OBAMA "EL PRESIDENTE GAY"

OBAMA LLAMADO “EL PRESIDENTE GAY” PORQUE SENTÓ UN PRECENDENTE COLGANDO A D.O.M.A. DE UN CLAVO DANDO CON ESTO LUZ VERDE A TODO EL MOVIMIENTO GAY DEL PAÍS…

…AUTOMATICAMENTE SE ENCIENDEN LAS FOGATAS EN TODO EL PAÍS…

Gay Politics Report/3.08.2011

LGBT lawmakers play big roles in marriage, rights debates

The number of openly gay and lesbian state legislators in the U.S. may be small, but they play prominent roles in the fight to secure legal protections for same-sex couples, according to this article. "The more visible we are, the better. When you look someone in the eyes, it's a little harder for them to deny that we should have the same rights," said Deborah Mell, an openly lesbian Illinois state legislator who helped pass a civil unions bill in that state. The Associated Press.

Out lawmakers sponsor Colorado civil unions bill: Two openly gay members of the Colorado state Legislature are supporting an effort to create civil unions for same-sex couples in that state. The bill cleared a state Senate committee vote on Monday. "These are protections no family should be without," state Sen. Pat Steadman, one of the bill's sponsors. The Denver Post.

Washington considers recognizing out-of-state marriages: A Washington state bill sponsored by state Rep. Laurie Jinkins would recognize same-sex couples in legal marriages or civil unions under the state's domestic partnership law. "It says if you have a marriage in another state, you get a domestic partnership here," Jinkins said, explaining that she is attempting to make a technical correction to an existing law. The bill, which has passed in the House, will head to the state Senate. The Associated Press.

Gay, lesbian Maryland delegates issue appeal to colleagues: The six openly gay and lesbian members of the Maryland House of Delegates have issued a letter to their colleagues asking them to support Maryland's marriage equality bill, which is set for a vote this week. "For those of you who are not yet sure if you can support us, what we ask you for is the opportunity to talk face-to-face about the challenges our families face and how this legislation will help us meet them. What we ask is for the opportunity to protect our families as you would protect yours," the letter says. The Washington Post.

Obama made the decision to drop DOMA defense

President Barack Obama, a former professor of constitutional law, surprised both his aides and LGBT groups with his decision to direct the Justice Department to stop defending the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act. He warned White House staffers there would likely be political fallout, but added, "it's the right thing to do." Obama has developed a growing interest in LGBT issues, a source says. The Daily Beast

Boehner announces House will defend DOMA

House Speaker John Boehner announced last week that the House will act to defend the constitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of the marriages of same-sex couples. The move comes after the Obama administration announced it would no longer direct the Justice Department to defend key portions of the law. Philly.com

N.H. could force presidential hopefuls to weigh in on marriage

If activists succeed in getting the New Hampshire state Legislature to act on a bill that would repeal marriage equality for same-sex couples in early 2012, the timing could force presidential candidates to take sides on the issue. Such a vote could complicate some possible GOP efforts to deflect debate about social issues, according to this article. The Politico (Washington, D.C.)

New York activist slams Trump comments on marriage

Donald Trump's recent comments rejecting marriage equality or limited partnership rights for gay couples have earned him the ire of a gay activist in New York City. "Not only should gays be furious, we should be boycotting the products of the advertisers on his TV show," said Allen Roskoff, who was the city's first openly gay appointed official. Daily News (New York)

Married gay couple faces separation, deportation

Two men who married in the District of Columbia could be separated if one of them, a Salvadoran immigrant, is deported this week. Federal law prevents gay and lesbian U.S. citizens from sponsoring their same-sex partners for residency. Edge Publications

West Hollywood voters consider city's future as a gay haven

The city of West Hollywood, Calif., founded as a refuge for the LGBT community, is grappling with new demographics and new attitudes about gay culture. The debate about the city's future is playing out in local elections that have drawn numerous candidates. The New York Times