LGBTQ news and entertainment
According to a new Marquette University poll, support for marriage equality in Wisconsin now measures at 55% versus 37% opposing same-sex marriage.
A federal judge is currently considering the constitutionality of the state’s ban on the freedom to marry. A ruling is expected soon.
More than sixteen and a half million Americans gained marriage equality last week, with decisive victories in Oregon and Pennsylvania.
There are brand new lawsuits in the last few states that needed one.
And the National Organization for Marriage has suffered even more losses this week.
Nevada, my current home state, has finally gotten a date for arguments in the Ninth Circuit Court regarding a challenge of the state’s same-sex marriage ban.
From Equality On Trial:
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered Sevcik v. Sandoval, Lambda Legal’s challenge to Nevada’s same-sex marriage ban, to be placed on their argument calendar.
The case will be argued some time in September, though the order doesn’t specify an exact date.
Last night, the plaintiffs filed a request with the appeals court to schedule their case no later than a separate challenge to Idaho’s same-sex marriage ban.
The Nevada case has been on appeal in the Ninth Circuit since December 2012, while the Idaho appeal was only docketed a couple of weeks ago.
The original case was decided against the plaintiffs on September 26, 2012. Although briefs were filed months ago, the appeal has been put on hold while the court looked to other cases.
After an entire season of planning, Cameron (Eric Stonestreet) and Mitchell (Jesse Tyler Ferguson) finally walked down the aisle in the season 5 finale of “Modern Family.”
In the wake of several states legalizing same-sex marriage and a Gallup poll showing support for marriage equality is at an all-time high, Cam and Mitch’s wedding is a timely end to the season.
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has already filed a request for a federal judge to stay any order regarding same-sex marriage she may issue.
Van Hollen, a Republican, filed the motion to stay on today in advance of any future order.
During an interview with WISN-TV last weekend, Van Hollen said he expects the state to lose its case. Many court watchers feel this further telegraphs a sense that Van Hollen expects U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to rule against the state.
Six couples have filed a lawsuit challenging the current same-sex marriage ban in South Dakota:
Nancy and Jennie Rosenbrahn of Rapid City are among the couples who filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls Thursday. The two married in Minnesota in April.
“I think what matters is that we’re all sending a message to either the Supreme Court or the legislators in Washington, D.C., that this has got to stop,” Nancy Rosenbrahn said Wednesday, reports the Associated Press.
The South Dakota legislature passed a law barring gay and lesbian couples from marrying in 1996, and voters across the state approved a constitutional amendment to that effect in 2006. The state attorney general, Marty Jackley, said it is his responsibility to defend the law, according to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.
“If there is going to be a change, then that change should come from the voters of South Dakota at the ballot box,” he said.
North Dakota is now the only state in the US which outlaws same-sex marriage with no legal challenge.
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| Bruce Hanes |
Last year, Pennsylvania’s marriage equality journey took a huge step forward when Montgomery County Clerk Bruce Hanes began issuing marriage licenses to any same-sex couples who applied.
In time, Hanes was admonished by the governor, ordered to stop and was promptly sued by the Pennsylvania Department of Health along with the Governor.
In light of yesterday’s ruling that the state’s same-sex marriage ban was unconstitutional, the lawsuit against Hanes will be dropped today:
Wednesday night, Frank Custer, the Director of Communications of Montgomery County, told NBC10 that in light of the recent court ruling, Hanes would once again be allowed to issue the marriage licenses.
“It is our understanding that the PA Department of Health tonight will file a “letter of no objection” with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court concerning the stay preventing Montco Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes from issuing same sex marriage licenses,” Custer said in a written release.
“This should allow the Supreme Court to issue a ruling tomorrow allowing Mr. Hanes to resume issuing those licenses.”
After the federal judge struck down the state’s same-sex marriage ban on Tuesday, Hanes said he was looking forward to having the restrictions that were implemented by the lawsuit lifted.
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| Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett |
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett issued this statement today on his website:
“I have thoroughly reviewed Judge Jones’ opinion in the Whitewood case. Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion and on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision.
As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not wavered. I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. My duties as Governor require that I follow the laws as interpreted by the Courts and make a judgment as to the likelihood of a successful appeal.
“Throughout the debate on this important and meaningful issue, I have maintained that Commonwealth officials and agencies would follow the provisions of Pennsylvania’s marriage law unless or until a court says otherwise. The court has spoken, and I will ensure that my administration follows the provisions of Judge Jones’ order with respect for all parties.
It is my hope that as the important issue of same-sex relationships continues to be addressed in our society, that all involved be treated with respect.”
Chris Matthews of MSNBC’s Hardball reported on yesterday’s ruling in Pennsylvania and the large number of gay marriage bans being overturned across the country. NBC’s Justice correspondent Pete Williams talks with Matthews about when a case might reach the Supreme Court.
Matthews was then joined by Prop. 8 attorney Ted Boutros and gay Pennsylvania state Rep. Brian Sims to continue the discussion.
Joe Jervis of JoeMyGod points out the delicious irony in the 2002 press release below from then Sen. Rick Santorum – premier advocate for anti-gay animus.
Santorum personally recommended then Attorney John Jones for the judgeship he now holds in Pennsylvania after being nominated by President Bush.
That would be the same Judge John Jones who overturned Pennsylvania’s same-sex marriage ban today 🙂
“Attorneys Jones and Conner are highly qualified to assume the important role of Judge and the duty of protecting the Constitution and ensuring the effective operation of our judicial system.
“Since the onset of the war against terrorism, our federal judiciary has taken on an even higher level of importance, and it is imperative that we provide our courts with the resources necessary to enforce the rule of law.
“These judgeships are vital to our national security goals, and I urge my colleagues to work with the President to fill these vacancies in a timely manner.”