Author Archives: Lisa Keen
Fifth gay federal judge confirmed
The U.S. Senate Monday (May 2) gave voice vote approval to Michael McShane to serve on the U.S. District Court for Oregon. McShane is the fifth openly gay person to be confirmed for a district court seat under President Obama.
Former justice offers predictions
Former Justice John Paul Stevens, 93, who retired from the high court three years ago after 35 years of service, recently offered his prediction for what the court will do on the two landmark marriage equality cases pending before it.
Ginsburg on Roe: Is it a signal she’d curb a decision on marriage?
The LGBT community sees U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a likely vote for equal protection in the two pending major cases involving marriage for same-sex couples. But various mainstream media outlets recently jostled that confidence by noting that
Minnesota governor signs marriage law
For the third time in two weeks, a state has been moved into the “marriage equality” column. Democratic Governor Mark Dayton signed legislation Tuesday (May 14) that enables same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses starting August 1. He did so
Minnesota: final marriage vote Monday
The Minnesota House voted 75 to 59 Thursday (May 9) to approve a bill to allow same-sex couples to obtain marriage licenses in the state. The bill goes to the state Senate on Monday, where supporters feel confident they have
Leahy submits language to help bi-national same-sex couples
As expected, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy introduced amendments Tuesday (May 7) to enable gay citizens to sponsor their “permanent” same-sex partners for immigration, under the proposed comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
Delaware votes for marriage equality; becomes 11th state to make it the law
Just minutes before the Delaware Senate was set to vote on its marriage equality bill, a Democrat senator who had been quiet about how she would vote announced on her Facebook page that she would vote yes.
Rhode Island marriage law signed; Two more states could vote next week
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee signed a marriage equality bill into law this evening, just an hour after the state House gave the measure its final procedural approval. Two more states could approve marriage for same-sex couples next week.
Problems linger over religious exemptions to flagship civil rights legislation
This is a bad year gone worse for ENDA – the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. Even though it might pass the Democratic-controlled Senate, the bill will have no realistic chance of passing the Republican-controlled House. Now, on the same day ENDA
President praises pro athlete Jason Collins for courage to come out
President Obama expressed his support for the decision by professional basketball player Jason Collins to come out this week in an interview with Sports Illustrated.
