GLBT Roundup

In the past month I have neglected to post about some interesting events within the GLBT world. I had read about them but my priority at that time was studying for my first round of 1L finals rather than blogging, so here is some things I wanted to write about but never got the chance.

The Matthew Shepard Bill is moving through the legislature and towards approval. 10 years in the making but definitely a step in the right direction. There needs to be more hate crimes laws passed that include GLBT words rather than narrowing the scope of the laws to protect for racial or religious reasons only.

The M.A. A.G. is suing the US Government to force them to extend benefits to the gays couples who are legally married in that state. While this will not affect the marriage rights of gay couples in other states, if she wins, it does give us some legal precedent to start moving forward with. With small legal victory only sets the stage for larger ones down the line. I have watched GLBT issues change and grow since I came out 15 years ago, these legal battles will continue that growth.

Bill O'Reilly had a grand time mocking Oregon's Trans Mayor Stu Rasmussen. The fact that Fox News allows this man to openly mock someone for their sexual and gender identity in 2009 shocks me to the core. These larger companies have to see that by allowing this to be said in national television it only reaffirms the hate and fear people carry concerning members of the GLBT community. My partner is Trans and we know first hand how fear and hatred can be potentially dangerous and lethal. While I do not advocate censorship, Fox News needs to stick to reporting the facts and not let hateful personal opinions pollute their airwaves. Would they allowed it had the insults been racially or religiously motivated? I highly doubt it.

Three cheers to the following for coming out in support for GLBT rights: Bill Clinton, Miss Universe, YWCA, St. Paul, M.N., Vermont Senator Leahy, and the Quakers! Hurrah!

Vermont Legalizes Gay Marriage and Overrides Veto

Gay Marriage is now legal in Vermont.

In a past post I stated that a bill had passed through Vermont's legislature to legalize Gay Marriage, however, the Governor was expected to veto the bill. Which he did. But, but with the lowest margin possible, the Vermont legislature voted out the veto effectively legalizing marriage between GLBT couples.

Nice job Vermont!! It is amazing to see the legislature band together to ensure that all their constituents have equal rights and protections under the law.

Vermont and New Hampshire

The Vermont Senate and New Hampshire HOR have both voted to legalizes Same Sex Marriages within their state borders. While the measure needs to pass the other side of the legislatures and the state governors, it is a good sign that more and more states are willing to see that all people deserve the same rights and protections under the law. Civil unions, while a step in the right direction, still give a second class standing to the GLBT community because they only offer a fraction of the rights that marriage gives couples and are not recognized in other states within the U.S.

Cheers to these states for taking a stand for their constituents rights and well being.