While you can always go to my Same-Sex Marriage page to see the new maps, and read the corresponding notes, I’m going to give you the maps right here, and some very brief notes about what’s been happening.
- Same-sex marriage legislation was introduced in the Illinois Senate last week, by junior Senator Heather Steans. Her opponents in upcoming elections for the 7th District seat think she is merely doing it for the votes in her rather gay-friendly district. They both – Jim Madigan and Adam Robinson (a Republican!) – also support same-sex marriage. You have to wonder if they’re just irritated because they didn’t do it first. Side note: Illinois’ last attempt at civil unions or marriage equality fizzled in legislative sessions earlier this year. While the civil unions measure may have another chance in the Assembly during special sessions later this month, there may be more pressing matters to address. ETA: Unknown
- Earlier this week, popular D.C. city councilor, David Catania, introduced some same-sex marriage legislation of his own. With 10 co-sponsors and a mayor who’s eager to sign the bill into law, this may be one of the most cut-and-dried marriage equality races of the year. And no, it’s highly unlikely (almost definite) that Congress will challenge this. The Republican opposition – led by disgruntled I-got-it-handed-to-me-by-Tammy-Baldwin Junior Senator from Utah, Jason Chaffetz – simply wouldn’t have the votes to make it happen. ETA: New Years, 2010 (give or take a couple of weeks).
- Whether Jon Corzine gets re-elected or not, the legislature intends to push through marriage equality in the Garden State before the end of the post-election lame duck session. Corzine hasn’t always supported same-sex marriage but he changed his tune earlier this year. As previously reported here, he will sign it if the Democrat-led legislature passes it. And while nobody’s talking about the rainbow elephant in the Assembly chambers, they are expected to pass it. ETA: Christmas, 2009
- Besides Illinois, another state may legalize same-sex relationships in early 2010. That’s going to be – we hope! – New Mexico. After a failed attempt in their last session, Governor Bill Richardson plans to put domestic partnerships on the agenda for a special 30-day financial session of the New Mexico legislature. While non-financial measures aren’t typically seen during these budgetary sessions, Richardson is asking the legislature to try it again. Some argue that it should wait until 2011, but 2010 is Richardson’s last year in office, and he has wanted to make this work for a while now. Incidentally, the last effort was defeated, 25-17, in the Senate, with 10 Democrats joining all 15 Republicans in turning down the measure.
NOW, over to Europe…
- Earlier this summer, the Albanian government announced they would push Parliament to recognize same-sex marriage. While the primarily Muslim nation has a very low acceptance rate among its citizens for homosexuality, its government deeply wishes to join the European Union, and wants its own laws to be in line with the recommendations of the EU.
- Same-sex marriages and the adoption of children by same-sex couples are part of a revised family code in Slovenia that its leader hope to have Parliament pass in the coming months. The same revision would also prohibit corporal punishment of children. The central European nation has recognized same-sex partnerships for more than three years now.
- After being re-elected Prime Minister of Portugal, Socialist leader Jose Socrates fully intends to keep his campaign promise and legalize same-sex marriage. Despite a significant Roman Catholic population, Socrates also legalized abortion in Portugal in 2007. You’ll notice that change.org blogger Mike Jones hopes that Socrates follows through on his promise before an expected visit from Catholic leader Pope Benedict in May of 2010.
- A lesbian couple from Moscow challenged the Russian Family Code, which strictly prohibits same-sex marriages, and unfortunately lost earlier this week when a judge merely threw out their challenge, citing the Code as its sole reason. The two woman attempted to obtain a marriage license in Russia this past May, but were refused. They still intend to be married in Canada later this month, but it is unknown whether or not they will appeal the court’s decision. While Russia’s Family Code prohibits same-sex unions, their Constitution does not, which opens up the possibility for future legal challenges.
If you want a closer look at both maps, or if you’d like to learn more about situations in other states or countries, feel free to head over to the Same-Sex Marriage page in this blog.
Isn’t Estonia (in grey atm) currently either drafting or debating legislation to legalise registered partnerships? I remember reading about it, but I’m unsure at what point in the process they’re at or even if the process is still going on. If they are though, that’d make they purple wouldn’t it?
By: Oli on 10 October 2009
at 22:39
People forget or never think about the harm they cause to children who grow up gay by opposing Marriage Equality.
Being a priest and psychologist, I know the kind of serious harm that
is caused to children who grow up gay by those who oppose Marriage Equality. “Kids are being hurt!!!” There is plenty of research data that makes that supports this statement. I have been an advocate for children who grow up gay for their protection from antigay statements.
Benedict XVI’s continual ordering the hierarchy in a united effort to oppose Marriage Equality is proof that they have not even considered the harm to children and have ignored the overabundance amount of research data. The harm that is done to children is tremendous. It cuts deeply at the very core of child’s ability to bond/attach to another or other human beings for life. However, in the meantime how many millions of innocent children will continue to be abused in this way because of their criminal neglect of their responsibility. Everyone is responsible to thoroughly study and learn the facts and research data about human sexuality for the safety and well-being of children. There is a lot more to learn than the outdated, inaccurate and whimsical ideas of “the birds and the bees,” a child’s life depends on our being responsible in this regard. In order to be more like this mom was in this ad.
The U.S. Bishops are currently individually reviewing the draft of a pastoral letter — “Marriage: Love and Life in the Divine Plan” –which they will formally consider at their Nov. 16-19 national meeting [2009]. With all due respect this pastoral letter will become their most vivid indictment against them and Benedict XVI exposing their irresponsible leadership at the expensive of millions of innocent children, globally.
By: Fr. Marty Kurylowicz on 13 October 2009
at 21:07
With you being a priest that also makes your claim to be a psychologist lose all credibility since your religious convictions will remove all chances of you having an objective opinion on what is the psychological condition of a child brought up with homosexual parents. I have a friend who is a lesbian and plans to have children with her wife in about seven years. I know this woman would be a perfect mother and I have studied psychology and the psychology of relationships enough to know that being a homosexual does not in any way directly harm the persons ability to be a good parent. I am not a homosexual but I am from a racial minority so I can understand how homophobia can equate with racism and homophobes such as yourself equate with the likes of a senior member of the British Nationalist Party. The likes of a polite and well educated Nazi.
By: Kieran Griffith on 29 December 2009
at 04:50
Response to Kieran Griffith
I am sorry that you have so many ignorant comments to make. I doubt it helps you feel better. You would be much better off using your time doing your homework. Study scripture and psychology and learn the truth for yourself, unless of course you prefer to be bitter, unhappy and cruel to people.
By: Fr. Marty Kurylowicz on 29 December 2009
at 09:34