Recently in News Briefs Category

More Separate Than Equal in Jersey  The State of New Jersey isn't as welcoming to the whole idea of same sex Civil Unions.  NJ has decided that clergy members can refuse to marry gay couples if they want.  Starting February 19th, gay couples can apply for civil union applications, but the state's attorney general has decided if clergy members say it defies their religious believe -- they don't have to do it.  Just another step in separate but equal. 

Ellen still on top  Congratulations to Ellen Degeneres for taking home two trophies at this week's People's Choice Awards.  She won for Best Talk Show Host and Favorite Funny Female Star.  In the talk show category Ellen beat out Jay Leno and Oprah Winfrey, as funny woman she beat out Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Queen Latifah. 

Edwards wavers on Gay Marriage  While former MA Governor Mitt Romney is trying to sounds as anti-gay as possible, former NC Senator John Edwards is not.  He says he supports civil unions, but not wavers on whether gay marriage should be legal.  Calling it the "the single hardest social issue for me personally," Edwards was taunted by the audience to "be honest" before he agreed that gay couples should have the same rights as breeders. 

Presidential candidate pledges to fight gay rights: Former Mass. governor Mitt Romney, speaking to a gathering of influential Christian conservatives and GOP donors, addressed the moderate social views he once held (pledging to support gay rights), a record that has made many question his motives by appearing so homophobic. Romney said he has grown and could be trusted to keep the social positions he now holds, which include an opposition to abortion and support for a federal constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage.  [Boston Globe]

Gay wedding industry booms: Vendors say attention to the marriage issue has encouraged more gay couples to recognize their relationships, though in most states, the ceremonies are purely sentimental.  [IndyStar]

Dallas goes gay! Dallas, long known as a Baptist stronghold and home of Stetson-wearing business types, is touting a new image: gay travel destination. The city has joined other locations, such as Philadelphia and Fort Lauderdale, in actively reaching out to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender visitors. [Sun Sentinel]