2010 Census Will Count Same-Sex Couples In Reversal Of Bush Policy

U.S. said Friday that married same- will be counted as such in the 2010 national , reversing an earlier decision made under the administration.

Steve Jost, a for the Bureau, said officials already were identifying the needed to ensure the reliability of the information, but remained committed to providing an accurate of spouses.

“They will be counted, and they ought to report the way they see themselves,” Jost said. “In the normal process of reports after the of 2010, I think the country will have a good data set on which to discuss this that is evolving in this country.”

Same- could not get married anywhere in the during the last . But last summer, when sanctioned , the bureau said those would go uncounted because the federal Defense of Marriage Act prevented the from recognizing them.

See 2010 Census Will Count Same-Sex Couples In Reversal Of Bush Policy

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California Court of Appeal Affirms Right of Transgender Individuals Living Out-of-State to Change California Birth Certificates

, 14, 2009 - In a groundbreaking for born in California, the California ruled on Friday that any person can amend their California regardless of their state of residence. Previously, only could amend their California .
In a , the California held that all born in California, regardless of where they currently reside, can a for a new . The strongly-worded decision was authored by Presiding J. Marchiano, who stated that “we discern no in treating California-born individuals who reside out of state differently from California-born individuals who reside in California when either class seeks issuance of a .”
The case was brought by Law Center (TLC) on behalf of Gigi Marie Somers. Ms. Somers, a sixty-seven year old , was born in California and now lives in Kansas. Ms. Somers underwent reassignment surgery in 2005 and has lived as a for a . When she sought to have a issued reflecting her , she learned that out-of- were required to obtain a court order from the state in which they resided. Unfortunately, Ms. Somers was not able to obtain a court ordered from her county of residence in Kansas. Left in legal and unable to change her , Ms. Somers contacted TLC for help. After the denied her due to the , TLC Kristina Wertz represented Ms. Somers before the .
“We are pleased that the did the right thing for Ms. Somers and recognized her right to change her ,” said Ms. Wertz. “No one who is born in California should be denied the opportunity to change their simply because they are and have moved out of state. Ms. Somers can now rest assured that her birth record will always reflect who she truly is, a right that all born in California enjoy. This is a for all over the country.”
“I brought this because I did not feel that my transition would be complete until my showed who I am. Everybody in my life accepts me for who I am, and I wanted to make sure my officials records did too,” said Ms. Somers. “I am extremely happy about this and grateful for all the work that TLC has done on my behalf.”
The decision also represents a for older . “It is courageous for a person at any age to fight for their identity. But to have a at the age of 67 seek recognition in to have her acknowledged takes remarkable ,” said Karen Taylor, Director of Advocacy &; Training at Services &; Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). “SAGE has many who spent hiding who they were, living under terrible oppression and . We understand and celebrate the of all older who dare to step forward and demand to be acknowledged for who they are. Ms. Somers is an to all who seek justice and , at any age.”
“We applaud the Law Center for winning this truly significant ,” said Geoff Kors, of California (). is currently sponsoring the Equal ID Bill in the , which will statutorily ensure that individuals can change their California no matter where they presently live. Mr. Kors continued, “Our bill can now stand on the shoulders of this week’s decision. Together, we are moving toward full for in California and across the country.”
The decision, Somers v. , is currently available on the court’s website www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/A123445.pdf.
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California () is the largest statewide , , , -rights advocacy in California. In the past , has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited for individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil-rights protections in the nation. has passed over 50 pieces of and continues to advance through legislative advocacy, public and community empowerment. www.eqca.org
The Law Center (TLC) is a advocating for communities. TLC uses direct legal services, , community organizing, and advocacy to transform California into a state that recognizes and supports the needs of and their families. www.transgenderlawcenter.org

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Gay marriage effort shifts back to New England

(Montpelier, Vt.) Vermont was the first state to . Neighboring declared its independence from England before any other colony. the way with .

These days, has another cause - rights.

in already allow same- , and in three more …

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Battle over child visitation rages on despite rulings

(Winchester, Virginia) A attempting to keep her former from having to her daughter is refusing to accept in and the refusal of the to become involved.

has filed another appeal in the case.  This time her argue …

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State Web Site Aims To Draw Gay, Lesbian Tourists

BOSTON — may be hoping to capitalize on its status as one of only in the country where is legal by launching a new site directed at , , and .

The Office of is hoping to dip its into the estimated $70 billion LBGT with the new Web site, which was launched on Wednesday.

The Web site offers visitors information on LBGT all over , along with , , and information. See State Web Site Aims To Draw Gay, Lesbian Tourists
.com,&; &;

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Two states mull anti-gay amendments

in and Indiana will consider new to nix rights.

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Two states mull anti-gay amendments

in and Indiana will consider new to nix rights.

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