Gay Marriage Debate Key to SF Mayor's Future

(NEWSER) - San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom made his candidacy for California governor official today with nary a word, the Chronicle reports—except on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube. Though Newsom plans to publicize his run with in-person appearances, an adviser called the old sort of announcement “passé.” The state’s Democratic convention is just days away, with many potential office-seekers still unannounced. More»

Newsom presided over lesbian teacher's wedding attended by students playing hooky

(NEWSER) - In California’s gay marriage fight, San Francisco mayor Gavin Newsom finds himself cast as the villain, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Newsom, a ban opponent, had largely kept a low profile. But he gave Proposition 8 supporters fodder on Friday by officiating at the wedding of a lesbian teacher, attended by her class-skipping first-graders. “This is promoting same-sex marriage and indoctrinating young kids,” says the ban campaign manager. More»

Flamboyant or offbeat Calif. ceremonies could hurt the cause

(NEWSER) - Same-sex couples getting married in California are trying to avoid offbeat weddings that gay marriage opponents could use in a campaign against them, reports the LA Times. "We want everybody to be free, but the image does matter. They are going to try to make us look like freaks," says a soon-to-be-wed Californian. More»

Dozens say 'I do' in Calif. as lesbian activists tie first knots

(NEWSER) - Dozens of gay couples legalized their love in California today as the state embraced same-sex marriage, the Los Angeles Times reports. While small groups demonstrated outside county clerk's offices, activist couples got first dibs in San Francisco and Los Angeles. "We just love each other," said Robin Tyler, whose marriage to Diane Olson was the first gay marriage in Los Angeles County. More»

Wedding spending, lower health costs help city, he says at trial

(NEWSER) - The Proposition 8 trial took a break from intangibles like constitutional rights and discrimination yesterday to focus on cold, hard economic facts: Gay marriage is a moneymaker, argued San Francisco’s top economist. Because married people are on average healthier and wealthier than singles, legalizing gay marriage would reduce health care expenditures and increase payroll taxes, said Edmund Egan. And the bump in weddings would line the city’s coffers. More»