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By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
A new poll is indicating that support for same-sex marriage is declining among the American population, with some blaming the behavior of activists after the California ballot initiative last November as causing the decline.
White House Scrubs Plans to Repeal DOMA
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
For unknown reasons, the White House has purged its website of any mention of the president’s campaign promise to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), and filed a Supreme Court brief yesterday where they defended DOMA as being a valid exercise of Congress’ power.
New Hampshire Legalizes Same Sex Marriage
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
After being satisfied that the bill would not force religious organizations that oppose same-sex marriage to participate in these ceremonies, the governor of New Hampshire signed a same-sex marriage bill into law, making it the sixth state in the U.S. to allow homosexuals to marry.
Sotomayor Described as “Cultural” Catholic
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
In the search for an indication of where she might stand on the abortion and homosexual marriage issue, Sonia Sotomayor, the woman named as a possible replacement for retiring U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Souter, is being described as a “cultural” Catholic who rarely attends Mass and does not belong to a parish.
Federal Lawsuit Challenges California Same-Sex Marriage Ban
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
The ink had barely dried on the California Supreme Court decision to uphold a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage when two of the nation’s top constitutional lawyers filed an appeal in federal court to stop the state from enforcing the ban. However, supporters of same-sex marriage fear the latest legal move is premature and could hurt rather than help their cause in the long run.
NH Same-Sex Marriage Law Stalled by Governor
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
The Governor of New Hampshire has stated publicly that he will only sign a new law allowing same-sex marriage in his state if the bill contains an amendment providing protection to churches whose teachings oppose to gay unions. However, the state’s House of Representatives narrowly rejected these changes on Wednesday, causing the bill to stall.
California Supreme Court Upholds Ban on Gay-Marriage
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
In a 6-1 decision, the California Supreme Court ruled to uphold a voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage known as Proposition 8. The also ruling allows the estimated 18,000 gay couples who married before the law took effect to remain married.
State of Maine Approves Gay Marriage
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
On May 6, Maine Gov. John Baldacci (D) signed a newly passed bill allowing gay marriage, making it the fifth state in the U.S. to approve the practice. However, citizens may be able to halt the legislation by exercising their right to a “People’s Veto.”
“Holy War” Erupts in DC Over Same-Sex Marriage Bill
by Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
Enraged citizens stormed the halls of Washington D.C.’s City Hall yesterday after the Council pushed through a measure to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere without hearings or giving constituents an opportunity to have their voices heard on the issue.
Two Governors Torn Between Principle and Party on Same-Sex Marriage
By Susan Brinkmann, OCDS
Staff Writer
The issue of same-sex marriage will soon force two New England governors to face the tough decision between their principles and their party when it comes time to sign the bills.