3:07 pm By Maegan La Mala · California|Justice|society · Comments Off
15 May 2008
It’s a historic day in California. Finally, a light at the end of the tunnel for the state’s LGBT couples:
The court’s 4-to-3 decision striking down state laws that had limited marriages to unions between a man and a woman makes California only the second state, after Massachusetts, to allow same-sex marriages. The decision, which becomes effective in 30 days, is certain to play a role in the presidential campaign.“In view of the substance and significance of the fundamental constitutional right to form a family relationship,” Chief Justice Ronald M. George wrote of marriage for the majority, “the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all Californians, whether gay or heterosexual, and to same-sex couples as well as to opposite-sex couples.”
I didn’t think this day would come so soon, but it’s an extremely pleasant surprise, especially after having lived through all the drama in San Francisco after the marriages were declared null. Congrats to all those couples!
Via / The New York Times
Image via LA Times Getty Images
12:00 pm By Jennifer Woodard Maderazo · GLBT|mexico · 1 Comment
1 Feb 2007
Karina Almaguer and Karla Lopez, both from the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, traveled to Saltillo, Coahuila to become the first couple to take advantage of the newly passed civil solidarity union status.
Coahuila State Assemblywoman Julieta Lopez Fuentes, who served as an official witness at the civil ceremony, said the law passed earlier this month allows people from other states to register such unions in Coahuila. “Same-sex couples from other states have been asking for information about formalizing their unions,” said Lopez Fuentes. “Right now, we haven’t heard about any foreigners asking for information, but anyone who is interested would have to show they are [legally] staying in Mexico.” Lopez Fuentes said it was the first gay civil union in Mexico. In November, Mexico City, which as a semi-independent capital zone has some of the same powers as states, passed a similar measure, the first in the nation’s history, but that law will not go into effect until mid-March.
Via / The Advocate
VivirLatino is a daily publication published by Mamita Mala Media, dedicated to featuring all the latest politics, culture, entertainment of interest to the diverse Latin@ diaspora.
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