Same-Sex Marriage Update: CO, MN, OK, PA, RI, & VA

Aug 1, 2013
Gay Media & Press Network

(GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network) – Posted by

gay marriage rings 300x199 Same Sex Marriage Update: CO, MN, OK, PA, RI, & VA

Gay marriage laws are constantly changing. It’s already been a big week for six (so far) states in the United States. Rather than posting separate articles for each development, I’m lumping them all into one. Here’s your gay marriage update:

Minnesota & Rhode Island

Both states had their first gay weddings on August 1. New laws went into effect at 12:01 am. That marks 13 states where gay couples can legally get married. Reports say couples started lining up in Minnesota late Wednesday.

Colorado

Colorado’s voter-approved civil union law went into effect on May 1. This week, the first gay divorce was finalized in Colorado. Sure, it might not seem like that’s happy news for the LGBT community, but that’s only because you’ve never had a divorce before. If there’s one thing you don’t want to deal with when ending a long-term relationship, it’s legal hurdles.

Oklahoma

The SCOTUS decision on DOMA has renewed Oklahomans’ hopes for same-sex marriage. A lesbian couple’s challenge to the state’s gay marriage ban has been in a holding pattern in a Tulsa court. Now, the couple says, the Supreme Court’s decision should help its case.

Pennsylvania

A court clerk in Montgomery County, Pa. is issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, despite the state’s ban on gay marriage. Pennsylvania’s Marriage Law defines marriage as between one man and one woman. Tuesday, the state Department of Health applied for an injunction to put an end to it. It’s been two days and the courts haven’t said a thing. So, for now, gays can go get married in Montgomery County, even though it’s against state law.

Virginia

Thursday, two same-sex couples filed a class-action lawsuit to ask a federal judge to declare Virginia’s ban on gay marriage unconstitutional. Virginia’s ban is considered one of the most restrictive in the nation. It bans gay marriage, civil unions, partnership contracts, or any other arrangement similar to marriage.

 

Texas

…just kidding. Gay marriage is still very much illegal in Texas. In fact, most gay rights activists believe THAT is a long way off.

The post Same-Sex Marriage Update: CO, MN, OK, PA, RI, & VA appeared first on His Big D. Please follow His Big D on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Provided by the GayWebSource.com – Gay Media & Press Network.
To republish this post please visit Same-Sex Marriage Update: CO, MN, OK, PA, RI, & VA