Jerry's Weekly Update on the Fight for Marriage Equality
Full Edition Available at: http://home.comcast.net/~SSCIVILRIGHTS/newsletter.htm

June 24th, Edition 

Friends,

We are now in the overtime minutes on our fight for equality, and our efforts are making progress.  We have a BIG THANK YOU owed to our friends in the Attleboro, MA area near the RI border.  They have recently met with a representative (outside of their own  district) and just may have changed his vote to our side. WE STILL NEED MORE VOTES TO WIN! Please use this news as motivation to give more more final burst of effort before the scheduled July 12 vote.  

If we all gather some reserved energy and make one more effort, we just might win this fight.  The problem is that many people are tired and beginning to give up... that means, the only way we can win this, is if each and every person on this distribution sends an equality-reminder to their legislators AND gets at least one friend to do the same.

Our adversaries continue to hit the airwaves with radio advertisements on right-wing programming, urging listeners to call the state house.  Church services continue to preach the same message of intolerance.  MassEquality has now launched its own campaign on our behalf but is looking for funds to keep it running.  PLEASE CONSIDER donating (tax-deductible) eductation funds so that television and newspaper ads can reach the homes of MA residents and our legislators.  (CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE)

My local, Quincy area is in desperate need of your support.  We have the largest number of same-sex marriages in the area, but all except one legislator are currently supporting the bigoted petition (focus and pressure is needed on Senator Morrissey and Representatives Ayers, Tobin and Driscoll).  

Please consider car-pooling with friends to support the following MassEquality events:

PLEASE PARTICIPATE in these upcoming MassEquality events in Quincy:

Tuesday, June 27:
 St. Chrysostom’s Church on 1 Linden Street in Quincy, MassEquality is having an organizing meeting at 6:30 PM. They will be discussing the upcoming constitutional convention, ways individuals can make a difference and events in the Quincy area.

Sunday, July 9:
 MassEquality will be collecting signatures to send to legislators at Nickerson Beach (120 Dorchester St in North Quincy) at 12:00 PM.  They will be meeting at the beach entrance

 

Its not too late to TAKE FURTHER ACTION!
NEWSPAPER "LETTERS TO THE EDITOR" 
In the cases where friends do not have the time, I (we) WILL WRITE EDITORIALS FOR YOU.  I'll work with other friends that are still available for authoring and editing assistance. All you will need to do is edit at will and submit to your local papers.  The Patriot Ledger in particular is in need of attention as it is the paper that speaks directly to the legislators that need attention. 
  
 
MAIL PHOTOS TO LEGISLATORS
We need to  STEP IT UP A NOTCH BY MAILING PHOTOS OF THOSE IN SUPPORT OF CIVIL MARRIAGE EQUALITY. Lets show our elected officials the face of people in need of support as well as photos of voters in their districts that support equality.

 
WE STILL NEED MORE VOTES... 

If your legislators are already on our side then contact others who are "on the fence" I am trying to get a list of those who might be swayed, from our contacts at MassEquality. Until then, PLEASE CONTACT Senate President Travaglini, and House Speaker DiMasi.  These two have legislative influence in the House and Senate and can make a big difference. 

Three other legislators of focus are right here in my town of Quincy.  In order of importance: Senator Michael Morrissey, Representative Bruce Ayers, and Representative Stephen Tobin.  
 
Editorial Watch: 
The table below will track all negative editorial letters in need of response.  We should try to gain 2 editorials in our favor for every 1 against.

Local Media
Write to the media
closest to you

 Recent Opposition
in need of your Response
 		 Recent Support
of Equality
 

State-Wide & Boston
Boston Globe:
Send Editorial
 

NEW:  Considering the ex-gay movement (both opinions)

NEW:  Clash over gay marriage

NEW:  He won't be intimidated by website

A civil debate on gay marriage - The Boston Globe

Make room for 'bias' in adoption

Same-sex rights and bedtime rites

 NEW:  Considering the ex-gay movement (both opinions)

NEW:  Clash over gay marriage

NEW:  Gay-marriage foe goes public 

Gay marriage, so what?

Lexington and discord

Re: the bedroom, it's none of your concern

Citizenship policies and same-sex partners

 
State-Wide & Boston
The Boston Herald:
Send Editorial
 		  
South Shore MA
The Patriot Ledger: 
Send Editorial
 		 NEW:  Allow citizens to vote on marriage amendment

Let the people vote on gay marriage

Rev. Swanson’s courage

Contact lawmakers on marriage proposal

Quincy church banner an ‘in-your-face’ disgrace

Church banner insulting

Let the people vote on marriage amendment

Pro-gay marriage crowd shows its hypocrisy

Another attack on the Catholic Church

READER’S VIEW: Catholic Charities

READER'S VIEW: Gay rights winning at expense of children’s rights

 

 NEW:  Rights of minorities (THANKS JOE!)

NEW:  Same-sex marriage a civil, not religious, issue

What it means to be married, a mom and gay

We needs to defend, not amend the constitution

Civil marriage is a legal matter, not a sacred one

Preserve same-sex marriage in state (Thanks Jim! )
 (I got a word in too!)

Gauging the ability of parents, gay or otherwise 
(Thanks Laurie!)

Church banner

Anti-gay forces trying to desecrate our Constitution

Religion in America

Catholic hierarchy to blame in adoption issue

Civil rights have grown since John Adams’ time (Thanks ED!)

 
Brockton/Taunton Area 
The Enterprise:
Send Editorial
 		    
Plymouth Area
Old Colonial Memorial:
Send an Editorial
 		    
Attleboro Area
The Sun Chronicle: 
Send an Editorial
  		 THIS NEEDS A RESPONSE!:
 NEW:  LETTER: Please enlighten me on why gay marriage is legal		 LETTER: Stand up to opponents of gay marriage rights (Thanks JOE!)
Fall River Area
The Herald News: 
Send an Editorial
  		    
Taunton Area
Taunton Gazette: 
Send an Editorial
 		    

Carver Area MA
Carver Reporter 

Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester, Areas
The Sentinel

Wareham Area
Wareham Courier

Send Editorials for above media to Editor: Tamson Burgess
 

    

Duxbury Reporter, Halifax Reporter, Marshfield Reporter, Pembroke Reporter 
Send to Editor Scott Smith
 

    

Kingston Reporter 
Send to Editor: Charles Mathewson
Kingston Area MA

    
     

 

LOCAL MA HEADLINES:

Needham couple in public eye about same-sex marriage, adoption 

Catholic priest and Episcopal Bishop offer gays encouragement

Happy Fathers' Day
Our governor says gay parenting is "not right," but we're not about to shield Lily from his world.

Lexington culture clash continues

Radio campaign launched against gay marriage

  
  
OTHER NATION/WORLD-WIDE STORIES AT:

  
Previous issues are also listed on the online copy of this Newsletter (click to view)

6/17/2006: Macy's CEO apologizes as an anti-gay radio campaign is launched in MA.

6/12/2006: Anti-gay group wins PR success by stealing positive attention away from Gay-Pride. - AND US Senate strikes down FEDERAL marriage amendment.

6/3/2006: Senate to vote on Federal "Marriage Protection" amendment, promoted by Bush!.

5/27/2006: Pro-Rights Complacency remains a serious problem in MA.

5/21/2006: Procedural options in our favor publicized.

5/13/2006: 2006 Con-con delayed to July 12.

5/6/2006: SJC hears amendment case.

4/29/2006: ANOTHER marriage ambush in Quincy.

4/22/2006: May 10th nearly here, another forum scheduled in Quincy.

4/14/2006: Testimonies Heard at Legislative hearing.

4/7/2006: Legislative hearing  to address the petitioned marriage amendment has just been announced!.

3/30/2006: STEP UP AND TAKE ACTION-TIME IS RUNNING OUT TO DEFEAT THE MA MARRIAGE AMENDMENT.

3/26/2006: Quincy, HRC Marriage Forum FIASCO.

3/18/2006: Please take action at this critical time. 3 easy steps to make a BIG difference.

3/9/2006: NEW FORMAT TO JERRY's NEWSLETTER - FOCUS ON MA ATTACKS.

3/2/2006: Criminal Probe Into Alleged Anti-Gay MA Amendment Forgeries

2/23/2006: "Church of the Presidents" wants to unfurl huge pro-gay marriage banner

2/16/2006: New nationwide amendment to US Constitution introduced

2/9/2006: President Bush Grants Millions Of US Tax Dollars To Anti-Gay, Religious Initiatives 

2/2/2006: Heroic, Coretta Scott King dies 

1/27/2006: MassEquality uncovers over 2000 cases of petition fraud 
(including the names a a prominent civil rights lawyer and local NBC Sportscaster)

1/20/2006: 2006 Election Preview: New England focuses on gay marriage.

1/12/2006: MA Marriage Opponents Propose Limited Partner Benefits In Order To Strengthen Marriage Ban.

 

1/5/2006: GLAD Files Suit Asserting MA Anti-Marriage Ballot Question Is Unconstitutional.

12/29/2005: Bitter Battle Predicted Overt Mass. Anti-Gay Amendment.

12/22/2005: HELP IDENTIFY FRAUDULENT SIGNATURES.

12/15/2005: ROLLBACK OF MARRIAGE RIGHTS IS NOW POSSIBLE IN MA.

12/1/2005: South Africa Legalizes Gay Marriage & Canada's Government Toppled.

11/17/2005: As Our biggest MA Democrat Opponent Steps Down, The Republican Party Steps Up Attack..

11/10/2005: Mixed Elections Results are encouraging

11/3/2005: Mass. Moves To Halt Fraud In Anti-Gay Measure!

10/19/2005: Supporters, foes of gay marriage in MA trade dirty tricks charges!

10/14/2005: Petition gatherers & clergy gather 25,000 signatures in just one weekend!!

10/7/2005: Petition gatherers & clergy gather 25,000 signatures in just one weekend!!

9/29/2005: Bishops of MA push their congregations to sign the Citizen's Petition to roll-back civil rights!

9/23/2005: MA BIGOTED PETITION BEGINS!

9/15/2005: WE WON!  MA Marriage Amendment DEFEATED!

9/8/2005: A Week of hope then DEVASTATION

9/1/2005: Mass GOP Gov. Romney Pressures Dem. AG To Certify Anti-Gay Petition Driven

8/25/2005: JERRY'S 1st YEAR ANNIVERSARY & MA plans second vote on marriage ban

8/19/2005: MA State Rep Changes vote on Marriage Amendment to "NO"

8/11/2005: U.S. poll: 
Support grows for gay marriage

8/4/2005: HELP! Equality Is Under Major Attack!

7/28/2005: TIME TO START GETTING ACTIVE AGAIN!

7/21/2005: CANADA MAKES IT OFFICIAL!

7/14/2005: CA STATE SENATE REVIVES MARRIAGE BILL!

7/7/2005: Oregon Senate Passes Civil Union Bill!

6/30/2005: Spain and Canada both Legalize same-sex marriage!

 

6/23/2005: California gay marriage bill may return soon

6/16/2005: Romney to Back a New More Extreme Plan to Ban Gay Marriage

6/9/2005: Civil Unions Bill Heads to Senate

6/2/2005: California Bill to Legalize Gay Marriage Dies

5/26/2005: SJC Justice Marshal defends courts

5/19/2005: 1 FULL YEAR OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE & NO APOCALYPSE!

5/12/2005: John Kerry speaks out against equality!

5/5/2005: ANOTHER COURT CHALLENGE AGAINST MA MARRIAGE.

4/28/2005: CA Gay Marriage Bill Clears One Hurdle.

4/21/2005: CT Signs Civil Unions into Law.

4/14/2005: 3,000 MARRIAGES TAKEN AWAY.

4/7/2005: KS state votes for total discrimination.

3/31/2005: Maine House passes gay rights bill.

3/24/2005: New national Marriage amendment returns to U.S. House.

3/17/2005: California judge rejects same-sex marriage law.

3/10/2005: Joe Solmonese Named Human Rights Campaign President.

3/3/2005: MA Gov. Romney Attacks Gay Families, Angers Parents.

2/24/2005: The Pope calls gay marriage 'evil'.

2/17/2005: MA to delay 2005 gay marriage vote.

2/10/2005: Three more states finalize amendments

2/3/2005: "I support a constitutional amendment to protect the institution of marriage."- George W Bush

1/27/2005: FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT PROPOSAL IS BACK

1/20/2005: White House Again Backs Amendment on Marriage

1/13/2005: Gay Marriage Tops Vatican’s 2005 Agenda

1/6/2005: 2005 kicks off civil rights granted & refused

12/23/2004: "equal" rights in CA begins January 1st

12/16/2004: Marriage reversal case begins in OR

12/9/2004: Canada & New Zealand grant marriage & union rights

12/2/2004: Supreme Court Declines Ma Gay Marriage Case

11/26/2004: ACLU Drops Marriage Case

11/18/2004: SS Marriage Ruling 1yr Later

11/11/2004: No marriage Backlash in Ma

11/4/2004: Dealing with the bad news!

10/28/2004: Last chance to spread the word...VOTE!

10/21/2004: Ohio's anti-gay "Issue 1" campaign gets ugly.

10//142004: La. marriage ban goes to state high court.

10//72004: LA Amendment is THROWN OUT.

9/30/2004: BUB-BYE Bigoted MA House Speaker.

9/23/2004: L.A. VOTES TOTAL DISCRIMINATION

9/16/2004: Primary elections victories for pro- equality candidates, but not for Jerry's.

9/9/2004: House is back in session, to debate marriage again!

9/2/2004: Tell Bush "YOU'RE FIRED"

8/26/2004: JERRY IS MARRIED!!!

8/19/2004: MA Supreme Court Judge rules in favor of discriminatory law!

8/12/2004: California High Court Voids Same-Sex Marriages!

8/05/2004: ANOTHER MAJOR SETBACK & ANOTHER SMALL WIN.

7/29/2004: MAJOR SETBACK!
Discriminatory Marriage Protection Act Passed by a Vote of 233 to 194

7/21/2004: GOP HAS MOVED THE MARRIAGE DEBATE TO THE HOUSE AND EXPECTS TO WIN

7/15/2004: The US SENATE SHOOTS DOWN THE FEDERAL MARRIAGE AMENDMENT!    But,..

7/08/2004: Court Date Set In Mass. Out-Of-State Weddings Case

6/30/2004: Federal appeals court denies attempt to block same-sex weddings 

6/24/2004: Romney urges federal ban on gay-marriage 'experiment'

6/17/2004: Gay marriage opponents gear up for fall.

6/9/2004: Tell Mitt Romney To Stop His Anti-Gay Crusade.

5/27/2004: Governor Romney is BOOed at Suffolk Commencement Ceremony!

5/20/2004: WE CAN MARRY!!!

5/13/2004: Judge refuses to stop gay marriages!!!

5/7/2004: Boston may ignore governor's directive on gay marriage

4/30/2004: Governor Aims to Limit Marriage to Mass. Residents, GLAD Offers Perspective

4/22/2004: I'm featured in today's paper  :-) HORRIBLE PICTURE!

4/13/2004: LETTER FROM QUINCY'S HERO: REP RONALD MARIANO

4/8/2004: Quincy's Rep Mariano Changes Vote to Support Civil Rights!

4/1/2004: CIVIL RIGHTS SETBACK IN MA