Tell NM Governor Martinez to Honor AG's Finding on Marriage

New Mexico will now recognize same-sex couples married in other states and countries where marriage equality is law even though the state governor is opposed.

The Attorney General Gary King said that:

"A comprehensive legal analysis by my office concludes that valid same-sex marriages in other states would likely be valid in New Mexico"

Nobody can tell how the New Mexico courts or legislature will respond but it appears that should there not be interference this will be an option for LGBTQ couples in New Mexico.

The Governor Susana Martinez is on the record opposing same-sex marriage:

A spokesperson for New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez issued a statement saying, "Gov. Martinez made it clear during the campaign that she opposes same-sex marriage. It's important to note that no New Mexico court has ruled on this issue." (Advocate)

Please urge Governor Martinez to honor the Attorney Generals finding even though she is personally against marriage equality.

Office of the Governor
490 Old Santa Fe Trail
Room 400
Santa Fe, NM 87501
(505) 476-2200

Textbooks4Change - Buy Textbooks and Fund EQUALITY!

Textbooks4Change is a student-led organization enabling students to raise money for marriage equality in California. How does it work? Students click through a link at the Textbooks4Change website to buy textbooks on Textbooks.com and Barnes and Noble, and approximately 6% of their purchase goes towards repealing Prop 8. All of the money raised goes to the Courage Campaign's Marriage Equality Hub, a leader in California's battle for marriage equality.



http://www.textbooks4change.com/

Open Forum: Is It Wrong to Say 'Gay Marriage'?

Are marriage equality advocates unintentionally using self defeating terminology in the fight for broader civil rights for the LGBT community? The vast majority of the community consistently argues that civil unions are a separate and unequal institution from that of civil marriage. The argument is that queer people should have all of the same rights and responsibilities that come with government sanctioned recognition of our relationships and that includes the vocabulary used to describe that union.

The idea that heterosexuals should have sole access to marriage while LGBT people can have civil unions or some other form of contractual agreement feeds into the notion that somehow our relationships and bonds are not equal to that of a male/female couple. This serves to reinforce the idea that being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender is somehow inferior to being a cisgender heterosexual.

Queer activists certainly do not subscribe to the heteronormative thinking that being LGBT is inferior or less than in any way. Is it possible that by virtue of our arguments in favor of equal protections that we are diminishing our chance and giving credence to the anti-gay oppositions notion that we are indeed so different that we cannot be treated the same?

When discussing the issue of marriage and how the institution should evolve moving forward we often speak of the term 'gay marriage.' If we are arguing that our love is the same and we are entitled to equal protection should we by default of our terminology be segregating ourselves by using 'gay marriage' as opposed to just saying marriage or marriage equality? 'Gay marriage' would just be regular marriage and perhaps the idea behind it scares people that somehow this institution is changing and expanding when it only would remain the same yet more inclusive.

What are your thoughts?

The FCKH8 Campaign

A new campaign has been started to fight against marriage inequality and the overall lack of LGBT inclusion in society. The FCKH8 campaign isn't shy about letting you know what they really think about the status quo.

The campaign is dedicated to having their shocking and funny videos go viral in an attempt to raise awareness about LGBT rights and raise money for organizations fighting for marriage equality and LGBT youth suicide prevention.

Below is a censored version of the video suitable for work. The non-censored version is available on the website.


The FCKH8 campaign offers videos, t-shirts, buttons, stickers, wristbands and more at http://fckh8.com/

Gayle King Speaks Out for Marriage Equality

Gayle King who is the editor of O Magazine and host of the Gayle King radio show has spoken up in favor of marriage equality for same-gender couples. King is best known for being Oprah Winfrey's closest friend and has been given a national platform thanks to their close relationship.



New allies are always welcome and we applaud Ms. King for speaking out in favor of LGBT civil rights.

Gayle King can be reached via Twitter.

Mike Huckabee Ties Marriage Equality to Gay Sexual Acts

Former Governor of Arkansas and Republican Presidential candidate Mike Huckabee continues his attacks on the LGBT community. In referring to gay marriage the politician talked of the "ick factor" because the thought of two men or women having sex troubles him.

Huckabee has been called out for these and other outrageous remarks but continues to shrug them off. He insists that the LGBT community is hypocritical because one of our used the term "ick factor" and thinks if we can use it so can he. He also maintains that we want to "talk about the issues" at our convenience but not when the opposition brings them up.



Tell Mr. Huckabee discussion of marriage equality has nothing to do with gay sex his interest/or disinterest in it and his effort to tie the two together is irresponsible and down right icky.

Mike Huckabee can be reached at:

http://www.mikehuckabee.com/contact?p=contact-us

http://twitter.com/govmikehuckabee

Marriage Equality Tax Day Protests for April 15th

April 15th is tax day and when tax returns are due to the IRS before a penalty can be imposed. Same-sex couples face tax inequities and are ineligible to file joint tax returns. The results are higher pay and less access to social security, estate and other benefits for gay families.

Tax Day protests organized by Marriage Equality USA:

Bloomington, Indiana

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 Throughout the day
Where: USPO 4th & Washington
What: Come hold Marriage Equality signs, get folks dropping off their Taxes to honk in support. For more information contact Evan McMahon indiana@marriageequality.org or call (812) 827-8337.

Indianapolis, Indiana

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 5-6 PM
Where: Indiana Statehouse (West Side)
What: Tea Party Rally - For more information contact Evan McMahon indiana@marriageequality.org or call (812) 827-8337.

Martinsville, Indiana

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 Throughout the day
Where: Main USPS Office
What: Come hold Marriage Equality signs, get folks dropping off their Taxes to honk in support. For more information contact Evan McMahon indiana@marriageequality.org or call (812) 827-8337.

Sonoma County, California

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 3:30 -6:00 PM
Where: Santa Rosa Post Office, 730 2nd St.
What: Come hold Marriage Equality signs and join us as we partner with members of the ACLU for our tax day raly. More info is available at: http://aclusonoma.org/pdf/TaxDayDemonstration.pdf !

Yolo County, California

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 NOON
Where: Davis Main Post Office, corner of Poleline and 5th
What: Join with the Yolo County chapter of Marriage Equality USA (MEUSA)
and Northern California ACLU at the Tax Day Protest.

San Francisco & Alameda Counties, California

When: Thursday, April 15, 2010 5:00 – 6:30 PM
Where: Oakland Main Post Office 1675 7th St (1 block off the West Oakland BART Station)
What: Come hold Marriage Equality signs, get folks dropping off their Taxes to honk in support. We have fantastic, fun chants to get the message out!

"UnMarriage Until Gay Marriage" in NYC's Central Park

Activist 'Reverend Billy' is holding a Valentine's Day unmarriage mass ritual to support marriage equality. The protest will include hundreds of couples who will suspend their wedding vows in a mass ritual and disavow the institution of marriage until it embraces same-sex couples.

The Reverend Billy will conduct a mass sermon and tragic and hopeful love songs will be sung. Participants will receive an official unmarried certificate.

Sunday, February 14th, 2010
1pm sharp
Bethesda Angel
Central Park, 72nd st
New York, NY

All are welcome gay, straight, single or partnered. Please email unmarriage4gaymarriage@gmail.com to sign up!

Queer Rising to Protest New York City Marriage Bureau

Recently formed direct action activist group called Queer Rising will engage in civil disobedience at the New York City Marriage Bureau on Friday, February 12th.

Inside the bureau couples will attempt to apply for marriage licenses and those who support marriage equality will be rallying outside. There will also be a marriage between a gay man and lesbian to highlight the absurd notion of restricting marriage to opposite-sex couples.

Below is a video of Queer Rising's last action during MLK Day.


The protest at the New York City Marriage Bureau is on Feb 12th:

Manhattan Marriage Bureau
8:00-10:00 AM
141 Worth St.
New York, NY

For more information on the protest or to attempt a marriage license email queerrising@gmail.com

Sarah Silverman: "Until Equal Marriage, No Marriage!"

Comedian Sarah Silverman has been running around promoting her new show picked up by the queer TV channel LOGO. In several appearances she has spoken positively of gay people and more specifically marriage equality.

On a recent interview on ABC's The View she said:

"I can not imagine wanting to get married right now at this time in America. If you’re for equal rights, why would you get married right now? It’s like joining a country club that doesn’t allow blacks or Jews. There’s no difference. Why would I wanna join that club? It’s gross.”



Thank Sarah Silverman via Twitter for her affirming public comments.

*Photo courtesy of TV Squad Julia on Flickr.

Radio Host Don Imus Supports Marriage Equality

American radio host and philanthropist Don Imus of the Imus in the Morning show has endorsed marriage equality for same-sex couples. Imus is no stranger to controversy but this is certainly a move we can applaud.

In response to his guest David Boies one of the trial lawyers representing same-sex couples seeking to overturn California's proposition 8 marriage ban he says:

"I support on it the basis of the philosophy of my friend Kinky Friedman who thinks they have the right to be as unhappy as anyone else"

You must be a member of his website to contact Don Imus.

Hawaii Senate Approves Civil Unions

The Hawaiian Senate has voted in favor of the civil union legislation by a veto-proof majority of 18-7. The bill now heads to the State House which approved a similar measure last year. It is widely expected to pass but may fall 1-2 votes short of veto-proof. Republican Governor Linda Lingle has not signaled whether she would sign the legislation into law.

---

The Hawaii Senate is expected to debate and pass legislation to allow civil unions for same-sex couples. The legislation debated last year stalled and it is unknown whether they will get the veto proof majority needed to override a possible veto by Republican Governor Linda Lingle.

Governor Lingle has a mostly pro-gay rights record, but she has been mum on whether she would veto the legislation. She has repeatedly said that the Senate should focus on the economy and push this legislation to the side.

Contact your state Senator and urge them to vote for marriage equality.

Committee to Unseat Anti-Gay NJ Senator Sean Kean

The Committee to Unseat Sean Kean campaign has begun against the New Jersey Republican Senator who voted against marriage equality. The Senator represents heavily gay sections of the state including Asbury Park and the Ocean Grove section of Neptune.

LGBT constituents are outraged at the way the Senator presented his argument before the Senate and his ultimate vote against equal rights.

Below is audio of his anti-gay tirade before the floor:


Contact Senator Kean directly and let him know that his vote was unacceptable and will not go unnoticed in his reelection bid.

Senator Sean T. Kean
11th Legislative District Office
1955 Route 34
Bldg. 2A
Wall, NJ 07719
Phone: 732-974-0400
Fax: 732-974-2564
senskean@njleg.org

The campaign has not yet endorsed an opponent but is seeking contributions and volunteers to assist in unseating Kean.

Please visit the website and email them at info@unseatseankean.com

Where New Jersey Senators Stand on Civil Marriage

Yesterday the New Jersey Senate defeated The Freedom of Religion and Equality in Marriage Act by a vote of 20-14. The roll call list is now available courtsey of Good As You.

13 Democrats and 1 Republican voted for marriage equality,
6 Democrats and 14 Republicans voted against civil rights,
3 Democrats abstained from voting, and 2 Republicans were absent.

YES (14)

Sen. Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic)
Sen. Bob Smith (D-Middlesex)
Sen. Barbara Buono (D-Middlesex),
Sen. Raymond J. Lesniak (D-Union), co-sponsor
Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex)
Sen. Teresa M. Ruiz (D-Essex)
Sen. Sandra B. Cunningham (D-Hudson)
Sen. Brian P. Stack (D-Hudson)
Sen. Nia H. Gill (D-Essex)
Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), co-sponsor
Sen. Robert M. Gordon (D-Bergen)
Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union)
Sen. Joseph F.Vitale (D-Middlesex)
Sen. Bill Baroni (R-Mercer)

NO (20)
Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May)
Sen. Ronald L. Rice (D- Essex)
Sen. John A. Girgenti (D-Passaic
Sen. Nicholas Sacco (D-Hudson) .
Sen. Fred H. Madden (D-Gloucester)
Sen. Shirley K. Turner (D-Mercer)
Sen. Robert W. Singer (R-Ocean)
Sen. Joseph Pennacchio (R-Morris)
Sen. Christopher Bateman, (R-Somerset)
Sen. Tom Kean Jr. (R -Union)
Sen. Jennifer Beck (R-Monmouth )
Sen. Joseph M. Kyrillos (R-Monmouth)
Sen. Gerald Cardinale (R-Bergen)
Sen. Michael Doherty (R-Hunterdon)
Sen. Kevin J. O'Toole (R-Essex)
Sen. Philip E. Haines (R-Burlington)
Sen. Christopher J. Connors (R-Ocean)
Sen. Anthony R. Bucco (R-Morris)
Sen. Steven V. Oroho (R-Sussex)
Sen. Sean T. Kean (R-Monmouth)

ABSTENTIONS (3)
Sen. Paul A. Sarlo (D-Bergen)
Sen. Stephen M. Sweeney (D-Gloucester)
Sen. James Beach (D-Camden)

DID NOT ATTEND SESSION (2)
Sen. Diane B. Allen (R-Burlington)
Sen. Andrew Ciesla (R-Ocean)

Be sure to contact your senator to thank or criticize them for their vote or lack of one.

Take Action: New Jersey Senate to Vote on Marriage Equality Today!

The New Jersey Senate is scheduled to begin debate about marriage equality at 2 pm EST today. Insiders say the votes are likely not there, but nevertheless activists need to push their senators to be on the right side of history. Regardless of whether the bill passes or not it is important to know the position of the senators so that we can support/oust them in their next re-election bid.

Please contact your state representative and urge them to vote in favor of full marriage equality.

Washington D.C. Legalizes Gay Marriage!

The Washington D.C. city council has finalized a bill legalizing same-sex marriage by a vote of 11-2. The two councilmembers who opposed the measure were Marion Barry, and Yvette Alexander.

The bill now goes to Mayor Adrian Fenty who has promised to sign the bill into law. Following that congress has 30 days to veto the bill, but the Democratic majority is likely not to interfere with the districts ruling.

Washington D.C. joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Vermont in affirming their LGBT residents right to marriage.

Urge NJ Senate Judiciary Committee to Approve Marriage

The 13 member New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee is voting today on whether to let the same-sex marriage bill go to a vote before the entire senate this Thursday.

Please contact the members of the committee below and urge them to vote in favor of marriage equality!

Sen. Paul Sarlo (Chair): (201) 804-8118
Sen. John Girgenti (Vice-Chair): (973) 427-1229
Sen. Bill Baroni: (609) 631-9988
Sen. Christopher Bateman: (908) 526-3600
Sen. Jennifer Beck: (732) 933-1591
Sen. Gerard Cardinale: (201) 567-2324
Sen. Nia Gill: (973) 509-0388
Sen. Joseph Kyrillos: (732) 671-3206
Sen. Raymond Lesnick: (908) 624-0880
Sen. Nicholas Scutari: (908) 587-0404
Sen. Bob Smith: (732) 752-0770
Sen. Brian Stack: (201) 861-5091
Sen. Loretta Weinberg: (201) 928-0100

H/T to Good as You for the senate contact numbers.

Sign the New Jersey Marriage Equality Open Letter!

The open letter in support of marriage equality has made big news across New Jersey state, prompting the legislature to promise to take up the issue this week. Over 200 influential democrats and ordinary citizens have signed the petition demanding marriage equality.

Please join with Mayor Cory Booker, and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee to sign this petition to push lawmakers to vote on and approve marriage equality in NJ.

Spare 3 Minutes for Marriage Equality in New Jersey?

Garden State Equality is urging Democrats to bring the long awaited marriage equality bill to the floor for a vote. It is critical that the bill be voted on passed now while Democrat Jon Corzine who promised to sign the bill finishes out his term. The incoming republican Governor Chris Christie is vehemently opposed to marriage rights.

If you can spend weekdays calling your legislator once a day anytime, anywhere from 9-5 pm to vote on marriage equality, please fill out this form!

Contact GSE for other ways to get involved at volunteer@GardenStateEquality.org or call (973) GSE-LGBT

The Kardashian Family Stands for Marriage Equality

The Kardashian family are a celebrity family with their own reality TV show 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' that airs on E! The family has been in the spotlight for many years, and two of the daughters branched off with their own show called 'Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami'.

The sisters recently posed for the NO H8 campaign photo shoot and proudly say the whole family strongly supports marriage equality.

On Kim Kardashian's blog she states:

EVERYONE should have the right to choose who they marry and that we do have the power to make a difference. What I love about the NOH8 campaign is that it symbolizes more than just people's desires to bring down Prop 8... it's about promoting love in general! Stop the H8, people! (Kim Kardashian).

The family has also been active for LGBT rights in the past. After proposition 8 passed, Kim Kardashian responded to then Miss California Carrie Prejeans anti-gay statement with her own affirming message of equality. Khloé Kardashian has also been outspoken in favor of gay rights, taking on a gay basher on her radio show, and supporting SAVE Dade a South Florida LGBT organization which hosted a Khloé Kardashian crossdresser look alike contest.

Be sure to leave a comment on their NO H8 blog post thanking them.

You can also tweet the sisters @ KimKardashian, KhloeKardashian, KourtneyKardash.