Streisand Attacks Bush on Marriage Amendment
By Charles Mahaleris
Talon News
March 11, 2004
HOLLYWOOD (Talon News) -- Entertainer Barbara Streisand this week joined those attacking President George W. Bush for his support for an amendment to the U.S. Constitution to protect marriage as only being between a man and a woman.
Bush, responding to court actions in Massachusetts and same sex marriage ceremonies performed in San Francisco despite a state law prohibiting these unions, in February declared his support for a constitutional amendment protecting marriage.



~

Dems hit road on eve of big vote: Wed ban compromise remains `volatile'
By Elisabeth J. Beardsley and Noelle Straub
Thursday, March 11, 2004
With a slim majority for a gay marriage ban on the ropes today amid heavy lobbying, House Republicans are annoyed that Democratic legislative leaders left the state on the eve of the crucial vote. House Speaker Thomas M. Finneran and Senate President Robert E. Travaglini attended a Democratic Party fund-raiser yesterday with the state's congressmen in Washington.  ``They're not on the front lines today, making sure the votes are there,'' groused House Minority Leader Bradley H. Jones (R-North Reading). ``Heck of a way to run a railroad.' '  Travaglini insisted their absence did not mean they're confident of a victory for a leadership-backed compromise constitutional amendment that bans same-sex marriage and creates full civil unions.


~

Civic League head apologizes Political leaders denounce attempt to 'out' legislators
By PAUL CARRIER
Blethen Maine Newspapers
AUGUSTA --The head of the Christian Civic League of Maine apologized Wednesday for using the group's Internet Web site to solicit information about the sexual orientation of lawmakers and other state officials.


~

State marriage bill passes its first hurdle
Mark Brunswick, Star Tribune
 

March 10, 2004
Clergy members testified adamantly for it and spoke passionately against it. Lawyers argued persuasively on both sides. Parents stood to talk about its value and others about its destructiveness.
Personal testimonials emotionally detailed private anguish, while others decried the injustice of inequality.