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Prop 8 Update
01/24/2012

Following nearly six months of legal proceedings regarding California's "Prop8" law, United States District Judge Vaughn R. Walker heard the case's closing arguments on Wednesday, June 16. As both sides made their final arguments, Judge Walker questioned the position of both supporters and proponents of the measure regarding their positions, witnesses, and what they each believe he should base his final ruling on it.

California's ban on marriage equality has been especially controversial, attracting attention, donations and support (both for and against the measure) from individuals and groups around the country while making several trips through the state's court system.

If Judge Walker overturns the ban, marriage licenses for same-sex couples could begin being issued right away, although it is likely the case will still continue on in the legal system-- possibly traveling all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court-- before a final decision on the measure is made. Judge Walker is expected to make his ruling sometime this summer.

Click here to read a full transcript of the case's closing arguments.

The new policy also allows individuals to obtain a temporary passport in the appropriate gender if a doctor's statement demonstrates that an applicant is in the process of a gender transition. These new policies and procedures are based on the standards and recommendations of the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

These changes will help to reduce the extreme danger many transgender Americans face while traveling abroad in countries hostile towards them as well as harassment they may face upon leaving or returning to the U.S. These policies are a major step forward towards the State Department's mission to protect all Americans while traveling, working or living overseas.

To read the full text of the proclamation, click here.

"At what point are we going to ok marrying inanimate objects? Can I marry [a] table or [a] clock? Can we marry dogs? This is ridiculous!"

That's the kind of statement I expect from national ultra-conservative leaders like Sarah Palin. Not sensible and decent Wisconsinites. We simply cannot allow our next Lieutenant Governor to be someone who likens the value of relationships between caring and committed same-sex couples to tables and clocks. One thing is for sure, the last thing we need is our very own Sarah Palin in Madison.

There is a lot at stake this year. The talking heads are all saying that the progressive base isn't energized and progressive candidates are in trouble. Let's prove them wrong. Let's show them that if supporters of equality will not back down in our quest for fairness.
We know that the passage of domestic partner protections means Wisconsin is back on the right track. It seems like every day we hear news of more and more people supporting equality (Welcome, Governor Crist!). Still, anti-fairness candidates around the state think they can get ahead by demonizing the LGBT community. Let's show them that we will not allow their distortions and discrimination to prevail."

There's only four weeks left before the November elections. Help us show that Wisconsinites don't support extreme views like Rebecca Kleefisch's by making a special contribution to Fair Wisconsin today.

Under the direction of Fair Wisconsin, side-by-side with thousands of LGBT and allied Wisconsinites, John and I canvassed door-to-door, made endless phone calls to voters, persuaded everyone we could. Ultimately, we failed to prevent the discriminatory marriage ban, a devastating defeat to us and to all the people who had worked so hard to preserve fairness in Wisconsin. A terrible conclusion to a year which had dawned so brightly, as we began our lives together.

When, less than three years after the marriage ban, Governor Doyle announced domestic partnership protections as part of the state budget, John and I found a reason to hope that our hard work in 2006 had not been in vain. We rallied to Fair Wisconsin's call to share our story, and a month later, John was addressing the Joint Finance Committee at the budget hearing in West Allis. He spoke about the fear we face each day, the devastating possibilities of one of us being incapacitated and the other legally unable to make critical decisions. Three months later, our pro-fairness Governor signed domestic partnerships into law.

As we waited at the Brown County Courthouse last August 3rd, impatient to declare our commitment to each other here in the State of Wisconsin, we certainly took a moment to reflect how far we've come, how far we have to go. Domestic partnerships are not full equality. But John and I have some measure of security. The comfort of knowing one of us will not be turned away from the other's hospital bedside, that if something should happen to one of us, the other has survivor protections under the law. We are better able to care for each other than we were previously. And that is certainly something to celebrate.

- Michael Knaapen (Milwaukee)

Click here to sign the petition to tell NOM to stop these attacks on LGBT individuals and families.

To see pictures of the March for Marriage Equality, click here.

This is just one small snapshot of our life together. Ann works for a large nonprofit organization, and I work for city government. We contribute to our community in meaningful ways. We pay taxes, attend church, are good neighbors and hard-working citizens being treated unfairly, without equal protections under the law.

I believe Fair Wisconsin is responding as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. did when he peacefully spoke against injustice. He reminded us then (and it rings true today): "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." He wrote this from Birmingham Jail at a time when people believed African Americans did not deserve the same legal protections as white people. We face a similar struggle today. There are those within the National Organization for Marriage who would emulate those who opposed Dr. Martin Luther King by denying the most basic protections to their fellow Americans.

The tide is turning. Ultimately, I am confident love will prevail.

- Kathy Flores, Appleton

Thanks, Kathy, for taking the time to share this powerful story with us. We encourage all of our friends and advocates throughout the Badger State to tell us what equality means to you!

While President Obama acknowledged that the memorandum was an important step towards equality, he also renewed his call for the passage of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, championed by Wisconsin Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin. The legislation, currently pending in both Houses of Congress, would extend the full range of benefits currently enjoyed by hetrosexual, married Federal employees to the same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees as well.

Five Tips for Your Wisconsin Cheese Fondue
01/18/2012

by Wisconsin Cheese As the season of giving, cheer and entertaining continues, frequent parties with friends and family are always a pleasure, though often a lot of work. If there happen to be any leftovers from last week’s cheese plate (likely not) or if you’re merely looking for an easy and engaging way to entertain [...]

Wisconsin Swiss & Bacon Artichoke Onion Dip
01/18/2012

by Milisa of Miss in the Kitchen The holidays are nearly here, and I have to admit my favorite part of holiday meals, aside from dessert, are appetizers. I usually make something new just to keep it interesting. This year I combined a few of my favorite hot dips and came up with Wisconsin Swiss & Bacon [...]

Wisconsin Gruyère Gougères
01/18/2012

by Alexandra of Alexandra Cooks My sister and I like to poke fun at our mother. We adore her — let me make that clear — but she’s an easy target, especially around the holidays. Every year the files come out, spilling with notes, recipes, time charts, and a list of worries that seems to grow [...]

Around the Cheese Board with Chef Chris Koetke
01/18/2012

by Wisconsin Cheese Chef Christopher Koetke is not only a skilled and celebrated chef – he’s also executive director at Kendall College School of Culinary Arts in Chicago and an influential educator – working with culinary students around the world. Featured on EatWisconsinCheese.com’s “In the Kitchen” this month, we had the pleasure of talking [...]

Giveaway: Cheese Cupid Notebooks & T-shirts
01/18/2012

by Wisconsin Cheese Because you love Wisconsin Cheese, and we love you for loving Wisconsin Cheese, we couldn’t resist another giveaway – 10 Cheese Cupid Notebooks & Cheese Cupid T-shirts – a match made in heaven. How to Enter: Answer the following question in the comments section below – What is your favorite Wisconsin Cheese to enjoy with [...]