The federal government will soon treat married same-sex couples the same as heterosexual couples when they file for bankruptcy, testify in court or visit family in prison.
Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. was preparing to issue policies aimed at eliminating the distinction between same-sex and opposite-sex married couples in the federal criminal justice system, according to excerpts from a speech prepared for a Saturday event organized by a prominent gay-rights group.
“In every courthouse, in every proceeding and in every place where a member of the Department of Justice stands on behalf of the United States, they will strive to ensure that same-sex marriages receive the same privileges, protections and rights as opposite-sex marriages,” Mr. Holder’s prepared remarks said, according to the excerpts circulated by the Justice Department.
The changes were set in motion last year when the Supreme Court declared it unconstitutional to refuse federal benefits to married same-sex couples, a ruling that Mr. Holder supported.
Slowly, slowly move the wheels of change.
But move they do, despite the attempts of those who want preserve the old fashioned ideals of discrimination, homophobia, and religious intolerance to stop them.
No, that can't be right, Gryph. Everyone knows Obama hasn't done ANYTHING during his presidency.
ReplyDelete/sarcasm
I really respect this administration but why oh why won't they help the states with the voters rights issues? Like mine?
ReplyDeleteTEXAS MEL
Slightly OT but related:
ReplyDeleteI have just watched a video of some of the most uncomfortable-looking performers in the history of the Olympic Games. It's the Russian Police Choir singing Daft Punk's "Get Lucky", which I've read in one of your blogroll links is a popular song in gay bars around the world.
There are a few of the older singers who look as if they'd rather be ANYwhere else, including the most remote point in Siberia, than in that arena performing that particular song.
Under the circumstances, I thought it was quite an interesting choice of music for the organizing committee to select.
http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/Russian-police-choir-performs-get-lucky-opening-ceremony?ctx=top-moments
While one can't help but enjoy Schadenfreude on occasion, I'm just glad to see equality measures catch up to majority will. Whether it upsets the bigot's is not the goal.
ReplyDeleteMethodists In Crisis Over Gay Marriage, Church Law
ReplyDeleteThe dispute among United Methodists over recognition of same-sex couples has lapsed into a doctrinal donnybrook, pitting clergy who are presiding at gay weddings in defiance of church law against proponents of traditional marriage who are trying to stop them.
Since 2011, Methodist advocates for gay marriage have been recruiting clergy to openly officiate at same-sex ceremonies in protest of church policy. In response, theological conservatives have sought formal complaints against the defiant clergy, which could lead to church trials. One scholar has warned that Methodists are "retreating into our various camps" instead of seeking a resolution over an issue the church has formally debated since the 1970s.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/09/methodists-gay-marriage-_n_4756709.html
I truly admire AG Eric Holder for taking this step to ensure the all civil rights are given to all federal employees marriages regardless of the laws of the state they happen to work in.
ReplyDeleteMore here:
http://www.masslive.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/02/justice_dept.html
You know what this means, right? Another Fridge bites the dust and a shitstorm of hate about to hit twiggy's facebook chronicle of half a brain's descent to oblivion.