Big Gay News
BigGayNews from Minnesota:
Dayton Signs Same-Sex Marriage Law, Which Takes Effect August 1
The Star Tribune reports that amid a cascade of cheers and applause, Gov. Mark Dayton legalized same-sex marriage in Minnesota on Tuesday surrounded by thousands of gay and lesbian supporters and advocates.
The governor stated: “Progress has often been difficult, controversial and, initially, divisive. However, it has always been the next step ahead to fulfilling this country’s promise to every American.”
The mayor of Minneapolis, R. T. Rybak, has stated that he will open the Minneapolis City Hall at 12:01 AM on the day the law takes effect, and that he will personally officiate wedding ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples wishing to marry.
BigGayNews from Minnesota
Minnesota Senate Passes Same-Sex Marriage Bill
NBC News reports that the Minnesota Senate gave final approval on Monday to a bill that will make the state the 12th in the United States to allow same-sex couples to marry and only the second in the Midwest.
The bill, which passed by a margin of 37 to 30, is expected to be signed into law by Governor Mark Dayton on Tuesday, marking Minnesota as the only Midwestern state aside from Iowa to allow gay marriage.
BigGayNews from the United States
Most Americans Support Lifting Ban On Gay Boy Scouts
The Washington Post reports that 63% of Americans support the Boy Scouts of America’s proposal to allow gay scouts to join.
This is a large increase compared to last year’s USA Today poll where only 42% said openly gay adults should be able to serve as leaders.
Respondents who are free from religion are the strongest supporters of gay scouts and gay scouts masters.
BigGayNews from Minnesota
Mayor Chris Coleman Proclaims “Freedom to Marry Week” in Saint Paul
StPaul.gov reports that Mayor Chris Coleman issued a proclamation making this week the “Freedom to Marry Week” in the City of Saint Paul.
Chris Coleman said: “Becoming the first Midwest state in the country to legislatively legalize the freedom to marry is an event worth celebrating.”
BigGayNews from Florida
One Million Moms Attacks Disney for Unofficial Gay Days at Walt Disney World
Pink News reports that the group of Christian mothers called One Million Moms is outraged at Disney after Gay Days organizers said the event would take place in Walt Disney World.
Although Disney repeats year after year that it doesn’t sponsor the event, One Million Moms emailed a complaint that reads: “Homosexuals will be celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Gay Day wearing matching Gay Day merchandise, such as T-shirts.
There will also be transvestites dressed in drag showing their support for the event.
This event is planned with the intent to expose and desensitize children to this lifestyle by same-sex couples holding hands, hugging and kissing.”
BigGayNews from Wisconsin:
Wisconsin Unlikely To Follow Minnesota’s Lead On Gay Marriage
The LaCrosse Tribune reports that Wisconsin is not likely to follow suit anytime soon on legalizing same-sex marriage, despite the actions of neighboring states and shifting public sentiment.
In 2006, Wisconsin voters approved a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between one man and one woman, and reversing it could take nearly a decade.
While recent polls in the state have shown some substantial growth in support for same-sex marriage, the numbers are still much lower than the majority that would be needed to overturn the amendment.
BigGayNews from Cuba:
Castro Daughter Leads Cuba March For Gay Rights
USA Today reports that about 500 people have marched through the Cuban capital to the rhythm of conga drums in an early celebration of the international day against homophobia.
Mariela Castro, the daughter of President Raul Castro, is head of the National Sexual Education Center and a vocal campaigner for gay rights in Cuba, a country that has historically persecuted homosexuals, especially in the 1960s.
BigGayNews from Russia:
23-Year-Old Raped And Murdered After Coming Out As Gay
The Raw Story reports that a 23-year-old man has been tortured to death in Russia in an apparent homophobic attack, investigators said Sunday, amid growing fears by rights groups that anti-gay sentiments are on the rise in the country.
The young man, who was beaten so badly that he could not initially be identified, was assaulted by two men, one of which has a prior criminal record, in the incident that occurred last Friday in Volgograd.
Russia has been notorious in its discrimination towards GLBT people, and the Russian parliament voted earlier this year to ban what it terms “homosexual propaganda”.
