The Audacity of NOM

Brian Brown, president of the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage (NOM), is suffering from delusions of grandeur compounded by an acute case of historical myopia, as evidenced by a statement he made at NOM's rally in St. Paul, Minnesota yesterday: "We've taken great pains to make clear what were all about. We view ourselves as a new civil rights movement ... committed to something that in the 1960s was key: the right to vote" (Metro Weekly).

This is a rather twisted view of things, considering that NOM's position is that the rights of minority groups should be subject to referendum. Not exactly something the leaders of the civil rights movement, let alone the founders, would get behind.

NJ Supreme Court Declines to Hear Marriage Case

The New Jersey Supreme Court has declined to hear a case brought by six same-sex couples who claim that the state's civil unions fail to treat them the same as heterosexual couples, violating a court order. The state's high court ruled that the case must make its way through the lower courts before they can consider it (The New York Times).

Hate the Sinner, Hate the Sin

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) continues its city-to-city summer hate tour, drawing dozens of eager defenders of traditional marriage. According to Bilerico, their rally yesterday in Indianapolis drew a whopping 40 people (not counting the 250 counter-protesters). One of NOM's supporters brandished this sign, calling for gay people to be hanged:

The Courage Campaign managed to interview the man with the sign.

Garden State of Play

Marriage equality advocates in New Jersey are gearing up to bring the fight over same-sex marriage to the state Supreme Court. A marriage equality bill stalled in New Jersey after it was defeated in the State Senate last year (h/t AMERICAblog).

Civil Partnerships in Ireland

President Mary McAleese of Ireland signed a bill into law yesterday that for the first time gives legal recognition to same-sex couples. Under the bill, LGBT couples will be able to register for civil partnerships, entitling them to benefits in the areas of property, social welfare, inheritance, pensions, and taxes (The Irish Times).

Summer of Marriage FAIL

The National Organization for Marriage (NOM) stopped in Albany last weekend as part of its whistle-stop homophobia tour. Pam Spaulding has pictures of the rally, and it appears that turnout was underwhelming to say the least. NOM President Brian Brown was flanked by marriage equality protesters as he spoke from the podium.

NOM to Rally in Albany This Saturday

The anti-gay National Organization for Marriage (NOM) is visiting Albany this Saturday, July 17, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM as part of the nationwide tour to spread fear and lies about LGBTQ relationships and families. Our response to their message of division and hate is to come together in a peaceful, positive way to celebrate the beauty of our families and our love and support for one another.

If you are near Albany on Saturday, please join us at Albany Stands for Love, Not Hate!

Join us at the Alternative Wedding Reception Celebrating Diverse Families & Marriage Equality!

WHEN: Saturday, July 17, 2010 / 11:30am-1:30pm

WHERE: Reflecting Pools at Albany Plaza (where fireworks take place on Independence Day)

WHO: ALL families, children, couples, and friends who stand for love, diversity & equality. Straight, gay, bisexual, transgender, lesbian, and queer people.

WHAT: Picnic-style event. Bring your own basket of food/drink for your family. Feel free to dress in your own unique family wedding attire, or bring classic wedding staples like bubbles, flowers, or balloons. This is a peaceful, non-confrontational family event. Children are welcome!

The Alternative Wedding Reception takes place on the same day as Jazz in July, the annual fundraiser hosted by one of our sponsors, In Our Own Voices, an organization that advocates for and promotes the health & well-being of LGBTQ People of Color. We want to help support their fundraising efforts. All funds collected at the Alternative Wedding Reception will be directed towards the Rising Star Scholarship, which will be awarded later that evening at Jazz in July to an LGBTQ young adult who is actively pursuing a college education. For more information, please visit their website.

This event is sponsored by Marriage Equality New York, In Our Own Voices, Capital District Gay & Lesbian Community Council, Albany Queer Rising, HomoRadio on WRPI 91.5fm, and Empire State Pride Agenda.

Judicial Activism?

The Atlantic's Josh Green has an interesting column in the Boston Globe pointing out how many of the key judicial LGBT rights victories in the last 25 years -- from Romer v. Evans to Lawrence v. Texas to Gill -- were written by Republican judicial appointees. The caveat, of course, is that many of these judges would likely be considered too moderate to be appointed by a Republican president today.

And Now, Argentina

Argentina's Senate voted yesterday to legalize same-sex marriage, making it the first country in Latin America to do so. President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner has actively supported marriage equality. The law will go into effect once it is published in the official bulletin, which is expected to happen within days (The New York Times, BBC). Glenn Greenwald notes that 70% of Argentines support extending marriage equality to same-sex couples in their country, which has a large Catholic population and a not-too-distant history of military dictatorship, while few national political figures in the United States even speak out on behalf of same-sex marriage.

How Will This Turn Out?

There is much speculation over whether last week's decisions in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management and Massachusetts v. HHS would be upheld on appeal (and, ultimately, by the Supreme Court). Yale law professor Jack Balkin maps out the potential scenarios that could result in a favorable outcome for supporters of marriage equality.

Radio Silence

The Washington Post has a piece on the White House's silence regarding the decisions rendered last week in a Massachusetts federal court which called the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. The judge ruled in two separate cases that DOMA unconstitutionally interferes with a state's right to define marriage and denies married same-sex couples the federal benefits that heterosexual married couples enjoy. The Obama administration has yet to declare whether it would appeal the rulings and defend the provisions of DOMA that the ruling overturned.

Nadler Presses for DOMA Repeal

Representative Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) is renewing his call for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act in the wake of two federal court rulings last week that challenged the constitutionality of the law (CQ Politics). Nadler introduced the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal DOMA, in the House of Representatives. House Democratic leaders such as Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Barney Frank have resisted taking action on DOMA repeal and have instead urged Democrats to focus on repealing Don't Ask Don't Tell and passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which they consider more likely to achieve passage.

Stringer Walks the Walk on Marriage Equality

In what they describe as a protest against New York's discriminatory marriage laws against same-sex couples, Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer and his fiance, Elyse Buxbaum, have announced that they will marry in Connecticut, which allows same-sex marriage. Says Stringer, “If enough people who have somewhat of a profile — not just politicians, but artists and business leaders — start going into Massachusetts or Connecticut and show New York how embarrassing it is that you can’t get a marriage license for same-sex couples, then we will change things” (The New York Times).

Cuomo: Marriage Equality a "Priority"

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, the Democratic candidate for governor, said last week that, if elected, marriage equality would be a "priority." Cuomo added that he was confident that marriage equality could be secured in the first year of his administration (The Advocate).

HRC Launches Campaign for New York Marriage

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT rights organization, has announced a campaign to defeat New York state legislators who have opposed marriage equality (The New York Times). The Campaign for New York Marriage will parallel the efforts of Marriage Equality New York and Fight Back New York. HRC's campaign will be led by Brad Ellner, a former candidate for Manhattan Borough President and New York City Department of Education official. Ellner was recently expected to take over leadership of Empire State Pride Agenda until opposition to his selection led him to withdraw.

Interview with David Boies

Watch David Boies, one of the attorneys representing the plaintiffs in the Prop. 8 trial, discuss how he turned the testimony of the pro-Prop. 8 witnesses against them (h/t Andrew Sullivan).

The Robosexuals Want to Recruit Your Children

Because after all, it's not like they can reproduce on their own.

Futurama	Thursdays 10pm / 9c
No on Infinity
http://www.comedycentral.com/
Futurama New Episodes Futurama New Episodes It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

H/t SLOG

Tell the State Senate to Bring Lost Wedding Business Back to NY!‏

Marriage Equality Means Business for New York

Weddings are big business with far-reaching consequences for employment and our economy. New York State Senate Democrats estimate that marriage equality would bring in over $50 million a year in new revenue from a combination of marriage license fees and tourism. This is substantiated by a 2007 report from the New York City Comptroller that estimated that, in the first three years after legalization, New York State's economy would experience a net benefit of $210 million. Even during a recession, New York's economy stands to gain $178 million over a three-year period.

New York Couples Leave the State To Marry

In March, 2009, The Williams Institute estimated that 18,966 New York same-sex couples would travel to Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Vermont to marry, taking some if not all of their wedding business with them. In 2008, a Massachusetts government study estimated that 21,321 New York couples would travel there to marry.

Weddings Generate Needed Revenue

Some weddings cost over $100,000, and guests stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, and take a taxi to see a show. Just one wedding can use the services of a wedding consultant, bridal shop, tuxedo rental, stationer, limo driver, florist, marriage officiant, musicians, caterer, jeweler, banquet hall, and photographer. A garden wedding employs gardeners and party rentals for dishes, tables, chairs, tent and a dance floor. Bridal showers employ caterers, restaurants and liquor stores. Brides, bridesmaids and guests get their hair done, and may get facials or manicures. Gifts are purchased for the wedding party.

The Misguided Vote in the State Senate

On December 2, 2009, the New York State Senate voted 38 to 24 to refuse same-sex couples equal rights by preventing them from marrying. This step away from equality also denied vital revenue to the thousands of businesses sustained by weddings and honeymoons and the many thousands of people those businesses employ. In this time of financial crisis, with New York's credit rating at risk, we are losing needed tax revenues. Fees and taxes on fifty million dollars a year in new revenues for New York businesses would pay a lot of teachers each year.

Gay and lesbian couples now go to other states and Canada for their weddings and honeymoons. Let's keep their wedding business where it belongs ... right here in New York! It just makes good business sense.

Tell the New York State Senate to Support New York Business by Voting for Marriage Equality.

Please forward this message to other wedding-related businesses losing revenue because of marriage inequality.

Thank you!

Rob Lassegue, Program Director, Marriage Equality New York
Marriage Equality New York, P.O. Box 121 Old Chelsea Station

New York, NY 10113-0121

Phone & Fax: 877-772-0089

mailto:marriagepetition@meny.us

Reactions to DOMA Decisions

Andrew Sullivan, as is his style, provides a great compilation of the commentary regarding yesterday's DOMA rulings in Massachusetts.

DOMA Linkage

Read some of the coverage of yesterday's historic decision ruling Part 3 of DOMA unconstitutional.

The New York Times

Boston Globe

The Los Angeles Times

New York Daily News

Keen News Service

The Advocate

Firedoglake analyzes the rulings' chances of being upheld on appeal.

Ask President Obama Not to Appeal DOMA Decision

From the Courage Campaign:

President Obama: Don't appeal the DOMA decision

Tell him you expect his administration to stand with us in support of equality

We won a major court victory for LGBT equality on Thursday. A federal judge in Massachusetts ruled that part of the notorious "Defense of Marriage Act" -- which blocks the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriage -- is unconstitutional.

This ruling is wonderful news and a huge victory in our fight to bring full equality to all Americans. But the federal government can appeal the ruling. It's time to organize to ask our president to uphold equality by letting this decision stand.

Please join us in asking President Obama to direct the Justice Department to stand down and not appeal this ruling:

President Obama:

We, the undersigned, urge you to respect the federal judge's decision ruling parts of the "Defense of Marriage Act" to be unconstitutional by directing the agencies under your control to not appeal this rulling.

This historic decision by Judge Joseph Tauro makes it clear that the "Defense of Marriage Act" was motivated by what he called "irrational prejudice." There is no justification for continuing to defend this unconstitutional law in the courts.

We look to you to provide national leadership in support of full equality for all Americans. Please join us in welcoming this historic verdict by pledging to not appeal it to a higher court.

http://www.couragecampaign.org/page/s/DontAppeal

Federal Judge Rules Part 3 of DOMA Unconstitutional!

PRESS ADVISORY: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Part 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”) deemed Unconstitutional!!!

Contacts: Cathy Marino-Thomas, Jeff Friedman

In 1996, Congress enacted and President Clinton signed into law the Defense of Marriage Act (“DOMA”). Section 3 of DOMA defines the terms "marriage" and "spouse" as the union of one man and one woman for the first time in American History. Today, The Hon. Joseph L. Tauro of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that Section 3 of DOMA is unconstitutional.

Cathy Marino-Thomas, MENY’s Board President, said “Judge Tauro’s insight and understanding of the founding principals of equality are a wonderful step forward for all families. The decision in this case will enable my wife and I to better protect our 10-year-old child. We are thrilled to have our marriage gain the recognition and support that will result from this verdict.” Marino-Thomas continued, “When our daughter learns about equality in school, she will know it applies to her.”

"The U.S. District Court applied a rational and common-sense approach to the meaning of equal protection under the law. We applaud Judge Tauro for this decision. We encourage Albany and the New York State Senate to employ a similar approach and pass marriage equality legislation so that all New Yorkers can be treated equally under the law. In this election year, MENY PAC is committed to making sure the New York State Senate reflects the position of the majority of New Yorkers who support equal access to civil marriage for all New York's loving couples," said Jeff Friedman, MENY PAC’s Board President.

The Court held that Section 3 of DOMA violates the equal protection guarantees of the Due Process Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution by arbitrarily and irrationally creating discrete classes of citizens. The court found that DOMA bears no rational relationship to any legitimate government interest by barring legally married same-sex couples access to federal benefits guaranteed to legally married heterosexual couples. Furthermore, Judge Tauro ruled that DOMA harms families of same-sex couples by denying children the immeasurable benefits of a stable family. The Court noted that children raised by gay and lesbian parents are just as likely to be well-adjusted as those raised by heterosexual parents.

In the companion case brought by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Judge Tauro held that DOMA violates the 10th Amendment to the Unites States Constitution by intruding on areas that are of exclusive state authority (marriage and the issuance of marriage licenses) and by forcing the Commonwealth to discriminate against some of its own citizens in order to retain its federal funds in federal-state programs.

Phone & Fax: 877-772-0089
http://www.pac.meny.us/

Some of Andrew Cuomo's Best Friends Are Gay

The New York Times has a must-read article on the concerns that some LGBT rights advocates have concerning Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo's record on LGBT issues. The Times notes that in the run-up to last year's State Senate vote on marriage equality, advocates asked Cuomo to call three senators who were on the fence. Cuomo failed to contact two of them, and only left a message for the third, Joseph Addabbo, after the senator had already voted against the bill. Still, The Times writes: "In his understated way, aides and friends said, he has advanced gay causes by appointing gay men and lesbians to key positions and, as attorney general, cracking down on two companies accused of discriminating on the basis of sexuality. He has frequently sought the counsel of gay elected officials like Ms. Quinn. And he has made clear, since announcing his candidacy for governor in May, that he supports same-sex marriage."

After the unambiguous support that David Paterson has shown the LGBT community, can we expect a similar level of support from a Governor Cuomo?

Hawaii Governor Nixes Civil Unions

Hawaii Governor Linda Lingle has vetoed a bill that would have established civil unions for same-sex couples. The legislature is not expected to override the governor's veto (Talking Points Memo). The next time someone argues that we should push for civil unions instead of full marriage equality, remind them of Hawaii. Even second-class civil unions are too much for people like Lingle, who deny the basic rights of LGBT people to equal treatment under the law.