As one of 18,000 legally wed same-sex couples in California, Brad Levenson and Tony Sears file state income taxes as a married couple.
But they file their federal taxes as single individuals, paying hundreds of dollars more each year. That's because a law called the Defense of Marriage Act bars federal agencies from recognizing gay marriages.
Backers of gay rights are pushing to repeal the law, buoyed by a growing acceptance of same-sex marriage, which is now legal in six states.
But Republicans on Capitol Hill are ready to fight....
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Gay couples challenge federal marriage law as Republicans prepare for battle
Posted by
uluckidog 962 days ago
(http://www.sacbee.com)
Congress Makes A Move
Posted by
UnitedByLove 962 days ago
(http://pargoletta.livejournal.com)
It's not a perfect bill; if you click a few links and look at the text, it wouldn't immediately make gay marriage the law of the entire land. What it would do is entitle the federal government to recognize same-sex marriages contracted in those states and foreign countries that allow them. My college friend and her wife in Massachusetts, for instance, could get federal marriage benefits as well as state benefits, but their marriage would still probably not be recognized in Arkansas. However, the bill also recognizes foreign gay marriage, so that, say, a married Canadian couple could move to Massachusetts and still have their marriage be recognized.
The other thing I like about this bill is that it smooths a little more of the path for the Uniting American Families Act, which is a bill that would try to take care of Americans who go abroad to marry same-sex partners who are
The other thing I like about this bill is that it smooths a little more of the path for the Uniting American Families Act, which is a bill that would try to take care of Americans who go abroad to marry same-sex partners who are
Legislation Introduced to Congress to Repeal DOMA
Posted by
DividedByLaw 970 days ago
(http://emptyclosets.com)
“The Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is a hurtful and cynical law enacted to discriminate against loving, committed same-sex couples,” said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese, who also offered remarks at the introduction press conference. “It does real harm by denying thousands of lawfully-married same-sex couples the federal rights and benefits that only flow through marriage. Many of these include the protections couples turn to in times of need, like Social Security survivors’ benefits, medical leave to care for an ailing spouse and equal treatment under U.S. immigration laws. Today’s introduction of legislation to repeal DOMA is a welcome step, and as more states recognize the commitment of loving same-sex couples and their families, it's time for this law to go into the history books where it belongs.”
Repeal of Discriminatory DOMA Introduced
Posted by
UnitedByLove 970 days ago
(http://baltimoreoutloud.com)
On September 15, the House of Representatives introduced the Respect for Marriage Act which would repeal the discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act and restore the rights of all lawfully married couplesa 'including same-sex couples to receive the benefits of marriage under federal law.
Front Door to Marriage Respect for Marriage Act
Posted by
BinatUK 970 days ago
(http://lezgetreal.com)
A Poll questioning priorities revealed that lack of Immigration Rights for binational couples is not a priority on the list of hardships. The latter refl;ecting the typical – “if it affects me then I will consider it attitude. ...
In spite of hard times in Sacramento LGBT rights advance in California
Posted by
UnitedByLove 970 days ago
(http://socalvoice.net)
... that bans healthy gay and bisexual men from donating blood; and passage of the Uniting American Families Act, which would keep bi-national same-sex couples together by allowing one partner to sponsor the other for immigration. ...
Already in Congress is the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) and the Reuniting Families Act, which seek to put a stop to the discrimination and permit same-sex partners to obtain permanent resident status by amending the Immigration ...
Repeal DOMA Now Campaign
Posted by
DividedByLaw 983 days ago
(http://sdcsn.blogspot.com)
Good news on the DOMA front. Human Rights Campaign looks to be getting serious about repealing DOMA. They're now starting a campaign to make it happen. 50,000 of you took our survey on how the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) harms families. And with Congress back in session this week, we personally delivered your responses – and thousands of heartfelt comments – to help build the case for repealing this discriminatory law. Now is the time to really put the pressure on and tell Congress it’s time to Repeal DOMA Now (which is coincidentally the name of our new campaign).
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to
In the past year, tens of thousands of loving same-sex couples have legally been married in Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Iowa and Vermont. And with new laws soon to take effect in New Hampshire and Maine, thousands more will surely join them. Enacted in 1996, the Defense of Marriage Act purports to
Dallas groups push for equality
Posted by
igualdad 986 days ago
(http://www.ebar.com)
Ahonen-Jover, 52, and Bare, 46, agreed that the first year of President Barack Obama's administration provides an opportunity for movement on LGBT-related legislation such as repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," reforming immigration policies to include binational couples, and access to health care without discrimination.
Sacramento – Today the State Assembly passed a resolution officially endorsing a federal law ending discriminatory immigration policies by permitting U.S. citizens and permanent residents to obtain lawful immigration status for a same-sex partner by a 41-28 vote. The resolution, AJR 15, introduced by Assembly Member Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles) and co-sponsored by Equality California (EQCA) and Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE), formally requests that the United States Congress pass and President Barack Obama sign the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA).
“Our current immigration laws keep thousands of families apart simply because they are headed by same-sex couples,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. “We urge Congress and the President to stop penalizing these families and to pass the Uniting American Families Act so that all families enjoy equ
“Our current immigration laws keep thousands of families apart simply because they are headed by same-sex couples,” said EQCA Executive Director Geoff Kors. “We urge Congress and the President to stop penalizing these families and to pass the Uniting American Families Act so that all families enjoy equ
Gay rights groups praise state resolutions (The Desert Sun)
Posted by
USAFrance 986 days ago
(http://www.mydesert.com)
The Assembly Judiciary Committee passed three resolutions this week that gay rights group consider critical for federal laws affecting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The committee passed resolutions on the U.S. Blood Donor Nondiscrimination Resolution, which would lift the ban against gay men donating blood; urged the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex couples; and supported of the Uniting American Families Act.
The committee passed resolutions on the U.S. Blood Donor Nondiscrimination Resolution, which would lift the ban against gay men donating blood; urged the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex couples; and supported of the Uniting American Families Act.
Speier questions pro gay immigration reform strategy
Posted by
BinatUK 992 days ago
(http://www.ebar.com)
Congresswoman Jackie Speier (D-San Mateo) doesn't believe including pro-gay reforms in a comprehensive immigration bill is the best strategy to win rights for binational LGBT couples. And with Congress bogged down on passing health care reform legislation, she also cautioned LGBT activists not to expect any action on the issue until 2010.
"By making the bill comprehensive it does muddy the waters," said the freshman House member, who predicted "nothing will happen this year on immigration."...
"By making the bill comprehensive it does muddy the waters," said the freshman House member, who predicted "nothing will happen this year on immigration."...
First the Gays Now the Immigrants Think Obama is Breaking Promises
Posted by
BinatUK 996 days ago
(http://www.queerty.com)
Remember when President Obama promised to be our fierce advocate, then got to the White House and sat on his hands, and then invited us over for tea to make nice? Looks like LGBTs aren't the only "special interest" (hah!) group outraged at the way he operates.
Some of us (bi-national couples) are waiting for comprehensive immigration reform that also includes same sex bi-national couples, my name is InExile for a reason. Some of us are sitting here waiting for immigration reform ...
Some of us (bi-national couples) are waiting for comprehensive immigration reform that also includes same sex bi-national couples, my name is InExile for a reason. Some of us are sitting here waiting for immigration reform ...
New Massachusetts DOMA case may be key in gay marriage fight (AUG 31)
Posted by
SFbeat 996 days ago
(http://www.law.com)
A carefully planned test challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the federal statute that bans federal recognition of same sex marriages, is taking shape in Massachusetts, one of a growing number of states to recognize marriage equality. The case could have important immigration implications because DOMA bars conferring immigration benefits to these couples. If the plaintiffs are successful, it would pave the way for US citizens to petition for green cards for their same-sex spouses.
While the high-profile, Ted Olson- and David Boies-managed legal fight against California's Proposition 8 captures headlines, a carefully planned case quietly underway in Massachusetts federal court could be the gay marriage test with the greatest national impact....
While the high-profile, Ted Olson- and David Boies-managed legal fight against California's Proposition 8 captures headlines, a carefully planned case quietly underway in Massachusetts federal court could be the gay marriage test with the greatest national impact....
(SOS) Binational same gender couples need your help
Posted by
ATLdave 996 days ago
(http://lotusopening.blogspot.com)
The photo at the left is the person I LOVE, my #1, from the Republic of Belarus. We are a family unit.
But my country, the United States of America, forces me to either exile myself, end my relationship with him, or live in the United States without him. Why? Is this surprising to you? For 5 years we've lived apart - 5,000 miles away from each other. Will you please continue reading my message?
Love is the universal attractive force that knows no boundaries. Love goes beyond what we call sacred. I happen to believe that the force of Love alone is proof of the existence of a Creator. Because how could such a beautiful and perfect feeling just happen? Americans fall ...
But my country, the United States of America, forces me to either exile myself, end my relationship with him, or live in the United States without him. Why? Is this surprising to you? For 5 years we've lived apart - 5,000 miles away from each other. Will you please continue reading my message?
Love is the universal attractive force that knows no boundaries. Love goes beyond what we call sacred. I happen to believe that the force of Love alone is proof of the existence of a Creator. Because how could such a beautiful and perfect feeling just happen? Americans fall ...
“How may I assist with these stories, if at all?...”
“My question back to you is how do we get immigration reform defined as a...”
“Watch the actual video on ABC 7's website, and you'll see that he's really...”
“Thanks. I shortened it through tinyurl. Works now....”
“Note from imeQ about this editorial: This is an independent project which...”
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Promoting public awareness of the need for fairness in immigration policy particularly as it relates to the rights of same-sex bi-national couples in the United States who seek equal immigration rights; Providing information regarding political issues relating to gay immigration equality issues, rights and policy.