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Kentucky Gay Marriage Ban Struck Down, Obama Adds Trans Protections To Executive Order: Today In Gay

Heyburn has stayed his ruling pending an appeal, meaning same-sex weddings are not yet allowed in the state. But he derided Gov. Steve Beshear's argument that a ban on marriage equality was necessary to preserve the state's birth rate. "These arguments are not those of serious people," Heyburn wrote.

Laura Landenwich, one of the plaintiff's lawyers, agrees: "Most Kentuckians — on both sides of the issue — view marriage as a social partnership, a spiritual bond, a commitment to navigate life together," she said earlier. "Children are often a part of that shared journey, but the relationship extends beyond that."

In February, Heyburn ruled that Kentucky must recognize same-sex marriage performed in other states.


In his remarks, the President recalled some of the recent advances in visibility, including Michael Sam joining the NFL, Laverne Cox gracing the cover of Time magazine, pro-LGBT ads from major corporations and the release of the Harvey Milk postage stamp. "And perhaps most importantly, Mitch and Cam got married," He joked, referencing Modern Family's resident gay couple. "Which caused Michelle and the girls to cry. That was big."

The President also thanked Dr. Lawrence Goldyn, one of his professors at Occidental. "He was the first openly gay person that I knew who was unapologetic, who stood his ground. If somebody gave him guff, he'd give them guff right back, and was I think part of a generation that really fought so many battles that ultimately came into fruition later.


"I’ve asked my staff to prepare a second executive order so that federal employees –- who are already protected on the basis of sexual orientation –- will now formally be protected from discrimination based on gender identity as well," he told attendees.

The President pointed out that currently there are more states that allow same-sex marriage than who ban discrimination against LGBT workers.  "We have laws that say Americans can’t be fired on the basis of the color of their skin or their religion, or because they have a disability.  But every day, millions of Americans go to work worried that they could lose their job— not because of anything they’ve done but because of who they are.  It’s upsetting.  It is wrong."


"The Supreme Court has cement shut any possible opening to allow further psychological child abuse in California," state Sen. Ted Lieu, the law's sponsor, said Monday. "The Court's refusal to accept the appeal of extreme ideological therapists who practice the quackery of gay conversion therapy is a victory for child welfare, science and basic humane principles."

Eight states and the District of Columbia have legislation aimed at banning such practices, which have been roundly rejected as harmful by all reputable medical institutions.

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