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Friday, August 12, 2011

Judge overturns California's ban on same-sex marriage

Judge overturns California's ban on same-sex marriage


CNN) -- A federal judge in California on Wednesday struck down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, ruling that voter-approved Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution -- handing supporters of gay rights a major victory in a case that both sides say is sure to wind up before the U.S. Supreme Court.

The 136-page opinion, issued by Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco, is an initial step in what will likely be a lengthy fight over California's Proposition 8, which defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman.

At stake in the trial was whether California's ban on same-sex marriage violates gay couples' rights to equal protection and due process, as protected by the U.S. Constitution.

The high-profile case is being watched closely by both supporters and opponents of same-sex marriage, as many say it is destined to make its way to the U.S. Supreme Court. If it does, the case could result in a landmark decision on whether people in the United States are allowed to marry people of the same sex.

Video: Proposition 8 debate rages on
Video: Winning attorneys react
Video: Prop 8 ruling: 'It's huge!'
Video: 'Just the first document'

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in five U.S. states and in the District of Columbia, while civil unions are permitted in New Jersey. The five states are Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, Iowa and New Hampshire.

"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite-sex couples are superior to same-sex couples," Walker, who was appointed to the federal bench by former President Ronald Reagan, wrote in his opinion.

"Race restrictions on marital partners were once common in most states but are now seen as archaic, shameful or even bizarre," he added. "Gender no longer forms an essential part of marriage; marriage under law is a union of equals."

In a separate order, Walker also granted supporters of Proposition 8 a temporary stay, which stops his decision from taking immediate effect. They had argued, prior to his ruling, that same-sex marriages would be performed soon after his decision and could be complicated by rulings and appeals farther down the legal road.

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Walker gave both sides in the case until Friday to submit their responses to the order.

Elated supporters of same-sex marriage gathered to celebrate the judge's opinion in the Castro district of San Francisco. After speeches and songs, they began a march to city hall. People waved rainbow flags and U.S. flags, and carried signs that read, "We all deserve the freedom to marry," and "Separate is Unequal." Similar rallies unfolded in cities across California -- including Los Angeles and San Diego.

"For our entire lives, our government and the law have treated us as unequal. This decision to ensure that our constitutional rights are as protected as everyone else's makes us incredibly proud of our country," said Kristin Perry, a plaintiff.

Perry and Sandy Stier, along with Jeffrey Zarrillo and Paul Katami, are the two couples at the heart of the case, which if appealed would go next to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals before possibly heading to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Opponents of same-sex marriage have said their best bet lies with higher courts and vowed to appeal the federal judge's ruling.

In a national survey, conducted by Gallup in May, 53 percent of respondents said same-sex marriages should not be recognized by law, while 44 percent said they should.

Proposition 8 is part of a long line of seesaw rulings, court cases, debates and protests over the controversial issue of same-sex marriage. It passed in California with some 52 percent of the vote in November 2008.

"Big surprise! We expected nothing different from Judge Vaughn Walker, after the biased way he conducted this trial," said Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage. "With a stroke of his pen, Judge Walker has overruled the votes and values of 7 million Californians who voted for marriage as one man and one woman."

Italian bring back Ravetto to head men's team | Ski Racing

The Italian Ski Team brought back Claudio Ravetto to oversee the men's program. The4 decision was announced by FISI Special Commissioner Franc Carraro. Ravetto quickly accepted the position of technical director of the men's team.

"This year's World Cup season for the men and women will follow two distinct calendars," Carraro said during a press conference to present his plan, "Claudio Ravetto has worked in synergy with the men's coaches. I felt this was the natural role for him and I've had the confirmation from him through his immediate acceptance. He will be coordinating the activities of the men's teams. Ravetto has a contract of one year, which is the period of my tenure."

Ravetto will work with Gianluca Rulfi who is in charge of the speed racers, Max Carca leading the all-rounders and Jacques Theolier the giant slalom racers. Raimund Plancker is the technical director of the women's teams.

"I am happy to return to work with FISI and the Italian men's team," said Ravetto. "I happily accepted the proposal made by Dr. Carraro and now will take up contact with the teams and technicians. I am thinking about traveling to Argentina because it is an important period of summer training. I know that the men's team is made up of great athletes where everyone has room for further growth. The commitment will be to place as many as possible on the World Cup podium, with an eye already to next year's World Cup and the Sochi 2014 Games."

He's BACK!!!

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JonasHQ.Org | Your #1 Fansite and Exclusive Source for the Jonas Brothers

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Don't miss your chance for Jonas Brothers tickets and other concerts like Justin Bieber and Michael Buble. We have all of the greatest concert tickets!
It's the 5th Anniversary of the It’s About Time album release! We are asking for you to send us YOUR old JB photos and we will put them together with other fans’ photos to make a mosaic (using the album cover). Please send the pictures to IATprojectJW@gmail.com. They should be from 2009 & backwards. We will consider adding more recent ones. If you want us to add your photos to the gallery and have your own personal album there, just let us know.
Deadline: August 1st.

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Last Night on Late Night: Emma Stone Deleted Facebook Because She's Addicted To Farmville -- Vulture

last night on late night

Last Night on Late Night: Emma Stone Deleted Facebook Because She's Addicted To Farmville

Last night on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, Emma Stone admits that her addiction to Farmville forced her to quit Facebook altogether. Plus: Jesse Eisenberg and Conan O'Brien efface-off to determine who's the most self-effacing person in showbiz; Sam Worthington of The Debt and Avatar has a bad gag reflex; and, on the last show of Lopez Tonight, George Lopez says 'fuck it' with a shot of tequila in the company of Eva Longoria. Watch our compilation to see what you missed.

EMMA STONE Addicted to "Farmville"!

Yes! It's true! It can happen to anyone. This just proves how vulnerable we are as humans and the power of suggestion.

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Alton gay wedding discrimination claim will go to hearing!

Alton gay wedding discrimination claim will go to hearing

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Alton gay wedding discrimination claim will go to hearing

BY TERRY HILLIG • thillig@post-dispatch.com > 618-659-2075 STLtoday.com | Posted: Thursday, August 11, 2011 4:51 pm | Loading…

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ALTON • The Illinois Department of Human Rights has found "substantial evidence" of discrimination against a gay couple who were turned down by two bed and breakfast inns, one in Alton, when looking for a place to host their civil union ceremony.

The finding is not a final decision but a procedural step that allows allegations to be heard by a "trier of fact."

In February, Todd and Mark Wathen of Mattoon, in east-central Illinois, filed complaints against Beall Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Alton and TimberCreek Bed & Breakfast near Paxton, Ill., alleging denials of use of public accommodations for discriminatory reasons. A law allowing same-sex civil unions in Illinois became effective June 1.

The complainants could ask for conciliation or for a hearing before the Illinois Human Rights Commission or a state circuit court. Todd Wathen said they would discuss their next steps with their attorney.

"We felt we were right in doing what we did," he said. "We are pleased by the fact that someone agrees with us."

The owners of the Alton B&B deny discrimination. According to an investigation report, they deny saying they would only host traditional weddings between a man and a woman.

Beall Mansion attorney John J. Hopkins said his clients look forward to a proceeding where the credibility of the evidence can be determined. Hopkins said he was confident they would be vindicated.

The Wathens were wed in a ceremony in their back yard on June 6. Todd Wathen said they didn't actively pursue other accommodations after being turned down by the two inns. He said another facility offered to host their ceremony but did not have any dates available that they wanted.

Copyright 2011 STLtoday.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Posted in Crime-and-courts, Illinois, Metro, Govt-and-politics on Thursday, August 11, 2011 4:51 pm Updated: 5:40 pm. | Tags: Alton Il, Civil Union Law, Mark Wathen, Todd Wathen, Discrimination, Illinois Department Of Human Rights, Paxton Il, Mattoon Il, Beall Mansion Bed & Breakfast, Timbercreek Bed & Breakfast, Homosexuality,

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Sunday, August 7, 2011

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