News Sweep

Two LGBT-related cases currently face the Supreme Court: On Monday, the justices considered the rights of a Christian student group to bar gay members from leadership positions. Next week, the court will hear arguments about whether the names of people who signed a petition to place an anti-gay-rights measure on the ballot in Washington State should be kept secret.

The New York Times sheds light on difficulties same-sex families often face when visiting their loved ones in the hospital.

The Times' City Room blog is taking questions from readers about transgender issues to be answered by the doctor-editor of “Trans Bodies, Trans Selves,” a resource guide for transgender people, which will be published in 2011.

Supporters of the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” are asking Obama for a re-commitment to ending the policy and charging that administration officials have been discouraging Congressional action behind the scenes.

News Sweep

The New York Attorney General's Office has unveiled a new website that tracks data on hate crimes reported in the state and provides resources and educational materials.

One of the rainbow flags that hangs outside of NYC's LGBT Community Center was found burned yesterday. Executive Director Glennda Testone said, "Hate and intolerance against LGBT New Yorkers will not be accepted, and we as a community must stand strong and together in the face of these hateful incidents."

A Brooklyn man who is fighting multiple assault charges in a 2009 altercation and faces deportation to Mexico says he was defending himself from an anti-gay attack.

A suspect has been charged in the strangling death of Amanda Gonzalez-Andujar, a transgender Queens woman. Police have not yet discovered a motive in the murder.

Constance McMillen, the lesbian teenager from Mississippi who challenged her school district’s ban of same-sex prom dates, has been named a grand marshal of New York City's annual pride parade.

It's not too late to fill out your Census! Gay City News explains why doing so is so important.

A group that supported putting a repeal of Prop. 8 on this year's ballot (in opposition to the majority who supported waiting) will now move toward supporting efforts to repeal the ban in 2012.

With a vote on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act expected later this month, openly gay Rep. Barney Frank says the most effective way to make a difference is to contact members of Congress directly.

Sen. John McCain isn't willing to speak with gay troops to get a more complete picture of military life under the current "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. "Why should I? That would be nuts,"he said.

The Vatican is trying to quell growing anger over remarks by the Pope's top aide that the "problem'' behind the pedophile priest scandals is homosexuality and not to the church's celibacy requirement for clergy.

Morning Sweep

New York Republican Assemblymember Fred Thiele, who previously voted against the marriage bill, has announced his support for it, saying: “In 2007, I…let my judgment on this issue be clouded by the political implications of this vote. There is no place for politics when it comes to civil rights. As I reflected on this issue, there simply was no justification for a ‘no’ vote [this year]. I could not look into the eyes of friends and colleagues I have known for decades and tell them they were not entitled to the same pursuit of happiness as me because of their sexual orientation.”

A new University of Albany poll of Latinos in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island found that half support same-sex marriage or civil unions.


Marriage bills are advancing in New Hampshire and Maine:
In NH, the House will take a final vote today on the revised bill, which is expected to pass. Gov. John Lynch has not made it clear whether he will veto the bill or sign it.

In Maine, the House voted 89-58 to pass the marriage bill, and it must now be reconciled with the Senate version before going to Gov. John Baldacci, who has also not made it clear whether he will veto or sign.

The New York Times writes on both states’ bills and the possibility of marriage equality throughout New England.


The New York Times editorializes in favor of passing the Matthew Shepard Act.

Washington D.C.’s Council has given final approval to its bill to fully recognize same-sex marriages legally performed elsewhere. The bill is now up for U.S. Congressional review, where Congress Republicans plan to fight it.

Morning Sweep

Paul Schindler’s Gay City News coverage of Equality & Justice Day takes a comprehensive look at what was accomplished on April 28 and the work still to come in the fight for marriage equality, the Dignity for All Students Act and GENDA.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the federal hate crimes bill yesterday, 249-175.

New Hampshire has moved a step closer to passing a marriage equality bill, with both the Senate and House passing their own versions. The bills must now be reconciled before the legislation can go to Gov. Lynch, who is against same-sex marriage but has not indicated whether he will veto it.

Unfortunately, NH has also unanimously voted down the state’s gender identity non-discrimination bill. Looks like there's still much work to be done in The Granite State...

A marriage equality vote in Maine’s Senate will likely happen soon.

There’s lots of buzz about Howard Stern’s statement of support for marriage for same-sex couples on his show yesterday. (Warning: his declaration of acceptance is far from PC…but then again, it’s Howard Stern, so that’s a given).

Morning Sweep (Recap Edition)

Since we've been so focused on preparing for yesterday's Equality & Justice Day, we wanted to update you on everything else going on in the news that we've neglected to mention in the last few days. And we'll be posting soon with pictures and news coverage from E&J Day!


Obama has released a statement urging the passage of the federal hate crimes act.

The New York Times reports that as many Republicans are shifting their views on marriage for same-sex couples, the party is searching for ways to accommodate changing attitudes.

Politico reports that while Beltway Republicans may be searching for a more moderate stance, many state-level Republicans are taking a harder line against same-sex marriage.

Marriage for same-sex couples began on Monday in Iowa, with nearly 400 couples applying for licenses on the first day.

A former Army Special Forces commander has won her lawsuit against the Library of Congress, where she was rejected from a job while transitioning.

Fortune Small Business (via CNN News) has a great, comprehensive story on issues surrounding employees transitioning in the workplace, especially at small businesses. Click here to read the Pride Agenda’s recently-released report on transgender issues in the workplace, including success stories from employers and employees across New York State.

Last weekend’s Modern Love column in the New York Times dealt with issues that transgender parents face.

Executive Directors of The Trevor Project and GLSEN discuss anti-gay bullying in schools in the wake of the tragic suicides of Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover and Jaheem Herrera.

Efforts to allow gays and lesbians to serve as clergy in the Presbyterian church have been defeated again, but the vote was closer than in past years.

Morning Sweep

Students at Cornell are rallying behind a fellow student who was asked to step down from his leadership role in a campus Christian group after he told them he had accepted his homosexuality.

New Hampshire’s Senate judiciary committee has recommended against the state’s marriage equality bill, but the full Senate will still have the opportunity to vote on it. The vote has already passed in the state’s House of Representatives.

Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell has become the first Gov. to sign a same-sex marriage bill into law after the CT legislature voted to align state statues with the recent Supreme Court decision allowing for marriage equality there.

Morning Sweep

The Plattsburgh Press Republican and Syracuse Post-Standard both editorialized in favor of marriage equality today.

The Gov.’s marriage equality bill has been formally introduced in the NYS Assembly and Senate.

A New York Times science blog writes that a popular 1979 book on the success of “gay conversion” was largely fabricated.

The man accused of killing Colo. trans woman Angie Zapata has been convicted of first-degree murder and a hate crime and sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Washington has added gender identity and expression to its hate crimes law.

Morning Sweep

The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act (GENDA) passed yesterday in the New York State Assembly – now on to the Senate! GENDA provides crucial civil rights protections for transgender New Yorkers by banning discrimination in housing, employment, credit, public accommodations, and other areas of everyday life.

The Boston Globe and Gay City News write on “Marriage Equality & Religion: The Massachusetts Experience,” the video we released yesterday that dispels the myth that marriage for same-sex couples somehow negatively affects religious freedom.

Bill Hammond writes in a Daily News opinions column that civil unions are no substitute for marriage: “Imagine getting down on one knee and saying, ‘Will you civilly unite with me?’”

ABC News reports on the lack of any real backlash on a national level against marriage for same-sex couples spreading to several states.

The Senate sponsor of Maine’s marriage equality bill received a standing ovation at this morning’s hearing.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, known for his great record on LGBT advocacy, has formally announced his plans to run for California Governor.

Just weeks after the suicide of an 11-year-old from Massachusetts who suffered from bullying in school, a second 11-year-old from Georgia has taken his life. The anti-gay bullying that both experienced is bringing national attention to the need for better protections against harassment of students by their peers – including this Boston Globe editorial.

Morning Sweep

The newest Siena poll shows that a majority of New Yorkers support marriage for same-sex couples. Read the Pride Agenda’s statement on the results here.

The Long Island Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Services Network honored Harvey Milk this past weekend "to draw attention of gays and lesbians with small-town roots."

Steve Schmidt, a former senior adviser to John McCain and a former top Bush aide, supports marriage for same-sex couples and has urged to GOP to rethink its stance.

The GLAAD Media Awards were this past weekend. Comedian Kathy Griffin and Bishop Gene Robinson were honored.

Morning Sweep

Much has been written about Gov. Paterson’s introduction of the marriage equality program bill yesterday.

Here are our videos of some of the speakers at yesterday’s press conference.

R News in Rochester has a great interview on the marriage bill with local advocates, including the Pride Agenda’s Western New York Program Organizer, Todd Plank.

The New York Times and Journal News editorialize in favor of the Gov.’s marriage bill.

A Democrat & Chronicle column highlights the important work of straight allies Jamie and Sally Whitbeck, who the Pride Agenda will be honoring at our Spring Dinner on May 16.

Earlier this week, the Westchester County Board of Legislators voted to change the definition of the word “gender” in its Human Rights Law to prevent discrimination based on gender identity and expression.

A New York Times opinion piece discusses the use of anti-gay slurs in youth male culture.

Today is GLSEN’s Day of Silence.

Morning Sweep

Gov. Paterson will introduce his marriage equality program bill tomorrow. We’ll have more news for you then on what you can do to help make same-sex marriage a reality in New York State.

Newsday profiles same-sex couples who are eager for the protections of marriage.

GLSEN’s National Day of Silence is this Friday, April 17 -- and as usual, anti-LGBT religious groups are causing a fuss. The Day of Silence calls attention to bullying and harassment in schools across the country.

If you needed any proof of why efforts like the Day of Silence are so important, just watch this CNN story on anti-gay bullying in schools and the recent suicide of 11 year-year old Mass. student Carl Walker-Hoover.

The Washington Post interviews Lambda Legal and other experts on recent marriage equality advances across the country.

Morning Sweep

Timothy Dolan will become the Archbishop of New York today, and despite his not being perfect on our issues – he opposes same-sex marriage -- the Pride Agenda’s Alan Van Capelle says he looks forward to forming a dialogue with him. “My stance is one of conversation, not confrontation,” said Van Capelle. “There are many core values that we share.”

A NY appeals court has ruled that the former partner of the biological mother of a 5-year-old boy does not have visitation rights of the child, who she never legally adopted. The women had a civil union in Vermont and registered their relationship under New York City’s domestic partner law, but the court ruled that the partner has no right to seek visitation or custody “even though that party may have developed a long-standing, loving and nurturing relationship with the child.”

The New York Times Magazine features an extended story on the rising popularity of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, which is based in Nigeria and popular among Nigerian immigrants in NYC. The Church preaches an intense intolerance of gays, encouraging members to denounce other gay congregants and blaming homosexuality for many of society’s problems.

In protest of rampant homophobia in Jamaica, demonstrators at Stonewall tomorrow night will dump the bar’s supplies of Red Stripe Beer and Myer's Rum.

A new gay Republican organization called GOProud has some interesting perspectives on what it means to be both gay and conservative.

Amazon’s “glitch” leading to the de-ranking of many LGBT books has become a major PR nightmare for the company.

A Huffington Post blogger argues humorously that it’s time for environmentalists to take note – all the paperwork gay couples have to file in lieu of legal marriage kills a lot of trees!

Morning Sweep

Will New Hampshire become the next state to pass a marriage bill? The State Assembly has already passed it, and the Senate will hold a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the possibility of doing the same. Democratic Gov. John Lynch opposes gay marriage but has not said whether he would veto the bill if it passes.

The New York Times writes on why same-sex marriage won’t likely be tackled by the U.S. Supreme Court any time soon.

LGBT rights advocates are hoping that the trial of the man accused of murdering Angie Zapata, a Colorado trans woman, will bring attention to the need for a federal hate crimes law.

The gay blogosphere is up in arms about an Amazon “glitch” that led to many LGBT books being de-ranked and classified as “adult literature.”

A right-wing Polish politician is upset that his country’s zoo spent $11 million on a “gay” elephant. The pachyderm prefers the company of other males and is aggressive toward females – a fact that apparently warrants national political attention. This stuff is too good to make up…

Morning Sweep

Gay City News writes on the Union Square demonstration in support of Vermont marriage, and advocates who want New York to be next heading to Equality & Justice Day on April 28.

Although the Governor’s same-sex marriage bill will be a step in the right direction, Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle clarifies that Paterson’s vote-and-see-what-happens statement isn’t ideal.

Liz Benjamin provides more insight into the Gov’s recent comments on his same-sex marriage bill.

The New York Times’ Susan Dominus writes humorously on our state’s slower-than-desired progress toward same-sex marriage.

Paul Peter Jesep, a Schenectady bishop in a branch of the Eastern Orthodox Church, writes in the Albany Times-Union in support of marriage equality.

An 11-year-old Massachusetts boy who hanged himself after repeated anti-gay bullying in school is tragically shedding light on the issue through significant coverage by the LGBT media.

The Washington Post writes on the increasing number of anti-gay religious groups and individuals who are having their discriminatory practices struck down by state non-discrimination laws.

One polling expert has used some fancy stats to reveal his prediction that based on changing attitudes, most states will have same-sex marriage by 2016. Some might say it's fuzzy math – but it sounds good to us!

Morning Sweep

Pardon the lateness of our Morning Sweep. Our NYC office just got a new phone system, and despite our ability to communicate via blog, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, we're now stumped on how to make a voice call...

The New York Times provides insight from the leaders of gay rights organizations in New Jersey and New York – including the Pride Agenda’s Alan Van Capelle – on the progress of marriage equality legislation.

Gov. Paterson has announced his plan to introduce his own program bill for marriage equality in New York State. “It’s just another level of support that we anticipate and glad to have,” Alan Van Capelle said.

The Albany Times-Union editorializes in favor of gay rights in NY - the right to be counted in the Census and to be married - and expresses disappointment at the lack of legislative action.

Joe.My.God has pictures from last night’s Vermont marriage celebration at Union Square.

Because Congress has final oversight over measures passed by the Washington, D.C. City Council, the way it treats D.C.’s new measure to recognize the legal marriages of same-sex couples could signal its attitude toward DOMA and other gay rights legislation.

A coalition of 38 LGBT and HIV advocacy groups is calling for the removal of the last-minute Bush Administration expansion of federal rules prohibiting discrimination against health care workers on the basis of religion.

The Obama administration has launched a new 5-year campaign to increase awareness of HIV/AIDS in the U.S.

Hawaii’s civil unions bill appears to be dead in the water.

Morning Sweep

The following stories appeared in today’s New York Times, which we’re affectionately calling the Rainbow Edition:

Vermont’s legislative victory for same-sex marriage is fueling the passion of advocates in New York.

The Times editorial board praises Vermont and says it’s time for NY & NJ to catch up.

For the 2010 Census, Mayor Bloomberg and NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn have written to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke asking that the Census Bureau count legally married same-sex couples as “married,” instead of overriding their responses and counting them as “unmarried partners,” since federal law does not recognize same-sex marriages.

NYC has begun a new “Rainbow Pilgrimage” tourism campaign for gay and lesbian travelers in conjunction with the upcoming 40th anniversary of Stonewall.

Newly open gays in Iraq are facing a new wave of retribution, including a string of recent murders.


Gay City News writes on NY and NJ LGBT rights’ activists’ disappointment over our states falling behind in the battle for marriage equality.

New York’s Dignity for All Students Act to enact anti-bullying protections for LGBT youth in public schools has passed the State Assembly and will now go to the Senate.

Also writing on NYC’s new gay tourism outreach: the AP and am New York.

The Washington, D.C. City Council voted yesterday to extend full recognition to legally married same-sex couples, just like New York does.

In a gesture of inclusion to LGBT families, the Obama administration will include several in its annual Easter Egg Roll.

Morning Sweep

Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas has vetoed the state’s same-sex marriage bill. The State Senate has already voted 23-5 to override the veto. The State House, which voted 96-52 in support of the bill, needs five more votes for a successful override.

Obama has chosen a second gay representative to join his faith-based council.

Iowa’s Senate Majority Leader has said he will not consider any proposals to begin the process to amend Iowa's constitution to overturn the same-sex marriage decision. "The politics of it are I'm not going to put discrimination in the Iowa Constitution," he said. "That's a horrible idea. The people who are pushing the amendment are saying equal protection under the law -- except. I think that's unacceptable."

Hawaii gay rights advocates are trying to find a compromise on the state’s stalled civil unions bill by proposing an amendment that would make it clearer that the unions are not the same as marriage.

Morning Sweep

The Syracuse man accused of killing trans woman Latiesha Green last November has been indicted on a hate crime.

The New York Times editorial board calls Iowa’s same-sex marriage ruling “a refreshing message of fairness and common sense from the nation’s heartland.”

The AP predicts Iowa’s marriage ruling will lead to a wave of gay activism.

The Times reports that New England “remains the nucleus of the same-sex marriage movement, with a campaign under way to extend marriage rights to gay men and lesbians in all six of the region’s states by 2012.”

Morning Sweep

Syracuse University is considering a plan called "grossing up" that would essentially make up the difference in salary that its legally married gay and lesbian employees are forced to pay when they are taxed on their spousal benefits.

Love Makes A Family, the LGBT rights group formed to win family recognition legislation in Connecticut, has decided to close shop after 10 years and winning marriage equality. "We accomplished our core purpose," said Executive Director Anne Stanback about the decision.

Marc Ambinder suggests that the confirmation of John Berry as Director of the Office of Personnel Management would be the catalyst for President Obama to issue an executive order banning discrimination against all LGBT employees of the federal government.

Iowa's Supreme Court may hand down its long-awaited marriage ruling tomorrow morning.

Queerty produces an interesting graphic they call the"2009 Gay Marriage Horse Race" and strangely neglects to include New York--the state where the blog is based.

The Daily Beast interviews openly gay Congressman Barney Frank and discusses subjects ranging from Justice Scalia to former Senator Larry Craig.

Morning Sweep

The New York State Court of Appeals has decided that it will hear a case challenging New York's policy of recognizing marriages of same-sex couples that were legally performed out of state. The good news is that every single Appellate Court decision on this matter has been in favor of the current policy.

A recent Gallup poll found that Catholics are more gay friendly than non-Catholics.

Two mainline Protestant denominations--Lutherans and Presbyterians--are considering giving local congregations the freedom to marry same-sex couples.

The debate over several pieces of gay rights legislation--from ENDA to marriage equality--has stirred conversation in various Jewish communities, as JTA reports.

Sweden has become the seventh country in the world to pass a marriage equality bill.

In Singapore, when homosexuality is still illegal, an all-male interpretation of Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest" is causing quite a stir.