I live in Texas, and I wouldn't vote for Greg Abbott if he was the ONLY person running for Governor. I'd write in my own damn name.
He's about as educated as a lab rat. He's all for himself and votes against just about everything that can get him money in his own pockets. He's not for the public, he's selfish and out for his own personal gain.

Anyway, back to the subject at hand.
I had no idea that same sex marriage ban in Texas is the reason I never had kids with prior partners out of wedlock. JESUS H. CHRIST, what a freaking idiot to say that. It hasn't deterred children being born out of wedlock, teens are still on the rise here for getting pregnant and being unmarried.

The fight for Texas Governor is going to be interesting enough. I can't wait to Vote for Wendy Davis (D). ROCK THE VOTE TEXAS!!

According to the news, the AG will not appeal, and marriages are already happening as there is no waiting period!

Congratulations to Arizona!

Wyoming
 

The ban on same-sex marriage was struck down in Wyoming today by a Federal Court Judge.

Whoop Wyoming!

The state of Wyoming filed paperwork today saying that they were NOT going to appeal! Marriages can begin immediately in Wyoming.

Scheduled hearings
 

The federal court will have a hearing this week in Kansas, to decide if the recent SCOTUS decision means that Kansas must automatically allow same-sex marriage.

The federal appeals court overseeing Arkansas, will hear arguments on November 20th to decide the issue of same-sex marriage in that state where the ban has already been overturned.

The Federal 5th circuit appeals court has scheduled time to hear the cases from Texas and Louisiana on January 5, 2015 (delay much?), in regards to Louisiana upholdng the same-sex marriage ban, and Texas overturning theirs back in September.

The 5th and the 6th Circuit are considered the most conservative of the Federal Courts, and if either side is looking for a way to get the SCOTUS finally involved in a decision for the entire country, it will most likely come after these courts weigh in on marriage equality.

I forgot to mention that this hearing was cancelled and rescheduled for 10/31/14, this coming Friday.

Kansas
 

The Federal court overturned the same-sex marriage ban in Kansas today, but stayed the order for a week to give the state a chance to file an appeal, which they have said they will do.

What a waste of taxpayer money!

Missouri
 

The same-sex marriage ban was overturned in St. Louis ONLY today, and there was an immediate marriage. Missouri is one of the states where the Judges only have jurisdiction over small districts.

The decision will probably be stayed by a higher court, but wtg Judge!

***edited to add...the Attorney General is not asking for a stay, so if you live in Missouri, head to St. Louis to get married!

6th district decision
 

The sixth District Federal Court upheld the same-sex marriage bans in Ohio, michegan, kentucky and Tennessee!

To the SCOTUS we gooooooooooooo

Missouri cont'd
 

A Federal Court ruled to overturn the ENTIRE state wide same-sex marriage ban today, but stayed his ruling until appeals could be exhausted. Sooooo to add to the confusion, marriages may continue in St. Louis, as that decision remains valid on its own.
:jester:

Busy day!
 

The Federal Court will hear arguments next week on Mississippi's same sex marriage ban, and the Federal Court made it offical today and struck down West Virgina's same-sex marriage ban.

Things keep rolling along.....

South Carolina
 

The first marriage licenses were issued today in South Carolina by a Judge, while the asshat Attorney General vows to appeal.

Yayyy south Carolina!

Montana
 

A Federal Judge struck down the Montana same-sex marriage ban today, and denied a request for a stay, saying marriages can begin immediately.

Whoop, whoop Montana!

Arkansas and Mississippi
 

Today, two separate Federal Courts ruled that the same-sex marriage bans in Arkansas and Mississippi were unconstitutional. Both decisions were immediately stayed to allow the states to appeal.

The State courts in Arkansas had previously decided the same thing, and hundreds of people married before the decision was stayed. The Arkansas Supreme Court recently took up the matter, and the State has said that they will abide by their decision, which could happen any day.

Yippeeeeeee to Mississippi and Arkansas!

Scotland and Finland
 

Marriage Equality took a step forward in other parts of the world today, with Scotland's first same-sex marriages taking place.

Also of note was the second reading of the marriage equality act in Finland.

Congratulations!

Meanwhile.....
 

Florida's Pam Bondi has filed an appeal with the SCOTUS, asking that the stay on same sex marriage be extended past January 5th, after the Federal appeals court told her no. Clarence Thomas will make that decision within the next few days.

Tennessee has decided that they are very happy since their appeals court upheld the ban on same sex marriage, so they have asked the SCOTUS to stay out of state buisness! Asshats.....

There are now 4 pending cases before the SCOTUS, making it a strong possibility that they will rule on marriage equality before the end of this term.

Big news!!!
 

The SCOTUS has distributed the appeal of the Louisiana decision, upholding the state marriage ban, for a review at thier conference on 1/9. As of now, it is the only case out of all Marriage equality cases pending that will be reviewed.

A review does not mean the case will be heard...the SCOTUS can decide to not take up the issue, at which time Louisiana's ban will stand. I personally think this case was choosen to put an end to all of the bans currently in place, but it could be wishful thinking.

If the court is going to review any of the other cases currently pending, they will advise by the close of business on 12/23.

Florida
 

The SCOTUS today refused to extend the stay on same-sex marriage in Florida, past the date
of 1/5 which was set when the ban was overturned. Marriage equality begins in Florida on 1/6; wtg Florida!!

Iamkari, did you ever think you would see the day?

SCOTUS news....
 

The SCOTUS has distrbuted 4 other cases for review at the 1/9 conference, all from the 6th district where the Federal appeals court upheld the voter approved marriage bans.

At the review they will vote on whether or not to take up these cases before the June 2015 end of term. If they vote to hear the cases, they will do so by April, and then post the decisions by close of term.

With the confusion going on in several states, I hope they will do the right thing and speak up
on this issue.

The last that I heard, most county clerks down here are waiting for further clarification from the judge, as to whether his ruling was meant to apply to all of Florida, or just the county in which the original case was filed. Until that clarification is issued, the word is that most county clerks will NOT be issuing marriage licences.

Very true.

Like Florida, there are several states still fighting the fight; which makes it that much more critical that the SCOTUS steps up and resolves the question of same-sex marriage one and for all.

Florida
 

A Federal Judge ruled on Thursday (yesterday) that ALL courthouses are required to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples on 1/6.

At this time, 5 counties have said they will issue the licenses, but in order to avoid having to marry same-sex couples, they will CEASE all marriages at the courthouses.

Luxembourg and Scotland
 

On Thursday 1/1/15, Luxembourg was added to the countries with marriage equality!

All I want to know is when I can color in Florida on my HRC map stuck on my refrigerator as one of the states that recognizes gay marriage. They don't have it marked on the HRC map site, so I am uncertain as to what to do.

This is very complicated and my highlighter is waiting.

I think you are pretty safe to color in Florida as of 1/6, as the SCOTUS has refused to extend the stay past that date, and the Federal Court ruled yesterday that all counties must issue licenses.

Florida
 

The Florida Judge who put the stay in place, lifted it today ahead of schedule and marriages have already begun.

Congratulations to Florida, the 36th state where we have marriage equality!!

Ms T.
Thank you once again for all you have done, for years now, to keep us all in the know about the growing universality of legality of same sex marriages.

Same sex marriages are legal in Florida!!! I am overwhelmed by this, as I never believed it would happen in my life time.

In 1971, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, I was a member of the Gay Liberation Front. We were doing class room information sessions at colleges, and providing speakers for clubs and organizations who would agree to work with us. At that time, homosexual acts were still illegal in many states. Police officers sweeping through a gay bar, arresting all patrons, particularly male patrons, was common. Our brothers and sisters were hauled off to jail, fined or imprisoned. Many lost their jobs and their families. Some lost their lives.

They, and those of us who survived; who marched, protested, voted, wrote letters, opened our hearts to our friends and families, celebrated every little victory, and wept over every little loss, have made much progress. Today I am proud and happy. It is satisfying to know that in some very small way, I contributed to this progress. It is another time to celebrate.

Now there are other things that I dare to hope to live to see happen: Marriage equality in the remaining states, SCOTUS decisions that federalize and confirm this equality, elimination of job. housing, healthcare and all other forms of discrimination against and among LGBTQ folk, etc

This is a happy and blessed day for me. Whether or not you are interested in marrying, Brothers and Sisters, in my state and most others, you are free to make that choice. May it soon be true for all people in all places.
Many many Smooches.
Keri

:cheer::cheerleader::clap:

The news reports that Texas (yes... Texas) may have same-sex marriage by easter. Im not holding my breath, but it will be interesting to see what happens.

OMG I thought I would NEVER Live long enough to EVER see this happen in this southern redneck state in my lifetime. I cannot wait for the change to happen and I'm gonna have a sign up on my wall showing a Texas symbol with an Equal sign right smack dab in the middle of it. (not that I'm getting married mind you, but anything could happen while I'm still alive :) )

This couple in Iowa finally weds after 72 years of waiting....
 

http://i.imgur.com/LreUtaG.jpg5

Federal marriage
 

The Respect for marriage act was re-introduced yesterday in both the Senate and the House, by the Democrats and one lone Republican. The Bill was first introduced in 2009, BEFORE the SCOTUS decided on section 3.

Most of DOMA is still in place, and needs to be repealed through the Legislature. With the heavily Republican House and Senate currently seated, there will be slow, if any, progress on the bill.

While I am glad that Senator Feinstein (democrat california) continues to fight for us, I personally feel it will take the SCOTUS to bring marriage to all states, and to put a stop to all of the discrimination allowed in jobs, housing and other areas of importance in our lives.

This couple in Iowa finally weds after 72 years of waiting.
 

Canela, Bless you. This needs repeating...
This couple in Iowa finally weds after 72 years of waiting.

WOW,

Iowa has had same sex marriage since 2009, I'm not sure what else might have held them back...unless this is an old file picture.

In any case, they were able to marry in their lifetimes, and that is indeed a blessing. (f)

Yay!
 

http://m.nydailynews.com/imageproces....jpg&width=640



After 42 years together, Lily Tomlin and her longtime girlfriend Jane Wagner finally tied the knot on New Year's Eve 2013.

Chicago Tribune columnist Liz Smith first broke the news, writing that "My longtime friends, Lily Tomlin and her love, the writer Jane Wagner, got married on the eve of 2014 … My wish is that their happiness will be as great as their combined talents."

Tomlin, 74, has hinted that nuptials might be on the horizon after the historic Supreme Court ruling in June 2013 striking down the Defense of Marriage Act.

"You didn't think that would happen," Tomlin told E! News in September. "It's pretty remarkable. You don't really need to get married, but marriage is awfully nice."

http://m.nydailynews.com/entertainme....1568794#bmb=1

My Texas is up for a vote today on marriage equality. I've got my fingers crossed....

More news from the courts
 

Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi are up for a 5th District Federal appeals court hearing tomorrow, whlie the SCOTUS will decide tomorrow if they will take up the case of marriage equaility within the current term.

The decision for the 5th District could take months to determine, while we could know as early as tomorrow, ( but more likely on Monday) if the SCOTUS will hear the cases.

Georgia
 

Yesterday in Georgia, a Federal Court Judge refused to dismiss a lawsuit asking that the ban on same-sex marriages be ruled unconstitutional; no date is currently set for the case to be heard.