Gay marriage appeal moves through federal courts
By KEN MAGUIRE
Associated Press Writer

BOSTON (AP) - Since the state's highest court legalized gay marriage nearly six months ago, every legal maneuver to clarify, delay or block same-sex weddings has been rejected.

But both sides are watching carefully as the federal appeals process continues just days leading up to the court-ordered May 17 start to same-sex marriages. Conservative activists are pledging to pursue their case to the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary.

U.S. District Judge Joseph L. Tauro on Thursday rejected a bid by several conservative groups and 11 state legislators to put a halt to the marriages, saying the state Supreme Judicial Court acted within its authority in interpreting the Massachusetts Constitution.

The plaintiffs immediately announced they would take their case to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which agreed to review the case on an expedited basis.



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PFLAG sends marriage message Hutchison
Republican PFLAG parents say many in GOP are supportive on gay civil rights
By BINNIE FISHER

A group of PFLAG parents is sending a message to Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison: a Federal Marriage Amendment is bad law for any number of reasons.

Among the parents are Bill and Violet Taylor, Republicans who say they want the senator to know that the marriage issue is especially troubling for Republicans like themselves, politically conservative but socially middle of the road to liberal.

“There are quite a few Republicans who are in support of gay issues,” Bill Taylor said.



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Mediation set in Druid Hills benefits clash
Concerns of Emory president eased after talks with golf club
By RYAN LEE

Druid Hills Golf Club will sit down at the mediation table with two gay members May 26, marking another round in a five-year struggle over whether the club will treat gay couples the same as heterosexual spouses.

The meeting comes four months after Atlanta’s Human Relations Commission ruled the golf club violated the city’s non-discrimination ordinance, which prohibits bias based on sexual orientation and domestic relationship status, among other categories.