SSM Opponent Ryan T. Anderson Argues for Religion and Tradition

by Brig Bagley

28 July 2014

A writer for the "Daily Signal", Ryan T. Anderson speaks for the Heritage Foundation arguing against movements for same-sex marriage.

He also responds to a gay man's question as to why he and his husband should be denied the right to file joint taxes when a straight couple is not.

Watch the the full speech, the highlights, and the full Q&A by following this link: http://dailysignal.com/2014/07/25/ryan-t-anderson-responded-gay-man-wants-redefine-marriage/?fb_action_ids=10152679056329880&fb_action_types=og.shares

Same-Sex Marriage Status in the 50 States

by Brig Bagley

28 July 2014

Washington Post has compiled an interactive map that explains the state of same-sex marriage in all 50 states. The related articles and cases for each situation are noted for exploration. 

Explore here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/special/politics/same-sex-marriage/

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Affirms Support for Equality

by Brig Bagley

28 July 2014

As the second district court to uphold decisions to strike down state SSM bans, the 4th District Court of Appeals ruled that Virginia's ban was indeed unconstitutional. It also agreed that marriage is a fundamental right to consenting adult couples, irrespective of gender. 

The ruling is a 2-1 decision, similar to the decisions in the Utah and Oklahoma cases in the 10th District rulings. The dissenting judge claimed that same-sex marriage is a new relationship proposed as a right, as opposed the already existing right to marry, which only includes a man-woman relationship and is not denied to any.

The ruling is on hold for 21 days from today, awaiting a rehearing or a stay. Virginia Attorney General also believes the ban is unconstitutional, and did not defend it. Two clerks for the state are representing the case in favor of the existing bans.

Read more here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/appeals-court-upholds-decision-overturning-virginias-same-sex-marriage-ban/2014/07/28/02764842-167e-11e4-85b6-c1451e622637_story.html

A Second Ruling Against Gay Marriage Bans in Florida

by Brig Bagley

28 July 2014

Another Federal Judge in Florida has ruled the state SSM ban unconstitutional. This ruling will force Miami-Dade county clerks to start issuing licenses for marriage to same-sex couples. 

The court stayed the order, pending appeal.

Read more here: http://www.hrc.org/blog/entry/miami-dade-circuit-judge-strikes-down-floridas-marriage-ban

Colorado: Federal Judge Strikes Down Marriage Ban

by Brig Bagley

25 July 2014

Judge Moore struck down Colorado's same-sex marriage ban. At the request of the state's Attorney general and Governor, a stay was put into place until August 25th for an appeal to the 10th District court. Both the AG and Governor, however, agree that the ban was unconstitutional, similar to the officials of Nevada and New Mexico. They believe the stay is the right choice in awaiting news from the US Supreme Court.

Colorado banned SSM in 2006, but allowed for civil unions in 2013. Although not related to the issue, Colorado is also known for its legalized marijuana, adding to its reputation as a fairly liberal and progressive state. The civil unions were considered on par with "separate, but equal", which led to this particular case.

Read more here: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=319426926434095901#editor/target=post;postID=7243613236665713565

Obama's Executive Order Protects LGBT

by Brig Bagley

21 July 2014

Obama has just signed a new Executive Order that prohibits discrimination based on sexual preference and identity in the workplace. The order can only apply to federal workers and workers of companies on federal contract. Federal workers enjoy this benefit immediately, while federal contract workers should expect to see the order enforced by early next year.

Previous protections are augmented with this order. Obama did not, however, remove Bush's clause in 2002 that grants employers the ability to prioritize hiring based on one's religious beliefs.

Because the ruling by the Equal Employment Opportunity commission in 2012 is claimed to still not be enforced (particularly for transgender people), Obama believed this order would help make the difference. 

About 1/5 of working Americans will be protected by this order. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act written by Obama would cover all Americans, but it has only been passed in the senate, and awaits attention by the republican-controlled House of Representatives, which has refused to bring it up. 

Read more here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/21/obama-gay-rights_n_5605482.html

US Supreme Court Extends Evans Case Stay

by Brig Bagley

21 July 2014

Justice Sonia Sotomayor granted the extended stay in the case that requires Utah to recognize same-sex marriages performed in Utah. Justic Sotomayor also granted the stay for the Amendment 3 case in January. The granting of the stay is by no means to indicate whether the US Supreme Court will take Utah's appeal of the Amendment 3 case, nor what the jury would rule.

This stay marks another delay by Utah for same-sex couples and their families to enjoy the comfort of the benefits that legally come with marriage. Proponents of SSM are disappointed, but not surprised. Just as they have tried everything to get their rights, Utah will try everything to deny them. But proponents are confident that the SCOTUS will eventully rule in favor of SSM.

Opponents are relieved at the upheld stay, as same-sex marriages would have been required to be recognized today. The governor's office and the attorney general's office both believe the stay was important to avoid confusion and to keep consistent. They believe that the stay was a necessary until the Supreme Court gives final clarity on the issue.

The stay was put into place until a decision on the Amendment 3 case is made by SCOTUS. This essentially renders the entire Evans case unnecessary, as a SCOTUS ruling would decide what would ultimately happen. However, it does guarantee that Utah must  recognize same-sex marriages should the Amendment 3 ban be ruled unconstitutional.

Read more here: https://www.ksl.com/index.php?nid=757&sid=30768720