April, 2011

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Why DOMA Must Be Repealed: One Couple’s Story

Friday, April 29th, 2011

THIS is why Federal recognition of marriage rights for the LGBT community is important. This is why the “Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)” needs to be repealed.

If Ron was female he would have enough money to keep his home. He now has to sell the home he shared with his partner of 55 years.

Social Security allows for the surviving member of a married couple to receive the larger of the two Social Security checks – either the survivor’s or the member who passed away. This is how it works for heterosexual couples. Not for gay or lesbian couples.

Full Story from LGBTQ Nation

Click here for gay marriage resources.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

US Labor Department Announces New Regulations Protecting Transgender Employees

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Newly issued Department of Labor regulations have added gender identity to the class of employment protections. Via press release:

The U.S. Department of Labor today announced its full commitment to implementing equal employment opportunity policies for all department employees and applicants. The policies ensure equal protections for all employees and applicants regardless of race; color; religion; national origin; sex, including pregnancy and gender identity; age; disability, whether physical or mental; genetic information; status as a parent; sexual orientation; or other non-merit factor.

New, robust statements signed by Secretary Solis include updated policies on prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sex, including gender identity and pregnancy.

Full Story from Joe.My.God

Click here for gay marriage resources.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Gay Marriage Watch Called One of Best Marriage Equality Blogs

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Tipped by our friend at The Gay Marriage Blog (also on the list):

The issue of same-sex marriage is a debate that has been going on for years, divided both politically and religiously. Since the early 2000s, several countries have begun to legally recognize same-sex marriages.

Those opposed argue that allowing people of the same gender to marry would go against the definition of “marriage,” which the dictionary states as the union of man and woman establishing a life as husband and wife. Other arguments are formed around parenting concerns, religion and tradition.

Those in favor of equal rights and the legalization and recognition of same-sex marriages argue that denying them access to marriage also denies them access to the same benefits allotted to married couples; benefits such as financial, psychological and physical stability. People of the LGBT community feel as though their basic human rights are being violated based solely on their gender and sexual orientation.

For more information regarding the fight for equal rights and equal marriage rights, we’ve found 10 of the best blogs on the Web. On these sites, you’ll find the most current news and information about what’s going on in the legislation, legal issues and insight into the equal rights movement regarding same-sex marriage.

1. Gay Marriage Watch This site is a great resource for news on gay marriage and marriage equality. Find out what’s going on across the world in the fight for equal rights, and also find a great directory of gay marriage events being held.

Full Story from TheologyDegrees.com

Click here for gay marriage resources.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

NY: Marriage Equality Supporters Urge Senator Addabbo to Back Bill

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

New York Marriage EqualityGay marriage advocates brought their fight to Queens last week, urging constituents in state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.’s (D-Howard Beach) district to encourage the politician to support legislation he voted against in 2009.

About 18 people from Human Rights Campaign, Log Cabin Republicans, the Empire State Pride Agenda, New Yorkers United for Marriage and Freedom to Marry gathered outside the Metro Mall in Middle Village on Saturday and spoke to hundreds of people, the majority of whom organizers said were in support of gay marriage.

“The goal here is to educate and mobilize New Yorkers to make sure the super majority of New Yorkers who support marriage equality have their voices heard this time,” said Brian Ellner, a senior strategist at the Human Rights Campaign. “This is a moderate, mainstream issue that has support across demographics. There’s extraordinary momentum on the issue in the state and nationally with the recent repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and President Obama’s decision to have the attorney general stop defending the Defense of Marriage Act.”

Full Story from the Queens Chronicle

Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

MD: Equality MD Chooses Interim Director

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Lynne Bowman, Equality MarylandLynne Bowman, a founder and former executive director of Equality Ohio, was named interim executive director of Equality Maryland on Thursday.

A joint statement from Equality Maryland board chair Chuck Butler and Equality Maryland Foundation chair Patrick Wojahn announced the appointment.

Bowman brings more than two decades of experience in non-profit, for-profit and government sectors, having served as director of programs and services for the Equality Federation, the national association of state-based LGBT organizations, and, most recently, as campaign manager for the unsuccessful U.S. senate bid of Democratic lieutenant governor Lee Fisher in Ohio.

Full Story from The Advocate

Click here for gay marriage resources in Maryland.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

NY: Rochester City Council Calls on State to Pass Transgender Protections

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

New York Transgender RightsThe Rochester City Council today called on Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Legislature to pass the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) this year. The City Council, who are all Democrats, wrote a letter to Cuomo and Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, R-Nassau County.

The Empire State Pride Agenda, in a news release, points out that Rochester is the historic home to Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony, and “has a long history of progressive leadership on civil rights issues.”

In fact, what the press release doesn’t point out is that Rochester in 1994 was the first city in the state to adopt regulations that extended equal benefits to domestic partners of city employees.

Full Story from Politics on the Hudson

Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Daniel Radcliffe: Gay Marriage Should Be Legal

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Daniel RadcliffeHarry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe says he supports the legalization of gay marriage.

The barely legal 21-year-old actor first began speaking out for gay rights by recording a PSA for the LGBT teen suicide hotline The Trevor Project, which earned him a Hero Award from the group.

Now the Deathly Hallows star has endorsed allowing gay and lesbian couples the right to marry.

Full Story from On Top Magazine

Click here for gay marriage resources.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

NY: Actress Julianna Margulies and Husband Join Push for Marriage Equality

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Julianna MarguilesThe Good Wife star Julianna Margulies and husband Keith Lieberthal join the video series for marriage equality in New York from the Human Rights Campaign, saying that their understanding of “traditional marriage” includes everyone.

“We believe in traditional marriage,” says the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning Margulies. “It’s a lifetime commitment to the person you can’t imagine life without.”

Lieberthal continues, “A pledge to nurture and support them, through good and bad, without reservation.”

Full Story from The Advocate

Click here for gay marriage resources in New York.

To subscribe to this blog, use the rss feed on the right, or use the form at right to join our email list. You can also email us at info@purpleunions.com. Or find us on Facebook – just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you’ll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We’re also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc.

Featured Gay Friendly Wedding Vendor: Miami River Inn, Miami, FL

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Periodically we’ll feature one of our vendors here to let our readers know about some great people who can help you plan the perfect wedding.

Gay Friendly Miami Wedding Vendors

Miami River Inn - Miami, FLLooking for the perferct place for a gay wedding in Miami? Look no further.

The natural outdoor beauty of our property is like a lush tropical garden, filled with beautiful flowers, soaring palm trees and other native plants around the pool and Jacuzzi area – the perfect place for your tropical ceremony.

We also offer rooms for your guests – most of our rooms have hardwood floors and are all decorated with brass, wood and wicker furniture. Rooms include color cable tv, touch-tone telephone, central air/heat, a ceiling fan and a private bathroom..

See the Miami River Inn’s Expanded Listing on Purple Unions Here

Marriage Equality Events Today/Tomorrow: Honolulu, Boston, Greensboro, Newport, Providence

Thursday, April 28th, 2011

Gay Marriage Events April 28th-29th, 2011Here’s our list of events today and tomorrow around the world relating to marriage equality, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and other LGBT equality issues. If you know of any other events – rallies, meetings, phonebanking, etc – please use the link below to add your event to our list!

–USA, HI, Honolulu: 04/29, “Art For Equality” Fundraiser for Equality Hawaii, Hula’s Bar, 7 PM-2 AM.
–USA, MA, Boston: 04/28, Phone Bank for Equality, Mass Equality Offices, 5-9 PM.
–USA, NC, Greensboro: 04/28, EQUALITY IN ACTION Tour | Greensboro Town Hall Meeting, 8:30 PM.
–USA, RI, Newport: 04/28, Newport Calling For Equality, Performance Research, 6 PM.
–USA, RI, Providence: 04/28, Thursday Night Phone Bank, MERI HQ, 6 PM.

Full Events List/Add Your Own Event: http://www.purpleunions.com/mn/gay-marriage-events-list.html