Chris Geidner
Federal Government Begins Extending Employee Benefits To Same-Sex Spouses
"[F]or the first time in history, we will be making important federal employee benefits, including healthcare and retirement benefits, available to eligible married gay and lesbian couples and their families," Obama said in a statement Friday afternoon. Office of Personnel Management acting director Elaine Kaplan issued a memorandum implementing the changes.
Chris Geidner
Federal Judge Applies DOMA Ruling To Halt Michigan Ban On Partner Benefits
"[T]he Court takes guidance from the Supreme Court's decision invalidating DOMA," U.S. District Court Judge David M. Lawson wrote. The move puts a temporary halt on Michigan's ban on partner benefits for public employees.
Chris Geidner
Boy Scouts Bar Scouts From Wearing Uniform In Gay Pride Parades Or Flag Ceremonies
Wearing a uniform in a pride parade or even a flag ceremony at a pride event is a "violation of the Scout Oath and Scout Law," official says. Advocates called the application of the "longstanding" policy uneven, citing candidates' events and other parades.
Chris Geidner
What Actually Happened At The Supreme Court?
The Supreme Court issued two big decisions on Wednesday. So, what did the decisions do? What did the decisions not do? What remains up in the air?
Chris Geidner
Family Research Council Responds To Marriage Rulings With Choice Language
"On our knees for America." June 30, 2013.
Chris Geidner
Supreme Court Denies Appeal By Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer On Domestic Partner Benefits Case
In denying appeals in 10 gay-rights cases, the high court clears its docket — and deals a loss to the Arizona governor. The Arizona law ending domestic partner benefits has been called discriminatory — and is on hold for now — but Brewer says the case is simply about the state budget.
Chris Geidner
Edie Windsor Talks About Her Victory: "It Just Feels Glorious"
"I had pretty much the same reaction as almost everyone in the room: We were all crying," the marriage plaintiff tells BuzzFeed. Windsor and her lawyer, Roberta Kaplan, share their thoughts about a historic victory.
Chris Geidner
Supreme Court Tips Scales Of Justice Toward Marriage Equality
Closely divided rulings striking down the Defense of Marriage Act's recognition ban and ending California's Proposition 8 marriage amendment nonetheless signal a sea change. "Within five years, we will bring marriage equality to all 50 states in the U.S.," HRC head says.
Chris Geidner
Supreme Court Strikes Down Defense Of Marriage Act, Dismisses Prop 8 Appeal
Updated: The decisions are considered major victories for gay rights. Married same-sex couples will now be federally recognized in 13 states, plus D.C. "When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free," Obama said.
Chris Geidner
The Two Couples Challenging Prop 8 Arrive At Supreme Court
The justices are expected to issue a decision this morning.
Chris Geidner
After Four Decades Of Fighting, Gay Couples Wait On The Cusp Of History
Marriage between same-sex couples was seen as an impossibility by courts in the early 1970s. While the country has moved significantly on the issue, the Supreme Court's expected rulings on Wednesday in two major cases addressing gay couples' right could change that dramatically — and, possibly, forever.
Chris Geidner
Supreme Court Strikes Down Key Provision In Voting Rights Act
Chief Justice John Roberts throws the task of modernizing the law to Congress.
Chris Geidner
LGBT Military Group Held Emergency Board Meeting To Discuss Leader's Ouster
The OutServe-SLDN board of directors held a Sunday night conference call to discuss the status of the organization and its leader, Allyson Robinson. Update: Saying she will continue to lead the organization "in the near term," Robinson said Monday afternoon, "I have decided of my own accord to step down ...."
Chris Geidner
Supreme Court Punts Final Decision On Affirmative Action Policies
High court tells lower courts considering affirmative action programs that they must conclude that "no workable race-neutral alternatives would produce the educational benefits of diversity."
Chris Geidner
In All Four Big Cases, Supreme Court's Decision Could Be Not To Decide
A procedural question about whether the right party is before the court could be a hurdle for the pending Supreme Court cases involving the Defense of Marriage Act, California's Proposition 8, affirmative action policies, and the Voting Rights Act.
Chris Geidner
LGBT Military Group's Board Ousts Leader, Prompting Staff And Board Resignations
Allyson Robinson took over the helm of OutServe-SLDN last October, the first out transgender leader of a national LGBT rights organization whose primary focus is not solely transgender issues. "You cannot characterize this publicly as a 'unanimous' vote of the Board," a now-resigned board member says.
Chris Geidner
Eric Fanning, Out Gay Man, Takes Over As Acting Secretary Of The Air Force
With the retirement of Air Force Secretary Michael Donley, the undersecretary, Fanning, will serve as the civilian leader of the Air Force.
Chris Geidner
Snowden Charged For NSA Document Leak, According To Reports Obtained Through Leaks
Although Edward Snowden's reported charges were filed under seal, "officials" told The Washington Post and NBC News about their filing. "Will these same people cheering Snowden's prosecution demand an criminal investigation into that?" Glenn Greenwald tells BuzzFeed.
Chris Geidner
Obama's FBI Nominee Is More Supportive Of Marriage Equality Than His New Bosses
James Comey and several Republicans told the Supreme Court that it should strike down bans on same-sex couples' marrying, a ruling that would apply across the nation. The Obama administration told the court to avoid that issue, and instead only decide the case in a way that would affect California and seven other states.
Chris Geidner
Supreme Court Strikes Down Anti-Prostitution Pledge On Free Speech Grounds
Chief justice sets limits on the conditions the federal government can set for groups that accept federal money. Justices Scalia and Thomas disagreed.
Chris Geidner
