Towleroad Talking Points: Marriage Equality in New Zealand!

PHOTO OF THE DAY: A birds-eye view of Margaret Thatcher's funeral.  

BY SAM GREISMAN

A look back at today's top stories

BOSTON BOMBING UPDATE: Despite numerous reports to the contrary it appears that there is no suspect in custody in Boston. 

**
GAY ISSUES

New Zealand has the become the 13th nation in the world to legalize same-sex marriage after their parliament approved a bill that will take effect in August. It was a joyous scene as the bill passed and the parliament broke into unexpected song. The country's MP Maurice Williamson was the undoubted star as he delivered a hilarious and wonderful speech just before the vote. Now the race is on for the position of 14th country to legalize gay marriage, will it be Colombia?

After previously stating that her father and Former President Ronald Reagan would support same-sex marriage, Patti Davis is now saying that her mother Nancy Reagan is also pro-gay rights. And two more deaths have been attributed to the recent outbreak of a deadly form of meningitis. 

**

WINGNUTTERY

National Republicans have cut ties with former South Carolina Congressman Mark Sanford and his new bid for Congress because his ex-wife caught him trespassing and you really can't bounce back from that. The apparent front-runner in Paraguay's presidential election is no fan of gays as he said he would shoot himself in the testicles if his son were to tell him that he was gay. Also have you ever wondered what would happen if someone had an anti-gay marriage rally and no one came?

**

ENTERTAINMENT

Macklemore and Ryan Lews go on an odyssey in their video for "Can't Hold Us". Here is the latest trailer for Man of Steel featuring a super chiseled Henry Cavill. And take a peek at In The House which is being hailed as gay French director Francois Ozon's breakthrough film. 

**

VIDEOS OF THE DAY

If you are prone to vertigo you probably should steer clear of this video of a wingsuit dive into a tiny cave. Also Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert each praise the bravery the people of Boston have shown over the past couple of days. 

Texas Senate Panel Advances Bill to Repeal Sodomy Law in 5-0 Vote

Texas' Senate Committee on Criminal Justice voted 5-0 this afternoon to advance Senate Bill 538, which would repeal the state's law banning sodomy, Equality Texas reports:

SB 538 would repeal §21.06 of the Penal Code, the Homosexual Conduct Law, which was declared unconstitutional by the United States Supreme Court in the 2003 Lawrence v. Texas decision. The bill would also amend the Health and Safety Code to delete the statement that "homosexual conduct is not an acceptable lifestyle and is a criminal offense under §21.06, Penal Code."

SB 538 is the first legislation ever filed in the Texas Senate to repeal the unenforceable §21.06 of the Penal Code. Identical legislation has been filed in the Texas House this session [HB 1701 by Farrar and HB 3232 by Coleman] and in every session since the Lawrence v. Texas decision.

The legislation was filed by Senator José Rodríguez of El Paso.

The AP adds:

"This defunct law was the grounds for police to harass patrons of restaurants in my district resulting in a suit against the city of El Paso," he said, describing a 2009 incident where police arrested a same-sex couple for kissing. "Not only is the continued existence of this law on the books a source of misinformation to law enforcement, but in my own district local governments have been forced to spend their limited resources due to this misuse."

Feds Arrest Suspect in Ricin Mailings to Obama, Wicker

A suspect has been arrested over the mailing of letters laced with the deadly poison ricin to President Obama and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), NBC News reports:

The suspect was identified as Kenneth Curtis of Tupelo, Miss., federal officials told NBC News.

Both letters carried an identical closing statement, according to an FBI bulletin obtained by NBC News on Wednesday.
According to the FBI bulletin, both letters, postmarked April 8, 2013 out of Memphis, Tenn., included an identical phrase, "to see a wrong and not expose it, is to become a silent partner to its continuance."

In addition, both letters are signed: "I am KC and I approve this message."

Gay Marriage Proposal of the Day: Mike and Dave

Dave from Toronto made an amazing video proposal for his boyfriend Mike, which has been appended with Mike's response. What better way to propose to your man than including all your family and friends and dog?

Get out your Kleenex, and congrats guys!

Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Don't miss our other recent Gay Wedding videos...
Gay Wedding Video of the Day: Dan and Eric [tlrd]
Gay Wedding Video of the Day: Wesley and Jonathan [tlrd]
Gay Wedding Video of the Day: Jackson and Kwesi [tlrd]
Gay Wedding Video of the Day: David and TreDarrius [tlrd]
Gay Wedding Video of the Day: Patrick and Sébastien [tlrd]

DJ Peter Rauhofer Diagnosed with Brain Tumor

DJ, remixer, and producer Peter Rauhofer has a brain tumor, his manager reports on Facebook:

Dear Friends and Loyal Fans,

As Peter Rauhofer's manager and dear friend for many years, it is my sad duty to announce that Peter was rushed to the emergency room several weeks ago. After confirming that Peter had a seizure, further testing has revealed a large brain tumor, something that has gone undiagnosed for quite some time.

At this time, Peter's family is working closely with a team of talented Neurologists to determine the overall best treatment option. Please be assured that he is getting the absolute finest care possible, twenty-four hours a day.

I know Peter would appreciate your kind consideration and positive energy during this extremely difficult period. We will post any updates and progress reports as they become available.

Feel free to post your condolences as well as check into this page for updates.

Sincerely,
Angelo

Rauhofer was the resident DJ at NYC's Roxy before it closed and has remixed dozens and dozens of pop artists.

We wish Peter all the best in his treatment and recovery.

Towleroad Guide to the Tube #1349

SPARKLES AND WINE: A lighting project.

THE SEA PIG: True facts.

ATTRACTION: A stunning shadow act from Britain's Got Talent.

DO NOT: Visit this dentist in Indianapolis.

For recent Guides to the Tube, click HERE.