California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8

May 26, 2009

Not unexpectedly the California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage.

A little history

• February 12 – March 11, 2004: San Francisco begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses
• August 12, 2004: California Supreme Court rules that the San Francisco marriages are void
• September 29, 2005: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes same-sex marriage
• October 12, 2007: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoes same-sex marriage
• May 15, 2008: Supreme Court of California overturns the state’s ban on same-sex marriage
• June 16, 2008: Same-sex marriage legal.
• November 4, 2008: Proposition 8 passes, banning same sex marriage
• November 5, 2008: Proposition 8 takes effect, banning new same-sex marriage licenses from being issued
• May 26, 2009: The Supreme Court of California upheld Proposition 8, and the marriage rights of 18,000 same-sex couples.

CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa
Vermont
Maine
New Hampshire
California Supreme Court upholds Proposition 8
Illinois House approves measure to allow same-sex civil unions
States that allow civil unions/same-sex marriage

Illinois House approves measure to allow same-sex civil unions

May 27, 2009

Illinois House committee advanced a measure that at would allow same-sex civil unions for same-sex couples.

• Couples would have the same basic rights as married couples
• May not have enough support to get through the House
• Would need Senate and Governor approval
• Approved earlier – procedural problem
• Adjournment Sunday
• If passed Illinois would be 6th state to approve civil unions

Source: Clout Street

==================
CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa
Vermont
Maine
New Hampshire
California — Proposition 8
States that allow civil unions/same-sex marriage

States allowing civil unions/same-sex marriage

May 27, 2009

Same-sex marriage:

• MASSACHUSETTS: 5/17/04: (1st state) to legalize same-sex marriage. 6/14/07: Legislature upheld the Supreme Court ruling — legal until at least 2012. 7/15/08: Out-of-Sate couples can marry.

• CONNECTICUT Supreme Court: 10/10/08: 4 to 3 decision, overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage (2rd state)

• IOWA: 8/31/07: Iowa District Court ruled same-sex couples could marry. 4/3/09: Iowa Supreme Court unanimously upheld ruling, making Iowa the (3rd state) to allow same-sex marriages.

• VERMONT: 2/20/99: (1st state) to grant civil unions under then Gov. Howard Dean. Went into effect July 1, 2000. 4/7/09: House 100 – 49 and Senate 25 – 5 overrode Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto making it the (4th state) to allow same-sex marriage and the (1st state) to allow gay marriage through legislative action. Goes into effect September 1, 2009.

• MAINE: 5/6/09: House passed 89 – 57 and Senate 21 – 13. Gov. John Baldacci signed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. (5th state). Takes effect September 14

Same-sex civil unions:

• NEW HAMPSHIRE: 4/29/09: Passed in the Senate 13 – 11 and House 186-179. Needs to passed through the House again and signed by Gov Lynch.

• NEW YORK: 5/13/09: The State Assembly passed a bill 82 – 52 in favor of same-sex marriage. Pending Senate and Gov Paterson approval.

• NEW JERSEY: 12/21/96 Gov Corzine signs bill legalizing civil unions in New Jersey, Went into effect 2/19/07.

Domestic Partnerships

• OREGON: 5/9/07 Governor Ted Kulongoski signed the domestic partnership, which grants nearly all of the state-recognized rights of marriage to same-sex couples Went into effect 2/1/08. No need for a ceremony. Recognized only in Oregon.

• WASHINGTON: Domestic partnership 11 rights of marriage act (over 62 y/o) passed 4/10/07, signed by Governor Christine Gregoire 4/21//07, went into effect on 7/22/07. 2008 expanded to 160 rights: passed 3/4/08, signed 3/12/-08, took effect 6/12/08. 2009 expanded to “all areas, except marriage” signed 5/18/09.

• CALIFORNIA: 5/15/08: California Supreme Court overturns the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. 6/16/08: Same-sex marriage legal. 11/5/08: Proposition 8 takes effect in California, banning new same-sex marriage licenses from being issued. 5/26/9: California Supreme Court upheld Proposition 8, and upheld the marriage rights of 18,000 same-sex couples.

Recognizes same-sex marriages:

• DC: 4/7/09: The 13-member D.C. Council moved to recognize the marriages of same-sex couples married in states where same-sex marriage is legal.

In the process:

• HAWAII: 1997 Reciprocal beneficiary registration confers basic rights for any adults who are prohibited by state law from marrying: inheritance rights, workers compensation, the right to sue for wrongful death, health insurance and pension benefits for state employees, hospital visitation, and healthcare decisionmaking.

• ILLINOIS: 5/26/09House approves measure to allow same-sex civil unions.

• RHODE ISLAND : 1/29/09 bill introduced to legalize same-sex marriage at the same time as one prohibiting same-sex marriage and one creating Reciprocal Beneficiary Agreement.

Carrie Prejean “Satan was testing me”

May 12, 2009

She was in the top 5 and then came the question and then came her answer and then came her character assassination. This poor girl is being ripped apart because she dared to speak out against gay marriage. Why isn’t she allowed to have her own stance? To voice her beliefs. And then of course comes the dumb blonde jokes and the leak of photos and details of plastic surgery. Have to love today’s treatment of non-leftists. Perez Hilton set her up and actually admitted that she might have won if she didn’t get the question.

But she truly isn’t helping herself with the continued public appearances. She should realize she will never win.

What is the purpose of these pageants anyway? And aren’t there any “guardians” or whatever from California who could give her some advice? She is still representing them. Yes. She retains her crown. Donald Trump said “It’s the 21st Century”.

Here is her interview with James Dobson. You decide what it’s all about. They play the clip where she answers the way she did and then Dobson questions her.

DR DOBSON: That turned out to be a defining moment of your life. And it sounded, Carrie, like your first reaction was to hedge, to say, ‘Well, this is a free country’ and then something took over.

CARRIE PREJEAN: It really was a switch.

DOBSON: And you did one of the most courageous things I’ve seen anybody your age or anybody else do. What was going on in your mind?

PREJEAN: Well I started off by saying I want to win this pageant so bad, I’ve worked so hard. I wanted to sound politically correct, but still stay true to my values. But I just knew at that moment that God was just telling me ‘Carrie, how bad do you want this? Are you willing to compromise your beliefs for a one year crown of Miss USA.’ And I just knew right there – and I said you know what [snapped her fingers], and the switch went off. And I said, “A marriage should be between a man and a woman and that’s how I was raised and that’s how it should be. But I also said no offense to the anyone out there. I didn’t want to offend the man asking me the question.

DOBSON: You had been asked your opinion.

PREJEAN:…He asked my opinion and I gave my opinion. He didn’t ask what do you think homosexuals think about this. He said ‘Carrie, what do you think about this’?

DOBSON: What did he want you to do, to lie?

PREJEAN: He wanted me to agree with him, cause he probably knew how bad I wanted this.

DOBSON: Did you realize that what you said was going to put you in the spoltlight

PREJEAN:…I just smiled and I knew there was no way I would win Miss USA. No way.

DOBSON: So, you put it on the line?

PREJEAN: I did.

[...]

DOBSON: And yet the Lord is using you all over this country.

PREJEAN: I want to encourage other people that when you are faced with an issue…don’t ever compromise that just for pleasing them.Your goal should be to please God, not man.

Sound advice.

[...]

PREJEAN: You may be persecuted, you may be made fun of, you may be mocked and called awful, awful names, but at the end of the day you’re moving on with your life.

[...]

Mom chimes in.

[...]

DOBSON: It’s my understanding that you’ve heard from some within the homosexual community who are affirming of you.

PREJEAN: Oh, I’ve had so much support from the gay community. I just want to thank the gay community if they are listening for their support. They say, you stood up for what you believe and that’s what we do – we stand up for what we every single day. We can agree to disagree…There’s no hate in what I said. I love gay people…This is not against homosexuals.

[...]

DOBSON: Why did you give the answer you did with regard to the affirmation of marriage?

PREJEAN: Honestly, I felt as though Satan was — and I don’t want to say that this person represented Satan – but, I felt as though Satan was trying to tempt me in asking me this question, and then God was in my head and in my heart saying, Carrie, do not compromise this. You need to stand up for me. You need to share with all these people –if there were 95 percent of the people in the audience that were gay – you need to witness to them. And you need to show that you’re not willing to compromise that for this title of Miss USA. And so I just knew right here that it wasn’t about winning. It was about being true to my conviction.

[...]

DOBSON: Carrie, do yo have any regrets?

PREJEAN: No.

DOBSON: You would do it again?

PREJEAN: I would do it again.

DOBSON: Even if you could have won the crown by compromising?

PREJEAN: Oh yes….I have a platform now.

So has the Republican party just found there new it girl? Christian broadcasting networks? She was well-spoken here and what she said was perfectly reasonable.

I don’t know. It’s all madness. Why doesn’t everyone have a right to speak? The overwhelming majority of the country is against same-sex marriage anyway.

And how many folks in the media are mentioning the fact that she has received support from the gay community?

Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage - overrides Gov veto By mattie14 April 8, 2009 Nine years ago Vermont became the first state to legalize same-se

April 8, 2009

Nine years ago Vermont became the first state to legalize same-sex civil unions and now the legislature voted to legalize same-sex marriage. Vermont Governor Jim Douglas (R) had vetoed the bill but yesterday the legislature overrode the veto - the first veto override in 19 years. It will go into effect in September 1st.

It passed due in large part to the democratic majority - Dems control 23/30 Senate seats - the vote was 23-5 and they control 102/150 House seats where the voted literally came down to the last vote - 100-49. It passed aided by 6 Republicans.

Gov Douglas said it’s time to move on:

DOUGLAS: I really think that Vermonters ourght to focus on the future. Accept the outcome of the vote today - I certainly do that.

Not Rep Joseph L. Krawczyk Jr., a Rep from Bennington, who voted against the override and is hoping that Vermonters vote against those who supported it.

KRAWZYK: They’re going to have to live with the consequences. This does not reflect the true values of Vermonters. It does not reflect my values nor does it reflect those of my constituents.

Unlike Vermont, Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts same-sex marriage was legalized via the courts.

Source: Boston.com’s DAVID ABEL

According to CNN, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins condemned the votes in Vermont and Washington, DC where the “Washington City Council voted 12-0 Tuesday in favor of allowing same-sex marriages performed in other states to be recognized in the nation’s capital”. Washington already provides domestic partnerships for both same-sex and heterosexual couples, which give access to the rights and responsibilities of marriage.

PERKINS: Same-sex ‘marriage’ is a movement driven by wealthy homosexual activists and a liberal elite determined to destroy not only the institution of marriage, but democracy as well. Time and again, we see when citizens have the opportunity to vote at the ballot box, they consistently opt to support traditional marriage. The radical left wants to destroy the traditional union of one man and one woman across the country and they will not rest until they do so. The marriage amendment movement has been many times more successful than the same-sex ‘marriage’ movement.

I don’t understand the correlation between the legalization of same-sex marriage and the “destruction of the traditional union between one man and one woman”. What has polygamy been doing? Why does that never come up in these discussions?

CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa legalizes same-sex marriage
GOP reacts to Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling
Iowa to become “gay marriage Mecca”?
Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage
Larry King: Joel and Victoria Osteen
Larry King: Pastor Rick Warren

CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage

April 6, 2009

I'm thinking Iowa's Supreme Court decision to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage means a whole lot more than Prop 8 in California or Massachusetts and Connecticut already allowing same-sex marriage.

CBS POLL
March 16-19
1142 adults
MOE +/- 3%

Some form of legal recognition for same-sex couples 60%
Same-sex marriage 33% (2004 - 22%)
Civil Unions 27%
No legal recognition 35% (2004 - 40%)

Would have thought the numbers would have changed more than that.

Support same sex marriage
Northeast 44%
West 38%
Midwest 30%
South 25%

Women 38%
Men 27%

Younger than 45 41%
Over 65 18%
Over 65 50% no legal recognition of same-sex marriage

Not surprisingly Republicans, conservatives, and white evangelicals oppose any legal recognition of same-sex couples. They just get caught having affairs.

CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa legalizes same-sex marriage
GOP reacts to Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling
Iowa to become “gay marriage Mecca”?
Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage
Larry King: Joel and Victoria Osteen
Larry King: Pastor Rick Warren

6 Iraqi gay men "disowned" then murdered

April 6, 2009

There is nothing it seems that is going to liberate the arab world from their ancient cavemen beliefs. The "disowning" by their families led to the deaths of six gay men in Iraq. After they were disowned there was a "tribal meeting" of cavemen and the men were shot dead. And what kind of justice will there be? A gay cafe was torched as well.

What do they do with lesbians? Oh, that's right. Men can already do whatever they want to women - gay, straight, young, old - in the name of religion or custom.

Source: CNN's MOHAMMED TAWFEEQ

Malaysia: no tomboys allowed

Iowa to become the "gay marriage Mecca"?

April 4, 2009

Sometimes I wonder what these politicians say that never make it to the press. Rep Steve King (R-IA) thinks the Iowa Supreme Court's ruling approving same-sex marriage was a politically motivated social experiment that will lead to Iowa becoming the "gay marriage Mecca".

Rep Steve King (R-IA)

KING: This is an unconstitutional ruling and another example of activist judges molding the Constitution to achieve their personal political ends. Iowa law says that marriage is between one man and one woman. Now it is the Iowa legislature's responsibility to pass the Marriage Amendment to the Iowa Constitution, clarifying that marriage is between one man and one woman, to give the power that the Supreme Court has arrogated to itself back to the people of Iowa. Along with a constitutional amendment, the legislature must also enact marriage license residency requirements so that Iowa does not become the gay marriage Mecca due to the Supreme Court's latest experiment in social engineering.

It sounds like he's talking about embryonic stem cell research with that social engineering comment. And how's Iowa's economy doing? Think the Iowa Tourist Bureau would mind if Iowa became the gay pilgrim's Mecca?

Source: CNN's Alexander Mooney

***CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa legalizes same-sex marriage
GOP reacts to Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling
Iowa to become “gay marriage Mecca”?
Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage
Larry King: Joel and Victoria Osteen
Larry King: Pastor Rick Warren

GOP reacts to Iowa's same-sex marriage ruling

April 4, 2009

Republicans react to the legalization of same-sex marriage in Iowa.

From CNN's PETER HAMBY & ALEX MOONEY.

RNC Chairman Michael Steele:

The Iowa Supreme Court's decision today to reverse an 11 year old state law outlawing same-sex marriage is sadly another example of judicial activism currently threatening family values in America. While I respect an individual's right to live his or her life as they see fit, decisions like this are better left in the hands of legislators and governors.

I firmly believe that marriage should be between one man and one woman. A state's autonomous nature allows it to change its laws as the citizenry sees fit, but it should be done by the people, not through judicial decree.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney:

I believe marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman and the definition of marriage should be left to the people and not to activist courts.

A man and a woman. Not one man and thirty women, including sisters and mothers and daughters.

Former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee (via Twitter):

Iowa Sup. Court dec. to allow same sex marriage is disappointing. All Iowans should have a say in this matter, not legislative judges … must fight to preserve family and amend the Constitution of the United States to define marriage as one man and one woman.

What's up with Huckabee lately? He's acting like any other scumbag politician.

South Carolina governor Mark Sanford:

Joel Sawyer, a spokesman for Sanford, did not react to the Iowa ruling specifically, but said the governor is "against same-sex marriage." Sawyer pointed out that "South Carolina passed a same-sex marriage ban last year, and the governor was supportive of it.

***

CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa legalizes same-sex marriage
GOP reacts to Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling
Iowa to become “gay marriage Mecca”?
Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage
Larry King: Joel and Victoria Osteen
Larry King: Pastor Rick Warren

Iowa legalizes same sex marriage

April 3, 2009

In 21 days, same sex marriage in Iowa will be legal. The Iowa Supreme Court upheld the lower court's 2007 ruling that the 1998 law limiting marriage to heterosexual couples went against the state's constitution.

Court spokesman STEVE DAVIS:

The Iowa statute limiting civil marriage to a union between a man and a woman violates the equal protection clause of the Iowa Constitution.

Polk County District Judge ROBERT HANSON:

Civil marriage in Iowa is the only gateway to an extensive legal structure that protects a married couple's relationship and family in and outside the state. Iowa reserves an unparalleled array of rights, obligations and benefits to married couples and their families, privileging married couples as a financial and legal unit and stigmatizing same-sex couples.

The only two other states that allow same sex marriages are Massachusetts and Connecticut. Vermont, New Hampshire and New Jersey allow same sex civil unions.

Source: CNN

***

CBS Poll: Same-sex marriage
Iowa legalizes same-sex marriage
GOP reacts to Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling
Iowa to become “gay marriage Mecca”?
Vermont legalizes same-sex marriage
Larry King: Joel and Victoria Osteen
Larry King: Pastor Rick Warren

blago annouces Burris as barry's replacement (video)

December 30, 2008

Milorad sticks it to barry and everybody else. Pure genius. they weren't expecting it. Even better, barry's nemesis - the only one who has ever beat him - Bobby Rush came in and played the race card using the word "lynch". A little over the top but Rush and ex Black Panther has used race from day one and makes no apologies for it. His supporters expect no less and he clearly got his message across. He said barry went to Harvard and became an educated fool who only read about the Civil Rights movement. Have to give it to him on that. First time he was challenged in Iowa about Iraq he yelled at the lady that he had "studied it".

Unless Burris has some nefarious connections he cannot be unappointed. It's legal. Period.

Part 1

PaulFVillarreal2

BLAGO: He will be a great United States senator. Please don't let the allegations against me taint this good and honest man.

I am required to make this appointment. If I don't make this appointment, then the people of Illinois will be deprived of their appropriate voice and vote in the United States Senate.

Part 2

Roland Burris is taking questions and someone wants blago to answer it - he steps forward and mentions how much he has been "enjoying the limelight" but that it's Burris' day.

PaulFVillarreal2

Barnicle's insight into the Rick Warren issue

December 22, 2008

Hardball

Mike Barnicle really is clueless. He of the Hillary reminds everyone of their first wife standing outside probate court comment. See his lack of spine hosting Mike Rogers vs Rev Rivers.

courtesy of SwimmingPolarBear

BARNICLE: If you took Cambridge MA, Georgetown DC, the Upper West Side of NY, Santa Monica and San Francisco, CA out of the Rick Warren debate... There would be no debate. Do you agree with that?

BERNARD: [Laughs.] That is actually very true....

BARNICLE: [Derisively] Well. We're all going to get together over Rick Warren.

Another historic election: first transgender mayor

November 13, 2008
Silverton, Oregon

Stu Rasmussen, previous Mayor of Silverton - > Stu Rasmussen 2.0, Mayor of Silverton.

Heterosexual male- > heterosexual male who likes to look like a woman.

Male appendage and apparel - > Male appendage, breast implants and woman's apparel.

Ex two term mayor - > beat the incumbent first time in 40 yrs by 13 points

First transgender mayor - > Mayor of Silverton twice.

PENNING

"Rasmussen: I always wanted cleavage, so I went out and acquired some....I'm prejudiced, but I think this is just about the coolest town on Earth," Rasmussen said, just before he broke down, a tear gently running through his eyeliner, and onto his cheek. He can't wait to take office in January. He said he's finally confident enough to be himself, as he runs his hometown, wearing his signature heels."

video by The Oregonian's Kimberly A.C. Wilson via StephanieKayStevens

Girlfriend of 35 years: "Silverton is a place where Mennonites and transvestites can get along."

[Mennonites and men in tights sounds better.]

MAYOR RASMUSSEN: Try to keep something like this hidden, or you've got a secret life like this going on and your involved politics, it gives everybody something to put their spade to...I've blackmail proofed myself.

Roland Martin has something nice to say about whites

November 4, 2008

Now here is the other thing that pisses me off. Exactly what I was waiting for. Roland Martin on CNN is now talking about white America in glowing terms. He is finally mentioning something positive instead of BLACK AIDS! BLACK AIDS! the Bradley Effect and all the white racists who will never vote for a black man. Guess what Roland? He couldn't have won without the white or Hispanic vote. He couldn't have won so resoundingly if his campaign staff and volunteers were just comprised of black folks. I would really like a breakdown of the percentage of white volunteers he had. It is such a two-facedness it makes me angry and sad. And just as lost in all this is the fact that 232 years ago women weren't created equal - no matter the race. I can't go down that path. I can't imagine what Sen Clinton must be feeling every time she hears that "historic" and my kids can grow up to be president...boys only. Never have a more perfect union until a women becomes president.

Martin: He got an email from the daughter Viola Louisa the "white" mother from Michigan who drove down south to register voters. She was "blown away" on the highway by white supremacists. I wonder if their descendants were at Plain rallies yelling: "THAT'S him". The other allegation was completely unsubstantiated = false. And yet, everyone who watched that debate thinks McCain and Palin sanctioned KILL HIM ! KILL HIM! chants. Will there be a public apology to McCain and Palin? Absolutely not. Was there a public apology to "The Clintons". Absolutely not. Will there be apologies to WHITE AMERICA? Absolutely not. But barry plans on uniting the nation.

MARTIN: There were any number of whites who walked and who marched and who protested as well. I think of those white southern judges who put in Brown vs Board of Education who were disowned by family members.

Where was he thinking of these whites when he ranted about racist WHITE AMERICA? These people's (MSM) souls have been exposed and they all lack a consistency of character. I don't know if this is normal, as I never watched the news or watched CNN or MSNBC or FOX or whatever, but how can they do this when every words is on videotape? What do they do when no one is watching or listening? I won't have to wonder this anymore. It just is so shocking to me. The only one I have seen with integrity is Lou Dobbs.

DOUBLE STANDARD

SHRC on Civil Rights

Women's Rights are Civil Rights
Beijing China 1995
"She hoped 'to push the envelope as far as I can on behalf of women and girls,' and her speech was a loud call for women's rights to be equated with human rights."