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Marriage Equality Updates

Bernadette Coveney Smith - Friday, February 18, 2011
It seems like every day there's news about some state attempting to ban same-sex marriage or another trying to pass it.  Some are moving forward with civil unions....  It's a lot to keep track of, so here's the latest scoop as of today (Feb 18, 2011):

The good news:

  • Hawaii - a civil unions bill passed by the House and Senate is on its way to the Governor for approval.  They would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2012.
  • Illinois - passed civil unions earlier this month, effective as of June 1
  • Maryland - a bill to legalize gay marriage was introduced and approved by a committee of the Senate.  It still has a few steps for approval but the signs look good.
  • Rhode Island - three different bills related to same-sex marriage have been introduced (only one for full marriage equality) and hearings are underway
The bad news:

  • California - the challenge to Prop 8 is under review and a decision isn't expected until the end(!) of this year.
  • Indiana - The Indiana House approved a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage and civil unions. This now goes before the Senate, and must be passed by both again next year in order to go on the ballot for voters.
  • Iowa - nearly two years after same-sex marriage was legalized in Iowa, the House voted to ban gay marriage.  This is the first step in the lengthy process which requires Senate and voter approval.
  • New Hampshire - gay marriage is currently the law (as of Jan 2010) but two separate bills are trying to end it.  There have not been any votes yet.
  • Wyoming - The Wyoming Senate narrowly voted today to stop recognition of same-sex marriages and civil unions from outside the state. It currently bans them outright, but still recognizes marriages from other states. The House already passed a different version of the bill, so they now have to vote on this version before it goes to the Governor.

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Comments
Derek commented on 03-May-2011 02:50 AM
Prop 8 is hilarious, they claim since the judge was gay he is obviously bias. So by this logic we should throw a hissy fit if a straight judge reviews it cause he/she would be bias. Only bi judges should be able to decide then everyone would be happy lol.
Truth is the constitution garuntees the right to pursue happiness, who do they think they are telling us mot to be happy. Churches, priests, and other religious leaders should have every right to deny the ceremony but justices of the peace shouldnt. It doesnt
hurt them if I can see the person I love if hes hospitalized just because hes a he and were not related and cant get married, and he would have to die alone....sorry im just mad as hell, I wish stupidy hurt
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