Sexual Identity

(09/23/11) The military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of dealing with gay service members officially ended this week. Now, gay soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen can serve openly without fear of being kicked out because of their sexuality. Around Fort Drum, some soldiers cheered the change, while others expected it to cause new problems. Joanna Richards reports. more

(07/26/11) 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 conducted the vote.

In Albany, Karen Dewitt has the details. more

(07/25/11) Gay couples dressed in everything from tuxes and gowns, to T-shirts, as they said their vows and raised their marriage certificates in triumph yesterday. New York yesterday became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex weddings.

Hundred of couples began saying "I do" at midnight from Niagara Falls to New York City. Ceremonies continued throughout the day at municipal offices that opened for special weekend hours. more

(07/13/11) 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 says public officials who refuse to okay the ceremonies are likely not going to be able to stay in their jobs.

Martha Foley has more. more

(07/05/11) In 2006, Burlington writer James Lantz's first play, The Bus, was a surprise hit. The play, about two boys who pursue a forbidden relationship late at night in a church bus, drew crowds and glowing reviews. It's set in a small town and deals with gay teens, sexuality, religion and homophobia. An off-Broadway theater is giving Lantz an opportunity to present his play to big city audiences this fall.

James Lantz has written three other plays, including American Machine, which was a co-commissioned project of The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts. As an award-winning filmmaker, he has produced, written and directed over 200 commercial films, videos and live events. Todd Moe spoke with him about The Bus and its off-Broadway debut in October.

(06/28/11) The Catholic Church leads opposition to New York's new law legalizing same sex marriage. In a statement over the weekend, Bishop Terry LaValley of the Diocese of Ogdensburg called the law "deeply disappointing and troubling."

The statement calls marriage between a man and a woman the only "authentic" marriage.

David Sommerstein spoke yesterday with Bishop LaValley about the new law and about his parishioners reaction to his statement. more

(06/27/11) Governor Cuomo signed the bill allowing same-sex couples to marry in New York into law following a dramatic debate and vote on the Senate floor Friday night.

The addition of two Republicans sealed the bill's fate after they said an amendment securing religious exemptions satisfied them. The bill passed in the Senate 33-29. more

(06/24/11) Gay couples are planning to converge on Albany to witness what would be a historic vote to legalize gay marriage in New York.

A bill to legalize gay marriage wasn't considered Wednesday night. A spokesman for the Senate said a slew of more mundane but critical bills pushed consideration of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's same-sex marriage bill to today at the earliest. Karen DeWitt reports. more

(06/23/11) The state Senate may decide today whether to bring a bill legalizing same sex marriage to the floor for an up or down vote. Gov. Andrew Cuomoo continues to be optimistic about its chances for passage. Karen DeWitt reports. more

(06/22/11) After days of delay as Republican senators met behind closed doors, Governor Cuomo said he's "cautiously optimistic" that a same-sex marriage bill will be voted on the floor of the State Senate before legislators wrap up their session later this week. Karen DeWitt has more: more