Md. bill would shun gay marriages
USA Today reports a Baltimore County delegate is urging state lawmakers to prohibit Maryland from recognizing gay marriages authorized by other states or countries.
Del. Emmett C. Burns Jr. told House Judiciary Committee members Jan. 28 that Maryland needs to act quickly because Washington, D.C.’s city council recently passed a bill legalizing same-sex marriage; gay couples will be able to apply for marriage licenses in the district after the bill passes a 30-day review by Congress.
The Maryland House committee previously rejected similar measures.
CBS rejects gay Super Bowl ad
Fox News reports CBS has elected not to air an ad from a gay dating site during the Super Bowl.
A network rep said that ManCrunch.com’s “Playing for the Same Team,” an ad featuring two men kissing, failed to meet CBS broadcasting standards.
In CBS’ official rejection letter, the network also stated it had difficulty verifying the organization’s credit status.
The commercial shows two men excitedly watching the game before their hands brush as they both reach into a bowl of chips. Seconds later, they are making out.
Executives from the site argue that CBS’ decision has more to do with discrimination than it does with any credit-status issue, as they offered to pay a cash advance to finance the ad.
‘Precious,’ ‘Single Man’ get Oscar nods
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced Oscar nominees on Feb. 2, with a best-picture nod for “Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire.” The film’s out director, Lee Daniels, also received a best-director nomination. Colin Firth received a best-actor nomination for his gay role in “A Single Man,” and Penelope Cruz was nominated for best actress in a supporting role for “Nine” by out director Rob Marshall.
“Precious” also took nominations for best actress for Gabourey Sidibe, best supporting actress for Mo’Nique, best adapted screenplay for Geoffrey Fletcher and best film editing.
The Oscars will be presented March 7 at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre.
— Larry Nichols