Progress here in DE

Today the committee held a hearing regarding SB30 (the civil unions bill) at Legislative Hall in Dover, DE. Although not specifically mentioned in this article, at least 3 of my friends were among the 50 who signed up and were able to give testimony in support of the bill. One of them was my friend (and personal trainer) Rick.

It never ceases to amaze me that people will continue to haul out those old, tired arguments about how legalizing civil unions will take us dangerously close to that infamously "slippery slope" of humans wanting to have civil unions with animals, and adults wanting to have civil unions with children. Don't they realize that human/animal relationships and adult/child relationships have just as much potential among heterosexuals? SB30 is not asking for either of those things. Its asking for legal recognition of civil rights for 2 people of the same sex who wish to formally join their lives under the law.

And leave it to the great little state of DE to have testimony offered up by someone who was sent directly from Jesus Christ! (Page 2)

Fortunately the 4 committee members were able to process the facts and sift out the sh*t, and they released the bill from committee and sent it to the state senate floor.

If the bill eventually gets signed into law by our Democratic governor, Spouse & I will definitely solemnize our civil union under the law. Just 1 of the positive ways this will impact us is that it will allow me to obtain health insurance through Spouse's employer at a significant savings over what I am currently paying for private coverage as a self-employed individual.

I'll keep you posted.

Gay marriage is good for the economy

I found this article very interesting and encouraging. It prompted me to write a short email to my Governor, encouraging him to recommend marriage equality legislation in DE.

Study: Gay marriage cash cow for Mass.
selected excerpt:
A study by a noted university think tank has found that same-sex marriage in Massachusetts has resulted in a $111 million windfall for the state’s economy.

The study was one of two by the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law showing the state has significantly gained as a result of the legalization five years ago of gay marriage.

The state’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled in 2003 that banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional and gay and lesbian couples began marrying the following year.

That made Massachusetts the state with the longest record of same-sex marriage and research over the past five years has provided an insight into what other states could expect as a result of marriage equality.

To read the entire article, click here.

Since the small state of DE where I live is one of many states suffering from a crushing budget deficit, I sent our newly elected Governor, Jack Markell, the following email:

"As a resident of DE and a supporter of your campaign for Governor, I am writing to encourage you to recommend the legalization of same sex marriage. Marriage and its rights and responsibilities should be granted to ALL citizens, regardless of whether their loved one is opposite sex or same sex. Marriage equality is a civil rights issue, not a special rights issue. Its the right thing to do.

Further, I wish to call your attention to a recent study which shows that $111 million has been spent on same-sex weddings/marriages in Massachusetts in the last 5 years. http://www.365gay.com/news/study-gay-marriage-cash-cow-for-mass/ With Delaware's significant gay and lesbian population, legislating marriage equality in Delaware cost help reduce its $800 million deficit and attract more full time residents to our state.

There are many other benefits to legislating marriage equality and I would welcome an opportunity to share more of them with you or your appointed representatives."

I'll post more on this if/when I get a response.

Crush du Jour: Alex Pirolozzi

Gay marriage in CO; Rights in City of Newark DE

I found this to be interesting and refreshing.

Straight Man Promotes Gay Marriage In Colorado
By 365gay Newscenter Staff

(Denver, Colorado) A straight Colorado man is promoting a ballot measure that would allow same-sex marriage in the state.

Stu Allen, 23, tells The Rocky Mountain News that gay couples should have the same rights that he and his girlfriend of seven years would have if they got married.

“I don’t think there should be gender-specific laws when it comes to marriage in Colorado - or anywhere,” Allen told the paper. “It seems like a civil rights issue.”

His ballot measure would overturn Colorado’s constitutional ban on same-sex marriage that was approved by voters in 2006 and would make marriage gender neutral.

Allen told The News that when he began researching what is required to get a measure on the ballot he found there had to be two sponsors. He contacted his high school friend Hallie Atencio who readily agreed.

“I wholeheartedly believe in what he’s trying to do,” Atencio, 22, told The News. “I think we can create some change.”

The proposed ballot measure has been filed with the state. Tuesday Allen will meet with officials for a “review and comment session” that is required before an issue gets on the ballot. The state would then have to approve the wording on the measure before Allen can begin collecting signatures.

In addition to banning same-sex marriage in 2006, voters the same year rejected another ballot issue that would have given same-sex couples many of the rights of marriage including property inheritance rights and the power to make medical and funeral arrangements.

Allen’s gay marriage measure is opposed by supporters of the ban on same-sex marriage.

“The voters have already spoken about the direction they would like to see our state go regarding the marriage issue,” state Sen. Mike Kopp (R) told The Rocky Mountain News.

And, from my (new) home state of DE came the following nice little piece of progress.

The City of Newark's personnel policy now prohibits discrimination for sexual orientation, and as of last night's vote, also prohibits discrimination for gender identity and expression.

The Council also unanimously voted to have staff research and report back to council within 90 days on domestic partner benefits, a life partner registry, and nondiscrimination for housing, employment, and public accommodations.

Every seat in council chambers was filled and I do not believe the outcome would have been unanimous or as supportive if it were not for all the community members who came and shared their stories and thoughts. --Ezra Temko

Crush du Jour: Derrick Davenport