Over 40,000 dead. Over 60,000 injured. 3.3 million homeless, with winter fast approaching. The South Asia earthquake is the third major natural disaster in the past twelve months, following Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami, and as such, risks facing a world tired of donating, airlifting, and rebuilding. As a mother, I cannot read […]
Earlier this week, Connecticut became the second state after Vermont to recognize same-sex civil unions. It was the first state to do so by an act of the legislature rather than the judiciary. The good news is that this milestone caused barely a ripple, news-wise. The other good news is that couples unionized (or is
On Thursday, as promised, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed the same-sex marriage bill that had passed the California state legislature. He cited constitutional confusion that would result if the bill passed, since a state appeals court is already considering the constitutionality of the state’s same-sex marriage ban. Schwarzenegger did speak out in favor of domestic partnerships,
The American Library Association (ALA) is sponsoring their 14th annual Banned Books Week: Celebrating the Freedom to Read, September 24-October 1, to remind Americans not to take intellectual freedom for granted. In observance of Banned Books Week, the ALA publishes a list of the most challenged books and authors of the previous year. A challenge
Ontario Christian School in California has expelled a 14-year-old student because her parents are lesbians, the Associated Press reports via Yahoo! News. School policy dictates that at least one parent must avoid actions “immoral or inconsistent with a positive Christian life style, such as cohabitating without marriage or in a homosexual relationship.” The parents should
Several conservative groups are pushing an anti-Starbucks campaign because of an objectionable quote on its coffee cups, 365gay.com reports. The quote in question is from Armistead Maupin, author of the gay-themed Tales of the City. It’s apparently part of a horrible secret agenda to promote literacy and cultural awareness while one sips a latte. Baylor
As expected, the Massachusetts Legislature yesterday rejected a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would have halted same-sex marriages in the state. Opponents are pushing for a new amendment, however, that would not only prevent same-sex marriages, but also forbid civil unions. The battle is won, but not the war. If you live in
The New York Times reports today that many conservatives have taken the family lives of penguins, depicted in the blockbuster documentary March of the Penguins, as affirming “traditional norms,” and proof of “intelligent design.” Funny how these same conservatives seem to be ignoring examples of same-sex pairs among swans and other animals, including penguins. La
The Associated Press reports that support has fallen apart for an amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Massachusetts. The official vote on the matter is scheduled for tomorrow. Phew. Won’t have to return the china after all.
Four years ago today. For many of us, one of the most vivid moments of our lives, still remembered in all its intensity. And yet . . . it seems an eternity ago that we were living without the constant hum of threat, without the extra layer of fear when we fly, without the added
