Marriage News
Next steps to marriage in Maine!
On June 30th, EqualityMaine and Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders were joined by Lewiston Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert, Sr. and United Methodist Pastor Michael Gray in announcing that they will be redoubling their efforts to continue leading Maine on its journey toward marriage equality in the …
Congratulations to New York on Achieving Marriage Equality
GLAD today offered congratulations to the state of New York, where the legislature — with bipartisan support—passed a marriage equality bill, which Gov. Andrew Cuomo will sign into law.
“We applaud the elected officials in New York who championed full equality,” said Gary Buseck, acting …
U.S. House Files Motion to Intervene in GLAD’s DOMA Challenge
The U.S. House of Representatives filed a motion to intervene May 20 in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management the multi-plaintiff challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), filed by GLAD with co-counsel Foley Hoag LLP, Sullivan & Worcester and Jenner & Block in March 2009.
…DOJ Backs Away Again From DOMA
The Department of Justice followed Wednesday’s withdrawal from two DOMA cases in the Second Circuit, including GLAD’s Pedersen v. OPM by notifying the clerk of the First Circuit that they will also “cease to defend” the two consolidated DOMA cases, Gill v. Office of Personnel Management and …
GLAD Statement on DOJ’s Announcement it Won’t Defend Constitutionality of DOMA in Pedersen
Statement of Mary L. Bonauto, GLAD Civil Rights Project Director
The Department of Justice announced today that it will not defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in two challenges pending in the District Courts within the jurisdiction of the Second …
GLAD Launches New Website for Maine Marriage Equality Stories
Today, GLAD launched a new website campaign in collaboration with EqualityMaine to help bolster public support for marriage equality. Maine LGBT couples are encouraged to submit their stories to the site to help spread the word that LGBT couples in Maine are severely disadvantaged without …
GLAD Files Second Legal Challenge to DOMA
On November 9, 2010 GLAD is filing our second major, multi-plaintiff lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and the government’s denial of protections and responsibilities to married gay and lesbian couples. This new action specifically addresses …
Government Appeals GLAD’s Victory in DOMA Lawsuit
Today, the Department of Justice filed a notice of appeal in Gill v. Office of Personnel Management, GLAD’s challenge to Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). The case was heard in May 2010 by U.S. District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro, who issued a decision finding DOMA Section 3 …
Poll Shows Majority in Rhode Island Support Marriage Equality
Today, the Rhode Island Marriage Coalition (RIMC) released the results of a new poll showing that 59 percent of Rhode Island voters support allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in the state. This marks the first time a majority of voters voiced support for marriage equality since advocates …
Federal Court Strikes Down DOMA Section 3
Today, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph L. Tauro ruled that Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional with respect to claims brought by seven married same-sex couples and three widowers from Massachusetts. Under the ruling, the plaintiffs are entitled to the same federal …