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Fundamentalist Christians Attack Partner Benefits and Protections

Alaska

Alaska To Spend $1.2 Million To Poll Public On Gay Benefits

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 10, 2007

(Juneau, Alaska) A plebiscite pushed through by Republican lawmakers in Alaska that would ask voters their opinion on amending the Alaska constitution to prevent the same-sex domestic partners of state workers from receiving health benefits will cost four times the estimated cost of the benefits it was learned this week.

In 2005 the state Supreme Court ruled the state must establish benefits to same-sex partners of its employees in response to an action filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and nine Alaska couples.

The high court ruled that because the state constitution has been amended to bar same-sex marriage, denying gay and lesbian couples insurance rights extended to married couples deprives them of equal protection guaranteed under the Alaska Constitution. Continue.

Alaska governor says state will provide benefits to same-sex partners

AP, Advocate.com, December 22, 2006

Alaska governor Sarah Palin said the state will abide by an Alaska supreme court order to provide benefits to same-sex partners of state employees as of January 1. Palin's decision came one day after the Alaska supreme court told the state to stop dragging its feet and implement domestic-partner benefits, which were first ordered 14 months ago. Continue.

Senate Vote Sets Alaska Lawmakers On Collision Course With State Supreme Court

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 21, 2006

(Juneau, Alaska) The Alaska Senate has joined the House in thumbing its nose at the state Supreme Court over a ruling that mandates health and other benefits for the same-sex domestic partners of state employees and retirees.

The Republican controlled Senate voted Monday 11 - 6 along party lines to pass legislation prohibiting the Alaska Commissioner of Administration for implementing the court ruling. Continue.

Alaska Senate Advances Anti-Gay Bills

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 20, 2006

(Juneau, Alaska) A key Alaska Senate committee has ratified two bills passed Friday by the House that could result in a constitutional showdown between the legislature and the state Supreme Court over same-sex benefits.

The first bill prohibits Gov. Frank Murkowski's administration from granting any court-ordered health and retirement benefits for same-sex partners of state employees. The second would explore the possibility of a constitutional amendment barring gay benefits that could go on the 2008 ballot. Continue.

Alaska's governor calls special session to determine DP benefits

Associated Press, Advocate.com, October 30, 2006

The governor of Alaska called a special session of the state legislature Friday to determine how the state should pay court-ordered benefits for same-sex domestic partners of state employees and retirees. Gov. Frank Murkowski called the special session over the objections of Lt. Gov. Loren Leman, who questioned his authority to implement the regulations. The state is facing a January 1 deadline.

Scott Nordstrand, commissioner of the Department of Administration, said he wants to make sure the regulations that are adopted can withstand any legal challenge. ''This is to solve a very real problem in short order,'' he said. Continue.

Judge Critical Of Alaska Gay Benefits Proposal

by The Associated Press, 365Gay.com, September 20, 2006

(Juneau, Alaska) The state's proposed rules on benefits for same-sex couples are too stringent, according to a ruling by a Superior Court judge in Anchorage.

Judge Stephanie Joannides also found the state's view of an Alaska Supreme Court decision on the types of benefits to be offered too narrow. Hearings on the proposed regulation will be held in Juneau and Anchorage.

Last year's Supreme Court ruling required the state to establish benefits to same-sex partners of its employees in response to an action filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and nine Alaska couples. Continue.

Don't let good intentions cloud gay marriage issue

By Jim Minnery, Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, April 16, 2006

"Once we're mandated to provide marriage benefits to same-sex couples, it becomes very difficult to deny that privilege to polygamists or even cohabiting friends or relatives. The homosexual movement has been very purposeful in avoiding any comparison to polygamists, but that argument is disingenuous." Click here for the article

Alaska Moves On Gay Benefits Ban Amendment

By 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 18, 2006

"The Alaska Constitution already forbids same-sex marriage but some lawmakers want that expanded to include benefits following a state Supreme Court ruling that ordered Alaska to provide the same-sex partners of public employees with the same benefits as received by married workers." Click here for the report.

Arizona

Lawsuit Filed Over Arizona Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 12, 2006

(Phoenix, Arizona) A proposed amendment to the Arizona constitution aimed at blocking same-sex marriage is so broad it would adversely affect thousands of couples who are not even gay a lawsuit filed Wednesday says.

Five opposite-sex couples from Phoenix and Tucson filed suit in Phoenix seeking to have the amendment invalidated on the grounds that it violates the Separate Amendment Rule by seeking to incorporate in one ballot measure at least three separate issues. Continue

California

DP bill sparks personal attacks in California's statehouse

A.P., Advocate.com, August 25, 2006

Debate over a bill that would let registered domestic partners in California file joint state tax returns devolved into a shouting match as state lawmakers in Sacramento accused each other of intolerance and one Republican said his gay colleagues live a deviant lifestyle. Discussion of the bill Wednesday began to heat up when Republican assemblyman Jay La Suer called the measure "part of the homosexual agenda." He said it would negatively affect California's children by teaching them "that this is an acceptable lifestyle."

Assemblyman Lloyd Levine, a Democrat, countered that "the real homosexual agenda is simple equality and freedom from discrimination." He said the bill would move California closer to that goal. Continue

Alameda County: Parental-rights lawsuit is reinstated

Appeals court sends same-sex case back to Superior Court

By Bob Egelko, San Francisco Chronicle, June 10, 2006

A state appeals court set new guidelines for same-sex parental rights Friday, following up on last year's landmark California Supreme Court ruling, and revived an Alameda County woman's quest to become the second mother of a child she had planned to raise with her partner.

A former member of a lesbian couple can gain parental status over the objections of her ex-partner, the child's biological mother, if she meets several criteria for legal motherhood, said the Court of Appeal panel in San Francisco. Continue

California Supreme Court Thwarts Another Attempt To Overturn Domestic Partner Law

by Mark Worrall, 365Gay.com, April 12, 2006

The California Supreme Court on Wednesday rejected an appeal by a religious right challenging the state's domestic partner law. The plaintiffs argued that the law violated an anti-marriage amendment passed by voters. Read the report

Colorado

One of two DP initiatives pulled from Colorado ballot

A.P., Advocate.com, August 24, 2006

One of two Colorado proposals that would allow same-sex couples to register as domestic partners was withdrawn from the November ballot Tuesday because backers said the other proposal would accomplish the same goal. Coloradans for Fairness pulled Amendment 45, which would have changed the state constitution to give registered domestic partners some of the same rights as married couples.

Still on the ballot is Referendum I, which would put domestic partnerships into state law rather than into the constitution. It was placed on the ballot by the legislature. Continue

Colorado Catholics Instructed To Support Anti-Gay Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 23, 2006

(Denver, Colorado) Roman Catholic churches throughout Colorado will be used to collect signatures for two ballot measures that will restrict the rights of same-sex couples.

One is an amendment to the state Constitution to ban gay marriage, the other would block benefits to same-sex couples.

There are about 370,000 Catholics in the state. The ballot measures each need about 68,000 signatures by Aug. 7 to qualify for a statewide vote. Continue

Colorado Domestic Partnership Plan Heads To Voters

by 365Gay.com, May 5, 2006

(Denver, Colorado) Colorado voters will be asked in November approve a domestic partner registry. Legislation approving the referendum passed the House on Thursday. It passed the Senate earlier in the week.

The measure is one of four plebiscites affecting the gay community - two positive and two negative - that are working their way toward the electorate.

The partnership plan would allow same-sex couples to register their relationships and receive inheritance rights and the ability for partners to make medical decisions for one another. Continue

Gay, Anti-Gay Measures Gain Support In Colorado

by 365Gay.com, March 24, 2006

"A proposed amendment to the Colorado constitution to ban same-sex marriage and a counter proposal to give same-sex couples some of the benefits of marriage both made headway on Friday. Each would need final approval by voters in November." Click here for the report.

Appeal Filed In Colorado Springs Gay Benefits Suit

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, 365Gay.com, February 20, 2006

"Two lesbian couples are appealing a ruling that Colorado Springs did not act illegally when it cancelled benefits for the same-sex partners of city workers. The city began offering same-sex partner benefits to employees in 2002 but a newly elected council discontinued them in 2003." Click here for the report.

Anti-Gay Groups Feud Over Colorado Benefits Bill

AP via 365Gay.com, February 18, 2006

Fellow Christocrats are criticizing Focus on the Family founder James Dobson for backing a bill in the Colorado legislature that would give extremely limited rights to gay couples. The bill was introduced by a Republican with the apparent aim of undercutting a serious Democratic partnership bill. Click here for the report.

Proposals target gay rights

Democrats pursue legal protections; Focus on the Family seeks marriage ban

By Lynn Bartels, Rocky Mountain News, January 18, 2006

Democratic legislators are crafting a package of benefits for same-sex partners, which Focus on the Family is attacking as "marriage light." Click here to read the report.

District of Columbia

House wards off veto threat with gay slap

Advocate.com, June 30-July 2, 2007

By a surprisingly bipartisan vote of 224�200, the U.S. House of Representatives on Thursday passed an amendment banning the use of federal funds to support Washington, D.C.'s local domestic-partner registry.

The White House warned Wednesday that President Bush would veto this year's routine appropriations bill for the District of Columbia if it did not include such an amendment, a response to the district's strengthening of its same-sex partner benefits last year. Continue.

Anti-Gay Language Reinstated In DC Appropriations Bill Following Bush Veto Threat

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 29, 2007

(Washington) A bill providing federal funding to the District of Columbia has passed the House after a clause stating the money could not be used to fund a domestic partner registry was reinstated.

President Bush on Wednesday threatened to veto the bill if it did not contain the clause. Continue.

Florida

AFA Lawyer Denounces University's New Pro-Homosexual Healthcare Policy

By Jim Brown, AgapePress, January 27, 2006

A highly charged attack on the University of Florida's new policy providing healthcare benefits to unmarried partners of employees. Click here for the article.

Indiana

Gay Families Rally Against Indiana Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 20, 2007

(Indianapolis, Indiana) About 300 same-sex couples and their supporters rallied in front of the Indiana legislature to protest a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage and block any recognition of unmarried couples.

"You know what? Same-sex marriage already is illegal in Indiana, but it's the second part of this that they (proponents) don't want you to know anything about, that they want you to ignore," said Candice Gingrich one of the speakers at the rally. "They don't want you to dig into the second part of the amendment because it could harm not just gay Hoosiers, but all Hoosiers." Continue.

Same-sex legislation worries some at IU

Many say ban would threaten University benefits

By Carrie Ritchie, Indiana Daily Student, February 02, 2007

An Ohio judge ruled last November that a politician had no standing to sue Miami University of Ohio for offering domestic-partner benefits -- despite the state's constitutional ban on gay marriage and legal recognition of unmarried couples.

However, the case has raised the question of whether the domestic-partner benefits of a state institution or any public university could be challenged under a state's marriage amendment.

For IU, that question is still unanswered. A proposed amendment with one sections that explicitly bans gay marriage and a second that some think could take rights like domestic-partner benefits away from unmarried couples. passed during its committee hearing Wednesday afternoon, thus securing a second vote in Indiana's Congress. Continue.

Kansas

First Gay Domestic Partner Registry In Kansas Opens

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, August 1, 2007

(Lawrence, Kansas) About a dozen same-sex couples lined up Wednesday in Lawrence, Kansas to register as domestic partners as the first such registry in Kansas officially opened.

Other gay and lesbian couples were expected to register online with the city clerk's office. In all, about 50 couples were expected to register Wednesday said City Clerk Frank Reeb. Continue.

Kentucky

U. Kentucky Expands DP Benefits

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 18, 2007

(Frankfort, Kentucky) The University of Kentucky in an effort to avoid a legal challenge to its employee health insurance plan over the inclusion of domestic partners expanded the scheme on Monday to include all dependants who reside with university workers.

The University trustees voted in April to offer the benefits to same-sex couples and unmarried opposite-sex couples. The scheme is to take effect July 1.

But earlier this month Attorney General Greg Stumbo issued a legal opinion that the plan would violate the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Continue.

University Of Kentucky OKs Partner Benefits, Gov. Threatens To Intervene

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, April 25, 2007

(Frankfort, Kentucky) The University of Kentucky will become the second public college in the state to offer health benefits to the unmarried partners of employees - but the plan may never get off the ground.

UK trustees voted Tuesday to offer the benefits to same-sex couples and unmarried opposite-sex couples. The scheme is to take effect July 1. Continue.

Kentucky Court Delivers Blow To Gay Parenting

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff , June 16, 2006

(Frankfort, Kentucky) The Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that even though a partner in a same-sex relationship may have shared responsibilities in raising a child she has no legal right to be considered a co-parent.

The case involved a lesbian couple where one partner adopted a baby but where both partners shared in caring for the child. Continue

Maryland and Virginia

Editorial: Gay Marriage Politics

Washington Post, January 29, 2006

"Populist champions of intolerance in Virginia and Maryland are pushing constitutional amendments that would outlaw not only gay marriage but also civil unions, domestic partnerships and any other arrangement between consenting adults who happen to be homosexuals. Those amendments could have cruel and discriminatory effects, but that is of little moment to some of their advocates, who, confident that the wind of popular opinion is at their backs, assert a monopolistic claim on morality and God's law. We don't doubt that some state lawmakers genuinely believe that gay marriage somehow constitutes a threat to the traditional variety, or that they think that the children of gay unions may in some way be disadvantaged. But those views are tainted by an atmosphere of blatant political opportunism now seizing Richmond and Annapolis." Click here to read the editorial.

Michigan

Michigan Supreme Court Tosses Gay Partner Benefits Challenge

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 25, 2007

(Lansing, Michigan) In a narrowly worded ruling the Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday said that 17 taxpayers challenging the Ann Arbor school district's same-sex benefits policy could not proceed with their case.

The decision did not touch on the constitutionality of the benefits. That issue is proceeding separately.

In the school board issue the court said that the taxpayers did not have legal standing to challenge the board. Continue.

Kalamazoo Skirts Court Ruling To Continue Partner Benefits

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 29, 2007

(Kalamazoo, Michigan) Kalamazoo has found a way around a court ruling that said providing health insurance to the same-sex partners of city workers violated the state amendment banning same-sex marriage.

The solution: don't call it a domestic partner benefit. Under a motion agreed to by City Commissioners Friday the plan now will be called an "Other Qualified Adult" program and is available to any two people living together in a dependent relationship where one person is a city employee. Continue.

With this ring, I give thee health insurance...

Jeffrey Montgomery, freep.com (The Detroit Free Press), June 19, 2007

The cliched but true axiom, "A lie told often enough becomes the truth," is being employed handily by religious extremists who seek to make it impossible for same-sex couples to take care of themselves and their children.

Before we look at the lies being told to us today, we need to remind ourselves of the history behind those lies. In 2004, the proponents of Proposal 2, which banned equal marriage rights for same-sex couples in our state, told us that this proposal had nothing to do with employment benefits like health insurance. The proposal was about marriage and only about marriage, they said again and again. But almost immediately upon passage of Proposal 2, these opponents turned around and went after domestic partner benefits, which provide health insurance to the families of same-sex couples. Continue.

Kalamazoo Dumps Gay Benefits Plan

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 4, 2007

(Kalamazoo, Michigan) The city of Kalamazoo became the first public employer in the state to strip health benefits from the domestic partners of its gay and lesbian employees.

City Manager Kenneth Collard cited a decision last month by the Michigan supreme Court. Continue.

Michigan Supreme Court To Decide Gay Benefits Case

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, May 24, 2007

(Lansing, Michigan) The Michigan Supreme Court announced on Thursday it will hear an appeal of a ruling that said the state's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage blocks the state, local governments and public institutions from providing benefits to the same-sex partners of employees.

The high court granted a motion for appeal filed by 21 gay couples represented by the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. But the court denied an ACLU motion to halt the state Court of Appeals' decision until after the Supreme Court hears the case.

Soon after the amendment was passed in 2004 Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D), acting on the advice of Attorney General Mike Cox (R), terminated domestic partner benefits that had been won by state unions. Continue.

Ban on benefits enrages gays, lesbians

By Marlon Vaughn, The Flint Journal, February 05, 2007

Lapeer resident Gale Crooks said he's disappointed by the state Court of Appeals decision that the same-sex marriage ban also blocks domestic-partner health benefits, but he's hardly surprised.

"It just keeps going - there's no end," said Crooks, co-chairman of the Lapeer County Equal Rights Alliance, an advocacy and support organization for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered community.

"It's discrimination. It's another action aimed at demeaning GLBT people." Area gays and lesbians view the court's decision as the latest in an ongoing series of attacks on their rights that began with a 2004 voter-approved constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. It reaffirms what many feared - that the ban's impact would extend beyond the ability to legally say "I do." Continue.

Fears Michigan Gay Ruling Could Have Ripple Effect Nationwide

by The Associated Press February 8, 2007

(Lansing, Michigan) A Michigan appeals court ruling that bans public universities and state and local governments from providing health insurance to partners of gay employees has alarmed gay rights advocates nationwide.

They fear the decision could encourage similar rulings in 17 other states whose bans on gay marriage could be interpreted to prohibit domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples. Continue.

Court Of Appeals Voids Michigan Domestic Partner Benefits

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 2, 2007

(Lansing, Michigan) The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled Friday that the state's constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage prevents public institutions from providing benefits to same-sex partners of employees.

"We strongly disagree with the court's decision today and plan on appealing to the Michigan Supreme Court," said Kary Moss, Executive Director of the ACLU of Michigan. Continue.

Lawsuit Targets Michigan State's 'Domestic Partner' Policy

By Jim Brown, AgapePress, July 7, 2006

Michigan State University is being sued over its recognition of same-sex "marriages."

The lawsuit filed on behalf of the American Family Association of Michigan alleges Michigan State is violating the state marriage amendment, which defines marriage as "the union of one man and one woman." MSU has a policy that provides employee benefits to so-called "same-sex domestic partners." Attorney Pat Gillen with the Thomas More Law Center, which is representing AFA-Michigan, says proponents of same-sex "marriage" are trying to get the legal status of a lawful marriage by using another name. Continue

Nebraska

Anti-marriage law pre-emptively bans partner benefits

Nebraska's anti-marriage law, regarded as the harshest in the nation, was designed to prevent the legislature from directing any benefits to partners in civil unions. Click here.

New Hampshire

Families Of Gay State Workers Cannot Be Excluded From Benefits N.H. Court Rules

by 365Gay.com, May 5, 2006

(Concord, New Hampshire) A New Hampshire judge has ruled that the state cannot restrict family benefits for civil servants to married couples.

Merrimack County Superior Court Judge Kathleen McGuire in a written decision said that it is discriminatory for the state to require a couple to be married before getting family benefits when same-sex couples cannot legally marry in New Hampshire. Continue

New Jersey

NJ Companies Continue To Thumb Noses At Civil Unions

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, May 22, 2007

(Trenton, New Jersey) A growing number of companies are refusing to recognize the state's civil unions law, denying benefits to the same-sex partners of employees.

The state Department of Health and Senior Services said Monday that 852 same-sex couple had applied to enter civil unions in the three months since the law took effect. Continue.

New Mexico

New Mexico Governor Wants Gay Benefits

Your immediate attention is needed to see that the domestic partnership bill fails - again

Focus on the Family,Mona Passignano, March 19, 2007

Although the regular session for 2007 had ended, on Saturday, March 17, New Mexico Governor and presidential hopeful Bill Richardson called the New Mexico Legislature back into session. This special session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 20. That�s correct - tomorrow.

State law allows Richardson to limit debate, and he�s restricted the agenda to eight items.

Not surprisingly, one of those items is the domestic partnership bill -- HB 603 -- which passed 33-24 in the House but which failed in the Senate. If passed during the special session, the bill would grant homosexual couples the same rights, protections and benefits as spouses. These include child support, divorce proceedings, property and insurance rights. Continue

New York

Lawsuit Challenges New York's Same-Sex Benefits

Experts say new regulations are part of an agenda coming down from the governor.

Focus on the Family, May 29, 2007

New York's Department of Civil Service broadened the term "spouse" earlier this month to allow gay state employees who were "married" in Massachusetts or in another country to receive health- and life-insurance benefits. Continue.

Ohio

Miami University staff can keep domestic-partner benefits

Advocate.com, August 29, 2007

Gay and lesbian staff members at Oxford, Ohio-based Miami University can keep their domestic-partner benefits, following Monday's affirmation by the Ohio court of appeals of a lower court ruling.

Conservative lawmaker Thomas Brinkman, with legal counsel from the antigay Alliance Defense Fund, brought the case to the Ohio courts in November 2005. A year later, the suit was dismissed, but Brinkman and the Alliance Defense Fund filed a notice of appeal.

Lambda Legal acted on behalf of professors Jean Lynch and Yvonne Keller, whose families stood to lose their medical coverage if Brinkman won the case. Continue.

Ohio judge dismisses domestic partner benefits lawsuit

Tim Magaw, Daily Stater (Kent State University), November 21, 2006

An Ohio judge dismissed a lawsuit yesterday against Miami University which challenged the school's use of domestic partner benefits.

"Miami University is pleased with the judge's decision," said Claire Wagner, director of news and public information at the university. "What it means is we can continue offering benefits to eligible faculty and staff."

State Rep. Thomas Brinkman Jr., a Cincinnati Republican, filed the suit as a taxpayer in November 2005, saying Miami offers partner benefits only to same-sex partnerships, not heterosexual non-married couples. Continue.

Judge Dismisses Challenge To University Domestic Partner Benefits

365Gay.com, November 20, 2006

A lawsuit by an Ohio state lawmaker against Miami University for extending health and other benefits to the same-sex partners of employees was dismissed Monday by a judge in Butler County.

Rep. Tom Brinkman (R) sought to have a judge declare the benefits package unconstitutional because of the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

Brinkman was represented by the Alliance Defense Fund, a conservative law group which regularly fights LGBT issues nationwide. The suit argued that Ohio's constitutional amendment banning gay marriage nullifies such benefits from publicly funded institutions.

Miami University gets about ten percent of its income from the state of Ohio. The rest comes from tuition and endowments. Continue.

Miami benefits suit has no basis, couples say no tax or tuition is spent on them

by Eric Resnick, Gay People's Chronicle (Ohio), July 21, 2006

Hamilton, Ohio--A lawsuit to stop Miami University�s domestic partner benefits is groundless because no tax or tuition money is being spent on them, say two couples receiving the benefits.

The couples said in court papers filed this week that a university official�s deposition proves that State Rep. Thomas Brinkman of Cincinnati has no standing to sue it over the program. Continue

Court Asked To Throw Out Suit Against Miami University Gay Benefits

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 14, 2006

(Oxford, Ohio) Lambda Legal asked the Butler County Court of Common Pleas on Friday to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a legislator seeking to take away the domestic partner benefits of employees of Miami University arguing that the lawmaker has no legal standing to sue. Continue

Lambda Legal Asks Court to Throw Out Case Seeking to Take Away Domestic Partner Benefits of Miami University Employees

247gay.com, July 17, 2006

(Oxford, OH) � In papers filed this past week, Lambda Legal asked the Butler County Court of Common Pleas in Ohio to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a legislator seeking to take away the domestic partner benefits of employees of Miami University because the legislator has no legal standing to sue.

�Mr. [Tom] Brinkman has no legal standing to bring this lawsuit because it makes no difference in his daily life when the domestic partners of lesbian and gay university employees have health insurance,� said James P. Madigan, Staff Attorney in Lambda Legal�s Midwest Regional Office in Chicago. �The real people who are helped by this benefit or harmed by its absence are the lesbian and gay employees and their families. Their health ought not be the source of fodder for a politician up for re-election.� Continue

Ohio Anti-Gay Amendment Does Not Void Lesbian Mom's Rights Court Rules

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, June 30, 2006

(Columbus, Ohio) Ohio's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage cannot be used by a woman to prevent her ex partner from visitation rights to a child they were raising a Columbus judge has ruled.

In addition to banning same-sex marriage the amendment, known as Issue 1, says the state "and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of unmarried individuals that intends to approximate the design, qualities, significance or effect of marriage." Continue

Legislator jeered over lawsuit challenging domestic-partner benefits

AP, Advocate.com, January 31, 2006

"An Ohio legislator who filed a lawsuit challenging Miami University's same-sex benefits policy was applauded but mostly heckled at a forum to discuss the court case." Click here for the report.

Miami University lawsuit could affect OU partner benefits

By Nick Claussen, Athens News, December 1, 2005

An Ohio state legislator has filed a lawsuit against Miami University of Ohio claiming that its domestic-partner benefits policy violates an Ohio constitutional ban on same-sex unions that went into effect in 2004. Click here for the report.

Lawsuit Challenges Ohio School's Domestic Partner Benefits Program

By Jim Brown, Agape Press, November 29, 2005

This report about the lawsuit against Miami University reveals that a major religious-right law firm, the Alliance Defense Fund, is representing state lawmaker Tom Brinkman in his effort to deprive same-sex couples of their partner benefits. Click here to go to the report.

Oregon

Oregon Court Rules For Lesbian Parents

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 16, 2007

(Portland, Ore.) A Multnomah County Circuit Court judge found that two Oregon state laws violate the state's constitution by discriminating against families headed by same-gender couples.

"This decision is a tremendous win for children, for families, and for our shared Oregon value of basic fairness," said John Hummel, Executive Director of Basic Rights Oregon. "It validates the need for Oregon's new Domestic Partnership law to be implemented - not unnecessarily delayed or overturned by a referendum vote."

Judge Eric Bloch's decision in Parman v. Oregon holds that two Oregon laws granting parental rights to married couples unconstitutionally discriminate against families headed by same-gender couples. Plaintiffs in the case include K.D. Parman, 32, her partner of nine years Jeana Frazzini, 34, and their two sons, Emmett, 4, and Griffin, 1. Continue.

Utah

Utah high court denies parental rights for non-blood partners

Mike Rosen-Molina, Jurist (University of Pittsburgh School of Law), February 16, 2007

[JURIST] The Utah Supreme Court [official website] Friday restricted parental rights to biological parents in the cases of unmarried parents raising children related by blood to only one partner. The case at issue involved a five-year old girl conceived in a lesbian relationship, whose biological mother Cheryl Pike Barlow sought to restrict the visitation rights of her former partner Keri Lynne Jones. While the case involves a same-sex relationship, the ruling also applies to heterosexual couples. Continue.

Lesbian Family: Former partner cut out of visitation

Justices say nonblood parent has no rights to child she helped raise

By Elizabeth Neff, The Salt Lake Tribune, February 17, 2007

The Utah Supreme Court dealt a heavy blow Friday to unmarried parents raising children related by blood to only one of the parents.

Issuing a split decision in the case of a 5-year-old girl conceived in the context of a lesbian relationship, the justices said Keri Lynne Jones does not have the right to seek visitation with the child - even though Jones and her former partner decided to have her together, raised her together for a time, and gave her both of their surnames.

The girl's biological mother, Cheryl Pike Barlow, says she is no longer gay and doesn't want Jones, who was joined to her in a Vermont civil union, to see the girl.

Jones - who had been traveling to Texas for visitation every other weekend until Barlow refused to allow it last year - said Friday she is devastated. Continue.

Salt Lake can offer benefits to more than spouses

By Linda Thomson, Deseret Morning News (Salt Lake City, Utah), May 13, 2006

It is not illegal for Salt Lake City to offer health insurance benefits to "adult designees" of city workers who live in the same household but are not married to the employee, a judge has ruled.

Third District Judge Stephen Roth issued a five-page opinion Friday stating that when employers offer such benefits it does not violate state law or the Utah Constitution. Continue

Salt Lake Benefits Did Not Break Anti-Gay Amendment Judge Rules

by 365Gay.com, May 14, 2006

(Salt Lake City, Utah) Salt Lake City mayor Rocky Anderson did not violate the Utah constitution when he extended health care benefits to domestic partners of Salt Lake City employees a judge has ruled.

But the decision is moot. After Anderson signed the order city council overruled it and implemented a watered down version that replaces domestic partners with any "adult designee". Anderson, calling the measure "discriminatory" vetoed the measure, but the council overrode his veto and the amended ordinance now stands. Continue

Utah Bill Would Ban Use Of Tax Dollars For Partner Benefits

AP, 365Gay.com, February 2, 2006

"House Bill 327 would ... prohibit any city, county or state government entity from using tax dollars to subsidize health care benefits for anyone but a narrowly defined list of dependents, including a current spouse and children who are either natural, adopted or for whom the employee is a legal guardian." Click here for the report.

Vermont

Virginia Court Cedes Lesbian Custody Battle To Vermont

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 28, 2006

(Richmond, Virginia) The twists and turns of a nasty custody battle between two lesbians in two states over a four year old girl took another twist Tuesday with the Virginia Court of Appeals ruling that the state of Vermont has jurisdiction in the case.

In a narrow ruling that carefully avoided the issue of same-sex partner rights and civil unions - Virginia has a constitutional amendment barring gay unions - the court addressed only the issue of Constitutional law called full faith and credit.

"This case does not place before us the question whether Virginia recognizes the civil union entered into by the parties in Vermont," the ruling said. Continue.

Lesbian Mom Hit With $10,000 Fine For Refusing Order Granting Visitation Rights To Ex-Partner

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 17, 2006

(Rutland, Vermont) A lesbian who fled Vermont for Virginia to avoid a family court order granting joint custody of her young daughter to her former partner has been slapped with a $9,166.50 penalty that will increase by $25 every day she refuses to abide by the order.

The ruling was handed down in a contempt hearing against Lisa Miller-Jenkins at Rutland Family Court Friday afternoon.

The money includes legal and travel expenses incurred by her former partner Janet Miller-Jenkins. Continue.

Court affirms rights of former lesbian partner

Custody dispute pits anti-gay Va. laws against Vt. civil unions

By Elizabeth A. Perry, Washington Blade, August 11, 2006

The Vermont Supreme Court ruled Aug. 4 that Vermont courts, not courts in Virginia, have exclusive jurisdiction in a two-state custody dispute involving a lesbian couple and their four-year-old daughter.

The decision was handed down in the case of Lisa and Janet Miller-Jenkins, Virginia residents who moved to Vermont and were joined in a civil union. After the couple separated in 2003, Lisa Miller-Jenkins moved back to Virginia with the child, Isabella, and claimed she was no longer a lesbian. Continue

Vermont ruling awaited in same-sex custody battle

By Calvin R. Trice, Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia), June 1, 2006

The Virginia Court of Appeals is waiting for a ruling from the Vermont Supreme Court before deciding on a child-custody dispute between a former lesbian couple who were in a civil union.

The rare, multistate custody case involves whether Virginia should honor Vermont's law granting same-sex civil unions or whether Virginia's ban on recognizing such unions should prevail. Continue

Virginia

Gay Couples Can Live Together Virginia Court Rules

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, February 28, 2007

(Richmond, Virginia) The Virginia Court of Appeals has ruled that same-sex couples can live together, reversing a lower court ruling that said the word "cohabit" only applies to opposite-sex couples because of the state's ban on same-sex marriage.

The case involved a Fairfax county man who had divorced his wife and wanted his support payments ended because she had entered into a domestic relationship with another woman. Continue.

Virginia Court Cedes Lesbian Custody Battle To Vermont

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 28, 2006

"This case does not place before us the question whether Virginia recognizes the civil union entered into by the parties in Vermont," the ruling said. Continue.

Lesbian Mom Hit With $10,000 Fine For Refusing Order Granting Visitation Rights To Ex-Partner

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, November 17, 2006

The ruling was handed down in a contempt hearing against Lisa Miller-Jenkins at Rutland Family Court Friday afternoon.

The money includes legal and travel expenses incurred by her former partner Janet Miller-Jenkins. Continue.

Court affirms rights of former lesbian partner

Custody dispute pits anti-gay Va. laws against Vt. civil unions

By Elizabeth A. Perry, Washington Blade, August 11, 2006

Vermont ruling awaited in same-sex custody battle

By Calvin R. Trice, Times-Dispatch (Richmond, Virginia), June 1, 2006

The Virginia Court of Appeals is waiting for a ruling from the Vermont Supreme Court before deciding on a child-custody dispute between a former lesbian couple who were in a civil union.

The rare, multistate custody case involves whether Virginia should honor Vermont's law granting same-sex civil unions or whether Virginia's ban on recognizing such unions should prevail. Continue

Local gay couple featured in film

Movie documents women's struggle with oppression

By Katie E. Leslie, Frederick News-Post (Frederick, Maryland), December 7, 2005

After Virginia passed an "Affirmation of Marriage" law in 2004 which forbid (and voided) contracts "purporting to bestow the privileges or obligations of marriage," a lesbian couple of 40 years standing felt compelled to move to another state. A film documenting their story has sold over 1,000 copies. Click here to read the report.

Washington

Washington State Domestic Partner Law Takes Effect

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, July 23, 2007

(Olympia, Washington) Washington state's domestic partner law went into effect Monday, allowing same and opposite-sex couples to register their relationships and receive some of the state-sanctioned benefits of marriage.

People, mainly gay and lesbian couples, began lining up overnight at the Secretary of State's office. Other couples opted to register by mail.

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed the legislation in April, nearly a year after the state Supreme Court upheld Washington's ban on same-sex marriage.

The law gives couples who register hospital visitation rights, the ability to authorize autopsies and organ donations and inheritance rights when there is no will. Continue.

Washington Gay Partner Registry Clears Senate

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, March 1, 2007

(Olympia, Washington) The Washington State Senate passed legislation Thursday that would create a domestic partner registry for same-sex couples.

The domestic partner registry would also be open to opposite sex senior who for a variety of reasons are unable to marry.

The legislation would allow couples who register to have inheritance rights to partner property, the right to visit partners in hospital, make medical decisions and insure the rights of partners when one dies without a will.

�You have prevented us from marrying,� openly gay Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the bill's main sponsor, told the Senate. �Please do not prevent us from caring for each other.� Continue.

Washington Domestic Partner Bill Gets Emotional First Hearing

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, January 26, 2007

(Olympia, Washington) A woman who same-sex partner died as a result of last December's floods told Washington state lawmakers Thursday that she had difficulty getting into the hospital to see her dying lover.

The Washington State Senate Committee On Government Operations and Elections was hearing the first day of testimony on a bill that would create a domestic partner registry in the state. Continue.

Wisconsin

GOP Kills Wisconsin Move To Provide Gay Partner Benefits

365Gay.com, June 7, 2007

(Madison, Wisconsin) A bid by Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D) to provide domestic partner health benefits to state workers has been thwarted in the legislature. The House budget committee voted along party lines to reject the measure. Democrats were in favor of the plan but they failed to get the one Republican vote they needed to insert the policy into the budget. Republicans say the measure would violate the state's ban on same-sex marriage. Democrats who control the Senate are expected to push for the benefits in their version of the budget. Doyle has been trying to get a partner benefits package for state workers for the past three years. Continue.

Wisconsin Amendment Doesn't Block Gay Partner Benefits AG Says

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, December 28, 2006

(Madison, Wisconsin) Wisconsin Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager in a six-page legal opinion says that the constitutional amendment banning gay marriage does not bar governments or private companies from offering health benefits to the same-sex partners of employees.

Lautenschlager had been asked for a legal opinion by the city of Madison, fearing the amendment would negate its domestic partner registry, set up in 1990. Continue.

Wisconsin marriage amendment has university faculty and staff looking for new jobs

The Advocate.com, November 17, 2006

Gay and lesbian faculty and staff at the University of Wisconsin-Madison say they might quit their jobs because of the state's passage of a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions. "I think that a lot of people are looking elsewhere," said Concha Gomez, an academic staff member in the mathematics department.

Meeting Wednesday with about 100 concerned students, faculty, and staff, U.W.-Madison chancellor John Wiley said the amendment makes it unlikely that Wisconsin's legislature will add health insurance benefits for domestic partners. U.W.-Madison is the only school in the Big 10 that doesn't offer health insurance coverage for domestic partners, which puts the university at a competitive disadvantage in recruiting and retaining employees, he said. Continue.

Lawmakers Denied Standing In Gay Benefits Suit

by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff, September 28, 2006

(Madison, Wisconsin) An appeals court on Thursday ruled that Wisconsin legislators and a group of municipalities cannot argue against a lawsuit that seeks domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian state workers.

Six lesbian state employees filed suit last year charging that Wisconsin is violating the state constitution's equal protection guarantees because it blocks lesbian and gay employees, who are barred from marrying in the state, from access to health benefits provided to workers who are married. Continue.