Gay marriage

Washington, DC - 10/09/2009 - A new report based on a recent national survey by the Pew Research Center's Forum on Religion & Public Life and the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press finds that a clear majority of Americans favor allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter into legal agreements with each other that would give them many of the same rights as married couples, a status commonly known as civil unions.

This finding marks a slight uptick in support for civil unions and appears to continue a significant long-term trend since the question was first asked in Pew Research Center surveys in 2003, when support for civil unions stood at 45%.    » read more »

June 4, 2009 -- (Washington, D.C.) - U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen today congratulated New Hampshire Governor John Lynch on signing same-sex marriage legislation into law.

"I congratulate Governor Lynch and the state legislature on advancing a marriage equality bill that also protects religious freedom. New Hampshire has a long history of leadership on issues of civil rights and equality, and I'm proud our state continues to lead the way in ending discrimination with this bill signing today."

As Governor, Shaheen signed legislation making New Hampshire only the 10th state in the country to include sexual orientation in its anti-discrimination laws. She also enacted legislation to repeal a ban on gays and lesbians from adopting children or serving as foster parents.    » read more »

May 26, 2009 -- "I know today’s decision is a tremendous disappointment for many people. But I also know that the opinions of Californians are changing on this issue, and I believe that equal marriage rights will one day be the law in this state. This is already the case in Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts and Vermont. So, I believe this issue will come before the voters again, and I am very hopeful that the result will be different next time.

Today's State Supreme Court ruling also declares that the 18,000 same-sex marriages that have already taken place in California are valid, and I believe these marriages will allow people to see for themselves that marriage equality is a step forward for California and not a step back."

Source: Senator Dianne Feinstein

May 26, 2009 -- "Unfortunately, with this decision, I am concerned that we are back to square one on the issue of equal rights for same-sex couples.

This ruling sets up a very unfair reality in California where some same-sex couples will have their marriages affirmed, while many more will be denied their fundamental rights.

I remain committed to working actively with people across the state to make sure that same-sex couples have equal rights under the law."

Source: Senator Barbara Boxer

05/26/2009 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement after the California Supreme Court issued its ruling on Proposition 8:

“While I believe that one day either the people or courts will recognize gay marriage, as Governor of California I will uphold the decision of the California Supreme Court.

"Regarding the 18,000 marriages that took place prior to Proposition 8’s passage, the Court made the right decision in keeping them intact. I also want to encourage all those responding to today’s Court decision to do so peacefully and lawfully.”

Source: California Governor

May 14, 2009 -- CONCORD - New Hampshire Governor John Lynch released the following statement today regarding same-sex legislation in New Hampshire:

“The gay marriage debate in New Hampshire has been filled with passion and emotion on all sides.

“My personal views on the subject of marriage have been shaped by my own experience, tradition and upbringing. But as Governor of New Hampshire, I recognize that I have a responsibility to consider this issue through a broader lens.    » read more »

29 May 2008 -- New York Governor David Paterson is directing state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages legally performed in other states and countries, though the practice is not legal in New York.

The directive issued earlier this month orders agencies, such as those that regulate health care and insurance, to update their rules to accommodate gay couples.

Paterson's office based the order on a February state court ruling that said New York must recognize the marriage of a woman and her female partner who wed in Canada.    » read more »