Pictures of Youth March for Equality in Los Angeles, March 22 2009

Thanks to Todd of WhiteKnot.org and Dahlia Ferlito of Equal Action and Socal GSA for the pictures!

Portia de Rossi Apologizes for Marrying Ellen DeGeneres

Vermont Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill 26-4

The first state in the union to issue civil unions to same-sex couples is now a step closer to issuing same-sex marriage licenses, possibly joining Connecticut and Massachusetts as the only states legalizing same-sex marriage.

Impassioned pleas came from supportive senators, including Sen. John Campbell, who went to last week's public hearing, where opposition claimed that straight marriage was like a cruise ship full of heterosexual couples, and that homosexuals followed the vessel in their tiny dinghies but wanted to get on the straight marriage ship, not carrying whether or not they sank it. The underlining theme of this metaphor, said a senator, was the appalling inequality, and what was most offensive was that the opposition felt this was acceptable, and on top of that, proclaimed it.

An alternate bill was presented to the floor stating that the issue should go to the people in a referendum instead of being decided by the legislature, urged by the belief that the legislature was moving too quickly on the issue. Opposing views claimed that it could be very expensive and referred to the millions and millions spent in California on Proposition 8, and that more pressing issues, such as the economy, needed the state's full resources instead of it being distracted by the marriage debate. This was countered that if same-sex marriage was approved by the people of Vermont, then the institution would have more sound standing and acceptance than if only approved by the legislature. This bill was voted down.

The approved bill must move the House for a floor vote, and though it's expected to be a tight race, the house speaker believes it will be approved. It also must clear the obstacle of Republican Gov. James Douglas' desk where a veto threat is real. It is not clear whether or not a enough votes exist in the state legislature to overturn a veto.

If the bill does in fact clear all obstacles, same-sex marriage will begin in the state of Vermont, September 1, 2009.

2010 Initiative to Repeal Prop 8 Begins

From 365gay.com:

"A group seeking to repeal Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage in California, is expected to begin collecting signatures this week to have the measure overturned.

The Secretary of State on Friday gave the group Yes on Equality until Aug. 17 to collect the nearly 700,000 signatures needed to qualify its initiative for the 2010 ballot.

It is one of two ballot measures to repeal Prop 8. Earlier this month, two college students were given the OK to start collecting signatures for a proposed ballot measure to strike the word “marriage” from all state laws.

The measure would repeal the ban, and define domestic partnerships as unions between all couples, regardless of sexual orientation."

The important fact to note is that Yes! on Equality does not have the signatures yet, therefore are not an official initiative campaign. They have just been released by the attorney general to collect signatures. Go to Yes on Equality to see how you can volunteer.

See full press release

Sen. Schumer Reverses Stance on Gay Marriage

According to Elizabeth Benjamin's Daily Politics blog on the Daily News, New York Senator Chuck Schumer reversed his position on gay marriage at a dinner at the Gramercy Tavern last night with gay leaders and elected officials and has called for the repeal of DOMA.

The senator's office confirmed the reverse with an official statement:

"It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue."

Schumer had earlier refused to budge from only supporting civil unions, but the NY Senator has now "evolved" to support full gay marriage. Many point to the November election for the delay on the senator's evolution due to the fact that politics kept him from "coming out" sooner.

This added support from Sen. Schumer, who is Vice Chair of the U.S. Senate's Democratic Conference and the highest ranking member of the Senate to endorse marriage equality, pushes the issue of same-sex marriage even further to the forefront of the national Congress' mind, despite all the economic turmoil and criticisms that now is not the time to deal with the prickly issue.

Civil rights should never take the backseat. This nation can take on more than one issue at a time. And thanks to Sen. Schumer, we're a little closer to equality.

A clip of Sen. Schumer's speech at last month's HRC dinner. He speaks on ENDA, DADT but doesn't mention marriage.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED! Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Same-Sex Marriage Bill

UPDATE: Vermont Senate to hold special session today to vote on a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Live feed of vote can be seen here!
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The Vermont Senate Judiciary Committee Approves S.115 5-0!

URGENT ACTION: Calls Needed!

A unanimous Senate Judiciary Committee just voted to support S.115, which would legalize same-sex marriage in the state. The Committee approved minor edits to the bill, and rejected a proposed amendment for a statewide non-binding referendum by a 4-1 margin. When Senator Sears called the question, each Senator in turn voted to support the bill. The full Senate is expected to debate and vote on the bill Monday at 3:00 p.m.

More...

Attendance is highly encouraged!

Vermont Freedom to Marry urges everyone to call the senators immediately and over the weekend, since this will be the last chance to reach out to the congress.

"Our future, and history, depend on it," Vermont Freedom to Marry says on their site. "Those who oppose our full equality will be extra motivated; we must be, too. Even if you've contacted your Senator before, please do it again."

Contact information for the senators here.

For a quick rundown of this development in Vermont, read UTF's coverage here.

Is Ken Starr Hurting Pepperdine University?

According to many of the university's alumni, he is.

With the infamous lawyer's long track record, ranging from being the prosecutor that impeached President Bill Clinton to Solicitor General, and now his position as lead counsel for the supporters of Proposition 8, many who attended Pepperdine are not comfortable having Ken Starr as the current dean of the university. They feel his stance on Proposition 8 is "a disgrace."

So they've decided to take action. They've formed a Faceebook group, Pepperdine Law Alums in Support of Repealing Prop 8 and have addressed a letter to be sent to the dean.

In the letter, they urge the school to underscore the difference between the university's beliefs and that of its figurehead. ". . . you and the school have a responsibility to clarify where the line between your personal beliefs and the school's position differ regarding the issue of equality."

Holding degrees from a university that does not support equal rights threatens not only the school's reputation, but also their reputation and the respect that said degrees may hold.

"We believe that your representation of supporters of Proposition 8 has the potential to irrevocably damage much of the good work those who have gone before you have done in building equity in the Pepperdine University School of Law reputation unless the School of Law clearly and unequivocally states its commitment to history's move toward diversity and equality regardless of your personal position on these issues."

The alumni also acknowledge that in fact LGBT students do exist at the conservative university and empathize what they must be feeling.

"Not only does your public position and active support of Proposition 8 offend and embarrass many alumni, one must imagine that the LGBT students at the School of Law are feeling even more marginalized being subjected to their dean's public support for discrimination against them. Moreover, you are sending a very clear message about Pepperdine's culture to prospective students, not only LGBT students, but also their straight allies, and all other minority groups. Unless the School of Law clearly states its commitment to equality, prospective students will no doubt view the school as having an environment where contrasting opinions are suppressed and anyone who supports diversity and equality will be ostracized."

The school's paper, the Pepperdine University Graphic, has confirmed that Starr has received the letter but doesn't know how to respond. Until the alumni are satisfied with the university, they plan to withhold donations and instead, give to organizations that actually support equal rights.

Not surprisingly, many of the alumni that have signed the letter have only recently graduated from the school, underlining the generation gap on this issue. Salted throughout are very few who graduated more than just a few years ago.

However, one can feel encouraged that the younger generation, despite having been schooled in Ken Starr's thought and philosophy, still believe in equality for all, and in very little time, will soon be the majority.

H/T Gay Rights Change.org