Blog Posts for Federal
An Argument for Equality: Recapping DOMA Hearing Day
It was sunny and warm as we headed to the Joseph Moakley Federal Courthouse on Boston’s waterfront. Eight married couples, three widowers, and as many attorneys marched into the courtroom of Federal District Judge Joseph L. Tauro. The plaintiffs – all harmed by DOMA in various ways – sat in the jury box, and in an overflow courtroom next door, spectators could see them on two large flat-screen TVs.
A Date With Destiny
Nearly three years ago, my wife Melba and I started on a road that would lead us to this day. During this period, we have seen one Administration go, and another come in. We have set our hopes not in these changes but on what it means to be American where fairness and equality are concerned. Understanding, that while the stewardship may change, America’s promise of equal treatment so intrinsic to the life of its citizens must remain a pledge for all. It is in search of this promise that we stand before this court today.
Today, we along with our co-plaintiffs in Gill et al vs. Office of Personnel Management et al will have our claims heard. And we will listen to our Attorney Mary Bonauto present the merits of our case. We will see opposing counsel do their best to present the merits of theirs. And we’ll stand before a U.S. Federal District Court and the presiding Judge Joseph L. Tauro for the first time in our lives; and trust that on this one Massachusetts morning, on this one day in Boston — the principles of justice and equality will prevail.
About To Make History Again
David Wilson and Rob Compton were plaintiffs in the Goodridge case that ended marriage discrimination against same-sex couples in Massachusetts. In anticipation of the May 6 hearing in GLAD’s DOMA challenge, we asked David to reflect on the experience of watching Mary Bonauto argue in court.
Tax Day and the LGBT Party
There has been much argument about taxes lately. Yesterday, the Tea Party Express brought some of this talk to the Boston Common, just outside my office window.
I believe that paying taxes is a responsibility that comes with being an American citizen. We must share the costs of maintaining and improving our country’s infrastructure and security, and of providing the services that benefit all of us. But I also believe that the tax system must be administered fairly, and without discrimination.
So, as another tax day rolls around, I find myself reflecting on the particular relationship the LGBT community has to paying taxes.
The Day of the O’Donnabhain Decision
At just past 3:30 on the day of the O’Donnabhain decision, Tuesday, February 2nd, we heard yelling coming from the legal wing of GLAD’s office. “We won! We won!” Though everyone had been waiting for this decision for 2 ½ years, the news was at first too general, too random. We won? Who is we? And what was won?
2010 Census - It’s Personal and Political
It’s not just Uncle Sam - GLAD wants you to take part in the 2010 census!
This is an historic opportunity to show who we are as families. For the first time, the census will count married same-sex couples, in addition to counting same-sex couples living in the same household.
DOMA Damages Same-Sex Families and Their Children
(Excerpted from the ABA Family Advocate)
As Justice Ginsburg famously noted in 1996, the history of our constitution is the history of extending constitutional protections to those who were once ignored or excluded from American society. [United States v. Virginia, 518 U.S. 515 (1996)]. That journey to citizenship is well under way for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Americans as well.
Inclusive ENDA: Passage is Essential
The first Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) bill that would create a federal law prohibiting workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was introduced into Congress fifteen years ago. Fifteen years feels like a very long time given the progress that has been made generally on LGBT social issues and understanding during that same time span.
From the Atlantic: Challenges to DOMA Have Only Begun
Wendy Kaminer blogs at the Atlantic about GLAD’s DOMA challenge:
Boston Pride 2009
What a beautiful day for Boston Pride 2009! We had a great group of marchers: staff, board, current and former plaintiffs, supporters and volunteers, and several first-time marchers.