Bozeman, Montana is considering a resolution that supports seven same sex couples suing the state for the right to marry. Mayor Jeff Krauss tells the Bozeman Daily Chronicle “These couples are really walking out on limb to put their faces forward, to put their stories forward, and I think they deserve the support.” The American Civil Liberties Union, acting on behalf of 14 plaintiffs filed suit against the state in July contending that Montana is violating the state Constitution by denying gay couples the same rights that straight married couple enjoy, including decision regarding education, finance, and health. A draft of the Bozeman City Commission resolution reads that “the Montana ‘marriage amendment’ precludes same sex marriage, it does not preclude all couples from having the same fundamental rights of individual dignity, privacy, due process and the pursuit of life’s basic necessities guaranteed to all Montanans under the Montana Constitution’s Declaration of Rights,” adding that Same-sex couples are denied the basic legal rights of different-sex couples to succession to property upon death of a spouse, employment rights, tax benefits, health insurance, rights to visitation in the event of illness, health care decision, fish and game law licensing and many more.” All five Bozeman City Commissioner intend to support the resolution. Jeff Lasloffy, however, the president of the Montana Family Foundation, does not, insisting that the lawsuit (and resolution supporting said lawsuit) is a disingenuous attempt to undermine the state marriage amendment and in effect bypass the will of the voters.
In Geneva, the Associated Press reports that United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon reiterated a call on all countries to abolish laws that discriminate against gays and lesbians, saying that cultural concerns cannot justify the systematic discrimination against any individual because of their sexual orientation, real or perceived.
The daily newspaper Bild is reporting that openly gay German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle has married his long-time partner, Michael Mronz in Bonn, the paper announcing “The marriage was pronounced by the mayor of Bonn, Jurgen Nimptsch ... Only close family were present, some 20 people.” No formal announcement has been made. Gay marriage remains illegal in Germany, but registered partnerships for same sex couples have been allowed since 2001; partnerships that afford some, but not all of the same rights and privileges as marriage.
Katy Perry – who apparently wants to be an ally for the gay community – continues to act in manner that would suggest otherwise. According to RadarOnline.com Perry appeared at her former Santa Barbara high school to perform. She noticed one Shane Lopes in attendance, a former classmate. “Is that Shane Lopes?” said Perry. “You were the most popular kid in my class. But you never wanted to date me, it was always Amanda Wayne. Oh yeah, you really chose right honey. What’s up? What’s up now, player? I’m going to dedicate this next one to Shane Lopes everyone.” Perry then played Ur So Gay, the crowd beside themselves with laughter. Using "gay" in the pejorative sense? Not nice Katy, not nice at all, especially as so many younger gay men and women look to you as someone interested in advancing the rights of the LGBT community. Not to mention that whole I Kissed A Girl career defining moment.
A tight panted Joe Jonas was spotted Wednesday sans his purity ring.
Nick Jonas was also seen Thursday and as always, terribly stylish.
0 comments:
Post a Comment