Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Unconstitutional: California's same-sex marriage ban is discriminatory, federal appeals court says.
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals decision applies only in California, according to its terms. But by striking down California's Proposition 8, the voter-approved anti-gay marriage initiative, the court put the issue of gay marriage bans squarely before the U.S. Supreme Court.
North Carolina has an anti-gay marriage statute, and we'll vote in May on an amendment to the state constitution banning gay marriages and also civil unions between same-sex partners.
However, a state — even in its constitution — can't discriminate against citizens in a way the U.S. Supreme Court has declared unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment to the federal constitution. That's what the Civil War was all about: States can't violate fundamental rights.
Some day, we'll think about these gay marriage bans the same way we think about the Dred Scott decision.
Talking Points Memo posted a handy map of states and their status re: gay marriage, civil unions & equal rights.
Comments (1)
Showing 1-1 of 1
There is no discrimination here. None. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada. Homosexual men and women have the exact same rights are hetrosexual men and women.
like
dislike
Latest in Citizen
-
Perdue: I'll be in charge on fracking, thank you
- May 21, 2012
-
Too scary? Efforts to curb N.C. voting in 2012 recall state's 1898 coup
The means are different but the object is the same: Leave the rich in control by preventing the masses from voting their interests.
- May 21, 2012
-
Frank Eaton, Mary-Ann Baldwin, Don Vaughan: Next N.C. Dems chair?
- May 10, 2012
- More »
More by Author
-
Charlotte's showing Raleigh a thing (transit) or two (same-sex benefits)
- May 10, 2012
-
First Racial Justice Act result: Death row inmate is resentenced to life without possibility of parole
Judge rules that racial bias in North Carolina capital cases is real and pervasive; prosecutors intentionally look for white jurors, resulting in more death sentences for black defendants.
- Apr 20, 2012
- More »
