SUBSCRIBE TO OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
5
#000000
#FFFFFF
To donate by check, phone, or other method, see our More Ways to Give page.
Daily news & progressive opinion—funded by the people, not the corporations—delivered straight to your inbox.
In a policy memo to be issued Monday, Justice Department employees will be instructed to "give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law."
Under the new order, same-sex couples will now have the same rights as those in heterosexual marriages in regards to not testifying against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial--even in states where same sex marriages are not recognized. Further, same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly and federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for spousal visits.
Though the move was hailed as a "landmark announcement" by many, some equal rights advocates note that the rights extended are "certainly not far reaching."
Further, others agree that, rather than focusing solely on marriage rights, the White House should demonstrate their full support of gay rights by taking the "far more basic step" and issue an executive order to protect federal workers from workplace discrimination.
The federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), which in November was passed by the U.S. Senate, remains indefinitely stalled in the House of Representatives.
_____________________
Trump and Musk are on an unconstitutional rampage, aiming for virtually every corner of the federal government. These two right-wing billionaires are targeting nurses, scientists, teachers, daycare providers, judges, veterans, air traffic controllers, and nuclear safety inspectors. No one is safe. The food stamps program, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are next. It’s an unprecedented disaster and a five-alarm fire, but there will be a reckoning. The people did not vote for this. The American people do not want this dystopian hellscape that hides behind claims of “efficiency.” Still, in reality, it is all a giveaway to corporate interests and the libertarian dreams of far-right oligarchs like Musk. Common Dreams is playing a vital role by reporting day and night on this orgy of corruption and greed, as well as what everyday people can do to organize and fight back. As a people-powered nonprofit news outlet, we cover issues the corporate media never will, but we can only continue with our readers’ support. |
In a policy memo to be issued Monday, Justice Department employees will be instructed to "give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law."
Under the new order, same-sex couples will now have the same rights as those in heterosexual marriages in regards to not testifying against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial--even in states where same sex marriages are not recognized. Further, same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly and federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for spousal visits.
Though the move was hailed as a "landmark announcement" by many, some equal rights advocates note that the rights extended are "certainly not far reaching."
Further, others agree that, rather than focusing solely on marriage rights, the White House should demonstrate their full support of gay rights by taking the "far more basic step" and issue an executive order to protect federal workers from workplace discrimination.
The federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), which in November was passed by the U.S. Senate, remains indefinitely stalled in the House of Representatives.
_____________________
In a policy memo to be issued Monday, Justice Department employees will be instructed to "give lawful same-sex marriages full and equal recognition, to the greatest extent possible under the law."
Under the new order, same-sex couples will now have the same rights as those in heterosexual marriages in regards to not testifying against their spouse in a civil or criminal trial--even in states where same sex marriages are not recognized. Further, same-sex couples will be able to file bankruptcy jointly and federal prisoners with same-sex spouses will be eligible for spousal visits.
Though the move was hailed as a "landmark announcement" by many, some equal rights advocates note that the rights extended are "certainly not far reaching."
Further, others agree that, rather than focusing solely on marriage rights, the White House should demonstrate their full support of gay rights by taking the "far more basic step" and issue an executive order to protect federal workers from workplace discrimination.
The federal Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA), which in November was passed by the U.S. Senate, remains indefinitely stalled in the House of Representatives.
_____________________