A U.S. Marine’s recent proposal to his boyfriend made history as the first ever engagement of a gay couple at the White House. U.S. Marine Corps captain Matthew Phelps proposed to his boyfriend Ben Schock when they were visiting the monument. The event was not only historical but also heartfelt when Ben said “Yes!”
Afterward, Phelps posted on his Facebook:
Such a special night surrounded by wonderful people in an amazing place, and the best is still yet to come with Ben Schock. Thanks for all the wonderful greetings and messages, and thanks to Barack Obama and Michelle Obama for lending us your home for the occasion!
This wonderful engagement illustrates the progress we are making. The repeal of the military’s don’t ask, don’t tell, same-sex marriage is legal in a few states, and the President has voiced his approval of marriage equality.
There is still a ways to go but we are headed in the right direction. Read more about this great story in an article by Madeline Davies, here.
A recent study from the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health and the UCLA Williams Institute suggests gay couples that are in a legal marriage show lower signs of psychological stress than unmarried LGBT couples.
“Same-sex or different-sex, there appear to be positive mental health benefits associated with legal recognition of one’s relationship,” said Wight. “Mental health benefits of extending marriage to same-sex couples might be derived from a heightened sense of social inclusion concomitant with the social institution of marriage.”
The researchers suggest further study on the health consequences of marriage equality should be conducted.
Read the full article here.
The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear two cases in early 2013 on the legality of same-sex marriage. Supporters of gay marriage are just as nervous as they are excited. There is concern amongst supporters that while the court may rule that marriage is a constitutional right for same-sex couples, they may also rule in favor of Proposition 8. This is the ability for each state to make the ultimate ruling and even ban same-sex marriage despite the federal court, which is what happened in California in 2008.
Read more on the story from Liz Goodwin at Yahoo! News.
The U.S. Supreme Court announced that it will be hearing two cases on gay marriage this upcoming March. This March’s ruling could make history for the nation’s stance on whether or not same-sex couples can legally marry.
However, despite the excitement and attention surrounding this case there are several barriers that the cases need to cross before they are even officially heard. If either case can not prove that there are real injuries to their specific party, than the case will not be heard by Federal courts, i.e. the Supreme Court.
For the broadest perspective on the federal legality of same-sex marriage, both cases would need to be heard with a decision that same-sex marriage is legal and marriage in itself a constitutional right. The judges in the Supreme Court are predicted to lock in a 5-4 split, and the outcome could fall either way.
We will keep you updated as the story evolves!
Read more from the full Time article by Michael A. Lindenberger here.
Uruguay’s House of Representatives overwhelmingly (81-6) approved same sex marriage in a vote today. The Senate is also expected to approve the law and the president should sign it early next year.
Read the full AP story here.
Sunday marked the first day gay couples could legally marry in Washington state. Because of a three day waiting period, couples who registered for marriage licenses on Thursday had to wait until yesterday to have their ceremonies.
While numerous weddings were taking place across the state, both private and public, the city hall weddings were the largest public event, with more than 130 couples taking part. The city set up five separate chapels to accommodate the revelers. Starting at 10 a.m., cheers and applause regularly broke out as another couple’s marriage became official. Weddings were held until 5 p.m
.
Read the full article here
This morning the Denver Post headline read “Civil unions on fast track to passage in Colorado legislature”
What a welcome site. This past may, the bill was introduced with enough votes to pass, but the GOP leadership would not allow the bill to come to the floor for debate. The then House Speaker has since lost his job, and a new speaker, Democrat Mark Ferrandino, is openly gay and ready to bring civil unions to the state.
The bill will be introduced by Sen. Pat Steadman. Steadman has led the fight for civil unions in the state. Unfortunately, when civil unions become the law, he will not be able to benefit from it. His partner of 12 years, Dave Misner, died in September from pancreatic cancer. Although Steadman, Ferrandino and other law makers would prefer full marriage equality in the state, a 2006 constitutional amendment banning same sex marriages forbids it.
When passed, Colorado will become the ninth state to offer civil unions.
httpv://youtu.be/URwyF8rSMjE
Uruguay, which already has civil unions, will consider a marriage law that grants the same rights and protections heterosexual couples receive, including adoption rights.
Today’s society is much broader than the heterosexual, and the civil code should reflect this: a marriage institution that applies equally to all,” Federico Grana, a member of the collective, told The Associated Press on Wednesday. “This goes well beyond homosexuality — it’s a law that gives all the same rights and responsibilities.”
Unsurprisingly, the Catholic Church is opposed.
Read the full article from the New York Times here
httpv://youtu.be/h1MOXjXMfvU
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