Topic: Human Rights Campaign

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New York gay marriage bill: What would happen if it passes?

New York legislators could vote as early as Wednesday to legalize gay marriage in the state. New York would become the sixth state to permit gay marriage. Here’s a list six things that would – and wouldn’t – happen should the bill pass.
In Pictures: Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal

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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.
Obama backs gay marriage: What difference will that make? (+video)

President Obama was already doing virtually all he could to advance gay rights politically. But by openly supporting gay marriage, he could be a potent force to broaden cultural acceptance.
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.
How North Carolina gay-marriage vote could hurt Obama reelection bid

President Obama is in an awkward spot on gay marriage, and Tuesday's vote to ban gay marriage in North Carolina – a swing state – highlights a potential vulnerability in November.
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.
The Vote
Sex, race, and the Republican presidential campaign

Rick Perry is under fire for the racial slur that was the name of his family’s hunting camp. Meanwhile, all the GOP presidential candidates are being asked why they didn't stop the booing when a gay soldier raised "don't ask, don't tell" at their recent debate.
Hundreds of same-sex couples say 'I do' in New York

Sunday was the first day gay couples could be legally married in New York. Hundreds lined up to say "I do." New York brings to six the number of states where such marriages can be performed.
Could California lead nation in teaching of gay history in schools?

By a 49-to-25 vote, the California Assembly approved a law requiring schools to include the contributions of gay Americans in their curriculum. Gov. Jerry Brown has not said whether he would sign the bill.
New York gay marriage law passes: Will other states follow?

With final passage of a bill Friday night, New York becomes the sixth state to permit same-sex marriage. As polls show more Americans approving gay marriage, will other states follow suit?
Gay marriage: Can Obama stay on tightrope until 2012 elections?

President Obama has increased gay rights without publicly endorsing gay marriage. Can his position on gay marriage continue 'evolving' throughout a tight campaign season?
New York gay marriage bill: What would happen if it passes?

New York legislators could vote as early as Wednesday to legalize gay marriage in the state. New York would become the sixth state to permit gay marriage. Here’s a list six things that would – and wouldn’t – happen should the bill pass.
DOMA: Republicans lose big-money law firm but keep key lawyer

The law firm that congressional Republicans hired to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) drops out unexpectedly, though a top lawyer has quit the firm to stay on the case.
Barbara Bush, daughter of president George W. Bush, endorses gay marriage

Barbara Bush: The Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights organization, released a video Tuesday featuring Bush, a New York resident who runs Global Health Corps, a nonprofit public health organization.
Illinois governor signs civil-unions bill – is gay marriage next?

Illinois will be the sixth state to recognize civil unions for gay couples. Three states have seen civil unions act as a springboard toward the legalization of gay marriage.
Supreme Court declines appeal of D.C. gay marriage law

Opponents of the gay marriage law had sought to take the issue to D.C. voters in a referendum. But the refusal of the Supreme Court to hear the case effectively puts an end to the referendum.
In Pictures: Don't Ask, Don't Tell repeal
In historic vote, Senate moves to end 'don't ask, don't tell'

Eight Republicans joined Democrats to vote for an end to the 1993 'don't ask, don't tell' law banning gay troops from serving openly. Proponents compare it to ending racial segregation in the military.
Gay marriage will be an issue in several state races next month

Gay marriage and gay rights could play a part in a number of state races across the country, including a Supreme Court judicial recall initiative in Iowa.
Rutgers student death: Has Digital Age made students callous?

Some observers believe that today's media environment is desensitizing young people to the hurtful effects of their actions. The case of a Rutgers student death is renewing scrutiny of this issue.
DC's gay marriage law survives court challenge

The DC Court of Appeals ruled Thursday that Washington was within its rights to block a popular vote on same-sex marriage because the results could violate its human rights law. The city legalized gay marriage in March.
Obama administration walks tricky political line on gay marriage ban

President Obama has pledged to overturn the federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bars the federal government from recognizing gay marriage. But his Justice Department is defending the law’s constitutionality in court.
Linda Lingle's veto of civil unions in Hawaii may prompt boycott

Linda Lingle's office also received dozens of angry calls, many of them saying they would not travel to the state.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates agrees to proposal to repeal 'don't ask, don't tell'

The White House will support the repeal of the 'don't ask, don't tell' law.
As gay marriage begins in Washington, opponents vow to fight

Gay marriage officially became legal in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. Many same-sex couples embraced the opportunity to get married, but some opponents want to put gay marriage on the ballot through the District’s initiative process.
Obama signs bill expanding hate crimes to sexual orientation

Gay-rights groups welcomed the move, which expands hate-crime law to include crimes based on gender and sexual orientation. But some legal scholars suggest it's an overreach of federal power.