LGBT

Prop 8 Judge Denies Permanent Stay on Marriages

In an important statement of confidence in the strong case for marriage equality, Judge Vaughn Walker today denied a motion to indefinitely stay his decision allowing gay people to marry in California.

PFAW Statement: Federal Judge Overturns Proposition 8

A federal judge in California today overturned Proposition 8, the state’s law that prohibited gay people from marrying. Proposition 8, Judge Vaughn Walker wrote, “is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses.”

Statement of Rev. Byron Williams on Proposition 8 Decision

A federal judge in California today overturned Proposition 8, the state's law that prohibits gay people from marrying.

Reverend Byron Williams, pastor, columnist, a member of People For the American Way Foundation's African American Ministers In Action, and editor of the forthcoming book, Inconvenient Love African American Clergy and Theologians Speaking on Behalf of LGBT Equality, stated:

Federal Court Rules DOMA’s Section 3 Unconstitutional

A federal court in Massachusetts has ruled unconstitutional Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages.

Wisconsin Supreme Court Delivers Setback to Marriage Equality

The Wisconsin Supreme Court today upheld the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. The law had been challenged on a technical question regarding the 2006 ballot initiative that included the ban.

Supreme Court Rules Against Government-Aided Discrimination

The Supreme Court ruled today in a 5-4 decision that a publicly funded law school need not provide funding and recognition to a campus group with policies that discriminate based on religion and sexual orientation.

California Judge Hears Closing Arguments in Prop 8 Trial

In a defining moment for equality, yesterday a federal district court judge heard the closing arguments in Perry v. Schwarzenegger, the case that will determine the constitutionality of California’s ban on same-sex marriages.

House, Senate Armed Services Committee Take Critical Steps Toward Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

The House of Representatives and the Senate Armed Services Committee have taken critical steps toward repealing the discriminatory policy that bans gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the military.

Statement on the White House’s Extension of Hospital Visitation Rights to Same-Sex Partners

President Obama sent a memo yesterday to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius ordering her to issue rules granting hospital visitation rights to same-sex partners.

p>Michael B. Keegan, President of People For the American Way, issued the following statement:

Manhattan Declaration: Old Poison, New Packaging

Religious Right leaders are making a new concerted push to gain signatures for the “Manhattan Declaration,” a manifesto that was released just before Thanksgiving by about 150 conservative Christian leaders.

PFAW Applauds Moves Towards Ending Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

In a long awaited move, the Senate Armed Services Committee began hearings on possibly ending the military's discriminatory Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy.

Supreme Court Blocks Cameras from Prop 8 Trial

The Supreme Court yesterday issued an order blocking cameras from the courtroom in the case Perry v. Schwarzenegger which challenges the constitutionality of California's anti-gay ballot initiative.

New Jersey State Senate Defeats Marriage Equality Legislation

Today, the New Jersey State Senate rejected legislation that would grant same-sex couples the right to be legally married.

DC Council Passes Marriage Equality Legislation

The DC City Council today gave final approval to legislation that will extend marriage equality to same-sex couples. Mayor Adrian Fenty has promised to sign the law, which will go into effect after the Congressional review period has elapsed.

DC Council Gives Preliminary Approval to Marriage Equality Legislation

The D.C. City Council today voted 11-2 to approve legislation that would allow same-sex couples to be married in the District of Columbia. The legislation will be voted on again in two weeks, at which time it will be sent to Mayor Adrian Fenty, who has promised to sign it.

Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Samuel Statement on the Upcoming Vote on the DC Marriage Bill

As the DC Council prepares to vote on a bill granting equal marriage rights to gay and lesbian Americans, Rev. Kenneth L. Samuel, Senior Pastor of Victory For the World Church in Atlanta and Senior Fellow of People For the American Way, said, "The DC Council now has such a momentous opportunity to prove to the nation that marriage equality is indeedthe next step toward full equality for all citizens."

Maine Passes Anti-Marriage Referendum

Voters in Maine yesterday approved a referendum repealing the marriage equality legislation passed by the state legislature in May. People For the American Way President Michael B. Keegan said, "The results on Question One are deeply disappointing to all people who care about equal rights for all Americans."

PFAW Memo: Election Results, the Far Right, and Fighting Back

Tuesday's electoral returns offered a mixed bag of results. A few bright spots managed to appear among some disappointing defeats, and politicians from both parties should consider them carefully before making rash, and perhaps costly, conclusions.

Letter to Maine Ethics Commission on the National Organization of Marriage from Michael B. Keegan

Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009: Written Testimony of Peter Mongomery, Senior Fellow, People For the American Way

Written Testimony of Peter Montgomery, Senior Fellow, People For the American Way on behalf of the Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009.

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