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An Alabama Synagogue Takes a Big Stand for Marriage Equality
As the much-anticipated oral argument approaches in the marriage equality cases coming out of the Sixth Circuit Court before the Supreme Court, the fight for marriage equality within states wages on.
What’s Happening in Alabama, and What it Means for the Bigger Picture of Marriage Equality
As we get closer to the much-anticipated oral argument in the marriage equality cases coming out of the Sixth Circuit Court before the Supreme Court, the fight for marriage equality within states wages on.
On January 23, Federal District Court Judge Callie V. S. Granade ruled that that Alabama’s ban on marriage equality was unconstitutional. Yet, in the weeks following the court ruling, many counties refused to offer marriage licenses to same-sex couples following a February 8 order by the chief justice of the Alabama State Supreme Court, Roy S. Moore who stated that state court probate judges are “not bound by any rulings of the Federal District Court.” On the same day (February 9) that counties started refusing to provide marriage licenses to same-sex couples, the Supreme Court refused to halt same-sex marriages from starting in Alabama.
Supreme Court Decision an Important Ruling for Marriage Equality; Stresses the Need for Workplace Non-Discrimination Laws
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Jordan Dashow
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Senate Committee Passes DOMA Repeal
The Defense of Marriage Act bars federal recognition of same-sex
Discrimination Begets Poverty
According to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 20% of homeless youth are LGBT (even though only 10
The Status of the States: LGBT Equality Across the US in 2014
Last month, the Human Rights Campaign and the Equality Federation Institute released their 2014 State Equality Index (SEI), which analyzes the state of LGBT rights in all fifty states and the District of Columbia. Although the fight for marriage equality is often in the headlines, this report highlights the many other laws that impact LGBT people, for better and for worse. Ultimately, while 2014 included many victories for LGBT people on the state level, there is clearly much more that needs to be done in order to achieve full equality.
Emphasizing the Need for Comprehensive LGBT Non-Discrimination Protections
On Monday, Saks Fifth Avenue backtracked on its claim that they had the right to discriminate against employees for being transgender. Earlier this month, Leyth Jamal, a transgender woman who had worked at Saks Fifth Avenue, filed a lawsuit against her former employer for fostering a hostile work environment which culminated in her firing. Saks Fifth Avenue originally filed a motion to dismiss the case, claiming that trans identities are not protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits sex discrimination (not discrimination based on sexual orientation). Although Saks Fifth Avenue withdrew this motion, the discrimination that Jamal faces, as well as the continuous fight on the state level against anti-LGBT legislation, illustrate the urgent need for comprehensive LGBT non-discrimination legislation.
Combatting Bisexuality Erasure
Last month, I wrote about the importance of ensuring that our advocacy is trans inclusive, however, trans individuals are not the only people who are commonly erased in larger conversations about LGBT rights. Often times, the ‘B’ in LGBT is also overlooked, leading to the erasure and, at times, even rejection of bisexual identities.
President’s Budget Highlights Key Reform Jewish Priorities, Leaves Some Areas of Concern
Contact: Max Rosenblum or Barbara Weinstein
202.387.2800 | news@rac.org
Reform Jewish Movement Responds to State of the Union
Rabbi Pesner: We welcome the strong spotlight President Obama shone on issues of economic inequality.