Gay Marriage: May 2008 Archives

Well, at least there's one semi-cool member of the Bush family. First Daughter Jenna Bush, who got married at the family's Texas ranch a few weeks back, appears on Ellen DeGeneres' talk show today and had a fun exchange with her lesbian host who recentlt announced that she plans to marry Portia de Rossi.

Ellen: "So, the ranch was a great place to get married. It looked like nobody could fly over and get pictures or bother you, really."
Jenna: Yeah. That was really nice."
Ellen: So, can we borrow it for our wedding. Can we get the ranch?"
Jenna: Sure.

Meanwhile, the Sacramento Bee published this story today: Signaling a generational shift in attitudes, a new Field Poll on Tuesday said California voters now support legal marriage between same-sex couples and oppose a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage.

By 51 to 42 percent, state voters believe gay couples have the right to marry, according to a May 17-26 poll of 1,052 registered voters.

However, the same poll revealed a California electorate that remains sharply divided over gay marriage - split by age, political affiliation, religion and the regions where they live. The poll was taken after the May 15 California Supreme Court decision overturning a state ban on same-sex marriages. The results marked the first time in more than 30 years of state polling that a majority of Field Poll respondents favored making gay marriage legal.

In 2000, more than 61 percent of voters approved Proposition 22, a statute declaring that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid in California.

Kudos to Ellen DeGeneres for having a conversation with John McCain about gay marriage on her show in a segment that airs today (check local listings).

McCain said in an interview taped Wednesday that same-sex couples should be allowed to enter into legal agreements for insurance and other purposes, but he opposes gay marriage and believes in "the unique status of marriage between and man and a woman."

No big surprise.

"And I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue," he told Ellen, who announced last week that she plans to marry Portia de Rossi now that gay marriage is legal in California.

Ellen needled the presumptive Republican presidential nominee on the issue, arguing that she and him aren't different: " I think that it is looked at and some people are saying the same that blacks and women did not have the right to vote. Women just got the right to vote in 1920. Blacks didn't have the right to vote till 1870. It just feels like there's this old way of thinking (that) we are not all the same.. We are all the same people, all of us. You're no different than I am. Our love is the same. When someone says, 'You can have a contract, and you'll still have insurance, and you'll get all that,' it sounds to me like saying, 'Well, you can sit there, you just can't sit there. It feels like we are not, you know, we aren't owed the same things and the same wording."

McCain replied that he's heard her "articulate that position in a very eloquent fashion. We just have a disagreement. And I, along with many, many others, wish you every happiness."

"So, you'll walk me down the aisle? Is that what you're saying?" Ellen joked, lightening the tone again.

Replied McCain: "Touche,"

Here is a clip:

I don't know about you, but I'm still on cloud nine over last week's CA Supreme Court decision the legalizes gay marriage in our state. But we all know about the forces who are not happy about it. They will be fighting until the bitter end for a ballot initiative that would null and void the historic ruling.

That is why I was so happy to learn today that the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest GLBT civil rights organization, has pledged an initial contribution of $500,000 to Equality for All to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment that could possibly be on the November general election ballot in California. This is an addition to the $100,000 contribution the Human Rights Campaign made to Equality for All earlier this year.

HRC President Joe Solmonese said: "The California Supreme Court's decision is a victory for justice and fairness. But the fight for equality has just begun. With the $500,000 commitment to Equality for All today, HRC aims to ensure that California remains a state where every person has the opportunity to realize their hopes and dreams by being able to marry the person they love....The California Supreme Court did its job by siding with basic fairness. In November, we hope the voters of California do the same."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said Thursday that he hopes gay marriage will become an economic boon in California wanting gay couples to flock to the state for wedded bliss.

Responding to a question from a man who said he made an appointment in June to get married to his partner of 22 years, Arnold got laughs and applause at an appearance in San Francisco when he said; "You know, I'm wishing everyone good luck with their marriages and I hope that California's economy is booming because everyone is going to come here and get married."

The Sacramento Bee reports that the governor reiterated that he opposes an initiative backed by conservatives to ban gay marriage in the state constitution. He said he personally defines marriage as between a man and a woman but that he does not "want to force that opinion on anyone."

I don't usually give a rat's (expletive) about the comings and goings of the Simpson sisters etc. But I think it's kinda cool what Ashlee Simpson's new husband, Pete Wentz, said to The Advocate today, two days after his wedding:

"I am happy to get married in the same state where the state supreme court recognizes the union of gay/lesbian couples," Pete told The Advocate magazine on Monday. "It seems like we could have a hell of a bash as a joint anniversary over in West Hollywood next year!"

It's so nice to be writing about celebrities who getting married who actually have known their partner for more than a week! George Takei, of "Star Trek," "Heroes" and "Howard Stern Show" fame, has announced via his web site that he is marrying is significant other of more than 20 years, Brad Altman.

Congratulations to them both!!!

Here's some of what George wrote: Our California dream is reality. Brad Altman and I can now marry. We are overjoyed! At long last, the barrier to full marriage rights for same-sex couples has been torn down. We are equal with all citizens of our state!

For now, Brad and I are enjoying the delicious dilemma of deciding where, when, and how we will be married. Marriage equality took a long time, but, like fine wine, its bouquet is simply exquisite.

My pal Jim Key sent me some photos and a recap from last night's rally in West Hollywood where more than 1,000 people gathered together to celebrate a historic day in our lives. The always inspiring Lorri Jean, executive director of the LA Gay and Lesbian Center, was the perfect person to address the crowd. I've seen her speak on marriage euality many times in recent years and few can speak on the topic with more passion and knowledge and she will continue to be such an important leader in the months to come.

"Today, the Supreme Court said, "let them eat cake!" And, so, we shall." Lorri said to a sea of exuberant people filled San Vicente Blvd. in West Hollywood, just south of Santa Monica Blvd, to claim a slice of history for themselves.

In an emotional ceremony, the flag of the "golden state" was carried on stage to join the flags of the other six governments, both state and national, that already recognize the marriage of same-sex couples. Representatives from various LGBT and legal organizations, including Lambda Legal, NCLR and government officials and clergy all elicited cheers, and even some tears.

The evening came to a close with the Gay Men's Chorus singing "It's a Brand New Day."

Love this!

Ellen DeGeneres announced on her show Thursday (airing today!) that she and actress Portia de Rossi are getting married: "This is very exciting, I have to say. Yesterday, the California Supreme Court overturned the ban on gay marriage. So I would like to say right now, for the first time, I am announcing that I am getting married. [...] I'm so excited. It's something that we've, of course, wanted to do, and we've wanted to be legal, and we're very very excited."

Here's a video clip from today's show:

We're going to have to start a wedding announcements section of Out In Hollywood!

It has been one of the most extraordinary days in my lifetime, tough to think of anything else except the California Supreme Court ruling overturning the same-sex marriage ban.

My joy has built with each passing hour since learning the news this morning. It's deeply life-affirming.

I've been under the weather all week and homebound. But I've shared this day with friends - straight and gay - on the phone, via e-mail and on Facebook where it was just thrilling to read the reactions in real time. I've followed events on TV and on the Internet just absorbing - trying to absorb that this has really happened. I didn't expect it to.

Me? Get married? My heart has a few broken pieces and many frogs have been kissed. But ya know, I'd still like to get married someday, I hope it happens. The possibility makes me feel deeply happy - to the core really. But the most beautiful thing is all those loving and committed couples of the same gender who can marry and have the same rights as straight people in this country. Many have been together for decades, have children together. They are families.

Tomorrow is a day to write about the fight ahead, The battle to preserve this ruling will be bruising because gay marriage foes are primed. But gay people (and our allies) are strong and we've had to really work hard to make ourselves heard and to be accepted on our own terms. I think we are never more remarkable than when are fighting for what is right.

- Greg Hernandez
- 5/15/08