MENY Marriage News

Correct the Count

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:38:00 +0000

What does prison reform have to do with marriage equality? More than you might think. In New York State, incarcerated individuals are currently counted in the population of the district in which they are confined, despite the fact that they can't vote there and will most likely eventually go home to, and need services in, their home districts. A bill currently before the New York State Legislature would correct this.

This could be the most significant bill for marriage equality to come before the Legislature this year. Why? Many prisons are located in conservative upstate districts. Several State Senate districts near the border with Canada only have the population to be counted as districts because of the prisons within their borders. Whichever party has a majority in the State Senate after this November's election will be able to gerrymander the State Senate districts for the next 10 years following the 2010 census. If the population of the conservative districts are not enhanced by a non-voting prison population, this will shift the balance of power toward the more gay-friendly urban districts where the population actually resides. This could potentially mean an extra vote or two for marriage equality the next time it comes up for a vote.

As Correct the Count puts it: "Our democracy depends on equal representation. That's why it's simply unjust to continue counting incarcerated individuals as residents of their places of confinement, instead of their home communities as required by the New York State Constitution. The result is a significant under-representation for urban communities and communities of color across New York State. Thirteen upstate counties have already decided not to count people in prison when they draw their county legislative district lines. We call on the New York State Legislature to change how incarcerated individuals are counted for the purpose of legislative redistricting by passing S.6725/A.9834."

Please call your state senator and ask him or her to pass S.6725, changing how incarcerated individuals are counted for redistricting purposes.

Marriage Equality in the Media

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 22:05:00 +0000

Watch Marriage Equality New York's own Cathy Marino-Thomas debate same-sex marriage opponent Janet Crouse on CBS.

After that, listen to this segment on marriage equality from today's Leonard Lopate Show on WNYC radio.

Hiram's Family Values

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:48:00 +0000

Talking Points Memo has more on the anti-gay campaign literature being circulated on behalf of the campaign of former State Senator Hiram Monserrate (D-Queens). Peralta's campaign has responded to the fliers, which accuse Peralta of trying to "destroy our way of life," by characterizing them as "bullying and hate-mongering." State Senator Ruben Diaz Sr. (D-Bronx), a vociferous opponent of LGBT rights, has acknowledged that he is working with the Monserrate campaign.

The special election to fill Monserrate's former seat will be held on March 16.

Bigots for Monserrate

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:29:00 +0000

As reported on Liz Benjamin's Daily Politics blog, some grammatically challenged supporters of former State Senator Hiram Monserrate have been handing out fliers in local churches urging voters to oppose Assemblyman Jose Peralta's efforts to replace Monserrate. The fliers mock Peralta, a staunch supporter of marriage equality, as a "gay caballero" and a "leading spokesperson for the gay community's [sic] in NYC."

The special election to fill Monserrate's former seat will take place on March 16.

PAC Attack

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:44:00 +0000

Fight Back New York, a political action committee that recently formed to opposed state senators who voted "no" on marriage equality, has released a new mailing taking aim at Hiram Monserrate (The Daily News). The mailing calls the former senator "unfit for office." A special election to fill Monserrate's seat will take place on March 16. Monserrate was expelled by the Senate after being found guilty of assaulting his girlfriend. He voted against marriage equality last December after pledging to support the bill.

Feeling spurned by his former base of support, Monserrate has turned to members of the clergy who are supporting him for his opposition to same-sex marriage (The New York Observer). Evidently, protecting the sanctity of marriage doesn't involve opposition to domestic violence.

Oh, You Mean That Voting Record

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:32:00 +0000

The New York Times has an article today describing how Harold Ford, Jr. reached his decision not to challenge Senator Kirsten Gillibrand for her Senate seat this November. Evidently, former Congressman Ford was shocked -- shocked -- at the level of opposition with which the LGBT community and abortion rights supporters in New York greeted his potential candidacy. Indeed, why would a community be so hostile to someone who voted to enshrine their status as second-class citizens in the Constitution?

Somebody's Getting Married...In D.C.

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:09:00 +0000

The District of Columbia began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples today after the Supreme Court declined to intervene (The Advocate). Anti-marriage equality activists had asked the Court to place a moratorium on the issuance of marriage licenses until residents could vote on the matter. Chief Justice John Roberts, noting that Congress had not acted to pass a bill to prevent the City from implementing the law, said that the Court would defer to the local courts, which had similarly declined to stop the marriages. The Advocate has video of the first couples lining up to receive marriage licenses.

In response to D.C.'s extension of marriage equality to gays and lesbians, Catholic Charities of Washington, D.C. has decided to stop providing spousal benefits to its employees -- all of them (Box Turtle Bulletin). The group is concerned that the new law would result in their inadvertently providing benefits to gay and lesbian employees. The policy would only apply to new employees and newly married employees; those with existing coverage would be able to keep it. The Daily Dish has more.

Stonewall Rebellion

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 22:42:00 +0000

Talking Points Memo has more coverage of last night's contentious meeting of the Stonewall Democratic Club, in which potential Senate candidate Harold Ford, Jr. was repeatedly heckled and shouted down as he tried to explain his past anti-gay votes in Congress. There is also a slideshow of photos from the event, where you can see MENY's own Cathy Marino-Thomas challenging Ford to work with her to legalize same-sex marriage.

Health Care Proxy Rights for Domestic Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:31:00 +0000

Some excellent news via the Empire State Pride Agenda:

NYS Legislature Provides Medical Decision Making Authority to Same-Sex Partners

After being stalled in the Legislature for 17 years, the New York State Senate has finally joined the Assembly in passing the Family Health Care Decisions Act that enables a loved one to made health care decisions when the patient is not able to do so. The bill places a same-sex or opposite-sex domestic partner, just like a spouse, ahead of a surviving child or parent in making these decisions. Governor Paterson has said he will sign the bill into law when it is sent to him.

New York has been one of just two states where without a health care proxy, no one—not a domestic partner, spouse, or family member—could make health care decisions when the patient lacked the ability to do so. This gap in state law has sometimes forced loved ones to seek medical decision-making authority from a judge at the very time they should be focusing all their attention on caring for their partner.

Now, loved ones including same-sex spouses who were married out-of-state or fit the domestic partnership definition will have the ability to make these decisions. The domestic partnership definition is expansive, and includes those who may not be able to formally record their relationship because there is no domestic partner registry where they live. The Pride Agenda was instrumental in the redrafting of this domestic partner language to make sure it was uniform with all other domestic partner definitions in state law, such as that found in the hospital visitation bill that became law in 2004 and the control of bodily remains bill that became law in 2006.

Since same-sex couples still do not have the legal right to get married in New York State, the Pride Agenda has worked hard over the past few years to make sure LGBT families have protections in state law covering important end-of-life situations. When the Governor signs this measure into the law, the three most common situations where blood relatives sometimes seek to exclude a LGBT partner—hospital visitation, medical decision-making and the ability to make decisions about the disposition of partner remains—can no longer occur in New York State.

“We thank the Assembly and Assemblymember Gottfried for leading this effort for so many years and are glad the Senate has finally passed this measure and the Governor will be signing it into law,” said Executive Director Alan van Capelle.

Fight Back, New York!

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:25:00 +0000

The New York Times reports on a new political action committee set up to finance campaigns to unseat state senators who voted against same-sex marriage last year. The group, Fight Back New York, is partly supported by Tim Gill, a wealthy former software developer and founder of the Gill Action Fund, who has backed gay rights initiatives across the country. Fight Back New York's first battle will be in the special election next month to fill the seat of former Senator Hiram Monserrate of Queens. The Senate voted to expel Monserrate this month after he was convicted of misdemeanor assault against his girlfriend. Monserrate voted against the marriage equality bill after previously committing to support it.

Ford Heckled at Stonewall Meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 16:52:00 +0000

Harold Ford, the former Tennessee congressman who is considering a challenge to Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, encountered a hostile audience when he spoke at a meeting of the Stonewall Democratic Club in Manhattan last night (The Daily News). Ford attempted to explain his history of anti-gay votes by saying his views had evolved over time. He was shouted down by members of the The Power, a recently formed gay rights activist group. Since joining the Senate, Gillibrand has become a vocal proponent of overturning Don't Ask Don't Tell and has come out in favor of marriage equality.

MENY Rallies In Albany

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:48:00 +0000

The Ithaca Journal and The Journal News have coverage of Marriage Equality New York's (MENY) rally in Albany this past Tuesday. Questioned about the timing of the rally, Ron Zacchi, executive director of MENY, told The Journal News: "Some organizations in this movement feel that being in Albany, even here today, may not have been the best idea. But, you know what, just because a vote can't happen this year doesn't mean we can rest."

Massachusetts AG Challenges DOMA

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:44:00 +0000

Martha Coakley, the Massachusetts attorney general who lost the special election last month to fill the Senate seat formerly held by Ted Kennedy, has filed court papers arguing that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutionally requires Massachusetts to discriminate against same-sex couples (Boston Globe). Coakley is asking a U.S. District Court to deem DOMA unconstitutional without a trial. Massachusetts became the first state to legalize same-sex marriage in 2004.

Harold Ford: An Enigma Wrapped In A Mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:37:00 +0000

Harold Ford, Jr., the former Democratic congressman from Tennessee who is considering a primary challenge against Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), is taking heat from gay rights activists over his voting record on gay rights. The New York Observer reports that Ford is being "bird-dogged" by members of The Power, an activist group planning to protest Ford's February 24th speech before the Stonewall Democrats.

Since beginning his public flirtation with a Senate run, Ford has attempted to portray himself as a marriage equality supporter. This claim is not supported by his voting record in Congress. The Human Rights Campaign, in its 2006 Congressional Score Card, gave Ford a rating of only 25% for the 109th Congress, the last year in which he served in the House of Representatives. Ford voted twice (in 2004 and 2006) to support the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have enshrined in the Constitution discrimination against gays and lesbians. Also in 2006, Ford voted against the Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which sought to expand federal jurisdiction to reach hate crimes based on sexual orientation; the Military Readiness Enhancement Act to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell;” and the Uniting American Families Act, which sought to provide same-sex partners of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents the same immigration benefits as legal spouses of U.S. residents.

Curiously, Ford's 25% rating in 2006 marked a significant shift from his ratings in the 108th and 107th Congresses, when he received ratings of 44% and 100%, respectively. Perhaps it is only a coincidence that in 2006 he ran (unsuccessfully) for Senate in Tennessee against a conservative Republican, while today is positioning himself to run against a senator who has studiously shifted to the left since her appointment by Governor David Paterson.

Would the real Harold Ford please stand up?

New Hampshire House Upholds Marriage Equality

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:32:00 +0000

The New Hampshire House of Representatives defeated two measures on Wednesday that sought to overturn the same-sex marriage law that went into effect six weeks ago (Boston Globe). The House voted 210-109 to reject a bill that would have repealed the law. Earlier in the day, the House defeated by a vote of 201-135 a constitutional amendment to define marriage as between one man and one woman.

Cutting Off Your Nose to Spite Your Face

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 20:08:00 +0000

Via Andrew Sullivan, The Advocate reports that the Catholic diocese of Washington, D.C. has decided to terminate its 80-year-old foster care program in response to the city's decision to legalize same-sex marriage. The program had received about $20 million per year from the city to provide foster care services. Rather than comply with city policy prohibiting discrimination against gay and lesbian couples seeking to become foster parents, the diocese chose to cease providing the services.

What kind of morality says it is more important to discriminate against gay couples than to provide social services to those in need?

Slam Dunk

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:07:00 +0000

The Onion on what it will take to pass marriage equality in all fifty states. This reminds me of the Simpsons episode where John Waters saves Homer, Moe, and Barney from a pack of mad reindeer. When Moe and Barney lament that they have been rescued by a "sissy," Homer finally sticks up for Waters. As Waters sums it up: "Well, Homer, I won your respect, and all I had to do was save your life. Now, if every gay man could just do the same, you'd be set."

Let's hope it take less than that for our fellow citizens to recognize that we are entitled to equal treatment under the law.

Arrests At NYC Marriage Bureau

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 20:49:00 +0000

Four marriage equality activists were arrested this morning while protesting outside of the New York City Marriage Bureau Office (JoeMyGod) on Worth Street in Manhattan. The protesters, who are part of the activist group Queer Rising, were taking part in a show of civil disobedience, padlocking themselves in front of the building's entrance and blocking people from entering.

As part of the morning's protests, over 20 same-sex couples applied for marriage licenses and were subsequently denied (SLOG). Immediately afterward, a lesbian and gay man who had earlier applied for licenses with their same-sex partners applied for a license together. The application was approved, which just goes to show that marriage is for heterosexuals, or at least a lesbian and a gay dude.

Dan Savage calls for similar protests across the country.

Get On the Bus - Only a Few Days Left to Register for Marriage Equality Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:42:00 +0000

The buses are ramping up and the lunches are being planned, so register now if you plan to attend MENY's Marriage Equality Day in Albany on February 23. Make sure you visit our page to sign up if you don't want to be left behind.

The cancellation of Equality & Justice Day and the push that organizations have been making to increase attendance has led MENY to EXTEND open registration for one week, until Friday February 12.

Also in February:

On Friday, February 12 from 8:00-10:00 AM, a crowd of impassioned protesters will gather outside the new 24,000 square-foot New York City Marriage Bureau Office (141 Worth Street) to make a powerful statement in support of marriage equality for all LGBT Americans.

For more info and to RSVP contact QueerRising@gmail.com.

UnMarriage Until GayMarriage: A Valentine's Ritual For Gay Marriage:
Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14, 1:00 PM, Bethesda Angel, Central Park, 72nd Street entrance in center of park

Straight, married supporters of same-sex marriage will un-marry in a mass ritual at New York City's Bethesda Angel this Valentine's Day in response to "NO" votes on the issue in the New York and New Jersey legislatures, ongoing conservative pressure around the country, and the ongoing trial seeking to overturn California's Proposition 8.

For more details contact: savitrid@earthlink.net or michael@revbilly.com.

Also on February 16, don't miss this amazing event:

Click here for more details.

Hiram's Fate

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:30:00 +0000

The State Senate is scheduled to vote today either to expel Hiram Monserrate or censure him for assaulting his girlfriend (Daily News). The Democratic leadership has said that there are sufficient votes to expel him, assuming it comes to a floor vote. The governor has said he would immediately call a special election to replace the senator if he is expelled. Monserrate has pledged to challenge an expulsion in court.

Monserrate voted against the marriage equality bill in December, after earlier stating that he would support it.

Prop 8 Judge Gay - So What?

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:08:00 +0000

The San Francisco Chronicle reported last weekend on the somewhat open secret that Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker, who is presiding over the Prop. 8 trial in California, is gay. Predictably, the anti-marriage equality crowd is freaking out, with the National Organization of Marriage questioning his impartiality. Ironically, however, the judge's first appointment to the federal bench in 1987, by Ronald Reagan, nearly failed due to the perception from House liberals that he would not be sensitive to the concerns of gays and lesbians.

Would an African-American judge be expected to recuse him- or herself from a civil rights case involving and African-American plaintiff? Should Antonin Scalia, a devout Catholic, decline to hear cases involving questions of religious freedom for Catholics? This is clearly a political tactic designed to invalidate a potential ruling in favor of the plaintiffs.

Hawaii Senate Says "'Ae" to Civil Unions (That Means Yes)

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:22:00 +0000

A veto-proof majority of the Hawaii State Senate voted 18-7 Friday to approve civil unions. The bill would allow same-sex and opposite sex couples to enter into the unions, which would provide the same rights and responsibilities as marriage. The Assembly, which approved civil unions in the last session, would have to approve measure again before it could be submitted to the governor, a Republican who has not indicated whether she would veto the bill. The last vote in the Assembly was one shy of a veto-proof majority, due to the absence of a pro-civil union Democrat (Honolulu Advertiser).

The Prosecution Rests

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:56:00 +0000

Perry v. Schwarzenegger resumed this morning in San Francisco, with the prosecution resting its case. Over two weeks of testimony, the prosecution attempted to prove that Prop. 8 was driven by irrational prejudice against gays and lesbians. Their case included nine days of exhaustive testimony on the historical and political marginalization of gays and lesbians. The defense begins its case today and began calling witnesses to the stand in order to argue that gays and lesbians are not a politically powerless group entitled to the strict scrutiny of the courts (Los Angeles Times).

Margaret Talbot, who has been providing excellent coverage for the New Yorker, notes that the defense only intends to call two witnesses to the stand, whereas the prosecution questioned nearly a dozen. Apparently, some of the pro-Prop. 8 side's arguments sound like something you would be more likely to hear in a Queer Theory seminar.

Family Values

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:50:00 +0000

One of the groups that gets forgotten in the debate about marriage equality is the children of same-sex couples. According to a study by UCLA, in 2008 approximately 116,000 same-sex couples in the U.S. were raising approximately 250,000 children under 18. When their parents' relationships do not receive the same legal recognition as their friends' straight parents, the children also become the victims of discrimination. Some of these children are making their voices heard in the legal and legislative battles taking place over same-sex marriage (New York Times).

Newsom on Newsom

noreply@blogger.com (Adam) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:40:00 +0000

Check out Maureen Dowd's column in the New York Times on Gavin Newsom, the mayor of San Francisco. Newsom received a lot of attention in 2004 when he decided to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Early in his tenure as mayor, Newsom was considered a political rising star. More recently, however, his plans to run for governor of California crumbled in the face of weak fundraising. Did Newsom's political career die because he stood up for principle?