Lot’s happening on the marriage equality front, not all of it bad…

As reported yesterday, Vermont Governor Jim Douglas held a press conference indicating he would not support a marriage equality bill passed overwhelming by the state Senate, citing that the current economic crisis took precedence over such legislation. Watch the press conference below:

Also yesterday, same-sex civil union legislation was effectively killed in Hawaii, despite a majority of Senators supporting the measure, falling three short of the nine members required to bring it up for a full vote.

But there was good news in New Hampshire today as their House of Representatives voted to send their same-sex marriage bill to the Senate by a slim margin of 186-179.

The Rev. V. Gene Robinson, who delivered the invocation at President Obama’s inaugural celebration said this about the House vote…

“I am delighted, because it’s clear to me that New Hampshire values one class of citizenship and not two … And I’m delighted that (the bill) threatens people of faith in no way.”

Unfortunately New Hampshire governor John Lynch, a Democrat, does not support the measure, and will likely veto the legislation if it reaches his desk.

From WCAX TV in Vermont…

The Vt. Senate gave its final stamp of approval Tuesday to a bill that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Vermont. Passage came on a voice vote with no debate, one day after the Senate gave the bill preliminary approval on a 26-4 roll call vote. Now the issue moves to the House, where the Judiciary Committee has scheduled a week’s worth of testimony on the issue. It is expected to pass.

Governor Douglas has said that he opposes the bill, and this afternoon he announced he plans to veto it. He said he made the announcement to stop speculation and to focus attention on economy.

From Burlington Free Press live blog…

DOUGLAS: I believe our civil union law serves Vermont well … I believe that marriage should remain between a man and a woman … I’m announcing that I intend to veto this legislation when it reaches my desk.

Bastard.

After a dinner with the Empire State Pride Agenda (ESPA) on Sunday, Senator Charles Schumer (NY) revealed his “evolved” support for marriage equality and a repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). As of 2004, Sen. Schumer supported only civil unions.

Sen. Schumer’s office confirmed his support this morning:

“It’s time. Equality is something that has always been a hallmark of America and no group should be deprived of it. New York, which has always been at the forefront on issues of equality, is appropriately poised to take a lead on this issue.”

ESPA Executive Director Alan Van Capelle issued the following statement:

“I want to thank Sen. Schumer for his support of marriage equality and the repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. Like a majority of New Yorkers, Sen. Schumer recognizes that only marriage equality provides same sex couples the status, protections and rights afforded to all other Americans. We look forward to working with him to win marriage equality in New York State and around the country.”

Sen. Schumer speaks below at the HRC Gala dinner earlier this year. While he doesn’t mention DOMA or marriage equality, he does voice support for hate crimes legislation, repealing “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” and passing ENDA.

Today the California Supreme Court heard oral arguments on whether to uphold or strike down Proposition 8. As the hearings wore on it became increasing clear the court seems pre-disposed to letting Prop 8 stand, averse to going against the will of the people, no matter how egregious.

While in general valiantly argued, the case brought forward by AG Jerry Brown’s associate, Christopher Krueger, Senior Assistant AG, didn’t do the LGBT community any favors. Krueger seemed ill-prepared, and his arguments based on cases dating back to the 1800s and the concept of “natural law” didn’t impress the judges. At one point one judge tried to withdraw a question due a muddled answer. It seemed to dilute the arguments to overturn Prop 8 up to that point.

Below are couple of highlights from the hearings…

In this instance Ken Starr is asserting that the will of the voters should hold even when stripping away rights, provided they are well-informed and know what they are voting on. But unfortunately this wasn’t the case. A well-organized misinformation campaign orchestrated by the proponents of Prop 8, duped voters into believing gay marriage would be taught in schools, that it would harm their children and families, and make religious institutions vulnerable to lawsuits. All categorically untrue. In the end we had an electorate, many misinformed and misled, strip away the civil rights of a protected minority.

The court however appears reluctant to invalidate the existing 18,000 same-sex marriages as evidenced below.

It’s interesting that Ken Starr makes a point that Prop 8 doesn’t invalidate the marriages, he simply believes that they are made unrecognized and invalid.

Sorry but, WTF is the difference? Associate Justice Carol Corrigan response at the close of the clip is dead on.

The court will rule in 90 days or less. Regardless of the outcome, we should take to the streets, wether in victory, or take demand our civil rights.