Table of Contents
A Sign of Hope
December 18, 2023, the Vatican said in a landmark ruling approved by Pope Francis that Roman Catholic priests can administer blessings to same-sex couples as long as they are not part of regular Church rituals or liturgies. A document from the Vatican’s doctrinal office, which effectively reversed a declaration the same body had issued in 2021, said such blessings would not legitimize irregular situations but be a sign that God welcomes all.
See: Reuters “Vatican approves blessings for same-sex couples in landmark ruling” by Philip Pullella, 2023-12-18
|
Anti-LGBT Action
“Trump Walls Off LGBT Humans” by Demian
Posted to Daily Kos on July 14, 2020,
updated, until he was removed from office.
.
Horrifying events perpetrated by the Trump administration. Designed to disenfranchise, through numerous anti-gay political actions. More than three years of unmitigated hatred, designed to wipe out recognition of our humanity.
|
Legal Marriage Notes
- On September 12, 2019, Immigration Equality and Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit against the U.S. State Department for refusing to recognize the birthright citizenship of Adiel and Roee Kiviti’s six-month old daughter, Kessem. The U.S. government does not recognize Adiel and Roee’s marriage and is treating Kessem as though she was born out of wedlock.
Click here for background, and up-to-date data from Immigration Equality
- On June 26, 2015, the United States Supreme Court declared that denying same-sex couples the freedom to marry violates the U.S. Constitution. This decision extends the freedom to marry to all same-sex couples nationwide.
Please see our article: Rulings Leading to Supreme Court Finding for Legal Marriage Equality
This ruling was followed by several states breaking the law, continuing to deny legal marriage for same-sex couples, as well as numerous legislative attempts that were designed to damage the lives of LGBT same-sex couples. Since 2013 — two years before the right to marry was obtained — there was a record-breaking introduction of 254 anti-gay bills in many U.S. states.
See “The Dramatic Rise in State Efforts to Limit LGBT Rights” by Everdeen Mason, Aaron Williams, Kennedy Elliott, Washington Post, July 1, 2016 - Updated June 29, 2017
- Countries offering legal marriage:
Netherlands (2001),
Belgium (2003),
Canada (2005),
Spain (2005),
South Africa (2005),
Norway (2009),
Sweden (2009),
Iceland (2010),
Argentina (2010),
Portugal (2010),
Denmark (2012),
France (2013),
New Zealand (2013),
Brazil (2013),
Uruguay (2013),
New Zealand (2013),
United Kingdom (England, Wales) (2013),
Luxembourg (2014),
Finland (2014),
Scotland (2014),
Ireland (2015),
Greenland (2015),
United States (2015),
Colombia (2016),
Germany (2017),
Malta (2017),
Australia (2017),
Austria (2019),
Taiwan (2019),
Ecuador (2019),
Costa Rica (2020),
Chile (2022),
Estonia (2023),
Nepal (2023),
Greece (2024)
- Same-Sex Marriage: Still Under Attack (2018)
Describes attempts to destroy marriage equality, and how to counter the damage. Contains links to download PDF and PowerPoint versions - useful for speaking engagements, debates.
- Same-Sex Marriage: A Compelling Need
The major legal ramifications of civil marriage. A down loadable “slide” presentation - in PowerPoint and PDF Acrobat formats - for speaking engagements and debates.
Marriage Essays from Partner Task Force
- Key Marriage Articles — See this first, for the primary articles.
- “Trump Walls Off LGBT Humans”
by Demian
Posted to Daily Kos on May 9, 2019 - updated June 16, 2019
Horrifying events perpetrated by the U.S. government.
Designed to wipe out recognition of our humanity.
- Same-Sex Marriage: Still Under Attack (2018)
Attempts to destroy marriage equality; how to counter damage.
Links to download PDF and PowerPoint versions for speaking engagements.
- Legal Marriage Primer
Read this if you don’t read another thing about legal marriage.
- Why Same-sex Marriage is good for America
Keeping couples healthy, productive, and off the dole.
- Marrying Apartheid: The Failure of Domestic Partnership Status
When legal marriage seems far away — compromising
with domestic partnership plans could be worse.
- Constitutional Constriction
Prez Prays and Pitches Punk Power Ploy.
- Most Compelling Reasons for Legal Marriage
Includes answers to arguments heard against legal marriage.
- Same-Sex Marriage: A Compelling Need (2009)
The major legal ramifications of civil marriage.
Downloadable “slide” presentation for speaking engagements and debates.
- Legal Marriage: The First Impediment
Hint: it’s not the theocrats.
- Risking Backlash: Going for Legal Marriage
What to expect — and why.
- Marriage Quiz: What kinds of marriage do these quotes describe?
Are they about interracial or same-sex couples? Test your knowledge!
- 2008 Presidential Candidates
Stances on Legal Marriage for Same-sex Couples.
- Homeland Insecurity
2004 Presidential Candidates Regarding Same-sex Couples.
- Should Gay Men & Lesbians Be Allowed to Pay Taxes?
A Contract with Gay America.
- Call it Sex
Talk of “same-gender” or “gay” marriage confuses the issue.
- On Winning the Hawaii Legal Marriage Court Case
December 3, 1996, a landmark for same-sex couples.
- Somewhere between Kansas and Oz
Awaiting for a land of legal marriage.
- Gay Pride Rally Speech on Legal Marriage
Volunteer Park, Seattle, Washington, June 28, 1998.
- Surviving Terrorism
How surviving same-sex partners fared in aftermath of September 11, 2001.
- Union Support for Legal Marriage
Growing number of workers’ unions for marriage equality.
- Campaign Tips for Ballot Measures on Legal Marriage
Talking the language of spiritual equality.
Marriage Essays from Prominent Leaders and Organizations
- Anthropologists on Marriage and the Family
American Anthropological Association response to
Focus on Family misrepresentations.
- ACLU: Letter from Florida
A plea that the governor veto an anti-marriage bill.
- Affirming Stable Families: The Indiana Suit for Legal Marriage
by the Indiana Civil Liberties Union
- American Psychological Association Reiterates Support for Same-Sex Marriage
APA Press Release
- Marriage-Supportive Sexual Orientation Resolution
by the African National Congress
- What Are You: Male, Merm, Herm, Ferm or Female?
by Professor William O. Beeman
Restriction of marriage to male/female denies full range of human genders.
- Elastic Institution: The Natural Evolution of Marriage
by John Borneman and Laurie Kain Hart, anthropology professors
- Evolving Institution of U.S. Legal Marriage
by Ginger Bucklin
Court cases and the changing face of marriage.
- Gay Dads Take Vows
by Chris Caldwell
A personal perspective on the San Francisco civil marriage disobedience.
- Same-Sex Marriage
by Amanda Cherrin, National Organization for Women
The Fight for Equality Gains Momentum.
- Mayoral Proclamation
by Ithaca Mayor Alan J. Cohen
National Freedom to Marry Day, February 12, 1998, Ithaca, N.Y.
- For Better or Worse
by Stephanie Coontz, historian professor
Recounts the vast changes in marriage forms throughout the ages.
- Freedom and Unity in the Green Mountain State
by Vermont Representative Dean Corren, authoored the pro-marriage bill
An answer to the court demand for equal treatment.
- Marriage Equality Press Conference
by New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo
On June 24, 2011, shortly before signing legislation for same-sex legal marriage.
- I have Anguished
by Iowa Representative Ed Fallon
Address to the Iowa House of Representatives on its anti-marriage bill.
- Everything Possible
by Tim Fisher
At three, Fritz knows the truth. Marriage is about love.
- The Gay Marriage Bomb
by Richard Goldstein, Village Voice Executive Editor
By amending the constitution, the right hopes to ban what it can’t stop.
- Dancing Around Marriage
by E.J. Graff
After 15 years, still legal strangers.
- Sir Elton Gets Equality
by E.J. Graff
Elton John makes an honest man of his longtime love David Furnish.
- Marriage Equality Speech
by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire
- Washington’s Chance to Make History
by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire
- Same-Sex Marriage Laws are Entitled to Full Faith and Credit
by Martin L. Haines, retired Burlington County assignment judge
No fair argument against recognizing same-sex marriages.
- In Marriage Debate, Divorce Church from State
by Charles C. Haynes, senior scholar, First Amendment Center
Separation is good.
- Building a Good Society
by Mitzi Henderson, PFLAG past-president
Marriage is essential.
- Gay or Straight, Marriage is Good
by Thomas M. Keane Jr., Boston City Councilmember
A matter of valuing diversity and of justice.
- Why Marriage Matters
by Kate Kendell, director National Center for Lesbian Rights
Wrongful death suit? Not with same-sex couples you don’t.
- Spouses for Life?
by Patrick Letellier
Obtaining a San Francisco Marriage License.
- Why Marriage?
by Ellen Lewin
An anthropologist’s research on the meaning and impact of legal marriage.
- At a Crossroads on Gay Unions
by Georgia Representative John Lewis
Treating same-sex couples as equals, as family.
- Loving for All
by Mildred Loving
On the 40th Anniversary of Loving vs. Virginia.
- Same-Sex Marriage & Parenting
by April Martin, Ph.D.
Gosh, lesbians and gay men have kids, too!
There goes the procreation argument!
- The Heartbeat of Our Constitution
by Paul Martin, Prime Minister of Canada
- Gays Face Same Battle Interracial Couples Fought
by Gail Mathabane
- Why Marriage Matters to Me
by Mike McGinn, Mayor of Seattle
- Don’t Forget Marriage in 2008
by David Mixner
- What Is Marriage Anyway?
by Professor Richard D. Mohr
- The Stakes in the Gay-Marriage Wars
by Professor Richard D. Mohr
- Marriage Equality Needs You
by Washington State Senator Ed Murray
- Why I Fight for Marriage
by U.S. Senator Patty Murray, (WA-D)
- Marriage Opponents Lack Critical Thinking
by Bill Myers
Righteous indignation rages, rather than reason.
- Equal Marriage: Resolutions and Talking Points
from the National Organization for Women
- Presidential Proclamation:
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, 2012
by Barack Obama, U.S. president.
Includes same-sex marriage support as an ethical imperative.
- Real Meaning of Marriage
by Washington State Representative Jamie Pedersen.
- Statement on Same-Sex Marriage
by Jim Prentice, Member of Parliament, Canada
The day after Liberal government introduction of pro-marriage legislation.
- Civil Rites
by Deb Price
Arguments against same-sex marriage mirror those that kept the races apart.
- Marriage: A Privilege or a Right?
by Louise Rafkin
A life event that shocked her out of a laissez faire attitude.
- Debates Over Gay Marriage Miss Basic Civil Rights Point
by The Reverend Dr. Philip de Rochambeau
Why the Mormon Church should not interfere with civil rights.
- Life after Knight
by Professor Eric Rofes
A call for direct action and civil disobedience.
- An Aloha State of Mind
by Gabriel Rotello
Strategies and preparations for winning hearts and minds.
- Anti-Marriage Laws Create Legal Swamp
by Gabriel Rotello
- Supporting Civil Marriage and Religious Freedom
San Diego County Democratic Party Central Committee
- I Will Sign the Resolution
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders
- Bennett, Gays and the Truth
by Andrew Sullivan
Dissects right-wing arguments against same-sex marriage and our community.
- Marriage in a Loving Family
by Keith W. Swain
Psychology professor witnesses an act of social obedience.
- Marriage: The Ultimate Perk
by Patricia Nell Warren, author of The Front Runner
Offers views on the “sanctity” of heterosexual marriage.
- Deserving Marriage
by John G. Wilkinson
Legislative Testimony in Washington State.
- Freedom to Marry & the Pursuit of Happiness
by Roger Winters
Marriage: ticket to adulthood.
- Winning & Keeping the Freedom to Marry
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
- Exclusion from Marriage: Historical Parallels
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
- Advancing Past the Injustice
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
After a ballot loss, the key issues remain.
- Creating a Climate of Receptivity
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
Laying the groundwork for political and legal victories.
- Marriage - All together now
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
A new campaign.
- For Richer, For Poorer
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
Same-Sex Couples and the Freedom to Marry as a Civil Right.
- Freedom to Marry: Keep Dancing
by Evan Wolfson, director, The Marriage Project
Response to the loss of the NY Hernandez v. Robles case.
- Freedom and Equality / La Libertad y La Igualdad
by José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, Prime Minister of Spain
Supporting legal marriage for same-sex couples, just before the legalizing vote.
Arguments Opposing “DoMA” from the Congressional Record
and congress member’s Web sites
Arguments Opposing “DoMA” from Community Leaders and Organizations
Arguments Opposing the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA)
Religious Support for the Legal Right to Marry
Factual Support for the Legal Right to Marry
Factual Support - Legal Status
Factual Support - Money
Governments that Offer Legal Marriage
History on the Legal Right to Marry
U.S. Court Findings
- Hawaii Court Finding (Baehr v. Anderson - was Baehr v. Lewin, then Baehr v. Miike)
by Judge Kevin S.C. Chang, First Circuit Court, Hawaii, Dec. 3, 1996
The first major ruling for same-sex marriage; based on sex discrimination.
A testament to the suitability of gay & lesbian parents to raise children.
- Alaska Court Finding (Brause v. Alaska)
by Superior Court Judge Peter A. Michalski, Feb. 27, 1998
The second U.S. state court ruling in favor of same-sex legal marriage.
based on sex discrimination and the right to privacy.
- Vermont Court Finding (Baker v. State of Vermont)
by the Vermont Supreme Court, Dec. 20, 1999
The third U.S. state court finding — same-sex couples must be given the full
and equal protections, benefits, and responsibilities accorded married couples.
- The Vermont Ruling: Status Updates by Mary Bonauto, Esq., co-counsel in Baker v. State of Vermont
- Massachusetts Court Finding (Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health)
November 18, 2003
The fourth U.S. state court finding — same-sex couples must be given the full
and equal protections, benefits, and responsibilities accorded married couples.
Goodridge v. Dept. of Public Health court finding PDF file
- New York Dissenting Opinion (Hernandez v. Robles)
by Chief Judge Judith S. Kaye, July 6, 2006
Makes clear the issues and the justice of allowing legal marriage.
- Washington State Dissenting Opinion - Bridge (Andersen v. King County)
by Justice Bobbe J. Bridge, July 26, 2006
Clarifies the issues and the justice of allowing legal marriage.
- Washington State Dissenting Opinion - Fairhurst (Andersen v. King County)
by Justice Mary E. Fairhurst, July 26, 2006
Expresses outrage at the blatent discrimination against same-sex couples.
- Iowa District Court Finding (Varnum v. Brien)
by Judge Robert B. Hanson, August 30, 2007
- California Court Finding (PDF file) (In re Marriage Cases)
by the California Supreme Court, October 15, 2008
- Connecticut Court Finding (PDF file) (In re Marriage Cases)
by the Connecticut Supreme Court, May 15, 2008
- Maryland Court Finding (PDF file) (Port v. Cowan - divorce from out-of-state marriage)
by the Maryland Court of Appeals, May 18, 2012
Non-U.S. Court Findings
- South Africa Court Finding (PDF file) (Minister of Home Affairs and Another v. Fourie and Another)
December 1, 2005
The fifth nation in the world to offer legal marriage to same-sex couples.
Rights that Come with Legal Marriage
Legal Marriage Resources
Domestic Partner Benefit Provider Lists
in the U.S., Canada, and Selected Other Countries
Global Governmental Legal Registration
Further Domestic Partnership Resources
- Requesting Benefits
How to go about getting them.
- Anatomy of a Domestic Partnership Affidavit
The Good, The Ugly, and The Bad.
- Marrying Apartheid: The Failure of Domestic Partnership Status
When legal marriage seems far away — compromising
with domestic partnership plans could be worse.
- Sample Domestic Partnership Affidavit I
A simple model form.
- Sample Domestic Partnership Affidavit II
A complex model form.
- Roadblocks
Issues commonly raised by employers.
- Facts on Domestic Partnership Benefits
Brief notes on studies and landmarks.
- Domestic Partner Statistics, Insurance, Taxes, Court Cases
Data from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force. [After October 2014, known as the National LGBTQ Task Force.]
- Employment Anti-Discrimination States
U.S. States and Districts.
- Domestic Partnership Resource List
benefit-Tracking Organizations.
- Media Resources: Domestic Partnership, Workplace Benefits
Books & Articles.
- Positive Effects on the State of Alaska from Domestic Partnership Benefits
Report by M.V. Lee Badgett, PhD.
- Quotes — Domestic Partnership Benefits
Philosophic arguments.
- How the AAA Motor Club of Washington Came to
Offer 2nd Member Discounts to Domestic Partners
An example of gaining a non-employee benefit.
- E-mail Groups
Get e-mail on Marriage, Domestic Partnership, Parenting, Events.
Tips
Abuse
Counseling Studies
- Parenting Options for Same-Sex Couples in the U.S.
Legal status overview of adoption, foster care, donor insemination, surrogating, custody.
- Too High a Price: The Case Against Restricting Gay Parenting v.1
by the ACLU, with an introduction by Rosie O’Donnell
- Too High a Price: The Case Against Restricting Gay Parenting v.2
by the ACLU, introduction by Shay Bilchik, president and CEO, Child Welfare League of America
- The Gay Parent: Challenging the Myths
by Demian
- The Couples Chronicles
Interviews of Lesbian & Gay Couples by Demian
Many interviews are with couples who have children.
- Gay Men Choosing to be Fathers
by Michael Shernoff, MSW
- Parenting in New Jersey
by Stephen J. Hyland, Esq.
The uncertain legal status of same-sex couples.
- Hawaii Court Finding (Baehr v. Anderson)
by Judge Kevin S.C. Chang, First Circuit Court, Hawaii, Dec. 3, 1996
The first major ruling for same-sex marriage; based on sex discrimination; a testament
to the suitability of gay & lesbian parents to raise children.
- Laugh It Off
by Judy Gold
If we’re going to have to endure bigotry, we might as well enjoy it.
- Same-Sex Couples: Marriage, Families, and Children
by Professor Michael S. Wald
An Analysis of California’s Proposition 22 — The “Knight” Initiative.
- Parenting Policy Statements
Supportive positions from mainstream American organizations.
- E-mail Groups
Get e-mail on Marriage, Domestic Partnership, Parenting, Events.
- Organizations for Gay & Lesbian Parents
- Media Resources: Parenting
Committed Couples Photo Galleries — Your Images Go Here!
Quotes — Affirmations and Provocations on Same-sex Couples
Thought Pieces from Partners Task Force
- Famous Same-Sex Couples
Plus how long they were together.
- Famous Fictional Same-Sex Couples on Television
Fantasy islands on the vast wasteland.
- Landmarks for Same-sex Couples
A list of firsts for social, legal, and financial equality.
- Top Secret
Same-sex couples and the U.S. military
- Terms of Same-Sex Endearment
Language has the Power to Define the Dream of Equality
- Why Partners Task Force Does Not Use “Queer” to Define Our Community
The language of hate.
- Same-Sex Marriage Pride Day Project
A simple plan for legal issues visibility.
- Legal Marriage Rally - Seattle, March 11, 2006
Photos of the speakers.
- Jerry Falwell’s Greatest Fear
Hint: What is short, fat, purple and carries a bright red purse?
- Defining a Movement
The “gay agenda” of justice from ACLU, HRC, NGLTF, Lambda Legal, etc.
- What’s (Funny) in a Name?
If so-and-so married so-and-so …
Thought Pieces from Community Leaders
Media
Basics - Definitions
Basics - Anti-Gay Hatred Manifested
Basics - Satire
|
• Surveys of Concern to Same-Sex Couples
|
Research Conducted by Partners Task Force
Research from Various Other Sources
|
