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?”
Continue Reading ►The Advocate Covers House Health Bill
July 16, 2009
As we reported earlier today, the House version of health care reform contains some LGBT specific provisions. Kerry Eleveld of the Advocate looks specifically at the taxation of domestic partner health benefits:
Continue Reading ►Sen. Leahy Supports DOMA Repeal
July 16, 2009
According to Vermont Public Radio, Senator Patrick Leahy, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, supports federal recognition of marriages between same-sex couples. His home state of Vermont passed a marriage equality bill earlier this year.
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