Out in America Features» civil unions

Delaware Readies For Same-Sex Marriage Civil Unions

OIA Staff — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:32:04 +0000

When the ball drops Saturday night, several same-sex couples in Delaware won’t just be kissing in the New Year—they’ll be consummating their legal bonds, as the state’s civil union law goes into effect on January 1. via. Read the full article @ Delaware Readies For Same-Sex Marriage Civil Unions Read more articles @ our blogBecome [...]

Read the full article @ Delaware Readies For Same-Sex Marriage Civil Unions

Gay Couples To Enter Civil Unions At Midnight On New Year’s Eve In Hawaii

OIA Staff — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 13:24:31 +0000

Four gay couples will enter civil unions in Hawaii as they welcome the new year, the AP reported. The couples are expected to be the first in the state to take advantage of a civil unions law which takes effect on January 1. via. Read the full article @ Gay Couples To Enter Civil Unions [...]

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Hawaii To Issue Civil Union Licenses For Gay Couples Starting in December

OIA Staff — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:07:29 +0000

Hawaii officials expect to begin issuing civil union licenses for gay and lesbian couples by December 3, the Honolulu Star Advertiser reported. However, Hawaii’s civil unions law won’t take effect until January 1, 2012, and civil union licenses expire after 30 days. via. Read the full article @ Hawaii To Issue Civil Union Licenses For [...]

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Chile Leader Proposes Civil Unions for Gays and Straights

OIA Staff — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:51:39 +0000

Chile’s conservative president proposed civil unions legislation Tuesday that would give unmarried partners many of the rights now enjoyed only by married couples in the South American nation. Gays and lesbians lauded Sebastian Pinera’s signature on the proposal that he is sending to Congress as a big step toward equality. via. Read the full article [...]

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Rhode Island Senate Approves Same-sex Civil Unions

OIA Staff — Thu, 30 Jun 2011 12:50:52 +0000

Rhode Island’s Senate approved same-sex civil unions on Wednesday, passing a controversial bill not amended from the House version and sent on to the governor who is expected to sign the law. via. Read the full article @ Rhode Island Senate Approves Same-sex Civil Unions Read more articles @ our blogBecome a fan on FacebookFollow [...]

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Civil Unions Legal In Illinois

OIA Staff — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:08:20 +0000

Civil unions, the lesser cousin of marriage, have gone live in Illinois with lines of lesbians, gay and even straight couples lining up to get one. In fact, they are doing so in such numbers that one has to wonder just how having civil unions in Illinois is going to, you know, protect marriage. via. [...]

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The Nuptial News – General Gayety

OIA Staff — Wed, 11 May 2011 16:19:12 +0000

On these shores, the struggle for same-sex marriage has been as wobbly as a tipsy bride. Look at Rhode Island. Hopes were high that Little Rhody would become the sixth state to allow gay marriage. But House Speaker Gordon Fox announced the legislation wouldn’t pass the Senate, so he was backing civil unions instead. Rhode [...]

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Brazil Approves Civil Unions For Gay Couples

OIA Staff — Fri, 06 May 2011 17:35:21 +0000

In a unanimous decision reached by the 10 justices, Brazil’s Supreme Court found that, “Those who opt for a homosexual union cannot be treated less than equally as citizens,” Justice Camen Lucia was quoted by the AP. This means that couples in “stable” civil unions now share the same rights as married couples: including retirement benefits, [...]

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Rhode Island To Introduce Civil Unions Bill

OIA Staff — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:46:14 +0000

A dramatic shift to scrap a push to legalize gay marriage and replace it with civil unions in Rhode Island could begin as early as Thursday, the Providence Journal reported. Citing insufficient support, House Speaker Gordon Fox on Wednesday declared a gay marriage bill stuck in committee in the Legislature dead. Fox, an openly gay [...]

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Delaware Civil Unions Law Heads to Gov’s Desk

OIA Staff — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 19:40:30 +0000

Delaware lawmakers have approved a bill authorizing same-sex civil unions and Democratic Gov. Jack Markell says he looks forward to signing the measure into law. With Markell’s signature, the bill will take effect Jan. 1. It would make Delaware the eighth state to establish civil unions or domestic partnerships for same-sex couples. via. Read the [...]

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Delaware Senate Passes Civil Unions Bill

OIA Staff — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 15:09:40 +0000

The Human Rights Campaign and Equality Delaware applauds the Delaware Senate for passing a civil unions bill by a 13 to 6 vote. The bill now goes to the Delaware House of Representatives for consideration. “Today, we applaud the Delaware Senate for valuing all Delaware families,” said HRC President Joe Solmonese. “We call on the [...]

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Indiana Senate Passes Marriage Equality Ban Amendment

OIA Staff — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 19:51:14 +0000

Surprise! Well, not really. The Indiana Senate voted 40-10 to ignore the people of the state and pass, for the first time, a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions in the state. It must be voted on again in 2012 and then voted on by the people of the state in 2014. via. [...]

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Colorado Senate Committee Approves Civil Unions

OIA Staff — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 13:48:34 +0000

The Colorado Senate’s Judiciary Committee voted 6-3 today to pass civil unions, bringing the state a small step closer to equality. “It is as close to marriage as can be construed in Colorado law without using that word,” said Republican Sen. Kevin Lundberg, a long-time opponent of LGBT rights. “For that reason it is marriage [...]

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Wyoming Legislature Strips Anti-Marriage Bill Bare

OIA Staff — Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:38:30 +0000

The Wyoming legislature hates lesbians and gays, that much is known, but they apparently do not hate them enough to actually go full bore and do anything other than banning recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages. The two most controversial issues in the bill- banning civil unions and allowing for court access for same-sex couples- has [...]

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Hawaiian Gov. Signs Civil Unions Bill into Law

OIA Staff — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 14:22:19 +0000

Hawaii’s Governor Neil Abercrombie (pictured) signed a bill Wednesday that permits civil unions for same-sex couples in the state. The signing ceremony occurred at Washington Place mansion and museum in Honolulu. Civil unions will begin on January 1, 2012. via. Read the full article @ Hawaiian Gov. Signs Civil Unions Bill into Law Read more [...]

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Facebook Now Recognizes Civil Unions, Domestic Partnerships

OIA Staff — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:11:21 +0000

Sometimes, websites like Facebook or Google make the tiniest change and it makes headlines. This is one of those times. Today, Facebook added two new options to its list of relationship status possibilities: “In a civil union” and “In a domestic partnership.” via. Read the full article @ Facebook Now Recognizes Civil Unions, Domestic Partnerships [...]

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Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Heads to Governor

OIA Staff — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 13:50:32 +0000

The Hawaii Senate has passed the final version of a sweeping civil unions bill that gives same-sex couples the same rights as married couples. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has pledged to sign the legislation. via. Read the full article @ Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Heads to Governor Read more articles @ our blogBecome a fan on [...]

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Iowa House Votes 62-37 to Ban Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions

OIA Staff — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:59:25 +0000

Following debate this morning, the Iowa House voted 63-37 to approve House joint Resolution 6, a constitutional amendment that would not only ban same-sex marriage, but civil unions and domestic partnerships as well. via. Read the full article @ Iowa House Votes 62-37 to Ban Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions Read more articles @ our blogBecome [...]

Read the full article @ Iowa House Votes 62-37 to Ban Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions

Illinois Governor to Sign Civil Unions Bill Today

OIA Staff — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:07:48 +0000

Out lesbian Illinois State Rep. Deb Mell (D) and her partner appeared on Chicago television station WGN to talk about the statewide civil unions bill due to be signed by the governor this afternoon, and what this historic law means for them personally. via. Read the full article @ Illinois Governor to Sign Civil Unions [...]

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Hawaii Senate Committee Passes Civil Union Bill

OIA Staff — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 15:46:18 +0000

The state Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday passed a bill to provide civil unions, offering benefits and responsibilities identical to marriage, for unmarried couples. The measure passed the committee, 3-2. via. Read the full article @ Hawaii Senate Committee Passes Civil Union Bill Read more articles @ our blogBecome a fan on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

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Civil Unions Passes In Illinois!

OIA Staff — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:26:01 +0000

It is a half-step, but it is a step in the right direction. Civil unions has been passed and signed into law in Chicago according to sources in contact with LGR. Governor Pat Quinn, an ally of the LGBT Community and a supporter of civil unions has apparently signed the bill into law. Illinois’ bill [...]

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Illinois House Passes Civil Unions Bill

OIA Staff — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 14:48:01 +0000

A bill that establishes civil unions for same-sex couples in Illinois has just passed in the state’s House of Representatives and now heads to the State Senate, where it is also expected to win passage. VIA. Read the full article @ Illinois House Passes Civil Unions Bill Read more articles @ our blogBecome a fan [...]

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Path Clearer For Civil Unions In Hawaii?

OIA Staff — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 13:59:14 +0000

The fate of civil unions in Hawaii may now be a lot clearer with the election of Neil Abercrombie to the Governorship of that state. Unlike his predecessor Linda Lingle and his opponent Lieutenant Governor James Aiona, Abercrombie is a supporter of civil unions and equality, or as much equality as is available under the [...]

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Top Gun’s Kelly McGillis marries longtime partner in civil union

OIA Staff — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:41:45 +0000

Actress Kelly McGillis, and sales executive Melanie Leis were joined in a civil union on Wednesday morning in Collingswood, NJ. Judge Robert T. Zane III, the municipal presiding judge for Camden County, N.J., officiated at the Collingswood Municipal Court. The couple met in 2000. VIA. Read the full article @ Top Gun’s Kelly McGillis marries [...]

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Coming soon: civil unions in Illinois?

OIA Staff — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 14:28:08 +0000

The Illinois legislature may soon have to decide whether or not same-sex partners should be allowed to enter into civil unions in the state. If Senate Bill 1716 makes it onto the agenda for the November legislative veto session, that question may be answered next year. VIA. Read the full article @ Coming soon: civil [...]

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Costa Rica’s High Court Blocks Gay Unions Vote

OIA Staff — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 15:13:34 +0000

Costa Rica’s highest court has blocked a referendum on gay civil unions from going forward, the AP reported. The Constitutional Court ruled Tuesday that the issue should be decided by the legislature and not the public. In its 5-2 decision, the court said the rights of gay men and lesbians must be protected. Court statement: ”Minority [...]

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Six gay couples file suit in HI for the rights of marriage

OIA Staff — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 17:04:48 +0000

Six gay Hawaiian couples are suing the state for the same rights as married couples. Gay rights group Lambda Legal announced there WOULD BE a lawsuit the night Republican Governor Linda Lingle vetoed the Civil Unions bill that had been passed by state lawmakers. On Thursday, they made it official. The lawsuit asks for the [...]

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Hawaii Governor Vetoes Civil Unions Bill After Weeks Of Stalling

OIA Staff — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 15:25:33 +0000

Hawaii’s governor on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have permitted same-sex civil unions, ending months of speculation on how she would weigh in on the contentious, emotional debate. The Republican governor said she rejected the bill because it was too similar to marriage. “I find that House Bill 444 is essentially same sex marriage by [...]

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Wisconsin High Court To Decide Future Of Same-Sex Marriage Ban

OIA Staff — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:08:40 +0000

The Wisconsin Supreme Court is expected to decide tomorrow whether that state’s the 2006 constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and civil unions should be struck down. The Justices are scheduled to hear a suit brought by Dr. William McConkey, a professor at UW-Oshkosh, that says the bans on same-sex marriage and civil unions should have [...]

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Hawaii gov tells legislature she may veto civil unions

OIA Staff — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:34:14 +0000

Gov. Linda Lingle has informed the Hawaii state legislature that she may veto a sweeping civil unions bill that would give same-sex couples the rights and responsibilities of marriage, according to KITV. [ via GayPolitics.com ] Read the full article @ Hawaii gov tells legislature she may veto civil unions Read more articles @ our [...]

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Hawaii Legislature Approves Civil Unions For Gay Couples

OIA Staff — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 13:39:42 +0000

On the final day of the legislative session, the Hawaii House of Representatives has approved a civil unions bill, the Honolulu Advertiser reported. The bill grants both same-sex and heterosexual couples all the rights and obligations of marriage. In a 31-to-20 vote, representatives approved the measure, which passed the Senate in January with a veto-proof [...]

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Civil union bill to hit PA House

OIA Staff — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:42:33 +0000

A Pennsylvania lawmaker is gathering legislative support for a bill that would make civil unions for same-sex couples a reality in the Keystone State. The measure, the first of its kind in the Pennsylvania legislature, is being spearheaded by Pennsylvania Rep. Mark Cohen (D-202nd Dist.). Cohen said he’s so far secured co-sponsorships from 24 lawmakers and another [...]

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Hawaii’s Gays Are They About to Get Civil Unions?

OIA Staff — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 17:02:23 +0000

Hawaii, the state that set off the whole Defense of Marriage Act movement in the mid-1990s, this week is expected to see state legislators approve a bill granting civil union rights to gay couples. [ Queerty ] Read the full article @ Hawaii’s Gays Are They About to Get Civil Unions? Read more articles @ [...]

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Oops: Did Texas Ban Marriage?

OIA Staff — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:59:39 +0000

Texas lawmakers wanted to make sure gay people couldn’t be married. Instead, it seems, they may have made sure no one can. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram has the story. Here’s what happened: In 2005, Texas voters and the state Legislature approved a Constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage. But the amendment included the following clause, [...]

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Anti-gays Eye Repeal of Marriage Equality in New Hampshire

OIA Staff — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:21:49 +0000

The recent victory of bigots in Maine has cause some anti-gay lawmakers in New Hampshire to consider a repeal of that state’s marriage equality law, which was signed by Governor John Lynch in June. Foster’s Daily Democrat reports: “Two proposals are being drafted in the N.H. House: One would repeal the law Gov. John Lynch [...]

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New study offers first demographic picture of same-sex spouses

OIA Staff — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:05:58 +0000

For the first time, the Census Bureau has released data in which same-sex couples who refer to one another as “husband” or “wife” are differentiated from those who refer to one another as “unmarried partners.” This study is the first to examine the difference and similarities among same-sex couples and married different-sex couples in the [...]

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Census Bureau: 150,000 Same-Sex Couples Report as Married in 2008

OIA Staff — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 19:10:12 +0000

Offering a preview of what’s to come in the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau has reported that almost 150,000 couples reported being in marriages last year: “About 27 percent of the estimated 564,743 total gay couples in the United States said they were in a relationship akin to ‘husband’ and ‘wife,’ according to the Census [...]

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Act to Repeal DOMA Now

OIA Staff — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 21:41:08 +0000

Legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) may be introduced in the House of Representatives as early as next week. We must ensure that the President, congress, and our senate leaders speak out and co-sponsor a repeal of this discriminatory legislation. DOMA denies same-sex couples from receiving federal benefits, even in states where [...]

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Nadler Says DOMA Repeal Bill Will Not Include DP’s or Civil Unions

OIA Staff — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 15:44:55 +0000

In an interview with the Bay Area Reporter this weekend, New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler said that he plans to introduce legislation either this week or once Congress returns from its August recess to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, but that bill will not include extending rights to LGBT couples in domestic partnerships or [...]

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Complete Wedding Basics – 1, 2, 3

OIA Staff — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:13:33 +0000

The engagement was perfect: romance, wonder, laughter, tears and one gorgeous little band of white gold. It had been everything you’d envisioned, and everything your partner had longed for it to be. And now the pressure’s really on – Can the moment be topped? Can the two of you pull together the seemingly endless details [...]

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Maine Governor Signs Same-Sex Marriage Bill

OIA Staff — Wed, 06 May 2009 18:21:35 +0000

Gov. John Baldacci on Wednesday signed a gay marriage bill passed just hours before by the Maine Legislature. Baldacci made his announcement within an hour of the Maine Senate giving its final approval to LD 1020. The Senate voted 21-13 in favor of the measure after a short debate. “In the past, I opposed gay [...]

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Big Victories For Marriage Equality

OIA Staff — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 01:10:22 +0000

The Issue The state of Vermont made history on this week when it became the very first state to legalize gay marriage through the legislature rather than through a court decision. The Vermont House overturned Gov. Jim Douglas’s veto on gay marriage with a 100-49 vote; the veto was overturned in the Vermont Senate with [...]

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Faith leaders: Ban gay marriage in Minnesota or the world could end

OIA Staff — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:56:47 +0000

The Minnesota Family Council says it will introduce an amendment banning same-sex marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships in Minnesota in the next few days. The group announced the new amendment push at a press conference with fundamentalist religious leaders on Tuesday. Those leaders put forward a multifaith diatribe against gay and lesbian relationships stating [...]

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