VIDEO: Hundreds Pack Church In Asheville North Carolina For Marriage Equality!

 

 

 

Never would people view Asheville, North Carolina as a hot bed for marriage equality. However hundreds of people packed an Asheville church for a candlelight vigil for justice. The event had a standing room only crowd.

As reported by the Asheville Citizen-Times:

“I’ve been a mess today,” Beach-Ferrara told the crowd that included people lining the walls of the First Congregational United Church of Christ. “This, I guess, is what it feels like to live through history.”

“This is what it feels like for LGBT people and allies to be standing and saying enough. It is time for the laws in our country to change,” she told the crowd.

VIDEO: Jon Stewart On The Perils Of Gay Marriage

 

 

 

This has been around the Internet but it is just too good not to put up again in case any of you have missed it. Enjoy, laugh and give thanks we have such a marvelous ally as Jon Stewart!

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Daily Show on Facebook

"VIDEO: Fascinating Look Behind The Scenes With Our Team Before The Supreme Court

 

 

 

The Plaintiffs

The American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER) has released a remarkable inside look at the preparations last week by the plaintiffs, lawyers and the team behind the marriage equality case. LGBT Americans owe so much to the people on this video. THANK YOU!!!

Three Democratic Senators With Simply No Excuse Not Being For Marriage Equality

 

 

Over the last week, the number of Democratic Senators coming out for marriage equality was massive. Senators McCaskill (MO), Tester (MT), Warner (VA) and Hagan (NC) gave us their powerful endorsements. Hagan's endorsement was particularly special since she is a tough race for re-election in North Carolina in the next mid-terms.

This leaves nine Democratic Senators who have not come out for marriage equality and a few of them hanging tough against it.

Six of those nine are in tough states but nevertheless it does not exempt them from taking a stand for full equality and freedom. Strongest against marriage equality are Joe Manchin (WVA), Mark Pryor (AR) and Joe Donnelly (IN). No one should expect these Blue Dog Democrats to move in the near future.

Tim Johnson (SD) is retiring Heidi Heitkamp (ND) is silent. Mary Landrieu (LA) is up for re-election in 2014 and most likely will be with us within a year or two.

However there are three Senators who shockingly have absolutely no excuse politically or personally for not representing their constituencies and supporting marriage equality. It is beyond comprehension why these three Senator are not for marriage equality.

1. Senator Bob Casey (PA):

  Say what? Pennsylvania loves Bob Casey and he has a huge number of LGBT citizens in his state. President Obama endorsed marriage equality and won with a sizable majority. Why in the world is Senator Casey not for full equality and freedom for LGBT Americans?

2. Senator Tom Carper (DE):

The First State Senator not being out for marriage equality is baffling. The citizens of Delaware are a prime target to pass legislation making it legal and overwhelming approve of full equality in the polls. The Governor of the state has endorsed it. What is keeping him silent?

3. Senator Bill Nelson (FL):

Really, Senator Nelson, Really? You state has massive numbers of LGBT citizens who need you to represent them and their quest for full equality and freedom. For the first time a majority of voters in the Sunshine State support the concept and a powerful 75% support some sort of legal recognition of LGBT couples.  Senator Nelson has six years until the next election and now is the time for him to do what is right.

Maybe these Senators are sitting tight hoping the Supreme Court will do their work. However, their endorsements would greatly add to the momentum. If they fail to show the same kind of powerful courage of Senator Kay Hagan of North Carolina, then they should be totally ashamed of their lack of guts.

MSNBC's Thomas Roberts Interviews Ken Mehlman On Supreme Court

 

 

 

Thomas Roberts has gained another exclusive by interviewing former National Republican Chair Ken Mehlman. The out Republican has been instrumental in obtaining marriage equality in a number of states plus protecting it in other states from being overturned. Mehlman has raised millions of dollars for marriage equality.

Click here to see the 'round table' that follows his appearance.

'New York Times' Columnist Maureen Dowd Nails Day In Court

 

 

 

When New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd gets it right she really gets it right. In today's column, 'Courting Cowardice', she takes the United States Supreme Court to task for being out of touch.

Here are some excerpts but be sure to read this entire column:

Swing Justice Anthony Kennedy grumbled about “uncharted waters,” and the fuddy-duddies seemed to be looking for excuses not to make a sweeping ruling. Their questions reflected a unanimous craven impulse: How do we get out of this? This court is plenty bold imposing bad decisions on the country, like anointing W. president or allowing unlimited money to flow covertly into campaigns. But given a chance to make a bold decision putting them on the right, and popular, side of history, they squirm.

*************************

Donald Verrilli Jr., the U.S. solicitor general arguing on the side of same-sex marriage, told the justices, “There is a cost to waiting.” He recalled that the argument by opponents of interracial marriage in Loving v. Virginia in 1967 was to delay because “the social science is still uncertain about how biracial children will fare in this world.”

The wisdom of the Warren court is reflected two miles away, where a biracial child is faring pretty well in his second term in the Oval Office.

*******************************

The fusty legal discussion inside was a vivid contrast with the lusty rally outside. There were some offensive signs directed at gays, but the vibrant crowd was overwhelmingly pro same-sex marriage. One woman summed it up nicely in a placard reading “Gays have the right to be as miserable as I make my husband.”

The only emotional moment in court was when Justice Kennedy brought up the possible “legal injury” to 40,000 children in California who live with same-sex parents. “They want their parents to have full recognition and full status,” he told Cooper. “The voice of those children is important in this case, don’t you think?”

While Justice Alito can’t see into the future, most Americans can. If this court doesn’t reject bigotry, history will reject this court.

Really, Justice Alito? My Struggle For Freedom Has Been Around Longer Than The Cell Phone

 

 

 

"But you want us to step in and render a decision based on an assessment of the effects of this institution which is newer than cell phones or the Internet?"

-Supreme Court Justice Alito

Perhaps we could forgive such a miserably inaccurate statement from Justice Alito because he is a devout Catholic, the older generation or just plain doesn't know any LGBT Americans. Because if he had the right information, knew LGBT people and understood the pain of the closet he would have never made such a stupid statement.

The Justice might think that his first awareness of the issue was the beginning of the struggle for freedom and full equality. He, as usual, could not be more wrong.

You see Justice Alito the reason you were not aware of the issue until after the wide spread use of the cell phone is that people like yourself begged LGBT Americans to lie, not tell the truth and stay in the closet. You most likely were among the group that used to say "Don't really care what you do in the privacy of your bedrooms but don't tell us about it". In a nation that places great value on truth that it sends people to prison for lying, you urged us to be dishonest, hide our very beings and lie to you and your friends.

If you believe that marriage equality is a new issue you can not be more wrong. From my first awareness of being gay, I yearned to be accepted, free and be able to have the same joys that loves offers every human being. Yes, from my early years I wanted a wedding where my family and friends could celebrate my love. You see Mr. Justice, the issue has always been here since time began. The urge to belong and celebrate is never a 'new issue'.

What marriage equality is, Mr Justice, are people filled with the American dream who will no longer lie to make you comfortable. A people so determine to be free that no matter what you rule in June we will have the ultimate victory.

Why? Because your children and grandchildren are no longer buying your desire to have us lie to them. Because your children and grandchildren just simply want to go to the weddings of their fellow LGBT Americans.

By the way, Justice Alito, do you know how to use an IPHONE?

VIDEO: 'Do You Hear The People Sing?"

 

 

Never has the words of a song been more powerful as we head into a second day of Supreme Court hearing. No matter what the outcome in June we will not rest until full equality and full freedom.

"Then join in the fight that will give you the right to be free. It is the music of people who will not be slaves again"

Enjoy this video and let it bring a smile to your face.

What Is Victory?

 

 

 

Facebook was a sea of red yesterday with red equal signs dominating the site. The outpouring of excitement was enough to literally take your breath away. Never in my wildest dreams did I envision a day where the entire nation would be focused on marriage equality before the United States Supreme Court.

Just the moment itself was historical no matter the outcome. Huge lines of people waiting to get inside the edifice, two of the nation's best lawyers representing the LGBT community, thousands outside the court standing up to be counted and all over the country people marching, holding candles, praying and singing for full equality

What a day.

No one can ever take this moment away from us.

Where we do have to focus is what constitutes a victory?

LGBT Americans and our allies shouldn't get carried away with expectations that can't possibly be met and then lose our 'victory' in the process.

There is no question that the greatest victory would be for the United States Supreme Court to proclaim without hesitation that marriage equality is a Constitutional Right. For those inside and outside the court who are cautioning a 'more gradual approach', they forget one basic fact. The Court's role is not to sample public opinion polls to see if their rulings are popular. They are supposed to rule on the Constitution and in that case full equality under that document is demanded by all decent people.

Nevertheless, there seems to be some movement in the court for a more gradual process. There are profound victories for the community even in that case. If California is suddenly a marriage equality state, then that is a huge victory. Anything more than that would be just more topping on the ice cream sundae!

If along with California, DOMA is appealed we should be shouting our joy from the roof tops. Even though the Court's courage might fall short at this moment it is important for each and everyone of us to understand there are real victories for us on a number of fronts.

Finally, even with a full fledged victory there is much work to still be done. States will have to be brought into compliance and resistance to the decision broken down. If it is a partial victory, states like Illinois, Delaware, Rhode Island, Minnesota and New Jersey need our help and resources.

Enjoy this moment since the are rare. Just remember there are a number of victories possible and there is a lot more work to be done!

'A Change Is Gonna Come'

 

 

 

Ted Olson and David Bois - Our Lawyers

Without question one of my top five favorite songs is Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come'. There was been great version. Never will forget at one LGBT fundraiser for "Fight Back New York" when Cheyenne Jackson brought the house down singing this song.

Today we have two of the best lawyers in the nation presenting our case for freedom before the Supreme Court of the United States.  No matter what happens today or at the end of June we will be closer to freedom and full equality.  A change is definiately gonna come!  

What a perfect way to start this historic day with our brother Cheyenne Jackson singing this amazing song.

Here are the lyrics:

I was born by the river in a little tent
Oh and just like the river I've been running ever since
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

It's been too hard living but I'm afraid to die
Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

I go to the movie and I go downtown somebody keep telling me don't hang around
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will

Then I go to my brother
And I say brother help me please
But he winds up knockin' me
Back down on my knees

There been times that I thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long, a long time coming
But I know a change gonna come, oh yes it will