Montana

In 2004, as discriminatory constitutional amendments were pushed in numerous states throughout the nation, Montana citizens voted on an anti-marriage constitutional amendment which passed and wrote discrimination into Montana's constitution. State advocacy groups are working to both repeal such discrimination and end the exclusion of same-sex couples and their families from marriage.

WHERE YOU CAN GO TO GET INVOLVED OR LEARN MORE:

Western Montana Gay and Lesbian Community Center
In Montana, where opportunities to socialize with other GLBTI (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex) people are few, a Community Center is a valuable resource. After much work by as task force made up of many of people, The Western Montana Gay and Lesbian Community Center (WMGLCC) opened in Missoula, Montana October 11, 1999. The WMGLCC supports the work of all community members to create and sustain a healthy community in Western Montana.

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LEGISLATIVE STATUS IN MONTANA:

Your Community—Montana
Human Rights Campaign (HRC)
HRC presents resources, news, and the current marriage and relationship recognition laws in each state.

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PUBLICATIONS:

Geographic Trends Among Same-Sex Couples in the U.S. Census and the American Community Survey
Williams Institute
November 2007
Gary Gates at the Williams Institute released groundbreaking research on the geographic trends among same-sex couples. The report finds the biggest increases in Southern and Mountain states and states barring legal acceptance of same-sex couples had larger percentage increases in same-sex couples from 2000 to 2006.

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NEWS:

Court rules church unlawful in campaign against marriage equality
First Amendment Center
October 2, 2006
The church became an "incidental campaign committee" by holding meetings, distributing petitions, and being involved in political activities.

Why we need to talk about marriage equality
Washington Blade
May 1, 2006
"Question your friend or your father about what they are saying — make them actually think about their words. Don't let go unchallenged a flippant brush-off comment about 'there's no need for gay marriage.' Put up your dukes and fight back."

State University System excludes couples from partner benefits
365Gay.com
May 9, 2005
A court ruling stated Montana's University System must provide benefits to domestic partners of its employees. Unfortunately, stringent restrictions require the couples to provide proof of partnership that many say are unreasonable.

Montana Senate endorses limited rights to gay couples
365Gay.com
March 3, 2005
The Senate approved legislation allowing residents to designate anyone, regardless of sexuality, as their next of kin. The bill also allows hospital visitation and authority to make medical decisions. The legislation now moves forward to the House.

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