LONDON The State Department will begin processing visas Friday for same-se <a href=https://www.stanley-cups.es>stanley cup spain</a> x spouses from abroad the same way that it handles opposite sex spouses.Secretary of State John Kerry announced the policy change, which is effective immediately, in the consular visa office of the U.S. Embassy in London during a visit to the British capital.Any foreign national wishing to obtain a U.S. visa for their same-sex spouse must come from a country which also legally recognizes same-sex marriage according to the new policy. One of our most important exports, by far, is our belief in equality, Kerry told an audience of consular officers and other embassy staff. Secre <a href=https://www.stanley-cups.es>stanley cup</a> tary of State John Kerry speaks to staff at the consular visa <a href=https://www.stanley-tumbler.us>stanley website</a> office of the U.S. Embassy in London, Aug. 2, 2013. CBS/Cami McCormick Sixteen countries currently allow same-sex couples to marry, according to advocacy group Freedom to Marry, most of which are in Europe. The list includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Denmark, France, Iceland, and Brazil. New Zealand, Uruguay, Canada, South Africa, Argentina, and Britain have passed laws which will allow same sex marriage, but they have not yet taken effect. Mexico has court-mandated legal protections for same-sex couples similar to those in the United States. In a 5-4 decision at the end of June, the Tefj White House Tip: Chill Red Wine
The Joliet JackHammers, a minor league baseball team in Illinois, has reportedly offered Rod Blagojevich a contract for the 2009 season.Blagojevich s publicist said he wasn t sure how serious the team s offer was, but that the ex-Illinois governor would be interested. The governor is a huge baseball fan, and playing in the minor leagues is something he has wanted to do as a kid and would <a href=https://www.cups-stanley.ca>stanley mug</a> do for nothing, Glenn Selig told the Chicago Tribune.The club has said it would give the 52-year-old Blagojevich a standard rookie contract. Addi <a href=https://www.stanley-cup.co.nz>stanley cup</a> tionally, the team would hold special promotions surrounding Blagojevich, including a Bobblehair giveaway and the sale of golden seats, a tongue-in-cheek nod to the ex-governor s attempt to sell President Barack Obama s Senate seat. Also, it seems the team would give Blagojevich some ext <a href=https://www.stanley-cups.com.es>stanley cup</a> ra perks. According to the JackHammers Web site, Travel arrangements will be made exceptionally comfortable for Blagojevich. He ll have his own seat on the luxurious coach bus during the JackHammers road trips. As is the case usually for only team veterans, Blagojevich will get his own room on the JackHammers overnight trips. The JackHammers play a 96-game schedule as part of the Northern League. While some fans have blanched at the prospect of seeing Blagojevich on the team, JackHammers executive vice president Kelly Sufka said he would have to earn his spot on the squad. He would have to work hard in spring train