Legislative
Unable to ignore the national conversation about fairness for all families, state and federal legislators are introducing bills and discussing the need to end the unfair exclusion from marriage for all loving and committed same-sex couples.
Since 2007, when the Massachusetts Legislature overwhelmingly defeated an anti-marriage Constitutional amendment, state legislative bodies in Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Maine have signed into law the freedom to marry. Meanwhile, a critical mass of lawmakers for the freedom to marry continues to grow in several key states, while legislators in places like Illinois have taken important steps toward marriage in providing a measure of protections to same-sex couples through civil union.
At the federal level, a growing number of elected legislators have supported protecting families by calling for the end of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act.” In 2009, in the U.S. House of Representatives, Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) with 90 initial co-sponsors introduced the “Respect for Marriage Act,” which would repeal “DOMA” in its entirety.
More legislators are standing on clear principle, reinvigorating the discussion about the basic American value of fairness, our shared aspirations for a secure family life, and the pursuit of happiness.
Blog Posts Related to Legislative
New Jersey Legislature scheduled to vote on marriage next week
Votes on the marriage bill are scheduled for next week in the New Jersey Assembly and Senate
Senator Reed: 104 days ≠ “very shortly”
104 days ago, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) said he would decide "very shortly" whether or not he would cosponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, the bill that would overturn DOMA. But 104 days later, he's still deciding. What's the hold up, Senator Reed?
Legislative leaders announce introduction of a marriage bill in NJ
One day before the new legislature is sworn in, legislative leaders and marriage advocates in New Jersey announced that a marriage bill will be at the top of the legislative agenda in 2012.
Resources Related to Legislative
Polling Finds Growing Support for the Freedom to Marry
A listing of marriage polling at the federal, national, and state level.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage Recognition for Same-Sex Couples in Maryland
Lambda Legal, American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Equality Maryland, and the American Civil Liberties Union: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Guide for same-sex couples in Maryland who married out of state.
Respect for Marriage Act Co-Sponsors
Which Congresspersons are currently co-sponsors of the Respect for Marriage Act?