WA May Grant Marriage-like Rights for Couples

If you're happily ensconced in a card-carrying Domestic Partnership in Washington state, very good news may be on the way. A measure passed Tuesday night by the Washington state Senate (30 to 18) may extend to same-sex couples nearly all the legal rights enjoyed by straight marrieds.

Federal Judge: Denial of Health Coverage to Same-Sex Spouse Unconstitutional

The validity of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act has been called out by Federal Judge. When health coverage of the same-sex partner of an LA lawyer was denied, 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stephen Reinhardt ruled that discrimination was bogus in a bad way (aka "unlawful"). Legal eagles are taking note, and this ruling could spread.

Homo Homeowners Have More Bennies in CA

And at the moment, they've actually got more rights than an unmarried hetero couple who are co-owners of a house in California. More legal rights may be on the way. At issue here are the two inescapables: death and taxes. In short, how to make sure the surviving partner doesn't get slammed with various real estate and property taxes should the other half of the couple die.

Texas Couples Heading to California for Marriage

Link Although they were married in Canada three years ago, Rev. Cindi Love and Sue Jennings are heading to California. Together for 28 years, they hope legal marriage in a US state will eventually be recognized in their home state of Texas.

Do Rainbows Cause Humpiness?

Link A Florida high school principal believes that just seeing an image of a rainbow will people to visualize gay sex immediately and lunge for the loins of others. Therefore, no students -- straight or gay -- will be allowed to fly those colors. And then the ACLU stepped in.

Iowa Court Okays Second Parent Adoption

Link Iowa's Supreme Court overruled a district court's finding, and now Heather and Jamie Schott are co-parenting legally. The higher court said that terminating one parent's right in order to give parental rights to the other would be "absurd and not in the child's best interests."

Virginia LGBTs Ready for Lawmakers

Link In a state whose laws make it clear that "Virginia is for STRAIGHT Lovers," a new bill coming up for a vote is a minor condolence. If passed, it'll allow same-sex couples a bit more authority in cases of medical emergencies. Other gay-friendly legislation is on the list, too.

New Hampshire's Civil Unions: Pros and Cons

Link Thinking of CUing in the "Live Free or Die" state? You'll score a lot of nice legal rights -- but there are a few downers.