News bits

Recall effort over San Jose, CA decision to recognize same sex marriage

Incensed by the city of San Jose's decision to recognize same-sex marriages, a group of evangelical Christians has hired a well-regarded Sacramento consultant to explore a recall effort or ballot initiative to overturn the action.

Montanna's new anti-gay initiative

HELENA - The Montana Family Foundation said Tuesday it plans to launch an initiative to amend the Montana Constitution this year to prohibit gay marriages.

Foundation President Jeff Laszloffy said in a news release that the amendment would define marriage as a union between one man and one woman "to provide the state courts direction on the issue of marriage."

"Courts throughout our nation are becoming increasingly activist in nature, and many are now actually making laws and setting public policy, a role constitutionally reserved to legislatures," Laszloffy said.

Gee, Mr. Laszloffy must have the same speech writer as President Bush.

And now out in Oregon, a newly formed conservative group has begun a campaign to recall Benton County Commission Chairwoman Linda Modrell over her decision to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Modrell said Tuesday that her oath of office justified her actions.

"Public officials have to uphold the Constitution first and foremost," Modrell said. "Hard decisions by definition tend to be controversial."

Multnomah County, home to Portland, began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples earlier this month but the state has refused to register them until the legality of gay marriage is determined by a court.

FBI probes Denver anti-gay mailings

The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force has begun investigating a wave of anti-gay hate letters sent to gay people and gay-rights supporters in Denver, the Rocky Mountain News reported Tuesday.

In the past four years, someone identified as "The Watcher" has sent approximately 50 letters, most of which are two-sided fliers that criticize gay rights as "a bold-faced lie" and quote dozens of Bible verses about "abominations," "sodomites" and "evil." Some letters have included handwritten notes saying, "We know where you live," or "I will enjoy watching you die."

Nice.