--Scott

This Week's Woody Award:

This week's Woody award honors goes to the proponents of Proposition 8, who are running an ad this week that makes all kinds of false claims about lawsuits against churches and how we're coming for the children. See it here, and marvel at how low these sad folks will go. Enjoy your collective woody, Yes on 8!

Runner up goes to the student council at American River College in Sacramento, who, led by a group of Slavic Christian students, voted in support of Prop 8, claming their vote was "to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., who … said 'It's God's plan that every child shall have a good father and good mother." Just like most right wingers - twist things around so the straight white christian male is the oppressed victim. Sorry guys, but our woody already went to the Prop 8 folks - you'll have to find one of your own.

Oh, and enjoy this fun tidbit from a Lake County (CA) screed against gay marriage: "Our public policy should encourage that freedom to pursue a lifestyle specifically pleasing to God where sex, like fire in a fireplace, is a part of a marriage between one man and on woman." Another place to cross off the vacation list.

Events of the Last Week:

9/28/08:

Savage Garden's Darren Hayes: "I would love to see my marriage recognised here [in Australia], more than anything as a sign of reciprocal respect for Richard," Hayes said. Source

Ecuador: Ecuador approved a new constitution with a 64 percent “yes” vote, in the process legalizing civil unions. Source

Greece: Dozens of gays and lesbians protested outside parliament on Monday against the conservative government's attempt to overturn Greece's first same-sex marriages. Source

USA: Christian fundamentalists are suggesting gays and lesbians are to blame for Wall Street's woes, a frequently made charge in the wake of national calamities. Source

USA, California: Chino's School District voted unanimously to support Prop 8. Source

USA, California: Bishop Jamie Soto of Sacramento spoke at the National Association of Catholic Diocesan Lesbian and Gay Ministries, surprising attendees by calling them deviants and urging a yes vote on Prop 8. Source

USA, Connecticut: Roughly 2,800 people converged on the steps of the state Capitol in Hartford on Sunday, Sept. 28 for a Family Institute of Connecticut (FIC) rally to raise support for a constitutional convention to block gay marriage efforts there. Source

USA, New Hampshire: Lawmakers will be debating at least two bills dealing with gay marriage when they return to Concord in January, one that would legalize gay marriage, and another that would repeal recognition of civil unions/gay weddings performed in other states. Source

USA, Washington: The agency that regulates the state's lawyers has come out in favor of equal marriage rights for same-sex couples. Source

9/29/08:

Morocco: An international congress on gay rights in Muslim countries has been told that the north African nation of Morocco may grant rights to homosexuals "within fifty years." Source

USA, California: The group of Republicans, including Governor Schwarzenegger, who oppose California's ballot measure to ban gay marriage, have released an ad, titled "Freedom Is a Republican Value." Source

USA, Florida: Opponents of a proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution protested against Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos on the day season-ticket holders were selecting their seats. DeVos contributed $100,000 to Florida4Marriage, a group that supports Amendment 2. Source

USA, Utah: Laura Milliken Gray, a woman who fought for gay marriage rights in Utah, is leaving the country to be with her partner in England because she is not allowed to come to the US. Source

Ecuador: Ecuadorian citizens voted to pass a revised version of the Ecuadorian Constitution that, amongst other things, guarantees civil rights (including civil unions affording all the rights of marriage) for gays and lesbians. Source

9/30/08:

India: A high court in Dehli is considering arguments for and against legalizing homosexuality there. Source

USA, Florida: Latino Faith "Leaders" come out in support of Amendment 2. Source

10/1/08:

John McCain trys to win over the gay vote by hinting in an interview with the Washington Blade that he'd support a review of the Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Source

Right-wing radio host Michael Savage blamed the financial meltdown on Wall Street on gay people. Source

Sarah Palin believes being gay is a choice, she says in her interview with Katie Couric. Source

Bulgaria: According to a new poll, 80% of all Bulgarians have negative attitudes towards gay people, whereas 59% are extremely homophobic. Source

Canada: Police are investigating whether a federal candidate running as an Independent committed a hate crime by telling high school students in northern Ontario that homosexuals should be "executed." Source

USA, Arizona: A new survey by KAET-TV, the Phoenix PBS affiliate, shows that 49% say they'll vote for Prop 102, while 42% are opposed and 9% are undecided. Source

USA, California: Gay Ohio entrepreneur and political activist Jonathan Lewis issued a challenge of sorts to Los Angeles's entertainment industry... raise $500,000 for No on Prop. 8, and he and his family will match the contributions dollar for dollar. Source

USA, California: A supposed "liberal against gay marriage" being used by supporters of Prop 8 has been unmasked as a right-wing conservative. Source

USA, California: A new poll by SurveyUSA shows Prop 8 trailing by 44 to 49%, a narrower margin than in other polls. Source

USA, Kentucky: Two "experts" will discuss gay marriage at a forum at Northern Kentucky University on 10/7/08. Source

USA, Montana: A judge ruled in favor of a woman who sought parental rights to a boy and girl adopted by her former same-sex partner, a decision described as a first for Montana. Source

USA, Utah: The number of same sex couples living together in Utah has increased from just over 3,300 in 2000 to more than 5,500 in 2007, according to the American Community Survey, an extension of the U.S. Census. Source

10/2/08:

Melissa Etheridge plans to marry her girlfriend before Californians vote next month on the gay marriage law. Source

Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin discussed gay marriage at the VP debate in St. Louis. Source

Chargers second-stringer Jacques Cesaire and former San Diego State/Oakland Raider linebacker Akbar Gbaja-Biamila appeared on a Christian radio show to argue against gay marriage. Source

USA, Arizona: A new survey by KAET-TV, the Phoenix PBS affiliate, shows that 49% say they'll vote for Prop 102, while 42% are opposed and 9% are undecided. Source

USA, California: The American River College Student Council, five of whom are slavic christians, voted to back Proposition 8. A recall petition is already being circulated. Source

USA, California: A hearing on Proposition 8 today by a joint panel of the state Senate and Assembly judiciary committees became heated when proponents of both sides of the issue spoke on the issue. Source

USA, California: Supporters of Prop 8 have raised $19.2 million so far, while opponents have raised $13.6 million. Source

USA, California: Pepperdine University distances itself from a pro Proposition 8 ad featuring a professor from the university. Source

USA, California: A gay advocacy law firm that helped win the fight for gay marriage in San Francisco has dissolved. Source

USA, Connecticut: Boaz ItsHaky, the Republican candidate for Greater New Haven’s U.S. Congress seat, is distancing himself from his state party boss’s remarks about gay rights, saying he supports legislation to upgrade civil unions to include all the benefits of marriage. Source

USA, Connecticut: Love Makes a Family, a Connecticut GLBT equality organization, is initiating a new program to advocate for marriage equality. FaithAction offers a series of training sessions for people of all faiths. Source

USA, Massachusetts: The board of the statewide gay political group MassEquality voted unanimously Sept. 29 to endorse Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama’s bid for the White House. Source

10/3/08:

Fall Out Boy has donated $50,000 to efforts to defeat California's Proposition 8. Source

Portugal: The governing Socialist Party will block an attempt by smaller parties to pass legislation allowing same-sex marriages in Portugal, a senior official said. Source

USA: the Uniting American Families Act, a bill that would grant equal immigration rights to same-sex couples in bi-national relationships, made strides forward when four more senators and 16 more representatives joined in co-sponsoring the legislation. Source

USA, Arizona: Supporters of Prop 102 have raised $6.9 million, 17 times more than opponents have raised, according to figures released Thursday. Source

USA, California: Supporters of Prop 8 had their plan to plant a million signs against the measure at the same time foiled by "production delays". Source

USA, California: The State of California caved after a Roseville couple sued over gender-neutral marriage licenses. The state added bride and groom back to the form with checkboxes. saying gay and lesbian coupkles can just leave the boxes blank. Source

USA, Colorado: Anti-gay-marriage Representative Marilyn Musgrave (R-CO) is losing her race against democratic challenger Betsy Markey by 43% to 50%, according to a new survey. Source

USA, Florida: Mayor Buddy Dyer announced plans Thursday to offer domestic-partner benefits to gay city employees when the City Council approves changes to its employee health-care policy Monday. Source

USA, Iowa: The Iowa Supreme Court says it will hear arguments in a case challenging the state's law banning gay marriage on December 9th. Source

USA, Oregon: Republican U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith is airing a new TV ad touting his support for a law to protect gays from hate crimes. But he opposes gay marriage, according to Basic Rights Oregon. Source

USA, Pennsylvania: A Presbyterian minister did not violate church law when she officiated at the wedding of two women because in the eyes of the state and the church, no marriage occurred, a church panel ruled Thursday. Source

Great Articles/Columns Last Week:

^ Hollywood urged to give more to save gay marriage, by Jill Serjeant

^ Lack of same-sex equality a sign of U.S. lagging behind the world in social issues, by Andrew Swan

^ Prop. 8 and teaching to the marriage test, by Meghan Daum

^ Book Review: 'Homo Domesticus: Notes from a Same-Sex Marriage', by Neil Placky

^ Mourning the Maverick, by Maggie Mertens

^ Campaign Q&A: Sam and Julia Thoron, by Malcolm Maclachlan

^ Prop. 102 another cause for concern, by Matt Wavrin

^ More Than Just the Gay Thing... Why I'm Voting for Barack Obama, by Matt Bell

^ I don't want to be liked...just to get a little respect, says Doctor Who star John Barrowman, by Jenny Johnston

^ The Game is Changing, by Andrea Boyarsky

^ Confessions of a Recovering Republican, by Andrea Boyarsky

History by Region (Last Four Months):

ARGENTINA

Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)

The Story So Far: On 8/18, Argentina extended its pension system to cover same-sex couples.

AUSTRALIA

Legal Status: No Federal Recognition; Some Local Domestic Partner

Australia Gay Wedding Vendors

The Story So Far:

July: On 7/1, The Tasmanian Greens called for a conscience vote on a bill to allow gay marriage in Tasmania. On 7/4, Matthew Mitcham, a gay 20-year-old diver set to represent Australia at the 2008 Olympic Games in August has said that the country's Prime Minister is "narrow-a Victorian country town was been divided over a lesbian "wedding" carried out in a public square dedicated to fallen Diggers.

August: 8/3 marked the 4th annual National Day of Action for same-sex marriage in Australia - hundreds of people took to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne calling on the federal government to repeal its ban on same-sex marriage. On 8/14, the ACT Government has done a U-turn on the issue of same-sex unions and says it will not support a Greens push to reinstate its original legislation. On 8/20, Kogarah Council, in Sydney, moved to recognise same-sex marriages and unions in deciding benefits for council employees and residents. On 8/28, General Robert McClelland said changes to family law will make life easier for de facto couples - straight or gay - who are breaking up. A bill before parliament would allow de facto couples to sort out their finances and arrangements for children in the one court, in the one proceeding. On 8/29, Labor's new gay senator Louise Pratt, the first member of parliament with a transgendered partner, used her maiden speech to break from ALP policy and call for gay marriage to be legalised.

September: On 9/4, The Same-Sex Entitlements Bill was introduced in the Federal Parliament - the bill aims to ensure equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples. As of 9/13, Three progressive rabbis agreed to conduct a wedding ceremony in Sydney for bookshop owner Scott Whitmont, 47, and nurse Christopher Whitmont-Stein, 38. As of 9/14, a bill to start reforming over 100 Australian laws discriminating against same sex couples was working its way through the legislature, but may again be delayed by the Liberal Party. As of 9/17, lobby group Australian Marriage Equality (AME) launched a new push for gay and lesbian marriage rights, drawing the ire of Federal Labor ministers in the process. A same-sex commitment ceremony was held in a synagogue in Sydney, an Australian first. On 9/26, a new bill was been passed by the Australian lower house aimed at ensuring equal treatment for gay and lesbian couples. Now through Federal Parliament, the Same-Sex Entitlements Bill moves to the Senate. And Senator Brandis said the Coalition would support the changes — including the bill that passed the House of Representatives, that would alter 68 pieces of Commonwealth law.

AUSTRIA

Legal Status: Limited Civil Union Rights

The Story So Far: On 7/12, About 120,000 people in colourful and often scanty dress took part in Vienna's annual Rainbow Parade on Saturday to call for equal rights for gays and lesbians

BRAZIL

Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)

Brazil Gay Wedding Vendors

The Story So Far: "Gay couples exist and we must give them legal recognition", the President of Brazil said on 9/18.

BULGARIA

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: As of 9/27, a proposed revision of the country's Family Code left out gay marriage entirely.

CANADA

Legal Status: Gay Marriage

Canada Gay Wedding Vendors

The Story So Far: 7/9 was the 5 year anniversary of legal gay marriage in British Columbia. On 7/17, it was reported that same-sex unions are growing at five times the rate of opposite-sex ones according to census numbers.

CAYMAN ISLANDS

Legal Status: Defense of Marriage Act

The Story So Far: As of 7/10, an amendment to legislation in the Cayman Islands defining marriage as between a man and a woman was expected to get support from the government and opposition. On 9/7, Cayman Islands lawmakers voted in favour of a ban on same sex marriages following a debate Friday in the Legislative Assembly. Passage still requires the formality of a third vote. On 9/8, the anti-gay-marriage amendment here received its final, formal passage in the Legislative Assembly.

COSTA RICA

Legal Status: N/A

The Story So Far: On 7/14, bishops of Costa Rica warn that rights for gay unions undermine family. On 7/26, some 20,000 people from around Costa Rica dressed in white t-shirts paraded down a main street in San José to express their opposition to a legislative proposal to make gay marriage legal. On 8/9, the nation's highest court ruled that gay inmates in Costa Rica do not have the right to conjugal visits. The decision may be revisited if Costa Rica allows gay marriage.

ESTONIA

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: As of 7/30, the Ministry of Justice in Estonia is preparing a draft law which would allow same-sex partners to register their cohabitation.

EUROPE

The Story So Far: On 7/3, the International Gay and Lesbian Association broadly welcomed the new discrimination directive announced by the European Commission yesterday, but said that gay and lesbian people who want to get married will still face discrimination.

FIJI

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: On 9/10, Members of a local choir were freaked out after a mock-wedding featuring two women was held at a local resort where the choir was asked to sing.

FRANCE

Legal Status: Civil Unions

France Gay Wedding Vendors

The Story So Far: On 7/25, Fashion designer Marc Jacobs reportedly will wed his Brazilian boyfriend Lorenzo Martone in Paris, France, this weekend. As of 8/28, Bertrard Delanoe, mayor of Paris and one of Europe's most high-profile gay politicians, planned to run for leader of France's Parti Socialiste.

GERMANY

Legal Status: Civil Unions

The Story So Far: As of 8/22, in the first five years after the introduction of registered partnerships, about 12,000 (about 20 percent) same-sex couples in Germany have entered into this lifetime bond.

HUNGARY

Legal Status: Civil Unions

The Story So Far: On 7/5, Forty-five people were taken into custody and 10 others were injured in clashes between police and homophobes during a gay rights march in the Hungarian capital Saturday, reports said. As of 9/3, the Constitutional Court placed the issue of registered partnerships for same-sex couples on its docket for its autumn session, and may declare a new domestic partner registration law unconstitutional before it is due to take effect ehre in January.

INDIA

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: As of 9/19, gay activists were seeking the repeal of a decades-old law governing sexual behavior.

IRELAND

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far:

July: On 7/5, Church of Ireland Primate Alan Harper reignited the controversy after suggesting that scientific breakthroughs may mean homosexual relationships are sanctioned by the Church. On 7/9, An Anglican Archbishop who made a speech that appeared to give the go-ahead for same-sex marriage has clarified his position today, basically saying he only meant to call for a dialoge, not to change church policy on same sex marriage. On 7/10, A gay couple living on the Northside called on the Government to treat them as fully equal citizens by extending full marriage rights to them. On 7/28, A forum that advises the Irish government on equality and social inclusion said that there has been progress on gay rights in the past five years.

MEXICO

Legal Status: Civil Unions (some areas)

Mexico Gay Wedding Vendors

NETHERLANDS

Legal Status: Gay Marriage

The Story So Far: As of 7/18, The Dutch civil service has developed a new name for "maiden name" so married gay men won't feel awkward. "Geboortenaam" translates to "birth name". It will replace maiden name on official forms. On 8/12, the Justice Ministry proposed a new Dutch law would make it easier for the partner of a lesbian mother to become the legal parent of a child born into the relationship.

NETHERLANDS ANTILLES

Legal Status: Gay Marriage

The Story So Far: On 7/24, the Court of First Instance in Willemstad ruled that married gay couples in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba have the same rights as in the Netherlands, and the colony plans to appeal the ruling. On 8/4, the Dutch Minister of Education, Culture and Science Ronald Plasterk said the Netherlands Antilles wil ultimately have to recognize gay marriages performed in the Netherlands, even if they do not allow such weddings to be peformed in the islands.

NEW ZEALAND

Legal Status: Civil Unions

New Zealand Gay Wedding Vendors

The Story So Far: As of 7/2, Green MP Metiria Turei's private member's bill aiming to legalise adoption by same-sex couples has been taken out of the parliamentary ballot. On 8/25, the retiring MP who spearheaded the successful campaign to legally acknowledge same sex relationships in New Zealand, via the controversial Civil Unions legislation, has thrown doubt on whether legal same-sex marriage will become available to glbt Kiwis any time soon, or ever.

NORWAY

Legal Status: Gay Marriage

PANAMA

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: On 7/29, Panamanian President Martín Torrijos Espino signed a decree repealing a 1949 law that criminalized sodomy under penalty of a $500 fine or jail time.

PHILIPPINES

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: On 8/29, the country's Supreme Court ruled that being gay is not a valid ground to have one's marriage annulled; hiding such a fact is.

PORTUGAL

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: As of 9/20, a conference for parliamentary leaders was been scheduled for October 10th on legal gay unions between two people of the same sex. As of 9/24, Portugese politicians differed on what rights to allow gay and lesbian couples.

SAUDI ARABIA

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: On 7/30, 50 men were arrested for allegedly participating in a "homosexual wedding."

SENEGAL

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: On 8/29, a court in sentenced a same-sex couple to two years in prison for marrying in Belgium.

SOUTH AFRICA

Legal Status: Gay Marriage

The Story So Far: On 7/8, A lesbian couple was turned away from an East London resort where they had planned to marry, because the owner disapproved on religious grounds. On8/29, what is believed to be the first lesbian divorce in South Africa since gay marriages were legalised in 2006 was finalised in the Cape High Court on Friday.

SPAIN

Legal Status: Gay Marriage

Spain Gay Wedding Vendors

The Story So Far: On 7/3, a National Court judge said gay marriage should not be declared unconstitutional. On 7/22, with strong support from the Spanish government led by Socialist Prime Minister José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, the nation's federation of queer activist groups, La Federación Estatal de Lesbianas, Gays, Transexuales y Bisexuales (FELGTB), on July 22 won official consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). On 7/29, a "pro-family" activist group in Spain filed charges against the organisers of the 2008 Madrid Gay Pride march, accusing them of hate speech. On 8/14, Laura Alabau, who has persistently refused to marry gay couples, stood down from her post. On 9/18, the disciplinary committe of the General Council of Judicial Power (CGPJ) delivered another controversial ruling by lifting a 305 euro fine imposed in May last year on Dénia judge, Laura Alabau, for publicly questioning the constitutionality of homosexual marriages and for refusing to officiate at them.

UGANDA

Legal Status: n/a

The Story So Far: