Politics and Law Archives - Page 81 of 201

The Sikh Temple Shooting and Learning to Listen

August 9, 2012

I was sickened by the news of the shooting this past weekend at a Sikh temple, or gurdwara, near Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Few things scare me more than random shootings that occur in what are supposed to be places of safety, such as schools and houses of worship. There is little that can help us make sense of what are senseless acts—but one article that has helped me think about how to move forward is “Today, we are all American Sikhs” by Valarie Kaur at CNN.

Daughter of Lesbian Moms Speaks Out Against Minnesota Amendment

July 27, 2012

Maya Wiener Berkowitz and her brother grew up in Minnesota with their two moms. Now, she is speaking out against a ballot measure in Minnesota that would make marriage for same-sex couples like her moms unconstitutional.

Lesbian Mom with Terminal Cancer Talks About the Impact of DOMA

July 26, 2012

Lesbian moms Charlie and Karen Morgan talk in this video about the impact of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) on their family. Charlie is a Chief Warrant Officer 2 in the New Hampshire National Guard and has terminal breast cancer. The couple are among the plantiffs in a case challenging DOMA.

New Ruling Helps Children of Lesbian and Gay Federal Employees

July 23, 2012

Thanks to the leadership of the Family Equality Council, federal employees may now extend medical coverage to children who are legally those of their same-sex domestic partner. Domestic partnership requires a simple declaration; it is not necessary to live where there is a formal DP registry or other formal relationship recognition.

What a Lesbian Looks Like

July 20, 2012

Florida Lt. Governor Jennifer Carroll responded to accusations that she had an affair with a female aide by stating, “Usually black women that look like me don’t engage in relationships like that.” Responses from the LGBT community have been both strong and clever.

New Report Shows Inequalities for Children of LGBT Parents Under State Law

July 17, 2012

A new report details the inequalities children of LGBT parents face under state laws—laws that govern much related to family life, including parentage orders, fostering, adoption, donor insemination, surrogacy, custody, and inheritance.

What’s In a Lesbian Super PAC?

July 12, 2012

A lesbian Super PAC? Sounds like a flannel-wrapped emergency kit consisting of hummus, dental dams, and a cheat sheet of Indigo Girls’ lyrics.

California Bill Would Allow 3 Parents, but Canadian Province Leading the Way

July 9, 2012

A new California bill would allow a child to have more than two legal parents, including two lesbian moms and their sperm donor. This may be new for the U.S., but one Canadian province is already leading here.

Pentagon Officials Speak of Progress, Gaps for Gay Servicemembers with Kids

June 27, 2012

Two senior Defense Department officials spoke at the Department’s first-ever Pride month event. One noted the positive impact of the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell repeal on the children of gay servicemembers—but the other observed that there are still obstacles to full equality for them.

New Federal Case for Second-Parent Adoptions Could Affect Families in Many States

June 14, 2012

The ACLU has filed a new federal case in North Carolina, seeking to overturn the state’s ban on second-parent adoption. A win would mean that kids being raised by same-sex couples could have “legally protected relationships with both of the parents who are raising them.” Because the case was brought under the federal constitution, a win could have an impact on other states as well.