In a landmark Supreme Court ruling, Edie Windsor had 1996’s Defense of Marriage Act dismantled in 13 states and the District of Columbia—a crucial step toward nationwide marriage equality. Windsor spent 40 years living with partner Thea Spyer (and the two were married in Canada). When Spyer passed, Windsor inherited her estate but was denied unlimited spousal exemption. She sued for federal recognition as a …
While it’s not the equivalent as making same-sex marriage legal, Vietnam’s recent move to lift the ban on gay marriage is a step in the right direction—and means that couples won’t face legal prosecution or fines if they try to get hitched in the South East Asian nation. The government still won’t officially recognize same-sex marriages, or provide legal protection for those in them, but …
1. Important Quotes From the Supreme Court’s Decision on Gay Marriage In a narrow five-to-four decision, the US Supreme Court voted to legalize same-sex marriage in all 50 states, marking a momentous decision in American equality. Justice Anthony Kennedy held the power of the swing vote and, on his way to securing a landmark majority vote, penned a 100+ page document detailing the importance of …
