Sunday, June 26, 2011

Via AmericaBlogGay: Glenn Greenwald

Glenn Greenwald on the NY marriage victory

My reaction to last night's enactment of same-sex marriage by the New York State legislature is more personal than political, so I'll defer to Andrew Sullivan -- one of the nation's earliest advocates of gay marriage -- to explain its significance. But I can't let this rare genuine political progress go unmentioned, so I will share one reaction: in 1991, when I was a first-year law student at NYU, I regularly attended, for about a year, meetings and demonstrations of ACT-UP. I was a passive observer, but very impressed and inspired by the unyielding refusal of gay men with AIDS in that era (in indispensable conjunction with lesbian activists) to passively accept their consigned fate and their status as marginalized, condemned outcasts: the expertise in politics and medicine they developed, the creative and brave civil disobedience they pioneered, and the force of collective will they mustered under the most trying of circumstances was nothing short of extraordinary.

The first meeting I ever went to was attended by Tom Duane, who spoke to the group. At the time, Duane was seeking to become not only the first openly gay man elected to the New York City Council, but one of the first openly HIV-positive candidates to be elected to any political office. Remarkably, Duane won, went on to be elected to the State Senate in 1998, and last night -- 20 years older and now a veteran establishment Democratic lawmaker in Albany -- he was at the emotional center of that vote. It's hard to describe how inconceivable such an event was back in 1991 -- it was barely the end of the Reagan era, when "gay" and "AIDS" were still unmentionable in much decent company and much of gay activism was more about finding a way to survive (literally) than anything else -- but the fact that this amazingly improbable event just happened should (like the events in the Middle East) serve as a potent antidote against defeatism. Significant and seemingly impossible social and political change happens more often than we think, and it happens more rapidly than we realize. Even the most momentous change is always possible if one finds the right way to make it happen.



Via AmericaBloggay:

NY Daily News great front page on marriage victory

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Via SacBee: Gay marriage backers: NY vote has national impact


Many obstacles still lie ahead for supporters of same-sex marriage, and eventually they will need Congress or the Supreme Court to embrace their goal. For the moment, though, they are jubilantly channeling the lyrics of "New York, New York."

Via AmericaBlogGay: Victory in New York!!! Marriage passed in the State Senate tonight: 33 - 29

Victory in New York!!! Marriage passed in the State Senate tonight: 33 - 29

UPDATE @ 12:15 AM: And, yep, the Governor signed the bill at 11;55 PM on Friday, June 24, 2011. Marriages begin on July 24, 2011.




Also, NOM Is in major meltdown mode. Alvin McEwen reports they're comparing their loss in New York to the betrayal of Jesus. Blasphemers.
___________________
UPDATE: Watch Governor Cuomo discuss this great win (11:15 PM ET): The Governor's presser is over, so I removed the embed. He was very eloquent and did say that he'd sign the bill tonight, so it takes effect in 30 days. Check out the photos and video from Stonewall at the bottom of the post.
____________________
The State Senate just approved the marriage equality legislation by a vote of 33 - 29. Same-sex marriage becomes legal in New York 30 days after Governor Cuomo signs the bill into law.

We've all been on the losing side too many times. Winning is way, way, way more fun.

The trend line is moving in the right direction. This was a huge step forward. HUGE!

Congrats -- and thanks -- to all those who made it happen.

The arc of moral justice is long, but tonight in Albany, it bent a little more towards justice.

UPDATE: Here's the statement from our friend -- and a hero of the marriage debate, Danny O'Donnell:
"Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions.” Today, the New York State Legislature has affirmed the truth of that fundamental principle with the passage of the Marriage Equality Act."

"This day is a momentous one, not only for the thousands of same-sex couples across our state who find themselves suddenly on the cusp equality, now awaiting only one person's signature before being able to marry, but for all New Yorkers who have recognized and fought against legalized discrimination. I have been with my partner John for over 30 years, and, at long last, the state where we were both born, raised, and have lived our adult lives has agreed that all New Yorkers deserve Marriage Equality in the eyes of the law."

"Speaker Silver and my courageous colleagues in the Assembly who have staunchly supported this bill since 2007, when we became only the third legislative body nationwide to approve same-sex marriage without a court order, deserve immense praise for their continued and repeated votes for Marriage Equality. The State Senators who possessed the courage and conviction today to vote for my equality receive my profound thanks for taking this bold step forward. And, Governor Cuomo, who has been a resolute and powerful ally in this fight since long before the beginning of his term this past January, cannot be thanked enough for his continued support in this battle for justice."

"I am proud to have played a central role in this crucial moment for our state. Once Marriage Equality is signed into law, our state will be the most populous in the entire nation with these rights. I hope that with this prominence, our great state will shine as a beacon of equality and lead other states from the darkness of injustice. I will never forget this day."
UPDATE: tonight, New Yorkers are gathering in front of the Stonewall Inn to celebrate a victory that seemed inconceivable just a couple years ago. Paul Yandura sent some photos.



And some video:


Via Kate Clinton: Pool Party

Via HRC:

Human Rights Campaign
Dear Daniel,

The hopes and dreams of millions just came true: Marriage equality is about to become the law of the land in New York.
Just now, in a bipartisan vote, the New York State Senate approved a bill granting same-sex couples the same rights and responsibilities of marriage as everyone else. It'll soon go to Governor Cuomo – a stalwart champion of marriage equality – for his signature.
This was no easy victory. In 2009, right-wing groups helped derail marriage equality at the last minute. And just a few weeks ago, the extremist National Organization for Marriage (NOM) committed $1.5 million to stop us from passing this law. But you helped prove once again that with commitment, dedication, and the will to fight, anything is possible.
Here's how your support has helped make this win possible:
  • First, you laid the groundwork by investing staff and money in key campaigns that put pro-equality lawmakers in office last year, including Governor Cuomo.
  • For the marriage fight, you helped recruit more than 1,000 volunteers, deliver more than 75,515 post cards, and place more than 25,622 phone calls to state senators. You also helped deploy 30 grassroots organizers across the state, who mobilized volunteers and got tens of thousands of people involved.
  • Then you helped power a major media campaign featuring actors, athletes, three NYC mayors, two U.S. senators, President Bill Clinton, and even President Bush's daughter, Barbara.
  • And you helped fund a unified coalition of LGBT groups that lobbied the New York Legislature and aired TV ads all over the state.
Here's another way to see the impact we've had together:
Soon, New Yorkers young and old will be able to marry whomever they choose. Loving, committed couples will be recognized by law. And the cause of equality will have advanced yet again, in one of our nation's largest states. New York joins just five other states and the District of Columbia in allowing same-sex couples to marry.
But this isn't just a victory for New Yorkers – it's a victory for supporters of equality nationwide. It brings us closer to the day when fair treatment is not just a hope or an aspiration, but a reality.
Daniel, you and I both know we won't win every fight along the way. But even the most heartbreaking losses are only temporary detours on the path to full equality. When we stand together, fight smart, and refuse to give up on a dream, we will get there in the end – just as we have in New York.
Thank you for all that you have done, and will do, to continue winning the civil rights battle of our generation.
Sincerely,
Joe Solmonese
Joe Solmonese
President

P.S. To join the thousands of people on HRC's Mobile Action Network who are among the first to hear about exciting victories like these, text MAP4NY to 30644. We'll text you instructions on how you can add a note to our map of support for New Yorkers.
http://hrc.convio.net/images/content/pagebuilder/12161.gif

New York Senate passes same-sex marriage bill 33-29

Via JMG: NY SENATE APPROVES MARRIAGE!!!


Joe says, 
The vote was 33-29!!!!

I love you, New York.

Now please excuse me as I slip away for some heavy drinking. Marriage equality in New York has been one of the top focuses of this here website thingy for a long, long time.

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: New York Marriage Reactions


Empire State Pride Agenda
“Love and fairness wins the day for all New Yorkers and our families. Today is a historic day and a victory for equality and justice – it is the culmination of many years of work by the Pride Agenda and others across the state,” said Ross D. Levi, Executive Director of the Empire State Pride Agenda. “We are thrilled that finally all loving, committed New Yorkers will be able to make the commitment of marriage here in the Empire State.”
NY Sen. Thomas Duane
"There are rare moments when the historical significance of an action speaks for itself and words can’t capture the magnitude. This is one such moment. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) New Yorkers will no longer be denied the right to marry the ones they love. For the first time in New York’s rich history they will be granted equal protection under the law. I want to commend the incredible leadership and passion of Governor Andrew Cuomo who made good on his promise to make Marriage Equality the law in New York State. I also want to thank my colleagues in the State Senate on both sides of the aisle, and in the Assembly, who took a courageous stand when it would have been far easier for them to turn away from what I know for many was a difficult issue."
NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell
"Thomas Jefferson once wrote, 'our civil rights have no dependence on our religious opinions.' Today, the New York State Legislature has affirmed the truth of that fundamental principle with the passage of the Marriage Equality Act. I am proud to have played a central role in this crucial moment for our state. Once Marriage Equality is signed into law, our state will be the most populous in the entire nation with these rights. I hope that with this prominence, our great state will shine as a beacon of equality and lead other states from the darkness of injustice. I will never forget this day."
Freedom To Marry
"Winning the freedom to marry in New York truly is a transformative moment for committed couples and for our country, a triumph for love and equality under the law,” said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry. “Now that we’ve made it here, we’ll make it everywhere – and as Americans’ hearts open and minds continue to change in favor of the freedom to marry, the momentum coming from New York’s giant step forward brings a nationwide end to marriage discrimination closer than ever.”
American Foundation for Equal Rights
“New Yorkers have plenty to celebrate this Pride Month. There’s no doubt that today will be revered as a major turning point in civil rights history. A bipartisan group of legislators have affirmed that equal rights for every citizen is not a partisan issue, but an American value. Yet for millions of Americans who do not live in New York, Washington DC, or the five other states that have recognized the constitutional rights of gay and lesbian Americans, they are still suffering the injustice of discrimination every day. The freedom to marry is a constitutional liberty and the birthright of every American. Constitutional rights belong to every individual, regardless of the state you inhabit. This has recently been affirmed within the past year by federal courts in our nation’s most prominent civil rights cases."

reposted from Joe

Friday, June 24, 2011

Via NPR: Jose Antonio Vargas, Will Journalist Face Deportation? Signs Point To 'No'

  1. Will Journalist Face Deportation? Signs Point To 'No'

    June 24, 2011 Although US Immigration and Customs Enforcement declined to comment directly on the case of Jose Antonio Vargas, the agency's recent actions ... http://www.npr.org/2011/06/24/137390554/will-journalist-face-deportation-signs-point-to-no
     
  2. 'Washington Post' Debated 'Undocumented' Reporter's ...

    June 23, 2011 Some editors did not think Jose Antonio Vargas was giving them the full story, the newspaper reports. His account ended ... http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/06/23/137363517/washington-post-debated-undocumented-reporters-veracity?print=1
  3. Pulitzer-Winning Reporter: I Am An Undocumented Immigrant ...

    June 22, 2011 Jose Antonio Vargas, a reporter who shared a Pulitzer Prize at The Washington Post, reveals that over many years he obtained a series of false ... http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/06/22/137344247/pulitzer-winning-reporter-i-am-an-undocumented-immigrant?print=1
  4. Jose Antonio Vargas

    June 22, 2011 ... Public Radio Programs AZ | close. Jose Antonio Vargas archive. Thursday, June 23, 2011. ... Search Jose Antonio Vargas. Podcast + RSS Feeds. ... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=137344260

*Countdown with Keith ...: Special Comment: Same-Sex Marriage

Via JMG: HomoQuotable - David Mixner


"The man [Obama] has done an enormous amount and I’m supporting him for president. But I would be more than delinquent if I didn’t say that I’m more disappointed than I thought I would be with his handling of marriage tonight. I didn’t come with any expectations that he would support marriage. But it was awful, it was embarrassing, and as soon as he reached that point, it was like he couldn’t wait to get off the stage. [snip]

"This is one of our big nights of celebration – I mean, we’re going to win this I think tomorrow, but we know this issue could go either way. This was a room full of people waiting to be jubilant. I knew he wasn’t he going to support marriage, but there were so many different ways he could have let us know that he understood this moment for us and how happy he was for us. I support him. After all, who wants President Bachmann?" - Longtime activist David Mixner, speaking to Equality Matters at last night's Obama fundraiser in NYC.


reposted from Joe

Via JMG: SAN DIEGO: Active Duty Military To March In Gay Pride Parade For First Time


Some real American history will be made at San Diego Pride.
"To my knowledge [it is] the first time in the history of Pride in the United States, ever, that we have said, 'Active duty, you are welcome,'" organizer Sean Sala said. "We want you to be there without fear of repercussions, because we love you." Sala, an active-duty sailor, said he was bothered to see that police and firefighters were represented in the Pride parade, but not the people who serve this country. "I thought it was weird because San Diego has the biggest military installation in the United States, and military are public servants as well," he said.
About 200 service members have reportedly signed up to march. They will not wear their uniforms, as per military regulations.


reposted from Joe

Via JMG: NYT Rips New York Senate On Inaction


The New York Times tears into the GOP-led New York Senate for dragging their feet on marriage equality.
As we wrote this editorial on Thursday evening, we were still waiting for the New York State Senate to do what it should have done long ago — end a basic inequality under the law by allowing same-sex couples the full right to marry. The solution is obvious: Pass a clean bill that allows all adult New Yorkers to marry whomever they choose to marry, without unneeded exemptions for religious-affiliated organizations. [snip] In Albany, they say hidden talks are necessary to get anything done. Nonsense. The state’s leaders just don’t want public scrutiny. It’s a cowardly way to conduct the public’s business.
Right fucking on.


reposted from Joe

JMG Tweet Of The Day - Mrs. Wright




reposted from Joe

BrowseUpload Sign Out Joy Behar - Dan Savage, Alec Mapa & Raven-Symone On Pilot Rant & Gay Pride Parade

Via JMG: Gay Rights?


You don't often see "gay rights" mentioned on homocon sites, which are typically more concerned about "wealth preservation" and screwing the poor. So I had to follow the tweet that heralded the above story. It turns out that the right to carry a concealed handgun anywhere you please is a gay rights issue. At least it is the bizarro world of Gay Patriot.


reposted from Joe

Thursday, June 23, 2011

Via 365 Gay; Obama says gay couples deserve same rights as all

(New York) President Barack Obama praised New York state lawmakers who were debating landmark legislation Thursday to legalize gay marriage, saying that’s what democracy’s all about. But the president stopped short of embracing same-sex marriage himself.

“I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every other couple in this country,” the president said at a fundraiser in Manhattan, his first geared specifically to the gay community. Coincidentally, the long-planned event occurred just as lawmakers in Albany were debating legislation that would make New York the sixth state to legalize gay marriage. 

That served to spotlight the president’s own views on same-sex marriage, a sore point with gay supporters who’ve otherwise warmed to him. The president has said his views are “evolving,” but for now he supports civil unions, not same-sex marriage.

“Traditionally marriage has been decided by the states and right now I understand there’s a little debate going on here in New York,” the president said to laughter. He said New York’s lawmakers are “doing exactly what democracies are supposed to do.”

Debate on the measure continued into the night at the statehouse, and the outcome was uncertain.
As Obama spoke a handful of people shouted out “marriage!” And Obama said, “I heard you guys.”

Report on Loving Case 1967