HRC Endorses Sotomayor
July 17, 2009
Now that the confirmation hearings for Judge Sonia Sotomayor have wrapped up, the Human Rights Campaign announced our endorsement of Judge Sotomayor for Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. When her nomination was announced by President Obama HRC hailed the nomination but until now had not issued a formal endorsement.
Continue Reading ►Healthcare Reform Bill Update
July 17, 2009
As we reported earlier, things are moving fast and furious on health reform in the House this week, and we’re pleased to report that additional provisions benefiting the LGBT community have been included during the committee markups. First, when the House Ways and Means Committee passed its version of America’s Affordable Health Choices Act (AAHCA) around 2 o’clock this morning, it included language from the Tax Equity for Health Plan Beneficiaries Act – a bill that we fondly refer to as DP Tax
Continue Reading ►Update and Next Steps on Hate Crimes Bill
July 17, 2009
Last night, we finally had the long overdue Senate vote on the Matthew Shepard Act. After a long day of Senate negotiations, an agreement was reached between Senate Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell on moving to consider to the Matthew Shepard Act (MSA) Amendment. As part of the agreement, votes were held last night on two Republican amendments, one Democratic amendment,
Continue Reading ►Hate Crimes Bill Clear Key Senate Hurdle
July 17, 2009
Fantastic news late last night from the U.S. Senate... the chamber voted to proceed on the Matthew Shepard Act - clearing the way for a final vote to add the important protections as an amendment to the Defense Department authorization bill currently under consideration.
Continue Reading ►EQUALITY IN THE COURTS: Sotomayor and Grassley Revisit Marriage Equality & Baker Case
July 16, 2009
In Sonia Sotomayor’s confirmation hearings today, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) followed up as promised on Baker v. Nelson, the 1972 Supreme Court marriage equality case. Yesterday, Judge Sotomayor asked for an opportunity to review the holding in Baker before making any conclusions. (see yesterday’s post for more) Senator Grassley began his questioning today by reviewing Baker and then asked Sotomayor whether she would “respect the Court’s decision in Baker based upon Stare Decisis and if not, why not?”
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