All posts filed under: News

Equal Marriage Rights in Washington: Senate Approves Bill

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The Washington State Senate Passed a bill on Wednesday that will legalize same sex marriage. Gov. Chris Gregoire supports the measure and has agreed to sign it into law when it gets to the House. Applause broke out in the public galleries when the Senate passed the measure, a 28-21 vote. Democratic Sen. Ed Murray, a gay lawmaker from Seattle, and the bill’s sponsor believes those who vote against gay marriage should not be accused of bigotry nor should those who vote for it be accused of “undermining family life or religious freedom.” “Marriage is how society says you are a family” he said. Sen. Dan Swecker, R-Rochester argued against same sex marriage saying it will change the definition of marriage and “will lead to the silencing of those who believe in traditional marriage.” A referendum clause has been rejected, meaning opponents will have to wait to file a challenge once the law is passed. If opponents aren’t able to gather enough signatures, same sex couples will be able to get married starting June. For further information click here.

“Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman" says Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

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Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu believes that marriage should stay between a man and a women and centuries of tradition should not be overturned by gay marriage. Sentamu, the second most senior cleric in the Church of England doesn’t however, object to Civil Partnerships but in an interview with the Telegraph recently referred to them as being ‘friendships.’ “We supported Civil Partnerships because I believe that friendships are good for everybody” he said. “If you genuinely would like the registration of civil partnerships to happen in a more general way, most people will say they can see the drift. But if you begin to call those ‘marriage’, you’re trying to change the English language.” Peter Tatchell, the co-ordinator of the Equal Love campaign disagrees with Sentamu’s opinions. “It is not a Christian value to demand legal discrimination against gay couples and to treat them as inferior, second-class citizens with fewer rights than everyone else.” For the further information on the story visit The Telegraph and The Gaurdian.

Starbucks: A Supporter of Gay Marriage Legislation

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Starbucks published a statement January 24 showing their support for gay marriage legislation in the state House and Senate, Washington, DC. The growing list of Corporation support also includes Microsoft. Such support is aiding in the attempts for full marriage equality in Washington. The Starbucks statement reads as follows: To: U.S. partners Date: January 24, 2012 Re: A Message from Kalen Holmes: Starbucks Supports Marriage Equality Dear partners, Starbucks is proud to join other leading Northwest employers in support of Washington State legislation recognizing marriage equality for same-sex couples. Starbucks strives to create a company culture that puts our partners first, and our company has a lengthy history of leading and supporting policies that promote equality and inclusion. This important legislation is aligned with Starbucks business practices and upholds our belief in the equal treatment of partners. It is core to who we are and what we value as a company. We are proud of our Pride Alliance Partner Network group, which is one of the largest Employer Resource Groups for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender …

Gay Australian Couples Now Able to Marry Overseas

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The Federal government is now allowing gay couples to marry overseas where ‘gay marriage’ is legal. A ban has been lifted, allowing the couples to apply for a Certificate of No Impediment to marriage (CNI), a form which was once only granted to ‘straight couples.’ This form informs other countries that those applying to marry are of age and not already married (or bound by any other obstacles). The announcement came from Attorney-General Nicola Roxon recently stating that as of February 1, the ban would no longer exist. “This important change will allow same-sex couples to take part in overseas marriage ceremonies, and be considered married according to the laws of that country,” Ms Roxon said. Whilst any overseas marriage is not acknowledged as such in Australia, it can be used as evidence of a de facto relationship for the purposes of federal and state laws. Many have welcomed this decision including Australian Marriage Equality national convener, Alex Greenwich. “It’s already painful enough for same-sex partners to have to marry overseas, away from family and friends, without the Australian Government …

Olivia Newton-John: Her Support for Marriage Equality

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Olivia Newton-John; much loved Australian Actress, has publicly given her support for marriage equality recently. She joined other celebrities including Hugh Jackman, film critics David Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz, and costume designer Lizzy Gardiner in her pledge. “With respect to marriage equality I believe that no one has the right to judge and deny couples who love each other the ability to make a marriage commitment. Love is love,” Newton-John said. Australian screenwriter and director Stephan Elliott is said to be announcing the support of more high profile Australians at a marriage equality fundraiser this week. Many welcomed the support including Australian Marriage Equality National Convener Alex Greenwich. “Australians admire celebrities like Olivia Newton-John and Hugh Jackman because they reflect our values of tolerance and a fair go for all, values which they are reminding us apply just as much to same sex couples as to other Australians,” Mr Greenwich said.

Trevor Project Volunteer Completes Suicide

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Eric James Borges, a volunteer with The Trevor Project (a crisis intervention organization) completed suicide January 11, 2012. The death of the 19 year old was very unexpected by all, with Borges having uploaded an ‘It Gets Better’ video on YouTube only very recently. In the video he talked about his childhood, the bullying he endured and the loss of his family because of his sexual orientation. “My mother knew I was gay and performed an exorcism on me in an attempt to cure me. My anxiety, depression, self-loathing and suicidal thoughts spiked. I had nowhere safe to go, either at home or school,” Borges said. “You will love and be loved and I love you. You have an entire life, fit to burst with opportunities ahead of you. Don’t ever give up and don’t ever for one second think that you’re not a valuable and beautiful contribution to this world. It gets better.” Laura McGuinnis, a spokeswoman for the Trevor Project told The Washington Post that because he was working with suicide prevention he knew the counselling …

‘True Colors’ Romney Attack Ad leaves Cyndi Lauper Unhappy

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Cyndi Lauper, has expressed her disapproval after her ever popular hit “True Colors” was used in a negative political campaign ad against Mitt Romney. Not only was she unhappy about the unauthorised use of the song, associated most commonly and positively with the LGBTQ community, but also that it had been used in a negative rather than positive context. “While I am in no way a fan of Mitt Romney, my music is meant to lift people up, especially ‘True Colors.’ The song has been a tremendous source of healing and acceptance for so many people and for it to be used in such a negative way dishonors its history and intention” said Lauper. “I am a huge supporter of President Obama and his re-election, but I have let the responsible party know how disappointed I am the song was used and asked that it be removed from the ad.”

Australian Open: A Call for Margaret Court's name to be cut from Melbourne Park

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Gay activist Kerryn Phelps is pushing for tennis great Margaret Court’s name to be cut from Melbourne Park because of her continued opposition of homosexuality. Phelps proposed the name change to the Australian Open using twitter, along with other comments such as ” If Margaret Court didn’t want gay politics at the Aus Open she should not use her tennis fame to spread her offensive views.” Organisers of the Australian Open (an annual event due to commence next week) have released a statement, distancing themselves from the anti gay views of Court because of the pressure from a protest in the works. Gay activists are encouraging people to protest Court’s views at the arena by waving their rainbow flags in support of the LGBTQ community. Court, 24 grand slam singles champion, founder and current pastor at the Victory Life Centre church, Perth told The Australian that she won’t back down on her views and still plans to attend the tournament. “Are they not wanting me to come to the Australian Open? Is that what they are trying to do? I don’t run from anything,” Court told …

Self Evident Truths – A Project About Equality

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Did you know that in 29 states in the USA you can legally be fired for your sexuality? Self Evident Truths is a project that began in 2010 by New York City artist iO Tillett Wright who brings to light such facts. She aims to take portraits of anyone who remotely fits into the LGBTQ spectrum showing “the humanity that exists in every one of us through the simplicity of a face.” The project aims to capture the faces of over 4000 people all over the US, having started NYC at 300. “All men are created equal, it’s written in the Declaration of Independence. We’re failing as a nation to uphold the morals upon which we were founded,” says Wright. “This is my contribution to the civil rights fight of my generation.” To find out more about the project and how you can get involved click here.

Cardinal Francis George Apologizes to the LGBT Community

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Cardinal Francis George has apologized to the LGBT Community for comparing them to the Ku Klux Klan. “I am truly sorry for the hurt my remarks have caused, particularly because we all have friends or family members who are gay and lesbian,” said Cardinal George according to the Chicago Tribune. “This has evidently wounded a good number of people. I have family members myself who are gay and lesbian, so it’s part of our lives. So I’m sorry for the hurt.” Chris Pett, president of Dignity Chicago, an LGBT Catholic organization welcomed the apology. “As we know him as our bishop, we know that it is sincere and that he will work to avoid making such damaging and hurtful remarks in the future,” said Pett. Truth Wins Out, an organization running a petition for Cardinal George’s resignation are still unhappy with his original statement and have placed a full page ad in the Chicago Tribune. There has been no mention from Cardinal George about resigning from his position. To see the original article click here.