Even though there have been HUGE strides in marriage equality, i am a bit nervous myself!

So many years of being second class, too many years of mob rule...it's hard to believe we could finally get marriage equality across the country.

As expected, a stay of 14 days was granted today. The stay will allow the State time to appeal the decision to the Federal appeals court.

Chile
 

Chile's same-sex civil unions bill passed its first hurdle today, and with two more votes to be taken appears scheduled to pass without incident.

Chile, like many countries, takes religion out of legal marriages; all couples marry civially, and then have an additional wedding in whichever church/venue they choose.

Wtg Chile!

Alabama
 

In a surprising move today, the Federal Judge who put the stay in place after publishing her decision to allow same-sex marriage, went on the record with the news that at the end of the 2 week period she WILL NOT extend the stay while the state appeals.

The State has the option of filing with the appeals court for a stay, and should that be denied, filing with the SCOTUS. The SCOTUS has begun to deny all requests for stays, so it should be a waste of time and tax money.

France
 

France's highest court ruled today that a french national and a Moroccan citizen could be married. Prior to this ruling, France would only marry a couple where one was not a citizen, if same-sex marriage was legal in both countries.

What a huge step for love!

Alabama
 

The Federal Appeals court refused to extend the stay, and same-sex marriages are set to begin 2/9. The AG of Alabama filed an immediate request for the SCOTUS to impose a stay on the decision, until the state can file an appeal with the SCOTUS. Based on past decisions, the SCOTUS will probably deny the motion.

Stay tuned!

8th district court of appeals
 

The 8th district court of appeals has agreed to hear appeals from the states of Missouri, Arkansas and South Dakota. The three states have had their same-sex marriage bans overturned, and are appealing the decision.

What a waste of taxpayer dollars.

Alabama
 

The SCOTUS delined to continue the stay, and same-sex marriages began today in Alabama!

The head judge of the Alabama Supreme Court is fighting the ruling by telling judges and clerks not to issue licenses...at this time only 4 counties are issuing licenses against his order. In 2003, the same judge was removed from office for refusing to remove a washing machine size monument to the Ten Commandments from the courthouse.

Correction: There are 44 out of 67 counties refusing to issue licenses, 8 counties that cover approx 2 million people ARE issuing licenses, and the other 5 are issuing applications, but are holding off licenses because of the confusion with the state supreme court.

Texas
 

A Travis County probate judge just ruled that the ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional.

The case was brought forth by a woman who lost her long time partner of 7 years just last year, and wanted to have their relationship legitimized as a common-law marriage for survivorship purposes.

The Clerk of the Court has declined to issue same-sex marriage licenses due to the case currently under consideration by the 5th circuit court of appeals.

Here's a link to the News About the Texas Judge Ruling Gay Marriage Ban Unconstitutional ............. LINK

^^ my sister sent me that link this afternoon... it's a small step, but one in the right direction. Go Austin!

another texas link
 

1st Austin Gay marriage performed
 

Travis County clerk issues first legal gay marriage license in Texas
1:07 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 | Filed in: News
COMMENTS 102


Austin American Statesman Today 02/19/15


Two Austin women were legally married Thursday morning after a Travis County judge ordered the county clerk to issue a marriage license.

Sarah Goodfriend and Suzanne Bryant, together almost 31 years, said their vows before Rabbi Kerry Baker while standing in front of the Travis County Clerk’s Office sign on Airport Boulevard.




LINK to article in newspaper

I just read the story, and i'm having a hard time typing through my tears! One of the couple has Ovarian cancer, which was the reason behind the granting of the license by a Judge.

Some day we will no longer have to beg for equality, and i hope it comes before others are harmed by the bans in place.

Texas
 

The Texas Supreme Court just stepped in and put a stay on all further marriages in Travis county until all appeals have been heard.

The marriage performed earlier today is still valid, but the Attorney General says he is looking for a way to invalidate the marriage.

Asshat

He's an ASS for sure. I didn't vote for his sorry Republican ass either. Figures he'd try to invalidate it somehow, but I don't think that's going to work.

Alabama
 

Alabama Supreme Court Judge Murdoch has said, that should the Supreme Court decide to make marriage equality the law of the land, he will try to convince the ASC to end ALL marriages in that state.

Do they lie awake at night thinking this shit up?

The SCOTUS would then need to decide if marriage was a fundamental right under the US Constitution, and if so Alabama would have to comply.

Finland
 

The President of Finland signed marriage equality into law this week! However, due to Legislative changes that need to occur, marriages will not begin until 2017.

Way to go Finland!:hangloose:

Alabama
 

An open records request (emails, telephone records, etc...) has been filed against head Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore by the HRC. The premise is that Roy Moore headed up the lawsuit against marriage equality in the state of Alabama, which is a HUGE no-no for a judge.

I can't link, but if you want to read more on this story, go to LGBTQnation.com