Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann appeared Sunday on several morning talk shows where she side-stepped questions about her attitude toward the gay community. Bachmann, who referred to homosexuality as “personal bondage” in a 2004 interview, refused to answer directly when hosts suggested that her anti-gay political stance is reflective of her prejudice against LGBT people….
Australian-born John Makk and his husband of seven years, Bradford Wells, are facing long-term separation after the Obama administration denied their petition requesting permanent U.S. citizenship. The decision was made in accordance with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which discounts same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits. Makk, who is also his husband’s primary caregiver,…
In the wake of New York’s jubilant celebration of legal same-sex marriage last weekend, some financial experts are now delivering less-than-welcome news for LGBT couples with regards to tax adjustments based on the state’s Marriage Equality Act. Forbes financial commentator Peter J. Reilly reports that, according to the New York State Department of Taxation and…
Texas governor and possible GOP presidential candidate Rick Perry drew criticism from his conservative voter base recently after remarking that New York’s decision to legalize same-sex marriage was, in his words, “fine with me.” On Saturday, Perry clarified his stance on gay marriage – and solidified his support for a constitutional amendment protecting the traditional…
HRC President Joe Solmonese, a key witness during Wednesday’s historic hearing on the Respect for Marriage act, announced his strong support for the landmark legislation and explained that the hearing “proved that married same-sex couples share the same values and needs as other married couples.” Married LGBT couples “are constantly hamstrung in their ability to…
Senator Christopher Coons (D-Delaware) took the Senate floor today in what promises to be a historic hearing on DOMA repeal, urging his colleagues to support the Respect for Marriage Act and instate equal benefits for same-sex couples nationwide. Coons, an original co-sponsor of the landmark anti-discrimination act, delivered an opening statement to gathered legislators and…
On behalf of President Obama, Press Secretary Jay Carney announced today that the White House stands behind efforts to instate the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill designed to repeal DOMA on grounds of unconstitutional discrimination. The seminal legislation will be the subject of a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing tomorrow in Washington, D.C. With regard…
Democratic senator and former presidential candidate John Kerry recently penned an op-ed for the Boston Globe in which he takes on pundits who have criticized President Obama’s “evolving” views on gay marriage and accuses them of stirring up a “phony debate about a real issue.” Today, Senator Kerry is an avowed supporter of marriage…
Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann signed a controversial pledge on Thursday that established her intent to implement rigid anti-gay policies if elected. The Candidates’ Pledge, also known as The Marriage Vow, was created by The Family Leader, a prominent Iowa group that promotes Christian conservative social values. Bob Vander Plaats, CEO of the conservative organization,…
The U.S. House of Representatives held a vote Thursday evening on an amendment reaffirming the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In response to the vote (which was carried with a heavy Republican majority and a final tally of 248 in favor, 175 against), HRC president Joe Solmonese issued a response in which he called the…
