SCOTUS issues unanimous ruling for religious groups in Philadelphia foster care case
June 17, 2021
The Supreme Court ruled this morning in favor of Catholic Social Services in its challenge to the city of Philadelphia’s anti-discrimination ordinance.
The City refused to renew its contract with CSS when the organization admitted that they don’t place foster children with LGBTQ parents. The Court held unanimously that their decision violated the Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment. The fact that the ordinance has other exceptions, according to the Court, means it’s not neutral and generally applicable.
The more narrow, fact-intensive decision avoids a bigger fight over whether to overrule longstanding precedent in the free exercise context.
We will have more.
Having technical problems? Visit our support page to report an issue!
18 Comments
1.
Elihu_Bystander | June 17, 2021 at 9:29 am
"The following is a statement from Francis DeBernardo, New Ways Ministry’s Executive Director, in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Fulton v. City of Philadelphia.
"The Catholic hierarchy may think that they have achieved a stunning victory in the Fulton vs. the City of Philadelphia decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, but in fact it is a crushing defeat for the Catholic values of equality, respect, and human dignity of all people, including LGBTQ people. The decision is also a defeat for Catholic values of stable family life and the promotion of the common good."
Read more:
https://www.newwaysministry.org/2021/06/17/new-wa…
2.
VIRick | June 17, 2021 at 11:11 am
Durango: State Congress Committee Approves Marriage Equality
Per "Al Tiempo de Durango:"
El 17 de junio 2021, propone el diputado David Ramos del PRD, fue aprobado en comisiones el matrimonio igualitario en Durango.
. https://twitter.com/AlTiempoDgo/status/1405565617…
On 17 June 2021, proposed by the deputy David Ramos (PRD), marriage equality was approved in the Congress committees in Durango.
Per Diversidad Sexual PRD:
A casi dos años de haberse presentado, este jueves la Comisión de Derechos Humanos del Congreso de Durango aprobó el dictamen, con 3 votos a favor (1 PRD, 2 Morena, y con la ausencia "justificada" del PRI y PT), que modifica el Artículo 142 del Código Civil y que reconoce el matrimonio igualitario.
https://twitter.com/senadisexprd/status/140566520…
Almost two years after having been presented, this Thursday the Human Rights Committee of the Durango Congress approved the draft bill, with 3 votes in favor (1 PRD, 2 Morena, and with the "justified" absence of PRI and PT), that modifies Article 142 of the Civil Code and recognizes marriage equality.
3.
VIRick | June 17, 2021 at 12:06 pm
US Supreme Court Upholds Affordable Care Act for the Third Time
On 17 June 2021, in a 7-2 opinion authored by Justice Stephen Breyer, the US Supreme Court said that "the plaintiffs lack standing to challenge the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act’s minimum essential coverage provision." The decision, to which Justices Alito and Gorsuch dissented, leaves the law in place.
https://twitter.com/i/events/1405526598623711234
4.
VIRick | June 17, 2021 at 3:13 pm
Yucatán: Supreme Court Requested to Resolve Amparos on Marriage Equality
Yucatán: Piden a la Suprema Corte Resolver Amparos sobre Matrimonio Igualitario
El 17 de junio 2021, solicitamos respetuosamente la pronta resolución del juicio de los amparos 413/2020, 21/2021, y 25/2021 antes que la legislatura estatal concluya: diputadas estatales Silvia López Escoffié (MC) y Milagros Romero Bastarrachea (MC).
Actualmente, existen dos nuevas iniciativas para modificar, respectivamente, la Constitución estatal de Yucatán y el Código de Familia en Yucatán que permiten el matrimonio entre personas del mismo sexo. La primera fue presentada por ambas legisladoras, y la segunda, por el Poder Judicial de Yucatán.
http://suresteinforma.com/noticias/piden-a-la-sup…
On 17 June 2021, we respectfully request the prompt resolution of the judgment of amparos 413/2020, 21/2021, y 25/2021 before the conclusion of the state legislature: state deputies Silvia López Escoffié (MC) and Milagros Romero Bastarrachea (MC).
Currently, there exist two new initiatives to modify, respectively, the state Constitution of Yucatán and the Family Code of Yucatán to allow for marriage between same-sex couples. The first was presented by both legislators, and the second, by the Judiciary of Yucatán.
5.
VIRick | June 17, 2021 at 3:45 pm
The 11 Mexican States Still without Marriage Equality
Here is an accurate, up-dated map of Mexico highlighting the 11 remaining states of Mexico still without marriage equality statewide:
https://twitter.com/FrenteQueretano/status/140561…
The recalcitrant states are: Sonora, Durango, Zacatecas, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, Querétaro, Mexico (Edomex), Guerrero, Veracruz, Tabasco, and Yucatán.
Zacatecas, Querétaro, and Guerrero allow for marriage equality within certain municipalities, based strictly upon Supreme Court jurisprudence.
Within a matter of a few months, as soon as the Supreme Court issues its ruling against it, Veracruz will have marriage equality (Expediente 185/2020, now case 162 of 321 awaiting resolution). Hopefully, and as requested above, the Supreme Court will also rule against Yucatán even sooner.
https://www.scjn.gob.mx/pleno/seccion-tramite-con…
Durango is presently in process. Just today, the measure passed in committee, and now heads to the full Congress for final passage.
https://atiempo.tv/estados/durango/en-durango-esp…
6.
VIRick | June 17, 2021 at 8:15 pm
US Dept. of Justice Files Statements of Interest in Two Federal Trans Lawsuits
Per Human Rights Campaign:
The Dept. of Justice has filed statements of interest, asserting that the respective state laws are a violation of federal law, in two separate federal lawsuits challenging:
1. an anti-transgender sports ban in West Virginia and
2. an anti-transgender medical ban in Arkansas.
https://twitter.com/HRC
7.
VIRick | June 18, 2021 at 2:23 pm
Marriage Equality in Mexico: In Which States Can You Marry?
Per "Homosensual:"
This Spanish-language article is an excellent, accurate, up-to-date state-by-state summary as to which jurisdictions in Mexico one can or can not marry a same-sex partner, while providing good detail for each state as to the dates when the law or court decision brought about the required change. And for those states still without marriage equality, it further provides detail on the pending draft legislation (along with a few sly comments, with particular attention to the barbs directed at the Guerrero state legislators).
https://www.homosensual.com/lgbt/matrimonio-igual…
8.
VIRick | June 18, 2021 at 3:09 pm
Tijuana, Baja California: Equal Marriages Will Continue as Usual
"En Tijuana, desde hace tiempo se vienen formalizando los matrimonios igualitarios, y esta administración ha sido impulsora de su legalización," afirmó la Presidenta Municipal (alcaldesa), Karla Patricia Ruiz Mcfarland. Indicó que las bodas igualitarias se venían haciendo desde el inicio de la actual administración, pero ahora, con la aprobación de esta ley estatal, se espera se incremente el número de uniones civiles.
https://cadenanoticias.com/regional/2021/06/desde…
"In Tijuana, equal marriages have been formalized for some time, and this administration has been the driving force behind their legalization," the Municipal President (mayor), Karla Patricia Ruiz McFarland affirmed. She indicated that egalitarian weddings have been taking place since the beginning of the current administration, but now, with the approval of this state law, the number of civil unions is expected to increase.
El Rosario, Sinaloa: Merchants Anticipate First Same-Sex Marriage in Municipality
La aprobación del matrimonio igualitario despertó una iniciativa en El Rosario. Y es que comerciantes han empezado a unirse para ofrecer regalos, desde postres hasta salón y más, a la primera pareja del municipio que se case bajo esta legislación.
https://www.noroeste.com.mx/elsur/comerciantes-de…
The approval of marriage equality sparked an initiative in El Rosario. And it is that merchants have begun to unite to offer gifts, from desserts to hair styling, and more, to the first couple in the municipality to marry under this legislation.
9.
VIRick | June 18, 2021 at 5:01 pm
Luxembourg: 7th Anniversary of Marriage Equality
Per Latitud Gay de Argentina:
18 de junio de 2014: La Cámara de Diputados de Luxemburgo aprueba, por 56 votos a favor y 4 en contra, el reconocimiento de matrimonios gay y la adopción de infantes y niños por parte de estas parejas.
https://twitter.com/LatitudGay
18 June 2014: The Luxembourg Chamber of Deputies approved, by 56 votes in favor to 4 against, the recognition of gay marriage and the adoption of infants and children by these couples.
10.
VIRick | June 18, 2021 at 5:29 pm
Tamaulipas Will Follow Sinaloa with Forced Court Judgment in Favor of Marriage Equality
Tamaulipas ya no tarda para unirse a las entidades federstivas que dicen "sí" al matrimonio igualitario. La sentencia de la SCJN se ha emitida, pero el congreso estatal se niega a legislar, por lo que el caso será llevado ante un juez igual que en Sinaloa.
https://twitter.com/soylaususs/status/14057691913…
Tamaulipas will not take long to join the federal entities that say "yes" to marriage equality. The judgment of the Supreme Court has been issued, but the state congress refuses to legislate, so as a result, the case will be taken before a judge just like in Sinaloa.
11.
VIRick | June 19, 2021 at 1:35 pm
South Carolina: Columbia Bans Anti-LGBT "Conversion Therapy"
Per LGBT Marriage News:
On Tuesday, 15 June 2021, in a 4-3 vote, the Columbia city council passed an ordinance banning anti-LGBT "conversion therapy" for minors, and by a second 6-1 vote, issued a resolution for the state to do the same.
The ordinance will prohibit licensed, professional therapists from providing "conversion therapy," or repairative therapy, to a minor within the city limits. The penalty will be civil and will carry a $500 fine.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/article252129…
12.
VIRick | June 19, 2021 at 2:25 pm
Veracruz Congress to Reconsider Marriage Equality
Per LGBT Marriage News:
The President of Jucopo of the Veracruz state Congress, Juan Javier Gómez Cazarín (Morena, San Andrés Tuxtla), stated today, 19 June 2021, that the issue of marriage equality could (again) go to debate before the conclusion of the current legislative session. At the moment, the matter (to revisit marriage equality) is under discussion with other members of the Veracruz Congress. In particular, he is seeking the assistance of the two deputies, Mónica Robles Barajas (Morena, Coatzacoalcos) and Elizabeth Cervantes de la Cruz (Morena, proportional representative).
https://imagendeveracruz.mx/veracruz/matrimonio-i…
Mónica Robles Barajas was the chief sponsor of the marriage equality legislation the previous time around, with her wide-ranging reform to amend 52 articles in the Veracruz Civil Code, a reform which eventually was passed in part, but in a watered-down version, providing for an unconstitutional, separate "civil union" arrangement, based on de facto cohabitation, for both hetero and same-sex couples who so desire to register. Of course, that was not her original proposal, but that was the best that could be obtained at the time, the unconstitutionality of which is presently pending before the Supreme Court of Mexico.
Obviously, the current President of Jucopo, the deputy who sets the legislative agenda, Juan Javier Gómez Cazarín, has changed his mind on marriage equality, and is now looking for support. We always knew that this would happen, and for two reasons:
1. He does not wish to suffer the embarrassment of the impending Supreme Court ruling, due to be issued in a matter of months.
2. He does not want to be responsible for Veracruz being "last-in-line" in passing marriage equality.
13.
ianbirmingham | June 19, 2021 at 6:42 pm
Warsaw Pride – The largest gay pride parade in central Europe – is back!
Warsaw Mayor Rafal Trzaskowski walked at the head of the Equality Parade on Saturday — a sign of support for LGBT rights by the liberal politician. Thousands of people joined the march and were cheered on by others waving rainbow flags from their apartment balconies.
A year ago, the Polish LGBT community faced a backlash from ruling conservative politicians, local communities and the church. In his successful bid for reelection against a challenge from Trzaskowski, President Andrzej Duda declared that “LGBT is not people; it's an ideology” while also claiming that it was “even more destructive” than communism.
A Polish archbishop warned of a “rainbow plague.” And dozens of local communities in Poland were passing resolutions against "LGBT ideology” in what was described as an attempt to protect the traditional family. These were strongly denounced by EU officials and a handful have since been rescinded.
“We’ve been through a very, very rough time, but at the same time we are going out in the streets and we are saying we are stronger and we are not going to give up,” said Miroslawa Makuchowska, vice director of Campaign Against Homophobia.
https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20210619-warsa…
14.
ianbirmingham | June 20, 2021 at 1:57 pm
Family with two gay dads is welcomed to Sesame Street during Pride Month
In Thursday's historic episode, the character Nina welcomes her brother, his husband and their daughter to the Sesame Street cast as they celebrate Family Day.
'The ‘Family Day’ episode of Sesame Street sends the simple and important message that families come in all forms and that love and acceptance are always the most important ingredients in a family,' GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis tweeted in response to Thursday's episode.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9706257/…
15.
ianbirmingham | June 20, 2021 at 3:23 pm
Nevada will start teaching LGBTQ history in K-12 school curriculum
Nevada will become the sixth state in the nation to require school curriculum to include history lessons on LGBTQ people and historic events.
Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) signed the legislation into law – along with three other LGBTQ rights bills – at the Henderson Pride Festival.
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/06/nevada-will-s…
16.
ianbirmingham | June 20, 2021 at 3:29 pm
Trumpanzee arrested for destroying rainbow crosswalk during rally to celebrate Trump’s birthday
Alexander Jerich turned himself in to police in Delray Beach in southern Florida yesterday and faces charges of criminal mischief over $1,000, reckless driving, and a hate crime felony enhancement for the damage he allegedly did to the city’s new Pride crosswalk after he was caught on video.
The crosswalks cost $16,000 to install and were unveiled this past Saturday, June 12. But two days later – on Trump’s birthday – Jerich allegedly vandalized them by doing burnouts with his pickup truck.
With a “All aboard the Trump Train” flag on his truck, witnesses say they saw him damage the new crosswalks and turned over cell phone footage to police during a “birthday rally” for the former reality television host.
Jerich turned himself in and gave a statement to police that said that he planned his route during the rally to pass over the rainbow crosswalk.
And, as a bonus… "Jerich may face penalties under Florida's newly passed "Combating Public Disorder Law… ….which was passed by the Trumpist @FLGOPMajority in response to BLM protests."
https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2021/06/florida-man-a…
17.
VIRick | June 21, 2021 at 10:26 am
Hacked Ultra-Right-Wing Fundamentalist PES Website Continues Messaging LGBT Pride
Per "Partido Encuentro Sexual:"
Sabías que … La CDMX es la entidad con más matrimonios igualitarios. ¡Le siguen Coahuila y Quintana Roo! Conoce cómo se aprobó esta ley y recuerda que amor es amor.
https://twitter.com/PESSexualMX
Did you know … CDMX is the jurisdiction with the most equal marriages. Coahuila and Quintana Roo follow it! Learn how this law was approved and remember that love is love.
In addition, this Mexican political party, PES, on this hacked site, has had its name changed from Partido Encuentro Social to Partido Encuentro Sexual, and its PES logo is now emblazoned in the rainbow colors. Actual die-hard PES members have practically burst their swollen hemorrhoids over the successful hack.
18.
Mr Domain | July 12, 2021 at 1:01 am
The Supreme Court made the correct decision. I fully support this decision.