P-I: Christian pastors spread the word on heterosexual marriage
August 24, 2004
SPOKANE, Wash. -- A Seattle-area group opposed to same-sex marriage is having some success recruiting pastors in the Inland Northwest, its leaders said.
About 50 pastors from Eastern Washington and northern Idaho attended a seminar last Friday organized by Sound the Alarm, an Edmonds-based group that says its goal is to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
It was the group's first session in Eastern Washington, where clergy were urged to pray more and register their members to vote for "biblical righteousness."
"If we want to make this a statewide issue, it's critical that Spokane comes on board," said the Rev. Jacinta Tegman, a pastor with Westgate Chapel in Edmonds and one of the group's leaders. "It's important the Christian voice on this side is united with the Christian voice on the West Side."
"Human society will be destroyed if we lose original one-man-and-one-woman marriage," said the Rev. Dan Grether of Spokane, a leader of a local organization known as the Coalition for Authentic Marriage. "I hope the entire Spokane community would realize that authentic marriage is the very first fundamental institution in human society."
[click on headline to read entire story]
About 50 pastors from Eastern Washington and northern Idaho attended a seminar last Friday organized by Sound the Alarm, an Edmonds-based group that says its goal is to preserve marriage as the union of one man and one woman.
It was the group's first session in Eastern Washington, where clergy were urged to pray more and register their members to vote for "biblical righteousness."
"If we want to make this a statewide issue, it's critical that Spokane comes on board," said the Rev. Jacinta Tegman, a pastor with Westgate Chapel in Edmonds and one of the group's leaders. "It's important the Christian voice on this side is united with the Christian voice on the West Side."
"Human society will be destroyed if we lose original one-man-and-one-woman marriage," said the Rev. Dan Grether of Spokane, a leader of a local organization known as the Coalition for Authentic Marriage. "I hope the entire Spokane community would realize that authentic marriage is the very first fundamental institution in human society."
[click on headline to read entire story]
Seattle Times: Editorial: Same commitment, same set of rules
August 22, 2004
Same-sex couples have the same real-life problems as man-woman couples, and
ought to be under the same law of marriage. As an example, consider the
unfortunate case of Ann and Lee Kandu.
Ann and Lee lived as a couple since 1990 — not in some bohemian place, but in
Castle Rock in southwestern Washington. They raised three children. Ann went to
work each day, until she retired, and Lee stayed home to care for the kids. They
had a traditional relationship, except that Ann and Lee were both women.
[click the headline to read the full story]
ought to be under the same law of marriage. As an example, consider the
unfortunate case of Ann and Lee Kandu.
Ann and Lee lived as a couple since 1990 — not in some bohemian place, but in
Castle Rock in southwestern Washington. They raised three children. Ann went to
work each day, until she retired, and Lee stayed home to care for the kids. They
had a traditional relationship, except that Ann and Lee were both women.
[click the headline to read the full story]
Seattle Times: Courts play a critical role in the gay-marriage debate
August 20, 2004
Earlier this month, King County Superior Court Judge William Downing ruled that our state constitution prevents government from limiting marriage licenses to heterosexual couples only.
Over the past few years, as judges in Hawaii, Vermont, Massachusetts and other states have grappled with this issue, I have read the same accusations over and over. Newspaper editors, commentators and our president, among others, have complained about "activist, liberal judges" who are trying to "force a radical social agenda" on Americans who prefer to have rulings made by legislation rather than by court order.
As a lawyer and a political scientist who cherishes the Constitution, and as a conservative, married Christian who cherishes marriage, I can hardly stand to read these commentaries anymore. So, in true lawyerly fashion, I am writing my own.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Over the past few years, as judges in Hawaii, Vermont, Massachusetts and other states have grappled with this issue, I have read the same accusations over and over. Newspaper editors, commentators and our president, among others, have complained about "activist, liberal judges" who are trying to "force a radical social agenda" on Americans who prefer to have rulings made by legislation rather than by court order.
As a lawyer and a political scientist who cherishes the Constitution, and as a conservative, married Christian who cherishes marriage, I can hardly stand to read these commentaries anymore. So, in true lawyerly fashion, I am writing my own.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Seattle Times: Marriage act is upheld in gay couple's bankruptcy
When Ann and Lee Kandu decided last October they'd have to file for bankruptcy, they were on the edge of catastrophe. They both had been diagnosed with cancer the same week, they were unable to work and their debts were mounting.
Naturally, the couple checked the box on the bankruptcy form that said they were married.
That seemingly simple truth, and what inevitably flowed from it, has turned into a legal battle with nationwide implications — one that has drawn the scrutiny of federal-government lawyers, civil-rights groups and conservative activists, and resulted in a first-of-its-kind court ruling Tuesday.
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Naturally, the couple checked the box on the bankruptcy form that said they were married.
That seemingly simple truth, and what inevitably flowed from it, has turned into a legal battle with nationwide implications — one that has drawn the scrutiny of federal-government lawyers, civil-rights groups and conservative activists, and resulted in a first-of-its-kind court ruling Tuesday.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Seattle Gay News: Rep. Nethercutt whips up anti-Gay hysteria to unseat Patty Murray
U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt has been airing radio ads on conservative talk and
Christian radio stations across Washington state addressing the issue of equal
marriage rights for same-sex couples.
The ads, which claim "[t]raditional marriages are under attack in Washington
state," are meant to draw attention to Sen. Patty Murray's pro-Gay record.
Nethercutt is hoping to unseat Murray, the two-term incumbent.
[click on the headline to read the full story]
Christian radio stations across Washington state addressing the issue of equal
marriage rights for same-sex couples.
The ads, which claim "[t]raditional marriages are under attack in Washington
state," are meant to draw attention to Sen. Patty Murray's pro-Gay record.
Nethercutt is hoping to unseat Murray, the two-term incumbent.
[click on the headline to read the full story]
The Stranger: Civil Unions Suck
August 19, 2004
When Democratic state rep. Dave Upthegrove, the two-term gay legislator
representing SeaTac and Des Moines, noticed that his Dem colleagues were
fielding the "gay-marriage question" on the campaign trail this year by
proclaiming support for civil unions, he realized he had a problem on his
hands. Upthegrove doesn't want civil unions for gays because civil unions don't
carry the same rights as marriage licenses.
Unfortunately, civil unions may soon be the only option for gays. If the
Washington State Supreme Court says 1998's Defense of Marriage Act is
unconstitutional, negative public reaction is likely to send the issue to the
legislature, where conservative lawmakers will shop a constitutional amendment
that would ban gay marriage. Upthegrove is worried that the Republicans will
woo enough Dems (constitutional amendments must pass by two-thirds in both
houses) by adding a "friendly" caveat to the ban that says civil unions are
okay. Upthegrove realized that he and his three gay colleagues in
Olympia--Seattle-area reps Joe McDermott and Ed Murray, along with Vancouver
rep Jim Moeller--needed to play a little queer eye for the (otherwise) straight
legislature.
[click the headline to read the entire story]
representing SeaTac and Des Moines, noticed that his Dem colleagues were
fielding the "gay-marriage question" on the campaign trail this year by
proclaiming support for civil unions, he realized he had a problem on his
hands. Upthegrove doesn't want civil unions for gays because civil unions don't
carry the same rights as marriage licenses.
Unfortunately, civil unions may soon be the only option for gays. If the
Washington State Supreme Court says 1998's Defense of Marriage Act is
unconstitutional, negative public reaction is likely to send the issue to the
legislature, where conservative lawmakers will shop a constitutional amendment
that would ban gay marriage. Upthegrove is worried that the Republicans will
woo enough Dems (constitutional amendments must pass by two-thirds in both
houses) by adding a "friendly" caveat to the ban that says civil unions are
okay. Upthegrove realized that he and his three gay colleagues in
Olympia--Seattle-area reps Joe McDermott and Ed Murray, along with Vancouver
rep Jim Moeller--needed to play a little queer eye for the (otherwise) straight
legislature.
[click the headline to read the entire story]
Bremerton Sun: Opinion: Marriage: Defend a fundamental institution
August 18, 2004
Early this month King County Superior Court Judge William L. Downing took it upon himself to re-define marriage in the state of Washington. Joining four activist judges in Massachusetts he found that Washington's state constitution, by denying same-sex couples the right to marry, "constitutes a denial of substantive due process." His ruling is on hold pending an appeal to the Washington State Supreme Court.
Gay couples all over the state, including those from the West Sound, celebrated his decision. One local leader of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) was quoted in The Sun as saying, "I think it goes beyond marriage. It has a lot to do with feeling accepted by society in general. It's validation of full citizenship."
I don't believe it's within the purview of any government to validate the sexual behavior of anyone. And, it's not about citizenship, as was stated by a Bremerton minister.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Gay couples all over the state, including those from the West Sound, celebrated his decision. One local leader of Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) was quoted in The Sun as saying, "I think it goes beyond marriage. It has a lot to do with feeling accepted by society in general. It's validation of full citizenship."
I don't believe it's within the purview of any government to validate the sexual behavior of anyone. And, it's not about citizenship, as was stated by a Bremerton minister.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Seattle P-I: Some local gay couples saddened by ruling voiding S.F. unions
August 13, 2004
Ken Molsberry and his partner, Chris Vincent, waited in line for 15 hours -- 12 of it in the rain -- and never had a chance to wear the nice suits they brought.
None of it mattered. When the Seattle couple held hands and exchanged wedding vows, they were ecstatic. Their union was finally legal.
Or so they thought. Yesterday, they and thousands of other gay and lesbian couples who were married in San Francisco this year found themselves holding invalid licenses, after the California Supreme Court voided same-sex marriages.
[click on headline to read entire article]
None of it mattered. When the Seattle couple held hands and exchanged wedding vows, they were ecstatic. Their union was finally legal.
Or so they thought. Yesterday, they and thousands of other gay and lesbian couples who were married in San Francisco this year found themselves holding invalid licenses, after the California Supreme Court voided same-sex marriages.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Seattle Weekly: The Politics of Gay Marriage
August 11, 2004
On Wednesday, Aug. 4, King County Superior Court Judge William Downing boldly
extended civil rights by declaring gay marriage legal in Washington state.
Downing’s decision, which is on hold pending review by the state Supreme Court,
is of historic proportions. It knocks down a huge barrier to the equal rights of
gay, lesbian, and bisexual Washingtonians.
Inadvertently, Judge Downing also dropped a hot potato in the lap of every
candidate running for office in this huge election year. Gay marriage is an
issue that sharply polarizes Washington’s electorate.
According to a March 2004 poll by The Seattle Times, just over 50 percent of
Washingtonians oppose gay marriage, while 44 percent favor it—significantly less
opposition than in national polling on the subject...
[click the headline to read the full story]
extended civil rights by declaring gay marriage legal in Washington state.
Downing’s decision, which is on hold pending review by the state Supreme Court,
is of historic proportions. It knocks down a huge barrier to the equal rights of
gay, lesbian, and bisexual Washingtonians.
Inadvertently, Judge Downing also dropped a hot potato in the lap of every
candidate running for office in this huge election year. Gay marriage is an
issue that sharply polarizes Washington’s electorate.
According to a March 2004 poll by The Seattle Times, just over 50 percent of
Washingtonians oppose gay marriage, while 44 percent favor it—significantly less
opposition than in national polling on the subject...
[click the headline to read the full story]
Federal Way Mirror: County judge disputes validity of Marriage Act
August 9, 2004
King County Superior Court Judge William Downing ruled Wednesday the state’s Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a legal union between one man and one women, violates the equal protection clause of the state constitution.
Still, the King County Courthouse won’t be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples just yet. Downing issued a stay on his decision until the state Supreme Court reviews the issue, possibly as soon as this fall, according to Elaine Kraft, spokeswoman for County Executive Ron Sims. “We’re confident it’ll be expedited,” she said.
...
Equal Rights Washington, a Seattle-based group supporting equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, called Downing’s decision a victory.
“This is obviously a historic day,” spokesman Ryan Biava said. “This is about marriage. It’s not about gay marriage and it’s not about straight marriage. It’s about two people and their families.”
[click on the headline for the whole article]
Still, the King County Courthouse won’t be issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples just yet. Downing issued a stay on his decision until the state Supreme Court reviews the issue, possibly as soon as this fall, according to Elaine Kraft, spokeswoman for County Executive Ron Sims. “We’re confident it’ll be expedited,” she said.
...
Equal Rights Washington, a Seattle-based group supporting equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people, called Downing’s decision a victory.
“This is obviously a historic day,” spokesman Ryan Biava said. “This is about marriage. It’s not about gay marriage and it’s not about straight marriage. It’s about two people and their families.”
[click on the headline for the whole article]
Gay marriage judge hailed, berated
August 6, 2004
People are thanking Judge William Downing for "a well-reasoned and poetic opinion" with courage, "unbiased interpretation" and eloquence that nearly brought some to tears.
Others are calling him an idiot, a lunatic, a "disgrace to the nation" and, his personal favorite, the "stench from the bench."
"Thanks for absolutely nothing," one critic wrote.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Others are calling him an idiot, a lunatic, a "disgrace to the nation" and, his personal favorite, the "stench from the bench."
"Thanks for absolutely nothing," one critic wrote.
[click on headline to read entire article]
Seattle Times: Same-sex marriage ruled legal in Washington state
August 4, 2004
Washington state's Defense of Marriage Act, which limits marriage to one man and one woman, violates the state Constitution, King County Superior Court Judge William Downing ruled today.
Citing the rationale of state Supreme Courts in Massachusetts and Vermont, Downing wrote, "The Court concludes that the exclusion of same-sex partners from civil marriage and the privileges attendant thereto is not rationally related to any legitimate or compelling state interest and is certainly not narrowly tailored toward such an interest."
The suit was filed by Lambda Legal and the Northwest Women's Law Center on behalf of eight same-sex couples denied marriage licenses in King County. The case was the first of its kind to be filed in Washington since Massachusett's high court ruled in favor of same-sex couples marriage, and its outcome will have legal and political impact beyond this state.
[click on the headline to read the entire article]
Citing the rationale of state Supreme Courts in Massachusetts and Vermont, Downing wrote, "The Court concludes that the exclusion of same-sex partners from civil marriage and the privileges attendant thereto is not rationally related to any legitimate or compelling state interest and is certainly not narrowly tailored toward such an interest."
The suit was filed by Lambda Legal and the Northwest Women's Law Center on behalf of eight same-sex couples denied marriage licenses in King County. The case was the first of its kind to be filed in Washington since Massachusett's high court ruled in favor of same-sex couples marriage, and its outcome will have legal and political impact beyond this state.
[click on the headline to read the entire article]
AP: Judge in Seattle rules in favor of same-sex marriage in Washington state
SEATTLE (AP) Gay couples can be married under Washington state law, because
denying their right to do so is a violation of their constitutional rights, a
judge ruled Wednesday.
''The denial to the plaintiffs of the right to marry constitutes a denial of
substantive due process,'' King County Superior Court Judge William L. Downing
said in his ruling.
His decision is stayed until the state Supreme Court reviews the case, meaning
no marriage licenses can be issued until then, said Jennifer Pizer, lead
counsel in the case for Lambda Legal Defense in the case.
[follow headline link for the whole article]
denying their right to do so is a violation of their constitutional rights, a
judge ruled Wednesday.
''The denial to the plaintiffs of the right to marry constitutes a denial of
substantive due process,'' King County Superior Court Judge William L. Downing
said in his ruling.
His decision is stayed until the state Supreme Court reviews the case, meaning
no marriage licenses can be issued until then, said Jennifer Pizer, lead
counsel in the case for Lambda Legal Defense in the case.
[follow headline link for the whole article]
