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Federal Court Upholds California’s Ban on Conversion Therapy

California’s new ban on conversion therapy – where they try to make gay kids straight – has been upheld by a federal appeals court. LGBTQ Nation reports: A federal appeals court sided with California on Thursday and upheld the first law in the nation banning a psychological treatment that seeks to turn gay youth straight.In […]

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Analysis of the IRS Decision on Marriage Equality

We’ve got a couple follow-up stories this morning on the ramifications of the IRS decision to treat all legally married same-sex couples the same, regardless of where they live. First off, from the Business Insider, a look at what the new rules will mean for the federal budget: Over the long term, this decision will increase

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Some Churches Changing Bylaws To Explicitiy Ban Same-Sex Marriages

In an effort to insulate themselves against so far nonexistent lawsuits, some churches are making changes to their bylaws. ABC News reports: Worried they could be sued by gay couples, some churches are changing their bylaws to reflect their view that the Bible allows only marriage between one man and one woman. Although there have

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Final word on Prop 8

Today Marriage Equality USA celebrates the California Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss the Proposition 8 proponents’ last ditch effort to deny loving, committed same-sex couples the freedom to marry in California. “Today’s ruling means that two Supreme Courts, the United States Supreme Court and the California Supreme Court, agree that all loving, committed couples should have the freedom

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Social Security to Limit Payments to Couples in Marriage Equality States

The Social Security Administration is limiting payment of claims for same-sex married couples currently to those couples who were married in a state the allows same-sex couples to marry and are “domiciled,” or live, in a state that recognizes same-sex couples’ marriages. The decision means claims from same-sex couples married where such couples can legally

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Gov. Brown Signs Transgender Bill

Assembly Bill 1266, authored by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano, is the first of its kind in the country, and requires that California public schools respect students’ gender identity and makes sure that students can fully participate in all school activities, sports teams, programs and facilities that match their gender identity. We commend Governor Brown for standing

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Dear Abby Takes on Marriage Equality

Dear Abby took a marriage equality question this week. From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: DEAR ABBY: …We are going to be married and have decided to invite only those who sincerely support us to share our special day. Because I’m so hurt by their silence on this, how do I tactfully let them know they

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Bill Would Give Social Security Benefits to Same Sex Couples With Civil Unions

A California congresswoman is pushing a bill to give social security benefits to same sex couples in civil unions too. Metro Weekly reports: Congresswoman Linda Sanchez is seeking to extend Social Security benefits to same-sex couples whose relationships are lawfully recognized with legislation announced today. The Social Security Equality Act would require the Social Security

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Kerry Says Married Binational Same Sex Couples Officially Eligible for Visas

It’s official – binational same sex couples now have a way to avoid deportation once and for all. Just get married. The Advocate reports: Following the lead of the Department of Homeland Security, Secretary of State John Kerry announced Friday that the U.S. State Department will immediately begin offering visas to married same-sex couples in

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Catholic School Fires Gay Teacher for Getting Married

A gay California teacher was apparently fired from his job at a Catholic School after the school learned of his marriage to his partner. Towleroad.com reports: Ken Bencomo, a teacher at St. Lucy’s Priory High School, an all-girls Catholic school in Glendora, California, was fired a week after news of his marriage to his longtime