Category Archives: News

Two giant blows against DOMA

In an enormous victory for same-sex marriage, a federal judge in Boston Thursday, July 8, ruled—in two separate lawsuits—that a critical part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional.

Federal Judge Rules Part of DOMA Unconstitutional

In an enormous victory for same-sex marriage, a federal judge in Boston today ruled, in two separate cases, that a critical part of the federal Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.

HUD clarifies LGBT housing discrimination protections

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced new guidance to help LGBT people who encounter discrimination in housing. Two LGBT leaders familiar with housing issues say the move is “very significant” and “much needed.”

Barnes: ‘We’ve carried the ball a long, long way down the field’

The purpose of the small gathering at the Old Executive Office Building in Washington was two-fold: first, to give LGBT media a “snapshot” of what the Obama administration has done, and plans to do, on LGBT issues. And, second, nine

Kagan: ‘vigorously defended’ DADT

Never before in the history of Supreme Court confirmation hearings have gay issues played such a prominent role.

Kagan acknowledges she’s “generally progressive”

One message Republicans tried to hammer away at this week, in an effort to derail Elena Kagan’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court, must have struck many LGBT viewers of her confirmation hearing as deeply ironic.

Appointment of Byrd replacement bodes well for DADT repeal

The immediate replacement for U.S. Senator Robert Byrd will most likely be chosen by the governor, not by a special election—and that is good news for the chances of repealing "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell."

Another Supreme Court victory, amidst ideological hostilities

For the second time in a week, the U.S. Supreme Court issued an opinion that delivered a small, indirect, and perhaps unfinished victory to policies that have benefited the LGBT community.

Could victory in court mean loss in public support?

An informal survey by the Washington Post published June 18 asked a tiny number of well-placed experts—six—to say what they think will happen if federal Judge Vaughn Walker overturns California’s ban on same-sex marriage. Two of the six pointed to

Marriage equality opponents vow rematch over public disclosure case

In a ruling hailed by gay activists, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that requires public disclosure of the names of people who signed a petition to put an anti-gay referendum on the ballot in Washington State. But litigation