Utah Marriage Ban Unconstitutional, Same-Sex Weddings Begin

Photo via Twitter

1. A federal judge in Utah struck down the state's marriage ban. The judge ordered that marriage equality be enacted in the state immediately.

There is no stay on the order, meaning gay and lesbian couples can now apply for marriage licenses in Utah, though it's possible the decision could be appealed.

In response to Judge Robert J. Shelby's historic decision today, striking down Utah's Amendment 3, which banned gay marriage in Utah, effectively legalizing gay marriage, Utah's Governor Gary R. Herbert expressed his dismay and vowed to continue to defend traditional marriage, but he took no immediate action.

Towleroad shared photos of Utah citizens waiting in long lines to wed as soon as possible, including one of the purpoted first gay male couple married in the state, that included the Twitter quip: "Me and my new husband!! My polygamous Mormon great grandparents would be so proud!"

2. The movie G.B.F. was given an R-rating for being gay. The movie's director Darren Stein (Jawbreaker) took to Facebook to critique the MPAA's decision, stating:

"I always thought of G.B.F. as a PG-13 movie, but we were given an R 'For Sexual References' while not having a single F-bomb, hint of nudity or violence in the film. Perhaps the ratings box should more accurately read "For Homosexual References" or 'Too Many Scenes of Gay Teens Kissing.' I look forward to a world where queer teens can express their humor and desire in a sweet, fun teen film that doesn't get tagged with a cautionary R."

3. Duck Dynasty may be dust after antigay tirade. After castmember Phil Robertson was suspended by A&E, his other castmembers released a statement saying the show will not continue without Robertson, their patriarch.
4. Time Out London will stop featuring its gay section. Due to a major restructuring of the beleagured publication, the LGBT section will be absorbed into the Things to Do, Clubbing and Features. A Time Out spokesperson told PinkNews that the magazine and online listings would remain committed to providing information for the LGBT community, and that she hoped the restructure would mean listings would appeal to a higher audience.

5. Hannah & Maggie release an original Christmas song, "Mrs. Claus (A Gay Love Song)." The folk duo put a playful twist on holiday music in this clever ode to Santa's beau. The track is a flirtatious plea for Mrs. Claus to "play for the other team."

6. Christopher Cross featured Anchorman's Ron Burgundy on Jimmy Kimmel. That's right, in a bit of meta-savvy cross-promotion, Cross performed "Ride Like the Wind" on Thursday night's Jimmy Kimmel Live, and the latenight host welcomed San Diego newsman Ron Burgundy for an exclusive performance singing with Christopher Cross's classic tune.