In the News

(New York, February 17, 2010) - Today, Lambda Legal argued before the New York State Court of Appeals on behalf of a non-biological mother after an intermediate appeals court denied her right to seek custody and visitation with, and provide financial support to the child she has parented with her former same-sex partner.

(New Orleans, February 18, 2010) – The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today that the Louisiana Registrar of Vital Statistics must respect a New York adoption by a same-sex couple of a Louisiana-born baby boy.

(New York, February 24, 2010) - Today Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler issued an opinion saying that recognition of out-of-state marriages of same-sex couples is consistent with Maryland law. Lambda Legal applauds the opinion that follows similar analysis in other states like New York.

Statement from Susan Sommer, Director of Constitutional Litigation at Lambda Legal:

2/18/2010

"Louisiana must put both fathers' names on the birth certificate of a boy adopted by a same-sex couple, the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday.

"...'Even our opponents have said this is landmark case and we're pleased the court agrees that it's wrong to punish children just because the registrar doesn't like their parents,' said Kenneth Upton, the attorney for Lambda Legal who represented the couple, Oren Adar and Mickey Ray Smith of San Diego.

2/4/2010

"Today, Lambda Legal released the first nationwide survey that examines health care discrimination experienced by LGBT people and people living with HIV.

2/3/2010

"Defense Secretary Robert Gates told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the military is launching a review of what changes in housing, fraternization and personnel policies would be needed to implement an end to the ban on openly gay service members. He promised a detailed plan 'by the end of the calendar year.'

2/2/2010

"Gay-rights advocates are preparing a lawsuit alleging that the state is violating the equal protection rights of same-sex couples by not passing a civil-unions law.

"Lambda Legal and the American Civil Liberties Union of Hawai'i yesterday said they would bring the lawsuit after the state House voted on Friday to indefinitely postpone action on civil unions this session.

1/29/2010

"The federal trial over gay marriage has rested, and we won't know who won until U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker calls the lawyers back to hear closing arguments and issues his ruling. That is likely to take several weeks. But it's already clear that the verdict itself will be only a beginning, as all sides shift their focus from testimony to the real task of convincing federal appellate judges, and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court, to rule their way.

1/29/2010

"Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee took aim at the state's attorney general Thursday, accusing him at a hearing of playing politics with a highly anticipated opinion on whether Maryland law will honor same-sex marriage certificates issued by other states.

"The opinion was requested in May, and Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler has not yet ruled, prompting Del. Don H. Dwyer of Anne Arundel County to say the lengthy deliberation process has 'become political in nature.'

(New York, January 28, 2010) - Today, Lambda Legal sent an open letter to Atlanta Falcons fullback Ovie Mughelli and his attorney challenging his claims that reports posted on blogs about his alleged relationship with another man were defamatory.