''This vision of marriage is not hateful. It's not discriminatory. It's good.... Unless we bring men and women together, children will not have mothers and fathers. I do not want to raise my own children where this traditional view of marriage is considered hateful or discriminatory, especially by my own government.... This is not about me, it's about the future of marriage. It's about my children and my children's children. And, um, it's about me standing up for something I'm passionate about.''

Carrie Prejean, a beauty queen from California who has quickly become the spokesperson for the fight against gay people having marriage equality. Today she appeared at the National Press Club in Washington, DC as the face for National Organization for Marriage, also known as the anti-gay rights organization of conservative pundit Maggie Gallagher. Her controversial career move began after she lost the Miss USA pageant last week. Prejean has taken to the stage at church and on numerous news programs to repeat her message that same-sex marriage is wrong and also to state that people are not born gay, ''It's a behavior that develops over time.'' (Fox News via YouTube)

''As far as my cameo, I appreciate them emphasizing my point that when debating the merits of this issue they only have lies on which to rely.''

Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, reacting to the inclusion of his voice and image in a new advertisment launched today by Maggie Gallagher and Carrie Prejean, called ''No Offense.'' The title is a take-off of Prejean's religiously motivated statement against gay marriage rights at the Miss USA pageant earlier this month. (NY Times)

''They are hugely underemployed, at best. If they are fortunate enough to get something, it's well below their capabilities. It's not just about money, it's about knowing you are a valuable person.''

Diane Schroer, a transgender female who just won her lawsuit against the Library of Congress in Maryland after she was offered an important position as a man but was then denied when she stated openly that she would be transitioning. (Associated Press)

''I served our country because I believed in an America that is committed to ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to have a meaningful life. That belief was shaken when I was told I wasn't worthy to do what I trained my entire life to do because I happen to be transgender. Today's decision restores my faith in our democracy. The court understood the senseless harm that is caused by discrimination, and that gives me hope that others will also.''

Diane Schroer, as quoted in an ACLU press release, remarking on her newly awarded $491,190 for back pay and emotional pain and suffering caused by staff at the Library of Congress who refused to hire her solely because she was about to transition from male to female gender. (ACLU)

''I am moved to tears thinking about what this means to so many Mainers who have been denied this basic right for far too long. I am proud of my colleagues on the Judiciary Committee and am looking forward to the bill's final enactment.''

Maine state senator Dennis Damon on the 11-2-1 vote by the state's Judiciary Committee in favor of passing a measure that will allow same-sex marriage in that state. (The Times Record)

''Many people worked so hard to reach a compromise which affirms the importance of religious sanctity of marriage and now makes civil marriages available for all. This is a compromise...''

Deb Reynolds, Judiciary Chair of the New Hampshire state legislature on the passage of a bill in the state senate that will legalize marriage for gay and lesbians couples. It is reported that the House already has passed a similar bill, but the Senate's bill differs slightly in that religious organizations can exempt themselves from gay marriage. Once the bill's langauge is agreed upon by both houses, New Hampshire's Governor John Lynch is expected to sign the bill into law. (NHPR)

National Organization for Marriage (www.nationformarriage.org) news conference featuring Miss California Carrie Prejean to announce the launch of "No Offense," the second of NOM's previously announced $1.5 million ad campaign.

Portion of a press release from the National Organization for Marriage, a conservative, political organization led by Maggie Gallagher. Carrie Prejean, the current Miss California and recent loser of the Miss USA pageant is the headliner for the group's new anti-gay marriage advertisement called "No Offense." The name is a take-off of Prejean's answer at the beauty pageant where she said marriage is for one man and one woman only. Perez Hilton, the judge who asked the question about gay marraige lit a firestorm of controversy by personally insulting Prejean in a video blog after the show. Both Hilton and Prejean have hit the talk show circuit, and with each appearance Prejean has strengthened her ugly message that gays should not be allowed to be married in this country. The NOM event is to take place at the National Press club in downtown Washington, DC, Thursday, April 30 at 1pm. (US News)

''Given the fact that Carrie Prejean's first act upon returning to California was to headline five services at a church that promotes homosexuality as both unnatural and abnormal, we stand by our concern for her individual image and look forward to a time in the near future when she can put down her personal agenda and assume the responsibilities associated with being Miss California USA.''

Keith Lewis, Director of the Miss California competition, responding to Carrie Prejean's report that the pageant organizers said she needed to respond to the gay community to save the reputation of the competition's brand. (ABC News)

''As I have stated before, these are terms that do not exist in Star Wars. Thread closed.''

SeanDahlberg, a Community Manager for the Bioware gaming software website responding to complaints that ''Gay'' and ''Lesbian'' were not being allowed in posts on the ''Star Wars: The Old Republic'' game forum. Elikal, a member of the Bioware discussion boards, had posted a note claiming to be a member of the GLBT community and asked for the company to reconsider. It was originally thought that ''gay'' and ''lesbian'' were being used as insults, rather than by gays, but Dahlberg's comment set off alarms for a number of game-tech websites. The discussion thread appears to have been closed, but then reopened; and Dahlberg has apologized and is inviting suggestions on how to deal with the situation. (Kotaku) (SWTOR / Bioware) (PC World)

(Metro Weekly has published a more detailed update to this event. -- 4/29/09 2:10am)

''You are the moral leaders of this community. Politicians out to be moral.... So when we disagree on something slightly or major, it's because I am a politician who's moral. I was not present on April the 6th, I was probably recovering from my transplant, ... if I had been [present] I would have voted 'no.' ... I believe in human rights. I believe in civil unions. You all don't, but it's okay. But we do agree: We have to say 'no!' to same-sex marriage in DC -- same sex marriage in DC. Say no to same sex marriage in DC! Say no to same sex marriage in DC... You have to go across the street and walk the halls of the City Council. Confront all 12 of them, eye to eye -- eye to eye! Morality against immorality.''

Marion Barry, former DC Mayor and current City Councilman, taking a surprisingly strong stance against gay marriage. Sources had reported earlier in the month that Marion Barry was co-sponsor of the marriage bill that he is now saying he was opposed to. He was the only elected official from DC to participate in the small gathering organized by Harry Jackson and his Hope Christian Church. Jackson predicted that 1,000 people would appear at the rally to protest the City Council's unanimous vote to recognize same-sex marriage performed in other states, but only about 150 bothered to do so. (Metro Weekly via YouTube)

''I don't agree with them.... [DC residents] don't have enough time in the day to discriminate or worry about someone else.''

Adrian Fenty responding to a Washington Post reporter about what was said today on Freedom Plaza by Harry Jackson's protesters against same-sex marriage. Fenty, along with Councilman David Catania, were specifically called out by some of the preachers involved in pushing back against the DC Council's unanimous vote to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside of the District. (Washington Post)

• The only thing for evil to triumph is for a good man to do nothing. And we are here to do something and stand for righteousness.
• Don't let people get you talking about 'gay rights.' This is not a gay right.
• The state has no business in the issuance of marriage.
• What comes behind this agenda of same-sex marriage, that they want to say that anyone can use anyone's bathroom.
• Homosexual activists have a clear agenda for gaining acceptance of their immoral lifestyle while destroying all of our biblical values and moral standards.
• The homosexuals want to have their sexual choices protected as if being gay is the same as being black.
• Two close relatives cannot get married because it's not good for the culture. A man cannot marry a three-year-old because it's not good for the culture.
• We can no more prevent the homosexuals from involvement in such activity, as we can prevent the thief from stealing, the liar from lying, or the pedophile from preying on children.
• Marriage is the union between one man and one woman -- not two boys and two girls.
• If you say what it really is, your children can understand. If you say what it really is, gran-mumma can understand. If you say what it really is, everybody can understand. If you say what it really is, Muslims can understand.

Just a few of the bizarre statements from preachers at the anti-gay marriage rally held by Harry Jackson's Hope Christian Church. Most of the yelling the preachers did ended in an the same mean-spirited argument that children need to be protected from homosexuals for various ludicrous reasons. (MetroWeekly via YouTube)

''He seemed like a great guy; he's very cute. I was really taken by his looks.''

An anonymous Boston male and apparent transsexual speaking on camera with the ''Today'' show, stating that he reportedly received photos and e-mails from Philip Markoff, a young, handsome medical student who was engaged to a woman, via an e-mail address: sexaddict5385@yahoo.com. Markoff has been arrested as the lead suspect in the robbery and murder of women who had placed adult-oriented ads on the online-only CraigsList classified ad site. (NBC Today Show)

''By the power vested in the state of Iowa and God, I now declare you legally married.... What an honor. Amen!''

Peg Esperanza, pastor of CHS Rainbow Cyber Church, as she completed the wedding ceremony of Shelley Wolfe and Melisa Keeton, a lesbian couple, outside of the Polk County administrative building in Des Moines, Iowa. (USA Today)

''It's a race and a class struggle on this. If 51 percent of the people in D.C. are African-American and you have a unanimous vote by the city council on this, somebody's not listening to the people.... The black ministers are irate that they are being shut out. They feel like nobody's listening to them.''

Harry Jackson, a African-American evangelical church leader from Bowie, Maryland who is doing his best to ride his anti-gay marriage agenda to national fame and significance among social conservatives. He has repeated alleged that the interests of the black community and gay community are incompatible on the basis of his religious beliefs; defining the civil rights movement as belonging only to black Americans; and spreading misinformation that somehow that the entire gay rights movement is elitist and racist. His arguments, of course, do not allow for the existence of proud, gay African-Americans or that there are even voting members of the DC council who also happen to be black. Jackson has scheduled a protest for Tuesday, 10am, at Freedom Plaza against same-sex marriage recognition being adopted in any form by the DC City Council. (Washington Post)

''"And I don't care if you don't like me -- I just care if you still read my Web site.... I said she was a dumb (bleep). Well, you know what? What she said to me in that answer was that I am a second-class citizen that doesn't deserve full equality under the law.''

Perez Hilton, one of the world's top bloggers and celebrity gossip columnists, in one of a series of interviews about his run-in with Miss California, Carrie Prejean, who stated her opposition to gay marriage during the Miss USA Pageant. (AP)

''She said, 'Ma, did you know they called Jaheem gay again today in school?' .... He said, 'Yes ma'am. He told me that he's tired of everybody always messing with him in school. He is tired of telling the teachers and the staff, and they never do anything about the problems. So, the only way out is by killing himself.'''

Masika Bermudez relaying what her daughter and her son's best friend told her about bullying that was occuring at her son's Dekalb County, GA school. Her son, Jaheem, at just 11 years of age, hanged himself on April 16 after the continued bullying which apparently included anti-gay taunts. Earlier this month, it was widely reported that another 11-year-old, Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, took his own life as well after suffering through similar bullying.  (WSBTV 2)

''We wanted to make it completely clear that the state of Connecticut fully embraces not only the rights of same-sex couples to marry, but we fully embrace the rights and protections afforded by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Connecticut Constitution to the free exercise of religion.''

Andrew McDonald, Democratic state senator for Connecticut speaking after the passage of a bill that legalizes gay marriages but also states that religious organizations do not have to comply with or contribute any services to same-sex wedding ceremonies. Governor Jodi Rell signed the bill into law the next day. Connecticut had already legalized gay-inclusive civil unions in 2005, but the Supreme Court of Connecticut ruled last year that gay and lesbian couples still had the right to legally wed. Current civil unions are reportedly going to automatically become marriages in October 2010. (AP / Boston Globe)

''I remember that 40 years ago, Even people in Maine told us it was wrong to get married: 'Blacks and whites should never marry.' People say the same thing now about gay and lesbian couples.... It was wrong 40 years ago, it is wrong now!''

Bob Talbot, a member of the NAACP who is reportedly part of an interracial marriage and spoke before some 4,000 people at a public debate held at the Augusta, Maine civic center. (WABI) (Boston Globe)

''Parenting which we have known for all of history will no longer exist. Now I know I'm simply a farm boy from central Maine, but I learned many years ago that children don't happen without a mom and without a dad.''

Phil Curtis, a Maine state representative who stood behind the podium labeled ''Opponents'' to a new bill designed to legalize same-sex marriage. (WABI)

''"If the decedent was sending email messages at 11:05 p.m. and 11:07 p.m., then obviously he wasn't dead. That would be critical to the government's case, but also more critical to the defense because it closes the window of the amount of time someone could have killed him. In this case it's alleged our clients orchestrated this whole thing.''

Defense Attorney Bernard Grimm regarding the Robert Wone murder case and a BlackBerry that has gone missing with at least two messages that were seen but not copied by the Secret Service. Three gay men -- Joseph Price, Victor Zaborsky, and Dylan Ward -- who lived at the Dupont Circle home where Robert Wone was murdered remain free during the ongoing investigation. They face charges of obstruction of justice since. Evidence that Wone was restrained, sexually assaulted and stabbed has slowly been revealed to the press and public over the last 3 years. (WTTG Fox 5) (Legal Times)

''I'd be happy to go and deny it, because I'm not. But by denying it, I'm saying there is something shameful about it, and there isn't anything shameful.The questions about sexuality I find more here in America than anywhere else, because it's a big hang-up and defines what people think about themselves and others.''

Handsome Australian actor Hugh Jackman, 40, and best known as Wolverine in the 'X-Men' movie series, responding to rumors that he might be gay. In the Parade article he also talks about his wife Deb-Lee Furness and their two adopted, mixed-race children. (Parade Magazine)

''The premise to your question is blatantly incorrect! ... If you believe that conservatism is letting people make choices that are best for themselves and their own families, then you don't need a Federal government coming in and telling you who you can and cannot marry and what genders they should be and what choices you should be making. That's conservatism..... I do. I am a strong supporter of marriage equality. I'm very proud of it, and I root my choices in that to be congruent along the lines of my conservative beliefs.... It's absolutely not an oxymoron. True conservatism -- conservatism is defined through scholars, not since the "Regan revolution" takeover of the Evangelical wing of the party in the early 1980s. They do not get to define conservatism.''

Log Cabin Republicans' spokesperson Charles Moran speaking with a CNN anchor during a discussion about Megan McCain and her public embrace of gay and lesbian Republicans. (CNN via YouTube)

''I don't begrudge Tim Gill. The fault lies in the leadership of the group who ... took all this money from Gill with strings attached.''

Christopher Barron, former political director of Log Cabin Republicans, speaking about the $350,000 the gay Republican organization received from ''Colorado tech tycoon'' Tim Gill. Gill is a Democrat who is credited with helping Obama win that state. The Log Cabin organization is reportedly working at a local level only with no Executive Director and no full-time employees. (Newsweek)

''Tonight, I am proud to join you in challenging the mold and the notions of what being a Republican means. I am concerned about the environment. I love to wear black. I think government is best when it stays out of people's lives and business as much as possible. I love punk rock. I believe in a strong national defense. I have a tattoo. I believe government should always be efficient and accountable. I have lots of gay friends. And yes, I am a Republican.... (1) Most of our nation wants our nation to succeed; (2) most people are ready to move on to the future, not live in the past; and (3) most of the old school Republicans are scared shitless of that future.''

Meghan McCain, the daughter of Senator (and former Presidential Candidate) John McCain who, at 24, has become a shining example of the next generation of Republican pundits. She has on numerous occasions spoken to her political party asking them to recognize and embrace gays. She did not, on this occassion speak in favor of gay marriage, though. (ABC News)

''It cannot be argued that marriage between people of the same sex is un-American or threatens the rights of others. If you put public policy issues to a religious test you risk becoming a religious party, and in a free country, a political party cannot remain viable in the long term if it is seen as sectarian.''

Former campaign manager for Senator John McCain, Steve Schmidt, speaking in favor of the traditionally conservative Republican party at the Log Cabin event. (ABC News)

''I think gay marriage will obviously be an issue for any Republican next year because Republicans are either in favor of the position I'm in favor of, civil unions, or in many cases Republicans don't even favor civil unions... Marriage, I believe, both traditionally and legally, has always been between a man and a woman.... And Democrats, including President Obama and Hillary Clinton, have essentially the same position I have, which is let's have civil unions but not go so far as to change the definition of marriage.''

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani trying to cling on to a political future inside the Republican party after his dismal failure as a presidential candidate this last time around. Giuliani, it is being reported, has been married three times; but his use of same-sex marriage as a wedge issue is more frustrating for some gays because he seemed, in the past, to have maintained both personal and political friendships with gay people. The alliance he draws with President Obama and Secretary Clinton on this rights issue is likely going to be heard during the 2010 campaign season by a number of conservative candidates. (NY Post)

''Well, I think it's great that American's are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land that you can choose -- same sex marriage or opposite marriage. And, you know what? In my country, and in my family, I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anyone out there, but that's how I was raised. And that's how I believe that it should be between a man and a woman.''

Carrie Prejean responding to a question from celebrity judge Perez Hilton on whether same-sex marriage should be allowed in every state or not. The California contestant came in as runner up to Miss North Carolina. (Miss USA)

''The campaign started in 2004, but now it's very much worse. They kill the gays, they beat them up... I have a lot of friends that have been killed - 15 or 16, something like that, too much.... they detain us and question us, and they want to touch me, yes, to molest me.''

A gay man living in Baghdad speaking anonymously to BBC News. The report points to the Interior Ministry, Shia leadership, and ''family honor'' as triggers for the mistreatment of gays in Iraq. (BBC)

''This bill completes our work on domestic partnerships by making sure that we state clearly our intention to treat domestic partners in our state equally.''

Washington state Representative Jamie Pederson of Seattle on the legislature's approval to expand the legal rights of gay and lesbian domestic partnerships. It's reported that new pension benefits for public employees and other rights have been added to the already existing rights that have dealt with hospital visitation, inheritance and decisions on how survivors deal with the body of their departed partners. (Associate Press)

''My take on the [Iowa Supreme Court] decision is that it is more sweeping than anybody anticipated, it's probably set a pattern maybe for other state supreme courts. As far as I'm concerned it's pretty clear where I've been on the issue of gay marriage for a long period of time.... I voted for a constitutional amendment defining traditional marriage and marriage as the traditional one between a man and a woman.... [I] think we need to consult with groups that would tend to be bipartisan because I think an issue like this has a great deal of bipartisan concern and so if there is going to be any sort of action taken contrary to the supreme court's decision then it should be to seek as broad of a consensus as possible.''

US Senator Charles Grassley try to appear low-key on the issue of gay marriage but then expressing his wish to have the state's Iowa Supreme Court's recent decision overturned with a nationwide ban. When asked if he favored a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, he replied, ''A federal constitution.'' (Iowa Press)

''This is a civil rights issue. For too long, gay and lesbian New Yorkers, we have pretended that they have the same rights as their neighbors and friends.''

New York Governor David Paterson continuing on his commitment to equal rights for gay men and lesbians by introducing legislation in his state that will legalize same-sex marriage there. Unfortunately, his fairly short time in office has been rocky and he currently has low popularity numbers, so challenges to his efforts might be used as political maneuvers by certain ambitious politicians. (AP via Youtube)

''I understand the trepidation and anxiety people are feeling right now. Rights should not be stifled by fears. What we should understand is silence should not be a response to injustice.''

''Books that address same-sex parenting, or same-sex relationships, are particularly prone to challenges in the US. In the case of 'And Tango Makes Three,' there are many parents who believe it inappropriate to teach children anything at all about homosexual relationships, even in the form of a picture book about a true story.''

Deborah Caldwell-Stone, deputy director of the American Library Associations office for intellectual freedom, which has collected information on challenged books for the last 20 years on their top 10 list of most-challenged books. ''Tango'' is an illustrated book about same-sex penguins that hatch an egg and raise a chick. Other books dealing with homosexualith included ''The Perks of Being a Wallflower'' at #6, ''Uncle Bobby's Wedding'' at 38. (Guardian UK)

''"When I found out about this web filtering software, I wasn't looking for anything sexual or inappropriate - I was looking for information about scholarships for LGBT students, and I couldn't get to it because of this software. Our schools shouldn't be keeping students in the dark about LGBT organizations and resources.''

Andrew Emitt, 17, a senior at the Knoxville, TN Central High School, remarking on his discovery that the state's website filtering software was blocking political and educational information about LGBT issues. The ACLU is attempting to get the school to correct the issue. (News Sentinel)

''Based upon the facts as we currently know them, we believe this to be a bias-motivated crime, in that the perceived sexual orientation of the two victims appears to have motivated the assault.''

From a statement released by Allen W. Groves, Associate Vice President & Dean of Students at University of Virginia regarding an incident that occurred on April 4 where two young men were jumped by several others described as five white males between the ages 16 and 20. One of the victims, a student at UVa, was hit in the head and had his phone smashed when he tried to call police. (WSLS)

''They were walking behind the construction site around the 'E' school...and people, five young white guys jumped them.... They were kinda shocked that something like this could happen here, but I think hatred is everywhere... what we're hoping is, people can change their language ...stop saying things like 'that's so gay.'''

Seth Kay, president of Queer & Allied Activism at UVa, describing what happened to a friend of his during an apparent hate-crime. A rally is to be held on Thursday, April 16, on campus to address the issue.(WCAV TV)

''If you love your gay friends and family members, you won't visit Jamaica. If you care about the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, you won't buy Jamaican products. We hope that all gay and gay friendly bar owners and restaurateurs across the nation will participate in 'rum dumps.' We can no longer subsidize our own slaughter.''

Wayne Besen, a co-organizer of the new effort to boycott the Caribbean nation of Jamaica, which, according to the group's press release, has earned the dubious distinction of ''The Most Homophobic Place on Earth.'' Owners of the Stonewall Inn are set to dump Jamaican drink products down the drain as a symbolic end to support for a country that ignores the mistreatment and murder of gay people. (Boycott Jamaica)

''I'm recently single ... I think.''

Actress Lindsay Lohan appearing on FunnyOrDie in an eHarmony-style personal profile. She mentions many of the infamous things she's known for in the tabloids, but doesn't get to the part about being straight and dating a lesbian. (FunnyOrDie)

The Associated Press is reporting that Maryland the legislature has passed a revision to existing inheritance laws that benefits same-sex couples. The bill still needs Governor O'Malley's signature:

The Senate voted 27-18 Monday night to pass the measure... The bill adds same-sex domestic partners to the list of family members who can inherit homes without paying taxes on that property.

''Every obstacle they put in our way, every hoop they ask us to jump through, we do, only to find another hoop waiting on the other side. It's unfortunate that it's 2009 and we can't convince legislators there are real people out there suffering the consequences of discrimination and whose lives could be improved by this simple measure.''

Maryland state Senator Richard Madelano of Montgomery County on the apparent misgivings legislators are having in Annapolis of voting on the bill he sponsored that would add protections for transgender people. As in other parts of the country, much of the issue seems to be related to ''public accommodations'' (a/k/a restrooms and locker rooms). (Baltimore Sun)

''There was only one item on the agenda that had to do with gay rights according to the printed agenda. For this reason, I was shocked at the boldness of the DC City Council as they voted to open the door for a marriage reciprocity measure that would allow anyone legally married in the nation to be legally received in the District.... This law would essentially begin the process of opening the back door to allowing same-sex marriage in America's first city.... It almost goes with out saying that a legal battle of epic proportions is undoubtedly going to ensue. To add insult to injury, a DC same-sex marriage bill may be brought to the City Council within weeks. Therefore, we need the nation to mobilize to protect marriage.''

Harry Jackson, a pastor at Hope Christian Church in Beltsville, MD, who has been doing his best lately to ride his anti-gay stance to national prominence. He has said that Soulforce members were "sinners, and that the gospel of Jesus Christ can overcome any kind of sin from drunkeness to homosexuality,'' and then claimed death threats and intimidation from gay activists. (TownHall)

''In effect, it's going to take a seven-figure settlement to get me to drop this case. I will likely retire immediately, leave Ohio State and move back to Texas. At this point I'm totally disgusted. Every time I see Meezan, I want to punch him in the face. And this is putting it mildly.''

Rudolph Alexander, an African-American professor at Ohio State University's College of Social Work, referring to the dean of his department, William Meezan. The dean accuses Alexander of calling him a ''gay leprechaun'' in front of a class and also accusing him of having AIDS. The professor claims that Meezan called him a ''street fighter'' and accuses the dean of being racist. Their 4-year, too-public squabble apparently began when the dean, who is gay, suggested some type of ceremony that students would accept homosexuality in accordance with ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. (The Lantern)

"If you pulled the lever for John McCain in 2008, then passing hate-crimes legislation or ENDA [Employment Non-Discrimination Act] is probably not your priority. Most issues that are defined as 'gay' issues have been defined by the left. We take a different approach.'

Jimmy LaSalvia, executive director of GOProud, a newly launched group for gay Americans who are politically conservative. (WSJ)

''They were always saying, 'you're gay, you must be gay, you act like a girl.''

Sirdeaner Walker, mother of Carl J. Walker-Hoover, an 11-year-old 6th-grader who is reported to have hung himself with an electrical cord after enduring a barrage of bullying. His mother says she contacted his Charter School officials but did not receive an effective response. (WCVB)

"TCU will not launch any new living learning communities at this time. Instead we will assess whether the concept of housing residential students based on themes supports the academic mission of the institution as well as our objective to provide a total university experience.''

Portion of a statement from TCU Chancellor Victor J. Boschini, Jr. It was reported earlier that the University was to create ''themed'' housing -- one theme being grouped living quarters for several openly GLBT students that were meant to create a safe environment for them. (Star-Telegram)

''We didn't pay 37 million zlotys ($11 million) for the largest elephant house in Europe to have a gay elephant live there.''

Polish politician Michal Grzes commenting on Ponzan Zoo's elephant, Ninioas. (Reuters).

''There was a glitch with our sales rank feature that is in the process of being fixed. We're working to correct the problem as quickly as possible.''

Patty Smith, Amazon.com's Director of Corporate Communications, responding to the LA Times on a controversy that had developed over the missing "rank" of a number of gay-themed books. Ranking at the world's largest internet sales site can help to get books noticed and therefore increase sales. A few of the affected books include ''Becoming a Man,'' ''Orlando,'' ''Heather Has Two Mommies,'' and ''The Mayor of Castro Street.'' Not all gay-themed books were affected, and Amazon says they're working to address the issue. (LA Times)

''In consideration of our entire customer base, we exclude 'adult' material from appearing in some searches and best seller lists.''

Ashlyn D, a sales respresentative quoted by blogger Mark Probst, who inquired about the missing rankings of some GLBT books at Amaxon.com (Mark Probst via Livejournal)

''"GLAAD has reached out to Amazon.com and they indicate this was an error, so we expect to start seeing evidence of its correction immediately, and any loss of visibility of gay-themed books as a result of this error will be made right by Amazon ...''

Neil Giuliano, president of GLAAD, on the importance of Amazon's inclusion and treatment of GLBT books. (WSJ)

''I am a California doctor who must choose between my faith and my job. I am a Massachusetts parent helplessly watching public schools teach my son that gay marriage is okay.''

Two of the made-up lines read by 23 different actors used by Maggie Gallagher's traditional conservative fear-tank National Organization for Marriage. The actors, some of whom barely speak English, can be seen flubbing their lines a number of times. It's been reported that Human Right Campaign came into possession of these videos which can be found across internet video sites, and that N.O.M. has been coordinating it's efforts to remove these embarrassing outtakes. Even some videos copied from Rachel Maddow's MSNBC news program where she showed clips of the silly videos have been labeled on YouTube as "no longer available due to a copyright claim by National Organization for Marriage.'' (Wired)

"Mission accomplished" is one of the most difficult things to say when your organization depends on working toward a cause, but Love Makes a Family did it. And other gay groups may soon need to follow suit. If the gay community truly wants to achieve equality, it will have to overcome a victim mindset that is slowly becoming obsolete.... given the overwhelming support for these moves among younger Americans, these victories are not far off, and gay rights organizations should start facing the prospect that in the near future, their missions will be superfluous. This is a realization that comes easier to younger gays like me (I'm 25) than to older ones.

From an opinion piece by James Kirchick who thinks that GLAAD needs to realize that gays are everywhere in the media, Rick Warren's prayer was no threat, and all you old gay rights institutions with your millions of dollars for bloated staff need to acknowledge your sense of accomplishment by shutting down. (Washington Post)

''[Protests] don't connect to other people; they don't connect to the straight world.... This is a great way to help out the community and show that we are a part of the community.''

Mike Walton, one of several gay volunteers in Salt Lake City, UT who are coordinating efforts to reach out to the community at large through charity work. (Salt Lake Tribune)

''I'm not sure I understand. Well, I guess my thing, Larry, is that I just like the definition marriage to still be between a man and a woman.... I don't know where it's all going, but it's my desire that we keep the family unit -- it's the basis of our society. I'd love to see it stay between a male and a female. Not knocking anybody else, but I'm not sure where it's all going.... Will it undermine the basis of society, I don't know. I think -- I know God's best to have a male and a female to have marriage and raise their family. It doesn't always happen, but I believe that's God's best.... I'm not saying gay people aren't good people --. [Or gay parents.] Exactly. But I like to shoot for God's best and that's a father and mother in the home.''

Popular, prosperity-preaching televangelist Joel Osteen and his wife, Victoria, on CNN's Larry King Show, repeating their opposition to same-sex couples sharing in marriage and adoption rights. in the recent past, he has said being gay is a choice, and a spokesperson for their Lakewood Church declared that homosexuality is a sin and disobedience under God after meeting with Soulforce. (CNN)

''I am not an anti-gay or anti-gay marriage activist. Never have been, never will be. During the whole Propositioin 8 thing, I never once went to a meeting. Never once issued a statement. Never, never once even gave an endorsement in the two years Prop 8 was going. The week before the vote, somebody in my church said, 'Pastor Rick, what -- what do you think about this?' And I sent a note to my own members that said, I actually believe that marriage is -- really should be defined. That definition should be saved between a man and a woman.

''And then, all of a sudden, out of it, they made me, you know, something that I really wasn't. And, I actually -- there were a number of things put out. I -- I wrote to all of my gay friends, the leaders that I knew and actually apologized to them. That never got out.... I was asked a question that made it sound like I equated gay marriage with pedophilia or incest, which I absolutely do not believe. And I actually announced that. Uh, all of the criticism came from people that didn't know me. Not a single criticism came from any gay leader who knows me and knows that for years we've been working together on AIDS issues and all these other things.... I'm totally oblivious to [Iowa's marriage decision] -- that, that's not even my agenda....''

''Oh, yeah. You know, I don't think that the definition of marriage should be changed.... Yeah, I just never campaigned for it. I never -- I'm not an anti-gay activist. Never have been, never participated in a single event. I just simply made a note in a newsletter. And, of course, everything I write hits the road.... No, no, in fact it's very low [on my list of issues]. I'm working with a number of different gay organizations on issues that we care about in saving lives.''

Author Rick Warren appearing to contradict himself and his past statements on the CNN talk show hosted by Larry King. He was asked about the controversy that erupted when President-elect Obama requested him to deliver the invocation at the Innauguration. King then followed up by questioning Warren again about the fact that he encouraged his ''flock'' to vote for the passage of Proposition 8. (Associated Baptist Press) (Larry King)

Just a few of Rick Warren's past heterocentric, Evangelical declarations against legal and social equality for gay men and lesbians regarding marriage and sex ... because God said so:

• There is no reason to change the universal, historical definition of marriage to appease 2% of our population.
• Now, here's an interesting thing. Just -- there are about 2% of Americans are homosexual -- are gay, lesbian people. We should not let 2% of the population determine -- to change the definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years. This is not just a Christian issue, it's a humanitarian and human issue that, uh, uh -- God created marriage for the purpose of family, love and procreation. So, I urge you to support Proposition 8.
• [What about partnerships benefits in terms of insurance and hospital visitation?] Not a problem with me. But the issue to me is -- I'm not opposed to that as much as I'm opposed to the redefinition of a five thousand year definition of marriage. I'm opposed to having a brother and sister be together and call that marriage. I'm opposed to an older guy marrying a child and calling that a marriage. I'm opposed to one guy having multiple wives. [Do you think those are equivalent to gays getting married?] Oh, I do!
• There were all kinds of threats, if [Proposition 8] did not pass, then any pastor could be considered doing ''hate speech'' if he shared his views that he didn't think that homosexuality was the most natural way for relationships. And that would be ''hate speech.''
• Kay and I have given millions of dollars out of ''The Purpose Driven Life'' -- helping people who got AIDS through gay relationships so they can't accuse me of homophobia.
  
• I believe that God created sex exclusively for sex between a man and a woman.
• I'm opposed to gays using the term 'marriage' for their relationship.
• I believe that the gay view of sexuality is contrary to God's word.
• [If Proposition 8] hadn't passed, the pain that it would have caused to far millions more, I think would be more severe.
• No, [I would not change my position]. It doesn't matter to me. We all have biological predispositions.... And you say 'Because I have natural impulses toward the same sex, I shouldn't have to reign them in.' Well, I disagree.

"Well I've been trying to create a safe space on campus for the queer community. We're not creating just like a bubble for ourselves, but creating a space where we can have open dialogue and students can be comfortable.... Actually I don't feel that the Christian and the queer community are on opposite ends of the spectrum. I feel like they're a lot closer than people realize.''

Shelly Newkirk, a lesbian whose suggestion to have a section for gay student housing at Texas Christian University has been approved. (KDFW)

''Let's be clear, this is a new era... Everyone would agree we have a tricky relationship with Congress, even when our allies are in power. But progress is made by moving forward, not standing still.''

D.C. Councilman David Catania who worked for the successful passage of legislation to enable the city of Washington to accept same-sex marriages that are performed in other states. However, the U.S. Congress still has Constitutionally-granted ability to control all legislation regarding the District's internal legal decisions. The 600,000 residents of the District also continue to have no voting representation in Congress, so the reaction of House Members and Senators remains unpredictable. It's reported that Catania, who is gay, plans to introduce legislation that will allow the District's same-sex couples to enter into marriage legally at home. (Associated Press)

''The district is equivalent to a small state, and the only difference is Congress' ability to interfere with local decisions. We would treat it as any other state and move to defend the decision of the legislature or the courts.''

David Smith, vice president of the Washington-based Human Rights Campaign. (Associated Press)

Carcieri said he is not anti-gay, but does not believes this is a "civil rights issue,'' as argued by those urging the legislature here to allow same-sex marriage.

He said he believes children "prosper'' best in homes with a mother and a father. "I am a traditionalist,'' he said, and this is a "definitional issue'' that should be decided by voters, not legislatures or courts, as has happened in other states.

Republican Governor of Rhode Island, Donald Carcieri, as reported by the Providence Journal. He appeared at a press conference where he was joined by his wife, Sue, and a spokesman for the National Organization for Marriage, an anti-gay group helmed by Maggie Gallager, which is releasing a scare-the-public commercial called ''The Coming Storm.'' Christopher Plante from N.O.M. was questioned aggressively when he also tried to state that gay marriage is an attack on the needs of children.

''Jack was one of the earlier pioneers in helping to bring awareness to the gay community by being open about who he was and about following his dreams. We are deeply saddened as he is an essential part of our gay history. Our sympathies go out to his family'.''

Lewis Tice, Director of Publicity and Marketing for TLA Releasing, which recently released and won a GayVN award for ''Wrangler: Anatomy of an Icon,'' a biography about Jack Wrangler who died at 62 of lung disease. Wrangler is said to have been a gay man who eventually married female pop singer, Margaret Whiting. (Village Voice)

''I don't think it's ironic, I think it's significant.''

Christine C. Quinn, New York's City Council speaker, remarking about the city's newest tourism effort, the Rainbow Pilgrimage. It is designed to court GLBT visitors by specifically highlighting the riots that resulted from police harassment at the Stonewall Inn in 1969 along with events and entertainment of interest to gay men and lesbians. (NY Times)

''Under Bush, it felt a bit like we were crashing our own party. But this year it feels like we're equally honored guests. It's more celebratory.''

Leah McElrath Renna of Washington, DC, who has twice visited the White House Easter Egg Hunt with her partner, Cathy Renna & their 3-year-old daughter. It's reported that blocks of tickets to event have been set apart by the Whitehouse for GLBT families for next Monday's event, and that some 2000 more tickets will go to students in the DC schools. The holiday event became a symbolic battleground for inclusion over the last few years as conservatives were put off by a coordinated effort by gay families to express their presence at the event. (Associated Press)

''The emotion that is going around this building right now -- how good people feel -- it's palpable. It's not often that you get in your career to be able to fight for someone's civil rights.''

Vermont state Senate Majority Leader John Campbell, who led his colleagues this morning in overriding Gov. Jim Douglas' veto of a gay marriage bill. The House very narrowly voted by a 2/3 margin to go along with the Senate. (LA Times)

It's been a very long battle. It's been almost 20 years to get to this point," Dostis said. "I think finally, most people in Vermont understand that we're a couple like any other couple. We're as good and as bad as any other group of people. And now I think we have a chance to prove ourselves here on forward that we're good members of our community."

Vermont Rep. Robert Dostis, who says after 25 years of being together with his longtime partner, Chuck Kleteck, it's finally time to get married. (Burlington Free Press)

''I prepared myself for this outcome and predicted it.... What really disappoints me is that we have spent some time on an issue during which another thousand Vermonters have lost their jobs. We need to turn out attention to balancing a budget without raising taxes, growing the economy, putting more people to work.''

Vermont's Republican Governor Jim Douglas sucking on his sour grapes -- still trying to link the economy to gay marriage. Yesterday he also said that a same-sex marriage bill needed to be vetoed because Federal laws would not recognize state marriages anyway. (Burlington Free Press)

It's no secret that I have been working on legislation that would take us further. This is the march toward human rights and equality. This is not the march toward special rights. This is the equality march and that march is coming here.

Washington, DC Councilman David Catania on the unanimous vote to approve letting the District recognize marriages that have been performed in other states. It is reported that Mayor Adrian Fenty will also allow legal recognition of same-sex marriages. There has been strong support for gay marriage in DC for several years, but some fear that the Bush-era Congress would override the will of the District has cause hesitation and a lot of patience to be in order until now. (Washington Post)

"What we are doing is taking away the mayor's discretion in cases where the outcome is obvious. The issue is about whether we give full faith and credit to other states."

Washington D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson on the upcoming hearing to consider the legalities of accepting same-sex marriages -- that is, not to approve of legal marriages taking place inside the city, but to fully accepting those that have taken place in other states. It's reported that the council has already granted Mayor Fenty some authority to act on such cases, but has not yet opted to do anything with it. (Washington Times)

''I am humbled by the invitation to join President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. I hope this council will draw upon the richness of our unique perspectives to advise the president on policies that will improve the lives of all the people we have been called to serve. The lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community is eager to help the Administration achieve its goals around economic recovery and fighting poverty; fatherhood and healthy families; inter-religious dialogue; care for the environment; and global poverty, health and development. And, of course, we will support the President in living up to his promise that government has no place in funding bigotry against any group of people.''

Portion of an Human Right Campaign press release about Harry Knox, director HRC's Religion and Faith Program who has been named a member of Obama's religious advisory panel. (HRC)

"It will not come up. I have no intention of taking it up.... I'm not inclined to move legislation forward on this issue next year. It's time we learned to accept them.... I've learned a lot. I've talked to a lot of people. I see a bunch of people who merely want to profess their love for each other. I don't think that's so wrong.''

Michael Gronstal, majority leader of the Iowa Senate, on why he plans to deny a debate of an anti-gay bill which seeks to overturn that state's new Supreme Court ruling that has essentially called for legalization of same-sex marriages. Gronstal was also remarking on why he has changed his mind since 1998 when he voted to ban gay marriages. (Chicago Tribune / AP)