In the News

7/22/2007

"Ron Garber knew his former wife was living with another woman — and had taken her last name — when he agreed to pay her $1,250 a month in alimony.

"What he didn't know was that the two women had registered with the state as domestic partners under a law that was supposed to mirror marriage law, Garber said.

7/21/2007

"Gov. Jon S. Corzine of New Jersey sent a letter on Friday urging United Parcel Service to provide the same benefits for civil union partners as it does for married couples.

"The letter stemmed from complaints made by a truck driver for the company who has been unable to get health benefits for her partner after they became one of the first New Jersey couples to obtain a civil union.

7/28/2007

"A company that provides health care coverage to married gay couples in Massachusetts has denied the same benefits to a couple who entered a civil union in New Jersey.

"United Parcel Service's decision to deny coverage to a Toms River couple boils down to a single word: New Jersey law does not call them 'spouses.'

"'We were supposed to be treated equally. We should be treated equally,' said Heather Aurand, who was denied health care coverage by UPS, which employs her civil union partner.

6/28/2007

"Earlier this year, Lambda Legal launched a competition for cartoonists to submit cartoons about the importance of fair courts for LGBT and individual rights, and from now until July 15 visitors to the organization's website can compare the five finalists and cast their vote for the winner.

"...Hector Vargas, Lambda's deputy director of education and public affairs, said Lambda was excited at the response to the call for submissions.

6/26/2007

"The Supreme Court yesterday gave public schools new authority to regulate what students say, allowing principals to punish speech or demonstrations that may 'reasonably be viewed' as promoting illegal drug use.

6/13/2007

"Civil rights organizations gathered at the Capitol Tuesday to celebrate a landmark Supreme Court case they say might aid the cause of gay marriage.

"They marked the 40th anniversary of Loving v. Virginia Supreme Court, the case that allowed interracial couples to marry.

"...Jon W. Davidson, legal director of Lambda Legal, is co-counsel in the California case seeking marriage equality. 'The Lovings didn't give up,' Davidson said. 'They had faith in the constitutional promises of equality and liberty.'"

6/12/2007

Commentary by Kevin Cathcart and H. Alexander Robinson

"Just forty years ago it was against the law in sixteen states for people of different races to marry. On June 12, 1967 the United States Supreme Court struck down all bans on interracial marriage in the landmark case, Loving v. Virginia. The decision sparked fiery controversy ? today it is seen as a triumph for racial justice and the freedom to marry."

Read more on advocate.com

6/2007

"...It's not always easy talking to your doctor about sex. Whether you're asking about birth control, STDs or infertility, these discussions can be tinged with self-consciousness, even embarrassment. Now imagine those same conversations, but supercharged by the anxiety that your doctor might respond with moral condemnation ? and actually refuse your requests.

5/27/2007

"The Rev. Mark Alan Lewis and the Rev. K. Dennis Winslow, Episcopal priests, were joined in civil union on Tuesday at the couple's home in Union City, N.J. The couple met 15 years ago this week, shortly after Lewis moved to New Jersey.

"...'Our eyes met from across the apartment,' Mr. Lewis said. 'We have been together since that day.'

6/5/2007

"After a lawsuit and years of lobbying by gay-rights advocates, the Bellevue City Council Monday night approved employment benefits for partners of gay city employees. The unanimous vote means that domestic partners — straight and gay — will receive the same benefits the city now provides to married partners. These benefits include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, mental-health counseling and family leave.