In Washington State, legislation legalizing same sex marriage appears headed for a floor vote in the state Senate after clearing a key committee on Thursday. The Senate Government Operations, Tribal Relations and Elections Committee approved the measure after Democrats beat back several attempts to amend the bill. The Seattle Times reports that it is not clear when the full Senate will vote on the measure. Senator Don Benton (R-Vancouver), attempted to add a provision that would send the gay marriage law to voters, arguing "a change this significant in long standing state law ... requires more than a simple majority vote of the Legislature." The amendment was rejected on a party-line vote along with four other amendments proposed by Senator Dan Swecker (R-Rochester), an opponent of the same sex marriage legislation. Swecker's amendments dealt with various protections for religious groups under the proposed law. Senator Craig Pridemore (D-Vancouver), said the existing bill already provides adequate protection for churches, and makes it clear they would not be required under state law to marry same sex couples. Pridemore said there are discussions underway to make sure the provision could not be vetoed, in order to address concerns raised by opponents, although the governor has said she wants the bill to include protections for religious organizations. Same sex marriage supporters earlier this week clinched the votes needed to pass a bill through the Legislature, when Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (D-Camano Island), announced her support for the legislation. Haugen's decision apparently provides backers the 25 votes needed to secure passage in the Senate, while the state House already has enough lawmakers signed on to approve it. Governor Chris Gregoire backs the bill as well. Opponents of the measure have promised to mount a referendum challenge if the Legislature approves the law. A referendum cannot be filed until the governor signs the legislation. Under state law, opponents have 90 days from the end of the session to collect 120,577 signatures to put a referendum on the ballot. The regular session ends March 8. If opponents turn in enough signatures, the law would be put on hold until the election. If upheld by voters, the law then would go into effect December 6. Same- sex marriage is legal in New York, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and the District of Columbia.
Prime Minister Gillard’s government will help Australian same sex couples marry in other countries where gay marriage is legal by issuing them with documents that are currently only available to heterosexual couples. In several nations that allow gay marriage, including Portugal, Spain, Norway and South Africa, a person must produce a so-called Certificate of No Impediment, which proves that they are at least 18 years old, not already married and that there is no other barrier to the marriage. According to The Sydney Morning Herald, Attorney-General Nicola Roxon will announce Friday that from February 1, same sex couples will be able to apply for the certificates. ''This important change will allow same-sex couples to take part in overseas marriage ceremonies, and be considered married according to the laws of that country,'' Ms Roxon said. The announcement follows a change of Labor Party policy on the issue at its national conference in December. Same sex marriages conducted overseas are not recognized as marriages in Australia, but may be evidence of a de facto relationship for the purposes of federal and state laws. Australian Marriage Equality convener Alex Greenwich welcomed the news. ''The removal of this mean-spirited policy is an important victory for same-sex couples and supporters of marriage equality,'' he said.
The Washington Post reports that Barney Frank, 71, and longtime partner Jim Ready, 42, are engaged, the congressman’s office offering confirmation Thursday, following a report by New England Cable News. The wedding is to be held in Massachusetts, where same sex marriage was made legal in 2004. No date has been given. Frank is set to leave Congress next winter after 32 years, and he’s said the rigors of the job and the desire to devote more time to his relationship were factors. “I have a partner now,” Frank told Charlie Rose in an interview a couple weeks ago. “I’m in love for the first time in my life.” The couple met at a political fundraiser in Ready’s home state of Maine. The Advocate described him in 2009 as a Todd Palin lookalike and surfing enthusiast. Their mostly low-profile relationship has made the news a handful of times, when Ready exchanged words with his beau’s opponents at public forums, and when he was charged with having marijuana plants at his home in 2007. Ready lives in Ogunquit, Maine, where he has a business doing carpentry, custom awnings, painting, welding, and other handyman work. They’ve been involved since the spring of 2007.
Johnny Weir and his super sexy husband Victor Voronov spotted skating in New York at A Midwinter’s Night Skate Party Wednesday evening.
Orlando Bloom dons a pair of purple sweatpants while on a West Hollywood shopping excursion Thursday.
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