Queer Visalia

I have two more things, and then I promise I’m done (for today).

First, this, from the ruling:

…we conclude that retention of the traditional definition of marriage does not constitute a state interest sufficiently compelling, under the strict scrutiny equal protection standard, to justify withholding that status from same-sex couples.

Since the Hawaii Supreme Court heard the first of these suits in 1993, we have lost once that I can remember, in Washington state. The Attorneys General of at least four states (HI, VT, MA, CA) have failed to formulate an argument that demonstrates “compelling state interest”. When we consider the amount of money and brain-power the Right has pumped into this issue, it’s amazing that it took ten years for them to figure out that there is no compelling state interest, and that they will only win using state constitutional amendments.
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The complete ruling is here. (Warning: 172 page PDF) 

The following excerpt, with paragraphs added for ease of reading, is posted at DailyKos.com.

After carefully evaluating the pertinent considerations in the present case, we conclude that the state interest in limiting the designation of marriage exclusively to opposite-sex couples, and in excluding same-sex couples from access to that designation, cannot properly be considered a compelling state interest for equal protection purposes.

To begin with, the limitation clearly is not necessary to preserve the rights and benefits of marriage currently enjoyed by opposite-sex couples. Extending access to the designation of marriage to same-sex couples will not deprive any opposite-sex couple or their children of any of the rights and benefits conferred by the marriage statutes, but simply will make the benefit of the marriage designation available to same-sex couples and their children. …

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http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?p=1342

SAN FRANCISCO: In an historic decision today, the California Supreme Court ruled that same-gender couples deserve the freedom to marry under California law. The landmark ruling makes California the first state in the nation to give lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people full equality.

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released the following statement today regarding the state Supreme Court’s ruling on same-sex marriage:“I respect the Court’s decision and as Governor, I will uphold its ruling.  Also, as I have said in the past, I will not support an amendment to the constitution that would overturn this state Supreme Court ruling.” 

Well, in less than two hours Queer Visalia’s second Pink Tuesday at The Depot will kick off.  We have our very own drink specials from 6pm to 9pm and they are yummy!

Check these out:

1.  Cosmos…$3  (My personal favorite…because it’s PINK!)

2.  White Russians…$3

3.  Kamikazes…$3

And for you beer drinkers out there we’re working on getting some draft specials too!  Come join us for a cocktail and free appetizers from 6pm to 7pm every Tuesday at The Depot from 6pm to 9pm!  Hope to see you there! 

So last night was Visalia’s first Pink Tuesday, our local gay happy hour event!  We had 22 people show to enjoy free appetizers from 6pm to 7pm, the event runs until 9pm.  There are three great drink specials for us in honor of Pink Tuesday…$3 Kamakazis, White Russians, and Cosmopolitans!  Here are some pics I snapped of some really cool, brave queers…lol.  Hope to see you next Tuesday!

Click on the link below to see more pics…

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I love Sam Harris.

You of steel guts, rest here.

Here are some pics that were taken by Mikey Garcia from the last Meet & Greet social that I totally forgot to post.  I stumbled across them again today and I wanted to get them up anyway.  Enjoy! 

Click on the link below to see more…

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