The RP’s Weekly Web Gems: The Politics of Love

This Sunday, June 12^th, is the 44^th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia, the United States Supreme Court’s decision that struck down laws forbidding interracial marriage. Unbelievably, that’s forty-four more years that gay men and women have been legally denied the basic human right of marrying the person they love. Just before her death four year years ago, Mildred Loving released a statement in support of the rights of our gay friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to marry the person whom they choose. Where do you stand? [American Foundation for Equal Rights]

In a hint that modernity is at least creeping along in the US cultural landscape, a Catholic bishop in San Joaquin, California, has informed the clergy there that they may “perform blessings of same-gender civil marriages, domestic partnerships and relationships which are lifelong committed relationships characterized by fidelity, monogamy, mutual affection and respect [and] careful, honest communication.” However positive this step is, perhaps the good bishop should lower his expectations of the whole relationship thing a bit? Geez! Remember: progress, not perfection. [The Guardian]

A recent infographic released by Online Dating University (We Will Teach You How to Get Laid) looks at how Facebook affects you and your relationships. Are one of the 31% of FB users that changed their relationship status to “single” over the last year? Interesting just how intertwined many of our lives have become with Facebook and what a boon it is to sociologists and researchers! [The Atlantic]

Finally, absolutely barmy to see Paul, Yoko, Sean, Dani and Olivia together to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Cirque de Soleil’s The Beatles Love. Check out the photos [here. Las Vegas Sun]