Tuesday, October 07, 2014

WYOMING: NCLR Files For Immediate Compliance With SCOTUS Decision

Via press release:
Today, four same-sex couples and Wyoming Equality filed a lawsuit in federal court challenging the State of Wyoming’s refusal to permit same-sex couples to marry and to respect the legal marriages of same-sex couples who married in other states. The couples will ask the court for an immediate order directing state officials to comply with a decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit in June establishing that a state’s refusal to allow same-sex couples to marry violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday let that appeals court decision stand, meaning that all states within the Tenth Circuit, including Wyoming, must comply with the decision.

The couples are Anne Guzzo and Bonnie Robinson of Laramie, Carl Oleson and Rob Johnston of Casper, Ivan Williams and Chuck Killion of Cheyenne, and who previously filed a state-court lawsuit challenging Wyoming’s marriage ban. Also joining the lawsuit are Brie Barth and Shelly Montgomery of Carpenter, who attempted to obtain a marriage license in Wyoming after the Supreme Court decision but were refused. Wyoming Equality is the state’s largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Wyoming’s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community. Its members include same-sex couples throughout the state.
Zoomity zoom!

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UPDATED: Wikipedia Marriage Map

UPDATE: JMG reader Bill directs us to the Flag Of Equal Marriage, which after today will be adding more stars.

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Tweet Of The Day - The Democratic Party

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BREAKING: Ninth Circuit Court Strikes Down Marriage Bans In Nevada & Idaho

Can you STAND IT? Read the ruling.

UPDATE: Via press release from the National Center for Lesbian Rights.
Today’s decision, written by Judge Stephen Reinhardt, holds that “Idaho and Nevada’s marriage laws, by preventing same-sex couples from marrying and refusing to recognize same-sex marriages celebrated elsewhere, impose profound legal, financial, social and psychic harms on numerous citizens of those states.” The decision further states: “Classifying some families, and especially their children, as of lesser value should be repugnant to all those in this nation who profess to believe in ‘family values.’ In any event, Idaho and Nevada’s asserted preference for opposite-sex parents does not, under heightened scrutiny, come close to justifying unequal treatment on the basis of sexual orientation.”

The Idaho case was brought in November 2013 by four same-sex couples: Sue Latta and Traci Ehlers, Lori and Sharene Watsen, Shelia Robertson and Andrea Altmayer, and Amber Beierle and Rachael Robertson. The couples are represented by Idaho attorneys Deborah Ferguson and Craig Durham of Ferguson Durham LLP and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR). On September 8th, Ferguson argued before Ninth Circuit Judges Stephen Reinhardt, Marsha S. Berzon, and Ronald M. Gould that Idaho’s laws that ban marriage equality and prohibit the state from respecting the marriages of same-sex couples who married in other states violate the U.S. Constitution. The Idaho case was consolidated for purposes of the decision with Sevcik v. Sandoval, a case challenging Nevada’s marriage ban brought by same-sex couples represented by Lambda Legal.
UPDATE II: From Lambda Legal director Jon Davidson:
"The court remanded Lambda Legal's Nevada marriage equality case to the district court for the prompt issuance of an injunction permanently enjoining the state, its political subdivisions, and its officers, employees and agents, from preventing same-sex couples from marrying or denying recognition to marriages entered outside of the state. Same-sex couples will not be able to enforce their right to marry until that happens, but government officials in Nevada may allow same-sex couples to marry before then."

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Human Rights Campaign Inducts 19 Members Of Congress Into Hall Of Shame

The Human Rights Campaign today announced the induction of 19 member of Congress into its Hall Of Shame for anti-LGBT actions.
“If you want to understand why LGBT equality has hit a roadblock in Congress, you don't need to look any further than these leaders of anti-LGBT obstruction and animus,” said David Stacy, HRC’s Government Affairs Director. “These members go out of their way to oppose any step toward equal protection under the law or to protect LGBT Americans from violence, discrimination and harassment. They proactively work to undermine existing legal protections and promote anti-LGBT discrimination.”

Released in advance of the HRC Scorecard for the 113th Congress, HRC identified these elected officials as the most anti-equality members of Congress by looking at their voting records in this and previous Congresses, their introduction and co-sponsorships of anti-LGBT legislation, and their public statements. While there are other anti-LGBT members of Congress, these elected officials’ legislative actions, votes and anti-LGBT vitriol unfortunately marks them with a modern day scarlet letter.
The only Democrat on the list, Rep. Mike McIntrye, has signed Rep. Randy Weber's laughably doomed bill that would limit the federal government to only recognizing same-sex marriages that are legally conducted in the state where the married couple resides. McIntrye is retiring after the current term.

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Magic Johnson's Gay Son EJ Stars In Celeb-Studded Spot For Rock The Vote

EJ Johnson is "turning out for marriage equality" in the new promo for Rock The Vote. Clip recap:
Rock The Vote Presents #TURNOUTFORWHAT starring Lil Jon and featuring Lena Dunham, Whoopi Goldberg, Natasha Lyonne, Fred Armisen, E.J. Johnson, Darren Criss, Sophia Bush, Ireland Baldwin, Devendra Banhart, Ioanna Gika and Gabriel Valenciano.

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FLORIDA: ACLU Asks Federal Judge To Lift Stay On Same-Sex Marriages

Via press release:
The decision by the Supreme Court not to hear arguments in the marriage cases before it is a huge win for all families across the nation, including in Florida. Because Judge Hinkle tied the stay in the ACLU’s case to the lifting of the stays in the very cases which the Supreme Court today refused to hear, we are now one step closer to the day when every Florida family can have the respect, protection and responsibilities that come with marriage. Given that the justices of our nation’s highest court just sent a strong message that they are content to let equality in marriage happen, we hope that Governor Scott and Attorney General Bondi will give up their dead-end campaign to resist what is now clear historical inevitability by treating same-sex couples who wish to solemnize their love for one another in marriage as legal strangers.
Read the full motion.

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WEST VIRGINIA: Federal Judge Lifts Marriage Stay But Issues No Final Ruling

Via the Huntington Herald-Dispatch:
U.S. District Judge Robert C. Chambers his lifted his stay, clearing the way for arguments and proceedings to resume in a federal lawsuit targeting West Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage. The order delivers a partial victory three, same-sex couples who urged Chambers to lift the stay Monday in light of a Supreme Court decision rendering such marriage bans unconstitutional. But Chambers’ early afternoon order does not rule in the plaintiff’s favor as to the final outcome. Instead, the judge noted the couples’ arguments and asked attorneys for West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey, Cabell County Clerk Karen Cole and her counterpart in Kanawha County to file a response within 14 days. It then provides a brief time for the couples’ attorney to file a final response before oral arguments ensue, if needed. That all could set up a final decision within weeks.
Fairness West Virginia is demanding that the judge make an immediate final ruling.

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Headline Of The Day

Even fake television preachers. Details.

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COLORADO: State Supreme Court Clears Way For Marriages To Commence

Via Law Week Colorado:
This morning, the Colorado Supreme Court removed the remaining legal obstacles to same-sex marriages in Colorado. Colorado Attorney General John Suthers said in a press release, “Beginning today, Colorado’s 64 county clerks are legally required to issue licenses to same-sex couples who request them. In addition, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is required to register such marriages in the records of the State of Colorado.” Yesterday, the Colorado Attorney General’s Office, the Governor’s Office and the clerks of Adams, Boulder, Denver and Jefferson counties filed joint motions to lift stays in the 10th Circuit and Colorado Supreme Court. The parties also moved to dismiss appeals of lower-court decisions in federal court as well as in Adams and Boulder counties.
The issuing of licenses has begun. (Tipped by JMG reader LuLu)

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Pat Robertson Has The SCOTUS Sadz

Especially delicious as Virginia is home to The 700 Club.

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Virginia Bishop Has The SCOTUS Sadz

"Because of the Supreme Court's denial, marriages between couples of the same sex have begun today in Virginia. This occurrence reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of the intrinsic nature of marriage and represents an injustice to over a million Virginia voters, whose decision was to enshrine the understanding of marriage as the union of one man and one woman into our state's constitution. Marriage has been affirmed by countless generations because it uniquely benefits the common good by recognizing the union of two equal but complementary individuals - that is, a man and a woman - who, by their life-giving union, may create a family. Marriage not only benefits the man and woman who enter it, but also best serves children because of the particular contributions that mothers and fathers bring to family life. Therefore, Virginia's constitution rightly recognized the unique contributions marriage makes to children and to the common good. As Bishops, we will continue to affirm the truth about marriage, the lifelong union of one man and one woman, as well as its essential importance to the common good. As pastors, teachers, and faith leaders, we can do nothing less. It is our fervent hope that the Supreme Court will reconsider this fundamental issue in the future." - Bishop Paul Loverde, writing for the Archdiocese of Arlington.

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LOUISIANA: Lambda Legal Joins Appeal Team Before Fifth Circuit Court

Via press release:
Lambda Legal is joining the legal team representing a total of seven Louisiana same-sex couples and the Forum for Equality Louisiana, the state’s LGBT rights organization, in their appeal to the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals of last month’s U.S. District Court ruling upholding Louisiana’s discriminatory marriage ban.

“Only one federal court since Windsor has concluded on the merits that the Constitution permits the government to exclude same-sex couples and their children from marriage. We are proud to join a strong legal team appealing this decision to secure equal dignity and respect for all Louisiana families,” said Lambda Legal Senior Counsel Kenneth D. Upton, Jr. “After dozens of well-reasoned state and federal district and appellate court rulings have come down over the past year striking down similar discriminatory bans nationwide, it is deeply distressing that the district court here came to a different conclusion. We look forward to working with co-counsel and these brave plaintiffs to overturn this decision on appeal.”

“We are delighted to have Lambda Legal join us in this effort,” said SarahJane Brady, executive director, Forum for Equality Louisiana. “Forum for Equality Louisiana and Lambda Legal have a long and successful history of working together, and we are delighted to have them as co-counsel on our case.”
Great news!

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Scientists To Test Lab-Grown Penises

Via the Guardian:
Penises grown in laboratories could soon be tested on men by scientists developing technology to help people with congenital abnormalities, or who have undergone surgery for aggressive cancer or suffered traumatic injury. Researchers at the Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, are assessing engineered penises for safety, function and durability. They hope to receive approval from the US Food and Drug Administration and to move to human testing within five years. Professor Anthony Atala, director of the institute, oversaw the team's successful engineering of penises for rabbits in 2008. "The rabbit studies were very encouraging," he said, "but to get approval for humans we need all the safety and quality assurance data, we need to show that the materials aren't toxic, and we have to spell out the manufacturing process, step by step." The penises would be grown using a patient's own cells to avoid the high risk of immunological rejection after organ transplantation from another individual. Cells taken from the remainder of the patient's penis would be grown in culture for four to six weeks.

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Viral Video Of The Day

2.7M views for this clip of a woman demonstrating polyphonic overtone singing - also known as throat singing. IO9 raves: "The whole thing is worth a watch, but the part at 3:25, where she moves the fundamental and overtone in opposite directions, had me shaking my head in disbelief."

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Porno Pete: It's Time For Anti-Gay Civil Disobedience On A Massive Scale

"Yesterday's action by the Supreme Court only solidifies the idea that the powerful elites who dominate politics, media and culture do not care what the people think, expressed through the ballot box or their elected state legislators. And if 'We the People's' votes do not count, then We live not in freedom but under tyranny. The notion that nine men and women in black robes know more about what constitutes marriage than 76 percent of Oklahoma's voters is insulting and preposterous. Now is the time for civil disobedience on a massive scale: we hope that statesmen and citizens alike--in Oklahoma, Wisconsin, Indiana, Utah and Virginia—indeed, any state where the people's will has been robbed by elitist judges—will reassert their state sovereignty against escalating judicial supremacy. The Scriptures are clear that homosexual practice is an offense against both God and the very bodies of those who practice it." - Peter LaBarbera, in a paid press release distributed by Christian Newswire.

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JAMAICA: Newspaper Poll Shows 91% Want To Keep Homosexuality Illegal

Via the Jamaica Gleaner:
A Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll revealed that 91 per cent of Jamaicans are against repealing anti-sodomy laws. According to the Jamaica Coalition for a Healthy Society, it is a wise position, similar to Jamaica's rejection of communism in the 1970s. Founding member of the coalition, Dr Wayne West, says the attempts by pro-gay supporters to have the buggery law repealed would be a victory for what he calls the sexual rights agenda. He says this agenda involves having countries get rid of anti-sodomy laws while chipping away at freedom of speech, and the right of parents to tell their children what is right and wrong. West is questioning what is meant by fair treatment in relation to another poll finding indicating that most Jamaicans believe gay men are not treated fairly by either the legal system or the police.
Earlier this year Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller vowed to allow the national legislature to stage a conscience vote on repealing the so-called Buggery Act.

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Log Cabin Head Gregory Angelo: Boehner Has Always Backed Gay GOP Candidates

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NORTH CAROLINA: Anti-Gay Pols Plan To Stop Gay Marriages From Happening

Via the News-Observer:
Phil Berger [photo], president pro tem of the N.C. Senate, and Thom Tillis, speaker of the N.C. House of Representatives, two of the Republican leaders who helped shepherd Amendment One to a statewide referendum, said late Monday they planned to take on the legal battle to defend the ban that North Carolina Attorney General Roy Cooper has said he no longer would fight to keep.

“The people of North Carolina have spoken, and while the Supreme Court has not issued a definitive ruling on the issue of traditional marriage, we are hopeful they will soon,” Tillis and Berger said in a joint statement. “Until then, we will vigorously defend the values of our state and the will of more than 60 percent of North Carolina voters who made it clear that marriage is between one man and one woman.”

Amendment One was approved 61-39 percent, yet only 21 percent of North Carolina’s registered voters cast ballots in favor of the change. Critics of the ban say advocates overstate the support by omitting turnout figures. They also question why and through what legal arguments Berger and Tillis plan to intervene. “Any action by Berger and Tillis at this late date would surely be a waste of taxpayer money,” said Chris Brook, legal director of the ACLU of North Carolina.
Last night the federal judge presiding over North Carolina's marriage suit gave both sides ten days to file motions on how they want to proceed. North Carolina's marriage ban is the nation's most recent, having passed in 2012.

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JMG On Maddow

Lots of you emailed to point out that this here website thingy made a fleeting appearance on last night's Rachel Maddow Show. The highlighted post was the one about the anti-gay Norfolk County clerk being forced to sign the marriage license of the plaintiffs in Bostic

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Mitt Romney: I'm Really Not Running

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NYT To SCOTUS: Why Are You Waiting?

From the editorial board of the New York Times:
The forces against marriage equality are not going down without a fight. In nearly half the country, gay and lesbian couples are still treated as second-class citizens, denied the respect and dignity — as well as the tangible financial benefits — that come with the ability to marry.

In a speech last month, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who last year became the first justice to officiate at a same-sex wedding, said that the court is keeping an eye on developments in the lower courts, but that there is “no need for us to rush.” Why not?

Every day that the justices do not declare a constitutional right to same-sex marriage, a child in San Antonio feels confusion and shame that her fathers cannot get married; a woman in Atlanta is prohibited from making emergency medical decisions for her life partner; a man in Biloxi, Miss., is denied veteran’s survivor benefits after his husband dies. The consequences of being treated as inferior under the law are real, immediate and devastating.

Same-sex marriage is among the most important civil-rights issues of our time, and the country is ready to resolve it once and for all. The justices have all the information they need to rule that there is a constitutional right to same-sex marriage. What are they waiting for?

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AFER's Ted Olson: The SCOTUS Decision Was The Highlight Of My Life

"It does seem to suggest, if I was a federal judge, I would read today’s decision as saying that the opponents, if they still exist, on the Supreme Court of marriage equality have decided they don’t want to get into this and they sort of feel that the federal judges — one after the other, after the other, after the other — are getting it right and at this point they ought to just leave it alone. We believe, those of us who have been involved in this effort, that the Supreme Court having decided not to overturn or not to even review the decisions of these circuit courts ultimately will grant that same right and that same privilege to people all over the United States. To see the United States Supreme Court recognize in this way the love of these individuals and the happiness that they will soon be able to experience is the highlight of my life.” - Ted Olson, speaking to Metro Weekly.  Olson, with fellow AFER attorney David Boies, represented Timothy Bostic and Tony London in their suit against Virginia.

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Today's Winning Message From The GOP

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SUNDAY: Furball In Times Square

Furball continues its exile to Times Square on Sunday as remodeling continues at the LGBT Center.  Always mobbed, always a wild time.  Get tickets here.  See more details on the event's Facebook page.

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Eugene Delgaudio Has The SCOTUS Sadz

Eugene Delgaudio would like you to know that he made a recorded interview to with the media to express his outrage with the Supreme Court. Via press release:
Today with the announcement by the Supreme Court that they would not hear appeals to uphold traditional marriage we enter a new phase to preserve America's traditional values. We will not surrender the defense of marriage or the right to free speech for Christians and all those Americans who believe in traditional values. I promise you one liberal jurist, John Roberts, in a gown is not going to stop millions of determined traditional marriage believers in our right to proclaim traditional marriage and our moral values. Not without a fight. With this decision, the Supreme Court has stripped hundreds of millions of Americans of the Right to Vote their beliefs and protect their communities and families as they see fit. It is now Supreme Court precedence that Freedom of Speech and the Right to Vote are only recognized so long as they are approved by the Liberal Establishment.
Delgaudio goes on to vow to personally vet all future Senate candidates to make sure they will only support the nomination of an anti-gay Supreme Court justice.

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Monday, October 06, 2014

UTAH: Gov. Gary Herbert Is "Surprised And Disappointed" In SCOTUS Decision

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Mat Staver Has The SCOTUS Sadz

"This is a total dereliction of duty. The Supreme Court abandoned its duty to take up or at least hold these marriage cases. The responsibility for the undermining of marriage rests solely at the U.S. Supreme Court. Last year ’s decision in the Defense of Marriage Act case that started this fire, and today’ s decision to watch marriage burn to ashes is the responsibility of the Supreme Court. The actions of the Supreme Court in particular, and of the judiciary in general, undermine the rule of law and erode the confidence of the people in the judicial branch of government. When the people lose confidence in the rule of law, the judiciary will lose is legitimacy. Everyone will be affected by same-sex marriage because it is an intolerant agenda that will directly collide with religious freedom." - Liberty Counsel president Mat Staver, via press release.

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Enjoy This Ranting Freeper Meltdown

"RE: Today's SCOTUS rollover for the sodomites and the inevitable RINO push to surrender that's guaranteed to follow. Free Republic is here to defend our Constitution and fight for the founding principles and our God-given Liberty. I'll be damned if I'm going to roll over for the homosexual agenda or the Marxist/fascist ruling class!! No surrender, no retreat!! Our God-given unalienable rights are not subject to debate, negotiation or compromise and that includes our religious freedom and the free exercise thereof!! God, family, country!! Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness or death!! Those who wish to give up and surrender can KMA!! The GOP-e and RINO enablers are dead to me." - Free Republic founder Jim Robinson, writing from his Medicare-provided wheelchair.

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Ted Cruz Has The SCOTUS Super Sadz, Vows To Outlaw Overturning State Bans

"The Supreme Court’s decision to let rulings by lower court judges stand that redefine marriage is both tragic and indefensible. By refusing to rule if the States can define marriage, the Supreme Court is abdicating its duty to uphold the Constitution. The fact that the Supreme Court Justices, without providing any explanation whatsoever, have permitted lower courts to strike down so many state marriage laws is astonishing. This is judicial activism at its worst. The Constitution entrusts state legislatures, elected by the People, to define marriage consistent with the values and mores of their citizens. Unelected judges should not be imposing their policy preferences to subvert the considered judgments of democratically elected legislatures.

 "Nothing in the text, logic, structure, or original understanding of the 14th Amendment or any other constitutional provision authorizes judges to redefine marriage for the Nation. It is for the elected representatives of the People to make the laws of marriage, acting on the basis of their own constitutional authority, and protecting it, if necessary, from usurpation by the courts. Marriage is a question for the States. That is why I have introduced legislation, S. 2024, to protect the authority of state legislatures to define marriage. And that is why, when Congress returns to session, I will be introducing a constitutional amendment to prevent the federal government or the courts from attacking or striking down state marriage laws." - Sen. Ted Cruz, via press release.

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MISSOURI: AG Won't Appeal Ruling On Out-Of-State Marriage Recognition

Here's a domino that we probably did not anticipate falling today.
Attorney General Chris Koster today released the following statement: "The circuit court's judgment in Barrier v. Vasterling held that Missouri must recognize marriages lawfully entered into in other states. We will not appeal that judgment. Our national government is founded upon principles of federalism – a system that empowers Missouri to set policy for itself, but also obligates us to honor contracts entered into in other states. A consequence of this morning's ruling by the United States Supreme Court is that gay marriage will soon be legal in as many as 30 states. At a time when Missouri is competing to attract the nation's premier businesses and most talented employees, we should not demand that certain individuals surrender their marriage licenses in order to live and work among us. Missouri's future will be one of inclusion, not exclusion."
Back in June, Koster threatened to sue the city of St. Louis after four gay couples married in the office of Mayor Francis Slay. Missouri is under the jurisdiction of the Eighth Circuit Court, which has not yet ruled on same-sex marriage. Koster, a Democrat, has said that he personally supports marriage equality but would defend his state's ban. Until today, that is.

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Oklahoma Gov Has The SCOTUS Sadz

"The people of Oklahoma have the right to determine how marriage is defined. In 2004, Oklahomans exercised that right, voting by a margin of 3-1 to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman. The will of the people has now been overridden by unelected federal justices, accountable to no one. That is both undemocratic and a violation of states’ rights. Rather than allowing states to make their own policies that reflect the values and views of their residents, federal judges have inserted themselves into a state issue to pursue their own agendas. Today’s decision has been cast by the media as a victory for gay rights. What has been ignored, however, is the right of Oklahomans – and Americans in every state – to write their own laws and govern themselves as they see fit. Those rights have once again been trampled by an arrogant, out-of -control federal government that wants to substitute Oklahoma values with Washington, D.C. values." - Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, via press release. (Tipped by JMG reader Rob)

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SOUTH CAROLINA: Attorney General Vows To Keep Fighting Despite SCOTUS

Via NBC News:
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson says he will keep fighting to uphold the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage. Wilson issued a statement Monday hours after the U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear an appeal of a ruling allowing same-sex marriage by a federal appeals court with jurisdiction over South Carolina. Wilson says no ruling has been made in a lawsuit by a same-sex couple legally married in Washington, D.C., who live in South Carolina. They are asking to overturn the state's gay marriage ban. Wilson says he will keep fighting until there is a ruling in that case. A lawyer for the same-sex couple, Carrie Warner, says she'll be filing paperwork soon asking for an immediate ruling in their favor. Experts don't think any appeals will work.

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Texas Haters Have The SCOTUS Sadz

"The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to not take up the lower court rulings undermines both marriage and the rule of law, and it effectively silences millions of Americans in these states that have supported marriage as the unique union of one man and one woman. The decision makes Texas even more important in the effort to uphold marriage as many believe that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will uphold our marriage laws as we expect that it will. We also expect the Texas Supreme Court to rule very soon in favor of marriage in a case that seeks to redefine marriage for divorce. Redefining marriage comes at a high cost: it costs kids either a mom or a dad (who are not interchangeable), and it costs people of faith their First Amendment religious freedom rights as government imposes the new definition across all aspects of society. Make no mistake, Texas will lead the effort to defend marriage and uphold the will of the people." - Texas Values head Jonathan Saenz, whose wife left him for another woman.

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ADF: We Won't Stop Fighting The Gays

"The court’s decision not to take up this issue now means that the marriage battle will continue. Several federal courts – including those in the 5th, 6th, 8th, and 11th circuits – still have cases working their way to the Supreme Court. ADF will continue to remain a leader in the critical effort for the freedom of the people. The people should decide this issue, not the courts." - Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Bryon Babbione, via press release.

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VIRGINIA: Anti-Gay Clerk Signs Marriage License For Plaintiffs In Bostic Case

Norfolk County Clerk George Schaefer, who was backed by the virulently anti-gay Alliance Defending Freedom all the way to the Supreme Court, today had to suck it and sign the marriage license of AFER plaintiffs Timothy Bostic and Tony London. More photos and coverage are at the Twitter feed of Virginian-Pilot reporter Patrick Wilson.

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Tony Perkins Has The SCOTUS Sadz

"Unfortunately, by failing to take up these marriage cases, the High Court will allow rogue lower court judges who have ignored history and true legal precedent to silence the elected representatives of the people and the voice of the people themselves by overturning state provisions on marriage. Even more alarming, lower court judges are undermining our form of government and the rights and freedoms of citizens to govern themselves. This judicially led effort to force same sex 'marriage' on people will have negative consequences for our Republic, not only as it relates to natural marriage but also undermining the rule of and respect for law.

"The Court decision ensures that the debate over natural marriage will continue and the good news is that time is not on the side of those who want to redefine marriage. As more states are forced to redefine marriage, contrary to nature and directly in conflict with the will of millions, more Americans will see and experience attacks on their religious freedom. Parents will find a wedge being driven between them and their children as school curriculum is changed to contradict the morals parents are teaching their children. As more and more people lose their livelihoods because they refuse to not just tolerate but celebrate same-sex marriage, Americans will see the true goal, which is for activists to use the Court to impose a redefinition of natural marriage on the entire nation.

"Congress should respond to today's announcement by moving forward with the State Marriage Defense Act, which is consistent with last year's Windsor ruling and ensures that the federal government in its definition of marriage respects the duly enacted marriage laws of the states." KKK-affiliated hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

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UTAH: Gov & AG Make Nice, State Begins Issuing Same-Sex Marriage Licenses

Utah's governor and attorney general today threw up their hands and said, "Sorry about all that hate. Besties forever?" Via the Salt Lake Tribune:
Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said marriage licenses would be immediately issued to same-sex couples. "Not to issue one would be a violation of the 10th Circuit’s mandate and a violation of these couples’ constitutional rights," Gill told The Salt Lake Tribune. "We’ve given the go-ahead to begin issuing [marriage] licenses right away." Gov. Gary Herbert said at a news conference that he sent a letter to his cabinet members ordering them to recognize all legally performed marriages, that gay couples can follow the same process as everyone else to get benefits. "We are a nation of laws and we here in Utah, we’ll uphold the law," Herbert said. Utah Attorney General Sean Reyes said he hadn’t had chance to "review the impact of this case" but says it lends clarity to issues of adoption and marriage recognition. "It’s time for people of goodwill on both sides of the issue to come together now and heal any rifts. We are all Utahns," Reyes said. Gill later issued a statement saying he had conferred with Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen, advising her she may immediately begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. "We are excited and pleased that we now have clarity from the courts and the fundamental rights of all Utahns are honored and protected," Gill said. "The legal analysis of Judge [Robert] Shelby has been affirmed to the benefit of all."
The first license was issued at 11AM local time.

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VIRGINIA: First Couple Legally Marries!

Via NBC News:
Lindsey Oliver, 30, and Nicole Pries, 42, received the first same-sex marriage license issued from the Richmond Circuit Court Clerk's office shortly after 1 p.m. Monday. Upon leaving the courthouse, they were married by gay-rights advocate The Rev. Robin Gorsline. The couple said Monday also was the anniversary of a commitment ceremony they held on a North Carolina beach three years ago. Across Virginia, county clerks are readying for an influx of marriage license applications now that same-sex couples in the commonwealth are allowed to marry. The new marriage licenses, which contain spaces for spouse and spouse instead of bride and groom, became available around 1 p.m. Monday.
Buzzfeed has more wonderful photos.

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CNN's Jeffrey Toobin Blasts SCOTUS For "Dereliction" In Denying Marriage Cases

Toobin IS on our side, to be clear. He just thinks it's outrageous that 20 states will continue to linger in limbo, possibly for two years or longer.

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Tenth Circuit Court Lifts Oklahoma Stay

Details:
A gay couple sued a county clerk in Oklahoma for failing to issue them a marriage license shortly after state voters approved a ban on same-sex marriage in 2004, the Associated Press reports. A federal judge overturned the ban last December. The Oklahoma couple plans to wed Monday in Tulsa, according to the Associated Press. The Cleveland County Court office is waiting for the district attorney to give them approval to issue same-sex couples marriage licenses, said Larry Bierman, a deputy at the office. Bierman said he didn’t know how long it would take to get the district attorney’s approval. While marriage licenses had previously designated gender, Bierman said marriage licenses at the Cleveland County Court office and throughout Oklahoma—as of about month ago—designate only two applicants, regardless of gender. This means the office will not have to change their marriage licenses and can begin issuing them to same-sex couples as soon as they’re given approval by the district attorney.
That makes the sixth state today to comply with the decision by SCOTUS. Five to go: North Carolina, South Carolina, Kansas, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

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VIDEO: Utah Plaintiffs Celebrate

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Brian Brown Has The SCOTUS Super Sadz

"We are surprised and extremely disappointed that the US Supreme Court has refused to grant review of the same-sex marriage cases pending before them. This is wrong on so many levels. First, the entire idea that marriage can be redefined from the bench is illegitimate. Marriage is the union of one man and one woman; it has been this throughout the history of civilization and will remain this no matter what unelected judges say. Second, it's mind-boggling that lower court judges would be allowed to impose the redefinition of marriage in these states, and our highest court would have nothing to say about it. Third, the effect of the lower court rulings is to say that a constitutional right to same-sex ‘marriage' has existed in every state in the union since 1868 when the 14th Amendment was ratified, but somehow nobody noticed until quite recently. That's the absurd belief we are being told to accept.

"It's possible that the Supreme Court wants to wait to take a case when a Circuit split develops so that it can rule in favor of the people's right to define marriage as it has always been defined. We're hopeful that the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals will rule in our favor and that the Supreme Court will then take that case and decide that marriage is not unconstitutional. NOM will continue to devote all our energy and resources to stand for the truth of marriage, and to advocate the importance of preserving it. While we are disappointed in what has happened today, we are not defeated or dispirited. Indeed, we are determined as never before to fight for the institution that God created and humankind has proven is the best arrangement for the well-being of men and women, for children, and for society as a whole." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, in a posting to NOM's blog.

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Colorado AG Concedes Defeat, State To Begin Issuing Marriage Licenses

Via press release from Colorado Attorney General John Suthers:
The United States Supreme Court this morning denied review of all seven of the petitions from the lower Federal Circuit Courts that arose from challenges to state bans on same-sex marriage. Because the 10th Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over Colorado, struck down Utah and Oklahoma’s ban, today’s decision by the high court clears the way for same-sex couples to legally wed in Colorado once stay orders have been lifted. The following statement is to be attributed to Colorado Attorney General John Suthers: “We have consistently maintained that we will abide by the Supreme Court's determination on the constitutionality of marriage laws. By choosing not to take up the matter, the court has left the 10th Circuit ruling in place. We expect the 10th Circuit will issue a final order governing Colorado very shortly. Once the formalities are resolved, clerks across the state must begin issuing marriage licenses to all same-sex couples. We will file motions to expedite the lifting of the stays in the federal and state courts and will advise the clerks when to issue licenses.”
Dominoes, bitches. Dominoes.

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Wisconsin AG Concedes Defeat, State Begins Issuing Marriage Licenses

Via the Associated Press:
Wisconsin's Republican attorney general is conceding the fight to preserve the state's gay marriage ban is over. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday turned away appeals from five states, including Wisconsin, seeking to prohibit same-sex marriages. The order immediately ends delays on marriages in those states. Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen had filed Wisconsin's appeal in hopes of preserving a 2006 state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. His spokeswoman issued a statement Monday saying the Department of Justice made every attempt to defend the state constitution but acknowledged gay marriage is now legal.
And the licenses have begun!

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Indiana Begins Issuing Marriage Licenses

Zoom, zoom, zoomity, zoom!

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Tenth Circuit Lifts Stay On Utah Marriages

Things are happening fast, people!

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Ben Shapiro Has The SCOTUS Sadz

"On Monday, the Supreme Court refused to take on the issue of gay marriage – and by doing so, essentially greenlit same-sex marriage across the nation, encouraging low-level courts to continue knocking down traditional marriage laws across the country. This is the beauty of Supreme Court doctrine: they don’t even have to do their judicial dirty work anymore. They can rely on lower-level courts to violate the Constitution, then declare the Constitution magically changed because of an 'emerging' consensus on violating the Constitution. And the people have no recourse. They cannot pass laws that for two and a half centuries have been fully Constitutional. They cannot fight state attorneys general who betray their voters. They must sit by as the courts play legal games while awaiting the great Obama-esque 'evolution' – an evolution that is almost entirely top-down, and that will then be dictated to us by our betters." - Ben Shapiro, completely melting down at Breitbart.

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Wisconsin Haters Have The SCOTUS Sadz

"The high court’s denial of our Wisconsin case and these other cases is profoundly disappointing. However, at some point the US Supreme Court will take a case on this issue. Wisconsin’s marriage amendment is on hold, but should the Court ultimately rule that the US Constitution does give the states the right to determine for themselves what marriage is, our amendment will be reinstated.” - Julaine Appling, head of Wisconsin Family Action.

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HRC Head Calls For Immediate "Remedial Action" In Those Other Six States

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UPDATED: Wikipedia Marriage Map

Six more states to turn dark blue shortly!

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And The SCOTUS Sadz Begin!

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