While we’re happy with recent legislative action regarding the civil rights of American citizens, philosophically we don’t think such things should be subject to majority votes — equality under the law is equality under the law, full stop. Bigotry under color of democracy is still bigotry.

And this is how things are supposed to work:

The Pentagon has ordered a halt to all separations of gay troops under “don’t ask, don’t tell” and will begin accepting applications from prospective recruits who identify themselves as homosexuals.

The moratorium issued Friday came after a ruling Wednesday by a federal appeals court in California ordering the Defense Department to immediately stop enforcing the law. The court said the law is unconstitutional because it treats gay Americans differently under the law.

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As is widely known, on average between four to five percent of men are likely to be homosexual. So far we have elected 42 Americans and one Kenyan. By my reckoning, since many were Republicans, that means we’ve had at least sixteen of my people in the White House. Some of our more distinguished men who love men include:

George Washington.

Well, I mean, look at him.

Had way too much fun up at Lake Ticonderoga as a twenty-something soldier. Fun which was repeated when, as leader of the continental army, he sat outside Boston for the better part of a year so he could hit the bars. War won (thank you, France), like any self-respecting gay pol he found an heiress to finance his public life and settled down.

Biggest achievement: White breeches.

Biggest disappointment: Failure to convince Congress that what the newly minted country most needed, apart from a strong centralized government, was hereditary knighthoods.

Best line: “Some things are better without teeth.”

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No, not Michele but her husband Marcus.

The big old queen next to Boehner in this heart-warming scene.

Matt Taibbi (I know, I know) burns down the barn in his account of Michele’s burning desire to become the dumbest woman in America. That she’s been amply blessed by nature may be true. But there’s no doubt that Marcus, described as her “strategist”, raises the game to a whole new level of arrogant ignorance.

Forty-three years after I walked past the Stonewall Inn without noticing that anything was going on (I had a date) marriage equality comes to New York. I think I can speak for many of us when I state that this is something I never expected to see happen in my lifetime.

Another thing I never thought I’d see: The Times has something interesting to say.

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Ladies & Ladies and Gentlemen & Gentlemen, start your gift registries.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RLMNZ6xY6YY

What do you do when life hands you a Republican senate and Shelly Silver?

If you’re gov Andy’s gal pal, Sandra Lee, you make yummy cocktails! And go heavy on the vodka as we wait for a vote to happen. Or not.

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NY State senate ‘Debates’ the Marriage Issue. We’re all so very proud. The decision could be handed down almost any time the Republicans get everything they want.

If it passes, Democrats win. If it fails, Democrats win. If it isn’t brought to a vote, Republicans win. Does anyone have any questions?

Albany’s arranged marriage: The same-sex union bill is getting dragged into legislative horsetrading [Daily News]