NJ rejects gay marriage bill

Yesterday (January 7, 2009), the New Jersey Senate rejected a proposal that would have allowed gay marriages in New Jersey.  Had the proposal gone through, New Jersey would have become the sixth U.S. state to permit same-sex marriages.  Despite the setback, advocates for gay marriage remain confident that the New Jersey Supreme Court will be more receptive than the Legislature. 

More details on New Jersey legislature defating the gay marriage bill

New Hampshire allows gay marriages

On Jan 1, 2010, New Hampshire became the 5th state in the U.S. to allow gay couples to marry.  The marriage law does not grant any additional rights to gays, but does negate the separate status so both heterosexual and homosexual couples will be deemed married. 

Roughly 15 couples gathered on the Statehouse steps in Concord for the midnight marrying moment and to honor non-legally binding commitment anniversaries from previous years. 

New Hampshire, Vermont and Iowa joined Connecticut and Massachusetts in permitting gay marriages last year even in the face of vehement opposition from some religious organizations.  Last year, Washington DC's city council voted to legalize gay marriage, which still awaits Congress' approval. 

Last year showed something of a setback for gays aiming to wed in certain states.  Legalization moves failed in New York and Maine.  California allowed gay marriages for a short while until a public vote two years ago banned it. 

Despite the setbacks, we can and should be hopeful for the future.  In 2008, there was one state that allowed gay marriages.  Today, one day into the new year, there are a total of five states where gay couples can wed. 

Evangelical church welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. 

Highlands Church is an evangelical Christian church launched in Denver by the Rev. Mark Tidd.  The church, less than a year old, remains open and affirming to all people, queer or straight.  Rooted in the doctrines of the Apostles' Creed and the belief that gays can embrace their homosexulality as God-given, the church opposes promiscuous relationships in favor of healthy lifelong relationships. 

More on Highlands Church and Rev. Mark Tidd

Houston elects openly gay mayor

With over 53% of the vote, gay mayor-elect Annise Parker, achieved a decisive victory over fellow Democrat Jean Locke on Saturday.  Houston is now the largest city in the United States to elect an openly gay mayor.

Parker steered clear of making her sexual orientation an issue, instead emphasizing her 12 years of public life, her service on city council and as City Controller.  Nevertheless, it became the focus of the race after conservative religious groups and anti-gay activists condemned her for what they deemed as "homosexual behavior."  Locke, who Parker painted as a lawyer and a lobbyist, did his best to distance himself from said attacks.

Reflecting on the outcome of the election Parker noted that it was a historic election for the city of Houston, calling the city diverse and an international city that welcomes all people.  It is worth noting that Parker may have also benefited from a low turnout and the absence of a Republican contender.  Parker, who started public life as a gay activist, will succeed Bill White who is seeking the Democratic nomination for governor.