Topics: Gay and Lesbian issues - 1595 results

While a bill legalizing gay marriage awaits enough support in the Illinois House of Representatives, the Cook County clerk is not defending against a lawsuit brought against the county by gay couples who say its refusal to recognize same-sex marriage is a violation of the state constitution.   Golden Silence David Orr, with his reported silence in the suit and his outspoken support of gay marriage, agrees with the couples, who are represented by Lambda Legal. But now that county …

The U.S. Supreme Court heard two hours of arguments today over the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans federal recognition of same-sex marriage. Opponents of the 1996 law argue that excluding gay couples from federal marriage benefits is unconstitutional under the Fifth Amendment, which states that the federal government must not deprive people of “life, liberty, or property” while implying equality under the law. DOMA was ruled unconstitutional twice last year, first in a decision rendered by the 1st U.S. …

The U.S. Supreme Court today heard arguments in a case that could potentially grant marriage rights to gay couples in all 50 states, but the justices indicated that they would punt the issue instead. Hollingsworth v. Perry is the first case the Supreme Court has ever heard on same-sex marriage, at a moment when the country’s support for equality has reached an all-time high. The journey of LGBT marriage to Washington, D.C., has taken years. In 2008, the California Supreme …

By Larry Bodine, Editor in Chief, Lawyers.com Editorial We are on the threshold of a historic decision on individual rights by the Supreme Court of the United States as it considers two cases involving same-sex marriage. The cases about “who you love” could change the laws in 41 states and more than 1,000 federal statutes. Regardless of what is said in the oral arguments, a reading of the merits briefs makes it clear that the Court will have to rule …

The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments next week in two cases that have the potential to change the face of LGBT rights and bring marriage equality to all Americans. In Windsor v. United States, the court will rule on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which bans federal recognition of same-sex marriage. In Hollingsworth v. Perry, the justices will consider California’s Proposition 8 measure that banned LGBT marriage in the state. The court could uphold the law, …