Breaking: Federal Judge Says Utah Must Allow Same-Sex Couples to Marry
This just in: A federal district court judge has ruled that it is unconstitutional for Utah to prevent same-sex couples from marrying.
Politics and Law
Marriage Equality in New Mexico Shows the Power of Parents — and One Mom’s Passing
New Mexico makes 17! Yesterday, the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of marriage equality, making 17 states, plus the District of Columbia, that allow same-sex couples to wed — eight states in 2013 alone. All of the plaintiff couples in the case are parents. But in our celebrations of the Land of Enchantment, we should take a moment to remember one mom who was fighting for marriage there while she was fighting for her life.
Share Your Family’s Holiday Card with Governors of Anti-Equality States
This holiday season, GLAAD is organizing a campaign to help both LGBT families and allies send a copy of their family’s holiday card to the governors of anti-equality states, with a note saying that all families should be treated equally. It’s a great idea that could have a big impact.
Colorado Court Says Nonbio Mom Can Be a Parent
The Colorado Court of Appeals has ruled that a child can have two parents of the same sex, even if they have not done a second-parent adoption. This is good news—but behind it is yet another case of a biological mother trying to deny parental rights to a nonbiological mother.
President Speaks of Equal Love in Bill of Rights Day Proclamation
Today is Bill of Rights Day, commemorating the day the first ten amendments to the Constitution came into effect. President Obama, in his proclamation of the event, spoke obliquely but to my mind undoubtedly about equality for LGB people. This, on a day to honor what he called “the foundation of American liberty, securing our most fundamental rights” is a significant statement.
Federal Financial Aid Forms to Recognize Married Same-Sex Parents
The U.S. Department of Education announced today that it will recognize a student or a parent as legally married if they were legally married in any jurisdiction that recognizes the marriage, regardless of the gender of the spouses, where they live, or where they are attending school.
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.
Israeli Proposal Could Equalize Surrogacy for Same-Sex Parents
Continuing the international theme from yesterday: Israeli Health Minister Yael German has accepted a committee’s recommendations to equalize surrogacy laws for same-sex and different-sex couples as well as single people.
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.” Â 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.