SCOTUS to hear case of business that wants to refusse same-sex wedding videos on December 5
October 18, 2022
This morning the Court released its argument calendar for the end of November and beginning of December. One case of note is 303 Creative LLC v. Elenis, in which a business is pre-emptively suing the state of Colorado in order to avoid having to make wedding videos for same-sex couples if and when the business decides to make wedding videos for opposite-sex couples. The case has major implications for accommodations laws.
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1.
ianbirmingham | October 18, 2022 at 5:34 pm
I do too! Adorable moment a couple surprised each other by proposing at the SAME time while watching a sunset on the beach
Trevor Turk and his boyfriend Corey Francis, from Columbus Ohio, both surprised each other with romantic sunset proposals during a holiday in Puerto Vallarta, México.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-113270…
2.
josejoram | October 23, 2022 at 1:27 pm
I think the moment to mobilize all the Human Rights community is now. Wacko Thomas is salivating with every case which involves LGBTIQ+ rights and the possibility of cutting them off.
3.
ianbirmingham | October 19, 2022 at 4:24 pm
Dems' real midterm prize: Command of the judicial wars
For more than 20 months now, Democrats have OK’d their judicial nominees with almost no obstacles and kept pace with President Donald Trump’s big confirmation numbers, despite holding the narrowest Senate majority possible.
If Republicans win the Senate, Mitch McConnell would become majority leader and might slow confirmations to a trickle, just as he did under President Barack Obama. But if Majority Leader Chuck Schumer holds on, two more years of a Democratic chamber would essentially guarantee that Biden can keep pace with Trump’s judicial totals and bend some circuit and district courts back to the left, not to mention fill a Supreme Court vacancy if one opens up.
As majority leader in 2015 and 2016, McConnell confirmed just 20 of Obama’s district and appellate court nominees while leaving Garland off the bench. That’s by far the lowest two-year confirmation total since Jimmy Carter was president, according to the Congressional Research Service. McConnell’s judicial blockade allowed Trump to fill dozens of bench openings and install conservative majorities up and down the court system.
After Democrats took the House in 2018, McConnell went into overdrive and nearly doubled his pace of lower-court confirmations. Ultimately, Trump and McConnell ushered in three new Supreme Court justices, 54 Circuit Court justices and 174 District Court justices — all lifetime appointees, many of them relatively young.
Judicial confirmations might matter more than ever next year as the courts play outsize roles on issues that Congress is unable to legislate on, from voting rights to abortion to gay marriage.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/13/mcconnel…
4.
Randolph_Finder | October 20, 2022 at 6:30 am
Tabasco approved. https://www.infobae.com/america/mexico/2022/10/20…
This gets Mexico to 30 of 32 with only Guerrero and Tamaulipas left.
And Tamalipas at least seems to have something started in the state congress. https://www.elsoldemexico.com.mx/republica/socied…
But the race to see who will be last continues…
5.
VIRick | October 21, 2022 at 11:08 pm
Veterans Affairs Expands Eligibility of LGBTQ Spousal Survivor Benefits
The Department of Veterans Affairs has closed a gap in survivor benefits for those who were not able to marry a same-sex, now-deceased veteran spouse prior to the Supreme Court’s 2015 "Obergefell v. Hodges" marriage equality ruling, and therefore had subsequently been deemed to have not been married long enough to qualify.
The VA’s minimum length-of-marriage requirement is one year, and higher benefits are available to survivors who were married to a veteran spouse for eight years or more. But a newly-announced VA policy recognizes that many couples who were prevented from marrying due to various states’ anti-marriage-equality laws were actually in marriage-like relationships before the Supreme Court struck those laws down in "Obergefell."
Under the new policy, surviving spouses can demonstrate that they were in marriage-like relationships by providing evidence of such, like proof of a commitment ceremony, a joint banking account, or the joint purchase of a house, according to a VA press release.
The VA’s decision is effective immediately, and survivors can apply now for these benefits. Eligible surviving spouses who apply within the next year will receive benefits backdated to 11 October 2022. Otherwise, the benefits will not be retroactive.
https://www.advocate.com/news/2022/10/20/more-lgb…
6.
VIRick | October 21, 2022 at 11:14 pm
The "Bostock" Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination Case Has Finally Settled
Gerald Bostock, the namesake for the historic US Supreme Court decision in 2020 of "Bostock v. Clayton County" that made anti-LGBTQ discrimination illegal in the workplace, has finally settled his own discrimination lawsuit.
Bostock spent over ten years working for Clayton County GA as an advocate for victims of child abuse and neglect. He was abruptly fired in 2013, six months after he joined a gay softball league and subsequently endured homophobic comments from colleagues. When he was let go, his employer cited “conduct unbecoming a county employee” as the reason. Bostock believes his termination was directly related to his sexual orientation.
In conjunction with two others, Bostock’s case led the Supreme Court to declare that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bans workplace discrimination on the basis of sex, applies to LGBTQ people. That victory, however, did not mean Bostock’s personal case against Clayton County was over.
Once the Supreme Court declared anti-LGBTQ discrimination against employees to be illegal, he then had to go back to court to determine whether or not he was actually the victim of it. The case was finally settled on 5 October 2022, according to court documents obtained by Law & Crime, although the terms of the settlement are not yet public. https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/10/man-won-lgbtq….
7.
VIRick | October 21, 2022 at 11:16 pm
Singapore: Bills to Repeal Sodomy Ban; Grant Parliament Sole Right to Define Marriage
Per LGBT Marriage News:
On 20 October 2022, the Singapore Government introduced two bills to Parliament:
1. To decriminalize same-sex sexual relations (between men) by repealing Section 377A.
2. To remove the ability of the courts to scrutinize the legal definition of marriage. Instead, if passed, only Parliament will have the ability to decide upon the definition of marriage.
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3…
The vote on both is expected to occur on 28 November.
8.
VIRick | October 21, 2022 at 11:21 pm
Slovakia Parliament Votes against More Rights for LGBT Couples
Per LGBT Marriage News:
The Slovakia Parliament has decided to keep registration of relationships exclusively for one man and one woman only. On Wednesday, 19 October 2022, it voted against a proposal that would have granted same-sex couples inheritance rights and the right to access medical records, the so-called cohabitation partnership.
In total, the bill from the liberal SaS party needed 76 votes in order to pass. As only 50 MPs voted in favor, it was rejected. In total, 37 others voted against it, 15 submitted a blank vote, and 31 did not vote at all.
https://cne.news/artikel/1877-slovakia-votes-agai….
9.
ianbirmingham | October 22, 2022 at 7:56 pm
The fact that this specific proposal was rejected does not mean that the issue is settled in the country, Postoj writes. President Zuzana Čaputová expressed her disappointment after the vote. She said that action is necessary to protect the safety and acceptance of "fellow-citizens." "We need to act", she stated on social media. "Our society is not threatened by the love of two people of the same sex or their partnership."
The Slovak Justice minister is currently working on a proposal that would grant property rights to all people living in the same household.
10.
VIRick | October 21, 2022 at 11:26 pm
Tabasco Congress Votes in Favor of Marriage Equality, Jurisdiction #30
Per Congreso de Tabasco:
El 19 de octubre 2022, se declara aprobado el Dictamen con proyecto de Decreto, por el que se reforman los Artículos 116, fracción I, 153, segundo párrafo, 154, 216, 217, 269, párrafo segundo, fracción III, 285, párrafos primero y segundo, 289, y 3275 del Código Civil para el Estado de Tabasco, en materia de matrimonio igualitario.
https://twitter.com/CongresoTab/status/1582898916…
On 19 October 2022, the final Draft with Decree is declared approved, by which Articles 116, section I, 153, second paragraph, 154, 216, 217, 269, second paragraph, section III, 285, first and second paragraphs, 289, and 3275 of the Civil Code for Tabasco State are reformed regarding marriage equality.
Per Televisión Tabasqueña y Jaime Guerrero de Radio Fórmula Oaxaca:
The Tabasco State Congress voted 22 in favor (Morena, PRD, MC) and 6 against (PRI, Verde), with 7 abstentions (Morena).
https://twitter.com/TVTenlinea
https://twitter.com/jaimeguerrero08
From the live proceedings, those voting "a favor" tended to rise from their seats and shout it out quite loudly, while those voting "en contra" remained seated and were much more subdued. The "abstenciones" said nothing at all, while simply continuing to sit there.
11.
VIRick | October 22, 2022 at 5:03 pm
Tamaulipas v. Guerrero Vie in the Finals for "Most Homophobic State" in Mexico
In this video, two transgender women are discussing marriage equality in Mexico. Even if you do not understand Spanish, the smilingly precious and unexpected visual salute suddenly bestowed upon each recalcitrant state certainly does not require translation:
Per Azul Piccone:
Esta semana enviamos un mensaje a Guerrero y Tamaulipas y a sus gobiernos, Evelyn Salgado P. y Dr. A. Villarreal, para garantizar los derechos de todas las personas que habitan sus estados: matrimonio igualitario YA.
https://twitter.com/Azul_Piccone
This week we send a message to Guerrero and Tamaulipas and to their governors, Evelyn Salgado P. and Dr. A. Villarreal, to guarantee the rights of all persons who inhabit their states: marriage equality NOW.
The accompanying video with salute (como saludos de Sonora a Trump) is here:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1583887748271812608&…
12.
VIRick | October 22, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Sonora: First Anniversary of Marriage Equality, 375 Same-Sex Marriages
A un año desde que se registró el primer matrimonio igualitario en Sonora después de su aprobación en el Congreso de Sonora, se han concretado 375 uniones maritales entre personas del mismo sexo ante el Registro Civil sin la necesidad de un amparo.
Bajo la nueva ley que permite el casamiento de personas del mismo sexo, el primero en la historia de Sonora se trató de la boda de Héctor Huerta y Carlos Silva, un día después de que se publicó la reforma al Código de Familia en el Boletín Oficial del Estado de Sonora el 21 de octubre 2021.
https://www.elsoldehermosillo.com.mx/local/matrim…
One year after the first equal marriage was registered in Sonora following its approval in the Sonora Congress, 375 same-sex marital unions have been formalized before the Civil Registry without the need for an amparo.
Under the new law that allows same-sex marriage, the first in the history of Sonora was the wedding of Héctor Huerta and Carlos Silva, one day after the reform to the Family Code was published in the Official Bulletin of the State of Sonora on 21 October 2021.
13.
VIRick | October 23, 2022 at 10:56 am
Argentina: Marriage Equality Up-Date for Córdoba Province
Per "La Voz:"
En la provincia de Córdoba, los casamientos entre personas del mismo sexo representan el 2% del total. Hubo 543 enlaces entre 2019 y el presente.
https://twitter.com/oteromariana
In the province of Córdoba, marriages between people of the same sex represent 2% of the total. There were 543 unions between 2019 and the present.
14.
ianbirmingham | October 23, 2022 at 3:47 pm
California court rules in favor of Christian baker who refused to bake cake for a lesbian couple in 2017, citing her Christian beliefs
The case was initiated when same-sex couple Eileen and Mireya Rodriquez-Del Rio complained to the California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing after they tried to buy a cake from Cathy Miller, the owner of Tastries Bakery in Bakersfield, California, for their wedding in October 2017.
Decision here: https://s4f4x7d5.rocketcdn.me/wp-content/uploads/…
15.
ianbirmingham | October 23, 2022 at 4:08 pm
Progressives Warn of Federal 'Don't Say Gay' Law If GOP Wins Midterms
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2022/10/21/prog…
16.
VIRick | October 23, 2022 at 7:45 pm
Mexico: Marriage Equality Status Report and the Race to the Bitter End
Per Joel Valdez:
El Congreso de Guerrero podría discutir y aprobar este martes, el 25 de octubre 2022, el matrimonio igualitario, de no ser así se perfila para ser la última entidad en aprobarlo. ¿Qué pasa? El diputado de Morena, Héctor Fernando Agüero acusa al PRI de no querer que avance la iniciativa.
https://twitter.com/joel_valdezn/status/158431217…
The Guerrero Congress could discuss and approve marriage equality this Tuesday; 25 October 2022; if not, it is likely to be the last state in approving it. What's happening? Morena deputy Héctor Fernando Agüero accuses PRI of not wanting the initiative to advance.
At the moment, there are still 4 states in Mexico where the marriage equality legislation has yet to go into effect, as follows:
Edomex – the bill was passed by the state congress on 11 October 2022 and is now awaiting the PRI governor's signature and its subsequent publication in the official state gazette.
Tabasco – the bill was passed by the state congress on 19 October 2022, and is now awaiting the Morena governor's signature and its subsequent publication in the official state gazette.
Tamaulipas – the bill was passed in committee on 19 October 2022, and is awaiting a final vote by the full congress, now scheduled to take place on 26 October 2022. After that, if passed, the bill would still need the Morena governor's signature and its subsequent publication in the official state gazette.
Guerrero – a new marriage equality bill was introduced to the state congress on 28 September 2022 by Héctor Fernando Agüero García, but has yet to be approved in committee. After that, if approved, it would still need to pass a final vote of the full congress, receive the Morena governor's signature and be published in the official state gazette.
17.
ianbirmingham | October 24, 2022 at 9:42 am
Biden calls curbs on treatment for trans kids ‘outrageous,’ ‘immoral’
President Biden has claimed states have no right to restrict treatments like hormone blockers or sex change operations for transgender children, claiming that recent measures passed by Republican-led legislatures were based in “fear.”
“I don’t think any state or anybody should have the right to do that. As a moral question or as a legal question, I just think it’s wrong,” Biden told transgender TikTok star Dylan Mulvaney during a NowThis News presidential forum that aired Sunday
Mulvaney, who has been documenting their transition to more than 8 million followers on the platform, asked the president if he thought states “should have a right to ban gender-affirming health care.”
“It’s really important that we continue to speak out about the basic fundamental rights of all human beings, and the idea, the idea, that was going on you know in some states — I won’t get into the politics of it, but, some states, it’s just — it’s outrageous, and I think it’s immoral,” Biden added.
https://nypost.com/2022/10/24/biden-calls-curbs-o…
18.
ianbirmingham | October 25, 2022 at 10:34 am
Alito told US Senator Ted Kennedy that he respected Roe v. Wade
Then-Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito told Democratic Sen. Ted Kennedy in late 2005 that he respected Roe v. Wade and that he believed a right to privacy was “settled” law, according to entries in the late senator’s diary included in a new biography and published in The New York Times.
“‘I am a believer in precedents,’” then-Judge Alito told Kennedy, according to a part of the diary reportedly recorded by the senator and later transcribed. “’People would find I adhere to that.’”
Quotes from the diary appear in “Ted Kennedy: A Life,” by John A. Farrell, who published excerpts in the Times on Monday.
“‘I believe that there is a right to privacy. I think it’s settled as part of the liberty clause of the 14th Amendment and the Fifth Amendment,’” Alito is quoted as saying in the diary, according to Farrell. “’So I recognize there is a right to privacy. I’m a believer in precedents. I think on the Roe case that’s about as far as I can go.’”
The diary, according to Farrell, says that Kennedy confronted Alito on a memo he wrote in 1985 as a lawyer in the Reagan administration, in which he said the Constitution did not protect a right to an abortion.
“Judge Alito assured Mr. Kennedy that he should not put much stock in the memo,” Farrell wrote. “He had been seeking a promotion and wrote what he thought his bosses wanted to hear. ‘I was a younger person,’ Judge Alito said. ‘I’ve matured a lot.’”
https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/25/politics/ted-kenne…
19.
ianbirmingham | October 25, 2022 at 10:57 am
Gay couples in Cuba marry under new law
Serious, standing upright and dressed in long gala dresses – despite the midday Cuban heat – Lisset and Liusba quietly walk up the ten steps of the notary office, their hands clenched and shaking.
Less than a few feet ahead walk their two young daughters.
Nearly an hour later, when they walked out of the doors, the tension on their faces was replaced by smiles. From that moment, they were wives.
It became a possibility just three weeks before on the island when Cuba’s new Family Code – opening up everything from equal marriage to surrogate mothers – came into effect.
The couple, which has been together for seven years, is one of the first to make the decision to get legally married in Cuba following the code.
The code was approved after heavy campaigning by the Cuban government, and support by the most vocal advocate for gay rights on the island, Mariela Castro, the daughter of former president Raul Castro.
It made Cuba the ninth country in Latin America – following Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Colombia – to legalize gay marriage in recent years.
https://www.local10.com/news/world/2022/10/25/gay…
20.
ianbirmingham | October 25, 2022 at 11:36 am
LGBTQ advocacy group looks to turn around Broward County's historically low voter turnout
Among Broward County’s nearly 1.3 million voters, 48%, or nearly 600,000 of them, are registered Democrats. In raw votes, that’s enough Democrats to outvote Sumter County five times over. Added to that, the area is among those with the highest concentration of same-sex couples in the country.
But Broward County’s turnout in the last Midterm Election was 2 points lower than the state average. That translates to about 25,072 missing voters — more than twice the margin of victory that put U.S. Sen. Rick Scott in office in 2018. In the 2014 Midterms, the gap between Broward’s turnout and the state average was even more pronounced: 44.6% of Broward voted, compared to 51% statewide.
Orlando Gonzales, SAVE’s Executive Director, is working so that this year things will be different.
Gonzales said his group is a relatively small one — with a staff of four and a $250,000 annual budget — but he’s going to be using data to target voters with no party affiliation and registered Democrats who don’t always show up at the polls.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/566122-forge…
21.
VIRick | October 25, 2022 at 5:20 pm
Tamaulipas Wins "Award" for Most Amparos Filed by Same-Sex Couples
Per "El Mañana de Nuevo Laredo:"
Tamaulipas es el estado con más amparos para matrimonios igualitarios en su territorio. Este año, 2022, fue uno de los que más amparos recibió para que las parejas del mismo sexo se pudieran casar. Actualmente, hay más de 140 amparos interpuestos por parejas integrantes de la comunidad LGBTTI, convirtiendo a Tamaulipas en el estado donde más procesos de esta índole se registran,
https://elmanana.com.mx/estado/2022/10/25/tamauli…
Tamaulipas is the state with the most amparos for equal marriages within its territory. This year, 2022, was one of those that received more amparos so that same-sex couples could marry. Currently, there are more than 140 amparos filed by couples who are members of the LGBTTI community, turning Tamaulipas into the state where the most procedures of this type are registered.
22.
VIRick | October 25, 2022 at 7:57 pm
Guerrero: Gender Identity Bill Introduced into State Congress
Per Congreso de Guerrero:
Diputada Jessica Rayo A. (Morena) presentó iniciativa de reforma al Código Civil estatal para crear el procedimiento administrativo, "Reconocimiento de identidad de género," que permita a cualquier persona elegir de manera autónoma su propia identidad sexual y de género, el 25 de octubre 2022.
https://twitter.com/congresogro/status/1584992512…
On 25 October 2022, deputy Jessica Rayo A. (Morena) presented a bill to reform the state Civil Code to create the administrative procedure, "Recognition of gender identity," which allows any person to autonomously choose their own sexual and gender identity.
23.
VIRick | October 25, 2022 at 8:15 pm
Ohio: Akron City Council Bans "Conversion Therapy" for Minors
Per LGBT Marriage News:
On 24 October 2022, Akron adopted an emergency measure banning "conversion therapy" for minors, becoming the 11th city in the state to ban the discredited practice. The measure was approved unanimously by the entire 13-member city council.
The new ordinance, effective immediately, makes it unlawful for any health care professional to knowingly subject a minor to "conversion therapy," which is defined in the ordinance as a procedure that seeks to change a person’s gender identity or expression or eliminate sexual or romantic feelings toward a person of the same gender.
The move comes just over a week after the Cleveland city council voted to ban "conversion therapy" for LGBTQ youth, which is now punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and six months in jail.
Ten more Ohio cities — Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, Lakewood, Cleveland Heights, Kent, Athens, and Reynoldsburg — have also passed measures banning "conversion therapy" for minors.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/3703285-…
24.
VIRick | October 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
Guerrero Congress Approves Marriage Equality, 25 October 2022, Jurisdiction #31
Per Agencia Mexiquense de Noticias:
Con un total de 38 votos a favor, seis en contra, y dos abstenciones, el Congreso de Guerrero aprobó el matrimonio igualitario en personas del mismo sexo. Durante la sesión realizada durante noche de este día, el Congreso de Guerrero aprobó por mayoría la aprobación del matrimonio igualitario a lo largo del estado.
Fue durante la primera sesión de este martes que la iniciativa de ley que propuso el diputado Jacinto Rodríguez Varona y la presidenta de la Junta de Coordinación Política, Yoloctizn Domínguez Serna, estuvo en el orden del día para su primera lectura.
https://radioytvmexiquense.mx/index.php/2022/10/2…
With a total of 38 votes in favor, 6 against, and 2 abstentions, the Guerrero Congress approved marriage equality to persons of the same sex. During the session held tonight, the Congress of Guerrero approved by a majority the legalization of marriage equality throughout the state.
It was during the first session today that the bill that was proposed by deputy Jacinto Rodríguez Varona and the president of the Political Coordination Board, Yoloctizn Domínguez Serna, was on the agenda for its first reading.
Obviously, given that the above-referenced gender identity bill was introduced into the congress early this afternoon, and it is presently well after midnight (local time here), the Guerrero Congress held an extraordinary marathon double-session in order to pass this bill all the way through to a final vote of approval, and successfully did so all in one calendar day.
And with that news, Tamaulipas is officially "last in line," winning yet another dubious distinction award, its second dubious prize for the day.
25.
Randolph_Finder | October 26, 2022 at 7:15 am
Looking through the news, I now understand a spanish phrase I didn't before.
"Sólo falta Tamaulipas"
26.
VIRick | October 26, 2022 at 8:16 am
Not only that, but late last night, on the absolute last date possible, Guerrero once again proved another point: No matter the subject, Guerrero always does things its own unique way, no matter how unexpected or how unlikely.
In Mexico, there are two rules: The standard conventional procedure to which almost everyone else adheres, and then whatever impossible maneuver Guerrero invents.
To cite yet another example, Tamaulipas apparently "won" the award for having had the most marriage equality amparos filed against it, overtaking and eventually beating both Guanajuato and Yucatán. At the other extreme, no one in Guerrero ever bothered with the filing of an amparo.
27.
Randolph_Finder | October 26, 2022 at 11:48 am
What I had seen commented about is that Guerrero is that it gone to "Local Option" more than most other states. Some cities did marriages, some didn't. And it looked like they *really* rushed it by essentially adjourning and then coming back seconds later so that they could do the two readings in two different sessions.
28.
VIRick | October 26, 2022 at 7:46 am
Mexico: Five Additional States Still Lack Marriage Equality Legislation
Per Colectivo PTF Yucatán:
En todo México, menos en Tamaulipas, ya se reconoce el matrimonio igualitario sin necesidad de amparo. Falta legislar en Chihuahua y Guanajuato que lo permiten por Decreto, y en Aguascalientes, Chiapas, y Nuevo León que lo hacen por Orden Judicial.
https://twitter.com/ColectivoPTFYuc/status/158515…
In all of Mexico, except in Tamaulipas, marriage equality is already recognized without the need for an amparo. Legislation is lacking in Chihuahua and Guanajuato, that allow it by Decree, and in Aguascalientes, Chiapas, and Nuevo León, that do so by Court Order.
29.
Randolph_Finder | October 26, 2022 at 11:50 am
I think the next fight in Mexico is going to be adoptions. From the Wikipedia page, Mexico is split pretty close to evenly between those that allow it and those that don't. So much for Equality. 🙁
30.
VIRick | October 26, 2022 at 12:49 pm
Aguascalientes: First Same-Sex Polyamorous Marriage in Mexico
Per Marcha Orgullo GDL Oficial:
Este fin de semana, el 22 de octubre 2022, se celebró el primer matrimonio poliamoroso en Aguascalientes, un hecho histórico.Tres hombres decidieron unir sus vidas.
https://twitter.com/GDLorgullo/status/15853223581…
This weekend, on 22 October 2022, the first polyamorous marriage was celebrated in Aguascalientes, an historic event. Three men decided to unite their lives.
From the photos taken at the reception, this appears to have been a rather splashy affair. However, 3 people attempting to dance together seems more than a bit awkward.
31.
ianbirmingham | October 26, 2022 at 4:35 pm
This is a "V" relationship, or is it a triangle?
32.
VIRick | October 27, 2022 at 8:16 pm
Here is another photo of the trio, Mario, Román, and Diego.
https://twitter.com/GordoAgustin12/status/1585702…
33.
ianbirmingham | October 26, 2022 at 4:23 pm
State Department names its first U.S. envoy for LGBTQ+ and intersex rights, Kimberly Zieselman, in honor of 'Intersex Awareness Day'
Zieselman, who is intersex herself, is the former executive director of interACT: Advocates for IntersexYouth and author of 'XOXY: A Memoir.'
'The Department of State is committed to promoting and protecting the human rights of all individuals, including intersex persons, who often face discrimination, harmful medical practices, violence, and social stigma solely based on their sex characteristics,' the State Department added in its announcement.
Zieselman has described how at 15 she hadn't menstruated so she was referred to a reproductive oncologist who told her her ovaries and uterus needed to be removed to eliminate the risk of cancer. She had the surgery at 16 and underwent hormone replacement therapy.
Zieselman said neither she nor her parents were told the truth of her diagnosis, which was 'androgen insensitivity syndrome, XY sex chromosomes, and internal testes.'
She found out the internal testes had been removed during that surgery at 16 at age 41, an experience which she described as 'very disorienting.' 'It took that foundation that your life is built on and pulled it out from under me,' she told Good Housekeeping.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11358289…
34.
VIRick | October 26, 2022 at 4:45 pm
Quintana Roo Legalizes Abortion
Per "El Valle:"
En Quintana Roo es realidad el aborto legal. La votación fue de 19 a favor, 3 en contra, y 4 abstenciones.
https://twitter.com/elvallemexico
In Quintana Roo, legal abortion is a reality. The vote was 19 in favor, 3 against, and 4 abstentions.
The measure was published in the Official State Gazette of 20 October 2022.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1585403277776424961
Quintana Roo is the 10th jurisdiction in Mexico to legalize a woman's right to decide (el derecho a decidir). The others are: CDMX, Oaxaca, Hidalgo, Veracruz, Colima, Guerrero, Sinaloa, Baja California, and Baja California Sur.
https://twitter.com/jaivobra/status/1585788728798…
35.
VIRick | October 26, 2022 at 6:40 pm
Tamaulipas Congress Approves Marriage Equality, 26 October 2022, Jurisdiction #32
Per "Noticias Guerrero Hoy" y Margarita Alcaraz:
Tamaulipas se convierte en el último estado en aprobar el matrimonio igualitario, con 23 votos a favor, 12 en contra, y una abstención.
https://www.noticiasguerrerohoy.mx/post/tamaulipa…
https://twitter.com/Margaritalcaraz
Tamaulipas becomes the final state to approve marriage equality, with 23 votes in favor, 12 against, and 1 abstention.
Per Así Las Cosas:
Mientras se discutía la aprobación del matrimonio igualitario, grupos religiosos interrumpieron la sesión con cantos. Por lo que, los legisladores se trasladaron a otro recinto (dentro del mismo complejo legislativo) para sesionar.
https://twitter.com/asilascosasw/status/158560568…
While the approval of marriage equality was being discussed, religious groups interrupted the session with songs. Because of it, the legislators moved to another venue (within the same legislative complex) for the session.
36.
VIRick | October 26, 2022 at 8:31 pm
Guanajuato: New Marriage Equality Bill Introduced into State Congress
Per Diputado David Martínez Mendizabal:
Mañana jueves, el 27 de octubre 2022, presentaré al Congreso de Guanajuato en representación del Morena, una iniciativa para plantear una serie de modificaciones a la Constitución del estado y algunas leyes reglamentarias, para que el matrimonio igualitario sea una realidad en Guanajuato.
https://twitter.com/DavidGuanajuato
Tomorrow, Thursday, 27 October 2022, I will present to the Congress of Guanajuato on behalf of Morena, an initiative to propose a series of modifications to the Constitution of the state and some regulatory laws, so that marriage equality will be reality in Guanajuato.
Guanajuato currently has marriage equality because of an executive decree, rather than by required modifications to its state law.
37.
VIRick | October 27, 2022 at 8:36 pm
Bolivia: CIDH Hearing on Current Status of Marriage Equality, Gender Identity
La Defensoría del Pueblo y activistas informaron de limitaciones al derecho a la identidad de género y al matrimonio igualitario. El Estado destacó medidas para garantizar derechos de personas.
https://twitter.com/CIDH/status/15856935757397360…
The Office of Ombudsman and activists reported limitations on the right to gender identity and marriage equality. The State highlighted measures to guarantee the rights of persons.
38.
VIRick | October 27, 2022 at 10:04 pm
Mexico: Up-Dated Marriage Equality Map, End of October 2022
Per Altavoz LGBT and Frente Queretano:
Here is an up-dated map of Mexico indicating the states that have marriage equality by law (27 jurisdictions) and those that have it due to executive decree (Chihuahua and Guanajuato) or Supreme Court order (Aguascalientes, Chiapas, and Nuevo León).
https://twitter.com/FrenteQueretano/status/158563…
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ianbirmingham | October 28, 2022 at 6:05 am
A Trumpanzee who committed one of the most brutal assaults against a police officer has been sentenced to 90 months in prison, the second-longest sentence yet
Albuquerque Cosper Head of Tennessee pleaded guilty to yanking Washington Metropolitan Police Officer Michael Fanone away from police lines — shouting “I got one!” before other violent actors in the crowd dragged him away, tased him and robbed him of his badge and radio. Head engaged in a prolonged confrontation with police in the Capitol’s lower west terrace tunnel.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/10/27/jan-6-ri…
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ianbirmingham | October 28, 2022 at 6:48 pm
Hidden placards, cover stories and a tourist disguise… Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell reveals how he borrowed ruses from spy novel plots to outwit Qatar's security and stage a one-man demonstration weeks before World Cup kicks off'
I stopped outside Qatar’s National Museum and prepared to stage the first gay rights protest the Gulf state had ever seen.
As planned, I removed my top to reveal a T-shirt emblazoned with the hashtag ‘QatarAntiGay’ before unfurling a placard denouncing Qatar’s persecution of its LGBT+ citizens with the words: ‘Qatar arrests, jails & subjects LGBTs to “conversion”.’
Qatar is a police state. I was fearful of being arrested, jailed and perhaps beaten up.
Amazingly, I was able to stand on the bustling thoroughfare outside the National Museum with my placard for a full 35 minutes before a white Land Cruiser carrying state security officials arrived.
Apparently unsure of quite how to react to such a brazen display of dissent by a Westerner, they leaned out of the window to take photographs before phoning for back-up. Shortly afterwards two more Land Cruisers turned up — followed by the police.
When they approached me, I adopted a tactic I have used many times in the past when confronted by police. In a bid to psychologically disarm them, I smiled, shook their hands and engaged in a little banter.
Then, one of them noticed Simon Harris, a colleague from my human rights charity in London, who had helped smuggle my placard into the country and who was filming events on his phone.
They immediately seized his phone and deleted all the photos and videos he had taken of the protest. Fortunately, he had already uploaded some to the internet, and it was these images that would later make headlines around the world.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11366655…
41.
VIRick | October 28, 2022 at 9:53 pm
Tabasco Marriage Equality Law Took Effect from 27 October 2022
Per XEVA Noticias:
Respecto a las adecuaciones del Código Civil sobre matrimonios igualitarios en el estado, la coordinadora de Asuntos Jurídicos del gobierno de Tabasco, Karla Cantoral Domínguez, indicó que el Decretó ya está firmado por el gobernador de Tabasco, Carlos Merino Campos, por lo que debe ser publicado este miércoles en el Periódico Oficial del Estado, para que entre en vigor al día siguiente, jueves, el 27 de octubre 2022.
http://www.xeva.com.mx/nota.cfm?id=190951&t=n…
Regarding the adaptations of the Civil Code concerning marriage equality in the state, the coordinator of Legal Affairs of the Tabasco government, Karla Cantoral Domínguez, indicated that the Decree is already signed by the governor of Tabasco, Carlos Merino Campos, so that it now must be published this Wednesday in the Official State Newspaper, in order that it enter into force the following day, Thursday, 27 October 2022.
Even though Edomex passed its marriage equality legislation 8 days before Tabasco, their PRI governor, last seen attempting to kiss the pope at the Vatican, has yet to find the time to sign the measure. Thus, based on the date the revisions actually took effect, Tabasco has jumped ahead of Edomex, given that their Morena governor quickly signed their bill.
And here it is, as published in the Periódico Oficial del Estado, (the second Decree) of 26 October 2022:
https://tabasco.gob.mx/PeriodicoOficial/descargar…
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ianbirmingham | October 29, 2022 at 12:58 pm
120,000 at Taiwan Pride Parade celebration, despite rain
The Taiwan Pride Parade began in 2003 with just 700 participants gathering in a park in central Taipei — most of them wearing face masks to avoid stigmatization.
Taiwan has since become the first place in Asia to recognize same-sex marriage in 2019. It's seen as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly places in Asia.
People in raincoats carried a large Pride flag down the street as revelers in rainbow capes and elaborate makeup followed. Some waved smaller flags while others held signs or umbrellas. A group in white blew thousands of bubbles into the gray sky.
One university student described an LGBTQ-friendly environment in their senior high school.
"We were not discriminated. Everybody knew,” said 18-year-old Chen. “We did not have to worry much. We just were ourselves.”
But others still face challenges. Tommy Huang said he feels distant from his partner's family.
“His parents haven’t fully accepted me yet. One day, I really hope I could visit his parents during Lunar New Year and get to know them, and that they could accept us the way we are,” said Huang, a 35-year-old publishing company owner.
Although Taiwan recognizes same-sex marriage for its nationals, it does not allow foreigners to have same-sex marriages legalized.
https://www.local10.com/news/world/2022/10/29/120…
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ianbirmingham | October 30, 2022 at 5:48 pm
Ireland is making transgender people a protected class in hate crimes law
The Irish Cabinet has approved a bill that says anyone who is convicted of purposefully inciting hatred or violence against a person due to their gender identity or expression could face up to five years in prison.
To protect freedom of speech, the bill also says that “communication” solely involving the criticism or discussion of a protected class will not be considered enough to incite violence or hate.
The law will also reportedly include a “demonstration test” that assesses whether a crime is considered a hate crime based on whether a perpetrator expressed hatred about someone’s identity while committing a crime against them.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/10/ireland-makin…
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ianbirmingham | October 30, 2022 at 5:56 pm
Canada: Supporters outnumber protesters outside Winnipeg drag queen story hour event
A group of nearly 200 counter-protesters stood outside a Winnipeg coffee shop on Saturday morning as a drag queen story hour took place inside — an event which drew about 40 protesters and a police presence, after the venue owner received threatening messages.
After learning about the planned protest, Alex Krosney organized a "welcome committee" to make attendees of Saturday's drag story hour feel safe. That group clearly outnumbered protesters outside the event on Saturday.
Krosney had a simple message for those protesting: stay home.
"If drag queen storytime isn't for you, don't come," she said.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/drag-stor…
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VIRick | October 30, 2022 at 8:03 pm
Brasil: Lula Defeats Bolsonaro to Win Third Term as President
The former President of Brasil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, reclaimed the office on Sunday, 30 October 2022, on pledges to defend democracy, save the Amazonian rain forest, and bring social justice to Latin America’s largest nation, defeating the Trumpian incumbent in a remarkable political comeback some three years after he walked out of a prison cell.
The victory for Lula, who served two terms as president from 2003 to 2010 — returns a leftist titan of the Global South to the world stage, where his progressive voice will stand in sharp contrast to that of right-wing — and now one-term — President Jair Bolsonaro. For Latin America, Lula’s return to the Planalto Palace adds the regional giant to a streak of wins by the left: Lula joins a club of leaders who have now bested the political right in Colombia, Chile, Peru, Honduras, Argentina and Mexico.
His win, which followed a slugfest of a campaign in a deeply divided country awash in fake news and explosive rhetoric, came amid allegations of official suppression of the vote by Bolsonaro’s allies in the police. Overall, the race sounded strong echoes of the 2020 showdown in the United States between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. It pitted Bolsonaro, 67, a staunch Trump ally, against Lula, 77, a stalwart of the traditional left who moved to the center during the campaign. Lula’s strength lay in female and low-income voters — particularly in the Northeast, heavily populated by people of color — but also in social progressives and power brokers disturbed by Bolsonaro’s authoritarian bent.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/lula-defeats…
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ianbirmingham | October 31, 2022 at 11:10 am
Young voters are more likely to skip Midterm elections than Presidential races
People ages 18 to 29 cast 17% of the ballots in presidential races but just 12.8% of the votes in Midterm Elections, a drop of 4.2 percentage points. By contrast, the share of voters over the age of 45 rises almost 6 percentage points in Midterm Election years over their level in Presidential Elections.
Research shows that the policies that winning elected officials pursue are determined in part by who voted for them. Older Americans are less likely to say they support expanding Medicare to everyone. Almost half of people 65 and over, who have Medicare, oppose Medicare expansion.
Younger voters were found to identify significantly more often as Democratic than Republican, while older voters are much more likely to identify with the Republican Party.
So if younger voters are underrepresented in the November 2022 elections, more Republicans may be elected, as well as candidates less likely to reflect younger citizens’ views on key issues.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/567445-why-y…
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VIRick | October 31, 2022 at 5:52 pm
Brasil: First Openly Gay Governor Wins Re-Election in Rio Grande do Sul
By a 57.12% – 42.88% margin, the incumbent governor of Rio Grande do Sul, Eduardo Leite, a member of the centrist Social Democracy Party, defeated Onyx Lorenzoni of the right-wing Liberal Party, the former chief-of-staff of President Jair Bolsonaro.
On 2 October, Lorenzoni was ahead of Leite in the first round of the elections. However, since neither of them received at least 50 percent of the vote, a runoff election for the governorship took place on Sunday, 30 October.
Leite, 37, became governor of the southernmost state of Brasil in 2019. He came out as gay in July 2021 during an interview with a late-night talk show host.
https://www.washingtonblade.com/2022/10/31/brazil…
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VIRick | October 31, 2022 at 6:32 pm
Miss Argentina Marries Miss Puerto Rico
Per "La Plata Noticias:"
Se Casaron una Miss Argentina y una Miss Puerto Rico
Se casaron la argentina Mariana Varela (26) y la portorriqueña Fabiola Valentín (22). La pareja se conoció en 2020 en Bangkok, Tailandia, con ocasión de participar en el concurso de belleza tailandés, Miss Grand Internacional. En 2019, tanto Varela como Valentín habían sido Miss Universo de sus respectivos países, y un año después, volvieron a encontrarse en el Miss Grand Internacional, donde ambas estuvieron entre las 10 finalistas.
La boda se celebró el pasado viernes, el 28 de octubre 2022, en el Centro Judicial de San Juan de Puerto Rico.
https://laplatanoticias.com/2022/10/31/se-casaron…
The Argentinian Mariana Varela (26) and the Puerto Rican Fabiola Valentín (22) have married. The couple met in 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand, on the occasion of participating in the Miss Grand International, a Thai beauty pageant. In 2019, both Varela and Valentín had been Miss Universe from their respective countries, and a year later, they again encountered each other at the Miss Grand International, where the two were among the 10 finalists.
The wedding was celebrated last Friday, 28 October 2022, at the Judicial Center of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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VIRick | November 1, 2022 at 9:57 am
Japan: Tokyo Metro Government Issuing Partnership Certificates to Same-Sex Couples
On Tuesday, 1 November 2022, the Tokyo Metro government began issuing partnership certificates to same-sex couples who live and work in the capital (thus, said certificates are available for both residents and commuters), a long-awaited move in a country without marriage equality. The certificates allow LGBTQ partners to be treated as married couples for a range of public services in areas such as housing, healthcare, and welfare.
More than 200 smaller local authorities in Japan have already made similar moves to recognize same-sex partnerships, ever since the Shibuya district within Tokyo proper pioneered the system in 2015.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/huge-step-fo…
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VIRick | November 1, 2022 at 3:39 pm
Edoméx: Marriage Equality Reforms Published Today, 1 November 2022
Per Carlos Aguilar:
Hoy el 1 de noviembre 2022, se publicaron en la Gaceta del Gobierno del Estado de México las reformas legales que permiten el matrimonio igualitario en el Edoméx.
https://twitter.com/aitoos/status/158748215570950…
Today, 1 November 2022, the legal reforms that permit marriage equality in Edoméx were published in the Government Gazette of the State of Mexico.
The changes will go into effect from tomorrow, 2 November 2022.
51.
VIRick | November 1, 2022 at 4:49 pm
Querétaro: Marriage Equality in Santiago de Querétaro by the Numbers
Per "Quadratín Querétaro," 1 noviembre 2022:
Tras la aprobación en todo el estado de la reforma legal de noviembre 2021 que permite el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo, ya suman 91 uniones igualitarias en la ciudad de (Santiago de) Querétaro.
https://twitter.com/Quadratin_Qtro/status/1587485…
After the state-wide approval of the legal reform of November 2021 that allows marriage between persons of the same sex, there have already been 91 equal unions in the city of (Santiago de) Querétaro.
From June 2015, in a decision based strictly upon Supreme Court jurisprudence, the capital city of Querétaro state, Santiago de Querétaro, began to allow same-sex couples to marry at its civil registries, one of the very first municipalities in all of Mexico to do so. It continues to be a magnet for same-sex couples wishing to marry in a locale with significant LGBT history.
52.
VIRick | November 2, 2022 at 7:46 pm
Edoméx: First Equal Marriage Celebrated on First Day of Official Recognition
El 2 de noviembre 2022, Leticia Chávez Rivera y María del Rosario Pérez Vilchis se convirtieron en el primer matrimonio igualitario (en el Edoméx) se registrado de manera oficial (sin necesidad de un amparo), en un evento realizado en la Casa de la Cultura del municipio (adinerado) de Coacalco.
https://netnoticias.mx/nacional/celebran-el-prime…https://twitter.com/ElInformanteMX/status/1588267…
On 2 November 2022, Leticia Chávez Rivera and María del Rosario Pérez Vilchis became the first equal marriage (in Edoméx) to be registered in an official manner (without the need of an amparo), at an event held at the House of Culture in the (wealthy) municipality of Coacalco.
The ceremony was conducted by the Director-General of the Civil Registry of the State of Mexico, César Enrique Sánchez Millán.
https://www.cuestiondepolemica.com/coacalco-celeb…
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VIRick | November 2, 2022 at 9:16 pm
Liechtenstein: Parliament Votes in Favor of Drafting Marriage Equality Law
Per LGBT Marriage News:
On 2 November 2022, Parliament voted 23-2 to commission the government to draft a marriage equality law. The Government will now respond, possibly presenting a bill with a consultation period, followed by a referendum.
Here is the parliamentary vote:
https://twitter.com/LGBTMarriage/status/158785218…
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ianbirmingham | November 3, 2022 at 9:59 am
Survey: 51% say inflation/economy drives their midterm vote. Only 15% say abortion, and only 9% say it's voting rights
https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/03/politics/joe-biden…
55.
VIRick | November 3, 2022 at 8:39 pm
Venezuela: Asamblea Nacional Evaluates Cuban Experience with Family Code
Per LGBT Marriage News:
The National Assembly (AN) of Venezuela is evaluating the experience of the Cuban authorities concerning the Family Code (of Cuba), as approved by popular referendum, with an objective of implementing portions from this legislation (into the Family Code of Venezuela). Within the proposals that comprise the new Family Code of Cuba, the legalization of same-sex marriage, adoption, and surrogacy are included.
Between 26-31 October 2022, the Permanent Commission for Families, Freedom of Religion and Worship traveled to Cuba in order to develop said agenda. The president of the Sub-Committee for Families, Deputy Rosa Jiménez, said that it was to address issues related to the Family Code (of Venezuela) and other laws that are being worked upon in the National Assembly of Venezuela.
https://venezuela-news.com/an-de-venezuela-evalua…
This, apparently, is an "official" Venezuelan news source, as written from Venezuela. In any case, the article was presented in excessively florid Spanish, kissing Cuba, that was then quite literally translated word-for-word, and in the same stilted word order, into a form of English that proved to be fairly incomprehensible. The entire translation has been re-done. Still, at this stage, absolutely nothing whatsoever is certain regarding any possible changes to the Family Code of Venezuela, but at least the AN is finally "contemplating."
In the meantime, at least 7.5 million Venezuelan citizens have now fled the country, including the bulk of its LGBT community.
56.
VIRick | November 4, 2022 at 8:56 pm
Hidalgo: First State to Recognize the Right to Non-Binary Identity
Per México Igualitario:
El 3 de noviembre 2022, Hidalgo se convirtió en el primer estado en reconocer el derecho a la identidad de las personas no binarias, haciendo este proceso administrativo.para que las personas que se auto conciban como no binarias podrán registrarse así en el estado.
https://twitter.com/MX_Igualitario/status/1588539…
https://twitter.com/NindeMolRe/status/15885333910…
On 3 November 2022, Hidalgo became the first state to recognize the right to identity of non-binary persons, making this process administrative so that persons who self-acknowledge as non-binary can register as such in the state.
57.
VIRick | November 4, 2022 at 9:57 pm
Slovakia: Court Rules in Favor of Same-Sex Couple in Groundbreaking Verdict
Per LGBT Marriage News:
A same-sex couple married abroad has the same right to be granted permanent residence as applies to married couples in Slovakia, the Regional Court in Žilina ruled in what lawyers view as a groundbreaking verdict. The ruling, issued on 31 October 2022, is the first of its kind for Slovakia.
The Žilina Regional Court was dealing with a case filed by a Slovak-Argentinian couple who were married in Argentina, after they were refused permanent residence by the Slovak immigration authority. At the end of the two-year legal process, the court found the decision of the authority to be discriminatory.
“The court confirmed that by rejecting the application in this case, there occurred unjustified discrimination based on sexual orientation and a violation of the right to respect private and family life, as well as freedom of residence (preventing a Slovak citizen from returning to his homeland)."
https://spectator.sme.sk/c/23058364/gay-couple-to…
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VIRick | November 4, 2022 at 10:24 pm
Chile: The First Non-Binary National Identity Card Granted
Chile: Concedió la Primera Cédula de Identidad No Binaria
Tras casi nueve años de lucha, el 27 de octubre 2022, Shane Cienfuegos (29) obtuvo su nueva cédula de identidad en Chile: un trámite que parece normal pero que supone un hito histórico ya que el documento le reconoce como una persona trans no binaria.
https://www.infobae.com/america/america-latina/20…
After almost nine years of struggle, on 27 October 2022, Shane Cienfuegos (29) obtained his new national identity card in Chile: a procedure that seems usual but that involves an historic milestone since the document recognizes him as a non-binary trans person.
Note: For clarity, on the document itself, as shown, "Sexo" is indicated as "X."
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ianbirmingham | November 5, 2022 at 4:36 am
FL: State Rep. Anna Eskamani calling out the Florida Board of Medicine for saying there isn't enough research on gender dysphoria but then proceeding to ban research on treatments for gender dysphoria. It's not about actual concerns, it's about ideological hatred of trans people.
https://twitter.com/Esqueer_/status/1588607821989…
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VIRick | November 5, 2022 at 5:02 pm
Poland: Highest Court Rules that Polish Constitution Does Not Bar Marriage Equality
On 3 November 2022, the Supreme Administrative Court of Poland issued a ruling stating that same-sex marriages of Polish citizens legally married in other countries were not expressly forbidden under the Polish Constitution.
"Article 18 of the Constitution cannot in itself constitute an obstacle to transcribing a foreign marriage certificate if the institution of marriage as a union of persons of the same sex were to be provided for in the domestic (Polish) legal order,” the court ruled. “The current provision in the Constitution does not prohibit the statutory regulation of same-sex unions,” the court stated, adding that it was simply the case that “at present, the Polish legislature has not decided to introduce such solutions” into Polish law.
The lawsuit had been brought by Jakub Kwieciński and Dawid Mycek, a gay couple who are popular vloggers and social media celebrities who had legally married in Portugal. The case was litigated in the lower courts after the governor of the Polish province of Mazovia refused to acknowledge that their marriage was legal.
https://www.losangelesblade.com/2022/11/04/poland…
Per LGBT Marriage News:
In effect, the Supreme Administrative Court ruled that the Constitution does not ban marriage equality, but then denied recognition of a foreign same-sex marriage until Parliament amends Polish law.
Note that 4 days earlier, the court in neighboring Slovakia recognized a foreign same-sex marriage from Argentina for purposes of immigration/residency, and did so without the need for Parliament to make any changes in current Slovak law.
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ianbirmingham | November 6, 2022 at 7:45 am
Turnout is the key for Democrats
Sen. Cory Booker on Sunday said the Democrats’ hopes for retaining a majority in the U.S. Senate are built around turnout.
“I mean when I’m going around the country, I see a lot of enthusiasm, but the end of the day we have got to translate that to people getting out [to vote],” the New Jersey Democrat said on ABC’s “This Week.”
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/06/cory-boo…
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ianbirmingham | November 6, 2022 at 8:31 am
In a $65,000 round of new TV ads, Equality Florida bashes back at anti-LGBTQ messaging on the rise in Florida.
— “Obey”: An “Obey” ad pushes back on DeSantis’ “Free State of Florida” shtick. It shows red-tied Secret Service-esque figures tearing up rainbow flags in classrooms, saying teachers can now be sued for flying the banners.
— Pushing back: There’s also a response ad to attacks on Democratic Sen. Loranne Ausley, who Republican ads showed chanting “gay” at a Capitol demonstration against a measure critics have labeled the “Don’t Say Gay” law. It compared smears on Democrats to anti-gay rhetoric from Anita Bryant in the 1970s, and quotes Sen. Ileana Garcia saying gay is “not a permanent thing.”
— Bully pulpit? Another spot goes after DeSantis as “Florida’s biggest bully,” with a video of him chewing out children in masks. It slams the Governor for bullying the LGBTQ community and those seeking abortions. “We’re not afraid and we’re fighting back.”
The ads promise to stand with Crist and openly gay lawmakers Carlos Guillermo Smith, Michele Rayner-Goolsby and Shevrin Jones.
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ianbirmingham | November 6, 2022 at 9:44 am
The final NBC News poll is out:
— “Among all registered voters, congressional preference is tied at 47%-47% — essentially unchanged from last month, when Democrats held a narrow 1-point edge, 47%-46%.”
— Among likely voters, 48% “prefer a Democratic-controlled Congress … while 47% prefer a Republican-controlled Congress.”
— No gap in enthusiasm: “Democrats have caught up to Republicans in election interest. An identical 73% of Democrats and Republicans express high interest, registering either a ‘9’ or ‘10’ on a 10-point scale.”
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Randolph_Finder | November 6, 2022 at 11:57 pm
After some research. Tulsa's City Council and Mayoral elections are non-partisan, but Bynum is definitely a registered republican. Bynum is not running for re-election. Bynum and all nine city councilors signed recognition of June as LGBTQ+ pride month (from anti-LGBTQ newspaper – https://tulsabeacon.com/all-9-councilors-bynum-si… ).
65.
Randolph_Finder | November 7, 2022 at 11:41 am
It appears that Liechtenstein has had Marriage Equality pass its legislature 23-2, but the Prince holds veto power.
66.
VIRick | November 7, 2022 at 2:19 pm
Edomex: First Equal Marriage in Nezahualcóyotl Celebrated
Per "La Jornada:"
Edomex: Celebran el Primer Matrimonio Igualitario en Nezahualcóyotl
El 7 de noviembre 2022, el primer matrimonio igualitario en Nezahualcóyotl se celebró entre Ruth Karen Ofir Campos Guerrero y Coral Domínguez Avendaño. Es el quinto en el Estado de México luego de que entraron en vigor las reformas al Código Civil.
César Enrique Sánchez Millán, titular del Registro Civil mexiquense, recordó que hasta antes de la reforma avalada por el Congreso estatal, se registraron 13 matrimonios igualitarios por mandato judicial a través del recurso de amparo.
https://www.jornada.com.mx/notas/2022/11/07/estad…
On 7 November 2022, the first equal marriage in Nezahualcóyotl was celebrated between Ruth Karen Ofir Campos Guerrero and Coral Domínguez Avendaño. It is the fifth in Edomex since the reforms to the Civil Code entered into effect.
César Enrique Sánchez Millán, head of the Edomex state Civil Registry, recalled that prior to the reform being approved by the state Congress, 13 equal marriages were registered by court order through the amparo process.
Here is a photo of the happy couple taken together with the openly gay mayor (presidente municipal) of Nezahualcóyotl, Adolfo Cerqueda Rebollo, who assisted as a witness:
https://reflexion24informativo.com.mx/celebran-en…
In Nahuatl, the language of the Aztec, Nezahualcóyotl means "hungry coyote."
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ianbirmingham | November 9, 2022 at 7:25 am
The first member of Gen Z who is heading to Congress, 25-year-old Florida Representative-elect Maxwell Alejandro Frost, said that he and President Joe Biden bonded on a call about the president also first being elected at a young age.
Frost has received calls from Biden and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi after his projected win in Florida's 10th District.
When asked about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis winning a resounding reelection victory, Frost said, "What we saw was not a red wave. … What we saw is there was a blue deficit. Democrats did not turn out the way they needed to. And I think as Democrats, we need to have year-round organizing."
https://www.cnn.com/politics/live-news/election-r…
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VIRick | November 11, 2022 at 10:15 pm
Edomex: 8 Same-Sex Couples Marry in Ecatepec
Per Corresponsales Mexico:
El 11 de noviembre 2022, en el jardín municipal de Ecatepec se llevaron a cabo los primeros 8 matrimonios entre personas del mismo sexo, en una ceremonia oficial que fue encabezada por el alcalde.
https://twitter.com/CorresponsalsMX/status/159123…
On 11 November 2022, in an official ceremony that was headed by the mayor, the first 8 equal marriages took place in the municipal garden of Ecatepec.
According to the 2020 census, Ecatepec, with a population of 1,650,000, is the most-populous municipality in Edomex, and the fifth-most-populous in all of Mexico, behind only CDMX,Tijuana, León, and Puebla. Near-by Nezahualcóyotl is the second-most-populous municipality in Edomex and the 10th most-populous in Mexico.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_municipalit…
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VIRick | November 12, 2022 at 7:29 pm
Nevada: Cortez-Masto (D) Beats Laxalt (R) for US Senate Seat
With this win in Nevada in the 2022 elections finally confirmed late in the evening on 12 November, the Democrats will retain their Senate majority for another two years, 2023-24, regardless of the outcome of the 6 December run-off for the US Senate seat in Georgia. A win in Georgia would give the Democrats 51 seats to the Republicans 49. Without this Georgia seat, VP Harris would need to be present, as is current in the 50-50 chamber, in order to break any tie votes, including those for judicial confirmations.
Cortez Masto Defeated Laxalt in Nevada, Handing Democrats Control of the Senate
Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, the first Latina elected to the Senate, will hold onto her seat in Nevada after enduring a bruising campaign against Republican Adam Laxalt, who fell short of ousting the Democrat despite severe midterm headwinds, NBC News projects.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/cortez-ma…
Per "Five Thirty Eight," 10:13 PM, 12 November 2022
The projection in Nevada has put Democrats at 50 seats, which ensures them a majority at the start of the 118th Congress in January thanks to V-P Harris’s tie-breaking vote. With that projection, two Senate seats remain up in the air: Georgia, where the run-off on 6 December gives Democrats a chance at a 51st seat; and Alaska, where it remains to be seen which of two Alaska Republicans will claim victory in the state’s ranked-choice voting process: Sen. Lisa Murkowski or Kelly Tshibaka, the Trump-backed principal challenger to Murkowski.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/2022-midter…
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ianbirmingham | November 12, 2022 at 9:23 pm
Democrats Maintain – And May Expand – Control Of The US Senate
IT’S OFFICIAL: DEMOCRATS have clinched control of the U.S. Senate. Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto, one of the Democrats’ most vulnerable incumbents, has fended off a challenge from conservative nepobaby Adam Laxalt and guaranteed her party at least 50 seats in the Senate. With the tie-breaking vote from Vice President Kamala Harris, the chamber is now certain to remain in Democratic hands. But a runoff election in Georgia could still expand the Democrats’ majority if Sen. Raphael Warnock triumphs over Herschel Walker.
Pre-election, the thought of even holding their “tie-plus-VP-tiebreaker” majority seemed like a reach for Democrats. Now, an expanded, 51-seat majority is on the table. In Georgia, Democrat Warnock and Republican Walker will face off on Dec. 6. Warnock narrowly topped Walker in the first round of voting, but neither candidate surpassed the 50 percent threshold needed to claim the seat outright.
Even if Democrats lose the House, a larger Senate majority could prove crucial for Biden’s judicial and executive nominees — the branches of government that tend to take over when Congress grinds to halt. The current Supreme Court is a testament to the long-lasting effects of such appointments: earlier this summer a trio of Trump appointees helped form the majority that overturned Roe v. Wade and ended a federal right to abortion access.
https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/politics-ne…
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VIRick | November 13, 2022 at 7:38 am
US House Majority Still Undecided
At this moment, on 13 November 2022, the House majority is still undecided. Five Thirty Eight projects that the Republicans have garnered 211 seats to the Democrats 206, with 18 seats yet to be determined.
https://fivethirtyeight.com/live-blog/2022-midter…
The two most-recent to be called for the Democrats were:
NV-3 Lee (i)(D) v. Becker (R)
WA-3 Perez (D) v. Kent (R)
And two more are simply awaiting the rank-choice determinations before being called for the Democrats, bringing their total up to 208:
AK-1 Peltola (D) v. Palin (R)
ME-2 Golden (i)(D) v. Poliquin (R)
Four heavily-Democratic districts in California have not yet been called simply because not enough of the total expected vote has been counted. In all 4, the Democratic incumbent is already leading, and will push the Democrats up to 212. They are:
CA-6 Bera (i)(D) v. Hamilton (R)
CA-9 Harder (i)(D) v. Patti (R)
CA-21 Costa (i)(D) v. Maher (R)
CA-26 Brownley (i)(D) v. Jacobs (R)
The remaining 12 become much more difficult. The Democrats narrowly lead in 4, with the Arizona contest being a likely flip:
AZ-1 Hodge (D) v. Schweikert (i)(R)
CA-47 Porter (i)(D) v. Baugh (R)
CA-49 Levin (i) (D) v. Maryott (R)
OR-6 Salinas (D) v. Erickson (R)
The Republicans will likely win in 4 uncalled districts in California that lean Republican, with Valadao being the sole survivor among the Rs who voted to impeach Trump:
CA-3 Jones (D) v. Kiley (R)
CA-22 Salas (D) v. Valadao (i)(R)
CA-27 Smith (D) v. Garcia (i)(R)
CA-45 Chen (D) v. Steel (i)(R)
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Elihu_Bystander | November 13, 2022 at 11:02 am
In the new CA-22, there are actually more registered Democrats than Republicans and Rudy Salas has been a very popular CA assemblyman. I'd like to know what percentage of registered Democrats actually voted, especially since all registered voters in CA received mail-in ballots.
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VIRick | November 13, 2022 at 12:38 pm
WA-3 Flips to the Democrats
Republican Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler, first elected to represent Washington’s 3rd District in 2010 and one of the 10 Republicans who voted to impeach Trump for his role in the Capitol riot, was ousted in the 2022 GOP primary after the former president targeted her for political retribution by backing a deeply-flawed political newcomer, Joe Kent.
Now in the general election, Kent, a former Green Beret who criticized Beutler for her impeachment vote and who has shared wild conspiracy theories about voting, lost to businesswoman Marie Gluesenkamp-Pérez, a Democrat.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/democrat-…
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ianbirmingham | November 13, 2022 at 2:31 pm
After clinching Senate, Dems eye the unthinkable: Holding the House
Any majority — for either party — will likely be incredibly narrow, a major disappointment for the Republican Party that was crowing about a red wave even the morning of the election.
Of the 26 House races POLITICO forecasted as toss-ups before the election, just five of them remain uncalled. Democrats would likely need to win all five of those, win the remaining three uncalled races forecasted as “lean Democratic” — they currently lead in all three — and eat into some districts initially forecasted as “lean Republican” to win the chamber.
A number of those undecided races are in California, where many votes remain uncounted and where mail-in votes produced a big shift in 2018 in the days and weeks after Election Day.
Democrats’ hopes of winning the House got a surprising boost on Saturday night, when Democrat Marie Gluesenkamp Perez defeated far-right Republican Joe Kent in Washington’s red-leaning 3rd District. Republicans lost the seat after Kent successfully displaced GOP Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler out of the district’s top-two all-party primary, railing against her for being one of the handful of the Republicans who voted to impeach former President Donald Trump for his role in inciting the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/13/election…
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ianbirmingham | November 13, 2022 at 2:50 pm
Control of the House remains on a knife’s edge. Here’s how it could break
The balance of power in the House currently stands at 211 Republicans and 203 Democrats — but, functionally, it’s more closely divided. The list of uncalled races includes one California contest where both general-election candidates are Democrats. And allocating the roughly dozen races where one party is significantly favored — but where The AP hasn’t made a call — adds six more seats to the Democratic Party’s tally, and four races to Republicans’.
That would put Republicans at 215 seats, just three seats away from the majority, while Democrats would be six seats short. But with 10 seats in doubt — six with Republicans leading, and four where Democrats are ahead — both parties still have a shot, though the GOP is still favored.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/12/house-mi…
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VIRick | November 13, 2022 at 7:36 pm
OR-5 Flips to the Republicans
Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer has won the open House seat in Oregon's District 5, flipping it to the GOP in a hard-fought contest that drew millions in outside money.
Chavez-DeRemer’s victory makes her the first Latina congresswoman from Oregon, a distinction also sought by the 6th District Democratic candidate Andrea Salinas. That race remained too early to call.
The 5th District was previously held for seven terms by moderate Democrat Rep. Kurt Schrader and was targeted by the GOP, which saw it as vulnerable after the long-time incumbent's primary defeat by progressive candidate Jamie McLeod-Skinner. On Sunday, 13 November 2022, McLeod-Skinner conceded the race, saying in a statement that she had called to congratulate Chavez-DeRemer.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gop-s-cha…
At this point, the Rs have 212 seats to 206 for the Ds.
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ianbirmingham | November 14, 2022 at 9:04 am
USA makes a statement at the World Cup in Qatar by redesigning its crest, using rainbow colors to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community
As recently as this month, a Qatar World Cup ambassador told a German TV broadcaster that homosexuality was 'damage to the mind', and it remains illegal to be gay in the conservative Muslim country.
The USMNT appear to have made an immediate stand on their arrival in Doha, though, by changing the usual red stripes on their crest to a rainbow around their team base.
Pictures from the Al Gharrafa SC Stadium in Ar-Rayyan, where the US team trained on Monday, showed a huge US crest on the wall, alongside the slogan 'One Nation'.
It is understood the crest on the team's kits on the field won't be changed, but the new colors will be shown off at their practice facilities.
Neil Buethe, the USMNT's Chief Communications Officer, told DailyMail.com: 'Our rainbow badge has an important and consistent role in the identity of U.S. Soccer.
'As part of our approach for any match or event, we include rainbow branding to support and embrace the LGBTQ community, as well as to promote a spirit of inclusiveness and welcoming to all fans across the globe.
'As a result, locations that we will manage and operate at the FIFA World Cup, such as the team hotel, media areas and parties, will feature both traditional and rainbow U.S. Soccer branding.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/articl…
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ianbirmingham | November 14, 2022 at 10:49 am
Inside the Maga heartlands where voters still back Trump
Donald Trump's grip on rural America, particularly on families struggling to make ends meet, living hand to mouth in trailer parks, is such that souvenir stores dedicated to his cult of personality are doing a roaring trade.
'I really think Trump is a slimy human being,' concedes Dawn, 'but the difference between him and other politicians is that he just doesn't hide his sliminess. He doesn't care and lets the whole world see. I can't ever imagine voting Democrat now. I don't trust Biden at all. It's not about Trump being a good businessman or not; it's because the 2020 election was rigged.'
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11426433…
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ianbirmingham | November 14, 2022 at 10:57 am
Democrats' hopes for House majority dim
As of Monday morning, just 20 House seats remain uncalled, with 212 seats projected for Republicans and 203 for Democrats so far. Democrats would have to nearly run the table to retain the chamber, winning 15 of the last 20 seats — a prospect that looks increasingly unlikely after the most recent votes were tallied in many of those districts.
It is a reality that Democratic Party leaders, including President Joe Biden, have acknowledged.
“I think we’re going to get very close in the House,” Biden told reporters at the G-20 summit in Indonesia on Monday. “I think it’s going to be very close, but I don’t think we’re going to make it.”
A pair of uncalled House races in Arizona, for example, appear to be slipping out of the party’s grasp. In the state’s 1st District, GOP Rep. David Schweikert inched ahead of his opponent, Democrat Jevin Hodge, Monday evening. And Republican Juan Ciscomani holds a narrow lead over Democrat Kirsten Engel in the open 6th District.
Many of the uncalled races are in California, which has historically taken longer than most other states to count votes. Of the eight California seats POLITICO forecasted as competitive ahead of the election, Democrats lead in three — incumbents Katie Porter, Mike Levin and Josh Harder — and Republicans in the remainder, although there are many more votes to be tallied.
https://www.politico.com/news/2022/11/14/democrat…