Federal Judge Vaughn Walker today struck down Proposition 8, the 2008-voter proposition that made gay marriage illegal in California. In his ruling, he called it unconstitutional. "Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8. California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same-sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result." more ›

A Columbia University social scientist was called to testify yesterday in the high-profile federal trial to decide if Proposition 8 violates the U.S. Constitution. For the past decade, Ilan Meyer has studied the effects that public health issues have on the mental health of minority populations. Yesterday Meyer testified that California's voter-enacted ban on same-sex marriages amplified the social stigma that makes homosexuals more susceptible to depression, suicide and substance abuse. When asked if mental health outcomes for gay and lesbian in CA would improve if Prop. 8 were not law, Meyer said: more ›

The State Senate is still mulling over gay marriage legislation—maybe NYC Comptroller Bill Thompson's report showing that NY State "could gain over $200 million in the three years immediately following the legalization of marriage for same-sex couples" will help the senators make up their mind. The report is an update of his 2007 study, Love Counts: The Economic Benefits of Marriage Equality for New York. If the recession doesn't reduce the number of out-of-state guest, NY State could expect a $210 million gay marriage boom ($178 million is the recession is a factor) while NYC would expect $149 million ($120 million if the recession affects guest count). There would be higher insurance costs—$69 million, $37 million paid by employers. Thompson said, "Legalizing marriage for same-sex couples is not only good for the couples, but also for our economy. And while other states across our nation have legalized marriage for same-sex couples since my last report, I expect New York to still stand as a prime destination for many couples because it will stand as a welcoming beacon of diversity and acceptance." He is also "disappointed" the California Supreme Court upheld Prop 8. more ›

The State Supreme Court in California has voted 6-1 to uphold Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that banned gay marriage in the state last November. But in upholding the law, the court also agreed to validate the 18,000 same-sex marriages that took place between June of last year when gay marriage was legalized (by the same court) and November, when Prop 8 was passed by the voters. more ›

After earlier saying he would "defend the proposition as enacted by the people of California," California Attorney General Jerry Brown has asked the California State Supreme Courtto void Proposition 8, which bans same sex marriage. The L.A. Times reports that his brief, filed just under the deadline, declared "the amendment process cannot be used to extinguish fundamental constitutional rights without compelling justification." more ›

Our San Francisco sister blog reminds us that today is Day Without a Gay: "What is that? It's when those of you who prefer the sweet love of the same sex are supposed to call in sick, not buy anything, and go volunteer." So if you're gay and at work, get the hell out of there, honey, and help out at the brunch soup kitchen or something! Stereotypical joking aside, this is a serious protest to that Prop 8 jackassery in California (not to mention similar atavistic anti-gay initiatives passed by morons in Arizona, Florida, and Arkansas). Organizers say, "You are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in 'gay'—and donate your time to service!" We're not gay, but...wouldn't it be nice to show some solidarity and "service" Quantum of Solace today? In our absence, enjoy Hank Hertzberg's column reminding everybody not to blame blacks for tipping the Prop 8 balance in California—it's the Mormons. more ›

If Saturday Night Live couldn't find a way to live up to their promise "to have Michael Phelps shirtless in every sketch" earlier this year, it seemed a little more likely that they could get us some Shirts-Off Time with good sport Paul Rudd hosting last night. They went even further than that in the digital short that featured Rudd in the buff being painted by Andy Samberg. more ›

Yesterday afternoon, thousands of people gathered at City Hall to protest Proposition 8, California's ban on gay marriage. While there was a Prop 8 protest earlier this week outside the Manhattan Mormon Temple, yesterday's event was coordinated with many others across the nation and organized by Join the Impact. more ›

The anger over Proposition 8 is not ending: There are number of protests all over the country. Prop 8 is the California ballot proposition that bans gay marriage; it was passed last week, but there are lawsuits challenging its constitutionality. You can find them here--in NY, there are gatherings in NYC, Albany, Rochester, Syracuse, White Plains, Ithaca, Buffalo, Utica and Hofstra. While NYC had a Prop 8 protest on Wednesday night outside the Manhattan Morman Temple, tomorrow's will take place at City Hall at 1:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. (more details). more ›

Last night, hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people gathered for a protest outside the Church of Latter Day Saints' Manhattan Mormon Temple and march down Broadway to Columbus Circle. They were protesting California's passage of Proposition 8, which bans gay marriage; the Mormon Church is targeted because alot of support and funding for advertising to support Proposition 8 came from Mormons. more ›

Tonight, thousands of people are expected to gather outside the Manhattan Mormon Temple of the Church of Latter Day Saints on Columbus Avenue at West 65th Street (starting at 6:30 p.m.), in protest of California's passage of Proposition 8. Andy Towle writes on Towleroad that once "the location reaches capacity" those gathered will slowly march down Broadway toward Columbus Circle." He adds there will be volunteers to "help marshall and guide protestors (watch for them in blue armbands - they're there to help)" and "You are encouraged to bring signs and candles and protest peacefully." And protest co-organizer Michaelangelo Signorile has some tips for tonight, adding, "Let's not be anti-religious bigots and, as you've heard me many times talk about on the show, let's not engage in this divisive race-blaming game. And it should also go without saying -- but sadly, must be said again and again --- no ugly racist rhetoric." more ›

After voters in California passed Proposition 8, which bans same-sex marriage, a number of protests have taken place in the Golden State. And tomorrow evening, New Yorkers are planning a protest on the Upper West Side, outside the Church of Latter Day Saints at Columbus Avenue and West 65th. (Details after the jump.) more ›

The heated battle over Proposition 8, California's ballot initiative introducing a constitution amendment outlawing same-sex marriages, has been approved by voters. Votes were being counted until early this morning, with 52% for the ban and 48% against it. The LA Times reports ban throws "into doubt the unions of an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples who wed during the last 4 1/2 months"--the CA State Supreme Court recognized gay marriage in May. So now the Monday morning quarterbacking--did progressives get too complacent? how could Utah Mormons (they funded support for the ban) seize control of the California Constitution--begins, as do lawsuits. more ›