Steps Forward and Steps Backward

There’s so much going on with this movement that sometimes it’s hard to keep up, even for me, and I pay intense attention. Here’s a news round-up of recent events in the fight for LGBTQ equality. While there is much activity to increase equality, it’s important to remember that 30 states have constitutional amendments banning gay marriage.

“The flurry of activity nationwide has activists on both sides of the gay marriage debate encouraged that 2011 will be a year of gains for them.”

An interesting fact: North Carolina is the only state in the South that does not have an amendment banning gay marriage. Five states and the District of Colobmia permit same-sex marriage.

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MARRIAGE EQUALITY UPDATES

FORWARD: Hawaii lawmakers gave approval to civil unions last Wednesday, and the Democratic governor is expected to sign it into law.

FORWARD: The California Supreme Court agreed to take on, but has decided to delay until September, a Proposition 8 appeal.

BACKWARD: The Indiana House passed an anti-gay marriage amendment to the state’s constitution by a vote of 70-26. However, the founder of the LGBT blog "The Bilerico Project," Bil Browning, has said he will reveal “dirty laundry of Indiana lawmakers who voted in favor on the message.”

BACKWARD: There is a bill in Wyoming, where legally married same-sex couples (married out of state) will not be recognized.

FORWARD: In Washington, a bill to legalize gay marriage was introduced last Monday. Domestic partnerships are already legal in the state.

FORWARD: The Maryland Senate held marriage bill hearings last Thursday.  The committee approved the legalization of gay marriage with a 7-4 vote.

FORWARD: A New Hampshire poll of adults indicates that almost two-thirds are opposed to ending marriage equality in the state.

OTHER EQUALITY UPDATES

FORWARD: Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick (D) signed an exeutive order on the 17^th which effectively bans discrimination in state employment against transgender workers.

FORWARD: Target created a policy committee to oversee the company’s political activities. This comes after widespread condemnation of their financial support for anti-gay politicians.

FORWARD: Judge Sabrina McKenna was confirmed to the Hawaii Supreme Court this past week. She is the first openly LGBT person to serve on the court.

FORWARD? Lady GaGa's new single, "Born This Way," is being hailed as the new gay anthem. It it? Should it be? Does it matter if LGBTQ is in the genes or not? Can this nature versus nurture debate ever be settled?

Well, at least the tune is catchy.