Archives – March, 2010
by Brian Leubitz
One of the more important of the 1,000+ rights of marriage under federal law is the right to bring your spouse into the country. In fact, marrying an American is even grounds for citizenship. Yet for same-sex partners, there is no right to stay in the country for your partner. Even if you are married under state law, whether in California, or in any other state that recognizes same-sex marriage, your marriage just doesn’t count. The “Defense of Marriage” Act (DOMA), a blatantly unconstitutional law, sees to that.
The easiest answer? Repeal DOMA, as President Obama pledged during the campaign. But, seeing as he has somewhat less spine as President Obama than he did as Presidential candidate Obama, that may not happen for a while. And Congress doesn’t look to be any rush to force the issue. However, it does appear that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wants to at least address this single egregious miscarriage of justice in the upcoming immigration bill:
“The failure to recognize permanent partners in the application for legal permanent residency is a major concern for many Americans,” reads the letter, which was obtained by Immigration Equality. Schumer then reiterates his support for the Uniting American Families Act, which would allow U.S. citizens and green card holders to sponsor their same-sex partners for permanent residency. “I support this principle of immigration reform,” he writes, “and I am working on introducing a comprehensive package that would address this issue along with a host of immigration issues…” (The Advocate)
Of course, the question will be whether the President and the Democrats will actually fight for this provision in the immigration bill, or whether it will be just another bargaining chip that can be tossed aside.
There is simply no reason why the federal government should be ignoring legal marriages and unions to eject same-sex partners from our country. This is one legal provision that is simply too important, too heartbreaking, to cruel to let stand.
March 19, 2010
by Brian Leubitz
I grew up in a Reform Jewish household. I’ll admit to not spending so much time on the doctrines of the faith, but I do retain my cultural heritage. I can do this, and remain true to myself, because Reform Judaism has been one of the leaders in gay rights. In 1990, they became one of the first major religious denominations to ordinate gay clergy, and in 2000 allowed same-sex commitment ceremonies. In California, many gay marriages were performed in temples across the state. And the conservative Jewish movement has since followed Reform Judaism’s lead.
But, it isn’t that easy in every faith. The Episcopalian church, the US version of the Anglican Church, has been torn apart by the question of how much respect should be granted to LGBT members. The first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson, received death threats when he became bishop in the Northeast. But Episcopalians will soon have a lesbian bishop in Los Angeles:
Last night it was confirmed that the Rev Mary Glasspool, who has been with her partner, Becki Sander, for 22 years, had received the required number of votes from bishops and standing committees. Her consecration will take place on 15 Mayin Los Angeles.
Glasspool, from Baltimore, welcomed the news but admitted that not everybody would share in her happiness.
“Not everyone rejoices in this election and consent, and [I] will work, pray, and continue to extend my own hands and heart to bridge those gaps, and strengthen the bonds of affection among all people.”
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Her victory underscores a continued Episcopal commitment to accepting same-sex relationships, despite enormous pressure from other Anglicans to change their stand. (GuardianUK)
There will always be bigots, and some of them in the Episcopalian Church are showing themselves by moving towards a virulently anti-gay faction that is growing out of Nigeria. Yet, it is heartening to see church members simply electing the best person for the job, and ignoring any threats from the bigots.
Congratulations to Rev. Glasspool and the Los Angeles Episcopal Church.
March 18, 2010
By Julia Rosen
Today Judge Walker is hearing an appeal of Magistrate Judge Spero’s ruling on disclosure by groups opposing Prop 8. Spero had expanded the disclosure needed by those groups, which they are trying to avoid.
Teddy over at FDL tried to liveblog it this morning, but there is no overflow room. He was in the courtroom itself and the clerk asked him to close his laptop. Will update when we have more information.
March 16, 2010
by Brian Leubitz
Karen Ocamb does a fantastic job covering the LGBT news of the day at her blog, LGBTPOV, the LA Frontiers newspaper, and throughout numerous LGBT publications. She is really a fantastic source for your LGBT news, especially anything going on in SoCal. So, it was with excitement that I clicked on over when I saw her recap of the HRC gala dinner.
To summarize: Kathy Griffin was the star of the show, and others…well…
So it uncommon for a self-proclaimed “D-List” celebrity to make more news than the politicos. But comedienne Kathy Griffin’s call to protest the antigay military policy Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was a significant highlight at the Human Rights Campaign gala March 13 at the Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel. Actress Portia de Rossi was also a hit with the story about her political evolution.
Griffin – the intentionally controversial comedienne awarded the HRC Ally for Equality Award – apologized for foregoing her usual “dick” jokes (see a funny red carpet interview with her on Radaronline.) But she decided to skip the prepared speech in favor of reading emails from a gay soldier doing his third tour of duty in Afghanistan and the soldier’s partner of 10 years – both of whom are suffering under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Griffin has taken her comedy tour to Iraq and intends to do a special on DADT on her Bravo show, “My Life on the D-List.” She announced that she is flying to Washington DC on Monday to meet with Congressmember Barney Frank and “whoever else” she can meet on Capitol Hill. On Thursday, she is holding a DADT protest in Freedom Plaza at noon, which will also be taped for her special. She asked the audience to use their social networks (“twat it on your twitter”) to spread the word.
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While this was a powerful segment, other portions of the HRC dinner were awkward.
For instance, there was an embarrassing paucity of politicians at the political fundraiser – most notably missing was California Assembly Speaker John Perez who just made history as the nation’s first openly gay Latino to head a state legislative body. (LGBTPOV)
Ocamb also felt that while it was great that Senator Boxer was able to speak to the crowd, the fact that she only stayed to speak, and quickly departed was something of a bummer. Also, Dr. Duane McWaine, the spouse of openly gay Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner, was not recognized by the HRC organizers.
Nonetheless, these events are as much to see and be seen as anything else. It’s less about actually bringing about political change, and more about raising cash for HRC and looking splendid.
So, did anybody attend the event? Any thoughts?
March 16, 2010
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