LGBT lawmakers play big roles in marriage, rights debates

The number of openly gay and lesbian state legislators in the U.S. may be small, but they play prominent roles in the fight to secure legal protections for same-sex couples, according to this article. "The more visible we are, the better. When you look someone in the eyes, it's a little harder for them to deny that we should have the same rights," said Deborah Mell, an openly lesbian Illinois state legislator who helped pass a civil unions bill in that state.

Out lawmakers sponsor Colorado civil unions bill: Two openly gay members of the Colorado state Legislature are supporting an effort to create civil unions for same-sex couples in that state. The bill cleared a state Senate committee vote on Monday. "These are protections no family should be without," state Sen. Pat Steadman, one of the bill's sponsors.

Washington considers recognizing out-of-state marriages: A Washington state bill sponsored by state Rep. Laurie Jinkins would recognize same-sex couples in legal marriages or civil unions under the state's domestic partnership law. "It says if you have a marriage in another state, you get a domestic partnership here," Jinkins said, explaining that she is attempting to make a technical correction to an existing law. The bill, which has passed in the House, will head to the state Senate.

Gay, lesbian Maryland delegates issue appeal to colleagues: The six openly gay and lesbian members of the Maryland House of Delegates have issued a letter to their colleagues asking them to support Maryland's marriage equality bill, which is set for a vote this week. "For those of you who are not yet sure if you can support us, what we ask you for is the opportunity to talk face-to-face about the challenges our families face and how this legislation will help us meet them. What we ask is for the opportunity to protect our families as you would protect yours," the letter says.