labor unions

The United Federation of Teachers, which claims more than 200,000 members, is calling for the passage of marriage equality legislation before the legislative session ends in the next few weeks. UFT joins other labor organizations that support the marriage equality bill including 32BJ, Communications Workers of America District 1, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, Teamsters Local 237, Affiliates of the New York City Central Labor Council, and 1199 SEIU.

Ohio lawmakers are making headlines with a much-discussed bill challenging labor unions, but Think Progress has uncovered an antigay section of the bill defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. Ohio has already banned marriage equality, which Think Progress’ Zaid Jilani says makes this language “either redundant and spiteful or aimed at preventing the recognition of equal benefits to same-sex couples by means other than marriage.

San Francisco's Union Square See’s Candies kiosk failed to give equal benefits for domestic partnerships as for spouses, which does not comply with the San Francisco Equal Rights Ordinance. See’s opted to not update it’s policy to give equal benefits to gay and lesbian couples, and thus vacated.

President Bill Clinton endorsed marriage equality legislation in New York as it appears increasingly likely that lawmakers will vote on the measure by June. “Our nation's permanent mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ - deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community,” said Clinton.

The first statewide TV ad for marriage equality premiered in New York on Thursday, and Freedom to Marry, part of the New Yorkers United for Marriage coalition, is asking Americans everywhere to help keep the ads on the air by making a $10 donation.

Jerry Brown has won his third term as governor of California, defeating billionaire Republican opponent Meg Whitman in the most expensive race in state history, the Los Angeles Times reports. He will succeed outgoing governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In debates leading up to Election Day the two candidates sparred over immigration, government waste, and education. But it was their opposing stances on Proposition 8, which amended California's constitution to ban same-sex marriage, that drew the attention of state gay organizations and many LGBT voters.

Last week certainly was a political week for the record books. Barack Obama is now our president. Kirsten Gillibrand is now New York's junior Senator, filling Sec. of State Hillary Clinton's Seat. And, Joe Bruno? He's on his way to becoming a footnote in New York's political history.

A federal judge ensures the Family and Medical Leave Act will not apply to legally-wed same-sex couples who lives in states without marriage equality.

Australian finance minister Penny Wong, the first openly gay member of the federal cabinet, announced that she and her partner are expecting a baby, a development with potential to affect the dynamics of the marriage equality debate. The Australian Associated Press reports that Wong’s partner Sophie Allouache is expected to give birth to the baby conceived through in vitro fertilization in December, around the same time the Australian Labor Party is scheduled to discuss marriage equality at its annual conference.

Cottrell was a key contributor to On Our Backs and a cinematographer for erotic films.

Jane Addams Hull House Association, the Chicago social services agency founded 122 years ago by legendary (and most likely lesbian) progressive activist Addams, ceased operations Friday due to lack of funds.

Ireland appears poised to follow Scotland and may soon become the 18th country to legalize marriage for same-sex couples.

A photo exhibit celebrates those who crossed gender lines to serve in the Civil War.

Following several hours of often emotional testimony, the Minnesota State Senate voted in favor of marriage equality Monday. The final vote was 37-30.