Republicans

The Republican senators who voted to legalized marriage equality have seen an infusion in campaign cash from gay-rights activists across the country, records filed with the state Board of Elections show. Sens. James Alesi of Perinton, Monroe County; Mark Gristani of Buffalo and Roy McDonald of Saratoga all received at least $50,000 from gay-right supporters in the days following their vote. The four Republican senators are expected to face strong opposition from conservatives when they plan to seek re-election next year.

In a surprise move for a Republican, Senate Minority Leader Allan H. Kittleman (pictured), from Maryland, said he would remove a state requirement that a marriage be between a man and woman; and sponsor legislation in the upcoming session to allow civil unions between both heterosexual and same-sex partners.

A growing number of Republicans support marriage equality. Pundits say the shift is a result of GOP power players focusing the party's attention on jobs and the economy. A renewed focus on economics and the "tea party" movement have overcome the Republican party.

Our friend Martin passes along these links to stories [and satire] regarding George A. Rekers - a nationally known anti-gay psychologist - who testified for the State of Florida in its defense of the state's gay adoption ban. Rekers admits that he recently took a trip to Europe with a gay male prostitute from Miami who advertised himself online.

• Miami Herald