WATCH: Rick Santorum believes Gays should NOT have "Privileges"

Rundown: Gay Rights in the States

In Montana, attempt to overturn a Missoula city ordinance that protects gay folks from discrimination failed.

The Senate Local Government Committee passed House Bill 516 last week. But the bill was returned to the committee Tuesday and chairman Sen. Jon Sonju says it is doubtful the measure will go to the Senate floor.

Sonju says he moved the measure back to committee because it doesn't have the support of Senate leaders.

The proposal, carried by Republican Rep. Kristin Hansen, drew lengthy testimony during its hearings in the House and Senate.

Supporters said the bill would overturn an unconstitutional ordinance that infringes on the state's authority.

Opponents said the measure is targeted against the gay community and interferes with local governments' ability to govern.

 In Colorado, the civil unions bill passes in Senate

Three Republicans joined all Democrats in supporting the measure Thursday following a second round of emotional debate.

More Republicans went to the podium to speak about the bill than they did Wednesday when only one party member voiced opposition. They emphasized their concerns that civil unions would undermine marriage and go against the wishes of voters. Voters rejected a domestic partnership referendum in 2006 and also banned gay marriage the same year.

Senate Bill 172 would grant same-sex couples several rights similar to married couples, including the ability to be involved in their partner's medical decisions and it would enhance inheritance rights.
The bill now heads to the House.

The Obama Administration demands the United Nation's Support for Gay Rights

The Obama administration is stepping to the plate by issuing a statement tasking for the UN's support to stop discrimination against gays and lesbians around the world. This is a big step, y'all.

The U.S. declaration was made Tuesday, March 22 at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and had the support of more than 80 countries. Although it is not in the form of binding resolution, the American push for U.N. action has helped win over a handful of new countries to the cause. A resolution could be brought to a vote later this year.


The issue of gay rights has polarized nations at the U.N. for years. And despite growing acceptance for LGBT lifestyles in Western nations and parts of Latin America, lawyers say there is still a gap in human rights treaties for the protection of gays against discrimination and mistreatment.


"We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested, and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Suzanne Nossel, deputy assistant secretary of state for international organizations. "This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated."


The U.S. document calls for nations to end any criminal punishments against lesbians, gays, and bisexuals, and asks the global body to review how governments treat them in the U.N.’s human rights assessments. It acknowledges that "these are sensitive issues for many," but insists that people must be freed from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.

Feeling it.

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Interesting Quote: Coretta Scott King

"Like Martin, I don't believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others."

That's what Coretta told black church leaders unwilling to support gay rights.


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