Awesome show Mike! I'm so glad you were able to be on live today. When the (noticably shortened) intro to the show was followed by your upbeat and excited voice, I knew the court decision was a good one. I had tears in my eyes just listening to you! Kudos to everyone at OutQ for all their hard work in getting the details of this historic decision out to all of us.
Read page 128 of the decision, it is the dissenting judges response. It's not over yet.
McCain can always flip-flop on the federal marriage ban. he's pandered to the religious right on everything else.
In the interest of fair play, I would like to make a proposal to the other side. After all, if we are nice to them, they'll probably be nicer to us!
Specifically, I would like to suggest the employment of Vito Fossella as a spokesperson in their campaign.
Why Fossella you ask? Well, first he's a man of demonstrated family values, so much so that HE HAS TWO FAMILIES. Second, throughout his double family life, he has respected traditional values of marriage being between one man and one woman, BY NOT MARRYING THE SECOND WOMAN! Third, he's shown his dedication to the same principle by ASSIDUOUSLY AVOIDING HIS LESBIAN SISTER, who presumably does not share his dedication to family values. Finally, he's likely to have a lot of free time in the near future.
In fact, I think I'm going to go over to some anti-gay marriage website and make this proposal.
I plan to marry, divorce and re-marry as many times as I can between now and November so I can uphold the sanctity of marriage like every god fearing heterosexual does.
ah, liberty!
Obama wants "separate but equal" for me and my lover of 38 years?
Fine.
Let's repeal Brown vs. Board of Education and see how he likes it!!!!!
Thank you for saying that, David.
I wasted too much time at SLOG last night arguing with...people...(as only Daniel Plainview can say it) who are more than willing to applaud Obama for his foolishness.
If he is all for states' rights, then maybe he ought to use a different drinking fountain.
I'm sure that this is important to some people who value the institution, and I'm happy for you. I wish that it represented more interms of societal tolerance . Sadly we still live in a corrupt and ignorant society re: sexuality and human rights. I've run into a number of numb skull voters on the street(I should know better!) but even if "liberal" they pay attention to the most absurd crap believable in the media.
I wouldn't go too far in condemning the democratic candidates for maintaining silence on the issue. It's a really good guess that the Republicans, with the help of all thier right wing media media outlets will push the activist judge bit.
Also, don't forget how uncompromisingly vile the swiftboaters and Rovian tactics have beenin the past. This is still an undone culture and marriage may not mean much if everything else goesto hell. The biggest battle is far from over.
To me, this isse has always meant much more than the opportunity to have a license.
I have always considered the marriage battle to be about my expectation to enjoy full citizenship and to be granted the right to appeal when government and/or the people organize to deny my claim let alone my day in court.
The text of yesterday's decision validates to me that we have a legitimate claim. We have substantial grounds to counter the ignorant - whether they are willfully ignorant (as in Obama supporters and other "liberals" that also allowed Jim Crow to exist for decades longer than it should have) or dyed in the wool southern/midwestern/residents of West Virginia redneck fools.
I, for one, will not hold my tongue or my nose at the ballot box to support anyone - especially an African American - who chooses to support the right of a state to deny equal protections to a minority class.
I am going to read that decision again and again and again and I hope - I expect - Obama to do the same.
Update to Minnesota:
Local Government Health Benefits Bill (SF 960)
On May 15th, 2008 the Minnesota House passed this legislation! It passed the Senate in April and now goes to the governor’s desk.
This legislation would allow local governments (cities, counties, school districts, etc.) to provide employees whatever health benefits they choose, including domestic partner benefits.
Comprehensive Sex Education (SF 3001/HF 615)
The responsible sex education legislation has been dropped from the Education Policy Omnibus bill in conference committee. This is very disappointing to advocates and legislators who have been working on this legislation throughout the 2008 session. The Governor signaled that he would veto the bill because of the sex education provision.
There are some contingency plans in the works to keep moving forward on responsible sex ed legislation.
The legislature must adjourn by Monday, May 19.
This bill would enable school students to receive age-appropriate scientifically sound sex education to make good choices for themselves now and in the future.
The House passed this bill as part of an omnibus education bill on April 28th. The Senate passed the bill as part of an omnibus package earlier in April. The bill now goes to a conference committee to craft a final version of the legislation.
Six of the seven judges were republican appointees. It was a great decision however the ruling is not safe. Voters will likely get a chance in November to ban same-sex couples from marrying. We need to make sure they don't vote for the ban.
Please support Bravo's Work Out and Jackie Warner by signing this petition. Some anti-gay bigots want it cancelled.
http://www.petitiononline.com/ad...3/
petition.html
We've seen where purism on rights gets us already in 2000. Still if you feel that way keep voting for Nader.
It's a rather proud moment for transgender folks as well. The case was argued before the Supreme Court by Shannon Minter; a transman, legal director at the NCLR & Ford Foudation Award Winner.
Go Shannon!
While the candidates may not be able to fully expound upon their feelings in support of gay rights due to significant cultural backlash from needed voters (people still hate in America), I have to say that although I am an Obama supporter, I have to give props to Hillary, who I have personally witnessed marching down 5th Ave right through the village several years in a row in the New York City Gay pride March, alongside thong-clad drag queens and family-freaks of all kinds. I know how she really feels about us.
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