september: a historic month for equality?
David on Sep 4th 2007
If your Labor Day gatherings were anything like mine, a certain bathroom sex scandal was the topic of choice. As summer unofficially comes to a close, let’s take a moment to refocus on some of the more important issues for our families.
There was a groundbreaking victory in Maine on Thursday. A tip of our hat to our friends and neighbors at GLAD. EqualityMaine’s website posted this statement regarding the decision:
This morning, Maine’s Law Court issued a ruling that paves the way for two siblings in foster care to be jointly adopted by the two women who have raised them for the past six years. At last, Ann Courtney and Marilyn Kirby of Portland will be able to form a permanent, legal parental relationship with their foster children, 10-year-old “M” and her brother, six-year-old “R”. The case was argued by attorneys at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders.
Also on Thursday, in a historic ruling, an Iowa judge ordered Polk County officials to accept marriage certificates from same-sex couples. Less than 24 hours later, the county won a stay of the judge’s order, halting marriage equality. Nonetheless, some 27 same-sex couples were able to file for applications, and Sean Fritz and Tim McQuillan of Ames, Iowa were able to get married and return their license to the courthouse in time. Thus, they are the first official same-sex couple to be married in the state.
I think it will be interesting to hear the reactions of presidential candidates regarding the Iowa decision. Many candidates have expressed their belief that marriage equality is a state issue - so shouldn’t we expect to see those same candidates support this big leap for equality in Iowa? Only time will tell.
Stay tuned. September is shaping up to be a historic month for our families.
Filed in general, marriage, politics |
