A group trying get a same-sex marriage referendum on the November ballot in Illinois has filed a federal lawsuit accusing the state of a flawed system for citizen-based initiatives. In an 82-page brief filed with the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago, Protect Marriage Illinois argues that Illinois election laws "excessively burden access" to the ballot. 365Gay.com

A new Focus on the Family DVD and accompanying booklet with the title "Why not gay marriage?" aim to equip Christians with answers to some of the most-often asked questions in the gay marriage debate. BPNews

The unholy war of words over gay marriage between outspoken Conservative MP Garth Turner and some members of Canada's Christian community has evolved into a full-fledged fight for who gets to represent his riding in the next election. Turner's opponents were to hold a meeting Tuesday night to determine if they could run someone against him in an upcoming nomination meeting for the riding of Halton. The Conservative party does not protect incumbent MPs. canada.com

In New Jersey, one of only five states without a specific ban on same-sex marriage, the high court's verdict on marriage is due by October 25. As they await court's decision, social conservatives say they are prepared to take the fight to the ballot box if they lose in the legal arena. Associated Press

Many adults in the United States reject the concept of same-sex marriage, according to a poll by the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press. 56 percent of respondents oppose allowing gays and lesbians to marry legally. 54 per cent of respondents support allowing some sort of civil union for same-sex partners. Angus Reid Consultants

Ahead of a visit next month to his native Bavaria, Pope Benedict XVI has given a wide-ranging interview in which he appeals for a more positive view of the Catholic Church—while reiterating its opposition to gay marriage, abortion and contraception. Spiegel Online

Some tourism officials are concerned the number of visitors to Wisconsin will drop if a state constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and civil unions is approved by voters this fall. Doug Neilson, president and chief executive officer of Visit Milwaukee, which markets the area to tourists, convention and meeting planners, said the gay community has a lot of discretionary income and loves to travel. The Janesville Gazette

Thousands of same-sex couples demonstrated Sunday in towns and cities across Australia demanding the federal government repeal the ban on gay marriage. Called the National Day of Action commemorated the 2004 passage of the ban by Prime Minister John. Howard's Liberal government. The law defines marriage as between a man and a woman. In January the government moved to block gays from marrying abroad where same-sex unions are legal. 365Gay.com

Illinois state elections officials voted to keep a gay marriage referendum off the November ballot, but supporters of the measure want a federal court to intervene. The Board of Elections agreed with a hearing officer's findings that there weren't enough valid signatures to put on the ballot an advisory referendum asking voters if the state constitution should be amended to ban gay marriage. Associated Press

A conservative group trying to get a proposed referendum on gay marriage on the ballot in Illinois said it would go to a federal appeals court after the state said the organization had failed to get enough signatures to qualify. The Illinois Board of Elections earlier upheld a decision that found Protect Marriage Illinois did not collect enough valid signatures. A spot check of 64,000 signatures and found only 91 percent were valid. The state requires a 95 percent validation rate on test samples. 365Gay.com

An organization fighting a proposed Arizona amendment to ban same-sex marriage and partner benefits said it would appeal a ruling approving the language in the measure. Earlier, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Douglas Rayes ruled that the proposed amendment did not violate a state law requiring single issues be put to voters. Arizona Together went to court arguing that the measure incorporates at least three separate issues—marriage, civil unions and partner benefits. 365Gay.com

In a radical demonstration of changing attitudes, the Western Australian branch of the National Party has voted in support of same-sex civil unions. A motion supporting gay marriage won the backing of delegates at their annual state conference. The National Party are often portrayed as deeply rural and conservative, representing farming interests. Younger members of the party have hailed the move as indicative of their desire to question established prejudices and begin a "new era." pinknews.co.uk

When Massachusetts started marrying gays and lesbians in 2004, activists giddily predicted the narrow court victory would speed same-sex nuptials nationwide, with state after state jumping on the gay wedding bandwagon…then the honeymoon ended. More two years later—and after recent court setbacks in New York and Washington state𔃐Massachusetts remains the nation’s sole gay marriage safe haven. Associated Press

In the crowded race to succeed retiring Republican state representative Shirley Gomes in the Fourth Barnstable District, Aaron Maloy is the youngest of the six candidates vying for the seat and the only political newcomer in the bunch. But he is also the only candidate who is unequivocally opposed to same-sex marriage. Oh, and he’s openly gay. Bay Windows

An Iowa judge on Wednesday told a group of legislators - all but one Republicans - that they have no right trying to intercede in a lawsuit over the constitutionality of same-sex marriage. "Whether or not constitutional claims are valid is a matter of judicial determination, not legislative," Polk County Judge Judge Robert Hanson said in his written ruling. “The separation of powers between legislative and judicial authority is not endangered by this case. Nor will any determination by this court limit the legislature's authority to make laws.” The lawsuit was filed by six gay and lesbian couples, who contend the state's marriage laws are unconstitutional. Their case claims the state law draws "impermissible distinctions based on sex and sexual orientation." 365Gay.com

Keep the confetti handy, because the tide has turned on same-sex unions. (by David Ehrenstein) Los Angeles Times

The final details of the bill have been passed and gay marriage is now legal in Spain. The bill legalizing gay marriage in Spain cleared its last bureaucratic formality in the lower houses of parliament on August 3, signed by King Juan Carlos and Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. The law gives same-sex couples the right to wed, adopt children and inherit property, making their legal status the same as that of heterosexual couples. 999 Today

Advocates for gay marriage in Colorado have devised a new approach to winning legal recognition for same-sex couples, creating an alternative model for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender organizations. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, at least one constitutional amendment to ban marriage for same-sex couples is expected to be submitted Monday for Colorado’s November ballot. But some gay rights organizations in the state are not fighting it. Instead, the Chronicle reports, the organizations are supporting an initiative to define the rights of people in domestic partnerships, rights that largely parallel those of married couples under Colorado law. Nowhere has such a measure been put to a statewide vote. 247gay.com

The Colorado Secretary of State's office has received 133,000 voter signatures for a constitutional amendment defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman, and yet more than 100,000 other people also signed a petition to ensure that domestic partnerships are recognized. State law already defines marriage as a union between one man and one woman but the proposal by Coloradans for Marriage would add it to the state constitution, where it would be tougher to change. Meanwhile, a group called Coloradans For Fairness wants to create an amendment allowing domestic partnerships. The group is also supporting a referendum that would change state law to recognize domestic partnerships. thedenverchannel.com

The Connecticut Supreme Court has denied a conservative group's request to intervene in a lawsuit seeking to legalize gay marriage in Connecticut. The court decision, released Monday, upholds a lower court's ruling denying the Family Institute of Connecticut's motion to intervene. Associated Press