Brody's Notes... Openly Gay Arizona State Legislator Announces Run For Gabrielle Giffords' U. S. House Seat

Dr. Matt Heinz, (D-Pima)

By Brody Levesque | TUCSON, ARIZONA -- Arizona State Legislator, Dr. Matt Heinz, announced Tuesday that he is officially entering the race to fill the congressional seat that was vacated by U. S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords who resigned last week.

Dr. Heinz- a Democrat- told reporters that he's similar to Giffords, politically.

“Moving forward I believe the best thing that we can do is to honor her strength, and conviction, and her leadership, by getting somebody, quickly, because we don’t have much time, into that seat who is going to carry forward in the tradition of moderate, bipartisan, common sense governance that she did so well for Southern Arizona," Heinz says.

Republican Arizona Governor Jan Brewer declared a special primary election to fill Giffords seat on April 17th, with the general election scheduled June 12.

Dr. Heinz, a staff physician at the Tucson Medical Center, balances his work as a physician with his job in the legislature told the media outlets that he has not committed to a decision whether or not he’ll resign his state House seat during the race for the congressional seat.

Heinz told reporters that he plans to run for a full term in the fall in the new Congressional District 2. But said he would dropout of the spring special election race if Giffords’ former district director, Ron Barber, decided to run to finish Gifford's remaing current term.

“I would be very supportive of him and in fact I would even direct my staff to gather signatures for him in the special election, at which point I would divert my focus to the Aug. 30 primary," Heinz says.

Heinz is one of four openly LGBT members of the Arizona State Legislature, alongside Senators Robert Meza (D–Phoenix), Paula Aboud (D–Tucson) and Jack Jackson (D–Window Rock).

According to Arizona Media outlets, other potential candidates have indicated they’ll make a decision soon. If they decide to run, they have less than a month to gather signatures to qualify for the ballot.

In Brief

Staff Reports

14-YEAR-OLD ASKS MARYLAND LAWMAKERS TO VOTE DOWN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE FOR HER BIRTHDAY

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND -- | A 14-year-old girl celebrated her birthday with the Maryland’s Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee this afternoon and told lawmakers that it “would be the best birthday present ever if you would vote no on gay marriage.” “I really feel bad for the kids who have two parents of the same gender,” she said, “they have no idea what kind of wonderful experiences they miss out on.” “People have the choice to be gay, but I don’t want to be affected by their choice. People say they were just born that way, but I’ve met really nice adults who did change.”

LISTEN:
{ From Think Progress }

Virginia State Senate Panel Rejects Bill To Protect Gays From Hiring Discrimination

RICHMOND, VIRGINIA -- The Virginia state Senate General Laws and Technology Committee Monday rejected a bill to add sexual orientation to list of classes protected from discrimination in state hiring. In a 8-7 vote, the committee rejected Alexandria Democratic Senator Adam Ebbin’s bill, SB263, which had garnered the support of Virginia's labor unions, teacher and public-employee associations, and the AARP, the national senior citizen's lobby group.

Members of the anti-gay groups, the Family Foundation and the Virginia Association of Independent Baptists testified that the bill was unneeded because there is no proof that gays are discriminated against.

A similar piece of legislation was passed by the state's Senate last year- then led by a Democratic majority, only to be defeated in the Republican-led House of Delegates. Republicans won effective control of the Senate in this past November's elections.

Santa Fe City Council Votes To Oppose Constitutional Amendment Banning Same-sex Marriages

SANTA FE, NEW MEXICO -- At its meeting last Wednesday, January 26th, the Santa Fe City Council approved a resolution sponsored by Councilwoman Patti Bushee opposing a constitutional amendment introduced by Republican State Representative David Chavez- HJR 22 which he introduced last week- that would deny marriage to same-sex families and prevent New Mexico from honoring same-sex marriages and civil unions performed elsewhere. In a departure from conducting normal city business, the council outlined its position in an emergency resolution.

“The Santa Fe City Council stood with New Mexico families last night, and sent a clear message to legislators: that in New Mexico we celebrate diversity, we respect our neighbors, and we value our families. All of our families”, said Jacob Candelaria, President/CEO of Equality New Mexico.

“With thousands of New Mexicans still struggling to get by in a rough economy, now is not the time to score political points by inciting discrimination against thousands of New Mexico families,” continued Candelaria.

“My sincere hope is that all legislators, including Rep. David Chavez, will spend their time focusing on what matters most to New Mexicans: education, jobs, and the economy”, concluded Candelaria.

If approved by the legislature as well as voters in the upcoming November ballot, the amendment would bar the state from recognizing gay and lesbian couples with marriage, civil unions and possibly domestic partnerships. In previous years, New Mexico lawmakers have turned down bills to recognize same-sex couple's domestic partnerships.

In Brief

Staff Reports

Maryland Governor Calls For Compassion & Justice In Debate Over Same-sex Marriage

MD. Governor Martin O’Malley

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND -- Maryland's Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley- whose made it clear that same-sex marriage legislation is a high priority for his administration- underscored a need for rational thinking and polite public discourse over the issue in a speech at the 24th National Conference on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Equality held in Baltimore over the weekend, saying that there is a need for using compassionate rhetoric.

O'Malley said [...] "it’s important not to let passionate views prompt people to use “words of hurt, rather than words of healing,” adding, “Laws matter, but words also matter, and if compassion and understanding and justice are what we want, then we must choose laws and we must choose words of compassion, understanding and of justice.”

The Governor acknowledged that his call for understanding and justice when discussing the issue of same-sex marriage was in fact touched off by remarks made by his wife, First Lady Katie O'Malley, during her speech at the open of the conference last Thursday. Mrs. O’Malley, a sitting Baltimore District Court judge, told attendees “there were some cowards that prevented it from passing” referring to last year’s efforts in the Maryland State House to legalise same-sex marriage which failed. The bill had passed the state Senate last year, but stalled in the House of Delegates.

Judge O'Malley issued a statement Friday noting that she regretted the comment, although some lawmakers in Annapolis were unimpressed with her apology.

For his part the governor in speaking to reporters after his speech, confirmed that his remarks were made with his wife’s speech in mind:

“I love my wife very, very much, and for the last 20 years she has done the very difficult job of balancing a host of responsibilities and doing it very, very well, and none of us speak perfectly, and sometimes we make mistakes, and she’s had the humility and the strength to apologize for the mistake that she made in her choice of words,” O’Malley said. The governor also said he thinks his wife feels “very badly” about the comment.

The governor has recrafted the language of the legislation to more carefully address concerns about religious freedom. O'Malley told reporters he believes momentum is growing for the legislation.

“I think there is a much broader coalition in support this year,” O’Malley said. “I think as we progress, more and more people appreciate that the protection of individual rights and the protection of religious freedom are intertwined, and they are part of the effort that all of us share to reflect in our laws a more perfect union.”

The National Organisation for Marriage and a coalition of churches including Bishop Harry Jackson who has led efforts to oppose same-sex marriage in neighboring Washington D. C. held a rally opposing same sex marriage legislation Monday in Annapolis. Hearings on the bill are set be held Tuesday.

Washington State House Committee Votes To Advance Same Sex Marriage Proposal

OLYMPIA, WASHINGTON -- The Washington State House Judiciary Committee approved its version of a bill to legalise same sex marriage on a party line vote Monday, with seven Democrats voting for, and six Republicans voting against. The state's Senate is expected to vote on its companion bill within days. Three GOP amendments were rejected, including one that would have added private businesses and individuals, such as bakers and photographers, to the religious exemption in the measure that doesn’t require religious organizations or churches to perform marriages, and doesn’t subject them to penalties if they don’t marry gay or lesbian couples.

Representative Jay Rodne (R-Snoqualmie), called the bill “an act of raw political power to modify the definition of marriage,” adding, “There has been no compelling justification to abandon traditional marriage.” Opponents of same sex marriage have already promised a referendum battle at the ballot if the Legislature passes the bill and it’s signed into law.

Senator Ed Murray, a Seattle Democrat who is sponsoring one of the bills, said Monday that he expects a floor vote on same sex marriage in the Senate on Wednesday. A Senate committee voted to advance Murray’s bill Friday. Before last week, it wasn’t certain the Senate would have the support to pass the measure, due to a handful of undecided Democrats. But last Monday, after the first public hearing on the issue, a previously undecided Democratic senator, Mary Margaret Haugen, said she would vote in support of the measure, all but ensuring its passage.

Both legislative efforts have the backing of several prominent locally based national businesses, including Microsoft, Nike and Starbucks. If a marriage bill is passed during this legislative session, gay and lesbian couples will be able to be wed starting in June unless opponents follow through on their threat to file a referendum to challenge it. A referendum cannot be filed until after the bill is passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gregoire. Opponents then must turn in 120,577 signatures by June 6.

Washington has had a domestic partnership law since 2007 and an “everything but marriage” expansion of the domestic partnership law since 2009.

Brody's Notes... Why Voting on Rights is a Lousy Idea

By Matt Baume | WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA -- Maine, Washington, and Maryland are closer than ever to marriage equality, but the Governor of New Jersey thinks that civil rights should be put to a popular vote -- whether it's marriage today, or school desegregation in the 50s.

Des DownUnder On Sundays

By Desmond Rutherford | ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA -- SEX: Goodness Or Madness?

What is it that makes prudes so mad about sex, especially about people enjoying sex? Why do so many think they have the right to define the limits of other people's consensual sexual activities?

To even begin to find an answer to the question of why many get so involved in the sex lives of others, we have to admit, for the sake of this discussion, that sex is a primary instinct of all living things that require the female to be fertilised by a donation from the male. See how easy sex education is?

The problem is, that the moment religious and conservative people hear the word 'donation', they think they must give some money to someone. They have been conditioned to respond in this way from the moment they could walk and talk, but it's really a result of their ancestors passing along their confusion about donations for sex with the fertilising donation itself, from generation to generation. Even a prostitute is not expecting or wanting to be fertilised. Indeed, they generally take measures to keep the deposit from activating, unless of course they are being paid to carry luggage, like a rent boy sometimes is.

To get back to the subject in hand, which is usually enjoyable, no matter whose hand it is, it is important to realise that the demarcation between sex for reproduction, and sex for pleasure is arbitrarily being decided by differing cultures. Some societies are very restrictive in trying to keep sex as an indulgence reserved only for people of opposite gender, after they have taken vows of servitude to each other in front of their community, during a ceremonial service conducted by that community's collector of religious financial donations. Those donations have no relationship to the fertility donations that occur between the blessed couple, or in one of them, when they manage to get that far, sometime after the service.

All the preceding donations are very different to the ones made to a prostitute, who is usually happy with a lesser amount, but then their overheads are smaller, unless the donor has been saving up for awhile. In addition, it must be said that the results of the prostitute's services are much more tangible, down to earth, and the organ playing is often superb. It is, however, in these types of cultures, something of a paradox that those who attend the services of a prostitute then feel the necessity to go back to the house of the religious money collectors to confess that they enjoyed the service supplied by the prostitute. It's a continuous conundrum to consider that the only way a celibate celebrant cleric could conceivably commiserate with such confession is to consult the collection of constricting conceptions in a current copy of an ancient book completely out of context with the rights of human freedom to make donations.

The collectives of accusatory Christian Cults, with curious Biblical quotes, constantly engender the homosexual gender issue as being an agenda which curses the course and cause of not only Christian culture, but the future of Western civilisation. Where do they get this idea? Is it because their sects deny sex as the expression of our secular love for each other that they are frightened of gender freedom and marriage equality? Or is it that they never realise, are never willing to admit, that we humans are always becoming who we can be?

The sects seem unable to heed our need to love beyond that one kind of love in which we donate only a small physical part of ourselves so that life may be conceived. They obsess only over the physical act of sex, missing the fact that when we humans are motivated by love we can create much more than just the physical.

Love is a creative force that can be viewed from a Socratic path by which we bring our potential into being, and help others with their own efforts. From the love of the good that we find, we learn to love the same in others, and we learn to love others even when they are different. We find we can love the many, same or different; the love of goodness in all life, and then beholding with one whom, so it seems in our minds, we create love, and share it, forever.

Love is not a god wanting us to praise it, fear it or be ashamed of it, as the apocalyptic cults would have us believe. For those cults, the nativity of love is a negativity of life. Babies are born to live, but their burgeoning awareness of how to create love can be repressed. They can be taught to hate life; to try stop others from creating love. Teaching a child, from birth, to fear and hate love is truly evil.

Despite life in all its beauty surrounding them, those cults crucify love, in some bizarre belief that denying beauty in this life brings happiness after death. This is their madness, their insanity, their inanity which drives their fear and hatred of life; their fixation with death. In their confused madness they deny that love is a goodness to be found in life. Love is beyond their feeble notion of sex being nothing more than animal lust. Confusing sex and love, they absurdly condemn sex as a necessary sinful release, to be tolerated only for procreation in wedlock. They have no conception that love creates more than children; love can create goodness, because its beauty is what we can be aware of, in this reality we call life.

Love is the only sane and satisfying reason for life, but the repressive religious cults would have us believe we cannot become, or be, the goodness which is the beauty of life itself. Goodness is available to us all, not because of whom we love, but because love is something we can make. It is our birthright to be free to make that love with each other regardless of gender. Our awareness, and appreciation of the beauty, the goodness in life, is the motivation to create families and express ourselves in art, and solve the problems of our lives, and to just laugh and play with the cosmos. It is our living human right to be able to do them joyously, amidst all of life's pain and sorrows and tribulations, or subject to the mad beliefs of those cultists.

And despite the cultists' inane rantings, we celebrate the discovery of life's beauty and goodness, by donating, by dedicating ourselves to finding happiness; by consenting to create love with each other.

If, like some, you think this is too lofty a thought, too romantic an attitude, to believe in the beauty of the human experience of life, then ask yourself if the alternative is preferable; misery under the slavery and threats of the repressive religious cults and their primitive beliefs.

Sex, sanity, life, love, beauty, truth and goodness, or the madness of those repressive cults. It really isn't a difficult decision, is it?

Brody's Notes... NJ Senate Advances Same-Sex Marriage While Governor Christie Confirms He'll Veto & Asks For Ballot Measure

New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie

By Brody Levesque | TRENTON, NEW JERSEY -- The New Jersey State Senate Judiciary Committee, in a party-line 8-4 vote Tuesday, advanced a bill that would allow same-sex marriage to be legal in the state. After three hours of testimony which at times led to impassioned arguments, dozens of supporters and opponents of the bill delivered three-minute remarks. Earlier this month, Democrats introduced the bill, S1, the first in the new legislative session to symbolize their commitment to its passage and importance.

In today's hearing, same-sex marriage equality advocates focused on the state's current civil unions law, which has led to legal inadequacies particularly in areas pertaining to survivor benefits, hospital visitation, or child custody issues. During his testimony, Daniel Weiss, who is currently a lead plaintiff in a marriage equality lawsuit filed in New Jersey Superior Court last June, told lawmakers that when he was summoned to a hospital in New York City after his spouse John Grant was hit by a car and sustained life-threatening injuries, Weiss said the brain surgeon asked him; “What is a civil union?"

Opponents' arguments included claims that same-sex marriage redefines the traditional centuries old meaning of marriage and numerous quotes from the Bible condemning homosexuality. There were also statements that even with broad religious exemptions written into the proposed law- protecting religious organisations the rights to not to solemnize same-sex weddings or provide facilities for their celebration- the bill would still threaten religious freedom.

New Jersey Republican Governor Chris Christie holding a town-hall meeting in Bridgewater, told the audience that an issue of such magnitude should be decided by residents:

"Let's make sure that political maneuvering is not what judges this and let's make sure this is not someone just trying to have fun and create a campaign issue," the Governor said. "The institution of marriage if too serious to be treated like a political football."

The Governor is advocating for ballot measure saying that a proposed constitutional amendment should be drafted and put to a voter's referendum, a position Christie held when he campaigned for office in 2009.

"I think this is not an issue that should rest solely in my hands, or the hands of the Senate President or the Speaker or the other 118 members of the Legislature," he said. "Let's let the people of New Jersey decide what is right for the state."

Senate President Stephen Sweeney, one of the measure's Democratic sponsors, said "Civil rights is not to be placed on the ballot." Sweeney noted that civil rights issues like the right to marry are guaranteed under the state's constitution and do not require a public vote. "Civil rights is not to be placed on the ballot. It’s to be voted on by the people in this house." Sweeney's remarks came when the hearing was interrupted to share the governor's announcement.

Senator Ray Lezniak, another sponsor of the bill, directly addressed the Governor's remarks just prior to the committee voting to advance the bill. Lesniak also said same-sex marriage is a right guaranteed by the Constitution. "It's up to us to implement it as legislators. It's not like sports betting," he said. "It's a civil right that’s guaranteed in the constitution."

A spokesman for Christie told LGBTQNation Tuesday afternoon that the Governor has not changed his stance on same-sex marriage. As far as the governor is concerned the aide said, he believes in traditional marriage.

Senator Sweeney stated that enough votes exist to pass the bill in the Senate in a floor vote as tentatively scheduled to happen on February 13. However, Democratic legislative leaders in both houses are still working with their GOP counterparts to muster the two-thirds majorities required to override the Governor's promised veto. In the Senate, a sole Republican senator publicly supports the bill, and the veto threat from Christie holds the potential to make other members of the GOP caucus wary about crossing the governor.

In Brief

Staff Reports

Maryland Governor To Deliver On Marriage Vow Made Last Summer

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND -- Maryland's Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley is set to introduce a marriage equality bill. The Governor is hosting a breakfast gathering of Maryland same-sex couples gathering at his official residence, Government House afterwards announcing his draft legislation at a news conference.

A senior aide said that the Governor will be joined by legislators, LGBTQ friendly clergy and some of the state's labor leaders who are supportive of the same-sex marriage bill. A same-sex marriage bill cleared the Senate last year but fell short in the House of Delegates. In an effort to garner attract more support, the bill will include more explicit protections for religious organizations who have been vocal in their opposition to same-sex marriages.

Last July, the Governor who is a devout Catholic, whose earlier position was in favour of Civil Unions instead of marriage said:

“At the end of the day, I think all of us need to look at this issue from the eyes of children of gay, committed couples and ask ourselves how one family could be protected less in the eyes of the law than another family,” O’Malley said, flanked by lawmakers who support the legislation. “I don’t think that’s an injustice that can be allowed to stand.”

At that same press conference, he vowed that he would bring a same-sex marriage bill to the Maryland Legislature when it reconvened in January 2012.

Special: LGBTQ Community Ally Representative Gabrielle Giffords Will Resign Her Seat Wednesday

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

By Brody Levesque | HOUSTON, TEXAS -- Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who represents Arizona's 8th Congressional District which encompasses Pima County and the area in and around the city of Tuscon, Arizona, announced today in a video taped YouTube message to her constituents and supporters that she will resign from Congress this week.

Giffords, popularly known as 'Gabby, cited her continuing efforts toward recovery from wounds she received in the assassination attempt last January 8th, which resulted in Giffords suffering a life altering head wound, as primary reason for stepping down from her seat.

The congresswoman has astonished family, friends, and her doctors with her remarkable recovery since the shooting which left six others dead, including a sitting federal Judge.

"I have more work to do on my recovery so to do what is best for Arizona I will step down this week," she said in a video message posted to YouTube. "I will return and we will work together for Arizona and this great country."

A statement posted on her Congressional website stated that Giffords will attend Tuesday night's presidential State of the Union address as one of her final acts as a member of the Congress before submitting her resignation to House Speaker John Boehner the next day, Wednesday. The statement also says Giffords plans to "finish" the Congress on your Corner event where the shooting happened before she leaves office.

MSNBC reported:

Prior to that shooting, she had been considered a rising Democratic star, and had been considering a bid for Senate this fall. During the course of her recovery, she has been absent from Capitol Hill except for a surprise return to vote in August on an agreement to raise the nation's debt ceiling.

“I salute Congresswoman Giffords for her service, and for the courage and perseverance she has shown in the face of tragedy. She will be missed,” House Speaker John Boehner said in a statement.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi reacted to the announcement in a statement saying Giffords "has been a true bright star - a dynamic and creative public servant. Gabby's message of bipartisanship and civility is one that all in Washington and the nation should honor and emulate." Pelosi continued, "I join all my colleagues in Congress in thanking Gabby for the honor of calling her colleague and wishing Gabby and Mark great success and happiness. She will be missed in the House of Representatives, but her legacy in the Congress and her leadership for our nation will certainly continue."

WATCH:

Brody's Notes... New Jersey Lawmakers Say Veto-proof Marriage Equality Coalitions Possible

Staff Reports

TRENTON, NEW JERSEY -- Marriage equality legislation in New Jersey may survive a veto by Republican Governor Chris Christie. From yesterday’s Wall Street Journal:

New Jersey Democrats believe they are within spitting distance of securing enough support to override a veto of same-sex marriage legislation if Gov. Chris Christie chooses not support it.

State Sen. Raymond Lesniak, one of the bill’s sponsors, estimated the chamber had between 24 and 27 supporters for legislation to allow for same-sex marriage in New Jersey. It takes 27 votes in the 40-member state senate to override a governor’s veto.

“I’m wishing and hoping,” said Lesniak, who also acknowledged that some potential supporters still needed “shoring up.”

Lesniak, a Democrat representing Union County, counted up to 23 Democrats and four Republicans as supporting a gay marriage, but wouldn’t disclose specific names of those he believes would vote to override a veto.

Assembly Speaker Shelia Oliver, a Democrat, has said that she has majority support for same-sex marriage legislation, and that she would work to garner the 54 votes necessary for a veto override in the 80-member Assembly.

Brody's Notes... 80+ U. S. Mayors: Marriage Equality Needs To Happen Now

Houston Mayor Annise Parker

By Brody Levesque | WASHINGTON -- In a news conference launching its "Mayors for the Freedom to Marry" pledge campaign, the New York based Freedom to Marry same-sex marriage equality advocacy organisation, announced a bipartisan coalition of city mayors- who were meeting in Washington for the annual U.S. Conference of Mayors- publicly stating their unity to support marriage equality for LGBT citizens and their intention to work toward that goal.

Over 20 mayors attended the morning news conference at Washington's Capital Hilton, including New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (I), Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa (D), openly lesbian Houston Mayor Annise Parker,(D) and Boston's Democratic Mayor Thomas Menino who told those in attendance; 

"It was nearly eight years ago that my city was the first large city in the country to marry same-sex couples. Back then, it was a big deal. People were protesting everywhere, and we were the focus of international news. Well, eight years later, I’m here to tell you that marriage for gay couples has made my city of Boston a much better place." 

Former Obama White House Chief Of Staff, Chicago's mayor Rahm Emanuel also signed pledge, but had to leave the meeting to return to Chicago before today's news conference. According to Freedom to Marry's National Campaign Director, Marc Solomon, who led off today's news conference, more than 80 mayors already have signed the pledge.

Houston's openly lesbian Mayor Annise Parker, who recently celebrated 21 years with her partner Kathy, shared her personal story saying that denial of marriage "makes it more difficult to provide our children insurance; it makes it more difficult to assure custody and it makes it more difficult to provide them access to the benefits of our society.”

Los Angeles Mayor Villaraigosa said that Mayors should sign on to this effort because marriage discrimination can really harm local communities:

"Law-abiding, tax-paying families deserve the same opportunities, rights and responsibilities afforded to every other family in this country. The more support we build in our cities and states, the stronger case we can make for extending the freedom to marry to loving couples, no matter where they live. Because, if we truly believe in family values, we should value all families. Denying gay and lesbian couples the freedom to marry weakens society by hurting our communities, neighbors, and families."

Brody's Notes... Maryland Police Chief Says Claims Of Rapes By Transgendered Persons False

Montgomery County MD Police Chief Thomas Manger

By Brody Levesque | TOWSON, MARYLAND -- In a letter to Baltimore County Maryland freshman Democrat councilman Tom Quirk, who introduced a Human Relations bill Tuesday night that would protect transgender people at work and when they use the restroom, Montgomery County Maryland Police Chief Thomas Manger called opponent's claims of rapes or sexual assaults occurring in bathrooms after a similar measure was passed in his jurisdiction in 2007, untrue. In his letter written last week, Chief Manager wrote "Since this law has been in effect, we have had no reported rapes committed in restrooms by men in women’s clothing.”

The leading opponent of the measure, Ruth Jacobs, president of Maryland Citizens for a Responsible Government, said lawmakers should also be concerned about women’s safety.

“Promoted as a 'gender identity anti-discrimination bill,' Human Relations Bill No. 3-12 forces the public to recognize men as women, thereby allowing men access to women's bathrooms, This takes away from a woman being a woman," she said. "These people are confused about their gender." Jacobs added, “The bill is a direct attack on women's privacy."

Mark Patro, president of the Baltimore County’s Parents, Families and Friends of Gays and Lesbians (PFLAG), told The Baltimore Sun, "This bill is about protecting people from discrimination. The bill is not about bathrooms."

Transgender bathroom use in the county suddenly became an issue last spring when a transgender woman, Chrissy Lee Polis, 22, was attacked last April 18, when she got into a confrontation with two female patrons over use of the women’s restroom in a Rosedale, Md., McDonalds as she attempted to enter the woman’s bathroom.

The proposed law appears to have enough support on the seven-member county council to pass. In addition to Quirk, three other council members — Democrats Vicki Almond, Cathy Bevins and Kenneth Oliver — have signed on as sponsors. The council plans to discuss the legislation at a work session in February 18th along with an extended public speakers session.

In addition to Montgomery County's law, neighboring Baltimore City and Howard County have anti-discrimination laws. However, the bathroom provision is a controversial issue. The issue of restroom accommodation sank the Maryland General Assembly’s proposed anti-discrimination law last year.

In Brief

Staff Reports

SOUTH CAROLINA EQUALITY ANNOUNCES EQUALITY LICENSE PLATE

Courtesy of South Carolina Equality

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA -- South Carolina Equality, the Palmetto State’s LGBT education and political advocacy organization announced today that South Carolina joins Indiana this week as one of three states to claim pro-equality license plates, Maryland being the first in 2008.

Christine Johnson, executive director of South Carolina Equality, in an e-mail said;

“2012 represents our 10th Anniversary of providing LGBT advocacy in the Palmetto State, and we can think of no better way to kick off our year of celebration! We begin the New Year feeling grateful and fortunate that South Carolina license plate policy allows a broad expression of diverse opinion and organizational support. We have collaborated with the DMV to create a license plate we hope will appeal not just members of the LGBT community, but their families, friends and allies.”

The license plate, which will be available for purchase to the public in late January 2012, was created as a way of "allowing residents of South Carolina to publicly display their support of community, culture and policy that encourages and advocates for equal treatment for all South Carolinians, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," according to Johnson's e-mail.

The SC Equality specialty plates will cost South Carolina residents one of the lowest specialty license plate fees in the state ($25.00),in addition to regular registration or renewal fees.

SC Equality Board Chair, Dean Pierce said, “South Carolina is now a national leader in securing a pro-equality license plate. We wish LGBT equality supporters in every state could take advantage the public advocacy opportunity our great state has provided to South Carolina Equality”.

SC Equality announced that it is hosting three license plate launching events in Columbia, Charleston and Greenville, Friday, January 20th, for the statewide debut of the license plate.

Homophobic Nurse In Texas Veteran's Hospital Forced To Retire After Harassment Of Lesbian Marine Corps Vet

Lance Corporal Esther Garatie

DALLAS, TEXAS -- A spokesperson for the Dallas Veterans Affairs Center has confirmed that Lincy Pandithurai would "retire from federal service" effective Saturday, January 21, 2012. Pandithurai, a nurse practitioner, was accused of homophobic harassment directed at Lance Corporal Esther Garatie, an honorably discharged lesbian Marine Corps veteran who was seeking treatment for severe depression and possible post-traumatic stress disorder.

According to Garatie, Pandithurai reportedly said to her among other things, "The reason you are so upset is because you feel the darkness surrounding you, and you feel guilty about being a homosexual and living in sin. I'm going to prescribe you some anti-depressants, maybe they'll help, but I'm not saying that you aren't going to continue to want to kill yourself."

In a statement released today, the Veteran's Affairs spokesperson said;

The Administrative Investigation Board has completed its investigation. The board was able to substantiate material portions of the veteran's claims. VA North Texas Health Care System will continue to provide an environment where veterans can receive the physical and emotional healing that they desire and deserve. As such, we remain committed to respecting diversity and providing the best possible care to all veterans. Our commitment to equal rights remains strong as we practice our core values of integrity, commitment, advocacy, respect and excellence."

The story first broke last November by the Dallas Voice who reported that Garatie went in for counseling after suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts. Instead, she was greeted by a bizarre three-hour tirade from nurse Pandithurai.

At the time Garatie told the paper, she had initially sought treatment for severe depression and possible post-traumatic stress disorder and after coming to the VA Hospital was screened by Pandithurai who inquired about her sexual orientation.

“She sat down and looked at me, and her first question was, ‘Are you a lesbian?’” Garatie wrote in a statement. “Her second question to me was, ‘Have you asked God into your heart? Have you been saved by Jesus Christ?’"

She concluded, "This is when I realized that I was no longer a United States veteran in her eyes, I was just a homosexual.”

Following the incident, Garatie and a friend, Jessica Gerson, authored a Change.org petition effort calling on the VA hospital for Pandithurai to be fired. The online petition drew over 19,500 signatures, and in response the VA hospital launched an investigation last November taking Pandithurai away from patients in the interim.

Upon learning of Pandithurai's removal Thursday, the 28-year-old Garatie issued this statement:

"I really want to thank all of the people that have come together to support me and other veterans," she said "Thank you for standing up against anything like this ever happening -- to any veteran -- ever again."

NEW STUDY: OLDER GAY MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH JEOPARDIZED BY SEXUAL MINORITY STRESS

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA -- Sexual minority stress, along with aging-related stress, jeopardizes the mental health of midlife and older gay men, according to a new study published by the American Journal of Public Health. In the study, sexual minority stress included the men’s perceptions that they needed to conceal their sexual orientation or that others were uncomfortable with or avoided them because of their sexual orientation.

The study also found that legal marriage for same-sex couples may confer a unique protective effect against poor mental health. Having a same-sex domestic partner or same-sex spouse boosted the emotional health of the studied men, but having a same-sex legal spouse appeared to be the most beneficial relationship arrangement. Said lead author Richard G. Wight, MPH, PhD, Associate Researcher at the Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, and Visiting Scholar of Public Policy at the Williams Institute at UCLA: “This study shines a light on the mental health of a generation of gay men who survived the early years of the AIDS crisis and came of age on the heels of the gay rights movement. Whether legal marriage benefits mental health within same-sex couples in the way it has been proven to benefit different-sex couples deserves much more empirical attention, particularly given that same-sex marriage is not available in most states and was only briefly available in California in 2008.”

The study’s findings further suggest that targeted campaigns may be necessary to address this generation of gay men’s heightened risk for poor mental health. In addition to sexual orientation stigma, the studied men’s mental health was also negatively affected by having experienced the loss of many of their peers to AIDS. General aging-related stress, such as concerns over finances and independence, also affected the mental health of these midlife and older gay men.

The study was based on self-administered questionnaires completed in 2009 or 2010 by approximately 200 HIV-negative and HIV-positive gay-identified men between the ages of 44 and 75. The studied men were a subsample of participants in the UCLA component of the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study, one of the largest and longest running natural-history studies of HIV/AIDS in the United States.

The study was conducted by the Department of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, and the Williams Institute, School of Law, at UCLA and the Department of Sociology and the Health Equity Institute, San Francisco State University.

Brody's Notes... SANTORUM MOCKS ROMNEY’S OPPOSITION TO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

From Think Progress

Igor Volsky

By Igor Volsky | CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA -- Rick Santorum reiterated his long-standing opposition to same-sex marriage during a campaign stop in South Carolina Wednesday evening and even mocked other lawmakers who, he suggested, only paid lip service to “defending” traditional marriage.
“I fought the battle,” Santorum said, before bending down towards the microphone and whispering, “it’s one thing to say ‘I support it’ and it is another thing to actually go out and fight the battle.” “President Obama says he supports traditional marriage, but everything he’s doing is trying to undermine it,” he charged. “Look at Governor Romney, when he was in Massachusetts. Look at the people he appointed to the court who undermined the privilege of marriage between a man and a woman.”

Watch:

Brody's Notes... Your Canadian Marriage is Safe

By Matt Baume | WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA -- Washington, Colorado, New Jersey -- state legislatures are moving even faster than we thought on marriage equality. But it's not all good news. Meanwhile, Canadian turmoil calls thousands of marriages into question, and preparations continue for the impending decision in the Prop 8 case.

In Brief

Staff Reports

Debate On Tennessee’s “Don’t Say Gay” Bill Delayed

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE -- A pending piece of legislation dubbed the "Don't Say Gay" bill- which would ban Tennessee public schools from teaching about LGBTQ issues- was delayed from a vote Wednesday after its sponsor claimed two fellow Republicans on the committee "weren't very familiar with it" and wanted more time to review the proposal.

The legislation sponsored by Representative Joey Hensley, (R-Hohenwald) which was scheduled to be heard Wednesday by the House Education Subcommittee, limits all sexually related instruction to "natural human reproduction science" in kindergarten through the eighth grades. A similar measure passed the Senate in 2011. Representative Hensley said he plans to now amend his version to reflect the language of the Senate measure telling reporters that he believes it will pass. Opponents of the bill claim it will prevent teachers and school officials from preventing the bullying of LGBTQ youths.

Opponents To Proposed Constitutional Amendment Banning Same Sex Marriage In North Carolina Announce Strategy

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Coalition to Protect All North Carolina Families made up of state and national LGBTQ and human rights groups, faith organizations, communities of color, nonpartisan organizations, and business and community leaders are organising to lobby one million persons in the state before the May 8th primary in hopes of defeating the proposed North Carolina constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages.

The Coalition maintains that if passed, the amendment could have dangerous implications on domestic violence laws, threats to domestic partner benefits for public employees, harm to the state's most vulnerable populations, including the working class, disabled, elderly and children.

North Carolina's state law currently defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman, but supporters of a constitutional amendment say it doesn't go far enough.

NBC17 News in Wake County, North Carolina reported:

"What the amendment does is lets the citizens of North Carolina to determine what constitutes a marriage," said Rep. Nelson Dollar, co-sponsor of the amendment.

Dollar said it will have no effect on private companies that pay for partner benefits.

North Carolina is the only state in the Southeast that doesn't have an amendment banning gay marriage in its constitution. The North Carolina Senate voted 30-16 and the House 75-42 in September to take the issue to voters.

According to an Elon University poll done in September, 56 percent of North Carolinians oppose a ban on gay marriage. Elon surveyed 594 North Carolina residents, including both landlines and cellular phones.

Planned vote to repeal same-sex marriage in New Hampshire has been delayed

CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE -- Republican House leaders have delayed the vote on the repeal of the state's same-sex marriage law marriage according to House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt, (R-Salem), said in an e-mail to the media Tuesday afternoon.

"We must deal with some critical financial and economic-related legislation first, as well as legislative redistricting, prior to any discussion of gay marriage," he said. "It's critical to keep to keep legislative priorities in their proper order. The legislation [The Repeal Bill] will not be considered for a floor vote until February." 

Bettencourt had previously indicated in late December that the House would most likely vote on the issue Jan. 11 or today.

Legislative sources said Wednesday that the bill was not listed on the House legislative agenda, however, one lawmaker told a New Hampshire newspaper that she had been ready to vote today to oppose a repeal of the state's same-sex marriage law.

State Rep. Laura Pantelakos, D-Portsmouth, confirmed that the measure did not appear on the House calendar, but lawmakers were expected to cast their votes Wednesday, she said. According to the House Majority leader, the vote on House Bill 437 was never formally scheduled, claiming that he was only speculating as the House Speaker William O'Brien, R-Mont Vernon, is in charge of the House calendar.

But Pantelakos, a lawmaker in the House for 34 years, said that was news to her. "I was definitely looking to vote on it today," she said.

Pantelakos, 76, said she spent the entire day in Concord yesterday and had not heard about a delay. She said it's not unusual for the GOP leadership to postpone action on bills.

"I don't know why it was put off," Pantelakos said. "I assume someone has said they won't get enough votes for it and want to push it back. It's not a good way to do business."

The bill's lead sponsor is Rep. David Bates, R-Windham. Bates said yesterday there was never any plan to debate his legislation today. The top priority today is a legislative redistricting bill, he said.

Although the vote on gay marriage will occur in February, the overall focus has not changed, Bettencourt said.

"Today, our citizens are most concerned about pocketbook issues like taxes, controlled spending, job creation and creating a business-friendly environment, and that is where we intend to remain focused," he said.

More than 1,800 gay couples have gotten married in New Hampshire since the same-sex law took effect two years ago, according to the state Division of Vital Records.

Pantelakos said she has received many emails from constituents who say the law should remain in place. "It's an issue we don't ever need to be dealing with," she said. "Our Constitution, it says we are all equal, so why shouldn't they be allowed to marry?" Pantelakos said. ~ The New Hampshire Eagle Tribune

More than 1,800 gay couples have gotten married in New Hampshire since the same-sex law took effect two years ago, according to the state Division of Vital Records. The state's Democratic Governor John Lynch, has promised to veto the same-sex marriage repeal bill.

Brody's Notes... Gay Youth Group First In Nation To Get Specialty Auto Licence Plates

Courtesy of the Indiana State Bureau Of Motor Vehicles

By Brody Levesque | INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA -- Indiana is the first state in the nation to offer specialty automobile license plates promoting awareness of gay youth groups. The Indianapolis based Indiana Youth Group helps children in the gay, lesbian and transgender community. Volunteers travel throughout the state providing support for often-troubled adolescents.

The new plates will be available beginning in February throughout the state and feature six hands in red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple, which is the logo of the Indiana Youth Group.

The Indianapolis-based youth organization said it was denied a request for a specialty plate twice. The specialty plate costs an additional $40 with $25 directly benefiting the group which provides training for schools and service agencies and works to promote tolerance.
The group applied for a specialty license plate in 2008 and was denied without being given a reason, according to Mary Byrne, Executive Director of the group.
When she re-applied last year, Byrne said she was informed by phone that the BMV didn’t feel her organization was statewide.
The group accused the BMV of lacking clear standards to evaluate plates and violating the First Amendment by using unilateral discretion in ruling on applications.
But BMV spokesman Dennis Rosebrough said the Indiana Youth Group was turned down because it failed to provide evidence that its services have a statewide impact and because it planned to use the license plate funds to pay staff salaries. The money, he said, cannot be used for operating expenses.

Indiana’s American Civil Liberties Union had sued the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles in September after the Indian Youth Group’s request for the plate was twice denied.

The Indiana Youth Group said after the lawsuit was dismissed in January 2010 that they would apply for the new plate a third time, which was approved last month by the state's Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Micah Clark, Executive Director of the American Family Association of Indiana, reacted to the news telling a christian news website Tuesday:

"You have to question what the BMV was thinking when they approved a license plate for a group which recruits teens into the homosexual lifestyle. Since health risks do not seem to matter, what is to prevent a cigar club from now getting a license plate from the BMV?"

"State agencies should be neutral in the politically charged culture war especially the promotion of homosexuality among minors. It is very disappointing that Indiana is the first state in the nation to have a license plate celebrating youth involved in homosexual behaviors," said Clark.

Bil Browning, longtime Indiana LGBTQ Equality Rights activist, and founder of The Bilerico Project LGBTQ activist website told LGBTQNation Tuesday:

"I'm not surprised to see that Micah Clark is up to his old tricks. Mr. Clark espouses his far-right views on LGBT rights all across Indiana, but his organization seems to do little else. Indiana Youth Group, on the other hand, spends its time helping suicidal youth and college planning. Since Mr. Clark is usually an advocate of smaller government, I'm shocked to read that he thinks the Indiana state legislature should spend it's time approving a not-for-profit youth organization's specialty license plate.

Many universities, sports teams and not-for-profits are regularly issued speciality plates if they meet the required guidelines. Surely the legislature shouldn't waste time approving the "Columbus Sunrise Rotary Club" plate, the "Clark-Floyd Counties Convention and Tourism Bureau" plate, and the "National Wild Turkey Federation" license plate - all of which got their plates the same way that IYG did."

While Mr. Clark calls for the state to remain "neutral in the politically charged culture war" that his brand of extremist Christianity has attempted to wage, his previous advocacy for the "In God We Trust" license plate should be remembered. In Mr. Clark's world, "neutral" means "do what I want." As much as Mr. Clark may wish it so, Indiana state government doesn't revolve around him, his religion, or his puritanical views on sexuality. They are, instead, neutral; Mr. Clark is not."

Anti-Gay Groups Protest SPLC with Claims of Hate and Intolerance

Special To LGBTQNation

Peter LaBarbera speaking as Rev. Pat Wooden listens.
Photo courtesy of Dr. Heidi Beirich

By Heidi Beirich | MONTGOMERY, ALABAMA -- About a dozen African American pastors joined anti-gay extremists today in condemning the Southern Poverty Law Center for using its “hate group” label to describe faith-based organizations that demonize the LGBT community, characterizing it as part of an orchestrated liberal plot.

The pastors spoke at a press conference staged outside the SPLC offices in Montgomery, Ala,. by Americans for the Truth About Homosexuality (AFTAH), which the SPLC lists as an anti-gay hate group.

“The SPLC has moved from monitoring actual hate groups like the KKK and neo-Nazis to slandering mainstream Christian organizations with that very same hate group label,” said Matt Barber of the Liberty Counsel, affiliated with Jerry Falwell’s Liberty University. “By extension, the SPLC is smearing billions of Christians and Jews worldwide as haters simply because they embrace the traditional Judeo-Christian ethics.”

Rachel Conner of Abiding Truth Ministries, also listed as a hate group, charged that “the Southern Poverty Law Center has now become a tool of the God-haters, promoting hatred in the form of vicious lies against Christianity.”

“This has nothing to do with hate and tolerance,” said Peter LaBarbera, president of AFTAH. “It has everything to do with pro-gay politicking.”

According to SPLC staff, "In fact, it has everything to do with hate and intolerance."

Mark Potok, editor of the SPLC’s Intelligence Report responded to the accusations:

“Our listing of anti-gay hate groups is completely unrelated to religion, Christianity or the Bible. These groups are listed because they repeatedly lie in an effort to defame LGBT people, an exercise they’ve been extraordinarily successful at. The idea that we are criticizing these groups because they represent Judeo-Christian morality is simply ludicrous.
The SPLC does not identify anti-gay hate groups based on their religious views. Instead, the SPLC lists anti-gay groups on the basis of spreading known falsehoods and demonizing propaganda against LGBT people, such as the claim that gay men largely orchestrated the Holocaust."

In 2007, LaBarbera claimed that there was “a disproportionate incidence of pedophilia” among gay men — a devastating accusation, but one that is entirely false, according to all the relevant scientific organizations. LaBarbera has also compared the alleged dangers of homosexuality to those of “smoking, alcohol and drug abuse,” and the AFTAH website describes it as a “lethal behavior addiction.”

In a written statement read at the news conference, Abiding Truth Ministries founder Scott Lively called on God to destroy the SPLC: “My prayer, as one who really does hate irrational prejudice, is that the Lord by His sovereign power will remove this dangerous, hate-spreading organization from our nation and cause its leaders and members to repent for their wickedness. … I want to make clear that I am asking God himself to destroy their organization.”

What Lively might not know is that others have tried, including Klansmen who pleaded guilty to firebombing the center’s office in 1983.

Heidi Beirich, Ph.D. is Director of the Intelligence Project for the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Des DownUnder On Sundays

By Desmond Rutherford | Adelaide, Australia -- Say Can You See The American Empire

The U.S.A.'s place in the world and its influence on other nations and cultures is not only apparent in the wars of the 20th century but goes right back to their Declaration of Independence.

The concepts of freedom and individualism are paramount, predominant and prevailing in all the documents associated with the U.S. Constitution. The idea, that a government of the people, by the people and for the people could be successful in ensuring the liberty and respect for each other as human beings in pursuit of happiness, has spread to many throughout the world.

The leaders and politicians of many nations and governments do not yet understand what this actually means for the future of the species, in global terms. They have not comprehended the nature of freedom as a basic inherent personal and individual human right. Neither do those politicians or the leaders trust the people to make autonomous decisions which are in the best interests of the members of their nations. This trust was the actual foundation of the American Constitution; that the people would act and govern in a way that encouraged freedom, goodness and respect for each other.

The American people, in each of the states, must make a decision; either follow the intent of the Constitutional documents, or abandon them as a failed attempt to advance the human race beyond the boundaries of war, selfishness and belligerence.

The current attitudes expressed by the conservative candidates for the upcoming Presidential election clearly reveal that they have misconstrued, deliberately or through ignorance, the concept of governing by law which respects individual freedom. Many of the candidates, if not most, display absurd disregard for universal human rights and equality under the law, particularly where minorities, like LGBTQ citizens, are affected. They would rather exercise, under the guise of law, restrictions on our people for the sake of their own religious beliefs, or, as is so often obvious, for their personal accumulation of wealth and power.

That they do this with complete disregard for the poverty they create is monstrous.

That they do it whilst bemoaning the state of the deprived is hypocrisy beyond sanction.

That they do this whilst praying for the poor is sanctimonious, and an affront to any true follower of Christ's teachings of love and compassion for one's fellow human beings.

"Republicans and other U.S. right wing conservatives are as insane as any of the Caesars were..."

The U.S.A. is not the only nation with a constitutionally documented interest in the recognition of human rights being incorporated equally under law. It is, however, on the brink of becoming yet another nation to abandon the law of equality and freedom, in favour of enshrining political and economic corruption as acceptable cultural values. That it should do so under threat of reinstating the Christian version of the laws of the Abrahamic God as the law of the land, is tantamount to the ancient Roman Senate appointing the insane asylum, known as the Imperial house of the Caesars, each one of whom became desirous of being regarded as a god. It is an irony that will probably be lost on today's Republicans that with the Roman Senate granting 'extraordinary powers' to Octavian (Augustus Caesar) the Roman Republic became the Roman Empire, unless of course they do know this and the American Empire is their goal.

Political cartoon by Rex Babin, The Sacramento Bee

It can be said with some confidence that the current Republicans and other U.S. right wing conservatives are as insane as any of the Caesars were, and that it is more than possible that they would indeed seek to don the mantle of a God for themselves in the palace of the White House if it were not for the U.S. Constitution. The fact that the Constitution can be altered is not unknown to them.

Right now the world is in danger of having one of the most powerful influences for human progress and protection of human rights being diminished, not in military might but in its ability to abide by progressive civilised concepts of the humanist secular state. Already, regressive legislation has changed the nature of the protections once thought to be safeguarded by the Constitution, not only of the U.S.A., but other countries as well. Some of these regressions have yet to be rejected by the courts, but frighteningly, judges are not safe from being deposed by united conservative forces.

Fortunately for humanity, some other nations are starting to assess the benefits of democracy, or are adopting it, despite their quite large populations being under the rule of questionable, restrictive and alternative, theocratic, despotic or communist regimes. Those nations will be influenced, one way or another, by the outcome of the 2012 U.S.A. elections; not necessarily in the best interests of their peoples or even all people.

So the question of decision remains for the people of the United States of America, but it is not a simple choice between the Democrats and the Republicans. If the Republicans appear to be promoting mass insanity in defiance of reason, and with disregard for the Constitution, then the Democrats are subject to criticism for not defending the human values they say they champion. It is here that President Obama must not just be encouraged and supported, but pressured to understand that bipartisan compromises with the insane are madness for the whole nation, poisoning the freedoms of mankind globally.

Our freedoms are being threatened; our freedom of thought, speech, our recognition of equality human rights for all, our intrinsic rights as human beings to express consensual love for each other sexually.

The American people have a choice between the positive, enlightened concepts of separation of religion and state, of combating the increasing political and economic corruptions, or choosing to revert to what will effectively be the Old World style dominionist rule, by monarch and God; something which the New World of America was supposed to replace for the sake of human equality, freedom, and progress.

The promise, the vision, the dream of America cannot survive under the conservative and Republican efforts to make the future resemble what they think the past was, and neither can the rest of the human race. We are a global community now, even if we do have diverse cultural values, and we will all survive or suffer together.

That doesn't mean people should be deprived of their religion. It does mean they must not try to enforce their religion on those for whom such beliefs are an anachronism, or anyone else for that matter.

Otherwise, welcome to the New Inquisition, heralding the new Dark Ages of Ignorance - The American Empire...'under God'.

Oh, say it won't be...

Brody's Notes... New Jersey's Largest Newspaper Calls For Constitutional Amendment For Same-Sex Marriages

By Brody Levesque | NEWARK, NEW JERSEY -- The Editorial Board of The Star Ledger newspaper- New Jersey's largest- is calling for the possibility of an amendment to the State's Constitution that would legalise same-sex marriages there. Published in the Thursday edition, the editors wrote:

It is heartening to see Democrats rally for a second charge on gay marriage after their failure to pass the measure in the days before Gov. Chris Christie took charge.

But let’s face it: This is not likely to succeed while Christie remains in office. He will veto it, as promised, and obedient Republicans in the Legislature will fall in line behind him, as always.

That’s the political lay of the land for the next two years, at least. If Christie wins re-election, this stalemate could drag on for six years. To most New Jersey citizens, that is simply not acceptable.

According to sources in Trenton, the governor is not saying what he’ll do in terms of the same-sex marriage bill, which the Democratic legislative leadership considers a major priority for this year's session.

“They have a right to set their agenda, I’ll set mine, we’ll see who gets there first,” Christie said to reporters at an event in Camden . “When forced to make a decision, if forced to make a decision on it, I’ll make a decision.”

Christie has said previously that he favors the state’s civil unions law that was adopted in 2003.

The Star Ledger's Editorial notes:

It is clear by now the civil union law has failed to deliver equal rights. And the problem is not just the documented cases of gay couples facing discrimination in hospitals, workplaces or the insurance market.

The term “civil union” suggests that gay couples are somehow not worthy of full marriage, that they cannot be allowed to enter this club, that their sexual orientations make them second-class citizens. Dress it up all you want, that view is offensive on its face. The message it sends to gay couples and their children is toxic.

In the debate over the possibility of passage of the same-sex law, one prominent Democratic lawmaker says he will not change his vote, State Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May), who opposed the bill. He said he supports strengthening the civil union law, but stops short of wanting to call it marriage.

“I deeply respect the civil liberties and rights of all New Jerseyeans, but I also believe that marriage over the centuries has been unique between a man and a woman,” said Van Drew. “I am am willing to work diligently to make civil unions contractually and legally more effective, but I will not be voting for marriage equality.”

The Star Ledger editorial finished with:

So what is to be done? Sponsors of the gay marriage bill hope they can win new converts in the next few months, enough to override Christie’s expected veto. Some even hope the governor will change his mind. That would be the ideal outcome.

Remember, too, that supporters of gay marriage have filed suit, so the state Supreme Court could save the day by endorsing full marriage equality, as courts have in several other states.

But there is a third option — to amend the state constitution, bypassing the governor entirely, as suggested here by Josh Zeitz, who served as a senior aide to former Gov. Jon Corzine.

The beauty of this approach is that Christie has no power to stop it. Amendments approved by three-fifths of each house, or by a simple majority for two consecutive years, are placed on the November ballot for final approval by voters. So with just a one-vote majority, voters could decide the issue in the fall of 2013.

Yes, it is a risky business to put minority rights up to a majority vote. How long would Southern voters have held onto the ban on interracial marriage if the Supreme Court had not finally intervened in 1967? If voters rejected marriage equality at the polls, the Legislature and the court would be more likely to reject it in the future.

But if all else fails, a constitutional amendment is worth a try as a last resort. Polls show New Jersey voters are ready to approve marriage equality today. And the tide is clearly moving in that direction, especially among young people. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has shown that it can be a popular cause, even in states with large Catholic populations such as New York and New Jersey.

This fight has been long and difficult, as winning civil rights for minority groups always is.

But the day will come when gay couples in New Jersey won’t have to look across the Hudson River and dream about equal treatment under the law.

They’ll have it right here at home — whether the governor likes it, or not.