OPINION: Tyranny by ballot
Posted on Jun 17, 2007 at 03:47 pm
The Boston Globe
June 16, 2007
When the Massachusetts Legislature voted this week, it acted upon the knowledge that for too long, gay and lesbian people — like people of color, women, and the physically challenged before them — were penalized by the details of life, enslaved mentally and physically to the will of the majority... This was a moment the Legislature had to be the guardian angel. It acted in the spirit of Federalist No. 51: "A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions." [Link]
June 16, 2007
When the Massachusetts Legislature voted this week, it acted upon the knowledge that for too long, gay and lesbian people — like people of color, women, and the physically challenged before them — were penalized by the details of life, enslaved mentally and physically to the will of the majority... This was a moment the Legislature had to be the guardian angel. It acted in the spirit of Federalist No. 51: "A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions." [Link]
Discriminatory marriage ban dies in MD, but so does trans rights bill
Posted on Mar 30, 2007 at 02:38 pm
Washington Blade
March 30, 2007
Maryland lawmakers have killed an attempt to write discrimination against same-sex couples into the state constitution for the fourth consecutive year. But the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature failed to pass a measure to bar discrimination against the state's transgender residents and workers. [Link]
March 30, 2007
Maryland lawmakers have killed an attempt to write discrimination against same-sex couples into the state constitution for the fourth consecutive year. But the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature failed to pass a measure to bar discrimination against the state's transgender residents and workers. [Link]
Marriage amendment stirs apolitical folks into activists
Posted on Nov 13, 2006 at 12:05 pm
The Virginian-Pilot
November 13, 2006
Leaders claim the recent election only strengthened their movement: Statewide, the anti-amendment campaign identified more than 3,000 volunteers and gay-friendly voters to call upon in future legislative battles, said Dyana Mason, executive director of Equality Virginia. [link]
November 13, 2006
Leaders claim the recent election only strengthened their movement: Statewide, the anti-amendment campaign identified more than 3,000 volunteers and gay-friendly voters to call upon in future legislative battles, said Dyana Mason, executive director of Equality Virginia. [link]
Gay and lesbian couples optimistic for vote
Posted on Oct 16, 2006 at 01:41 pm
Denver Post
October 16, 2006
Referendum I would eliminate complex and pricey steps to obtain medical and property rights, and would right wrongs in CO law in several ways, particularly in what some lawyers call "default rules" that determine basic property and decision-making rights. [Link]
October 16, 2006
Referendum I would eliminate complex and pricey steps to obtain medical and property rights, and would right wrongs in CO law in several ways, particularly in what some lawyers call "default rules" that determine basic property and decision-making rights. [Link]
Activists Meet with Dem Senators
Posted on Mar 24, 2006 at 03:51 pm
Eight Democratic senators listened to complaints last week from activists that they and their party colleagues have hindered progress on gay rights. Instead of pandering to voters whose support they are unlikely to get, Democrats should make the case for marriage equality in a way that will move the issue forward. [Link]
COMMENTARY: Reasons to vote ‘no’ to Prop. 2
Posted on Nov 02, 2005 at 11:49 am
Galveston County Daily News
November 2, 2005
Tillotson covers several reasons why governmental conservatives should not support Texas' anti-gay amendment: marriage has already been restricted to non-gay couples by the state legislature since 2003; the language is too broad; conservatives like their laws aimed at real problems, not imaginary ones; constitutions work best when it protects the individual and embrace the true definition of equality, justice and freedom; and conservatives believe in freedom, not hate. [link]
November 2, 2005
Tillotson covers several reasons why governmental conservatives should not support Texas' anti-gay amendment: marriage has already been restricted to non-gay couples by the state legislature since 2003; the language is too broad; conservatives like their laws aimed at real problems, not imaginary ones; constitutions work best when it protects the individual and embrace the true definition of equality, justice and freedom; and conservatives believe in freedom, not hate. [link]
Legislature kills anti-gay adoption ban but restrictive marriage amendment remains
Posted on Mar 16, 2005 at 01:07 pm
365Gay.com
March 16, 2005
A House subcommittee voted down a bill that would have barred gays from adopting or serving as foster parents. Gay activists were pleased but are still apprehensive over an upcoming vote in the House on an amendment that would ban gays from marriage. [link]
March 16, 2005
A House subcommittee voted down a bill that would have barred gays from adopting or serving as foster parents. Gay activists were pleased but are still apprehensive over an upcoming vote in the House on an amendment that would ban gays from marriage. [link]
Anti-gay bill blocked by New Mexico’s House
Posted on Feb 16, 2005 at 01:15 pm
New Mexican
February 16, 2005
State legislation banning gay couples from marriage was indefinitely tabled in a House Committee hearing. Opponents of the anti-gay legislation said the Land of Enchantment "need[s] to project an image of tolerance." [link]
February 16, 2005
State legislation banning gay couples from marriage was indefinitely tabled in a House Committee hearing. Opponents of the anti-gay legislation said the Land of Enchantment "need[s] to project an image of tolerance." [link]