Spreading Weddings -New Hampshire has become the sixth US state to legalise same-sex marriage in what is becoming a marriage-rights avalanche. Legislation to grant same-sex marriage rights has been passed by the New York State Assembly and will now be voted on by the Senate and New Jersey is considering its own legislation, making them the next two states in line for marriage equality. Marriage rights campaigners in the six states can still not afford to let their guard down, as the public relations firm who was instrumental in implementing Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California, is already planning to have the Maine law repealed.
Chaz Comes Out, Again -Formerly known as Chastity Bono, Cher’s only child is currently transitioning and has changed his name to Chaz. The gay rights activist, musician and writer wrote about coming out to his famous mother in the 1998 memoir, Family Outing. Cher released a statement saying that she respects Chaz’s decision. ‘Although I may not understand, I will strive to be understanding. The one thing that will never change is my abiding love for my child,’ she said.
States of Pride -President Obama has hosted a reception at the White House to celebrate LGBT pride month and the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion in New York. Despite criticism that he has not followed through with campaign promises on LGBT issues, the President said his administration has made progress and will continue to do so. President Obama says that while he is still working on repealing the US military ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy, he is proud of the recent Matthew Shepard Act, which added sexual orientation to the Federal Hate Crimes Bill. ‘We seek an America in which no one feels the pain of discrimination based on who you are or who you love,’ said the president.
Indian Sodomy Laws Repealed -The Delhi High Court has ruled that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code can no longer be used to treat consensual homosexual acts between adults as an offence. Section 377 was introduced while the country was under British rule in 1860 and criminalises ‘carnal intercourse against the order of nature’ punishable by up to life imprisonment. While the ruling only applies to Delhi at this stage, it is hoped other legal establishments across the country will soon follow. Human Rights Watch has called the decision a ‘victory for basic rights to privacy, non-discrimination, and liberty.’
Lithuanian President Protects Free Speech -Lithuanian President, Valdas Adamkus has used his powers of veto to block the passage of a Section 28-style law in his country. The Law on Protection of Minors against the Detrimental Effect of Public Information states that any material which will ‘agitate for homosexual, bisexual and polygamous relations’ should be banned from schools or public places where they could be seen by youth, on the grounds that it would have a ‘detrimental effect on the development of minors’. The Lithuanian parliament has the power to override the Presidential veto, however other member countries of the EU are warning against it.
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