February 17, 2004
Gavin Newsom. man of the year
the debate on civil partnerships consultation here creeps forward - presumably until it gets to the lords, is kaboshed by thier bigotry and waits till the next parliment to go through the whole thing again, this time with time to use the parliment act. all dependant of course on a labour victory in the next election (while howard has promised a free vote on civil partnerships, i doubt carry the legislation will be part of a tory manifesto). over in san fransico mayor newsom has side stepped the legality debate by issuing marriage licences and battling with the courts later.
there are always some small things that happen at breakneck speed, that can change everything. that you see unfolding through news alerts on bar tv's, on newspapers through news agents windows and hear in fragments on radio stations. that make you catch your breath in amazement and weep with happiness. and this is one of them.
from alternet
"In nearly every alcove around the huge City Hall rotunda over the weekend, a marriage was taking place; in the larger balcony areas, sometimes two or three. Some were officiated by clergy, others by city officials and prominent gay (and straight) politicians. Circling the rotunda, one could attend ceremony after ceremony, each profoundly personal and private, though infused with an awareness of the larger political and social significance of what was occurring.
Among the participants, there was a palpable sense of awe, not just at history being made but of dreams coming true. Many of those involved in the ceremonies would not have dared to dream that such an event could be possible in their lifetimes. The first marriage to take place was between lesbian activists Phyllis Lyon, 79, and Del Martin, 83, who have been together for 51 years."