- Representative John Conyers (D-Mich.) introduced a federal hate-crimes bill that expands the definition of such crimes to include those based on sexual orientation. A similar bill is expected soon in the Senate. The recent gay bashing and death of 72-year-old Andrew Athos in Detroit is a tragic reminder of the need for such a law.
- An Illinois House Committee passed legislation to legalize civil unions. It now goes to the House floor.
- An Indiana House committee heard hours of opposing arguments, but did not vote on a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. One sticking point is whether the bill would prohibit companies from offering domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples or halt domestic violence protection for any unmarried couple. Three of the state’s largest employers spoke against the amendment, saying “We want to send a message that Indiana is a welcoming state to any talented person.”
- Massachusetts Senate President Therese Murray said she would allow a vote on a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, but would also work with LGBT advocates to defeat the measure.
- The New Hampshire House voted to allow unmarried adults, including same-sex couples, to adopt children together. The House Judiciary Committee also voted to support civil unions for same-sex couples. The measure goes to the full House next week.
- Preliminary figures on civil unions in New Jersey show that 229 same-sex couples applied for licenses in the first month since they became available. In comparison, 1,700 registered as domestic partners in that option’s first month three years ago. LGBT advocates in the state say the low turnout is because same-sex couples are holding out for full marriage rights. Note, however, that the numbers are preliminary since municipalities have 30 days to report them, and the civil-union law only took effect February 19.
- The New Mexico House passed legislation to give same- or opposite-sex domestic partners the same rights as married couples. The bill now goes to the Senate.
- The Oregon Senate passed a bill to ban sexual-orientation- based discrimination in work and housing. The bill, however, allows religious groups to discriminate for activities connected to the “primary purpose of the church or institution,” though not for commercial activities. The bill now goes to the House, where it is expected to pass.
- South Carolina legislators ratified a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Voters had approved the amendment in November.
Around the world:
- A government inquiry in Sweden has concluded that same-sex couples should be allowed to marry. The Church of Sweden has said that as an institution it will will conduct legal ceremonies for same-sex couples, but individual priests could refuse to do so. At least one Church officials is saying the Church as a whole might still refuse if the new law referred to same-sex unions as marriage. This contradicts earlier reports that the Church would support full marriage equality. (At least this will give LGBT-friendly IKEA time to build a wedding registry.)
- Ugandan lesbian Olivia Nabulwala, seeking asylum in the U.S. based on homophobic persecution, has received a stay of deportation after Minnesota’s 8th Court of Appeals ruled the Board of Immigration Appeals erred in trying to deport her.
- The U.K. House of Lords gave final approval to the Sexual Orientation Regulations, banning discrimination based on sexual orientation when accessing goods and services.