Marriage equality swells to 35 states
2014 was a banner year for marriage equality. At this writing, 35 states have full marriage rights for same-sex couples. In an additional 10 states, judges have issued rulings in favor of the freedom to marry. Those states on the pending list include Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan, Mississippi, Texas, Louisiana, Ohio and Tennessee.
NYC Mayor sits out St. Patrick’s Day Parade
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasiobecame the first mayor in decades to sit out the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, deciding to skip one of his city’s signature celebrations because the event organizers refuse to let participants carry pro-gay signs. “I will be participating in a number of other events to honor the Irish heritage of this city,” said de Blasio. “But I simply disagree with the organizers of that parade.”
Obama expands government benefits for same-sex couples
On June 20, President Barack Obama granted an array of benefits to same-sex couples a year after the Supreme Court struck down a law barring federal recognition of same-sex marriages.The new measures range from Social Security and veterans benefits to work leave for caring for sick spouses.
Uganda tabloid prints list of ‘top’ homosexuals
A Ugandan newspaper on Feb. 25 published a list of what it called the country’s “200 top” homosexuals, outing some Ugandans who previously had not identified themselves as gay one day after the president enacted a harsh anti-gay law.Many of those named feared violence, and some left the country.
Arizona vetoes anti-gay bill
Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer vetoed a bill in February that would have allowed businesses that asserted their religious beliefs the right to deny service to gay and lesbian customers.The controversial measure faced a surge of oppositions from large corporations and athletic organizations, including Delta Air Lines, the Super Bowl host committee and Major League Baseball.
