Emory researchers: Marriage equality bans increase HIV infections
Posted on Jun 12, 2009 at 08:43 am
Sovo.com
June 12, 2009
Withholding the freedom to marry and other signs of intolerance of homosexuality can be tied to a rise in HIV infection rates, according to a new study by economists at Atlanta’s Emory University. Hugo Mialon and Andrew Francis, both assistant professors of economics at Emory, used mathematical models to compare HIV rates to a variety of markers of tolerance for gays, including laws and constitutional amendments banning marriage equality. As tolerance increases, HIV rates decrease, the researchers found. “Once again we see evidence that ending [marriage] exclusion improves the health of individuals and, thus, the community as a whole. It makes perfect sense that if we as a society believe that marriage brings good to people, it would be good for gay people, too,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a national organization devoted to the cause. “And now we know that the freedom to marry is not just about healthy families, it’s about families’ health.” [Link]
June 12, 2009
Withholding the freedom to marry and other signs of intolerance of homosexuality can be tied to a rise in HIV infection rates, according to a new study by economists at Atlanta’s Emory University. Hugo Mialon and Andrew Francis, both assistant professors of economics at Emory, used mathematical models to compare HIV rates to a variety of markers of tolerance for gays, including laws and constitutional amendments banning marriage equality. As tolerance increases, HIV rates decrease, the researchers found. “Once again we see evidence that ending [marriage] exclusion improves the health of individuals and, thus, the community as a whole. It makes perfect sense that if we as a society believe that marriage brings good to people, it would be good for gay people, too,” said Evan Wolfson, executive director of Freedom to Marry, a national organization devoted to the cause. “And now we know that the freedom to marry is not just about healthy families, it’s about families’ health.” [Link]
For Gay Couples, Married Matters
Posted on May 24, 2009 at 01:11 pm
Boston Globe
May 24, 2009
Five years after the first same-sex weddings in Massachusetts, gay and lesbian couples express deeply traditional reasons for deciding to wed and cite equally conventional benefits flowing from marriage, according to a study being released this week. The survey indicates that there is something universal about the legal protections and social advantages afforded by the institution of marriage, said the study's authors from the University of California, Los Angeles as well as independent researchers. [link]
May 24, 2009
Five years after the first same-sex weddings in Massachusetts, gay and lesbian couples express deeply traditional reasons for deciding to wed and cite equally conventional benefits flowing from marriage, according to a study being released this week. The survey indicates that there is something universal about the legal protections and social advantages afforded by the institution of marriage, said the study's authors from the University of California, Los Angeles as well as independent researchers. [link]
The Battle Over Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
Posted on May 21, 2009 at 10:14 am
Wall Street Journal
May 21, 2009
Gay and lesbian couples wed in Massachusetts are challenging the law that keeps them from getting federal marital benefits. Plaintiffs say DOMA means they pay higher taxes because they can't file a joint return, and they can't collect spousal Social Security benefits, among other restrictions. Their lawsuit argues that the government discriminates against their marriages and infringes on their constitutional right to equal protection under the Fifth Amendment. [Link]
May 21, 2009
Gay and lesbian couples wed in Massachusetts are challenging the law that keeps them from getting federal marital benefits. Plaintiffs say DOMA means they pay higher taxes because they can't file a joint return, and they can't collect spousal Social Security benefits, among other restrictions. Their lawsuit argues that the government discriminates against their marriages and infringes on their constitutional right to equal protection under the Fifth Amendment. [Link]
LETTER: Benefits for Gay Couples
Posted on Mar 20, 2009 at 10:27 am
New York Times
March 19, 2009
Gary Buseck, legal director for Gay & Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, responds to a Times article about Obama's looming decision on whether to extend health benefits to partners of gay federal employees: "The path of destruction of the Defense of Marriage Act is wide. It must be removed from our laws [...]" [Link]
Professional Groups Back Marriage Equality in Vermont
Posted on Mar 10, 2009 at 11:07 am
The Burlington Free Press
March 10, 2009
Four major Vermont groups of social and mental health professionals, including the Vermont Psychological Association, announced their endorsement of proposed marriage equality legislation in their state. [Link]
Federal judge rules denial of health coverage to same-sex spouse unconstitutional
Posted on Feb 05, 2009 at 04:33 pm
Los Angeles Times Blog
February 5, 2009
A federal judge has deemed unconstitutional the government's denial of healthcare coverage and other benefits to the same-sex spouse of a Los Angeles public defender, calling into question the validity of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. [Link]
February 5, 2009
A federal judge has deemed unconstitutional the government's denial of healthcare coverage and other benefits to the same-sex spouse of a Los Angeles public defender, calling into question the validity of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. [Link]
Anti-Gay Marriage Amendments Spark Psychological Distress Among GLBT Adults and Their Families
Posted on Nov 18, 2008 at 02:53 pm
Newswire
November 18, 2008
Amendments that restrict civil marriage from same-sex couples – such as Proposition 8 that recently passed in California – have led to higher levels of stress and anxiety among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults, as well as among their families of origin, according to several new studies to be published by the American Psychological Association. [Link]
Read more studies.
November 18, 2008
Amendments that restrict civil marriage from same-sex couples – such as Proposition 8 that recently passed in California – have led to higher levels of stress and anxiety among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults, as well as among their families of origin, according to several new studies to be published by the American Psychological Association. [Link]
Read more studies.
Study: Relationships of legally recognized gay couples last longer
Posted on Aug 27, 2008 at 10:34 am
365Gay.com
August 26, 2008
“There are many ways that a legal couple status may support a relationship - more family understanding, acceptance by friends and co-workers, greater commitment that results from a public declaration, and enhanced legal protections in the form of healthcare benefits and community property,” said Robert-Jay Green, executive director of the Rockway Institute. [Link]
August 26, 2008
“There are many ways that a legal couple status may support a relationship - more family understanding, acceptance by friends and co-workers, greater commitment that results from a public declaration, and enhanced legal protections in the form of healthcare benefits and community property,” said Robert-Jay Green, executive director of the Rockway Institute. [Link]
Getting married for health insurance
Posted on Apr 29, 2008 at 11:34 am
Los Angeles Times
April 29, 2008
Seven percent of Americans say they or someone in their household decided to tie the knot in the last year so they could receive healthcare benefits, a poll finds. (Link)
April 29, 2008
Seven percent of Americans say they or someone in their household decided to tie the knot in the last year so they could receive healthcare benefits, a poll finds. (Link)
NY Court Strikes Down Gay Pension Ruling
Posted on Mar 31, 2008 at 03:47 pm
365Gay.com
March 31, 2008
A New York appeals court has vacated the ruling of a lower court that a gay man was not entitled to spousal health insurance benefits even though he and his spouse were lawfully married in Canada. [Link]
March 31, 2008
A New York appeals court has vacated the ruling of a lower court that a gay man was not entitled to spousal health insurance benefits even though he and his spouse were lawfully married in Canada. [Link]