See also: 2003 in gay rights, other events of 2004, 2005 in gay rights and the Gay rights timeline See also: 2002 in gay rights, other events of 2003, 2004 in gay rights and the gay rights timeline Events January January 30 Same-sex marriage in Belgium: Belgian legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry becomes active. ... 2004 is a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... See also: 2004 in gay rights, other events of 2005, 2006 in gay rights and the Gay rights timeline Events January January 1 Same-sex marriage in the United States: California law AB 205 which extends many rights and responsibilites of marriage to registered domestic partners goes into effect. ... ‹The template below has been proposed for deletion. ...

Events

January

• January 1
  • Same-sex marriage in Australia:
    • Tasmanian laws come into effect recognising civil unions between same-sex couples. Tasmania becomes the first Australian state to enact such laws.

• January 7 - Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, a Democrat, releases a total of $3.7 million in state grants to Chicago's under-construction Center on Halsted LGBT community center. [1] (http://www.wctimes.com/gay/lesbian/news/ARTICLE.php?AID=3204)

• January 8
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • The New Jersey legislature passes a bill creating a domestic partnership status for same-sex couples, with many of the same legal rights as marriage. It becomes the fifth U.S. state to offer such a status to same-sex couples. [2] (http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2004/01/08/nj_senate_oks_legal_rights_for_same_sex_couples_governor_expected_to_sign/)

January 1 is the first day of the calendar year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. ... Same-sex marriage is not recognised under Australian federal law. ... Motto: Ubertas et Fidelitas (Fertility and Faithfulness) Nickname: The Apple Isle Other Australian states and territories Capital Hobart Government Governor Premier Const. ... Also for straight couples. ... January 7 is the 7th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... State nickname: Land of Lincoln, The Prairie State Other U.S. States Capital Springfield Largest city Chicago Governor Rod Blagojevich Official languages English Area 149,998 km² (25th)  - Land 143,968 km²  - Water 6,030 km² (4. ... Rod R. Blagojevich is the 40th Governor of Illinois. ... Chicago (officially named the City of Chicago) is the third largest city in the United States (after New York City and Los Angeles) and the largest inland city in the country, with an official population of 2,896,016, as of the 2000 census. ... The Center on Halsted is a planned Chicago community center for LGBT people. ... January 8 is the 8th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: The Garden State Other U.S. States Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Governor Richard Codey (acting) Official languages None defined Area 22,608 km² (47th)  - Land 19,231 km²  - Water 3,378 km² (14. ... Domestic partner or domestic partnership identifies the personal relationship between individuals who are living together and sharing a common domestic life together but are not joined in any type of legal partnership, marriage or civil union. ... Gay, in addition to meaning happy, also means, simplistically, preferring the same sex in current usage, though to tie down the word to a specific cultural meaning might be to misrespresent a huge community of individuals who find themselves described by the word gay. The term gay, or lesbian for... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Wikiquote has quotations relating to: United States Wikinews has news related to this article: United States United States government Official website of the United States government - Gateway to governmental sites White House - Official site of the US President Senate. ...

February

• February 4
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court answers the state's Senate that the proposed civil unions will still violate the constitution by maintaining an inferior status of same-sex couples. [3]  (http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/04/national/04CND-MASS.html?ex=1076562000&en=fb2725df7cba633d&ei=5062) [4] (http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040204_988.html) White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan states that the Bush administration is reviewing the legal decision. The spokesman also states that the court's findings are "deeply troubling" and that the president is "firmly committed to protecting and defending" marriage (as being defined between a man and a woman).[5] (http://www.wnbc.com/family/2817365/detail.html) [6] (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,110447,00.html) [7] (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/020404consRxn.htm)

• February 6
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • Ohio Gov. Bob Taft, a Republican, signed the state's Defense of Marriage Act which denies recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions or domestic partner agreements performed in other states. It also outlaws same-sex marriage within the state and forbids state benefits from being extended to gay and lesbian couples.[8] (http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2004/02/07/loc_DOMA07.html) [9] (http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Feb/02042004/nation_w/135571.asp) [10] (http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=9&id=2096)

• February 10
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • According to a poll by right-wing newspaper, Washington Times, the majority of Americans (2 to 1 margin) respond they do not want laws in their states that would legalize same-sex marriages. The poll is taken after the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling. [11] (http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040209-115420-5105r.htm)
  • Legal aspects of transsexualism
    • The Gender Recognition Bill passes in the House of Lords in the United Kingdom.

• February 12
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • National Freedom to Marry Day in the United States
    • City officials in San Francisco, California start issuing marriage licenses to homosexual couples in violation of state law, staging what they view as acts of civil disobedience, by performing the first known civil marriage of a same-sex couple in the U.S. by marrying the homosexual activists and lesbian couple, Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. Over 80 couples are whisked through quick ceremonies. [12] (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&e=2&u=/ap/gay_marriage_calif)
    • Various conservative and other family groups, including the Campaign for California Families, plan to sue the mayor of San Francisco for violating California's marriage laws. [13] (http://www.cnsnews.com/ViewCulture.asp?Page=%5CCulture%5Carchive%5C200402%5CCUL20040212a.html) The Family Research Council (FRC) states that "It could not be clearer that the institution of marriage is under a direct assault by homosexual activists".
    • Virginia House of Delegates give preliminary approval to legislation that would ban the recognition of same-sex civil unions and domestic partnerships.

• February 14
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • Staff advisors for U.S. President George W. Bush say he will support the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would outlaw same-sex marriage and federalize marriage law, which has been set by individual states since the founding of the country. [14] (http://www.advocate.com/new_news.asp?ID=11313&sd=02/14/04-02/17/04) [15] (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A36929-2004Feb12&notFound=true)

• February 15
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • Officials at the city and county of San Francisco, California turn away hundreds of would-be same-sex newlyweds after thousands of gay and lesbian couples show up to marry over the weekend. The city claims it can only handle between 400 and 600 marriages a day, or about one a minute. [16] (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/021604sfUpdt.htm) [17] (http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040215_814.html) [18] (http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A44385-2004Feb15&notFound=true) [19] (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-02-15-gay-marriage-legal_x.htm) [20] (http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/02/16/WEDDINGS.TMP)

• February 16
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Officials at the city and county of San Francisco, California estimate by the end of the day that they will have issued 2,000 licenses for same-sex marriages in the four days since they started granting legal recognition to gay and lesbian unions. [21] (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7964972.htm)
    • The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the decision of San Francisco's mayor, Gavin Newsom, to express his opinion on same-sex marriage was because of George W. Bush's stance on the issue. [22] (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/nation/7963377.htm)

• February 17
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • San Francisco Superior court Judge James L. Warner postpones any decision to block the city and county of San Francisco, California from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to void the 2,464 same-sex marriages that were performed in the city since February 12. This was on the grounds that the Proposition 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund's order for San Francisco to "cease and desist issuing marriage licenses to and/or solemnizing marriages of same-sex couples; to show cause before this court..." had an improper semicolon; to do both, rather than one or the other, would have exceeded the judge's jurisdiction. [23] (http://msnbc.msn.com/id/4251510/)

• February 18
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • The California state agency that records marriages states that forms that have been altered, which San Francisco has done slightly on its same-sex marriage licenses, will not be registered. [24] (http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040219-123003-6956r.htm)

• February 19
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Chicago, Illinois Mayor Richard M. Daley said he had "no problem" with the concept same-sex marriage licenses issued in Cook County, Illinois, where his city is located.
    • The White House reserves judgement on the Federal Marriage Amendment, a proposed constitutional amendment to define marriage as a "union of a man and a woman," until Massachusetts legislature and San Francisco courts take further action. Media reports speculate that the White House will probably also keep their opinion quiet until Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry takes a stand on the issue. [25] (http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040218-121438-3512r.htm)
    • San Francisco sues California to force the state to accept marriage licenses it altered to remove reference to bride and groom and recognize same-sex marriage. [26] (http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/7995259.htm)
    • Laura Bush states that homosexual marriage is "a very, very shocking issue" for some people. She hopes the subject can be debated by Americans together, rather than it be settled by a Massachusetts court or the mayor of San Francisco.
  • Gay adoption:
    • The ACLU says it will appeal to U.S. federal court to overturn Florida's laws banning adoption by GLBT families.[27] (http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/7985914.htm)

• February 20
  • Same-sex marriage:
    • King Norodom Sihanouk, the constitutional monarch of Cambodia, states that he believes his country ought to allow same-sex marriage. He says he decided this upon seeing footage of same-sex couples marrying in San Francisco. He also says that transvestites ought to be well-treated in Cambodia.
    • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
      • San Francisco judge denies request to immediately stop same-sex weddings. [28] (http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml?type=topNews&storyID=4406775) Homosexual couples win reprieve when the judge declines to stop San Francisco from granting them marriage licenses. [29] (http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/news/022004ap_gay_marriage_ruling.html)
      • Victoria Dunlap, the Republican county clerk of rural Sandoval County, New Mexico, starts issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing lack of legal grounds for denial.[30] (http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/apwed02-20-04.htm) Republican state Senator Steve Komadina, criticizes the decision and urges state Attorney General Patricia Madrid to issue a prompt opinion. [31] (http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=37223)
      • California Democratic leaders try to withdraw from the divisive political issue of same-sex marriage. A Public Policy Institute of California poll indicates that half of Californians oppose homosexual marriage. Some California Democratic officeholders were discontented over the matter becoming a national political issue. [32] (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/02/20/MNGSF54RDD1.DTL)
      • California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger writes to Attorney General Bill Lockyer telling him to take legal action to stop the city from granting marriage licences to homosexual couples, saying the practice presents "an imminent risk to civil order". [33] (http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/53EBC410-48B6-41EE-A40A-3187377999BA.htm)
      • A proposed amendment to the state constitution of Oklahoma to outlaw same-sex marriage dies in Senate Human Resources Committee; the Republican leader of the Oklahoma Senate criticizes the Democratic Senate leadership for killing the proposed ban. [34] (http://www.newsok.com/cgi-bin/show_article?ID=1182413&TP=getarticle) [35] (http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/2860882/detail.html)

• February 22
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Saying he will defend California's laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples, state attorney general Bill Lockyer dismisses California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's "order" in the San Francisco marriage licenses debate, saying his office is independent of gubernatorial power. [36] (http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/8012589.htm)

• February 24
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • U.S. President George W. Bush announces his support for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Bush did not explicitly endorse the Federal Marriage Amendment, proposed by Representative Marilyn Musgrave (R-Colorado), which has been criticised for potentially also denying states the ability to recognise same-sex civil unions and domestic partnerships. However, he said that the FMA "meets his principles" in protecting the "sanctity of marriage" between men and women.[37] (http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/24/elec04.prez.bush.marriage/index.html) [38] (http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8785839%255E2,00.html) [39] (http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-02-24-bush-marriage_x.htm)

• February 26
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • The mayor of New Paltz, a village in New York State, announces that the town will start performing civil marriages for same-sex couples. It will not attempt to issue marriage certificates, but married couples in New York State have six months from the date of their wedding to seek a certificate. [40] (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/022604nyWed.htm)
    • Rosie O'Donnell marries her partner Kelli Carpenter at San Francisco City Hall.
• February 27
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • The California Supreme Court refuses a petition by California Attorney General Bill Lockyer asking for an immediate ruling on the constitutionality same-sex marriage laws and a Cease and desist order against San Francisco's granting of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. [41] (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/022704calCourt.htm)
    • Missing the 2004 deadline for new bill introduction because of legal maneuvering by Democrat leadership, Indiana House of Representatives Republican lawmakers fail to introduce legislation for a state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. [42] (http://www.courierpress.com/ecp/news/article/0,1626,ECP_734_2687467,00.html)

February 4 is the 35th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is the highest court in the United States commonwealth of Massachusetts. ... Also for straight couples. ... The White House Press Secretary is a senior White House official with a rank one step below Cabinet level. ... Categories: People stubs | 1968 births | White House Press Secretaries | U.S. campaign managers ... Order: 43rd President Vice President: Dick Cheney Term of office: January 20, 2001 – Present Preceded by: Bill Clinton Succeeded by: Incumbent Date of birth: July 6, 1946 Place of birth: New Haven, Connecticut First Lady: Laura Welch Bush Political party: Republican George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the... Precedent is the principle in law of using the past in order to assist in current interpretation and decision-making. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Image of a man on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space A man is a male human adult, in contrast to an adult female, which is a woman. ... Image of a woman on the Pioneer plaque sent to outer space. ... February 6 is the 37th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: The Buckeye State Other U.S. States Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Governor Bob Taft Official languages None Area 116,096 km² (34th)  - Land 106,154 km²  - Water 10,044 km² (8. ... Robert Alphonso Taft II (born January 8, 1942) has been the Republican governor of the U.S. state of Ohio since 1999. ... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Also for straight couples. ... Domestic partner or domestic partnership identifies the personal relationship between individuals who are living together and sharing a common domestic life together but are not joined in any type of legal partnership, marriage or civil union. ... February 10 is the 41st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... In politics, right-wing, the political right, or simply the right, are terms which refer, with no particular precision, to the segment of the political spectrum in opposition to left-wing politics. ... The Washington Times is a daily newspaper published in Washington, D.C.. It was founded in 1982 as a conservative alternative to the Washington Post by members of the controversial Unification Church. ... A majority is a subset of a group that is more than half of the entire group. ... This article is about law in society. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Transsexual people are persons who establish a permanent identity with the opposite gender to their birth sex. ... The Gender Recognition Act 2004 is an Act of Parliament of the British Parliament which allows transsexual people to change their legal gender. ... This article is about the British House of Lords. ... February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... National Freedom to Marry Day is a non-official United States holiday held annually on February 12 to promote same-sex marriage. ... San Francisco skyline. ... A license or licence is a document or agreement giving permission to do something. ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... Civil disobedience encompasses the active refusal to obey certain laws, demands and commands of a government or of an occupying power without resorting to physical violence. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Activism, in a general sense, can be described as involvement in action to bring about change, be it social, political, environmental, or other change. ... A lesbian (lowercase L) is a homosexual woman. ... Del Martin (born May 5, 1921) and Phyllis Lyon (born 1924) are an American lesbian couple known as feminist and gay-rights activists. ... Conservatism or political conservatism is any of several historically related political philosophies or political ideologies. ... This article is about the domestic group. ... A mayor (from the Latin maīor, meaning larger,greater) is the politician who serves as chief executive official of some types of municipalities. ... This article is about the city in California. ... The word violation, when used alone, has several possible meanings in the English language. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Law (a loanword from Old Norse lag), in politics and jurisprudence, is a set of rules or norms of conduct which mandate, proscribe or permit specified relationships among people and organizations, provide methods for ensuring the impartial treatment of such people, and provide punishments for those who do not follow... The Family Research Council (FRC) is a right-wing Christian non-profit lobbying organization, formed in the USA and incorporated there in 1983. ... The word culture comes from the Latin root colere (to inhabit, to cultivate, or to honor). ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... Activism, in a general sense, can be described as involvement in action to bring about change, be it social, political, environmental, or other change. ... State nickname: Old Dominion Other U.S. States Capital Richmond Largest city Virginia Beach Governor Mark R. Warner Official languages English Area 110,862 km² (35th)  - Land 102,642 km²  - Water 8,220 km² (7. ... The House of Delegates is the name given to the lower house of the legislature in three US states—Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... Also for straight couples. ... Domestic partner or domestic partnership identifies the personal relationship between individuals who are living together and sharing a common domestic life together but are not joined in any type of legal partnership, marriage or civil union. ... February 14 is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Order: 43rd President Vice President: Dick Cheney Term of office: January 20, 2001 – Present Preceded by: Bill Clinton Succeeded by: Incumbent Date of birth: July 6, 1946 Place of birth: New Haven, Connecticut First Lady: Laura Welch Bush Political party: Republican George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the... The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that legislates a federal definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman and prevents subsequent legislative and court action from extending marriage-like rights to same-sex and other unmarried couples. ... Page I of the Constitution of the United States of America Page II of the United States Constitution Page III of the United States Constitution Page IV of the United States Constitution The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America and is... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... A U.S. state is any one of the 50 states (four of them use the term commonwealth) which have membership in the federation known as the United States of America (USA or U.S.). The separate state governments and the U.S. federal government share sovereignty, in that an... February 15 is the 46th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... San Francisco skyline. ... Gay, in addition to meaning happy, also means, simplistically, preferring the same sex in current usage, though to tie down the word to a specific cultural meaning might be to misrespresent a huge community of individuals who find themselves described by the word gay. The term gay, or lesbian for... A lesbian (lowercase L) is a homosexual woman. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... February 16 is the 47th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... San Francisco skyline. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Gay, in addition to meaning happy, also means, simplistically, preferring the same sex in current usage, though to tie down the word to a specific cultural meaning might be to misrespresent a huge community of individuals who find themselves described by the word gay. The term gay, or lesbian for... A lesbian (lowercase L) is a homosexual woman. ... The San Francisco Chronicle, the self-described Voice of the West, is Northern Californias largest newspaper. ... This article is about the city in California. ... Gavin Newsom (born October 10, 1967) is the 42nd Mayor of San Francisco, California. ... Order: 43rd President Vice President: Dick Cheney Term of office: January 20, 2001 – Present Preceded by: Bill Clinton Succeeded by: Incumbent Date of birth: July 6, 1946 Place of birth: New Haven, Connecticut First Lady: Laura Welch Bush Political party: Republican George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the... February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... In law, and more specifically, in the Anglo-American common law legal tradition, a superior court is a court of general jurisdiction over all, or major, civil and criminal cases. ... San Francisco skyline. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Cease-and-desist is a legal term meaning essentially stop: It is used in demands for a person or organization to stop doing something (to cease and desist from doing it). ... February 18 is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... A state is an organized political community occupying a definite territory, having an organized government, and possessing internal and external sovereignty. ... Look up Agency in Wiktionary, the free dictionary In philosophy, law, and other fields, agency is the status of an agent. ... This article is about the word form meaning a type of document. ... This article is about the city in California. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... February 19 is the 50th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Chicago (officially named the City of Chicago) is the third largest city in the United States (after New York City and Los Angeles) and the largest inland city in the country, with an official population of 2,896,016, as of the 2000 census. ... Richard Michael Daley (born April 24, 1942) has been Mayor of Chicago since 1989. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... Organized with approximately 100 residents in 1831, Cook County is a county located in the state of Illinois. ... The southern side of the White House The White House is the official residence and principal workplace of the President of the United States. ... The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that legislates a federal definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman and prevents subsequent legislative and court action from extending marriage-like rights to same-sex and other unmarried couples. ... ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... State nickname: Bay State Other U.S. States Capital Boston Largest city Boston Governor Mitt Romney Official languages English Area 27,360 km² (44th)  - Land 20,317 km²  - Water 7,043 km² (25. ... This article is about the city in California. ... The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... John Forbes Kerry (born December 11, 1943) is the junior United States Senator from Massachusetts. ... San Francisco skyline. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... An illustration of a bride. ... See also: A groom is a type of officer-servant in the British royal household. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... First Lady Laura Bush Laura Welch Bush (born Laura Lane Welch on November 4, 1946) is the wife of President George W. Bush and serves as First Lady of the United States. ... State nickname: Bay State Other U.S. States Capital Boston Largest city Boston Governor Mitt Romney Official languages English Area 27,360 km² (44th)  - Land 20,317 km²  - Water 7,043 km² (25. ... This article is about courts of law. ... A mayor (from the Latin maīor, meaning larger,greater) is the politician who serves as chief executive official of some types of municipalities. ... This article is about the city in California. ... Gay adoption refers to the adoption of children by a homosexual couple. ... The American Civil Liberties Union, or ACLU, is a non_governmental organization devoted to defending civil rights and civil liberties in the United States. ... ... State nickname: Everglade State, Sunshine State Other U.S. States Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville Governor Jeb Bush Official languages English Area 170,451 km² (22nd)  - Land 137,374 km²  - Water 30,486 km² (17. ... Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. ... February 20 is the 51st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Time in office: April 24, 1941-March 3, 1955; November 20, 1991-October 7, 2004 (King from September 24, 1993) Predecessor: Sisowath Monivong (first time); Chea Sim (second time) Successor: Norodom Suramarit (first time); Norodom Sihamoni (second time) Date of Birth: October 31, 1922 Place of Birth: Phnom Penh Preah... For a discussion of the history and current usage of the term transvestite, see transvestism. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... The term county clerk has been commonly applied, in several English-speaking countries, to an influential employee of a county administration. ... Sandoval County is a county located in the state of New Mexico. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... In most common law jurisdictions, the Attorney General is the main legal adviser to the government, and in some jurisdictions may in addition have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Public Policy Institute of California is an independent, nonpartisan, non-profit research institution. ... A poll is either an election or a survey of a particular group. ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... A governor is also a device that regulates the speed of a machine. ... Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor of California, with the gubernatorial seal in the background. ... In most common law jurisdictions, the Attorney General is the main legal adviser to the government, and in some jurisdictions may in addition have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions. ... Oklahoma is a southwestern state of the United States and its U.S. postal abbreviation is OK; others abbreviate the states name Okla. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... Oklahoma is a southwestern state of the United States and its U.S. postal abbreviation is OK; others abbreviate the states name Okla. ... A senate is a deliberative body, often the upper house or chamber of a legislature. ... The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... February 22 is the 53rd day of every year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor of California, with the gubernatorial seal in the background. ... This article is about the city in California. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... February 24 is the 55th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Seal of the President of the United States, official impression The President of the United States is the head of state of the United States. ... Order: 43rd President Vice President: Dick Cheney Term of office: January 20, 2001 – Present Preceded by: Bill Clinton Succeeded by: Incumbent Date of birth: July 6, 1946 Place of birth: New Haven, Connecticut First Lady: Laura Welch Bush Political party: Republican George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the... A constitutional amendment is an alteration to the constitution of a nation or a state. ... The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that legislates a federal definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman and prevents subsequent legislative and court action from extending marriage-like rights to same-sex and other unmarried couples. ... Musgrave (left) receives a pro-life Susan B. Anthony Award from Jane Abraham. ... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ... This is the article on the state. ... A U.S. state is any one of the 50 states (four of them use the term commonwealth) which have membership in the federation known as the United States of America (USA or U.S.). The separate state governments and the U.S. federal government share sovereignty, in that an... Also for straight couples. ... Domestic partner or domestic partnership identifies the personal relationship between individuals who are living together and sharing a common domestic life together but are not joined in any type of legal partnership, marriage or civil union. ... February 26 is the 57th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... New Paltz is a village in Ulster County in the U.S. state of New York. ... State nickname: Empire State Other U.S. States Capital Albany Largest city New York Governor George Pataki Official languages None Area 141,205 km² (27th)  - Land 122,409 km²  - Water 18,795 km² (13. ... Rosie ODonnell (on right) and wife Kelli Carpenter speaking after their wedding on February 26, 2004 in San Francisco. ... This article is about the city in California. ... February 27 is the 58th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Supreme Court of California is the state supreme court in California. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... In most common law jurisdictions, the Attorney General is the main legal adviser to the government, and in some jurisdictions may in addition have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Cease-and-desist is a legal term meaning essentially stop: It is used in demands for a person or organization to stop doing something (to cease and desist from doing it). ... This article is about the city in California. ... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... The Democratic Party is one of the two major United States political parties. ... The Indiana General Assembly is the state legislature, or legislative branch, of the state government of Indiana. ... The Republican Party, often called the GOP (for Grand Old Party, although one early citation described it as the Gallant Old Party) [1], is one of the two major political parties in the United States. ...

March

• March 2
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Jason West, mayor of New Paltz is charged with 19 criminal counts of "solemnizing" marriages without a license after officiating same-sex marriage unions. He faces up to a $500 fine and a year in jail on each count.
• March 3
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Multnomah County, Oregon, which includes the city of Portland, becomes the second county in the United States where same-sex marriages are legally performed after four county commissioners decide the current state law banning marriage from same-sex couples is against the Oregon constitution. Couples lined up, and clergy performed ceremonies for 3,022 gay couples, mostly from Oregon, over the next month and a half. Couples from throughout the country, flocked to Portland to obtain a license and marry legally. See April 20 for a continuation of the story.
• March 5
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • The Wisconsin State Assembly approves state constitution amendment (voted 68-27) to ban same-sex marriage or civil unions, to counter efforts elsewhere to legalize such partnerships.
    • The Kansas House passes, by 88 votes to 36, a proposed amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

• March 10 - Indianapolis, Indiana mayor Bart Peterson issues an executive order that prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in city and county employment as well as city contractors and vendors.

• March 11
  • New Jersey's Seton Hall University, a Roman Catholic institution is sued by 19-year-old student Anthony Romeo and 16 other students for violating the state's sexual orientation anti-discrimination law and the university's own policies after the university denied the formation of an LGBT student organization.
• The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco officials to stop performing same-sex marriages. San Francisco officials comply with this order and, for the first time since February 12, refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. At the same time, the City Attorney of San Francisco sues the State of California on the grounds that prohibiting same-sex marriages is unconstitutional (on a state level). [43] (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031104calRuling.htm)

• March 12
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Oregon's attorney general issues his opinion on same-sex marriage within Oregon. He concludes that current state law prohibits issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but that the Oregon Supreme Court is likely to conclude those statutes violate the state's constitution.
    • The Wisconsin State Senate approves state constitution amendment (voted 20-13) to ban same-sex marriages or civil unions, to counter efforts elsewhere to legalize such partnerships.

• March 15
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Commissioners of Multnomah County, Oregon dismiss state attorney general Hardy Myers' non-binding opinion that same-sex marriages are illegal and vow to continue issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

• March 16 - Rhea County, Tennessee commissioners vote 8-0 to ask that state law be changed to allow county officials to effectively ban homosexuals from the county by being able to charge them with "crimes against nature." After a community uproar, the resolution is withdrawn two days later.

• March 19
  • Same-sex marriage in Canada:
    • Quebec joins Ontario and British Columbia in legalizing same-sex marriage after the Quebec Court of Appeals upholds Hendricks and Leboeuf v. Quebec. More than two-thirds of the Canadian population now live in provinces that recognize same-sex marriage. [44] (http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031904queMarry.htm)

• March 31
  • The British government announces the details of the new Civil Partnerships Bill. This would give legal recognition to same sex couples. [45] (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3584285.stm)

March 2 is the 61st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (62nd in leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Jason West is the mayor of New Paltz, a small town in the Hudson Valley region of New York. ... New Paltz is both a village and town in the U.S. state of New York: New Paltz (town), New York New Paltz (village), New York This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... March 3 is the 62nd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (63rd in leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Multnomah County is a county located in the state of Oregon, the smallest in area but the largest in population due to Portland, the county seat and largest city in Oregon. ... Portland skyline. ... March 5 is the 64th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (65th in leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Wisconsin State Assembly, similar to the United States House of Representatives, is the lower house of the Wisconsin State Legislature, larger than the Wisconsin State Senate. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Also for straight couples. ... An interpersonal relationship is some relationship or connection between two people. ... State nickname: The Sunflower State Other U.S. States Capital Topeka Largest city Wichita Governor Kathleen Sebelius Official languages None Area 82,277 mi²; 213,096 km² (15th)  - Land 81,815 mi²; 211,900 km²  - Water 462 mi²; 1,196 km² (0. ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (70th in Leap years). ... Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana. ... Marion County is a county located in the state of Indiana. ... March 11 is the 70th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (71st in Leap year). ... State nickname: The Garden State Other U.S. States Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Governor Richard Codey (acting) Official languages None defined Area 22,608 km² (47th)  - Land 19,231 km²  - Water 3,378 km² (14. ... Seton Hall University is a Roman Catholic university in South Orange, New Jersey. ... The Roman Catholic Church, most often spoken of simply as the Catholic Church, is the largest Christian church, with over one billion members. ... LGBT (or GLBT) is an acronym used as a collective term to refer to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people. ... State nickname: The Golden State Other U.S. States Capital Sacramento Largest city Los Angeles Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger Official languages English Area 410,000 km² (3rd)  - Land 404,298 km²  - Water 20,047 km² (4. ... The supreme court in some countries, provinces, and states, is the highest court in that jurisdiction and functions as a court of last resort whose rulings cannot be appealed. ... This article is about the city in California. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... March 12 is the 71st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (72nd in Leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: Beaver State Other U.S. States Capital Salem Largest city Portland Governor Ted Kulongoski Official languages None Area 255,026 km² (9th)  - Land 248,849 km²  - Water 6,177 km² (2. ... In most common law jurisdictions, the Attorney General is the main legal adviser to the government, and in some jurisdictions may in addition have executive responsibility for law enforcement or responsibility for public prosecutions. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Oregon Supreme Court is the highest state court in the Oregon judicial department (branch of government). ... The Oregon Constitution is a U.S. state constitution (see also state constitutions), the governing document of the American state of Oregon. ... The Wisconsin State Senate, based off of the U.S. Senate, is the upper house of the Wisconsin State Legislature, smaller than the Wisconsin State Assembly. ... This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... Homosexuality may refer to: A sexual orientation characterized by aesthetic attraction, romantic love, and sexual desire exclusively or nearly exclusively for members of the same sex or with the same gender identity (e. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Also for straight couples. ... An interpersonal relationship is some relationship or connection between two people. ... March 15 is the 74th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (75th in Leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Multnomah County is a county located in the state of Oregon, the smallest in area but the largest in population due to Portland, the county seat and largest city in Oregon. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... Categories: Stub | Licenses | Marriage | Wedding ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... March 16 is the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (76th in Leap years). ... Rhea County is a county located in the state of Tennessee. ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... March 19 is the 78th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (79th in leap years). ... Same-sex marriage is widely anticipated to be legalized across Canada by Bill C-38, introduced by Paul Martins Liberal government in the federal Parliament on February 1, 2005. ... ... Motto: Ut Incepit Fidelis Sic Permanet (Loyal she began, loyal she remains) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Toronto Largest city Toronto Lieutenant Governor James K. Bartleman Premier Dalton McGuinty (Liberal) Area 1,076,395 km² (4th)  - Land 917,741 km²  - Water 158,654 km² (14. ... Motto: Splendor Sine Occasu (Splendour without diminishment) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Victoria Largest city Vancouver Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnolo Premier Gordon Campbell (BC Liberal) Area 944,735 km² (5th)  - Land 925,186 km²  - Water 19,549 km² (2. ... March 31 is the 90th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (91st in Leap years), with 275 days remaining, as the final day of March. ... The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is an Act of Parliament passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 2004. ...

April

• April 1
  • Same-sex marriage in Canada:
    • The first legal same-sex marriage in the Canadian province of Quebec is celebrated; Michael Hendricks and René Leboeuf wed in Montreal.
• April 20
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • Oregon Circuit Court Judge Frank Bearden ruled that the state must "accept and register" marriages of same-sex couples. He then ordered a tempory stop to issuing new licenses, but gave the Oregon Legislative Assembly 90 days from the start of its next session to write a law that ensures equal rights for same-sex couples, which could happen through civil marriage or civil union. If the legislature fails to act on the issue within the 90 days, licenses to same-sex couples will resume. The order has been appealed by both proponents and opponents of same-sex marriage, in hopes of the issue making a fast track to the Oregon Supreme Court, which may rule the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. A ruling upheld by the state supreme court in 1999 says government officials must meet an extraordinary burden to treat gays and straights differently — the same high burden required to justify disparate treatment of blacks and whites, or men and women. Opponents hope to change the Oregon constitution to define marriage as restricted to one man and one woman through a vote on the November 2004 ballot.

April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 274 days remaining. ... Same-sex marriage is widely anticipated to be legalized across Canada by Bill C-38, introduced by Paul Martins Liberal government in the federal Parliament on February 1, 2005. ... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... This article is about political regions. ... ... Michael Hendricks (right) and René Leboeuf Michael Hendricks and René Leboeuf are Canadian gay rights advocates, known for their advocacy of same-sex marriage in Canada. ... {{Canadian City/Disable Field={{{Disable Motto Link}}}}} Motto: Concordia Salus (Salvation through harmony) Ville de Montréal, Québec, Canada Location. ... April 20 is the 110th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (111th in leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Oregon Supreme Court is the highest state court in the Oregon judicial department (branch of government). ...

May

• May 17
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize same-sex marriage.
• May 29 - U.S. District Judge Nancy Gertner (in Massachusetts) rules that stating that someone is homosexual does not libel or slander them, saying that "a finding that such a statement is defamatory requires this court to legitimize the prejudice and bigotry that for too long have plagued the homosexual community". The ruling came in a lawsuit of James Albright against the singer Madonna: Albright's name had appeared in a photo caption in a book by Andrew Morton about Madonna. Gertner said previous rulings that stating someone is homosexual is defamatory had relied on laws criminalizing same-sex sexual acts, and had to be reevaluated in light of more recent rulings that such laws are Constitutionally suspect. [46] (http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/apus_story.asp?category=1110&slug=Gay%20Defamation)

May 17 is the 137th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (138th in leap years). ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: Bay State Other U.S. States Capital Boston Largest city Boston Governor Mitt Romney Official languages English Area 27,360 km² (44th)  - Land 20,317 km²  - Water 7,043 km² (25. ... May 29 is the 149th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (150th in leap years). ... Madonna Ciccone Ritchie Madonna Ciccone Ritchie (born Madonna Louise Ciccone in Bay City, Michigan, August 16, 1958), simply known by the stage name Madonna, is an American singer frequently referred to as the Queen of Pop music. ...

June

• June 24
  • the United Kingdom government suffers a defeat in the House of Lords as they approve a wrecking amendment to the Civil Partnership Bill
• June 30
  • The Spanish minister of justice, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, announces a number of social bills to be introduced, including one that will legalize same-sex marriage in Spain, one that will introduce rights for common-law couples, and one that will allow transsexual and transgendered people to legally change their name and sex designation without the requirement of surgery.

June 24 is the 175th day of the year (176th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 190 days remaining. ... This article is about the British House of Lords. ... In legislative debate, a wrecking amendment is an amendment made by a legislator who disagrees with the principles of a Bill and who seek to make it useless (by moving amendments to either make the Bill malformed and nonsensical, or to severely change its intent) rather than directly opposing the... The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is an Act of Parliament passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 2004. ... June 30 is the 181st day of the year (182nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 184 days remaining, as the last day in June. ... In 2004, the new Socialist government of Spain began a process to legalise same-sex marriage in Spain. ... There are two classes of interpersonal status known today as common-law (or common law) marriage. ... A transsexual (sometimes transexual) person establishes a permanent identity with the opposite gender to their assigned (usually at birth) sex. ... Transgender is generally used as a catch-all umbrella term for a variety of individuals, behaviors, and groups centered around the full or partial reversal of gender roles; however, compare other definitions below. ... Name change is a basic legal act that is recognized in practically all legal systems to allow an individual the opportunity to adopt a name other than the name given by birth, marriage, or adoption. ... Sex reassignment surgery (SRS) includes the surgical procedures by which a persons physical appearance and function of their existing sexual characteristics are changed to that of the other sex. ...

July

• July 1
  • In the United Kingdom, the Gender Recognition Act 2004 receives the Royal Assent
• July 14
  • Same-sex marriage in Canada
    • The Yukon becomes the first territory to legalise same-sex marriage after a ruling by the Yukon Supreme Court.
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • The United States Senate votes 48-50 against a procedural motion that would have ended debate on the Federal Marriage Amendment, effectively denying Senate approval this session.
• July 22
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • the House of Representatives today passes legislation preventing federal courts from ordering courts in other states recognize same-sex marriage granted elsewhere.

July 1 is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 183 days remaining. ... The Gender Recognition Act 2004 is an Act of Parliament of the British Parliament which allows transsexual people to change their legal gender. ... The granting of Royal Assent is the formal method by which a Sovereign or the Sovereigns representative in the United Kingdom and in Commonwealth Realms completes the process of the enactment of legislation by formally assenting to an Act of Parliament. ... July 14 is the 195th day (196th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 170 days remaining. ... Same-sex marriage is widely anticipated to be legalized across Canada by Bill C-38, introduced by Paul Martins Liberal government in the federal Parliament on February 1, 2005. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Seal of the Senate The Senate is one of the two houses of the Congress of the United States, the other being the House of Representatives. ... In parliamentary procedure, cloture (pr: KLO-cher) (also called closure) is a motion or process aimed at bringing debate to a quick end. ... The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that legislates a federal definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman and prevents subsequent legislative and court action from extending marriage-like rights to same-sex and other unmarried couples. ... July 22 is the 203rd day (204th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, with 162 days remaining. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... House of Representatives is a name used for legislative bodies in many countries. ...

August

• August 9
  • Appointed by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Rudy Serra was sworn in as a judge in the state's District 36, serving Detroit, becoming the first openly gay judge in the state.
  • Authorities in Nepal raid bars and clubs to arrest 39 members of the Blue Diamond Society, a gay rights and AIDS education organization and charged them with "spreading perversion."
• August 12
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States
    • In a 5-2 vote, the California state supreme court voids the almost 4,000 same-sex marriages performed in San Francisco between February 12 and March 11 after another, unanimous decision that the city's officials overstepped their legal rights in ignoring state laws in issuing marriages licences to same-sex couples.
  • Governor James McGreevey of New Jersey becomes the first openly-gay chief executive of a U.S. state when he discloses an extramarital affair with another man and announces his resignation effective November 12.
• August 13
  • Same-sex marriage in Australia
    • The Australian Senate passes legislation by a 38-7 vote that defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman, granting prime minister John Howard a victory in is campaign to outlaw same-sex marriage in the country.
• August 16
  • Same-sex marriage in Canada
    • Federal justice minister Irwin Cotler announces that the federal government will no longer resist court proceedings aiming to require provincial governments to issue same-sex marriage licences.
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States:
    • Ohio election officials approve the wording to be placed on the state ballot for the proposed state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and extension of marriage rights to the non-married to read as follows:

"Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage."

• August 17
  • UNAIDS and Human Rights Watch call on the government of Nepal to release the 39 members of the Blue Diamond Society imprisoned August 9.

August 9 is the 221st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (222nd in leap years), with 144 days remaining. ... State nickname: Wolverine State or Great Lakes State Other U.S. States Capital Lansing Largest city Detroit Governor Jennifer Granholm Official languages English Area 250,941 km² (11th)  - Land 147,255 km²  - Water 103,687 km² (41. ... Jennifer Granholm Jennifer Mulhern Granholm (born February 5, 1959) is the governor of the U.S. state of Michigan. ... August 12 is the 224th day of the year (225th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... In the United States, the state supreme court (known as the supreme judicial court in some states) is usually the highest court in the state court system. ... February 12 is the 43rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... March 11 is the 70th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (71st in Leap year). ... James E. Jim McGreevey (born August 6, 1957) is an American politician from the Democratic Party. ... State nickname: The Garden State Other U.S. States Capital Trenton Largest city Newark Governor Richard Codey (acting) Official languages None defined Area 22,608 km² (47th)  - Land 19,231 km²  - Water 3,378 km² (14. ... A U.S. state is any one of the 50 states (four of them use the term commonwealth) which have membership in the federation known as the United States of America (USA or U.S.). The separate state governments and the U.S. federal government share sovereignty, in that an... November 12 is the 316th day of the year (317th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 49 days remaining. ... August 13 is the 225th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (226th in leap years), with 140 days remaining. ... Same-sex marriage is not recognised under Australian federal law. ... Australian Senate chamber The Australian Senate is the upper of the two houses of the Parliament of Australia. ... John Howard John Winston Howard (born July 26, 1939), is an Australian politician and the 25th Prime Minister of Australia, coming to office on March 11, 1996 and winning re-election in 1998, 2001 and 2004. ... August 16 is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Same-sex marriage is widely anticipated to be legalized across Canada by Bill C-38, introduced by Paul Martins Liberal government in the federal Parliament on February 1, 2005. ... Irwin Cotler The Honorable Irwin Cotler is Canadas Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... State nickname: The Buckeye State Other U.S. States Capital Columbus Largest city Columbus Governor Bob Taft Official languages None Area 116,096 km² (34th)  - Land 106,154 km²  - Water 10,044 km² (8. ... August 17 is the 229th day of the year (230th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. ... UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, is a United Nations program designed to coordinate the worldwide response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. ... Human Rights Watch is an international NGO based in New York City, USA, that works with human rights issues. ... August 9 is the 221st day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (222nd in leap years), with 144 days remaining. ...

September

• September 16
  • Same-sex marriage in Canada: Manitoba becomes the fifth of Canada's provinces or territories to have legal same-sex marriage. Neither the federal nor provincial governments opposed the lawsuit filed by three couples, one of whom had previously filed suit for same-sex marriage in 1974. See Same-sex marriage in Manitoba.

• September 23
  • California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs "SB 1234," a bill that defines the legal term "hate crime" (which includes LGBT-motivated violence) for all state and local agencies, encourages the creation of local law enforcement hate-crime protocols and increased hate crime awareness training for law enforcemwnt officers.

• September 24
  • Same-sex marriage in Canada: Nova Scotia becomes the sixth of Canada's provinces or territories to have legal same-sex marriage. Neither the federal nor provincial governments opposed the lawsuit filed by three couples, one of whom had already been married in Ontario and sought recognition for their marriage in their home province. See Same-sex marriage in Nova Scotia.

• September 25
  • California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs "AB 2900," a bill to unify all state anti-discrimination codes to match the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. In essence it adds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" anti-discrimination protections to the California government, labor, military and veterans, public utilities, unemployment and insurance, and welfare and institutions codes.

• September 27
  • California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs "SB 1193," a bill to provide a $10,000 death benefit to the surviving spouse or designated beneficiary of a member of on of the state military reserves (California National Guard, State Military Reserve, or Naval Militia). The bill, retroactive to March 1, 2003 allows LGBT partners of military personnel be listed as "designated beneficiary."

• September 30
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States: The proposed Federal Marriage Amendment fails to pass the United States House of Representatives, with a vote of 227–186 on House Joint Resolution 106.

September 16 is the 259th day of the year (260th in leap years). ... Same-sex marriage is widely anticipated to be legalized across Canada by Bill C-38, introduced by Paul Martins Liberal government in the federal Parliament on February 1, 2005. ... Motto: Gloriosus et Liber (Glorious and free) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Winnipeg Largest city Winnipeg Lieutenant Governor John Harvard Premier Gary Doer (NDP) Area 647,797 km² (8th)  - Land 553,556 km²  - Water 64,241 km² (14. ... Flag of Manitoba Same-sex marriage in Manitoba began on September 16, 2004, when Manitoba became the fifth jurisdiction in Canada to legalize same-sex marriage, after the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, and Yukon Territory. ... September 23 is the 266th day of the year (267th in leap years). ... Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor of California, with the gubernatorial seal in the background. ... September 24 is the 267th day of the year (268th in leap years). ... Same-sex marriage is widely anticipated to be legalized across Canada by Bill C-38, introduced by Paul Martins Liberal government in the federal Parliament on February 1, 2005. ... Motto: Munit Haec et Altera Vincit (One defends and the other conquers) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Halifax Largest city Halifax Lieutenant Governor Myra A. Freeman Premier John Hamm (PC) Area 55,283 km² (12th)  - Land 53,338 km²  - Water 1,946 km² (3. ... Flag of Nova Scotia Same-sex marriage in Nova Scotia: In August 2004, three couples in Nova Scotia brought the suit against the provincial and federal governments requesting that it issue same-sex marriage licences. ... September 25 is the 268th day of the year (269th in leap years). ... Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor of California, with the gubernatorial seal in the background. ... September 27 is the 270th day of the year (271st in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 95 days remaining. ... Arnold Schwarzenegger as governor of California, with the gubernatorial seal in the background. ... The United States National Guard is a significant component of the United States armed forces military reserve. ... March 1 is the 60th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (61st in leap years). ... 2003 is a common year starting on Wednesday of the Gregorian calendar. ... September 30 is the 273rd day of the year (274th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 92 days remaining, as the final day of September. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... The Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA) is a proposed amendment to the United States Constitution that legislates a federal definition of marriage as a union of a man and a woman and prevents subsequent legislative and court action from extending marriage-like rights to same-sex and other unmarried couples. ... The House of Representatives is the larger of two houses that make up the U.S. Congress, the other being the United States Senate. ...

October

• October 1
  • Same-sex marriage in Spain: The cabinet of Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero approves a bill to legalize same-sex marriage; the government believes that it will pass the full parliament.
• October 29
  • Germany expands the rights of same-sex couples, allowing registered domestic partners to adopt each other's children.

October 1 is the 274th day of the year (275th in Leap years). ... In 2004, the new Socialist government of Spain began a process to legalise same-sex marriage in Spain. ... A Cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of government, typically representing the executive branch. ... Term of office: April 17, 2004 – present Preceded by: José María Aznar Succeeded by: incumbent Date of birth: August 4, 1960 Place of birth: Valladolid First Lady: Sonsoles Espinosa Political party: PSOE José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (born August 4, 1960) became the fifth Spanish prime minister (or president of the... Same-sex marriage (also called gay marriage, marriage equality, and often just marriage by its proponents, and—usually by its opponents—homosexual marriage) refers to a marriage between two individuals of the same gender (for other forms of same-sex unions distinct from marriage, see the articles linked in that... October 29 is the 302nd day of the year (303rd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 63 days remaining. ... Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent or parents other than the birth parents. ...

November

• November 2
  • As George W. Bush is reelected, voters in 11 states pass amendments to their state constitutions banning same-sex marriage, and in most of those states, civil unions and domestic partnership as well.
• November 5
  • A judge in Saskatchewan rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry in that province.
• November 18
  • In the United Kingdom, the Civil Partnership Act receives royal assent.
• November 29
  • Same-sex marriage in the United States: Without comment, the Supreme Court of the United States refuses to hear arguments appealing the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that same-sex marriage must be allowed in that state, in essence letting the ruling stand.

November 2 is the 306th day of the year (307th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 59 days remaining. ... Order: 43rd President Vice President: Dick Cheney Term of office: January 20, 2001 – Present Preceded by: Bill Clinton Succeeded by: Incumbent Date of birth: July 6, 1946 Place of birth: New Haven, Connecticut First Lady: Laura Welch Bush Political party: Republican George Walker Bush (born July 6, 1946) is the... November 5 is the 309th day of the year (310th in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar, with 56 days remaining. ... Motto: Multis E Gentibus Vires (From many peoples, strength) Other Canadian provinces and territories Capital Regina Largest city Saskatoon Lieutenant Governor Lynda M. Haverstock Premier Lorne Calvert (NDP) Area 651,036 km² (7th)  - Land 591,670 km²  - Water 59,366 km² (9. ... Flag of Saskatchewan Saskatchewan is one of the seven Canadian provinces and territories that recognize same-sex marriage, as of November 5, 2004. ... November 18 is the 322nd day of the year (323rd in leap years), with 43 remaining. ... The Civil Partnership Act 2004 is an Act of Parliament passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom in 2004. ... The granting of Royal Assent is the formal method by which a Sovereign or the Sovereigns representative in the United Kingdom and in Commonwealth Realms completes the process of the enactment of legislation by formally assenting to an Act of Parliament. ... November 29 is the 333rd (in leap years the 334th) day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The push by some civil rights supporters to create legal recognition of same-sex marriage in the United States has been taking shape since the early 1970s. ... Seal of the Supreme Court The Supreme Court of the United States, located in Washington, D.C., is the highest federal court (see supreme court) in the United States; that is, it has ultimate judicial authority within the United States to interpret and decide questions of federal law, including the... The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is the highest court in the United States commonwealth of Massachusetts. ...

December

• December 9
  • New Zealand Parliament passes the Civil Union Bill, establishing the new institution of civil union, available to same-sex and de facto couples. The Civil Union Bill has been described as a copy of the Marriage Act with "marriage" replaced by "civil union". Its companion bill, the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill, was to remove discriminatory provisions from a large number of pieces of legislation, but has run into stumbling blocks in Parliament and has been shelved until 2005.
  • The Supreme Court of Canada rules in its reference on same-sex marriage that altering the legal definition of marriage to include same-sex couples is within the jurisdiction of the Parliament of Canada. Prime Minister Paul Martin indicates that his government will introduce such a bill early in the new year.

December 9 is the 343rd day (344th in leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The New Zealand Parliament is the legislative body of the New Zealand government. ... On 9 December 2004 New Zealand Parliament passed the Civil Union Bill, establishing the new institution of civil union, available to same-sex and de facto couples. ... Also for straight couples. ... Marriage is a relationship and bond, most commonly between a man and a woman, that plays a key role in the definition of many families. ... 2005 is a common year starting on Saturday of the Gregorian calendar. ... The Supreme Court Building in Ottawa The Supreme Court of Canada is Canadas highest court and is located in the capital city of Ottawa. ... A Reference Question in Canada is a submission by the federal or a provincial government to the Supreme Court of Canada or the provinces respective Court of Appeal in which the submitting government would like the court to answer a legal question regarding the Constitution Acts, the constitutionality of... The Parliament of Canada (French: Parlement du Canada) is Canadas legislative branch, seated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario. ... The wrong dishounerable Paul Edgar Philippe Martin, PC, MP, (born August 28, 1938 in Windsor, Ontario) is the current Prime Minister of Canada. ...

Deaths

• January 13 - James Robinson, 44, editor of the Stanford Report
• March 7 - Paul Winfield, 62, American actor
• November 28 - Leroy F. Aarons, 70, founder of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association

January 13 is the 13th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... James Dale Robinson is a writer of comic books and screenplays, notably of the comic book series Starman. ... March 7 is the 66th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (67th in Leap years). ... Paul Winfield (May 22, 1941 – March 7, 2004) was an American actor. ... November 28 is the 332nd day (333rd on leap years) of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Leroy F. Aarons (1944 - November 28, 2004) was an American journalist, editor, author, playwright, founder of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association, and founding member of the Maynard Institute. ...

External links

• Web site for Advocate news magazine (http://www.advocate.com)
• 365gay.com (http://www.365gay.com)
• Google search for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender news (http://news.google.com/news?as_q=&svnum=10&as_scoring=r&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&btnG=Google+Search&as_epq=&as_oq=gay+lesbian+bisexual+transgender+homosexual&as_eq=&as_nsrc=&as_nloc=&as_occt=any&as_drrb=q&as_qdr=&as_minm=1&as_mind=20&as_maxm=2&as_maxd=19)