Summer sun, something's begun, but oh oh the summer nights

Hey Everyone!

So, classes have been out for just over a month now and summer has started! I just thought I would update the blog a little in case anyone stumbles over it before August… Lambda is in the process of planning a lot of really cool things for next year, as always. It will all start with the Over the Rainbow Orientation Program and then the Student Activities Fair, keep your eyes open!

June has indeed begun today so I just want to say Happy Gay Pride Month! I know not everyone is into Gay Pride, but for those that are, have fun!

I also thought I would briefly post some links to the Advocate about some things that have been going on with LGBT-related news.

http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid54422.asp

First, the California Supreme Court struck down a ban on same-sex marriage! Couples could wed starting June 17^th unless the court stays its decision to wait for November elections. Californians may get to vote on a constitutional amendment which would ban same-sex marriage and overturn the court’s decision. Either way, the ruling is expected to be appealed which would eventually take it to the US Supreme Court, which has never ruled on same-sex marriage.

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid54849.asp

Maryland currently does not have civil unions, but its governor signed to bills extending more rights to LGBT couples including tax benefits and hospital visitation.

http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid55077.asp

New York Governor David Patterson said this past week that state agencies had to recognize same-sex unions performed outside the state. Massachusetts requires residency, but California should be performing them in a few weeks. Besides that, Canada is just next door to New York… So far, there’s a lot of the expected backlash.

http://www.advocategenq.com/2008/05/whoa--south-car.html

More info at http://www.wistv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8356379&nav=0RaP

Finally, just because I think it’s interesting and should be shared. A South Carolina high school principal is resigning because he has to allow the formation of a Gay-Straight Alliance at the school. He says it conflicts with his personal and religious beliefs and then says, “I feel the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High school implies that students joining the club will have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes.”