Gay couples nationwide demonstrate for marriage rights

Same-sex couples seeking marriage licenses descended on clerks offices from one end of the country to the other on Feb. 14, marking the 10th Freedom to Marry Day. As in the past nine years, in every state except Massachusetts they were refused. But even in the Bay State–the only place in the country were same-sex couples can legally wed, gay marriage advocates were out in force denouncing a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts constitution that would end the practice. Marriage advocates were also out in force in the three states that allow civil unions–Vermont, Connecticut and, most recently, New Jersey–seeking to have the laws revised to permit same-sex marriage. Legislation to that effect has already been proposed in Vermont and Connecticut. Gay activists in New Jersey say they believe civil unions in that state will be transformed into marriage within the next two years. In New York state, where the top court has ruled granting marriage to gay couples is up to the legislature, and where Gov. Elliott Spitzer has pledged to introduce a marriage bill, same-sex couples were demonstrating in a number of cities. In Rhode Island, gay couples held a rally at the State House. Currently Rhode Island same-sex couples are the only ones outside of Massachusetts that can go to that state and marry. That is because Rhode Island does not have specific legislation blocking same-sex marriage. Whether that also means that under the Rhode Island constitution gays have the right to marry within the state is currently before the courts. The Maryland Supreme Court is expected to rule this year on a lawsuit by gay couples seeking the right to marry. Same-sex couples rallied at the state's capitol for marriage equality. In California, the issue of same-sex marriage is before the state Supreme Court and the legislature. In Sacramento, Assemblyman Mark Leno led other lawmakers and gay activists to promote legislation he has reintroduced in the assembly that would allow same-sex couples to marry. A similar bill was passed by the legislature in 2005 but was vetoed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. In Yolo County, California, clerk Freddie Oakley is presenting same-sex couples with "certificates of inequality" when they apply for marriage licenses. Oakley said she sees no valid reason why gay couples cannot marry. Other clerks in the state also are protesting the lack of marriage rights. In Chicago, where Cook County Clerk David Orr and Mayor Richard M. Daley have both said repeatedly that they favor gay rights," gay marriage advocates are demonstrating outside the county building. Two attempts by Republicans in Congress have failed to pass proposed amendments to the US Constitution to bar same-sex marriage, but the Federal Defense of Marriage Act prevents the federal government from granting rights to gay and lesbian couples.