All posts tagged: glbtq

Equal Marriage Rights in Washington: Senate Approves Bill

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

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

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

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 …