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Lesbian Moms Again in Forefront in New Round of Marriage Cases

The past couple of weeks have seen a new round of progress in several marriage-equality lawsuits—and just as with the cases that brought down the Defense of Marriage Act and California’s Proposition 8, lesbian moms are again in the forefront, along with a number of gay dads. Two of the cases (in Michigan and North Carolina) even began as challenges to state bans on second-parent adoptions, and later evolved into marriage-ban challenges as well.

The Lesbian Moms Behind DOMA Repeal

As we all ride the waves of elation and joy from yesterday’s marriage equality victories, we lesbian moms can take extra pride in knowing that several of our own were among those leading the way. Prop 8 plaintiffs Kris Perry and Sandy Stier have four kids. And attorney Mary Bonauto, who has been called the “mastermind” of the DOMA repeal, has twins.

U.S. Supreme Court Rules DOMA Unconstitutional

The U.S. Supreme Court has just ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional—in other words, that the federal government must recognize legally enacted marriages of same-sex couples. The Court also said those defending California’s Proposition 8 had no standing to do so—clearing the way for same-sex couples to marry in California.

Disney Channel Show to Feature Two-Mom Family

A terrific piece of news today: The Disney Channel has announced that an episode of its children’s series Good Luck Charlie will feature a family with two moms—the first time a show on the channel has done so.

“The Fosters”: An LGBT “Brady Bunch”?

In 2008, I wrote: “We need to see LGBT parents not only creating families, but also raising children with all the ups and downs of families everywhere. When we see an LGBT version of The Brady Bunch, we’ll know we have made progress.” Is The Fosters, ABC Family’s new drama about a multiracial lesbian couple and their biological, adopted, and foster kids, that show?

Victory for Lesbian Moms in Iowa!

The Iowa Supreme Court ruled unanimously today that the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) must provide an accurate two-parent birth certificate to any child born to married lesbian parents in Iowa. Same-sex couples have been able to marry in Iowa since April 2009—but the IDPH has refused to recognize both members of a same-sex couple as parents of children born to them. They can do so no longer.

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Children of Same-Sex Parents Speak Out for Equality

Children and adults with same-sex parents have been in the headlines lately by speaking up for marriage equality, making their voices heard all the way up to the U.S. Supreme Court. We parents should be proud—but should also keep some things in mind before our children make public statements about our families.

Hillary Clinton Says Parenthood Influenced Her Support for Marriage Equality

Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton finally announced her support for marriage equality yesterday in a video for the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). She not only cited her experience fighting for LGBT rights around the world, but also commented, “Like so many others, my personal views have been shaped over time, by people I have known and loved” —including her daughter, Chelsea.

Colorado Passes Civil Unions Bill; Lesbian Moms Again in Spotlight

The Colorado House followed the state Senate yesterday in passing a civil unions bill, which the governor has said he will sign. An AP photo of lesbian moms Fran and Anna Simon tops the CBS News report on the occasion; and a photo of the Simons and their son is part of this gallery at HuffPo.

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