PA Senate Judiciary Committee Votes OK on Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

Well, we lost this round.  Our local allies, Jay Costa and Wayne Fontana, voted no, but even with Republican Jane Earll they couldn't prevent the “marriage protection” amendment from being voted out of committee.  The legislation heads for the Appropriations Committee and then to the floor of the full Senate. Here's how the vote went down.  […]

“Marriage Protection Amendment” revitalized in PA Senate

It is back.  According to Equality Advocates, the legislation to start the constitutional amendment process roared back to life on Valentine's Day.  Just yesterday, SB 1250, the “Marriage Protection Amendment,” was published and referred to the Judiciary Committee in the Senate.  There are 17 co-sponsors, the same number as last time.  Four Republican Senators who […]

Local Trans Advocate Pens Letter to the Post-Gazette

Here's further evidence of the “Pittsburgh is a good place to be queer” mantra that I've oft repeated.  In response to the recent media coverage of the rescue of Rebecca Hare, longtime trans advocate Dr. Emilia Lombardi shares her thoughts with the readers of the Post-Gazette.  Lombardi praises Pittsburgh's first-responders for their sensitivity to Hare's […]

Trib Readers Continue to Debate Marriage

There's been quite a little exchange going on at the Tribune Review with readers from New York City with Pgh roots defending the homosexuals and folks from Jeannette and Squirrel Hill condeming us.  The latest round features a January 25 letter from New York explaining how anti-gay rhetoric impacts his family: Growing up Catholic and […]

Prove the AFA of PA right!

Diane Gramley might be a bit worried about how awesome you guys have been about calling your State Senators to oppose the  so-called protection of marriage amendment.  Here's what she shared with me today: Senator Michael Brubaker is looking for co-sponsors of SB 1250, the Marriage Protection Amendment bill.  Click here for a news release […]

The PA Gay Marriage Amendment: Be Vigilant

In today's Tribune Review, I found ample evidence of the need for our entire community and our allies to remain vigilant.  It is a simple letter to the editor and I'm sure no one is surprised to read a pro-Catholic/anti-gay marriage letter there.  Nonetheless, this letter isn't guised as some hysterical screed invoking horrific images […]

PA Marriage Protection Amendment – Again

It's back.  Sigh.  From Equality Advocates:          On January 17, 2008, Pennsylvania State Senators started working to pass a so-called “Marriage Protection Amendment” that would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to define marriage as solely between one man and one woman, as well as prohibit civil unions and potentially more. Please take a moment to call […]

Pope Benedict: Homosexuality is a roadblock to world peace

From the PG's Forum section comes this reflection on the pontifical peace perspective.  On World Peace Day, Jan. 1, most of the world's citizens will be too poor, too hungry, too surrounded by violence or too worried by this century's other basic challenges to pay attention. Those who do pay attention likely will think first […]

Luke + Gay Community = Marriage Made in Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh wants to host the world's largest wedding vow renewal ceremony and the homos are invited!  On February 10, 2008, 700 couples will participate in the world record setting event.  Including gay couples.  According to event organizers, the Guiness folks will accept any US or International marriage certificate.  It costs $30 per couple to participate. Doors open at […]

The Morning After … Debra Todd, ENDA and

I'm sure by now you've made the rounds of the usual suspects … Comet, Burgher, Junkies, McIntire, Smoke Ball … I could go on and on …. frankly, I didn't have the gumption to drag my ass out of bed any earlier than usual to Wednesday morning quarterback the election — with a gay twist.  […]