But we're the open-minded, tolerant ones!

It really is amazing how we keep telling ourselves that in the face of clear-cut evidence to the contrary.

London (MSNBC, April 22) - With the issue of gay marriage still roiling the American political landscape, close ally Britain is quietly setting course for formal recognition for civil unions, following a path carved out by several other European Union countries.

A civil partnership bill was introduced in the House of Parliament earlier this month and the House of Lords was set to consider the legislation on Thursday. According to a government spokeswoman, the bill could become law by November, allowing same-sex couples to legalize their partnership a year later. ...

This legislation follows in the footsteps of nine other European Union countries that have recognized the unions of same-sex couples.

Overall, Britain's Department of Trade and Industry's Women and Equality Unity found 83 percent of the responses to the proposal for civil partnership were in support for the bill. ...

Unlike the United States where the two major political parties seem divided on the issue, the governing Labour Party and the main opposition see eye to eye on civil unions.

However, there is some good news from this side of the big pond as well.

A circuit judge in Multnomah County, Oregon, ordered a freeze on gay marriage licenses to give the State Legislature a chance to formalise them.

Judge Frank Bearden also ordered the state to recognise the 3,022 licenses issued in the county since 3 March.

The move is a first for the entire US....

The judge gave the state legislature 90 days from the start of its next session to pass the necessary legislation; if it doesn't, the county can resume issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

Multnomah County, home to Portland, is the state's most populous.

Footnote: And don't forget, folks in Massachusetts: May 21 is only four weeks away.