BOSTON — Gay couples traveling overseas can now show passports that feature their married names, letting them take advantage of a little-noticed revision to State Department regulations that critics had feared would undermine the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
The notice of the change says that it does not mean the State Department is recognizing the validity of same-sex marriages and civil unions, but that it was to comply with an amendment to the Code of Federal Regulations that took effect in February 2008.
The name-change revision took effect May 27. It allows same-sex couples to obtain passports under the names recognized by their state through their marriages or civil unions.
Groups opposed to gay marriage criticized the name-change provision, saying it erodes the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits federal recognition of any same-sex partnerships.
by the associated press
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Showing posts with label Gay Marriage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gay Marriage. Show all posts
Friday, June 19, 2009
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Obama to gives more benefits for gays
WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama plans to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
The president plans to announce the decision today from the Oval Office, a White House official said.
The decision is a nod to a reliably Democratic voting bloc that has grown frustrated with Obama’s pace on their priorities.
Some advocate groups have grown frustrated the administration hasn’t taken action on the policy on gays in the military.
John Berry, the highest-ranking gay official in the administration and the de facto human resources chief for the administration, told a gay rally last weekend Obama planned to act on benefits soon.
by the associated press
The president plans to announce the decision today from the Oval Office, a White House official said.
The decision is a nod to a reliably Democratic voting bloc that has grown frustrated with Obama’s pace on their priorities.
Some advocate groups have grown frustrated the administration hasn’t taken action on the policy on gays in the military.
John Berry, the highest-ranking gay official in the administration and the de facto human resources chief for the administration, told a gay rally last weekend Obama planned to act on benefits soon.
by the associated press
Monday, June 8, 2009
Gay rights activist plans march
SALT LAKE CITY — An activist who worked alongside slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk announced plans Sunday for a march on Washington this fall to demand that Congress establish equality and marriage rights for the lesbian, gay and transgender community.
Cleve Jones said the march planned for Oct. 11 will coincide with National Coming Out Day and launch a new chapter in the gay rights movement. He made the announcement during a rally at the annual Utah Pride Festival.
Jones stirred up a crowd of thousands just blocks from the Salt Lake City headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jones was a protege of Milk, San Francisco’s first openly gay elected official, who was shot and killed by a fellow member of the Board of Supervisors in 1978. Jones founded the NAMES Project, the AIDS memorial quilt that recognizes the more than 80,000 Americans who have died from HIV/AIDS.
Jones said a confluence of events, including a new president and the success of the movie "Milk,” makes this the right time to intensify the fight for equality.
"All of this working together has opened this new chapter,” Jones said. "I intend to make the most of it.”
by the associated press
Cleve Jones said the march planned for Oct. 11 will coincide with National Coming Out Day and launch a new chapter in the gay rights movement. He made the announcement during a rally at the annual Utah Pride Festival.
Jones stirred up a crowd of thousands just blocks from the Salt Lake City headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Jones was a protege of Milk, San Francisco’s first openly gay elected official, who was shot and killed by a fellow member of the Board of Supervisors in 1978. Jones founded the NAMES Project, the AIDS memorial quilt that recognizes the more than 80,000 Americans who have died from HIV/AIDS.
Jones said a confluence of events, including a new president and the success of the movie "Milk,” makes this the right time to intensify the fight for equality.
"All of this working together has opened this new chapter,” Jones said. "I intend to make the most of it.”
by the associated press
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Governor of New Hampshire, signs gay marriage law
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire's governor has signed legislation making the state the sixth to allow gay marriage.
Gov. John Lynch was Surrounded by cheering supporters of the move as he signed the three bills about an hour after the key vote on the legislation in the House.
The law will take effect in January, exactly two years after the state legalized civil unions. New Hampshire joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa in recognizing same-sex marriages, though opponents hope to overturn Maine's law with a public vote.
Lynch demanded — and got — language protecting the rights of religious opponents of gay marriage before signing the bills.
Gov. John Lynch was Surrounded by cheering supporters of the move as he signed the three bills about an hour after the key vote on the legislation in the House.
The law will take effect in January, exactly two years after the state legalized civil unions. New Hampshire joins Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa in recognizing same-sex marriages, though opponents hope to overturn Maine's law with a public vote.
Lynch demanded — and got — language protecting the rights of religious opponents of gay marriage before signing the bills.
by the associated press
New Hampshire approves gay marriage
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire legislators have approved a measure that would make the state the sixth to allow gay marriage.
Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign the legislation Wednesday afternoon.
He had promised a veto if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services.
The Senate passed the measure Wednesday, and the House followed later in the day. The House vote was 198-176.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa already allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate has passed revised gay marriage legislation and sent it to the House.
If it passes there, Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign it into law later Wednesday. It would make New Hampshire the sixth state to allow gays to marry.
The bill would expand religious protections that Lynch says are needed to win his signature.
Lynch said he would veto gay marriage if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate or provide other services.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
by the associated press
Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign the legislation Wednesday afternoon.
He had promised a veto if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate at gay marriages or provide other services.
The Senate passed the measure Wednesday, and the House followed later in the day. The House vote was 198-176.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa already allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire Senate has passed revised gay marriage legislation and sent it to the House.
If it passes there, Gov. John Lynch is expected to sign it into law later Wednesday. It would make New Hampshire the sixth state to allow gays to marry.
The bill would expand religious protections that Lynch says are needed to win his signature.
Lynch said he would veto gay marriage if the law didn't clearly spell out that churches and religious groups would not be forced to officiate or provide other services.
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont and Iowa allow gay marriage. Maine opponents hope to overturn that state's law with a public vote.
by the associated press
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
California’s marriage law Ramain's
SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court upheld a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday. It also decided that the estimated 18,000 gay couples who tied the knot before the law took effect will stay wed.
Demonstrators outside the court yelled "shame on you!” Gay rights activists immediately promised to resume their fight, saying they would go back to voters as early as next year in a bid to repeal the ban.
The 6-1 decision written by Chief Justice Ron George rejected an argument by gay rights activists that the ban revised the California Constitution’s equal protection clause to such a dramatic degree that it first needed the Legislature’s approval.
The court said the Californians have a right, through the ballot box, to change their constitution.
"In a sense, petitioners’ and the attorney general’s complaint is that it is just too easy to amend the California Constitution through the initiative process. But it is not a proper function of this court to curtail that process; we are constitutionally bound to uphold it,” the ruling said.
The justices said the 136-page majority ruling does not speak to whether they agree with the voter-approved Proposition 8.
The announcement of the decision set off an outcry among demonstrators who had gathered in front of the San Francisco courthouse awaiting the ruling.
A small group of Proposition 8 supporters also had gathered outside the court to hear the ruling.
by the associated press
Demonstrators outside the court yelled "shame on you!” Gay rights activists immediately promised to resume their fight, saying they would go back to voters as early as next year in a bid to repeal the ban.
The 6-1 decision written by Chief Justice Ron George rejected an argument by gay rights activists that the ban revised the California Constitution’s equal protection clause to such a dramatic degree that it first needed the Legislature’s approval.
The court said the Californians have a right, through the ballot box, to change their constitution.
"In a sense, petitioners’ and the attorney general’s complaint is that it is just too easy to amend the California Constitution through the initiative process. But it is not a proper function of this court to curtail that process; we are constitutionally bound to uphold it,” the ruling said.
The justices said the 136-page majority ruling does not speak to whether they agree with the voter-approved Proposition 8.
The announcement of the decision set off an outcry among demonstrators who had gathered in front of the San Francisco courthouse awaiting the ruling.
A small group of Proposition 8 supporters also had gathered outside the court to hear the ruling.
by the associated press
Saturday, May 23, 2009
California to rule on gay-marriage
SAN FRANCISCO — The California Supreme Court will rule Tuesday on the validity of a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage, a decision that will end months of speculation over whether gay couples can resume marrying in the state.
The high court announced the pending opinion on its Web site Friday morning.
Justices are considering a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November that overruled a 4-3 court decision that briefly legalized same-sex unions.
The suits claim Proposition 8 was put on the ballot improperly.
The court also will decide whether to uphold the marriages of an estimated 18,000 gay couples who wed before Proposition 8 passed. The election came after a contentious $83 million campaign that made it the most expensive ballot measure on a social issue in the U.S.
Gay rights advocates have scheduled marches throughout California and in several other states for Tuesday evening.
by the associated press
The high court announced the pending opinion on its Web site Friday morning.
Justices are considering a series of lawsuits seeking to overturn a constitutional amendment approved by voters in November that overruled a 4-3 court decision that briefly legalized same-sex unions.
The suits claim Proposition 8 was put on the ballot improperly.
The court also will decide whether to uphold the marriages of an estimated 18,000 gay couples who wed before Proposition 8 passed. The election came after a contentious $83 million campaign that made it the most expensive ballot measure on a social issue in the U.S.
Gay rights advocates have scheduled marches throughout California and in several other states for Tuesday evening.
by the associated press
Friday, May 22, 2009
Marriage definition
WASHINGTON — A Republican-led group of lawmakers wants to define marriage in the District of Columbia as between a man and a woman.
The group introduced a bill in the House on Thursday, hoping to thwart a city council vote this month recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Five states — Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont — allow gay marriage.
Congress, which has final say over laws in the nation’s capital, has until July to act against the district measure. Otherwise, it automatically becomes law.
More than 30 lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors of the House bill. However, it will be a fight to get the bill approved in a Democratic-controlled Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.
Obama supports civil unions and believes states should be allowed to make their own decisions about marriage.
by the associated press
The group introduced a bill in the House on Thursday, hoping to thwart a city council vote this month recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions. Five states — Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont — allow gay marriage.
Congress, which has final say over laws in the nation’s capital, has until July to act against the district measure. Otherwise, it automatically becomes law.
More than 30 lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors of the House bill. However, it will be a fight to get the bill approved in a Democratic-controlled Congress and signed by President Barack Obama.
Obama supports civil unions and believes states should be allowed to make their own decisions about marriage.
by the associated press
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Gay marriage hits roadblock in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Gay marriage could soon become the law of the land across New England — except in the heavily Roman Catholic Rhode Island.
A string of successes for gay marriage advocates has left Rhode Island a political outlier. Maine became the fourth state in New England to legalize same-sex unions Wednesday, while New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is now deciding whether to sign similar legislation.
Vermont lawmakers established gay marriage last month, following a path already set in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Yet the movement has stalled in Rhode Island, perhaps even lost ground, after a stalemate at the Statehouse, a loss in the state’s top court and continued opposition from religious leaders.
Religion remains among the biggest hurdles. A recent survey by Trinity College in Connecticut showed 46 percent of Rhode Islanders identify themselves as Catholics, a larger percentage than any other state.
It might become easier for those looking to legalize gay marriage in Rhode Island when Gov. Don Carcieri finishes his term in 2011. Potential candidates, including former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, an independent, and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Attorney General Patrick Lynch, both Democrats, support gay marriage.
by the associated press
A string of successes for gay marriage advocates has left Rhode Island a political outlier. Maine became the fourth state in New England to legalize same-sex unions Wednesday, while New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch is now deciding whether to sign similar legislation.
Vermont lawmakers established gay marriage last month, following a path already set in Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Yet the movement has stalled in Rhode Island, perhaps even lost ground, after a stalemate at the Statehouse, a loss in the state’s top court and continued opposition from religious leaders.
Religion remains among the biggest hurdles. A recent survey by Trinity College in Connecticut showed 46 percent of Rhode Islanders identify themselves as Catholics, a larger percentage than any other state.
It might become easier for those looking to legalize gay marriage in Rhode Island when Gov. Don Carcieri finishes his term in 2011. Potential candidates, including former Sen. Lincoln Chafee, an independent, and Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts and Attorney General Patrick Lynch, both Democrats, support gay marriage.
by the associated press
Friday, May 8, 2009
Battle over gay marriage in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine — Couples anxious to wed under Maine’s new gay marriage law may have a long wait.
A formal challenge to it has been filed, setting into motion plans for a possible public vote that could be months or more than a year away.
Activists on both sides Thursday started working up strategies for campaigns leading up to a possible November referendum under a state constitutional provision known as the people’s veto.
The Roman Catholic Diocese said challengers expect to get the go-ahead by May 21 to begin collecting signatures to get a referendum on the bill, which was signed Wednesday by Gov. John Baldacci.
But supporters of Maine’s new law aren’t sitting quietly and said they plan their own campaign.
"Now that it is the law of the state of Maine, we will protect that law,” said Betsy Smith of EqualityMaine. "It’s disappointing we would need to raise a lot of money to protect a law in Maine.”
A formal challenge to it has been filed, setting into motion plans for a possible public vote that could be months or more than a year away.
Activists on both sides Thursday started working up strategies for campaigns leading up to a possible November referendum under a state constitutional provision known as the people’s veto.
The Roman Catholic Diocese said challengers expect to get the go-ahead by May 21 to begin collecting signatures to get a referendum on the bill, which was signed Wednesday by Gov. John Baldacci.
But supporters of Maine’s new law aren’t sitting quietly and said they plan their own campaign.
"Now that it is the law of the state of Maine, we will protect that law,” said Betsy Smith of EqualityMaine. "It’s disappointing we would need to raise a lot of money to protect a law in Maine.”
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Maine will welcomes same-sex marriages
AUGUSTA, Maine — Jennifer Curran could only sit in the pews of her Catholic church over the years and watch as bride after bride walked down the aisle.
Now that her home state of Maine has approved same-sex marriage, Curran’s looking forward to inviting friends to sit on the sidelines and watch her marry her partner Carolyn Thompson in a Congregational Church.
Maine on Wednesday became the fifth state to approve gay marriage in a cliffhanger that was resolved when Gov. John Baldacci signed the freshly passed legislation behind closed doors.
New Hampshire’s Legislature voted soon afterward to allow gay marriage, but Gov. John Lynch hasn’t indicated whether he would sign it. If he does or lets it become law without his signature, Rhode Island would be the region’s sole holdout.
Both bills specify that religious institutions are not compelled to recognize same-sex marriages.
by the associated press
Now that her home state of Maine has approved same-sex marriage, Curran’s looking forward to inviting friends to sit on the sidelines and watch her marry her partner Carolyn Thompson in a Congregational Church.
Maine on Wednesday became the fifth state to approve gay marriage in a cliffhanger that was resolved when Gov. John Baldacci signed the freshly passed legislation behind closed doors.
New Hampshire’s Legislature voted soon afterward to allow gay marriage, but Gov. John Lynch hasn’t indicated whether he would sign it. If he does or lets it become law without his signature, Rhode Island would be the region’s sole holdout.
Both bills specify that religious institutions are not compelled to recognize same-sex marriages.
by the associated press
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Obama and D.C. votes to uphold gay unions
WASHINGTON — After an emotional debate, the D.C. Council gave final approval Tuesday to legislation that recognizes same-sex unions from elsewhere.
The vote is considered the first step toward eventually allowing gay marriages to be performed in Washington.
Congress, which has final say over the city’s laws, will get 30 days to review the bill assuming Democratic Mayor Adrian Fenty, a supporter, signs it.
If Congress takes no action, the bill will become law automatically.
President Barack Obama and congressional leaders have not signaled where they stand on the D.C. bill. Obama generally supports civil unions but has said marriage is between a man and a woman.
Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa already allow gay marriage and lawmakers in several other states are considering whether to do the same. New York recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.
Maine bill clears hurdle
The Maine Legislature has approved a bill that would make the state the fifth to allow gay marriage.
The bill faces one more vote each in the House and Senate before it goes to Gov. John Baldacci. He remains undecided.
by the associated press
The vote is considered the first step toward eventually allowing gay marriages to be performed in Washington.
Congress, which has final say over the city’s laws, will get 30 days to review the bill assuming Democratic Mayor Adrian Fenty, a supporter, signs it.
If Congress takes no action, the bill will become law automatically.
President Barack Obama and congressional leaders have not signaled where they stand on the D.C. bill. Obama generally supports civil unions but has said marriage is between a man and a woman.
Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa already allow gay marriage and lawmakers in several other states are considering whether to do the same. New York recognizes gay marriages performed in other states.
Maine bill clears hurdle
The Maine Legislature has approved a bill that would make the state the fifth to allow gay marriage.
The bill faces one more vote each in the House and Senate before it goes to Gov. John Baldacci. He remains undecided.
by the associated press
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Gay, Lebseian Couples Rush to Iowa
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Dozens of gay couples have flocked to Iowa from elsewhere in the Midwest since the door to same-sex marriage was opened there this week, and some counties saw more interest from outside the state than within.
Some couples from neighboring states where voters have passed constitutional amendments banning gay marriage plan to move to Iowa so their unions will be recognized.
"It’s a whole different world when you cross the river,” said Troy Fienhold-Haasis of Omaha, Neb., who plans to move with his partner, Jason, across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, Iowa, this fall.
The Iowa Supreme Court on April 3 upheld a lower court ruling that rejected a state law restricting marriage to a union between a man and woman. The decision took effect Monday, prompting a flood of applications from same-sex couples.
Fienhold-Haasis and his partner plan to apply for a marriage license in Pottawattamie County, where more Nebraskans than Iowans sought same-sex marriage applications in the first three days they were available.
Gay and lesbian couples in other Midwestern states are encouraged by Iowa’s decision, even if they are not planning to move there, said Katie Belanger, legislative director for the gay-rights advocacy group Fair Wisconsin.
Massachusetts and Connecticut allow gay marriage, and Vermont has passed a law that will take effect in September, but the decision in Iowa is more important to Midwesterners, she said.
by the associated press
Some couples from neighboring states where voters have passed constitutional amendments banning gay marriage plan to move to Iowa so their unions will be recognized.
"It’s a whole different world when you cross the river,” said Troy Fienhold-Haasis of Omaha, Neb., who plans to move with his partner, Jason, across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, Iowa, this fall.
The Iowa Supreme Court on April 3 upheld a lower court ruling that rejected a state law restricting marriage to a union between a man and woman. The decision took effect Monday, prompting a flood of applications from same-sex couples.
Fienhold-Haasis and his partner plan to apply for a marriage license in Pottawattamie County, where more Nebraskans than Iowans sought same-sex marriage applications in the first three days they were available.
Gay and lesbian couples in other Midwestern states are encouraged by Iowa’s decision, even if they are not planning to move there, said Katie Belanger, legislative director for the gay-rights advocacy group Fair Wisconsin.
Massachusetts and Connecticut allow gay marriage, and Vermont has passed a law that will take effect in September, but the decision in Iowa is more important to Midwesterners, she said.
by the associated press
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