News: Gay Films, Paraguay, Harvey Dent, The Rock, Atlantic City

Gay panic: Trial to begin for Cesar Israel Villazano in Florida. He shot a man wearing a mini-skirt and high heels in the back of the head for making a sexual advance: "Villazano told police he was embarrassed because he isn't gay."

Hollywood Reporter: Gay indie films more plentiful than ever, but suffering critically and at box office. "Strand Releasing's 22 films in theaters last year (most with GLBT themes) grossed just $462,000. Killer Films has shifted its focus from queer-themed features to true crime dramas and other films, with tepid critical and financial success. Rotten Tomatoes says that gay- and lesbian-themed films averaged a 51.5% rating in 2006 and 2007 (well below its under-60% "rotten" threshold), while projects like the 2005 Toronto fest's best Canadian feature winner, "C.R.A.Z.Y.," can't secure U.S. theatrical distribution."

Openly gay journalist David Self who took part in one of Britain's first civil partnership ceremonies, has died at the age of 67.

Man makes love to Cheeto...really.

UK Vicar Dudley has no regrets over performing marriage of two priests: "Amazing flowers, fabulous music, a ceremony both solemn and oddly homely, familiar words reordered and reconfigured, carrying new meanings. Nothing jarred, nothing felt even vaguely inappropriate. New and untried but not wrong."

Harvey Dent: viral video for The Dark Knight unleashed...

Couple jailed in Paraguay for same-sex wedding is freed after one of them is discovered to be a hermaphrodite.

Anti-gay "pro-family" bigot Paul Cameron takes his diatribe to Russia.

What does gay look like?

Larry Craig and Dave Karsnia wed in quaint bathroom ceremony: "The private ceremony was held in a quaint public bathroom on the third floor at San Francisco City Hall. In an interview after the ceremony, Craig said, in his highly oratorical and completely off-putting voice, 'We wanted all of the heat to die down before we went forward with this. Well ... not all the heat.'"

That kiss that Dwayne Johnson had with Steve Carell must have really affected him. He's still talking about what a man he was to do it: "It was like -- you know, you ever had, like a warm apple pie with that cold ice cream, too? And you find that balance, where you're like [utters disgusting sound]. Hey, it was great, it was great."

Atlantic City holds first-ever "Gay Day at the Beach". ORganizer: "There isn't a gay area in Atlantic City. "We decided to pick Flag Day as a way to stake out our claim for an area. We're trying not to be political, but there's so much to be political about."

The 70's are back: Robbie Williams flashes his chest rug.

Former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer to be named the "Ultimate Sugar Daddy". "He'll win a pound of sugar, a year's worth of free lap dances from strippers at the VIP Men's Club in Chelsea and an unlimited supply of testosterone pills."

Ireland's Catholic Bishops restate opposition to gay marriage: “In view of the current debate in our society about the nature of marriage, sometimes promoted by individuals or institutions who claim support from Christian ideals, the bishops reiterated that marriage presupposes the mutuality and complementarity of the sexes."

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Governor Paterson Vows to Bring Full Marriage Equality to NY

New York Governor David Paterson delivered a funny and eloquent video message (watch it) to the crowd at last night's National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Leadership Awards dinner since he was being "held hostage" in Albany and couldn't be there in person.

Joked Paterson: "If any of you can hear me, please contact the FBI or Interpol. I'm being held hostage in the dysfunctional Albany. I wanted to come to this dinner tonight. I'm actually tied to this chair and a gun is being pointed at my head. They're trying to get me to reverse my opinions on a number of issues, but I won't do it. If I am shot or killed during this interview, remember that I did the right thing."

Paterson praised outgoing Executive Director Matt Foreman as well as former Governor Eliot Spitzer: "I am proud to have run on a ticket with Eliot Spitzer that became the first ticket in this country to actually advocate for marriage equality for all citizens and to win on that premise."

He added: "Marriage equality in NY may not come just this moment but it is no longer an issue mostly for conviction, it is an issue for courage. People more and more understand that when people love each other they should express it in whatever way they deem necessary and possible. They should have all the rights that the rest of us have. And so, we willl push on and bring full marriage equality to New York State. And when we have done that, we're going to do more. We're going to protect young people from bullies. We're going to protect against the discrimination of people in the transgender community, and we're going to fight for decent and affordable healthcare for all citizens in this state. If you will join with me, and if we work hard enough, we can change the face of New York, which will be the catalyst to changing national policy."

Watch Paterson's clip, AFTER THE JUMP...

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Playgirl Reaches Out to Eliot Spitzer

Playgirl says they'd like to make former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer a "very attractive" offer to pose in the magazine, stopping short of promising him the $1 million Hustler offered to his call girl:

Writes the mag: "We think you’ve had a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad week. But we’ve been thinking. Your political career is sadly over; and you owe a lot of money to a lot of people. Hell, you may land in jail before too long. So consider this letter a brief note of urgency. How about making some loot back, by showing us what you saved for such a select few? How about strutting your sexuality, and defending your right to get down for the magazine and Playgirl.com? Couldn’t you use a little rent money right about now? Seriously—get in touch with us. We’re ready to make you a very attractive offer. Someone get Spitzer on the line: Playgirl needs him naked, now."

I wouldn't wait by the phone.

Previously
NY Governor Paterson Admits to Affair Hours After Swearing In [tr]
Report: NY Governor Eliot Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring [tr]

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NY Governor Paterson Admits to Affair Hours After Swearing In

Just hours after being sworn in yesterday, both New York Governor David Paterson and his wife Michelle made the wise move of admitting to extramarital affairs before others could reveal their secrets.

"In the course of several interviews in the past few days, Paterson said he maintained a relationship for two or three years with 'a woman other than my wife,' beginning in 1999. As part of that relationship, Paterson said, he and the other woman sometimes stayed at an upper West Side hotel — the Days Inn at Broadway and W. 94th St. He said members of his Albany legislative staff often used the same hotel when they visit the city. 'This was a marriage that appeared to be going sour at one point,' Paterson conceded in his first interview Saturday. 'But I went to counseling and we decided we wanted to make it work. Michelle is well aware of what went on.' In a second interview with Paterson and his wife Monday, only hours after he was sworn in to replace scandal-scarred Eliot Spitzer, Michelle Paterson confirmed her husband's account. 'Like most marriages, you go through certain difficult periods,' Michelle Paterson said. 'What's important is for your kids to see you worked them out.' The First Couple agreed to speak publicly about the difficulties in their marriage in response to a variety of rumors about Paterson's personal life that have been circulating in Albany and among the press corps in recent days."

Ah yes, marriage, that sacred institution. God forbid the gays get it, because it might be disrespected.

Gov. Paterson admits to sex with other woman for years [ny daily news]

AFTER THE JUMP, footage from Paterson's fairly entertaining swearing-in ceremony.

(via shakesville)

related
Report: NY Governor Eliot Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring [tr]
Battle of Attention Whores: Matos McGreevey Denies 3-Way Claim [tr]

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Battle of Attention Whores: Matos McGreevey Denies 3-Way Claim

In a statement to ABC News, Dina Matos McGreevey said that Teddy Pedersen's claims that she and former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey were involved in regular three-way sex trysts that they nicknamed "Friday Night Specials" are false, prompted by jealousy from her husband over the attention she has received since the Spitzer story broke.

Said Matos McGreevey to ABC:

"Theodore Pedersen's claims, as reported in the Newark Star Ledger on March 16, are completely false and were prompted by Jim McGreevey. This all has to do with the publicity I have received since Governor Spitzer resigned. Jim has enlisted one of his cronies in trying to distinguish that situation from his own, and to discredit me in the media. He cannot stand it when I am receiving attention in the media rather than him. This is not the first time. Jim started with a false claim, made shortly before my book was published, that I knew he was gay when we were married. The falsity of that claim is made clear on the very first page of Jim's book, just as his description of our relationship in his book stands in stark contrast to Pedersen's false allegations. Jim again became the focus of the media's attention, just one day after my book was released by announcing his intention to become an Episcopalian priest. Jim has had a close relationship with Pedersen since his days as Mayor of Woodbridge, and arranged jobs for Pedersen from that time through his years as Governor and beyond. They have continued their close relationship since Jim left office. Most recently, in August 2007, Jim and his partner, Mark O'Donnell, funded Pedersen's vacation to China, along with Jim, O'Donnell, and other members of Jim's inner circle. This was obviously payback time for Pedersen."

Jim McGreevey told the AP today that the Friday Night Specials did happen: "McGreevey said the encounters happened, but the couple needs to move forward for the sake of their 6-year-old daughter. 'This happened, this happened in the past, and now we need to move on with our lives,' McGreevey said."

AFTER THE JUMP, Dina Matos McGreevey talks to the AP about the Spitzer scandal.

Previously
McGreevey Aide Had Sexual Threesomes with Former NJ First Couple [tr]

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Towleroad Guide to the Tube #259

JEREMIAH WRIGHT: Barack Obama's latest divisive pastor.

SHOW OFF: A woman with 21 different accents.

HARLAND WILLIAMS: Tells anti-gay joke on last night's Conan. Comes sandwiched within the Ellen clip.

WHAT WE WANT: Eliot Spitzer's prostitute is also a wannabe pop star.

Check out our previous guides to the Tube here.

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News: Eric Bana, Puddle, Steve-O, 90210, John Gibson, Jamaica

International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association condemns Jamaica: “We call immediately on Jamaica’s community leaders to cease their oppression. We will continue to speak up and to spotlight these cruel and bigoted actions before tourism and business leaders everywhere. IGLTA is in complete solidarity with Jamaica’s own LGBT leadership, J-FLAG. Therefore, like J-flag, it is not our intention to provoke reprisals or political condemnation in Jamaica by supporting a global tourism boycott. We understand this step could be counter-productive to making true progress in that Caribbean nation, and instead we will focus on education, publicity and market competition to highlight and help curb these terrible abuses."

A sweet little blog about a puddle.

Steve-O from Jackass has really gone off the deep end.

John Gibson, the FOX radio host who mocked Heath Ledger following the actor's death, has lost his TV spot: "The network confirmed this week that 'America’s Election HQ,' a program that displaced 'The Big Story' temporarily last month, would continue indefinitely. The program’s hosts, Bill Hemmer and Megyn Kelly, also anchor the network’s mid-morning newscast and are seen as rising stars on the channel. The change was first reported by the blog TVNewser.com. John Gibson, the longtime host of 'The Big Story,' will continue to have a role on television, the network said, although it appears that his future for now lies mostly on radio. For two years Mr. Gibson, a conservative commentator, has been the host of a three-hour program for Fox News Radio immediately following his television show."

The case for another Earth-sized planet in our solar system, beyond the orbit of Neptune: "A newly released paper shows that may very well be the case. A team of scientists ran a whole mess of simulations, and found that a small planet (in this case, around half the size of the Earth) could have formed inside Neptune’s orbit (where there was plenty of material in the early solar system), gotten tossed into a bigger orbit by Neptune, and then knocked around the orbits of the iceballs, distorting their orbits and creating the Kuiper Cliff."

Noosa mayor rejects claims that his town is the "gay capital" of Australia: "Let me answer the question Joe, let me answer the question, I am not the champion of the gay capital of Australia. Noosa is not the gay capital of Australia. Noosa gets many gay visitors after the mardi gras, they are welcome like every other Australian, Joe. I am not a bigot and I am not closed of mind."

Tom Brady and Eli Manning: no hard feelings.

Obama oral sex and drugs accuser Larry Sinclair files $3 million defamation lawsuit against TubeSockTedD, mzmolly and OWNINGLIARS for calling him a liar.

Spin off of Beverly Hills 90210 in development.

A whole bunch of photography firsts.

MoveOn.org has launched Obama in 30 Seconds, a contest for supporters interested in producing their own ads for the candidate: "We're counting on you to make amazing ads in the next three weeks. Then, MoveOn members and the public will rate the ads, and a panel of top artists, netroots heroes, and filmmaking professionals will pick the winner from among top ads. We'll air the winning ad nationally, and the winner will receive a gift certificate for $20,000 in video equipment." MoveOn has collected a gaggle of celebrities to judge the spots, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, John Legend, Moby, James Schamus, Rory Kennedy, and Michael Franti.

Eric Bana is the king of codpieces.

The tale of Spitzer's call girl Kristen.

Northern Irish councillor calls opening of gay bar 'foolish': "A veteran Strabane councillor has said he believes there is 'not a need' for a gay bar in the town. James O'Kane, an Independent member of Strabane District Council, claimed it would be 'very foolish.' The North West gay community has widely welcomed the annoucement of Strabane's first gay bar. However, speaking to the 'Journal,' Councillor O'Kane said: 'My own assumption is that it would be very very foolish to open it, it wouldn't be welcome. I'm a pioneer myself so I would not be frequenting these places anyway but I couldn't see it operating in the town. In this day and age we are all liberal but I can't see a need for it, I suppose only time will tell,' Colr. O'Kane said."

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News: Eliot Spitzer, Robbie Williams, Florent, Geraldine Ferraro

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigns: "From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much: the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me. Over the course of my public life, I have insisted — I believe correctly — that people regardless of their position or power take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself. For this reason, I am resigning from the office of governor."

Christopher Rice turns 30. Happy Birthday, Chris!

Kevin Federline to make his Broadway debut in Legally Blonde? Pal: "This is his chance to show the world what he can do."

Geraldine Ferraro stepping down from Clinton campaign. Letter: "Dear Hillary – I am stepping down from your finance committee so I can speak for myself and you can continue to speak for yourself about what is at stake in this campaign. The Obama campaign is attacking me to hurt you. I won’t let that happen. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do to make this a better world for my children and grandchildren. You have my deep admiration and respect. Gerry."

Jodie Foster says she hasn't fallen in love. But what about her beautiful Cydney?

Nicolas Sarkozy and Shimon Peres decide not to kiss.

Martina Navratilova regains her Czech citizenship, almost three decades after fleeing the former Communist regime. She's also frustrated with the current administration in the United States: "The thing is that we elected Bush, that is worse. Against that, nobody chose a Communist government in Czechoslovakia."

NYC landmark restaurant Florent closing in June on Gay Pride: " When his lease on 69 Gansevoort St. expires on March 31, rent will increase from $6,000 a month to approximately $50,000, and it's unlikely a deal will be struck. Florent is currently battling his landlord in court over tax increases and is withholding rent as a result. The litigation also means he does not plan to simply pack up shop on the 31st. 'I talked to my lawyer and [the restaurant] will stay open for two or three months. I'd like to end on a high note and I think Gay Pride Day would be perfect.' That's June 29, in case you want to put it in your book. He also says he'd like to hold a writing contest - 'people could write their best story, the most insane story, of the restaurant' - with the winner receiving a dinner on the final night."

John McCain still hanging on to anti-gay Pastor John Hagee: "I will say that he said that his words were taken out of context, he defends his position. I hope that maybe you’d give him a chance to respond. He says he has never been anti-Catholic, but I repudiate the words that create that impression."

Robbie Williams mangina (NSFW).

Mehdi Kazemi, the gay Iranian teen I posted about earlier in the week who faced deportation from The Netherlands back to the UK where he faced another possible deportation back to Iran, where he'd likely be executed, lost his asylum appeal in the Netherlands: " Tuesday's decision by the Council of State -- the highest administrative court in the Netherlands --means Kazemi could face deportation to Britain, which he fears will send him back to Iran. Council spokeswoman Daniela Tempelman said the council decided it must comply with the Dublin Regulation and return Kazemi to Britain. Video Watch how teenager has lost his right to remain. Under the Dublin Regulation, European Union member nations agree that an application for asylum submitted in any EU country would be handled by that country alone. The regulation seeks to ensures that an asylum seeker is not redirected from nation to nation simply because none will take responsibility."

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News: Annie Lennox, Penguins, Judy Shepard, Spitzer's Promise

Maxim Thorne, a member of Obama's LGBT leadership council, resigns after angry posts to listserv reviving Clinton sex scandals.

Dave Navarro's piercings take no prisoners.

Annie Lennox launches "Sing" campaign to fight HIV/AIDS.

Teacher survey: homophobic abuse "endemic" in UK schools: "Homophobic abuse is endemic in schools, with 'gay' now the most common put-down by pupils in the classroom, teachers say. A 'conspiracy of silence' in schools and colleges means homophobia is now seen as so normal that some teachers believe they risk disrupting classes - and making themselves a target of abuse - if they challenge students' behaviour. More than 70% of teachers have heard put-downs in their school or college that refer to sexuality, according to a survey of 268 teachers by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers. In particular, teachers report that pupils routinely use the term 'gay' in a pejorative manner."

Concerned Women for America's Matt Barber calls Angels in America "racist gay porn."

John Turner, gay physician who treated early AIDS patients, dies at 63. Jane Shull, executive director of Philadelphia FIGHT: "In the 1980s, when AIDS was new and there were no drugs, or drugs that were virtually useless, when people were dying every single day, and there seemed to be no end in sight - every patient who came to see John left his office less afraid than when he went in."

USA Today profiles Judy Shepard and her mission to end hate crimes: "Shepard also points out what has and what hasn't changed in the 10 years since her son was murdered. What hasn't is that hate crimes continue. She mentions the recent murder of Lawrence King, a gay 15-year-old junior high student in Oxnard, Calif., who was shot to death by a fellow student. 'This terrible incident underscores the fact that we cannot let hate go unchecked in our schools and communities,' Shepard says. 'Our young people need our direction and guidance to prevent this type of crime from happening.' What has changed, she says, is that when she was growing up in Wyoming, 'no one talked about it' — 'it' being homosexuality. At 55, Shepard says the past 10 years have been exhausting. Only recently has she begun to dream about Matt, which she looks upon as a good sign."

Bring some passion back to Albany: Spitzer fulfills promise.

How Jude Law, Johnny Depp and Colin Farrell, will help complete Heath Ledger's last film, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus: "Since the format of the story allows for the preservation of his entire performance, at no point will Heath’s work be modified or altered through the use of digital technology. “Each of the parts played by Johnny, Colin and Jude is representative of the many aspects of the character that Heath was playing."

Penguin fan? Here's a whole lotta them.

More juice on Britney's guest star turn on How I Met Your Mother.

British government sends Iranian gays to their executions: "An Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death faces being forcibly returned after losing the latest round in her battle to be granted asylum. The case of Pegah Emambakhsh, 40, comes a day after The Independent reported on the growing public outcry over the plight of a gay Iranian teenager who fears he will be executed if he is deported to Iran….In turning down Ms Emambakhsh and Mr Kazemi’s asylum applications, the Home Office has said that, provided Iranians are discreet about their homosexuality, they will not be persecuted."

Police confront hundreds of angry, naked cyclists in Eugene, Oregon. Cyclists win.

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Would 'Governor' David Paterson be a Boon for NY LGBT Rights?

Quite possibly. In the wake of the Eliot Spitzer prostitution scandal that went down yesterday, The Advocate looks at how the rise of the state's first legally blind and African American governor, David Paterson, might work in favor of gay rights legislation:

"If Spitzer were to resign, Lt. Gov. David Paterson would assume the responsibilities of governor, which most LGBT activists guessed would be the best-case scenario for gays and lesbians in the state. Paterson, who is legally blind and represented Harlem in the state senate, has typically been ahead of his time on gay issues over the years. 'David Paterson is a terrific, progressive guy -- extremely LGBT-friendly,' said Ethan Geto, a Democratic analyst and LGBT activist. 'He is somebody who would absolutely follow through on the commitment of the senate Democratic conference to pass gay marriage.' Paterson has been on record in support of marriage equality as early as 1994. When Paterson was asked if he would take part in pushing through the marriage bill following his inauguration in January 2007, he told the New York Blade, 'I’m not going to be in that fight -- I’m going to be in front of that fight because my first day as [senate minority leader] was the day we passed the Sexual Orientation Non-Discrimination Act. One of the reasons we need same-sex marriage is because the statistics for heterosexual marriage are so bad; that might be a way to upgrade some of the success rates.' As far back as 1987, Paterson refused to pass a state hate-crimes bill that didn’t provide protections for gays and lesbians. 'He was willing to let everything go down rather than to exclude us,' Sherrill recalled."

In related news, it's looking more and more likely that a resignation from Spitzer is in the works. WCBS: "Eliot Spitzer is not expected to continue as governor of New York and may resign in the coming days, sources told CBS 2 HD on Monday shortly after it was reported that he was linked to a prostitution ring. State Assemblyman James Tedisco (R-Schenectady) told CBS 2 HD that he spoke with Lt. Governor Paterson Monday evening and that the two discussed Paterson taking on a new role of leadership, leading Tedisco to believe that action was 'forthcoming.'"

Could Spitzer's Woes Have a Silver Lining? [the advocate]

Previously
Report: NY Governor Eliot Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring [tr]

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Report: NY Governor Eliot Spitzer Linked to Prostitution Ring

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer has been linked to a prostitution ring, the NYT reports:

"Gov. Eliot Spitzer has been caught on a federal wiretap arranging to meet with a high-priced prostitute at a Washington hotel last month, according to a person briefed on the federal investigation. The wiretap recording, made during an investigation of a prostitution ring called Emperors Club VIP, captured a man identified as Client 9 on a telephone call confirming plans to have a woman travel from New York to Washington, where he had reserved a room. The person briefed on the case identified Mr. Spitzer as Client 9. The governor learned that he had been implicated in the prostitution probe when a federal official contacted his staff last Friday, according to the person briefed on the case. The governor informed his top aides Sunday night and this morning of his involvement. He canceled his public events today and scheduled an announcement for this afternoon after inquiries from the Times."

Said Spitzer in a 3 pm statement: "I acted in a way that violated in my obligation to my family...I apologize first and most importantly to my family, and to the public, I promise better. I am disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected my expect I must dedicated some time to regain the trust of my family."

There were no details beyond the statement as to his future as governor, although Spitzer said he would "report back in short order"...

View Spitzer's statement AFTER THE JUMP...

If Spitzer were to resign, New York Lieutenant Governor David Paterson would become the state's 59th governor.
Politico: Meet David Paterson.
How New York succession works...

Spitzer Is Linked to Prostitution Ring [nyt]

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NY Governor Eliot Spitzer Talks Same-Sex Marriage at Fundraiser

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer reiterated his commitment to same-sex marriage at a fundraiser on Wednesday night, the NY Post reports:

"'One of the first things we're going to do when [Senate Minority Leader] Malcolm Smith is [majority] leader is gay marriage,' the [Post's] witness recounted Spitzer as telling some 60 people who paid up to $10,000 each to attend the event in Greenwich Village Wednesday night. 'Everybody applauded when he said that,' said the witness, who was among senators, Democratic activists and lobbyists at a fund-raising event for the Senate Democratic Committee. It was held in the library of the elegant West 13th Street home of HBO's 'Oz' creator Tom Fantana. Two other witnesses, including an elected official, said they couldn't recall Spitzer's exact language, but added that the governor suggested a Democratic-controlled state Senate would follow the state Assembly's action this year in passing, for the first time ever, a gay-marriage bill."

Spitzer's spokeswoman reportedly denied he said it would be a "top priority" and there is no recording of the event, but the speech was at least enough to anger NY Senate Republicans. Said Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno: "Driver's licenses for illegals and gay marriages are not what the people of New York want," said John McArdle, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Rensselaer). This is Gov. Spitzer promoting another divisive issue. and it indicates that his priorities are all wrong."

SPITZ VOWS TO PUSH FOR GAY MARRIAGES [ny post]

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New York State Assembly Approves Gay Marriage Bill 85-61

After debating for three hours yesterday, the New York State Assembly approved the gay marriage bill introduced by Eliot Spitzer and Rosie O'Donnell's gay brother, Democrat Daniel O'Donnell by a vote of 85-61.

Democratic Assemblyman Ronald Canestrari told the Albany Times-Union that the impassioned debate changed minds: "This was one of those nights where the debate changed votes. It doesn't happen that often."

O'Donnell made a humorous plea to lawmakers near the end of the debate, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: "I do not want a seat in your synagogue, I do not want a pew in your church. I seek a license that many of you have had, some of you have had two or three times."

The debate was not without its offensive offended objectors, the AP reports.

Said Democrat Dov Hikind, an Orthodox Jew from Brooklyn: "Maybe we should include incest in the bill and sort of deal with the whole package at one time."

Republican Assemblyman Brian Kolb said "the nuns who taught me in grammar school" still had influence in his decision and added, "I do feel threatened. I do feel harmed. It's a direct challenge to me and how I was brought up."

Still, there were high notes. Recently-elected gay Staten Island Democrat Matthew Titone reportedly stood up with his cell phone following the vote and announced, to applause, "I have my partner here on the phone and he just asked me to marry him. My answer, Madam Speaker, is yes."

Meanwhile, the NYT City Room blog reports that Republican Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno had a news conference this morning telling everyone to just simmer down, because it ain't going to happen in his chamber:

"We’re not doing gay marriage by Thursday; that’s for sure, or this year. We’re not going to take a vote; we have too many other issues. We’re not going to spend hours debating an issue that, you know, is not going to be of consequence."

The Empire State Pride Agenda's director Alan van Capelle released a statement following the vote: "Our community and our allies made it very clear to their state legislators that access to marriage—and the over one thousand state protections and responsibilities that come with it—needs to be provided to same-sex couples and our families.  Lawmakers heard from labor unions representing hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and religious leaders from hundreds of congregations all across the state. They heard from our families and friends, our co-workers and neighbors who told them that New York needs to treat all families equally. The message clearly had an impact and today the Assembly did the right thing. Now it’s time for the Senate to do the right thing."

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Gay Marriage Bill Passes New York State Assembly Committee

By a vote of 16-5, Governor Eliot Spitzer's gay marriage bill was approved by the New York State Assembly's Judiciary Committee last night. All five opposed were Republicans.

The bill is undergoing an historic debate in the New York State Assembly as I write this post. If you can get an audio or video stream, you can listen here.

The NYT City Room notes: "It’s worth putting this in context. According to the Empire State Pride Agenda, only in California has legislation to pass same-sex marriage been passed by one or both houses of a state legislature. (Both the California senate and assembly did so, but Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the bill.) In Connecticut, a same-sex marriage bill passed a legislative committee but never made it to the floor. Massachusetts legalized gay marriage through a court decision rather than through legislation."

The Senate is where the bill faces its toughest challenge as a majority there remain staunchly against it. Republicans hold a two seat advantage.

You may have missed...
Gay Marriage Poll Reveals Promising Stats for New York [tr]
Massachusetts Judge Validates Some NY Gay Marriages [tr]

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Massive Gay Rights Rally at New York Capitol in Albany

More than 1,000 gay rights supporters converged on New York's state capitol Albany on Tuesday to rally in front of the statehouse and visit 200 legislators in what is being called the largest gay rights event in the city since 1971.

The rally was buoyed by Governor Eliot Spitzer's efforts last week introducing a bill that would make gay marriage legal in the state.

While the mood was upbeat, organizers acknowledged the uphill battle required to get the legislation passed, and several conservatives were speaking out against it, according to the Journal News:

"A spokesman for Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco, R-Schenectady, said that a majority of Assembly Republicans are against same-sex marriage. Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, R-Brunswick, Rensselaer County, has said that the issue is not a priority and has expressed opposition to gay marriage. 'I think they (activists) ought to discuss that with the governor, since that is a priority of the governor, and not a priority in the Senate,' Bruno told reporters at a news conference yesterday. He said he would not support changing the law to allow same-sex marriage, and he's not alone. 'It's the wrong direction for the state to change the definition of something that predates human history,' said Dennis Poust, spokesman for the New York State Catholic Conference. 'For the governor, in his first year, to overturn one of the fundamental building blocks of society is out of line and a poor decision on his part.'"

Gay rights groups, like New York's Empire State Pride Agenda, however, say that it's only a matter of time. Said Ross Levi: "We also know that New Yorkers are on our side. Our issues are continuing to poll in the majorities even on marriage and so the community is really here to make the legislators do what they know New York wants to have happen anyway."

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Eliot Spitzer to introduce New York Gay Marriage Bill Today

As promised earlier this week, Eliot Spitzer today will deliver a gay marriage bill to the New York legislature.

A senior official in Spitzer's office told Gay City News: "The governor is fulfilling his promise to the community and a taking a courageous and historic step toward making equal civil marriage rights a reality in New York."

According to the paper, "A lawyer from the office of the governor's counsel with deliver the bill and an accompanying memorandum, with a statement of support, to the offices of the Assembly speaker and the Senate majority leader. Also, on Friday, the state Department of Civil Service will order a policy change mandating that any entity participating in the state health plan - including hundreds of municipalities and local school districts - recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages for purposes of spousal and family benefits."

Said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of the Empire State Pride Agenda: "Today is a watershed moment in our community’s struggle to win the freedom to marry in New York and have our relationships treated the same as any other relationship under the law. We are extremely proud to have a Governor who understands that all New York families need access to the protections and responsibilities that the state provides through marriage. We thank Governor Spitzer for keeping his promise to act on marriage equality and for his commitment to seeing that this bill becomes law."

More on the bill's chances of success, via Gay City News, after the jump...

Via Gay City News:

"According to Gottfried's office, the marriage equality bill now has 43 sponsors in the Assembly and the Empire Pride Agenda's running vote count shows 61 ayes out of the Assembly's 150 members, with only 25 stating their opposition. To achieve a majority of 76, then, gay marriage advocates need to identify at least 15 votes out of the remaining 64. All but three of the marriage supporters are Democrats, who hold a total of 108 seats in the Assembly.

The picture in the Senate is less promising, at least in the near term. There, only 18 of 62 have indicated support, with 24 opposed. A minimum of 14 additional votes, out of the 20 undecided senators must be secured for passage (with the ability of Democratic Lieutenant Governor David Paterson to break a Senate tie currently under scrutiny in the attorney general's office).

Republicans hold a slim two-vote margin in the Senate, and upstate Majority Leader Joe Bruno opposes marriage equality and would block a vote on the issue at this point."

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New York Gov Eliot Spitzer to Introduce Gay Marriage Bill

A spokesman for New York Governor Eliot Spitzer told the New York Times on Friday that the governor would make good on an election campaign promise and introduce a bill to legalize gay marriage in New York.

Said spokeswoman Christine Anderson: "The governor made a commitment to advance a program bill, and he will fulfill that commitment during this legislative session."

The bill would face some heavy wrangling in the New York legislature. Reports the paper: "Legislation to legalize same-sex marriage has never made it to a floor vote in either the Assembly, which has a Democratic majority, or the Republican-controlled state Senate. Sheldon Silver, the Assembly speaker, has declined to take a stand on the issue. Joseph L. Bruno, the Senate majority leader, has supported legislation to outlaw hate crimes and workplace discrimination against gays, but he remains opposed to same-sex marriage. Even among those lawmakers who say they favor the legislation, there is some division over the best strategy to get it passed. Two legislators from Manhattan, state Sen. Thomas K. Duane and Assemblyman Richard N. Gottfried, both Democrats, have tried for several years to shepherd a gay-marriage bill through the Legislature and are trying again this year. That bill has at least 14 sponsors in the Senate and 42 in the Assembly."

Despite his support for it, Spitzer has acknowledged that the bill would face a tough battle. He also has stated his priorities for the session recently, and they did not include gay marriage. The Times reports that gay groups plan an "intensive lobbying session" in Albany in early May.

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Like Quinn, Eliot Spitzer Says No to St. Pat's Parade [tr]
Spitzer Aide Insists: Gay Marriage Still on the Agenda [tr]
Eliot Spitzer: "We Will Make [Gay Marriage] Law in New York" [tr]
(thanks, kenneth in the 212)

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News: Bikinis, Climate Change, Firouz, Lance Bass

Joe Klein: "A much bigger story is unfolding: the epic collapse of the Bush Administration. The three big Bush stories of 2007--the decision to "surge" in Iraq, the scandalous treatment of wounded veterans at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the firing of eight U.S. Attorneys for tawdry political reasons--precisely illuminate the three qualities that make this Administration one of the worst in American history: arrogance (the surge), incompetence (Walter Reed) and cynicism (the U.S. Attorneys)...." (via americablog)

Openly gay Persian singer Firouz works out his struggle in "Warchild" and Arjan's got a free download. Firouz: "My story isn't an exception and not only about teenagers in some parts of the world where they die in senseless wars or lose their homes and family. Everybody has their own personal fights. The hardest battle is the one inside of yourself and in your own life...My songs describe moments and express feelings to help people find beauty in even the hardest situations."

Has Lance Bass got a new companion?

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's first budget allocates more money than ever before to gay groups: "It includes a record-setting $8 million for the LGBT Health and Human Services Network of 52 gay support organizations statewide, substantial increases for HIV/AIDS funding, and $375,000 for LGBT domestic violence programming."

Everybody's wearing a bikini these days.

RESEARCHERS: Climate change is not a future event. It is here now. "'Five years ago, we said we could detect a regional impact of climate change,' he continued. 'Now, we have reviewed 29,000 data sets, and 90% of them show that changes happening worldwide are due to climate change.' These changes include early flowering seasons, changes in agricultural productivity and changes in insect migrations, but also the intensity of heat waves and storms. Huq says it is impossible to say with certainty that climate change is the cause of any single hurricane, heat wave, flood or drought. 'But, taken together, the increase in frequency and intensity of such events during the last decade of the 20th century provides strong evidence that climate change is already occurring and is no longer a problem of the future.'"

Designer John Galliano's "right hand man" at Dior, Steven Robinson, found dead in his Paris apartment, presumably of a heart attack. He was just 38.

Museum of Fine Arts Boston receives $2.5 million and 189 works from the estate of the late Herb Ritts.

The Army has suspended Sgt. Marcia Ramode, the recruiter who fired off a series of racist and homophobic emails to a potential recruit who had revealed to her that he was gay: "Douglas Smith, a spokesman for the U.S. Army Recruitment Command at Ft. Knox, Ky., said Ramode has been suspended from recruiting duties until the investigation is complete. Although he couldn't comment on Ramode's actions because of the investigation, Smith said recruiters are expected to behave professionally and that there is a protocol for handling situations when applicants reveal that they are gay. 'If an applicant makes a statement that he or she is homosexual, the recruiter must inform the applicant in a professional manner that they are not eligible for enlistment,' Smith said in a statement."

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Like Quinn, Eliot Spitzer Says No to St. Pat's Parade

New York Governor Eliot Spitzer will not be marching in this weekend' St. Patrick's Day parade, making him the first governor in 12 years not to take part. Earlier this month, it was announced that openly gay New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn would refuse to march in the parade because of its policy against allowing gays and lesbians to march. Quinn decided she'll march in Dublin, Ireland instead.

It is being suggested that Spitzer is taking a stand against the policy as well:

"Though a source in the governor’s office refused to say if Spitzer was declining a place in the line of march in support of the continued exclusion of Irish gay groups, it is believed that the governor took this issue into consideration when making his decision not to participate. Spitzer has gone on record as a strong supporter of gay rights. The New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1991 has denied permission to Irish gay and lesbian groups to march under their own banner, and a series of court challenges have failed to remove the ban."

In addition to his consistent support of gay rights and issues, Spitzer made a promise during his gubernatorial campaign to introduce legislation that would allow gays to marry in New York.

You may have missed...
Spitzer Aide Insists: Gay Marriage Still on the Agenda [tr]
Eliot Spitzer: "We Will Make [Gay Marriage] Law in New York" [tr]

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Spitzer Aide Insists: Gay Marriage Still on the Agenda

The New York Sun takes a fresh look at recently sworn in New York Governor Eliot Spitzer's gay marriage promises, noting that gay marriage, which he has been vocal and specific about in the past, was glossed over in his hour-long "State of the State" address on Wednesday.

The Sun reports: "After Mr. Spitzer finished his speech, environmentalists, medical researchers, unions, and education activists released statements applauding the governor for taking up their issues. Gay-rights groups were noticeably missing from the chorus of cheers. In a press conference afterward, a reporter asked Mr. Spitzer if his remarks about the chapters yet to be written was a reference to gay marriage. Mr. Spitzer responded: 'It was a reference to a range of areas where the civil rights movement has not yet been completed, and I think that subsumes all of them.'"

Certainly a more general statement than those he has made in the past.

In his most recent pledge, Spitzer told a roomful of guests at the October Empire State Pride Agenda dinner that "We will not ask whether this proposition of legalizing same-sex marriage is popular or unpopular; we will not ask if it’s hard or easy; we will simply ask if it’s right or wrong. I think we know in this room what the answer to that question is."

This statement was a follow-up to a declaration he made in July against his Democratic opponent Thomas Suozzi, in which the Gov-to-be promised, "I have said with great clarity that I think that same-sex marriage should be legal. I will propose a bill to permit that to be the case here in the State of New York. And I will act on that if I'm fortunate enough to be elected governor."

So why the lack of specifics? Openly gay State Senator Thomas Duane notes that Spitzer may simply be exercising caution and learning from the past: "When President Clinton came in he got very specific about his plans … and it became a distraction for some of the other things he wanted to accomplish. And he didn't get a win on gays in the military. It was probably a lesson learned for Eliot Spitzer."

Spitzer's communications director Darren Dopp said that at the moment it's a back burner issue after ethics and economics, but it's definitely still on the agenda: "The governor made a commitment to advancing it this year, and he will do so...We have to prioritize and that's how we prioritized."

In the meantime, just continue to crush...

Spitzer: Gay Rites Ahead [the ny sun]

You may have missed...
Eliot Spitzer: "We Will Make [Gay Marriage] Law in New York" [tr]
New York Legislators Pressed for Positions on Gay Marriage [tr]

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Hillary Clinton on Bush White House: "They Put Nixon to Shame"

Hillary Clinton addressed a gathering Wednesday night organized by the Greater Voices Coalition of New York, a consortium of LGBT Democratic organizations, according to Gay City News.

In her first statements following Wednesday's New Jersey Supreme Court ruling that same-sex couples must be afforded the same marriage rights as heterosexual couples, Clinton said that her position on LGBT issues "has certainly evolved" and added that were New York Gubernatorial hopeful Eliot Spitzer to introduce same-sex marriage legislation in the state as he has promised, she would support it:

"My position is consistent. I support states making the decision. I think that Chuck Schumer would say the same thing. And if anyone ever tried to use our words in any way, we'll review that. Because I think that it should be in the political process and people make a decision and if our governor and our Legislature support marriage in New York, I'm not going to be against that... So I feel very comfortable with being able to refute anybody who tries to pit us or pit me against Eliot. I am not going to speak out against, I'm not going to oppose anything that the governor and the Legislature do."

Clinton also acknowledged the more difficult battle the term "gay marriage" would have in the court of public opinion: "If you go the next step and say, 'But I want what is called marriage,' you're going to have a problem."

Clinton's decision to restrain from speaking out on the Senate floor this year about a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage was strategic, she said: "Very few Democrats spoke, because maybe you thought one way, which is that you want people out there speaking for us. We thought as — force the Republicans out there, make them look like they're trying to enshrine discrimination in the Constitution. We don't even want to dignify it."

She later slammed the Bush administration's abuses of power: "I think they put Nixon to shame."

Absorbing Gay Pain & Praise, Clinton Says She's Evolved [gay city news]

Previously
New York Legislators Pressed for Positions on Gay Marriage [tr]

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Eliot Spitzer: "We Will Make [Gay Marriage] Law in New York"

Gubernatorial Candidate Eliot Spitzer "made his strongest declaration yet" regarding same-sex marriage at last week's Empire State Pride Agenda dinner, reports the NYT:

"Mr. Spitzer’s position could be a perilous one for a politician considered presidential material, and he has acknowledged that if elected governor, he would first push other legislative priorities including cutting property taxes and overhauling Medicaid . But last night he said he would not let outside pressures influence his stance. 'We will not ask whether this proposition of legalizing same-sex marriage is popular or unpopular; we will not ask if it’s hard or easy; we will simply ask if it’s right or wrong,' he told a crowd of nearly 1,200 gathered at a Midtown hotel ballroom. 'I think we know in this room what the answer to that question is.'"

Spitzer has made his position known in the past, although he has made it clear that in his position as Attorney General he must abide by state law on same-sex marriage. If elected Governor, he would be in a better position to facilitate legislation in support of the cause.

The New York gay rights group has been critical of New York politicians, particularly Senator Hillary Clinton, for failing to take a strong position on gay marriage. Executive Director Alan van Capelle earlier this year wrote a memo to Pride Agenda members which was leaked to the press. It called Clinton a "complete disappointment" and urged members not to support an LGBT fundraiser for the former First Lady.

Meanwhile, others at the dinner expressed their disappointment at the absence of certain guests. Jimmy Fallon took the stage and had the dinner "howling", according to Page Six, after taking a potshot at a certain CNN anchor. Said Fallon: "I'm kinda shocked that Anderson Cooper is never here. Isn't that weird?"

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