03/29/2006
Australian Capital Territory to legalize gay civil marriages. Australia has two territories and six states. ACT is the first of any of them to enact such a law. While the laws will apply only in that territory, activists see legal challenges coming across the country. Gay and Lesbian Rights Group spokesman Rodney Croome: "Inevitably we will see same-sex couples travelling to Canberra to have their unions solemnised and returning home expecting and demanding equal recognition and protection for their relationships."
Robert Downey, Jr. is stalking David Beckham — for his son: "My son guides me. That's why I was recently out at a quarter to midnight stalking David Beckham, because that little p**ck wanted a picture."
ITMFA: Dan Savage launches Bush impeachment site: "If you’re just joining us, you’re probably wondering what ITMFA all about. Well, it stands for “impeach the motherfucker already,” which, er, I guess you kinda had to know if you found your way to this website."
Council of Europe asks Mayor of Moscow to allow Gay Pride parade to happen: "“The universal and unalienable nature of these rights can never be in question, in this respect the Congress, of which I am President, has long sought to improve the lot of minorities and vulnerable groups at local and regional level and promote their full participation in all aspects of civic society as valued and valuable citizens. The Congress was therefore concerned when it was recently brought to its attention that a Gay Pride march, scheduled to take place in Moscow from 24 to 28 May this year, had been banned by the authorities. I would be very grateful, Mr Mayor, if you could envisage to review your decision, and convey to the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities further information in this respect."
Posted 10:07 AM EST by Andy in Elsewhere | Permalink
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I love Dan Savage. Everyone needs to visit the site and buy a button. ITMFA indeed.
Posted by: JeffreyDale | Mar 29, 2006 10:16:58 AM
I can hardly wait to read all the postings from the Bush lovers about Dan Savage. After all if you don't love Bush you don't love America. I am all a tingle.
Posted by: Donald | Mar 29, 2006 10:32:06 AM
Two things about the ACT (Australia) gay marriages story. The ACT isn't the first state or territory to enact a civil unions law; Tasmania gets that honour.
Second, the ACT's plans are now in trouble media reports this morning say the Federal government will use its constitutional power to overturn the ACT law if it goes ahead.
Posted by: Paul | Mar 29, 2006 5:28:08 PM
Just to clarify a comment made above by Paul.
Tasmania does not actually recognise Civil Unions. In 2004 it enacted a scheme where relationships can be registered, but there is no formal legal rights flowing from that registration. Whereas there is in the ACT scheme. So in fact the ACT is the first jurisdiction in Australia to enact Civil Unions.
The threat of the Australian Federal Government to overturn the laws is nothing new - they threatened to do so in 2004 on the enactment of the ACT Human Rights Act and Gay adoption laws but has not done so. Lets hope this trend continues!
Posted by: Mat | Mar 29, 2006 7:38:19 PM
ITMFA
Posted by: Chad Hanging | Mar 29, 2006 8:57:03 PM
We have won our rights in the courts....it took Ontario in 2003, and Quebec in 2004 and several provinces and territories to the national law in 2005. Incrementalism is our approach to equal justice under law. It is, of course, the rightwingnut strategy to undermine us as well.
True, Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands did it without incrementalism. The national law obviated the need for provincial laws eventually prodding and informing the nation.
Canada did the best thing. We did not impose national restrictions on marriage for anyone. The word "gay" is NOT found on a Canadian provincial or territorial marriage licence. There is "NO" difference between a straight or gay couples' licence.
The words "same-gender/sex" marriage is a rightwing divisive expression born in prejudice and bigotry. We Canadians are learning to say, simply......"marriage".
Posted by: Raymond | Mar 30, 2006 5:09:21 AM