Earthquake in Ontario-Quebec, Canada felt in Rochester + Buffalo, NY

Did you feel that? The photos on the wall rocked back and forward clicking. Iced Tea in my glass swished back and forward. My apartment seemed to slightly shake. It lasted about 30 seconds to a minute.

Yes, it was an earthquake! "The U.S. Geological Service reports a 5.5 magnitude quake that originated in Ontario-Quebec border 12 miles below the surface at 1:45 p.m., but it was felt as far as Detroit, Cleveland, Rochester and Buffalo." Details are sketchy now, but local news 13WHAM confirms and adds that they have noticed many Twitter and Facebook comments from Rochester. Click on 13WHAM for more local updates. By the way, it was the 3rd earthquake I've felt in my life. All of them small.

A good news article from CBC News Toronto Canada. Just posted by my buddy maniar on Twitter. Thanks Jaffer!

(UPDATED) Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights

A local lesbian couple's fight for equal rights changed history in New York State, but Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks is appealing the ruling. That prompted a rally outside her office Monday.

About 100 people protested at noontime. They were back again Monday night fighting for equal rights for same-sex couples. One local couple started this all with a lawsuit four years ago.

"I'm just sorry that we have to fight this fight," said Lisa Ann Golden. She married the love of her life in Canada back in 2004.

"I'm tired of feeling like a second class citizen because I fell in love with someone, and it happened to be a woman," Golden said. That woman is Pat Martinez.

Their fight for equal rights began when they were denied spousal benefits from Martinez's employer Monroe Community College.

"The importance of same-sex marriages is that we get the same protections that everybody else does," said Martinez.

On Monday, dozens of people joined the fight including clergy and local leaders.

"What this is really about is discrimination," said Brighton Town Supervisor Sandy Frankel. "Discrimination against families, and we have to stand strong and fight for fairness for everyone!"...... see link for more ....

Pat Martinez herself left an important comment and update in this post. Please read.

Read the rest at News 10 whec, and see the video. (The video is very good)

Related Posts: Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling AND

Court: Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York

(UPDATED) Monroe County to appeal same-sex ruling

I knew that the republicans wouldn't leave this alone. I should have made a bet with someone. It was a sure thing.

The Democrat & Chronicle article in its entirety....

(February 22, 2008) — Monroe County will file a motion seeking to appeal the recent ruling of the Appellate Division of State Supreme Court that same-sex marriages performed in other states or nations must be recognized in New York State.

County Executive Maggie Brooks today announced the decision to file a motion to appeal the decision in the case of Patricia Martinez, a Monroe Community College employee seeking medical benefits for her partner, Lisa Anne Golden.

Martinez, a Chili resident, filed the suit in 2005. The Appellate Division ruled 5-0 in Martinez’s favor on Feb. 1.

The couple was married in 2004 in Ontario, Canada, where same-sex marriages are legally recognized.

“This is a clear case of misinterpretation of the law,” Brooks said in a news release. “We must appeal this decision in order to protect Monroe County taxpayers. We can not simply extend benefits to unmarried couples and we certainly can not ignore the definition of marriage that currently exists under State law.”
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(Ms. Brooks is a republican.) Ms. Brooks, this ruling was 5-0 in Martinez’s favor. Five to zero! I question your motives. This could be a profitable decision, because we might attract more Canadian same-sex couples, who will spend their money in Rochester as tourists, or even move here. I don't think it's about money, not at all.

Added Feb. 24th- More in depth - Brooks to appeal same-sex marriage decision

You can vote on gay marriage on this blog. See the poll to your left.


Related Post: Court "Gay marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York.
AND: Protesters fight for same-sex marriage rights

The cartoon