Across the nation, state Republicans increasingly backing gay rights
In New York state, the legislature is poised to pass same-sex marriage and would become the third state to do so legislatively, following Vermont and New Hampshire
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National Organization for Marriage crusading against gay nuptials in NY
A shadowy group run by religious fundamentalists is bankrolling a pitched crusade against same-sex marriage in New York.
Pressure rises on gay rites
"Momentum for marriage is building every day, and today's poll shows exactly who is driving that momentum -- the people of New York state," said Marc Solomon, National Campaign Director for Freedom to Marry. Labor unions -- including PEF, CSEA and the Capital District Area Labor Federation, which covers 120,000 members in the region -- announced their support for the measure.
Same-sex Metro East couples line up to get civil union licenses
"There is no question the momentum is strongly in favor of ending the discriminatory patchwork and treating gay people equally," said Evan Wolfson, president of New York-based Freedom to Marry and author of "Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry." He said civil union partnerships are important but still not where America should be with granting equal rights to gay couples.
NYer Of The Week: Broadway Producer Strikes Charitable Chord
Daryl Roth has produced close to 50 plays over the past 23 years. While the six-time Pulitzer Prize winner primarily focuses on dramatic pieces she says philanthropy always plays a leading role in her life.
New York needs same-sex marriage — now
In March 2010, Washington, D.C., joined Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont in allowing same-sex marriages. Imagine that: Gay and lesbian couples can wed in our nation’s capital, but not in New York, a state long known for its progressive politics. That’s shameful.
Minnesota Gearing Up For Marriage Fight
Supporters of LGBT rights are gearing up for yet another fight at the ballot against a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage.
Black, Latino lawmakers for same sex marriage
“The call for the freedom to marry from some of New York’s most influential African American, Latino and Asian leaders reflects the growing support within communities of color — and the real needs and vulnerabilities of families harmed by exclusion from marriage and its protections,” said Evan Wolfson, President of Freedom to Marry
Support in polls for same-sex marriage could influence Proposition 8 legal battle, experts say
Recent polls showing majority support for same sex marriage could have an effect on judges as the legal fight against Proposition 8 moves through the courts, experts and advocates say.
Gallup Poll: Majority of Americans support gay marriage
A majority of Americans say in a new poll that same-sex marriage should be legalized, marking the first time for such support since Gallup began tracking the issue in 2004.
Caroline Kennedy urges Obama to back gay marriage
Caroline Kennedy has joined civil rights activists, celebrities and athletes in a national campaign urging President Obama to support same-sex marriage.
After 60 Years, an Unfaded Desire to Make It ‘Legal’
Richard Adrian Dorr first sang for John Mace at the Juilliard School of Music in 1948: a rendition of the show tune “All the Things You Are,” in which the singer elegantly explains all the wonderful things his lover is to him.
Marriage equality: It’s up to you, New York
The openly gay sponsor of a marriage equality bill in Rhode Island said last week he would push for a civil unions bill instead, setting off a slew of criticism from LGBT groups. Six states are considering legislation that would ask voters to amend the state constitution to ban recognition of any legal relationships for same-sex couples. And all this was on the heels of a dramatic loss for a marriage equality bill in Maryland in March. Has the state legislative fight for marriage equality lost momentum? Not according to Evan Wolfson, executive director of the national Freedom to Marry group.
Freedom To Marry: Waiting Too Long?
The pro-gay marriage group Freedom To Marry released a YouTube video today highlight a same-sex couple who have been in a relationship for 61 years, but have been unable to be married in New York.
Cole, Jackson, Rapp Lead THE NORMAL HEART Talkbacks, Beginning Today
Producer Daryl Roth announced previously that the premiere Broadway presentation of Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart will host a series of post-show talkbacks, beginning tonight, May 3. Immediately following Tuesday performances of the ground-breaking play, distinguished members of the community will lead a Tuesday TalkOut. This series of talkbacks will underscore the themes and historical context of the play. Participants include Freedom to Marry president and founder Evan Wolfson, designer Kenneth Cole, amfAR CEO Kevin Front, stage and screen star Cheyenne Jackson, Friends in Deed president Cynthia O'Neal, original RENT star Anthony Rapp, HRC campaign strategist Brian Ellner and many more.
A Tipping Point for Gay Marriage?
It’s not every day that a leading law firm fires a client for holding a position so extreme that it may be said to be unworthy of a defense. And it is rarer yet — unheard of, really — when that client is the House of Representatives and the position in question is a federal law.
Sen. Addabbo urged to back gay marriage bill
Gay marriage advocates brought their fight to Queens last week, urging constituents in state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr.’s (D-Howard Beach) district to encourage the politician to support legislation he voted against in 2009.
Gay Marriage Bill Nears the Goal Line
Two years after the stunning defeat of a marriage equality bill in the State Senate, advocates and politicians are gearing up for another run at making same-sex marriage legal in New York.
League of Women Voters Join Fight for Same-Sex Marriage
It’s a bit of a different direction for the League of Women Voters of New York State, but they have joined with the newly formed New Yorkers United for Marriage to support the legalization of same-sex marriage in New York.
Log Cabin Joins N.Y. Marriage Coalition
The Log Cabin Republicans of New York State announced Thursday that they have joined New Yorkers United for Marriage, the coalition of groups working to pass a marriage equality bill in the state this season.