Quote of the Day

"The reason gay marriage makes some social conservatives uncomfortable is because it forces them to admit that straight marriage has changed—and that it was straight people who redefined marriage, not gay people."--Dan Savage, getting to the heart of the matter, as usual.  

Quote of the Day

"I fear I'll be remembered for the work I did on this campaign."--Marc Mutty, the Chairman of the Yes on 1 Campaign in Maine that overturned marriage equality in that state in 2009.  Mutty was on leave from his job as public relations director for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Maine while running Yes on 1.  He also bemoaned the "hyperbole" used in the campaign and said,"You know, we say things

Equality in Rhode Island....sort of?

The Rhode Island Senate has passed a civil unions bill and Governor Lincoln Chafee is expected to sign it.  However, a group of marriage advocates, including Marriage Equality Rhode Island, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Freedom to Marry and the American Civil Liberties Union, have sent a letter to the governor asking him to veto the bill and demand

From LC Special Correspondent Ray

Quote of the Day

"I was a strong opponent of same-sex marriage. Fourteen years ago, Andrew Sullivan and I forcefully debated the issue at length online (at a time when online debate was a brand new thing).  Yet I find myself strangely untroubled by New York state's vote to authorize same-sex marriage -- a vote that probably signals that most of "blue" states will follow within the next 10 years.  I don't think

Monday's Man: The Men of Marriage Equality

Marriage equality would not have come to The Empire State this year without the valiant efforts of Gov. Andrew Cuomo, pictured above.  Standing next to him, third from the left, is openly gay Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell, who has been fighting hard for this for years.  He is largely responsible for the bill's passage in the Assembly.  He also happens to be Rosie's brother.Almost hidden in the

NOM Plots Revenge/Big GOP Money Backs Equality

The so-called National Organization for Marriage has pledged $2 million to defeat the Republican New York state senators who voted for marriage equality.  Here's a quote:"Last night we were sold out by the Republican Party in New York. Shortly before 10:30 last night, the New York Senate voted 33 to 29 in favor of same-sex marriage. Four Republicans – Jim Alesi, Roy McDonald, Steve Saland, and

Witness To History

My dear friend (and LC reader) Ray and his friend Carlos were at The Stonewall Inn last night as the New York Senate passed marriage equality.  Here are his pictures and his beautifully written report.  You might want to grab a tissue before you read it:"I got a call from my friend Carlos to come down to the village and have dinner with him last evening and as decided last minute to do so. After

Equality in New York!

The New York Senate just approved marriage equality!  The number of Americans living in equality has more than doubled!  This is the first time that a Republican controlled legislative body has voted in favor of equality.  This a a huge game changer in many ways.  What a great day for America!  Wes and I were married in Canada, but next time we go visit LC NY Bureau Chief Doug, we're getting

Quote of the Day II

"I won't believe in marriage equality in New York until I am being fitted at Vera Wang!"--LC NY Bureau Chief Doug, taking a sensible approach to the impending vote in the NY state senate.  Let's hope Doug is on the phone to Vera tomorrow!

Cuomo "Cautiously Optimistic" on Marriage Equality

Despite NY Gov. Cuomo's push to get a marriage equality bill through the GOP-controlled state Senate, passage seems tenuous at best.  The House has already passed the bill and it is within one vote of passage in the Senate, that is if the Senate leadership advances the bill that far.  That's a big if.  Cuomo and the Senate leadership reached a deal on all remaining issues for this legislative

President Obama on Marriage: Still Evolving

LC NY Bureau Chief Doug alerted me to this New York Times article on President Obama's views on marriage equality.  He reminds of William Hurt's character in The Big Chill who declared "I was evolving.  I'm still evolving."  This week, the President will headline a $1250 a plate dinner called "Gala With the Gay Community" and on June 29, he will host a gay pride celebration at the White House.  

Civil Unions Begin in Illinois

Illinois citizens can obtain civil union licenses beginning at 7:30 AM today.   The lines in front of the Cook County Clerk's office in Chicago began forming at midnight and Lakeesha Harris and Janean Watkins (pictured above) were the first in line.  Congrats ladies!  Cook County has a "special gift package" for you!  DuPage County has no special gifts, but expects large numbers of people on the

"Fundamental Shift"

Democrat Kathy Hochul has beaten Republican Jane Corwin in the special Congressional election in heavily Republican NY-26.  The seat was vacated by Republican Rep. Chris Lee, the "Craigslist Congressman" who resigned quickly after his shirtless ad surfaced.   A couple of months ago, Hochul was far behind in polling, as would be expected for a Democrat in this district, but that was before the