MENY Mingles with GOP

The New York State Senate is expected to convene for a special session in early November, and Governor Paterson has promised that marriage equality will be the first item on the legislative agenda. With the Democrats holding only a two-seat majority over the chamber, passage of the marriage equality bill will require support from across the aisle. With that in mind, volunteers from Marriage Equality New York (MENY) demonstrated at the New York State Senate Republican Campaign Committee fundraiser in Manhattan last night to ask for GOP support of the bill.

According to this report in the Daily News, the activists were greeted warmly by Senate Minority Leader Dean Skelos, who invited them inside to enjoy the festivities. Skelos, who opposes marriage equality, is believed to be willing to let his members vote their own conscience if the bill comes to the floor.

Fundraising Edge for No On 1

No On 1/Protect Maine Equality, the group seeking to defeat Maine's anti-gay Question 1, are enjoying a nearly two-to-one fundraising advantage over Question 1's supporters, according to the Associated Press. No on 1 has raised $4 million in its campaign to affirm Maine's same-sex marriage law, compared to the $2.5 million raised by Stand for Marriage Maine, which placed the "people's veto" vote on the ballot through a petition drive.

Despite their edge in fundraising, No On 1 is taking nothing for granted, as close polling numbers and possibly low turnout make the outcome of this vote hard to predict. Show your solidarity with No On 1/Protect Maine Equality. Travel to the state or make calls from home, and help defeat Question 1.

Too Soon?

When David Boies and Theodore Olson teamed up to challenge California's Proposition 8 in federal court last May, the consensus among the national gay rights leadership was that their lawsuit came too soon, risking a major set-back for the marriage equality movement by prompting a broad, unfavorable decision in the U.S. Supreme Court. Boies and Olson, who represented opposite sides in Bush v. Gore in 2000, claim in their suit on behalf of two couples that California violated the U.S. Constitution by passing Proposition 8, which overrode the state Supreme Court's decision to allow same-sex marriages. However, when Judge Vaughn Walker, chief judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, denied the defense's motion to dismiss the lawsuit two weeks ago, the prospects for marriage equality proponents began to look a little brighter. The New York Times explores whether the conditions are favorable to establish a Constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

On a related note, The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Judge Walker has ruled that the sponsors of Proposition 8 may withhold campaign strategy documents from gay-rights groups that are looking for evidence of anti-gay bias.

Specter Calls for DOMA Repeal

Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) writes in The Huffington Post that "the time has come" to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Specter, who switched party affiliation to the Democrats in April after nearly 30 years as a Republican senator, calls the law a "relic" and argues that the federal government should leave the matter to the states.

In addition to his support for repealing DOMA, Specter was a sponsor of the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which President Obama is expected to sign into law shortly, and is an original co-sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Senator Specter also calls in the article for a full repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, which prohibits gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

Census Will Not Count Married Same-Sex Couples

The Census will not count legally married same-sex couples as such, according to the Associated Press. While those couples will be categorized as unmarried partners in the overall count, the U.S. Census Bureau will make the data on same-sex couples who describe themselves as married available on a state-by-state basis.

"A Losing Argument"

Speaking at a panel at the New School last week, conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat argued that opposition to marriage equality is a "losing argument." Himself an opponent of marriage equality, Douthat claimed that he generally avoids the issue because of his discomfort debating the merits of marriage equality on religious grounds. Douthat also noted that secular arguments against marriage equality are too abstract to gain traction with the public. He later told The New York Observer, "If I were putting money on the future of gay marriage, I would bet on it."

Patterson Pledges Marriage Vote

Speaking at the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) fall dinner last night, Gov. David Patterson said that marriage equality would be put to a vote when the Senate returns to Albany for a special session within the next few weeks. Telling those in attendance that the Senate had "unfinished business," Patterson promised that the marriage equality bill (S.4401) would be on the "first [legislative] calendar." (Via NY1.)

While these are welcome words from the governor, supporters of marriage equality need to do everything they can to make sure this vote happens. Call and write Senate Majority Leader John Sampson and tell him you want S.4401 to come to the floor. Then call and write your senator and tell him or her to vote for marriage equality.

A Beautiful Couple

A pair of editorials, from the Bangor Daily News and the Portland Press Herald, urge voters to vote no on Question 1 when they go to the polls on November 3. The referendum asks voters whether they want to reject the recently passed law that lets same-sex couples marry while allowing individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages. "Voting no on Question 1 will reiterate Maine's commitment to equality and acceptance of families of all types while respecting religious traditions and beliefs," writes the Bangor Daily News.

Even if you don't live in Maine, you can join the fight for marriage equality in the state. Click here to find out how.

Just Do It

In an editorial on Monday, The Albany Times-Union called on the New York State Senate to bring the marriage equality bill passed by the Assembly earlier this year to a vote. Of the Senate's dithering on the issue, they write, "Enough. Senate Democrats should put this bill on the agenda when the Legislature next returns to Albany and let it win or lose in a fair, open fight."

We couldn't agree more. Call Senate Majority Leader John Sampson and tell him you want the Senate to bring the marriage equality bill to a vote.

Bill Would End Anti-Gay Discrimination in Adoption

The Washington Blade reports that Representative Pete Stark (D-CA) has introduced a bill in the House that would prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the area of adoption. The bill, known as the Every Child Deserves a Family Act, would restrict federal funds for states that discriminate in adoption or foster programs based on marital status, sexual orientation, or gender identity. As of Monday, the bill had no co-sponsors.

Currently, Utah, Florida, Arkansas, Nebraska and Mississippi have explicit restrictions on adoption that the pending legislation would affect. Florida, for instance, specifically prohibits gay people from adopting; in Arkansas, unmarried co-habitating couples are prohibited from adopting children.

Call or write you member of Congress and ask them to support H.R. 3827.

Toss Up in Maine

Nate Silver gives the pro-marriage equality side 5:2 odds of defeating Question 1, which would overturn the marriage equality law set to take effect in November. However, he stresses that it's going to come down to turnout. Read his analysis here.

MENY Events

There are some upcoming events you should not miss.

(1) WHAT: WQfME/MENY dual meeting, followed by the Candidate Forum on Civil Rights. WHEN: Monday, October 26, starting at 6:15 PM. WHERE: Astoria Historical Society (4th floor) at Quinn Funeral Home building, 35-20 Broadway (corner of 36th Street), Astoria, NY.

Western Queens for Marriage Equality and Marriage Equality New York (MENY) will have a joint meeting to discuss community involvement and new initiatives for passing marriage equality in New York. Following the meeting will be the Candidate Forum on Civil Rights, organized by Western Queens for Marriage Equality and co-sponsored by MENY for local Astoria City Council candidates Lynne Serpe, Peter Vallone, and Jerry Kann. The current City Council Member for Astoria, Peter Vallone, hasn't confirmed his attendance at the debate. Vallone historically has not supported the marriage equality bill. Come and listen to all the candidates' remarks about civil rights in New York. Click here to RSVP for the Facebook event, then click the "share" button on Facebook to post the event on your Wall.

(2) WHAT: Jesse Luttrell presents the "BAWDY Variety Show" to benefit Marriage Equality New York. WHEN: Thursday, November 5, 9:30 PM – 11:15 PM. WHERE: The Triad Theater, 158 West 72nd Street (upstairs).

An off-color, off-the-wall, and knock-your-socks-off BAWDY variety show with an open mic. BAWDY's host, Jesse Luttrell, introduces a raucous night of burlesque, vaudeville, cheap thrills, and cabaret favorites. And if you're so inclined, come and sign up for the open mic! PLUS: The BAWDY Dancers...and more! Including open mic randomness with our BAWDY pianist Mr. DAN DALY! $15/cover 2 Drink Minimum. Get your tickets here.

(3) And don't forget MENY's General Meeting on the first Wednesday of every month. This month, on November 4th, we will discuss the movement locally and nationally, how the National Equality March went, and future actions. The meeting will be held at the LGBT Center, 208 West 13th Street, New York, NY, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM and will be followed by a meeting of the Civil Rights Front from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM.

Take Action!

The New York State Senate is expected to come back into session soon, so it is essential that we make a push to pass the marriage equality bill before the end of the year. Contact Senate Majority Leader Sampson's office today and every day in the coming weeks, and let him know you want a vote on marriage equality in 2009. Leave a message with the receptionist saying you are a New York State resident concerned with equality for all families and would like the marriage equality bill, S.4401, to be voted on as soon as possible. It's easy, and it only takes a minute.

Please email, call, send or fax letters, and visit Senate Majority Leader Sampson. Tell him you want a vote on marriage equality in 2009! Tell him New York will not take no for an answer!

Senator John Sampson
In-District Phone: (718) 649-7653
In-District Fax: (718) 649-7661
In-District Address: 1222 96th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11236
E-mail: sampson@senate.state.ny.us

Looking for more ways to get involved? Reach out to your senator and become a district community organizer (DCO).

Life As A Gay Congressional Spouse

Jared Polis (D-CO), the first openly gay man to be elected to a first term in Congress, and his partner, Marlon Reis, are negotiating the realities of being a same-sex political couple in Washington. As they describe for CNN, the privileges of power confront the limitations of being gay in America, as Reis deals with feeling like an outsider and faces such absurdities as whether he can appropriately be described as "spouse" on his Capitol ID."

Urgent - Call Your Senators!

A vote on marriage equality may be imminent. Empire State Pride Agenda has issued the following statement calling on supporters of marriage equality to contact their senators.

"Marriage Vote Could Be Coming – Call Your Senator Today!

Governor Paterson has announced that he will be calling the legislature back to Albany at the end of October to deal with the state’s budget deficit and other important issues. This is the best opportunity in months that our community has had to get the State Senate to debate and vote on the marriage bill. We also believe that this will very likely be the last chance that we have to get a vote on marriage this year.

Last week, State Senator Tom Duane, the marriage bill’s lead sponsor, said that he believes a vote could come before the November 3 elections. And today the Times Union in Albany called on the State Senate to stop delaying and vote on marriage immediately.

It’s been a frustrating year for all of us. There have been unforeseen roadblocks that have prevented legislation—crucial human rights bills—from getting their due attention in the State Senate.

We now have an opportunity to get a vote on marriage, and we need to make sure you deliver the message to your Senator that we’re done waiting. It’s time to vote.

Click here to use a tool that will patch you through directly to the office of your State Senator at no cost to you. It’s easy to use, and nothing is as effective as making a phone call to deliver the message that you expect a vote on marriage before the end of the month.

It is very important for our community and allies to step up now and demand that equality for our families takes priority. Call your Senator today and stay tuned for more updates from the Pride Agenda.

A major victory for LGBT New Yorkers could literally be days away.

P.S. Please know the Pride Agenda is actively talking to all sides in the State Senate and many Senators are ready to support us, but they must hear from you—even if you’ve contacted them before—so that they are reminded that this issue is not going away and needs to be taken up now.

You should also know that a decision from our state’s highest court is coming out before the end of the year that could undermine the protections thousands of New York LGBT couples have sought for their families by going out-of-state to get married. If the State Senate had already passed the marriage equality bill, our families would not be in this vulnerable position.

Call now so your Senator hears from you!"

More Than 100 Co-Sponsors for DOMA Repeal

The number of representatives co-sponsoring the Respect for Marriage Act, which would partially repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), has topped 100, according to On Top Magazine. The bill, which was introduced in the House in September by Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), and Jared Polis (D-CO), would allow same-sex couples in a legally performed marriage to receive federal benefits related to marital status, even if they move to a state that does not permit same-sex marriage. However, the bill would not require states that do not provide same-sex marriages to recognize marriages performed elsewhere.

Barney Backtracks

Congressman Barney Frank (D-Mass.), one of three openly gay members of Congress, tried to explain his remarks that the only thing October 11's National Equality March would pressure is "the grass." Speaking on the Joy Behar Show (h/t, The Advocate), Frank, who has not participated in any of the gay rights marches on Washington, argued that his comments were only meant to suggest that people with limited time would be better off directing their energies elsewhere.

Mr. Frank's concerns may be misplaced, however, since one of the main organizers behind the march seems to agree with the overall point. In an interview with Anderson Cooper (h/t, Rex Wockner), Cleve Jones expresses no illusions that one march will make all the difference. In fact, Jones candidly acknowledges that no one activity (marching, picketing, letter-writing, etc.) will be enough to enact change and win the battle for equality. All of these things will be necessary.

The President Speaks Out (Sort Of)

In response to questions from The Advocate, the White House issued a statement regarding the President Obama's position on the marriage equality referenda in Maine and Washington. While the statement reiterates the president's opposition to "divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples," the statement makes no specific mention of the Maine and Washington referenda, nor does it call on voters to vote one way or another. (A "no" vote in Maine would block the repeal of the marriage equality law; a "yes" in Washington would affirm that state's domestic partnership law.)


Is this just another half-measure from our fierce advocate?

Duane "Certain" of Marriage Bill Passage

New York State Senator Tom Duane, speaking to a reporter from The Advocate at last Sunday's National Equality March, said he was "certain" that the marriage equality bill he has sponsored in the state senate will pass before the end of the year.

Show Me Your March

Do you have a story from the National Equality March that you want to share? A great photo that captures the moment? If so, send them to Cathy (cathy@meny.us) or Ron (ron@meny.us), and we'll post them on MENY's website and Facebook page.

While you're at it, don't be shy about sending your pictures and your thoughts to your state senator. Let him or her know how you feel about being an unequal citizen!

The March Is Over. Now What?

Last weekend's National Equality March was fun, inspirational, and exciting. But in order for it to be effective, we need to keep up the hard work of organizing and advocating.

On November 3, Maine voters will be faced with Question 1, a referendum that seeks to repeal the marriage equality bill recently passed by the state legislature and signed into law by the governor. No On 1, the organization working to retain marriage equality in Maine, needs our help. Here's how you can help defeat Question 1.

(1) Drive (or carpool) to Maine for a day or a whole weekend. Visit Drive for Equality to sign up. It doesn't matter if you have a car or not -- just check a box and a rideshare request will pop onto their interactive board. Your name and location (but not your e-mail address) will show up on your posting, allowing you and other volunteers to connect to coordinate rides while keeping your personal information private.

Traveling volunteers will canvass towns and neighborhoods, call voters, support No On 1's data or logistics teams, and take part in public events. Both morning and afternoon shifts are available on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on Monday, November 2nd and on Election Day. Sign up to Drive for Equality to Maine. Your short trip will make a big difference.

(2) Can't make it to Maine? Join Call for Equality, No On 1's virtual phone bank program, and help contact voters from your home or office. All you need is a phone and an internet connection to make a difference.

MENY March Events

If you are going to be in D.C. on Saturday, you should know about some events that Marriage Equality USA is sponsoring:

Option A - Mixer
Saturday, October 10, 5:30PM - 7:30PM, FREE when registered. Marriage Equality Networking Mixer. Join Marriage Equality organizations from across the USA. Harman Center mezzanine (610 F Street NW). Cash bar.

Option B - Screening
Saturday, October 10, 5:00PM - 6:30PM. Come see a screening of the award-winning documentary "Edie & Thea: A Very Long Engagement," produced by award-winning directors Susan Muska and Greta Olafsdottir (The Brandon Teena Story) in association with Sundance Channel, at the Harman Center (610 F Street NW). The event will be followed by a Q&A with Edie and will continue into Marriage Equality Networking Mixer.

Option C - Drag-Trans Extravaganza!
Marching for Equality in Heels: An Imperial Drag-Trans Extravaganza benefiting The Matthew Shepard Foundation and Celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall. Saturday, October 10th at the Renaissance M Street Hotel, 1143 New Hampshire Avenue NW Washington, Cocktail Reception - 8:00pm Show Time: 10pm (Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres Reception & Show $50/Show only: $30)

For more information, visit MENY's website.

It's Not Too Late!

The National Equality March is this Sunday, October 11. If you haven't made travel arrangements, fear not: it's not too late! You can purchase bus tickets here until tomorrow, so hurry, because time is running out.

The Gay Premium

What is the cost of being a second-class citizen? According to the New York Times, anywhere between $41,196 and $467,562. Those are the best- and worst-case extra costs that accrue to same-sex couples over a lifetime. The Times created a hypothetical same-sex couple whose situation would be similar to that of a heterosexual couple, and charted the additional costs they would bear based on varying income and other circumstances.