Category Archives: State Politics

New York marriage equality spurs on other states

Just as the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969 gave a lift to the nascent movement for equal rights for gays across the country, marriage equality in the Empire State appears to be giving a boost to marriage

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"

Maine seeks to regain marriage equality

For the first time in history, LGBT activists are initiating a ballot measure to win marriage equality. EqualityMaine and Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) announced that they are taking steps to place a citizen’s initiative on the November

Rhode Island civil union bill passes, but pleases no one

The Rhode Island Senate passed a civil union bill 21 to 16 on Wednesday, June 29, which the governor has said he will sign but which LGBT civil rights advocates are not happy with and are urging he veto.

New York passes marriage equality

New York State on Friday night, June 24, became the sixth and most populous state to legalize marriage for same-sex couples, after a tense several days past the scheduled end of the legislative session, in which it was unclear if

Marriage bill in New York going down to the wire

With only a few days remaining in the legislative session, marriage equality took a step closer to reality in New York State this week.

Marriage equality: It’s up to you, New York

The openly gay sponsor of a marriage equality bill in Rhode Island has said he would push for civil unions instead. Six states are considering legislation that would ask voters to ban recognition of marriage for same-sex couples. And all

With children in need, states struggle over gay adoptive parents

Each year, over 100,000 children in the U.S. foster care system are waiting for adoptive homes. And over two million gay and lesbian people are interested in adopting a child. But legislative and court battles are being waged in several

Cold feet: Maryland House backs off vote on marriage

Supporters of allowing same-sex couples to marry in Maryland could see the altar: passing the House and sending the bill to a governor who said he would sign it. But on March 11, the House unanimously voted to send it

Marriage Equality Hanging Tough in Md., N.H.

Proponents of marriage equality are holding their own this week in two battleground states, despite tough skirmishes that threatened ground they had previously gained. But in both states--Maryland and New Hampshire--more critical battles seem almost inevitable, perhaps on the ballot