Nix Trial - Decide On Gay Marriage Now N.Y. Court Asked
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff


(New York City) Telling a New York state court that same-sex couples in New York need the protections and security that marriage provides, Lambda Legal served court papers today seeking a prompt ruling without a trial in its lawsuit seeking full marriage equality.

"Today, we're telling the court that this lawsuit focuses on clear questions of equality and fairness," said Susan Sommer, Supervising Attorney at Lambda Legal, which served a motion for summary judgment in the case today.

"Both sides in this case agree that a trial isn't necessary. Couples in New York shouldn't have to wait through a long legal process to get the protections they need -- protections that only marriage can provide."

Earlier this year, Lambda Legal filed a lawsuit on behalf of five same-sex couples who were denied marriage licenses in New York, arguing that denying marriage to same-sex couples violates the state Constitution's guarantee of equality. The case was the first of its kind to be filed in New York since the Massachusetts high court ruled that same-sex couples are entitled to full marriage under that state's Constitution.


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Mothers in Eugene file suit against Catholic school over daughter's rejection
Associated Press


A lesbian couple in Eugene have filed a lawsuit against a Catholic school after officials there declined to admit their daughter.

Lee Inkmann, along with her partner, Trish Wilson, says the denial came because they are gay. They are seeking up to $550,000 in damages on behalf of their daughter.

The couple's attorney, Martha Walters, said she thinks the private school meets the definition of a place of public accommodation. That makes it subject to Eugene's city code, which forbids discrimination based on sex, marital status, domestic partnership status or sexual orientation, she argues.

The suit named O'Hara Catholic school, Principal Dianne Bert, St. Mary Catholic Church and the Rev. Mark Bachmeier.


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Opponents of gay marriage ban running television ad
Associated Press

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Opponents of a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage have begun airing TV ads around the state suggesting the ballot measure would write discrimination into the Missouri Constitution.

The ads, which began Wednesday, are expected to run through Tuesday's election, said Doug Gray, campaign manager for the Constitution Defense League.

Missouri law already defines marriage as between a man and a woman and specifically does not recognize same-sex marriages, even if they are performed in a state where they are legal.

Still, supporters of the amendment say it's needed to keep a court from potentially tossing the law. They point to the Massachusetts court ruling last year that gay couples have the right to marry.