Another setback

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-16-2003
Another setback
13
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 4:23pm

From ABC 7 News:
La. Court OKs Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment
Location: NEW ORLEANS
Posted: January 19, 2005 1:05 PM EST
URL: http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/0105/201344.html





NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Louisiana Supreme Court on Wednesday unanimously reinstated the anti-gay marriage amendment to the state constitution that was overwhelmingly approved by voters in September.

The high court reversed a state district judge's ruling in October striking down the amendment on the grounds that it violated a provision of the state constitution requiring that an amendment cover only one subject.

"Each provision of the amendment is germane to the single object of defense of marriage and constitutes an element of the plan advanced to achieve this object," the high court said.

The court's ruling puts the amendment in the constitution.

In striking down the "defense of marriage" amendment, Judge William Morvant of Baton Rouge had ruled that the amendment also prevented the state from recognizing any legal status for common-law relationships, domestic partnerships and civil unions between both gay and heterosexual couples.

Six of the justices joined in the majority opinion authored by Justice Jeanette Theriot Knoll. The seventh, Chief Justice Pascal Calogero, wrote a concurring opinion.

At issue was a provision of the amendment that stated: "A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be recognized."

Opponents had warned that the amendment went far beyond banning gay marriage and would deny contractual rights to all unmarried couples - whether gay or heterosexual - in such areas as owning property, willing it to heirs, and taking legal care of an incapacitated partner. As a result, they contended, the amendment had more than one object, and therefore could not become part of the constitution.

But the Supreme Court said the each part of the amendment is "germane to the object of `defense of marriage.'"

Eleven other states adopted similar amendments in the fall elections. President George Bush also has proposed a federal anti-gay marriage amendment.

© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

Kim
Check out my

Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 5:30pm


Don't give up hope, Kim.

{{{{{{{{{{Kim}}}}}}}}}}

 


Hugs,


Sebastian


 


http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 6:24pm
Looks like we are going to have to really fight for our rights. Being diplomatic just is not working.
I wish we would start marching and what ever else it will take to show our true numbers and fight for our freedom.
It is going to take a fight I think.
Let's not give up!!
Hugs,
Laurie
Laurie

My web pages
http://homepage.mac.com/lauriedav/PhotoAlbum1.html http://hometown.aol.com/didoangst/myhomepage/photo.html
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 7:23pm

Kim,


I feel so cheated. I can't explain how I am feeling but I guess I don't need to since we are all probably feeling the same way.


My only satisfaction comes from the fact that when I get married, it will mean something very important to me. I do not need the law to validate my marriage.


But I keep thinking of all the legal rights that men and women have that seem so out of reach to us. Things they take for granted. Things that as American citizens we are entitled to. It's so unfair.


I also feel like fighting, there are so many of us, something needs to be done. I can only hope that someone powerful organizes something - and I can participate. I alone do not know what to do.

Sandr

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-24-2003
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 7:38pm
I agree! We (Brandi and I) ARE married. It may not be legal but we believe it is stll a commitment and it is very real to us. We will have same sex benefits in April, we can file our taxes together we even had a baby together! It doesnt matter to us that it isnt to anyone else! so screw what they say! we will still live our lives as happy as if we had a legal paper!
Mandi Jewell
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-10-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 8:47pm

Opponents had warned that the amendment went far beyond banning gay marriage and would deny contractual rights to all unmarried couples - whether gay or heterosexual - in such areas as owning property, willing it to heirs, and taking legal care of an incapacitated partner. As a result, they contended, the amendment had more than one object, and therefore could not become part of the constitution.


There will be a time when the straights that are in co-habitational arraingements will see that their rights have been violated by this amendment. Only then, will the straights understand how intrusive this law really is.

 

 

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-29-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 9:36pm

Sucks big time. I want a march and I want all veterans who are gay to lead the march on Washington. We need to take a proactive stance. We need to start boycotting big businesses and get them where it hurts. I have a plan for this spring, and come hell or high water, I swear to do it. Enough is enough! If we don't act now, Bush will get the Federal Law passed and then it will take even longer....I'm not happy with this report. I can't believe New Orleans of all places?!!!! Is there a good photographer in the house?

halo

hugs

halo

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-29-2004
Wed, 01-19-2005 - 9:55pm

My plan by the way is not a plan that would get me or anyone hurt... Need to put that out there in case someone gets the wrong idea. lol ;)

halo

hugs

halo

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2003
Thu, 01-20-2005 - 1:34am
I am a photgrapher and vdeographer. Can I help.
I sure would stand right up front if we marched on Washington.
We need to do something!! It is making me sick! And so so angry.
Hugs
Laurie

My web pages
http://homepage.mac.com/lauriedav/PhotoAlbum1.html http://hometown.aol.com/didoangst/myhomepage/photo.html
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-24-2003
Thu, 01-20-2005 - 1:36am
So, we won't be rioting? Dang! I could use a flat screen! Lol.
Laurie

My web pages
http://homepage.mac.com/lauriedav/PhotoAlbum1.html http://hometown.aol.com/didoangst/myhomepage/photo.html
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Thu, 01-20-2005 - 2:38am

For some reason I can visualize you looting!


Calm down Laurie, no violence - OK?


LOL!!!!!


Sandr

Pages