Governor defends gay officer in New York Army National Guard
Governor David Paterson lambasted the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on Thursday and defended a gay New York National Guardsman who’s facing dismissal for violating it.
First Lt. Daniel Choi, 28, of New York City, graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in 2003 and served as an Arabic interpreter in Iraq in 2006 and 2007. In March, he joined a West Point alumni group called Knights Out and identified himself as a gay officer.
Military policy forbids homosexual service members from disclosing their sexual orientation. Choi received a discharge notice from the Army last week.
Paterson, who recently introduced a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, spoke out Thursday on Choi’s behalf:
“What public interest does it serve for this veteran who risked his life in Iraq to be discharged from the military for exercising the democratic rights that he defended overseas?” he said. “This case is more proof that this policy needs to be changed.”
See NY Governor defends gay officer in New York Army National Guard Times Herald-Record * Tags = gay men gay news lesbian news transgender bisexual
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‘This Is a Question of Fairness’ - NY Times Editorial
It is by no means a fast and easy path, but the cause of same-sex marriage is moving forward — proof that justice can triumph over wedge politics and prejudice. It happened this week in Maine and New Hampshire, where both states’ legislatures voted to legalize same-sex marriage and promptly put the final say to their governors.
In New Hampshire, Gov. John Lynch — who previously defined marriage as strictly between a man and a woman — promised his “best decision” after consulting lawmakers and constituents. Mr. Lynch would be wise also to consult his neighbor in Maine, Gov. John Baldacci, who signed his state’s same-sex marriage bill. He previously had opposed the idea, with the familiar hedge of supporting the half-step of civil unions.
Mr. Baldacci described his change of heart — and what we hope is the changing sentiment of many other American politicians. “I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage,” he said. Precisely.
Maine was the fifth state to legalize same-sex marriage. We urge Mr. Lynch to make New Hampshire the sixth. Similar proposals are pending in other states, with a major debate expected in the New York Legislature.
This week, the City Council of the District of Columbia took a preliminary step, voting 12 to 1, to recognize marriages between gay people certified in other states. A fuller debate is anticipated on a proposal to legalize same-sex unions. Unfortunately, there already are calls for Congress to once more tread on home rule and block this progress in the nation’s capital.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is right to caution against such grandstanding. Governor Baldacci heard the people speak. Congress should listen. See ‘This Is a Question of Fairness’
New York Times* Tags = gay men gay news lesbian news transgender bisexual
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Details on same-sex marriage in Iowa
Marriage requirements in Iowa remain the same, with the exception that the ban on same-sex marriage has been eliminated:
–Two people, over 18.
–Not already legally married.
–Not closely related.
-Legally competent to enter into a civil contract.
To get a license:
–Visit a county recorder’s office and fill out an application.
–Show proof of identity.
–Pay a $35 fee.
–Have a witness sign the application.
–Both parties must be present or have the form notarized.
–Submit application and wait three days for license to be valid.
For the ceremony:
–It must be in Iowa, with both parties, an officiate and two witnesses present. All must sign the marriage certificate.
–Officiant, a judge or leader of religious faith, files certificate with county recorder within 15 days
–Same-sex marriage licenses submitted on Monday, April 27, the day Iowa legalizes same-sex marriage, will become valid on Thursday, April 30. Judges can grant a waiver.
What if a same-sex couple has had a ceremony elsewhere?:
–If a same-sex couple has been legally married elsewhere, their marriage is valid in Iowa as of Monday. They do not have to get remarried.
–It is unclear if civil unions from another state or registered domestic partnerships will be recognized in Iowa.
For more see Details on same-sex marriage in Iowa
Chicago Tribune - United States
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Columbia, Mo. passes partner registry
(Columbia, Missouri) By unanimous vote, Columbia city council has voted to establish a domestic partner registry for same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples who choose not to marry.
While registering does not offer any specific rights in the city, it could be used as proof of a relationship for anyone wishing …
Tags: Columbia City Council, Columbia Missouri, Columbia Mo, Domestic Partner, Opposite Sex, Proof, Relationship, Same Sex Couples, Unanimous VoteVt. gays focus on house
(Montpelier, Vermont) LGBT civil rights groups in Vermont are mounting a massive campaign to secure a veto-proof House vote on gay marriage.
The House is expected to vote later this week on a marriage equality bill. The measure passed the Senate last week with a massive 26-4 vote. It is expected …
Tags: Civil Rights Groups, Equality Bill, Focus, gay marriage, Gays, marriage, Marriage Equality, Massive Campaign, Montpelier Vermont, Proof, Senate, Veto, VotePhoenix mulls domestic partner registry
(Phoenix, Arizona) The city of Phoenix could soon have a domestic partner registry that would give same-sex couples proof of their relationships.
City Council will vote Wednesday on the registry.
The move comes a month after Arizona voters agreed to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, although councilors in favor …
Tags: Arizona Voters, City Of Phoenix, Councilors, Domestic Partner, marriage, Phoenix Arizona, Phoenix City, Proof, Relationships, Same Sex Couples, same sex marriage, State ConstitutionPhoenix mulls domestic partner registry
(Phoenix, Arizona) The city of Phoenix could soon have a domestic partner registry that would give same-sex couples proof of their relationships.
City Council will vote Wednesday on the registry.
The move comes a month after Arizona voters agreed to amend the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage, although councilors in favor …
Tags: Arizona Voters, City Of Phoenix, Councilors, Domestic Partner, marriage, Phoenix Arizona, Phoenix City, Proof, Relationships, Same Sex Couples, same sex marriage, State Constitution
