Evangelical Lutheran Church Reinstates Two Gay Clergy Members
May 4, 2010
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) announced today that Pastor Bradley Schmelling of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta, and his partner, Rev. Derin Easler, have been added back to the roster of the denomination’s authorized clergy. So in the words of the old Shaker hymn, things have “come round right”. Pastor Brad became the face of the movement for full inclusion of LGBT clergy in the life of the ELCA when he was removed from the roster after announcing his commitment to Derin several years ago.
Continue Reading ►DC Marriage Initiative Hearing Happening Now
May 4, 2010
This morning the D.C. Court of Appeals is hearing a case brought by outside groups opposed to marriage equality in the District and local organizations are speaking out against the effort to put the rights of one group up to a popular vote. The case concerns whether equality opponents can put an initiative on the ballot to invalidate same-sex marriages entered into in D.C.
Continue Reading ►Congratulations Hawaii - Legislature Passes Civil Unions
April 30, 2010
Last night the Hawaii House passed House Bill 444 -- a civil unions measure that advocates have been pushing for months. The bill now goes to Republican Governor Linda Lingle. HRC is proud to have worked with Equality Hawaii on this issue and congratulates them on a huge victory.
Continue Reading ►Senators Include Protections for Bi-National Lesbian and Gay Families in Immigration Reform Proposal
April 29, 2010
Today, Senators Reid (D-NV), Schumer (D-NY) and Menendez (D-NJ) began circulating a draft proposal for immigration reform which includes a provision to allow U.S. citizens and legal residents to sponsor their same-sex partners for residency. The provision suggests eliminating “discrimination in the immigration laws by permitting permanent partners of United States citizens and lawful permanent residents to obtain lawful permanent resident status.”
Continue Reading ►Advocates Defeat Proposed Louisiana Adoption Ban
April 29, 2010
Yesterday, Louisiana LGBT advocates successfully defeated a bill which would have made adoption more challenging for same-sex couples. In response to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that a legally adopted child’s two fathers must be listed on the birth certificate, Louisiana State Senator B.L. Shaw proposed a bill to attempt to circumvent the decision.
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