Gay New England Daily Blog

Hey readers,

Kicked the flu, and back online. Has everyone been following the gay marriage debate? Thoughts? Here is some recent news on the topic:

Attorney general says most out-of-state gays can't marry in Massachusetts
We've been waiting for a ruling on this one: Same-sex couples living in states where laws ban gay marriage (38 at last count) will not be able to marry in Massachusetts, the state's attorney general said Tuesday. Although a court has ordered that gay and lesbian couples can begin marrying in Massachusetts on May 17, Attorney General Thomas Reilly said an obscure 1913 state law prevents the state from issuing marriage licenses to couples who are not eligible to be married in their home states. He said Massachusetts should give a list of those states to town clerks so that they can refuse marriage licenses to people residing there. ajc.com

Meanwhile, Reilly is resisting pressure from Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who wants Reilly to keep gay marriage from becoming legal on May 17. Romney argues gay marriage should be put on hold for at least another 2½ years now that lawmakers have backed a ban on same-sex weddings that may be added to the state constitution in 2006. Reilly refused, arguing that the court had made itself clear in November and in an advisory opinion in February. "The arguments the governor makes are political arguments," said Reilly, who is viewed as a possible gubernatorial opponent in 2006. "The governor's job is to implement the law of the state, and I expect him to do that." Republican-American
Massachusetts attorney general speaks out.

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Mass. lawmakers agree on gay marriage ban
Massachusetts lawmakers gave preliminary approval Monday to a state constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriages but offer civil unions to same-sex couples. If the amendment receives one more vote of approval during the current session, the Legislature still would have to adopt an identical measure in the 2005-06 session then send it to voters on the November 2006 ballot before the state constitution could be changed. Under a state high court ruling in November, the nation's first state-sanctioned gay marriages will take place in Massachusetts on May 17. The amendment would have no effect on that deadline. Competing cries of "Jesus Christ" and "Equal Rights" shook the Statehouse as backers and opponents of same-sex marriage filled the hallways.
ABC News

Governor Mitt Romney immediately vowed to ask the court to block gay marriages until voters can decide the fate of the dual proposal in November 2006. "The Supreme Judicial Court should delay the imposition of its decision until the people have a chance to be heard," Romney said at a news conference shortly after last night's vote. Attorney General Thomas F. Reilly, however, said minutes later that he would not take Romney's request to the SJC. Reilly argues that Romney lacks a valid legal basis for a stay, because the SJC has ruled twice in favor of gay marriage.
Boston Globe

hey gang,

sorry no blogs...your very own blogger here has been in bed with a flu and can't get myself to blog.

hope to be back up and running (outta bed) soon.

thanks.

Dave

Reliable business hosting from Yahoo! Web Hosting. Domain name included.

Enjoy the weather New England. Just wanted to take a moment to thank all the people that visit this blog and the main site daily. We do it for you!

GayNewEngland.net Team

We also want to thank our sponsor this week for making the blog possible:

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_2395 72650.jpg[/image]

(Pomona, New Jersey) Calling same-sex marriage a civil rights issue, Coretta Scott King denounced a proposed constitutional amendment to ban it.

The widow of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King told an audience in New Jersey Tuesday that constitutional amendments should be used to expand freedom, not restrict it.

"Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union," she said in a speech at The Richard Stockton College.

"A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages."

King also criticized a group of black pastors in her home state of Georgia for backing a bill to amend that state's constitution to block gay and lesbian couples from marrying.

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_3817 89098.jpg[/image]

[b]1. Love Profusion Madonna Maverick[/b]
2. Not In Love Enrique Iglesisas Feat. Kelis
Interscope
3. Amazing George Michael Sony
4. Save My Soul Kristine W. Tommy Boy
5. Get Better KMC Feat. Sandy Robbins
6. Just A Little While Janet Jackson Virgin
7. Saving My Love Pat Hodges Frixion
8. Never Let Me Down
Richard "Humpty" Vission System
9. Sex Bomb Tom Jones Decca/UTV
10. Hole InThe Head Sugarbabes Interscope

BREAKOUTS --------------------- POWER PICKS

1. I Like Love (I Love Love) Solitaire Interscope
2. Naughty Girl Beyonce Columbia
3. Jam Sessions Mr. Ali Forever Soul
4. Dip It Low Christina Millian Def Soul

http://www.ahouse.com" title="http://www.ahouse.com" target="_blank"http://www.ahouse.com

(Boston, Massachusetts) Massachusetts lawmakers who support amending the state constitution to bar same-sex marriage got a beating from [b]Jesse 'The Body' Ventura [/b]Monday.

The onetime wrestler and former Gov. of Minnesota accused state representatives of copping out in their desire to put the gay marriage issue to voters.

"We have a representative-style government. Represent your people and vote and stand by what you believe in," said Ventura, who as a professional wrestler was known for his flamboyant costumes. "Civil rights issues should not be put on the ballot."

Looking every inch as though her was prepared to take down any lawmaker who disagreed, Ventura was joined by State Auditor Joseph DeNucci, a former boxer in condemning the proposed amendment.

"We're two tough guys here to show support for a basic human right," DeNucci told a Beacon Hill news conference.

Clad in jeans and sneakers and wearing a full beard and a shaggy ring of hair, Ventura asked, "How is my marriage under attack if two gays or lesbians down the street want to make a lifelong commitment to themselves?

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_1319 242946.jpg[/image]

Kicking off May 24 in Los Angeles, Madonna's upcoming tour will consist primarily of North American arena dates, as well as 12 European shows and a
stop in Israel. At deadline, a handful of North American dates were confirmed through early-August, along with an Aug. 18 show in London and Sept. 1 concert in Paris.

"Madonna has already started rehearsals for the re-Invention Tour and she can't wait to get back on stage to recreate her songs from the earliest days
of her career up until the present," manager Caresse Henry says in a statement. "There is no doubt that this tour will be the pinnacle of her long standing and well deserved reputation as one of the most exciting live
performers of our time."

The tour will be produced worldwide by Clear Channel Entertainment (CCE) under the direction of CCE Touring president Arthur Fogel. There will be no supporting acts.

Henry also announced that existing members of Madonna's Icon fan club will have access to ticket pre-sale opportunities.

Madonna is touring in support of her Maverick/Warner Bros. album, "American Life." Released in May 2003, the set debuted at No. 1 on The Billboard 200
and has sold 630,000 copies in the United States, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

In 2001, Madonna grossed $75 million from 47 sellouts. That tour was also produced by CCE.

Here are Madonna's confirmed tour dates:

May 24: Los Angeles (Forum)
May 29: Las Vegas (MGM Grand Garden Arena)
June 8: San Jose (HP Pavilion)
June l3: Washington, D.C. (MCI Center)
June 16-17: New York (Madison Square Garden)
June 27: Boston (Worcester Centrum)
July 4: Philadelphia (Wachovia Center)
July 11: Chicago (United Center)
July l8: Toronto (Air Canada Centre)
July 24: Atlanta (Philips Arena)
July 28: Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Office Depot Center)
Aug. l: Miami (American Airlines Arena)
Aug. l8: London (Earls Court)
Sept. 1: Paris (Bercy)


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A group in Key West, Florida, has begun wearing white ribbons to symbolize the inequality in American marriage laws. After finding success within the Key West community, the group wants to grow the idea into a national statement, in order to help communities which are not as open. Michael Kilgore, one of the drive's leaders, says the ribbon helps to make the issue a personal one, instead of some political idea being debated by the pundits and candidates. When he wears a white ribbon, people ask him what it means, and he explains, "it stands for equality for all people," and goes on to explain about the problems with marriage inequality.

"Queer As Folk" returns for its fourth season on Sunday, April 18, with 14 new episodes. The fourth season finds Brian, now broke and unemployed, attempting to rebuild his life; Michael returning to Pittsburgh as he and Ben prepare to fight for custody of Hunter; and Justin joining a vigilante group where he discovers his buried anger. Also, as Ted progresses into his sobriety, Emmett deals with the fallout from their breakup; and Melanie and Lindsay await the birth of their second child. The season will end with a major life-changing event.

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_7019 89045.jpg[/image]

1. Toxic Britney Spears Jive
2. Not In Love Enrique Iglesias Feat. Kelis
Interscope
3. Love Profusion Madonna Maverick
4. Find Myself Presta & Stakey Star 69
5. Amazing George Michael Sony
6. Broken Wings Thea Austin Jifa
7. Save My Soul Kristine W. Tommy Boy
8. Get Better KMC Feat. Sandy Robbins
9. Save The Music Gene Hunt Forever Soul
10. Just A Little While Janet Jackson Virgin
BREAKOUTS ------------------- POWER PICKS
1. Saving My Love Pat Hodges Frixion
2. Never Let Me Down
Richard "Humpty" Vission System
3. My Life Jason JVM
4. Electrify GTS Feat. Heigo Tani
Nitegrooves

Say Hello to David LaSalle at http://www.ahouse.com


Check out [b]Madonna's[/b] latest video for her newest release, [b]"Love Profusion".[/b]

She seems very...at peace!

http://mp.aol.com/speed.adp?url=" title="http://mp.aol.com/speed.adp?url=" target="_blank"http://mp.aol.com/speed.adp?u...%2fvideo%2eindex%2eadp%3f mxid%3d1124745

Gifts for Men

As promised, here is additional information on activities that you can engage in to defend marriage rights for same-sex couples in Massachusetts. MassEquality organizing meetings and campaign updates are planned for the next few days. In addition, please block off some time this weekend to help build support for marriage equality in targeted legislative districts. This weekend's activities will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am-2:00pm and 2:00pm to 5:00pm. More information on the locations will be available soon.


Thursday, March 18

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Campaign Update & Organizing Meet-Up
Boston
Emmanuel Church
15 Newbury Street

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Campaign Update & Organizing Meet-Up
Fairhaven
Unitarian Universalist Society of Fairhaven
102 Green Street

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Campaign Update & Organizing Meet-Up
North Andover
North Parish Unitarian Universalist
190 North Academy Road

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Campaign Update & Organizing Meet-Up
Springfield
Tapestry Health
365 Bay Street

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Campaign Update & Organizing Meet-Up
Salem
First Universalist
211 Bridge Street


Saturday, March 20

12:00 noon - 2:00 PM
South Shore Civil Marriage for All Campaign Update & Organizing Meeting
Norwell
The Company Theater
30 Accord Park Drive


Tuesday, March 23

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Campaign Update & Organizing Meet-Up
Worcester
organized by Central MA Organizers on LGBT issues, with MassEquality
United Congregational Church
6 Institute Road



For a complete and updated list of events planned by Massequality over the coming weeks, please visit http://massequality.org/hot_c...

In the Worcester area?

Wed, 17 Mar: Corn Beef & Cabbage Dinner Celebrate St. Patty's Day with a sneak preview of Carmella's Cafe, opening soon at Rage! $8.95 per person, reservations are recommended. Call Sean at 508.479.3484. Dinner served from 5PM to 9PM--Rage!

http://www.rage-worcester.com" title="http://www.rage-worcester.com" target="_blank"http://www.rage-worcester.com...

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_7531 00881.gif[/image]

Wisconsin native Jackie Thomas, the straight woman, is choosing a date on "Playing it Straight," Fox's new reality TV series. 14 men to pick from, only some of them are gay, some are not. The short version: Jackie picks a gay man, he walks away with all the money. She picks a straight one, they split the dough and, uhm, live happily ever after. Apparently only the gay guys were in on the twist though and rampant homophobia ensues when the straights figure out they're bunking with Dorothy's friends. One guy even says he fears being "preyed upon." Another fears he'll be considered gay because, "I have a lot of, like, umm ... toiletries." It sounds just awful. Uhm. When is it on again?

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In Newport, Rhode Island, police are investigating whether a weekend window smashing at Castaways, the newly opened gay bar, was a random act of vandalism or a homophobic attack. "We are conducting an investigation to determine if there are any elements that would invoke the hate crime sentencing act," Lt. Norman Bestoso said. Colleen K. Hopkins, the gay and lesbian community's liaison to Mayor Richard C. Sardella, said "It was really pretty vicious ... there was a lot of damage. ... Whoever it was had a baseball bat and just literally beat them (the windows) in."


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U.S. Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton said Sunday she was "absolutely against" a federal constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, and criticized the Bush administration’s economic policies. During a moderated discussion with National Public Radio senior correspondent Juan Williams, Clinton said states should decide the contentious issue of whether gays and lesbians should marry, though she personally supports Vermont-style civil unions.

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Watching the national debate over same-sex marriage, Michele and Teresa O'Mara felt it was missing a human element. So the Hendricks County, Indiana, women, who married last July in Canada, decided to do something to shift the focus from constitutional and religious ideologies to real people. The result: a national event called Going to the Courthouse. "This is a way to show the faces of the people affected," Michele O'Mara said of the grass-roots campaign. Their plan is for gay couples, their families and friends to gather March 22 on courthouse steps across the country. They hope the turnout will show that same-sex couples are just people - the same folks you see in your neighborhood, at schools or in the grocery.

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Columnist Leonard Pitts Jr., who is African-American, says he's disturbed by what he sees happening among African-American people on the issue of gay rights: "How can we stand with the very people -- social conservatives -- who not so long ago didn't want us in their churches, their schools, their parks or their restaurants? Yet more and more, we act and sound just like them. We use our Bibles to justify our bigotry, just as they did. We describe equality as unnatural, just as they did. We invoke the sanctity of tradition, just as they did. And we are wrong, just as they were."
Detroit Free Press

[b]'It Ain't Over 'Til The Fat Lady Sings'[/b]
Same-sex couples were seemingly dealt two severe blows Thursday on opposite sides of the country but after the initial tears and anger most observers say little has changed. And, like Yogi Berra once said: "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings".

[b]Massachusetts Gay Marriage Ban Passes Two Hurdles[/b]
(Boston, Massachusetts) A proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution passed two key votes Thursday, the second late in the evening, but the measure still has a long way to go before the state constitution is changed.

[b]New Hampshire Moves Forward With Gay Marriage Ban[/b]
(Concord, New Hampshire) The New Hampshire Senate Thursday passed a bill preventing same-sex marriage.

More news... http://www.365gay.com

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(Augusta, Maine) A conservative Christian group has asked its supporters for "tips, rumors, speculation and facts" about the sexual orientation of Maine's political leaders so it can post the information on its Internet site.

The Christian Civic League of Maine, incensed that it lost a battle to get the legislature to approve a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, made the call earlier this week, but Wednesday backed down.

"In the midst of fighting for something I feel very strong about I wrote and said things that I should not have," said the group's leader Michael Heath in a posting on the website.

Last week the state House of Representatives rejected a bill to change the constitution.

Today's Blogs are sponsored by:

Reliable business hosting from Yahoo! Web Hosting. Domain name included.

Thanks Yahoo for not discriminating!

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_7749 80068.jpg[/image]

(Providence, Rhode Island) A former state representative is on a hunger strike in support of same-sex marriage. Michael Pisaturo, has been drinking just water for more than three weeks.

Pisaturo, who is gay said Thursday that he will continue fasting until April, when the Rhode Island legislature is expected to vote on a proposed gay marriage bill.

The 40 year old has lost 31 pounds. He is being monitored by a doctor and is reportedly in good health. He said that he feels "pretty good" -- despite being tired.

Pisaturo has received numerous e-mails and phone calls from supporters, calling him an inspiration. He's urging supporters to contact their legislators.

A coalition of 25 state groups is trying to build support for legislation that would legalize civil marriages for same-sex couples.

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=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_1365 993119.jpg[/image]

BOSTON -- Massachusetts lawmakers gave preliminary approval Thursday to a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage but legalize civil unions as the state again took center stage in the national debate over the rights of same-sex couples to wed.

The amendment, which would strip gay couples of their court-granted marriage rights, must still weather several additional votes and anticipated legislative maneuvering by opponents, who said the vote was all part of their strategy to ultimately defeat a ban.

The earliest a ban could end up on a statewide ballot is November 2006, more than two years after same-sex couples can start getting married in Massachusetts.

It was adopted 129-69 with the help of several known advocates of gay marriage, triggering speculation that they could withdraw their support on the critical final vote needed before this year's constitutional convention ends.

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Salon.com has just broken a major story detailing how the [b]Pentagon created a special office to manipulate intelligence data on Iraq and WMDs[/b]. It's written
by Karen Kwiatkowski, a military offer who was part of this unit, telling us the inside story in her own words.

Click here to read the full story:

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2004/ 03/10/osp_moveon/" title="http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2004/ 03/10/osp_moveon/" target="_blank"http://www.salon.com/opinion/...

The Salon story makes it even clearer than before that the Bush administration deliberately misled us in the run-up to the war in Iraq a year ago. The
problem was not bad intelligence -- it was deliberate distortion of the facts.

It's Congress' duty to hold President Bush accountable for misleading us.

Please call your Senators and Representative now:

Senator Edward M. Kennedy
Washington, DC: 202-224-4543

Senator John F. Kerry
Washington, DC: 202-224-2742

Congressman Barney Frank
Washington, DC: 202-225-5931

Make sure they know you're a constituent, then urge them to:

[b]"Censure President Bush -- formally reprimand him for misleading us about Iraq's WMDs."[/b]

Give them some reasons why Censure is necessary. Some good ones include:

- 553 American soldiers have given their lives in Iraq;
- Tens of thousands of our troops remain in harm's way there;
- A year later, we seem to have no exit strategy;
- Thousands of Iraqi civilians have been killed;

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_1150 922742.jpg[/image]

It is now clear that President Bush and the Republicans
will use attacks against gays and lesbians as their 2004
election year strategy.

This week, President Bush officially declared his support
for the Federal Marriage Amendment a measure that
would write discrimination into the United States
Constitution.

This is our year to fight back and be heard.
Sign here to oppose the amendment:

http://www.care2.com/go/z/12314" title="http://www.care2.com/go/z/12314" target="_blank"http://www.care2.com/go/z/123...


If we stand united in 2004, we can protect our civil rights
and liberties and protect the constitution from the hands
of the far-right conservatives. That's why I want you to
add your name along with mine to this petition it's
time to stand up and be heard.

Our goal is huge -- 500,000 signers by June -- Pride
month. I want you to sign it and I want you to pass it
to your friends. This is critical to our civil rights and liberties.


=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_1280 159653.jpg[/image]

Tomorrow Massachusetts legislators will again debate whether or not marriage rights should be stripped away from same-sex couples. It is urgent that you CALL your state legislators TODAY and urge them to oppose any attempt to take away marriage licenses from same-sex couples.

Please dial (617) 722-2000 to be connected to the State House swichboard. Ask the receptionist to connect your with your legislators office. If you do not know the name of your legislators, tell the receptionist where you live and you will be connected to the appropiate office.

To find out more about events that are happening in your area today and tomorrow in support of marriage equality, please visit http://www.MassEquality.org


=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_1365 993119.jpg[/image]

1. Toxic Britney Spears Jive
2. Where Love Is Trinity Feat.Revi Commision
3. Not In Love Enrique Iglesias Feat.Kelis
Interscope
4. Free Sarah Brightman Angel
5. Love Profusion Madonna Maverick
6. Signed,Sealed,Delivered
Colton Ford & Pepper Mashay Centaur
7. Find Myself Presta & Stakey Star 69
8. Amazing George Michael Sony
9. Save My Soul (Remixes) Kristne W.
Tommy Boy
10. Broken Wings Thea Austin Jifa

[b]BREAKOUTS --------------------- POWER PICKS[/b]
1. Just A Little While Janet Jackson Virgin
2. Get Better KMC Feat. Sandy Robbins
3. Save The Music Gene Hunt Forever Soul
4. You Make Me Feel Brand New
Simply Red simplyred.com

http://www.ahouse.com" title="http://www.ahouse.com" target="_blank"http://www.ahouse.com

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_2854 57460.jpg[/image]

You help is requested in gaining the opinion of on-line voters to the following question. Whom do you favor for the next President of the United States - John Kerry, George W. Bush, or Ralph Nader?

Go to http://www.onlinepolls.net/po...

to express your opinion.

Cast your vote. Forward to a friend. Help us feel the pulse of America.


=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_2511 24495.jpg[/image]

Posted: March 8, 2004 12:01 a.m. ET

(Concord, New Hampshire) Gene Robinson was officially confirmed as Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire on Sunday in a ceremony that conservative Anglicans say seals the fate of Church and lead to schism.

In a traditional investiture ceremony Robinson knocked at the door of St. Paul's Church in Concord. The door was opened and as he entered, departing Bishop Douglas Theuner passed his shepherd's crook to Robinson as a symbol of the transition.

[b]Enough Votes To Pass Anti-Gay Amendment Mass. Senate Leader Says[/b]

(Boston, Massachusetts) The President of the Massachusetts Senate said Monday that he has enough votes to pass an amendment to the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage in state.

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_5158 60681.jpg[/image]

Posted: March 8, 2004 12:01 a.m. ET

(Concord, New Hampshire) Gene Robinson was officially confirmed as Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire on Sunday in a ceremony that conservative Anglicans say seals the fate of Church and lead to schism.

In a traditional investiture ceremony Robinson knocked at the door of St. Paul's Church in Concord. The door was opened and as he entered, departing Bishop Douglas Theuner passed his shepherd's crook to Robinson as a symbol of the transition.

Pay attention people!!!!!

[image]gaynewengland_2487 33700.gif[/image]

Amen.

[image]gaynewengland_1210 875982.jpg[/image]

I have been saying that for years!!!! ;O)

Sun., March 7

[b]Dinnerfest 2004 Kick-off Party[/b]

Through May, many Boston restaurants donate dinner for 4-10 people to help fight HIV/AIDS. Guests who purchase a dinner donate the cost of the meal to the Boston Living Center instead of paying the restaurant. Money raised helps support services the BLC provides. Hosted by Mistral, 223 Columbus Avenue, Boston. 5:30 p.m. $20. For more information, call 617/450-1521 or connect to www.bostonlivingcenter.org.

"Where is my gay apocalypse?" asks columnist Mark Morford. "Over 3,500 gay marriages and, what, no hellfire? I was promised hellfire. And riots. What gives? I have been waiting patiently. I have been staring with great anticipation out the window of my flat here in the heart of San Francisco, sighing heavily, waiting for the riots and the plagues and the screaming monkeys and the blistering rain of inescapable hellfire. I have my camera all ready and everything."
SF Gate

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_1314 58229.gif[/image]

Pro-gay-marriage forces are launching a massive public relations blitz in Massachusetts, saturating the airwaves with a TV ad aimed at putting a human face on the same-sex marriage debate. The ad will air all next week, during the run-up to Thursday's reconvening of the Constitutional Convention that deadlocked three weeks ago without reaching consensus on a gay marriage ban. The TV commercial argues against civil unions, showing gay couples - some with kids, others senior citizens - and listing rights they can't get under civil unions, including shared Social Security benefits and hospital visitation.

=http://www.gaynewengland.net target=_blank [image]gaynewengland_3804 20936.jpg[/image]

We have heard that we have been WAY too political lately so we give you this!

Hee, Hee

David

[image]gaynewengland_7823 36891.jpg[/image]

Your thoughts? Is this good, bad?

(Augusta, Maine) It was the slimmest of majorities, but the Maine Senate Tuesday defeated a proposal to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriages.

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Tomorrow on March 2nd, you have the opportunity to let your voice be heard in the Presidential nomination process! It is critical that members of the Human Rights Campaign and the GLBT community are well represented at the polls. This is our opportunity to show our strength through voting.

Democrats will be choosing a nominee for President, while President Bush is running unopposed on the Republican side. You may also be asked to choose candidates for other offices, federal, state or local-or vote on a ballot measure. Be sure to research where the candidates stand on issues important to you.

To find out where the Democratic Presidential candidates stand on GLBT issues, HRC sent a Presidential Questionnaire to each candidate, and got responses from each. You can find answers to HRC's 17 questions of equality at http://tinyurl.com/27nx8

HRC has not made an endorsement in the Presidential race, and this message should not be construed as an endorsement of any candidate. HRC is likely to make an endorsement in the Presidential race after the field of candidates is clearer.

For more information on the candidates, or to see HRC's Congressional Scorecard, go to www.hrc.org

Don't forget to make your voice be heard in this important election year. You can make a difference, so be sure to vote tomorrow!

Not registered to vote? You may not be able to vote tomorrow if you are not registered, but register online at https://register.votenet.com/hrc/ so you can vote in future elections.