news & opinion
Press Release
NO on 8 Campaign Applauds Connecticut Marriage Decision
10.10.08—Connecticut today confirmed the right to marry for same-sex couples. Preventing same-sex couples from marrying was found to violate the state constitution.
Kate's Blog: Out for Justice
Matthew Shepard's Legacy
by Jody Marksamer, Youth Project Director
10.10.08—Matthew Shepard’s death—in part because the whole country watched as he clung to life for several days even after being beaten and left to die overnight on a Wyoming fence—raised the awareness of the entire country as to severity of the problem of anti-gay hatred. It also raised people’s awareness of how bias and hatred could result in horrible, devastating violence against LGBT youth. Because of Matt, it became impossible for people to deny that LGBT youth exist and are at risk everywhere in the country, including in rural areas.
Press Release
Attorney in Landmark Marriage Equality Case to Speak at Equal Justice Works Conference
09.30.08—Shannon Minter, Legal Director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights and lead attorney in the California Supreme Court case that allowed same-sex couples to marry, is the featured speaker at the 2008 Equal Justice Works Conference and Career Fair, October 10 and 11, in Washington, DC.
Press Release
Civic Celebration of the Life of Del Martin Scheduled for October 1, 2008
Beloved civil rights leader to be honored at San Francisco City Hall; Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others to pay tribute
09.25.08—Family, Speaker Nancy Pelosi, elected officials, community leaders, and performers will honor the life of Del Martin, one of the nation’s first and most visible lesbian rights activists, on Wednesday, October 1 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rotunda of San Francisco City Hall. Martin’s many contributions shaped the modern lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT), as well as feminist civil rights movements. Martin, 87, passed away on August 27, 2008 in San Francisco.
click here to read a timeline of Del Martin's life (pdf)
visit our Del Martin Tribute Page
click here for photos of Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon
click here to watch GroundSpark Exclusive: Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon’s Wedding Video
Press Release
National Center for Lesbian Rights Legal Director Shannon Minter Named among California’s Top 100 Lawyers
09.23.08—The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) today announced that The Daily Journal has named NCLR Legal Director Shannon Price Minter to its annual list of California's Top 100 Lawyers (click to enlarge), honoring those who are “shaping the future through their work.” Minter was recognized for his achievements in the fight for marriage equality in California. The list is featured in the September 17, 2008 issues of the Los Angeles Daily Journal and the San Francisco Daily Journal. California Supreme Court Chief Justice Ronald M. George, California Supreme Court Justice Carlos R. Moreno, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, and San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Therese M. Stewart were also honored for their role in the marriage case.
marriage
Across the Country
Anti-Gay State Ballot Initiatives
Our opponents have put anti-gay measures on several state ballots this fall. learn more about these measures and how you can get involved
California
California Marriage Case
click here to read more about the landmark victory in In re Marriage cases
No on 8
Proposition 8, which seeks to deny LGBT couples the right to marry, will be on the ballot in November. learn about NCLR's Social Justice Fund and how you can help defeat Prop 8
Marriage Resources
Thinking about getting married in California? Read these publications for important information that you should know before you tie the knot. read "Frequently Asked Questions About Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in California" (pdf) read "How to Marry in California" (pdf) read "Make Change, Not Lawsuits," a joint advisory from LGBT organizations (pdf)
case updates
Victory! (California)
In re Marriage Cases
NCLR was lead counsel on behalf of same-sex couples, Equality California, and Our Family Coalition in the California marriage case, which sought an end to the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage.
Pending (Pakistan)
In re S.K.
S.K. is a gay Pakistani man seeking asylum and withholding of removal because he fears persecution based on his sexual orientation and HIV status. Under Pakistani law, being gay is punishable by death and LGBT people are forced to live in secrecy and constant fear of exposure. The Immigration Judge ignored the serious risk of persecution that S.K. faces and denied his application for asylum. The judge held that S.K., who has HIV, and was in a committed relationship with a man in Minnesota, could avoid persecution by hiding his sexual orientation, marrying a woman, and having children. The Immigration Judge also failed to recognize that S.K.’s traumatizing diagnosis of HIV that had progressed to AIDS understandably delayed his filing.
Pending (California)
Sulpizio and Bass v. San Diego Mesa College
Lorri Sulpizio was the Head Women’s Basketball Coach at San Diego Mesa College (Mesa), and her domestic partner, Cathy Bass, was the team’s Director of Basketball Operations, for six years. Despite Sulpizio’s and Bass’s dedication and demonstrated track record of success leading the women’s basketball program at the community college, Mesa officials unlawfully fired both coaches at the end of the 2007 academic year after Coach Sulpizio repeatedly advocated for equal treatment of female student-athletes and women coaches, and following publication in a local paper of an article identifying Sulpizio and Bass as domestic partners.
Over the past 30 years the National Center for Lesbian Rights has been at the forefront of nearly every legal gain won for LGBT people and families.
Each issue listed here provides a wealth of information regarding:
- cases we've been involved in
- news & opinion
- publications and downloads
Do you have legal questions related to your sexual orientation or gender identity?
The information on our website is here to help you. If you don’t find the answers to your questions on our website, NCLR's online help form can help you find the answers.
