Massachusetts again finds itself in a gay marriage war.

Right-wingers this week reignited an old debate by pushing a ballot question aimed at ending wedding-related immigration.

The activists claim Governor Deval Patrick lawmakers acted unfairly in repealing a 1913 law prohibiting out-of-staters from marrying in Massachusetts if their own state wouldn't allow such a wedding.

The law was originally aimed at interracial couples, but has become more closely associated with gay rights - and you know how the right hate's the homos…

Opponents of same-sex marriages are seeking a ballot question that would prevent gay and lesbian couples from getting married here if their union wouldn't be legal in their home state.

Brian Camenker of the group Mass Resistance said Friday lawmakers and Gov. Deval Patrick bowed to the will of the "gay lobby" last month by approving the repeal of a 1913 statute that banned such marriages.
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"The Legislature and the governor changed our marriage laws to please the well-connected minority and force a social experiment into other states that's very offensive to a majority of the people, at least the way the votes have been going," Camenker said, referring to recent votes in favor of gay marriage bans in other states.

Camenker specifically points to the repeal's immediate enactment, rather than waiting the customary 90 days, during which time opponents can rally their reactionary troops. So now Camenker and his ilk are attempting to get 32,000 signatures to put the 1913 law question on this November's ballot, because nothing says political prowess like fighting for a law written almost 100 years ago.

It's official! Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick signed a measure repealing a 1913 law that prohibited out-of-state homos from getting hitched in the Bay State. This means, of course, that all you engaged gays can cross the line and take the plunge.

Patrick told the gathered crowd that the proves the true meaning of equality:

…In Massachusetts equal means equal. Today by repealing the nearly century old law, we affirm the right of same-sex couples from out of state to marry in Massachusetts; to enjoy all of the protections of our good laws. Today by repealing this law we continue to lead the way as a national leader. Today by repealing this law we have affirmed the Democratic principle that all people come before their government as equals.

In addition to repealing the 1913 law, Patrick also signed the MassHealth Equality Bill, which gives queer couples the same Medicaid benefits as their straight counterparts.

Massachusetts, the first state to legalize gay marriage, took another step toward full equality yesterday:

The Massachusetts state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill granting married same-sex couples equal Medicaid benefits, gay rights group MassEquality reported.

Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill, which was passed by the state House on July 15.

The lawmakers' actions defy the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bans legally wed same-sex couples from receiving federally provided benefits such as Medicaid, the "safety-net" health care program administered by the states.

Supporters say Massachusetts can circumvent federal law by using only state dollars to pay for gay couples' benefits.

The move will especially benefit senior citizens, who face eviction and poverty under the current laws, say activists.

Oh, Lord! Did uber-conservative Republican Jesse Helms like to dress as a woman? "Yes," according to a Massachusetts-based make-up artist who phoned into homo-journo Michelangelo Signorile's radio show.

The story goes like this: the caller, known only as "Brian," put an add in the paper to film a "video instruction" for straight men looking to learn how to dress like women, one of the men who replied was a creepy Southern man who looked vaguely familiar. "Brian" did the deed, video taped it so the man could watch it at home and received $300 for the pancaked pleasure. It wasn't until the next day, after reading an article about how North Carolinian Senator Jesse Helms had been visiting Massachusetts - and staying at the same hotel where the make-over went down! - that "Brian" recognized his client.

He goes on to explain that he never came forward for fear of being mistaken for a hooker and other nebulous "repercussions," nor does he expect anyone to believe him. But it did happen, he says. True or not, Signorile's bewilderment's worth the watch. Pay particular attention to his reaction around the 1:30 mark. He's not sure whether to jump up in glee or call "bullshit."

Massachusetts continues to lead the nation's gay way:

The Massachusetts Senate on Tuesday voted to repeal an obscure 1913 law that has been used to keep out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying there.

Legislators in the state House of Representatives in Boston are expected to take similar action today, and Gov. Deval Patrick has promised to sign the repeal. The move could allow gays and lesbians from other states to marry in Massachusetts within weeks.
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Those who fought to repeal the 1913 statute said Tuesday that the move — together with the California court decision — could amplify political momentum nationwide.

So, if that law was penned in 1913, the laws of progressive math say that we'll have full marriage equality sometime around 2,103.

Better call the wedding planner!

It's a big day to be gay!

Within a matter of hour, California will begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses, thus making it the second state in the Union to allow queer nuptials. Massachusetts, of course, was the first, which means it's a perfect time for the New York Times to take a closer look at the shocking reality of homo married life: it's not all it's cracked up to be!

Shocking, we know, but it's a lesson we should all learn. Or, rather, should have learned…

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Newly out Katherine Patrick and her father, Governor Deval Patrick, made quite an impression during Saturday's gay pride in Boston:

Gov. Deval Patrick joined his family to march in Boston's annual gay pride parade Saturday, days after a newspaper article was published in which his youngest daughter revealed she's gay.
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On Saturday, the Patrick family was greeted with boisterous cheers and applause as they marched to the end of the route in City Hall Plaza.

"It's been a nice day," Patrick said after the parade.

The Patricks marched with friends in front of a group from the AIDS Action Committee and behind a float carrying male dancers clad in bikini bottoms.

Shoot! They couldn't bring out the ladies for Katherine? She needs to practice her game before heading off to college this fall!

[Image via Towleroad]

Big gay news, boys and girls! Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's daughter, Katherine Patrick has come out of the closet.

And, like a good little inspiration, went to the press with her story, including a bit about celebrating an anti-gay amendment's defeat with her father.

As they cheered the defeat of the amendment… Katherine had never before felt more proud of her father.

"Because, of course, he didn’t know that I was gay then," the 18-year-old recalls. "So, for someone so publicly to fight for something that doesn’t even affect him was just like, ’That’s my dad,’ you know?" she says with a laugh. "That’s all I could think. I was very, very proud to be part of this family, and this state in general."

"It was great. I’m very glad," she adds, looking at her father. "Don’t cry, Dad." Patrick’s eyes are brimming with tears, prompting some good-natured teasing from his daughter. "He’s done some good things," she says with a laugh, patting his arm. "I appreciate it. Want a tissue? Oh, God. He’s a crier."

If that doesn't warm your heart, nothing will.

And, for those of you who are curious, Patrick's headed to ladies-only Smith College next fall. Smart cookie, huh?

[Photo by Marilyn Humphries.]

Massachusetts Corrections Commissioner Harold Clarke sure is rude. And makes things too complicated.

Why do we say such things about Clarke? Well, denied inmate Michelle Kosilek's sex change operation, and insulted the worlds

Kosilek, born Robert, has been living as a woman for fifteen years, but began taking hormones in 2006. (Here you see she obviously has a womanly air about her.)

Kosilek is currently in prison because he strangled his wife with a wire in 1990 and dumped her body at a local mall, which is definitely not normal. The crime garnered then-him a life sentence with no parole. She has since tried twice to commit suicide and to castrate herself.

A court ruled in 2002 that the prison, which would have to use state funds for the surgery, is violating Kosilek's rights by denying a surgery. Now, rather than giving the green light, Clark's making up excuses.

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Remember Benoit Denizet-Lewis' lengthy exploration of young gay marrieds in Sunday's New York Times?

Well, the journalist got flack for only profiling white, middle-class, educated men, which led some to wonder whether he simply chose to ignore people of color.

Tired of whispers and murmurs, Denizet-Lewis sent out an email earlier this afternoon and tried to clear things up.

He's not a racist, you see, but simply couldn't find any black people! In fact, there aren't many black marrieds to be found, he says - after the jump, of course.

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Massachusetts may recognize gay marriage, but that means absolutely nothing to the State Department:

As an AIDS counselor, Jason Hair-Wynn wants to bring his expertise to Africa, a continent that has been ravaged by the disease.

But when the Attleboro resident recently applied for a new passport so he could go to Africa, he learned the U.S. State Department would not recognize his new hyphenated name because he is a gay man married to another man.

He said the State Department said it was prohibited from recognizing his new name by the Defense of Marriage Act.

"We are unable to comply with your request for a name change based on the documentation you sent because of the Defense of Marriage Act …," the letter states.

The missive goes on to remind Hair-Wynn that federal agencies define marriage as between "one man and one woman". God, isn't federalism wonderful?

Senator Hillary Clinton likes to paint herself as an experienced Washington political warrior, and definitely looked for the same in her staff. That said, National Director of LGBT Outreach Mark Walsh may be the best gay for the campaign's queer needs.

Though a lawyer by training, Walsh has devoted much of his adult life to getting the gay into Washington. He's worked with former Congressman Marty Meehan, who stepped down last year after taking a hard line against Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

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