catholic and Protestant organizations has filed a friend-of-the-court brief asking that Proposition 8 be upheld. The coalition argues that the successful 2008 ballot measure, which overturned a state Supreme Court decision imposing same-sex “marriage,” prevents widespread church-state conflict.

Parties to the brief include the California Catholic Conference, the Seventh-Day Adventist Church State Council, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and the Union Of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America. Their brief, one of 60 submitted to the court, was drafted by the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty. The brief warned that overturning the ballot measure would undermine the democratic process.

Proposition 8 “serves the common good of society to allow the interconnected and religiously sensitive issues of marriage, family and children to be discussed and decided within the political process, not silenced by judicial pronouncement,” the brief argues. The ballot measure also prevents the creation of “a systemic, irresolvable conflict between church and state” in issues such as housing and public accommodations. read more CalCatholic

 

EU Approves Resolution to Force Homosexual “Marriage” Acceptance in All Member States

A resolution has been passed today at the European Union that proposes to standardise among all member states the legal status of same-sex relationships.

Pro-life and pro-family leaders have called for a strong Christian response to the move that that will force EU member states to adopt same-sex “marriage” or civil unions and bring legalised abortion, even in countries who uphold legal protections for the unborn and in which only natural marriage is legally recognised.

The resolution, authored by Giusto Catania, an Italian Communist MEP, calls upon EU member-states to guarantee access to “sexual and reproductive health and rights,” terms universally accepted as including abortion and sterilisation as well as the recognition of same-sex unions. The resolution represents the next step in the work of European homosexualist activists who started last year with a declaration saying that same-sex “marriage” and civil union laws should be standardised across the EU to facilitate freedom of movement. read more LifeSiteNews

 

PepsiCo gives $1,000,000 to help promote the gay agenda

Company forces employees to attend sexual orientation classes

PepsiCo has refused a request by AFA to remain neutral in the culture war. The company indicated that it will continue major financial support of homosexual organizations. AFA wrote Pepsi two times (on October 14 and October 29) requesting a meeting to discuss Pepsi's neutrality in the culture war.

On November 17, AFA received a condescending letter (dated Nov. 7) from Paul Boykas, director, public policy, in which he refused to address Pepsi's support of the homosexual agenda.

In the last two years, Pepsi has given $500,000 to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and $500,000 to the Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG). The $1,000,000 was to be used to help promote homosexuality in the workplace. Pepsi refuses to give money to any pro-family organization that opposes the homosexual agenda. Plus, every homosexual organization we know of is overwhelmingly pro-abortion.

Both HRC and PFLAG supported efforts in California to defeat Proposition 8 which defined marriage as being between a man and a woman. HRC, the homosexual group financially supported by Pepsi, gave $2.3 million to defeat Prop 8.

Pepsi forces all employees to attend sexual orientation and gender identity diversity training where they are taught to accept homosexuality. read more AFA

 

 

San Francisco’s ‘gay-friendly’ parish defaced by anti-Catholic hoodlums

Most Holy Redeemer, located in the city’s Castro District, has repeatedly made news over the years for its homosexual-friendly activities

Vandals spray-painted swastikas and the message “Niederauer, Ratzinger – where is the love” on the front walls of Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in San Francisco sometime Saturday night, Jan. 3, even though the parish is widely known as “gay-friendly.” Police are investigating the crime.

Most Holy Redeemer, located in the city’s Castro District, has repeatedly made news over the years for its homosexual-friendly activities: it is the parish where San Francisco Archbishop George Niederauer gave Communion to two transvestites dressed as nuns in 2007 (the archbishop later apologized), the parish where the same group of transvestite “nuns” – the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence – once held bingo games to raise money until they were kicked out on orders of the chancery in 2006, and the parish that regularly sends a contingent to each year’s San Francisco “gay pride” parade. According Jesuit Fr. Donal Godfrey, currently director of university ministry at the University of San Francisco, the parish is where the so-called “rainbow flag,” the banner of the homosexual-rights movement, was invented.

Fr. Steve Meriwether, pastor of Most Holy Redeemer, said his parishioners “actually share the vandals' sentiment against Prop 8,” according to a KCBS news report. "I think it's unfortunate that they selected our community to attack, because it's the wrong one," Fr. Meriwether told KCBS. read more CalCatholic

Gays Vandalize San Francisco Church

Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, in the heart of San Francisco’s gay Castro community, was vandalized over the weekend by opponents of Proposition 8, the California resolution passed by voters in November that rejected gay marriage. Swastikas were painted on the church and the names Ratzinger (referring to Pope Benedict XVI) and Niederauer (the San Francisco Archbishop) were scrawled besides the Nazi symbol.

Catholic League president Bill Donohue is asking Catholics nationwide to respond to this incident:

“In the wake of Proposition 8, innocent persons have been assaulted, churches have been vandalized, a white substance resembling anthrax was sent to the Knights of Columbus and to Mormon temples, supporters of traditional marriage have been branded Nazis, African Americans have been called the ‘N-word,’ houses and cars have been trashed, etc. Unfortunately, most of those in the gay community have been silent about these acts. read more CatholicLeague

 

American Majority Opposes Same-Sex Marriage

Many adults in the United States are against same-sex marriage, according to a poll by Opinion Research Corporation released by CNN. 55 per cent of respondents think marriages between gay and lesbian couples should not be recognized by the law as valid.

In 2004, marriage certificates were issued to same-sex couples by local governments in the states of California, Oregon, New Mexico and New York. In May 2004, the state of Massachusetts allowed gay and lesbian partners to apply for marriage licenses. In May 2008, California’s Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriage in a 4-3 decision, effectively allowing full marriage rights to homosexual partners.

Civil union and domestic partnership laws in Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey grant same-sex couples all state-level rights and obligations of marriage—in areas such as inheritance, income tax, insurance and hospital visitation. Other forms of domestic partnership exist in California, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, Oregon and Washington State. There are more than 1,000 federal-level rights of marriage that cannot be granted by states. read more AngusReid

 

California's Jerry Brown is not the only state attorney general unwilling to defend his state's marriage laws

"Proposition 8 must be invalidated because the amendment process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional rights without compelling justification."

After Proposition 8, the California marriage amendment, was approved by voters on November 4, the city and county of San Francisco along with pressure groups and celebrity lawyers attacked the measure in the California Supreme Court. Their novel theory is that the one-sentence amendment is so dramatic a change to the State's Constitution that it is a "revision" of, rather than an amendment to, the Constitution. The California Constitution requires revisions (major structural changes) to be approved by a supermajority of the legislature before going to voters while an amendment can be enacted by voter initiative.

Professor Daniel Lowenstein, an election law expert at UCLA, has pointed out: "The contention that Proposition 8 is a constitutional revision rather than an amendment borders on the frivolous." Nevertheless, the California Supreme Court decided to hear this dubious lawsuit and has ordered briefing in the case which should end in mid-January with oral argument to follow in March 2009. read more AmSpec

 

ANOTHER Same-sex "Married" Lector at Most Holy Redeemer

From Fr. O'Malley at a Shepherds Voice:

Back on December 4, we posted and linked to a "Wedding Announcements" article from the Bay Area Reporter reporting that a man named Philip Carrizosa had "married" another man. The article also mentioned that Mr. Carrizosa served as an acolyte and lector at Most Holy Redeemer Church.

Today, the December 19 issue of the "Catholic San Francisco" newspaper (PDF: 4.72MB; page 20) published across this letter to the editor. It opened with:

"Salt in Wounds

Archbishop Niederauer’s recent “open letter” did nothing but rub salt in the wounds for at least two members of his flock. My husband and I do not think we are alone."

This now brings to seven (by our count) the number of people serving in liturgical ministries at MHR who have "married" persons of the same sex.

We repeat what we said in our post of December 4:

"It will be good here to remind ourselves of Church rules.

From 'Redemptionis Sacramentum' #46 'The lay Christian faithful called to give assistance at liturgical celebrations should be well instructed and must be those whose Christian life, morals and fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium recommend them.'"

 

GLAD sent the following Trans Rights Update:

GLAD's 6x12: The New England Marriage Campaign

A collaborative plan to have marriage in all six New England states by the year 2012

"Marriage in Massachusetts and Connecticut - civil unions in Vermont and New Hampshire - it seems pretty clear that New England has a special role in the marriage movement," says GLAD Executive Director Lee Swislow.

On November 18, the fifth anniversary of the Goodridge decision, GLAD announced the 6 x 12 campaign - a collaborative plan to have marriage in all six New England states by the year 2012. 6 x 12 will combine the strengths of GLAD, state equality groups, and MassEquality, using public education, litigation, electoral work, lobbying, and grassroots organization to accelerate progress.
In addition to GLAD and MassEquality, 6 x 12 collaborators includeEquality Maine, Love Makes a Family in Connecticut, Marriage Equality Rhode Island, Vermont Freedom to Marry, and a variety of allies in New Hampshire. GLAD

 

Urban Outfitters Responds to Same-Sex Marriage T-Shirts Controversy

Last week, Urban Outfitters had pulled "I Support Same-Sex Marriage" t-shirts off its shelves (both online and in California stores) further fueling the rumors that the trendy young adult clothier is anti-gay. After all Richard Hayne, the founder and CEO of Urban Outfitters, is a right-wing Republican known for supporting senators who oppose gay marriage. But in response to the rumors, an Urban Outfitters spokesman told New York Magazine on Wednesday that the shirts were actually pulled because they weren't selling well and that "the head merchant is open to finding other products that support gay marriage and carry the same message but will be more popular with our customers."

The spokesman also pointed out that, hey, the CEO of parent company Urban Outfitters Inc., Glen Senk, is openly gay and has been in a 30-year relationship. So there. H'yeah. Earlier this year the company was in another t-shirt controversy, coming under fire for "supporting terrorism" by selling a "pro-violence" Palestinian T-shirt. They pulled those shirts, too. LAist

 

Lector for San Francisco Catholic Parish "Marries" Another Man

Most Holy Redeemer (MHR) Catholic Church has again come under fire after a lector and acolyte at the parish was found to have "married" his homosexual partner.

The homosexual news service Bay Area Reporter on Thursday announced the "wedding" between MHR lector Philip Carrizosa and his longtime partner Ralph Lindsey.  The article, exposed by Catholic blogger Fr. John Malloy, SDB, describes a quasi-religious ceremony reflecting "the couple's deep faith." The pair were "married" on Nov. 1, only days before Proposition 8, which upheld the true definition of marriage in the California Constitution, was passed by California voters.

The Catholic Church's regulations concerning the liturgy state that "the lay Christian faithful called to give assistance at liturgical celebrations should be well instructed and must be those whose Christian life, morals and fidelity to the Church’s Magisterium recommend them." read more LifeNews

 

Christmas hijacked with 'gay' Nativity

A "gay" Dutch group has plans to hijack a traditionally Christian holiday by hosting its own "Pink Christmas" festival – complete with church services and a homosexual Nativity featuring two Josephs and two Marys.

Amsterdam's ProGay will put on a 10-day festival with parties, an open-air market, homosexual movies and ice skating. The group has even scheduled church services for Christmas day, the Associated Press reports.

Frank van Dalen, ProGay chairman, told reporters his group is hosting the event to boost "choices for homosexual men and women" during Christmas week.

"Right now, there's not much to do," he said.

The celebration will promote homosexuality and religion, van Dalen said. read more WND

 

Why Arizona Flipped On Gay Marriage

AZ Bishop taped short message that explained why traditional marriage is a "nonnegotiable issue" for Catholics, an unprecedented move

Arizona's religious leaders played no small part in turning out their congregants to vote for Prop. 102. Herrod said she had heard of evangelical pastors who spoke in favor of the amendment from the pulpit. Catholic Bishop Thomas Olmsted of Phoenix taped a short message that explained why traditional marriage is a "nonnegotiable issue" for Catholics, an unprecedented move. The diocese believes the tape was played at every mass in its jurisdiction.

While this angered some liberal Catholics, Ron Johnson, the executive director of the public policy agency for the three Arizona dioceses, said Bishop Olmsted's message led to a 32-point uptick in support for Prop. 102 among churchgoing Catholics.

Johnson disputes the notion that the gay marriage amendment is simply an instance of faith groups' trying to impose their "values" on the public. "Marriage is the foundation of the family, and the family is the basic cell of society," he argues. "It's important to religion, but it transcends it because of the natural law and the benefits to society." read more CBSNews

Illinois gay marriage debate continues

An attempt to solidify the ban on same-sex marriage in Illinois failed to materialize in the November election, but advocates of the amendment said they're not about to quit. A group entitled Protect Marriage Illinois attempted to obtain the necessary 270,000 signatures to get an advisory measure on Illinois' fall ballot, but failed to collect enough marks. read more Yahoo

 

Gay rights leaders plan $1-million war chest to defend judges who back same-sex marriage

At a 'virtual' town hall meeting, they also discuss putting a new gay-marriage question before voters, perhaps as soon as 2010.

Gay rights leaders hope to build a $1-million war chest to defend any judge threatened with recall for ruling in favor of gay marriage, leaders announced during a conference call with supporters Tuesday night.

Leaders of the failed campaign to oppose Proposition 8, which amended the state Constitution to define marriage as only between a man and a woman, also said they would meet in January to plot the course for the movement's future. Supporters of gay marriage have sued to overturn Proposition 8, and the California Supreme Court will hear the case as early as spring.

During their "virtual" town hall, "Prop 8: The Facts and the Future," gay rights leaders talked of plans to put a new gay marriage question before voters, perhaps as soon as 2010. They also vowed to improve their outreach to blacks and Latinos, who supported Proposition 8, according to exit polls. LATimes

Prop. 8 results in discord among Bay Area Catholics

Archbishop Niederauer played the pivotal role in bringing the Mormon Church into the Prop. 8

Catholics played a pivotal role in the success of Proposition 8, from pulpits down to the pews. Bishops lobbied for its passage, priests preached about it and lay people overwhelmingly voted for it.

Niederauer appeared to reflect the sentiment of Catholics statewide, who accounted for 30 percent of the electorate. Exit polls showed that an estimated 64 percent of Catholics voted for the measure. (While some Catholics view abortion rights as an absolute litmus test on elected officials, the same exit polls showed that 59 percent of the state's Catholics voted for Sen. Barack Obama, who is pro-choice.) read more SFGate

 

Calif. Supreme Court to take up gay marriage ban

The California Supreme Court decided yesterday that it would take up several cases filed by proponents of same-sex marriage against Proposition 8, the constitutional amendment adopted by voters on Nov. 4 restricting marriage to between one man and one woman. But the high court refused a request to prevent enforcement of Prop 8 while it considers the cases, which are unlikely to be decided until sometime next year.

“The issues to be briefed and argued in these matters are as follows,” said a statement issued by the court: “(1) Is Proposition 8 invalid because it constitutes a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California Constitution; (2) Does Proposition 8 violate the separation of powers doctrine under the California Constitution?; (3) If Proposition 8 is not unconstitutional, what is its effect, if any, on the marriages of same-sex couples performed before the adoption of Proposition 8?” read more CalCatholic

 

Same-Sex Movement Demands Tolerance But Won't Show Any

Thirty states now have constitutionally defined marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

Six months ago, after the California Supreme Court struck down the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, Chief Justice Ronald George (who voted with the majority) explained to a reporter how he had come to his decision. He said he asked himself, “When is it that a court should act? When is it that a court is shirking its responsibility by not acting, and when is a court overreaching? That’s a real conundrum.”

On November 4, George’s “conundrum” was solved by the six million (and counting) Californians who voted “Yes” on Proposition 8, the California marriage amendment. Despite being outspent, traditional marriage advocates got marriage between one man and one woman written into their state’s constitution, sending a clear message to George and his colleagues that they had indeed overreached.

In the 10 days since that vote, however, bitter activists have also badly overreached -- by overstepping any normal standards of ethics and civility in their hateful reactions to democracy in action. Obscene and violent protests have been raging across California and the rest of the country for over a week. read more Gary Bauer - HumanEvents

 

State high court interested in Prop. 8 suits

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. read more SFGate

 

Frustrated by passage of Proposition 8, same-sex marriage backers turn to violence, vandalism, threats

While the California Supreme Court considers whether to hear a request to nullify a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages approved by 52.3% of the state’s voters on Nov. 4, homosexual activists from one end of the state to the other have taken to the streets, attacking a 69-year-old woman in Palm Springs, vandalizing Mormon temples, holding protests outside Protestant and Catholic churches, and causing near-riots in cities like West Hollywood.

“During protests over the past several days, homosexuals angry about the passage of Proposition 8, which reserves marriage licenses for a man and a woman, have hurled the N-word against black persons walking by, marched through police blockades, pounded on doors of businesses, and protested outside churches,” said a Campaign for Children and Families news release. read more CalCatholic

 

Catholic Gov Schwarzenegger tells supporters of homosexual marriage: don't give up

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Sunday expressed hope that the California Supreme Court would overturn Proposition 8, the ballot initiative that outlawed same-sex marriage. He also predicted that the 18,000 gay and lesbian couples who have already wed would not see their marriages nullified by the initiative.

"It's unfortunate, obviously, but it's not the end," Schwarzenegger said in an interview Sunday on CNN. "I think that we will again maybe undo that, if the court is willing to do that, and then move forward from there and again lead in that area. read more LATimes

 

LGBT community hopeful President Obama will be open to same-sex marriage

Wish list for President-elect Obama includes gay-marriage, hate crime legislation and a repaeal of "Dont Ask Don't Tell"

In an email to their supporters celebrating the election of Senator Obama as the next President of the United States the following was stated:

For LGBT Americans, it's a day when we embrace hope and change - and also re-charge for the work and challenges ahead.

For eight years, we've endured an administration that has been downright hostile to our community.  President-elect Obama, in contrast has expressed support for many of our issues, and an openness to reconsider his position on others - namely, marriage equality.

Our wish list, of course, is long: there's the prospect of getting rid of discriminatory laws, like Don't Ask Don't Tell, and the so-called "Defense of Marriage Act". There's the prospect of enacting good laws, like an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act, Hate Crimes legislation, the Uniting American Families Act, and domestic partner benefits for federal workers.  We expect the appointment of judges and justices who support civil rights and civil liberties as inherent in our constitution, and appointments of fair-minded people at all levels of the federal government.

 

Hollywood's Gay Marriage Blitz Intensifies Funding Battle

"The No on 8 is now spending $1 million a day to mislead California voters about Proposition 8,” Brown noted. “And if we can't match them, we will lose. It's that simple.”

The industry often criticized for its role in funneling sex, violence, and profanity into American society and overseas is stepping up its efforts to defeat the ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California.

After weeks of criticism from opponents of Proposition 8, more Hollywood insiders are making declarations of support – financial and otherwise – against the effort to overturn the contested state Supreme Court ruling that legalized gay marriage earlier this year.

To date, “No on 8” has received donations from notable TV, film, and music celebrities including Brad Pitt, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, Ellen DeGeneres, Bridget Fonda, Melissa Etheridge, Mary J. Blige, and Barbara Streiesand, among others. christianpost

 

As Election Day nears, letters by a bishop, two priests and a mayor reflect heated battle over CA Proposition 8

Salvatore Cordileone, auxiliary bishop of the San Diego diocese, wrote the following letter, dated Oct. 21, 2008, to the San Diego City Council. That body is scheduled to take up a resolution today at 2 p.m. on whether the city will officially oppose Proposition 8.

Here is what Bishop Cordileone wrote:

Dear Mayor Sanders and Members of the San Diego City Council,

Those of us who favor preserving marriage as the union of a man and a woman in California are wondering what ever happened to our democracy. read more CalCatholic

 

Ads in gay marriage fight look at schools

A girl in pigtails bounds into the kitchen after school and asks her mother to guess what she learned that day. "I learned how a prince married a prince, and I can marry a princess," she exclaims to her mortified mom.

Proposition 8, which defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman, doesn't mention education, but what public schools will be required to teach about homosexuality has emerged as the central issue in the campaign.

The measure's supporters warn that teachers will tell young children about gay marriage if the measure fails Nov. 4. Opponents of the measure say that's deceptive because schools already are required to teach tolerance of gays, and the ballot measure won't change that. read more WashTimes

 

Apple donates $100000 to fight same-sex marriage ban

Apple is contributing $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, the California ballot measure that would define marriage as only between a man and a woman. The company's announcement today came as the fight over Prop. 8 grows hotly contested, with recent polls showing the race tightening.

The Cupertino, Calif.-based company said in a statement:

Apple was among the first California companies to offer equal rights and benefits to our employees' same-sex partners, and we strongly believe that a person's fundamental rights-- including the right to marry -- should not be affected by their sexual orientation. Apple views this as a civil rights issue, rather than just a political issue, and is therefore speaking out publicly against Proposition 8.

Apple becomes the latest prominent Silicon Valley company to speak out against the measure. Google's founders gave $140,000 to the "No on 8" campaign -- $100,000 from Sergey Brin and $40,000 from Larry Page, the San Jose Mercury News reported today. The Internet company, based in Mountain View, Calif., had earlier taken the unusual step of publicly opposing the measure, which would ban same-sex marriage, saying it would have a "chilling and discriminatory effect" on many of its employees. LATimes

 

What same-sex "marriage" has done to Massachusetts

Anyone who thinks that same-sex “marriage” is a benign eccentricity which won’t affect the average person should consider what it has done in Massachusetts. It’s become a hammer to force the acceptance and normalization of homosexuality on everyone. And this train is moving fast. What has happened so far is only the beginning.

On November 18, 2003, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court announced its Goodridge opinion, ruling that it was unconstitutional not to allow same-sex “marriage.” Six months later, homosexual marriages began to be performed. read more MassResistance

Citing specific incidents, Camenker focuses on several areas where the impact has been felt:

1. Public Schools 2. Public Health 3. Domestic Violence 4. Business

5. Legal Profession 6. Adoption of Children 7. Government Mandates 8. The Public Square 9. The Media

 

 

CA Marriage Initiative:Ahead in every region of California except the Bay Area

New poll shows Proposition 8 with 9-point lead among likely voters

Fifty-two percent of likely California voters favor Proposition 8, the initiative that would ban same-sex marriages, according to a poll released yesterday.

The poll, commissioned by the Knights of Columbus and conduced by the Marist College Institute of Public Opinion, asked prospective voters: “Proposition 8 is the ‘Limit on Marriage Constitutional Amendment.’ It amends the California constitution to say that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. If the election were being held today, would you vote yes or no on Proposition 8?” read more CalCatholic

 

San Francisco first graders get ‘field trip’ to same-sex wedding

In the same week that the No on 8 campaign launched an ad that labeled as "lies" claims that same-sex marriage would be taught in schools to young children, a first grade class took a school-sponsored trip to a gay wedding.

Eighteen first graders traveled to San Francisco City Hall on Friday, Oct. 10, for the wedding of their teacher and her lesbian partner, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. The school sponsored the trip for the students, ages 5 and 6, taking them away from their studies for the same-sex wedding. According to the Yes on 8 campaign, the public school field trip demonstrates that the California Supreme Court's decision to legal same-sex marriage has real consequences.

"Taking children out of school for a same-sex wedding is not customary education. This is promoting same-sex marriage and indoctrinating young kids," said Yes on 8-ProtectMarriage.com campaign co-manager Frank Schubert. "I doubt the school has ever taken kids on a field trip to a traditional wedding." read more CalCatholic

 

 

Conn. high court rules gay couples can marry

The lawsuit was brought in 2004 after eight same-sex couples were denied marriage licenses and sued, saying their constitutional rights to equal protection and due process were violated.

Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that gay couples have the right to marry, making the state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions through the courts.

The ruling comes just weeks before Californians go to the polls on a historic gay-marriage ballot question, the first time the issue will be put before voters.

Connecticut's court ruled 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry under the state constitution. It was a logical next step for a state that was the first to voluntarily pass laws affirming and protecting civil unions. read more AP

 

Video: How Will Same Sex marriage Affect My Family?

Learn how diversity programs are being implemented in MA in kindergarten due to Same-Sex Marriage in that state with "No Opt-Out" for parents.

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1155394344?bctid=1822459319

California Religious Leaders Oppose Same-sex "Marriage"

Religious leaders in California representing many different denominations have issued calls to their congregations to fast and pray, asking God's blessing on their efforts to help passage of Proposition 8.

The proposition is an initiative measure on the 2008 California General Election ballot that would amend the California Constitution to insert wording stating that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California."

Some pastors called for a 40-day fast starting on September 24 and ending on Election Day, November 4. Jim Garlow, the pastor of the evangelical Skyline Wesleyan Church in La Mesa (San Diego County), told the Associated Press that he expected up to 100 young adults to spend over five weeks on his campus, participating in a fast that included only soup and juice, while praying for the passage of Proposition 8 and the preservation of traditional marriage. read more NewAmerican

 

Marriage definition returns to Ariz. ballot

Three states - Arizona, California and Florida - have a marriage amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot.

For the second time in two years, Arizonans will be asked to change the state Constitution to define marriage as a union of one man and one woman.

Proposition 102, a citizen's initiative on the November ballot, attempts to block any efforts to allow homosexuals to marry in Arizona.

"We are not against anything," said Barbara Willis, president of Crisis Pregnancy Centers, a ministry organization that has poured $100,000 into the campaign supporting Proposition 102. "We support marriage as one man and one woman." read more AZCentral

 

Spielberg donates $100,000 to support gay marriage

Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, are the latest celebrity donors to the fight against California's November ballot initiative that would overturn the state Supreme Court decision legalizing same-sex marriage.

Spielberg and Capshaw have donated $100,000 to fight Proposition 8, they announced in a statement Monday.

"By writing discrimination into our state constitution, Proposition 8 seeks to eliminate the right of each and every citizen in our state to marry regardless of sexual orientation," the statement said. "Such discrimination has NO place in California's constitution, or any other."

Also known as the Marriage Protection Act, Proposition 8 would amend the state constitution to limit marriage to a man and a woman. If passed, it would overturn the court decision that made the state only the second in the U.S. to legalize same-sex marriage. AP

 

 

Sen Feinstein responds to prodding by homosexual press, issues statement against Proposition 8

Just days after being taken to task by the San Francisco homosexual newspaper Bay Area Reporter, Sen. Dianne Feinstein has announced her opposition to Proposition 8, the protect marriage initiative.

In its Sept. 10 edition, the Bay Area Reporter said, “Less than two months before California voters decide whether to amend the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriages, former San Francisco Mayor and current U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein appears to be silent on Prop 8… Her official Web site has no statements regarding the controversial ballot measure. By press time Wednesday, September 10 her press office had yet to respond to the Bay Area Reporter's request for comment on Prop 8 from Feinstein. read more CalCatholic

 

Brad Pitt donating $100000 to fight gay marriage ban

Brad Pitt announced Wednesday that he's donating $100,000 to fight California's Proposition 8, a November ballot initiative that would eliminate same-sex couples' right to marry.

"Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," the actor said in a statement.

Pitt's donation marks the largest thus far to the anti-Prop. 8 campaign by an A-list celebrity. read more LATimes

Mormon Church Members donate millions to fight gay marriage

There are a few things that will get LDS Church members to open up their pocketbooks: a Mormon presidential candidate, tithing and gay marriage.

Church members, mostly from California, have made individual donations close to $5 million in support of Proposition 8, counting only donations of more than $1,000, according to one Web site. The proposition is on the November ballot and would change the state's constitution to allow for marriage only between a man and a woman.

Gay marriage has been legal in California since earlier this year, when the state Supreme Court ruled against a state ban on same sex marriage in a 4-3 decision. The ban was passed in a 2000 voter referendum.

In June, California church authorities read a statement from Salt Lake City leaders over the pulpit that church members "do all [they] can to support the proposed constitutional amendment."

That has resulted in a mass of donations, said Nadine Hansen, who runs the Web site MormonsFor8.com. The site has a spreadsheet that shows donors in favor of Proposition 8 who have given more than $1,000. Such donations have to be reported immediately and are thus updated every night. read more DailyHerald

 

San Francisco mayor plans to help launch drive against Save Marriage Initiative

San Francisco’s “Catholic” mayor will join tomorrow in the official launching of the “No on 8 – Equality for All Campaign” at the old Tower Records store on Market Street.

In early January, on the occasion of his inauguration to a second term, Mayor Gavin Newsom and his family attended a Mass at the historic Mission Dolores Basilica. And to this day he continues to describe himself as Catholic.

Newsom, said to have his eyes on the governorship, will be acting in open defiance of California’s bishops, who have officially endorsed Proposition 8 and have urged Catholics to support it. read more CalCatholic

 

 

Now On the Hallmark Aisle: Gay Marriage Cards

 

Knights of Columbus gives 1 million dollars to ban gay marriage in California

A Roman Catholic men's group has donated 1 million dollars to support a November ballot measure that would constitutionally ban same-sex marriage in California.

That makes the Knights of Columbus the biggest financial backer of proposition eight, which would negate the California Supreme Court decision requiring recognition of same-sex marriages.

The money comes on top of $250,000 the Catholic fraternal organization gave in January to help qualify the measure for the November election.

Robert Villalobos (vee-uh-LOH'-bos), who heads the California chapter, says the Knights of Columbus believes God created men and women to unite in marriage "for the procreation of children." KVEW

 

Republican Appointee Wrote California Decision Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage

California Chief Justice Ronald George has spent more than half his life cultivating an image of a cautious jurist and earning a reputation as a politically skilled court administrator.

But his unlikely legacy as gay rights pioneer was sealed May 15, when he heard the roar of a crowd gathered below his office as his majority decision legalizing same-sex marriage was announced.

Now, the law-and-order supporter of capital punishment is enduring from gay marriage foes the very complaints of "judicial activism" he has worked so hard to avoid during his 17 years on the high court and 34 years as a California judge.

He will likely have to mount an aggressive and expensive campaign to retain his seat in the 2010 election.

"Absolutely, Ron George should be thrown out for voting for gay marriage," said Mike Spence, president of
the conservative California Republican Assembly. "He has a very radical view of what's a family." read more CNSNews

 

Prop. 8 proponents will appeal decision upholding flawed ballot title

Alliance Defense Fund and ProtectMarriage attorneys will immediately appeal Friday’s decision by a California judge that upheld wording changes made to the Proposition 8 ballot title by the state attorney general.  The appeal will ask the California Court of Appeal to order the attorney general to comply with state election law that requires that the ballot title be fair and unbiased. read more

 

Attorney General Jerry Brown changes wording of the ballot initiative to protect marriage; backers of Proposition 8 threaten a lawsuit

Protect Marriage claimed that research shows the attorney general has never used an active verb like “eliminates” in the title of a ballot measure in the fifty years in which ballot measures have been used.

Proponents of same-sex marriage are applauding state Attorney General Jerry Brown for changing the wording of Proposition 8, the state ballot initiative that would define marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

The original wording of Proposition 8 read that the measure “amends the California Constitution to provide that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” But last week, Brown’s office made public the November ballot initiative’s new wording. The title has been changed from “Limit on Marriage Constitutional Amendment” to “Eliminates Right of Same-sex Couples to Marry,” and the summary now reads: “Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples to marry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.” read more CalCatholic

 

MA: Out-of-state gays OK'd for nuptials

Governor willing to sign bill

The Massachusetts House voted Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law that had been used to block gay marriages involving out-of-state couples, all but assuring that the state will lay out the welcome mat for such weddings.

The 118-35 vote came after the state Senate voted for the repeal earlier this month. Gov. Deval Patrick has said he will sign the bill. The measure required one more procedural vote in each chamber before being forwarded to the governor.

Massachusetts became the first state to allow gay marriage in 2004, but then-Gov. Mitt Romney ordered city and town clerks to enforce the long-dormant 1913 law to bar same-sex couples from out of state from marrying. The law prohibits couples from marrying if the unions would be illegal in their home states.

Mr. Romney had argued that repealing the ban would turn the state into the "Las Vegas of gay marriage." Since then, however, California has begun allowing same-sex marriages.

Some proponents say that repealing the law would allow Massachusetts to share in some of the economic boon California is enjoying. Mr. Patrick and other supporters of repeal also argued that the old law carried racial undertones from a time when interracial marriage was discouraged or illegal in some states. read more WashTimes

 

 

Title for Calif. gay marriage ban changed

When Californians get their ballot pamphlets in the mail, they'll see a new description of the proposed constitutional amendment to outlaw same-sex marriage.

Proposition 8 on the November ballot had been described as a measure to limit marriage between a man and a woman.

But the Secretary of State's office says that description was changed to reflect a May 15 California Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage.

The ballot title and summary now describe the initiative as a constitutional change to eliminate the right of same sex couples to marry.

The revised language also says California could lose several tens of millions of dollars in sales taxes if same-sex marriage were banned.

Critics of the measure say the change accurately shows the initiative would take away a current right of Californians. SFGate

 

Half of Americans Oppose Same-Sex Marriage

A majority of adults in the United States reject same-sex marriage, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 52 per cent of respondents oppose allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry legally, while 40 per cent are in favour.

In 2004, marriage certificates were issued to same-sex couples by local governments in the states of California, Oregon, New Mexico and New York. In May 2004, the state of Massachusetts allowed gay and lesbian partners to apply for marriage licenses. In May 2008, California’s Supreme Court overturned a ban on same-sex marriage in a 4-3 decision, effectively allowing full marriage rights to homosexual partners.

Civil union and domestic partnership laws in Vermont, Connecticut and New Jersey grant same-sex couples all state-level rights and obligations of marriage—in areas such as inheritance, income tax, insurance and hospital visitation. Other forms of domestic partnership exist in the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire and Washington State. There are more than 1,000 federal-level rights of marriage that cannot be granted by states. read more angusrreid

 

State high court refuses to remove same-sex marriage ban from ballot

The state Supreme Court refused today to remove a proposed ban on same-sex marriage from the November ballot.

The initiative, Proposition 8, is a state constitutional amendment that would overturn the court's May 15 ruling allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry in California.

Gay-rights advocates sued June 19 to block a vote on Prop. 8, arguing that the measure would destroy fundamental rights that can't legally be abolished by an initiative.

Noting that the Supreme Court's ruling relied on the constitutional rights of privacy and equal protection, they argued that a repeal would amount to a revision of the Constitution - something that requires approval of two-thirds of the state Legislature before going to the voters.

Sponsors of Prop. 8 replied in court papers that their opponents were trying to deprive Californians of their right to change their own Constitution. read more SFGate

 

Mass. Senate votes to let out-of-state gays marry

Gay couples from across the country are one step closer to a Massachusetts wedding

The state Senate voted Tuesday to repeal a 1913 law used to bar out-of-state gay couples from marrying in the state. The move to repeal the law, which prohibits couples from obtaining marriage licenses if they couldn't legally wed in their home states, is driven in part by California's recent legalization of same-sex marriage.

The House is expected to vote on the repeal later this week. Gov. Deval Patrick, whose 18-year-old daughter announced publicly last month that she is a lesbian, would have 10 days to sign it.

The law dates to a time when the majority of states outlawed interracial marriages. Critics said the law was designed to smooth relations with those states. Massachusetts has allowed interracial marriages since 1843. read more Townhall 7.16

 

Same-sex marriage hurts religious liberties, religious group says

The Family Research Council discussed how California's court decision threatens churches and religious groups

Same-sex marriage and religious liberties are on a collision course and it could get ugly, according to the Family Research Council, one of the national groups spearheading a California proposition to ban such unions.

The Council held a meeting Thursday with religious leaders, academics and lawyers to discuss the threat they believe the recent California Supreme Court decision to allow same-sex marriage poses to religious liberties.

Although advocates of the California decision say it will have no effect on religious liberties, the panelists—the majority of whom oppose it —say that's not true. Tony Perkins, the Council's president, said he thinks same-sex marriage and protecting religious liberties "can't coexist."

"Churches are being forced, intimidated and threatened (if they don't perform same-sex ceremonies) even though it violates their religious beliefs," said Benjamin Bull, chief counsel of the Alliance Defense Fund, a religious freedom organization founded by ministers. read more ocregister

 

Counties to Supreme Court on 'gay' marriage: Drop dead

At least two counties in California have begun reviewing a plan to uphold the state's laws regarding marriage as being between one man and one woman and disregard a state Supreme Court opinion that has yet to be implemented by the Legislature.

In the next step in the state's war over marriage – defined by voters as involving only one man and one woman and by the Supreme Court as two people of either gender – traditional marriage supporters will be attending the Kern County board of supervisors meeting tomorrow when the issue will be discussed.

In an alert from the Bakersfield Republican Assembly, officials suggested people "respectfully call the county supervisors and remind them that 80 percent of the voters in Kern County voted for Prop. 22 that defined marriage as between a man and a woman." read more WorldNetDaily

Same Sex "Marriage": Illegal in All Fifty States

About a month ago, the California Supreme Court, in a 4-3 decision, issued a declaratory opinion that Proposition 22, which states that, “Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid and recognized in California,” enshrined into statutory law by 61.4% of California voters in 2000 (over four million voters), was “unconstitutional” on the basis that "gender discrimination" violates the equal protection clause of the state constitution.

The LA Times reported that:

"The California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage Thursday in a broadly worded decision that would invalidate virtually any law that discriminates on the basis of sexual orientation."

Sadly, many of the leading "conservative" and "Christian" pro-family organizations such as AFA, Liberty Council, ADF, FRC, ACLJ, and Focus on the Family have been in full surrender mode conceding this same liberal talking point that the court "legalized same-sex marriage in California" and that the only way to ensure preserving traditional male-female marriage is through a state constitutional amendment scheduled to be on the ballot in November. read more Townhall 7.7

 

McCain Backs Calif. Same-Sex Marriage Ban

The sponsors of a ballot initiative that seeks to ban same-sex marriage in California say Republican presidential candidate John McCain has endorsed the measure.

The ProtectMarriage.com campaign said it received an e-mail from McCain Thursday in which the Arizona senator expressed his support for the group's efforts "to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman."

McCain has previously said that while he does not back banning same-sex marriage at the federal level, he thinks it is appropriate for states to do so.

In 2006, he came out in favor of a ballot measure, ultimately rejected by voters in his home state that would have banned gay marriage and prohibited granting any spousal rights to unmarried couples in Arizona. CBS

 

Heinz in Pickle as Gay Mayo Ad Continues to Spread Backlash - Now Gays Join Boycott Bandwagon

Trying to sell mayonnaise has turned messy for Heinz, the US food giant that has found itself in a public relations pickle as pro-family and homosexual organisations both are threatening boycotts. The controversy is over a British television advert that appeared to use mayonnaise as spread for the gay agenda.  

As part of an advertising campaign for its Heinz Deli Mayo in the United Kingdom, a Heinz advert features a brawny New York deli man making sandwiches for two children going off to school. The children call him "mum," and just before the "father" of the family goes off to work the two men exchange a kiss.

The deli man says in his thick New York accent, "Love ya! Straight home from work, sweet cheeks."

Heinz pulled the ad June 20 after more than 200 complaints were submitted to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), in which viewers complained the ad was "offensive" and "unsuitable to be seen by children." The ASA will decide in a few days whether or not to launch an investigation. read more LifeSite

 

Same-sex marriage could threaten civil liberties and religious freedoms

Catholic Charities in Massachusetts has been forced to shut down its adoption program because it refused to place children with same-sex couples as required by state law.

Matt Daniels, Founder and President of the Alliance for Marriage, has warned that the legal recognition of same-sex marriages further threatens Americans’ civil liberties and religious freedoms, some of which have already been affected by anti-discrimination laws protecting sexual orientation.

Daniels, writing in a press release, noted that a recent National Public Radio (NPR) story broadcast on June 16 listed some incidents in which liberties have already been curtailed by laws favoring homosexual rights over the rights of people with ethical and religious objections to the normalization of homosexuality.

“Most Americans believe that gays and lesbians are free to live as they choose,” Daniels continued, “but they don’t have a right to redefine marriage for our entire society.   But we are living in an era when adhering to the common sense definition of marriage – for the sake of kids – is increasingly a punishable offense.” read more CNA 6.26

 

Mormon Church Enters Calif. Gay Marriage Fight

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is asking California members to join the effort to amend that state's constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.

A letter sent to Mormon bishops and signed by church president Thomas S. Monson and his two top counselors calls on Mormons to donate "means and time" to the ballot measure. A note on the letter dated June 20 says it should be read during church services on June 29, but the letter was published Saturday on several Web sites.

Church spokesman Scott Trotter said Monday that the letter was authentic. He declined further comment, saying the letter explains the church's reasons for getting involved.

The LDS church will work with a coalition of churches and other conservative groups that put the California Marriage Protection Act on the Nov. 4 ballot to assure its passage, the letter states. read more CNSNews 6.24

California Gay Marriage Inspires Gay Teens

In today's climate of greater acceptance, young gays increasingly seek happiness on their terms

"On a certain level, everyone wants the white picket fence," said A'Ja Lyons, 18, a member of Houston Area Teen Coalition of Homosexuals (HATCH). "We all want to be able to love who we love — and be respected."

Same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts and, after a May 15 court ruling, California. Last month, New York state pledged to honor same-sex marriages from other states and countries.

For older members of Houston's gay community, these recent events may or may not change their lives and relationships. Some will venture to California, where there's no residency requirement to get married. Most won't.

But for local teens who are out or coming out, the lifting of the same-sex marriage ban in the nation's most populous state may benefit immediately. read more chron 6.23

 

Homosexual activists release 'marriage battle plan'

Homosexual activists often complain there's no such thing when pro-family groups refer to the "gay agenda." But now nine pro-homosexual groups have made a copy of their battle plan available to the public.

The document is called "Make Change, Not Lawsuits." In it, the nine pro-homosexual groups urge sympathetic activists not to rush to file lawsuits after taking advantage of the court-ordered legalization of homosexual marriages in California.

Mat Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel, says the coalition has a multitude of reasons to discourage homosexual activists from filing lawsuits in order to force homosexual marriage on people who oppose it. "They're afraid that, if they continue to file these lawsuits on the state level, they'll actually lose lawsuits," Staver says.
 
"And, in fact, they've lost so many, the fact that they've won one in California should not overshadow the fact that they've lost so many more and they've actually lost ground," he continues.
 
Staver says the federal Defense of Marriage Act is a major hurdle to homosexual activists and one that they do not want to attack head-on. He contends that if the act is struck down in court, then an effort to push a constitutional amendment protecting traditional marriage will kick into high gear. read more OneNewsNow 6.19

 

Hundreds of gay couples wed across California

Wearing everything from T-shirts to tuxedos and lavish gowns, hundreds of same-sex couples rushed to county clerks' offices throughout California to obtain marriage licenses and exchange vows as last-minute legal challenges to gay marriage failed.

All 58 counties began issuing licenses Tuesday following an order from the state's highest court.

San Diego County, typically a Republican stronghold, added four walk-up windows and assigned 78 employees to issue marriage licenses, up from the usual 19. It issued 230 licenses on Tuesday, breaking its previous single-day record of 176 on Valentine's Day 2005.

At the West Hollywood City Hall, George Takei - who played Sulu on the original "Star Trek" - beamed as he and his partner of 21 years, Brad Altman, obtained one of the new gender-neutral marriage licenses - with the words "Party A" and "Party B" instead of "bride" and "groom." They are planning a September wedding. read more APNews 6.18

 

Gay marriage: a new bind for church groups

Religiously affiliated schools, hospitals, and others may be the next flash point

The same-sex marriage march begins across California Tuesday, with thousands of gay couples expected to wed in the coming weeks. But some notes of discord and rebellion can already be heard above Pachelbel's Canon.

Several county clerks have said they will stop performing marriage ceremonies for all couples, gay or straight. And the state supreme court, fresh from its decision to legalize gay marriage, will decide shortly on whether a private-practice doctor can deny artificial insemination to a lesbian couple.

As gay marriage gains wider legal footing, scholars anticipate a flood of such conscientious objector cases. A key flash point will be religiously affiliated organizations that serve the public, such as hospitals, schools, and adoption agencies, and hold beliefs opposed to gay marriage.

Gay rights advocates say the courts have found workable compromises so far. But opponents warn that religious groups may have to retreat dramatically from the public square unless legislatures agree to create some religious exemptions. read more CSMonitor

 

Several California Counties Quit Performing Marriages Rather than Perform Homosexual "Marriage"

Officials in Kern, Calaveras, and Butte counties in California say they plan on closing their doors to performing all civil wedding ceremonies rather than be forced to "wed" same-sex couples when the state's Supreme Court ruling permitting same-sex "marriage" goes into effect tomorrow. The counties have cited staff and budget restrictions as their main reasons for closing their doors, saying they are not equipped to handle any influx of same-sex couples looking for "weddings."

Kern County Clerk Ann Barnett made the announcement after the county's legal counsel and attorneys with the Alliance Defense Fund informed her office that she could not choose to marry some couples and not others without incurring a lawsuit.

For today the counties will continue to issue the neutered marriage licenses that replace the old appellations of "bride" and "groom" with the novel "Party A" and "Party B." But when the California Supreme Court ruling takes effect Tuesday, clerks in those counties will direct all couples seeking wedding ceremonies to other counties. read more LifeSiteNews 6.17

 

 

Gay marriage begins in California, courtesy of the judges and against the will of the voters

At 5:01 p.m local time, California will issue its first legally binding marriage licenses to same-sex couples. County clerks will stay open extra hours to accommodate the state supreme court's decision to redefine marriage along these lines. The media will be filled with stories of wedding bells and pictures of happy newlyweds.

If recent experience is any guide, the number of gay couples marching to the altar will taper off in a few months even if voters uphold the California supremes' decision in November. In Massachusetts, 1,635 such couples obtained marriage licenses in May 2004, the first month of judicially imposed same-sex nuptials. That figure, only 300 less than the number of traditional marriages in the commonwealth during the same time period, tumbled to just 148 in the first two months of 2005. Nearly 60 percent of Bay State same-sex marriages occurred in the first six months. read more AmericanSpectator 6.16

 

Calif. same-sex weddings will affect other states

After wedding-day celebrations subside, gay and lesbian couples from other states who marry starting this week in California face sobering challenges.

Many will return home to states which explicitly reject same-sex unions. Major gay-rights groups are urging them not to rush into lawsuits demanding that their marriages be recognized. Lawyers warn that they may have difficulty divorcing if things go awry.

"This is a very serious undertaking," said Richard Williams, a Chicago lawyer who has been helping local same-sex couples weigh their options.

"It may not be accepted here in Illinois, but it is legal, it is real," Williams said. "If you go to California and get married, there are potential problems and pitfalls that you have to think about."

Likely areas of contention could include inheritance, medical decision-making, health and pension benefits, and child custody.

Starting Monday, California will become the second state after Massachusetts to allow same-sex marriages, but the first to do so without any residency requirements. No one knows how many out-of-state couples will head there to wed, but for some it's an opportunity that's impossible to pass up. read more chron 6.14

Gays who wed in California won't have equal marriage rights

Thousands of gay couples will marry in California during the upcoming months, but when it comes to the law, not all marriages are created equal.

Same-sex married couples can expect many of the same marital rights as heterosexual couples under state law. But things will be different if they end up in bankruptcy court, take a leave from work or own a vacation home out of state. In those areas, federal law comes into play, and the federal government does not recognize marriages between lesbians or gay men. read more MercuryNews 6.11

 

California Supreme Court refuses to stay its decision on gay-marriage

The California Supreme Court will not stay its decision authorizing homosexuals to "marry" in that state, even though voters will consider a constitutional amendment to ban the practice in November. The court issued its 4-3 decision Wednesday.

Attorney Matt Staver, founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel, says the court's refusal to stay their decision until the November election is very telling. "When the California Supreme Court denied this stay, especially in light of the marriage amendment being certified for the November ballot, it indicates a clear political agenda," says Staver. "I believe that judges acting as judges, and not as legislators, would have granted the stay." read more OneNewsNow

 

Calif. Same-Sex Marriage Ban Qualifies For November Ballot

Measure Would Overturn State's Supreme Court Ruling

California's secretary of state said an initiative that would again outlaw same-sex marriage in the state has qualified for the November ballot. Debra Bowen said a random check of signatures submitted by the measure's sponsors showed that they had gathered enough for it to be put to voters.

The measure would amend the state constitution to define marriage as a union "between a man and a woman."

It would overturn the recent California Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in the state if it is approved by a majority of voters on Nov. 4. California public health officials already have amended marriage license applications and told local officials to start issuing them to same-sex couples on June 17. read more NBC 6.3

 

Episcopal Congregation, Macy’s Declare Support for California Same-Sex Marriage Decision

An Episcopal church in California intends to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies beginning in mid-June, according to BlackChristianNews.com.

All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, one of the largest congregations in the denomination, adopted the “Resolution on Marriage Equality” following the California Supreme Court’s decision to legalize gay marriage in that state.

The Episcopal Church as a whole supports GLBT rights, but has not made an official decision to bless same-sex unions beyond exercising restraint when authorizing them, according to the Web site.

Rev. Canon J. Edwin Bacon, Jr. of All Saints Church, after making the announcement to celebrate marriage ceremonies, said he believes blessing same-sex unions is compatible with Christian Scripture.

In other news related same-sex marriage in California, Macy’s department store has placed advertisements in the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the New York Times declaring support and words of congratulation on the California Supreme Court’s decision, according to TheHuffingtonPost.com.

Macy’s is known for its commitment to equality, according to the Web site. The ads’ copy reads “First comes love. Then comes marriage. And now it’s a milestone every couple in California can celebrate.” vitalvoice 6.3

 

 

California Attorney General Jerry Brown urged the California Supreme Court on Thursday to finalize its ruling legalizing gay marriage

The attorney general's brief said the Supreme Court's ruling should go into effect "without delay."

California Attorney General Jerry Brown urged the California Supreme Court on Thursday to finalize its ruling legalizing gay marriage, opposing efforts by foes of same-sex marriage to freeze the decision until after a possible vote in November.

"It is time for these proceedings to end," state lawyers wrote in a 33-page brief opposing a stay of the Supreme Court's historic ruling earlier this month.

Brown's office filed the arguments in response to a request last week from gay-marriage opponents for the Supreme Court to stay its ruling, which declared California's ban on same-sex weddings unconstitutional. Conservative groups argued that the Supreme Court should put the ruling on hold until at least November, when voters are likely to consider a ballot initiative that would amend the state constitution to again outlaw same-sex marriage.

The groups maintain that the Supreme Court should postpone the ruling to avoid legal chaos around the state as gay couples capitalize on their newfound right to marry and obtain marriage licenses in the coming months. The Supreme Court's ruling becomes final in mid-June, although gay marriages could still be delayed by the continued legal wrangling over the stay request. read more mercurynews 5.30

 

Calif.: Same-sex marriages OK beginning June 17

The gender-neutral nomenclature include lines for "Party A" and "Party B" instead of bride and groom

Barring a stay of a historic California Supreme Court ruling, same-sex couples will be able to wed in the state beginning June 17, according to a state directive issued Wednesday.

The state said it chose June 17 because the state Supreme Court has until the day before to decide whether to grant a stay of its May 15 ruling legalizing gay marriage.

Gay-rights advocates and some clerks initially thought couples would be able to wed as early as Saturday, June 14. The court's decisions typically take effect 30 days after they are made.

The guidelines from Mark Horton, director of the California Department of Public Health, to the state's 58 county clerks also contained copies of new marriage forms that include lines for "Party A" and "Party B" instead of bride and groom. The gender-neutral nomenclature was developed in consultation with county clerks, according to the letter. read more AP 5.28

 

June 14 could see first gay weddings in California

Same-sex couples in some counties will be able to marry as soon as June 14, the president of the California's county clerks association said Monday.

Stephen Weir, who heads the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, said he was told by the Office of Vital Records that clerks would be authorized to hand out marriage licenses as soon as that date - exactly 30 days after the California Supreme Court ruled that gay marriage should be legal.

The court's decisions typically take effect after 30 days, barring further legal action. read more LADaily

 

Battle looms for plan to ban same-sex nuptials

A constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage in California isn't yet on the November ballot, but politicians, gay rights groups, religious organizations and others are preparing for a battle that will ripple across the state and could help decide who is elected president.

The initiative, which says California will recognize marriages only between a man and a woman, is expected to qualify for the ballot soon after June 16, when this month's state Supreme Court ruling overturning an 8-year-old ban on same-sex marriage is scheduled to take effect - clearing the way for gay and lesbian couples to legally wed.

But the run on orange blossoms could be short-lived. The California Marriage Protection Act, if approved, would trump the court's 4-3 decision and once again bar same-sex couples from marriage. read more SFGate

 

Maryland Gov signs two domestic partnership bills MD Catholic Conference opposed

O'Malley, who supports creating a civil unions law that has yet to find enough support in the Maryland General Assembly, said he believed the bills help address "inequities and unfairness" against committed couples who are not married, including gay couples.

"Without the ability to have the legal protections that say, a civil unions statute would give, then these other bills, will, I suspect, continue to come through the legislature and continue to be approved by the legislature ..." O'Malley said.

But the bills rankled opponents of gay marriage who believe legal marriage should only be recognized between a man and a woman.

Richard Dowling, executive director of the Maryland Catholic Conference, criticized the governor's decision to sign the bills. Dowling said the laws put Maryland "on the road to becoming California East," referring to a state that started with similar bills and later expanded beyond health care and taxation.

Dowling also said the bills' definition of domestic partnerships "not only gives same-sex and unmarried heterosexual couples a status equivalent to marriage, it also is so broad and ambiguous that it can be extended to the most casual of relationships."

"This flies in the face of religious traditions that exalt marriage and regard it as sacramental," Dowling said. read more wtop

 

 

Poll: Calif. Rejects Gay Marriage

The poll suggests the outcome of the proposed amendment is far from certain. Overall, it was leading 54% to 35% among registered voters.

A Los Angeles Times/KTLA Poll has found that, by a bare majority, Californians reject the state Supreme Court's decision to allow same-sex marriages.

The survey also suggested that a majority of those polled would back a proposed constitutional amendment aimed at the November ballot that would outlaw such unions.

More than half of Californians said gay relationships were not morally wrong, that they would not degrade heterosexual marriages and that all that mattered was that a relationship be loving and committed, regardless of gender.

Those under 45 were less likely to favor a constitutional amendment than their elders and were more supportive of the court's decision to overturn the state's current ban on gay marriage. They also disagreed more strongly than their elders with the notion that gay relationships threatened traditional marriage. newsmax 5.23

 

 

Beyond same sex marriage

Civil unions, same sex marriage, then what? The final stop on this train ride is the complete de-gendering of society.

The “I’m against same sex marriage but favor civil unions” position is the major unheralded casualty of the California Supreme Court decision redefining marriage. Politicians from across the political spectrum have taken refuge in this dodge, believing it allows them to navigate the treacherous shoals of powerful but divided public opinion about same sex marriage. The court’s ruling has shown beyond any shadow of a doubt that civil unions are not a stable political or social compromise, however rational and reasonable that position may appear to be. Here is why.

The freight train of same sex marriage will not stop at the station called simple “equality.” The legal equivalence of same sex couples with opposite sex couples means that marriage will no longer be society’s most reliable method of attaching mothers and fathers to their children and to each other. Marriage will become a gender-neutral creation of the state, which actively detaches children from at least one of their parents. Parentage will not flow automatically from the marital union, but will have to be assigned by the state. The final stop on this train is the complete de-gendering of society, along with the continual incursion of the state into civil society. read more Mercatornet

 

California Supreme Court Betrays “We the People” on Marriage

Today the California Supreme Court imposed, through judicial fiat, so-called “same-sex marriage” on Californians, thus totally disregarding the sanctity of marriage and the will of the people. In 2000, Californians adopted Proposition 22 to protect marriage and maintain its definition as a union between one man and one woman, and expressly prohibiting the state from recognizing “same sex marriages.”

NOTE: the California Supreme Court decision is available on the court’s website at: http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S147999.PDF

To ensure that marriage is protected and the voice of the people is heard, a constitutional marriage amendment must be placed on the November ballot and national efforts need to be made to generate a federal constitutional marriage amendment. The decision must be removed from the hands of judicial activists and returned to the rightful hands of the people.

Matt Barber, CWA Policy Director for Cultural Issues [Barber is on the Board of Americans For Truth], said “The California Supreme Court has engaged in the worst kind of judicial activism today, abandoning its role as an objective interpreter of the law and, instead, legislating from the bench. It’s absurd to suggest that the framers of the California state constitution could have ever imagined there’d be a day when so-called ‘same-sex marriage’ would even be conceptualized, much less seriously considered. If anyone then had suggested the ridiculous notion, early Californians would have laughed their smocks off.

“So-called ‘same-sex’ marriage is counterfeit marriage. Marriage is, and has always been, between a man and a woman. We know that it’s in the best interest of children to be raised with a mother and a father. To use children as guinea pigs in radical San Francisco-style social experimentation is deplorable. read more AmericansForTruth 5.15

 

Ariz. backers of same-sex marriage ban call for Senate vote

In the wake of the California court decision legalizing gay marriage, conservative activists said Arizona needs to move forward on a constitutional amendment to block a similar move here.

Gay marriages are illegal in Arizona, and no court actions are expected soon to change that.

But just in case, the state House of Representatives, after weeks of false starts and delays, approved a measure Monday to put a constitutional ban on gay marriage on the fall ballot.

The measure, which follows a failed 2006 initiative, remains stalled in the state Senate, and it is unclear when or if senators will take up the issue. Both chambers must approve the resolution to send the question to voters.

"Until Arizona voters approve a state constitutional amendment, our statute of marriage in Arizona is at risk of being redefined just like we saw in California," said Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy and a key proponent of a marriage amendment. "It is time to get the marriage referendum out of the Legislature and let the people start considering this measure." read more AZCentral 5.16

 

Same-sex marriage still in doubt in Jersey

Gay rights advocates predicted yesterday's California court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage will encourage the New Jersey Legislature to follow suit, but a gay lawmaker is not so optimistic.

"What happens in California does not stay in California, and that is a great thing for equality," said Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality, which is pushing to legalize gay marriage by the end of this year.

Goldstein said the ruling by the California Supreme Court "will make it way easier for legislators in New Jersey to follow their heart and do the right thing."

But Assemblyman Reed Gus ciora (D-Mercer), the state's first openly gay lawmaker, said it will be harder to win approval of same-sex marriage in the Legislature than in court.

"I don't see the Legislature tak ing it up anytime soon," Gusciora said. "I think the political will is still not there."

The New Jersey Supreme Court ruled in 2006 that same-sex couples are entitled to all the rights that marriage conveys but said only the Legislature could authorize same- sex marriage. Lawmakers responded by creating civil unions, which provide the rights and responsibilities of marriage by another name. read more njcom 5.16

 

California Supreme Court overturns gay marriage ban

The California Supreme Court ruled today that same-sex couples should be permitted to marry, rejecting state marriage laws as discriminatory.

The state high court's 4-3 ruling was unlikely to end the debate over gay matrimony in California. A group has circulated petitions for a November ballot initiative that would amend the state Constitution to block same-sex marriage, while the Legislature has twice passed bills to authorize gay marriage. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed both.

The long-awaited court decision stemmed from San Francisco's highly publicized same-sex weddings, which in 2004 helped spur a conservative backlash in a presidential election year and a national dialogue over gay rights. read more LATimes 5.15

Ariz. House OKs amendment to ban same-sex marriage

Arizona voters who rejected a ballot measure on same-sex marriage two years ago may tackle the issue again in November.

The House voted Monday to put a proposed state constitutional amendment to prohibit same-sex marriage on the ballot in Arizona, the only state where a ballot measure on marriage was rejected in 2006.

The House's 33-25 vote sent the resolution (SB10242) to the Senate, whose approval would complete legislative action to put the measure on the ballot.

The proposal is a trimmed-down version of one rejected by Arizona voters in 2006, when seven other states approved same-sex marriage bans.

The current Arizona legislative proposal backed by social conservatives would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman. The 2006 version had that wording plus a provision that was widely interpreted as targeting civil unions and domestic partnerships. read more azcentral 5.12

 

Arizona Group Influences New York Litigation on Same-Sex Marriage

An Arizona-based group is playing an important role in New York's legal battles over same-sex marriage.

For the last two years, state courts across New York have been grappling with whether same-sex marriages performed elsewhere must be recognized in New York. Three of the cases that pose this question have been brought by a Christian group based in Arizona, the Alliance Defense Fund, on behalf of a handful of New Yorkers who say they object to having their government pay benefits to the spouses of public employees who are in same-sex marriages.

The question of whether the state must recognize gay marriages from Massachusetts, Canada, or elsewhere, was never answered in the landmark New York State Court of Appeals case in 2006 that found gay couples had no right under the state Constitution to marry. New York has long recognized marriages performed out of state, even if the couple might not be eligible to marry under New York law. This principle of comity has in the past led a New York court to recognize a marriage performed in Rhode Island between an uncle and a niece.

The Alliance Defense Fund lawyer who is bringing the three challenges, Brian Raum, said the development of the marriage recognition rule had at its core an understanding that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. read more NYSun

 

RI: No votes taken on same-sex marriage bills

In what may be a sign of changing times, the perennial legislative debate over gay marriage saw a new addition last night: the question of whether same-sex couples married in other states should be allowed to divorce in Rhode Island.

Sponsored by House Majority Leader and Providence Democrat Gordon D. Fox, an openly gay man, that proposal would do what the Supreme Court elected not to in a decision late last year –– allow couples to opt out of an unhappy marriage.

The passionate testimony before the House Judiciary Committee late last night came hours before another critical proceeding in the same-sex divorce debate. This morning, the state Superior Court is expected to hold a hearing to determine whether that court can grant a divorce to a Providence couple who were married in Massachusetts. read more ProvidenceJournal

 

New York Will Recognize Same-Sex ‘Marriages’ From Out of State

For now the Court of Appeals won't hear a case challenging New York state's policy of recognizing same-sex marriages performed outside of the state.

In February, Monroe County officials indicated the county would appeal the court decision barring the county from denying insurance benefits to Patricia Martinez and her partner, who were legally married in Canada.
 
Tuesday, the state's highest court ruled the issue of damages has to be settled before it can hear the case. 13wharm

 

PA Senate tables measure on same-sex-marriage ban

The state Senate yesterday indefinitely tabled a measure that would amend Pennsylvania's constitution to ban same-sex marriage and civil unions.

The bill had been scheduled for a floor vote last evening, but the chief sponsor, Sen. Michael Brubaker (R., Lancaster) told colleagues it would be set aside because it faced long odds in the House.

But Sen. Vincent J. Fumo (D., Phila.), an opponent of the measure, told reporters that Senate Republican leaders used House opposition as an excuse to table the bill. Fumo said a majority of senators would have supported a floor amendment to strip out wording to ban civil unions, which supporters considered crucial. "A win is a win," Fumo said. "It can look ugly, it can look great. But this is definitely a win." PhilInq

 

Same-sex marriage ban heads to Senate in PA

The Senate could vote as early as today. But the measure would have to be approved by the state House and, in the next legislative session, by both chambers to reach the voters in the form of a referendum question. The earliest a voter referendum could happen is 2009.

Despite a 1996 state law limiting marriage to the union of a man and a woman, amendment supporters argue the statute is vulnerable to a court challenge.

Opponents say the amendment is overkill and could sweep up heterosexual couples who take advantage of domestic partnership and health benefits extended to homosexual couples. They also argue that the bill runs counter to the spirit of the state Constitution, which grants, not restricts, rights to citizens. read more mcall

 

Same-sex divorce case takes a new turn

While the state Supreme Court has said she can’t get divorced in Family Court, one of the women seeking Rhode Island’s first same-sex divorce wants the high court to weigh in on whether another state court — Superior Court — can dissolve her marriage. read more Projo

 

Methodist delegates vote to reject same-sex unions

Delegates at the United Methodist Church's General Conference voted Wednesday to adhere to the church's position that marriage should not include same-sex unions and that homosexual acts are not compatible with Christian teaching.

Those guidelines are included in church's Social Principles, which do not have the force of church law but are to instruct the denomination's 11 million members. The nearly 1,000 delegates at the international conference at the Fort Worth Convention Center are struggling with social issues at the conference that ends Friday. read more StarTelegram

 

Effort intensifies for same-sex marriage ban in CA

The battle over same-sex marriage in California heated up Thursday, when supporters of an initiative to ban it in the state's Constitution submitted more than 1.1 million signatures in an effort to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

Representatives of a conservative coalition called Protect Marriage delivered boxes of signed petitions in each of the state's 58 counties. Opponents immediately pledged to wage what is expected to be a costly campaign to defeat the measure if it goes to voters. SFGate 4.25

 

Backers of California Gay Marriage Ban Ready to Submit Petitions

Supporters of an initiative that would outlaw same-sex marriage in California say they have enough signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

A coalition of religious groups called Protect Marriage collected more than one million signatures in support of the proposed constitutional amendment.

Supporters of the Limit on Marriage initiative plan to deliver their signed petitions to county registrars this week.

The signatures must be verified before the amendment can be approved for the election. News10

 

A More Perfect Union? Vt. Panel: Legislature Should Consider Same-Sex Marriage

A commission studying same-sex marriage issued a report yesterday that cited shortcomings in Vermont's civil unions law but said it was up to lawmakers to decide whether the state should allow gays and lesbians to marry.

“It is the role of Vermont's policy-makers and elected officials to read and reflect on this report and in their best judgment determine what steps to take in their role as public servants of the people of Vermont,” the Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection, created last year by top Democrats in the Legislature, said in its report. read more ValleyNews 4.22

 

 
An Overview of the Same Sex Marriage Debate Pew Research

The debate over same-sex marriage shows no signs of abating. In California, for instance, a high-profile case challenging the constitutionality of a state law banning same-sex marriage was argued before the state's highest court in early March 2008, with a decision expected by May.1 A similar suit is on the verge of being decided by Connecticut's Supreme Court. In addition, Florida will hold a referendum during the November 2008 election on a state constitutional amendment that would prohibit gay marriage. Other states, such as Arizona and Indiana, are considering putting similar referenda on the November ballot.

The American religious community is deeply divided over the issue of same-sex marriage. The Catholic Church and evangelical Christian groups have played a leading role in public opposition to gay marriage, while mainline Protestant churches and other religious groups wrestle with whether to ordain gay clergy and perform same-sex marriage ceremonies. read more pew research

 

New Study Shows Tragedy of Anti-Marriage Movement
Century-Old Catholic Adoption Agency Shuttered

Radical activists intent on destroying marriage cloak their campaign in sympathetic rhetoric, but excerpts from a new study released today by the Alliance for Marriage Foundation (AFMF) showcase the devastating effects of redefining marriage in law.

From the forced closure of a 100-year old adoption program run by the Catholic Charities of Boston, to the father who was jailed for asking when same-sex marriage would be taught in school so his child could avoid the lesson, to, the new study highlights actual results from governments which have changed marriage and family law.

AFMF will release selected excerpts of the new study in the coming weeks and post the entire study online at www.allianceformarriage.org in the near future.

“The anti-marriage movement has shrewdly disguised its campaign with civil rights rhetoric, but it’s time to take off the mask. Destroying marriage is indeed a civil rights issue, because it robs the rights of the majority of Americans who know marriage is between a man and woman.

Orphans have rights, children have rights, and parents have rights. Gays and lesbians are free to live as they choose, but they don’t have a right to redefine marriage for our entire society,” said Niger Innis, National Spokesman for the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), one of the oldest and largest civil rights organizations in the country. read more AllianceForMarriage 4.9

 

 

Pro-Family Group Says Effort to Ban Calif. Gay 'Marriage' Looks 'Strong'

As the California Supreme Court weighs the legal arguments over same-sex ”marriage,” pro-family coalitions are continuing in their efforts to collect signatures to pull forward the “California Marriage Protection Act.”

While over 61 percent of California voters voted on Proposition 22 back in 2000 to “keep marriage between only a man and a woman,” the measure added language only to the California Family Code, not the state constitution.

And without an amendment to the state constitution specifying marriage between only a man and a woman, the institution of marriage cannot be guaranteed.

“The only fool-proof way to protect the traditional definition of marriage from the hands of legislators and judges is to place the language of Proposition 22 – passed by over 61% of voters – into the California Constitution,” the California Family Council, a coalition member of the petition drive, writes on its website. read more ChristianPost 4.5

 

NY Court Overturns Former Ruling Against Recognition of Canadian Same Sex marriages

Pro-homosexual legal group hails decision as "another NY win on marriage"

Last Tuesday, in a decision that follows the trend towards greater state recognition of same-sex "marriages," the New York Appellate Division invalidated a lower court decision stating that Brady Davis was not entitled to New York health benefits as the partner of the man he "married" in Canada. 

In 2006, a lower court had rejected Duke Funderburke's request to extend his New York Uniondale Union Free School District retirement plan to his partner, Davis, whom Funderburke had legally "married" in Ontario in 2004.

In May 2007, the New York State Department of Civil Service decided to grant benefits to same-sex spouses under the New York State Health Insurance Program, thus allowing Davis and other same-sex spouses of public employees to receive health benefits.

Because the state now afforded same-sex spouses the sort of coverage Funderburke and Davis appealed for, the appellate court considered their appeal moot.  In addition, the appellate court vacated the original 2006 lower court ruling that refused to recognize health benefit rights of same-sex spouses married in foreign countries.

"The decision from the appellate court wipes the lower court ruling off the books," explained Susan Sommer, Senior Counsel at Lambda Legal. read more LifeSiteNews 3.31

 

 

A ban on same-sex marriage in Pa.?

The amendment would strengthen the Pennsylvania Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed in 1996 and prohibits same-sex marriages and civil unions.

Twenty-seven states have constitutions with amendments that ban same-sex marriage. Now, Pennsylvania is considering whether to join them.

Last week the state Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance a bill that would amend the state's constitution to make both same-sex marriages and the "functional equivalent" of marriage - such as civil unions - illegal in Pennsylvania.

Under the Defense of Marriage Act, one court case with a favorable ruling for same-sex couples could overturn the statute. But if the state constitution is amended to ban same-sex marriage, only the U.S. Supreme Court or another state constitutional amendment could permit same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.

Before the bill can be put into effect, it must pass the Senate Appropriations Committee and two consecutive General Assembly sessions. Then state residents would vote on it in a referendum. Daily Pennsylvanian 3.26 read more

 

 

Group to file arguments in Iowa's same-sex marriage case

A gay rights group filed legal arguments today in a case that will decide whether the state's ban on same-sex marriage is legal.

Lambda Legal is a New York-based group that filed the arguments in a lawsuit on behalf of 6 gay and lesbian couples in Iowa who were denied marriage licenses, as well as 3 of the couples' children.

Lambda Legal maintains that the ban denies gay and lesbian couples the constitutionally guaranteed right to liberty and privacy and equal protection under the law. The case is now before the Iowa Supreme Court. WQAD 3.28

 

 

Maryland: Sneaking Same-Sex 'Marriage' Through the Hospital Door

Having failed to win a Massachusetts-style court mandate for same-sex "marriage" in Maryland, homosexual activists there have turned to the legislature to redefine our most basic social institution. Liberals in Maryland have adopted a strategy of throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks, having introduced bills to create same-sex "marriage," civil unions, domestic partnerships, and even one to abolish civil marriage. However, the one that appears to be sticking would allow both same-sex and opposite-sex couples to form "domestic partnerships" for the purpose of "health care facility visitation" and the making of "medical decisions." Advocates of Senate Bill 566, which could receive final action this week, ignore the fact that it is completely unnecessary in light of the generous visitation policies hospitals already maintain and the expansive rights already granted to a "health care agent or surrogate decision maker" under state law. While making little practical change within medical facilities, the creation of "domestic partnerships" under the law would be the camel's nose in the tent for the future expansion of rights and benefits to the point where they are virtually marriage by another name. In California such "partnerships" are now serving as a stepping-stone toward imposition of same-sex "marriage," not an alternative to it. FRCAction

Gay Couples Say Civil Unions Aren’t Enough

Massachusetts is the only state that allows same-sex couples to marry, and Vermont, New Hampshire and New Jersey have civil unions, while California and Oregon have domestic partnerships that provide similar benefits to civil unions.

Though such arrangements were created, often under court mandate, with a promise of treating same-sex couples the same as opposite-sex couples, many gays and lesbians say they have not delivered and can never do so because separate institutions are inherently unequal. Many also resent being denied use of the word marriage, which they say carries intangible benefits, prestige and status. read more NYTimes 3.17

 

Networks Ignore Calif. Case on Same-Sex Marriage

If California's Supreme Court allows them to marry, homosexual activists plan to flock to the Golden State, get hitched, then go home and flood their home state courts with challenges to their marriage laws.

A landmark marriage case opened Tuesday in the California Supreme Court that could have profound legal and social consequences for the entire nation.

Yet the major news networks completely ignored the story on their evening newscasts and even on the Wednesday morning shows.

At issue is California's marriage law, approved by voters in 2000 by a wide margin, which defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman. Because of California's history of liberal legal activism, court watchers are taking bets over whether the high bench will sucker punch the electorate and impose "gay marriage" on the state.

If America wakes up one day and finds that marriage has been redefined away from its original, intrinsic meaning as the union of a man and a woman, people might ask, "When did this happen and how come we didn't know about it?" CNSNews read more

 

 

WA: Gay couples win new rights in bill

Gay and lesbian couples were brought one step closer to same-sex marriage Tuesday when the Legislature voted to extend 170 new rights to them, adding to groundwork begun last year with the passage of domestic partnership rights.

The Senate passed House Bill 3104, proposed by Rep. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, by 29-20 along a mostly party-line vote.

The bill grants same-sex couples additional rights -- including the ability to share bank accounts, the right to hold common property and immunity from testifying against one's partner in court. Divorce rights -- including child-custody provisions -- were also granted.

The measure now goes to Gov. Chris Gregoire, who is expected to sign it into law. read more SeattlePI

 

 

State Supreme Court takes up same-sex marriage

As gay-rights groups call for marital equality and opponents warn of a public backlash, societal decay and religious conflict, the California Supreme Court is prepared for an epic three-hour hearing Tuesday on the constitutionality of the state law defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman.

It shapes up as the most momentous case the court has heard in decades - comparable to the 1981 ruling that guaranteed Medi-Cal abortions for poor women, the 1972 ruling that briefly overturned the state's death penalty law, and the 1948 decision, cited repeatedly in the voluminous filings before the court, that struck down California's ban on interracial marriage. read more SFChronicle 3/2

 

 

Massachusetts Bills Would Dramatically Advance Homosexual Power in State

Pro-family activists in Massachusetts warn that a series of bills pending in the state legislature are pivotal for the future of the legal institution of marriage in the state and across the US. The group Mass Resistance writes that, due to the work of homosexual activists in the courts, proposed changes to Massachusetts law regarding the definition of marriage, will necessarily bleed into the laws of other states.

Two Senate Bills, S1029, S800 and House Bill 1728 propose to repeal Sections 11, 12, 13 and 50 of the General Laws that make it illegal for out-of-state couples to marry in Massachusetts if that marriage would be considered illegal in the parties' home state. The repeal would remove from Massachusetts law what is the norm in most jurisdictions in the US. read more LifeSite 2/29

 

 

Poll: Iowans against gay marriage, support civil unions

 

A new Iowa Poll shows that most Iowans are opposed to gay marriage but support civil unions to give gay couples benefits afforded to heterosexual couples.

The poll, published in a copyright story in the Des Moines Sunday Register, shows that 62 percent of Iowans believe marriage should be only between a man and a woman. Thirty-two percent support same-sex marriage, while 6 percent was unsure.

The random telephone survey of 801 Iowa adults was conducted last month. It has a sampling margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

More than half of those surveyed say Iowa should allow civil unions for same-sex couples. Forty percent oppose civil unions.

The poll also shows that Iowas are divided on whether the state constitution should be changed to ban gay marriage. Forty-eight percent support changing the constitution, while 47 percent oppose such a change. CBS KGAN

 

Iowa: Group accuses Democrats of holding up marriage amendment

A group that wants to ban same-sex marriage is accusing some Democrats of holding up legislation, saying the lawmakers are beholden to donors who want the marriages to be legal.

Members of the Iowa Family Policy Center said on Thursday that top Iowa Democrats had received more than $170,000 from "out-of-state homosexual activists."

That money has bought influence and resulted in the Legislature refusing to hold debate on an amendment to the state's constitution that would ban same sex marriage, said the group's president, former Iowa lawmaker Chuck Hurley.

The Iowa Family Policy Center cited donations to five lawmakers and one former candidate - all Democrats - who received a combined $91,616 from gay and lesbian donors. Its tabulation also included $100,800 that the group said was given directly to the Iowa Democratic Party.Quad City Times 2/29 read more

 

In First, N.Y. Judge Allows Gay Divorce

Trial Court Ruling Appears to Be State's First Allowing Divorce From Same-Sex Marriage

In what appears to be the first ruling of its kind, a New York judge will allow a lesbian couple who married in Canada to sue for divorce.

Though New York does not allow same-sex marriages, a state trial court judge refused to dismiss a divorce and child custody suit brought by a woman, identified only as Beth R., against her former partner Donna M.

New York is one of the few states that does not address same-sex marriages. At least 41 states have laws defining marriage as between a man and a woman, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures; those laws allow states to reject same-sex marriages from other states. In December, the Rhode Island Supreme Court ruled that the state's family courts can't grant divorces to same-sex couples.

In her ruling Monday, Drager said New York will not recognize an out-of-state marriage only if it is prohibited by a state law or if it is "abhorrent to New York public policy." She said only polygamy and incest have been found to be abhorrent. read more ABCNews 2/27

 

 

Wisconsin Marriage Amendment Could Hinge on High Court Election

Whoever fills open seat could decide the future of traditional marriage.

 

 

At FAMU law-school forum, key players spar over gay-marriage ban

The FAMU law-school forum includes an ACLU leader and the head of a group that has pushed the issue onto the ballot.

Two sides of the amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Florida squared off Monday in front of students at Florida A&M's College of Law, with proponents saying that the amendment is essential and opponents saying it's unnecessary.

"Why do we need this? Same-sex marriage is illegal in the state of Florida," said Glenn M. Katon, director of the Central Region of the Florida American Civil Liberties Union.

The amendment is essential, countered John Stemberger, head of Florida4Marriage, to make sure same-sex marriage remains illegal. Unlike current state law, a constitutional amendment would be more difficult to be overturned in court, said Stemberger, whose organization collected the 649,000 signatures necessary to put the amendment on the November ballot. read more OrlandoSentinel 2/26

 

 

CA: Group opposing Marriage Initiatuve launches 'Decline to sign' campaign

A coalition of groups supporting same-sex marriage is asking for volunteers to help defeat an effort to make same-sex marriage unconstitutional in California.

Equality for All, a coalition of LGBT and allied civil rights groups, is launching a "Decline to Sign" campaign to discourage people from signing petitions that support putting an anti-gay marriage initiative on the November ballot.

The measure would amend the state's constitution to specify marriage can only be between a man and a woman. That effort is being led by California's ProtectMarriage.com and the New Jersey-based National Organization for Marriage, according to Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California, which is part of Equality for All. BayAreaReporter 2/21 read more

 

 

Gay activists call for full marriage rights in New Jersey

Gay activists want same-sex marriage rights in New Jersey by year's end.

Steven Goldstein, chairman of gay rights group Garden State Equality, said Tuesday a state report that found civil unions create a second-class status for gay couples boosts their claims that the unions don't work.

Gay marriage opponents said they were surprised neither by the report for calls for gay marriage.

"In the end, the truth is, the homosexual lobby wants same sex marriage for one reason _ to use the power of the state to force heterosexuals to approve of homosexual activity and relationships," said Assemblyman Richard Merkt, R-Morris.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine has said he would sign a gay marriage bill, but doesn't want the issue considered before November's presidential election.

His office didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

Corzine and New Jersey legislators made the state the third to offer civil unions under a 2006 law that came after the state Supreme Court ruled gay couples should receive the same legal protections as married couples. read more Newsday 2/19

 

Indiana Lawmaker Avoids Same-Sex Marriage Lobbyists

Hundreds of e-mails. Petitions with thousands of signatures. Phone calls. Letters. Radio ads. Statehouse rallies.

Supporters of a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage continue to press the issue, despite a key lawmaker's firm stance that he will not give the proposal a hearing.

Without that hearing this year, the amendment appears dead - good news for opponents. But they, too, are pouring on the pressure, hoping to offset efforts by supporters.

At the center of the storm of e-mails and petitions stands Rep. Scott Pelath, a Democrat from Michigan City who chairs the House Rules Committee. Pelath hasn't budged from his position, saying the amendment is unnecessary since Indiana law already bans gay marriage.

"You only amend the constitution when you absolutely have to," Pelath said. "We already have a law that's been upheld in court, and there's just no reason to do it." WBBM 2/19 read more

 

 

MD: Two Sides Testify on Same-Sex Marriage

Supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage clashed before a Maryland Senate committee yesterday, with traditionalists invoking religious convictions and gay rights advocates describing their cause as a civil rights struggle.

The lengthy hearing, which drew dozens of speakers on both sides of the most divisive social issue the General Assembly will take up this year, was headlined by Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler (D), who became Maryland's first elected statewide official to endorse legislation allowing same-sex marriage. WashPost 2/15 read more

 

California groups aiming for gay marriage amendment

As California's highest court prepares to take up a case seeking to legalize same-sex marriage, two groups that failed to get gay marriage bans on the state ballot two years ago are trying again, one with backing from a prominent Christian conservative organization.

The groups, ProtectMarriage.com and VoteYesMarriage.com, have filed ballot language with the California Secretary of State that would, if approved by voters, amend the California Constitution to limit marriage to one man and one woman regardless of how the Supreme Court rules.

They have until late April to gather signatures from 694,354 voters to qualify the measures for the November election and have begun circulating petitions, fundraising and recruiting volunteers through Southern California churches.

The Supreme Court has scheduled a March 4 hearing for oral arguments in four cases brought by 15 same-sex couples, the city of San Francisco and a gay rights group challenging state laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples. SFGate 2/14 read more

 

 

Colorado same-sex marriage ban challenged

A lesbian couple charged with trespassing for refusing to leave a clerk's office without a marriage license is appealing the Colorado ban on same-sex marriage.

Mari Newman, the attorney representing Catherine Burns and Sheila Schroeder of Englewood, filed a motion Monday asking a court to strike down Amendment 43, The Denver Post reported. The amendment was adopted by referendum in 2006.

Newman argues that the amendment violates several amendments to the U.S. Constitution. UPI 2/13 read more

 

 

Maryland: Activists call for gay marriage

Gay-rights activists rallied in Annapolis yesterday and met with dozens of lawmakers to lobby for same-sex marriage, predicting they are close to having the necessary votes in the legislature only five months after Maryland's highest court upheld the state's ban on such unions.

Several hundred people in Lawyers Mall held signs that read "Protect all families" and "Love does not discriminate." Organizers with Equality Maryland, a gay-rights group, said they dispatched participants to make more than 115 visits with lawmakers and urged them to tell personal stories and why their relationships need protections afforded by marriage. BaltSun 2/12 read more

 

Maryland: Gay-marriage opposition is stepped up

Opponents of gay marriage vowed yesterday to bring the fractious debate over same-sex unions to a vote in the Maryland General Assembly and possibly to voters on the November ballot.

Del. Donald H. Dwyer Jr. is circulating a petition to take a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage directly to the floor of the House of Delegates without a committee vote. He also is seeking signatures to bring to the House floor a bill that would legalize same-sex marriage. While the Anne Arundel Republican is a fervent gay-rights opponent, he said Marylanders deserve to know their legislators' views.

At a news conference on Lawyers Mall in Annapolis yesterday, Dwyer said he has the backing of 34 of the required 47 lawmakers to bring to the floor the constitutional amendment, which has died in committee in previous years, and no backers to do the same for the gay-marriage bill. "It's only when the votes are cast that we really know where people stand," Dwyer said. Baltimore Sun read more

Pennsylvanians Say Now is the Time for Marriage Amendment

A recent survey indicates that 70 percent of Pennsylvanians believe that now is the time for our legislators to deal with the issue of same-sex marriage.

Furthermore, the survey indicated that 72 percent wants voters -- not the courts -- to have the final say on whether marriage remains defined as one man and one woman in the Commonwealth.

With the introduction of SB 1250 -- the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment -- there is hope those voters will get their chance.

Sen. Michael Brubaker, R-Lancaster, along with 16 bi-partisan co-sponsors introduced the Pennsylvania Marriage Protection Amendment legislation this week, kicking off the process of getting the question about marriage on the ballot for Pennsylvania voters. stnewswire

For more information, visit www.PA4Marriage.org

 

 

IN: House hearing sought on same-sex marriage ban

Nearly 8,000 Hoosiers have signed a petition demanding an Indiana House hearing on a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, according to a news release Wednesday by the American Family Association of Indiana.

As chairman of the powerful House Rules and Legislative Procedures Committee, Pelath decided not to hear a House resolution that would have amended the state's constitution to ban same-sex marriages. Clark's group is demanding that Pelath hear an identical amendment that passed the Senate earlier this session. IndyStar read more

 

 

California: Warring sides on same-sex marriages look to March 4 court date

The California Supreme Court scheduled a March 4 hearing Wednesday for the long-awaited clash between gay-rights advocates, the state and religious conservatives over the constitutionality of banning same-sex marriage.

The case, to be heard at the court's chambers in San Francisco, is a consolidation of four lawsuits by same-sex couples and the city of San Francisco, challenging the marriage restriction, and two countersuits by private organizations defending the law.

The Knights of Columbus, organizations advocating alternatives to homosexuality, and the Mormon Church and the California Catholic Conference are among the state's supporters, while the Unitarians and other liberal denominations line up on the other side. Competing groups of constitutional law professors filed conflicting briefs. SFGate readmore

 

 

Bill Would End Civil Marriage, Create Domestic Partnerships

Sen. Jamie B. Raskin has sponsored a bill that would make marriage a purely religious institution.

Advocates for same-sex marriage plan to introduce legislation in the Maryland General Assembly today that would abolish civil marriage ceremonies now confined to heterosexual unions in the state and replace them with domestic partnerships for all couples.

The bills represent an unusual new tactic in the effort to push legal rights for gay couples through the House and Senate during the legislature's 90-day session. Sponsors of the measure say they are attempting to address head-on the concerns of lawmakers who oppose same-sex marriage on religious grounds.

Under their proposal, all couples -- straight or gay -- would be on equal footing with secular unions. Religious marriage in churches, synagogues and mosques would be unaffected, as would existing civil marriages.

The word "marriage" would be replaced with "valid domestic partnership" in the state's family law code. WashingtonPost 2/4 read more

 

 

New York: State Court Recognizes Gay Marriages From Elsewhere

A New York appellate court ruled Friday that valid out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples must be legally recognized in New York, just as the law recognizes those of heterosexual couples solemnized elsewhere. Lawyers for both sides said the ruling applied to all public and private employers in the state.

Even though gay couples may not legally marry in New York, the appellate court in Rochester held that a gay couple’s 2004 marriage in Canada must be respected under the state’s longstanding “marriage recognition rule,” and that an employer’s denial of health benefits had discriminated against the couple on the basis of their sexual orientation. NYTimes read more

 

 

Gay marriage ban makes Florida ballot

A citizen initiative to ban gay marriage will be on the November ballot, the only one of more than 50 active petition drives that qualified Friday at the deadline for signature verification.

Sponsors of the single-gender marriage ban announced in December they had obtained enough verified signatures. State officials then lowered the count due to a glitch in the Division of Elections’ electronic reporting system, which had double counted some signatures. MiamiHerald 2/1 read more

 

Indiana One Step Closer to Banning Same-Sex Marriage

The Indiana state senate has voted 39–9 to amend the constitution to define marriage as an institution between a man and a woman. The amendment is now before the house, where it was killed last year and is currently stalled, according to The I ndianapolis Star.

House rules and legislative procedures committee chairman Scott Pelath has already said he will not give the bill a hearing because, according to him, the focus this session is on property taxes.

However, Rep. Eric Turner, a Republican, is trying to add the ban to an amendment that would cap property tax bills, according to the Star. Advocate 2/1

read more

 

Iowa Lawmakers Ask Supreme Court to Overturn Gay Marriage Ruling

Attorneys representing five Republican lawmakers have filed court documents asking the Iowa Supreme Court to overturn a Polk County judge, who struck down a state law banning same-sex marriage in August.

The Alliance Defense Fund, an Arizona-based organization that defends religious liberty, filed a friend of the court brief Tuesday for Representatives Dwayne Alons, Carmine Boal and Betty DeBoef and Senators Nancy Boettger and James Hahn.

The brief says Judge Robert Hanson abdicated his duty to be fair and neutral in considering a legal challenge to a 1998 state law filed by gay couples. KCRG 1/29 read more

 

Maryland: Hundreds Protest New Gay 'Marriage' Bill

Hundreds of people protested outside the Maryland state house in Annapolis Friday after the legislature announced the birth of a new gay "marriage" bill.

The Rev. Harry Jackson Jr., head of the High Impact Leadership Coalition, one of the protest’s organizers, called for a constitutional ban on same-sex "marriages."

"This gathering is an expression of the desire of the Christian community in Maryland," Jackson said.

Former Republican Lt. Gov. Michael S. Steele also made an appearance.

"We are here to affirm that marriage is only between a man and a woman. We need to make it clear where Maryland stands,” Steele said.

The new bill, dubbed the “Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act,” seeks to give homosexuals in Maryland the same rights as heterosexuals including equal protection under the law to marry. Christian Post 1/29 read more

 

Gore Defends Same-Sex Marriage

Taking a quick break from his environmental activism, Al Gore has spoken out on his Current TV site about same-sex marriage. He’s all for it.

Mr. Gore, chairman of Current TV, posted a one-minute speech on the video-sharing site stating why he thinks gay marriage should be legal. We’re not sure why, exactly, he chose this topic matter or this particular time to make such a strong case.

“I think it’s wrong for the government to discriminate against people because of that person’s sexual orientation,” he says. “I think gay men and women ought to have the same rights as heterosexual men and women — to make contracts, to have hospital visiting rights, to join together in marriage, and I don’t understand why it is considered by some people to be a threat to heterosexual marriage.”

Mr. Gore’s position stands to the left of the three leading Democratic candidates, who each support some measure of civil unions but stop short of endorsing same-sex “marriage.” Dennis J. Kucinich, another Democrat, often speaks about his support of gay marriage. NYTimesBlog

 

Florida Ballot initiatives short on signatures

A Florida recount knocks a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriages off the November ballot, leaving it two weeks to find 22,000 voters to get back in the game.

The Department of State on Monday afternoon released revised counts of signatures gathered for half a dozen resident initiatives hoping to go before voters.

The numbers -- necessitated after the state gave up trying to reconcile longstanding computer-reporting errors with counties -- won't be updated until after the Feb. 1 deadline to make the ballot.

Florida4Marriage.org's Florida Marriage Protection Act, the only initiative to seemingly surpass the state's mandatory minimum of 611,009 signatures, was set back by more than 30,000 signatures, to a new count of 589,020. FloridaToday 1/14 read more

 

Maryland: Majority favors legalized unions
31% in Md. oppose granting any form

As the General Assembly gears up for a debate on the rights of gay couples, a solid majority of Maryland voters supports some form of legalized same-sex unions, according to a recent Sun poll.

Nineteen percent of likely voters said they support gay marriage, and 39 percent said they back civil unions, meaning that nearly three out of five believe the state should formally recognize same-sex relationships. Maryland law bans same-sex marriage.

Thirty-one percent of those polled said they disagree with granting either form of same-sex unions, but only half of those opponents said a constitutional amendment is needed to ban them. Eleven percent said they were not sure or declined to answer the question. 01/17 read more

 

Vt. Gay Marriage Debate

Lawmakers say they're unlikely to push for a vote this year on pending legislation that would legalize gay marriage, although a state-appointed panel has been gathering public input and is due to report to the Legislature in April.

Last summer, the Legislature appointed an 11-member Vermont Commission on Family Recognition and Protection to explore the idea of gay marriage and hear how Vermonters feel about it. The panel, which opponents say is stacked with gay marriage supporters and have boycotted, has held seven hearings and has three more scheduled.

The hearings have generated plenty of input, but no name-calling or personal attacks. AP 1/13 read more

 

Activists renewing push for same-sex marriage amendment in PA

A billboard along the Pennsylvania Turnpike poses a provocative question: "Should Pennsylvania kiss marriage goodbye?"

A coalition of religious activists sponsoring that message and others like it hopes the ads will inspire citizens to prod lawmakers to pass a state constitutional amendment banning gay marriage - resurrecting a debate that stalled abruptly last year.

Despite an existing statutory ban on same-sex marriages in Pennsylvania, the coalition says that the institution of marriage is vulnerable to attack. The activists cite recent developments such as New Jersey's legalization of civil unions under a court order. full story

 

US Catholic Parish set to "Publicly Bless the Relationship of Same-Sex Couples"

St. Frances Cabrini church, of the St. Paul and Minneapolis archdiocese, has announced on their website that they are ready to "bless" homosexual partners.

The parish has published a "Statement of Reconciliation" repudiating the Church for its teaching on sexual purity and married chastity and misrepresenting these teachings as a form of "oppression." The statement said the parish will "Publicly bless the relationships of a same sex couple after the couple completes a process of discernment similar to that completed by heterosexual couples before marriage." full story

 

Philadelphia Mayor Presides Over Same-Sex 'Wedding'

Outgoing Philadelphia Mayor John Street officiated at his first same-sex commitment ceremony at City Hall on Saturday. A pro-family organization said the event marked a "dark day in the history of the City of Brotherly Love." "Mayor Street has drifted off course during his political career. Once a strong advocate for traditional values, he can no longer be trusted to uphold those values that are supposedly part of his belief system," said Diane Gramley, president of the American Family Association of Pennsylvania (AFA-PA), in a news release.

The mayor has officiated at fewer than 10 marriages during his two terms, she said. "Even though he is insisting [that] the ceremony is not marriage, homosexual activists are viewing it as a political statement and a giant step forward in their quest for so-called 'marriage equality.'" full story CNSNews

 

 

 

Same-sex marriage battle rages on

The Boston-based legal advocacy group that helped make gay marriage a fact of life in Massachusetts is girding for a fight to expand the rights of same-sex married couples.

For more than a year, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders has quietly surveyed the nearly 10,000 same-sex couples who have wed in Massachusetts to see whether they want federal benefits and equal tax treatment currently provided only to married heterosexuals.

GLAD also ran ads in two publications last month asking same-sex couples to contact the group if they want to be buried in Arlington National Cemetery as military veterans with their spouses or if they unsuccessfully sought to care for a sick spouse under the federal law that lets workers take unpaid medical leaves. civilrights

 

 

New Jersey Legislature Seeks to Redefine Marriage for the Nation

Last December, the New Jersey Legislature created civil unions that offer same-sex couples all the protections and benefits of marriage.

The Legislature is using its lame-duck session to introduce multiple bills that would grant civil unions full "marriage" status.

Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, said there's a strong push for lawmakers to take on this controversial issue before the 2008 session, because the newly elected Legislature may be more inclined to defend the institution. Take Action

 

Catholic Politicans within Knights of Columbustargeted for pro-gay-marriage votes

Accusing the Knights of Columbus of “hypocrisy,” a group of hardline Catholics is pushing for the fraternal organization to toss out 16 “pro-Sodomite” Bay State lawmakers who backed gay marriage.

The California-based Concerned Roman Catholics of America picketed the annual Knights of Columbus convention in Nashville this week and handed out fliers urging members to oust the pro-gay-marriage Massachusetts solons as well as pro-abortion pols.

“We basically want to see the Knights of Columbus expel these men because they’re not honoring the Catholic Church or their vows as a Knight,” said CRCOA president Kenneth Fisher, who is also a Knight. read more

 

Pope laments collapse of marriages

Pope Benedict XVI on Saturday decried the collapse of marriages, telling tens of thousands of young Catholics that he was praying a crisis in traditional family values doesn't become an "irreversible failure." 09/01/2007

 

Catholic Adoption Agency in Scotland Will Close Before Giving Children to Homosexual Parents, Bishop States

The Catholic Bishop of Motherwell, Scotland, Reverend Joseph Devine, stated that a Catholic adoption agency would close rather than comply with the recent UK Sexual Orientation Regulations (SOR) and allow children to be adopted by homosexual couples.

 

California bishops back two of three proposed marriage-protection initiatives

The California Catholic Conference, which represents all the bishops in the state, has decided not to support a marriage-protection initiative that would also void domestic partnership rights. 08/01/2007

 

U.S. bishops back trust fund for affordable housing

The National Affordable Housing Trust Fund Act of 2007 will establish a National Housing Trust Fund, a dedicated source of funding for the production, preservation and rehabilitation of 1.5 million affordable homes in 10 years. At least 75 percent of the funds will be for housing for households that are extremely low income, earning less than 30 percent of an area's median income. 07/13/2007

 

 

 

 

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