OPINION: MD’s highest court rules against marriage equality: Why, in this area, litigation still mat
Posted on Oct 02, 2007 at 05:42 pm
FindLaw's Writ
October 2, 2007
Despite the existence of pro- or anti-freedom to marry laws in nearly every state, litigation is still very relevant. This article provides a rundown of how it can be relevant in various states. [Link]
October 2, 2007
Despite the existence of pro- or anti-freedom to marry laws in nearly every state, litigation is still very relevant. This article provides a rundown of how it can be relevant in various states. [Link]
MD marriage ruling leads to vows for legislation in General Assembly
Posted on Sep 29, 2007 at 02:21 pm
The Sentinel
September 29, 2007
State Sen. Gwendolyn Britt (D-Dist. 47) and Del. Victor Ramirez (D-Dist. 47) have both announced they would sponsor legislation in 2008 to allow same-sex couples to wed. Ramirez is championing the freedom to marry saying his cultural heritage allows him to identify with the desire for equal rights under the law. "Latinos and everyone fighting for equality, justice and freedom understand the importance of having the same opportunities and importance of being treated with fairness and compassion." [link]
September 29, 2007
State Sen. Gwendolyn Britt (D-Dist. 47) and Del. Victor Ramirez (D-Dist. 47) have both announced they would sponsor legislation in 2008 to allow same-sex couples to wed. Ramirez is championing the freedom to marry saying his cultural heritage allows him to identify with the desire for equal rights under the law. "Latinos and everyone fighting for equality, justice and freedom understand the importance of having the same opportunities and importance of being treated with fairness and compassion." [link]
Non-gay allies integral to MD marriage fight
Posted on Sep 28, 2007 at 02:31 pm
Washington Blade
September 28, 2007
Del. Todd Schuler (D-Baltimore County) said he plans to co-sponsor a civil marriage bill when it is introduced in the House of Delegates. He said he thinks about his wife and how he would feel if she were in an accident and he could not make decisions about her care. "I don't know what I would do," he said. "If they extend marriage rights to anyone, they should extend them to everyone. Churches don't have any right to tell the state who they can and cannot marry, any more than the state has the right to tell anyone who they can and cannot marry." [Link]
September 28, 2007
Del. Todd Schuler (D-Baltimore County) said he plans to co-sponsor a civil marriage bill when it is introduced in the House of Delegates. He said he thinks about his wife and how he would feel if she were in an accident and he could not make decisions about her care. "I don't know what I would do," he said. "If they extend marriage rights to anyone, they should extend them to everyone. Churches don't have any right to tell the state who they can and cannot marry, any more than the state has the right to tell anyone who they can and cannot marry." [Link]
OPINION: Continuing the fight
Posted on Sep 28, 2007 at 02:25 pm
Washington Blade
September 28, 2007
Dan Furmansky, the Executive Director of Equality Maryland reflected on the disappointing decision in the Maryland marriage case: "Equality Maryland's staff and board members share your feelings of disbelief and shock. We are taking the time to be angry and sad, but rest assured, we are already moving ahead. As you have likely heard, we will be asking the Maryland General Assembly to pass the Religious Freedom & Civil Marriage Protection Act during the 2008 session." [Link]
September 28, 2007
Dan Furmansky, the Executive Director of Equality Maryland reflected on the disappointing decision in the Maryland marriage case: "Equality Maryland's staff and board members share your feelings of disbelief and shock. We are taking the time to be angry and sad, but rest assured, we are already moving ahead. As you have likely heard, we will be asking the Maryland General Assembly to pass the Religious Freedom & Civil Marriage Protection Act during the 2008 session." [Link]
COMMENTARY: Marriage still overcoming past
Posted on Apr 19, 2007 at 02:36 pm
Examiner
April 19, 2007
When Maryland's highest court heard oral arguments in the lawsuit seeking marriage for same-sex couples in December, James and Colette Roberts paid attention. These Marylanders, married in 1959, could not have done so in the Free State at that time because state law prohibited interracial marriages until 1967. [Link]
April 19, 2007
When Maryland's highest court heard oral arguments in the lawsuit seeking marriage for same-sex couples in December, James and Colette Roberts paid attention. These Marylanders, married in 1959, could not have done so in the Free State at that time because state law prohibited interracial marriages until 1967. [Link]
Discriminatory marriage ban dies in MD, but so does trans rights bill
Posted on Mar 30, 2007 at 02:38 pm
Washington Blade
March 30, 2007
Maryland lawmakers have killed an attempt to write discrimination against same-sex couples into the state constitution for the fourth consecutive year. But the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature failed to pass a measure to bar discrimination against the state's transgender residents and workers. [Link]
March 30, 2007
Maryland lawmakers have killed an attempt to write discrimination against same-sex couples into the state constitution for the fourth consecutive year. But the overwhelmingly Democratic legislature failed to pass a measure to bar discrimination against the state's transgender residents and workers. [Link]
Marriage ripe for decision in 2 courts
Posted on Mar 01, 2007 at 01:04 pm
Stateline.org
March 1, 2007
All eyes now are on the highest courts in California, Connecticut and Maryland, where decisions on the constitutionality of marriage discrimination are likely this year. California and Connecticut are appeals that will test whether civil unions or domestic partnerships are legally inadequate substitutes for matrimony. [link]
March 1, 2007
All eyes now are on the highest courts in California, Connecticut and Maryland, where decisions on the constitutionality of marriage discrimination are likely this year. California and Connecticut are appeals that will test whether civil unions or domestic partnerships are legally inadequate substitutes for matrimony. [link]
Maryland Marriage Equality Lawsuit
Posted on Dec 08, 2006 at 12:45 pm
MD awaits marriage ruling
Washington Blade
December 8, 2006
Legal experts familiar with the Maryland marriage lawsuit said a strong argument was made for marriage equality, but judges offered few clues as to how they might rule in the high-profile case. "I think how the court rules will, in part, depend on the climate we create that enables the court to do the right thing," said Evan Wolfson. "The court does not operate in a vacuum."[Link]
Washington Blade
December 8, 2006
Legal experts familiar with the Maryland marriage lawsuit said a strong argument was made for marriage equality, but judges offered few clues as to how they might rule in the high-profile case. "I think how the court rules will, in part, depend on the climate we create that enables the court to do the right thing," said Evan Wolfson. "The court does not operate in a vacuum."[Link]Former NAACP Head Speaks Out in Support of Marriage Equality
Posted on Jan 23, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Washington Blade
January 23, 2006
"As someone who was raised to believe in traditional marriage, it does not mean others cannot have beliefs," Mfume said. "I recognize [civil union] laws don't cover all the benefits and all the rights that could and should be accrued to same-sex couples." [Link]
January 23, 2006
"As someone who was raised to believe in traditional marriage, it does not mean others cannot have beliefs," Mfume said. "I recognize [civil union] laws don't cover all the benefits and all the rights that could and should be accrued to same-sex couples." [Link]