THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 13,2008
NEWS
3A
NATION
Connecticut judge approves gay, lesbian marriage
BY JOHN CHRISTOFFERSEM
ASSOCIATED PRESS
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Samesex couples began marrying in Connecticut on Wednesday after a judge cleared the way, a partial rebound for gay-right activists still enraged over the vote last week that cost them the right to wed in California.
Protests spread across the country over the loss in California, but in New Haven, bubbles and white balloons bounced in the chilly autumn air as well-wishers cheered the marriage of Peg Oliveira and Jennifer Vickery. They wed outside City Hall, next to a statue commemorating the Amistad slave's struggle for freedom, less than two hours after a judge made gay marriage a reality in Connecticut.
Despite the roaring traffic and clicking cameras, "It was surprisingly quiet," Oliveira said after the brief ceremony. "Everything else
The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on Oct. 10 that same-sex couples have the right to wed rather than accept a 2005 civil union law designed to give them the same rights as married couples. A lower-court judge entered a final order permitting same-sex marriage Wednesday morning.
There was no comparison between civil unions and marriage for Robin Levine-Ritterman and Barbara Levine-Ritterman, who obtained a civil union in 2005 and were among eight same-sex couples
"We didn't do it with pride or joy," Barbara Levine-Ritterman said of getting the civil-union license. "It felt grtty to be in a separate line."
"Today, Connecticut sends a message of hope and inspiration to lesbian and gay people throughout this country who simply want to be treated as equal citizens by their government," said the plaintiff's attorney, Bennett Klein.
dissolved, and it was just the two of us. It was so much more personal and powerful in us committing to one another, and so much less about the people around us."
who sued for the right to marry.
On Wednesday, however, she proudly held up the first same-sex marriage license issued in New Haven as about 100 people applauded outside City Hall. She and her betrothed, who held red roses, plan to marry in May.
"It's thrilling today," Barbara Levine-Ritterman said. "We are all in one line for one form. Love is love, and the state recognizes it."
Massachusetts is the only other state that allows gay marriages. Like the highest courts in that state and Connecticut, the California Supreme Court had ruled that same-sex marriage is legal this spring, but after thousands such unions were conducted in that state California voters last week approved a referendum banning the practice.
Gay couples walk to Superior Court in New Haven, Conn., on Wednesday where Judge Jonathan Silberr ruled at a brief hearing that gay and lesbian couples now may pick up marriage license forms at town and city clerks' offices statewide. The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on Oct. 10 that same-sex couples have the right to wed rather than accept a civil union law designed to give them the same rights as married couples.
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November 13,2008
THIS WEEK ON CAMPUS
KNOW WHERE YOUR FOOD CAME FROM?
Probably at least 1500 miles from Lawrence. Why should this matter to you?
Come And Find Out What Local People Are Doing About It! LAWRENCE'S LOCAL FOOD AND LOCALVORES
Presentation by DAN NAGENGAST of the Kansas Rural Center
Open discussion moderated by SIMRAN SETHI With local growers, entrepreneurs, and educators.
6:00 PM Thursday Nov.13th ECM 1204 Oread
Sponsors: KU Environs, E.A.R.T.H, Oxfam KU, Lawrence Fair Trade
enviros
Oxfam
Advocacy
Homework for Friday:
Attend services in Woodruff Auditorium at 6 P.M.
Enjoy dinner in the Ballroom at 7 P.M.
ROCK CHALK SHABBAT Kansas Union November 14,2008 Extra Credit:*Bring non-perishables for Harvesters or donations for Chai Difening
RUN ALL FOR TWO WEEKS!
Extra Credit: "Bring non-pershakes for Harveststown or donations for Charity"
"stay the whole night and receive prizes from the annual raffle"
definition: (rok chawk sha-baht)
1. the largest Shabbat celebration ever at KU
2. a time spent with over 900 family and friends
3. the place to be on November 14th
THE SERVICE LEARNING AMBASSADORS invites You to COMPLETE your certification by attending reflection sessions
The Multicultural Theatre Initiative, or MTI, is a body started this year at the University of Kansas. The MTI seeks to create diverse thought-provoking entertainment using artists and resources that vary the cultural nature of the piece of theatre while preserving and enhancing the story. Any and all students interested in being involved in the MTI in any way should contact Tosin Morohunfola at Tobam88@ku.edu.
11/11 2:30 - 3:30 pm Alcove J
11/12 10-11 am Alcove A
11/13 6-7 pm Alcove J
11/19 6-7pm Alcove B
11/20 12:1pm Alcove J
11/21 2:3 pm Alcove J
The 7th Annual Career Development Conference Friday, November 21, 2008 at the 4th floor of the Kansas Union 12:30-5:00pm
Open to ALL KU students, free of charge! Attend interactive workshops, compete in a case competition,and gain valuable knowledge from a panel of speakers.
All students are encouraged audition. Bring in one or two monologue(s) equaling up to 2 minutes.
all located on the 3rd floor of the Kansas Union! For more information/questions e-mail slam@ku.edu
PRODUCTION: For Colored Girls by Ntozake Shange AUDITION DATES: November 16, 3-6pm November 17, 7-10pm Callbacks on Nov. 18th from 6-10pm. AUDITION LOCATION: Room 341, Murphy Hall
Who: Delta Delta Delta Sorority What: Hot Chocolate Stand When: Nov. 17th - Nov.20th 9:00 am - 1:00 pm each day Why: To support St.Jude Children's Research Hospital Where: Wescoe Beach Cost: $1 per cup & any extra donations are appreciated!
THE KU MARKETING CLUB PRESENTS
KU Cultural India Club
Multicultural Theatre Initiative (MTI) Auditions
Indian dance and music performances followed by delectable Indian cuisine
When: Nov. 16th, 2008 (6:00 pm)
Where: Woodruff Auditorium,
Kansas Union
1301 Jayhawk Blvd.
Lawrence, KS 66045
Admission: FREE
Come experience a night of Indian culture by celebrating 'Diwali' with us.
Indian Dinner: Members: $7 / Non-members: $10 Dinner tickets can be bought at the venue
The Multicultural Theatre Initiative (MTI) presents.. BLUE/ORANGE (a play about race and racial perceptions)
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 15 & 16 @ 7:30 PM Soundstage at KU's Oldfather Studios 1621 W 9th St., Lawrence, KS 66044
FREE. Donations accepted. Limited seating---please arrive early!