It's been a while since our last marriage equality round-up, and plenty has happened since. There's both good news and bad news…
NATIONAL (US): A new CBS poll has shown that support for gay marriage is at an all-time high. Forty-two percent of Americans believe that same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry, while a combine sixty-seven percent support at least civil unions.
CALIFORNIA: Carrie Prejean's "gay activist" sister was a little bit surprised by such a designation. Also, Rosie O'Donnell has voiced her opinion on the matter, telling the press, "I've never heard it expressed that way. She said, 'In America, you have the choice between same sex marriage and opposite sex marriage,' like it was a flavor at Baskin-Robbins. You can have rocky road or mint chocolate chip." Fellow lesbian entertainer Cynthia Nixon held a different opinion though. "I feel badly for beauty contestants who are put on the spot like that!" she confessed.
NEW YORK: Governor David Paterson has said that religious leaders who oppose gay marriage may do so over guilt for their failure to oppose anti-gay violence and discrimination. "Where were these leaders of faith when college students of gay and lesbian orientation were beaten and often brutalized for expressing their feelings for each other," he stated.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: The NH Senate will be deciding today whether to approve a gay marriage bill and send it to Governor John Lynch, who has not confirmed or denied that he would veto such a bill.
MAINE: The Maine Judiciary Committee has endorsed the repeal of the state's ban of same-sex marriages with an 11-2-1 vote. Two members of the committee opposed the bill, while one voted to issue a statewide referendum. The bill will likely emerge in Maine's House or Senate in the near future.
WASHINGTON D.C.: "Four-time married ex-con, tax-evading crack addict" Marion Barry declared himself a "moral leader" at DC's Stand Up For Marriage rally.
AUSTRALIA: The Australian government, under the leadership of Kevin Rudd, has rejected a proposal for same-sex civil unions. They stated that their policy “reflects the widely held view in the community that marriage is between a man and a woman”.
As always, feel free to leave comments for anything we neglected to mention.
– Dewitt
Photo credit: Basetree
I believe that “marriage” is between 1 person and another person (1). I find it quite amusing that gay and straight couples who bring other people in their beds with or without their partners AND still have the nerve to cry for ‘marriage” rights is a big joke. Hello, this is my husband of 10 years. You’re cute, wanna join us in bed?
Not surprised by Australia, the population is 45% Catholic (55% in Sydney itself) and a great deal of them practicing.