Goguen files bill to oust judges

By Jennifer Fenn, Sentinel & Enterprise Statehouse Bureau
BOSTON -- State Rep. Emile Goguen filed a resolution Wednesday asking the governor to remove the four Supreme Judicial Court justices who ruled in favor of gay marriage, but the Fitchburg Democrat's proposal has a difficult road ahead.
Meanwhile, a Worcester lawmaker plans to file a bill this afternoon that would repeal a 1913 state law that puts restrictions on out-of-state residents seeking to marry in Massachusetts. The law is expected to play a role in who will be allowed to marry when same-sex couples start applying for marriage licenses next month.
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Tennessee AG rules state has no law against civil unions
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - There is not a law against the civil union of gays and lesbians in Tennessee but the unions are not legally recognized, the state's attorney general said.

The opinion Wednesday by Tennessee Attorney General Paul Summers will not prevent efforts next year to pass a law prohibiting same-sex civil unions and domestic partnerships, said state Sen. Jeff Miller, R-Cleveland.

Civil union opponents say they are worried homosexuals will attempt to sue for rights and have a Tennessee court recognize them.

"It will be a cruel joke to most Tennesseans if civil unions slide in through the back door without us doing something about it," said Miller, who sponsored an anti-civil union measure that failed in the House this year.


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Missouri House passes amendment barring gay marriage
By Kelly Wiese
Associated Press
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- The House on Thursday passed a proposed constitutional amendment barring gay marriage -- a move supporters said would guard against activist judges but which opponents criticized as discriminatory.

On a 124-19 announced vote, the House sent its version of the proposed amendment of the Missouri Constitution to the Senate. The Senate has passed a simpler version, with the same intent, and that bill is pending in the House.

If the House and Senate eventually agree on the same language, the proposed amendment would go on the November ballot unless Gov. Bob Holden sets the matter for a special election.

Missouri already has a state law that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

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ACLU Criticizes Anti-Gay Comments by New York Governor George Pataki...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement of Matt Coles, Director of the American Civil Liberties Union's Lesbian and Gay Rights Project.
"Governor George Pataki was way out of line in his disparaging comments about same-sex marriage, as reported today by Associated Press. The governor may think it's funny that he can't marry Senator Bruno, but after he stops laughing he can go home to his wife. The joke isn't so funny for people who get turned away when their partners are in emergency rooms, like Sylvia Samuels and Diane Gallagher, or people who pay for "family" insurance but can't include the love of their lives, like Kathy Tuggle and Tonja Alvis or for all the same-sex couples whose relationships are disrespected every day. The Governor should let everybody in on the joke by taking a stand for marriage for same-sex couples."