Boston Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) 2008 holiday concert: Hallelujah Chorus

I hope you enjoy this very funny rendition of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel's Messiah.

Proposition 8 - The Musical

Check this out - it's a real hoot!

"Prop 8 - The Musical" starring Jack Black, John C. Reilly, and many more... by Jack Black

UUA Releases Marriage Equality Video

In light of the passage of Proposition 8 in California and similar blows experienced on election day which restrict the rights of bisexual, gay, lesbian, queer, and transgender people in other states (Florida, Arizona, Arkansas), the Unitarian Universalist Association has produced a video which makes clear the support of people of faith for marriage equality.

The video uses images, gathered from Unitarian Universalists (UUs) across North America, of those who have advocated for marriage equality or been joined in equal marriage; the video also celebrates the role of Unitarian Universalist clergy in officiating at these services.

Watch the video: YouTube (www.youtube.com/watch?v=nz8omkCTvQA)

Unitarian Universalist Association and Allied Faith Groups File Lawsuit to Invalidate California Proposition 8

On November 17, 2008, the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California (UULM-CA), and other religious leaders and faith organizations representing millions of members, filed a petition with the California Supreme Court asking the Court to invalidate Proposition 8. The petition argues that Proposition 8 poses a severe threat to the guarantee of equal protection for all and was not enacted through the constitutionally required process for such a dramatic change to the California Constitution. The full text of the petition (PDF) is available online.

The petition is filed on behalf of the California Council of Churches, the General Synod of the United Church of Christ, two Episcopal Bishops (of California and Los Angeles), the Progressive Jewish Alliance, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California, and the Northern and Southern California Nevada Conferences of the United Church of Christ. The groups are represented by Eric Isaacson, a Unitarian Universalist attorney based in San Diego, and by Jon B. Eisenberg of Eisenberg and Hancock, LLP, based in Oakland.

“Proposition 8 denies an entire class of citizens a basic civil right—the freedom to marry the person of their choice” said Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association. “Even worse, this amendment writes discrimination into the California Constitution. As people of conscience, we cannot permit legalized bigotry to attack California couples and families.”

The UUA has advocated for civil equality for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people for several decades. In 1996 the UUA’s General Assembly voted overwhelmingly to call for full legal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Hundreds of legally recognized same-sex weddings have been celebrated in UU churches in Massachusetts, Connecticut, and California.

The petition cites the California Constitution's declaration, in Article I, section 1, of the “inalienable” rights of all persons under the law: “This equal protection principle is the basis of our governmental social contract and thus the bedrock foundation upon which our state Constitution is built. It cannot be overridden by fleeting majorities.”

Eric Isaacson, attorney for the petitioners and a member of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of San Diego, explained why Proposition 8 threatens other minorities, including faith groups: "California's Constitution is based upon each person's equality before the law. To deprive people of equal protection of the laws on the basis of sexual orientation thus amounts to more than a simple amendment—it is a breach of the fundamental agreement that is our Constitution. If that can be accomplished by a simple majority vote, then all potential targets of discrimination are at risk—including religious groups."

“We are heartened by the outpouring of support from across the country,” said Rev. Lindi Ramsden, Executive Director of the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry of California, a group that fought against Proposition 8. "We trust that ultimately love will prevail over fear.”

Transgender Day of Remembrance, Thursday Nov 20, 2008

When: Thursday, Nov 20, 2008 7p - 9p
What: Boston to honor Transgender Day of Remembrance; Community Speak-Out, Vigil in 10th anniversary observance
Where: at St. Luke's & St. Margaret's Church, 5 Saint Lukes Rd, Allston, MA - Off Brighton Ave near Packard's Corner stop on the Green line - B train

For the latest details, please visit www.masstpc.org/dor.

All are welcome at Boston's Transgender Day of Remembrance observance at Allston's St. Luke's & St. Margaret's church, where a non-worship, non-denominational program begins at 7pm and concludes, after the candlelight vigil, with a reception featuring hot drinks and home-baked snacks.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the community gathering and candlelight vigil for slain transsexual Rita Hester. A program of speakers, featuring ASC's Rev. Kim Crawford-Harvie, will be followed by a community speakout, after which a candlelight vigil will retrace the path taken by the vigil that inspired what has become an international event.

Boston's transgender and LGB community extends a warm welcome to all who would like to attend this important event to memorialize our dead and underscore the seriousness of the suffering of our communities. No persons should be subjected to violence simply because of their gender identity or expression.

No persons should be denied the basic rights that enable their safety and security. Please join with us on this day to remember our dead, whatever the cause of their departure.

Event Background:

Ten years ago at this time, Boston's LGBT community recoiled in horror at the discovery of the latest victim of transphobic violence. Rita Hester, a popular figure in the local rock 'n roll scene, who also happened to be a transsexual, had been found brutally stabbed to death in her Brighton apartment. Like so many killings of gay and transgender persons, the victim was subjected to enough brutality to kill her many times over.

A local community of queer activists, rockers, family, friends and allies over 250 of them came together and held a speak-out and candlelight vigil in Rita's honor, forming a human stream of light winding its way through Rita's old Allston stomping grounds. One year later, a memorial vigil was held in San Francisco; the following year Boston and a few other cities joined in, and this year hundreds of observances will be held in dozens of countries.

Boston's transgender community remembers Chanelle Pickett, Debra Forte, Monique Thomas, and Rita Hester, all of whom were local transgender victims of unusually violent and hateful murders. Before these, there were many more, mostly uncounted and unnoticed by all but their friends and family.

Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, BAGLY (Boston Alliance of GLBT Youth), JRI Health - Boston GLASS/UYI, TransCEND (Transgender Care & Education Needs Diversity), Keshet, Interfaith Coalition for Transgender Equality, St. Luke's & St. Margaret's Church, GLAD (Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders), Fenway Community Health, MassEquality.

Save the Date: Thurs Nov 20 for Transgender Day Of Remembrance

Every year transgender people around the world gather in solidarity and community to memorialize those who have fallen victim to violence, and to reaffirm our solidarity and commitment to stand up for ourselves. This year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance will be observed in Boston on Thursday, November 20. This time we’re doing something a little different: we’re gathering for our traditional community speakout and candlelight vigil at St. Luke’s & St. Margaret’s (“SLAM”) in Allston. In recognition of 10 years passage since the Rita Hester tragedy, we’ll retrace the path taken then, by the vigil that inspired the International Transgender Day of Remembrance. So save the date: Thursday, Nov 20, 7pm, at SLAM in Allston. For more information, visit the TDOR pages at MassTPC.org/dor.

Follow Our Blog!

Blogger just introduced a new feature called "Following", that lets you keep up to date on our blog, and let people know (if you choose to follow us publicly), that you are a fan of the blog.

The advantage to you is that when you become a follower of a blog, the blog will also be added to your Reading List on your Blogger dashboard. You can read more here about following.

Just look over on the right hand side of the blog, and scan down until you see the item called "Followers". If you want to become a follower, just click the "follow" link.

A helpful web page as the election approaches

I stumbled across a page recently that gives you a guide to how Obama and McCain compare on gay marriage, LGBT adoption and sex education.

I hope you find this useful.

One-to-One Education To Protect Marriage Equality

The following is a "call to action" from UUs in California fighting to preserve marriage equality.

Dear Unitarian Universalists,

Here in California, UUs and our religious allies are working night and day to defeat Proposition 8 which would eliminate the existing right of same sex couples to marry. We must protect not only couples, but also our constitution. We must stand on the side of love.

1 of every 8 people in the US live in California. The outcome of Proposition 8 will impact, for decades, the rights of same sex couples and the role of wedge issues in politics across the nation.

$22.8 million dollars has been raised to enshrine discrimination in our constitution, and eliminate marriage for same sex couples. Much of this money has come from out of state religious groups.

California UUs working on the No on 8 campaign need your help.

Nothing is more important than one on one conversations with undecided voters to help us dispel misleading ads. Now you can help by phone banking from remote locations using our on-line system through your computer.

To get started in on-line phone banking, please contact Jeff Melcher and he will help you. There is a good script to follow, and some of the people you will talk to are downright inspiring.

While you can phone bank as an individual, it is even better to phone bank with a friend or two, or to organize a phone bank with your congregation. All you need is a computer, a phone, and high speed internet access for each person.

You can also help with a donation. Their ads are claiming that congregations will be sued if their ministers don’t marry same sex couples. We can’t let lies have the last word. Please consider a gift to the campaign. DONATE NOW to the No on 8 campaign! (The UU Legislative Ministry Action Network, CA-PAC is part of the No on 8 coalition, and your donation through this link will be flagged as a UU donation to the cause.)

Unitarian Universalists have been at the forefront of marriage equality for years. Keep the flame burning!

Please join the action now and help us make history – it is well within our reach!

Thank you for your support.

Blessings,

Rev. Lindi Ramsden,	Jeff Melcher,
Executive Director	Interfaith Phone from Home Organizer
	jmelcher@uulmca.org

Connecticut's Equal Marriage Decision

Rev. William G. Sinkford, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, issued the following statement on October 10, 2008:

On behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Association, I rejoice today at the Connecticut Supreme Court's decision to end discrimination in the state's marriage laws and to grant the freedom to marry to same-sex couples. While civil unions have provided some legal protection over the past three years in Connecticut, they cannot confer the dignity and respect that comes with marriage. We know from our nation's painful history that separate is never equal.

I thank the brave justices for honoring the spirit of the Connecticut constitution and extending its protections to same-sex couples. Today's decision strengthens thousands of families in Connecticut, and it offers renewed hope for committed same-sex couples across the country. Marriage is a civil right.
**********

Sinkford's statement is online at
http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/120896.shtml .
A statement from Rev. Josh Pawelek, who serves as Chairman of Connecticut Clergy for Marriage Equality, can be found at
http://www.uua.org/news/newssubmissions/120904.shtml .

The FUSF BGLT Resource Guide

The Interweave Chapter of FUSF has assembled a BGLT Resource Guide for the FUSF community. This Resource Guide contains a number resources for members of the community for Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender issues, and also has contact information for people who are available to discuss BGLT related issues.

The resource guide is available via the links list on the right hand side of this blog, and can be accessed directly via this link.

This Resource Guide has been a group effort by the Interweave Chapter, and will be updated as new resources are identified.

We hope this resource guide will be of value to the FUSF community.

Parents in Worcester to get letter on gender change

The title of this post will link you to an article that recently appeared in the Telegram and Gazette about a male elementary school custodian on journey to become female. It was a very interesting article, and the support of the school district from the superintendant and his staff is very encouraging.

Welcome to the LGBT Family and Friends Picnic

Here's what the sign at the entrance to our church the day of the LGBT Family and Friends Picnic.

Kiwi and Carol

Is this Kiwi caroling Carol?

Oodles of Bubbles

Donna Miller and Max having lots of fun at the LGBT Family and Friends Picnic

More Bubble Fun

Max and Donna making big bubbles.

Family Fun at the LGBT Family and Friends Picnic

Flying the Colors at Ferry Beach

Jake Jacobson sent us this picture of flying the rainbow flags at Quillen dormitory at Ferry Beach.

First Annual LGBT Family and Friends Picnic

Please join us for our first annual LGBT family and friends picnic.

It will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2008 11AM to 4PM a the First Universalist Society in Franklin (FUSF) - 262 Chestnut Street in Franklin, MA.

What we'll provide for you: grills, coolers, games, a good time, and fun.

What you will need: a blanket or lawn chairs and a luch for you and your loved ones.

Sponsored by the FUSF Interweave Group.

Please RSVP by email to interweavefusf@yahoo.com.

Gay Rights, Religious Liberties: A Three-Act Story

Click the linked title for an excellent "three act" story from NPR.

Mark Your Calendar!

The FUSF Interweave Chapter is hosting a GLBT family and friends picnic!

Where: The First Universalist Society in Franklin 262 Chestnut Street Franklin MA 02038(Map)

When: Saturday, September 6th 2008, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM

We will provide grills, coolers, games and fun!
You bring a chair/blanket and a lunch for you and your loved ones!
Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you there

A Step Closer to Justice

New York Times
May 30, 2008
Editorial

New Yorkers should be proud of Gov. David Paterson’s efforts to assure basic civil rights for same-sex couples married outside the state. Now, the State Legislature should prove its own commitment to equality and justice by granting gay couples the right to marry in New York State.

Mr. Paterson has directed state agencies to respond to a recent court ruling by reviewing more than 1,300 state policies that affect married people. He wants to ensure that New York fully recognizes all legal marriage licenses, including those granted to gay couples in places like Massachusetts, Canada, South Africa and soon, California.

If that sounds like mere paper shuffling in Albany, it is not. It means that New Yorkers who marry in San Francisco or Montreal can return home knowing that their rights will be protected. That is progress, especially since many states have specifically outlawed even the recognition of same-sex marriages granted legally elsewhere.

Despite the growing political outcry, Mr. Paterson is on firm legal, as well as moral, ground.

For more than a century, New York has recognized marriage contracts from other states — even if those couples could not legally marry in New York. New York does not grant licenses for common law marriages, but if such marriages are legal elsewhere, they are recognized in New York. In February, a New York State appeals court ruled unanimously that this “marriage recognition rule” also had to apply to any same-sex couple with a legal marriage license obtained elsewhere.

While most Democrats in Albany have pushed for legislation to legalize gay marriage, most Republicans have argued that it is enough to adjust state laws to make them more equitable for same-sex couples. These half-measures have not worked.

The New York City Bar Association and Empire State Pride Agenda last year identified more than 1,300 aspects of New York State law that either deny rights to gay couples or make their lives far more complicated.

There are cases of one partner being denied access to a mate’s hospital room. People who have spent their adult lives together without the benefit of a marriage license can be compelled to testify against each other. Benefits for survivors from workers’ compensation go only to a legally recognized spouse.

After one of the most vigorous and emotional floor debates in recent Albany history, the Democratic-controlled Assembly has passed a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in New York. The Republican-controlled Senate has refused, so far, to act.

Governor Paterson has worked hard to promote comity in Albany — we fear at the cost of many essential reforms. He should use his influence with the Republican Senate leader, Joseph Bruno, to get the Assembly version of the marriage bill passed this year.

No matter their sexual orientation, New Yorkers should have the same fundamental right to marry. Governor Paterson has taken an important first step, but it is not enough. Now he needs to persuade the rest of Albany to do what is fair.

New York to recognize gay marriages

(Click the title for the full article)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- Gov. David Paterson of New York has told state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed in states and countries where they are legal, his spokeswoman said Wednesday.

New York agencies have been told to recognize same-sex marriages performed in places where they are legal.

The governor's legal counsel told state agencies in a May 14 memo to revise policies and regulations to recognize same-sex marriages performed in California and Massachusetts as well as Canada and other countries that allow gays and lesbians to marry, said Erin Duggan, the governor's spokeswoman.

The memo informed state agencies that failing to recognize gay marriages would violate the New York's human rights law, Duggan said.

The directive follows a February ruling from a New York state appeals court. That decision says that legal same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions are entitled to recognition in New York.

California ban on same-sex marriage struck down

(Click the title to go right to the story on CNN)

The California Supreme Court struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage Thursday, saying sexual orientation, like race or gender, "does not constitute a legitimate basis upon which to deny or withhold legal rights."

In a 4-3 120-page ruling issue, the justices wrote that "responsibly to care for and raise children does not depend upon the individual's sexual orientation."

"We therefore conclude that in view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship, the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples," Chief Justice Ronald George wrote for the majority.

The ruling takes affect in 30 days.

GAYLA Celebrates 30 In July

GAYLA 30 "Celebrating the Spirit of Brotherhood" will be held at the Ferry Beach Park Conference Center in Saco, Maine July 12-19, 2008. This year's theme will commemorate GAYLA's creation 30 years ago as one of the earliest communities of gay brotherhood created in the US.

Over these many summers a number of male Interweave members and UU congregants have attended GAYLA and have always enjoyed themselves. They have joined hundreds of men from--Maine to Texas, Florida to Canada, Scotland to Hong Kong--who have come to the ocean to rekindle friendships, renew their gay spirituality, find love, and experience the re-creation of a community of purpose and brotherhood. Single and partnered gay and bisexual men ages 18 and older continue to come to GAYLA for an all-inclusive, affordable vacation alternative that can potentially change men's lives.

During GAYLA week, men are given opportunities to discover their true nature as they share experiences, expand horizons, have fun, and learn from peers. GAYLA brothers participate in a variety of daily activities including track sessions, conferee-initiated Open Space workshops, GAYLA Men's Chorus, Talent/No Talent show, "Decades of Decadence" Tea Dance, Morning Chapel in Grove, creating/wearing fabulous outfits, and participating in festive evening activities. When brothers need to decompress, they always have the option of just sitting, relaxing, and enjoying the beach amidst the waves and scenic sand dunes or on Quillen porch with the refreshing ocean breezes and beautiful Maine scenery serving as a backdrop for fellowship and developing new friendships.

GAYLA 30 tracks presently scheduled include: "Making Spiritual Practice Part of Your Daily Life", "What Does It Mean to Live an Integrated Life", "Alternative Sex Play: From Prude to Pro!", "Great Queer Composers and How They Touch Us", "How to Be a Team Player aka Sports for Sissies", "The Beach Is Back", "Nature with John" and "Expressing Your Art as a Man".

With special surprises scheduled and many returnees expected for GAYLA 30, early registration is urged. This year's inclusive rates with all meals option are $820 for comfortable dorm rooms and $752 for camping in the Grove. To see lower-cost meal options and register contact www.ferrybeach.org or 207-282-4489 and www.gayla.org for further conference info.

Limited needs-based financial assistance is available by contacting Wayne Cotnoir (waynecot1@coxnet.com) before June 1, 2008. Interweave or Welcoming UU Congregation members who have specific questions can contact member Tom Malone, at (tmalone2@comcast.net).

Two NPR Stories on Transgender

In our continuing quest to become better informed about transgender issues, we're offering links to two stories on families facing gender identity issues.

These stories are especially poignant, because they deal with families where the children express their gender identity preferences when they are very young.

The first story deals with two families, one on the east coast, one on the west coast, where their sons expressed their gender identity preferences when they were two years old. The two families found two therapists who recommended two very different approaches. You can read the story here. This story has a set of questions and answers with the two therapists involved, where each discusses their very different approach.

The second story talks about the use of hormone treatments to help delay puberty in cases of gender identity, to give the child involved more time to work with their treatment teams to make the choice on gender identity. This story also had a related set of questions and answers.

My personal take - I found both stories interesting, uplifting, and disturbing. In the end, I'm glad I read both, and they helped me see the oh-so-many shades of gray in a very important issue. I'm happy and proud that NPR ran this series of stories.

The most telling quote came from the therapist who was explaining how families react to their transgender children. She said "Parents come to me and say, "I don't have a problem with him being gay, but I hope he's not transgender. A generation ago, they were saying "I don't have a problem with him being effeminate, but I hope he's not transgender."

My hope is that it won't take a generation to help families accept the reality of this gender identity issue.

Company takes gay man's benefits for moving

Thanks to Jake Jacobson for sharing this story with us.

Click the title of this blog post, and it will take you right to the story.

More on Colorado Same Sex Marriage

The UUA site posted this article on the Colorado Same Sex Marriage law suit, along with links related articles. I've included the YouTube video they recommended here for your viewing pleasure.

Happy Valentine's Day - Soulforce Style

Thanks to Carol Rosine for forwarding this email from Soulforce:

The following text is modified from an article written by Soulforce organizer Chris Hubble, and originally published in Out Front Colorado:

There may be no contemporary narrative more compelling for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people than Valentine's Day. However commercialized this romantic icon has become, couples still fervently celebrate it. On this day, too, LGBTs subtly remind ourselves (and everyone else) just how "mainstream" we really are. We plan commitment ceremonies, trade sentimental gifts, deliver extravagant bouquets of roses, consume voluminous quantities of chocolate, and spend profligate amounts on restaurant dinner bills ... just like everyone else!

But Valentine's Day also evokes a mythological, historical narrative which tells the story of a civil resister of an oppressive regime seeking to deny its citizens' rights. When the Roman Emperor Claudius II sought more soldiers for his brutal military campaigns, he tried to deny young Roman men the right to marry -- apparently believing that single men might be more easily persuaded to join his legions. Valentine, a Christian priest living in a pagan world, defied the emperor's decree and continued to observe the holiday honoring Juno, Roman goddess of marriage, by secretly marrying young Roman couples. When his defiance was discovered, Valentine was jailed - and subsequently died on February 14, 269 C.E.

This year, in addition to celebrating Valentine's Day in the conventional way, Englewood, Colorado couple and Soulforce volunteers Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder also remember this historic St. Valentine. You see, last September 24th, they were arrested for staging a sit-in at the Denver Clerk and Recorder office after being denied a marriage license. For this courageous act of civil disobedience, Kate and Sheila went to court yesterday and a hearing was set for February 28, with the actual trial set for April 13 and 14, 2008. Numerous local religious leaders have already submitted affidavits on their behalf, arguing that the State's denial of their marriage rights (and refusal to recognize their marriage rites) represents a violation of both the "Free Exercise" and the "Establishment" clauses of the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. Kate and Sheila have been interviewed by both local and national media outlets and today their story appeared in The New York Times.

Like other couples, Kate and Sheila now celebrate a shared narrative. A Colorado native and civil rights activist, Kate is an author of three books and an editor of numerous anthologies. Sheila is a Professor of Communications at the University of Denver and an award-winning filmmaker. They met several years ago in Eldora, Colorado, at Kate's family cabin. Sheila was visiting with Kate's sister during a family gathering. Months later, they first said "I love you" while watching a meteor shower from an immense slab of rock in the cabin's backyard. On that same rock, they also celebrated their 2003 commitment ceremony with their pastor, Rev. Mike Morran of First Unitarian Church of Denver. Sheila even burned her Valparaiso University college sweatshirt on that rock after they refused to publish her and Kate's wedding announcement in the school's alumni newsletter. She included that scene in her ironically named short film, Proud Alumni.

Kate and Sheila are now completing their latest project: SoleJourney, a full-length documentary film which "plunges into the center of Soulforce's relentless nonviolent resistance as it follows diverse families confronting the anti-LGBT rhetoric of the fundamentalist mega-organization Focus on the Family."

Neither of them regrets their recent civil disobedience. Sheila, when responding recently to a question about marriage equality and the 2006 ballot initiatives, quipped: "Once you get kicked in the seat, you have to get back up and give it another try."

On this Valentine's Day, Soulforce wishes to acknowledge and honor Kate and Sheila, as well as the impressive leadership of Christopher Hubble, who serves as the Lead Organizer for Soulforce In Colorado.

Meanwhile, the young activists of Soulforce Q prepare to launch the second installment of their "Right to Marry" Campaign by returning to New York state to work closely with student and community leaders in the Bronx, the Binghamton area, the Plattsburg area, and the Poughkeepsie area. Their goal is to speak directly to businesses and ask for their vocal support for marriage equality, which will be used as meaningful evidence with chambers of commerce, city councils, mayors, and local politicians. Soulforce will update you on their efforts over the next several weeks. For more information, go to www.soulforce.org/righttomarry.

Happy Valentine's Day - Soulforce Style! To make an online contribution to help Soulforce work toward marriage equality and social justice, go to www.soulforce.org/donate.

The goal of Soulforce is freedom for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from religious and political oppression through the practice of relentless nonviolent resistance.

To read past Soulforce email alerts go to www.soulforce.org/email.

A Victory for Same-Sex Marriage

Thanks to Jake Jacobson for passing this New York Times Editorial along to us:
February 5, 2008

n a decision at once common-sensical and profound, a New York State appeals court ruled Friday that same-sex marriages validly performed in other jurisdictions are entitled to recognition in New York. It was common sense because it simply accorded same-sex marriages the same legal status as other marriages. It was profound because of the way it could transform the lives of gay people.

The plaintiff in the case, Patricia Martinez, a word-processing supervisor at an upstate college, married her longtime partner, Lisa Ann Golden, in Canada in 2004. When Ms. Martinez applied for health care benefits for her spouse, the college denied the application on the grounds that New York did not recognize the marriage.

The court, by a 5-0 vote, declared that the college was wrong. Employers in the state must accord same-sex couples the same rights as other couples. To reach that result, it simply applied New York’s “marriage recognition rule.” Under this century-old common-law rule, marriages validly contracted out of state must be accorded respect in New York, and parties to such unions treated as spouses, regardless of whether the marriage would be allowed in New York.

The rule applies unless the Legislature explicitly prohibits recognition or recognition would be abhorrent to public policy. Unlike many states, New York has not passed a law denying recognition to same-sex marriages performed elsewhere. The court rightly decided that recognizing same-sex marriages would not be “abhorrent.”

The ruling is particularly welcome because it follows a regrettable decision two years ago by New York’s highest court. That decision said that prohibiting same-sex marriages from being performed in New York does not violate the State Constitution. Honoring same-sex marriages validly performed out of state is a wholly separate legal issue, a point that New York’s attorney general, Andrew Cuomo, usefully underscored in a friend-of-court brief.

The new decision still leaves considerable work to be done. New York’s ban on performing same-sex marriage remains in force. And there is a chance that the marriage-recognition decision will now be appealed.

Still, the ruling marks important progress toward changing laws and attitudes that deprive gay people of equal rights and deny the dignity of New York’s many gay families. They should be able to live, marry and raise children with the same respect and the same rights as anyone else.

Gay Evolution in RI - Providence Journal

In case anyone is interested in sifting through many photos and
stories, Gay Evolution in RI. Great coverage in today's Providence
Journal. Photos of David and I in one of the slide shows.

Emile Belisle

http://www.projo.com/extra/2008/gay_history/activist/

http://www.projo.com/extra/2008/gay_history/

A Kripalu Retreat

The Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health is offering a retreat that some of you might be interested in attending

Live, Love, Laugh, Learn: The L Words - A Retreat for Lesbian Couples

Feb 8-10, 2008 (2 nights, Fri – Sun)

There is real magic created when women come together to share their paths. Treat yourself and your partner to a pre–Valentine's Day gift of focused time with each other in the company of other lesbian couples, enhanced by Kripalu's beautiful setting and guest amenities.

This workshop will focus on bringing you and your loved one closer together by sharing massage, partner yoga, dance, and meditation, along with group and couple experiences. Come and spend a delicious weekend surrounded by the power of lesbian community. Let the enchantment unfold! No experience in yoga or massage is necessary.

Here's the link to the whole listing in their online catalog.