Morning Sweep

UPDATE: Last week we posted a story about a sign that appeared to be written by the management of a Rite Aid in Greenwich Village prohibiting LGBT folks from entering the store. Further investigations by residents and Rite Aide’s corporate office found that it is unlikely that the sign was posted by a manager.

The New York Times blog writes on the historic and social import of the LGBT Community Center in New York City. "The Center" as its most commonly referred to is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court found that marriage benefits cannot be extended to same-sex couples married prior to the landmark 2004 case.

Two columnist square-off as the Atlanta Journal Constitution asks, "Did the California Supreme Court act properly in overturning California’s Proposition 22?"

Andoni from Citizen Crain was able to get a few comments from Sen. Obama on the issue of immigration equality at a private fundraiser last night.

An Obama campaign staffer that works on LGBT issues confirmed that no money will be granted to faith-based organizations (FBOs) for proselytizing or reparative therapy under Sen. Obama's plans for FBOs. Pam’s House Blend has the scoop.

The Washington Post editorial board calls the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy wrong from the get-go, noting the growing consensus against the military ban on openly-gay service members. Dixon Osburn, co-founder and former E.D. of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) criticizes the language in the Michael D. Palm Center’s report on DADT, saying the report's suggestions may undermine full LGBT equality.

South Carolina's state government reneged on a pro-LGBT tourism ad campaign.

Gay Catholics plan to protest the Pope in Sydney, Australia this weekend.

A tribunal in the UK sided with a registrar who refused to preside over civil unions on the basis of her religious beliefs. The plaintiff alleged that she faced ridicule by colleagues given her stance on LGBT people and feared being fired for not doing her job.