- An anti-LGBT group in Illinois has abandoned its efforts to place a referendum about same-sex marriage on the ballot this November. They did not collect enough signatures, and failed in a court challenge.
- In Shreveport, Louisiana, three of nine gay and lesbian activists were taken into custody after attempting to enlist at a U. S. Marine Corps recruiting station.
- Minnesota State Senate candidate Paul Koering, an openly gay Republican, won his primary race, despite efforts by conservative groups to foil his race.
- Former New Jersey governor Jim McGreevey (D) wrote a book about his very public coming out, and is talking about it with Oprah, among others. Touching coming out story or mere self promotion from a clearly ambitious man? You decide. Meanwhile, LGBT citizens of New Jersey are waiting anxiously for the state’s ruling on same-sex marriage, which could come at any time.
- Four people from Westchester County, New York, have sued the state comptroller, Alan Hevesi (D), for his decision to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other countries. Hevesi’s 2004 ruling means same-sex spouses of those with state pensions will receive benefits like accidental-death payments and cost-of-living raises once the member dies, just like straight spouses. Those opposing his ruling say he exceeded his authority and acted illegally. They are also suing Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano (D) over his order requiring county departments and officials to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside New York. The group is backed by the Arizona-based Alliance Defense Fund.
- Virginia Attorney General Robert McDonnell (R) said a proposed ban on same-sex marriage would not adversely affect the rights of unmarried opposite-sex couples. Governor Timothy Kaine (D) disagrees, and is therefore urging citizens to vote against the measure. Tactically, Kaine may be doing the right thing. It’s a shame he can’t urge citizens to vote against the measure simply because it would adversely affect the same-sex families who are likely their neighbors and colleagues.
And around the world:
- The Canadian government will introduce a motion to re-open the issue of same-sex marriage the week of September 25. Sources say the government does not expect to win the vote, but introducing it will fulfill a promise by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
- Break out the haggis. The Scottish Parliament voted 103-8 in favor of legislation to give same-sex couples and unmarried people the right to adopt children. The proposal must still pass several other hurdles before becoming law, and several groups have vowed to fight the measure.
- Uruguay is expected to pass a civil union law in the next few weeks, becoming the first South American country to do so. Same-sex marriage will remain illegal.
Finally, we note with sadness the death of Tyrone Garner, not a politician, but one of the plaintiffs in Lawrence v. Texas, the landmark case that caused the U. S. Supreme Court to strike down anti-sodomy laws.
