Unless the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) changes its calendar, we can expect to hear decisions on Hollingsworth v. Perry (Prop. 8) and United States v. Windsor (DOMA) today or Monday, so it seems a good time to do one last run through some of the language and scenarios. “Changes their calendar?” Yes,…
When I finally came out, I didn’t have much confidence. I would stare across the bar at boys, assuming they wouldn’t like me. A good friend finally said, “If you never ask, they’ve already said ‘No.’” Would then someone had given similar advice to Illinois state Rep. Greg Harris. As you likely know, the marriage…
Hillary Clinton Ask a Hillary Clinton supporter why we need her in 2016 and you’ll likely hear how difficult it will be for Democrats to win in 2016, and how important the election will be. I agree, but think they are missing an even stronger argument for a Clinton candidacy on both counts — 2020….
Tuesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed an immigration reform bill that did not include language from the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), which would have allowed same-sex couples equal access to spousal/partner immigration privileges. So much for the sinister Democratic plot to use equality to kill immigration reform for their union friends. The plot was…
I have three words for Republicans regarding the 2012 mayoral election, “Sorry ‘bout it.” For those not in the know, “Sorry ‘bout it” is the latest gay way of expressing faux sympathy. With the right intonation, it makes it clear that you’re not remotely sorry, they probably brought it on themselves, and you’re having at…
The Senate Judiciary Committee begins consideration of the Gang of 8’s Immigration Reform Bill today. C-SPAN’s coverage should be must-see-TV for an audience of one: Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy. Among the potentially contentious issues facing the committee is the inclusion of the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA). Under current law, special immigration provisions available…
One of the downsides of writing weekly is that you miss some good media cycles. By the time my column comes out, most of the news and analysis is done. Other than adding my kudos to the courage of Jason Collins, all there is really room for is a good old fashioned rant. Miami Dolphin’s…
In promoting the “Gang of 8” immigration bill, Sen. Marco Rubio emphasized one point: “This is not amnesty.” Whether you use Rubio’s definition – “the forgiveness of something,” or Merriam-Webster’s – “the act of an authority by which pardon is granted,” I agree. This is not amnesty. Forgiveness and pardon suggest that any debt is…
Jackie Robinson in Dodgers uniform, 1954 April 15 marked the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson becoming the first African American to play Major League Baseball. Most years, this wouldn’t cause a ripple in an LGBT community focused on the bizarre hurdles they face in tax law. This year, however, the anniversary came with 42, a…
When Rick Santorum ran for president, people asked if I was offended as a gay man. My reply, “No, I’m offended as a Pennsylvania native.” Similarly, the Supreme Court arguments on marriage equality didn’t upset me as a gay man, but the suspicious use of data offended me as a scientist. Let’s start with Justice…
