Brian Brown Cheers Mike Huckabee For Threatening To Leave GOP Over Marriage

"Governor Huckabee is exactly right and is speaking for millions of Americans who are sick of Republican elitists remaining silent and refusing to fight for the survival of marriage, the principal building block of society and the foundation of civilization. Republicans who remain silent on marriage do so at their own peril and risk losing elections across the country. If conservatives see Republican candidates fail to lead on marriage — or worse, come out in favor of redefining marriage — then conservatives will abandon those candidates. We are grateful for those leaders who have spoken out to condemn the Supreme Court for their unprincipled and outrageous decision to allow the redefinition of marriage to occur in these states. We are prepared to work tirelessly to support them and others who lead in the fight to preserve marriage. But Governor Huckabee is right. If more Republican leaders do not speak up and join the fight, then millions of conservatives will abandon them and join with officials who will fight. Marriage is on the line in our country, and it's time for people to get off the bench and into the battle." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, posting yesterday to NOM's blog.

CNN On Carl DeMaio Scandal

Last night CNN ran an extensive look into the sexual harassment scandal that is rocking the US House campaign of San Diego homocon Carl DeMaio. Talking Points Memo recaps CNN's report:

Republican Congressional Candidate Carl DeMaio, running in California's 52nd Congressional District, allegedly once asked a campaign staffer to come into his office and when the staffer did DeMaio, whose back was turned, turned around and masturbated in front of the staffer. That's according to Todd Bosnich, a former staffer for the DeMaio campaign, who detailed the allegations of alleged sexual harassment against the Republican candidate, which included making inappropriate advances, massaging and kissing his neck, and groping, in an interview with CNN that aired Friday afternoon. "I saw his hand —— his penis in his hand," Bosnich said when describing the incident. "He had a smile on his face. And as soon as I came over, he was looking at me." "So there was no mistaking what was happening?" CNN's Chris Frates asked. "There was no mistaking whatsoever," Bosnich said. DeMaio and the candidate's campaign has strongly denied Bosnich's accusations.

Watch the full report below.

Happy National Coming Out Day

Today is the 26th annual National Coming Out Day, which was launched in 1988 on the first anniversary of 1987 March On Washington. In the words of Dr. Seuss: "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is you-er than you." Is there anyone important in your life that doesn't know about you? Today might be the day to be you-er with them.

Raleigh Archbishop Has The Marriage Sadz

"While saddened to learn of today’s ruling overturning the marriage amendment, the occasion provides an opportunity to convey two important teachings of our Church. First, the Church has always taught, and will always teach, that every person is created in the image and likeness of God and, thus, has a dignity which must always be respected and upheld. There are no exceptions.

"Second, the Church has always taught, and will always teach, God’s law revealed to us in Sacred Scripture and in our Tradition: that marriage is the permanent and faithful union of one man and one woman. This unique bond is open to the procreation of children for the good of all society. This firmly held belief from throughout history does not in any way negate the teaching regarding the dignity owed to each and every human person.

"Thus, as I said on the day the NC Marriage Amendment was passed in 2012, this is not a day for one side to claim victory. Instead, this is a day for all of us to renew our commitment to live in harmony as God’s family. For Catholics, while we are called to never compromise the beliefs we treasure and celebrate, we must always respect and love all people as God’s sons and daughters." - Raleigh Archbishop Michael Burbidge, who campaigned vigorously in support of Amendment One.

VIDEO: In the 2012 clip below, Burbidge urges all North Carolina Catholics to vote for Amendment One. Burbidge: "It can never be acceptable for those who stand up for the traditional definition of marriage to be judged, slandered, or forced to compromise the beliefs which they embrace without reservation or apology. No form of discrimination can be tolerated."

Celebrations In North Carolina

Sad News: Beloved JMG Community Member Betty "Birdie" Salwak Has Died

It's my heartbroken duty to let you know that beloved JMG community member Betty Salwak, known to many of you here as Birdie, passed away today of the breast cancer she battled for the last several years. As some of you know, Betty served as JMG's volunteer behind-the-scenes copy editor, cheerfully correcting my typos, misspellings, and inelegant syntax, for which I thanked her profusely in my New Year's posts every year.

Betty fought her illness with extraordinary candor, optimism, and humor - even in the face of the recent unanticipated setback that surprised everyone. Evidence of that can be found on her Facebook page, where her profile photo today is a bald Mona Lisa. When it became apparent that further hospital treatment would be useless, early this week Betty decided on in-home hospice care after being told she would have 30-60 relatively pain-free days until the end. That end, tragically, came after only two days.

As you can see by the photo above, Betty was a straight Christian, but as rare as our allies in that world seem to be sometimes, Betty was no mere keyboard warrior. She served as the secretary for the Indianapolis PFLAG chapter and as the coordinator of children's ministries at her local LGBT-welcoming Presbyterian Church. In addition, she was an ardent supporter of the Indiana LGBT Youth Group, for whom she battled as anti-gay factions fought to prevent them from issuing a fundraising Indiana state license plate. When that fight was finally won, Betty was ecstatic. And I'm told that she was thrilled on Monday when marriage equality came at last to her home state.

Betty was first directed to JMG about eight years ago while searching for stories about the early years of the plague, as it had taken her own brother many years ago. It was her brother's treatment by some members of her family that initially fueled Betty's activism and she and I shared many stories about those dark, dark years. Five years ago Betty became an occasional writer for the Bilerico Project. Her first post there revealed her passion. An excerpt:

I came to realize that it was time for me to step up and stand against what I knew was a gross injustice. I was seeing people who claimed to be Christians spewing hateful invective in the name of God against people who were gay. Those malevolent tirades are far and away the loudest shouts being heard by the LGBT community. The only other voice nearly as loud says there is no God.

Those people have nothing to do with the loving God I know, the One whose grace and unconditional love is for all people, just as they are, just as he made them to be. Unfortunately, the voices with that message have been a mere whisper in the wind. It was time to stand and be heard. But how could I get anyone to heed me? I had a lot to learn. I needed to know more about the gay community.

About three years ago a gay friend linked me to my first blog; it was by some guy who called himself "Joe.My.God." Well. Joe's blog was (and is) intelligent, moving, funny, informative, and very very angry at Christians. Links from his blog led me to more, and over the past three years I have developed some genuine and important friendships with gay, lesbian, and even a few straight bloggers. Those Internet friends have been wonderful in sharing their wisdom, insights and feelings. I feel privileged to know them and have been lucky enough to meet a few.

I have learned of the anguish of rejection and the stinging betrayal experienced by those raised in churches which call them "objectively disordered," sinners, even abominations. I've read far too many times of self-destructiveness and even suicides by young people who could not reconcile their faith with the person God made them to be. This has to stop.

I am convinced that the vast majority of straight Christians are ignorant of the terrible impact of their silence, that they would speak up about their support if they knew it would literally save lives. I am doing everything in my power to tell them that this is the time. It is my fervent hope that the civil victory that is imminent will eventually be shared by most churches during my lifetime.

Betty leaves a husband, two adult children, and hundreds of friends in our community, both in real life and online. Many here on JMG became her Facebook friends, proof of which was clear tonight as so many of you wrote to share your grief at Betty's passing. Please consider dropping by her Facebook page. I will let you know if the Salwak family is directing donations to any of Betty's favorite causes.

Our own Father Tony was particularly close with Betty and I'll close this sad, sad post with the portrait he made during her Fort Lauderdale visit with him in March while enjoying a period of remission. Thank you, Birdie. This world could use a few million more of you.

IDAHO: Gov. Butch Otter Surrenders, Marriage Licenses Issued In One County

"The Supreme Court’s order lifting Justice Kennedy’s stay effectively allows same-sex marriage in Idaho as soon as the 9th Circuit directs compliance with its decision. I disagree with the court’s conclusion, which negates the 2006 vote of the people of Idaho, is contrary to the values of most Idahoans, and undermines fundamental states’ rights. But we are a nation of laws. Idaho now should proceed with civility and in an orderly manner to comply with any forthcoming order from the 9th Circuit." - Gov. Butch Otter.

The Spokesman Review reports that one Idaho county has issued marriage licenses without waiting for the formal order from the Ninth Circuit.

Latah County has now issued three marriage licenses to same-sex couples, and three more are waiting; the clerk’s office there closes in 11 minutes. “I think there’s going to be six when we finish,” said county Clerk Susan Petersen. She said she believes Latah is the only county that decided to issue licenses this afternoon. “We were given a directive to wait for the written mandate from the 9th Circuit and to keep in contact with our prosecuting attorneys,” she said, “and our prosecuting attorney’s office gave me the opinion that I needed to proceed with the marriage licenses.” She said her office attracted a crowd this afternoon, and she described the mood among the crowd as “very jubilant.”

Latah County is home to the University of Idaho.

ALASKA: Ruling In Today's Marriage Case Hearing Could Come As Soon As Monday

Via the Alaska Dispatch:

U.S. District Court Judge Timothy Burgess heard the arguments Friday, though he had no immediate ruling on the issue. Plaintiffs have asked for summary judgment in the case, which challenges Alaska's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. If overturned, same-sex couples in Alaska could seek marriage licenses. Burgess' ruling could come as soon as Monday. In a packed federal courtroom Friday, attorneys in Hamby v. Parnell both argued their cases for why Alaska’s marriage ban should be either upheld or overturned. Five couples sued the state in May, saying their equal protection and due process rights are violated since they cannot legally be married or have their marriages recognized in Alaska. Alaska was one of the first states to explicitly ban same sex marriage, in 1998, when voters approved a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between one man and one woman.

Monday is a federal holiday, but as we've seen multiple times in recent weeks, federal judges don't seem to care much about regular office hours.

Finally Married After 41 Years!

Betty Mack and Carol Taylor of #asheville, partners of 41 years, show off their marriage certificate. #DayOneNC pic.twitter.com/Xgnfw21ku7
— Casey Blake (@CaseyBlakeACT) October 10, 2014

KANSAS: State Supreme Court Stops Marriage Licenses In Johnson County

Via the Associated Press:

The Kansas Supreme Court has blocked the state's most populous county from issuing marriage licenses to gay couples, hours after the first one was issued under an order from a lower-court judge. The Supreme Court issued a three-page order in response to a petition filed by Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. The high court said it acted for "statewide consistency." The Supreme Court set a hearing for Nov. 6. Schmidt argued that the chief district court judge in Johnson County exceeded his authority in ordering clerks and other judges to approve marriage applications from gay couples, despite a ban on gay marriage in the state constitution.

Unsurprising.

UPDATE: More to the story from Buzzfeed.

In response to a request from the Kansas attorney general earlier Friday, the court issued the Friday evening order refusing to grant the attorney general’s request for an immediate order that the licenses could not be issued — noting that “the Attorney General’s right to relief on the merits is not clear.” Instead, the Kansas Supreme Court granted the temporary stay and set a schedule for a full briefing of the issues involved — including the question of “whether Kansas’ state constitutional, statutory, or common law bans on same-sex marriage are permissible under the United States Constitution.”

And Now...A Moment Of Silence

Actually, FUCK that. Party on Tarheels!

First North Carolina Couple Gets License!

First marriage license granted to #LGBT couple in NC! Congrats Amy and Lauren. #DayOneNC #MarriageEquality pic.twitter.com/rmYpqr3H20
— CSE (@CSElive) October 10, 2014

UPDATE: And they're married!

NINTH New Wikipedia Map This Week

Marriages are happening immediately in the two affected North Carolina counties, which comprise over 1.2M residents. In Idaho, we await the formality of a mandate from the Ninth Circuit, just as we did yesterday afternoon in Nevada.

NORTH CAROLINA: Federal Court Issues Limited Strikedown Of Marriage Ban

Matt Comer reports at Q Notes:

A federal judge in North Carolina’s Western District has issued an order permanently prohibiting defendants in a United Church of Christ lawsuit against North Carolina’s anti-LGBT amendment from enforcing the ban. Additionally, the judge denied Republican state leaders’ motion to intervene in the case. U.S. District Court Judge Max O. Cogburn, Jr., issued his two orders shortly after 5 p.m.  “Defendants are PERMANENTLY ENJOINED from enforcing such laws to the extent these laws prohibit a person from marrying another person of the same gender, prohibit recognition of same-sex marriages lawfully solemnized in other States, Territories, or a District of the United States, or seek to punish in any way clergy or other officiants who solemnize the union of same-sex couples,” Cogburn wrote. It appears Cogburn’s order applies only to those defendants named in the case — including registers of deeds in Mecklenburg and Buncombe counties.

This is NOT the same court hearing the GOP attempt.

Read the full ruling.  Story developing...

BREAKING: Idaho! Idaho! Idaho!

And we get our NINTH state after all!

UPDATE: From the National Center for Lesbian Rights.

Today, the Supreme Court of the United States rejected a request by State of Idaho officials to put on hold the federal appeals court decision that struck down as unconstitutional Idaho’s laws prohibiting marriage by same-sex couples. The Supreme Court’s decision allows the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to enter an order allowing its October 7th decision in the Idaho case to go into effect. Upon entry of such an order by the Ninth Circuit, the State of Idaho would be required to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples immediately.

On October 7th, the Ninth Circuit ruled 3-0 that Idaho’s ban on the freedom to marry for same-sex couples violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantee of equal protection. Later that day, the Ninth Circuit ordered that its decision take effect immediately, which would have required Idaho to begin issuing marriage licenses the following morning.

On October 8th, United States Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy temporarily stayed the Ninth Circuit’s decision in response to a request by State of Idaho officials to keep that decision from taking effect while the state officials either ask for further review of the case by a larger panel of Ninth Circuit judges or ask the Supreme Court to review the case. Today’s decision by the Supreme Court rejected that request and cleared the way for the Ninth Circuit to enter an order allowing its decision to take effect.

The four couples who successfully challenged Idaho’s ban on marriage for same-sex couples in the Ninth Circuit are represented by Boise attorneys Deborah A. Ferguson and Craig Durham of Ferguson Durham, PLLC, Deanne Maynard and Marc Hearron of the law firm of Morrison & Foerster, LLP, and the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR).

So we wait for the formality from the Ninth Circuit.

NORTH CAROLINA: Federal Court Denies GOP Demand For Oral Arguments UPDATE: No Ruling Will Come Today

Cardinal Raymond Burke: Families Should Not Expose Kids To Evil Gay Relatives

Jeremy Hooper has some of the transcript at Good As You:

“If homosexual relations are intrinsically disordered, which indeed they are — reason teaches us that and also our faith — then, what would it mean to grandchildren to have present at a family gathering a family member who is living [in] a disordered relationship with another person?”..."We wouldn’t, if it were another kind of relationship — something that was profoundly disordered and harmful — we wouldn't expose our children to that relationship, to the direct experience of it. And neither should we do it in the context of a family member who not only suffers from same-sex attraction, but who has chosen to live out that attraction, to act upon it, committing acts which are always and everywhere wrong, evil.”

KANSAS: Attorney General Derek Schmidt Asks Court To Block Johnson County Marriage Licenses As First Couple Weds

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today asked the state Supreme Court to block same-sex marriage licenses in Johnson County.  A lawsuit demanding that Kansas recognize out-of-state marriages was filed in December 2013, but there is presently no challenge to the Kansas ban itself.

Schmidt argues that Chief District Judge Kevin Moriarty exceeded his authority when he directed the court clerk to issue the marriage licenses this week. The attorney general contends that Moriarty didn’t have the power to authorize the licenses in contradiction to the state constitution’s ban on gay marriage. Moriarty issued his order Wednesday after the U.S. Supreme Court opened the door for same-sex couples to get married in Kansas when it let stand lower-court rulings that found gay marriage bans unconstitutional. The court did not rule on the Kansas law, but let stand an appeals court ruling that would be binding if there was a challenge brought against the state law.

It appears that of the 52 marriage license applications filed thus far in Johnson County, only one has been granted. Equality Kansas reports that the couple married immediately this afternoon.

Idaho Gov. Butch Otter To SCOTUS: Our Marriage Ban Doesn't Discriminate Because Gays Can Marry Opposite Sex

In a reply brief to Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Idaho Gov. Butch Otter today declared that his state's ban on same-sex marriage does not discriminate against gay people because they remain completely free to marry any person of the opposite sex.

Respondents take offense at the notion that Idaho’s man-woman marriage definition does not discriminate on its face against gay men and lesbians. But that is true: Idaho’s marriage definition, under Article III, section 28 of its State Constitution, says nothing about sexual orientation — it merely specifies that any person can marry only a person of the opposite sex. It cannot be denied that, for a variety of personal reasons, gay men and lesbians can and sometimes do marry persons of the opposite sex.

More from the Spokesman-Review:

The reply brief makes it clear that the state plans to appeal only a subsidiary issue – the standard of review – to the Supreme Court, not the full question of whether same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. “The issue in this case will be presented in a way that does not require the Court to resolve conclusively the global question of whether the Fourteenth Amendment in any of its aspects bars a State from defining marriage as the union of a man and a woman,” the brief states, saying that makes it different from the seven petitions from five states that the high court refused to take up on Monday, thus legalizing same-sex marriage in those states and others in the affected circuits.

Essentially, the state is saying it wants the high court to take up a side issue, overrule the 9th Circuit on that, and then send the case back to the 9th Circuit to be argued again there with a different standard of review. Presumably, that would then lead to another appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court on the merits of the case, extending the process by months or years.

The state’s brief takes issue with the 9th Circuit’s ruling, saying that by applying “heightened scrutiny” to cases involving discrimination based on sexual orientation, a standard the 9th Circuit established in its earlier Smith-Kline case ruling, the circuit is creating new “suspect class” of people who can’t be discriminated against. “The decision below turns not on fundamental rights but on a single Ninth Circuit panel’s path-breaking holding that gay men and lesbians constitute a suspect class protected by heightened scrutiny,” the brief says. It says the 9th Circuit is “creating the first new suspect class in 30 years.”

The bolded portion tells the real story. Read the full brief. (Tipped by JMG reader Javier)

Seen In Teabagistan

Did you know that our Muslim socialist communist fascist Kenyan Indonesian president is deliberately spreading ebola across the United States as part of his super-secret plan to help ISIS establish an Islamic caliphate right here in God-blessed America? Because he is. And the bumper stickers say so.

Linda Harvey: Fight The Evil Of Ungodly Gay Marriage With Civil Disobedience

The Empire Strikes Back Uncut

Out today from Lucas Films:

With more than 480 fan-made segments culled from over 1,500 submissions, The Empire Strikes Back Uncut (also known as ESB Uncut) features a stunning mash-up of styles and filmmaking techniques, including live action, animation, and stop-motion. The project launched in 2013, with fans claiming 15-second scenes to reimagine as they saw fit – resulting in sequences created with everything from action figures to cardboard props to stunning visual effects. Helmed by Casey Pugh, who oversaw 2010’s Emmy-winning Star Wars Uncut, the new film has a wonderful homemade charm, stands as an affectionate tribute to The Empire Strikes Back, and is a testament to the talent, imagination, and dedication of Star Wars fans.

This looks really cute. The full movie is below.

Pat Buchanan Has The SCOTUS Sadz, Calls For "Massive Civil Disobedience"

"Do the states have the right to outlaw same-sex marriage? Not long ago the question would have been seen as absurd. For every state regarded homosexual acts as crimes. Moreover, the laws prohibiting same-sex marriage had all been enacted democratically, by statewide referenda, like Proposition 8 in California, or by Congress or elected state legislatures. But today rogue judges and justices, appointed for life, answerable to no one, instruct a once-democratic republic on what laws we may and may not enact. Last week, the Supreme Court refused to stop federal judges from overturning laws banning same-sex marriage. We are now told to expect the Supreme Court itself to discover in the Constitution a right of men to marry men and of women to marry women. How, in little more than half a century, did the American people fall under the rule of a judicial dictatorship where judges and justices twist phrases in the Constitution to impose their alien ideology on this once-free people? The Supreme Court has ordered the de-Christianization of all public institutions in what was a predominantly Christian country. And the American people took it. Why was there not massive civil disobedience against this anti-Christian discrimination, as there was against segregation?" - Pat Buchanan, writing for Townhall.

NORTH CAROLINA: GOP Tells Federal Court It Has No Jurisdiction On Marriage

GOP leaders in North Carolina have filed their response in that state's marriage equality case, claiming that the federal court has no jurisdiction over state laws. Matt Comer reports at Q Notes:

Attorneys for state Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger filed their latest document shortly after 11:30 a.m. In it, the state GOP repeatedly says, “Intervenors lack knowledge or information sufficient to form a basis as to the truth of these allegations,” in response to claims of discrimination and harm caused to same-sex couples. Additionally, Tillis and Berger are arguing that a 1971-72 federal case, Baker v. Nelson, allows the state of North Carolina to continue discriminating against same-sex couples and tells the court it has no jurisdiction over the current cases.

“Intervenors deny that this Court has subject-matter jurisdiction over this matter,” the GOP’s answer reads. “Intervenors contend that this matter should be dismissed for want of substantial federal question.” In the Baker case, the Supreme Court upheld a lower court’s ruling affirming no right to same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Conservative lawyers and activists have often argued the case allows individual states to set their own marriage laws. Other legal experts, though, say last year’s decision in Windsor overrules Baker, applying equal protection to same-sex couples. Every affirmative decision for same-sex marriage since Windsor have said the same.

Dig into the full response. I'm betting the judge will take a very dim view of this tactic. (Tipped by JMG reader Kent)

Pakistani Teen Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Via CNN:

The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded Friday to India's Kailash Satyarthi and Pakistan's Malala Yousafzai for their struggles against the suppression of children and for young people's rights, including the right to education. Thorbjorn Jagland, chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said, "Children must go to school, not be financially exploited." Yousafzai came to global attention after she was shot in the head by the Taliban -- two years ago Thursday -- for her efforts to promote education for girls in Pakistan. Since then, after recovering from surgery, she has taken her campaign to the world stage, notably with a speech last year at the United Nations. Yousafzai said Friday that the award is a "great honor for me," and that she's honored to share it with Satyarthi. "I'm proud that I'm the first Pakistani and the first young woman or the first young person getting this award," she said in Birmingham, England.

Yousafazai got the news this morning while in chemistry class.

Las Vegas Celebrates Marriage Equality With Full-Page Ad In USA Today

ALASKA: Marriage Hearing Begins Today At 1PM Local Time In Anchorage

Via Reuters:

Five couples, one of which wants to marry in Alaska and four others who have already legally wed in other states, filed their suit challenging the ban in May. They sought a summary judgment in August, saying the state's marriage bans violate due process and equal protection. "Alaska's marriage bans infringe upon the fundamental right to marry and discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation and gender," they wrote. In 1998, Alaska voters overwhelmingly pushed through a constitutional amendment that excludes same-sex couples from marriage. The state has argued that it is up to the voters to decide such policy issues saying, "the definition of marriage is an issue for the states and the will of the voters of each state should govern regardless of whether the federal government or a federal court agrees."

More from the Associated Press:

"The state has absolutely not presented any arguments that have not been struck down by the 9th Circuit," said Joshua Decker, executive director of the America Civil Liberties Union of Alaska, which has filed a friend of the court brief on behalf of the five gay couples. "The state does not have a leg to stand on when it comes to arguing why this discriminatory ban should not be struck down," he said.

If the state of Alaska doesn't have a unique argument that wasn't already decided by the Idaho and Nevada cases by the 9th Circuit, it stands no legal chance of prevailing in the 9th Circuit, said William Eskridge, a Yale University law professor. If the state were to win at the district court level, it would be reversed by the appeals court on appeal, he said.

"If they lose, as they ought to, at the district court level, if they want to take an appeal, the 9th Circuit will summarily affirm and probably very quickly," he said. Even then, the state would have options. The 9th Circuit decision would be made by a panel of judges, and the state could appeal to the full court to reconsider the Nevada and Idaho ruling or seek review by the U.S. Supreme Court, which seemed unlikely given the court's refusal to step in Monday. That could change if another federal appeals court were decide such bans were constitutional, thus making different standards in the country.

Decker, with the ACLU, called on Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell to stop wasting taxpayers' time and money in defending the gay marriage ban. "There's no ambiguity about what the outcome's going to be," Decker said. "The only thing we're fighting about is when it's going to happen."

Above are the plaintiffs. A rally will begin at the Anchorage courthouse at noon. 

CORRECTION:  I'm being told the live-streaming will only be seen by the overflow audience outside the courtroom. I'll try to find reporters who will be live-tweeting from inside.
(Tipped by JMG reader Christopher)

VIDEO: First Las Vegas Marriage License

Freep This North Carolina Poll

Center column below the fold. (Tipped by JMG reader Amber)

NORTH CAROLINA: GOP & NOM Face Noon Deadline For Marriage Arguments

The Charlotte Observer recaps:

California law professor John Eastman took little time getting involved in the fight, filing motions in two of North Carolina’s marriage cases to give the General Assembly a role and more time to make its arguments. In a ruling Thursday night, U.S. District Judge William Osteen gave legislators only part of what they wanted – denying them the eight days they sought to review the files, and setting a noon Friday deadline for the Republicans to file expanded arguments. In an order submitted by Osteen late Thursday, the judge said the legislators had not persuaded him of their need for extra time. The legislators, Osteen said, “allege that additional time is required to ‘investigate the files and conduct appropriate research in order to adequately prepare the pleading.’” Osteen said he was aware that only a short time had passed since the Supreme Court decision, but “these cases have been pending for a lengthy period of time and the defendants have been clear in their position” that what happened in Virginia could determine what happened in North Carolina.

A local legal expert rants: "Are North Carolina taxpayers paying for this gambit? If so, they should be incensed because it is a pure waste. North Carolina cannot win." It seems possible that North Carolina could become this week's ninth state by the end of the day. It's certainly been that kind of week.

No Charges In Palin Family Brawl

Via the Alaska Dispatch:

Prosecutors won't proceed with charges in a brawl that involved several members of the Palin family, Anchorage police said Thursday. The news comes as Anchorage police released reports Thursday morning outlining witness statements in the fight. Police were called to South Anchorage regarding a brawl involving about 20 people that had broken out at Korey Klingenmeyer's house on the evening of Sept. 6. The event was a birthday party for brothers Marc and Matthew McKenna and Klingenmeyer’s son. Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin, her husband, Todd, and some of their children were there.

Five police officers wrote up police reports on the scene. More than 15 witnesses were interviewed, and the statements offer conflicting information regarding what happened. Overall, the accounts in the police report seemed to confirm, in broad terms, initial witness reports that surfaced before the police report's release. At least two fights appear to have broken out during the party, according to witness statements: a fight involving Track Palin, 25, and his father, Todd, and one involving Bristol Palin, 23, oldest daughter of the Palins. Seven witnesses verified Klingenmeyer’s account of being punched in the face repeatedly by Bristol Palin.

Lots more juicy details at the link.

West Virginia Haters Have The Sadz

"Our heavenly Father didn't take homosexuality lightly in the Bible's account of Sodom & Gomorrh, nor did He give the Isralites a pass when they choose pagan ways over His Commandments. America should brace herself as we see the mighty hand of God give us our just due. (Jud 1:7-10 & Rom 1:21-32). Christians' civil rights will be trounced by this new marriage law. Civil law on marriage will have to be rewritten. This will be a field day for WV's trial lawyers against Christian business owners, landlords and eventually churches. Thanks Governor Tomblin for siding with immorality and deviancy. Children will probably suffer the greatest loss as they are adopted into the new homosexual social experiment of same sex parenting. This is premeditated child abuse, sanctioned by Governor Tomblin and every democrat legislator that denied voters a stronger marriage amendment." - The West Virginia Family Foundation, writing on their Facebook page.

Brian Brown: We're On The Ropes

"This is not democracy: it is judicial tyranny. We need to act—now! Please take a moment immediately to contact Congress and demand support for an amendment to the Constitution of the United States that will preserve and protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman! Legislative efforts to amend our Constitution to protect marriage are already underway. In the House, this initiative is being led by Representative Tim Huelskamp of Kansas. In the Senate, it is being spearheaded by Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. Marriage Supporter, I'll say it plainly: marriage is on the ropes, and our principles of government are taking a beating as well. That's why I need you to ACT NOW and DEMAND action from Congress to put a halt to the legal chaos that has been thrust upon us by the radical same-sex ‘marriage' movement." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, in yesterday's money beg.

TLC Blurs Duggars' Roe V Wade Shirts

The maker of an anti-abortion shirt is angry with TLC for blurring his message during this week's episode of 19 Kids And Counting.

Knowing how dedicated to the pro-life cause the Duggars are, I expected to see the shirts many times on their show. It really amazes me that TLC would censor this; it’s not like people don’t know the Duggar’s beliefs. Knowing that the shirt appeared in the previous episode without being blurred, I am wondering if they received complaints or negative feedback after it aired. I say we show TLC that there is so much more support for the Duggars wearing these shirts than there are complaints. I hope everyone reading this will tweet and e-mail TLC and let them know how disappointed you are that they would blur out this pro-life message.

The shirt reads: "I survived Roe V Wade, Roe V Wade will not survive me."

New From Rep. Scott Peters

Another attack on Carl DeMaio.

Tony Perkins On Kentucky T-Shirt Shop

"Just because a company sells to the public doesn't mean it has to surrender its private views. Even for a t-shirt company, there's no one-size-fits all approach to managing a business. Like any shop, Hands On has the freedom to establish its own criteria of conduct and conscience. Blaine Adamson, the devout believer who runs Hands On Originals, was stunned. After all, there was no malice in the family's decision -- who politely declined to print t-shirts with a rainbow message that contradicted their faith. Unfortunately for the Left, the Constitution doesn't award its rights on the basis of political correctness. And until that changes, the Adamsons have as much freedom to reject homosexuality as his customers do to endorse it. While their attorneys at ADF fight on, Hands On's story is an interesting backdrop to a week full of marriage news. Thanks to the Supreme Court, Christians will be exposed to more attacks of this nature. By refusing to step in and protect state marriage amendments, the Left will have even greater latitude to punish people who morally object to the homosexual agenda." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

Lewis Black On GOP Voter Suppression

Fantastic.

Tweet Of The Day - Nate Silver

(Tipped by JMG reader Shawn)

NORTH CAROLINA: Judge Denies GOP Attempt To Delay Ruling In Marriage Case

A federal judge tonight denied the GOP's attempt to delay a ruling in North Carolina's marriage case. Matt Comer reports at Q Notes:

On Thursday afternoon, state House Speaker Thom Tillis and Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger hired attorneys affiliated with the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage — the same group which funneled more than $400,000 into the 2012 anti-gay amendment campaign — to represent the state. In addition to their motion to intervene, the attorneys requested an extension of eight days to make their arguments against same-sex marriage. Late Thursday evening, U.S. District Court Judge William Osteen issued an order denying their request. “In light of the stage of this litigation, and the arguments and positions previously asserted by both parties to this case, this court does not find good cause to extend the time for filing a proposed Answer,” Osteen’s order read.

The judge gave them until noon tomorrow to file their motion to intervene. It looks like NOM chairman John Eastman won't have time to make very much money in North Carolina, even at $400/hr.

Berger spokeswoman Shelly Carver said Eastman has agreed to forgo his first $10,000 in legal fees. After that, he will be paid $400 an hour. American Civil Liberties Union of North Carolina legal director Chris Brook criticized the move as a waste of taxpayer funds. "The legislature has had more than a year to intervene in this matter if they felt their interests were not adequately represented, and failed to do so," said Brook, who represents nine same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry and adopt children. "The result here is no longer in doubt. ... The legislature should quit playing politics by seeking to defend the indefensible." Tillis, who is running for U.S. Senate, said in a debate earlier this week he felt obligated to defend the will of North Carolina voters against "liberal activist judges" appointed by President Barack Obama.

Osteen, by the way, was appointed by George W. Bush. Snork! (Tipped by JMG reader Amber)

27 States And Counting

When you get to post a new Wikipedia map twice in a few hours, that was a very good day for our people. When you get to post a new Wikipedia map eight times in four days, that was one of the best weeks in our history.

NEVADA: First Marriage Is On DeckUPDATE: Marriages Have Begun!

Earlier today the Ninth Circuit Court ordered a local district judge to lift Nevada's ban. That injunction is coming at any minute and then off we go.

UPDATE: The waiting continues.

UPDATE II: County Clerk Diane Alba is over the wait.

UPDATE III: Marriages have begun! State #27!

Actress Jan Hooks Dies At Age 57

Such terrible news in the middle of an otherwise wonderful day.

Jan Hooks, who worked alongside some of the biggest "Saturday Night Live" stars died Thursday, TMZ has learned. She was 57. We've learned she passed away this morning in New York City. Sources tell us Jan had been battling a serious illness. Jan was part of the 'SNL' cast from 1986-91 - the same time as Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Phil Hartman, Dana Carvey, and Dennis Miller. She was most famous for being half of the Sweeney Sisters and also for her impressions of Sinead O'Connor and Hillary Clinton. She most recently played a part on "30 Rock." Right after 'SNL', Jan joined the cast of "Designing Women." She also had a famous role in "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure."

I adored Hooks in everything she was in.

WYOMING: Court Sets October 16th Date For Hearing On Marriage Equality Case

Via press release from the National Center for Lesbian Rights:

On October 16th, U.S. District Court Judge Scott W. Skavdahl of the District of Wyoming will hold a hearing in a federal court challenge to the State of Wyoming’s refusal to permit same-sex couples to marry and to respect the legal marriages of same-sex couples who married in other states.

At the hearing, the court will consider a request by four same-sex couples and Wyoming Equality, who are the plaintiffs in the case, for an immediate order directing state officials to comply with two decisions of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit establishing that a state’s refusal to allow same-sex couples to marry violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection. The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday let those appeals court decisions stand, meaning that all states within the Tenth Circuit, including Wyoming, must comply with those decisions.

Each of the couples wishes to be married in Wyoming or to have their existing marriage respected by the State of Wyoming. The October 16th hearing will consider the couples’ request for an order requiring the state to immediately permit Wyoming same-sex couples to marry and to treat their marriages the same as all other marriages. The requested order would remain in place while the plaintiffs’ federal case proceeds. The court may rule on the plaintiffs’ request at the hearing, or may issue a ruling at a later date.

The hearing will take place at 10AM Mountain Time.

Headline Of The Day

Fascinating analysis by Media Matters. Highly recommended.

WEST VIRGINIA: Marriage Licenses Begin!

Chris Bostic and David Epp. First couple to fill out a marriage certificate in Kanawha Co. #wsaz pic.twitter.com/QUssJz7qAm
— Shannon Houser (@ShannonWSAZNews) October 9, 2014

Kanawha County is the most populous in West Virginia and is home to the state capital of Charleston.

UPDATED: Wikipedia Marriage Map

West Virginia just went dark blue and Nevada should join the party this afternoon. Zoom, zoomity, zoom!

NORTH CAROLINA: Asheville City Hall Flies Pride Flag As State Awaits Marriage

The Campaign for Southern Equality reports that gay couples are camping out at county clerk offices across North Carolina in anticipation of a ruling to enact same-sex marriage.