news
March 5, 2008
Marriage Equality Attracts Out-of-State Workforce
Massachusetts has a dubious reputation for losing talented workers to less pricey markets. But a trend that runs counter to the talent drain has emerged in the form of the state's controversial same-sex marriage law, a powerful lure for same-sex couples who want to live in a place where they can get married, gain legal rights and have access to spousal health benefits.February 27, 2008
NY Court Allows Same-Sex Divorce to Proceed
In what is believed to be a groundbreaking ruling a New York City judge says that the ruling by the state's highest court that found there is no constitutional right for same-sex marriage does not apply to divorce.February 25, 2008
Laurel Hester Documentary Wins Academy Award
A documentary film on the struggle by New Jersey police officer Laurel Hester's struggle to have her domestic partner recognized as her next of kin has won an Academy Award.February 22, 2008
NY Marriage Decision Appealed
Monroe County appealed a New York appellate court's unanimous decision recognizing a same-sex couple's Canadian marriage.February 21, 2008
Civil Union Partners Treated as Second-Class Citizens
New Jersey's year-old Civil Union Act has failed so far to convey to registered same-sex couples the rights and privileges of marriage, a state commission reported on Monday.February 20, 2008
CU Commission Report Cites Flaws in NJ Law
New Jersey's civil union lawcreates a second-class statusfor same-sex couples and is particularly vexing for people in the military, transgender people, the poor and minorities, according to a report issued on Tuesday by a commission set up to review the law.
February 19, 2008
NJ Gov Sees Significant Concerns With Civil Unions
Gov. Jon Corzine said today a new report issued on the one-year anniversary of civil unions raisessignificant concernsabout whether they give same-sex couples all the benefits and duties of marriage by another name.
February 18, 2008
Civil Union Law Fails to Achieve Goal of Equality
When civil unions became available one year ago, Gina Pastino of Upper Montclair was "thrilled" to form one with her partner of a dozen years, Naomi Cohen.February 16, 2008
NJ Report Says Civil Unions Create Second-Class Status
A commission established to study same-sex civil unions in New Jersey has found in its first report that civil unions create asecond-class statusfor gay couples, rather than giving them equality.
February 1, 2008
Oregon Domestic Partnership Law Upheld
A federal judge removed the restraints on Oregon's state domestic partnership law, suspended since January 1, 2008.February 1, 2008
NY Must Recognize Same-sex Marriages
A New York appeals court has ruled that a same-sex couple's marriage in Canada should be recognized in New York.December 31, 2007
NH Civil Unions at Midnight; OR Domestic Partnership on Hold
As same-sex couples in New Hampshire prepare for that state's civil union law to go into effect at midnight tonight, Oregon couples are not so lucky, as a federal district judge halts that state's domestic partnership law, pending a February hearing.December 12, 2007
RI Court Rejects Same-Sex Divorce
Rhode Island's Supreme Court said Friday that a lesbian couple who married in Massachusetts cannot get divorced in their home state of Rhode Island.December 7, 2007
Hyland Receives Distinguished Legislative Services Award
Stephen J. Hyland was honored with the New Jersey State Bar Association's (NJSBA) Distinguished Legislative Service Award during the Association's Board of Trustees Meeting and Holiday Luncheon on December 7, 2007.October 28, 2007
NJ Civil Union Law Falls Short, Commission Told
In the last month dozens of couples spoke at three hearings of the commission, which was created by the State Legislature to monitor the effectiveness of civil unions.October 5, 2007
CURC Gets an Earful on Civil Unions
The Civil Union Review Commission monitoring the rollout of New Jersey's civil union law are getting an earful of feedback - and none of it good.August 28, 2007
NJ Civil Union Review Commission Public Hearings
Public testimony on the effect of the New Jersey Civil Union Bill will be taken at three public hearings scheduled for September 24, October 10 and October 24. The public is invited to testity at that time.August 8, 2007
RI May Grant Same-Sex Divorce
A state court can grant two Providence women a divorce without answering the highly charged question of whether a same-sex marriage performed in Massachusetts should be recognized in Rhode Island, Governor Carcieri and Attorney General Patrick C. Lynch agreed in legal briefs filed with the state Supreme Court yesterday.August 1, 2007
Benefits Testing Limits of Civil Unions
New Jersey's civil union law was supposed to fulfill the State Supreme Court's mandate that gay and heterosexual couples be granted the same rights and benefits. But more than five months after its adoption, gay-rights groups and those who have obtained civil unions said the reality of the law's application remained a hodgepodge, and that hundreds of people were struggling to persuade their bosses to treat their partners like spouses.July 31, 2007
UPS to Provide Civil Union Benefits
After persuasion from New Jersey's governor and attorney general, UPS Inc. said Monday that it would extend health insurance benefits to the civil union partners of gay New Jersey employees covered by a union contract.July 23, 2007
WA State Domestic Partnership in Effect
Washington state's domestic partner law went into effect Monday, allowing same and opposite-sex couples to register their relationships and receive some of the state-sanctioned benefits of marriage.July 20, 2007
Gov. Corzine Releases Letter to UPS
TRENTON—Governor Jon S. Corzine today released the below letter to United Parcel Service and urged all companies in New Jersey to provide equal rights and benefits to employees in civil unions.June 25, 2007
Newark School Superintendent Apologizes
The Superintendent apologized for having censored a yearbook photograph of a gay student kissing his boyfriend and offered to provide uncensored copies to any student who asked.June 24, 2007
Newark School District Censors Yearbook Photo
An East Side High School senior's photograph in the school's yearbook was blacked-out on the order of the Newark School Superintendent, Marion A. Bolden, because he was kissing his boyfriend. Similar photos of straight couples were untouched.June 20, 2007
Civil Rights Suit Filed in Ocean Grove Case
TRENTON—The New Jersey Division of Civil Rights announced today that it filed suit against the Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association for its failure to allow a lesbian couple to rent the Boardwalk Pavilion for a civil union ceremony. As previously...June 11, 2007
Ocean Grove Marriage Controversy Continues
by CAREN CHESLER New York Times OCEAN GROVE, NJ—Jan Moore and Emily Sonnessa, retired antique dealers in their 70s, have lived contentedly in Ocean Grove for a decade, maintaining a four-family home, tending their garden and socializing with friends in...June 6, 2007
CA Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill
SACRAMENTO—A measure to legalize marriage for gay couples easily passed the California Assembly after a respectful debate Tuesday, in stark contrast to rancorous exchanges on the same issue two years ago. The legislation by Assemblyman Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) would...June 1, 2007
NH Gov Signs Civil Unions Bill
CONCORD—New Hampshire became the fourth state to legalize civil unions yesterday, as Gov. John Lynch signed legislation into law saying it was in keeping with the state's anti-discrimination tradition. As more than 100 supporters gathered in the Executive Council chambers...May 10, 2007
Ocean Grove Civil Union Ban Violates Law
OCEAN GROVE—The Ocean Grove Camp Meeting Association's policy banning same-sex civil unions at the boardwalk pavilion appears to violate the law and should be reversed, state Public Advocate Ronald Chen said Wednesday. The prohibition has angered some gay and lesbian...April 26, 2007
NH Senate OKs Civil Unions
A bill authorizing civil unions for gays cleared its last hurdle Thursday in New Hampshire, the first state to embrace same-sex unions without a court order or the threat of one.April 23, 2007
NY Gov. To Introduce Marriage Equality Bill
Gov. Eliot Spitzer will introduce a bill in the coming weeks to legalize same-sex marriage in New York.April 21, 2007
WA State Adds Domestic Partnership Law
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signed into law Saturday a measure to create domestic partnerships, giving gay and lesbian couples some of the same rights that come with marriage.April 21, 2007
NJ Civil Union Licenses Increase
According to figures released by the state health department, 373 couples applied for civil union licenses in the period from March 20 to April 20, up from 229 in the first month.April 20, 2007
PA Governor Nominates Gay Man for Judgeship
Governor Edward G. Rendell nominated Dan Anders to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas to fill the vacancy created when Justice James J. Fitzgerald III was elevated to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.April 17, 2007
Oregon Equality Act and DP Act Advance
The Oregon House of Representatives approved in bipartisan votes the Oregon Equality Act (SB 2) and the Oregon Family Fairness Act (HB 2007).February 23, 2007
Taxation and Civil Unions
The New Jersey Department of Taxation has clarified that partners in a civil union will receive treatment equal to that of a similarly situated married couple in regard to state taxes, including the New Jersey estate tax.February 16, 2007
NJ AG Issues Opinion on Marriage Recognition
Attorney General Rabner concluded that same-sex marriages entered into legally in another state or nation are valid in New Jersey, and should be recognized as civil unions.February 9, 2007
Civil Unions and Legal Confusion
Civil unions, domestic partnerships, and civil marriage carry different legal consequences when New Jersey's civil union law goes into effect on Feb. 19. Some will automatically trigger all the benefits the new law provides; others will not. It remains an open question whether New Jersey will recognize same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.February 2, 2007
Insurers Cap Mayors Civil Union Coverage
Public officials who choose to defy the state's new civil unions law will find themselves largely out of luck — and insurance funds — if lawsuits are filed against their towns.January 27, 2007
Couples Gather to Learn About Civil Unions
About 60 people attended a panel discussion at the Raven in New Hope, just over the bridge from Lambertville, to learn more about New Jersey's new civil unions law.January 11, 2007
NJ AG: Clergy Exempt From Civil Union Law
When New Jersey's civil unions law comes into effect next month churches will not be obligated to perform ceremonies the state's Attorney General said Thursday.January 11, 2007
Gay Cop Wins NJ Bias Suit
A police officer who sued Haledon, New Jersey and several of its officials alleging that he was discriminated against and refused a promotion because he is gay has reportedly received a $450,000 settlement.January 2, 2007
Civil Unions Lack Widespread Recognition
Although a law signed Dec. 21 by Gov. Jon Corzine promises same-sex couples who form civil unionsall of the same benefits, protections and responsibilitiesthat flow from marriage, it really means all of the state benefits of marriage.
December 19, 2006
Gov. to Sign NJ Civil Unions Bill on Thursday
Gov. Jon S. Corzine said he hopes to sign civil unions into law on Thursday, which would give gay couples the same rights as married couples, but is worried that mayors will be able to refuse to conduct the ceremonies.December 16, 2006
Some NJ Mayors Balk at Civil Unions
Yesterday, mayors across New Jersey found themselves grappling over that duty when it comes to gay couples who may ask them to preside over a civil union ceremony.December 16, 2006
NJ Civil Unions Provide Limited Benefits
With New Jersey on the verge of passing a civil unions law for same-sex couples, Rick Connolly called his insurance company to see if he could add his partner of 23 years to his homeowner's policy.December 14, 2006
NJ Legislature Adopts Civil Unions
The Legislature voted on Thursday to make New Jersey the third state in the nation to recognize civil unions for same-sex couples. In doing so, it moved quickly to fulfill a court mandate to provide equal rights to gay couples but frustrated people on both sides of the emotional issue.December 14, 2006
NJ Legislature Passes Civil Unions Bill
Lawmakers voted yesterday to make New Jersey the third state in the nation to allow gay couples to form civil unions with all the rights and responsibilities of married couples.December 12, 2006
NJ Senate Committee Approves Civil Unions
State lawmakers could vote later this week on a measure to allow gay and lesbian couples to formcivil unionswith the rights and responsibilities of marriage.
December 11, 2006
NJ Assembly Committee Advances CU Bill
The New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee on Thursday recommended passage of legislation that would allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions but explicitly avoids mention of the wordmarriage.
November 15, 2006
NJ Women Named as Birth Parents
By GEOFF MULVIHILL, A.P. MOUNT LAUREL—In some of the first legal fallout from a state Supreme Court ruling that gives same-sex couples in New Jersey access to the same rights as married couples, two women will be listed on the...November 13, 2006
Support for Civil Unions Outweighs Marriage
TRENTON—Support for same-sex marriage in New Jersey was significantly less than that for civil unions in a poll taken shortly after the New Jersey Supreme Court ruled that gay couples should have the same rights as married heterosexuals. A little...October 25, 2006
NJ Supreme Court Decision Available
TRENTON—The New Jersey Supreme Court decision in the Lewis v. Harris marriage equality suit was handed down today. Although it was a 4-3 decision, all seven justices held tht it was a violation of the New Jersey Constitution to deny...October 21, 2006
PA Legislator Introduces GLBT Rights Act
HARRISBURG—Rep. Dan Frankel (D) reintroduced legislation that would prohibit several forms of anti-gay discrimination, including employment, housing and credit. The bill, which is similar to the protection provided by the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, previously failed to win support...October 5, 2006
NJ Governor Won't Block Marriage Equality
New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine will not approve legislation banning gay marriage if the state's highest court rules that such unions are legal, a Corzine spokesman said Thursday.September 15, 2006
Tyrone Garner Funeral Fund
A fund has been established in the name of Tyrone Garner, one of the two plaintiffs in the Texas sodomy case.September 12, 2006
Tyrone Garner, RIP
One of our own brave fighters, Tyrone Garner, passed away today.August 20, 2006
NY Couples Lose Rights Cases
Following the disappointing—and, frankly, insulting—loss in the marriage suit last month, same-sex couples in New York have been further denied rights by New York courts.August 13, 2006
WA Marriage Advocates Contemplate Appeal
Lawyers for the plaintiffs in the disappointing Washington Supreme Court denial of marriage equality are contemplating filing an appeal of that decision.July 26, 2006
WA Marriage Equality Case Fails
In a contentiously worded, 5-4 decision, Washington State's highest court refused to overturn the state's ban on marriage equality.July 13, 2006
CT Court Rejects Marriage Ban Challenge
A Connecticut state superior court judge ruled today that gay and lesbian couples have not been harmed by the state's decision to legalize same-sex civil unions rather than grant them full marriage rights.July 6, 2006
NY High Court Rejects Marriage Equality
The New York Court of Appeals, that state's highest court, rejected full marriage equality in a 4-2 decision.July 3, 2006
PA Marriage Amendment Fails
The Pennsylvania Legislature recessed for the summer without passing an amendment that would have prohibited same-sex marriage and, perhaps, civil unions and domestic partnerships.June 22, 2006
PA Senate Approves Marriage Ban
By a 38-12 vote, the Pennsylvania Senate approved a proposed amendment to the state constitution that would ban recognition of same-sex marriage.June 14, 2006
PA Proposed Marriage Ban Amended
A proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution has been approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee with an amendment that removed a ban on civil unions and domestic partnerships in the state.April 5, 2006
BMW: Mixed Messages on DP Benefits Question
I once again spoke with BMW of North America, which is headquartered here in New Jersey. Their public relations person once again reiterated that they do not currently provide such benefits to its employees.April 3, 2006
BMW Discrimination Confirmed
I was recently made aware of the fact that BMW North America, headquartered here in New Jersey, does not currently provide domestic partner benefits to its employees. Following a call to their headquarters, I have confirmed that the company does not provide domestic partner benefits.March 30, 2006
MA Upholds Out-of-State Marriage Ban
The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court upheld the 1913 statute that had been used to prevent out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts.March 21, 2006
Plainfield Adopts DP Benefits
On Monday night, the Plaintield City Council voted unanimously to adopt two resolutions extending health benefits and pension benefits to domestic partners of city employees.March 10, 2006
Plainfield to Vote on DP Benefits
Bridgewater Courier News City officials have announced that in the coming week, they plan to float a measure that would extend benefits to same- sex domestic partners of public employees.March 8, 2006
DE Lesbian Wins Joint Custody Battle
The Delaware Supreme Court today allowed a lesbian to retain joint custody of three children she helped raise with her former partner, the triplets' biological mother.March 2, 2006
IRS Warns Same-Sex Couples Not to File Joint Returns
The IRS is warning same-sex couples that they cannot file joint federal tax returns, and attempts to do so can result in penalties and fines.February 15, 2006
Oral Arguments Webcast in Lewis v. Harris
Oral arguments in the Lewis v. Harris case are scheduled to begin at 10 am in the New Jersey Supreme Court. Arguments are scheduled to end before 11:30 am.February 6, 2006
NY Couples Get Funeral Rights
New York State Gov. George Pataki has signed into law legislation that provides domestic partners, both same-sex and opposite-sex, the ability to make decisions about the funerals of partners.
February 2, 2006
Essex County to Add DP Benefits
In a surprise policy directive during his annual State of the County address last night, Essex County Executive Joseph DiVincenzo Jr. proposed extending pension and health benefits to the domestic partners of county employees.
January 26, 2006
PA State Senator Blasts Anti-Gay Amendment
Pennsylvania State Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, said a state constitutional amendment being introduced today would harm same-sex families and unmarried opposite-sex couples, including many senior citizens. Sponsors of the amendment say it would prevent Pennsylvania judges from authorizing same-sex marriage.
January 25, 2006
Atlantic County Freeholders Delay DP Vote
Just one day before Ocean County voted to extend domestic partner benefits to its employees, Atlantic County's Board of Chosen Freeholders delayed a final vote on its resolution adopting benefits.
January 25, 2006
Ocean County Freeholders Approve DP Benefits
In a 4 to 0 vote, Ocean County freeholders adopted a resolution adopting domestic partner benefits.
January 25, 2006
Ocean County Freeholders Approve DP Benefits
In a 4 to 0 vote, Ocean County freeholders adopted a resolution adopting domestic partner benefits.
January 24, 2006
PA House Introduces Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment
Pennsylvania Rep. Scott Boyd (R-Lancaster) and 88 co-sponsors reintroduced a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution limiting marriage to one man-one woman.
January 24, 2006
Jackson Township Passes DP Benefits
The township committee unamimously passed a resolution adopting domestic partner benefits for its employees.
January 21, 2006
Ocean County Relents on Benefits for Hester
Reversing themselves after months of battering at public meetings and in the press, Ocean County's freeholders are scheduled to vote Wednesday to extend pension benefits to the domestic partner of Lt. Laurel Hester and other members of the Police and Fire Retirement System.
January 20, 2006
Camden County Adopts DP Benefits
Camden County Board of Freeholders last night granted domestic partnership benefits to registered domestic partners who are county employees.January 12, 2006
NJ Legislature Recognizes Additional DP Rights
The New Jersey Legislature has clarified that registered domestic partners have rights of inheritance and guardianship equal to that of married spouses.
December 27, 2005
Monmouth County Votes to Add DP Pension Benefits
Unlike the freeholders in neighboring Ocean County, the Republican freeholders of Monmouth County showed that thecompassionate conservativelabel is not an empty slogan when they voted on December 22, 2005 to extend pension benefits to the registered domestic partners of county employees.
December 16, 2005
A Legal Guide for Same-Sex Couples
When the Domestic Partnership Act took effect last year, attorney Stephen J. Hyland decided to put together a short guide to help couples figure out what domestic partnership meant legally.December 4, 2005
NJ Senate Bill Expanding DP Inheritance Rights Move Forward
The Senate Judiciary Committee has approved legislation that would clarify whether domestic partners have the same rights in inheritance and funeral arrangements as married couples.
December 2, 2005
Union County Approves DP Benefits
The Union County Board of Freeholders became the fifth county to provide domestic partnership benefits when it unanimously passed a resolution on December 1, 2005.
November 24, 2005
Ocean Co. Facing Further Criticism on DP Benefits
Gay and civil rights activists were joined by Sen. John Adler and Rep. Frank Pallone in a protest in Toms River following the county's refusal to allow Lt. Laurel Hester to name her partner as her pension beneficiary.
November 23, 2005
Mercer Co. Approves DP Benefits
Mercer County voted to extend health and pension benefits to domestic partners.
November 22, 2005
NJ Cop Sues Washington Township
After years of abuse, veteran officer Mike Kurz filed suit against this South Jersey police force for employment discrimination.
November 21, 2005
Princeton Students to Vote on Marriage Equality
Princeton University students will vote next month on a referendum to join with the Princeton Justice Project in filing an amicus brief in the New Jersey marriage suit.
November 14, 2005
New Version of Domestic Partnership Guide
A new version of my book, New Jersey Domestic Partners: A Legal Guide" has been released and is available in most book stores. Check back on Friday, November 14, for more information....October 26, 2005
Rosa Parks RIP
DETROIT—Rosa Parks died yesterday at age 92. There is really very little I can say, except "Thank you. You taught us all to refuse to take a back seat to anyone." Great story on the NY Times and other sites....October 24, 2005
Daily Record Gets It Right
A resident of Long Hill Township was charged with a bias crime when he placed an anti-marriage equality bumper sticker on Gina Genovese's bumper. Genovese is an openly-gay member of the township council.
September 28, 2005
PA Court Upholds Co-parent Custody
The Pennsylvania Superior Court upheld the award of custody of twins to the lesbian ex-partner of the biological mother.
September 24, 2005
WA State Wedding Preparations
Washington State marriage equality groups are making preparations in anticipation of that state's high court decision regarding marriage.
September 21, 2005
Corzine, Forrester: No Ban but No Marriage
Both candidates for New Jersey Governor recently made similar statements that they are opposed to same-sex marriage but oppose a marriage amendment.
September 20, 2005
CT AG: State May Recognize NJ Domestic Partners
Connecticut's Attorney General issued a legal opinion indicating today that the state will recognize New Jersey's domestic partnerships, to the extent that they do not conflict with that state's laws. The state will not, however, recognize same-sex marriages entered elsewhere.
September 16, 2005
NJ Woman Sues State Over Denial of Inheritance Rights
Attorneys from Hill Wallack and Malapero & Prisco, LLP, filed a lawsuit today against the Middlesex County Surrogate and the State of New Jersey on behalf of Betty Jordan, of Perth Amboy, seeking recognition of her right to inherit from her deceased spouse.
September 13, 2005
NJ Supreme Court Among Three Considering Marriage
New Jersey is one of three states (including New York and Washington) in which the highest court will be considering the question of marriage equality.
September 9, 2005
Assisted Reproduction Technology Update
In news that is sure to give the right wing a coronary, researchers in the UK have been given the go-ahead to create an embyro that contains the DNA of three individuals.
September 8, 2005
Former Student Alleges Bullying at Holmdel High
A former student at Holmdel High School has filed suit alleging that she was verbally and physically abused because she is a lesbian and that school authorities failed to stop it.
September 7, 2005
NJ Marriage Plaintiff Dies
Marilyn Maneely, the long-time partner of Diane Marini, and one of the plaintiffs in the New Jersey marriage case, Lewis v. Davis, died today from complications of ALS.
September 7, 2005
CA Governor to Veto Marriage Equality
Governor Schwartzenegger, reversing prior statements, has indicated he will veto the marriage equality bill passed by the California Assembly.
September 7, 2005
CA Assembly Sends Marriage Equality Bill to Governor
The California Assembly passed a marriage equality bill yesterday by a narrow majority. The bill, which was previously passed by the Senate, will now go to the Governor's desk for his signature or veto.
September 2, 2005
CA Senate Passes Marriage Equality Bill
SACRAMENTO—The California Senate became the first legislative body in the U.S. to voluntarily pass a bill extending equal marriage rights to same-sex couples. AB 849, which would define marriage as being between two persons rather than a man and a...August 29, 2005
MA Marriage Amendment Vote Close
The Massachusets amendment replacing same-sex marriage with civil unions may not pass next month. Meanwhile, other opponents are working on a initiative to ban same-sex marriage and civil union.
August 28, 2005
Next NJ Governor Will Influence NJ Supreme Court
New Jersey's next governor will have a major influence on the direction of the New Jersey Supreme Court, which will directly affect the rights of the state's GLBT community, among others.
August 17, 2005
VT High Court to Hear Custody Case
Oral arguments in the custody dispute involving a Vermont woman, her former civil union partner now residing in Virginia, and their daughter are scheduled for September 7, 2005 before the Vermont Supreme Court.
August 4, 2005
Supreme Court Nominee Assisted on GLBT Case
Supreme Court nominee John G. Roberts Jr. worked behind the scenes for gay rights activists, and his legal expertise helped them persuade the Supreme Court to issue a landmark 1996 ruling protecting people from discrimination because of their sexual orientation.
July 26, 2005
CA Groups Petition to Ban Marriage, Domestic Partnership
California's attorney general on Monday released a summary of a proposed constitutional amendment that highlights how the measure would strip same-sex couples of most domestic partner rights while also banning gay marriage.
July 20, 2005
PA Republicans Sue to Stop DP Benefits
Two top Republican lawmakers are suing the panel that sets benefits for state workers in a bid to stop its members from meeting privately tomorrow to consider extending same sex benefits to the 84,000 commonwealth employees.
July 20, 2005
Canada Approves Marriage Equality
The Canadian Senate has approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriages, making Canada the fourth country in the world to give gay couples the same rights as male-female partners, after Belgium, the Netherlands and Spain.
July 13, 2005
DP Benefits Bill Introduced in Congress
Legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives on Wednesday that would allow non-married employees of the federal government to apply for benefits for their long-term partners.July 11, 2005
NJ Marks 1st Year of Domestic Partnership
Over 400 people showed up in Maplewood on Sunday, July 10, to celebrate the first year of the New Jersey Domestic Partnership and to call for full marriage rights.
July 9, 2005
Another Canadian Province Adopts Marriage Equality
Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island, has become the ninth province to acknowledge same-sex marriage.
July 5, 2005
Oregon Civil Union Bill Unlikely to Pass House
An omnibus LGBT civil rights bill that includes civil unions is likely to receive a vote in the Senate this week but is unlikely to pass the Republican-controlled House.
July 4, 2005
Fewer Vermont Civil Unions as Options Increase
The increase of legal options available to same-sex couples has decreased the number of couples registering in Vermont.
July 2, 2005
Fifth Anniversary of Vermont Civil Unions
Five years ago, on July 1, 2000, the Vermont Civil Union act went into effect.
June 30, 2005
Spain Passes Marriage Equality Law
The Spanish Parliament legalized same-sex marriage Thursday, defying conservatives and clergy who opposed making traditionally Roman Catholic Spain the third country in the world to officially recognize same-sex unions.
June 29, 2005
NY DPs Get Burial Rights
The New York State Legislature passed a bill that provides domestic partners, both same-sex and opposite-sex, the ability to make decisions about the funerals of partners.
June 29, 2005
CA Supreme Court Upholds DP Law
The California Supreme Court on Wednesday let stand a new law granting registered domestic partners many of the same rights and protections available to married couples.
June 29, 2005
Canadian House Passes Marriage Equality Law
The Liberals' controversial same-sex marriage legislation has passed final reading in the House of Commons, sailing through with a vote of 158 for and 133 against.
June 26, 2005
Penn State Adds DP Benefits
Penn State University is now formally offering health benefits to workers with same-sex partners, adding one of Pennsylvania's largest employers to the dozens of colleges and universities around the country offering such benefits.
June 23, 2005
New Brunswick, Canada Court Grants Marriage Equality
Canada's Maritime province of New Brunswick has become the latest region where the definition of marriage as between a man and a woman has been struck down.
June 23, 2005
Issues Affecting Same-Sex Couples
The New York State Bar Association's Special Committee to Study Issues Affecting Same Sex Couples has prepared a report that provides a detailed discussion and analysis of the legal and constitutional issues surrounding same-sex relationships, an examination of the approaches that have been used to address those issues, and a series of conclusions about ways in which the New York state Legislature might address this subject. (Originally issued in fall 2004)June 23, 2005
NJ Appellate Court Lets Seton Hall Continue GLBTI Discrimination
A student's efforts to establish a gay and lesbian group at Seton Hall University, a Roman Catholic institution, suffered a setback Wednesday when a state appeals court dismissed his lawsuit.
June 21, 2005
LGBT Families Immigration Bill Introduced
Uniting American Families Act would extend to same-sex couples the same rights of immigration sponsorship enjoyed by opposite-sex couples
June 20, 2005
NJ Marriage Case Heading to Supreme Court
The fight to legalize gay marriage is headed to the highest court in New Jersey, where advocates say past decisions may give them an advantage.
June 18, 2005
Iowa Supreme Court Upholds Civil Union Dissolution
The Iowa Supreme Court today rejected a lawsuit by a group of conservative lawmakers and others to overturn a northwest Iowa district judge's ruling that dissolved a lesbian couple's out-of-state civil union.
June 18, 2005
NJ Minister Suspended Over Daughter's Wedding
Leaders of the Reformed Church in America suspended a New Jersey minister Friday night, ruling that he violated the Bible and the denomination's teachings when he officiated at his gay daughter's wedding.
June 16, 2005
MD Custody Restriction Appealed
Maryland's highest court will hear an appeal from a gay father ordered to stop living with his partner while raising his 12-year-old son.
June 16, 2005
Defense of Marriage Act Upheld in CA
A federal judge Thursday rejected an Orange County, California gay couple's bid to challenge the Federal Defense of Marriage Act as a means to get a marriage license.
June 14, 2005
Liberty PA Targets Santorum
The National Stonewall Democrats and a Pennsylvania political action group, Liberty PA, have formed a partnership to defeat Republican Senator Rick Santorum in 2006.
June 14, 2005
NJ Appeals Court Rejects Marriage Equality
A state appeals panel ruled Tuesday that New Jersey's Constitution does not require the recognition of gay marriage.
June 9, 2005
Legislative Action Updates
PRINCETON—This website is now tracking legislation that affects the New Jersey GLBTI community and that is currently before the New Jersey Legislature. If we have missed any legislation, please let us know by using our commenting system.
June 3, 2005
CA. Marriage Equality Bill Defeated
The California Assembly narrowly defeated a bill that would have legalized same-sex marriage in the state. The measure lost by a slim four votes in the 80 seat Assembly.
June 2, 2005
VA Woman Appeals Custody Ruling to VT Supreme Court
In a filing in the Vermont Supreme Court, attorneys for a Virginia woman contend that state's law should be followed in a child custody battle arising from a broken civil union in Vermont.