Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Focus on the (gay) Family
I discovered the “love won out” site after visiting “Capitol 3 Conservatives” (as I suspected, my comment from yesterday did not make it through “moderation”). The logo in the sidebar attracted me. Here is what I found at the “love won out” site.
“Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out ministry exhorts and equips the church to respond in a Christ-like way to the issue of homosexuality. And to those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions, we offer the Gospel hope that these desires can be overcome.”
Have any of you seen these folks (Alliance Defense Fund, Sally Kern, Restore America, Sen. George, Marylin Shannon, etc) respond in a “Christ like way” to the LGBT community? Does not appear that they are responding to LGBT Oregonians in such a way. As an aside, do any of you have unwanted same-sex desires? Anyway…
How did I just KNOW that James Dobson had his hand in this! Could it be because he had caused me so much pain and disappointment since childhood? His famous mantra about “breaking the will of a child” and parenting a “strong willed child” was preached at church through the years. Unfortunately my father (who also misinterpreted “spare the rod and spoil the child“) took Dobson’s teachings to the extreme which made things extra unpleasant as a child!
I said recently to my family when I found out that James Dobson (one of the founders of the Alliance Defense Fund) was trying to delay and undo Oregon Domestic Partnerships: “when is James Dobson going to stop f*@%$&# with my life?”
[...]
I wish that any of the individuals mentioned above would spend a little time at the Faith in America site, and give thought to their mission statement. It is much longer than this line, but this line encapsulates the essence:
“The mission of Faith In America, Inc. is the emancipation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people from bigotry disguised as religious truth.”
groovy people checked in…:
- : JustaDog said…
- I don’t care what adults do with each other and I don’t think government should legislate morality.
What IS wrong is for government to FORCE non-homosexuals to accommodate homosexuals at the workplace, church, renting an apartment, or whatever.
If a business (profit or non) wishes to be comprised of individuals of a particular sexual choice then a differing sexual choice should not have some special “right” to strip anyone of their freedom of choice.
To me, this issue is one of freedom. I will allow you to do whatever you do with each other BUT you must allow me the freedom to now want to rent to you, or eat with you, or whatever.
Freedom – we have it or we don’t.
- Laurie said…
- There goes that ‘The Christian
thing to do’ crap. I’d like to
take that ‘Christian like way’ and
stick it up some of their a$$e$.
The ‘Christian like’ thing to do is
to treat people as people. NOT to
sit and want to ‘convert’ or
‘change’. Danged ole dobber snots
think that they are better than
others just need to be knocked out
I mean down a notch or 10.
I don’t wanna preach to the chior
so you know how I feel and man
I do wish I lived there cause I’d
stir up more trouble for those
wannabes than they would be able
to clean up.HUGS to you and your family!!
Thursday, April 10, 2008
A straight evangelical Christian for LGBT America
I read an encouraging article in my recent issue of the Advocate. It is about Brent Childers, a straight evangelical Christian who now heads up an organization devoted to ending religious bias against gays (Faith in America). As I was reading the article I wished that these folks, or these folks, or these folks, or these folks or even any of these folks would be reading this article… and maybe even have a similar epiphany. Thank you Mr. Childers for building bridges for our community!
Here is most of the article from the 4/22/08 Advocate.
“On a Sunday afternoon five years ago, not even the most vivid imagination could have pictured me at the head of an organization whose mission is to improve the lives of LGBT Americans. At lunch with my parents, I launched into my frequent tirade about how gays were an affront to morality and hell-bent on destroying the family. Afterward my mother challenged me with this question: As I professed to be a Christian, did my words toward gay men and women reflect a Christlike attitude?
In subsequent conversations on the issue of sexual orientation, I would find myself returning to that question. Each time, I was challenged to consider how fear and prejudice as well as my religious and political background had shaped my attitudes. I began to consider the possibility that in my own beliefs, opinions and behavior, I had missed the mark.
I soon had an opportunity to take my new attitude for a test drive. I was asked to work on an ad campaign with Faith in America, a non-profit organization founded by furniture maker Mitchell Gold. I immediately realized that my own journey epitomized the organization’s mission: ending the use of religion to justify bigotry and discrimination against gays and lesbians.
The historical context of Faith in America’s message resonated with me. Religious teachings have been used to justify slavery, deny women full and equal rights, and ban interracial marriage. Just as that was wrong in the past, it is wrong today. I admired Mitchell for taking on this issue in a way no one had. It’s a message that resonates with the movable middle.
That was three years ago. Now, as executive director of Faith in America, I believe I’m the only straight man leading a gay rights organization and surely the only evangelical conservative.
[...]
Often when people hear about my journey, they are incredulous. Many gay people are distrustful of religion, as they have felt spurned so often due to rhetoric that calls them an abomination. That distrust turns to a shared excitement when they realize that my journey is possible for untold multitude of others.
[...]
I’m not afraid to challenge the leaders of the Christian right who seek to undermine the important progress we’re achieving.
I will work every day to create space in the hearts of people of faith to find acceptance for LGBT people everywhere. Please join us.”
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A case of disenfranchised Oregonians?
I don’t even remember how I stumbled upon the ADF site today, they bill themselves as “ADF is a legal alliance defending the right to hear and speak the Truth through strategy, training, funding, and litigation.” One of the many things that caught my eye on their page was how they refer to the individuals who are fighting against our equality laws as “disenfranchised Oregonians.” What? No one was deprived of their right to vote here. The did not get enough signatures to stop the laws from going to effect! Period.
Who would end up being the disenfranchised Oregonians if the ADF and those select Oregon legislators were to be successful in repealing our equality laws? The entire GLBT community in Oregon. Disenfranchisement does not only refer to voting, it also extends to “deprive of a franchise, of a legal right, or of some privilege or immunity.” Sounds exactly like what the ADF and legislators hope to do to us. Thank goodness we have Basic Rights Oregon to defend our cause, and hopefully prevent our disenfranchisement!
Marriage & Relationship Recognition
GLBTMonday, March 31, 2008
One religious leader’s vow on signing marriages
This was a refreshing story to read… especially after the experience that inspired my last post. How can we change the world? Well, even just one or two individuals like these at a time makes a difference!
(I found the story at “To form a more perfect union: marriage equality news” blog. They reference the original source for the entire article, the Baltimore Sun, as well.)
“From the altar, a vow of protest”
Excerpt:
Rabbi Elizabeth Bolton was always vexed by the notion that despite the country’s traditional separation of church and state, Maryland gave her – a religious leader – the power to change people’s legal status by signing their marriage licenses. At the same time, the Reconstructionist rabbi from Baltimore was troubled by the state’s laws prohibiting same-sex marriage.Finally, after contending with her conflicted feelings for years, she decided she had had enough: She told couples she would happily conduct religious wedding ceremonies, but to find someone else to sign their civil documents.
The legalization of same-sex marriage in 2004 in Massachusetts – the only state where such unions are legal – was the tipping point for her. “The incongruity of that not being possible here was heightened. It was the last straw. I finally was able to say with clarity: ‘I really cannot do this anymore,’” said Bolton, the rabbi at Congregation Beit Tikvah.
Bolton has joined a small but growing band of clergy who have decided that they won’t sign any marriage licenses as agents of the state until it allows gays and lesbians to marry. Some rabbis and ministers in states including Virginia, Minnesota, Michigan and Connecticut have told their congregants that when it comes to weddings they are in the business of religious ceremonies – only – and they have redirected couples to the local courthouse for the paperwork.
[...]
The Rev. David Ensign, pastor of Clarendon Presbyterian Church in Arlington, Va., was surprised by the flurry of media attention he received in 2005 when the ruling body of his small church unanimously passed a policy – at his recommendation – declaring that the pastor would not sign marriage documents as long as the legal rights were available only to straight couples. Ensign said did not hear a negative peep – once the policy was clearly explained – and unexpectedly, church membership grew after word of the church’s position got out.
“A lot of people were interested in what we were doing. They were looking for a place that shared those commitments to justice and commitments to being an open and welcoming and progressive Christian community,” he said.
In some ways, separating the legal elements of marriage has made religious wedding services more meaningful, Ensign said.
“There certainly is an intentional political statement on the part of the church,” he said. “But an equal part of it has been to say, ‘Let’s reclaim what is essential about marriage and set aside the questions that are properly the domain of the state and focus in on the ones that are the domain of the faith community.’ … It’s allowed us to have some rich and deep conversations with couples about their faith lives.”
[...]
Of course, many faiths, such as the Roman Catholic Church, don’t support same-sex marriage or civil unions. And clergy in only a handful of denominations – including Unitarian Universalist, Presbyterian and United Church of Christ leaders – have taken this step. They are not always supported by their peers.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Why is equality so different for our neighbors?
I read this morning that Washington State has signed into law more than 160 additional rights to their Domestic Partnerships they successfully created last year (“The Domestic Partnership Expansion Bill”). This is encouraging news for our neighbors to the North!
I am wondering, what is the fundamental difference between the citizens at large in Washington and the citizens at large in Oregon? Washington not only passed the DP law last year–without attempts to repeal it–but this year are expanding benefits!
In Oregon, we didn’t even make it 30 days without opponents pledging to repeal and strip our equality laws. We are so close to Washington, and yet so far in terms of “equality” support by our citizens. Why didn’t the out-of-state interests attack the Washington equality efforts? Is this all spearheaded by former OR Sen. Marylin Shannon? Evidently, Washington did not have an individual such as this to summon out of state back up to tear down the progress made by the forward thinking citizens of the state.
Marriage & Relationship Recognition
6 groovy people checked in…:
- Laurie said…
- Is it because the state of
Washington doesn’t have people with
their heads up their asses making
the laws?Or could the answer be the people
making and passing laws are more
comfortable with their sexuality?Was that a trick question?
Just thought I’d check before I
thought I was smart or something.
Wouldn’t want to get my head to
big ya know. - wep601 said…
- Thanks for your comment Laurie. It is a real question!
I want answers! Your’s are good ones!! 
- The Recovering Straight Girl said…
- I think that it’s a good question and the only logical answer is that we in Oregon obviously have some very loud people with an agenda. I have a hard time believing that OR is more socially conservative–it could also have to do with the gay population, I understand that Seattle’s Gay Population is larger than ours in PDX.
- wep601 said…
- I hear ya RSG… those all make sense. It does seem hard to believe the level of fight on these issues given that we are a “blue state.” But I do know there is also a small group of really “backward” conservative types in OR. and they know who to call. I hadn’t thought about the Portland vs. Seattle connection either.
- Brian said…
- California’s got San Francisco and Washington’s got Seattle to push the Gay Agenda(tm). And while Portland has a strong voice in Oregon, it seems to get overshadowed sometimes by those anti-gay types that congregate in pockets around this state.
I guess the one thing we can be thankful for is to be part of the more liberally minded west coast rather than be caught in the quagmire that is the rest of the country.
- wep601 said…
- Thank you Brian for your comment and for your reminder. There are a lot of excellent equality minded citizens in our reasons of the country (and in our state)… here’s hoping that they prevail over the “minority” of folks seeking to sign the referendums.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
From the lighter side of “the bridge”…
I need a break from all the “downer discrimination” news in Oregon… I need a little silliness and humor!
OK, so today I went to “Curves” straight from the office and had to use the restroom as soon as I got there. Once inside I saw a big old bag of “Poise” pads sitting on the decorative chair by the sink. Does that freak anyone else out… even just a little? Think about it…
Next, I have to share with everyone one of my favorite internet “rays of sunshine”…
The hapless happenings of Helga! Brought to us all by my favorite lunch lady!
Check out the saga thus far… (thanks Laurie!)
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
And one more little bit of silliness…
Which do you like better: my little Yahoo avatar or my little Meez avatar?
humor- Laurie said…
- Thanks for the compliments Wendy!
It is such a good feeling to know
that I can make someones day just a
little better.I personally like both of the avatar things.
A big ole bag of POISE? I think
someone may be making a trip to
Florida! HA! Just kidding! Had to
do that though. Really though, I’d
probably just for fun put one on
the outside of my clothes and walk
out to do my workout. That’s just
my way of thinking. As I say
my mind works in mysterious ways.
Some even wonder if my mind works
at all.
Friday, March 14, 2008
OR Voters had 3 shots to “rule” on DPs!
My “Google alerts” for domestic partnership in OR. have been sparse lately (no new “attackers”), but this morning I found a great editorial that reminds everyone that the opponents of our two new equality laws (including the Senators) have already had three chances to have the “voters decide”… read on!
State has spoken on gay unions
- Lewis said…
- Right on. Measure 36 codified Marriage. That stands. And it was the right wing that, at that time, actually said outright that we should seek protection as civil unions. But now the cry babies just don’t like it. Poor little things.
- Laurie said…
- That is TWO more steps closer than
before! Way to go Oregon! Give them
Senators a fight!
Monday, March 3, 2008
A month ago today we had already made our trip to the Benton County courthouse, and back, having received our freshly registered and certified Domestic Partnership certificate. Four years ago this week we were standing in line in the rain with hundreds of other folks at the Multnomah County courthouse awaiting our same-sex marriage license.
Life presents many reasons to celebrate! Nature is getting ready to join in as Spring is right around the corner (these little flowers outside my office door popped up early this weekend)!
As I was pondering these special moments, I came home and found my partner had been sharing the same vibes–this was the little message she left on the wall for me…
Let’s hope we don’t have to “marry” too many more times! Although… I love the sentiment!
Happy March!
The Oregonian reported this morning on the number of domestic partnerships thus far in Oregon, pulling some of the data from BRO.
“Monday, March 03, 2008. More than 1,300 gay and lesbian couples have registered for domestic partnerships in Oregon since the law took effect Feb. 4. The civil union law gives same-sex couples legal recognition and most state benefits and responsibilities of marriage.
Basic Rights Oregon, the state’s largest gay rights group, tallied 1,250 partnerships as of Feb. 22. Another 59 couples registered last week in the Portland area, giving the region about two-thirds of the state total.
County totals for February were 673 in Multnomah, 93 in Washington and 73 in Clackamas. There were 80 partnerships registered in Benton County, 76 in Marion, 68 in Jackson, 47 in Deschutes, 24 in Lincoln and”…
- Lewis said…
- What? You’re kidding me. It’s been a month already? And family values and the fabric of our nation’s families haven’t yet been wrent asunder?
- wep601 said…
- Chuckling… I had a similar thought to that run through my head as well.
- Laurie said…
- HAPPY ONE MONTH!!!!! I know it’s
been longer but ONE MONTH!! YEAH!
I wish you a million and one more
months together.HUGS!!
XOXOXOXOXOXOXO - wep601 said…
- Thanks Laurie! That was an awesome wish! {BIG GRIN}… HUGS! Wendy
Friday, February 29, 2008
How many DP couples to date
It was good to get an answer in my morning email to my “as an aside” question from yesterday’s post on “how many” DPs have been registered thus far in Oregon. Thank you Basic Rights Oregon!
“The implementation of Oregon’s new domestic partnership law is moving steadily forward. Nearly 1,300 caring, committed couples have registered as domestic partners since the law went into effect February 4th.
To help couples sort out the new law, we’ve updated our Domestic Partnership Resource Guide, with updated information on County Clerk offices. You can also check out the Top 25 Rights and Responsibilities of the domestic partnership law.”
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2 groovy people checked in…:
- Laurie said…
- 1,300! That is WONDERFUL! Just
so glad that there are that many
people (gay or straight) willing
to make that commitment. Now, lets
hope there are no divorces. - wep601 said…
- Oh, I know! I am hoping for the exact same thing! I think we all have a pretty good shot! I believe in love!
-
Monday, February 25, 2008
Double take… WTF?
I often receive “Google alerts” covering various news topics–and Oregon’s new Domestic Partnerships have been in the news a lot this month. Today I ran across a story called “Sex Offenders Line up for Domestic-Partnership Benefits.” First, I did a double take, then I thought–what?
I followed the link, and I didn’t know whether to laugh or sigh in disgust. The brief generic news article on DPs copied directly from ktvz.com only contained a “sensational” title. The link was at a site called “abominations” at aboms.com. Well, I wish I could just laugh it off! However, I would be remiss if I did not state what a load of hooey that title is (along with what it pre-supposes)!
In my line of work, the only sex offenders I have ever had direct or indirect encounters with or knowledge of are: “heterosexual, married, christian” men (so much for the “sanctity of the institution of marriage” and “WWJD”.).
I mean, get real “aboms”! If you are open to any insight into what “abominations” you may regularly engage in that are also within those same misused Old Testament passages read this article (click) (Originally written by Alley Hector.)
4 groovy people checked in…:
- Lewis said…
- I am so right there with you on this heterosexual, christian, married men thing. I’ve been there and done that. And still see it. It’s truly amazing that the vast majority of abuse, child issues, violence, etc. is done BY THE STRAIGHT COMMUNITY. And the vast majority of them claim to be Christians and go to church. What a bunch of sh*&^&^&.
- wep601 said…
- Yes! Well said! I saw it all my life growing up in church, and see it even more now in my daily work. That is why I just had to say something when I read that! It IS a bunch of Sh*#!
- Laurie said…
- You said it right! The only sex
offenders that are within a one
mile radius of my house are men
that have prayed on girls. There
are about 30+ of them within that
mile as well. Even by the schools.
Like I have said though 95% are
straight men 3% are women and the
other 2% are gay.I just can’t believe the nerve of
some people to write such junk - wep601 said…
- That _is_ pretty scary laurie! It is like the louder they bluster at us the more they hope that they can hide in the shadows perpetrating their darkness on the innocent.
Shine the light everybody!
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Why are gay unions opposed? Really?
That is an excellent question! Political reasons? Cultural reasons? Religious reasons? Societal reasons? (Fear reasons?). I found an article today that handles this topic nicely. Read on!
Legalize gay marriage, by SAMANTHA BROOKS, Issue date: 2/19/08
Political ideology and religious institutions need to butt out of marriage.
I’m tired of being told who can and cannot marry because of ancient religious traditions and the comfort level of certain politicians. They should have no say whatsoever in what kind of married couples the U.S. should have. What is it about marriage that screams religious ceremony or political fodder?
On Feb. 1, 2008 an Oregon court passed legislation allowing gay couples to legally have civil unions. And I say, bravo!
This ability to register as domestic partners affords the couple in question to have many of the same rights a heterosexual couple is allowed to claim. Such rights include filing joint taxes, making medical decisions for one another and inheriting one another’s property. If they should choose to dissolve their union, they will have to go through the courts to do so, like every other married couple. In cases where a child is involved, child support can be claimed by the parent keeping the child.
The original legislation was to be decided in 2007, but the judge presiding over the case wanted to wait in order to give opponents a chance to voice their concerns about the bill. In the end, the judge overruled the lawsuit opposing the legislation, giving the postponed bill legal weight in the state of Oregon.
In the U.S. there are now seven states with specific civil union rights given to gay couples – (cont.)
- sageweb said…
- I think that is great news for Oregon. Lets hope they don’t mess with it.
Friday, February 15, 2008
By any other name
I have enjoyed reading so many newspaper articles and blog posts about the exciting implementation of Domestic Partnerships in Oregon. Inevitably, not all of the comments are “Yeah for you!” but some of the editorials or comments surprise me in the fact that individuals who were against gay marriage seem to be (now anyway) against any recognition or respect that same sex couples are afforded. Some even going as far as to say that they feel that Oregon’s step forward toward equal rights and equal protections and provisions actually means to them: “Our rights were stolen from us.” So, it would seem that, to some individuals or groups, “gay marriage” by any other name is still infringement upon their “institution.”
This also reminds me of my favorite sticker that I picked up at Portland PRIDE (pictured here…) Here are some interesting articles regarding this.
Feb 10th, 2008 by Recovering Straight Girl
Today HG handed me the opinion section of The Oregonian; in it were two commentaries written of different opinions regarding Oregon’s new anti-discrimination law and Domestic Partnership law.
I knew I would probably not like the one written in opposition, but I read it anyway, and I’m glad I did. I felt as though the opinions that she stated in her commentary were absolute perfect examples of how this very black and white issue is made to look gray.
The contributor, Ms. Marilyn Shannon, claims that the anti-discrimination law (SB 2) is “reverse discrimination.”
Reverse discrimination?
Reverse discrimination is when a group of people not typically discriminated against are discriminated against.
How are white male heterosexuals being discriminated against by implementing a law that prohibits discrimination against a person based on their sexual orientation? How does protecting one group of people hurt another?
She calls it “preferential homosexual rights.” How are gays and lesbians being given “preferential rights” over everyone else in Oregon who already receives those same inherent rights?
Is Ms. Shannon given preferential rights as a woman?
Is she given preferential rights as a religious person?
By her own definition: Yes she is. Preferential rights seem to be fine as long as they work for her and other’s like her, and now she wants to be granted preferential rights as a bigot. She wants to be able to fire someone based on who they love. She wants to be able to not seat someone in a restaurant because she thinks they might be gay.
I wonder how she would feel if she came into a restaurant and someone refused to serve her because they felt that she was ugly? My guess is that she wouldn’t like it very much and guess what? Neither do the people in the GLBTQ community.
She further goes on to say that Oregon’s Domestic Partnership law is marriage disguised as something else. Domestic Partnerships in Oregon are not marriage, and do not provide the same protections that heterosexual couples are legally entitled to. Ms. Shannon claims that Oregon law does not recognize “common law marriages” to heterosexuals who live together. This example is completely irrelevant. If a heterosexual couple wishes to be married, they are provided and allowed this right within our law. Gay and lesbian couples do not have this option to exercise.
The marriage laws, both federal and state, protected me and my children during my marriage, throughout my subsequent divorce, and those laws still offer me protection today.
When I found love again and wanted to re-marry, I found that based on the gender of the person I would like to marry, I do not have the same rights that were once readily afforded to me.
Overnight, I went from a First-Class Citizen to a Second-Class Citizen, based entirely on whom I love.
Ms. Shannon states, “Our rights were stolen from us.”
No, Ms. Shannon. You’re rights are and have been protected. MY rights have been stolen from me, and shame on you and those like you for holding up your thievery as a moral value.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Monday, Monday! The bloom is still on the rose
One week ago today we went to the courthouse to register for our domestic partnership.
Here it is Monday again, and the DP victory is still just as sweet, the roses still look great, and although the champagne is gone… the love is still alive and warm! CHEERS!
domestic partnership
- Lewis said…
- WHat! You’re still married? AFter a week? I thougth these sorts of things weren’t supposed to last too long? I may have to begin a rethink of my family values stream of consciousness.
- wep601 said…
- LOL!!! Very funny! I know, can you believe it? What will the fam. values group think!
- The Recovering Straight Girl said…
- Congrats on your DP!
- wep601 said…
- Thank you so much! Enjoyed your editorial today! Excellent writing!
Are you and your partner registering for a DP?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
While the ink is still fresh
After one full week of Domestic Partnerships available in Oregon we have all had different experiences and reactions to the new rights and privileges afforded us in our State. The ink is still fresh on our certified and registered domestic partnership certificates, as well as on the small ring tattoos we got to commemorate our union. I have enjoyed reading many people’s blog accounts of their special DP day. This story below really articulates quite nicely how my partner and I feel about our third trip to a courthouse to make our union “official.” Third time’s a charm?
We’ll keep getting married till they get it right
(Article found at bikelovejones.livejournal.com)
“The short story: In the wake of a failed attempt to make Marriage per se available to same-sex couples, the Oregon State Legislature approved “Domestic partnership” instead, granting same-sex couples most (if not all) of the rights and responsibilities that straight married couples have had since modern marriage was invented. After a failed petition drive by Outta-State, anti-gay interests and a month long holdup in the courts, Domestic Partnership finally became the law of the land this week.So today, Sweetie and I went down to the Multnomah County HQ to file the paperwork.
Because all of the celebratory doings with more “famous” queer couples had happened on Monday and Tuesday, everything was rather quiet and noticeably uncrowded today. Still, we were one of several couples all there doing the same thing. For this week only, the County kindly made its Notaries available — for free! — to couples filing Domestic Partnership papers. A trip upstairs to a very friendly and informative Notary; A trip back downstairs to the main counter; 60 bucks and a couple of signatures later, and POOF!
We are now Domestically Partnered.
Now, let’s be clear:
There is, of course, the possibility that this could be invalidated again (as outright gay marriage was in 2004-05), through another ballot measure drive by anti-gay folks (with more of that Outta-State money, of course). And the truth is that, if it were only “marriage” in the most literal sense that these folks were worried about, you’d think they’d let us call it domestic partnership or whatever else and leave it at that — and leave us alone. But the truth is that it’s not really about marriage at all. It’s about denying gays and lesbians their civil rights. How do we know this? Because Her Former Honor Miz Shannon, the ex-state legislator who’s currently spearheading the push to outlaw Domestic Partnership in Oregon said it quite plainly on the radio last week. She and her ilk do not want to see gay and lesbian people become “normalized” — her word! — in our society. She said it plain as day, and laid her bigotry out there for all to see.
(Word up: Anyone who doesn’t get what that really means ought to stop for a moment and put themselves — and their ethnic or religious or racial or other kind of group — in my place. Step inside that thought and see how it feels. If you didn’t get it before, that fresh perspective ought to help make things clear.)
So Sweetie and I filed today, knowing that our brand new Domestic Partnership could well be overturned, and our 60 bucks sent back to us a second time. But that didn’t stop us at all. We filed, got our paperwork, smiled shyly at other queer couples waiting in line, and stopped by Citybikes on the way home to fill out the fancy certificate and show it off to my co-workers (who were, of course, all congratulatory and stuff). When we got home, I framed our new certificate and hung it on the wall just below our ketubah (the Jewish marriage contract we’d signed on our wedding day). We filed, we’re legal, we will fight like hell to keep it that way, and work and pray for the day when the people who don’t get it will just leave us the f*#@ alone already and we can all just live in peace. So today, we celebrate.”
Thursday, February 7, 2008
What a difference a week can make!
It occurred to me while I was at my step-daughter’s basketball game tonight (also, my wife is the coach), that a lot of things have changed since last Thursday. Maybe not to the outside average person, but nonetheless… different to me.
Last Thursday I cheered on my step-daughter, and was also aware that the next morning would be the hearing at which Federal Judge Michael Mosman would decide the fate of our domestic partnership law. Last Thursday my step-daughter actually played in the game while I clapped and cheered. Little did I know last Thursday, that by this Thursday the hearing would have come and gone with such a positive outcome, and I would already have registered my domestic partnership (complete with a new “tattoo ring”).
So this Thursday: my step-daughter whom I have already parented for 9 years is finally “officially” my daughter, this Thursday she cheered from the sidelines with a sprained ankle. This Thursday my partner of 9 years and I actually have equal standing and rights and recognition with all the other married couples in the stands tonight (in Oregon), this Thursday my hands actually sting a little when I clap to cheer on the team (that fresh tattoo beneath my two other “wedding rings”). This Thursday I am no more grateful than any other day really, but I am certainly happy to report that there were some bridges BUILT in Oregon this week!
- nahrie said…
- I’m so glad that many of my friends will be able to take advantage of the new DP law. I only wish it were something bigger, like marriage. I know they say one step at a time, but man, I’m impatient.
- Frank S said…
- First of all, congratulations! It must feel great to finally have your relationship recognized by your state, and actually have some legal protections behind it.
After reading your happy and emotional post, I realized that I must sound like a “Debbie Downer”, back at my blog.
This progress we’re making is fantastic, but it’s so frustrating knowing that we are blatantly being treated unequally by our own government.
I don’t want to rain on your parade so I’ll stop here. Again, congratulations! This is wonderful news.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
First week turn out for DP?
According to reports by Basic Rights Oregon, on Monday 432 hundred couples across the state registered as domestic partners. Pretty cool! In Benton County, where we registered, there were about 29 couples. If anyone out there has any further news on the amount of couples who turned out for domestic partnership this first week, I would love to know.
I have friends who are waiting for Valentine’s Day. I think that thought crossed my mind, but my partner was like “why wait?” Good point!
2 groovy people checked in…:
- Lewis said…
- Amazing news. the best I’ve heard in a very very long time. Congrats!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Signed, sealed, delivered! DP Day!
Yeah! The first day to be able to resister as Domestic Partners in Oregon is here!
It is a day that many of us were holding our breath waiting to see if and when it would arrive (especially since the events of 2004).
We headed right down to Benton County Courthouse at 8am this morning with our paperwork in hand. The process was very simple, peaceful and friendly. There were about a half dozen couples there around 8am. The staff were very helpful. We were in and out of there within a half hour.
It is a wonderful day! And yet, there is some small thing missing, or different, I think without all the hoopla of solemnization (to celebrate or observe by performing a formal ceremony). Like Maria Rojo de Steffey (of Multnomah County) said, “I’m very happy, of course, but at the same time I want everyone to have full marriage rights. ” Recalling the lines around the block in 2004, she said, “today is just very different.”
We took pictures, we’ll make a scrapbook, we’ll toast with Champagne tonight! And somewhere in the back of our mind we won’t vocalize the distant apprehension of wondering what “group” of individuals may feel it their duty to “undo” our unions this time. You see, we have done this twice before, once in Vermont, and then once in Multnomah County. However!!! The largest part of today is a beautiful celebration of our loves, our commitments and our families!
___________________________________________________
- Lewis said…
- Wasn’t it just one of the coolest days ever? I love it that you were couple #4! It was strange, wasn’t it? Serious congratulations to you both!
Friday, February 1, 2008
Sigh of relief and a glass of champagne for DP!
Sigh of relief and a glass of champagne! WHEW! OK! Good news time!
Domestic partnerships are now legal!
Posted by Alley Hector / OregonLive.com February 01, 2008 16:27PM
Categories: Local News
U.S. District Judge Michael Moseman has apparently lifted the injunction circa right this very minute (ok, circa 4:20). I’m not sure if that means you and your sweetie can hop in the car right now, but maybe you’ll be able to tie the knot by V Day…(Actually Monday…and she’ll be expecting a ring…and not cubic zirconium).
Though an appeal is expected ,what Moseman essentially said was that there was no constitutional right when you sign a petition to have the signature counted. And while this is, on some level, an odd way to think about it, the reality is that out-of-state entities were the driving force behind the attempt to invalidate the law in the first place. This is very much a state law. It provides no extra rights or protections federally. So we deserve to, at least, be masters of our own domain.
Gay Couples Can Register As Domestic Partners
February 1, 2008 – 4:47PM
A federal judge ruled today that gay couples in Oregon will be allowed to register as domestic partners.
U.S District Judge Michael Mosman lifted a temporary injunction he imposed in late December, just days before the domestic partnership law approved in the 2007 legislative session was due to take effect.
A group called the Alliance Defense Fund filed a lawsuit, claiming the Secretary of State and several county clerks wrongfully rejected valid citizens’ petition signatures for a referendum which would allow voters to decide the domestic partnerships issue.
In his ruling, Mosman agreed with lawyers from the state that a signature on a referral petition was not the equal of a signature on the ballot and so did not require the same level of constitutional scrutiny.
Following the ruling, the Oregon Department of Human Services said it is making domestic partnership declaration forms available online and at county clerks’ offices throughout the state.
Judge gives Oregon’s domestic partnership law the go-ahead
By JULIA SILVERMAN Associated Press Writer
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – Gay couples in Oregon will be allowed to register as domestic partners, a federal judge ruled Friday.
U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman lifted a temporary injunction he imposed in late December, just days before the domestic partnership law approved in the 2007 legislative session was due to take effect.
In his ruling, issued from the bench, Mosman rejected arguments made by an attorney for the Alliance Defense Fund, a group that advocates for Christian legal issues.
The group’s lawyers had argued that county elections clerks had improperly disqualified voter signatures collected during a drive to refer the domestic partners law to the November 2008 ballot.
The referendum drive fell 96 signatures short of the 55,179 needed to refer a law passed by the Legislature to the ballot.
Alliance Defense Fund lawyer Austin Nimocks had argued that a signature on a petition should be given the same weight as a signature on a ballot, and that elections officials should have made more of an effort to contact voters whose signatures were disqualified.
But Mosman, who was appointed to the bench in 2003 by President Bush, sided with lawyers for the state and Basic Rights Oregon, the state’s largest gay rights group.
“This is a call for an election, not a substitution for an election,” Mosman said.
Nimocks promised an appeal of the case, while anti-gay rights activists said they planned to mount another drive to collect signatures to put the issue onto the ballot.
Gay rights groups were elated, meanwhile. Jeana Frazzini, executive director of Basic Rights, predicted that gay couples would be lining up at county offices on Monday morning to register as domestic partners.
BREAKING: Domestic Partnerships Decision — They’re Back On in OregonDomestic Partnerships Decision — Even More
February 1st 2008 4:34pm from Willamette Week
Oregon is free to have domestic partnerships again.
Federal judge Michael Mosman issued that ruling this afternoon after an all-day hearing on the temporary injunction he issued in December.
Multnomah County Attorney Agnes Sowle says U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman’s decision today clearing the way again for domestic partnerships means they can start as soon as Monday.
FACT: The Williams Institute estimates there were 3,438 same-sex couples in Portland in 2005.
Domestic Partnerships Decision — Even More
To D.P. or not to D.P.? That is the question.
This afternoon’s decision by U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman restoring domestic partnerships in Oregon comes as a wonderfully early pre-Valentine’s Day gift for Oregon’s same-sex couples. And it’s so sudden that gay rights supporters are still figuring out how and when to celebrate.
Asked if she was going to plan something celebratory with her partner, a surprised and happy Basic Rights Oregon executive director Jeana Frazzini said simply, “I don’t know.”
Mosman said in ruling from the bench that he had not made up his mind until he heard testimony today from two handwriting experts and Oregon elections director John Lindback. Mosman said he lifted the stay because “the balance of hardship would go against the state in this case” if domestic partnerships weren’t allowed to proceed.
Meantime, perish the thought that Multnomah County would wait until Valentine’s Day to start issuing domestic partnerships. “Of course not,” says Multnomah County Attorney Agnes Sowle. “Oh, God. We wouldn’t wait.”
Breaking News: from Basic Rights Oregon:
Domestic parntership law goes forward! Update from the hearing
Court Ruling: Domestic Partnership Law Will Go Into Effect Monday, February 4th
Committed, Caring Couples Throughout Oregon Will Get Rights, Protections
For Immediate Release: February 1, 2008
A federal court has ruled that Oregon’s domestic partnership law should go into effect, as it was originally scheduled to do on January 2, 2008.
Judge Michael Mosman ruled at 4:25 PM today that opponents of domestic partnership did, indeed, fail to gather the necessary signatures to place the law on the ballot for referendum.
The law takes effect immediately, so county offices will begin to issue domestic partnerships on Monday morning at 9 AM. While domestic partnerships fall short of full marriage rights, they do provide important protections like hospital visitation rights, the ability to make medical decisions for an ailing partner, and estate inheritance.
Friday, April 20, 2007
“Leviticus” Revisited…
Another excellent reply for the “abomination” crowd.
Different take than in the January 4th post below–but just as powerful!
This was posted at Oregonlive.com QPDX Blog.
“Laura Schlessinger is a US radio personality who dispenses advice to people who call in to her radio show. Recently, she said that homosexuality is an abomination according to Leviticus 18:22 and cannot be condoned under any circumstances. The following is an open letter to Dr. Laura penned by a US resident:”
“Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God’s Law. I have learned a great deal from your show and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend the homosexual lifestyle, for example, I simply remind him or her that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate. I do need some advice from you however, regarding some of the specific laws and how to follow them.
(a) When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Lev. 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. Should I smite them?
(b) I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as sanctioned in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
(c) I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Lev. 15:19-24). The problem is, how do I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
(d) Lev. 25:44 states that I may indeed possess slaves, both male and female, provided they are purchased from neighboring nations. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify? Why can’t I own Canadians?
(e) I have a neighbor who insists on working on Sunday (the Sabbath). In the book of Exodus verse 35:2 it clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
(f) A friend of mine feels that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Lev. 11:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don’t know. Can you settle this?
(g) Lev. 21:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
(h) Most of my male friends get their hair trimmed, including the hair around their temples, even though this is expressly forbidden by Lev.19:27. How should they die?
(i) I know from Lev. 11:6-8 that touching the skin of a dead pig makes me unclean, but may I still play football if I wear gloves?
(j) My uncle has a farm. He violates Lev. 19:19 by planting two different crops in the same field, as does his wife by wearing garments made of two different kinds of thread (cotton/polyester blend). He also tends to curse and blaspheme a lot. Is it really necessary that we go to all the trouble of getting the whole town together to stone them? (Lev.24:10-16). Couldn’t we just burn them to death at a private family affair like we do with people who sleep with their in-laws? (Lev. 20:14).
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God’s word is eternal and unchanging, and we should do what the bible says.
Your devoted disciple and adoring fan.”
(Posted by ahector April 11, 2007 at http://blog.oregonlive.com/qpdx/2007/04/bible_study.html)
