Watertown, NY, Feb 12, 2013 — Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta announced yesterday that in line with the repeal of the military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, some spousal benefits will be given to same-sex service members and their partners.

The federal law known as the Defense of Marriage Act still prohibits many of the major spousal benefits, like housing and health care, from being extended to same-sex couples. But Panetta's announcement still had advocates for gay service members cheering.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Sep 12, 2012 — Tomorrow's Republican primary vote across New York is being shaped by last year's vote on same-sex marriage.

Some GOP lawmakers, including Assemblywoman Janet Duprey from Clinton County and state Senator Roy McDonald from Saratoga County, crossed party lines to support gay marriage. Now they face challenges from more conservative Republicans who say the vote was a mistake.  Go to full article

Burlington, VT, Jun 29, 2012 — June is traditionally Pride Month for the lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender community - a month that celebrates the diversity and culture around the community. The month typically culminates in a parade or Pride Festival. In our region, Pride events were held earlier this month in Syracuse and Albany. Ottawa and Montreal will hold festivals and parades in August. Burlington's Pride event will be held the weekend of September 22nd.

Six years ago this month, the gay bar known as 135 Pearl closed its doors in Burlington. It's now a Papa John's pizzeria. But for more than 10 years it was a mainstay in the gay community. Sarah Ward is a recent graduate of the Documentary Studies program at Burlington College. She never went to Pearl's, but was fascinated by the hole created when the bar closed. She produced this audio postcard.  Go to full article

Albany, NY, May 10, 2012 — Governor Cuomo, who won national praise and attention for championing the passage of same sex marriage in New York, calls President Obama's support of gay marriage a "major...  Go to full article

Mar 13, 2012 — A new, ecumenical church community has been formed in Saranac Lake that's trying to appeal to those who feel marginalized by the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. The...  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jul 26, 2011 — One day after same sex marriage became legal in New York State, a lawsuit has been filed by some religious groups, saying the Senate violated legal procedures when it...  Go to full article

Albany, NY, Jul 13, 2011 — Governor Cuomo says he "understands" the point of view of opponents of gay marriage who plan to protest during New York's first same sex marriages later this month. But he...  Go to full article