WLP staffers have noticed many recent news stories covering the fight for marriage equality in the US and around the globe. Due to the volume of news on this topic, it is impossible for us to write a blog post on all newsworthy stories. Instead, a compilation of links to the stories that have piqued our interest this week can be found below.
- A New York State bill proposed by Governor Cuomo, which would legalize same-sex marriage in the state, needs one more vote for passage. To pass, the bill requires support from a Republican in the Senate as all state Democrats, “except the avowedly antigay Ruben Diaz, Sr., plan to vote for the bill.” It is probable that the bill will be voted on this week.
- The French parliament rejected legislation which would legalize same-sex marriage in the country. This move represents the “opposition to gay marriage among President Nicolas Sarkozy’s governing conservatives and the strain of traditional values that runs through many parts of France” rather than the opinion of the majority of French citizens. A recent poll discovered that 58% of respondents are in favor of gay marriage in the country.
- A California bankruptcy court declared that the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which barred federal recognition of same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Judge Thomas B. Donovan of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California said, “‘in this court’s judgment, no legally married couple should be entitled to fewer bankruptcy rights than any other legally married couple.’”
- A recent study by the Public Religion Research Institute reveals Millennials’ (18-29 year olds) views on same-sex marriage and abortion. The study found that Millennials are “much more likely” than the rest of the population to support same-sex marriage. While Millennials are not as dramatically in favor of abortion access as they are marriage equality, a majority (68%) of respondents identified themselves as “pro-choice.”
- A Texas judge ruled that Nikki Araguz, a trans woman, is not entitled to death benefits following her late husband’s death, reasoning that she was “‘born male’ even though she has undergone gender affirmation surgery. “Araguz plans to appeal the decision.
- After Judge Vaughn Walker in California declared the Proposition 8 ban on same-sex marriage in California unconstitutional, lawyers for those that support the ban argued that Judge Walker should have removed himself from the case as he is in a long-term relationship with another man. On Tuesday a federal judge ruled that as “there was no evidence that Judge Vaughn Walker intended to marry his longtime partner, thus he had no obligation to disclose his relationship.” Judge Walker’s ruling that declared Proposition 8 unconstitutional was upheld.
Have we missed something? Please share more news related to the fight for marriage equality in comments.
