Category Archives: News
Hearing on repeal of DOMA: It’s not just the economy
U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), a legendary civil rights activist, led off Wednesday's historic hearing to discuss repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, likening it to laws decades ago that requires separate water fountains and restrooms for "whites" and "coloreds."
Senate confirms first openly gay man to federal bench
The U.S. Senate Monday evening (July 18) approved the confirmation of openly gay attorney J. Paul Oetken to serve as a U.S. district court judge.
9th Circuit: DADT in place but no investigations or discharges
The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals granted an emergency order Friday night (July 15) temporarily reinstating its original stay of an order that had prohibited the government from enforcing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.
Grassley hints at trouble ahead for lesbian judicial nominee
There was a hint of trouble ahead for the nomination of lesbian attorney Alison Nathan to the U.S. District Court for Southern New York.
Lambda takes family case to the U.S. Supreme Court
Lambda Legal Defense is taking its fight for same-sex families to the U.S. Supreme Court. The case, Adar v. Darlene Smith, involves a gay male couple--Oren Adar and Mickey Ray Smith--who sought an amended birth certificate for the boy they
Republican field splinters on anti-gay marriage pledge
The campaign of Republican presidential frontrunner Mitt Romney and four other GOP presidential candidates said this week they would not sign the bizarre pledge that at least two other GOP competitors did sign--a pledge that promises the candidate will vigorously
Church supports rights of LGBT parents and their children
The United Church of Christ (UCC), the denomination to which President Obama belonged for two decades, resoundingly approved two resolutions support of civil rights for LGBT people--including the first-ever resolution by a major Christian denomination affirming the right of LGBT
9th Circuit orders end to DADT enforcement
A 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel on Wednesday issued an order that the Defense Department stop enforcing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, and the Pentagon quickly announced that it will comply.
DOJ comes out swinging against DOMA
The Department of Justice on July 1 recommended a federal appeals court in California dismiss a motion promoted by the House of Representatives to dismiss a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Governor signs Rhode Island civil union law, but pleases no one
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee (I) signed a civil union bill into law on Saturday, July 2--but LGBT civil rights advocates are not happy with his decision to do so. And Chafee himself said the bill "fails to fully achieve"
