While Last Wednesday’s decisions by the US Supreme Court were a historical victory for the fairness and the rights of gay, lesbian, bi, trans, and queer Americans. The reality is that it doesn’t have a huge direct impact on as many people as some anticipated. The decision to refuse to decide the Prop 8 case affects only Californians and won’t impact PA couples at all. The DOMA case had actually less potential to impact PA[Read More…]
State Reps. Brian Sims, D-Phila., and Steve McCarter, D-Montgomery/Phila., will introduce a bill in the state House of Representatives to provide civil marriage equality in Pennsylvania. Like an equivalent bill (S.B. 719) introduced by state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery/Delaware, would provide protections for religious organizations and entities that do not wish to sanction, perform or in any way recognize same-sex civil marriages.
Yes, we won big yesterday. Both of these decisions are huge and have major ramifications, but if we aren’t clear about what really happened, we add to the muddy understanding by the general public and that benefits no one.
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.
thomascwaters.com is pleased to say, “Congrats” to Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents longevity, and “Happy Anniversary”! Sue has helped not only the local LGBTQ community grow and thrive. By clicking the button, you can make a donation to the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Pittsburgh as a way to celebrate the Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents Anniversary!
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
As a blogger, I fail if a post itself stands in the way of people understanding the points I’m trying to make. The Dyke and Trans March is a critically important event for the participants and questioning any aspect of it comes across as questioning that importance. The bottom line is that the March is extremely important. Period.