Gay activists cheer same-sex marriage in Massachusetts but want it here
By KATHY HENNESSY
Associated Press Writer

TRENTON, N.J. -- Instead of gathering to fete New Jersey's domestic partnership law, people planning to attend a rally Monday say it will be tinged with envy as gay marriage becomes legal in Massachusetts.

Members of New Jersey's gay and lesbian community said they are pleased counterparts in Massachusetts can marry starting Monday, but are disappointed the new law here falls far short of same-sex marriage.

"It's a wistful thing knowing that gay and lesbian couples are getting married and we can't," said Steven Goldstein, an organizer of the event. "I am jealous. I am downright envious that my friends in Massachusetts can be married."


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Governor will Attend Mass. Gay Weddings
BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney says he'll attend the weddings of gay couples if he's invited.

Romney says he's already been invited to one marriage of gay friends, but won't be in town at the time. He says he anticipates more invitations, and that he'll accept some and will be unable to accept others.


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Minnis drops gay marriage bill
The House speaker wants a June special session on tax reform, but some Democrats are reluctant
JANIE HAR

House Speaker Karen Minnis, R-Wood Village, said Friday she will drop plans to introduce legislation against same-sex marriage in a June special session, removing one of the stumbling blocks some Democrats cited as a reason not to convene.

Minnis, who has called the House into session June 1, said she would stay away from the contentious topic after the Oregon Supreme Court this week cleared the way for supporters of a same-sex marriage ban to gather signatures to qualify an initiative for the November ballot.

"Now that this issue is off the table for a special session, I hope the Democrats, and particularly the Senate Democrats, will join us in June as we fulfill our duty to work on tax reform," Minnis said in a statement.

Senate Democratic Leader Kate Brown of Portland said Friday there is no reason for a special session because there is no consensus on a tax reform plan.