Connecticut’s First Same-Sex Unions Proceed Civilly
Posted on Oct 02, 2005 at 03:33 pm
Lidia Agramonte and Maria Gomez were the first in line at the Hartford City Hall Saturday morning, when Connecticut's civil union law took effect. Connecticut's legislature was the first to create a "civil union" status without a court order to do so, and now provides same-sex couples most of the state-level legal rights as different-sex married couples, though not marriage itself, with all its intangible meaning and importance, or federal and interstate protections and security. Despite the smiles and occasional tears, this was nothing like the hoopla when Vermont began civil unions in 2000, or the midnight ceremonies kicking off Massachusett's marriage celebrations last year. Randy Sharp, third in line with his partner says, "It's bittersweet because we're being treated as second-class citizens. It's not full marriage equality." [Link]
Marriage Equality Enters a New Era, but the Fight Continues on
Posted on Sep 20, 2005 at 03:28 pm
105 lawmakers in Mass. have recently moved to the side of fairness helping squash a proposed marriage amendment in the only state, so far, where everyone has the freedom to marry. The California legislature's historical vote said 'yes' to marriage equality. Connecticut created civil unions for same-sex couples, without a court order. Polls are reflecting a shift in public opinion as more people move toward equality and fairness. Freedom to Marry's Evan Wolfson says, "we've entered a new era. It doesn't mean we'll win overnight, but it means we've turned the tide." Though much work remains in the efforts to win marriage equality nationwide, many are busy organizing, volunteering and raising money to help win and defend their right to marry. [Link]
NTERVIEW: Author Evan Wolfson brings a lawyer’s clarity to the discussion of same-sex marriage “righ
Posted on Aug 15, 2005 at 02:49 pm
BuzzFlash
August 15, 2005
BuzzFlash interviews Evan Wolfson, author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry and head of Freedom to Marry. A review in the Oregonian said it best: "Armed with Wolfson's arguments, you could sell anyone with an IQ over room temperature on the wisdom and humanity of marriage equality." [Link]
August 15, 2005
BuzzFlash interviews Evan Wolfson, author of Why Marriage Matters: America, Equality, and Gay People's Right to Marry and head of Freedom to Marry. A review in the Oregonian said it best: "Armed with Wolfson's arguments, you could sell anyone with an IQ over room temperature on the wisdom and humanity of marriage equality." [Link]
Supreme Court Nominee’s Positions on Gay Equality Matters
Posted on Aug 11, 2005 at 03:25 pm
The recent discovery revealing Supreme Court Justice nominee John Roberts' pro bono work on the groundbreaking Romer vs. Evans case, striking down an anti-gay ballot initiative in Colorado, brings up questions on both sides of the fence. Gay rights groups wonder whether or not Roberts truly believes the Romer case ruling was correctly decided, and whether he believes the Constitution contains a right to privacy. Evan Wolfson, head of Freedom to Marry, comments, "Everybody's in favor of judicial restraint, but what does that mean? If it means not acting as a check against majoritarian excesses or upholding constitutional rights against improper government action, then restraint is not something admirable." [Link]
Majority of Americans Support Rights for Same-Sex Couples
Posted on Aug 03, 2005 at 03:24 pm
A recent poll from the Pew Research Center reveals that more Americans have moved on the side of fairness and equality, favoring same-sex couples to have the same rights as married couples. "This is exactly what the right wing is afraid of," says Evan Wolfson," executive director of Freedom to Marry and author of Why Marriage Matters. "If we stick with the conversation and persist in engaging the non-gay public on marriage equality the public will move to fairness." [Link]
TV Networks Pull Biases in Exchange for Inclusion of Same-Sex Couples
Posted on Jul 08, 2005 at 03:22 pm
After meeting with officials from the Gay & Lesbian Association Against Defamation (GLAAD) and encountering many protests over the show's anti-gay tone in its beginning episodes, ABC decided to pull its 6-episode reality show, "Welcome to the Neighborhood." This follows a decision by NBC to revise applicant requirements allowing same-sex couples to enter it's "Today Hosts a Hometown Wedding" contest. Equality supporters like Freedom to Marry executive director Evan Wolfson applaud GLAAD's work in allowing the American public to view the reality of loving same-sex couples seeking marriage rather than the scare tactics from the opposition.
Spain, Canada Laws Provide Valuable Lesson for U.S.
Posted on Jun 30, 2005 at 03:19 pm
The progress of laws ending marriage discrimination in Canada and Spain has given gay advocates a chance to celebrate equality and recommit to the struggle at home. Prominent gay leaders such as Freedom to Marry executive director Evan Wolfson applauded the virtuous example saying, "The victories in these countries show that families are helped and no one is hurt when discrimination ends." [Link]
Church Leader Endorses the Freedom to Marry
Posted on Jun 29, 2005 at 03:18 pm
Rev. John H. Thomas, head of the United Church of Christ, publicly endorsed a proposed resolution supporting the freedom for same-sex couples to marry. Thomas said the UCC should affirm the rights of GLBT Americans to have marriages "equal in name, privileges and responsibilities to married heterosexual couples." The announcement comes just days before the annual meeting of the General Synod in Atlanta.
US Supreme Court Sees New Round of Issues, Including Gay Rights
Posted on Jun 27, 2005 at 03:14 pm
While speculation on the composition of the nation's highest court continues, one thing remains clear, the nine justices have a slew of new issues to tackle. Since 2003's Lawrence v. Texas decision, the court has shyed from taking on other gay rights cases; however, it's certain the court must eventually address discriminatory legislation against gays including the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy and the exclusion of marriage. [Link]
Freedom To Marry Head Responds to Gays’ First Marriage Anniversaries
Posted on May 17, 2005 at 03:13 pm
Evan Wolfson is hopeful about the influence of marriages in Massachusetts over time. He says it serves as "[A] standard of equality that others will aspire to and define themselves by," adding it is a "living example of fairness and family values." [Link]