Tag Archives: Marriage Equality

Frenemies | Marriage Equality vs. Equality Period

As a response to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals hearing cases regarding same sex marriage in three states including my home state of Texas, a rally was held in Dallas where my wife and I live. Although the temps lingered around freezing that evening (not Dallasite friendly), we felt we should attend – in solidarity with our community and the couples representing us in the hearings.

I was expecting to see some anti-gay protestors around, but tacky signs with bible verses taken out of context were nowhere to be found. I was, however, unpleasantly surprised to find that members of our own Dallas queer community were present to passively communicate their dismay – holding a sign suggesting that “equality period” should be our focus rather than that of marriage and delivering a speech acknowledging that we should demand marriage equality but, in an almost patronizing fashion, reminding us that matters such as the bullying of our youth and the hate crimes against our trans brothers and sisters potentially hold more importance.

Overall, the rally was exactly what it should be – inspiring and motivational. It reinforced to my wife and me the importance of being active in this movement that is so personal. However, it also served as a reminder of how divided our community can often be.

I embrace and celebrate the various backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs that make up the LGBT family. We are quite diverse and when it comes to creating a picture representative of who we are, one brush simply will not do. We fall on all variants of the gender spectrum; we are black, Latino, white, Asian, Middle Eastern; we are Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist; we are monogamous, polyamorous, celibate; we are dating, married, single; we are conservative, liberal, moderate, non-political; we are everything you thought we were and so much more – I love it. And along with those differences comes varying worldviews. Regardless of what you’ve been told, there is such a thing as a gay Republican.

We’re not all Obama supporting, pro-choice-ing, immigration reforming, climate change acknowledging liberals. I am all of the aforementioned things and, admittedly, I struggle to understand and accept my LGBT brothers and sisters who aren’t, but I’m working on it.

Amongst the differing perspectives in our community, there is a movement that believes that the majority of LGBT activists are focused too heavily on marriage equality. Their perspective is that we are exerting too much of our energy in the fight for marriage while there are many other issues that deserve our attention in a more urgent sense than that of same sex marriage. And that, through our actions, we are suggesting that, as soon as nationwide marriage equality is accomplished, our work here will be done.

I wonder what would happen if we could find it in our hearts to support the causes of our community – whether actively or passively – rather than diminishing those that we are not passionate about. It seems to me that each of us has a zeal for something. Feminism, animal rights, racial equality, and LGBT equality are a few of mine.

If you were to look at my bank account, my social media updates, and watch where I spend my time, this would be evident to you. However, the fact that I’ve chosen to use my time in support of these causes does not imply that I believe others are of less value. It simply means this is where my passions lie.

Somewhere along the way, whether by nature or nurture, we all feel a tug to fight for something. It seems that this “tug” is there for a reason – so that we may use our talents and abilities to be a part of a movement that needs us. While my “tug” has called me to women’s rights, yours may have directed you to trans advocacy. Does this make me right and you wrong or vice versa?

I don’t think so. It places us on a parallel path – each having a goal that will lead us to the same place, but which has us on a different road to one destination.

The argument as to whether the marriage equality movement has overtaken LGBT equality is a tricky one. Opposition within our own community to same sex marriage activists will say that there are more serious issues we should be fighting for. They feel that we have become wrapped up in one issue rather than seeing the bigger picture. Maybe my strong desire for marriage equality is selfish. I am, after all, in a legally unrecognized marriage.

My wife and I have been together for 5 years, sharing a household for 4, running a business together for 2, and our wedding in Texas was in May of 2013. There is not enough time in the day to list the many reasons why I want for marriage equality in my home state. I will be a direct beneficiary when this finally passes. Maybe I am guilty of getting caught up in this particular brand of social change because it will enrich my relationship and remove many of the legal complications that go along with being in a committed same sex relationship. However, I am not in this fight for only self-serving reasons.

Marriage equality will not only serve as an advantage for gay couples desiring to marry. It will, and already has, been a major part of a culture change that has needed to happen in this country for ages. It has and will continue to be a crucial piece to changing hearts and minds in our society. As the naysayers see same sex couples functioning in this world as normal, committed couples, they will find fewer reasons to hold on to their prejudices. As the prejudices diminish, LGBT equality as a whole will benefit.

Young queer people will start to believe that, when Dan Savage and Terry Miller, told them it would get better, they might have actually spoken the truth. Once young LGBTs see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, they may be less likely to consider suicide. The ripple effects of marriage equality hold the potential to foster real positive social change for our community with further reaches than we can conceive of.

It is also relevant to address the fact that marriage rights are a part of a national dialogue happening now. There is something to be said for striking while the iron is hot. On a national level, same sex marriage is the focus of many in the equality movement, but why are we so quick to criticize? It is a conversation being had in political circles and in the media. And thank god for that. Is this not a product of the activism of our LGBT brothers and sisters who came before? Instead of picking apart the flaws of this discourse, shouldn’t we take advantage of the fact that it is being had? Maybe this is where we are placing our emphasis at this time, but we know that, as soon as this battle is won, we will damn sure be moving on to the next. We know the war is not finished until there is equality for all.

When queer people can be a united front, we cannot be stopped. We are at our greatest when we support one another. The fight for safer schools for LGBT youth is every bit as important as the battle for safer streets for trans people. Each has the potential to make the place of queer people in this world a stronger and more secure one. So, let us continue to view our movement with a critical eye and question everything. Let us always improve and refine our plans of attack. But, let us encourage and support our brothers and sisters who have chosen to give their time to the varying facets of the equality movement. Let’s face it – we have enough enemies.

US Supreme Court to Finally Address Same-Sex Marriage Debate Across All America

Setting the stage for a potentially historic ruling, the Supreme Court has announcedit will decide whether same-sex couples have a right to marry everywhere in America under the Constitution.

In a move that sets the stage for a historic final decision, the court said it would convene in April to study cases in Ohio, Michigan, Tennessee and Kentucky, which have banned same-sex marriage.

Justices will address two questions: whether states are bound by the Constitution to license a same-sex marriage, and whether a state is required to recognize same-sex marriages which took place out-of-state.

If they answer yes, same-sex marriage will become legal in all 50 US states.

“That will urge the Supreme Court to make marriage equality a reality for all Americans. It is time for our nation to take another critical step forward to ensure the fundamental equality of all Americans—no matter who they are, where they come from, or whom they love.”

Attorney General Eric Holder

The Justice Department made the decision to advocate for same-sex marriages several years ago.

“Marriage has returned to the US Supreme Court faster than virtually any other issue in American history, and there’s a simple reason for that. Committed and loving gay and lesbian couples, their children, and the fair-minded American people refuse to wait a single day longer.

We’ve reached the moment of truth … now the nine justices of the Supreme Court have an urgent opportunity to guarantee fairness for countless families, once and for all.”

Chad Griffin, Human Rights Campaign

In a landmark decision in June 2013, the Supreme Court struck down a law denying federal benefits to homosexual couples by defining marriage as a union between a man and a woman. In doing so, it cleared the way for married gay and lesbian couples to enjoy the same rights and privileges under federal law as their straight counterparts.

 

Take a Look at the Latest Marriage Equality Map of the United States

According to several polls released in 2013, a majority of Americans support same-sex marriage. Responses to Gallup’s survey on the matter suggested that most Americans would actually support a nationwide ruling in favour of same-sex marriage.

However, although the United States repealed DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act), a law that restricted benefits for married same-sex couples across the country, it’s unlikely that a law in favour of same-sex marriage would ever be instated. Instead, same-sex marriage is being decided on a state by state basis.

Some states have been forced to bring same-sex marriage into law due to court rulings that laws against same-sex marriages are unconstitutional, while rulings in other states have been left to public vote, meaning that the rights of same-sex citizens are often dictated by local bias, intolerance and political leanings. Though, a majority of states in the country do now allow same-sex marriages to take place and now we have an updated map showing marriage equality across the U.S.

The full list of states that allow for same-sex marriage are as follows: Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.

And, it’s not a state but the District of Columbia (Washington D.C) also allows for same-sex marriage. Overall it means that over 70% of American citizens reside in places where same-sex marriage can take place.

Not that there aren’t still ways to go though, as that map shows. In Missouri, the ban on same-sex marriages was repealed but Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster appealed. He didn’t request a stay and so while St. Louis, St. Louis County, and Jackson County are providing same-sex marriage licenses, other counties are awaiting the outcome of the appeal.

gay-marriage-map-01 gay-marriage-map-02

In Texas meanwhile, it looks incredibly likely that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will repeal the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. In retaliation, a bill has been introduced by Rep. Cecil Bell (R) that sees that government employees in the state “may not recognize, grant, or enforce a same-sex marriage license” and they risk losing their salary, pension and benefits if they do so.

So, other than a few politicians souring things, it looks very likely that we’ll be posting about same-sex marriage coming to other states in the U.S very soon indeed.

Lena Dunham Won’t Get Married Until Her Lesbian Sister Can Do the Same

For many Americans in same-sex relationships, marriage equality is an incredibly important issue. Like so many other Americans in opposite sex relationships, they just want to get married, exchange rings and stuff themselves full of decadently layered cake to celebrate their matrimony.

Amongst the same-sex marriage supporters’ camp is Lena Dunham, who, despite having offended plenty of people on the topics of race and class, she actually has a solid viewpoint on the topic of marriage equality.

Speaking in a radio interview with Howard Stern, the creator of the TV show Girls explained that,

“We’re not against marriage, but I want to wait until it’s something — my sister’s gay and it just doesn’t feel good to me to do something she can’t do. She can do it in some places but not all places”

Dunham has been hit with several rumours that her and boyfriend Jack Antonoff (of the band fun.) are engaged after she was spotted wearing a diamond ring on her hand last year, but apparently, this is not the case. She explains that until all 50 states in the United States of America have marriage equality, it’s just not in her future.

The position is perhaps a good one – at least one that raises awareness (‘how would you feel if the law said you couldn’t get married to the person you love?’) – but many would argue that actively campaigning for marriage equality would be a more effective strategy.

Furthermore, actors Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt once stated that they wouldn’t get married until marriage equality was a reality everywhere either. Some years later in 2014 and the two have changed their mind, having gotten married over the summer. So whether Lena Dunham sticks to her statement or not is yet to be seen, but with the recent Supreme Court rulings 30 states in the USA now have marriage equality so she may not have to wait too long to keep her promise.

[tweet_dis]Watch Lena Dunham in Rock the Vote’s ‘Turn Out for What’ Video – its Fantastic #TURNOUTFORWHAT[/tweet_dis]

US Supreme Court Action Could Lead to #MarriageEquality in 11 More States

In a surprise development, the U.S. Supreme Court announced it would not accept for review any of the seven appeals from five states. The action means that the stays placed on lower court decisions in all five states – decisions that struck down bans on marriage for same-sex couples — are immediately lifted, making way for the lower courts to issue orders requiring the states to stop enforcing their bans.

The action also means that six other states in the same federal circuits as the five states which had appeals before the high court will have to abide by the federal appeals court rulings in those circuits. All three circuits –the Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth—struck down the bans on marriage for same-sex couples.

That means that very soon, same-sex couples will be able to marry in 30 states plus the District of Columbia.

“We are thrilled the court is letting the Tenth Circuit victory stand. This is a huge step forward for Utah and the entire country. We are hopeful that the other cases pending across the country will also vindicate the freedom to marry, so that all couples, no matter where they travel or live, will be treated as equal citizens and have the same basic security and protections for their families that other Americans enjoy.”

Shannon Minter, Legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights

The announcement does not legally affect the remaining 20 states, but it could give courts in those other states and circuits some pause before upholding similar bans in those states and circuits. Some experts say they expect the Supreme Court will almost certainly take up an appeal should a federal appeals court rule such bans to be constitutional.

Prominent constitutional law scholar Laurence Tribe of Harvard University, who argued against bans on sodomy in the 1986 Bowers v. Hardwick case, said he thought there was only a 50-50 chance the court would have granted one of the existing appeals.

“As soon as a solid split emerges, I fully expect the Court to grant cert. I’d watch the Sixth Circuit if I were you.”

Laurence Tribe, Harvard University

A three-judge panel of the Sixth Circuit heard oral arguments August 6 in six marriage equality lawsuits from four states: Kentucky,Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee. The panel has yet to issue its opinion, but questions from two of the three judges during the argument gave repeated voice to various justifications for the bans.

Colbie Caillat Joins HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality

HRC released a video featuring Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Colbie Caillat. In the video, Caillat states,

“Whether you are LGBT or straight, you should be able to marry the person you love….We have to raise our voice together and demand it now, because only together can we protect love.”

Colbie Caillat

Since bursting onto the music scene in 2007, Colbie Caillat has sold millions of records worldwide and won numerous awards, including a Grammy in 2010 for her collaboration with fellow marriage equality supporter, Jason Mraz for their song “Lucky”. Caillat, whose latest video for the single “Try” has recently gone viral with over 17 million views in just three weeks, uses her platform to bring forth positive messages. By featuring girls and women of all ages, “Try” highlights the importance of empowering women to stay true to themselves, and embrace their natural beauty.

“Colbie Caillat stands with the majority of Americans who know that allowing loving gay and lesbian couples to get married only strengthens the intuition of marriage. We thank Colbie for lending her voice to this important cause, and encourage everyone to heed her call to demand marriage equality nationwide.”

Charles Joughin, HRC Spokesman

Same-sex couples can legally marry in nineteen states and the District of Columbia, while 31 states have a law or constitutional amendment restricting marriage to the union of one man and one woman. However, polling continues to show Americans moving inexorably in the direction of supporting equality for same-sex couples, and there are over 70 court cases across the country challenging bans on marriage equality.

HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality campaign seeks to advance marriage equality nationwide and provide up-to-the-minute information for lawmakers, legal experts, media, and grassroots supporters. Following the defeat of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s Proposition 8 last year, new marriage equality battles are underway in the courts, at the ballot and in public education campaigns. The campaign’s video series will draw from a cadre of supportive professional athletes, film and music celebrities, and political and civic leaders speaking out in favor of marriage rights for same-sex couples nationwide. For more information on the campaign or to see the videos visist http://americansformarriageequality.org.

CBS News Poll Shows Most Hispanics and Latinos Support Marriage Equality

CBS News has released the results of a recent poll showing a majority of Hispanics in the United States support marriage rights for same-sex couples. According to the poll results, 50% of all Hispanics and 62% of US born Hispanics believe same-sex marriage should be legal. The marriage question was asked as part of a larger survey of Americans about issues facing Hispanics.

“People from all walks of life know that it’s wrong to tell committed and loving couples they can’t get married, just because they’re gay or lesbian. A strong sense of family is the foundation of the Latino community, and marriage provides many LGBT families with the support and security they need to thrive. These poll results serve as further evidence that the country is ready for marriage equality nationwide.”

Lisbeth Melendez-Rivera, Director of Latino and Catholic Initiatives for the Human Rights Campaign.

Opponents of marriage equality, including a group known as the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), have tried to drive a wedge between minority groups and equality supporters. According to NOM’s confidential strategy documents obtained by HRC in 2012, the group aims to manipulate Hispanic communities by “making support for marriage a key badge of Latino identity” and “to make opposition to gay marriage an identity marker, a badge of youth rebellion to conformist assimilation to the bad side of ‘Anglo’ culture.”

Yet polling figures from recent months show a drastic increase in support for marriage equality among Hispanics. Overall, Hispanic support rose from 35% in 2003 to 53%t in 2013, according to the Public Religion Research Institute.

Other polls show a strong majority of Americans – 56% – favor marriage equality, with support growing among virtually every demographic group. According to ABC News / Washington Post, 77% of adults under age 30 favor marriage equality. And 40% of Republicans – an all-time high and jump of 16 points in under two years – now support marriage for gay and lesbian couples, while the number of Catholics supporting marriage has grown to 62 percent, according to the New York Times. These numbers continue to grow, with no indication that support will slow down.

Tony Hawk Joins HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality

Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has released another video ad featuring professional skateboarder and CEO Tony Hawk. This is the third video released for the re-launch of HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality video campaign. Susan Sarandon and Demi Lovato have already shown their support for marriage equality through video ads.

“Like most Americans, Tony Hawk knows that all families deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and equality under the law. We are incredibly grateful to Tony for speaking out in favor of marriage equality, and lending his voice to HRC’s fight for fairness nationwide.”

Charles Joughin, HRC

Hawk is one of the worlds most recognised action-sports figure. He regularly appears on television and in films, hosts a weekly show on the Sirius XM satellite radio network, and frequently takes his talent on the road with the Birdhouse Skateboards team.

Tony’s success and good fortune have inspired him to do what he can to help young people, so in 2002 he launched the Tony Hawk Foundation to help achieve that goal.

“We all deserve to follow our hearts, and we need to continue working until every state recognizes marriage as an equal right”

Tony Hawk

Same-sex couples can legally marry in nineteen states and the District of Columbia, while 31 states have a law or constitutional amendment restricting marriage to the union of one man and one woman. However, polling continues to show Americans moving inexorably in the direction of supporting equality for same-sex couples, and there are over 70 court cases across the country challenging bans on marriage equality.

Susan Sarandon Supports Marriage Equality in Human Rights Campaign Video

Susan Sarandon has voiced her support for marriage equality in an ‘Americans For Marriage Equality’ video by the Human Rights Campaign.

“While marriage might not be my thing, if it’s your thing you damn well ought to be able to have it equally and unequivocally. The America I want to live in celebrates diversity and believes in equal rights for all families no matter what what they look like.”

Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon’s celebrated acting career has spanned more than four decades, earning her dozens of award nominations and wins, including the 1995 Best Actress Academy Award forDead Man Walking.  Sarandon has used her fame and success for good, supporting numerous charities and goodwill efforts around the globe.  She has been honored for her work as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, as an advocate for victims of HIV/AIDS and hunger, and in 2006, she received the Action Against Hunger Humanitarian Award.

“Like most Americans, Susan Sarandon knows that all families deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and equality under the law. We are incredibly grateful to Susan for speaking out in favor of marriage equality, and for lending her powerful voice to HRC’s fight for fairness nationwide.”

Charles Joughin, HRC

This is the second video released for the re-launch of HRC’s Americans for Marriage Equality video campaign.  Earlier this month, platinum-selling recording artist and actress Demi Lovato lent her voice to the cause with a web video and an email to HRC’s more than 1.5 million members and supporters, calling on all Americans to support marriage equality.