Supreme Court A gloomy forecast, by Linda Greenhouse: Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, author of the 5-to-4 opinion in June that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, may well be a hero to the gay rights munity, and deservedly so. But he’s also the author of the 5-to-4 opinion that upheld the federal ban on […]
In Memoriam: Jose Julio Sarria
The first American to seek public office as an openly gay candidate – Jose Julio Sarria of San Francisco – died today at the age of 91. Sarria ran for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1961. His ninth place finish – out of more than 30 candidates – stunned the city and […]
New issue for Supreme Court: Can private businesses claim religious exemptions?
It now seems almost certain that something I predicted in December will occur: within the ing year, the Supreme Court will decide whether private, for-profit businesses can claim a religious opt-out from a generally applicable law based on the religious beliefs of the owners. If the Court rules that such a claim is permissible, there will […]
Study finds cross-cultural link between religiosity and anti-gay opinion
A study of public opinion in 39 nations found that acceptance of homosexuality is particularly widespread in countries where religion is less central in people’s lives. The Pew Foundation reported strong support for social acceptance in the European Union, Latin America, North America, and Australia, areas that also report the lowest religiosity scores. Among the few […]
Marriage (litigation) is breaking out all over
Since the Supreme Court ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional a month ago, gay marriage litigation is growing like weeds in a vacant lot. Some cases were pending when Windsor was decided, some have been filed since then, and at least two involve what will probably bee the biggest single category: cases that arise […]
Rogue sheriff “enforces” unconstitutional law; Update: the apology
Since Lawrence v. Texas was decided 10 years ago, laws prohibiting oral or anal sex (sodomy) have been unconstitutional. And it is a pretty basic precept that asking someone to engage in a lawful act cannot itself be unlawful. Except, apparently in Louisiana. The Baton Rouge Advocate reports that the local sheriff’s office is using […]