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Post by sharon on Mar 23, 2013 7:58:27 GMT -6
There are developments at both the state level and nationally with regard to marriage equality:
State: Marriage equality bills have passed committee in both the Minnesota House and Senate. While procedurally they can go to each floor for a vote at any time, the sponsors have all said they are going to deal with the pressing economic issues first.
Federal: On Tuesday and Wednesday the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) is hearing oral arguments in two cases pertaining to marriage equality. On Tuesday the case is regarding Prop 8, California's anti-marriage law, and on Wednesday it's about DOMA, the federal law that denies federal rights to married same-sex couples. SCOTUS announces opinions in May and June usually.
So both of these have the possibility of having some impact this spring or early summer. It will be interesting to see how the timing works out and of course we are hoping and praying that justice comes our way!
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Post by irish on Mar 23, 2013 8:35:53 GMT -6
I was so excited when the bills passed in the House and Senate!!! Praying for more good news  |
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Post by sharon on Mar 23, 2013 8:43:39 GMT -6
Thank you. I've been having a hard time finding the emotional energy to wade back in to talking about marriage equality, but things are happening and I feel like I need to. Plus my kid was telling me it's time |
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Post by bunsy on Mar 23, 2013 9:41:46 GMT -6
I can understand your hesitancy Sharon. How to hope and work for something but not be devastated if it doesn't happen. Not an easy process.
We will keep hoping in THIS house that things keep moving forward.
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Post by sharon on Mar 23, 2013 9:57:29 GMT -6
Yeah, it's weird to me. I was trying to explain it to Ian. It's like - I spend NO time at all thinking about whose marriage I approve of and whether people should be able to get marriage licenses or have them honored based on my opinion of their marriage. It's weird to me that it would be anyone's business.
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Post by ReneeW on Mar 23, 2013 12:52:19 GMT -6
Hang in there, Sharon! As I heard someone on the radio say, "It's the Civil Rights issue of our generation."
So -- here's my related story. Yesterday DD 2 (5 YO) had a play date and in the car they were talking, and her friend mentioned "when a boy and a girl get married," and DD2 says, "And sometimes a girl can marry a girl and a boy can marry a boy!" I was smiling, like, Yep kiddo that's RIGHT, and then I felt sadness knowing that that's legal in Iowa but not Minnesota. (SIGH.)
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Post by sharon on Mar 23, 2013 12:54:42 GMT -6
That's awesome!
Kids don't understand "legal." They don't understand what various marriage licenses or religious marriages mean and hundreds of laws the tie into them. They just know what marriage means.
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Post by dara1012 on Mar 23, 2013 15:47:40 GMT -6
I have been following both the state and federal happenings.
I read the article yesterday on npr.org about Edie Windsor who is fighting to get back the $300K plus she had to pay in taxes when her wife died, her story of realizing she needed to be true to herself about her sexuality was very inspiring and their love story so beautiful. They truly loved in sickness and in health and for anyone to say their marriage wasn't "real" is ridiculous IMO.
Like Renee we have been raising our son to understand that there are lots of different types of families out there and also that two women can marry, two men can marry and a woman and a man can marry. I have a friend who is polyamorous, but don't feel at this time in our society that explaining that to DS (at his age) is important. I am still in favor of monogamy in most situations (and certainly for myself), but respect my friend for who she is.
I am hoping and praying for marriage equality.
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Post by sharon on Mar 23, 2013 20:01:20 GMT -6
I've known some Poly folk over the years too. Not my cup of tea, but to each his/her own.
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Post by sharon on Mar 28, 2013 17:54:05 GMT -6
SCOTUS is expected to issue decisions in June.
The part of DOMA they are addressing, if they choose to, is JUST the part that denies married same sex couples federal benefits (over 1000). The case was focused solely on that aspect.
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Post by sharon on Mar 29, 2013 7:13:34 GMT -6
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Post by sharon on May 13, 2013 4:45:17 GMT -6
Today is the day. It's hard to wrap my brain around it. Marriage equality has passed the House and goes to the Senate today. If it passes Governor Dayton is expected to sign it into law tomorrow and it would take effect on August 1. C'mon Senators! Let's do Minnesota proud! Sunday will be 16 years since Tina and I got married. This would be the perfect anniversary gift |
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Post by dara1012 on May 13, 2013 6:41:55 GMT -6
I will be anxiously (though I am sure not as anxious as Sharon) awaiting the news today.....so exciting to be at this point.
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Post by irish on May 13, 2013 7:49:21 GMT -6
I'm tearing up just thinking about it. I am so excited that we've made it this far!! Sharon, will you be at the Capitol today?
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Post by bunsy on May 13, 2013 8:32:55 GMT -6
I hope to hear FEWER moving speeches this afternoon before the vote! Just do it! I want to go to St. Paul today just to drive over the rainbow lined Wabasha bridge.
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