Illinois Governor Quinn Not Certain He Can Support Same Sex Marriage, Gay Couples In Houston Texas March Demanding Marriage Equality, Washington State Same Sex Marriage Referendum Renumbered, Google Valentine’s Day Doodle Slyly Supports Same Sex Marriage, Liam Hemsworth, Justin Bieber Beach Pants Sag, Tom Daley

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he doesn't know if he would support legislation that would give same sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples. According to The Associated Press, the Democrat supported same sex civil unions, which became legal in Illinois last summer. However, he said Tuesday he wants to study issues surrounding same sex marriage before he makes a decision. The "Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act" was introduced in the Illinois House earlier this month. It would eliminate the part of state law that prohibits gay marriages and offer same sex couples the rights currently available exclusively to heterosexual couples. The measure also says religious groups will be free to decide which marriages they will perform.

Barbara Ervin and Enita Torres held hands as the couple tried to do the most romantic thing possible on Valentine’s Day — apply for a marriage license. But just like about a half dozen other same sex couples, Ervin and Torres were swiftly denied by Harris County officials. A decision that came as no surprise to any of the couples who applied. “It’s kind of empowering to come and say ‘This is my right,’” said Torres, who has been dating Ervin for 25 years. “Education is ongoing and it’s a reminder that we aren’t going away.” The Houston Chronicle reports that the couple, who have two children in their 30s, took part in a Valentine’s Day Protest and March for marriage equality, sponsored by the Family Marriage Equality Foundation. Tuesday’s march and protest was the tenth annual Valentine’s Day event for the group. After being denied marriage licenses, the group of roughly 30 participants began chanting and cheering as they marched through downtown to Houston City Hall. Some of the marchers wore veils and top hats while others waved rainbow American flags. Most held signs, such as “No more Mr. Nice Gay,” to protest laws that prevent same-sex couples from being legally married. Once at city hall, Mayor Annise Parker, the first openly gay mayor of a major city, delivered a city proclamation honouring “Freedom to Marry Day,” which was cheered by the group. Parker is one of the chairs of the Mayors Freedom to Marry, a group to win the equal rights of marriage for gay couples. She said about 90 mayors from around the country are on board with initiative that was started by straight mayors from some of the largest cities, who thought it was “the right thing to do.” “It’s an issue that is close to my heart and important to me,” Parker said. Parker has said previously that it was not her role to fight for an amendment to the Texas Constitution to override the state’s defense of marriage act or to win a ballot referendum to overturn it. However, she personally supports awarding same-sex couples the same legal rights as married couples. “I believe in the principle that all human beings are created equal…I believe in having the ability to fully protect the relationship that I’ve nurtured for 21 years,” she told the group. Mark Eggleston, outreach director at The Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, said 17 couples, six of which were present at the march, were married at the church last Sunday. The church has a 98 percent gay population and partnered with the equality foundation to put on the event. Eggleston and his partner Darrin Brindle got a marriage license in California, but they would like to be recognized as married in their own state. But not all couples at the march were quite ready for tie the knot. Richard McLoud and Nicholas Benjamin have been dating a little less than a month, but Benjamin said there should not be any debate about love, simply stating, “Love is love to me — whether you’re gay, straight, bisexual.”

After a clerical error, the Washington Secretary of State's office has renumbered the referendum on same sex marriage. Spokesman Dave Ammons says Tuesday the referendum filed by opponents of gay marriage had been given a number that had already been assigned. The same sex marriage referendum has been renumbered to Referendum-74, or R-74, instead of Referendum 73. Ammons says the Attorney General's office noticed the error. Governor Chris Gregoire signed a bill legalizing same sex marriage on Monday, making Washington the seventh state to do so. But the same day, a group called Preserve Marriage Washington filed the referendum. If they collect the more than 120,577 valid voter signatures needed by June 6, the law will be put on hold pending the outcome of a November vote.

Google’s Valentine’s Day doodle contains an obvious message of love and support for same sex marriage.

Liam Hemsworth, soon seen starring in much-anticipated Hunger Games, graves the cover of Details.

Justin Bieber and his much younger brother hit the beach Tuesday, Justin shirtless, wearing some sort of homemade denim Capri pant, which predictably fell down.

Sexy Tom Daley spotted poolside in Southend, England Tuesday during a Team Great Britain diving practice session.