Catholic Priest's Marry Gay Couple In Colombia

"Fabian Mauricio Romero Chibcha and Javier, who prefers not to be fully named, received blessings by three priests who belong to the Catholic Missionary St. Pablo Church, a faction of the Catholic Church.
Fabian and Javier live together for two years and signed a de facto marital union certificate, as same-sex marriage is not legal in Colombia.
"We accept the challenge to bless this couple because they are children of God", father Diego said to El Espectador minutes before the ceremony, which does not symbolize the sacrament of marriage but rather presents the relationship with the religious community.
The Vatican does not accept gay relationships. Monsignor Francisco Nieto, auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Bogoto, declared the union of Javier and Fabian "unacceptable". Bishop Nieto also criticized the Colombian Constitutional Court for recognizing the rights of gay couples.
Fabian became the first homosexual partner of a policeman to receive benefits from the police service since Colombia's Constitutional Court granted equal civil, political, social and economic rights to gay couples in January."
(CR)

Governor Gregoire Is For "Everything but Marriage"

Today Washington governor Christine Gregoire signed “The Everything but Marriage” domestic partnership bill that grants new rights related to unemployment, disability, insurance, adoption and child custody. Governor Gregoire said:
“Today we are strengthening Washington by strengthening families. From the first bill I signed in 2007 to today’s bills, we have proudly made immeasurable strides on behalf of LGBT individuals and families. This represents the culmination of incredible work to treat all Washingtonians equally.”
“Many brave families have come forward to share their lives, their struggles and their moments of joy hard-working men and women who are in committed relationships, raising children, attending their places of worship, and volunteering in their communities. After meeting these families, people have come to know that lesbian and gay families are no different than their own. And what has naturally followed is the unsettling notion that despite the sameness of straight couples and gay and lesbian couples, there are, in fact, legal barriers that prevent the same treatment.”
(The Atlantic)

And A Child Will Lead Them, At Least In Denver

A Denver third-grader was front and center at the Colorado State Capitol Saturday pushing for same sex marriage in the state.
Ethan McNamee arranged the rally as an independent class project.
He was concerned about the issue after hearing about anti-gay remarks on the playground and then learning about a same sex couple in his neighborhood that couldn't get married.
"Everybody is different in a good way," he said.
Ethan believes that if two people love each other that is the only issue to be considered.
Ethan took it upon himself to arrange the rally and line up the guest speakers. He admitted it was more work then he thought it would be, but adds it was fun.
(ABC)

Nevada Governor Will Veto Domestic Partnership Bill

"A bill that would allow same-sex couples to enter into domestic partnerships, with many of the rights of married couples, passed the Nevada Assembly Friday.
Senate Bill 283 now goes to the desk of Gov. Jim Gibbons, who has said he will veto it. The bill passed in the Senate 12-9.
Advocates for the bill have been working to try to find two votes to override Gibbons' veto.
Voters amended the constitution to ban same-sex marriage, voting overwhelmingly for the ban in 2000 and 2002."
(LVS)

Twitter Causes Gay Marriage Hysteria

Because some people are irredeemably stupid and nobody pays attention to anything, thousands of Twitter users rejoiced today at the news that the California Supreme Court just overturned the state's gay marriage ban. One year ago.
This will be studied by sociologists and anthropologists for years to come. At roughly noon today, someone "Tweeted" the news that the California Supreme Court had overturned the state's ban on gay marriage, supplying their "followers" with a Los Angeles Times story link as proof. The story, as anyone who can read could read, was dated May 16, 2008, right at the top, and was written back when the California Supreme Court did, in fact, find that gay couples have a right to marry under the state's constitution and, vitally, about six months before California voters amended the state's constitution to re-ban gay marriage.
But Twitter doesn't sweat the details! Thousands of users "re-Tweeted" it or whatever, and before you know it, the Los Angeles Times' own f*cking Twitter feed was sending the gay marriage news out to its 19,700-plus followers.
People began to celebrate and re-tweet the news. People were literally writing that they were crying at their desks at the news that gay people can get married in California now, when they in fact can't, because no one—not even the intern in charge of the Los Angeles Times's Twitter feed!—actually read the damn story.
So how did it happen? Twitter's time-stamping is fuzzy, so it's impossible to locate the original offending Tweet with precision. But one candidate for Patient Zero is Meredith Modzelewski, the Brooklyn blogger whose Tweet about the story showed up earliest in Twitter's search results. Interestingly, Modzelewski linked to a now-dead ABC News story, not the L.A. Times piece.
Contacted by the media, Modzelewski says—ironically—that she first heard the fake news through a pre-Twitter mode of communication: "From a friend" who in turn had read about it on someone's Facebook page. The fact that Modzelewski first came up with an ABC News story, and that it later became an L.A. Times story—not to mention the fact that it's the one-year anniversary—indicates that an orchestrated campaign was underway to spread the news. Modzelewski may have just been among the first people to bring it to Twitter.
So she "Tweeted" it and the next thing you know it's a Twitter shitstorm and the L.A. Times is embarrassingly "Tweeting" that it's earlier "Tweet" "does not reflect any new news" and linking to it's "full, current Prop. 8 coverage." This is what happens when you communicate 140 characters at a time.

Supreme Court Possible Is Anti-Gay Marriage

Georgia Chief Justice Leah Ward Sears, considered a potential nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, has drawn criticism from gay rights groups after announcing plans to join a think tank whose founder is an outspoken opponent of gay marriage.
The nation’s first black female chief justice of a state supreme court, announced this week she will join the New York-based Institute for American Values when she retires June 30.
She has declined to address speculation about a possible nomination to succeed retiring Justice David Souter, who will leave the Supreme Court when it ends its current session in June. Sears has appeared on several lists of possible candidates to succeed Souter, according to officials familiar with President Barack Obama’s deliberations.
(365)

New Hampshire Governor Will Sign Equal Marriage Bill

New Hampshire Governor John Lynch issued a written statement today saying he would sign the marriage equality legislation, provided changes are made to protect religious institutions. Here is a copy of his (long ass) statement:

"The gay marriage debate in New Hampshire has been filled with passion and emotion on all sides.
My personal views on the subject of marriage have been shaped by my own experience, tradition and upbringing. But as Governor of New Hampshire, I recognize that I have a responsibility to consider this issue through a broader lens.
In the past weeks and months, I have spoken with lawmakers, religious leaders and citizens. My office has received thousands of phone calls, letters and emails. I have studied our current marriage and civil union laws, the laws of other states, the bills recently passed by the legislature and our history and traditions.
Two years ago, we passed civil unions legislation here in New Hampshire. That law gave same-sex couples in civil unions the same rights and protections as marriage. And in typical New Hampshire fashion, the people of this state embraced civil unions and agreed we needed to continue our tradition of opposing discrimination.
At its core, HB 436 simply changes the term 'civil union' to 'civil marriage.' Given the cultural, historical and religious significance of the word marriage, this is a meaningful change.
I have heard, and I understand, the very real feelings of same-sex couples that a separate system is not an equal system. That a civil law that differentiates between their committed relationships and those of heterosexual couples undermines both their dignity and the legitimacy of their families.
I have also heard, and I understand, the concerns of our citizens who have equally deep feelings and genuine religious beliefs about marriage. They fear that this legislation would interfere with the ability of religious groups to freely practice their faiths.
Throughout history, our society's views of civil rights have constantly evolved and expanded. New Hampshire's great tradition has always been to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections.
That is what I believe we must do today.
But following that tradition means we must act to protect both the liberty of same-sex couples and religious liberty. In their current form, I do not believe these bills accomplish those goals.
The Legislature took an important step by clearly differentiating between civil and religious marriage, and protecting religious groups from having to participate in marriage ceremonies that violate their fundamental religious beliefs.
But the role of marriage in many faiths extends beyond the actual marriage ceremony.
I have examined the laws of other states, including Vermont and Connecticut, which have recently passed same-sex marriage laws. Both go further in protecting religious institutions than the current New Hampshire legislation.
This morning, I met with House and Senate leaders, and the sponsors of this legislation, and gave them language that will provide additional protections to religious institutions.
This new language will provide the strongest and clearest protections for religious institutions and associations, and for the individuals working with such institutions. It will make clear that they cannot be forced to act in ways that violate their deeply held religious principles.
If the legislature passes this language, I will sign the same-sex marriage bill into law. If the legislature doesn't pass these provisions, I will veto it.
We can and must treat both same-sex couples and people of certain religious traditions with respect and dignity.
I believe this proposed language will accomplish both of these goals and I urge the legislature to pass it." (Who cares, just sign the damn thing!)

New York Legislature Says "Yes" To Gay Marriage

"New York's legislature approved a law allowing gay weddings in the state, which now faces a much tougher reading in the upper house.
The lower house in the New York legislature approved the law submitted last month by Governor David Paterson, by a vote of 89-52.
If it passes the senate, the law would make New York the sixth and highest profile state allowing same-sex couples to wed, providing powerful impetus to other states considering such laws."
(AFP)

Group Warns Church Leaders to Expect Violence From The Gays

An unheard of group "Pastors' Rapid Response Team" is warning church leaders to expect violence from the gays after the California Supreme Court rules on Prop 8. They have been kind enough to raise the fear and pitchfork level with e-mails on how to respond to us gays.

Here is the e-mail:

Greetings, Pastors and Leaders.

As you know, the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments in March regarding the legal challenges to Article 1, Section 7.5 of the California Constitution (formerly known as Proposition 8). Their decision will be coming down any day and while we don't know the exact date, it could be made public as early as tomorrow, Friday, or one day next week.

Based on the observations of legal experts, it is expected that the court will uphold Article 1, Section 7.5, keeping it in the Constitution. However, the court will probably also uphold the several thousand "marriages" that occurred between June and Election Day in 2008.

Reactions
Because of the imminent arrival of the court's decision, it is important to be aware of the public reaction to this decision.
If the decision is in our favor, it is not unreasonable to expect an angry response, perhaps even violence, from those who are opposed. On their websites, some opposed to Prop 8 have said things like, "Take your anger to the streets," so it's possible that the reaction could be significantly more severe than the violence that took place in the days immediately following the passage of Prop 8.

Therefore, as pastors and leaders, we must be prepared for such reactions occurring near us, perhaps even in our own churches.

Be Prepared
We are blessed to have received a very comprehensive list of church security ideas courtesy of Erik Stanley with the Alliance Defense Fund. These are outstanding ideas that will go a long way in order to make certain your church remains secure, and that everything will be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:40). Please take time to review this information, included below, and forward it to those in your church who need to see it and make the necessary preparations.
To quickly summarize what needs to be done, it can be boiled down to these primary steps:

Make sure every worship service is videotaped.
Make sure someone in the church (an usher or someone with similar responsibilities) has instructions to call 911 immediately.
Plan with the church staff and church leadership the steps that will be taken in the event of any attempt to disrupt one of your worship services.


Networking
Remember that we are all in this together! The Lord has raised up all of us and brought us together to change the history of our country. We were all a part of a massive work that our God has done in our midst. We need to-we must-stand together!
With that in mind, would you please send an email to let us know of any attempts to disrupt one of your worship services, any acts of vandalism, any "hate" mail or email, any acts of violence? We will compile a master list of as many acts of hatred as is possible - violence, disruptions, vandalism, mail, email, phone calls.

The reason for this request? For one, to heighten the fervency and intensity of our prayer for one another. For another, to alert the casual observers in our state to what has been occurring. It is important for us to realize that our brothers and sisters are suffering persecution for simply participating in our nation's democratic process and voting their values, and we must stand more closely together.

Please don't hesitate to contact us with any of your questions on this, or to request further help.

We will let you know about the court announcement as soon as we know, and we will also notify you of the time and date of a webinar/conference call where we will provide you with additional information based on that decision. Please be looking for that email.

This battle is not over, not by a long shot! We will have to stand, and stand again, on this principle of marriage. We have seen the Lord bring us together, stand us together side by side, and pass Prop 8; let us remain side by side so together we can see Him protect what He has done!

Be blessed today,

Chris Clark
Pastors' Rapid Response Team
"webinar, conference call and e-mail.....HEY dumb ass not only is your thinking out of date but "conference call?" I'll tweet you when we are on the way to over run the church.

Academy Award-winning actor Charlize Theron Adds Voice To Gay Marriage

Academy Award-winner Charlize Theron is lending her voice to an upcoming rally on gay marriage in California.

Ms. Theron wrote a letter in support for the Meet In The Middle For Equality rally to be held in Fresno, California.

"We know the people whose lives are on the line - those who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender - will be there," Theron wrote. "But we need everyone there. Especially straight people."

The letter was released yesterday by grassroots organisation Courage Campaign.

Admitted Republican Pot Smoker Arnold Schwarzenegger Wants to Talk 420

Arnold Schwarzenegger says it's time for a debate on whether to legalize and tax marijuana. Between bong hits can we talk to you about gay marriage?

New York State Senator George Onorato Refuses to talk to gay constituents

New York State Senator George Onorato told his staff that he will not talk to anyone about gay marriage! So here is his phone number 718-545-9706

Maine Says YES to equal marrage!

Statement from the Governor’s office.

May 6, 2009

AUGUSTA – Governor John E. Baldacci today signed into law LD 1020, An Act to End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom.

“I have followed closely the debate on this issue. I have listened to both sides, as they have presented their arguments during the public hearing and on the floor of the Maine Senate and the House of Representatives. I have read many of the notes and letters sent to my office, and I have weighed my decision carefully Governor Baldacci said. “I did not come to this decision lightly or in haste.”

“I appreciate the tone brought to this debate by both sides of the issue,” Governor Baldacci said. “This is an emotional issue that touches deeply many of our most important ideals and traditions. There are good, earnest and honest people on both sides of the question.”

“In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions,” Governor Baldacci said. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage.”

“Article I in the Maine Constitution states that ‘no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, nor be denied the equal protection of the laws, nor be denied the enjoyment of that person’s civil rights or be discriminated against.’”

“This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of its beliefs. It does not require the church to perform any ceremony with which it disagrees. Instead, it reaffirms the separation of Church and State,” Governor Baldacci said.

“It guarantees that Maine citizens will be treated equally under Maine’s civil marriage laws, and that is the responsibility of government.”

“Even as I sign this important legislation into law, I recognize that this may not be the final word,” Governor Baldacci said. “Just as the Maine Constitution demands that all people are treated equally under the law, it also guarantees that the ultimate political power in the State belongs to the people.”

“While the good and just people of Maine may determine this issue, my responsibility is to uphold the Constitution and do, as best as possible, what is right. I believe that signing this legislation is the right thing to do,” Governor Baldacci said.

D.C. Gay Marriage

The D.C. Council voted today to recognize same-sex unions and marriages performed outside the District, the Washington Post reports:

"The measure, approved by a vote of 12 to 1, now goes to Mayor Arian M. Fenty (D), a supporter of gay marriage.

If Fenty signs it, the District will put the same-sex marriage issue directly before the Congress. Under Home Rule, the District's laws are subject to a 30-day congressional review period.

After the vote, a large crowd of opponents, led by local ministers, began yelling, "Get them off the council!" referring to the members who supported the measure. The crowd caused such a ruckus that security guards and D.C. police officers had to be called in to restore order."

Maine House to vote on Equal Marriage Rights

Today the Maine House will vote on the marriage equality bill passed by the Senate last week. You can listen to the debate live by going here: Maine Vote.