Coalition of the unwilling?
One potential obstacle to the effectiveness of the LGBT community this session has been the prospect of a turf war between MassEquality and other organizations that had long lobbied the legislature on LGBT issues, such as the Mass. Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Many out-of-state couples coming from New York
Following the repeal of the 1913 law last week, there was some assumption that out of state gay couples would flock to Massachusetts to obtain marriage licenses. While there certainly have been some, Massachusetts isn't quite yet "the Las Vegas of same-sex marriage" as opponents of repealing the law had predicted.
Power surge
Last week's signing of two separate LGBT-rights related bills on the same day by Gov. Deval Patrick heralded a new era in LGBT political power on Beacon Hill, political observers say.
Governor Deval Patrick signs Mass. 1913 law repeal
With two strokes of the pen Gov. Deval Patrick opened the borders of the Commonwealth to out-of-state same-sex couples hoping to marry and granted equal Medicaid benefits to married same-sex couples in Massachusetts.
'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' in the crosshairs
<b>Presidential race, lack of Senate sponsor for repeal are obstacles</b>
Concentration of MSM contributes to high STD rate in South End
The South End leads the city in infection rates of several sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV/AIDS, according to the most recent "Health of Boston" report published by the Boston Public Health Commission.
Diego Sanchez crosses the (picket) line at San Fran HRC dinner
The July 26 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco was protested by a number of LGBT activists upset about HRC's support of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which currently does not include protections for transgender people. But Diego Sanchez, a Boston-based trans activist who spoke at the event, felt that it was an important opportunity.
From the dance floor to the dunes
The organizers behind Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar are taking their party from the club to the beach.
How they voted
The bill to repeal the 1913 law passed on a roll call vote of 119 to 36, with three House members not voting. Here is how the members voted. Names in bold indicate lawmakers who voted in a way that contrasted with how they voted on the anti-gay marriage amendment at the June 2007 constitutional convention.
Obituary: Gerald R. Dagesse
Gerald R. Dagesse of Boston, died on July 27 at his home in Boston. He was 49 years old.
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