U.S. National News
- The White House has issued a statement of President Barack Obama’s position on marriage equality referenda in Maine and Washington.
- The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, which would extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees, flew through its Senate hearing.The similar bill House bill has already passed out of committee. It is unclear if the full House will vote on it before the end of year.
- The White House nominated retired Marine General Clifford Stanley as Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, aka, the position that historically provides oversight of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. The Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, in an e-mail to supporters, said this is one of the “indications of seriousness of purpose on DADT repeal.”
- Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL) issued a statement of core principles for comprehensive immigration reform legislation, including a belief in family “as a cornerstone of our immigration system.” Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), who introduced the Uniting American Families Act to allow people to sponsor a same-sex partner for immigration, has been talking to Gutierrez about LGBT inclusion in immigration reform.
State News
- California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a bill to create Harvey Milk Day, and another to grant same-sex couples married out-of-state before Prop 8 full recognition as married spouses. On the flip side, he vetoed the Equal ID Act, which would have allowed transgender people to obtain new birth certificates, and the LGBT Prisoner Safety Act, which would have considered sexual orientation and gender identity when housing prisoners. He claimed existing law and policy was enough. Already, the right is having conniptions, claiming Harvey Milk Day “encourages public schools to commemorate the birthday of Milk.” Truth is, it “encourages,” but does not mandate, and Milk’s message of inclusion and hope is one that schools could benefit from, regardless.
- U.S. District Chief Judge Vaughn Walker stumped lawyer Charles Cooper during a hearing on the constitutionality of California’s Prop 8. Cooper asserted that Prop 8 is valid because it helps the state’s goal of fostering “naturally procreative relationships.” Walker asked, “What is the harm to the procreation purpose you outlined of allowing same-sex couples to get married?” to which Cooper responded, “My answer is, I don’t know. I don’t know.” Indeed.
- President Obama nominated Assistant Minneapolis Police Chief Sharon Lubinski as U.S. marshal for Minnesota. If approved, Lubinski would be the first openly gay or lesbian U.S marshal, and the first female U.S. marshal for Minnesota.
- Maine and Washington are getting the bulk of the press about their relationship-recognition referenda, but let’s remember that the New Jersey governor’s race will likely affect the fate of marriage equality in that state. Incumbent Gov. Jon Corzine wants to upgrade the state’s civil unions to full marriage; leading opponent Chris Christie says civil unions are just fine, and voters should decide on “that type of drastic change in one of the bedrocks of our society.”
Around the World
- Human rights groups are condemning the law proposed by a Ugandan MP to create a new crime of “aggravated homosexuality,” punishable by death.
- U.K. Labour MP Chris Bryant, has been promoted to the position of Europe minister.
- U.K. Conservative MP David Wilshire, who was responsible for the anti-gay Section 28 laws in effect between 1988 and 2003, will stand down at the next election after claims he abused his expenses.
- Uruguay’s legislature passed a bill that will guarantee transgender people’s right to legal recognition of their gender identity. An individual will have the right to change his or her gender in the civil registry after at least two years of persistent gender dysphoria. The bill now goes to President Tabaré Vázquez who is expected to sign it.
