Tag Archives: marriage equality

Wedding Venue Apologizes For Rejecting Interracial Couple After Discovering Bible Doesn’t Ban Race-Mixing

Yesterday I reported that a Mississippi wedding venue rejected an interracial couple based on their “Christian beliefs.” Today the owner issued an apology after her refusal video went wildly viral with millions of views. The Washington Post reports: In her apology, the event hall’s owner attempted to explain why she believed the Bible supported her views on interracial marriages, describing …

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Wedding Venue Rejects Mixed Race Couple Due To “Christian Beliefs,” Won’t Serve Gays Either [VIDEO]

The New York Daily News reports: A video allegedly showing the owner of a Mississippi event space saying they don’t do “gay weddings, or mixed race” because of their “Christian belief” has gone viral, leading to outrage. LaKambria Welch shared a video on Facebook Saturday that allegedly shows a woman who worked at Boone’s Camp Event Hall saying the space …

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THAILAND: Civil Unions Bill In Final Stages Of Approval

Vice News reports: When it comes to LGBTQ rights, Southeast Asia has some work to do. In Singapore, gay sex is still illegal. In the Philippines, trans people face blatant discrimination on a daily basis. But at least one country is set to make progress. If things go as planned, Thailand could become the first in the region to allow …

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Federal Appeals Court: Kim Davis Can Be Sued By Gays

Reuters reports: The Kentucky county clerk who in 2015 gained widespread attention for refusing to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples may be sued for damages by two of those couples, a federal appeals court ruled late on Friday. In a 3-0 decision, the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati said Kim Davis can be sued in her …

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KENTUCKY: Federal Appeals Court Rules State Must Pay $224,000 In Fees Because Of Former Clerk Kim Davis

The Lexington Courier-Journal reports: A federal appeals court upheld a ruling Friday requiring Kentucky to pay $224,000 in legal fees related to former Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis’ refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Davis was successfully sued by several couples in 2015 for refusing to follow the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling establishing a right to same-sex marriage. …

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CHINA: Parliament Spox Rules Out Same-Sex Marriage

Reuters reports: Limiting marriage to a relationship between a man and a woman will remain China’s legal position, a parliament spokesman said on Wednesday, ruling out following neighboring Taiwan in allowing same-sex marriage, despite pressure from activists. Taiwan’s parliament passed a bill in May that endorsed same-sex marriage, after years of heated debate over marriage equality that has divided the …

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VIRGINIA: Republicans Fail In Attempt To Censure US House Rep For Having Officiated Same-Sex Wedding

The Roanoke Times reports: A small number of Republicans on a congressional district committee tried to censure Rep. Denver Riggleman because he officiated a same-sex marriage earlier this month. The 5th Congressional District Republican Committee went into a closed session for more than two hours to discuss the matter at a meeting on Saturday at Healing Strides horse riding center …

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BREAKING: Britain’s Parliament Votes 383-73 To Extend Same-Sex Marriage To Northern Ireland [VIDEO]

The Guardian reports: MPs have voted resoundingly to extend same-sex marriage to Northern Ireland, a plan the government has said it will honour despite ministerial doubts. The Commons voted 383 to 73 to pass the amendment to a largely technical bill on the stalled Northern Ireland assembly, tabled by the Labour MP Conor McGinn [photo], a longstanding campaigner for equal …

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German Burger King Ad Celebrates Same-Sex Marriage With Diamonds Made Of Whoppers And An F-Bomb

Ad Age reports: Fresh off its impressive showing at the Cannes Lions festival, Burger King has debuted its latest out-of-the-box move: diamonds made out of Whoppers. To celebrate Pride month, the brand has debuted the “Whopper Diamond,” jewels crafted from the ashes of its signature offering. The diamonds adorn a pair of bespoke wedding rings for a homosexual couple, Dima …

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ECUADOR: High Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

Gay Star News reports: Ecuador has voted in favor of marriage equality in a landmark ruling today (12 June). Confirming the hopes of local activists, the country’s Constitutional Court ruled to legalize same-sex marriage in the country. Today’s ruling centered on whether the Inter-American Court Ruling of January 2018, which recognized same-sex marriage, compels Ecuador to legalize same-sex marriage. Judges …

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Alabama Bill To End Marriage Licenses On Gov’s Desk

The Birmingham News reports: The Alabama House of Representatives gave final passage today to a bill that would end the issuance of marriage licenses by probate judges and instead have them record documents that would serve as the official records of marriage. The bill goes to Gov. Kay Ivey, who could sign it into law. The legislation came in response …

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TAIWAN: Hundreds Marry As Law Goes Into Effect

The CBC reports: More than 360 same-sex couples tied the knot in emotional scenes in Taiwan on Friday, the first legal marriages in Asia hailed by activists as a social revolution for the region. The government data was released after Taiwan’s parliament passed a bill last week that endorsed same-sex marriage, although the measure could complicate President Tsai Ing-wen’s bid …

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Anti-LGBT Former Oz PM Tony Abbott Loses MP Seat

After he was ousted as Australian prime minister in 2015, Tony Abbott took his anti-LGBT campaign on the road, blasting same-sex marriage in a paid 2016 appearance before the US hate group Alliance Defending Freedom. And now he’s lost his seat in Parliament: Tony Abbott has conceded defeat in Warringah to independent Zali Steggall, revealing he feared his political career …

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Trump On Mayor Pete’s Marriage: I Think It’s Absolutely Fine, I Have No Problem With It Whatsoever [VIDEO]

USA Today reports: During an interview with the president, Fox News host Steve Hilton commented how he thinks it’s great to see Buttigieg on stage with his husband as the couple normalizes same-sex marriage amidst the ever-present media spotlight of a presidential campaign. “I think it’s absolutely fine,” Trump replied. “I do.” Hilton noted that it’s “a sign of great …

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BREAKING: Taiwan Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

The New York Times reports: As tens of thousands of demonstrators filled the rainy streets of Taipei on Friday, lawmakers in Taiwan voted to legalize same-sex marriage, a first for Asia. “We want to marry!” supporters outside the legislature chanted in approval of the measure, as they applauded and waved signs and rainbow banners. “On May 17th, 2019 in #Taiwan, …

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PBS Kids Show Character Comes Out, Gets Married

Yahoo News reports: PBS has just confirmed what those with heightened gaydar have suspected for years — Mr. Ratburn, Arthur’s no-nonsense-with-a-heart-of-gold teacher, is gay. Beyond that, in the Season 22 premiere of the PBS Kids show, the admirable educator gets married. The animated children’s series Arthur entered its 22nd season with a celebration in an episode titled “Mr. Ratburn and …

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Alabama: End To Marriage Licenses Near Final Approval

The Birmingham Herald reports: A bill to eliminate marriage licenses in Alabama and instead have couples file an affidavit that probate judges would record as part of a marriage document moved a step close to becoming law today. The House Judiciary Committee approved the bill by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range. Albritton has tried to pass similar bills since the U.S. …

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“Iconic” Pennsylvania Venue Bans Same-Sex Weddings

Penn Live reports: Few central Pennsylvania destinations are as iconic as the Star Barn. The historic structure – part of Stone Gables Estate – sits on a sprawling 275-acre scenic tract in Elizabethtown, surrounded by farmland, an orchard and vineyard. It has become a premier wedding destination. Now, just in time for wedding season, the landmark venue is at the …

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Cayman Islands Court Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage

The Cayman Compass reports: Same-sex marriage is legal in the Cayman Islands after a landmark judgment in Grand Court this morning. Chief Justice Anthony Smellie ruled that the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman was unconstitutional and violated multiple rights. He ordered that the local law be changed to reflect that same-sex couples are allowed equal …

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Alabama Senate Votes 26-0 To End Marriage Licenses

The Montgomery Advertiser reports: The Alabama Senate on Thursday approved a bill that would eliminate marriage licenses and the need to solemnize marriages. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Greg Albritton, R-Range, passed 26 to 0. It moves onto the House. Albritton, who first filed the bill in 2015, said it “takes the state out of granting permission, saying who can …

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