Despite a last minute push by the Connecticut Catholic Conference which paid for last minute television advertising, Connecticut voters on November 4th rejected a constitutional convention that could take away the right of marriage equality from all its citizens. And those same-sex marriages begin today.

Below is the ad funded by the Connecticut Catholic Conference.

From the Hartford Courant:

“The Church has been like the cavalry coming over the hill with guns blazing,” said Peter Wolfgang, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, which supported the convention. “The other side was outspending us 83 to 1. The only thing that leveled it out is the Catholic Church.”

And to be fair, here is the ad run by those opposing a constitutional convention.

One observation: At least they had the courage to mention “gay marriage” in their advertising, unlike California.

So while Question 1 failed, it’s still a sad reminder of how pervasive this movement really is, as Mormons, Catholics and other faith-based groups pressure states to adopt discrimination into their constitutions, banning same-sex marriage. We just lost our rights to marry in California, thanks to that effort, in great part to the Mormon church, and to a lesser degree Catholics, who invited the Mormons to join the fray back in June. Rights were also lost in Florida and Arizona on November 4th, as well as a number of other states in previous elections.

While I’m happy for the people of Connecticut who made a stand and didn’t let fear get in the way of equal rights, I wonder if more money had been spent in support of the constitutional convention, would gay men and women still be saying “I do” today.

Yes, as the First Dude, I think you are completely entitled to keep your sexy knickers, I mean silk boxers. I’m not sure from what fine establishment they were purchased but I doubt they’ll accept such a return. Just have Sarah round up the rest of the $150k in clothing and return them post-haste.

As for the sexy knickers, it’s a borrowed line from the classic TV show Are You Being Served. Enjoy.

As for Sara and Todd Palin… aren’t they just the gift that keep on giving? This much needed moment of levity, unfortunately, is now at an end.

On Veterans day we honor the brave men and women who gave of themselves, and often their lives, in service to this country. Their courage and sacrifice should never be forgotten and that is why we pay tribute to them on this day.

But for our LGBT veterans, their service and sacrifice are seldom recognized in the context of who they were. And today I would like to extend a special tribute and thanks to them, for serving in a military and protecting a nation that would prefer they did not exist.

Several months ago I created a website to capture the stories of the LGBT community who served but never came home, as told by the families, friends and partners they left behind. It was my intention to ensure that those who served were never forgotten, and to show their sacrifice is no less worthy because of who they were and who they loved.

Thanks to a recent wedding, the election and the passage of Proposition 8, the effort has unfortunately languished in recent months. But today seems an appropriate day to renew that effort. My hope is to document the story of their lives on film, celebrating who they were while honoring their service and sacrifice.

If you have a story to share, or know someone who does, please visit: WorthyofSacrifice.org

I will gladly join the chorus of voices praising Keith Olbermann’s special comment on Proposition 8 this evening. His moving comments, aimed squarely at those who took our rights away, was the most meaningful piece of television I have seen in a long time.

Please send a thank you to Keith at MSNBC.