Equality in DC!

Marriage equality has come to the nation's capitol.  Marriage licenses for same-sex couples are being issued today.  First in line were Sinjoyla Townsend, 41, and her partner of 12 years, Angelisa Young, 47.  They can be married in 3 days, per DC law.  Congratulations!

Equality in DC!

The nation's capitol became the latest part of America to recognize the value of all its citizens and approve marriage equality. The city counsel voted in favor of a marriage bill 11-2. Convicted felon and former crack addict Marion Berry was one of the 2 no votes. The bill now goes to the mayor who has vowed to sign it. Congress can still step in, though, but that appears unlikely.

Hate Prevails in Maine While Equality May Win in Washington

The campaign of lies won the day in Maine as the marriage equality bill was rejected by 53% of voters. 47% voted in favor. Once again, the only minority group in America whose rights are put up for popular vote are suffering the tyranny of the majority.

Things look better in Washington, where the so-called everything but marriage law has a solid lead.

In Houston, openly gay Annise Parker has the lead and appears headed for a runoff.

Election Day

If you live in Maine or Washington, go vote for equality.

If you live in New Jersey, a vote for Corzine is a vote for equality. Corzine has pledged to sign a marriage bill when the legislature gets it to his desk. Marriage has the votes in the legislature, but if Corzine looses to Christie, marriage in New Jersey is dead for four years because Christie is solidly opposed to our rights.

If you live in New York's 23rd Congressional district, go vote for Bill Owens.

If you live in Virginia, God help you. The Pat Robertson Manchurian Candidates look like a lock.

Starbucks Says Yes on R71

Starbucks has issued a statement of strong support for Washington State's so-called everything but marriage domestic partnership law. The law, already passed by the legislature and signed by the governor, is subject to a referendum next month. A yes vote upholds gay rights while a no vote takes them away. Starbucks said that approving R71:

"ensures that basic benefits and important protections are not taken away from committed couples, so they are able to take care of each other, especially in times of crisis." Starbucks wants voters to approve the measure "because it is aligned with our business practices, providing domestic partner benefits, and one of our core values of treating people with respect and dignity.”

Starbucks now joins Microsoft in public support for gay rights in Washington.

White House Issues Statement Opposing Anti-Gay Referenda in ME and WA

The Advocate asked the White House for a specific clarification on the President's position on the anti-gay ballot initiatives in Maine and Washington. Here's the reply:

“The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples, and as he said at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, he believes ‘strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.’ Also at the dinner, he said he supports, ‘ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.’"

Remember that the haters used Obama's opposition to marriage equality to their advantage during the Prop. 8 campaign in California.

It would have been nice if he had actually used the words Maine and Washington.