I just received the following news release from Gino Meriano, cited below in the announcement:
"Our time for change is coming
"On January 26th, 2009, we saw the Cardinals head to the Super bowl, (Ken) Bennett sworn in as Secretary of State, Chinese New Year and the submission of the introduction of Civil Partnerships in the state of Arizona.
"Gino Meriano, Founder of Pink Weddings, LLC, and international gay rights campaigner for same-sex families, said ‘This was a special moment and one that Philip and I will not forget, at last a new start and fresh approach for Arizona by bringing a new concept that will provide same-sex couples full and equal legal rights and protection that is well overdue.’
"Gino Meriano and Philip Cotton met at 2pm to present the details for the introduction and set the plans in motion for a change in Arizona.
"Philip Cotton, Founder of UnifiedVoice.org, said ‘In a time of division and separation this proposition will invoke all Arizonians to stand up and say no more. We will stand with a Unified Voice and say equality now, equality for all and equality forever.’
"As part of the ongoing process for change, Gino Meriano is also asking President Obama to develop his Civil Rights Agenda by changing ‘Civil Unions’ to ‘Civil Partnerships.’ Many citizens of all sexual orientation across the USA feel that civil unions have never offered full legal rights and still believe that these measures are less than equal to marriage. It’s time for change – it’s time to introduce Civil Partnerships as a Federal Law.
"Meriano continues, ‘The term Civil Partnership removes the stigma attached and associated within the community to the term civil unions. Civil Partnerships will help drive forward President Obama’s introduction of legal rights across the whole of America while removing significant opposition engendered by the term marriage.’"
Naturally, I’m delighted to share this information. I’ll continue to post updates as I receive them. Hold onto hope for equality for all!
Sign the petition for Civil Partnerships
Email Gino Meriano: gino@pinkweddings.us
Comments
This is the worst thing that can happen to the gay and lesbian community. Lets put it on the ballot and bring out the conservative base again. Geez Go back to England Gino.
This is a debacle. Mr. Mariano has no concept of US Law and that "Civil Unions" have been and continue to be completely useless. NJ recently released a major study detailing how "Civil Unions" had actually damaged LGBT couples and left a mass of confusion where full marriage rights would have resolved the issues entirely.
Mr. Mariano working almost solely and without support of the LGBT community in Arizona has proposed something that will severely harm LGBT Arizonans, allow the ultra right to whip up money and support to oppose liberal office holders and create a complete mess.
Please do not get "excited" about this. It's a terrible turn of events by a man who has only his interests as a "civil union" consultant in mind.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!