Tag Archives: Freedom to Marry

Bills in Rhode Island and Illinois put states in race to become Number 10

The race to become the tenth state to provide marriage equality for same-sex couples is underway, with Rhode Island and Illinois running neck-and-neck. Marriage equality bills were launched in both states’ legislatures last week.

Beyond the blue: Why marriage won this time

Was the sweep of victories for same-sex marriage on four state ballots November 6 a reflection of American society’s evolution toward acceptance of gay citizens or a lucky convergence of strong Democratic turnout in Democratic leaning states?

Surprises embedded in Second Circuit ruling; may improve prospects at Supreme Court

The ruling by a Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals panel was not a big surprise. But the panel’s related ruling—that laws should be held to a heightened standard of review when they treat people differently because of their sexual

Five ballot battles promise nail-biters as opponents pull out the old scare tactics

Anti-gay activists opposing marriage equality for same-sex couples are counting in fives. They’re distributing videotapes to pastors laying out a five-step plan-of-action for each church. They’re distributing another video offering five reasons voters should defeat marriage equality ballot measures at

2011: an “epic” year for marriage equality

One leading advocate called 2011 an “epic” year for marriage equality. Was it? While only one state -- New York -- enacted full marriage rights for same-sex couples, it was the most populous state to do so. Five other states

U.K. government announces move towards marriage equality

The government of the United Kingdom announced September 17 that it would begin a “consultation”--a formal process of soliciting input--on how to implement civil marriage for same-sex couples. But some LGBT activists have criticized what they see as delay over

New generations are advancing equality

A new national report provides data to back up what many have sensed for a long time: that the positive shift in America’s attitudes toward equal rights for LGBT people has a lot to do with age.

Gallup shows dramatic uptick in support for same-sex marriage

A survey by the respected Gallup poll organization reports a stunning jump in support for legal recognition of the marriages of same-sex couples.

Marriage equality: It’s up to you, New York

The openly gay sponsor of a marriage equality bill in Rhode Island has said he would push for civil unions instead. Six states are considering legislation that would ask voters to ban recognition of marriage for same-sex couples. And all

DOJ says DOMA justified to prevent ‘inequities’

The U.S. Department of Justice filed its brief January 13 with a federal appeals court that will hear the government’s appeal of two district court decisions that found the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional.