June 18, 2018
Community/Meta
The U.S. Supreme Court. Attribution: Jeff Kubina
– The Supreme Court has still taken no action in the
Arlene’s Flowers case, a follow-up case to
Masterpiece Cakeshop, this time involving flower arrangements. Normally, when a similar case is decided, the Court sends related cases back to the lower courts to take actions consistent with the new decision. But since
Masterpiece Cakeshop only resolved the issues on a narrow basis, it’s not clear what the Court will do.
– The Court denied review in Rhines v. South Dakota, a death penalty case in which the jury apparently relied on homophobic stereotypes.
Open thread UPDATED 6/15
Quick Supreme Court update
66 Comments
1.
VIRick | June 18, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Barbados: LGBT Activists File Challenge to Barbados' Anti-Sodomy Laws
Per Rob Salerno and LGBT Marriage News:
With the support of Canadian advocates and organizations in Canada, Barbadian activists have taken their country to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (CIDH). Today, 18 June 2018, three Barbadian LGBT activists have filed a petition at the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights against the Caribbean country’s laws that criminalize same-sex intimacy.
The activists are challenging sections of the country’s Sexual Offences Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and buggery, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, the harshest legal penalties for that charge in the Western Hemisphere. The laws against gay sex are broadly drawn to include sex between men, sex between women, and heterosexual sex that is not strictly vaginal.
Alexa Hoffmann, an openly trans woman and the only petitioner who has identified herself publicly, says the current law, including Barbados’ Sexual Offences Act, puts her in legal jeopardy and enables prejudice and violence against queer people.
Barbados is an Eastern Caribbean nation of 284,000 people and one of nine former British colonies in the region that still maintain laws inherited from the colonial period that criminalize gay sex. The other countries are Antigua/Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts/Nevis, St Lucia, and St Vincent/Grenadines.
The law cannot be challenged in Barbadian courts, because any law that predates 1966 independence is shielded from constitutional challenges. But Barbados has obligations under the American Convention on Human Rights and has accepted the blanket jurisdiction of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (CIDH), the only one from the above list to have done so.
In the Inter-American system, petitioners are required to file their petitions with the commission first. The commission then decides if the case is admissible and may make recommendations to the country to resolve it. The petition only goes to the court if the country fails to adopt the recommendations.
https://www.dailyxtra.com/lgbt-activists-file-cha….
NOTE: In addition, under the current circumstances, it is extremely telling to note the name of the large North American nation which is actively assisting the Barbados advocates in their petition/lawsuit.
2.
allan120102 | June 18, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Well then it looks like you were correct Rick. Barbados is subject to the ich advisory opinion. Later on activist might file a challenge in there courts to legalize ssm.
3.
VIRick | June 18, 2018 at 8:19 pm
I am quite pleased to note that Barbados did sign the CIDH accord, binding itself to accept the blanket jurisdiction of the CIDH rulings, the only one of the 9 to do so.
Maurice Tomlinson is also one of the self-identified "Canadian advisors" assisting the Barbados project. However, they also have a good local spokesperson in Alexa Hoffmann.
Tomlinson did warn, however, that they can not take on all 9 simultaneously, and that the entire process is multi-stage, step-by-step, one or two jurisdictions at a time, while reminding everyone that he already has his own suit pending against Jamaica. However, as he pointed out, because of Barbados' unique circumstances, it was imperative to take Barbados before the CIDH, and obtain from them a specific ruling on this matter. As of today, that has been done. They even got there before the transgender women of Bolivia filed their promised petition on marriage.
4.
VIRick | June 18, 2018 at 2:28 pm
Jersey: Same-Sex Marriage Commencement Dates
Per LGBT Marriage News:
The Jersey States is to vote on implementing the marriage equality law next Tuesday, 26 June 2018. The law would then take effect on 1 July, with the first LGBT weddings possible from 7 July.
https://twitter.com/LGBTMarriage
5.
VIRick | June 18, 2018 at 2:43 pm
Ukrainian Justice Ministry: No Current Legal Grounds in Ukraine for Same-Sex Marriage
Per LGBT Marriage News:
Legalizing same-sex partnerships in Ukraine requires a comprehensive discussion. There are currently no legal grounds for same-sex marriage, Deputy Justice Minister Natalia Bernatska has said.
“To date, no draft laws or government decisions regarding the legalization of same-sex partnerships in civilian or other forms have been developed,” Bernatska told journalists in Kyiv on 14 June 2018. Ukraine’s National Strategy for Human Rights, approved in 2015 by the Cabinet, however, provides for the legislative consolidation of civil partnership of same-sex couples.
Bernatska said the National Strategy is an integrated document for the gradual discussion of the issues mentioned in it. “The National Strategy document looks forward to 2020, so the discussion will continue,” she added.
https://www.kyivpost.com/ukraine-politics/justice…
6.
VIRick | June 18, 2018 at 5:27 pm
Costa Rica: TSE Insists Sala IV Must Rule on Marriage Equality
Per Rex Wockner:
It appears Costa Rica is leaving legalization of marriage equality, to be in compliance with the binding ruling of January 2018 of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (CIDH), to the Constitutional Chamber of Costa Rica's Supreme Court (Sala IV), where multiple cases remain pending.
TSE Insists that Sala IV Is in Charge of Resolving Same-Sex Marriage
TSE Insiste en que Sala IV Es Encargada de Resolver sobre Matrimonio Gay
El Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) insistió en que es trabajo de la Sala IV modificar el Código de Familia para que se permita el matrimonio homosexual y cumplir así con la opinión consultiva de la Corte Interamericana de Derechos Humanos (CIDH).
La Defensoría de los Habitantes envió una nota al Tribunal Supremo de Elecciones (TSE) en la que le pide autorizar de inmediato la inscripción de matrimonios homosexuales. Sin embargo, Luis Antonio Sobrado, presidente del TSE, señaló que respetan la petición del órgano defensor, pero mantienen la misma tesis del inicio sobre el tema.
Siete parejas del mismo sexo plantearon la inscripción de sus matrimonios ante el Registro Civil, y una más gestiona registrar su unión de hecho.
http://www.monumental.co.cr/2018/06/17/tse-insist…
The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) insisted that it is the job of Sala IV to modify the Family Code so that same-sex marriage is allowed and thus complies with the advisory opinion of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (CIDH).
The Office of the Ombudsman sent a note to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) asking them to immediately authorize the registration of same-sex marriages. However, Luis Antonio Sobrado, president of the TSE, noted that they respect the request of the defending body, but maintain the same thesis on this subject as at the start.
Seven same-sex couples have requested the registration of their marriages before the Civil Registry, and one more wishes to register their de facto union.
NOTE: Currently, de facto unions between same-sex couples are legal. However, couples must first go before a court and prove they have been in a stable relationship for at least 3 years' duration. The couple mentioned above, waiting to register their de facto union, has most likely skipped the "proving before the court" routine, as that would no longer be a requirement under the CIDH ruling.
The TSE has jurisdiction over the Civil Registries and other administrative divisions and functions of the Costa Rica government. Sala IV has jurisdiction over constitutional matters.
7.
VIRick | June 18, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Mexico: Trump's Family Separations Slammed in Mexico's Presidential Race
Per Karla Zabludovsky:
Mexico City — Trump’s policy of separating children from their parents at the border has been slammed by all the campaigns, as Mexico nears its crucial presidential election, while continuing to veer further and further left.
José Antonio Meade, PRI, the ruling party’s candidate, badly trailing in third place, said he was “horrified” and “profoundly distraught” during a campaign rally on Monday, 18 June 2018. “Mexico will be a voice that always speaks out loudly against these human rights violations.”
“It’s inhumane. We’re talking about violations of all human rights guarantees,” said Ángel Ávila, spokesperson for the “Mexico to the Front” (México al Frente) coalition. The coalition’s presidential candidate, Ricardo Anaya, PRD, is second in most polls. Perversely, the progressive, pro-LGBT PRD is in coalition with the right wing, anti-gay PAN (Mexico's Republicans), a party which did not even field a presidential candidate, and whose hopes of winning anything have been crushed by Trump's hate rhetoric directed against Mexico. In the kindest language possible, the more progressive PRD saw the open-borders, pro-NAFTA, business-oriented PAN as a wealth of easy votes, ready for the plucking, votes which otherwise might have gone to PRI. Still, it won't be enough, as voters are looking even further left.
Carlos Alberto Figueroa Ibarra, director of human rights at Morena, the upstart leftist political party whose candidate, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO), is now leading the presidential polls by double-digits, is among those who think the current government is remaining silent on purpose, to avoid adding pressure to the already tense renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement. “The current Mexican government’s position is based on not angering Trump,” said Figueroa.
Trump’s belligerent rhetoric against Mexicans and his frequent insistence that Mexico will pay for a border wall have strained the once-strong relationship between the two countries, with his administration viewed as volatile and dangerous here in the 11th-largest economy in the world. The practice of separating families “is part of an ultra-right position, based off of religious fundamentalism,” said Figueroa.
However, even more perversely, the progressive, ultra-leftist Morena, whose state legislators routinely vote in favor of same-sex marriage, is in alliance with the fundamentalist-based, ultra-rightist PES. This alliance makes even less sense than the PRD-PAN one, as Morena does not even need the support of the much smaller, diametrically opposite PES to win. The PES is a party which itself espouses fundamentalist-based policy, a concept which was just condemned by the Morena spokesperson.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/karlazabludovsky/trump-b…
NOTE: When AMLO wins, he will be bringing in Olga Cordero, the ex-Supreme Court Justice who voted in favor of marriage equality, as his new Justice Minister, and we will really start seeing some fireworks on multiple fronts. Mexico's election is scheduled for 1 July 2018.
It should be further noted that the majority of migrants/asylum seekers crossing the Mexico-USA land border are not Mexican citizens, but rather, are from an assortment of Central American nations further south. Most Mexicans who regularly cross the same border have the word "Fronterizo" stamped into the license plates of their SUVs, indicating that they are pre-cleared to cross, and are of an entirely different class of people. I saw hundreds of such vehicles marked "Chihuahua/Fronterizo" when recently visiting family in New Mexico.
8.
ianbirmingham | June 18, 2018 at 10:31 pm
Thailand's TransWomen demand legal protection from sexual harassment / assault
In Thailand, there have been reports of transgender women being sexually harassed during hazing and at the annual military draft. In recent years, gender advocates worked with military personnel to make sure the rights of transgender women are respected at the military draft.
Paradoxically, Thailand is also considered a paradise for LGBTI people — as an open, tolerant nation whose population is allowed freedom in lifestyle, to a certain extent. Some universities allow transgender students to dress according to their gender for graduation. The Kingdom also is a famous home to an international transgender beauty pageant. …
Ronnapoom Samakkeekarom, representing the Foundation of Transgender Alliance for Human Rights (TGA) … said about 100 out of 134 transgender respondents [to a recent survey done by Thammasat University] have reported being intimidated by their own peers, teachers, security guards and even motorcycle taxi drivers at some point in their life.
https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/special-reports/…
9.
VIRick | June 19, 2018 at 1:04 pm
Tunisia: Presidential Committee Recommends Decriminalizing Homosexuality
Per LGBT Marriage News:
The decriminalization of homosexuality was one of several progressive changes recommended to Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebi by the country’s Individual Freedoms and Equality Committee (also known by the acronym COLIBE), a presidential commission comprised of legislators, professors, and human rights advocates.
"Some laws pose an assault on the sanctity of individuals’ privacy, including their sexual relations,” the report, published earlier this month, states. It then specifically cites Article 230 of the country’s penal code, which criminalizes same-sex sexual activity. Under this provision, gay sex is currently punishable by up to three years in prison.
Bochra Belhaj Hmida, a member of Tunisia’s parliament and the president of the COLIBE committee, told NBC News the report's top recommendation regarding homosexuality “is the outright repeal of Article 230.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/nbc-out/tunisian-…
10.
VIRick | June 19, 2018 at 1:42 pm
Puerto Rico: New Family Civil Code Bill Introduced into Legislature Recognizing Marriage Equality
Per LGBT Marriage News:
El proyecto de ley del nuevo Código Civil reconocerá el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo y elevaría la edad mínima para casarse de 14 a 18 años. La presidenta de la Comisión cameral de lo Jurídico, María Milagros Charbonier, anunció la radicación de un proyecto de ley que dará pasó a un nuevo Código Civil que también incorpora legislación estatal de reciente aprobación, como la Ley de Adopción (Ley 61-2018) y la Ley para Permitir las Modificación de las Capitulaciones Nacimientales (Ley 62-2018).
En el nuevo Código, se eleva la edad mínima para casarse de 14 a 18 años. Además, limita los matrimonios hasta el tercer grado de consanguinidad, aunque el estado de derecho hoy lo extiende hasta el cuarto grado. La legislación reconoce el matrimonio igualitario, en concordancia con la normativa federal, incluye lenguaje sobre la equidad dentro del matrimonio, y reconoce el nuevo estado de derecho en cuanto a modificaciones de capitulaciones.
https://www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/politica/nota…
The draft law of the new Civil Code will recognize marriage between people of the same sex and will raise the minimum age to marry from 14 to 18 years. The president of the Legisative Commission on Law, Maria Milagros Charbonier, announced the filing of a bill that will allow for a new Civil Code that also incorporates state legislation recently approved, such as the Adoption Act (Law 61-2018) and the Law to Allow the Modification of Birth Certificates (Law 62-2018).
In the new Code, the minimum age for marriage is raised from 14 to 18 years. In addition, it limits marriages up to the third degree of consanguinity, although the rule of law today extends it to the fourth degree. The legislation recognizes equal marriage, in accordance with federal regulations, including language on equity within marriage, and recognizes the new rule of law regarding modifications of certificates.
Note: This newspaper article contained a factual error in the original Spanish. Ley 62-2018 allows for the gender modification on birth certificates (capitulaciones nacimientales). The article mistakenly claimed that that law allowed for modification of marriage certificates (capitulaciones matrimoniales).
11.
VIRick | June 19, 2018 at 2:44 pm
Maryland: School District, Trans Student Reach Settlement
The Talbot County MD Public Schools and attorneys representing a male transgender student reached a settlement on Monday, 18 June 2018, ending a 2016 lawsuit filed by the then 14-year-old student challenging his school’s refusal to allow him to use the boys locker room and bathrooms.
The settlement allows Max Brennan, who is now 16, to freely use the boys’ restrooms and locker room at St. Michaels Middle High School in Talbot County MD. His attorneys with the ACLU and the Maryland LGBT advocacy group Free State Justice consider the settlement a major victory for transgender rights.
It follows a ruling in March by US District Court Judge George L. Russell III denying the school district’s motion to dismiss the case and declaring that transgender students cannot be barred from sex segregated school restrooms or locker rooms that align with their gender identity under Title IX, finding that the school district’s policy banning Brennan from using the bathrooms or locker room consistent with his gender identity violated Title IX of the US Education Act of 1972, which prohibits sex discrimination.
http://www.washingtonblade.com/2018/06/19/md-scho…
12.
VIRick | June 19, 2018 at 4:28 pm
Querétaro: Marriage Equality Bill Proposed
La diputada local Leticia Mercado Herrera aseguró que mantendrá la exigencia de que se reforme el Código Civil (de Querétaro) para permitir los matrimonios igualitarios en todo el estado. Promete revisar ley para matrimonio homosexual. La diputada del Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI) consideró que los integrantes del Poder Legislativo deberán tomar esa decisión en las próximas semanas, una vez que se retome el ritmo de trabajo en la legislatura.
https://www.diariodequeretaro.com.mx/local/diputa…
The state deputy Leticia Mercado Herrera assured that they will maintain the requirement that the Civil Code (of Querétaro) be reformed to allow for marriage equality throughout the state. She promises to revise the law for same-sex marriage. The deputy of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) stated that the members of the Legislature should make that decision in the coming weeks, once the pace of work in the legislature is resumed.
Note: Most of Querétaro state already has marriage equality due to actions taken at the municipal level immediately after Mexico's Supreme Court ruled in favor of the jurisprudence requiring it nationwide.
13.
ianbirmingham | June 19, 2018 at 10:56 pm
After Crackdown, Egypt's LGBT Community Contemplates 'Dark Future'
Egypt's moral panic destroys the lives of all people who publicly raise the rainbow flag
https://www.npr.org/2018/06/18/620110576/after-cr…
14.
arturo547 | June 20, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Peruvian Constitutional Court to decide on the recognition of same-sex marriage in 30 days
Caso Ugarteche: TC deja al voto reconocimiento de matrimonio homosexual
Óscar Ugarteche interpuso recurso de amparo para que se ratifique fallo que obligaba al Reniec a registrar su matrimonio con Fidel Aroche. Resolución se conocerá en plazo máximo de 30 días https://elcomercio.pe/peru/caso-ugarteche-tribuna…
Note: the Peruvian Constitutional Court is composed of seven members. Four of them are liberal, so the case is expected to be won. Besides, the Court has already voted in favour of the legal recognition of transgender individuals.
15.
VIRick | June 20, 2018 at 6:12 pm
Perú: Marriage Equality Recognition Case to be Decided within 30 Days
En marzo de este año, la Cuarta Sala Civil de la Corte Superior de Justicia de Lima anuló la sentencia que, en primera instancia, ordenaba al RENIEC a inscribir dicho matrimonio, el cual fue celebrado en México en octubre del 2010.
Por ello, Ugarteche interpuso un recurso de amparo, que llegó al Tribunal Constitucional (TC), para que se desestime la anulación ejecutada por la Cuarta Sala Civil y se ratifique el fallo en primera instancia. Tras la audiencia celebrada hoy, 20 de junio 2018, el tribunal tiene un plazo máximo de 30 días para emitir su voto. RENIEC no se presentó a la audiencia y el Pleno del Tribunal no hizo preguntas.
https://elcomercio.pe/peru/caso-ugarteche-tribuna…
In March of this year, the Fourth Civil Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of Lima annulled the judgment of the court of first instance that ordered RENIEC to register said marriage, one which was celebrated in Mexico in October 2010.
Therefore, Ugarteche filed a writ of amparo, which has reached the Constitutional Tribunal (TC), in order to dismiss the annulment executed by the Fourth Civil Chamber and ratify the ruling of the first instance. After the hearing held today, 20 June 2018, the TC has a maximum period of 30 days to cast its vote. RENIEC did not appear at the hearing and the Full Court did not ask questions.
Note: Óscar Ugarteche, a Peruvian citizen, legally married Fidel Aroche, a Mexican citizen, in Mexico City in 2010. Ugarteche is currently seeking recognition of his Mexican marriage by Perú within Perú. If successful, other same-sex Peruvian couples who have already married in foreign jurisdictions, like in Argentina and Uruguay, would also be able to register their marriages in Perú, as would those who have already obtained AUCs (civil unions) in Chile and Ecuador.
For a full legal analysis of this case (in Spanish) by Jeannette Llaja, Juan Carlos Díaz, & Beatriz Ramírez, see:
http://laley.pe/not/5122/proceso-constitucion-y-m…
as well as the summary of today's hearing by Beatriz Ramírez:
https://www.facebook.com/beatrizramirezhuaroto/po…
16.
VIRick | June 20, 2018 at 9:08 pm
OK, so the clock is ticking in Perú, and we will have a definitive answer from that court within 30 days on their recognition of marriages between same-sex couples. But will Perú be next, or will another Latin nation's highest court render a positive marriage equality decision in the interval? We have long over-due pending cases awaiting resolution from both Venezuela and Ecuador, as well as other marriage equality cases which could be ruled upon at any time from both Panamá and Costa Rica. Or a miracle could occur, and Chile's legislature could actually act.
However, I am betting on El Salvador, as we have not heard a word concerning their second pending marriage equality case ever since it was filed by Herman Duarte Iraheta in November 2016.
17.
allan120102 | June 20, 2018 at 11:43 pm
I actually saw in other links that Peru supreme court have actually 12 weeks to render a decision. Anyhow a positive ruling is expect the only way I could see it going the wrong way is if the court finds that plaintiffs file too late the lawsuit as procedures needs to be follow. That is what the court of appeals found. So far the courts of Guatemala and Honduras are pretty conservative. Not sure how the court in El Salvador is right now. In Costa Rica a liberal justice renounce and supposedly they are waiting for his replacement. The conservative factions in the legislature want a conservative, and they might swing a majority of congress to confirm someone with that mind.
18.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 12:11 am
If people in the USA think that appointing a Supreme Court Justice is complicated by politics, wrangling, and maneuvering, that is because they are simply unaware of an extra feature present in most Latin nations where justices serve a designated length of time (usually 6-8 years) and are then replaced in rotation, usually one or two at a time.
I know that this maneuvering is what is holding up a ruling from Panamá, where two pro-marriage-equality justices have been nominated to replace two dirges whose time on the court has already expired and who need to retire. I was not aware of a similar problem in Costa Rica, but with reverse implications.
As for the time-frame for a ruling in Perú, the article in "El Comercio" is quite clear: "un plazo máximo de 30 días" (a maximum period of 30 days).
Of course, the courts in Ecuador and Venezuela have both gone well beyond their legal maximum time for rendering a ruling and there is still nothing from either in regard to the main cases, while the court in Costa Rica got testy (in a different ruling) as to why it had not yet ruled on any of the cases pertaining to marriage equality.
19.
allan120102 | June 21, 2018 at 1:04 am
The two pro marriage equality judges were shot down by panama congress in December. New judges are to be select from a pool of 30 possible candidates. Dont expect a ruling from the court until the two judges are select. Anyhow I am seeing the congress of Panama shoting down every candidate who might have a positive view in marriage equality. https://elnuevodiario.com.do/comienzan-las-entrev… http://elmundo.sv/los-30-candidatos-a-magistrados…
20.
allan120102 | June 21, 2018 at 12:59 am
Cayman island same sex marriage ban has formally been challenge. I am expecting a win from this territory. The thing is how soon the judge will rule. https://www.caymancompass.com/2018/06/20/couple-f…
21.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 10:58 am
Cayman Islands: Couple Files Legal Challenge to Same-Sex Marriage Ban
Per Rex Wockner:
On 20 June 2018, Chantelle Day, a Caymanian lawyer, and her partner Vickie Bodden Bush, a nurse from the UK, filed for a Judicial Review of government’s decision to refuse their application to marry. If successful, the suit would force the Cayman Islands to follow changes that have occurred in many countries in recent years, giving same-sex couples equal access to marriage.
In a writ filed Wednesday with the Grand Court, lawyers for the couple argue that the section of Cayman’s Marriage Law, which defines marriage as between “one man and one woman,” is incompatible with various rights guaranteed under the islands’ Constitution. They argue that the Marriage Law has to be modified and re-interpreted in light of the Cayman Islands Bill of Rights, which guarantees the right to private and family life, the right to freedom of conscience and the right to non-discrimination.
The two women are seeking a declaration from the court that the decision to refuse their marriage application was unlawful and that they are entitled to be married in the Cayman Islands.
https://www.caymancompass.com/2018/06/20/couple-f…
22.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 11:14 am
Newfoundland Supreme Court Recognizes 3 Parents to a Child Born in Polyamorous Relationship
Per LGBT Marriage News:
An unusual court decision In Newfoundland, declaring two men as parents to a child born into a polyamorous relationship with a woman, drives home the justice system’s precept of doing what’s best for children and furthers its attempts to keep up with changing familial realities, experts say.
The case, said to be the first of its kind in Canada, took place in the Supreme Court of Newfoundland and Labrador. The 4 April 2018 written decision was released to the media only recently.
https://www.thelawyersdaily.ca/articles/6773/n-l-…
The court of Buenos Aires Province in Argentina has already recognized a similar 3-parent situation. However, in that instance, the matter involved two lesbian women and a mutual male friend, all 3 of whom were listed on the child's birth certificate. This recent ruling in Newfoundland may well be only the second instance of a 3-parent declaration worldwide.
23.
ianbirmingham | June 22, 2018 at 7:48 pm
This N-parent situation has already been raised in the New York Times (When 3 Really Is A Crowd, July 16 2007, http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/16/opinion/16marqu… ): “On April 30 [2007], a [Pennsylvania] state Superior Court panel ruled that a child can have three legal parents. […] Arthur S. Leonard, a professor at New York Law School, observed, 'I’m unaware of any other state appellate court that has found that a child has, simultaneously, three adults who are financially obligated to the child’s support and are also entitled to visitation.' […] As one advocate of polygamy argued in Newsweek, 'If Heather can have two mommies, she should also be able to have two mommies and a daddy.' If more children are granted three legal parents, what is our rationale for denying these families the rights and protections of marriage?” Our firm answer: there cannot be any legitimate rationale for the unconstitutional denial of this legal protection to polyamorous families.
The New York Times op-ed raises a question: “Conflicts will undoubtedly arise when three parents confront the sticky, conflict-ridden reality of child-raising, often leading to a nasty, three-way custody battle. Even if they part amicably, they may still want to live in three different homes. In that case, how many homes should children travel between to satisfy the parenting needs of many adults?” The legal answer has been provided by New York Law School Professor Arthur S. Leonard (Pennsylvania Court Finds Three Adults Can Have Parental Rights, May 01, 2007, http://newyorklawschool.typepad.com/leonardlink/2… ): “[…] the court gave Jennifer primary custody of the one nephew who was living with her, and partial custody (visitation rights) with the other three children; Jodilynn got primary custody of the three children and partial custody (visitation) with the one nephew, and Carl was awarded partial custody (visitation) of one weekend a month with his two children.” In the event of divorce, family law judges will calculate child support obligations and distribute visitation rights in accordance with the best interests of the child(ren).
https://www.reddit.com/r/polyamory/comments/292o7…
24.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 8:19 pm
Ian, your having quoted the details of the Pennsylvania case makes me recall when the matter occurred. However, there is one major difference between it and the other two, the one from Buenos Aires Province and the other from Newfoundland.
In the Pennsylvania case, the 3-parent relationship was only legally-recognized after-the-fact, in the divorce proceedings at the dissolution of the relationship. In the other two instances, as on-going, amicable relationships, the 3-parent situation has been legally-recognized as such upon the birth of a child within the relationship.
25.
ianbirmingham | June 24, 2018 at 1:51 pm
2007 – N-parent situation recognized after the fact
2018 – N-parent situation recognized at childbirth
Marriage certificates pre-recognize parents (before childbirth)
Full details of how to legally implement polyamorous marriage provided here:
https://www.reddit.com/r/polyamory/comments/292o7…
But only incremental progress in polyparenting has materialized…
It's time for the law to recognize and directly support polyfidelity!
26.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 11:29 am
Philippines: Oral Arguments before Supreme Court to Continue on 26 June
Per LGBT Marriage News:
A petition asking the Supreme Court to compel the State to recognize same-sex marriage was immediately met with strong opposition from justices on questions of “procedural issues and technicalities.”
“I think you are in great peril that your case will be dismissed,” Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza told lawyer Jesus Nicardo Falcis III on Tuesday, 19 June 2018, when the high court discussed his petition. The main petitioner should have first raised the issue before the regional trial court in deference to the rule on the hierarchy of courts, Jardeleza said, quoting Associate Justice Lucas Bersamin.
Falcis, who described himself as an “open and self-identified homosexual,” filed a petition for certiorari and prohibition questioning certain provisions of Executive Order No. 209, or the Family Code of the Philippines, which only recognizes heterosexual marriage and declared homosexuality as a ground for annulment. “The text of the Constitution is clear—marriage, as an inviolable social institution, is the foundation of the family. Nothing in…the Constitution limits the definition of marriage as [one] between a man and a woman,” he argued.
Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio directed Falcis and Solicitor General Jose Calida to return on 26 June 2018 for the continuation of the oral arguments.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1002790/justices-bl…
27.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 11:40 am
Philippines: More from Oral Arguments of 19 June 2018 before Supreme Court
Per LGBT Marriage News:
Associate Justice Francis Jardeleza called Falcis’ attention to a pending Lower House bill that proposes recognition of civil union of persons of the same sex. Jardeleza was referring to House Bill 6595 that proposes the recognition of civil partnerships of same-sex couples and granting them the rights to adopt children, social security and insurance, and legal inheritance.
Authored by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and several other lawmakers, including Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, the first transgender individual to become member of Congress, HB 6595 or the proposed Civil Partnership Act, provides civil rights benefits and responsibilities to couples who are unable to marry.
“It is about time that the Philippine government grants couples, whether they are of the opposite or the same sex, adequate legal instruments to recognize their partnerships, respecting their dignity, and recognizing their equality before the law,” said Alvarez.
https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/06/21/lgbt-pioneer-in…
28.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 11:58 am
Ireland: Government Apologizes for Anti-Gay Persecution and Pardons All Anti-Gay Convictions
Per LGBT Marriage News:
On Tuesday, 19 June 2018, in Dáil Éireann, Charlie Flanagan, who now holds the seat of his late father, Oliver J Flanagan (a notorious anti-gay bigot), apologized on behalf of the State to gay men who were criminalized because of their sexuality before the law was repealed in 1993.
The House was debating the 25th anniversary of the decriminalization of homosexuality in Ireland and the issuing of an apology to the people convicted by a law which “criminalized the very essence of self.”
So at the end, after all the fine speeches, the lesbian Government Minister turned to the gay Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and planted a soft kiss on his cheek.
https://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/miriam-l…
29.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 12:10 pm
Canada: Bill to Expunge Historical Anti-Gay Convictions Receives Royal Assent
The bill to expunge anti-gay convictions, Government Bill C-66, Expungement of Historically Unjust Convictions Act, has received the royal assent, and thus has become law today, 21 June 2018. It would create a procedure by which people convicted of having had consensual same-sex relations can apply to have those convictions erased and their records destroyed.
https://twitter.com/SenateCA/status/1009796914576…
30.
DevilWearsZrada | June 21, 2018 at 1:34 pm
Does it mean that these persons' conviction records will be physically destroyed so there won't remain any ones even for historical/archival purposes?
31.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 2:09 pm
Yes, as I understand it, once the individual has requested that such be done. Of course, those who are already dead will be unable to make their request.
In a criminal conviction, the legal term, "expunge," means to erase and to then destroy all physical record of the conviction, chiefly on the grounds that the conviction itself has been overturned and is no longer considered to be a conviction (and should never have been considered a conviction).
32.
DevilWearsZrada | June 21, 2018 at 11:51 pm
I hope I just don't understand the details. Do "conviction records" include all the prosecution and trial documents?
33.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 1:02 pm
South African Court: Religion No Defense for Homophobic Hate Speech
A South African court has ruled against a pastor who tried to justify anti-gay hate speech with his religious beliefs. Prominent pastor Oscar Bougardt was recently found in contempt of court for making anti-gay comments on social media by South Africa’s Equality Court.

The South African Human Rights Commission began a complaint against the pastor in 2013 following a series of allegedly anti-gay comments he had made against lesbian and gay people on social media and via email. Bougardt had originally reached a settlement with the Commission in 2014 and stated that he would stop making hateful comments about LGBT people.
However, according to News 24, the pastor continued, even at one point advocating for the criminalization of homosexuality in South Africa, saying that the country should “deal with them like they do in Nigeria.” The commission then brought the case to the Equality Court, claiming that the pastor’s comments were violating the South African Equality Act.
As well as making comments comparing LGBT people to pedophiles, Bougardt was also recorded as blaming recent droughts in Cape Town on “wickedness and homosexuality and church leaders who fail to preach the Bible and sodomite abomination.”
Judge Lee Bozalek later ruled that even if his comments had a religious basis, they were clearly discriminatory and a violation of the earlier settlement. The South African Human Rights Commission had requested that Bougardt spend a month in prison, and be fined half a million South African Rand, the equivalent of £26,000.
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/21/hate-speech…
34.
VIRick | June 21, 2018 at 7:49 pm
Maine: State Legislature Bans Anti-Gay "Conversion Therapy"
Per Samuel Brinton, Head of Advocacy at the Trevor Project:
Today, 21 June 2018, Maine passes our legislation protecting LGBTQ youth from "conversion therapy" both in the Senate and again in the House. On to the Governor for a signature.
https://twitter.com/sbrinton/status/1009898141179…
Once the governor signs this bill into law, Maine will become state #15 banning "conversion therapy" for minors.
35.
allan120102 | June 21, 2018 at 8:23 pm
Will he sign it though? He is strongly conservative. He is even more conservative than many other republican governors.
36.
scream4ever | June 21, 2018 at 11:12 pm
No governor has vetoed such legislation, but if anyone would be the first, I'd expect it to be him.
On a side note, why the hell hasn't Massachusettes passed such legislation yet?
37.
JayJonson | June 22, 2018 at 7:48 am
Oregon Supreme Court upholds decision by appeals court that upheld a decision by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industry that imposed a $135,000 fine on Sweet Cakes by Melissa bakery that refused to bake a wedding cake for a lesbian couple.
“The court has considered the petition for review and orders that it be denied,” Oregon's highest court said in its order.
Late last year, the Oregon Court of Appeals upheld a decision by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries that found Aaron and Melissa Klein, owners of Sweet Cakes by Melissa, guilty of unlawfully discriminating against the couple when they refused to make a cake for the women's commitment ceremony.
Although the story does not mention it, the fine was paid by a GoFundMe campaign, which raised more than $500,000 for the bakers. The story also does not mention that the fine was so high in part because the bakers incited (or at least abetted) a hate campaign against the couple by publicizing their names and address.
http://www.ontopmag.com/article/44851/OR_Supreme_…
38.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 2:45 pm
Oregon Supreme Court Denies Bakers' Appeal
Per Equality Case Files:
On 21 June 2018, in "Klein & Klein dba Sweetcakes by Melissa, and, in the alternative, individually as an aider and abettor under ORS 659A.406, v. Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries," the appeal of the decision that the baker violated the state's public accommodation non-discrimination law, the Oregon Supreme Court denied the Kleins' petition for review, meaning that the Court will not take up the appeal.
Order S065744 Denying Review is here:
http://files.eqcf.org/cases/s065744-order-review-…
It its supreme fullness, in one of the most perfunctory one-page orders one has ever seen, speaking volumes without saying a word, the complete order curtly states:
"Upon consideration of the court, the court has considered the petition for review and orders that it be denied."
The lengthly title describing the petitioners on the petition actually says much more.
39.
SethInMaryland | June 22, 2018 at 9:33 am
Wow, things are really heating up in Czech: Czech Government Backs Same-Sex Marriage Bill
Czech Republic just introduced a draft law to legalize same-sex marriage today (22 June). According to iDNES, Lucie Zachariáš, the lawyer representing the campaign for marriage equality in Czech Republic said on the government’s decision: “We are happy that the government has consistently spoken about the proposal to change the Civil Code and promote marriage for gays and lesbians. It is practically the whole of Western Europe, and we have the chance to be the first post-communist country to take it.”
The Czech Republic currently offers civil unions and would be the 17th European Union member nation to provide full marriage equality.
40.
allan120102 | June 22, 2018 at 10:22 am
It has now a majority in parliament in favor it looks poise to be the first country of 2018 to legalize ssm. https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/22/czech-gover…
41.
allan120102 | June 22, 2018 at 10:26 am
Well I speak too soon many want to add a constitutional ban on the constitution. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-czech-marriage…
42.
scream4ever | June 22, 2018 at 11:01 am
A constitutional amendment requires 60% though, and it doesn't sound like it has as much support as the marriage bill. I suspect the only holdup will be the new government being formed.
43.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 3:38 pm
To say it as politely as possible, the breathless headline to this Pink News article is inaccurate: "Czech government passes vote to legalise same-sex marriage." No, that did not happen today. The Reuters report, immediately below, presents the same day's happenings from Prague far more accurately.
We must be extremely careful when quoting from Pink News as they are notorious for getting the story wrong and/or for exaggerating events. Here's a good example of the latter, also taken from today's reporting: "Video of Hong Kong crowd cheering on gay couple having sex goes viral." The actual "report," all second-hand hearsay, is nowhere near as exciting as the thrilling headline. Nor is there any link to the video. Or any proof that said video ever existed, let alone of any evidence of there having been a cheering crowd.
https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/06/22/video-of-ho…
Again, there is actual positive gay news today from Hong Kong (see further below for details), but this "exciting" video was not it. In this instance, Pink News completely missed the significant event.
44.
allan120102 | June 22, 2018 at 5:39 pm
I agree that is why I always check more than one website if possible to confirm news Anyhow I hope that a government is soon form in the Czechia so they can debate and possibly approve this bill, So base on this we have 46 lawmakers in favor we need 54 more. Hope we reach that number.
45.
jwgii | June 25, 2018 at 9:44 am
Pink News is also notorious for scraping stories verbatim from other sites – one being Queerty, which has its own *issues* so to say, but it hilarious when PN lifts one of Queertys obsessive "every straight man is secretly having man on man sex" 🙂
46.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 2:27 pm
Czech Government Backs Bill on Same-Sex Marriage
Per Reuters:
Prague – On Friday, 22 June 2018, the Czech government gave its backing to a bill which would make the country the first in formerly communist Europe to allow same-sex marriage.
The Czech Republic has been allowing gay and lesbian couples to enter registered partnerships since 2006. A group of 46 lawmakers across the floor drafted the marriage bill, arguing that gay couples deserved the option of full marital status.
An opposing bill, presented by 37 lawmakers, calls for a definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman to be enshrined in the constitution.
The bill allowing same-sex marriages would need only a simple majority in the 200-seat house, while the constitutional change would require 120 votes.
Prime Minister Andrej Babis said on Friday his government backed the legislation to introduce same-sex marriage. But it is uncertain when the parliament may get to a vote on the rival bills, as the parties have been struggling to create a full-fledged administration since last October's election.
Babis's centrist ANO party won that vote by a large margin and formed a minority government, but he failed to secure parliamentary support. He is now trying to form a new cabinet with the centre-left Social Democrats that would also need the backing of the Communist party.
http://news.trust.org//item/20180622115450-99ypx/
47.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 5:35 pm
Wockner Adds Czech Republic to Marriage Equality "Watch List"
Per Rex Wockner, 22 June 2018:
Czech Republic
On 22 June 2018, the Czech Republic government threw its support behind a bill to modify the Civil Code to bring in marriage equality. Czechia would be the first former Eastern-Bloc nation to allow same-sex couples to marry. The bill will have to proceed from the Chamber of Deputies (where it has been introduced) to the Senate to the president.
https://wockner.blogspot.com/2018/06/worldwide-ma…
His "Watch List" now consists of the following: Austria, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Honduras, Northern Ireland, Panamá, Paraguay, Perú, Philippines, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Venezuela.
48.
guitaristbl | June 23, 2018 at 7:01 am
Why Austria ? Austria is a done deal even with a hostile government refusing to legislate for it.
49.
VIRick | June 23, 2018 at 12:02 pm
I can not speak for Rex directly, but I suspect he continues to keep each jurisdiction on his "Watch List" until after marriage equality has actually been implemented in the country in question. In Austria's case, because of the court ruling, it is inevitable, as you note. However, because of the timed delay within said ruling, marriage equality has not yet been implemented, but will be, on or before 1 January 2019.
50.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 7:08 pm
Czech Republic: Cabinet Supports Proposal to Legalize Same-Sex Marriages
Per Czech Radio, 22-06-2018:
The government has given its formal support to a draft proposal allowing for same-sex marriages. With the cabinet’s support, the proposal, which would require amending the Civil Code, will now go to the lower house of Parliament for debate.
Current Czech civil law only allows for same-sex couples to have registered partnerships, an institution that would no longer be in place if same-sex marriages become legal. Thus far, 46 MPs representing six different parties in the 200-seat Chamber of Deputies have signed on to the draft proposal.
http://www.radio.cz/en/section/news/cabinet-suppo…
República Checa: Gobierno Apoya Propuesta de Matrimonio Homosexual
Per Agenda Gay: Radio Praha, 22-06-2018:
El Gobierno checo ha apoyado la propuesta hecha por un grupo de diputados de varios partidos de permitir el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo. La decisión se ha tomado a pesar del consejo de los asesores legislativos del gabinete de Andrej Babiš, que recomendaban neutralidad. El tema será ahora discutido en la Cámara Baja como parte de la reforma del Código Civil.
http://www.radio.cz/es/rubrica/noticias/gobierno-…
The Czech Government has supported the proposal made by a group of deputies of several parties to allow marriage between people of the same sex. The decision has been made despite the advice of the legislative advisers of Andrej Babiš's cabinet, who recommended neutrality. The issue will now be discussed in the Lower House as part of the Civil Code reform.
51.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 2:04 pm
New York State: Ulster County Bans Anti-LGBT "Conversion Therapy" on Minors
Per LGBT Marriage News:
Kingston NY – The use on minors of a controversial treatment aimed at changing the sexual orientation and/or gender identity of an individual could soon be banned in Ulster County. On Tuesday, 19 June 2018, the county Legislature voted unanimously in favor of a local law prohibiting therapists who practice in the county from using conversion therapy, reparative therapy, or other practices that seek to change the sexual orientation or gender identity of anyone under the age of 18.
Once signed into law, practicing conversion therapy in Ulster County would be a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 and/or one year in jail. The law also would require that applicable licensing boards be notified of the crime.
The bill now goes to County Executive Michael Hein for consideration. Hein must hold a public hearing on the bill before deciding whether to sign it.
http://www.dailyfreeman.com/article/DF/20180620/N…
Ulster County would be the third New York county to ban the practice in law. Previously, in New York state, the most important jurisdiction to have banned the practice by law is the combined 5-borough area of New York City. However, Gov. Cuomo has also signed an executive order banning the practice statewide (by disallowing funding) after the New York state legislature (several times) failed to pass its own measure.
52.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 2:17 pm
Hong Kong: Gay Legislator Proposes Motion to Study LGBT Civil Unions
Per LGBT Marriage News:
Legislative Councillor Raymond Chan Chi-chuen has planned a motion of debate next month to study policies that would allow same-sex unions.
The motion debate, introduced at the Legislative Council meeting of 20 June 2018, will take place on 4 July, a little over a month after Hong Kong’s appeal court reversed a landmark ruling that granted same-sex couples the same spousal benefits as heterosexual couples.
The fight for an amendment on gay marriage has been a cornerstone of Chan’s tenure since he came out as gay in 2012, shortly after winning his seat.
https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/gay-lawmaker-mo…
53.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 6:27 pm
Adam Rippon Poses and Skates Completely Nude in ESPN's Body Issue
The figure skater explains how leaving the closet gave him the courage to pose naked for ESPN's Body Issue.
And as per the author, Clémence Michallon:
"When browsing this story I wrote about Adam Rippon and his amazing ESPN Body Issue photo shoot, please try to read at least *some* of the words."
https://www.advocate.com/sports/2018/6/22/coming-…
I am speechless, yet quite impressed.
54.
VIRick | June 22, 2018 at 7:57 pm
Morocco, Where Homosexuality Is a Punishable Crime
Per Agenda Gay de España:
Casi 200 marroquíes fueron procesados en 2017 por homosexualidad y 3.000 por adulterio, según el informe anual de la Procuraduría (Fiscalía) presentado este martes, 12 de junio 2018, en Rabat.
El Código Penal marroquí en su Artículo 489 castiga la práctica de la homosexualidad (definida como "la comisión de actos contra natura con individuos del mismo sexo") con penas de hasta tres años de cárcel. El delito de adulterio puede conllevar dos años de prisión.
https://www.20minutos.es/noticia/3366672/0/marrue…
Almost 200 Moroccans were prosecuted in 2017 for homosexuality and 3,000 for adultery, according to the annual report of the Attorney-General's Office (Prosecutor) presented on Tuesday, 12 June 2018, in Rabat.
The Moroccan Penal Code in its Article 489 punishes the practice of homosexuality (defined as "the commission of acts against nature with individuals of the same sex") with penalties of up to three years in prison. The crime of adultery can lead to two years of imprisonment.
In Europe, most LGBT organizations and many LGBT publications, like Agenda Gay, constantly warn LGBT tourists to keep away from Morocco, once a popular LGBT get-away (think "Brideshead Revisited"). The above report tells us why.
55.
VIRick | June 23, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Mariela Castro to Cuba: Get Ready for Same-Sex Marriage
Per AFP and the Jakarta Post:
In Cuba, where homosexuals once suffered harsh repression, a new reform-oriented constitution being drafted could pave the way for same-sex marriage, Raul Castro's daughter Mariela Castro Espin says. She is the director of the National Center for Sex Education, or Cenesex, and promotes policies to help women and the LGBT community.
The National Assembly is drafting a new constitution that will maintain the one-party system but aims to adapt the country to new social and economic times. The current constitution dates from 1976.
"In the constitution there is a section on rights in which LGBT people must be involved," Castro told AFP in an interview. "Constitutions do not necessarily get down to specifics. They open doors so later we can talk about changing the legislative system."
http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2018/06/23/cub…
56.
VIRick | June 23, 2018 at 2:53 pm
More LGBT Pride Marches
Today, 23 June 2018, there were massive LGBT Pride marches in Santiago and in Concepción de Chile, in Mexico City, in Guatemala City, and in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
In Santiago, the crowd, all in winter gear, was estimated to be over 80,000 people. The estimates on the size of Mexico City's crowd were much greater, at over 250,000, for their 40th Anniversary March, del Ángel de la Independencia al Zócalo. The march in Guatemala City, which ran over-time, is just finishing, but is said to have been the largest march ever in that country's history, partly because of the possibility of impending negative legislation and partly because of the migrant issue, given that a goodly number who have been fleeing Guatemala are LGBTs.
In conjunction with Pride, Aeroméxico is running an LGBT ad entitled: La vida es demasiado corta para no vivirla con Orgullo (Life is way too short to not live it with Pride).
https://twitter.com/Aeromexico
Some of the signage, in the Mexico City March, in particular, was eye-opening. For example, here's one proudly held high by a middle-aged woman: Tengo 3 hijos homosexuales, y gracias a eso, he expandido mi conciencia, mente, y corazón. Madre Orgullosa (I have 3 gay sons, and thanks to that, it has expanded my conscience, mind, and heart. Proud Mother). And a soldier carried this: Tengo VIH, soy gay, soy militar, soy mexicano, tan humano como tú (I have HIV, I am gay, I am military, I am Mexican, so human like you).
And the one that made me laugh: Pinche gobierno hetero (Damn hetero government).
https://twitter.com/NoticiasLGBT
57.
VIRick | June 23, 2018 at 6:37 pm
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Pride Event
Per AMPA:
Congratulations to AMPA member Bryan Moreno for helping organize the very first LGBT Pride Month event on base at the Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
https://twitter.com/LGBTMilPartners
The American Military Partner Association (AMPA) is the nation's largest non-profit organization of LGBT military spouses and families.
58.
VIRick | June 23, 2018 at 7:34 pm
Needed: Mayan Speakers, Mayan-to-English Translators
Per Connie May Fowler:
There is desperate need for Mayan-to-English translators for mothers who have been separated from their children at the border. If you or anyone you know speaks Tzutujil, Kacqchikel, Mam, and any other relevant Mayan language, please contact me, Connie May Fowler.
https://twitter.com/conniemayfowler
59.
allan120102 | June 24, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Even though I do not like it she has true on her words.Thinking that the Philippines senate will pass same sex marriage is foolish. The lawsuit against the ban on the country looks like it will be toss out so philippines lgbt community best option are civil partnerships for now. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1003631/roman-to-lgb…
60.
guitaristbl | June 25, 2018 at 8:51 am
Arlene Flowers case thrown back to lower courts for reconsideration in light of Masterpiece Cakeshop…Not a great sign.
61.
allan120102 | June 25, 2018 at 9:34 am
Agree I am still waiting for the gay friends of Gorsuch tell me how he was a change from Scalia. Maybe he is not as vocal but the bigotness is still there. Sigh It would had been so different if Garland had been confirm.
62.
jwgii | June 25, 2018 at 12:59 pm
For the first few weeks after the election, I was plagued by those sort of constant hypotheticals of the consequences of losing Garland as the rightful successor to Scalia – the most openly homophobic justice in history who never missed a chance to demean us with snide and dehumanizing written opinions or even at oral arguments. But I had to let that go because to save my mental health!
63.
scream4ever | June 25, 2018 at 2:32 pm
I'm confident we will not lose anything we've already gained.
64.
jwgii | June 25, 2018 at 9:57 am
Actually, "grant, vacate, remand" orders are customary in light of recent holdings such as Masterpiece even though it really isn't dispositive. And the State AG has already issued a press release stating that he is confident that the State Supreme Court will just reinstate its prior unanimous ruling after a pro forma review.. .https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/news-releases/ag-us-supreme-court-asks-washington-supreme-court-review-arlene-s-flowers-case
65.
VIRick | June 25, 2018 at 11:54 am
The Washington State Supreme Court can always follow the lead of the Oregon Supreme Court which just ruled on 21 June 2018 in "Klein & Klein dba Sweetcakes by Melissa, and, in the alternative, individually as an aider and abettor under ORS 659A.406, v. Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries," that:
"Upon (a second) consideration of the court, the court has considered the petition for review (on remand) and orders that it (still) be denied."
Today's order from the Supreme Court is linked here, case #4 in the list, 17-108: https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/0….
66.
allan120102 | June 25, 2018 at 9:32 am
Czechia parliament to discuss the same sex marriage bill after they come fron summer recess. Suposedly there is a good chance it pass. http://www.radio.cz/en/section/curraffrs/governme…