Displaying 1 - 10 of 33
Beyond the Fight for Marriage Equality
“DOMA’s principal effect is to identify a subset of state-sanctioned marriages and make them unequal…for it tells those couples, and all the world, that their otherwise valid marriages are unworthy of federal recognition.” – Justice Robert Kennedy, Majority Opinion in U.S. v. Windsor
On June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in this landmark case, declaring Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act – which defined a spouse as someone of the opposite sex and marriage as a union between one man and one woman – unconstitutional. Following this decision, there was a surge in the fight for marriage equality all over the country. There are currently 19 states along with the District of Columbia that have removed bans on same-sex marriage. Recently, states have been overturning bans on same-sex marriage every other week. It seems that the movement for marriage equality and LGBT rights is at its highest and most successful point. But it’s not.
Reform Rabbis Weigh in on Marriage Equality
As marriage equality legislation advances in Washington state, New Jersey and Maryland, pro-equality faith voices have been making their voices heard at legislative hearings – and Reform Jews have wasted no time in speaking u
Fighting for Marriage Equality in Maine
Here in the Maine wilderness, fighting for justice can feel lonely.
A Welcome Achievement of Marriage Equality in Washington State
Rabbi David Saperstein: This progress has been a long time coming and brings our country closer to fully reflecting our founding values of life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for all.
Beyond Marriage Equality: the Challengers Facing the LGBT Elderly Community
Many workers look forward to the day they can retire and spend their days relaxing rather than working for the remainder of their lives. Unfortunately, many LGBT people do not have this luxury. Due to a lifetime of discrimination, older LGBT people face a variety of challenges at much higher rates than their straight peers.
In Refusing to Hear Cases, the Supreme Court Gives Way for Marriage Equality in Five States (Updated)
After a summer of victories for marriage equality, the Supreme Court today denied review of all of the seven petitions challenging state bans on same-sex marriage, thus allowing federal district and circuit decisions – which struck down marriage bans in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin – to go into effect shortly. Same sex- marriages began at 1:00 PM today in Virginia and state agencies in Utah have all been told to begin recognizing all legally performed same-sex marriage today.
Former RAC Staffer Testifies for Marriage Equality in MD
Marriage equality advocates have had much to celebrate over the last few days: An appeals court struck down California’s anti-marriage equality Proposition 8,
Court Strikes Down Discriminatory "Defense of Marriage Act"
The month of February has been a good one for those of us who believe that all Americans deserve the equal protection of the law.
Back to the Bench: First Day of the Supreme Court Term
If you’re a Supreme Court fanatic like I am, you’ve been eagerly awaiting the start of this year’s term for months (well, since early July). It’s finally here. I’m excited to begin following the justices again, although I'm a bit nervous for possible case outcomes this year given the Court’s recent decisions. Even if you haven’t been counting down the days, you should consider keeping up with the Court this year exactly because its recent decisions and upcoming cases are so critical. As we saw in cases like Citizens United and Shelby County v. Holder, which invalidated Section 4 of the Voting Rights Act, the Court can shape law and spark national debate in a profound way. The cases the Court will hear this year promise to do the same: