By Julie Bolcer (via Advocate.com)

Corine Mauch, who is openly gay, was elected mayor of Zurich on Sunday, making Zurich the most prominent international city to elect an out lesbian mayor to date. The historic election also made Mauch the first female mayor of the largest city in Switzerland.

Mauch, who belongs to the center-left Social Democratic Party, defeated Kathrin Martelli, representing a coalition of center-right parties, by more than 11,000 votes in a campaign dominated by talk about gender and sexuality. The two women faced each other in a second election after the first, in February, left neither with enough votes to win.

Mauch, 49, has lived with her partner for many years, according to OpEdNews.com. She played bass with two rock bands, The Hoover and Fallacy, in the 1990s.

Mauch will replace outgoing mayor Elmar Ledergerber when he officially steps down in May. Zurich joins Paris, Berlin, and Hamburg as major international cities with openly gay mayors, though all previously elected gay mayors have been male.

By DANIEL BARLOW (via The Rutland Herald)
Vermont Press Bureau – Published: March 31, 2009

MONTPELIER – The House Judiciary Committee voted 8-2 Tuesday morning to approve a same-sex marriage bill.

Seven Democrats on the committee were joined by a single Republican in approving the bill, which comes after more than a week of testimony. The bill is expected to be debated on the floor of the Vermont House Thursday and Friday.

“It’s no secret where I stand on this issue,” said Rep. William Lippert, D-Hinesburg, the chair of the Judiciary Committee, shortly before he voted yes. “I believe this is the right thing to do. I believe this is the right time to do it.”

Tuesday’s vote brings Vermont one step closer to becoming the third state allowing same-sex couples to marry, although the bill faces a veto from Republican Gov. James Douglas if it passes the House.

The Judiciary Committee unanimously approved three amendments to the bill Tuesday morning, including boosting provisions that protect religious institutions from performing marriage ceremonies they don’t agree with.

Other amendments that were easily approved include one that reaffirms the rights of organizations such as the Knights of Columbus to determine its own membership and one that retains the use of terms such as husband and wife in state law and documents – but makes it clear that the terms also include same-sex couples.

Lippert, who offered the final amendment, said he wanted to include that language to make it clear that lawmakers have no authority over religious marriages – that’s protected by the U.S. Constitution – and that this bill only changes civil marriages in the eyes of the state.

Tuesday’s vote was tough for some members. Rep. Margaret Flory, R-Pittsford, a veteran of the civil union debate of 2000, said she was verbally and physically accosted by a same-sex marriage supporter over the weekend, adding that she is “ashamed of Vermont for the way people, on both sides, reacted to this.”

Flory voted no.

“I would be happier with the state getting out of the marriage business all together,” she said. “We could grant any two people who want to be financially responsible for each other all the legal benefits and obligations.”

Contact Daniel Barlow at Daniel.Barlow@timesargus.com.

The Votes
Voting yes:
Rep. Eldred French, D-Cuttingsville
Rep. Willem Jewett, D-Ripton
Rep. Richard Marek, D-Newfane
Rep. Cynthia Martin, D-Springfield
Rep. Kathy Pellett, D-Chester
Rep. Heidi Scheuermann, R-Stowe
Rep. William Lippert, D-Hinesburg
Rep. Maxine Grad, D-Moretown

Voting no:
Rep. Margaret Flory, R-Pittsford
Rep. Andrew Donaghy, R-Poultney

Absent:
Rep. Patti Komline, R-DorsetT

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March 31, 2009 by Bryan Boyd;  Gay Rights Watch

A bill updating Connecticut law to conform with a court ruling allowing gay marriages is heading to the state Senate.

The legislature’s Judiciary Committee voted 30-10 Monday to endorse the measure, which was spurred by last year’s state Supreme Court decision giving same-sex couples the right to wed in Connecticut.

The bill removes gender references in state marriage laws and transforms existing same-sex civil unions into legally recognized marriages as of October 2010.

It also strips language from a 1991 state anti-discrimination law that says Connecticut does not condone gay marriage and will not set quotas for hiring gay workers or encourage teaching in school about same-sex lifestyles.

Some lawmakers consider the language outdated and insulting.

“Put your group in there, put your political ideas in there, put your ethnic background in this language and see how you would like it. It is time to get rid of this language,” said state Sen. Mary Ann Handley, D-Manchester.

[...]

The bill now heads to the state Senate but would also need House approval before taking effect.

Only Connecticut and Massachusetts have legalized gay marriage, although the unions were legal in California for five months until a state referendum to ban gay marriage passed last fall.

Vermont, New Jersey, California, New Hampshire, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia have laws that either recognize civil unions or domestic partnerships that afford same-sex couples similar rights to marriage. Thirty states have gay marriage bans in their constitutions.

via Newsday

via UrbanDaddy
“You know the recession is hitting hard when even movie moguls are renting out their rooms.

Sucks for Francis Ford Coppola but definitely good for you.

Mr. Coppola—he of Apocalypse Now and the Godfathers, father of Sophia, uncle of Nicholas Cage—is letting out rooms of his Buenos Aires jungle estate, Jardin Escondido. We suggest you look at this as a sort of couchsurfing.com meets the Oscars down in South America.

You’ll get to kick back with FFC at his seven room estate when the big man’s around which, sadly, isn’t so often—he has movies to make, vineyards to tend plus he’s the honorary US ambassador to Belize. But even when he’s not there, his stuff is. This means: his terra-cotta floored villa with an interior designed by FFC’s wife, Eleanor, who apparently has a thing for beasts. The villa is covered in skin rugs, animal masks and modern Argentine art.

Out back, there’s a solar-heated pool; on the roof, there’s a secluded garden and following you discretely with a bottle of Coppola’s Malbec already uncorked, there’s a personal sommelier. Just don’t go looking for Coppola’s little army of Golden men. Those he keeps in his Napa vineyard.

Though a night’s stay runs around $550—and there’s a three night minimum—being able to say, “When I go down in Buenos Aires, I stay with Frankie C.” is priceless. ”

Reported by Jeremy Tucker  WBOC-TV 16

DOVER, Del. – Two major pieces of legislation dealing with gay rights came up for a vote in the Delaware General Assembly Thursday.

The first measure, Senate Bill 27, would have reinforced Delaware’s ban on gay marriage. That proposed constitutional amendment failed in the Senate Thursday.

The House though did pass a measure to make it illegal to discriminate against gay people when it comes to everything from employment to buying homes. The bill now goes over to the Senate for consideration. Gov. Jack Markell said Thursday he supports the bill.

Senate bill 27 failed despite the efforts of hundreds of protestors who gathered at Legislative Hall to support the measure. Supporters argued they wanted to make sure marriage remained between a man and a woman.

“We really want to see a growing swell of support for what marriage really is, between one man and one woman, no matter who wants to change it,” said Kim Birowski.

Opponents though argued that Delaware already bans gay marriage and did not need to pass a constitutional amendment.

Steve Elkins says, “We’re here at the state capital of the first state, to take advantage of equal rights for citizens.”

No word on whether Senate Bill 27 will be re-introduced.

After a few days in the national office, I am back on the road this week meeting with chapter leaders and members, engaging LGBT communities of color advocates and their allies, and strategizing with progressive policy experts and political analysts as we continue to grow our grassroots and build our infrastructure for wins in Virginia, New Jersey and local elections across the country in 2009 and in the 2010 mid-term elections.  This is an exciting time to be a Stonewall Democrat, and I am honored to be making the journey to full equality with you.

Last week, I promised you an update on our efforts in New Hampshire to pass a pro-marriage equality bill.  Well, it is a big one.  Just moments ago, the New Hampshire House of Representatives voted to approve legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry by a 186-179 vote.  This bill now moves to the State Senate, where we continue to provide the New Hampshire Stonewall Democrats and their allies in the state legislature with the resources and tools necessary to enact this legislation.

This same week, the Vermont State Senate voted 26-4 to approve pro-marriage equality legislation.  Although Republican Governor James Douglas has threatened to veto the bill, we will continue to support the work of local Stonewall Democrats on the ground and build support for a veto override.

Some people think that political victories only happen during an election season.  Fortunately, you’re not some people, you’re a Stonewall Democrat.

Your time, energy and financial support is helping us build victories today in places like New Hampshire and Vermont, move forward the conversation in places like Hawaii, and build the infrastructure necessary to elect pro-equality Democrats and hold them accountable to advance pro-equality legislation in the coming months and years.  That’s why, I hope you will consider becoming a sponsor or joining the host committee for this year’s Capitol Champions celebration.

Capitol Champions is the signature event of Stonewall Democrats and our community’s opportunity to recognize a select few who have made significant contributions to the struggle for full equality.  This highly-anticipated annual event will be held on Thursday, May 14th, as we mark the 40th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Click here for more information about the 2009 Capitol Champions Celebration.

New Resource

Did you know that in just a little over 60 days, the Obama Administration has done more to advance pro-equality positions that the Bush Administration did in their entire eight years?  Every day, the White House is signaling movement on a number of pro-equality issues and adding qualified LGBT individuals to the ranks of the administration (just this week, the White House nominated two lesbian legal scholars to serve on the judicial bench).

Stonewall Democrats has launched our new Obama/Biden page to help keep you informed of the pro-equality news out of the White House.  Please use this resource and visit this page on stonewalldemocrats.org to keep up on the latest in administration news.

Some Great Work On The Ground

Stonewall Democrats in Nevada have been hard at work with their allies in the state during this legislative season.  Tomorrow, bill on public accommodations and domestic partnerships will be heard in the Senate Commerce & Labor Committee.  At the same time, a non-discrimination bill including gender identity protections will be heard in the Assembly Commerce & Labor Committee.  Thank you to all of the advocates in Nevada for their hard work in moving these pieces of legislation forward.

In Texas, two Stonewall Democrats chapter leaders were recently recognized by the National Association of Social Workers.  We are tremendously proud of the work of Stonewall Democrats of San Antonia members Travis Peterson and Dan Graney.  Read more about their honors here.

Just last week I spoke with students at Wabash College in Indiana about the change our members create.  You can learn more about my visit here.

Thank you again for your support.  As you see in places like Nevada, New Hampshire and Vermont it is making a difference.  Please consider making an additional donation right now to help move these pending victories forward.

We’re doing amazing things thanks to your help.  Let’s keep that going.

Jon Hoadley
Executive Director

PS – If you are near Washington, DC, please join us and members of the Gertruide Stein Democratic Club next Wednesday for our Capitol Champions Kick-Off Reception and a sneak-peak of our honorees at Halo Lounge.  This will be a great opportunity to sign-up as a sponsor or host committee member, and learn how we are helping local candidates across the country.  Omaha (NE) City Council candidate Crystal Rhoades will join us to talk about her campaign and how Stonewall Democrats is helping to make a difference in Nebraska.

CLICK HERE for more information about the Capitol Champions Kick-Off Reception.

Jon Hoadley
Executive Director

By Carlos Santoscoy (On Top Magazine)
Published: March 26, 2009

A gay marriage bill in Hawaii is most likely dead after a rescue effort to pull the bill from committee failed yesterday, reports The Associated Press.

House Bill 444, which would grant gay and lesbian couples all the rights of marriage, was marooned on February 25 when it deadlocked on a 3-3 vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee. The final tally came after a grueling 18 hour marathon hearing session that ended at 3AM. The bill sailed through the House on a 33 to 17 vote.

Yesterday, Senators attempted to rescue the bill from committee and put it up for a vote.

But despite overwhelming support for the bill, the motion failed to attract the 9 votes needed to pass.

Only 6 senators (Democrats Rosalyn Baker, Gary Hooser, Les Ihara, Jr., Carol Fukunaga, Suzanne Chun Oakland and Michelle Kidani) voted in favor of yanking the bill from the committee and forcing a vote on the issue. Senators appeared reluctant to go against Senate President Colleen Hanabusa who opposed the effort.

Hanabusa said she did not want to circumvent the normal lawmaking process but still supports civil unions. A large majority (18) of Senators had expressed support for the bill.

Opponents cheered the result.

“It affirms the will of the people,” Dennis Arakaki, executive director of the Hawaii Family Forum, a group that opposes civil unions for gay and lesbian couples. “Senators realized the impact of the issue. They may have been looking for rationale of how they could either avoid the issue or put it to bed.”

Senators were given pause to reconsider the bill when the majority of testimony heard by the committee was against the bill. Over 6,000 anti-gay protesters stormed the Capitol the Sunday before the hearing convened. Participants of the church-backed rally wore red to symbolize the blood of Jesus Christ and cited Scripture as reasons for their opposition to civil unions for gay and lesbian couples.

Hawaii voters approved a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as a heterosexual union in 1998, overturning a state Supreme Court ruling that favored gay marriage advocates.

BY Adam Lisberg NY DAILY NEWS
DAILY NEWS CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF

Wednesday, March 25th 2009, 9:09 PM
Mayor Bloomberg official threw his support behind pushing New York state to pass bill to allow gay marriage.

TAGGART for NEWS

Mayor Bloomberg official [sic]  threw his support behind pushing New York state to pass bill to allow gay marriage.
Mayor Bloomberg said Wednesday night he stands ready to ask the Legislature to allow gay marriage in New York State, but doesn’t know when the time will be right.

“We see that the tide is turning, that support is mounting,” Bloomberg told the annual dinner of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. “Make no mistake, the time will come … and we will pass this bill.”

Bloomberg has made similar pledges to testify in Albany for almost three years, but the GOP-run state Senate blocked any such bill.

Democrats now run the Senate but have not been able to round up votes to pass the measure – increasing pressure on Bloomberg to follow through.

“I don’t know whether it’s more likely or not” this year, Bloomberg said before his speech. “If they consider a bill, I think they should pass it, and I would be happy to testify for it.”

The mayor was received warmly by the crowd, which cited his administration as a model for gay-friendly initiatives. Still, marriage remains the top item on the gay political agenda.

“We need Republican votes to pass this. We gave a lot of money to the Republican state Senate campaign last year,” said Paul Schindler, editor in chief of Gay City News. “When the gay community gets politicians to say they’re on our side, the next question is, How soon?”

Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is gay, both said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s newfound support for gay marriage is a sign that the tide is turning.

“Everything’s different this year in a way that I think is very positive for the movement of the bill,” Quinn told the Daily News. “When we get the green light from our leaders in the [state] Senate that it’s the right time to go, he and I will be up there.”

From Vermont Freedom to Marry:

“Gov. Douglas held a press conference today where he announced that he will veto bill S.115, the marriage equality bill, if it passes the House.

WE CANNOT TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER!!!  Click here for the story and call to action!

Our task is clear now – we must use the upcoming days to change his mind.

We need YOU at the State House this FRIDAY to show your support of marriage equality.

We will send out an email shortly to let you know what time to arrive and other actions to take!

In the meantime – call or email Gov. Douglas to express your outrage and urge him to change his mind. It’s not too late.

Ph:802 828-3333
(toll-free in VT only: 800 649-6825)”