''Michael's friends and family say he was not gay. If that is true, then I owe a huge apology to the Osmond family and to Marie Osmond for the words I wrote here. I read several published sources before I said anything, but--I did not know him, and I don't know his family either. I just reacted and said what I said because I have known so many gay mormon kids who committed suicide, as well as non mormon gay kids too. I am terribly ashamed of myself this time for shooting off my big mouth, and offending or hurting people who already were hurting. I don't expect anyone to forgive me, but I am so sorry for being wrong and insensitive.''

Roseanne (Barr) continuing, or perhaps ending, her blog posts. Recently, she posted a series of missives about the Mormon Church in regards to Marie Osmond's son, Michael Blosil (a/k/a Michael Bryan) who took his own life a week ago. Roseanne says she knows of many Mormons who have killed themselves because they were gay, and she links to a number of sources. However, the only well-known source to produce a statement about Blasil's sexual orientation was the National Enquirer, which quoted an unnamed "family insider." (Roseanne World)

Roseanne is best known for her 1980s sitcom, "Roseanne," which initially rose to popularity as a rare reflection on the life of lower-class suburban families. After its initial programming, the actress took more control of her production and challenged her mass audience in many ways, just one of which was the addition several gay characters -- a gay boss (Martin Mull), a lesbian best friend (Sandra Bernhard), and in the show's final "fantasy season", she had her aged mother (Estelle Parsons) come out as a lesbian. In real life she has stated that she has a gay brother and sister, and in her last HBO comedy special, she made a number of gay supportive remarks. She has been a controversial figure all the while for other reasons, including plastic surgery, a butchered version of the National Anthem, a marriage and divorce from actor Tom Arnold, several name changes, strongly worded political views, and declarations about her challenges with mental illness.

''I am sorry to have hurt Marie Osmond, who is the most open minded person in her whole family.... I will leave this up for a while, and then I am just done. I appreciate the letters from gay people who thank me for speaking out on their behalf, but y'all are just going to have to take up the slack I will be leaving behind me. I am old now and tired, and not really feeling up to being the only person who says things that no one else will say. It definitely is not a good way to live my life anymore. I don't want to end up a martyr for truth.''

Roseanne Barr again apologizing to Marie Osmond for the second time in as many days. Her first regretful message at top appeared late on Saturday night, but was taken offline after a few hours. This second message appears similar in tone, most notably for the portions where Roseanne seems to say she will stop lobbing social commentary. She says she never intended for her words to be broadcast by "sleazy gossip shows, or on other blogs," which may seem a bit odd since she has run into controversy before for her sometimes shocking online opinions. Other posts on her blog include a mixture of harsh and hilarious criticisms about religion, her fellow celebrities, and conservative politics. (Roseanne World)

''All I would like to say, is that Michael Bryan was NOT homosexual. I can tell you that 100% for sure. It bothers me that people make assumptions when they know nothing of the situation or the person.''

Quote attributed to Ruthann Clawson by Ed Walsh of Examiner.com. He says Clawson is responding to assertions that her friend, Marie Osmond's son Michael Blosil (a/k/a Michael Bryan), was gay or his family's Mormon views about homosexuality had any effect on his decision to take his own life. In a video posted by Entertainment Tonight, Blosil's roommate refutes early media claims that the note left behind had any statement about feeling alone or like he had no friends. Another video shows a tearful Clawson recalling how nice a person he was, and that Marie Osmond did a "great job" raising him. She also disputes notions that he appeared unhappy or had no friends. (Examiner)

''Providing health care to a gay or lesbian partner -- a basic human right, according to Church teaching -- is an end in itself and no more legitimizes that marriage than giving communion to a divorced person legitimizes divorce, or giving food or shelter to an alcoholic legitimizes alcoholism.... More importantly, the greatest asset of the agency -- its staff -- feel a profound sense of humiliation and shame. Many are actively looking to leave. Catholic Charities will be forever handicapped in attracting new staff with such a draconian benefit plan.''

Tim Sawina, former chief operating officer of Cahtolic Charities taking the Archdiocese of Washington to task for canceling spousal benefits for all employees who become married after March 2. The Washington Post points out that Archbishop Donald Wuerl's decision to institute this sudden policy is part of the Catholic Church's battle against same-sex marriage. On March 3, Washington, DC began accepting applications from gay and lesbian couples. The applications have gender-neutral references to "spouse" rather than husband and wife. The first legal ceremonies may begin after three full business days which will be Tuesday, March 9. (Washington Post)

''So the bottom line is that what the secular world means by the word 'marriage' is not even close to what the Church means. Is it time for us to accept this and start using a different word? Perhaps it is and I would like to propose a new (really an old) term and hear what you think. I propose that we should exclusively refer to marriage in the Church as 'Holy Matrimony.' According to this proposal the word marriage would be set aside and replaced by Holy Matrimony.''

Msgr. Charles Pope making a rare rational proposal for the Catholic Church on the subject of gay and lesbian marriage. Over the past several months, he has ranted repeatedly via his Archdiocese of Washington blog against same-sex marriage legalization, and also against the laws and regulations of DC applying equally to their public service organization, Catholic Charities. Here he finally seems to realize that "marriage" as defined in their religious "Catechism" is indeed a separate entity from "marriage" as recognized by civil law. Maybe he should have actually read the bill when it was proposed. "The Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009" never required religious organizations to perform weddings for couples whom they did not approve. At the City Council's public hearings last year, that key point about religious freedom was purposefully smothered with anti-gay proselytizing and predictions of gloom and doom. (ADW Blog)

We write today to express our concerns regarding outdated, medically and scientifically unsound deferral criteria for prospective blood donors. With hospitals and emergency rooms across the country in constant and urgent need of blood products, we believe certain blood donor deferral policies should be reviewed and appropriately modified and modernized while ensuring the blood supply meets the highest possible standards that we all expect in America.... We live in a very different country than we did in 1983. Today, the high-risk behaviors associated with HIV contraction are more fully understood and dramatic technological improvements have been made in HIV detection.... Reflecting the dangers associated with the window period, prospective donors who have engaged in heterosexual sexual activity with a person known to have HIV are deferred for one year. At the same time, male donors who engaged in protected homosexual sexual activity with a monogamous partner 26 years ago are deferred for life.... The safety, availability, and integrity of our nation's blood supply are vital. For these reasons, we agree with the American Red Cross, America's Blood Centers, AABB, and others that the time has come for the FDA to modify the lifetime deferral for MSM to be consistent with sensible health and safety policy and with FDA deferral guidelines for high-risk heterosexual behavior.

Quotes taken from a public letter by 18 US Senators to Margaret Hamburg of the US Food and Drug Administration. They are requesting a review of the ban on blood donations by men who have ever sex with men. The nationwide policy was put into effect in the early days of the AIDS epidemic and has remained in place despite many criticisms. This letter, however, may be the first serious, coordinated effort by this many Members of Congress. The signers of the letter include John Kerry, Kirstin Gillibrand, Dick Durbin, Daniel Akaka, Sheldon Whitehouse, Sherrod Brown, Frank Lautenberg, Bob Casey, Bernie Sanders, Russ Feingold, Mark Udall, Al Franken, Maria Cantwell, Carl Levin, Tom Harkin, Mark Begich, Rolland Burris, and Michael Bennet. (via Minnesota Independent)

''I think Michael was distraught because he was conflicted over his sexuality and didn't believe he could ever come out as a gay man to his religious Mormon family.''

Quote appearing in the National Enquirer under a headline that reads, "Marie Osmond Suicidal after Gay Son Leaps 8 Floors to His Death." It's reported that Marie Osmond's son, Michael Blosil (a/k/a Michael Bryan), committed suicide last week. He was to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. There has been some speculation about Michael's possible sexual orientation, but the Enquirer appears to be the first to quote any source. However, they allow that source to remain an anonymous "family insider." It's also reported that Michael was an adopted child who Marie and her ex-husband had raised, that he suffered from severe, lifelong depression and had entered rehab at 16. No reason was given why or what type of rehab treatment it was to be at that time. Parts of a suicide note, according to multiple reports, said he felt alone, and that the second half of the note was dedicated to a close female friend. Last May, Marie Osmond revealed that another of her eight children, daughter Jessica, was a lesbian and that she loved her, but stopped just short of saying that she approved of her daughter's plans for a gay wedding. (National Enquirer)

''marie osmonds poor gay son killed himself because he had been told how wrong and how sick he was every day of his life by his church and the people in it. Calling that "depression" is a lie! Yet the Osmonds still talk lovingly about their church, saying nothing about its extremely anti-gay Crusade. Marie also has a gay daughter! Hey, I want her and all the gay kids in the world to know that they are just fine being gay and that they deserve love and respect instead of insults and rebuke!... I know so many mormon kids who were gay and committed suicide, and I just cannot and will not stay quiet in order to not offend bigots anymore.''

Comedian Rosanne (Barr) writing on her highly opinionated blog about the suicide of Michael Blosil, the son of Marie Osmond. Rosanne states that she grew up in "slc" (Salt Lake City, UT) and relates her personal negative experiences in that Mormon environment, to the alleged sexual orientation of Osmond's son. The large Osmond family is very likely the most famous face of the Mormon Church. Rosanne's public message to Marie contains quite a few eye-opening statements, but she says she couldn't care less that people get mad about her statements, adding: "I am not a wimp, I am no democrat!" (Rosanne World)

''There are many gay individuals that are members of our church. I know many of them. In fact, some of my best friends are gay. You ask how I react regarding their marriages. Well, I do support our Church leaders who say that we can accept those with gay tendencies in our church as long as they do not act upon their temptations. Everyone has tenancies to succumb to temptation, but we all have the same standard given to us by our Father in Heaven. Whether we may be tempted to be immoral with members of our own sex or of the opposite sex, we are expected to live chaste lives. This is very well explained not only in the Book of Mormon, but in the Bible as well.''

An undated blog entry from the website of entertainer Donny Osmond, brother of Marie Osmond and uncle of the late Michael Blosil. This outtake is part of a response from what appears to be a Question & Answer section, unrelated to the recent suicide of his sister's son. Donny Osmond is part of a famous Mormon family and grew up performing with The Osmond Family. He later teamed up with his sister to become the even more famous duo known as Donny & Marie. In recent years, the pair have returned to the airwaves, most notably on "Entertainment Tonight" and also as contestants on ABC's "Dancing with the Stars." In an impromptu bit of theater, Donny Osmond shared a televised kiss with Bruno Tonioli, one of that show's gay judges, last fall. (Donny.com)

''Donald E. Wildmon, chairman of American Family Association (AFA) for more than 30 years, has resigned as chairman of the board for the national ministry. The resignation comes following several months of hospitalization. A bite from a mosquito carrying the St. Louis encephalitis virus caused Wildmon's illness.''

Press release from the extremely anti-gay American Family Association on the final retirement of it's ailing founder, Donald E. Wildmon. (AFA)

''Dobson is leaving, he says, because organizations that are founded by charismatic leaders often make the mistake of keeping those leaders around for way too long. And so once that leader exits the scene - and Dobson himself now is approaching his mid-70s - the organization undergoes an identity crisis and, in some cases, is hard pressed to survive.... He's joining his son to host a new radio show that's going to be called James Dobson on the Family. You know, it's anticipated that this will be competitive with Focus on the Family's current radio programming.''

Dan Gilgoff of CNN discussing the founder of Focus on the Family, James Dobson, who will be stepping down from his post at that anti-gay broadcast organization. Unfortunately, he is not going away entirely, as Gilgoff notes. (NPR)

The weakening of Dobson and the removal of Wildmon comes as welcome news for most middle-aged and older gay right supporters who had to deal for years with their fountain of gay-hating broadcasts and media blasts. They were part of a larger coordinated effort by so-called "Christian conservatives" whose careers climaxed in the Regan-Bush era, as they smothered the United States with their politics of "family values." Their inevitable demise follows the deaths of preacher Jerry Falwell and Senator Jesse Helms, all of which continues the closing of a chapter of vicious political attacks against LGBT Americans. But several of Dobson and Wildmon's other aging comrades still continue to pump out their gay bashing vitriol. Pat Robertson, for instance, continues broadcasting anti-gay "personal stories," such as a recently aired 700 Club video in which he featured an ex-gay male who claimed to have left the "down-low" lifestyle. And in some cases, the children of these demagogues carry on with their parents' questionable legacies. There's Ryan Dobson (as mentioned above), Gordon Robertson at CBN, Tim Wildmon at AFA, and Andy Schlafly with his Conservapedia. Here's a brief roundup of the worst offenders from the 1980s (via Wikipedia):

• William Dannemeyer, 81 - board of director for William Donohue's Catholic League.
• James Dobson, 74 - retiring from Focus on the Family, moving to new radio show.
• Jerry Falwell , Deceased 2007.
• Jesse Helms , Deceased 2008.
• Pat Robertson, 80 - Still actively broadcasting on 700 Club.
• Lou Sheldon, 76 - Still listed as active with the Tradition Values Coalition.
• Phyllis Schafly, 86 - Still listed as active with the Eagle Forum.
• Donald Wildmon, 72 - Retiring from American Family Association.

''Well, my career was pretty on fire when I took this project ['Clash of the Titans']. I did this movie, and then 'Making Love' came out the same year. I played sort of the first normal gay character. I think the audience and perhaps critics became confused. My career kind of slowed down after that.''

Actor Harry Hamlin speaking with the LA Times about his role in the 1981 fantasy film ''Clash of the Titans'' which has just been re-released on Blu-ray, and his follow-up role as Bart McGuire, the gay lover of a married man in ''Making Love.'' Hamlin later went on to star in the TV shows "LA Law" and "Veronica Mars." And, not coincidentally, Hamlin is credited as the voice of Perseus for the 2007 video game title, "God of War II.'' A new version of the "Titans" movie is about to be released this month, starring Sam Worthington. Hamlin says he did not wish to appear in a cameo for the new film. (LA Times)

''In D.C., outreach to African-Americans wasn't part of the campaign. It was the campaign.''

Michael Crawford of DC for Marriage explaining to AP the importance of reaching out to the African-American majority of Washington, DC during the hard-fought political struggle over same-sex marriage equality. Crawford, who is expanding his efforts to a national level, could be seen frequently at rallies and other events over the past year making speeches, doing important media interviews and signing up supporters. You can read more about Michael Crawford from Metro Weekly's interview last spring. (AP)

''It's just a celebration, I mean, it's an historic time. And especially as an African-American woman, I am particularly pleased. Because I know there is much to say around that in the African-American community. But I think it's time to come together. And I think this is one step in that direction.''

Candy Holmes, soon-to-be married partner of Darlene Garner, speaking with reporters outside of the DC Courthouse after obtaining one of the very first marriage licenses to include same-sex couples. (AP video)

''What's been different here is how aggressively they've come after religious leaders, how aggressively they have talked up the race issue, or I should say the civil rights issue.''

Harry Jackson, an African-American preacher from Maryland who has tried and failed to stake his claim in DC politics through anti-gay causes. Here he complains about his terrific political loss just before gay couples are allowed to obtain equal status with heterosexuals in the District of Columbia this week. (AP)

Again, we witness Jackson as he completely distorts the recorded truth about his own divisive, race-baiting declarations and of those involved in his religious organization called StandForMarriage. In April of 2009, Jackson and a group of anti-gay preachers held a hateful public rally in Downtown DC to declare that gay rights have nothing to do with civil rights, because civil rights, according to them, only apply to the struggle for black equality. He appeared on CNN soon after to say, "The black ministers are irate that they are being shut out." In November of 2009, Jackson presented a long lecture to the Council about the city's struggle to secure voting rights, but Jackson had to admit to Councilman Catania that he has never once voted in the DC because, well, he'd never actually lived in DC before. He and his group have repeatedly tried to bulldoze and circumvent Washington's publicly elected by lobbying the US Congress. They've asked legislators on the Hill to use Constitutional authority to stop the City Council and Mayor from enacting gay marriage. Most recently, they appealed to Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, who quickly rejected a request by Jackson's group. They had requested Roberts place an emergency hold on the adoption of gay marriage so that they could force through a referendum. Thankfully, though, marriage was indeed approved by the Council in December of 2009. Mayor Fenty signed that bill a few days later. And finally, after a mandatory review process by Congress, yesterday became the first day that gender-neutral marriage applications were distributed. It is expected that the first ceremonies will occur next Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

''Slavery was wrong, from the moment that they brought my ancestors on these shores. So, regardless of what the law said, it didn't change it whether right or wrong. And the same thing as far as this issue, the law is not making this right. So, essentialy the government is legislating morality.... Really, this is a political issue. So, really the debate should not be in the pulpit as far as the Bible is concerned, because there are different interpretations.... Many in the African-American community just don't believe this is a civil rights issue.... Because you can choose in terms of whether you want to be married or not. You can choose whether you want to be married to one or more person. But I have no choice in the color of my skin.... That is also for debate in terms of sexual orientation. That's a whole different debate. But the reality is, if I go try to catch a cab from this building tonight, cab driver is not gonna know whether I'm gay or straight when they pass me by. He's probably going to judge me by my appearance ... I can't do anything to take off this black face.''

Patrick Jonathan Walker, a preacher from New Macedonian Baptist Church in SE DC, who is opposed to the newly enacted law that allows gay men and lesbians to legally wed. Though the excellent host of RT tries many times to get him to make sense, Walker contradicts his own talking points several times. He actually complains that the government is "legislating morality" by treating same-sex couples equally. Beyond his ridiculous juxtapositions of race and sexual orientation, cab drivers and marriage, gay marriage and polygamy, he makes several more nonsense arguments about the publicly elected DC City Council not listening to the public. This despite public hearings and private meetings held between the Council and the citizens of the Wards they represent. He also neglects to mention that the vote was not unanimous -- it was split 11 to 2. He tries to dodge his own bias by saying it is not a religious matter, but virtually all of the opposition has come from preachers like himself, or other religiously based political organizations. (RT)

''This is very much about our lives, and about our ability to protect ourselves and our family, so we wanted to be really intimately involved. So, we've been participating every step of the way.'' (via Metro Weekly)

''We thought this had been going on for like a year. We came down yesterday: We decided, 'Hey, we're gonna get married since the [Maryland] Attorney General might recognize it. So, we come down and they said, 'We can't give do this today.' And we're like, why? And he said, 'We can't do it until tomorrow.' And I'm thinking, 'Why, you can only come on Wednesdays?''' (via Metro Weekly)

''Officially we're getting married in September, but we're trying to get it done here as soon as possible while it's legal, to avoid any Proposition 8 type thing.'' (via Metro Weekly)

''I couldn't wait for the dream to come true, so that's why I'm first in line.'' (via Fox 5)

''I always wanted to have kind of commitment that my parents had for 50 years... and I have now.'' (via StandingOnTheSideOfLove)

''We've been together four years, and it's wonderful that we're no longer completely second class citizens. We're one step closer to being one equal nation.'' (via Voice of America)

Quotes from some of the estimated 100 gay and lesbian couples who were interviewed on camera as they left the DC Courthouse to register for marriage on the first day that same-sex couples were granted legal equality in the nation's capital. Read more about this historic event at Metro Weekly magazine.

''A State Senator has been arrested. He's accused of driving drunk in a state-issued vehicle. And tonight, sources are telling CBS13 that this Senator, Roy Ashburn, a father of four, a Republican from Southern California with a history of opposing gay rights, was actually seen at a gay nightclub, called Faces, in Sacramento before he was arrested.''

From a CBS13 in TV station in Sacramento, California regarding the arrest of State Senator Roy Ashburn. The report states that an unidentified male was in the car with Asburn, but as of yet, there is no explanation of why the Senator may have been at the nightclub. According to VoteSmart, Ashburn's recent service included twice voting against encouraging schools to participate in "Harvey Milk Day," and also voting against recognition of same-sex marriages that have been legally performed outside of the state of California. (CBS13)

''I am deeply sorry for my actions and offer no excuse for my poor judgment. I accept complete responsibility for my conduct and am prepared to accept the consequences for what I did. I am also truly sorry for the impact this incident will have on those who support and trust me - my family, my constituents, my friends, and my colleagues in the Senate.''

Statement released by Roy Ashburn, Republican Senator from the 18th District of California. (CBS13)

UPDATE:

''Tuesday nights are a very, very huge Latin crowd. We don't see a lot of white guys here on a Tuesday night. A white guy would stick out like a sore thumb.''

Laurie Bonifield, manager of Faces, a gay club in Sacramento California. A report yesterday said State Senator Roy Ashburn may have been at the club. Asnburn's voting history indicates he is no friend of gay rights. (TPMMuckraker)

''They are happy about the seriousness of the charges. They have waited a long time for this day to come.''

Susanne Gustin, legal representative for a Salt Lake gay couple, David James Bell and his partner, Dan Fair. The men suffered a brutal beating from their neighbors in July of 2008. Apparently, Bell had been invited to party at the neighbors' home, but went back to his house to get mixer for drinks. But while he was there, two young children from the neighbors' home came over and asked for something to drink. As he was giving them some Kool-Aid, one mother, Lulu Latu, noticed that the children had gone missing. She found them at Bell's, and assumed he had kidnapped them for molestation or somesuch because he was telling them they were "beautiful." She began assaulting him, and then several others from the party came over to beat both Bell and Fair. Bell's head was repeated hit on the concrete, and Fair was hit in the head with a television. They have suffered broken facial bones, and permanent hearing loss as a result. Police pursued kidnapping charges against the gay couple instead of charging Latu's family for felony assault. Finally, after a year and a half, police have charged seven with a variety of crimes. (Desert News)

''@JessieDymack Stand tall. Be proud of who you are. Don't break promises. Want to learn. Represent well. But more than anything, be safe.''

Latest tweet appearing on ActuallyNPH, said to be the Twitter feed of gay actor Neil Patrick Harris. He was replying to an Australian teen musician who says his family would not understand his coming out as gay. (Twitter.com/actuallyNPH via BlastMagazine)

"It's pretty black and white about whether homosexuality is a sin. And as a Christian, that's what I believe.... Am I anti-gay? No. I feel like -- I feel like I love everyone.... I do have gay friends.... I think that some of them are -- um, they say, you know -- they still lo -- some people, I mean, some people -- what am I trying to say? A lot of gay friends of mine are saying like, 'Okay, that's your belief. You know. I still love you.' They know how much I love them. We have such good relationships that they know I still believe in them."

Lauren Ashley, a 23-year-old who registered for the Miss California USA pageant under the moniker of "Miss Beverly HIlls." Here she is speaking on camera with RadarOnline and basically repeating her all-loving anti-gay beliefs. She made headlines two weeks ago by telling a Fox News reporter that she had a like-minded kinship with last year's anti-gay loser, Carrie Prejean. When asked about Prejean's "Christians vs. gay marriage" controversy, Ashley chose to quote one of the very few Bible passages that mentions male-male relationships. Many gay-hating religious fundamentalists say that the passage from Leviticus calls for homosexuals to be murdered. Ashley's near-delusional beliefs will certainly bring increased media attention to the California pageant this year. Oddly enough, the pageant is directed in California by an out gay man, Keith Lewis, and the bigger Miss USA pageant is run by famed tycoon Donald Trump. Lewis has publicly defended Ashley's right to speak her mind, and in return she says here that, "I think he learned a lot last year from Carrie Prejean.... He's a wonderful guy. I love him." (Radar Online)

''Opponents of gay marriage are asking the Supreme Court to put a hold on the District of Columbia's new law allowing same-sex couples to wed.... Court papers filed Monday with Chief Justice John Roberts argue that Washington residents should be able to vote on the matter.''

The latest, and hopefully last, bit of sour news about anti-marriage activists who are trying to keep gay male and lesbian couples from becoming legally wed. This short bit of news from Associated Press mentions Walter E. Fauntroy in particular as being one of the opponents. Fauntroy went before the DC Council late last year and presented a rambling speech that in part said gay marriage would end the "perpetuation of the species" and that gay marriage was used to begin the War in Iraq. Many motions have been filed by Fauntroy and his anti-gay, religiously motivated compadres. But the Council, DC Courts, Attorney General, and Board of Elections have shot them all down for being against the overriding interest of the DC Human Rights Act. If all goes well, marriage licenses are set to begin being accepted on Wednesday, March 3, and legal ceremonies for gay couples can begin three business days later, which will be March 9, 2010. (AP)

''We're anticipating a lot of excited residents from the District and suburbs coming down to the court to apply, and we want to make this as smooth an experience as possible.''

Lee F. Satterfield, Chief Judge for DC Superior Court regarding a possible rush on marriage applications for gay male and lesbian couples. The Washington Post reports that the cost is $35 for the applications and $10 for the license. (Washington Post)

''It's truly a dream come true to be able to commit to the person I love here in the community where I live and work.''

Cu Vu, who plans to marry her partner Gwen Magita, speaking with News Channel 8. The station reports that only 10 to 12 marriage applications come in each day. And that authorities are asking people to visit the DC Court website to obtain the application and have it filled out before coming down. (News Channel 8)

New employees and current employees requesting revisions in benefit coverage will be affected by this change. Catholic Charities will continue to honor the health plan coverage that current employees have as of March 1, 2010. As of March 2, a new plan will be in effect that will cover new employees and requests for benefit changes by current employees. The new plan will provide the same level of coverage for employees and their dependents that you now have, with one exception: spouses not in the plan as of March 1, will not be eligible for coverage in the future.

Portion of a Catholic Charities memo as posted by the Washington City Paper and Washington Post. Gay marriage applications are to begin moving forward in Washington, DC this Wednesday, March 3, 2010. And it appears, by the timing, that Catholic Charities is trying to cut off equal treatment for spouses of its own gay employees before they are legally required to provide it. (Washington City Paper) (Washington Post)

Catholic Charities campaigned against gay marriage in 2009 by telling media outlets and DC Councilmembers that their organization would not extend spousal benefits to same-sex couples who become legally married. The District will require Catholic Charities as an employer to provide equal benefits for all of its legally married employees. Catholic Charities, under the direction of the Archdiocese of Washington, publicly bemoaned the Council's intentions before Members voted to allow gay marriage this past December. Shortly after Mayor Adrian Fenty signed the new bill in January of 2010, the Church announced that they would stop offering foster care services through Catholic Charities. Many media outlets hyped their announcement by calling their action "fallout" and "ramifications" of gay marriage legalization. And they failed to emphasize that only 40-some wards of the city would be affected. Those children's cases will simply be transferred to another city-authorized agency. The Catholic Church has tried, in many ways, to influence the political process here in DC -- having its representatives complain ad nauseum about being "forced" to comply with public law, when in fact, it is their choice to request millions of dollars in public funds for the public services they claim they provide.

''I thought it could be a bit awkward at first, to dress down and have people looking at you. But when you're naked and everybody else is naked, you feel like you're dressed up because everybody else looks the same.... It's really a weird experience. You could think there would be something sexual behind, but there's not.''

A male participant of an event organized by famed photographer Spencer Tunick speaking with ITN. Over 5,000 people were photographed in the nude outside of the Sydney Opera House. The event coincided with the city's annual Gay and Lesbian Mardis Gras celebration, but the well-publicized event brought in many participatns who were not gay, too. Tunick tells the Associated Press that for the hugging photo, it was difficult to get the straight and gay people to embrace. Tunick tells ITN that though he has done many similar artistic pieces in other locations, but has only had a few opportunities to work with more than 3,000 people. (AP) (YouTube)