News & Commentary

By Jessica VanEgeren| The Cap Times

MADISON, WI – On the weekend before the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments in the ACLU case challenging Wisconsin's marriage ban, congregations and faith communities from across Wisconsin are showing their support for marriage equality. On that Saturday and Sunday, Wisconsinites will join together in prayer and celebration for the eight brave plaintiff couples who will travel to Chicago on Wednesday to fight for the freedom to marry.

WASHINGTON -- Voters in Connecticut, Minnesota and Wisconsin head to the polls for primary contests Tuesday, with crowded GOP fields in several high-profile contests. Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) faces a long-shot challenge from a man with a very similar name, Republicans are vying to succeed Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), and one of Wisconsin's most conservative state lawmakers is making a bid for Congress.

By Jessie Opoien | The Capital Times

On August 5, volunteer attorneys filed an amicus brief from numerous religious organizations, congregations, and individual faith leaders from Indiana and Wisconsin in support of the cases for freedom to marry in those states.  Over eight pages of signers affirmed that “Eliminating discrimination in civil marriage will not impinge upon religious doctrine or practice. All religions would remain free – as they are today with nineteen states and the District of Columbia permitting same-sex couples to marry – to define religious marriage any way they choose.”   “We are extremely proud of our faith leaders for standing up against discrimination against same-sex couples in Wisconsin,” said Katie Belanger, President & CEO of Fair Wisconsin.  “I think the eight committed Wisconsin couples who are asking for the freedom to be married, and all same-sex couples whose are currently denied marriage, sincerely appreciate kind thoughts and prayers for strength as they progress on this journey.” Wisconsin Unites for Marriage is inviting faith communities around the state to pray for the couples bringing this case to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Sunday, August 24th (or Saturday 8/23).  Faith communities who would like to take part are invited to sign up at http://wiunites.org/congregations.  A list of participating congregations will be available on the Wisconsin Unites for Marriage Website in case individuals would like to find a welcoming place to go that weekend. “Our stand on marriage equality is deeply religious. A cornerstone of our faith is the belief that every person has inherent dignity and worth. This belief compelled us to work for the abolition of slavery, for women’s suffrage, and now for marriage equality,” said Rev. Roger Bertschausen, Senior Minister of the Fox Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Appleton.  “We believe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender couples have every bit as much inherent dignity and worth as straight couples. We believe that partnerships between two people are blessings to the couple, to their family and friends, and to their community—regardless of the couple’s sexual orientation or gender identity.”

by Edgar Mendez

Associated Press |

Madison — Three organizations took their case on same-sex marriage to the court of public opinion Thursday in hopes of getting a positive response before a federal appellate court hears the issue later this month. The American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, Fair Wisconsin and the national group Freedom to Marry launched a campaign titled Wisconsin Unites for Marriage at a press event in Madison. Representatives

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Gay rights advocates are starting a website to build support for same-sex marriage in Wisconsin. The