Pentagon Will Grant Marriage Benefits to Same-Sex Couples
- At August 20, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
0
photo courtesy of the Washington Post
Last week the Pentagon announced that in September, they will be granting full federal rights to same-sex spouses of military personnel.
The Pentagon plans to extend to legally married same-sex couples the same privileges and programs that are provided to legally married heterosexual couples, including benefits tied to health care and housing, the official said.
This is a big deal… because of DOMA, same-sex spouses were excluded from many military benefits. With the Supreme Court decision striking down section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, there are still many questions on what rights couples receive since marriage is only legal in a handful of states. This will hopefully set a precedent that will help the feds make other decisions favoring federal equality even for couples living in states that don’t recognize their marriages (like mine!)
Stone Cold Steve Austin Comes Out for Same Sex Marriage
Steve Austin photo courtesy of www.fanpop.com
Retired WWE wrestler Steve “Cold Stone” Austin came out for same-sex marriage on his radio program. In a delightfully expletive filled section, he states,
” I’m for same-sex marriage… . I don’t give a shit if two guys, two gals, guy gal, whatever…. whatever it is, I believe any human being in American or any human being in the God Damned world who wants to be married.. and if it’s the same-sex, more power to ’em.”
http://youtu.be/YS_Ni438QpI
Marriage Equality Comes to England and Wales
- At July 17, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
- 0
Same-sex marriage is now legal in England and Wales! The House of Commons approved the bill yesterday after considering amendments made by the House of Lords, which passed its version of the law on Monday. Today, the Queen gave Royal Assent, making the law official. Marriages are expected to begin in 2014!
According to an ABC report:
The law enables gay couples to get married in both civil and religious ceremonies in England and Wales, provided that the religious institution consents. The Church of England, the country’s official faith, is barred from performing such ceremonies.
It also will allow couples who had previously entered into civil partnerships — which were introduced in 2005 and carry similar rights and responsibilities to marriage — to convert their relationships to marriage.
Congratulations to all the loving couples in the UK!
Lambda Legal/ACLU Seek Marriage Equaltiy in Virginia
- At July 09, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality, Uncategorized
- 0
Lambda Legal announced today in a press release that they and the ACLU are planning to file a federal lawsuit in Virginia to allow same sex couples to marry in the state.
“The end of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act opens a new chapter in our work to ensure same-sex couples and their families across the country are treated with dignity and respect,” said Greg Nevins, Supervising Senior Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal’s Southern Regional Office based in Atlanta. “We know that many same-sex couples and their families have waited a long time and we are excited to announce that the campaign for the freedom to marry is coming south.”
Lambda legal is asking couples who have been discriminated against in VA to fill out a survey explaining their situations.
The right-wing called it…. if DOMA falls, the gays would start chipping away at state laws prohibiting gay marriage until it is legal everywhere – they’re pretty smart! Here we come, haters!
Gay Marriage Resumes in California
- At June 29, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
- 0
Prop 8 Plaintiffs
Well that was quick! According to the LA Times, The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals lifted its stay issuing same-sex marriage licenses int he state of California. Just days after the momentous Supreme Court decision that found the sponsors of Proposition 8, the law that prohibited same-sex marriage passed in 2008, had no standing to appeal a federal judges ruling that the law was unconstitutional. Many legal experts predicted at least a 25+ day wait before marriages would resume. Others felt more challenges would be brought that might block gay couples from marrying even longer. But the order came down swiftly and marriages resumed yesterday!
Fittingly, the first wedding between brides since 2008 was between Kris Perry and Sandy Stier in San Francisco, plaintiffs in the Prop 8 case. The officiant was tate Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris, who had refused to appeal the case in 2010. Soon after, Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa wmarried Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo, the other plaintiffs in the case, in L.A.
Congratulations to two very brave couples – what a fitting end to a long journey.
The religious right is going bananas! Tee hee!
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DOMA Found Unconstitutional
- At June 26, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
- 0
The Supreme Court has struck down DOMA, law is unconstitutional!!!!!
New Yorker Cartoon
- At June 26, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
- 0
True – happy but possibly still second class.
Marriage Equality Decisions Today
- At June 26, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
- 0
Cautiously optimistic.
The Supreme Court Loves Them Some Drama
- At June 25, 2013
- By danmclellan
- In Marriage Equality
- 0
photo courtesy of dailyfunnydose.com
The Supreme Court did not release their decisions on either marriage equality case. I can’t help think they all sit around and plan this shit – nothing like some supreme power!
The decision will be announced tomorrow at 10:00 Eastern.
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