Topic: Gay and Lesbian Relationships

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Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
Gay rights in America: How states stand on 7 hot-button issues

The tapestry of federal and state laws surrounding gay rights is enormously complex. Here is a look at each state's laws regarding issues ranging from gay marriage to hate crimes to hospital visitation.
Top 10 states for working moms

Mother's Day companies? That's what you could call workplaces that help moms meet their family commitments. Those companies can be located anywhere. But some states do better than others in mandating a level of standards beyond the federal minimum in the form of paid family leave, job protection, and “right to nurse” laws. In honor of Mother’s Day, here are the Top 10 states that best support new working mothers, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. Can you guess which state gets the highest marks?
Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
Five shifts among college freshmen: For one, they're more studious

A survey of college freshmen reports an uptick in study time and a bit less partying. Here's a look at ways first-time freshmen depart from previous freshman classes.

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Appeals court strikes down DOMA: Tradition doesn't justify unequal treatment (+video)

A three-judge panel from the federal appeals court in Boston unanimously ruled the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional for denying federal benefits to 'same-sex couples lawfully married in Massachusetts.'
Gay marriage: Judge overturns DOMA, stepping up pressure on Supreme Court

A federal judge struck down the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which precludes gay couples from receiving federal marriage benefits. She is the third federal judge to do so, suggesting that the Supreme Court might need to step in soon to clarify its position.
Major gay marriage cases in federal court and where they stand

Battles over same-sex marriage have been raging in the federal courts for several years. Two could reach the US Supreme Court within a year: one challenging California's ban on gay marriage under Proposition 8, and the other seeking to invalidate the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). Here are the cases to follow.
Gay rights in America: How states stand on 7 hot-button issues

The tapestry of federal and state laws surrounding gay rights is enormously complex. Here is a look at each state's laws regarding issues ranging from gay marriage to hate crimes to hospital visitation.
GOP shoots down civil unions in Colorado

Republicans rejected the proposal in a special legislative session.
Top 10 states for working moms

Mother's Day companies? That's what you could call workplaces that help moms meet their family commitments. Those companies can be located anywhere. But some states do better than others in mandating a level of standards beyond the federal minimum in the form of paid family leave, job protection, and “right to nurse” laws. In honor of Mother’s Day, here are the Top 10 states that best support new working mothers, according to the National Partnership for Women and Families. Can you guess which state gets the highest marks?
Sources: Biden apologized to Obama for gay marriage remarks

The Vice President's statements on morning talk shows last Sunday reputedly moved up the President's timetable for coming out in support of gay marriage.
Romney denies bullying students for being gay in high school

The GOP candidate did apologize for school pranks, however, calling them "stupid."
Panetta: No hitches in military's repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell'

Since September, gay service members have been able to serve openly in the US military. The end of the 'don't ask, don't tell' policy is 'going very well,' Defense Secretary Leon Panetta said Thursday.
Briefing
Gay marriage laws around the globe

There is no national gay marriage legislation in the pipeline in the US, however, numerous countries around the globe already recognize same-sex marriage or the right to civil unions. Here’s the breakdown by region.
Obama decision on gay marriage ripples through Latin America (+video)

Gay marriage is legal in parts of Latin America, but is still controversial with much of the population. Obama's statement may reignite debate.
New Obama video slams Romney as 'backwards' on gay marriage

The Obama 2012 campaign released a new video Thursday titled "Mitt Romney: Backwards on Equality." It criticizes Mitt Romney's position on gay marriage.
Romney stays firm on opposition to gay marriage (+video)

He called the issue a "tender and sensitive topic," but reaffirmed that he opposes same-sex marriages.
Obama, North Carolina at odds on gay marriage: Will it cost him the state? (+video)

Obama announced his support for gay marriage a day after North Carolina, which he won narrowly in 2008, voted for a constitutional ban on such unions. The Democratic convention is in Charlotte, but that's no guarantee.
Obama supports gay marriage: Historic switch carries risks (+video)

Obama supports gay marriage in an interview with ABC News, ending a period in which he said his views were 'evolving.' The move was instantly hailed and denounced by the opposing sides on the issue.
Why North Carolina banned gay marriage (+video)

Republicans and African Americans in North Carolina were united in supporting a constitutional ban on gay marriage. The North Carolina is a key swing state in the 2012 presidential election.
Obama's vague gay marriage position in spotlight

Vice President Joe Biden's remarks on a Sunday morning talk show have drawn attention to the President's uncertain position, as did high-profile support for gay marriage from Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
Education Secretary Arne Duncan endorses gay marriage. Is Obama cornered? (+video)

Now, both Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary Duncan have spoken up for gay marriage, but Obama is holding back. That could be a political calculation, but gay activists are frustrated.
Joe Biden stirs the pot on same-sex marriage (+video)

Vice President Joe Biden says he's 'absolutely comfortable' with same-sex marriage. That seems to put him out front of President Obama on a hot-button issue that is sure to come up in the presidential election.
Boy Scout resignation over lesbian mother's removal in Ohio

A Boy Scout regional board member resigned over the removal of a lesbian den mother in Ohio. The Boy Scouts have a ban on gays, and the US Supreme Court has upheld the ban.
Millennial voters: Obama gaining, but Romney has an opening

President Obama has built a 17-point lead among voters ages 18 to 29, but he's struggling among white non-Hispanics. Only 41 percent support the president, according to Harvard's Institute of Politics.
Support for gay marriage rises among California voters, poll finds

An accelerating shift is under way among California voters on gay marriage, with 59 percent now in favor of allowing it, a new Field Poll suggests. That's up from 49 percent in 2009.
Gay Marriage: why Prop. 8 appeal is not going to Supreme Court ... yet

The coalition of groups that backs Prop. 8, California's ban on gay marriage, has asked all the judges of the Ninth Circuit to rehear the case decided by a three-judge panel on Feb. 7. An appeal to the US Supreme Court could still follow.
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire signs gay marriage bill into law

Gregoire signed the bill surrounded by gay rights supporters. 'I'm proud our same-sex couples will no longer be treated as separate but equal,' she said.
Washington State headed toward gay marriage: a sign of shifting attitudes

Lawmakers voted to make Washington the seventh state to allow gay marriage. Opponents vow to force the measure onto the November ballot, but obtaining a voter veto of the new law will be an uphill battle.