Virginia Senate gives preliminary approval to gay marriage ban. A final vote of approval Wednesday would send it to voters. Sen. Richard L. Saslaw (D): “If the institution of marriage is in trouble today, it’s in trouble because of heterosexuals, not gay people. We’re the ones who have made a mess out of the institution of marriage. To think that somehow or other if we pass this it’s going to strengthen the institution of marriage is a sham.”

Gay marriage debate begins in Idaho legislature. Although a law already exists in Idaho banning gay marriage, one lawmaker wants to amend the constitution to define marriage as being between a man and a woman.

GLAAD announces media award nominees…

The United States has sided with four of the world’s most repressive and discriminatory regimes in rejecting an application by two international LGBT groups to join a social and economic think tank that advises the United Nations. Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, expressed dismay at the decision: “Apparently Iran, which President Bush has deemed part of the ‘Axis of Evil,’ is a suitable partner when it comes to discriminating against gay people.”

Two Wisconsin students and two other teens charged with hate crime after gathering outside a UW-Madison student’s door where they used anti-gay slurs and damaged a bulletin board following a night of heavy drinking. Lawyer for defendants: “This is a blatant case of hitting a mosquito with a concrete brick. This is as over-charged a case as I’ve ever seen.”