Same-Sex Marriage Update

christie · 08-25-2010, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsTinkerbelly

WYOMING: Gay Couple Challenges Ban On Same-Sex Marriage

A young gay couple has filed a federal court challenge to the constitutionality of Wyoming's ban on same-sex marriage. So far, they are representing themselves.
The lawsuit, filed Aug. 13 by David Shupe-Roderick, 25, and Ryan W. Dupree, 21, is the first legal challenge in recent memory to Wyoming’s law defining marriage as being a contract solely “between a male and a female person.” The couple, who are representing themselves, filed the lawsuit after the Laramie County Clerk's Office refused three times to issue them a marriage license. That's unequal treatment, they said, and they're asking U.S. District Judge Alan B. Johnson to stop the state from enforcing any laws that block gays and lesbians from access to civil marriage. “We determined that a lawsuit was the only possible way for them to get to recognize us as people,” Shupe-Roderick said. “I think it’s time that Wyoming lives up to its title. You know they call themselves the Equality State? Well, they’re not so equal.”
The plaintiffs say they cannot afford an attorney and can't find one to take their case for free. They add that so far they are relying on knowledge one of them acquired while interning for the ACLU

Interesting wording: "man and a female person"

Wonder why it isnt male person and female person?

Jess · 08-26-2010, 05:19 AM

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...-im-gay/62065/

Toughy · 08-26-2010, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jess

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...-im-gay/62065/

we are supposed to be happy because a rat bastard decided to come out and probably wants to get legally married?????

Jess · 08-26-2010, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toughy

we are supposed to be happy because a rat bastard decided to come out and probably wants to get legally married?????

If you want to be happy, then do so. It is just a news tidbit that was out there and I thought it worth sharing.

christie · 08-26-2010, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toughy

we are supposed to be happy because a rat bastard decided to come out and probably wants to get legally married?????

Ya know, for me (and this is obviously different for you), I try not to rush to judgement about folks. I don't see it on my to-do list to judge how/when someone comes out. Its not my story nor my life and I think we all know that some folks "get to the party later than others".

For me, it certainly doesn't hurt to have someone with his political connections on the side of equality. I get a kick out of thinking about how his good ole' boys in the RNC will have to think about their views of gays since Mehlman is reported to be the most powerful Republican to have come out. I'd also like to see his energies utilized in repealing DOMA, DADT moreso than I would for him to continue to have to explain ad nauseam why it took him so long to come out.

Perhaps it seems trite to some, but I'd rather have our numbers increasing. The more the merrier - and it would seem that someone such as Mehlman would have a better chance of their voice being heard - of having the capacity to effect change - moreso than average jo schmoe me.

I'm sure that Toughy has a different opinion on this and I don't want this to become a debate about our different views. I think that Mehlman's coming out and open support of marriage equality is a good thing.

MsTinkerbelly · 08-26-2010, 08:02 AM

FLASHBACK: Mehlman Supports 2005 Federal Marriage Amendment

In January 2005, GOP Sen. Wayne Allard (CO) introduced the Marriage Protection Amendment (a verbatim restating of the earlier failed Federal Management Amendment) with 21 Senate GOP co-sponsors. Later that year the bill was approved for review by the full Senate Judiciary Committee. Newly appointed RNC chair Ken Mehlman gave the bill his full support to reporters at an Ohio GOP fundraiser that March.
During his Akron remarks, Mehlman put forth political and policy statements often viewed as anti-gay. “Republicans are for government that stands on the side of marriage,” he said, “and on the side of strong families.” After the dinner, he was asked by a reporter about the GOP’s support for the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment, introduced in the House last week by Rep. Dan Lundgren of California. Mehlman made it clear that he supports the amendment. “I don’t think it’s anti-gay,” said Mehlman. “I don’t think the intent is to be anti-anything.”
Members of the Cleveland Log Cabin Republicans attending the dinner expressed disappointment that Mehlman evaded questions about his sexuality. "He almost said it," one pouted. The above-linked story notes no such LCR regret about Mehlman's support for permanently enshrining anti-gay legislation in the motherfucking federal Constitution.

MsTinkerbelly · 08-26-2010, 08:04 AM

Repulsive Anti-Gay Quisling Homophobic Scumbag Asshat Closeted Former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman Has Come Out

Maybe the $4M loft he bought in gay gay gay Chelsea this summer did (or more likely, brought) the trick, as Mike Rogers reports today that repulsive 2004 Dubya campaign manager and former RNC chairman Ken Mehlman is about to come out. [UPDATE: It's official. See update at the bottom of this post.]

In 2004 Steve Schmidt (then the Republican National Convention spokesman and later the McCain campaign's senior strategist) lied to me when I asked him point blank about Mehlman. "Ken Mehlman is not gay," he proclaimed. In 2006, Mehlman told the New York Daily News, "I am not gay, but those stories did a number on my dating life for six months." It's so nice to be proven right, me that is, not Ken. If this move doesn't call for a Roy Cohn Award, I don't know what does. Ken Mehlman is horridly homophobic and no matter how orchestrated his coming out is, our community should hold him accountable for his past.

As we saw with Jim McGreevy, many gay leaders will attempt to elbow themselves to the front of the line to say on cable TV how wonderful it is that Ken is now being honest with the American people. Someone will be quoted in the New York Times saying something like, "After so many years of working for the Republicans, it's wonderful to see Ken be true to himself." Or perhaps you'll read a quote in the Washington Post about how "every gay person is on their own personal journey and we are happy Ken has decided to be so open about his personal struggle." Next up will come the book, then the TV shows, and of course the speaking tour. I'll only buy it if he is really sorry.

Mehlman's crimes against his own people are motherfucking LEGION. Mike Rogers continues:
So, how can Ken Mehlman redeem himself? I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for being the architect of the 2004 Bush reelection campaign. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for his role in developing strategy that resulted in George W. Bush threatening to veto ENDA or any bill containing hate crimes laws. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for the pressing of two Federal Marriage Amendments as political tools. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for developing the 72-hour strategy, using homophobic churches to become political arms of the GOP before Election Day.
We can be sure that GOProud and the Log Cabin Republicans are positively drooling over the prospect of welcoming Mehlman onto their boards of directors. VOMIT.

UPDATE: It's official. Here's Mehlman's statement.

"It's taken me 43 years to get comfortable with this part of my life. Everybody has their own path to travel, their own journey, and for me, over the past few months, I've told my family, friends, former colleagues, and current colleagues, and they've been wonderful and supportive. The process has been something that's made me a happier and better person. It's something I wish I had done years ago. I wish I was where I am today 20 years ago. The process of not being able to say who I am in public life was very difficult. No one else knew this except me. My family didn't know. My friends didn't know. Anyone who watched me knew I was a guy who was clearly uncomfortable with the topic."
Read the entire story on the Atlantic. Andy Towle is reporting that Mehlman has already agreed to chair a "major anti-Prop 8 fundraiser" for Americans For Equal Rights, Ted Olson and David Boies' outfit. Gee thanks, shitbag. That's like offering to help rebuild a house when YOU were the fucker that helped BURN IT DOWN.

MsTinkerbelly · 08-26-2010, 08:06 AM

From joemygod

Wednesday, August 25, 2010
FLASHBACK: 21 States Banned Same-Sex Marriage During Mehlman's Reign

During Ken Mehlman's reign as Dubya's campaign manager and afterwards during his tenure as chairman of the Republican National Committee, 21 states passed laws that banned same-sex marriage. Some of these laws made same-sex marriage unconstitutional, some made both civil unions and same-sex marriages unconstitutional. All of these anti-gay referenda took place from 2004-2006 and all of them were pushed by the GOP under Ken Mehlman (and with Karl Rove's strategic advice) as a ploy to ensure conservative turnout at the polls. If you live in any of the 21 states listed below, you can credit your second class citizenship, in part, to fellow homosexual Ken Mehlman.

Arkansas
Colorado
Georgia
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Orgeon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Wisconsin

Are you feeling very forgiving right now? ARE YOU?

MsTinkerbelly · 08-26-2010, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christie0918

Ya know, for me (and this is obviously different for you), I try not to rush to judgement about folks. I don't see it on my to-do list to judge how/when someone comes out. Its not my story nor my life and I think we all know that some folks "get to the party later than others".

For me, it certainly doesn't hurt to have someone with his political connections on the side of equality. I get a kick out of thinking about how his good ole' boys in the RNC will have to think about their views of gays since Mehlman is reported to be the most powerful Republican to have come out. I'd also like to see his energies utilized in repealing DOMA, DADT moreso than I would for him to continue to have to explain ad nauseam why it took him so long to come out.

Perhaps it seems trite to some, but I'd rather have our numbers increasing. The more the merrier - and it would seem that someone such as Mehlman would have a better chance of their voice being heard - of having the capacity to effect change - moreso than average jo schmoe me.

I'm sure that Toughy has a different opinion on this and I don't want this to become a debate about our different views. I think that Mehlman's coming out and open support of marriage equality is a good thing.

Mehlman should be shunned. This is of course only my opinion, but I have to tell you most queer people are not going to welcome him as a peer.

I personally felt like vomiting when I saw his "coming out".

MsTinkerbelly · 08-26-2010, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by christie0918

Interesting wording: "man and a female person"

Wonder why it isnt male person and female person?

It says "male and female person" (as I read it), did I miss something?

christie · 08-26-2010, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MsTinkerbelly

It says "male and female person" (as I read it), did I miss something?

I mis-read. And I read it twice! That's what late night/end of the day will getcha! LOL - Thanks for clarifying.

BTW - I get your opinion on Mehlman and respect how you feel. My knee-jerk reaction is similar; however, I am choosing to take the position of how I wouldn't want others judging me.

I think we all have things in out pasts that we are not proud of - of doing harm/injustice to others. I would hope that we can believe that people are capable of change and that every day is an opportunity to live a worthy life.

I can't imagine how he can sleep at night, but, for me and me only, I sleep better not in wrapping up in the "he shoulda, coulda, woulda" and hope that he shall, can and will.

Jess · 08-26-2010, 08:52 AM

I have been pretty impressed that this thread has maintained a positive note even when sometimes we have faced set backs in this struggle.

I don't think taking help from a" late comer" is a bad thing. I recall a time when queer folk "shunned" late comers ( like women who had lived as a married heterosexual with kids and the picket fence). I think a part of our practicing a greater understanding an acceptance of one another needs to extend to this guy. MANY MANY queers led lives quite similar to this guy. Where do we end the hate and blaming? When do we stop being suspect of anyone who makes such a change in their lives?

Yep. I totally get the frustration, but I would much rather spend my energy fighting the Evangelical Churches ( of every religion) than fighting someone who has come out and now supports us. It isn't just old tired white Christians.
All of the Evangelical zealots would have us banned.

[nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-mnf4Ti-Yk&feature=related"]YouTube- Gay Marriage Must Be Stopped!!..Rabbi Levin & Hispanic Evangelicals.[/nomedia]

iamkeri1 · 08-26-2010, 11:04 AM

Hi Y'all,
I've been kind of out of the looop this past two weeks. My daughter was in the hospital, and we were taking care of her baby and going back and forth to the hospital to see her (She's fine now by the way.) Anyway...

What is happening in CA regarding same sex marriage? Was an appeal filed? Are same sex marriages back to legal status?

Thanks.
Smooches,
Keri

Jess · 08-26-2010, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamkeri1

Hi Y'all,
I've been kind of out of the looop this past two weeks. My daughter was in the hospital, and we were taking care of her baby and going back and forth to the hospital to see her (She's fine now by the way.) Anyway...

What is happening in CA regarding same sex marriage? Was an appeal filed? Are same sex marriages back to legal status?

Thanks.
Smooches,
Keri

Hi Keri,
I usually try to keep updated from the Prop8 Trial Tracker. They seem to be the most up to the minute source for what is happening in Cali.

Here is todays update:

http://prop8trialtracker.com/

Hope that link proves helpful to you!

MsTinkerbelly · 08-26-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iamkeri1

Hi Y'all,
I've been kind of out of the looop this past two weeks. My daughter was in the hospital, and we were taking care of her baby and going back and forth to the hospital to see her (She's fine now by the way.) Anyway...

What is happening in CA regarding same sex marriage? Was an appeal filed? Are same sex marriages back to legal status?

Thanks.
Smooches,
Keri

In a nutshell....9th Circut court of appeals has continued the stay (no same-sex marriages) until the court can rule on standing, which it will do the week of 12/6. The info IS in the Prop 8 rial Tracker, but it is so far back it might take you days to find it.

iamkeri1 · 08-26-2010, 11:27 AM

Only swear words are flying out of my mouth since I read your response MT.
I am at the stage where I am wishing all these people who work so hard to keep us in the closet and in chains a little roasting time in hell. THEY are the abomination, not us.

Most things in December get put off so those who are celebrating their various religious holidays at that time will not have to have their jollility inferfered with. Postponing till December is like postponing till April, 2011.

@#$%&!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tight lipped Smoooches,
Keri

08-26-2010, 05:19 AM	#2
Jess Timed Out - Permanent How Do You Identify?: decidedly indifferent Preferred Pronoun?: other Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Patrick Springs, VA Posts: 2,812 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,247 Thanked 5,700 Times in 1,682 Posts Rep Power: 0	an advocate in the GOP? http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/...-im-gay/62065/

08-26-2010, 08:02 AM	#6
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,908 Times in 5,019 Posts Rep Power: 0	joemygod FLASHBACK: Mehlman Supports 2005 Federal Marriage Amendment In January 2005, GOP Sen. Wayne Allard (CO) introduced the Marriage Protection Amendment (a verbatim restating of the earlier failed Federal Management Amendment) with 21 Senate GOP co-sponsors. Later that year the bill was approved for review by the full Senate Judiciary Committee. Newly appointed RNC chair Ken Mehlman gave the bill his full support to reporters at an Ohio GOP fundraiser that March. During his Akron remarks, Mehlman put forth political and policy statements often viewed as anti-gay. “Republicans are for government that stands on the side of marriage,” he said, “and on the side of strong families.” After the dinner, he was asked by a reporter about the GOP’s support for the so-called Marriage Protection Amendment, introduced in the House last week by Rep. Dan Lundgren of California. Mehlman made it clear that he supports the amendment. “I don’t think it’s anti-gay,” said Mehlman. “I don’t think the intent is to be anti-anything.” Members of the Cleveland Log Cabin Republicans attending the dinner expressed disappointment that Mehlman evaded questions about his sexuality. "He almost said it," one pouted. The above-linked story notes no such LCR regret about Mehlman's support for permanently enshrining anti-gay legislation in the motherfucking federal Constitution.

08-26-2010, 08:04 AM	#7
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,908 Times in 5,019 Posts Rep Power: 0	joemygod Repulsive Anti-Gay Quisling Homophobic Scumbag Asshat Closeted Former RNC Chair Ken Mehlman Has Come Out Maybe the $4M loft he bought in gay gay gay Chelsea this summer did (or more likely, brought) the trick, as Mike Rogers reports today that repulsive 2004 Dubya campaign manager and former RNC chairman Ken Mehlman is about to come out. [UPDATE: It's official. See update at the bottom of this post.] In 2004 Steve Schmidt (then the Republican National Convention spokesman and later the McCain campaign's senior strategist) lied to me when I asked him point blank about Mehlman. "Ken Mehlman is not gay," he proclaimed. In 2006, Mehlman told the New York Daily News, "I am not gay, but those stories did a number on my dating life for six months." It's so nice to be proven right, me that is, not Ken. If this move doesn't call for a Roy Cohn Award, I don't know what does. Ken Mehlman is horridly homophobic and no matter how orchestrated his coming out is, our community should hold him accountable for his past. As we saw with Jim McGreevy, many gay leaders will attempt to elbow themselves to the front of the line to say on cable TV how wonderful it is that Ken is now being honest with the American people. Someone will be quoted in the New York Times saying something like, "After so many years of working for the Republicans, it's wonderful to see Ken be true to himself." Or perhaps you'll read a quote in the Washington Post about how "every gay person is on their own personal journey and we are happy Ken has decided to be so open about his personal struggle." Next up will come the book, then the TV shows, and of course the speaking tour. I'll only buy it if he is really sorry. Mehlman's crimes against his own people are motherfucking LEGION. Mike Rogers continues: So, how can Ken Mehlman redeem himself? I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for being the architect of the 2004 Bush reelection campaign. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for his role in developing strategy that resulted in George W. Bush threatening to veto ENDA or any bill containing hate crimes laws. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for the pressing of two Federal Marriage Amendments as political tools. I want to hear from Ken that he is sorry for developing the 72-hour strategy, using homophobic churches to become political arms of the GOP before Election Day. We can be sure that GOProud and the Log Cabin Republicans are positively drooling over the prospect of welcoming Mehlman onto their boards of directors. VOMIT. UPDATE: It's official. Here's Mehlman's statement. "It's taken me 43 years to get comfortable with this part of my life. Everybody has their own path to travel, their own journey, and for me, over the past few months, I've told my family, friends, former colleagues, and current colleagues, and they've been wonderful and supportive. The process has been something that's made me a happier and better person. It's something I wish I had done years ago. I wish I was where I am today 20 years ago. The process of not being able to say who I am in public life was very difficult. No one else knew this except me. My family didn't know. My friends didn't know. Anyone who watched me knew I was a guy who was clearly uncomfortable with the topic." Read the entire story on the Atlantic. Andy Towle is reporting that Mehlman has already agreed to chair a "major anti-Prop 8 fundraiser" for Americans For Equal Rights, Ted Olson and David Boies' outfit. Gee thanks, shitbag. That's like offering to help rebuild a house when YOU were the fucker that helped BURN IT DOWN.

08-26-2010, 08:06 AM	#8
MsTinkerbelly Timed Out - TOS Drama How Do You Identify?: ... Preferred Pronoun?: ... Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: ... Posts: 6,573 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 30,737 Thanked 22,908 Times in 5,019 Posts Rep Power: 0	Biggest asshat to come out yet From joemygod Wednesday, August 25, 2010 FLASHBACK: 21 States Banned Same-Sex Marriage During Mehlman's Reign During Ken Mehlman's reign as Dubya's campaign manager and afterwards during his tenure as chairman of the Republican National Committee, 21 states passed laws that banned same-sex marriage. Some of these laws made same-sex marriage unconstitutional, some made both civil unions and same-sex marriages unconstitutional. All of these anti-gay referenda took place from 2004-2006 and all of them were pushed by the GOP under Ken Mehlman (and with Karl Rove's strategic advice) as a ploy to ensure conservative turnout at the polls. If you live in any of the 21 states listed below, you can credit your second class citizenship, in part, to fellow homosexual Ken Mehlman. Arkansas Colorado Georgia Idaho Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mississippi Missouri Montana North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Orgeon South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virginia Wisconsin Are you feeling very forgiving right now? ARE YOU?

08-26-2010, 08:52 AM	#12
Jess Timed Out - Permanent How Do You Identify?: decidedly indifferent Preferred Pronoun?: other Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Patrick Springs, VA Posts: 2,812 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 9,247 Thanked 5,700 Times in 1,682 Posts Rep Power: 0	I have been pretty impressed that this thread has maintained a positive note even when sometimes we have faced set backs in this struggle. I don't think taking help from a" late comer" is a bad thing. I recall a time when queer folk "shunned" late comers ( like women who had lived as a married heterosexual with kids and the picket fence). I think a part of our practicing a greater understanding an acceptance of one another needs to extend to this guy. MANY MANY queers led lives quite similar to this guy. Where do we end the hate and blaming? When do we stop being suspect of anyone who makes such a change in their lives? Yep. I totally get the frustration, but I would much rather spend my energy fighting the Evangelical Churches ( of every religion) than fighting someone who has come out and now supports us. It isn't just old tired white Christians. All of the Evangelical zealots would have us banned. [nomedia="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-mnf4Ti-Yk&feature=related"]YouTube- Gay Marriage Must Be Stopped!!..Rabbi Levin & Hispanic Evangelicals.[/nomedia]

08-26-2010, 11:04 AM	#13
iamkeri1 Member How Do You Identify?: femme woman Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: solo Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 905 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 302 Thanked 2,153 Times in 659 Posts Rep Power: 16642920	Hi Y'all, I've been kind of out of the looop this past two weeks. My daughter was in the hospital, and we were taking care of her baby and going back and forth to the hospital to see her (She's fine now by the way.) Anyway... What is happening in CA regarding same sex marriage? Was an appeal filed? Are same sex marriages back to legal status? Thanks. Smooches, Keri

08-26-2010, 11:27 AM	#16
iamkeri1 Member How Do You Identify?: femme woman Preferred Pronoun?: she Relationship Status: solo Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Central Florida Posts: 905 My Photo Gallery Thanks: 302 Thanked 2,153 Times in 659 Posts Rep Power: 16642920	Only swear words are flying out of my mouth since I read your response MT. I am at the stage where I am wishing all these people who work so hard to keep us in the closet and in chains a little roasting time in hell. THEY are the abomination, not us. Most things in December get put off so those who are celebrating their various religious holidays at that time will not have to have their jollility inferfered with. Postponing till December is like postponing till April, 2011. @#$%&!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tight lipped Smoooches, Keri