Comments on: On, Wisconsin

On, Wisconsin

roomthreeseventeen — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:15:40 -0800

A federal judge has overturned Wisconsin's ban on same sex marriage.

from the order: "Perhaps it is true that the Wisconsin legislature and voters would choose to repeal the marriage amendment and amend the statutory marriage laws to be inclusive of same-sex couples at some point in the future," Crabb said. "Perhaps it is also true that, if the courts had refused to act in the 1950s and 1960s, eventually all states would have voted to end segregation. Regardless, a district court may not abstain from deciding a case because of a possibility that the issues raised in the case could be resolved in some other way at some other time."

By: Floydd

Floydd — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:16:12 -0800

YAY! That's it, I'm drinkin'!!

By: drezdn

drezdn — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:17:24 -0800

\o/

By: scody

scody — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:19:00 -0800

Stand up, Badgers, sing!

By: roomthreeseventeen

roomthreeseventeen — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:20:38 -0800

FWIW, the word "Scalia" appears TWELVE times in this decision.

By: Blazecock Pileon

Blazecock Pileon — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:20:43 -0800

One less red state...

By: MoonOrb

MoonOrb — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:21:02 -0800

Link to the opinion that drezdn had kindly posted in the other marriage equality thread.

By: Bacon Bit

Bacon Bit — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:22:37 -0800

Uh oh I think my Badger love is showing, don't tell the Gophers!

By: Going To Maine

Going To Maine — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:23:18 -0800

(/^▽^)/

By: altopower

altopower — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:23:48 -0800

I seriously thought we would be one of the last holdouts. I am ECSTATIC to be wrong. On Wisconsin!

By: droplet

droplet — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:24:53 -0800

Well done, Badgers!

By: drezdn

drezdn — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:24:58 -0800

This is also the weekend of Milwaukee's Pride Fest.

By: [insert clever name here]

[insert clever name here] — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:26:20 -0800

Yay! I was so appalled at my fellow wisconsinites when this passed. Thank fucking god it's overturned. Knowing the republicans in the state though, I wouldn't doubt we see some sort of bullshit maneuver from the Walker camp. I'm hoping the massive shift in public opinion keeps that from happening.

By: longdaysjourney

longdaysjourney — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:26:48 -0800

Glad this has happened, but I wish the judge had been more clear in her opinion. Seems like she's putting the onus on the county clerks to determine whether or not same-sex couples can get married before the June 16 deadline. "Crabb did not stay her ruling but also did not immediately issue an order blocking the enforcement of the order, leaving it for the moment unclear whether couples could immediately marry in the courthouses of Wisconsin. Instead, Crabb asked the gay couples who had sued over the ban to describe by June 16 exactly what they wanted the judge to block with respect to the enforcement of the law. She said she would then address whether to stay her decision while the matter is on appeal. The case in the state comes amid a broad shift in public opinion about same-sex marriage. Dane County Clerk Scott McDonell said he is in the process of reading through the decision. He could not determine yet whether he could begin administering marriage licenses today or whether he would need to wait."

By: Slinga

Slinga — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:27:54 -0800

Finally! I was waiting, and waiting, and hoping, that finally we would join the other sensible states that overturned their bans. I really didn't think it would come this soon.

By: quin

quin — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:28:00 -0800

I had two thoughts on this; 1.) I'm a fan of any victory that follows the format of * v Walker. So fuck yeah. and 2.) I'm thrilled to see that the inexorable tide of change against bigotry and towards acceptance is finally hitting my state. The people fighting this are on the wrong side of history, and I'm fucking stoked to see it slowly becoming more apparent to them with each freed state.

By: The Legit Republic of Blanketsburg

The Legit Republic of Blanketsburg — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:35:37 -0800

Huzzah! Those first pictures you see of people queued up at your local court house waiting to get their Marriage on will be...affecting.

By: escape from the potato planet

escape from the potato planet — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:37:07 -0800

By: Pogo_Fuzzybutt

Pogo_Fuzzybutt — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:39:11 -0800

As a former Sconnie, this pleases me.

By: Rallon

Rallon — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:40:07 -0800

Yes yes yes! At the risk of being too cheesy, I feel compelled to celebrate by cooking up a whole lot of bratwurst.

By: sexyrobot

sexyrobot — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:40:11 -0800

yay!...so how many states is this, now?

By: jonmc

jonmc — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:40:13 -0800

Brats and Beer all around!!

By: Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish

Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:40:43 -0800

Aren't there a couple of big Supreme Court cases about same-sex marriage coming up in 2014 or something? Can anybody refresh me on the details? I remember that they sounded like potential game-changers. The first post-Windsor decisions striking down state SSM bans are now far enough along that you can expect the federal appeals courts to start issuing their rulings within a few months. At least one of those decisions, if not all of them, will be appealed to the Supreme Court. That involves another round of briefing, lasting a few months or more, as the two sides argue over whether the SC should take them up on it, and the justices will decide whether or not to hear the case a month or two -- maybe more -- after that wraps up.

By: mediocre

mediocre — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:41:36 -0800

The dominoes are falling exponentially quicker now..

By: rtha

rtha — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:41:55 -0800

I just ate some cheese to celebrate!

By: scody

scody — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:43:08 -0800

At the risk of being too cheesy, I feel compelled to celebrate by cooking up a whole lot of bratwurst. I see what you did there.

By: sallybrown

sallybrown — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:44:11 -0800

FWIW, the word "Scalia" appears TWELVE times in this decision. His Lawrence dissent might turn out to be his most lasting legacy, which makes me so very happy. Some civics textbook 100 years from now: "As Justice Antonin Scalia predicted, the Lawrence v. Texas decision was the precursor to the Court's eventual acknowledgment that people of all sexualities possess full constitutional rights." How wonderful it is to be alive while history happens, and to know it!

By: Wordshore

Wordshore — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:44:16 -0800

Seven couples filed a federal lawsuit Friday challenging the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage in North Dakota, making it the last state in the country to be sued by couples seeking the right to marry in their home state. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Fargo, challenges both North Dakota's constitutional ban on gay marriage and its refusal to recognize marriages of same-sex couples who legally wed in other states. That means cases are currently pending in all 31 states with gay marriage bans.

By: skycrashesdown

skycrashesdown — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:47:14 -0800

Every one of these threads brings me to tears. I still can't believe this is happening, and so quickly.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:48:20 -0800

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By: qi

qi — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:48:30 -0800

How many states have approved SSM now?

By: Pogo_Fuzzybutt

Pogo_Fuzzybutt — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:48:58 -0800

How many states have approved SSM now? Not nearly enough.

By: zarq

zarq — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:49:39 -0800

20, I think.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:50:50 -0800

[Milwaukee] County Executive Abele Orders Courthouse Open Late to Allow Couples to Marry

By: Nanukthedog

Nanukthedog — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:52:36 -0800

Whats the best way to disenfranchise a big block of liberal voters without actually disenfranchising them? Give them what they want... now will that voting block really come out in as much force as they would if it had some little ballot question, or if they needed another vote in an actual state vote? I'm hoping so, but there's less incentive if you don't have the big fight in front of you. Maybe the judicial system is way more blue than the state has been, but these dominoes, while falling on the right side of history, may just be another play to foul up Washington in a few more years. I trust red states making blue moves about as much as I'd trust Scott Walker to head the AFL-CIO.

By: Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish

Holy Zarquon's Singing Fish — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:53:50 -0800

This isn't a red state making a blue move. It's a federal judge (unelected, appointed by the president and confirmed by Congress) making a blue move. The red state is expected to appeal and drag out the fight as long as possible.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:54:38 -0800

I trust red states making blue moves you understand this was a judge? wait why am i posting here WHEN I COULD BE GETTING READY FOR PRIDEFEST

By: [insert clever name here]

[insert clever name here] — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:57:36 -0800

Wisconsin is weird though. We're not red or blue, we're really confused. I was going to say we're really purple. But no, I think just confused is the right way to describe it. There is a very strong liberal presence here, especially in the cities. There are still a lot of blue collar dems that grew up labor. And then there are the people in the burbs and rural areas that are solidly red. We may have a republican governor now, but it really goes back and forth between the parties. Purple through and through.

By: mondo dentro

mondo dentro — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:58:43 -0800

[Scalia's] Lawrence dissent might turn out to be his most lasting legacy, which makes me so very happy. It fills me with joy to imagine him going to bed every night, wishing he could take that one back, and knowing that that is not possible. I fitting legacy for a fraudulent "originalist".

By: gerstle

gerstle — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:58:48 -0800

By: gerstle

gerstle — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:59:26 -0800

you know I really need to learn how to type faster

By: sallybrown

sallybrown — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:01:32 -0800

So far, in every one of these opinions, it's been clear the federal judge is being 100% scrupulous to get everything right (up to and including beautiful and artful word choice), mindful of the history he or she is making. I very much doubt this is part of some red-state scheme.

By: LionIndex

LionIndex — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:03:57 -0800

As a former Sconnie, this pleases me. As a future....um...Sconnie (?), this also pleases me.

By: jpe

jpe — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:08:38 -0800

we would join the other sensible states Most of those other states aren't sensible; they're just ruled by sensible judges.

By: jpe

jpe — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:09:54 -0800

It fills me with joy to imagine him going to bed every night, wishing he could take that one back I don't see why he would. He was right, after all.

By: MoonOrb

MoonOrb — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:17:02 -0800

I don't see why he would. He was right, after all. This is always what I've thought too. More than anything, I'll bet Scalia loves to feel that he was right.

By: mondo dentro

mondo dentro — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:20:06 -0800

Scalia Gets Another Epic Trolling In Wisconsin Pro-Gay Marriage Decision

By: dances_with_sneetches

dances_with_sneetches — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:21:30 -0800

All gays want is to get married and join the military. Gays, you used to be cool.

By: spinifex23

spinifex23 — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:21:31 -0800

I want to celebrate with a Huber and a fish boil. Go Badgers! Think I'm also wearing my Badgers shirt all weekend.

By: divined by radio

divined by radio — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:22:21 -0800

Here I was starting to think we would be last. This is so wonderful. And I saw the news on MeFi first! OK, time for champagne and a rainbow manicure. \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/ \o/

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:23:15 -0800

Holy crap there is a CHER concert in Milwaukee tonight. Planets aligned, etc.

By: azpenguin

azpenguin — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:23:47 -0800

Choo-choo! History train coming through. Get on board, get out of the way, or get run over. Your choice, but you ain't stoppin' it.

By: scody

scody — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:25:16 -0800

Here I was starting to think we would be last. I'm just hoping the Equality State gets their shit together so they won't be the last.

By: gerstle

gerstle — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:42:01 -0800

Dane County clerk is issuing licenses tonight as well. We're going to be watching a lot of news with the kids this weekend.

By: Joey Michaels

Joey Michaels — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:42:20 -0800

If liberals and progressives need a reason to turn out to the polls in a year where we've had a bunch of comparably small victories, perhaps it should be because all of thee victories could be overturned at the federal level if we don't protect them. As we've seen, even the most universally popular progressive programs are under slow, constant attack. If you stay home, you're going to have to fight the same battles all over again from square one. More importantly, hurray Wisconsin!

By: Thorzdad

Thorzdad — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:42:39 -0800

Here I was starting to think we would be last. Nah. Indiana's always gonna be hugging the bottom of the barrel on this one.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:43:16 -0800

First gay couple to get a license in Milwaukee County

By: klangklangston

klangklangston — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:44:23 -0800

We went through quite a bit of brainstorming on this one to get our graphic out, including: "Marriage just got cheddar" "We curd-en't be happier" "Say cheese!" (marriage photo) "Gouda job" (We rejected "Praise Cheese-us" and a dirty Packer joke pretty quickly.)

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:45:40 -0800

First same sex marriage in Dane County (Madison)

By: blurker

blurker — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:46:28 -0800

This is the best news. I only hope it bodes well for the rest of the country, including my current home state of Texas. I know it's a long shot, but I am holding out hope. Congratulations, Wisconsin!!

By: uosuaq

uosuaq — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:47:17 -0800

That hopey-changey thing is working out pretty well in some areas, thanks for asking. How's the wrong side of history going, by the way?

By: ultranos

ultranos — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:51:27 -0800

!!! I grew up in Wisconsin and was fairly informed in state politics in high school (blame Debate Team), and I'll totally concur with the "confused state". The city/rural divide is, or at least was 10 years ago, really stark, and that leads to weird political things. As for the people in the JS article calling going to the courts ""They took the chicken's way out," she said. "They don't want a popular vote."", you goddamn morons, that's what the judicial branch is for. I learned about checks-and-balances in your own classrooms; what's your excuse? I am so goddamn happy. Good job finally living up to the state motto there!

By: barchan

barchan — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:53:10 -0800

I'm just hoping the Equality State gets their shit together so they won't be the last. WY just gave women the right to vote in order to have enough population to be granted statehood, to get more women to the territory where the guy/gal ratio was ~6 to 1, and to attract more people (women) to vote for Democrats and not Republican (1869 political versions) in an effort to keep abolitionists/black suffrage out of the state. (One of the primary backers of the bill was an ardent racist and supported the bill on the premise that women were better than [racist terms for blacks and Chinese].) They completely repealed the law 2 years later but fell one vote short of overturning the governor's veto. Around the same time they got statehood, they hung a woman for daring to own her own cattle ranch and then whitewashed their crime by calling her a cattle rustler. Yeah, it's going to be one of the last states.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:08:47 -0800

this is breaking the local news site

By: MillMan

MillMan — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:12:43 -0800

Honestly, Nanuk, we're not a red state. We're not even a purple state, with the moderate politics that that label would imply. We're a lunatic unstable state, with extremely partisan reds and blues on either side and 20% in the middle who change their minds every four years. As evidenced by our comically inconsistent combination of senators. I grew up next door in Minneapolis and I will say people like Walker and Michele Bachmann were not really around until the late the 90s and not in power until later, and I don't think the politics of the people were much different then. The right-wing machine that learned how to appeal to the religious and privileged-but-powerless white men (and women) was already well established by the mid 90s. I actually miss people like Arne Carlson (governor of Minnesota for much of the 90s) - he was a vaguely pro-rich republican but he had nothing in common with republicans of today with their murderous rage towards the poor and middle class for daring to not be rich.

By: Floydd

Floydd — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:16:36 -0800

I just bought champaign for the first couple un Dane county!!! Squeee!!!

By: Big_B

Big_B — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:24:02 -0800

uosuaq: "That hopey-changey thing is working out pretty well in some areas, thanks for asking. How's the wrong side of history going, by the way?" I love seeing those stickers - "HOW'S YOUR CHANGE WORKING OUT?" Pretty great actually. I've got a better job now, as do many of my friends. More of us have health care. And a shit ton of people who love each other are being allowed to show it now. MOAR PLEZE

By: scody

scody — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:29:23 -0800

WY just gave women the right to vote in order to have enough population to be granted statehood, Oh yeah, I know -- I spent a good chunk of my childhood in Laramie (and Casper, to a lesser extent). And I agree, Wyoming will no doubt it will be among the last states dragged into the 21st century regarding same-sex marriage. But it's also the same state that elected the first woman governor in the U.S. (Nellie Tayloe Ross, 1924) and seated the first woman on a jury in the U.S. (Eliza Stewart Boyd, 1870). It's the same place where Matthew Shepard could be murdered and where the the University of Wyoming athletic teams responded this way. The legacy of the Old West has definitely resulted in a very strong conservatism, but it's a conservatism that hasn't always been without a few surprising social/political contradictions.

By: divined by radio

divined by radio — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:30:56 -0800

Just posted a last-minute IRL meetup -- we'll be at Milwaukee Pridefest tomorrow at 5 PM to celebrate. Join us!

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:40:43 -0800

Video: First gay couple marry in Milwaukee County [spoiler: they are ADORABLE]

By: drezdn

drezdn — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:45:27 -0800

Can someone explain the Scalia thing to me? Is it that he said if x happens, y has to happen (but meant it as an argument for why x shouldn't happen, but is now being used to support y happening?)?

By: punchtothehead

punchtothehead — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:49:22 -0800

Don't watch desjardin's video unless you're okay with crying happy tears all over the place.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:52:10 -0800

and definitely don't look at these pictures

By: drezdn

drezdn — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:53:56 -0800

It just got a little dusty in this thread.

By: Talez

Talez — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 16:56:16 -0800

Can someone explain the Scalia thing to me? Is it that he said if x happens, y has to happen (but meant it as an argument for why x shouldn't happen, but is now being used to support y happening?)? Scalia, in response (i.e. fuck you), wrote this allllll the way back in Lawrence v. Texas:

This reasoning leaves on pretty shaky grounds state laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples.

And judges have been effectively saying "you know what Scalia, you're right. This reasoning does leave state laws banning same-sex marriages on shaky grounds. So fuck it, stare decisis and all that. It's gone."

By: altopower

altopower — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:03:00 -0800

Heed desjardins' warning...those photos are hardcore happy tear fuel. I loved the line of officials ready to do some marrying.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:07:03 -0800

Our Attorney General predictably filed an emergency motion for a stay. The governor said something about enforcing the constitution blah blah blah will of the voters blah blah (I'm paraphrasing from the evening news).

By: klangklangston

klangklangston — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:07:52 -0800

"I want to celebrate with a Huber and a fish boil. " In case anyone else wants to join, Trader Joe's "Simpler Times" and "Red Oval" are Huber beers.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:08:45 -0800

#LoveWinsWI

By: [insert clever name here]

[insert clever name here] — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:13:46 -0800

"It is correct for the attorney general, on this or any other issue, to defend the constitution of the state of Wisconsin, especially in a case where the people voted to amend it," Walker said. Coward. Not surprised, just disappointed.

By: MikeMc

MikeMc — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:36:58 -0800

Good news for Wisconsin but I wish Frank and Gary had lived long enough to see it (Frank & Gary were an older couple who were friends of the family, they had been together 25+ years and both passed away in recent years).

By: queseyo

queseyo — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 17:39:27 -0800

This is such wonderful news - it has been a long time coming. !Felicitaciones a todos!

By: Floydd

Floydd — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:01:27 -0800

So we were sitting in a restaurant across from the city-county building in Madison following the news, talking about how we had canvassed our heterosexual asses off to try to stop the constitutional amendment back in 2006, when my reason-for-living says "look! There they are! The first couple!" Sure enough, the first couple to get a license in Dane county was sitting at a table behind us. I ran up to them, all giddy and giggly, and said "congratulations!! I'm buying!" One of them said "I'm sorry we ordered champagne!" I said "It looks like you ordered a whole bottle!" They had no idea they were internet famous, but they were rolling with it. I'm just floating right now, and nothing JB or Scooter can do will take that away. Right now, in Wisconsin, we all have the right to marry the person we love, and the world is a better place.

By: Hlewagast

Hlewagast — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:10:37 -0800

Madison cops showed up with wedding cakes.

By: kinnakeet

kinnakeet — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:31:27 -0800

Happy people make me happy!!! Now let's keep the momentum going... hey, Southeastern US, I'm looking at you.

By: immlass

immlass — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:32:49 -0800

I just saw the photo of the cops with the wedding cakes and another one with kids bringing flowers for whoever wants to marry. The support people show for love and equality restores my faith in humanity.

By: feckless fecal fear mongering

feckless fecal fear mongering — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 18:52:36 -0800

You know, Hlewagast and Floydd, I was holding it together until the one-two punch of your comments. Even the pictures didn't hit me that hard. Now I'm crying my fucking face off. Thank you :)

By: Eyebrows McGee

Eyebrows McGee — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:05:37 -0800

punchtothehead: "Don't watch desjardin's video unless you're okay with crying happy tears all over the place." For real, the two Quaker ladies! CRY ALL THE TEARS!

By: John Cohen

John Cohen — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:18:11 -0800

By: evidenceofabsence

evidenceofabsence — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:22:39 -0800

Hellloooo Wisconsin!! /That 70's Show intro voice

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:28:03 -0800

The Milwaukee County Courthouse is opening from 9-1 tomorrow specifically to issue marriage licenses. The county executive is paying for the overtime out of his own pocket.

By: downtohisturtles

downtohisturtles — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 19:37:44 -0800

Hellloooo Wisconsin!! /That 70's Show intro voice We're all alright! We're all alright! Go Wisconsin!

By: medusa

medusa — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 20:00:18 -0800

Yay!

By: worstname

worstname — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 20:01:03 -0800

So happy. Madison is my home, where my wife is-- and she is on the square, buying champers, drinking herself silly, enjoying the fact that the state we've chosen as our home has decided we are finally, finally, finally legitimately married. :D

By: notsnot

notsnot — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 20:01:30 -0800

desjardins: "The Milwaukee County Courthouse is opening from 9-1 tomorrow specifically to issue marriage licenses. The county executive is paying for the overtime out of his own pocket." That's...freaking amazing. Awesome.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 20:09:55 -0800

I just saw a buddy from grad school get married on the evening news!!

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 20:24:13 -0800

in case you have any tears left, here's a couple getting married with their three young children watching.

By: BlueHorse

BlueHorse — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 21:06:08 -0800

YES!! Thank you judge, for makin' it real.

By: Talez

Talez — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 23:05:31 -0800

Anyone calling Wisconsin a "red state" doesn't know what they're talking about, and has certainly never been to the state capital (my hometown). Look at our history with presidential elections, governors, etc. Red legislature, red governor, red majority congressional delegation, red junior senator. If you're not red then you're certainly rose or at least a very deep pink..

By: dhartung

dhartung — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 23:35:08 -0800

Talez, the last time Wisconsin's electoral votes went to a Republican -- the usual meaning for "red state" -- was 1984. The current environment was brought about by a confluence of factors including a gubernatorial election in a "protest" mid-term cycle energized by the Tea Party, a lackluster and somewhat (if you ask me) uncommitted Democratic candidate, a redistricting process that may yet be found to have been illegal, and a general economic malaise factor. In 2012, of course, running with the President on the ticket, we elected the first lesbian to the Senate (and by the by that made Ronster the "senior" Senator). It's really still pretty perplexing to me that we've seen a claque politics these last few years that makes us resemble Michigan or Indiana, especially when Minnesota has tilted back progressive. Anyway, this ruling is very welcome, especially since Wisconsin has had on the books one of the few laws that makes getting gay-married actually illegal. (A lefty city councilman here specifically asked the county clerk if she would be joining Dane and Milwaukee in preparing to issue licenses and she declined, saying they would only act once the law changed. I really don't know why she wasn't out front on this, as she's been in the vanguard of local clerks pushing back against the state's changes to Voter ID and absentee/early voting.)

By: SollosQ

SollosQ — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 02:07:48 -0800

Here's some additional coverage of couples getting married in Milwaukee. Cheers!

By: drezdn

drezdn — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 04:58:33 -0800

red junior senator The state's junior senator is a Democrat (and can finally get married if she wants to).

By: desjardins

desjardins — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 05:00:25 -0800

My friend is at 1:35 in that video! (Pink shirt with white stripe.) That particular video makes me cry because everyone is crying tears of joy in it. Public service announcement: NEVER READ THE COMMENTS.

By: MikeMc

MikeMc — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 06:37:53 -0800

Public service announcement: NEVER READ THE COMMENTS. Oh Lord this. Comments on any Milwaukee media site are like some sort of Stormfront/Westboro Baptist mutant hybrid forum (with a few normal people trying to swim against the tide). Bigs props to Chris Abele for covering the courthouse overtime out of his own pocket. Abele is the son of one of the billionaire founders of Boston Scientific and has been criticised as little more than a rich dilettante but, you know, haters gonna hate.

By: divined by radio

divined by radio — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 07:42:37 -0800

Every time I stop getting all weepy about the state I've lived in all my life finally, finally, FINALLY achieving marriage equality, I click over to see this photo on the front page of the execrable, Scott Walker-endorsing Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel and I start crying all over again. Yeah!

By: desjardins

desjardins — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 08:33:12 -0800

People are getting dressed up to get married today.

By: roomthreeseventeen

roomthreeseventeen — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 10:19:12 -0800

I have very fond memories of Farmer's Market Saturday mornings from when my Dad lived in Madison. I can just imagine how special today is!

By: symbioid

symbioid — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 11:28:14 -0800

[insert clever name here]: "Wisconsin is weird though. We're not red or blue, we're really confused. I was going to say we're really purple. But no, I think just confused is the right way to describe it. There is a very strong liberal presence here, especially in the cities. There are still a lot of blue collar dems that grew up labor. And then there are the people in the burbs and rural areas that are solidly red. ." Don't forget the shitstain that is the Fox Valley. I think Fox Valley and Milwaukee burbs are probably the two worst when it comes to urban/heavily populated areas. Even still, there are plenty of rural folks who are liberal, or at least vote Democratic, because of the farm base. Though that's sadly eroded/eroding.

By: Going To Maine

Going To Maine — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 12:16:12 -0800

[Scalia's] Lawrence dissent might turn out to be his most lasting legacy, which makes me so very happy. It fills me with joy to imagine him going to bed every night, wishing he could take that one back, and knowing that that is not possible. Scalia probably expected his dissent to be used this way. Dissents are often cited in both rulings and by lawyers to make arguments. There's no way that Scalia didn't imagine his dissent could be used to support this kind of thing. He might think that marriage equality is a sign that the country is going to hell, but is unlikely wringing his hands over how his dissent has been utilized to help make it happen. If anything, he's probably getting some pleasure out of Kennedy's somewhat mealy-mouthed ruling being called out as the sort of meh compromise that it was.

By: drezdn

drezdn — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 16:32:09 -0800

Stay has been denied!

By: magstheaxe

magstheaxe — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 16:50:42 -0800

Stay has been denied! posted by drezdn at 7:32 PM on June 7 There we go! Off to get a bottle of champagne! Yay, WI!

By: miyabo

miyabo — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 19:52:59 -0800

I live 45 minutes from Wisconsin and I really don't understand the state at all. I get farms, I get cities, but I don't understand these vast expanses of semi-urban area that have a fairly large population but no real center of gravity....

By: Morrigan

Morrigan — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 20:27:04 -0800

Congratulations to Wisconsin and to all of us. I'm coming in late to mark this day, not only for this particular milestone, but for the shift I feel this Pride month so far. So far I've stood in line at the farmers' market and heard seemingly straight shoppers discuss what they are doing for Pride, gone to a very mixed Pride kick-off party, eaten rainbow cake at a non-Pride related barbecue and am going with family to a festival tomorrow with an eye to pick up the free swag these events offer (I like the chip and bread bag clips various businesses give out, myself--we can always use more of those.). Pride is becoming a holiday not just for the LGBT community but for everyone and it feels wonderful.

By: one weird trick

one weird trick — Sun, 08 Jun 2014 16:43:32 -0800

Here's a little historical context for Wisconsin politicians, from back in the time when being Republican was more aligned with expanding civil rights. Just to add to your whole red/blue confusion, I guess.

By: drezdn

drezdn — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 06:11:16 -0800

In disappointing news, clerks in Brown and Outagamie Counties (the Green Bay-area) are reportedly refusing to issue licenses to same sex couples.

By: drezdn

drezdn — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 06:34:43 -0800

Apparently Outagamie clerk is waiting for guidance from the state

By: desjardins

desjardins — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 08:01:24 -0800

Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen files appeal to stay gay marriage ruling. More from the article:

Rock County [Janesville, Beloit] officials announced Sunday that the county clerk will issue marriage licenses Monday to all qualified couples, joining clerks in Milwaukee and Dane counties. Between Friday evening and Saturday afternoon, 283 same-sex couples in Wisconsin's two largest cities obtained marriage licenses — 146 in Milwaukee and 137 in Madison. Kenosha County was issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on Monday, and one official said workers "anticipate a busy day."

Also, I saw on twitter that couples are lining up outside of the Waukesha county courthouse to try and get marriage licenses. Waukesha is the most conservative county in WI, so that would be a huge win.

By: roomthreeseventeen

roomthreeseventeen — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 08:52:54 -0800

Gay couples convince Appleton, Wis., clerk to issue marriage licenses

By: phearlez

phearlez — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 09:41:28 -0800

yay!...so how many states is this, now? Answered above, but the Freedom to Marry organization keeps their site pretty well updated, including the state-by-state breakdown. Also, they are awesome and go give them money.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:15:59 -0800

As of 2 pm CST June 9: Counties issuing same-sex marriage licenses Milwaukee County Waukesha County Kenosha County Dane County Rock County Dodge County Outagamie County Brown County Green County Jackson County Door County Columbia County Buffalo County Douglas County Iowa County Fond du Lac County Green County Juneau County Langlade County Manitowoc County Wood County Jefferson County Counties not issuing same-sex marriage licenses Ozaukee County Washington County Racine County La Crosse County Shawano County St. Croix County Calumet County Oconto County Lafayette County Winnebago County Marinette County Marathon County Adams County Ashland County Oneida County Portage County Chippewa County Dunn County Forest County Grant County Green Lake County Kewaunee County Eau Claire County - Officials there say they have not made a final decision and are waiting on guidance from the state.

By: feckless fecal fear mongering

feckless fecal fear mongering — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:02:11 -0800

What 'guidance'? The judge has ruled. The law is clear. The stay--unless I'm totally mistaken?--was thrown out. Bigoted little shits hiding behind bureaucratic bullshit. Ugh.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 13:11:05 -0800

As I understand it, the decision is still going to be appealed; the judge is not going to stay the order pending the appeal and that's why most counties are moving forward. I suppose if the state wins its appeal, all of these marriages will be annulled. This gives more detail. (Today's moment of zen: while I'm posting in this thread, I'm getting emails from my lawyer about my pending divorce. I can't blame it on teh gays, though, because it was filed in February.)

By: MikeMc

MikeMc — Mon, 09 Jun 2014 18:11:58 -0800

I can't blame it on teh gays, though, You're not really trying then are you? The decline of Western civilization, accelerated by the legalized"marriage" of Sodomites, has created a sense existential dread and pervasive nihilism that no longer allows you and your husband to operate as a loving, functional couple.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Thu, 12 Jun 2014 10:39:07 -0800

All but 9 Wisconsin Counties Issuing Licenses

Sixty-three of Wisconsin's 72 counties are now issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. An Associated Press survey of the counties Thursday found that all but nine were issuing the licenses after a federal judge last week struck down the state's ban as unconstitutional. However, the judge created by confusion by not telling state officials how to implement her decision. The AP tally shows that at least 573 licenses have been issued statewide while 603 applications had been received. Republican Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen is trying to get last week's ruling put on hold to stop clerks from issuing licenses. Van Hollen said Thursday that those clerks could face charges from local district attorneys for breaking the law by issuing the licenses.

lolz on that last part - I would be shocked if anyone brought charges.

By: desjardins

desjardins — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 17:02:54 -0800

Ugh. The judge stayed the order, no more same sex marriages for now.

By: drezdn

drezdn — Fri, 13 Jun 2014 17:09:34 -0800