Weekly Political Roundup

• In 2008, Arizona voters could be deciding for the second time on a constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. Voters rejected a ban last November, the only defeat for such a measure in the country. The new ban would eliminate any mention of benefits for domestic partners or unmarried couples, in an attempt by conservatives to gain supporters who voted against the ban last year.
• San Francisco’s City Hall will soon be adorned with a bust of murdered City Supervisor Harvey Milk, one of the first openly gay elected politicians in the U. S. Artists unveiled three finalists for the design. A panel will select the winner at the end of the month, with the actual bust going on display in May.
• Missouri swore in its first out senator, Jolie Justus, who is also the mother of a fifteen-year-old girl. (Although the Kansas City Star said “Justus also brought her daughter” to the ceremony, they also said “Justus has a female partner and is rearing an unrelated 15-year-old girl as her daughter,” which, to my mind, trivializes the bond between them.) Interestingly, another new senator, Shalonn “KiKi” Curls, is the single mom of twin 15-year-olds. Let’s hope the visibility of different family structures opens people’s minds. (Thanks to the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Smartbrief.)
• Farther west, Virginia Linder became the first out lesbian to join the Oregon Supreme Court.
• In Washington state, five openly gay legislators have called for the legalization of same-sex marriage. They are also asking for enhanced domestic partnership rights, which would be available to unmarried opposite-sex couples as well, as long as one of them is at least 62.
• The Democratic Leadership Council, a non-profit coalition of centrist Democrats, has named former Congressman Harold Ford, Jr. to chair the organization. Ford was one of few Democrats who voted in favor of a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.

Around the world:

• An attempt to rescind the anti-discrimination Sexual Orientation Regulations met resounding defeat in Britain’s House of Lords.
• The Pope has said the Vatican will use all its influence to defeat proposed civil-partnership legislation in Italy.
• The legislature of the Mexican state of Coahuila approved a bill recognizing same-sex unions, “with numerous social benefits similar to those of married couples.” The state governor is expected to sign the bill. Last November, the Mexico City Assembly was the first jurisdiction in the country to pass such a measure. (Thanks, PageOneQ.)

If there’s political news from your state, town, or country that you’d like to share, send me an e-mail.