OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Oklahoma voters have approved a measure that would forbid judges from considering international law or Islamic law when deciding cases.

Republican Rex Duncan, the sponsor of the measure, called it a 'pre-emptive strike' designed to close the door on activist judges 'legislating from the bench or using international law or Sharia law.'

Members of the Muslim community called the question an attack on Islam and some of them said they are prepared to file a lawsuit challenging the measure.

Another Washington gay couple, who requested that their names not be published because the foreign partner is a Latino man currently living in the country under false pretenses and the American partner is a prominent Republican whose identity could easily lead authorities to the other man, said gays and lesbians fall in love in the same unpredictable way as straight people. Sometimes, the object of that love happens to be a foreigner.

"When you love someone, it feels the same," said the Latino man, who is in the country on a tourist visa and has been working in violation of it. He is afraid that his immigration status could be exposed at any time, and he could be forced to leave. He travels outside the country periodically to keep his tourist visa valid, always making sure when he presents his visa at the border that he has an air ticket showing when he plans to leave the United States.

"I am insecure because I am worried," he said. "If I have trouble with the police, they will send me back to my country. I have a partner. All my life is here. My family lives in Mexico City, but I feel comfortable here. I drive everyday - if I have an accident or the police stops me and ask me for my papers, I am afraid."

"Every time he leaves, I wonder is he going to come back to his house, to our friends, to my family," added his partner.

They were so comfortable that Rep. Dreier shared his headphones with him just like any other couple would when he got his 'Digiplayer' (the Alaska Airlines in flight entertainment system) during the flight. In case anyone is wondering they were watching the movie version of 'Alvin And The Chipmunks' (no, I am not making this up).

The state's near bankruptcy. Further, California is missing out on millions. Another study by the Williams Institute found that California, by not granting same-sex marriage, would forgo as much as $64 million in tax revenues and license fees over three years. The study also showed that by allowing same-sex marriage, spending on lesbian and gay weddings and tourism would generate $55.1 million in state and local tax revenues and support more than 2,178 jobs.

But to Rick, once you allow gay marriage your economy tanks. There have been studies done. We’re certain. Our current recession: caused by gays.

Once gays are allowed to marry, companies will leave Texas by the thousands; afraid of catching gay cooties. Just you wait…

On Tuesday morning, a small group of protesters (almost outnumbered by reporters and photographers) gathered at the Governor's Mansion for what was disingenuously billed as a "support rally" for Gov. Rick Perry, under the theme, "It's OK to Be Gay." As any Austinite with access to e-mail or a cell phone knows by now, for a couple of months rumors concerning the governor's personal life have been flying furiously around the Capitol, the capital city, the state, and indeed most of the Western Hemisphere.

This rhetorical question by Governor Perry is ridiculous. Let me see if I follow here. Texas doesn’t allow marriage equality, and as a result, Texas has a lot of jobs to offer people?

There’s the anti-gay legislation, the bluster about being a “big, tough guy,” and the challenge in the national media to “Come and Take It.” What is up with that last one? I guess it depends on what your definition of “it” is.

I have to say that I take all the gay bashing and macho bluster from Governor Perry as a direct personal affront. In 26 years of my work, I’ve never taken this step before, but I will now. Governor Perry, I accept your challenge for one of us to “come and take it” when it comes to getting to the bottom of exactly who you are. Let’s debate…I am sure I can show you how equality will help your state’s income….and from my recent trip to Texas, well you could use an economic boost right now.

When I was in Austin recently, the Capitol view was a bit different as it was wrapped in scaffolding.