Gay marriage
Gay marriage opponents closer to qualifying R-74
OLYMPIA -- Opponents of gay marriage said Wednesday that they have reached the number of signatures needed to qualify a proposed referendum seeking to overturn a law legalizing gay marriage in Washington state, and could turn them in to the state as early as next Tuesday, ahead of a June 6...
Date: 05/30/2012 | Northwest
Brazil Senate committee OKs gay civil unions
BRASILIA, Brazil -- A measure allowing same-sex civil unions passed its first legislative step in Brazil's Congress, where it has lingered for 16 years.
Date: 05/24/2012 | Nation & World
Obama team trumpets new polling on gay marriage
WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama's re-election campaign is beginning to express some confidence that the president's historic, yet politically risky, embrace of gay marriage may not hurt him in the November election.
Date: 05/23/2012 | Nation & World
NAACP backs same-sex marriage as civil right
MIAMI -- The NAACP passed a resolution Saturday endorsing same-sex marriage as a civil right and opposing any efforts "to codify discrimination or hatred into the law."
Date: 05/19/2012 | Nation & World
Gov.: Rhode Island recognizing out-of-state gay marriages
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Rhode Island's governor on Monday declared that the state will recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere, giving gay couples the same rights as heterosexual ones when it comes to health insurance and a slew of other benefits.
Date: 05/14/2012 | Nation & World
GOP kills civil unions in Colorado special session
DENVER -- A last-ditch effort by Colorado's governor to give gay couples in the state rights similar to married couples failed Monday after Republicans rejected the proposal during a special legislative session.
Date: 05/14/2012 | Nation & World
Franklin Graham: Obama is shaking his fist at God
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- In another provocative comment aimed at Barack Obama, evangelist Franklin Graham on Thursday accused the president of having "shaken his fist" at God by changing his position on same-sex marriage.
Date: 05/10/2012 | Nation & World
Analysis: President takes big risk in election year
President Barack Obama's endorsement of gay marriage is an election-year boost to his liberal base that comes with some risks.
Date: 05/09/2012 | Nation & World
Gay marriage opponents closer to qualifying R-74
OLYMPIA -- Opponents of gay marriage said Wednesday they have more than half of the signatures they need to qualify a proposed referendum seeking to overturn a law legalizing gay marriage in Washington state.
Date: 05/09/2012 | Northwest
Ousted judges, ambassador get JFK award
BOSTON -- President John F. Kennedy's only surviving child is celebrating what would have been his 95th birthday this month by honoring three Iowa judges who were ousted after the court unanimously decided to legalize same-sex marriages.
Date: 05/07/2012 | Nation & World
How gay marriage fared in elections elsewhere
In February, Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a law allowing gay and lesbian couples in Washington to marry. It will take effect June 7 unless, as expected, opponents get enough signatures to put the law before voters in November -- with the hope voters will reject it. If opponents qualify
Date: 04/22/2012 | Need to Know
Spokane council tables gay marriage resolution
SPOKANE -- After hours of public testimony and debate, the Spokane City Council has tabled a resolution supporting the state's new gay marriage law.The Spokesman-Review reported the council has voted 4-3 to table the resolution indefinitely.
Date: 04/18/2012 | Northwest
Gay-marriage foes sought to split gays and blacks
The leading national organization opposing same-sex marriage has sought to split the Democratic Party base by pitting African-Americans and Hispanics against gay-rights groups, according to confidential strategy memos made public by court officials in Maine.
Date: 03/27/2012 | Nation & World
Gay marriage opponents not afraid to gather signatures
Two years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court grappled with whether people who signed a state ballot petition should remain anonymous.
Date: 03/25/2012 | Local News
Anti-gay marriage group seeks Starbucks boycott
OLYMPIA -- A national group opposed to gay marriage called Wednesday for a boycott of Starbucks in response to the company's public support of a new same-sex marriage law in Washington state.
Date: 03/22/2012 | Business
N.H. House kills gay marriage repeal bill
CONCORD, N.H. — New Hampshire lawmakers on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have made their state legislature the first one to repeal a gay marriage law, handing gay-rights supporters a key victory in the Northeast, where same-sex marriage is prevalent.
Date: 03/21/2012 | Nation & World
Monroe gay-rights group to discuss same-sex marriage
MONROE -- The idea came to Holly Teige when she was attending a summer parade in Carnation last year.The Monroe woman saw a float made by the small town's lesbian and gay community group."If Carnation had a group, then Monroe should certainly have one," Teige, 37, said.
Date: 03/16/2012 | Local News
Same-sex marriage petitions active
Those wanting to repeal the state's new same-sex marriage law can start signing petitions today in hopes of putting the question before voters in November.
Date: 03/15/2012 | Local News
Signature gathering set to begin for Referendum 74
Those wanting to repeal the state's new same-sex marriage law can start signing petitions Thursday in hopes of putting the question before voters in November.
Date: 03/14/2012 | The Petri Dish
Ballot wording finalized for anti-gay marriage measure
OLYMPIA -- A Thurston County Superior court judge has ruled that a proposed referendum seeking to overturn a new law legalizing gay marriage in Washington state will not contain the phrase "redefine marriage" if it makes it to the November ballot.
Date: 03/13/2012 | Northwest
Voters should determine fate of gay marriage, Gingrich says
OLYMPIA -- Newt Gingrich declined Friday to outright reject a new law legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state, saying if it goes to the voters and approved it will at least be enacted "the right way."The former House speaker's comments came on a visit to the state Capitol.
Date: 02/25/2012 | Northwest
Where Republican candidates stand on the issues
WASHINGTON — Here's where the 2012 Republican presidential candidates stand on a selection of issues.They are former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Texas Rep. Ron Paul, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum.___GINGRICH:
Date: 02/24/2012 | Nation & World
Gregoire reached out to Christie on gay marriage
OLYMPIA -- Washington state Gov. Chris Gregoire sent New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie a letter last month offering to talk about gay marriage.Gregoire, a Democrat, wrote Christie on Jan. 31, saying that she has been on a personal journey, "because while I am a Governor, I am also a Catholic."
Date: 02/16/2012 | Northwest
Santorum says gay marriage signing not last word
OLYMPIA -- Rick Santorum said Monday that Washington state's approval of gay marriage is "not the final word," as the Republican presidential hopeful rallied opponents who are exploring a referendum to block the law.
Date: 02/13/2012 | Northwest
Gay marriage legalized
Gregoire signs it into law, but opponents will file referendum
Date: 02/13/2012 | Local News
Gregoire: Santorum visit won't overshadow same-sex marriage law
Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum won't be stopping by to see Gov. Chris Gregoire in his pass through the Capitol this afternoon.
Date: 02/13/2012 | The Petri Dish
Gregoire signs same-sex marriage into law
OLYMPIA -- Gay and lesbian couples secured the legal right to marry in Washington today but whether any weddings will occur is a question voters will likely answer later this year.
Date: 02/13/2012 | Northwest
Gregoire to sign same-sex marriage bill Monday
A bill legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples will be signed into law Monday morning, the governor's office announced Thursday.
Date: 02/10/2012 | Local News
Same-sex marriage bill to be signed Monday
A bill legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples will be signed into law Monday morning, the governor's office announced this afternoon.
Date: 02/09/2012 | The Petri Dish
Voters may face 2 ballot measures on gay marriage
Associated PressOLYMPIA -- Voters may be presented with two ballot measures seeking to overturn a recently passed measure that would legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.
Date: 02/09/2012 | Northwest
House passes gay marriage
Governor is expected to sign bill into law next week
Date: 02/08/2012 | Local News
The battle ahead
Q&A: Voters likely will have final say on same-sex marriage
Date: 02/08/2012 | Local News
Today's House vote on same-sex marriage, and what happens next
Today should be the day the state Legislature finishes work on a bill to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.
Date: 02/08/2012 | The Petri Dish
Safety net of marriage should be for everyone
Marriage means love, commitment and family.I didn't really learn what else it means until my husband died almost 14 years ago. Legal marriage, as recognized by my state and country, means money. That's cold-hearted, but true.
Date: 02/08/2012 | Local News
State House committee advances gay marriage bill
OLYMPIA -- A House committee on Monday approved a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state, setting the stage for final passage this week.
Date: 02/06/2012 | Northwest
A Valentine's Day signing of gay marriage law?
Thousands of gay and lesbian couples could receive a Valentine's Day present from Gov. Chris Gregoire - the ability to get married legally.It's a possibility given the last few steps in the process for a bill to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.
Date: 02/03/2012 | The Petri Dish
Shin discusses vote against same-sex marriage
For weeks, Democratic state Sen. Paull Shin of Edmonds kept silent about how he might vote on the bill legalizing marriage for same-sex couples.
Date: 02/03/2012 | The Petri Dish
Big step for gay marriage
Senate approves bill 28-21; it may become law by next week
Date: 02/01/2012 | Local News
Same sex marriage vote - the reactions
Below is a sample of the statements issued tonight before, during and after the debate. Gov. Chris Gregoire, who watched the proceedings in the wings on the Democratic side:
Date: 02/01/2012 | The Petri Dish
Senate plans dinnertime debate on same-sex marriage bill
State senators are planning to meet at 6 p.m. to debate and vote on a bill to legalize marriage for gay and lesbian couples.
Date: 02/01/2012 | The Petri Dish
Same-sex marriage bill in line for Senate vote
As expected, the state Senate Rules Committee agreed today to send a bill legalizing same-sex marriage to the floor for a vote as early as Wednesday.
Date: 01/31/2012 | The Petri Dish
McKenna reaffirms stance against same-sex marriage
OLYMPIA -- As a bill to legalize gay marriage edged closer to becoming law Thursday, the front-running Republican candidate for governor is making clear he'll vote against it if given the chance this fall.
Date: 01/27/2012 | Local News
Sno-GLOBE Equality Alliance film festival Sunday in Everett
The Sno-GLOBE Equality Alliance will showcase three films in its inaugural film festival. The films look at the lives of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender people, sharing their stories.
Date: 01/27/2012 | Entertainment
Rep. Barney Frank to marry his longtime partner
WASHINGTON — Retiring Rep. Barney Frank, a gay pioneer in Congress, said Thursday that he will marry his longtime partner, Jim Ready.Frank spokesman Harry Gural said the liberal Massachusetts Democrat's wedding will be in his home state, but that no date had been set.
Date: 01/26/2012 | Nation & World
Senate committee approves same-sex marriage bill
OLYMPIA -- A measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state moved one step closer to passage on Thursday as a Senate committee voted to approve it.
Date: 01/26/2012 | Northwest
If gay marriage is on the ballot, McKenna is a No and Inslee is a Yes
Republican Rob McKenna, who polls show is currently leading the race for governor, is making clear this week he will vote against legalizing gay marriage if the issue reaches the ballot in November.
Date: 01/26/2012 | The Petri Dish
Seattle filmmaker brings film on marriages, gay and straight, to Everett festival
It's the story of Northwest couples, gay and straight, young and old.Seattle filmmaker Drew Emery has traveled the country showing his documentary "Inlaws & Outlaws."
Date: 01/25/2012 | Local News
Republican Dunn shunned for gay-marriage support
SEATTLE -- Republican attorney general candidate Reagan Dunn is finding himself shunned for coming out in support of gay marriage in Washington state.The Seattle Times reported that in the past week he's been disinvited to big GOP dinners in Whatcom and Franklin counties.
Date: 01/20/2012 | Northwest
State Senate now 1 vote short on gay marriage
OLYMPIA -- The Washington Legislature edged closer to having enough support to legalize gay marriage Thursday as major businesses declared their approval and a conservative Democrat who once opposed same-sex marriage said he will now vote for it.
Date: 01/19/2012 | Local News
Kastama signals support for gay marriage bill
Twenty-four down, one to go.State Sen. Jim Kastama, a conservative Democrat from Puyallup, announced today he will support a bill allowing same-sex couples to marry, leaving supporters one vote shy of a majority in the state Senate.But it wasn't easy for him.
Date: 01/19/2012 | The Petri Dish
Kastama to reveal how he'll vote on gay marriage bill
In the state Senate, there will be one less uncommitted vote on gay marriage Thursday.State Sen. Jim Kastama, a conservative Democrat from Puyallup, is calling a news conference at noon to announce how he will vote on legislation to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.
Date: 01/18/2012 | The Petri Dish
Same-sex marriage bill just two votes shy of majority in state Senate
OLYMPIA -- A measure to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state was introduced Friday in the Senate, where the measure was just two votes shy of having enough support to pass.
Date: 01/13/2012 | Local News
Bill for legalizing same-sex marriage arrives
A bill to make marriage legal for gay and lesbian couples was filed today in the state Senate.
Date: 01/13/2012 | The Petri Dish
McAuliffe declares support of gay marriage bill
Democratic Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell said today she will support a bill to legalize marriage for same-sex couples, moving the Senate to within two votes of passing the legislation.In a prepared statement, she said:
Date: 01/13/2012 | The Petri Dish
Senate panel schedules hearing on gay marriage
A tip of the hat to the blog of the Family Policy Institute of Washington for reporting first that a hearing is set for Jan. 23 on a Senate bill to make marriage legal for...
Date: 01/12/2012 | The Petri Dish
Near majority in state Senate may favor same-sex marriage
OLYMPIA -- Veteran Democratic Sens. Paull Shin, Rosemary McAuliffe and Mary Margaret Haugen are among a handful of lawmakers whose votes may determine if the state will make marriage legal for gay and lesbian couples.
Date: 01/11/2012 | Local News
AP: Gay marriage within reach in Legislature
OLYMPIA -- The Washington state Legislature is on the verge of having enough support to approve gay marriage, with votes continuing to realign in the state Senate, according to a tally by The Associated Press.
Date: 01/11/2012 | Northwest
Poll finds voters unlikely to repeal a same-sex marriage law
The Washington Poll today released more details of an October survey that show voters may not be willing to repeal a law legalizing marriage for gay and lesbian couples.
Date: 01/06/2012 | The Petri Dish
Gov. Gregoire says she’ll back same-sex marriage bill
OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly supported legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state, saying Wednesday that she came to the decision after several years of battling her own uncertainty on the issue.
Date: 01/05/2012 | Local News
Fight on legalizing same-sex marriage ramping up
Gov. Chris Gregoire today threw her full support behind efforts to allow gay couples to marry in Washington, ending years of opposing such a move.
Date: 01/04/2012 | The Petri Dish
Gregoire to hold news conference on gay marriage
OLYMPIA -- Gov. Chris Gregoire will break her silence on an effort to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state.
Date: 01/03/2012 | Northwest
New effort in state to legalize gay marriage
SEATTLE -- Gay marriage backers believe the time has come to take another step toward equal marriage rights for same-sex couples and make Washington the seventh state to legalize marriage of gay and lesbian couples, The Seattle Times reported in Sunday's newspaper.
Date: 11/13/2011 | Northwest
Gay, lesbian service members sue for marriage benefits
BOSTON -- A group of gay active and retired military personnel who are married sued the federal government Thursday for the same benefits as straight military couples, arguing it's a matter of justice and national security.
Date: 10/28/2011 | Nation & World
Judge says names can be released from petition seeking vote on gay rights
OLYMPIA – It's no longer a secret who signed petitions putting a controversial expansion of the state's gay rights laws up for a vote in 2009.
Date: 10/17/2011 | Local News
Census: 131,729 gay couples report they're married
WASHINGTON -- Increasingly visible, the number of gay Americans telling the U.S. census they're living with same-sex partners nearly doubled in the past decade, to about 650,000 couples. And more than 130,000 recorded partners as husband or wife.
Date: 09/27/2011 | Nation & World
GOP presidential debate focuses on economy
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry, in his third debate in six weeks, remained vague Thursday about how, precisely, he would translate his state's job-creation recipe into a national economic policy.
Date: 09/22/2011 | Nation & World
Marriage law hearing to feature same-sex couples
WASHINGTON -- The White House on Tuesday threw its backing behind a bill that would repeal a 15-year-old law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.
Date: 07/19/2011 | Nation & World
Obama challenges Defense of Marriage Act
SAN FRANCISCO -- In a strongly worded legal brief, the Obama administration has said the federal act that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman was motivated by hostility toward gays and lesbians and is unconstitutional.
Date: 07/03/2011 | Nation & World
Marines charged in alleged sham lesbian marriages
CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — Three Southern California Marine corporals are facing charges of defrauding the government for entering into sham marriages for financial gain, the military said Saturday.
Date: 07/02/2011 | Nation & World
Vegas targets same-sex honeymoons
Same-sex couples can't get married in Nevada, but Las Vegas tourism officials are still looking for a way to cash in on the growing gay wedding industry.The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority is considering marketing southern Nevada as a honeymoon destination for same-sex couples.
Date: 07/01/2011 | Business
Gay marriage backers: Vote has national impact
NEW YORK — Many obstacles still lie ahead for supporters of same-sex marriage, and eventually they will need Congress or the Supreme Court to embrace their goal. For the moment, though, they are jubilantly channeling the lyrics of "New York, New York."
Date: 06/24/2011 | Nation & World
New York gay marriage showdown will likely be Wednesday
ALBANY, N.Y. -- After a day of more closed-door negotiations, New York's Senate left unsettled a bill to legalize gay marriage, setting up a pivotal showdown Wednesday as lawmakers look to end the legislative session and national groups look for a sign of things to come on the divisive issue.
Date: 06/21/2011 | Nation & World
N.Y. Senate stuck on gay marriage as rallies grow
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Old-time, backroom politics faced down hundreds of chanting protesters from each side of the highly charged gay marriage debate in New York on Monday as the issue stalled again over whether religious groups could be protected from discrimination charges under a same-sex marriage...
Date: 06/20/2011 | Nation & World
N.Y. Gov. Cuomo the new face of gay marriage rights
ALBANY, N.Y. -- Gov. Andrew Cuomo has become a prominent champion of legalized gay marriage, pushing his state into the center of the national debate over an emotional and divisive issue.
Date: 06/19/2011 | Nation & World
Gay judge's same-sex marriage ruling upheld
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge on Tuesday upheld a gay judge's ruling that struck down California's same-sex marriage ban, saying his fellow jurist was under no obligation to disqualify himself simply because he was in a long-term relationship with another man.
Date: 06/14/2011 | Nation & World
Lawyers target Calif. gay marriage ruling by gay judge
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal judge's long-term relationship with another man was the subject of an unprecedented court hearing Monday that sparked sharp exchanges about whether the now-retired jurist had a duty to divulge whether he wanted to marry his own gay partner before he struck down...
Date: 06/13/2011 | Nation & World
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