Slugfest on Gay Marriage (and Standing) at 9th Circuit

Commentary by Nan Hunter

The long-awaited oral argument in Perry v. Schwarzenegger just concluded before the Ninth Circuit, and we all now enter what I expect will become an even longer awaited decision.  Who won? To my hearing (via radio), it's hard to imagine that any judge's inclination on the merits of whether Prop 8 is constitutional was altered by the arguments they heard. The argument may have had a bigger impact on how the court will rule (or defer ruling) on standing than on their view of the merits.

Judges Reinhardt, Hawkins and Smith peppered both sides with sharp questions, and both sides acquitted themselves well. With a caveat that I'm writing without time for reflection, here are the main points that the argument brought to light:

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A Response To The Article "Anyone But Obama"

Commentary by Boyce Hinman

Recently Outword Magazine published an article entitled "Anyone But Obama" written by Sam Catalano, former Executive Director of the Sacramento County Democratic party. The article is highly critical of the President, and Sam Catalano says he could never vote for Barak Obama again.

Sam and I share many of the same political and policy views. However I must respectfully disagree with several of the points he makes in the article.

Read more: "Anyone But Obama"

Illinois Senate Approves Civil Unions

The Illinois State Senate has approved legislation that extends civil union rights to gay and lesbian couples by a 32 to 24 vote, with several Republicans voting for the bill, including Sen. David Koehler (R-Peoria), the bill's chief Senate sponsor.

Likewise, several Democratic senators voted against the bill, including State Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago) who is a mayoral candidate and the pastor of Salem Baptist Church and a past critic of gay rights.
The legislation, SB1716, the "Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act," had previously passed the Illinois House, and will now go to Gov. Quinn for his signature.

Read more: Illinois Senate Approves Civil Unions

World AIDS Day:  U.S. Reports Encouraging Progress in Saving Lives

Reflecting America’s commitment to saving lives affected by HIV/AIDS, the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) announced encouraging new results achieved by its efforts to support countries in providing HIV prevention, treatment and care to their people.

Among these results, the U.S. is directly supporting life-saving antiretroviral treatment for more than 3.2 million men, women and children worldwide as of September 30, 2010, up from less than 2.5 million in 2009. In the coming years, the U.S. has committed to directly support more than four million people on treatment, more than doubling the number of people directly supported on treatment during the first five years of PEPFAR.

Read more: World AIDS Day: Progress in Saving Lives