This Week in Lesbian News…

Big news came out of New York and New Hampshire last week regarding same-sex marriage and internationally, Uruguay and Hungary took positive steps toward equality -while gay rights activists were met with aggression in Russia. All that and more in a week of lesbian news…

NY Gay Marriage Bill Goes to Senate. Last Tuesday the New York State Assembly passed a same-sex marriage bill – bringing the state one step closer to legalizing gay marriage. Now the bill, which passed 89-52, heads to the state Senate where, if passed, it will land on the desk of Governor Paterson for approval. Since Paterson has made it clear that he supports gay marriage, Senate approval seems to be the final hurdle to marriage equality in the Empire State.

Out-of-State Adoptions By Same-Sex Couples Recognized in Florida. A Florida appeals court ruled last Wednesday that the state must recognize adoptions by same-sex couples that were granted in other states, despite the fact that Florida laws ban such adoptions. The decision to recognize out-of-state adoptions by same-sex couples will go into effect in about 30 days.

Gay Rights Activists Arrested in Moscow. On Saturday, police in Russia broke up a protest by gay rights activists in Moscow. The protest was staged to coincide with the Eurovision Song Contest, which traditionally has a large gay following. The BBC reported that, “some 30 campaigners gathered near a university in defiance of a ban on their march and many were dragged away by police when they shouted slogans.”

New Hampshire Governor Helps Gay Marriage Bill Along. Governor John Lynch of New Hampshire provided a written statement on Thursday on a bill passed by the state legislature that would permit same-sex couples to marry in New Hampshire. He explained that he would veto the bill (HB 436) if it does not change before reaching his desk, but outlined the changes to make to avoid that veto. His main concern regarding HB 436 is that it would not provide enough legal protection for religious groups and institutions. However, Lynch did provide legislative leaders with suggested wording that would satisfy him.

Racial Split As New Yorkers Divide On Gay Marriage. New York State voters are split 46 – 46 percent on whether same-sex couples should be allowed to marry, with black voters opposed 57 – 35 percent while white voters tip narrowly in favor of gay marriage 47 – 45 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released on the 14th.

Gay Military Ban Overturned in Uruguay. Last Wednesday, the defense ministry of Uruguay confirmed that the country has lifted the ban on lesbian, gay, and bisexual service members. The decree now must be signed by Uruguay’s President, Tabare Vazquez .

Domestic Partnerships in Hungary. The parliament in the European country of Hungary recently passed a law to extend domestic partnerships to same-sex couples.  It provides joint tax filing, medical decision-making and some social security and pension rights.

Domestic Partnerships in Nevada? Nevada Senate Bill 283 (Nevada’s domestic partnership bill) is now in its final stages in the state legislature.  The bill would create a state-recognized relationship for same-sex and different-sex couples, providing access to most of the rights and responsibilities currently available to spouses. Nevada’s Governor Jim Gibbons has vowed to veto the bill based upon what he says are his libertarian beliefs that the government should stay out of people’s personal relationships.

Michigan Legislator Introduces Hate Crimes Bill. State Rep. Robert Jones of Michigan introduced a bill before the Michigan House Judiciary Committee last week that would give “law enforcement and prosecutors more tools to deal with hate crimes” and include protections for LGBT people.