- LGBT-rights groups are opposing President Bush’s nomination of Dr. James Holsinger of Kentucky to the post of Surgeon General. Soulforce reports that the church Holsinger co-founded operates an “ex-gay” ministry. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force adds that he authored a 1991 paper titled “Pathophysiology of Male Homosexuality,” which equates homosexuality with disease.
- Legislation introduced in the Senate would equalize domestic partners and spouses with respect to federal taxes on employer-provided health care benefits. Currently, businesses pay payroll tax, and employees pay payroll and income tax, on partner benefits. Spousal benefits are not taxed. A similar measure was introduced in the House in March.
- When a lesbian mom told presidential candidate Mitt Romney that his stance on same-sex marriage “invalidates my family,” Romney replied “I’m delighted that you have a family and you’re happy with your family. That’s the American way. … People can live their lives as they choose and children can be a great source of joy, as you know. And I welcome that.” He then proved he meant nothing of the kind, repeating “Marriage is an institution which is designed to bring a man and woman together to raise a child and that the ideal setting for society at large is where there is a male and a female are associated with the development and nurturing a child.” Apparently realizing all the groups he may just have offended (but clearly overlooking the grammarians), he added “There are other ways to raise kids that’s fine: single moms, grandparents raising kids, gay couples raising kids. That’s the American way, to have people have their freedom of choice.” Though we may consider him a nonsupportive waffler, his words were enough to garner him the criticism of the Christian Broadcasting Network.
- The California Assembly passed a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has said he will veto it if it passes the full legislature, as he did once before with a similar bill.
- The Maine Legislature passed an amendment extending family and medical leave to LGBT employees. Governor John Baldacci is expected to sign it. The measure had wide support, including that of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland. (One might cynically speculate they did so in part to try and convince people there is no need for same-sex marriage.)
- Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick may try to postpone next week’s scheduled vote that could place a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage on the November ballot. He said he wants to make sure the vote “goes the right way.” While I would in some cases argue that’s not the point of a vote, I think the underlying point—that civil rights are not a voting matter—is critical enough that I’m glad Patrick is stepping in here. He will also become the first governor in state history to march in Boston’s Pride Parade when he does so tomorrow.
- Kalamazoo, Michigan will become the state’s first public employer to take away existing health insurance benefits from workers with same-sex partners, using the 2004 same-sex marriage ban as justification.
- The state of New York could gain $184 million in revenues, mostly from out-of-state couples and their guests, if it legalizes same-sex marriage, estimates a new study.
- The Wisconsin House voted along party lines to reject a measure to provide domestic partner health benefits to state workers. Republicans say it would violate the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The Democratic majority in the Senate may push for the benefits in their budget.
Around the world:
- Taking a page from Mitt Romney’s book, Australian Prime Minister John Howard said he is opposed to same-sex couples adopting children and that having a mother and a father
“gives children the best opportunity in life.” At the same time, he conceded “I’m not saying that gay and lesbian people don’t display enormous affection to children.” Yeah. Thanks. Howard also repeated his past objection to allowing lesbians access to infertility treatment if they are not medically infertile. - The Israeli Knesset voted in favor of two bills introduced by ultra-right religious parties and intended to ban the June 21 Gay Pride March in Jerusalem. The bills require two more votes for passage. Meanwhile, approximately 3,000 marchers participated in Tel Aviv’s Pride Parade today.
Finally, 365gay published a good, up-to-date summary of LGBT relationship laws in the U.S. and around the world.