Gay rights advocates picketed another Cinemark-owned theater over the weekend, this one in Boulder, Colorado. They were joined by newly-elected Colorado congressman Jared Polis. Cinemark was the target of a recent protest in Evanston, Illinois. Both groups were protesting a $9,999 donation by owner Alan Stock to the “Yes on 8” campaign in California. Photo by Towleroad reader Daniel Merritt-LeSatz.
EARLIER: New York marriage equality bill a big question mark.
Iowa gay marriage ban to go before high court: “…both national advocates and opponents of same-sex marriage say they will closely monitor the Dec. 9 hearing in Des Moines. Both sides say they wonder whether the recent passage of Proposition 8 in California, which banned gay marriage, will influence the outcome in Iowa, and whether the issue of same-sex unions will return to the forefront as state legislatures return to session early next year.” Iowa couple Tim McQuillan and Sean Fritz, who were married very quickly once the judge gave his ruling, were the only couple to be married before the ruling was stayed at the county's request.
Marriage Equality USA to hold public ‘town hall' in Los Angeles December 7: “Co-organizer and Chapter Leader Geoff Scowcroft states the purpose, ‘is to let the community speaks its mind on what happened in the recent election and to map a new direction for the Same-Sex Marriage Movement.' While other Town Halls have been organized Scowcroft says, ‘The messages in these discussions have been controlled by the same organizations that planned the failed strategy for the campaign. The format has lacked the transparency that many in the community feel is essential for a clear understanding of the issues. It is time for an open forum for our community to discuss what has happened, so that we can truly start the process of healing.'”
Here's the playback of the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center's ‘virtual' town hall held just before Thanksgiving if you missed it.
Activist Torie Osborn rips ‘No on 8' campaign for failing to use Barack Obama: “I've heard people blame the Obama campaign for sucking money and people out of the struggle against 8. And I've heard too much ugly anger at the Black community. But take responsibility, No on 8 leaders – you had Barack's endorsement and you didn't use it. That left it wide open for the YES folks to manipulate Obama's position into yet one more lie — that he supported Prop 8. That was a possibly fatal error and we cannot blame the Morman Church or African-Americans for it.”
Charles M. Blow focuses race element in Proposition 8 vote on Black women.” Pam Spaulding responds.
AP: Is gay the new black?
Good as You looks back at 70's-era CA marriage ban legislation that set the stage for future conflict.
Donny Osmond on same-sex marriage: “We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets. We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.”
Massachusetts and Connecticut see economic gain from marriage equality.
Massachusetts High Court Justice John Greaney retiring: “We share a common humanity and participate together in the social contract that is the foundation of our Commonwealth. Simple principles of decency dictate that we extend … full acceptance, tolerance and respect. We should do so because it is the right thing to do.”
INDIANA: Same-sex marriage likely off the agenda for 2009: Lawmakers will face plenty of challenges when they meet in January for the 2009 legislative session, with the top priority being the creation of a balanced two-year budget amid a tanking economy. But one hot-button issue that's likely to be left off the agenda is gay marriage. The GOP-controlled state Senate has voted three times since 2005 to pass the proposed amendment, which would have to pass two consecutive, separately elected General Assemblies and then win approval in a statewide vote to take effect. But resolutions supporting the proposed amendment have twice died in the Democrat-controlled House.”
