Morning Sweep

We hope you had a happy Thanksgiving! Here's an update on some of the news over the holiday:

The New York Times reports that the passing marriage could play a favorable role in the state's budget crisis: NY could expect to take in more than $50 million a year in new revenue from the legalization of same-sex marriage, from a combination of marriage license and tourism revenue.

Activists in New Jersey are lobbying for marriage there.

The L.A. Times writes forcefully against the "Manhattan Declaration," an anti-gay letter released last week by a group of Catholic, Protestant and Orthodox leaders.

The government of Portugal may soon legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

Morning Sweep

New Jersey's marriage bill has an uncertain future. And NOM is at it again, this time in the Garden State, where they're taking their hateful lies to the airwaves.

FBI data released Monday showed that hate crimes based on sexual orientation rose by nearly 11 percent in 2008, while the number of overall reported hate crime incidents increased by about two percent.

Rulings last week by two federal judges that the U.S. government must extend benefits to the same-sex spouses of federal employees may be paving the way to these benefits being granted.

Morning Sweep

Hundreds gathered at the vigil in Manhattan on Sunday evening for Jorge Mercado, the openly gay teen who was brutally murdered in Puerto Rico.

Two men have been indicted on hate crime charges in the June assault on a transgender woman in Queens.

U.S. Senator from NY Kirsten Gillibrand has been phoning State Senators to ask them to support the marriage bill.

A legislative session begins in New Jersey today, and the marriage bill could be on the agenda.

The Associated Press covered memorials held on the Transgender Day of Remembrance last week.

Legislative hearings on the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" will likely be postponed until next year.

The New York Times editorial board urges D.C. legislators to work with local Catholic charities to find a way to accommodate their needs so they will continue to provide services if same-sex marriage legislation is passed--but not to compromise on legislators' commitment to civil rights in the process.

Morning Sweep

New York's top court yesterday rejected the anti-gay Alliance Defense Fund's legal challenge that sought to take away some government protections granted to same-sex couples married in other jurisdictions and now living in NY.

Liz Benjamin explains what the ruling means for LGBT New Yorkers.

Some D.C. Council members are attempting to reach a compromise with the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington so Catholic Charities will not end its social services contracts with the District if marriage equality is extended to gay couples.

The New York Times writes about schools adjusting their dress codes to accommodate the changing times, including students whose clothing of choice isn't traditional for their gender.

Gender verification test results have been determined for Caster Semenya, the 18-year-old South African runner who made headlines for having her gender questioned by sports officials, but they won't be made public. “We urge all South Africans and other people to respect this professional, ethical and moral way of doing things,” officials said.

Morning Sweep

The D.C. Board of Elections and Ethics has ruled that a proposed measure aimed at banning marriage equality in the District cannot go on the ballot because it would violate the District's Human Rights Act. The Council will vote on marriage on Dec. 1.

Legal delays on ENDA could delay the legislation from being voted on until February.

Police say that a suspect has been arrested in the slaying of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, a 19-year-old openly gay Puerto Rican man who was found decapitated, dismembered and partially burned on Friday.

The Washington Post laments the closing of The Washington Blade, the 40-year-old LGBT news publication.

Morning Sweep

The President of the New York State Bar Association penned a letter to the editor in support of passing the marriage bill.

City Hall profiles Jimmy Van Bramer, one of the two new, openly gay NYC Council members from Queens.

The New York Times City Room blog writes on SAGE's efforts to provide support for LGBT caregivers of elderly family members.

The Times also profiles Sara Buechner, a successful classical pianist who came out as a transgender woman after having established herself as a musical professional.

California LGBT rights group pushing to return marriage to the ballot in 2010 have kicked off their campaign to collect petition signatures.

A gay couple was granted a marriage license in Buenos Aires on Monday after a judge ruled that a ban on gay marriage equality violates Argentina's constitution.

2009 Transgender Day of Remembrance

Friday, Nov. 20 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance, a national day established in 1998 to memorialize transgender and gender non-conforming individuals who have been killed because of who they are. The Day of Remembrance is also a day to raise public awareness and increase education about anti-transgender violence, and it’s a chance to renew our commitment to ending the prejudice and discrimination that leads to these crimes.

There are events taking place across New York State, and the Pride Agenda will be attending many in an effort to continuously raise awareness about transgender issues and to build support for the Gender Expression Non Discrimination Act (GENDA). We hope that you will join us at one of these events--click here to find one near you. In addition, to find out more about how you can get involved with the GENDA coalition in efforts to pass New York's transgender non-discrimination legislation, contact Pride Agenda transgender rights organizer Ejay Carter at ecarter@prideagenda.org or 518-472-3330 ext 306.

Buffalo News calls on Senate to pass the marriage bill

Yesterday, The Buffalo News called on the State Senate to pass the marriage bill. The powerful editorial is below.

Approve gay marriage

What the New York Legislature giveth, it is loathe to take away. Even when the state is in a $3.2 billion budget hole, and the tax-the-rich well has gone dry, lawmakers apparently cannot bring themselves to cut back on any of the annual entitlements they give to everything from public employees unions to local pork projects.

But there is a gift that members of the New York Senate could bestow upon many of their fellow citizens, one that has the rare political benefit of not costing their taxpayers, their interest groups — even their long-suffering constituents — a single thing.

The Senate should approve the bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York. The Assembly already has passed it. Gov. David A. Paterson is primed to sign it. Justice demands it. And no single person in the state of New York will, despite what many fervently believe, be any the worse for it.

When the state performs any function of civil authority, it must do so in a way that plays no favorites. Clearly, for the state to officially recognize an opposite-sex marriage between two consenting adults while refusing that same recognition to two same-sex partners is an act of discrimination that serves no legitimate state purpose.

The government's proper role in marriage is to register and, if necessary, enforce the contract entered into by two self-aware adults. If the couple lives happily ever after, the state's role is limited to that of dutiful file clerk. If not, the state may be required to step in to settle disputes involving property, support and custody of minor children.

The role of the state in settling such problems, though far from perfect in practice, does help non-working spouses or dependent children survive a dissolution, financially if not emotionally. Sexuality has no bearing on that function.

Opponents of same-sex marriage make much of the fact that, when the question was put to voters in liberal California and libertarian Maine, both states rejected it. But those votes, driven in no small part by scare tactics, are not good examples for an elected Legislature to follow.

In California, opponents falsely argued that churches would be forced to give their support to same-sex marriage if the state did. In Maine, the largely out-of-state campaign focused on the shibboleth, futilely refuted by the state's attorney general, that schools would be forced to "teach" same-sex marriage if such a thing existed in the Pine Tree State.

A state law recognizing gay marriage would govern only the actions of the state. No church would be required to sanctify a union it objected to. No school would be forced to sing its praises by that law.

Same-sex marriage is now legal in several nations, including Canada and the United Kingdom, and in five U.S. states, from New England to Iowa. Harm to opposite-sex couples, their children and their households, there or anywhere: Non-existent.

A gift that costs the giver nothing. Sounds tailor-made for New York politics.

Morning Sweep

The New York Times points out yet another area where same-sex couples are disadvantaged without legal marriage: the difficulty of last name changes.

An AP video report on marriage in New York features a poignant quote from a local NYC couple: "We share what I consider to be a great love and a great commitment and devotion to each other. And I think that when all is said and done, that should be all that matters."

The New Jersey Daily Record urges the state to pass a marriage bill soon so Gov. Jon Corzine can sign it before he leaves office in Jan. Corzine will be replaced by anti-marriage Republican Chris Christie.

The American Medical Association voted this week to pass resolutions declaring that bans on same-sex marriages contribute to health disparities; and to oppose "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Morning Sweep

In a radio interview earlier this week, Pride Agenda Executive Director Alan Van Capelle discussed the Senate Majority Leadership's commitment to vote on marriage before the end of the year, saying: "I don't believe they would have reached that agreement with us if they didn't have consensus within their membership about it. I believe the commitment they made. I believe it was sincere, that they want to address this issue before the end of this year, and I have every reason to take them at this year."

Gay City News summarizes the work that led up to the Senate Majority Leadership's commitment for a vote by the end of 2009.

Gay City's Paul Schindler writes that now is "no time for retreat" on our issues.

Democratic leaders in Congress may try to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy as part of next year’s defense authorization bill.

Connecticut celebrated one full year of marriage equality yesterday. The state has so far married 2,291 same-sex couples.

Washington, D.C.-based Catholic Charities, a Catholic organization that contracts with the state to provide social services, has threatened to sever it's ties with the District if same-sex marriage is passed.

Morning Sweep

Last night after the special session of the Senate ended, Gov. Paterson announced that an agreement has been reached to have a vote on the same sex marriage bill at "a date not certain between now and the end of the year." The Senate Majority conference has pledged to commit their time and energy to making marriage equality a reality in the state of New York. Read the Pride Agenda's Action Alert on the commitment here.

Same-sex marriage passed its first hurdle in D.C. yesterday when the Council's Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary voted 4-1 to send legislation to the full council for debate. The council is expected to take up and pass the bill early next month.

Salt Lake City became the first city in Utah yesterday to enact an LGBT-inclusive employment and housing non-discrimination ordinance.

Morning Sweep

Gov. Paterson has put marriage for same-sex couples on the State Senate's agenda when they return to Albany on Nov. 10. Read the Pride Agenda's statement on this here.

As a result of Tuesday's election, four members of the New York City Council will be openly gay -- more than ever before in the council's history.

Two men have been arrested in an allegedly anti-gay hate crime in Long Island.

Marriage advocates in New Jersey are angling for a vote on marriage before supportive Gov. Jon Corzine leaves office in January. Corzine was defeated by anti-marriage Republican Chris Christie in Tuesday's election.

The votes are still being counted on Washington state's Referendum 71, but the measure is expected to pass. The expansion of rights for same-sex domestic partners will mark the first time a state's voters have approved an LGBT equality measure at the ballot box.

The New York Times' Economics blog covers the special economic needs of transgender people in a surprisingly engaging way.

Andrew Sullivan gets down to the root of anti-marriage equality activists' common tactic of exploiting some parents' fears about the misconception that marriage for gay couples could affect school curriculum.

Jeremy Hooper's explanation of why losing in Maine is so infuriating is the perfect short, passionate and eloquent expression of the feelings of so many in the LGBT community and their allies.

Morning Sweep

LGBT leaders in New York remain optimistic about the possibility of a marriage vote in the State Senate.

Flatbush Senator Kevin Parker is calling on the State Senate to bring marriage equality to the floor.

Defeat in Maine has led many in the LGBT community to begin questioning current strategies for winning equality.

A NYC taxi driver is facing possible disciplinary action after kicking two men out of his cab for hugging.

Morning Sweep

As yesterday's election results still pour in, same-sex marriage advocates react with grief and anger over the loss in Maine.

Numbers are still too close to call on Washington's domestic partner benefits, but seem narrowly in favor of passing the measure.

Good news out of Kalamazoo, MI -- the city has voted to add sexual orientation and gender identity to its non-discrimination policy.

In other results, Michael Bloomberg, a supporter of marriage for same-sex couples, has won a third term as mayor of New York City. New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, a marriage supporter, has also lost to Republican challenger Chris Christie.

Activists in New York celebrate a win in the 23rd Congressional District, where Democrat Bill Owens has defeated Republican Douglas Hoffman in a district that has had Republican representation for over a century. The win repudiates claims that marriage was a wedge issue for voters in this district.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court heard arguments yesterday that it's 2006 ban of marriage for same-sex couples and civil unions was unconstitutional. The court is expected to rule on the issue by next summer.

Morning Sweep

LGBT advocates anxiously await today's results on Question 1 in Maine.

Some believe that regardless of the outcome in Maine, marriage for same-sex couples is coming soon to several states.

New Census data shows more similarities between same-sex and opposite-sex families.

Morning Sweep

The New York Times editorializes on current political battles for LGBT rights, and highlights New York as a "particularly frustrating" situation: "We do not have a precise head count. But we suspect that once the bill got to the floor, a majority of the Senate’s 62 members would recognize that same-sex marriage is a fundamental civil right. Continuing to delay a vote shows disrespect for New York citizens injured by the status quo. The time for a vote is right now."

A Brooklyn trial judge has found that a transgender non-biological parent has custody rights in a dispute over the child he has helped raise.

Chris Christie, a Republican challenger for governor in New Jersey, is attempting to use marriage equality as a wedge issue in the 11th hour.

As expected, Obama has announced that the 22-year-old ban on travelers with HIV coming to the U.S. will been lifted.

The U.S. Department of Justice has argued in court papers in the lawsuit filed by the state of Massachusetts that states allowing same-sex couples to marry can't force the federal government to provide protections to those couples because of DOMA. Although this position runs contrary to the Obama administration's desire to repeal DOMA, the DOJ has an obligation to side with Congress and defend any reasonable laws they pass.

Tomorrow's vote in Maine will decide whether the state will accept or reject marriage for same-sex couples. But Maine Gov. John Baldacci, who supports marriage for same-sex couples, says he doesn't see this as a national issue -- he's "just thinking about Maine."

The ballot measure in Washington regarding domestic partnership benefits has brought attention to the nature of petitions and whether the names of their signers should be a matter of public record.

Much attention is also being paid to tomorrow's vote in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where voters will decide whether to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city's non-discrimination ordinance.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, a longtime vocal advocate for LGBT equality, has dropped his bid to become governor of CA.

Morning Sweep

The New York Times editorial board writes on why California’s Supreme Court should rule Prop. 8 as unconstitutional.

The Wall Street Journal’s editorial board feels the opposite: that overturning Prop. 8 would overturn the will of the voters.

The only CA Supreme Court justice who voted against hearing the Prop. 8 case has a history of being supportive of LGBT rights, so legal experts are wondering what her motivation was.

The latest Prop. 8 opinion poll shows that since the election, 8% of CA voters have changed their mind and wish they hadn’t voted in favor of banning same-sex marriage.

A Florida judge will rule today in the case of a gay foster parent seeking to adopt the children he’s been caring for, despite the state’s gay adoption ban.

Legislators in Australia are expected to pass laws to give gay couples all the same rights as straight couples – just not same-sex marriage.

Morning Sweep

In accordance with Gov. Paterson’s instructions, The NY State Insurance Superintendent has issued a letter to insurance companies telling them that they must respect legal out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples.

Carmen’s Place, a Queens shelter for homeless LGBT youth, may be forced to close due to a lack of funds.

Obama may delay taking action on “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” until as late as 2010, so he can first focus on “foundation building and reaching consensus.”

Nothing like a little not-so-friendly sibling rivalry to get the week going: Candace Gingrich, LGBT rights activist and sister of Newt Gingrich, wrote a scathing note to her “big bro” on Huffington Post in response to his recent anti-gay comments.

Protestors in Arkansas rallied at the state capitol against the ban on unmarried couples adopting and becoming foster parents. A two-thirds vote by the Legislature could overrule the discriminatory ballot measure.

Morning Sweep

A local news station in Syracuse covered yesterday’s Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) events.

Transgender activist Donna Rose reflects on TDOR.

SAGE (Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders) faces sizable budget cuts under the Bloomberg administration’s current plans.

Gay City News summarizes all the New York Prop. 8 protest action and gets reaction from local LGBT leaders, including the Pride Agenda’s Alan Van Capelle.

Morning Sweep

California’s Supreme Court has voted to review Prop. 8’s constitutionality, but opted not to allow same-sex marriages to continue until they hear the case in March.

The L.A. Times editorializes on the complexities of the Prop. 8 case.

The first in a series of gay rights bills being proposed in Utah – a bill to amend state law so that all financial dependents (including same-sex couples) could sue if a breadwinner suffers a wrongful death – is already meeting opposition.

The former police officer accused of beating Duanna Johnson, the Memphis trans woman who was recently murdered, has been indicted for exercising unreasonable force, using a dangerous weapon, and causing bodily injury.

The online dating site eHarmony has settled a lawsuit brought against the company for its refusal to offer matching services for gays. The site will launch a same-sex matching branch called Compatible Partners by March 2009.