Just today, U.S. District Court Judge Joseph Tauro ruled that section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional.

Judge Tauro recognized that for no good reason, DOMA bans legally married gay and lesbian couples and their families from receiving the same federal benefits as all other married couples.

“An end to DOMA would mean I could add my spouse to the family health plan I’m already paying for,” says plaintiff Nancy Gill. “The extra cost of Marcelle’s health insurance is money we could really use in raising our two children. I’m gratified that Judge Tauro understood that, and also saw that it’s not right for the federal government to tell us – and our children – that we aren’t equal.” 
 
Today the Court said firmly that Congress was wrong to pass DOMA in 1996, which basically said that some marriages don’t count. We simply don’t have first and second-class marriages in this country.
 
Although, this will probably not be the end to the struggle for full marriage equality, with a government appeal most likely to come, this is still a day to celebrate and thank the wonderful people at GLAD for continuing to fight for equal rights for all gay, lesbian and transgendered people.

If you can, please try to make some room in your budget and make a generous gift to GLAD today. GLAD continues to fight for all of us and the fight does not come cheap. 

Thanks,

Chris Rich, REALTOR ®
Your Gay Connecticut Real Estate Broker
HomeStyles Real Estate of CT
(203) 768-5222

www.GayConnecticutRealEstate.com
www.FairfieldCountyRealEstate.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

It has been a while since my last post and so much has happened since then.

First off, I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving! In Connecticut, we have much to be thankful for, especially the recent start to gay marriage. Having attended a rally in New Haven, CT with my partner of 19 years on the day that the state of Connecticut began giving gay and lesbian couples marriage licenses, I must say that the happiness and pride that innundated the crowd was just amazing. I am proud to live in a state that recognizes gay and lesbian relationships as equal to those of our heterosexual counterparts.

Secondly, all Americans should be proud and thankful for the election of our soon to be President Barack Obama. We have high hopes for his administration getting the country back on track and for furthering equality for the GLBT community.

As you know, the recent election resulted in some negatives, too. The people of California voted yes on proposition 8 taking away the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry. This was a difficult setback and definitely dimmed the elation of the Obama win. It is important for us all to help our gay Californian brothers and sisters regain their right to marry. Currently, there are several court cases pending to try and overturn the vote. We have hope that this setback will only be temporary and the courts will reverse the ban.

There were other anti-gay initiatives passed on election day in Florida, Arkansas and Arizona.

We must not let these backward steps falter our progress. In this new administration, we can make many strides and accomplish many of our goals for equality. Today, I am hopeful and I am thankful for what the future holds for GLBT equality.

Now, the question is how do we keep moving forward… Please share your ideas…

Chris Rich
Connecticut’s Gay REALTOR

Presented by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders and Love Makes a Family

Gay Marriage 101

Tuesday October 28th, 2008
7:00 to 8:30 PM

Wesleyan University
Exley Science Center
Room 150
Middletown, CT

Click here to RSVP

or call Alton Croker @ 617-426-1350 x 59
Wesleyan University Campus Map (pdf)
Directions to Wesleyan University

Everything you need to know about marriage rights and responsibilities under Connecticut state law, including:

• What do I need to think about before getting married?
• What do I need to bring with me when I get my application?
• What if I already have a civil union?
• What if I am adopting internationally or a member of the armed services?
• What if I don’t live in Connecticut?

Presenters include:

• GLAD Attorney Ben Klein , who argued the case
• CT Attorney Maureen Murphy , who co-counseled
• Anne Stanback from LMF

The recent decision by the Connecticut Supreme Court in GLAD’s marriage case is a momentous step toward full equality for same-sex couples in Connecticut and beyond. Along with the excitement come serious  questions about what the decision means for same-sex couples  and the process necessary for couples to enjoy the rights and privileges of marriage under Connecticut state law.

Join us at the first in a series of workshops where GLAD and LMF share all the information you need to access your right to marry in Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Lee Swislow
Executive Director, Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders

About GLAD

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) is New England’s leading legal rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, HIV status and gender identity and expression.  Since 1978, through impact litigation and public education, GLAD has worked to create a better world for lesbians, gay men, bisexual, and transgender individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS.

To help GLAD fund the fight for equal justice under law, please make a donation today – visit our Donation Page .  Thank you for getting involved and for supporting GLAD.  

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders
30 Winter Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02108
Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders