In 1967, when I was a sophomore in college, the State of Virginia's anti-miscegenation statute was overturned by the US Supreme Court in Virginia v Loving http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loving_v._Virginia

This case overturned centuries US law and custom forbidding white people from marrying people of another race or mix of races. Though many states had already overturned this practice, this Federal decision brought an end to this practise throughout the entire USA.

In February 1961, when President Obama's white mother married his Kenyan father, there were many states in which this union would not only have been illegal, but criminal. (remember when homosexuality was illegal?)

State by State solutions did not work for inter-racial couples There will always be some states who will hold to a ----ist law because it supports local prejudice or perhaps strong business interests.

This is where I get angry with the president. He has lived through this shit. He has faced discrimination. He has seen the laws change in his favor and has accomplished much as a result of these legal changes. It has been well established over decades that civil rights are just that, rights. They are not subject to legislation or a vote of the people.
Why is be falling back on that old !@#$% of State by State solution? It didn't work for poc. It didn't work for women. It isn't going to work for queer folk. Also it is angry-fying that he has backtracked on his position since he ran for office.

A logical outgrowth of the opinion he currently holds would be to promote a policy that has been under discussion for some time.

1) ALL joinings of couples/groups; homo, hetero, inter-species, whatever, should take place in a legal setting like a courthouse or justice of the peace. We should pick a name for them ... union, committment ceremony, hand-fasting, etc. A contract should be drawn up stating the terms of the joining which will form the legal basis for the couples relationship. All legal rights should accrue from THIS contract.
2) "Marriage" should be the province of religious groups. They can marry or not marry whom they wish. If people wish to continue to fight with their churches to be able to marry, that would be fine. Meanwhile they will have legal rights.

And yah, it sucks that there is no other choice for voting purposes. What we have now is a choice between lukewarm, packpeddaling, support, and the utter outrage of the current republican party.
Smooches,
Keri

http://www.livestream.com/nysenate

They are voting now on marriage in New York.

They have the 32nd vote they need - It might just pass.

Not yet. That was just the "religious exemption" part. Once this fool Diaz finishes they'll get to the real vote.

It passed!!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_884427.html

They're explaining how they WILL vote. HuffPo published that a leeeeetle too soon. :)

Actually, I was watching it live and I they are explaining why they voted for it. So I think its safe to say it passed. WOW NY Pride this weekend is gonna be off the wall! LOL

AYES 33, NAYS 29! WAY TO GO, NEW YORK!!!

AYES 33 - NAYS 29!



Now it is official!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_884427.html

I don't know why its not showing up on all the feeds...but from what I saw and read it passed 33 to 29

Governor Coumo plans to sign this bill on a desk placed in the middle of 5th Ave. at the beginning of the route and immediately prior to the start of the NYC Pride Parade. This year we, (the Sirens Women's Motorcycle Club), will be leading the Parade for the 25th time, which means that we'll have a front row seat for the signing. Wahoo!

If you had told me 25 years ago that this would happen in my lifetime I would have laughed at you.

Congratulations New York!

Glynn

It will be interesting to see what happens to those Republicans who voted for this come re-election time.

My Senator - Senator Saland was NO even earlier today. He voted YES and I have to say this -- I am so proud of him. His speech was emotional and beautiful.

He will get my vote.

He stood up for what is right.

Cuz it was posted on facebook!

Accepting proposals. :bouquet:

Woo-Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

for the first time, in a very long time, i am proud to be from New York.


I'm overjoyed with the courage and ACTION Gov. Cuomo has lead and incited...

And I am both surprised and proud of the Republicans who have stood up for equality. May your actions and words lead this (long overdue) tide of change.

And may this be one more blow to DOMA; may this open the floodgates for federally recognised basic human right and federally granted equal rights under the law.

I am accepting proposals! :D

jk :)

Yay NY!!!!

I am so happy about this!!!!!!!
Smooches,
Keri

French and proud to live in New York!
 

So flipping excited for my home state!!! YAY NEW YORK!!!!!

Wonderful news!! My iPod said Cuomo signed the legislation tonight. Was that right?

Congratulations NY!

http://edition.cnn.com/2011/POLITICS....gay.marriage/

I just read the same thing, but as far as I know the Senate and Assembly bills aren't reconciled. I'll keep you posted about whether the signing ceremony we were expecting on Sunday will still be happening.

:)
 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110625/...ay_marriage_ny


Signed.

Many apologies for the misinformation. Things move quickly in the land of the politicos. The information I got in the middle of the week about the signing ceremony on 5th Ave. was outdated by last night. I appreciate that the Governor didn't want us to wait one more day, but I was really excited about being present for the moment.

I was happy for you all, but disappointed for you as well. It would have been great to be present for that historic moment.

Happy Pride day!

Our Next Marriage Equality Fight: Repealing DOMA

Well said Senator Gillibrand!

In Senator Gillibrand's article she says DADT has been repealed. It has NOT. The White House and the Pentagon must certify the military is ready to repeal DADT. They have only begun training and still have months to go. It is my understanding you can still be discharged under DADT>

Congrats to New York!

More and more I am considering moving to one of the states in the US that represents full citizenship. As I age, and even though I doubt I will ever legally marry, I find that it is getting more and more difficult to accept second class citizenship in my own country and state. Hopefully, here in CA, the appeals decision will be upheld on Prop 8 and same-sex marraige becomes legal once and for all (there is a pun within a pun in there)!

I don't want to die living somewhere that does recognize me a a full citizen. I really don't. I am so damn tired of this.