Supreme Court kills challenges to gay marriage amendment


NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Louisiana Supreme Court has refused to take up legal challenges aimed at keeping a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriages and civil unions off the September 18th ballot.

Acting late yesterday on three requests to hear appeals of three lawsuits, court spokeswoman Katherine Fontana says the justices refused to consider two and said the third had not been filed in time.

The suits were filed on behalf of a group called Forum for Equality, arguing that the "Defense of Marriage" amendment is unconstitutional because it would deprive unmarried couples -- gay or straight -- of the right to enter into certain contracts.

Supporters of the ban disagree. The amendment, passed by state lawmakers earlier this year, would also ban state officials and courts from recognizing out-of-state marriages and civil unions between homosexuals.


~

Lawyers draft gay weddings bill
  By Sheena Adams


The SA Law Commission is sifting through hundreds of public submissions on same-sex marriages before drawing up a draft bill.

In a written reply to a parliamentary question from the DA, Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla said the investigation was aimed at "harmonising family law with the provisions of the Bill of Rights and the values of equality and dignity".

Mabandla said the probe was also looking at whether marital rights should be extended to opposite and same-sex domestic partnerships and also whether specific rights should be awarded to people living in "interdependent relationships without a sexual element".


~

Tired Of Waiting, Gay Couple Takes Legal Path
Colchester women cite discrimination in suit against state


Colchester — They were born in the same Connecticut town, attended the same high school, fell in love after graduation and have never parted since. This fall they'll celebrate 29 years together in sickness and in health, in the dream house they saved for and helped build.

“That was our 20th anniversary party,” says Janet Peck at home on Tuesday, explaining one of many framed photos chronicling their romance through the years.

It's been a good, old-fashioned marriage in most respects, with one notable exception. Because the partners are women, they can't legally wed.

Now, Peck and Carol Conklin are going to court for what they say is their due. Last week, along with six other gay or lesbian couples from Connecticut who were denied marriage licenses in Madison, they filed suit in New Haven Superior Court charging that the state's denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples is discriminatory.


~

Gay man's partner seeks share of estate
The deceased left no will, and his son says he and his siblings should get the inheritance
By JOSEF MOLNAR and BILL MURPHY
Copyright 2004 Houston Chronicle


When he died in January 2003, John Green left no will designating who should be given his town house, another home under renovation in Katy and stock worth $88,000.

As administrator of his father's estate, his son, Scott Goldstein of South Florida, says all of the proceeds belong to him and his siblings.

But Green's partner for 7 1/2 years, William Ross, has asked Harris County Probate Judge Russell Austin to grant him many of the same rights as a man or woman who has lost a spouse — meaning he could claim a good portion of the estate.

Lawyers on both sides said a favorable ruling could set a precedent in Texas, which does not recognize same-sex marriages, especially if an appellate court were to uphold such a decision in a written ruling.



~

Testimony helps gay dads' case
The owner of a day care center where the sisters stay and a behavioral specialist say the children excel in the home.
By CHRIS TISCH, Times Staff Writer


LARGO - Both young sisters hit other children and threw tantrums. The younger child was mean to animals and scratched her legs until they bled.

After state officials took the girls from their natural parents because of abuse or neglect, one behaved so badly that foster parents refused to keep her, some giving her up after just one night.

Then the girls were taken into a home headed by two gay men. Their behavior improved. They became friendlier toward other children. They began listening to adults.

That was testimony offered in court Wednesday from the owner of a day care center where the girls stay, and a behavioral specialist who has studied one of the girls.


~

OutRage! wants 'anti-gay' gig axed
By Sarah Probert, Birmingham Post
 

A gay rights campaign group has urged a Birmingham nightclub to cancel a reggae concert following claims the singer incites violence against homosexuals.

Top Jamaican reggae star Sizzla Kalonji is due to appear at the White Pearl Club in Upper Trinity Street, Aston, tomorrow as part of a national tour.

He is among eight artists whose material is being examined by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) over claims their lyrics incite violence against homosexuals.

The gay campaign group OutRage! made a complaint to police about the content, who in turn have asked the CPS to consider whether performance or promotion of the material might amount to a criminal offence