GOP Asks SCOTUS to Consider Appeal of DOMA Ruling

Via Joe My God

The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG) has asked the Supreme Court to hear an appeal of a Ruling that finds section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional.  This is the first of several decisions by federal courts to be sent to the Supreme Court.  If the court accepts the case, they could hear arguments this coming October.

DOMA denies any federal recognition of same sex, married couples.  This equates to more than 1500 rights and privileges.

 

Ninth Anniversary of Lawrence v Texas Decision

Nine years ago, today, the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Lawrence v. Texas, in effect, decriminalizing gay sex.   At that time it was illegal to engage in “homosexual activity” in 14 states.  Now we are on the verge of another Supreme Court decision that could advance gay rights once again.  Both Proposition 8, the law banning same sex marriage in California, and several cases Challenging the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) have been found unconstitutional in federal courts – and both issues are most likely going to be appealed to the Supreme Court.  Most experts believe that Anthony Kennedy, who wrote the majority opinion in Lawrence, may be the deciding vote.  With 4 conservative leaning judges and 4 liberal leaning judges, Kennedy is seen as the moderate voice on the bench.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if marriage equality was granted throughout the U.S. on the tenth Anniversary of Lawrence v. Texas?  I’m keeping my fingers crossed because I like anniversaries!

Watch: Marriage News Watch from AFER 6/25/12

httpv://youtu.be/FxCQocs3erQ

Catch all that’s happening regarding Marriage Equality

Civil Union Takes Place At Military Base

Air Force Tech. Sgt. Erwynn Umali, left, and his partner Will Behrens pose after their civil union ceremony Saturday June 23, 2012 held at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the military base in Wrightstown, N.J. where Umali is stationed. Photo: Jeff Sheng / AP

In one of the first such ceremonies held on a military base, an Air Force Sgt, Erwynn Umali joined with his partner, Will Behrens in a civil union at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst base in New Jersey.

It was presided over by a Navy Chaplain, Kay Reeb, and was attended by dozens of friends and family.  In attendance was Eric Alva, the former Marine and prominent gay advocate.  Alva said,  “A historic event like this shows that progress is being made.”

Each event, either marriage or civil union, that gains some media attention can only help the marriage equality cause.

Read the entire article here.

Need the perfect card for a wedding or civil union?  Find it at homoquotables.com

 

The National Council of La Raza Passes Resolution Supporting Marriage Equality

Source: NCLR/Social Science Research Solutions

The National Council of La Raza (NCLR), one of the oldest Latino civil rights organizations, has passed a resolution supporting marriage equality for the LGBT community.  Various polls show that Latinos are on the whole supportive of marriage equality.  The NCLR has huge importance with a variety of Latino organizations.

This is a very big deal.  The Latino community has been characterized as homophobic – with many LGBT Latinos afraid of coming out.  As one committee member, Catherine Pino said, ““This means  that Gay and Lesbian Latino youth will understand without any doubt that they are embraced by thier community, this will literally save lives.”

Read the full article from MarioWire here.

Religious Leaders Pose Arguments in Favor Of Gay Marriage

I posted earlier about Christians apologizing to the LGBT community for the Church’s homophobia and anti gay bigotry.  This afternoon I found an article from the Huffington Post that links to 9 essays by Religious leaders that offer spiritual and religious  discussions on the importance of marriage for everyone.

Find all the links here.

Watch: Marriage News Watch for 6/18/12

httpv://youtu.be/0_o-BT2nnWM

Check out this week’s video from Matt Baum at AFER.  Topics include Democratic committees formally adopting Marriage Equality to their party platforms in Texas and Montana, Rhode Island ends its legislative session without movement toward full marriage equality, Marriage Equality will be on the ballot this November in Washington State, and the uber flawed study just out that says children of gay parents have a harder time coping with life as adults.

Video: Obama’s Progress for LGBT Americans

httpv://youtu.be/Tb60nFeJsNc

Check out the timeline of achievements the Obama administration has accomplished since he and Biden took office.  I know sometimes (especially before he came out for marriage equality) it seemed like movement was slow, but when you look back on what has happened in three short years, a lot has been done.  I know i get impatient, especially as my husband’s visa gets closer to expiration, but the President has done a good deal for our community.

I just hope he gets a second term.  The GOP is itching to take it all away.

Melissa Harris-Perry for Marriage Equality

Another great message from the HRC supporting marriage equality.

I cannot imagine how, in 2012, our government is still denying equality to committed loving couples, just because they are gay or lesbian

httpv://youtu.be/CIyu6lYOMNg

Denmark Becomes Eighth European Nation to Offer Full Marriage Equality

Today the Danish Parliament voted 85 to 24 to offer full marriage equality to its gay citizens.  Denmark was the first country in the world to offer registered partnerships back in 1989.

Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt posted the following on her Facebook wall:

‘Today we allow homosexual couples to enter into marriage on equal footing as everyone else – something that Socialdemokraterne has fought for many years’.

Congratulations Denmark!  They join Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Portugal, Iceland and The Netherlands.   Read the full article from Gay Star News here.