There has been a slew of misinformation out there all day, and there are at least two points I want to make here right now. 1)The High Court did not strike down Prop 8. The Supreme Court made no ruling on the validity of Prop 8 at all. 2) The High Court struck down only one part of DOMA and not the whole of DOMA.
Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued decisions in two cases involving marriage for gay couples. In the case of U.S. v. Windsor, the Justices ruled the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the 1993 policy that denies married same-sex couples equal protection under the law, unconstitutional. In Hollingsworth v. Perry, the Court dismissed the case, leaving in place a Federal District Court ruling that found Prop 8, California’s ban on marriage for[Read More…]
Excitement is high as we await the 10am Supreme Court announcements of two same-sex marriage cases. I’m anticipating lots of disappointed folks in the LGBTQ community who are seeking a very broad decision that we are unlikely to get. My hope will be that the disappointment can be quickly harnessed and turned towards positive steps forward in the struggle for full equality. I’m hoping the shock of a more narrow ruling reminds people to refocus[Read More…]
You could say, that now we await the decisions, but I’d like to suggest that we do more than simply wait. Use this time to relish the importance of this milestone and this moment! And use this time to prepare for how we move forward, demanding full equality for all LGBTQ persons. Some feel that the inordinate focus on Marriage has eclipsed the needs for other rights for gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and queer people. It is up to us to make sure that no one is left behind and that freedom for all, includes ALL.
The US Supreme Court will hand down their decisions in the two same-sex marriage cases before them: a case to repeal section 3 of DOMA, and a case to repeal Prop 8 in California. Here are some resources to help you stay on top of this news
Synopsis of the cases and what the Court will be deciding regarding marriage equality. … the reality is that the Court doesn’t grant rights. The court may rule that a law is unconstitutional, and thereby remove the law which was denying people rights. Laws create and limit rights. Courts determine if those laws are constitutional or not, and the US Supreme Court decides if lower courts have made correct or incorrect decision regarding the constitutionality of a law.
Live call -in internet radio program: My guest- Professor Tony Infanti from the University of Pittsburgh Law School about the upcoming cases and how various outcomes will impact real same-sex couples. We will talk briefly about what each case is about, what was learned if anything when the cases were heard by the Court earlier this year, and what some possible outcomes may be.
This wanton extravagance of lies and misinformation- that’s what allows this to be characterized as bigotry. It is an utter failure to see those who seek Marriage Equality as real people with a real interest, and is far more offensive than what we get from anti-gay groups like NOM. At least NOM acknowledges exactly what we want, even if they are fighting tooth and nail to stop us from achieving it.
It isn’t an uncommon approach for change. With any oppressive organization or entity, some promote change from the outside and some work for change from the inside. But it is challenging to see how any gay, lesbian, bi, or trans person can see a place for themselves within the GOP as the party affirms the status quo, and votes to continue the explicit opposition to gay rights. There had been a slight chance we would[Read More…]
If YOU feel it is against YOUR religious beliefs for two same-sex people to marry, then no one will force YOU to marry a person of the same-sex! But don’t force your theology upon my partner and I who are a loving and committed couple. My Civil Marriage won’t strop you getting into heaven!