Bay Ledger News Zonebill@blnz.comtag:www.blnz.com,2009:people/moniquetag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/11/29/Busy_Philipps_Joins_HRCs_Marriage_4364

Busy Philipps is the latest celebrity to join the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Busy Philipps is the latest celebrity to join the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?My husband and I are raising our daughter Birdie to live by the Golden Rule to treat others the way you wish to be treated. I feel like as Americans we should apply that to all aspects of life, including marriage,? Philipps says in the 30-second video released Thursday. ?Gay and lesbian couples just want the same rights that we all have, nothing more and nothing less,? she adds. The 33-year-old Philipps is best known for her supporting roles on the television series Freaks and Geeks and Dawson's Creek. She currently plays Laurie Keller on the ABC sitcom Cougar Town. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors and real-life married couple Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman, actor Stanley Tucci, actress Katey Sagal, actor

2012-11-29T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/10/02/Melissa_Etheridge_Calls_Marylanders_Support_a1d6

Singer Melissa Etheridge has endorsed gay marriage in Maryland. Singer Melissa Etheridge has endorsed gay marriage in Maryland. Etheridge said everyone deserves to be treated equally under the law in an email sent to supporters of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the group working to uphold a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers. ?Two of my dearest friends are Marylanders in a committed relationship without legal protection,? Etheridge said. ?They are not treated with the same basic equality as their next door neighbors. You can help change that in November.? The Baltimore Sun reported that Etheridge was referring to Maryland State Delegate Heather Mizeur and her partner Deborah. Mizieur was among the openly gay lawmakers to call on colleagues to approve marriage equality. Other celebrities rallying in support of the measure include Adam Lambert, Mo'Nique, John Waters, Susan Sarandon and Ed Norton. (Related: Susan Sarandon, John Waters, Ed Norton fundraise for Maryland gay marriage

2012-10-02T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/09/26/Katey_Sagal_Denying_Couples_Right_38be

Actress Katey Sagal has said she believes it's crazy to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. Actress Katey Sagal has said she believes it's crazy to deny gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. The 58-year-old Sagal, who is best known for portraying Peggy Bundy in the long-running Fox sitcom Married ? With Children, made her remarks in a 45-second video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?Hi, I'm Katey Sagal. ? I'm a wife and a mom and there is nothing more important to me than the well being of my family. So, it's absolutely crazy to me that most states are willingly harming families by denying gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. It just makes no sense,? she says in the clip. (The video is embedded on this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors and real-life married couple Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman, actor Stanley Tucci, actress Kri

2012-09-26T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/08/22/Rep_Gwen_Moore_Joins_HRCs_fdd3

Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore is the latest politician to join HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Wisconsin Representative Gwen Moore is the latest politician to join the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?I've always fought for equality and justice in America. Which is why I think it's wrong to tell two people in love they can't get married just because they're gay or lesbian,? Moore said in a 45-second video released Wednesday. ?Marriage is about love and commitment.? (The video is embedded on this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) On a biographical note, Moore is the first African-American elected to Congress from Wisconsin and the first woman to represent Wisconsin's 4th congressional district, which is based in Milwaukee. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors and real-life married couple Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman, actor Stanley Tucci, actress Kristen Bell, singer Jason Mraz, The Ta

2012-08-22T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/06/14/Mayor_Antonio_Villaraigosa_Joins_HRCs_13ea

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is the latest politician join HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is the latest politician to join the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?I believe gays and lesbians should be afforded the same fundamental rights as all Americans: to love whomever they choose and to proclaim that love with marriage,? Villaraigosa said in a video released Thursday. ?I believe telling LGBT couples they can't marry is not only wrong, it goes against our fundamental values as a nation.? (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Villaraigosa also co-chairs the group Mayors for the Freedom to Marry along with Mayors Mike Bloomberg of New York City, Thomas M. Menino of Boston, Annise Parker of Houston and Jerry Sanders of San Diego. (Related: Antonio Villaraigosa supports adding gay marriage to platform; Obama campaign mum.) Rec

2012-06-14T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/06/06/MSNBCs_Melissa_Harris-Perry_Urges_Americans_13ef

MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. MSNBC host Melissa Harris-Perry has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?As a child of an interracial couple, I understand the deep injustice of laws that bar a loving couple from marrying just because it threatens the status quo,? Harris-Perry says in the 60-second spot released Wednesday. ?Intentionally disenfranchising a particular group of people, like gay and lesbian couples, violates the core values of our constitution. I cannot imagine how, in 2012, our government is still denying equality to committed and loving couples, just because they are gay or lesbian. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) The 38-year-old Harris-Perry hosts the morning weekend show Melissa Harris-Perry. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equalit

2012-06-06T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/05/23/Funs_Jack_Antonoff_Urges_Americans_b6cf

Jack Antonoff of the band Fun has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Jack Antonoff of the band Fun has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?Touring around the country, my bandmates and I are completely blown away by the love and support we get from our fans and it's completely insane to us that some of them aren't afforded the same rights simply because they're gay or lesbian,? Antonoff says in the 30-second spot released Wednesday. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Fun released their debut album Aim and Ignite in 2009 and their follow up Some Nights in February. The band is best known for the hit single We Are Young featuring Janelle Monae. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors and real-life married couple Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman, actor Stanley Tucci, actress

2012-05-23T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/05/16/Krysten_Ritter_Urges_Americans_Support_6cf7

Actress Krysten Ritter has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?Actress Krysten Ritter has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?They say America is the land of freedom. Where everyone has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Gay and lesbian couples should have every opportunity to provide and care for their families. And that includes marriage,? the 30-year-old Ritter says in the spot released Wednesday. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Ritter, a former model, came to prominence as an actress playing Jane Margolis on cabler AMC's Breaking Bad. She currently appears in the ABC comedy series Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors and real-life married couple Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman, actor Stanley Tucci, ac

2012-05-16T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/05/16/Dreama_Walker_Joins_HRCs_Marriage_2de7

Dreama Walker is the latest celebrity to join the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Actress Dreama Walker is the latest celebrity to join the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?As an American I believe in the freedom to chose who we want to love and who we want to marry. Deciding to share our life with the person we love is one of the most beautiful commitments we can make. And that's why I believe that everyone should have access to the same rights and protections of legal marriage,? the 25-year-old Walker says in a video for the campaign released Wednesday. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Walker currently stars as June Colbern in the ABC comedy series Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. ABC renewed the series for a second season earlier this month. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors and real-life married co

2012-05-16T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/04/26/John_Ridley_Urges_Americans_Support_6fc4

Author John Ridley has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) American's for Marriage Equality campaign. ??Author John Ridley has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) American's for Marriage Equality campaign. The 46-year-old Ridley is best know for the feature films Red Tails, U Turn, Three Kings and Undercover; novels The Drift, Those Who Walk In Darkness, Love is a Racket; and the graphic novel The American Way. ?We all know that it's wrong to treat a certain group of people as inferior just because they're different,? Ridley says in the 46-second video released Wednesday. ?So why treat gay and lesbian couples differently than straight couples? It makes no sense. Gays and lesbians love just as hard and care just as much as everybody else. And isn't that what marriage is all about?? (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include actors an

2012-04-26T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/04/19/Labor_Organizer_Eliseo_Medina_Urges_b4be

Labor organizer Eliseo Medina has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) American's for Marriage Equality campaign. Prominent labor organizer Eliseo Medina has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) American's for Marriage Equality campaign. Medina is the secretary-treasurer of the 2.1 million-member Service Employees International Union (SEIU) and has been described by the Los Angeles Times as ?one of the most successful labor organizers in the country.? He's also a vocal champion of immigrant rights, leading the SEIU's efforts to pass comprehensive immigration reform. ?I spent my life fighting for the rights of immigrants, workers and every American seeking justice,? Medina says in the 46-second video. ?And I believe that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples should be able to get married in all 50 states. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Medina also recorded his message in Spanish

2012-04-19T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/04/11/Meghan_Mullally_Nick_Offerman_Urge_ece2

Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman have recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Meghan Mullally and Nick Offerman have recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Mullally (Will and Grace, Breaking In) and Offerman (Parks and Recreation) met in 2000 and married three years later. ?You know the night Meghan and I got married, she actually thought she was marrying Cedric the Entertainer,? Offerman says. ?Sure did,? Mullally quietly adds. Offerman starts, ?But that's how the law works. Any random man and woman can casually show up at 24-hour wedding chapel in Vegas, exchange I dos,? and Mullally finishes, ?And boom, they're married.? ?So why can't gay and lesbian couples who have literally spent their entire lives together have the same opportunity?? Offerman asks. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Recent contributors

2012-04-11T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/04/04/Cybill_Shepherd_Urges_Americans_Support_86e4

Cybill Shepherd has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Actress Cybill Shepherd has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?Why would the government think that I am more deserving than a gay or lesbian couple? Just because I'm straight? That doesn't make any sense,? Shepherd says in the 45-second video released Wednesday. ?I believe we are all equal in the eyes of the law. And therefore, we all deserve marriage equality.? The 62-year-old actress played Phyllis Kroll in the groundbreaking lesbian drama The L Word. (Related: Glee's Jane Lynch says Cybill Shepherd loves her lesbian daughters.) Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include The Talk co-host Aisha Tyler, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Pariah's Kim Wayans and Dee Rees (the film's star and writer-director), Precious star Mo'Nique, The Good Wife's Josh Charles, singer Jason Mraz, Bal

2012-04-04T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/03/28/Kristen_Bell_Urges_Americans_Support_a6e3

Kristen Bell has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?Kristen Bell has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?When my fiancee and I decided to get married it was because we knew we wanted to spend the rest of our lives together,? Bell says in the 30-second video released on Wednesday. ?And it breaks my heart to know that millions of gay Americans still can't marry the one they love. And I can. That makes no sense.? The 31-year-old Bell, who currently stars on Showtime's House of Lies, and comedian Dax Shepard, 37, earlier announced they would not wed until their gay and lesbian friends can. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include singer Jason Mraz, The Talk co-host Aisha Tyler, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Pariah's Kim Wayans and Dee Rees (the film's star and writer-director), Precious star Mo'Nique, The Good Wife's Josh Charles, Ba

2012-03-28T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/03/22/Jason_Mraz_Joins_HRCs_Marriage_b4ff

Singer Jason Mraz has recorded a video for HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Singer Jason Mraz has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?I sing songs about love. And just as people have a right to chose to listen to songs about love, I believe that people have a right to marry the person they love,? Mraz says in the 45-second video released Wednesday. ?I won't give up until there's equality for all,? he adds. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) The 34-year-old Mraz will release his fourth studio album, Love Is a Four Letter Word, on April 17. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include The Talk co-host Aisha Tyler, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Pariah's Kim Wayans and Dee Rees (the film's star and writer-director), Precious star Mo'Nique, The Good Wife's Josh Charles, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Brendon Ayanbedejo, the Re

2012-03-22T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/03/09/Diario_Prensas_Rossana_Rosado_Urges_906b

Rossana Rosado, publisher of 'El Diario La Prensa,' has recorded a video for HRC's Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Rossana Rosado, publisher of El Diario La Prensa, has recorded a video for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?To me saying 'I do' is the ultimate promise one person can make to another. That's why I'm an American for marriage equality,? Rosado says in the 30-second video released Friday. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Rosado has been the publisher and CEO of New York City-based El Diario La Prensa, the nation's oldest Spanish-language daily newspaper, since 1999. She rose to the position after serving as the paper's editor-in-chief. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include The Talk co-host Aisha Tyler, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Pariah's Kim Wayans and Dee Rees (the film's star and writer-director), Precious star Mo'Niq

2012-03-09T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/02/19/Undefeated_gridiron_life_Oscars_too_3e18

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - It can't be easy making Sean "Diddy" Combs cry, but Oscar-nominated documentary film "Undefeated" did -- four times.

2012-02-19T19:39:30ZReuters US Online Report Entertainment News Bob Tourtellottetag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/02/09/Sharpton_Urges_Americans_Support_Marriage_2502

Rev. Al Sharpton has recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Rev. Al Sharpton has recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?As a Baptist minister, I don't have the right to impose my beliefs on anyone else,? Sharpton says in the 30-second video. ?So if committed gay and lesbian couples want to marry, that's their business. None of us should stand in their way.? ?All of us must fight for what's fair and for what's right,? he adds. (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Sharpton also lent his voice to a second ad tailored for Marylanders. Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley has introduced legislation to make Maryland the seventh state to legalize gay marriage. Recent contributors to Americans for Marriage Equality include The Talk co-host Aisha Tyler, Cleveland Browns linebacker Scott Fujita, Pariah's Kim Wayans and Dee Rees

2012-02-09T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/02/03/Chris_Gregoire_Urges_Americans_Support_1760

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Washington Governor Chris Gregoire has recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?As governor, I believe the state of Washington cannot be in the business of discrimination,? Gregoire says in the 40-second video released Thursday. ?As an American, a wife and mother: Marriage equality is fair, just and right. And it is time.? (The video is embedded in the right panel of this page. Visit our video library for more videos.) Gregoire last month announced she would support an effort to make Washington the seventh state to legalize gay marriage. (Related: Chris Gregoire nudges Obama on gay marriage.) On Wednesday, the Washington Senate approved the bill by a wider margin than expected. The issue is also being discussed in five other states. In Washington, New Jersey and Maryland, lawmakers are debating wheth

2012-02-03T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStafftag:www.blnz.com,2009:2012/01/27/Franken_Urges_Americans_Support_Marriage_dbb1

Minnesota Senator Al Franken has recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. Minnesota Senator Al Franken has recorded an ad for the Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Americans for Marriage Equality campaign. ?I support marriage equality,? Franken says in the 40-second video released Thursday. ?My wife Franni and I have been married for 36 years, many of them happy.? ?I think everybody should be able to marry the person they love, and I think our government should help people make those loving lifelong commitments.? HRC President Joe Solmonese thanked Franken for his appearance. ?The government should not be in the business of getting between two people making a loving commitment to each other,? Solmonese said in a statement. ?We are grateful to Sen. Franken for his unwavering support for marriage equality, and know that he will continue to advocate for fairness and equality on behalf of the state of Minnesota.? Franken has also spoken out

2012-01-27T00:00:00ZOn Top MagazineStaff