tagged w/ Prop 8
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The Obama administration today branded the federal Defense of Marriage Act "discriminatory" and called for its repeal -- in the course of defending it against a lawsuit brought by a gay couple from Orange County.
As long as the law denying federal recognition of same-sex marriages remains on the books, Department of Justice attorneys are obliged to find constitutional justification for it, explained department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler.
Obama has disappointed gay citizens by failing to reverse policies that deny some rights and privileges to same-sex couples.
Assistant Atty. Gen. Tony West made it clear in his brief today, though, that the administration defends the federal same-sex marriage barrier with reluctance.
"This administration does not support DOMA as a matter of policy, believes that it is discriminatory, and supports its repeal," West wrote. "Consistent with the rule of law, however, the Department of Justice has long followed the practice of defending federal statutes as long as reasonable arguments can be made in support of their constitutionality, even if the department disagrees with a particular statute as a policy matter, as it does here."
West urged the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California to dismiss the lawsuit brought by Arthur Smelt and Christopher Hammer of Mission Viejo without addressing the merit of their claims that the federal law is unconstitutional.
Smelt and Hammer haven't shown that they have been adversely affected by the federal law, West argued, because their marriage is legal in California and they haven't applied for any federal benefits that would be denied under the Defense of Marriage Act.
-- Carol J. WilliamsThe Obama administration today branded the federal Defense of Marriage Act... more
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American Apparel was recently attacked in Maryland because of their legalize gay display. They are standing up to this attack by offering free "Legalize Gay" t-shirts to equality supporters in the DC area. They also are offering free shirts to any group in Washington DC fighting for gay rights and offer their support any protest or rally for the cause. American Apparel says, "We don't find this kind of thing funny and we definitely don't find it intimidating."American Apparel was recently attacked in Maryland because of their legalize gay... more
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When I got married in California in 1959 there were almost 20 states where marriage was limited to two people of different sexes and the same race. Eight years later the Supreme Court unanimously declared state bans on interracial marriage unconstitutional.
Recently, Ted Olson and I brought a lawsuit asking the courts to now declare unconstitutional California's Proposition 8 limitation of marriage to people of the opposite sex. We acted together because of our mutual commitment to the importance of this cause, and to emphasize that this is not a Republican or Democratic issue, not a liberal or conservative issue, but an issue of enforcing our Constitution's guarantee of equal protection and due process to all citizens.
The Supreme Court has repeatedly held that the right to marry the person you love is so fundamental that states cannot abridge it. In 1978 the Court (8 to 1, Zablocki v. Redhail) overturned as unconstitutional a Wisconsin law preventing child-support scofflaws from getting married. The Court emphasized, "decisions of this Court confirm that the right to marry is of fundamental importance for all individuals." In 1987 the Supreme Court unanimously struck down as unconstitutional a Missouri law preventing imprisoned felons from marrying.
(more at link)
------------------------When I got married in California in 1959 there were almost 20 states where marriage... more
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In a great move for companies Montblanc and Dunder Mifflin, opponents to the passage of Maine's same-sex marriage law have gathered the necessary 55,087 signatures required to put a repeal up for a statewide vote. The marriage equality bill, signed in May by Gov. John Baldacci, has not yet gone into effect; that is to come in September. But the law will be put on hold once the signatures collected by Stand for Marriage Maine — the organization led by Mark Mutty that spearheaded the signature drive — are certified. As Gilly would say: sorry.
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Please share your thoughts fellow Currenteers. Is this fair? Should a group who has just won rights be denied them before they are even enacted? Does the majority have the power (and right) to deny liberties from a minority?In a great move for companies Montblanc and Dunder Mifflin, opponents to the passage... more
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On Sunday (06-28-09) was the 36th Annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade.
The gay community gathered on a joyful march along Market Street in the spirit of its celebration theme: "In order to form a more perfect union…"
Mayor Gavin Newson e other local authorities participated on this event to show their support and commitment to preserve everyone's civil rights.
This event that usually attracts a joyful crowd this year seemed to have motivated everyone to come out. It felt like the rainbow was attracting everyone to show their support to marriage and family equality.
Prop. 8 gave the gay community a sense of union that is beyond the aspect of civil union. It made us realize that denying lawful recognition to longtime commitment among same gender couples affects the lives of their children as well.
The thought that children of same sex gender grew up by under the social stigma of their illegitimacy status, it's enough reason to recognize that Prop. 8 is extremely unfair!
Meanwhile, gays everywhere shall stand up and keep on shouting out loud: "homophobia got to go!"On Sunday (06-28-09) was the 36th Annual San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade.
The gay... more
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A federal judge in San Francisco said Tuesday that he is disinclined to suspend California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage while a lawsuit challenging it as a violation of the U.S. Constitution proceeds in his court.
In a tentative order, U.S. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker said he'd rather move directly to a speedy trial on the case's merits than grant a preliminary injunction that would temporarily allow gay nuptials.
"Because entering a preliminary injunction may raise novel concerns that could be avoided through a prompt decision on the merits, the court's tentative plan is instead to proceed expeditiously to trial," Walker wrote.
California Attorney General Jerry Brown and Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who are defendants in the suit, had argued against staying the ban, known as Proposition 8. They argued that allowing same-sex couples to resume marrying while the litigation advances would create unnecessary confusion, both for the couples and the state.
But they had also urged Walker to take up the case quickly. Brown also has sided with the plaintiffs — an unmarried lesbian couple from Northern California and an unmarried gay couple from Southern California — in maintaining that Proposition 8 violates their civil rights.A federal judge in San Francisco said Tuesday that he is disinclined to suspend... more
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Joe Holliday was jumped by several men who attacked him and called him faggot according to witnesses. The suspects are still at large. Holiday's doctor said the wound looked like he was hit by the blunt end of a gun.Joe Holliday was jumped by several men who attacked him and called him faggot... more
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This week on infoMania The Real Housewives of New Jersey say goodbye in style, Heidi and Spencer just wont go away, home shopping networks are booming, Bryan explains why gays should abandon their quest for marriage rights, Sergio looks at the hottest music videos on YouTube, and as the world welcomes the new iPhone, Ben revisits his favorite iPhone apps.
infoMania is a half-hour satirical news show that airs on Current TV. The show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload brought about by the constant bombardment of the media. Hosted by Conor Knighton and co-starring Brett Erlich, Sarah Haskins, Ben Hoffman, and Sergio Cilli, the show airs on Thursdays at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific Times and can be found online at http://current.com/infomania/ or on Current TV. And make sure to check out our facebook profile for special features at http://infomaniafacebook.com.This week on infoMania The Real Housewives of New Jersey say goodbye in style, Heidi... more
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I met my first boyfriend in junior high school while this song was on the charts. Many, many boyfriends later and we are all still fighting the fight. History is on our side, if time isn't.I met my first boyfriend in junior high school while this song was on the charts.... more
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Big news from Maine. On the plus side, the campaign to save Maine's marriage law has been launched -- and they've got a kick-ass campaign manager leading the effort. In Maine, new laws can be challenged via the referendum process. As I write this, the Catholic Church and its vehemently anti-gay allies are collecting signatures to get a measure on the ballot this November to repeal the new marriage equality law.Big news from Maine. On the plus side, the campaign to save Maine's marriage law... more
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Obama, hailed by many supporters as someone who can rule from the middle, has shown once again what a muddled mess such a strategy of compromise creates.
The President’s nearly neurotic desire to not offend anyone, and thereby managing to offend everyone, makes Obama look as if he has a backbone made of marshmallows, not ethical principals.
The latest disaster over gay rights is a case in point.Obama, hailed by many supporters as someone who can rule from the middle, has shown... more
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Maine, one of our new equality states is facing a challenging from the same people who ran the Prop 8 battle in California. Clearly they won't rest until gays and lesbians are second class citizens in every state. From the AP:
"PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Gay marriage opponents in Maine have hired the California public relations firm that led the successful Prop 8 proposal to overturn same-sex marriage.
Schubert Flint Public Affairs will manage the campaign to repeal Maine's gay marriage law, just as it did in California. Organizers of the veto effort are trying to collect the signatures of more than 55,000 registered Maine voters to put the question on the November ballot.
Meanwhile, supporters of Maine's gay marriage law have formed a new political action committee.
Maine Freedom to Marry announced Wednesday it has hired Jesse Connolly. Connolly is taking a leave of absence as the House speaker's chief of staff. Connolly led the successful 2005 campaign to retain the state's gay rights law."Maine, one of our new equality states is facing a challenging from the same people who... more
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This week on infoMania the national spelling bee has the news media stumbling, Eminem gets a facial, and we'll give you several more reasons to hate Spencer Pratt. Plus, Ben Hoffman on why none of us should feel bad for Susan Boyle. Sarah Haskins on why commercials love to use fairy tales to sell women stuff. And Bryan Safi on a girl's best friend: a gay man.
infoMania is a half-hour satirical news show that airs on Current TV. The show puts a comedic spin on the 24-hour chaos and information overload brought about by the constant bombardment of the media. Hosted by Conor Knighton and co-starring Brett Erlich, Sarah Haskins, Ben Hoffman, and Sergio Cilli, the show airs on Thursdays at 10 pm Eastern and Pacific Times and can be found online at http://current.com/infomania/ or on Current TV. And make sure to check out our facebook profile for special features at http://infomaniafacebook.com.This week on infoMania the national spelling bee has the news media stumbling, Eminem... more
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What follows is the full text of Senator Mark Leno's statement following the California Supreme Court's ruling that upheld Proposition 8's ban of same-sex marriage in California (Tuesday, March 26, 2009)What follows is the full text of Senator Mark Leno's statement following the... more
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Just a day after the pro-equality Meet in the Middle rally where thousands of pro civil rights Californians rallied in Fresno, California, a counter demonstration was staged. This time activists opposed the equality argument with Biblical passages and right wing religious leaders. Will Prejean, father of Miss California Carrie Prejean attended with the head of the California Republican party Ron Nehrin. It was a bromance made in heaven. "We will stand united and we will win this battle," Nehring said.
Ron Prentice a leader in the anti-equality movement said, "It's the will of God to protect marriage. . . . We will be victorious because God goes before us."
Not in attendance was the First Amendment separating Church and State.
Featured on Current LGBT http://current.com/topics/76953342_lgbt/Just a day after the pro-equality Meet in the Middle rally where thousands of pro... more
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Joel Silberman and Richard Kim on the LGBT equality movement and what's next for activists. Should they fight for equality on the state level or move for some kind of federal recognition?Joel Silberman and Richard Kim on the LGBT equality movement and what's next for... more
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GRITtv
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2 years ago
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Meet in the Middle drew thousands of equal rights supporters to Fresno California this weekend. People came from all over the state to begin a conversation with the most conservative district in the state, where 70% of the voters oppose equality. Cleve Jones led the march from Selma County to Fresno using the slain Harvey Milk's bullhorn. Cleve Jones has called for a national march in Washington DC the weekend of October 10 - 11.Meet in the Middle drew thousands of equal rights supporters to Fresno California this... more
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Mad World: A Single Garment of Destiny
“Mad World” is a short film by Evanoah Sea, with music provided by Adam Lambert. The film documents the San Diego Civil Rights March that took place on May 26th, 2009. “We are all tied together in a single garment of destiny….I can never be what I ought to be until you are allowed to be what you ought to be,” said Coretta Scott King, quoting her late husband, Martin Luther King Jr. “I’ve always felt that homophobic attitudes and policies were unjust and unworthy of a free society and must be opposed by all Americans who believe in democracy.”
Includes a number of color photographs and the short film, “Mad World.”Mad World: A Single Garment of Destiny
“Mad World” is a short film by... more
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As more states take up the debate on same-sex marriage, some advocates of legalization are taking a very specific lesson from California, where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints dominated both fundraising and door-knocking to pass a ballot initiative that barred such unions.
With the battle moving east, some advocates are shouting that fact in the streets, calculating that on an issue that eventually comes down to comfort levels, more people harbor apprehensions about Mormons than about homosexuality.As more states take up the debate on same-sex marriage, some advocates of legalization... more
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This is an excellent short film about the impact of prop 8 and the possible implications for all of us despite sexual orientation and gender identity.This is an excellent short film about the impact of prop 8 and the possible... more
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