Asbury Park to join pending suit on same-sex unions
By JOHN CURRAN
Associated Press Writer
ASBURY PARK, N.J. -- Intent on challenging a gay marriage ban, the City of Asbury Park decided Wednesday to join a suit filed two years ago and put its own court challenge on hold.

In a 3-0 vote, the City Council passed a resolution to have the city join _ as an intervenor _ in a civil suit that calls the state's ban unconstitutional. Two council members were absent.

The suit, brought by seven same-sex couples and supported by the advocacy group Lambda Legal, was rejected by a Superior Court judge in Mercer County last November. In that ruling, Judge Linda Feinberg said there was nothing in the New Jersey Constitution guaranteeing same-sex couples the same privilege to marry as heterosexual ones.

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Oregon NOW Celebrates Ruling by Multnomah County Judge Bearden. Courts find Oregon Legislative Law Banning Gay Marriage Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON - April 21 - The Oregon branch of the National Organization for Women celebrates the ruling released today by the Multnomah County Court. According to Tina Empol, Action VP for Oregon NOW, "This is a historic moment for Oregon and for the advancement of Civil Rights in America. Oregon is the first state where marriages between gay couples are legally recognized."

Judge Bearden , Multnomah County Court Judge, has ruled that there is no justifiable basis for discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender and requests that the Oregon State Legislature remedy the unconstitutional marriage statute it previously passed. The legislature needs to do so within 90 days. During the 90 days Multnomah County has been ordered to stop issuing licenses to same-sex couples. After 90 days, if a remedy has not been agreed upon, Multnomah County will be required to resume the issuing of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Benton County is currently refusing to issue any marriage licenses so as to prevent discrimination. Linda L. Klinge, President of Oregon NOW says, " It took great courage from the Multnomah County Commissioners and the Benton County Commissioners to uphold the Constitution of the State of Oregon and they have been vindicated by this ruling." "We hope that Multnomah County will follow Benton County's lead and refuse to issue marriage licenses until the State Legislature corrects the unconstitutionality of current marriage statutes."

Oregon NOW is pleased that discrimination in marriage laws will not be allowed to stand in Oregon. Opposing all forms of discrimination is a focus agenda item for Oregon NOW members. "Now that Oregon will recognize the thousands of gay marriages that have taken place here in Oregon, we will lead the way for the rest of the Country to follow. It's about the blossoming of love and that is a good thing, says Tina Empol.

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Gay Kids Book Causes Storm In Second Community
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(Shelby County, Indiana) An Indiana man is organizing a petition to have a popular children's book about a gay prince removed from the county library system.
Prince & Prince is a fairy tale about a prince whose true love turns out to be another prince. The book, which is aimed at students from 6 years of age, ends with the couple sharing a kiss.

Dustin McCollough said he was shocked when his eight-year-old son stumbled across the book at the Shelby County Library. McCollough said his son said "Yuck" when he looked through it. The father, who describes himself as a "practicing Christian" was more emphatic.

McCollough said he immediately complained to the librarian about the book's content and the fact that it was located in the children's section.


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Day of Silence observed at Riverland Community college

(KAAL) -- A nationwide effort to protest the oppression of sexual minorities silences students in our area.

Through stickers and speaking cards students at Riverland Community College urged acceptance for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth.
The day of silence, a project of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network), draws hundreds of high school and college student participants.
"There's not a real strong support for the gay people in southern Minnesota. So I think it's good to have and bring awareness to the area and get people talking about it at least and make them more accepting," says Jeff Isenor, Student, RCGSA.
The RCGSA (Riverland Community College Gay-Straight Alliance) is a civil rights advocate for everyone.