Lawsuits are pending in every state that does not recognize marriage equality for lesbian and gay couples. For now, the federal district courts have been unanimous in deciding that bans on marriage equality and recognizing out-of-state lesbian and gay marriages are unconstitutional. The battles move to the Federal Circuit Court system.
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear appeals from every state in the Circuit: Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. Until the appellate courts issue decisions in the marriage cases, the status quo remains in effect. This is neither unusual nor is it unfair. It is the way court cases progress through the judicial system. We need patience to see it through.
The United States Supreme Court will be the final stop for the question of whether individual states can refuse to permit lesbian and gay couples to marry and refuse to recognize marriages entered into in other states. I think the court will address the issue in the session beginning the first Monday in October 2015. That would mean a decision from SCOTUS by June 2016.
While many see this as slow-moving, we have gone from no recognition and DOMA in 2004 to 20 marriage equality jurisdictions in 2014--with more on the way. The law usually does not move this quickly--neither does public opinion. But the American people, by nature, are fair-minded. They have come to see it makes no sense to continue the discrimination. It shows people are willing to change.
Kudos to the pioneers in the movement for marriage equality. People like Mary Bonauto with GLAD in Boston--considered by many to be the "Godmother" of marriage equality. It is important to maintain the momentum.
And, on a closing note, come to Cleveland this August (9-16, 2014) for the 2014 Gay Games. Volunteer or compete but come to play. The website is www.gg9cle.com or follow on Twitter @GG9Cleveland.
The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals will hear appeals from every state in the Circuit: Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. Until the appellate courts issue decisions in the marriage cases, the status quo remains in effect. This is neither unusual nor is it unfair. It is the way court cases progress through the judicial system. We need patience to see it through.
The United States Supreme Court will be the final stop for the question of whether individual states can refuse to permit lesbian and gay couples to marry and refuse to recognize marriages entered into in other states. I think the court will address the issue in the session beginning the first Monday in October 2015. That would mean a decision from SCOTUS by June 2016.
While many see this as slow-moving, we have gone from no recognition and DOMA in 2004 to 20 marriage equality jurisdictions in 2014--with more on the way. The law usually does not move this quickly--neither does public opinion. But the American people, by nature, are fair-minded. They have come to see it makes no sense to continue the discrimination. It shows people are willing to change.
Kudos to the pioneers in the movement for marriage equality. People like Mary Bonauto with GLAD in Boston--considered by many to be the "Godmother" of marriage equality. It is important to maintain the momentum.
And, on a closing note, come to Cleveland this August (9-16, 2014) for the 2014 Gay Games. Volunteer or compete but come to play. The website is www.gg9cle.com or follow on Twitter @GG9Cleveland.
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