Tag Archives: LGBT

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, …

The New Mexico Supreme Court heard arguments last week over whether a photographer can refuse to take pictures of a same-sex wedding. In Elane Photography v. Willock, the court will decide whether the photography studio acted in violation of the New Mexico Human Rights Act when its owners declined to shoot the commitment ceremony of Vanessa Willock and her partner, citing religious beliefs. The New Mexico Human Rights Commission found that Elane violated the law, a decision that has twice …

President Obama signed the Violence Against Women Act into law last week, reinstating important protections for abuse victims including expanded provisions for immigrants, native Americans and LGBT citizens. “This is a country where everybody should be able to pursue their own measure of happiness and live their lives free from fear no matter who you are, no matter who you love,” Obama said. “That’s got to be our priority. The House of Representatives passed the bill two weeks ago after …

Editor’s note: President Obama signed the bill into law Mar. 7. Read the full story here. The House of Representatives passed the Violence Against Women Act yesterday, after a year-and-a-half delay due to Republican objections to certain minority groups being included in the bill’s protections. All House Democrats and 87 Republicans backed the bill, which had previously passed the Senate. President Obama has indicated that he will sign the measure into law as soon as it reaches his desk. About …

The Puerto Rico Supreme Court last week upheld the island’s ban on same-sex couples adopting children, noting that the legislature could change the law if it wished.   ‘The state … has not criminalized their sentimental relationship, but it does not have a constitutional obligation to award this relationship the same rights that other relationships have when it comes to adoption procedures,’’ the majority opinion said. The ruling quashed the efforts of a woman to adopt her 12-year-old child, who was …