Gay rights

Marriage Equality Legislation Will End Legal Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples; Bill Recognizes Fundamental Civil Right of Marriage

April 16, 2009 -- New York Governor David A. Paterson today introduced landmark civil rights legislation that will end legal discrimination against same-sex couples in New York State. The Governor’s marriage equality Program Bill recognizes the fundamental civil right of marriage and would grant same-sex couples the same legal recognition afforded to partners of the opposite sex. The Governor was joined by New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, federal, state and local lawmakers, and prominent advocates to make the announcement.    » read more »

16 June 2008 -- Thousands of same-sex couples are expected to wed in California following the state's Supreme Court ruling that overturned a ban on gay marriage.

State officials will issue the first marriage licenses at 5pm local time.

In a four to three decision in May, the California Supreme Court ruled against a voter-approved law that restricted marriage to a man and woman.

The court said the state constitution's guarantee of equal rights gives same-sex couples the right to marry.

California voters will have a chance to overturn the court ruling in November when they vote on a proposed constitutional amendment to limit marriage to a man and a woman.

Twenty-seven U.S. states have amended their constitutions to limit marriage to a union between a man and a woman.    » read more »

June 3, 2008 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month:

"Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in celebrating the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans and their families make to our society and reaffirm our Party's commitment to promoting full equality under the law for every American.    » 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 »

May 15, 2008 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement on the California Supreme Court decision to overturn the state's anti-marriage ban:

"The Supreme Court of California today took a step forward in the long march toward protecting equal rights under the law for every American. This should not be a matter of politics or partisanship; it is a matter of protecting the rights and dignity of all American families."

Source: DNC

1/25/2008 -- In the second "Ask Hillary" Web video, Hillary Clinton addressed a question from a voter about the high incidence of depression and suicide among gay teens. The transcript of the exchange is below:

Emily Hawkins, Director of Youth Outreach: Ryan says, "considering the extraordinarily high incidence of depression and suicide among gay teenagers, what action will you, as president, take to encourage a more accepting and healthy educational experience for LGBT teens?"    » read more »

Governments Should Change Laws

New York, January 24, 2008 – The European Court of Human Rights’ ruling that a lesbian woman can embark on the process of adopting a child means European states should ensure equality in the right to found a family, Human Rights Watch said today.    » read more »

1/23/2008 -- (Denver, CO) – The Clinton campaign announced its Colorado for Hillary LGBT Steering Committee at a kick-off event last night with Senator Jennifer Veiga. The LGBT Steering Committee will organize support for Hillary in Denver and across the state.

“Hillary Clinton will end the divisive politics of the past seven years and move our country toward the promise of fairness and equality for all Americans,” said State Senator Jennifer Veiga.    » read more »

Jan 14, 2008 -- Boston, MA – Today, Marlene Elwell, noted pro-life leader and Founder and President of Catholics in the Public Square, endorsed Governor Mitt Romney for President. Marlene was also at the helm of the successful "Marriage Protection Amendment" campaign in Michigan in 2004 that preserves marriage in the Michigan Constitution as between one man and one woman.    » read more »

December 20, 2007 -- Washington, DC – Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton joined a bipartisan coalition of 20 Senators yesterday to introduce legislation to extend domestic partner benefits to federal employees. Comparable benefits are offered at more than half of Fortune 500 companies and many thousands of companies, state and local governments, and colleges and universities.    » read more »

December 19, 2007 -- "I am proud to cosponsor the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act of 2007, being introduced today by Senators Lieberman and Smith. I cosponsored this legislation in the last Congress and I am pleased to do so again.    » read more »

Florida Marriage Amendment

December 13, 2007 -- McLean, VA - Fred Thompson released the following statement regarding the Florida Marriage Amendment:

"I applaud the work of Florida Coalition to Protect Marriage. Their efforts will give the people of Florida a voice on this very important subject. I strongly believe in the time honored principle of marriage being a union between one man and one woman, the foundation of any civilized society. Florida's Marriage Amendment will have my support in 2008.    » read more »

December 13, 2007 -- LITTLE ROCK, AR – Former Arkansas Governor and Presidential Candidate Mike Huckabee and Hollywood actor Chuck Norris will make the following campaign appearances in New Hampshire during a three-day visit, from December 14 – December 16, 2007:

(NOTE: Subject to change. All events are open press.)

Friday, December 14, 2007

10:00 a.m. ET – Boscawen, NH – Governor Huckabee and Chuck Norris tours Elektrisola and speak with employees. 126 High Street. Contact: Debra Vanderbeek, Tel: 603-513-1664.    » read more »

Calls On Democratic and Republican Presidential Candidates To Do The Same

Wilmington, DE (December 12, 2007) – Sen. Joe Biden issued the following statement condemning former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee’s comments and calling on other presidential candidates – including Republicans participating in today’s debate in Iowa – to do the same:    » read more »

11/14/2007 -- The Clinton campaign today announced the addition of 44 members to its national LGBT Americans for Hillary Steering Committee. The announcement comes just a day after Clinton successfully hosted a fundraiser with 250 members of the LGBT community in Washington, DC as well as a day after the endorsement of openly gay Congressman Barney Frank.

“I am honored to have the support of these leaders in the LGBT community,” Clinton said. “Together, we can end the divisive politics of the current administration and renew the promise of fairness and equality for all Americans.”    » read more »