A brief synopsis (based on memory, rather than sifting through that thread) of all the arguments AvengerX ever brought up against homosexuality/homosexual marriage:
Well, let's see...there was the slippery slope argument, in multiple incarnations. All were shot down viciously as at best extremely unlikely, and at worst absurd.
There was the argument that homosexuality weakens society. That was countered by the well-known existence of homosexuality in Greek culture, among other cultures. The "evolution hates homosexuality" argument was shot down when it was brought up that many animals have homosexual relationships that benefit the children a great deal in one way or another.
Then there was just the crazy stuff that stemmed straight from his personal views of homosexuals - they're full of vice, they'd make crappy parents, they don't "deserve" it, they don't belong in a Christian nation....yeah, that stuff was rather annoying.
<!--QuoteBegin-Cyndane+Apr 29 2005, 10:21 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cyndane @ Apr 29 2005, 10:21 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Hehe.. your attempt at the "distorted" view of the CNN article.. here are a few quotes from that article.
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/11/18/samesex.marriage.ruling/+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/11/18/samesex.marriage.ruling/)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> <i> The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has cleared the way for lesbian and homosexual couples in the state to marry, ruling Tuesday that government attorneys "failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason" to deny them the right. </i> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> <b> Oh yes it is so unclear. </b> <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I am going to do you a favor now post the ENTIRE article so you may read it properly. <!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> (Seattle, Washington) A Washington state court Wednesday ruled today same-sex couples must be allowed to marry.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing said that the state Constitution guarantees basic rights to lesbian and **** people -- and that those rights are violated by a state law prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying.
The case involved eight same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in King County (story)
Downing's ruling went on to say that the couples must be given marriage licenses.
"This is a huge victory and a historic day," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal.
The couples were represented by Lambda Legal and the Northwest Women's Law Center.
"The court recognized that unless **** people can marry, we are not being treated equally under the law," said Cathcart.
"Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
In his ruling, Judge Downing called the eight couples "law-abiding, taxpaying model citizens," and said, "There is no worthwhile institution that they would dishonor, much less destroy."
In the ruling, Downing also said, "The characteristics embodied by these plaintiffs are ones that our society and the institution of marriage need more of, not less. Let the plaintiffs stand as inspirations for all those citizens, homosexual and heterosexual, who may follow their path."
The county and the state are expected to appeal the ruling, and the Washington state Supreme Court may take the case directly and hear arguments on an expedited basis, according to Lambda Legal.
Jennifer Pizer, Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal's Western Regional Office and one of the lead attorneys on the case said that the state's high court has a recent track record of treating same-sex couples equally.
"We believe that the Washington Supreme Court will look closely at the important issues this case raises and come to the same conclusion the lower court reached," Pizer said.
"Our clients pay all the same taxes as their neighbors and coworkers, and they deserve all the same legal protections."
Judge Downing's ruling goes further than an Oregon state court ruling earlier this year, which said that the state's law prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples was unconstitutional, but went on to say that civil unions or other measures could provide adequate protections to lesbian and **** couples.
"These are Washington State couples who pay Washington State taxes and want Washington State marriage licenses under the Washington State Constitution. Any attempts to turn today's ruling for fairness into a national wedge issue to divide and distract people won't work," Cathcart predicted. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> (San Francisco, California) A San Francisco judge ruled Monday that it is unconstitutional for the state of California to deny marriage to **** and lesbian couples.
"It appears that no rational purpose exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners," County Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer said in a written ruling.
In striking down the state ban on same-sex marriage Kramer wrote that the state's historical definition of marriage, by itself, cannot justify the denial of equal protection for *** and lesbians.
"The state's protracted denial of equal protection cannot be justified simply because such constitutional violation has become traditional," Kramer wrote.
"We're still a little stunned, but we're overjoyed," said Lancy Woo, a 38-year-old lifelong San Francisco resident who is the lead plaintiff in the case with her partner, Cristy Chung, 40. "Our six-year-old daughter, Olivia, is just beginning to understand how the world works, and we can't wait to talk with her about today's ruling. We've always taught that her that our family is based on love, just like other families, and this ruling confirms that our family shouldn't be treated any differently by our government."
Another child of lesbian parents was elated when she heard the news.
“I am so happy that my parents can finally get ma rried,” said Ericka Sokolower-Shain, the fifteen-year-old daughter of plaintiffs Karen Shain and Jody Sokolower. “My parents have been together for over 30 years. They have been together so long they can practically read each others’ minds. It is only right they should be able to get married.”
Plaintiffs Corey Davis and Andre Lejeune were elated by news of the decision. “As African American **** men, we joined this lawsuit to lift the mantle of discrimination and inequality perpetuated by the state of California through its outmoded marriage laws,” Corey stated.
“ Years from now, when marriage for *** and lesbians is legal nationwide, our children will study this issue in school and wonder—just as the white kids in my generation did about those so violently opposed to the co-mingling of the races and ending legal segregation—they’ll wonder and secretly pray that their relatives weren't any of those people perpetuating discrimination against *** and lesbians.”
"We are overjoyed by today's ruling,” said Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, two other plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
“Fifty years ago, the California courts paved the way for my mom and dad to get married when they struck down the state law barring interracial couples from marriage,” said Stuart.
At city hall, a beaming mayor Gavin Newsom was joined at a news conference by several of the **** and lesbian couples involved in the suit.
"We will not be appealing this decision," the mayor joked as the crowd broke into laughter.
"Today's ruling is an important step toward a more fair and just California that rejects discrimination and affirms family values for all California families," San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said.
The ruling also brought cheers from the state's largest LGBT civil rights group
"We're thrilled that the court not only recognized that discriminatory marriage laws violate the constitutional guarantees of equal protection but also that the court struck down Prop 22 as being unconstitutional," Geofrey Kors, the executive director of Equality California told 365Gay.com.
"This is a historic ruling that says the freedoms guaranteed in our state's Constitution belong to all Californians," said Jennifer C. Pizer, Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal in the Western Regional Office and its lead attorney on the case.
"The court recognized that same-sex couples aren't treated equally under the law unless we can marry. This ruling says that same-sex couples deserve all the protections and security marriage provides and that we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
Kramer's ruling will be appealed and the California Supreme Court will make a final ruling.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is expected to file a notice of appeal later this week.
Kors urged Lockyer to reconsider.
"We're calling on the legislature and the governor to implement the ruling rather than drag it out in the courts,' said Kors.
Two legal groups representing religious conservatives have vowed to appeal.
“To rule that there is no rational purpose to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman is ludicrous," said Matthew D. Staver, of Liberty Counsel which represented the Campaign for California Families in the case
“Marriage is and must remain the union of one man and one woman.”
The suit was brought jointly by the City of San Francisco and several of the 4,000 same-sex couples married in the city last year.
During oral arguments in December, National Center for Lesbian Rights attorney Shannon Minter told Kramer that same-sex couples who want to marry "are seeking nothing more and nothing less than the opportunities available to others in the state."
"They want the same right to marry the person of their choice, to take on the rights and responsibilities of caring for each other, and to provide for the security of their children," he said.
"These couples have done everything in their power to care for their families," Minter said, pointing to the plaintiffs. "But because the state prevents them from marrying each other, they are much more vulnerable."
Minter's arguments were echoed by San Francisco's Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart.
Stewart told Judge Kramer that the state ban on **** marriage violates the California constitutional rights of equality, liberty and privacy and should be struck down.
Lawyers for Attorney General Bill Lockyer argued that the law limiting marriage does not violate the spirit California's Constitution.
The state maintained that the traditional concept of marriage is deeply ingrained in the state's history and that there is no fundamental right to same-sex marriage.
Last February San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began allowing marriage licenses to be issued to same-sex couples.
More than 4,000 **** and lesbian couples were married before the California Supreme Court ruled that Newsom had exceeded his power in granting the licenses. But, the court did not take up the issue of **** marriage itself, saying court cases challenging the constitutionality on the state law should work their way through the lower courts first.
A pair of bills pending before the California Legislature would put a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the November ballot. It is unlikely either bill will pass, but if it should and California voters approve it that would put the issue of same-sex marriage out of the control of lawmakers and the courts.
“The most vociferous opponents of marriage equality will attack the court’s decision not because it threatens their marriage, or even the institution of marriage, but because they know that the closer GLBT people get to achieving full equality, the more difficult it will be to marginalize us," said Jim Key a spokesperson for the Los Angeles **** and Lesbian Center.
Earlier this month the Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments in another constitutional challenge to barring same-sex marriage.
The New York state Appeals Court, the state's highest court, is about to take up the issue of **** marriage following last month's ruling by a judge in New York City that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
A ruling in Washington is likely before with the New York Court of Appeals or the California Supreme Court gets the marriage case.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny *** and lesbians marriage. But, the court gave the legislature until May to repeal its ban on **** marriage. When the State House failed to act the court's ruling kicked in. The first **** weddings in the state began on May 17, 2004. Although a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is before the legislature but unlikely to pass.
The Massachusetts ruling led to calls for a Federal Marriage Amendment. It failed to get enough votes last year in either the Senate or House. It was reintroduced in congress in January. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Well I'll be darned.. it is legal.
Oh yes, none of those mean it is legalized. :::rolleyes::: I wish that one still worked.
Vermont I don't even need to tackle because obviously if it wasn't legal they wouldn't be having thousands of homosexuals flock to the state to be married. Which was legalized in 1999.
So yes, you are just as bad as a certain someone with reading comprehension.
<!--QuoteBegin-Cyndane+Apr 30 2005, 07:17 AM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cyndane @ Apr 30 2005, 07:17 AM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> I am going to do you a favor now post the ENTIRE article so you may read it properly. <!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> (Seattle, Washington) A Washington state court Wednesday ruled today same-sex couples must be allowed to marry.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing said that the state Constitution guarantees basic rights to lesbian and **** people -- and that those rights are violated by a state law prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying.
The case involved eight same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in King County (story)
Downing's ruling went on to say that the couples must be given marriage licenses.
"This is a huge victory and a historic day," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal.
The couples were represented by Lambda Legal and the Northwest Women's Law Center.
"The court recognized that unless **** people can marry, we are not being treated equally under the law," said Cathcart.
"Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
In his ruling, Judge Downing called the eight couples "law-abiding, taxpaying model citizens," and said, "There is no worthwhile institution that they would dishonor, much less destroy."
In the ruling, Downing also said, "The characteristics embodied by these plaintiffs are ones that our society and the institution of marriage need more of, not less. Let the plaintiffs stand as inspirations for all those citizens, homosexual and heterosexual, who may follow their path."
<b>IMPORTANT POINT-->
The county and the state are expected to appeal the ruling, and the Washington state Supreme Court may take the case directly and hear arguments on an expedited basis, according to Lambda Legal.
<--IMPORTANT POINT</b>
Jennifer Pizer, Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal's Western Regional Office and one of the lead attorneys on the case said that the state's high court has a recent track record of treating same-sex couples equally.
"We believe that the Washington Supreme Court will look closely at the important issues this case raises and come to the same conclusion the lower court reached," Pizer said.
"Our clients pay all the same taxes as their neighbors and coworkers, and they deserve all the same legal protections."
Judge Downing's ruling goes further than an Oregon state court ruling earlier this year, which said that the state's law prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples was unconstitutional, but went on to say that civil unions or other measures could provide adequate protections to lesbian and **** couples.
"These are Washington State couples who pay Washington State taxes and want Washington State marriage licenses under the Washington State Constitution. Any attempts to turn today's ruling for fairness into a national wedge issue to divide and distract people won't work," Cathcart predicted. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> (San Francisco, California) A San Francisco judge ruled Monday that it is unconstitutional for the state of California to deny marriage to **** and lesbian couples.
"It appears that no rational purpose exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners," County Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer said in a written ruling.
In striking down the state ban on same-sex marriage Kramer wrote that the state's historical definition of marriage, by itself, cannot justify the denial of equal protection for *** and lesbians.
"The state's protracted denial of equal protection cannot be justified simply because such constitutional violation has become traditional," Kramer wrote.
"We're still a little stunned, but we're overjoyed," said Lancy Woo, a 38-year-old lifelong San Francisco resident who is the lead plaintiff in the case with her partner, Cristy Chung, 40. "Our six-year-old daughter, Olivia, is just beginning to understand how the world works, and we can't wait to talk with her about today's ruling. We've always taught that her that our family is based on love, just like other families, and this ruling confirms that our family shouldn't be treated any differently by our government."
Another child of lesbian parents was elated when she heard the news.
“I am so happy that my parents can finally get ma rried,” said Ericka Sokolower-Shain, the fifteen-year-old daughter of plaintiffs Karen Shain and Jody Sokolower. “My parents have been together for over 30 years. They have been together so long they can practically read each others’ minds. It is only right they should be able to get married.”
Plaintiffs Corey Davis and Andre Lejeune were elated by news of the decision. “As African American **** men, we joined this lawsuit to lift the mantle of discrimination and inequality perpetuated by the state of California through its outmoded marriage laws,” Corey stated.
“ Years from now, when marriage for *** and lesbians is legal nationwide, our children will study this issue in school and wonder—just as the white kids in my generation did about those so violently opposed to the co-mingling of the races and ending legal segregation—they’ll wonder and secretly pray that their relatives weren't any of those people perpetuating discrimination against *** and lesbians.”
"We are overjoyed by today's ruling,” said Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, two other plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
“Fifty years ago, the California courts paved the way for my mom and dad to get married when they struck down the state law barring interracial couples from marriage,” said Stuart.
At city hall, a beaming mayor Gavin Newsom was joined at a news conference by several of the **** and lesbian couples involved in the suit.
"We will not be appealing this decision," the mayor joked as the crowd broke into laughter.
"Today's ruling is an important step toward a more fair and just California that rejects discrimination and affirms family values for all California families," San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said.
The ruling also brought cheers from the state's largest LGBT civil rights group
"We're thrilled that the court not only recognized that discriminatory marriage laws violate the constitutional guarantees of equal protection but also that the court struck down Prop 22 as being unconstitutional," Geofrey Kors, the executive director of Equality California told 365Gay.com.
"This is a historic ruling that says the freedoms guaranteed in our state's Constitution belong to all Californians," said Jennifer C. Pizer, Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal in the Western Regional Office and its lead attorney on the case.
"The court recognized that same-sex couples aren't treated equally under the law unless we can marry. This ruling says that same-sex couples deserve all the protections and security marriage provides and that we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
<b>IMPORTANT POINT-->
Kramer's ruling will be appealed and the California Supreme Court will make a final ruling.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is expected to file a notice of appeal later this week.
<--IMPORTANT POINT</b>
Kors urged Lockyer to reconsider.
"We're calling on the legislature and the governor to implement the ruling rather than drag it out in the courts,' said Kors.
Two legal groups representing religious conservatives have vowed to appeal.
“To rule that there is no rational purpose to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman is ludicrous," said Matthew D. Staver, of Liberty Counsel which represented the Campaign for California Families in the case
“Marriage is and must remain the union of one man and one woman.”
The suit was brought jointly by the City of San Francisco and several of the 4,000 same-sex couples married in the city last year.
During oral arguments in December, National Center for Lesbian Rights attorney Shannon Minter told Kramer that same-sex couples who want to marry "are seeking nothing more and nothing less than the opportunities available to others in the state."
"They want the same right to marry the person of their choice, to take on the rights and responsibilities of caring for each other, and to provide for the security of their children," he said.
"These couples have done everything in their power to care for their families," Minter said, pointing to the plaintiffs. "But because the state prevents them from marrying each other, they are much more vulnerable."
Minter's arguments were echoed by San Francisco's Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart.
Stewart told Judge Kramer that the state ban on **** marriage violates the California constitutional rights of equality, liberty and privacy and should be struck down.
Lawyers for Attorney General Bill Lockyer argued that the law limiting marriage does not violate the spirit California's Constitution.
The state maintained that the traditional concept of marriage is deeply ingrained in the state's history and that there is no fundamental right to same-sex marriage.
Last February San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began allowing marriage licenses to be issued to same-sex couples.
More than 4,000 **** and lesbian couples were married before the California Supreme Court ruled that Newsom had exceeded his power in granting the licenses. But, the court did not take up the issue of **** marriage itself, saying court cases challenging the constitutionality on the state law should work their way through the lower courts first.
A pair of bills pending before the California Legislature would put a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the November ballot. It is unlikely either bill will pass, but if it should and California voters approve it that would put the issue of same-sex marriage out of the control of lawmakers and the courts.
“The most vociferous opponents of marriage equality will attack the court’s decision not because it threatens their marriage, or even the institution of marriage, but because they know that the closer GLBT people get to achieving full equality, the more difficult it will be to marginalize us," said Jim Key a spokesperson for the Los Angeles **** and Lesbian Center.
Earlier this month the Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments in another constitutional challenge to barring same-sex marriage.
The New York state Appeals Court, the state's highest court, is about to take up the issue of **** marriage following last month's ruling by a judge in New York City that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
A ruling in Washington is likely before with the New York Court of Appeals or the California Supreme Court gets the marriage case.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny *** and lesbians marriage. But, the court gave the legislature until May to repeal its ban on **** marriage. When the State House failed to act the court's ruling kicked in. The first **** weddings in the state began on May 17, 2004. Although a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is before the legislature but unlikely to pass.
The Massachusetts ruling led to calls for a Federal Marriage Amendment. It failed to get enough votes last year in either the Senate or House. It was reintroduced in congress in January. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Well I'll be darned.. it is legal.
Oh yes, none of those mean it is legalized. :::rolleyes::: I wish that one still worked.
Vermont I don't even need to tackle because obviously if it wasn't legal they wouldn't be having thousands of homosexuals flock to the state to be married. Which was legalized in 1999.
So yes, you are just as bad as a certain someone with reading comprehension. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Again, you refuse to read your own articles, then blame me for being the one who fails to understand them. Notice the bolded parts. These facts were even more clear in the news articles you posted earlier from real news sites, but of course "365gay.com" would want to do its best to minimize those points, and give the impression that they are winning everywhere.
<!--QuoteBegin-Cyndane+Apr 29 2005, 07:01 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cyndane @ Apr 29 2005, 07:01 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Actually East it does matter, because if a majority of states to pass admendments to either ban or support homosexual marriage that usually indicates what the people who are in power are supporting. Majority or not of the populace. Common sense dictates we do not discriminate against anyone. Else, we are flung back into the 1800s, or the 1960s, whichever time period is preferable for comparison for you. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> I'm glad that places have legalised it and I hope many more do, I'm simply saying that in a discussion on whether it should be legal/right or not the amount of places that have legalised it is irrelevant. What other people say and do has no bearing on if it should be said or done.
Saying all that, Cwxf: you should read the stickies for this forum as it clearly states that you shouldn't try and discredit a persons source.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->5.: Respect other peoples newssources. It is so tempting. Tell someone that you don't believe the newspaper they cited articles from, and the uncomfortably consistent argumentation they built up falls together, leaving you and your notion secure again. Don't ever try that. Discrediting a newssource requires more than that one article from three years ago that wasn't entirely correct, or an obvious political bias - you'll find few newssites without one.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I wasn't so much trying to discredit Cyndane's source as her flawed interpretation of what that source was saying, <i>using her own source!</i> But I thought it worth mentioning that Cyndane had originally posted CNN news articles on the same topic, then switched over to 365gay.com news articles because, though stating the same news, they were offering different conclusions on what the news meant (which obviously were closer to her own conclusions).
Saying it is 'her' source surely is trying to undermine it, somehow suggesting that it doesn't count. Maybe you should find some sources that see from your perspective instead... or better yet. We should get back on the main topic as to why politics and religion should never mix.
<!--QuoteBegin-CMEast+Apr 30 2005, 05:24 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CMEast @ Apr 30 2005, 05:24 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Saying it is 'her' source surely is trying to undermine it, somehow suggesting that it doesn't count. Maybe you should find some sources that see from your perspective instead... <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Since when is using a possessive word for a source akin to calling it worthless? I merely call it "her" source in order to identify what I am talking about as the source posted by Cyndane, as opposed to any other source.
As for other sources with a different perspective...I don't even need to go looking for them. Cyndane's original CNN sources work just fine for offering a non-365gay.com perspective.
<!--QuoteBegin-CMEast+Apr 30 2005, 05:24 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (CMEast @ Apr 30 2005, 05:24 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> We should get back on the main topic as to why politics and religion should never mix. <!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'> <!--QuoteEEnd--> Actually, the original topic was more along the lines of, "Why are Republicans fundamentalist Christians all of a sudden," but sure, let's go with that.
Just pointing out.. since Cwxf is missing it, that those marriages ARE CURRENTLY LEGAL(reguardless of pending cases, because I have YET to see a single case(in the news) that has appealed to what those articles refer.) . Those articles just re-enforced what I stated about it being legal in a few states. (Honestly that 365gay marriage site is probably the most unbiased for a news agency with such a strong connection to their "agenda" that I have ever seen.)
Simply because an appeal is PROBABLY going to be heard doesn't mean it will and since federal law requires that all states obey other states marriages and other other types of unions it would take a federal law to ban all homosexual marriages.
Final point for me in this thread, as I have obviously demostrated cwxf simply can't back up his reasonings with the homosexual marraige off topicness that was started.. randomlly.
Republicans are currently lobbying for fundementalist partion of the country at the moment. Sadly this is ruining the quality of life for those who don't "follow their way of thinking", it is the 1960s, and 1800's, and 1400's AND 500'sBC all over again. Which in the next election is going to pwn them horribly, and I look forward in two years to seeing their butts get handed to them.
<!--QuoteBegin-Cyndane+Apr 30 2005, 07:25 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (Cyndane @ Apr 30 2005, 07:25 PM)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Final point for me in this thread, as I have obviously demostrated cwxf simply can't back up his reasonings with the homosexual marraige off topicness that was started.. randomlly. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> You have "obviously demonstrated" nothing except how incredibly set you are in your own beliefs. As such, and as you refuse to acknowledge even facts put forth by the news agencies that you yourself are quoting, I see no reason to continue in this debate any further. I will leave my prior (and yes, unrefuted) statements to stand for themselves.
Hehe.. couldn't resist anymore. <a href='http://www.365gay.com/newschannel/NewsChannel.htm' target='_blank'>Homosexual News website</a> <!--QuoteBegin-365gay.com+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (365gay.com)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> College Board Member Calls *** On Campus 'A Shame' (Mesa, Arizona) A member of the Maricopa Community College board says he will not apologize for saying that the presence of **** activists on campus is quote: 'a shame.'
Maine Mellowing To **** Rights (Augusta, Maine) An attempt by Christian conservatives to overturn Maine's new LGBT civil rights protections will fail a new poll of likely voters shows.
Iowa Radio Stations Refuse School **** Bashing Ads (Des Moines, Iowa) Radio Iowa, a network of 60 stations has rejected ads aimed at educating people about the problems LGBT students have at the hands of bullies.
Lesbian Couple Sues Missouri Over Fostering Refusal (Kansas City, Missouri) The state says Lisa Johnston and Dawn Roginski are exceptionally qualified to be foster parents, but an unwritten state policy prevents them from taking children into their home because they are openly ****.
Iran Hangs **** Blackmailer (London) A man convicted of blackmailing his **** sexual partners has been hanged.
Justices Grill ****-Marriage Foes (Boston, Massachusetts) What could be the last gasp of **** marriage foes in Massachusetts was heard by the Supreme Judicial Court on Monday.
Navajo President Vetoes **** Marriage Ban (Window Rock, Arizona) A ban on same-sex marriage approved by the Navajo Tribal Council last month banning same-sex marriage has been vetoed by Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr..
Protest Targets FOF Homophobia (Colorado Springs, Colorado ) Three people were arrested Monday in the second day of protests in front of the Focus on the Family offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Supreme Court To Hear Military Case (Washington ) The Supreme Court will consider whether colleges can bar military recruiters from their campuses because of the Pentagon's ban on ***.
Philadelphia Rights Celebration Hailed As Unqualified Success (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) A Methodist minister who had been defrocked for being in a lesbian relationship, then was reinstated, called for an end to discrimination against *** in a speech to hundreds of supporters at celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the nation's first **** rights protest.
Activist, Writer Jack Nichols Dies (Cocoa, Florida) Jack Nichols, one of the pioneers of **** liberation and a prolific writer, died early Monday in hospital after a long illness.
Mass Supreme Court Hears Bid To Halt **** Marriages (Boston, Massachusetts) The Supreme Judicial Court which paved the way for same-sex marriage in Massachusetts today will hear arguments seeking to have its ruling set aside.
Microsoft **** Workers Unconvinced By Company's Rights Position (Seattle, Washington) Microsoft's LGBT employees in an open letter to company Chairman Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer say they are unconvinced that the computer giant was not influenced by a conservative Christian pastor to rescind endorsement of a **** civil rights bill in Washington.
Anti-**** Rocker Returns To Baseball (New York City) John Rocker, the one time Atlanta Braves pitcher who angered *** with a homophobic diatribe six years ago, has returned to baseball.
Phelps Klan Protests At Ousted Baptist University (Danville, Virginia) Averett University Saturday conducted its first commencement since being dropped by Southern Baptists in a dispute over ***.
Queer Films Win At NYC's Tribeca Film Festival (New York City) Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman won the best actress award at the Tribeca Film Festival Saturday for "Transamerica," in which she plays a preoperative transsexual woman.
N.J. Town Repeals Anti-**** Bikini Law (Cape May, New Jersey) Come on in, Speedo wearers, the water's fine: Your skimpy swimsuits are actually legal now, for the first time in years.
Zimbabwe Arrests Man UK Granted Asylum As **** (London) A Zimbabwean man who was granted asylum in Britain after he told authorities he would be persecuted in his homeland because he is **** has been jailed after reentering the African nation.
Former Canadian PM Under Fire Over US **** Award (Philadelphia) Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien was honored Friday night in Philadelphia for his advocacy of same-sex marriage.
Kansas **** Marriage Ban Takes Effect (Topeka, Kansas) An amendment to the Kansas Constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions went into effect Friday.
Continental Airlines Extends Travel Perks To **** Retirees (Houston, Texas) As the state of Texas considers an amendment to its constitution to ban same-sex marriage, Houston-based Continental airlines has announced that it will give the same-sex partners of its retired workers the same perks already available to heterosexual couples.
First New Zealand Civil Union Performed (Wellington) The first same-sex civil union in New Zealand took place Friday.
**** Health Group Denounces Reinstatement Of 'Ex-****' Advocate (New York City) The Mautner Project, a National Lesbian Health Organization, Friday said it was shocking that Dr. Warren Throckmorton had been reappointed to the advisory board of Magellan Health Services.
Amnesty Appeals To Saudi Arabia For 35 Sentenced To Flogging For Attending '**** Wedding' (London) Amnesty International issued an 'urgent action' appeal on Friday on behalf of at least 35 men at risk of being flogged in Saudi Arabia for having attended a “**** wedding”.
Methodists Reinstate Lesbian Pastor (Linthicum, Maryland) The United Methodist Church reversed itself today, deciding to reinstate a lesbian minister who was defrocked after revealing her relationship with another woman.
Colorado **** Rights Bill Moves Toward House Vote (Denver, Colorado) An LGBT civil rights bill that would protect *** and lesbians against bias in the workplace appears headed to a vote in the House.
**** Serial Killer Thwarted In Book Deal (London) A man who murdered 15 **** men, in what has been described as Britain's most infamous serial killings, has been denied a bid to write his memoir.
Parent Arrested Protesting **** Kids' Book (Boston, Massachusetts) Police arrested the father of a six year old boy after he refused to leave a Lexington, Mass. school where he was protesting against a children's' book with **** characters.
New Guidelines Recommend Screening HIV-Infected Patients for Kidney Disease (New York City) The HIV Medicine Association has released guidelines for managing chronic kidney disease in patients living with HIV.
Pryor Confirmation Vote Delayed (Washington) It will be at least two more weeks before the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on former Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor, President Bush's nominee for a lifetime appointment on the federal bench.
Canadian Anglicans Agree To 2 Year **** Unions Hold (Toronto, Ontario) The Canadian Anglican Church has decided to put a halt to blessing same-sex unions for the next two years.
Oregon Gov Chides Lawmakers On **** Rights Bills (Portland, Oregon) Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is urging the Legislature to stop dragging its feet and pass two pieces of **** rights legislation that he has put forward.
Mandatory Anti-**** Harassment Training Does Not Violate Students' Freedom of Religion Court Told (Ashland, Kentucky) Requiring students to undergo a court-ordered anti-harassment training at Boyd County High School does not violate their rights to free exercise of religion a federal court was told Thursday.
Conservatives Rally To Overturn Maine's **** Rights Law (Augusta Maine) Several hundred opponents of Maine's newly enacted law barring discrimination against *** and lesbians turned out for a soggy rally in front of the State House on Thursday to display their support for a "people's veto" effort.
Lesbian Minister's Attorney: Church Prefers Secrecy To Honesty (Linthicum, Maryland) An attorney for a defrocked lesbian minister on Thursday argued that the United Methodist Church would have preferred she live in a "cloak of secrecy" rather than be honest with her congregation.
Group Calls For Calif. Amendment To Ban **** Marriage (Sacramento, California) A day after a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in California passed a key committee opponents have formed a group to gather signatures to have a **** marriage ban placed in the state Constitution.
New Delay Granted In Fiji **** Sex Appeal (Suva) Fiji's High Court has granted attorneys for an Australian tourist and a local man a 45 day delay in filing an amendment to their appeal of the convictions of the men for engaging in **** sex.
Lesbian Pastor Tapped To Lead Denomination (Los Angeles, California) The Rev. Nancy Wilson, a longtime leader in the predominantly **** Metropolitan Community Churches, has been selected to become the next Moderator of the denomination.
HIV/AIDS Patients Face Long Wait For Meds Funds (Boise, Idaho) Despite an increase in national funding, 11 states continue to have waiting lists for low-income HIV and AIDS patients who need help paying for prescription drugs, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Alliance of State AIDS Directors.
Louisiana Court Upholds Law Against **** Civil Rights Groups (New Orleans, Louisiana) A state appeal court has refused to strike down the state's crime against nature law.
Calif. Schools Hit By **** Lawsuits & Terror Attacks (Los Angeles, California) Two California school systems are being sued for alleged bias and a third is caught up in the grips of terror attacks on students and faculty.
Oregon GOP Seeks To Gut **** Unions Bill (Salem, Oregon) If the Oregon's Senate Democrats get their way, the state will follow Vermont's lead and enact civil unions, giving **** couples the rights and privileges of marriage without the title.
Spanish Mayors Refuse To Allow **** Weddings (Madrid) A growing number of Spain's mayors say they will defy the government and refuse to perform same-sex marriages.
'Ex-****' Advocate Reinstated To Mental Health Board (New York City) A controversial psychologist who was dropped from an advisory board to Magellan Health Services, the largest mental health management company in the country, over his support for "helping' *** become straight, has been reinstated.
Spokane OKs **** Partner Benefits (Spokane, Washington) Less than a week after state legislators rejected a civil rights bill to protect *** and lesbians in the workplace and housing, the Spokane City Council has approved extending benefits to unmarried partners of city employees.
Bush Has Problems Keeping It Straight (Washington) Two incidents involving President Bush this week have some people scratching their heads.
South Carolina Anti-**** Amendment Goes To Voters (Columbia, South Carolina) A proposed amendment to the South Carolina Constitution banning same-sex marriage will go to voters in 2006.
Deal May Save Canada's **** marriage Bill (Ottawa) A deal between Canada's teetering Liberals and the small New Democratic Party could save the government from defeat next month and allow passage of a bill to extend same-sex marriage across the country.
SF **** Bar Discriminated Against Blacks (San Francisco, California) A bar owner in the predominantly **** Castro neighborhood violated numerous city civil rights codes by discriminating against black patrons, the San Francisco Human Rights Commission has ruled.
Missouri School To Drop **** T-Shirt Ban (Webb City, Missouri) The Webb City School District announced Tuesday that it will loosen its restrictions on **** pride T-shirts. The district revealed its plan in a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit against it.
New Revelations About White House's **** Hustler (Washington) Despite assurances by the Bush Administration that the **** hustler who posed as a journalist was given only limited access to the White House new evidence shows that over a two year period he visited 196 times.
Violence Against *** On The Rise (New York City) The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released its annual report Tuesday on violence against lesbians, **** men, bisexual people and transgender individuals.
Mexico Launches Campaign To Fight Homophobia (Mexico City) Despite opposition from the Roman Catholic Church the Mexican government this week launched a radio campaign to fight homophobia.
****-Pos. Weld Eyes NY Governor's Mansion (New York City) Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld said Tuesday he is seriously considering running for governor of New York if his fellow Republican, incumbent Gov. George Pataki, does not seek a fourth term next year.
Bush Judge Nominee Called 'Most Anti-**** In Memorable History' (Washington) Any deal with Democrats over President Bush's nominees for federal judgeships was rejected outright on Tuesday by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
Calif. **** Marriage Bill Passes Key Committee (Sacramento, California) Legislation to allow same-sex marriage in California passed a key committee Tuesday with religious conservatives vowing to defeat it before it can become law.
Gates Enters Microsoft **** Debacle (Washington) Microsoft Corp. may rethink whether it will support legislation banning discrimination against *** and lesbians, company Chairman Bill Gates says.
**** Games Tackles Doping (Chicago, Illinois) Chicago organizers of the **** Games Tuesday adopted a new anti-doping policy.
Indianapolis Rejects **** Rights Law (Indianapolis, Indiana) Indianapolis City-County Council has rejected legislation that would have prohibited LGBT discrimination in jobs and housing.
Colorado **** Civil Rights Bill Moves Forward (Denver, Colorado) The Colorado Senate has approved a bill to ban bias against members of the state's LGBT community.
New Zealand Civil Unions Law Goes Into Effect (Wellington) A new law allowing civil unions for same-sex couples in New Zealand has not led to the expected rush to register.
Instant Message Puts Man At **** Murder Scene (Waterloo, Iowa) Claims that a 29-year-old Waterloo man was killed because he was openly **** appear to be supported by telephone records in court documents. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Each one of those is a seperate article on that site, from todays "week in review." Tell me where it shows "they are winning everywhere."
As far as I can see, they are just reporting what each city/state/county is giving to every other media outlet. Personally I like being able to keep uptodate with who is banning and/or approving homosexual activities so they can enjoy the same rights that everyone else does.
<!--QuoteBegin-cyndane from 365gay.com+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (cyndane from 365gay.com)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin--> Earlier this month the Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments in another constitutional challenge to barring same-sex marriage.
The New York state Appeals Court, the state's highest court, is about to take up the issue of **** marriage following last month's ruling by a judge in New York City that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
A ruling in Washington is likely before with the New York Court of Appeals or the California Supreme Court gets the marriage case.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny *** and lesbians marriage. But, the court gave the legislature until May to repeal its ban on **** marriage. When the State House failed to act the court's ruling kicked in. The first **** weddings in the state began on May 17, 2004. Although a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is before the legislature but unlikely to pass.
The Massachusetts ruling led to calls for a Federal Marriage Amendment. It failed to get enough votes last year in either the Senate or House. It was reintroduced in congress in January. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd--> Your points, refuted, again.
Comments
Well, let's see...there was the slippery slope argument, in multiple incarnations. All were shot down viciously as at best extremely unlikely, and at worst absurd.
There was the argument that homosexuality weakens society. That was countered by the well-known existence of homosexuality in Greek culture, among other cultures. The "evolution hates homosexuality" argument was shot down when it was brought up that many animals have homosexual relationships that benefit the children a great deal in one way or another.
Then there was just the crazy stuff that stemmed straight from his personal views of homosexuals - they're full of vice, they'd make crappy parents, they don't "deserve" it, they don't belong in a Christian nation....yeah, that stuff was rather annoying.
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/11/18/samesex.marriage.ruling/+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.cnn.com/2003/LAW/11/18/samesex.marriage.ruling/)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
<i> The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has cleared the way for lesbian and homosexual couples in the state to marry, ruling Tuesday that government attorneys "failed to identify any constitutionally adequate reason" to deny them the right. </i>
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<b> Oh yes it is so unclear. </b>
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
I am going to do you a favor now post the ENTIRE article so you may read it properly.
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
(Seattle, Washington) A Washington state court Wednesday ruled today same-sex couples must be allowed to marry.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing said that the state Constitution guarantees basic rights to lesbian and **** people -- and that those rights are violated by a state law prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying.
The case involved eight same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in King County (story)
Downing's ruling went on to say that the couples must be given marriage licenses.
"This is a huge victory and a historic day," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal.
The couples were represented by Lambda Legal and the Northwest Women's Law Center.
"The court recognized that unless **** people can marry, we are not being treated equally under the law," said Cathcart.
"Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says
we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
In his ruling, Judge Downing called the eight couples "law-abiding, taxpaying model citizens," and said, "There is no worthwhile institution that they would dishonor, much less destroy."
In the ruling, Downing also said, "The characteristics embodied by these plaintiffs are ones that our society and the institution of marriage need more of, not less. Let the plaintiffs stand as inspirations for all those citizens, homosexual and heterosexual, who may follow their path."
The county and the state are expected to appeal the ruling, and the Washington state Supreme Court may take the case directly and hear arguments on an expedited basis, according to Lambda Legal.
Jennifer Pizer, Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal's Western Regional Office and one of the lead attorneys on the case said that the state's high court has a recent track record of treating same-sex couples equally.
"We believe that the Washington Supreme Court will look closely at the important issues this case raises and come to the same conclusion the lower court reached," Pizer said.
"Our clients pay all the same taxes as their neighbors and coworkers, and they deserve all the same legal protections."
Judge Downing's ruling goes further than an Oregon state court ruling earlier this year, which said that the state's law prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples was unconstitutional, but went on to say that civil unions or other measures could provide adequate protections to lesbian and **** couples.
"These are Washington State couples who pay Washington State taxes and want Washington State marriage licenses under the Washington State Constitution. Any attempts to turn today's ruling for fairness into a national wedge issue to divide and distract people won't work," Cathcart predicted. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<a href='http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm' target='_blank'>California Homosexual marriage</a>
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
(San Francisco, California) A San Francisco judge ruled Monday that it is unconstitutional for the state of California to deny marriage to **** and lesbian couples.
"It appears that no rational purpose exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners," County Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer said in a written ruling.
In striking down the state ban on same-sex marriage Kramer wrote that the state's historical definition of marriage, by itself, cannot justify the denial of equal protection for *** and lesbians.
"The state's protracted denial of equal protection cannot be justified simply because such constitutional violation has become traditional," Kramer wrote.
"We're still a little stunned, but we're overjoyed," said Lancy Woo, a 38-year-old lifelong San Francisco resident who is the lead plaintiff in the case with her partner, Cristy Chung, 40. "Our six-year-old daughter, Olivia, is just beginning to understand how the world works, and we can't wait to talk with her about today's ruling. We've always taught that her that our family is based on love, just like other families, and this ruling confirms that our family shouldn't be treated any differently by our government."
Another child of lesbian parents was elated when she heard the news.
“I am so happy that my parents can finally get ma
rried,” said Ericka Sokolower-Shain, the fifteen-year-old daughter of plaintiffs Karen Shain and Jody Sokolower. “My parents have been together for over 30 years. They have been together so long they can practically read each others’ minds. It is only right they should be able to get married.”
Plaintiffs Corey Davis and Andre Lejeune were elated by news of the decision. “As African American **** men, we joined this lawsuit to lift the mantle of discrimination and inequality perpetuated by the state of California through its outmoded marriage laws,” Corey stated.
“ Years from now, when marriage for *** and lesbians is legal nationwide, our children will study this issue in school and wonder—just as the white kids in my generation did about those so violently opposed to the co-mingling of the races and ending legal segregation—they’ll wonder and secretly pray that their relatives weren't any of those people perpetuating discrimination against *** and lesbians.”
"We are overjoyed by today's ruling,” said Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, two other plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
“Fifty years ago, the California courts paved the way for my mom and dad to get married when they struck down the state law barring interracial couples from marriage,” said Stuart.
At city hall, a beaming mayor Gavin Newsom was joined at a news conference by several of the **** and lesbian couples involved in the suit.
"We will not be appealing this decision," the mayor joked as the crowd broke into laughter.
"Today's ruling is an important step toward a more fair and just California that rejects discrimination and affirms family values for all California families," San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said.
The ruling also brought cheers from the state's largest LGBT civil rights group
"We're thrilled that the court not only recognized that discriminatory marriage laws violate the constitutional guarantees of equal protection but also that the court struck down Prop 22 as being unconstitutional," Geofrey Kors, the executive director of Equality California told 365Gay.com.
"This is a historic ruling that says the freedoms guaranteed in our state's Constitution belong to all Californians," said Jennifer C. Pizer, Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal in the Western Regional Office and its lead attorney on the case.
"The court recognized that same-sex couples aren't treated equally under the law unless we can marry. This ruling says that same-sex couples deserve all the protections and security marriage provides and that we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
Kramer's ruling will be appealed and the California Supreme Court will make a final ruling.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is expected to file a notice of appeal later this week.
Kors urged Lockyer to reconsider.
"We're calling on the legislature and the governor to implement the ruling rather than drag it out in the courts,' said Kors.
Two legal groups representing religious conservatives have vowed to appeal.
“To rule that there is no rational purpose to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman is ludicrous," said Matthew D. Staver, of Liberty Counsel which represented the Campaign for California Families in the case
“Marriage is and must remain the union of one man and one woman.”
The suit was brought jointly by the City of San Francisco and several of the 4,000 same-sex couples married in the city last year.
During oral arguments in December, National Center for Lesbian Rights attorney Shannon Minter told Kramer that same-sex couples who want to marry "are seeking nothing more and nothing less than the opportunities available to others in the state."
"They want the same right to marry the person of their choice, to take on the rights and responsibilities of caring for each other, and to provide for the security of their children," he said.
"These couples have done everything in their power to care for their families," Minter said, pointing to the plaintiffs. "But because the state prevents them from marrying each other, they are much more vulnerable."
Minter's arguments were echoed by San Francisco's Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart.
Stewart told Judge Kramer that the state ban on **** marriage violates the California constitutional rights of equality, liberty and privacy and should be struck down.
Lawyers for Attorney General Bill Lockyer argued that the law limiting marriage does not violate the spirit California's Constitution.
The state maintained that the traditional concept of marriage is deeply ingrained in the state's history and that there is no fundamental right to same-sex marriage.
Last February San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began allowing marriage licenses to be issued to same-sex couples.
More than 4,000 **** and lesbian couples were married before the California Supreme Court ruled that Newsom had exceeded his power in granting the licenses. But, the court did not take up the issue of **** marriage itself, saying court cases challenging the constitutionality on the state law should work their way through the lower courts first.
A pair of bills pending before the California Legislature would put a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the November ballot. It is unlikely either bill will pass, but if it should and California voters approve it that would put the issue of same-sex marriage out of the control of lawmakers and the courts.
“The most vociferous opponents of marriage equality will attack the court’s decision not because it threatens their marriage, or even the institution of marriage, but because they know that the closer GLBT people get to achieving full equality, the more difficult it will be to marginalize us," said Jim Key a spokesperson for the Los Angeles **** and Lesbian Center.
Earlier this month the Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments in another constitutional challenge to barring same-sex marriage.
The New York state Appeals Court, the state's highest court, is about to take up the issue of **** marriage following last month's ruling by a judge in New York City that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
A ruling in Washington is likely before with the New York Court of Appeals or the California Supreme Court gets the marriage case.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny *** and lesbians marriage. But, the court gave the legislature until May to repeal its ban on **** marriage. When the State House failed to act the court's ruling kicked in. The first **** weddings in the state began on May 17, 2004. Although a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is before the legislature but unlikely to pass.
The Massachusetts ruling led to calls for a Federal Marriage Amendment. It failed to get enough votes last year in either the Senate or House. It was reintroduced in congress in January. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well I'll be darned.. it is legal.
Oh yes, none of those mean it is legalized. :::rolleyes::: I wish that one still worked.
Vermont I don't even need to tackle because obviously if it wasn't legal they wouldn't be having thousands of homosexuals flock to the state to be married. Which was legalized in 1999.
So yes, you are just as bad as a certain someone with reading comprehension.
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/08/080404washCourt.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
(Seattle, Washington) A Washington state court Wednesday ruled today same-sex couples must be allowed to marry.
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing said that the state Constitution guarantees basic rights to lesbian and **** people -- and that those rights are violated by a state law prohibiting same-sex couples from marrying.
The case involved eight same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in King County (story)
Downing's ruling went on to say that the couples must be given marriage licenses.
"This is a huge victory and a historic day," said Kevin Cathcart, Executive Director of Lambda Legal.
The couples were represented by Lambda Legal and the Northwest Women's Law Center.
"The court recognized that unless **** people can marry, we are not being treated equally under the law," said Cathcart.
"Same-sex couples need the protections and security marriage provides, and this ruling says
we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
In his ruling, Judge Downing called the eight couples "law-abiding, taxpaying model citizens," and said, "There is no worthwhile institution that they would dishonor, much less destroy."
In the ruling, Downing also said, "The characteristics embodied by these plaintiffs are ones that our society and the institution of marriage need more of, not less. Let the plaintiffs stand as inspirations for all those citizens, homosexual and heterosexual, who may follow their path."
<b>IMPORTANT POINT-->
The county and the state are expected to appeal the ruling, and the Washington state Supreme Court may take the case directly and hear arguments on an expedited basis, according to Lambda Legal.
<--IMPORTANT POINT</b>
Jennifer Pizer, Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal's Western Regional Office and one of the lead attorneys on the case said that the state's high court has a recent track record of treating same-sex couples equally.
"We believe that the Washington Supreme Court will look closely at the important issues this case raises and come to the same conclusion the lower court reached," Pizer said.
"Our clients pay all the same taxes as their neighbors and coworkers, and they deserve all the same legal protections."
Judge Downing's ruling goes further than an Oregon state court ruling earlier this year, which said that the state's law prohibiting marriage between same-sex couples was unconstitutional, but went on to say that civil unions or other measures could provide adequate protections to lesbian and **** couples.
"These are Washington State couples who pay Washington State taxes and want Washington State marriage licenses under the Washington State Constitution. Any attempts to turn today's ruling for fairness into a national wedge issue to divide and distract people won't work," Cathcart predicted. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
<a href='http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm' target='_blank'>California Homosexual marriage</a>
<!--QuoteBegin-http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/03/031405CalMarr.htm)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
(San Francisco, California) A San Francisco judge ruled Monday that it is unconstitutional for the state of California to deny marriage to **** and lesbian couples.
"It appears that no rational purpose exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners," County Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer said in a written ruling.
In striking down the state ban on same-sex marriage Kramer wrote that the state's historical definition of marriage, by itself, cannot justify the denial of equal protection for *** and lesbians.
"The state's protracted denial of equal protection cannot be justified simply because such constitutional violation has become traditional," Kramer wrote.
"We're still a little stunned, but we're overjoyed," said Lancy Woo, a 38-year-old lifelong San Francisco resident who is the lead plaintiff in the case with her partner, Cristy Chung, 40. "Our six-year-old daughter, Olivia, is just beginning to understand how the world works, and we can't wait to talk with her about today's ruling. We've always taught that her that our family is based on love, just like other families, and this ruling confirms that our family shouldn't be treated any differently by our government."
Another child of lesbian parents was elated when she heard the news.
“I am so happy that my parents can finally get ma
rried,” said Ericka Sokolower-Shain, the fifteen-year-old daughter of plaintiffs Karen Shain and Jody Sokolower. “My parents have been together for over 30 years. They have been together so long they can practically read each others’ minds. It is only right they should be able to get married.”
Plaintiffs Corey Davis and Andre Lejeune were elated by news of the decision. “As African American **** men, we joined this lawsuit to lift the mantle of discrimination and inequality perpetuated by the state of California through its outmoded marriage laws,” Corey stated.
“ Years from now, when marriage for *** and lesbians is legal nationwide, our children will study this issue in school and wonder—just as the white kids in my generation did about those so violently opposed to the co-mingling of the races and ending legal segregation—they’ll wonder and secretly pray that their relatives weren't any of those people perpetuating discrimination against *** and lesbians.”
"We are overjoyed by today's ruling,” said Stuart Gaffney and John Lewis, two other plaintiffs in the lawsuit.
“Fifty years ago, the California courts paved the way for my mom and dad to get married when they struck down the state law barring interracial couples from marriage,” said Stuart.
At city hall, a beaming mayor Gavin Newsom was joined at a news conference by several of the **** and lesbian couples involved in the suit.
"We will not be appealing this decision," the mayor joked as the crowd broke into laughter.
"Today's ruling is an important step toward a more fair and just California that rejects discrimination and affirms family values for all California families," San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera said.
The ruling also brought cheers from the state's largest LGBT civil rights group
"We're thrilled that the court not only recognized that discriminatory marriage laws violate the constitutional guarantees of equal protection but also that the court struck down Prop 22 as being unconstitutional," Geofrey Kors, the executive director of Equality California told 365Gay.com.
"This is a historic ruling that says the freedoms guaranteed in our state's Constitution belong to all Californians," said Jennifer C. Pizer, Senior Counsel for Lambda Legal in the Western Regional Office and its lead attorney on the case.
"The court recognized that same-sex couples aren't treated equally under the law unless we can marry. This ruling says that same-sex couples deserve all the protections and security marriage provides and that we're entitled to get them the same way straight couples do."
<b>IMPORTANT POINT-->
Kramer's ruling will be appealed and the California Supreme Court will make a final ruling.
California Attorney General Bill Lockyer is expected to file a notice of appeal later this week.
<--IMPORTANT POINT</b>
Kors urged Lockyer to reconsider.
"We're calling on the legislature and the governor to implement the ruling rather than drag it out in the courts,' said Kors.
Two legal groups representing religious conservatives have vowed to appeal.
“To rule that there is no rational purpose to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman is ludicrous," said Matthew D. Staver, of Liberty Counsel which represented the Campaign for California Families in the case
“Marriage is and must remain the union of one man and one woman.”
The suit was brought jointly by the City of San Francisco and several of the 4,000 same-sex couples married in the city last year.
During oral arguments in December, National Center for Lesbian Rights attorney Shannon Minter told Kramer that same-sex couples who want to marry "are seeking nothing more and nothing less than the opportunities available to others in the state."
"They want the same right to marry the person of their choice, to take on the rights and responsibilities of caring for each other, and to provide for the security of their children," he said.
"These couples have done everything in their power to care for their families," Minter said, pointing to the plaintiffs. "But because the state prevents them from marrying each other, they are much more vulnerable."
Minter's arguments were echoed by San Francisco's Chief Deputy City Attorney Therese Stewart.
Stewart told Judge Kramer that the state ban on **** marriage violates the California constitutional rights of equality, liberty and privacy and should be struck down.
Lawyers for Attorney General Bill Lockyer argued that the law limiting marriage does not violate the spirit California's Constitution.
The state maintained that the traditional concept of marriage is deeply ingrained in the state's history and that there is no fundamental right to same-sex marriage.
Last February San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom began allowing marriage licenses to be issued to same-sex couples.
More than 4,000 **** and lesbian couples were married before the California Supreme Court ruled that Newsom had exceeded his power in granting the licenses. But, the court did not take up the issue of **** marriage itself, saying court cases challenging the constitutionality on the state law should work their way through the lower courts first.
A pair of bills pending before the California Legislature would put a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the November ballot. It is unlikely either bill will pass, but if it should and California voters approve it that would put the issue of same-sex marriage out of the control of lawmakers and the courts.
“The most vociferous opponents of marriage equality will attack the court’s decision not because it threatens their marriage, or even the institution of marriage, but because they know that the closer GLBT people get to achieving full equality, the more difficult it will be to marginalize us," said Jim Key a spokesperson for the Los Angeles **** and Lesbian Center.
Earlier this month the Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments in another constitutional challenge to barring same-sex marriage.
The New York state Appeals Court, the state's highest court, is about to take up the issue of **** marriage following last month's ruling by a judge in New York City that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
A ruling in Washington is likely before with the New York Court of Appeals or the California Supreme Court gets the marriage case.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny *** and lesbians marriage. But, the court gave the legislature until May to repeal its ban on **** marriage. When the State House failed to act the court's ruling kicked in. The first **** weddings in the state began on May 17, 2004. Although a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is before the legislature but unlikely to pass.
The Massachusetts ruling led to calls for a Federal Marriage Amendment. It failed to get enough votes last year in either the Senate or House. It was reintroduced in congress in January. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Well I'll be darned.. it is legal.
Oh yes, none of those mean it is legalized. :::rolleyes::: I wish that one still worked.
Vermont I don't even need to tackle because obviously if it wasn't legal they wouldn't be having thousands of homosexuals flock to the state to be married. Which was legalized in 1999.
So yes, you are just as bad as a certain someone with reading comprehension. <!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Again, you refuse to read your own articles, then blame me for being the one who fails to understand them. Notice the bolded parts. These facts were even more clear in the news articles you posted earlier from real news sites, but of course "365gay.com" would want to do its best to minimize those points, and give the impression that they are winning everywhere.
I'm glad that places have legalised it and I hope many more do, I'm simply saying that in a discussion on whether it should be legal/right or not the amount of places that have legalised it is irrelevant. What other people say and do has no bearing on if it should be said or done.
Saying all that, Cwxf: you should read the stickies for this forum as it clearly states that you shouldn't try and discredit a persons source.
<!--QuoteBegin--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> </td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->5.: Respect other peoples newssources.
It is so tempting. Tell someone that you don't believe the newspaper they cited articles from, and the uncomfortably consistent argumentation they built up falls together, leaving you and your notion secure again.
Don't ever try that.
Discrediting a newssource requires more than that one article from three years ago that wasn't entirely correct, or an obvious political bias - you'll find few newssites without one.<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Since when is using a possessive word for a source akin to calling it worthless? I merely call it "her" source in order to identify what I am talking about as the source posted by Cyndane, as opposed to any other source.
As for other sources with a different perspective...I don't even need to go looking for them. Cyndane's original CNN sources work just fine for offering a non-365gay.com perspective.
Actually, the original topic was more along the lines of, "Why are Republicans fundamentalist Christians all of a sudden," but sure, let's go with that.
Simply because an appeal is PROBABLY going to be heard doesn't mean it will and since federal law requires that all states obey other states marriages and other other types of unions it would take a federal law to ban all homosexual marriages.
Final point for me in this thread, as I have obviously demostrated cwxf simply can't back up his reasonings with the homosexual marraige off topicness that was started.. randomlly.
Republicans are currently lobbying for fundementalist partion of the country at the moment. Sadly this is ruining the quality of life for those who don't "follow their way of thinking", it is the 1960s, and 1800's, and 1400's AND 500'sBC all over again. Which in the next election is going to pwn them horribly, and I look forward in two years to seeing their butts get handed to them.
You have "obviously demonstrated" nothing except how incredibly set you are in your own beliefs. As such, and as you refuse to acknowledge even facts put forth by the news agencies that you yourself are quoting, I see no reason to continue in this debate any further. I will leave my prior (and yes, unrefuted) statements to stand for themselves.
(edit: removed unnecessary edit)
<a href='http://www.365gay.com/newschannel/NewsChannel.htm' target='_blank'>Homosexual News website</a>
<!--QuoteBegin-365gay.com+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (365gay.com)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
College Board Member Calls *** On Campus 'A Shame'
(Mesa, Arizona) A member of the Maricopa Community College board says he will not apologize for saying that the presence of **** activists on campus is quote: 'a shame.'
Maine Mellowing To **** Rights
(Augusta, Maine) An attempt by Christian conservatives to overturn Maine's new LGBT civil rights protections will fail a new poll of likely voters shows.
Iowa Radio Stations Refuse School **** Bashing Ads
(Des Moines, Iowa) Radio Iowa, a network of 60 stations has rejected ads aimed at educating people about the problems LGBT students have at the hands of bullies.
Lesbian Couple Sues Missouri Over Fostering Refusal
(Kansas City, Missouri) The state says Lisa Johnston and Dawn Roginski are exceptionally qualified to be foster parents, but an unwritten state policy prevents them from taking children into their home because they are openly ****.
Iran Hangs **** Blackmailer
(London) A man convicted of blackmailing his **** sexual partners has been hanged.
Justices Grill ****-Marriage Foes
(Boston, Massachusetts) What could be the last gasp of **** marriage foes in Massachusetts was heard by the Supreme Judicial Court on Monday.
Navajo President Vetoes **** Marriage Ban
(Window Rock, Arizona) A ban on same-sex marriage approved by the Navajo Tribal Council last month banning same-sex marriage has been vetoed by Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr..
Protest Targets FOF Homophobia
(Colorado Springs, Colorado ) Three people were arrested Monday in the second day of protests in front of the Focus on the Family offices in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Supreme Court To Hear Military Case
(Washington ) The Supreme Court will consider whether colleges can bar military recruiters from their campuses because of the Pentagon's ban on ***.
Philadelphia Rights Celebration Hailed As Unqualified Success
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) A Methodist minister who had been defrocked for being in a lesbian relationship, then was reinstated, called for an end to discrimination against *** in a speech to hundreds of supporters at celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the nation's first **** rights protest.
Activist, Writer Jack Nichols Dies
(Cocoa, Florida) Jack Nichols, one of the pioneers of **** liberation and a prolific writer, died early Monday in hospital after a long illness.
Mass Supreme Court Hears Bid To Halt **** Marriages
(Boston, Massachusetts) The Supreme Judicial Court which paved the way for same-sex marriage in Massachusetts today will hear arguments seeking to have its ruling set aside.
Microsoft **** Workers Unconvinced By Company's Rights Position
(Seattle, Washington) Microsoft's LGBT employees in an open letter to company Chairman Bill Gates and CEO Steve Ballmer say they are unconvinced that the computer giant was not influenced by a conservative Christian pastor to rescind endorsement of a **** civil rights bill in Washington.
Anti-**** Rocker Returns To Baseball
(New York City) John Rocker, the one time Atlanta Braves pitcher who angered *** with a homophobic diatribe six years ago, has returned to baseball.
Phelps Klan Protests At Ousted Baptist University
(Danville, Virginia) Averett University Saturday conducted its first commencement since being dropped by Southern Baptists in a dispute over ***.
Queer Films Win At NYC's Tribeca Film Festival
(New York City) Desperate Housewives" star Felicity Huffman won the best actress award at the Tribeca Film Festival Saturday for "Transamerica," in which she plays a preoperative transsexual woman.
N.J. Town Repeals Anti-**** Bikini Law
(Cape May, New Jersey) Come on in, Speedo wearers, the water's fine: Your skimpy swimsuits are actually legal now, for the first time in years.
Zimbabwe Arrests Man UK Granted Asylum As ****
(London) A Zimbabwean man who was granted asylum in Britain after he told authorities he would be persecuted in his homeland because he is **** has been jailed after reentering the African nation.
Former Canadian PM Under Fire Over US **** Award
(Philadelphia) Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien was honored Friday night in Philadelphia for his advocacy of same-sex marriage.
Kansas **** Marriage Ban Takes Effect
(Topeka, Kansas) An amendment to the Kansas Constitution banning same-sex marriage and civil unions went into effect Friday.
Continental Airlines Extends Travel Perks To **** Retirees
(Houston, Texas) As the state of Texas considers an amendment to its constitution to ban same-sex marriage, Houston-based Continental airlines has announced that it will give the same-sex partners of its retired workers the same perks already available to heterosexual couples.
First New Zealand Civil Union Performed
(Wellington) The first same-sex civil union in New Zealand took place Friday.
**** Health Group Denounces Reinstatement Of 'Ex-****' Advocate
(New York City) The Mautner Project, a National Lesbian Health Organization, Friday said it was shocking that Dr. Warren Throckmorton had been reappointed to the advisory board of Magellan Health Services.
Amnesty Appeals To Saudi Arabia For 35 Sentenced To Flogging For Attending '**** Wedding'
(London) Amnesty International issued an 'urgent action' appeal on Friday on behalf of at least 35 men at risk of being flogged in Saudi Arabia for having attended a “**** wedding”.
Methodists Reinstate Lesbian Pastor
(Linthicum, Maryland) The United Methodist Church reversed itself today, deciding to reinstate a lesbian minister who was defrocked after revealing her relationship with another woman.
Colorado **** Rights Bill Moves Toward House Vote
(Denver, Colorado) An LGBT civil rights bill that would protect *** and lesbians against bias in the workplace appears headed to a vote in the House.
**** Serial Killer Thwarted In Book Deal
(London) A man who murdered 15 **** men, in what has been described as Britain's most infamous serial killings, has been denied a bid to write his memoir.
Parent Arrested Protesting **** Kids' Book
(Boston, Massachusetts) Police arrested the father of a six year old boy after he refused to leave a Lexington, Mass. school where he was protesting against a children's' book with **** characters.
New Guidelines Recommend Screening HIV-Infected Patients for Kidney Disease
(New York City) The HIV Medicine Association has released guidelines for managing chronic kidney disease in patients living with HIV.
Pryor Confirmation Vote Delayed
(Washington) It will be at least two more weeks before the Senate Judiciary Committee votes on former Alabama Attorney General Bill Pryor, President Bush's nominee for a lifetime appointment on the federal bench.
Canadian Anglicans Agree To 2 Year **** Unions Hold
(Toronto, Ontario) The Canadian Anglican Church has decided to put a halt to blessing same-sex unions for the next two years.
Oregon Gov Chides Lawmakers On **** Rights Bills
(Portland, Oregon) Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski is urging the Legislature to stop dragging its feet and pass two pieces of **** rights legislation that he has put forward.
Mandatory Anti-**** Harassment Training Does Not Violate Students' Freedom of Religion Court Told
(Ashland, Kentucky) Requiring students to undergo a court-ordered anti-harassment training at Boyd County High School does not violate their rights to free exercise of religion a federal court was told Thursday.
Conservatives Rally To Overturn Maine's **** Rights Law
(Augusta Maine) Several hundred opponents of Maine's newly enacted law barring discrimination against *** and lesbians turned out for a soggy rally in front of the State House on Thursday to display their support for a "people's veto" effort.
Lesbian Minister's Attorney: Church Prefers Secrecy To Honesty
(Linthicum, Maryland) An attorney for a defrocked lesbian minister on Thursday argued that the United Methodist Church would have preferred she live in a "cloak of secrecy" rather than be honest with her congregation.
Group Calls For Calif. Amendment To Ban **** Marriage
(Sacramento, California) A day after a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in California passed a key committee opponents have formed a group to gather signatures to have a **** marriage ban placed in the state Constitution.
New Delay Granted In Fiji **** Sex Appeal
(Suva) Fiji's High Court has granted attorneys for an Australian tourist and a local man a 45 day delay in filing an amendment to their appeal of the convictions of the men for engaging in **** sex.
Lesbian Pastor Tapped To Lead Denomination
(Los Angeles, California) The Rev. Nancy Wilson, a longtime leader in the predominantly **** Metropolitan Community Churches, has been selected to become the next Moderator of the denomination.
HIV/AIDS Patients Face Long Wait For Meds Funds
(Boise, Idaho) Despite an increase in national funding, 11 states continue to have waiting lists for low-income HIV and AIDS patients who need help paying for prescription drugs, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Alliance of State AIDS Directors.
Louisiana Court Upholds Law Against **** Civil Rights Groups
(New Orleans, Louisiana) A state appeal court has refused to strike down the state's crime against nature law.
Calif. Schools Hit By **** Lawsuits & Terror Attacks
(Los Angeles, California) Two California school systems are being sued for alleged bias and a third is caught up in the grips of terror attacks on students and faculty.
Oregon GOP Seeks To Gut **** Unions Bill
(Salem, Oregon) If the Oregon's Senate Democrats get their way, the state will follow Vermont's lead and enact civil unions, giving **** couples the rights and privileges of marriage without the title.
Spanish Mayors Refuse To Allow **** Weddings
(Madrid) A growing number of Spain's mayors say they will defy the government and refuse to perform same-sex marriages.
'Ex-****' Advocate Reinstated To Mental Health Board
(New York City) A controversial psychologist who was dropped from an advisory board to Magellan Health Services, the largest mental health management company in the country, over his support for "helping' *** become straight, has been reinstated.
Spokane OKs **** Partner Benefits
(Spokane, Washington) Less than a week after state legislators rejected a civil rights bill to protect *** and lesbians in the workplace and housing, the Spokane City Council has approved extending benefits to unmarried partners of city employees.
Bush Has Problems Keeping It Straight
(Washington) Two incidents involving President Bush this week have some people scratching their heads.
South Carolina Anti-**** Amendment Goes To Voters
(Columbia, South Carolina) A proposed amendment to the South Carolina Constitution banning same-sex marriage will go to voters in 2006.
Deal May Save Canada's **** marriage Bill
(Ottawa) A deal between Canada's teetering Liberals and the small New Democratic Party could save the government from defeat next month and allow passage of a bill to extend same-sex marriage across the country.
SF **** Bar Discriminated Against Blacks
(San Francisco, California) A bar owner in the predominantly **** Castro neighborhood violated numerous city civil rights codes by discriminating against black patrons, the San Francisco Human Rights Commission has ruled.
Missouri School To Drop **** T-Shirt Ban
(Webb City, Missouri) The Webb City School District announced Tuesday that it will loosen its restrictions on **** pride T-shirts. The district revealed its plan in a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit against it.
New Revelations About White House's **** Hustler
(Washington) Despite assurances by the Bush Administration that the **** hustler who posed as a journalist was given only limited access to the White House new evidence shows that over a two year period he visited 196 times.
Violence Against *** On The Rise
(New York City) The National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs released its annual report Tuesday on violence against lesbians, **** men, bisexual people and transgender individuals.
Mexico Launches Campaign To Fight Homophobia
(Mexico City) Despite opposition from the Roman Catholic Church the Mexican government this week launched a radio campaign to fight homophobia.
****-Pos. Weld Eyes NY Governor's Mansion
(New York City) Former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld said Tuesday he is seriously considering running for governor of New York if his fellow Republican, incumbent Gov. George Pataki, does not seek a fourth term next year.
Bush Judge Nominee Called 'Most Anti-**** In Memorable History'
(Washington) Any deal with Democrats over President Bush's nominees for federal judgeships was rejected outright on Tuesday by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist.
Calif. **** Marriage Bill Passes Key Committee
(Sacramento, California) Legislation to allow same-sex marriage in California passed a key committee Tuesday with religious conservatives vowing to defeat it before it can become law.
Gates Enters Microsoft **** Debacle
(Washington) Microsoft Corp. may rethink whether it will support legislation banning discrimination against *** and lesbians, company Chairman Bill Gates says.
**** Games Tackles Doping
(Chicago, Illinois) Chicago organizers of the **** Games Tuesday adopted a new anti-doping policy.
Indianapolis Rejects **** Rights Law
(Indianapolis, Indiana) Indianapolis City-County Council has rejected legislation that would have prohibited LGBT discrimination in jobs and housing.
Colorado **** Civil Rights Bill Moves Forward
(Denver, Colorado) The Colorado Senate has approved a bill to ban bias against members of the state's LGBT community.
New Zealand Civil Unions Law Goes Into Effect
(Wellington) A new law allowing civil unions for same-sex couples in New Zealand has not led to the expected rush to register.
Instant Message Puts Man At **** Murder Scene
(Waterloo, Iowa) Claims that a 29-year-old Waterloo man was killed because he was openly **** appear to be supported by telephone records in court documents.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Each one of those is a seperate article on that site, from todays "week in review."
Tell me where it shows "they are winning everywhere."
As far as I can see, they are just reporting what each city/state/county is giving to every other media outlet. Personally I like being able to keep uptodate with who is banning and/or approving homosexual activities so they can enjoy the same rights that everyone else does.
<!--QuoteBegin-cyndane from 365gay.com+--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><b>QUOTE</b> (cyndane from 365gay.com)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'><!--QuoteEBegin-->
Earlier this month the Washington state Supreme Court heard arguments in another constitutional challenge to barring same-sex marriage.
The New York state Appeals Court, the state's highest court, is about to take up the issue of **** marriage following last month's ruling by a judge in New York City that it is unconstitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry.
A ruling in Washington is likely before with the New York Court of Appeals or the California Supreme Court gets the marriage case.
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruled in November 2003 that it was unconstitutional to deny *** and lesbians marriage. But, the court gave the legislature until May to repeal its ban on **** marriage. When the State House failed to act the court's ruling kicked in. The first **** weddings in the state began on May 17, 2004. Although a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution is before the legislature but unlikely to pass.
The Massachusetts ruling led to calls for a Federal Marriage Amendment. It failed to get enough votes last year in either the Senate or House. It was reintroduced in congress in January.
<!--QuoteEnd--></td></tr></table><div class='postcolor'><!--QuoteEEnd-->
Your points, refuted, again.