Further cuts loom for Detroit Fire Dept.

The California Senate voted yesterday to allow homosexuals to marry, becoming the first legislative body in the United States to embrace the idea and setting off a scramble for three votes in the Assembly needed for full passage.

Almost completely along party lines, the Democrat-controlled Senate approved the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Protection Act, which would make marriage a civil contract between two people rather than a man and a woman. The measure passed by the minimum number of necessary votes, 21-15, after a sometimes personal debate in which both sides acknowledged the bill's impact.

With only a week left before lawmakers adjourn for the year, the measure faces a tougher fight in the Assembly, which defeated the proposal in June. Signaling a likely veto even if it does pass, a spokeswoman said Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger preferred to let California's judges sort out the legality of gay marriage, which is currently the topic of a case on appeal.

Washington

Anti-war groups plan major protest

Organizers are planning what they say will be the largest anti-war demonstration in the nation's capital since the Iraq war began in March 2003.

The ANSWER Coalition and United for Peace and Justice detailed their plans yesterday for the Sept. 24 protest. They plan to bus in people from across the country for a march past the White House. Other major protests are planned that day in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Cindy Sheehan, whose 24-year-old son, Army Spc. Casey Sheehan, was killed last year in Iraq, is on a 25-state bus tour that will end at the protest in Washington. The anti-war groups will coordinate with planned protests against the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, which are holding their annual meetings the same weekend.

Sen. Byrd, 87, set to seek ninth term

U.S. Sen. Robert Byrd, already the oldest member of Congress at 87, is expected to announce next week that he will run for a ninth Senate term.

"He has every intention to seek re-election," Byrd spokesman Tom Gavin confirmed yesterday.

At least three Republicans have announced plans to seek the nomination for Byrd's seat.

Compiled from The Associated Press and the Los Angeles Times