Politics and Law

U.S. Customs Changes Will Benefit Same-Sex Couples, their Children, and Taxpayers

Ever get annoyed when you return to the U.S. from abroad with your same-sex sweetie and kids and have to fill out two customs forms because your family relationship wasn’t recognized? As of January, that will be no more. U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced today that it is expanding its definition of family to include same-sex couples and their children, even if the couple is not legally married or if the parent is not related by blood or adoption to the children.

LGBT Rights on the International Stage

In his remarks at Tuesday’s memorial service for former South African President Nelson Mandela, President Obama included a mention of those persecuted for “who they love.”  LGBT rights in India just suffered a major blow, however, with its Supreme Court finding the country’s sodomy law constitutional, recriminalizing same-sex relations.

Edie Windsor, DOMA Defeater, Is Runner-Up for TIME’s Person of the Year

Edie Windsor, the 84-year-old whose lawsuit brought down part of the Defense of Marriage Act, thus gaining federal recognition for married same-sex couples across the country, was a runner-up for TIME magazine’s Person of the Year. She lost out in the end to Pope Francis, coming in third behind Edward Snowdon. This is nevertheless a good time to acknowledge her many ongoing accomplishments and take a peek at her new website.

In Memoriam: Nelson Mandela, Hero of Human Rights

Nelson Mandela, the first Black president of South Africa, died today at the age of 95. His greatest legacy, of course, will be having led the country out of apartheid — but he also had a significant impact on LGBT equality.

Lego wedding

Hawaii Moves Closer to #16 — And Moms Push for Equality in Idaho

Not to be outdone by Illinois, Hawaii just moved closer to becoming the 16th state to pass a bill in favor of marriage equality. The Hawaii House approved a bill Friday night (Hawaii-Aleutian Standard Time) that now must now go back to the Senate for re-approval. Jumping on the I-state momentum, four same-sex couples in Idaho yesterday also sued for the right to marry.

Illinois Makes 15 for Marriage Equality

Congratulations to Illinois, which today became the 15th state to pass marriage equality. State Rep. Kelly Cassidy, a lesbian mom of three, told her colleagues before the vote to think of future generations, reported the Windy City Times. “It is their opinion of your actions today that really matters,” she said.

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