Category: SCOTUS

Supreme Court Sends Historic Transgender Equality Case Back to Lower Court 

March 6, 2017

Order follows Trump administration’s withdrawal of nonbinding federal guidance on how to protect transgender student WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today the Supreme Court announced that it will not hear G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board, the historic transgender equality case on behalf of a Virginia transgender boy named Gavin Grimm. In light of President Trump’s decision to … More Supreme Court Sends Historic Transgender Equality Case Back to Lower Court 

Transgender Americans Voice Support for Gavin Grimm as His Landmark Title IX Discrimination Case Heads to The Supreme Court

March 2, 2017

TLDEF Brief Spotlights Positive Contributions of Transgender Americans and Harms of Denying them Basic Freedoms that Allow Full Participation in Society New York, NY- Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund has filed a friend-of-the court brief with the United States Supreme Court in support of Gavin Grimm. Grimm is a transgender 17-year-old from Virginia who is challenging the … More Transgender Americans Voice Support for Gavin Grimm as His Landmark Title IX Discrimination Case Heads to The Supreme Court

SCOTUS Sets Oral Argument in Historic Transgender Rights Case

February 3, 2017

Today the Supreme Court announced that it will hear oral argument in G.G. v. Gloucester County School Board on March 28. The case is being brought by the American Civil Liberties Union on behalf of a Virginia transgender boy named Gavin Grimm. Grimm is challenging a policy in his local school district that singles out transgender students for … More SCOTUS Sets Oral Argument in Historic Transgender Rights Case

LGBT Record of Trump SCOTUS Nominee Gorsuch

January 31, 2017

With many thanks to the Williams Institute at UCLA LAw School, we examine the LGBT Record of Supreme Court Nominee, Scalia like,  Neil Gorsuch: Today, President Trump nominated Judge Neil Gorsuch to be an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, to fill the seat left vacant by the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia. … More LGBT Record of Trump SCOTUS Nominee Gorsuch

Californians Demand Senators Feinstein And Harris Oppose Any Trump SCOTUS Nominee

January 31, 2017

Californians Demand Sens. Feinstein And Harris Oppose Any Trump Supreme Court Nominee And Use Every Tool Available To Reject The Pick Thousands Join Courage Campaign in Urging California Democrats to “Just. Say. No.” CALIFORNIA — A new petition from the California-based Courage Campaign is calling on the state’s Senators — Dianne Feinstein and Kamala Harris … More Californians Demand Senators Feinstein And Harris Oppose Any Trump SCOTUS Nominee

LGBT Asians Deeply Disappointed in U.S. Supreme Court Decision Denying Immigrants’ Rights

June 23, 2016

But is relieved that Court upholds affirmative action Washington, DC – Today, a badly divided U.S. Supreme Court issued a 4-4 decision in the case U.S. v Texas. The decision upholds a lower court’s ruling to block President Obama’s Executive Actions on immigration, which expanded the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and created … More LGBT Asians Deeply Disappointed in U.S. Supreme Court Decision Denying Immigrants’ Rights

South African message of condolence to US following Orlando Massacre

June 14, 2016

It am pleased to note that  South Africa’s President Zuma has issued a statement condemning the massacre of LGBT Americans.   Indeed this is an important statement to make and I am grateful for it. Yet cannot help but note the hypocrisy and in doing so – lets hope speaking out brings renewed consciousness. Here … More South African message of condolence to US following Orlando Massacre

President Obama Appoints Merrick Garland for SCOTUS

March 16, 2016

President Obama has just appointed DC Circuit Court Judge Merrick Garland to take deceased Justice Antonin Scalia’s vacant seat on the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). The President  delivered a powerful speech introducing the Judge and invoked his and the Senate’s constitutional duty, challenging the already asserted obstructionist Republican stance to deny this … More President Obama Appoints Merrick Garland for SCOTUS

Other Religions are the Victims of Radical Christian County Clerk

September 1, 2015

“Ah- I am so sorry madam, I cant serve you today its against my religious beliefs to deal with your bacon breath!   I don’t want to put my signature on a piece of paper for the marriage of an non-kosher Goy!” By Melanie Nathan, September 01, 2015. Rowan County Clerk, Kentucky, Kim Davis has … More Other Religions are the Victims of Radical Christian County Clerk

MEUSA Files Real People Amicus Brief with SCOTUS

March 9, 2015

MEUSA Amicus Brief: Real Voices, Real People, Real Impact  Posted by Melanie Nathan, March 09, 2015. San Francisco/Washington DC – Today, Marriage Equality USA announces that it has filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the freedom to marry nationwide and full equality under the Constitution for LGBTQ people. The brief, … More MEUSA Files Real People Amicus Brief with SCOTUS

Anti-gay Scott Lively again tries to avoid Crimes Against Humanity trial

December 6, 2013

By Cathy Kristofferson, December 6, 2013 Scott Lively is again trying to avoid facing the music in the Crimes Against Humanity lawsuit brought against him by Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). He has now filed to have the SMUG case suspended while he appeals Federal Judge Posner’s ruling against dismissal. “1. Lively filed the Petition on December 5, 2013, requesting … More Anti-gay Scott Lively again tries to avoid Crimes Against Humanity trial

Scott Lively incites war against the homosexualization of states

July 2, 2013

“But resistance is NOT futile and we must never surrender to evil.” By Cathy Kristofferson, July 2, 2013 Posting on his blog today, SPLC-designated anti-gay hater Scott Lively boasted that his prediction came to fruition; yes he was right that one of the two SCOTUS marriage cases did indeed “go to the homosexual movement.”  But … More Scott Lively incites war against the homosexualization of states

GAY U.S.A. Marriage Equality Decision Day articles

June 27, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, June 27, 2013. Yesterday was an historic day for gay Americans when the Supreme Court of the United States gave tens of thousands of already married same-sex couples in a growing list of states equal access to all benefits that the federal  government provides for those who are wed.  A closely divided Supreme Court … More GAY U.S.A. Marriage Equality Decision Day articles

Binational same-sex couples hard hit by SCOTUS wait

June 25, 2013

UPDATE: SCOTUS announced remaining decisions including marriage equality will be released tomorrow – Wednesday. By Melanie Nathan, June 25, 2013. Every moment counts for those who have not held a partner close – in some cases for years – as SCOTUS has yet to deliver its decision on marriage equality. Today binational same-sex couples are … More Binational same-sex couples hard hit by SCOTUS wait

Scotus ruling on Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum concern for human rights cases

April 17, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 17, 2013. The  Supreme Court has ruled in Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum, a case that raised the question of whether corporations could be held accountable for human rights abuses and whether U.S. federal courts can hear claims arising from human rights violations committed abroad under the Alien Tort Statute. The … More Scotus ruling on Kiobel v. Royal Dutch Petroleum concern for human rights cases

A story from the steps of SCOTUS | Hoping the Justices consider the children hurt by Prop 8

April 4, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, April 04, 2013. There was no keeping me away from Washington D.C., on Tuesday 26th, the day that The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) would be hearing the Prop 8. arguments.  I was there ‘wearing many hats; activist, blogger, co-producer of Gay U.S.A. the Movie, and the most important of … More A story from the steps of SCOTUS | Hoping the Justices consider the children hurt by Prop 8

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. as a leader in equality for all

April 4, 2013

Believing that Dr. Martin Luther King would have stood for marriage equality. By Melanie Nathan, April 04, 2013. When Dr. Marin Luther King, Jnr. was assassinated on April 04, 1968,  I was a small child in South Africa, living apartheid.  I came to the United States in 1985, before apartheid ended, expecting a country that … More Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King Jnr. as a leader in equality for all

Activists ‘seeing red’ over HRC antics at SCOTUS hearings

March 29, 2013

as the Human Rights Campaign exhibits their typical lack of inclusivity… By Cathy Kristofferson, March 29, 2013. During the SCOTUS trials the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) convinced many in the Facebook world to change their avatars to red.  Following the hearings many activists are seeing a different red now that two incidents – insulting both the … More Activists ‘seeing red’ over HRC antics at SCOTUS hearings

DOMA Day at SCOTUS

March 27, 2013

Article by Melanie Nathan – Cross postings – March 27, 2013. PHOTOS by Melanie Nathan and Cathy Kristofferson, Oblogdee© A majority of the Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the constitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act and whether it created unequal classes of married couples by denying federal benefits to legally wed same-sex couples. … More DOMA Day at SCOTUS

Photo-blog of the Prop8 the day of the SCOTUS hearings

March 26, 2013

Photo impressions from the first day’s activities.. I sure hope NOM comes back tomorrow, they were fun! By Cathy Kristofferson, March 26, 2013 This blog piece should really be titled ‘O-Blog-Dee goes to Washington, too busy to blog…’!  Both Melanie and I are here in Washington D.C. trying to keep up with all that’s going … More Photo-blog of the Prop8 the day of the SCOTUS hearings

Marriage Equality USA reports from SCOTUS on Prop 8 arguments

March 26, 2013

MARRIAGE EQUALITY USA HOPEFUL FOR RULING IN FAVOR OF THE  | FREEDOM TO MARRY AFTER UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT ARGUMENTS After oral arguments at the United States Supreme Court today, Marriage Equality USA is hopeful that the Court will rule in favor of the freedom to marry later this year.  MEUSA was heartened by many … More Marriage Equality USA reports from SCOTUS on Prop 8 arguments

Historic Marriage Equality events underway across the United States

March 24, 2013

172 events start in all 50 states, with all eyes on Washington, D.C., as people start record breaking queue outside SCOTUS By Melanie Nathan & Cathy Kristofferson, March 24, 2013. 3/25 UPDATE:  over 2500 people have gathered at events ranging from Casper, Wyoming, to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to Cleveland, Ohio already.  And tonight is the big “night … More Historic Marriage Equality events underway across the United States

Headline Speakers Announced for Tuesday, March 26 Marriage Equality Gathering at Supreme Court

March 23, 2013

Civil rights,  religious,  Republican, military leaders and families to speak at historic event By Cathy Kristofferson,  March 23, 2013 Supporters of marriage equality will gather at 8:30am Tuesday morning on the steps of the Supreme Court before the first of two marriage equality hearings. The speakers will include an impressive collection of civil rights activists, … More Headline Speakers Announced for Tuesday, March 26 Marriage Equality Gathering at Supreme Court

Red White and Blue is for ALL as LGBT Americans prepare Marriage Rally Signs for SCOTUS

March 17, 2013

By Melanie Nathan, March 17, 2013. nathan@privatecourts.com Further to our post yesterday, (http://oblogdeeoblogda.me/2013/03/16/rallies-across-the-united-states-for-marriage-equality/)  about the LGBT community and supporters converging on D.C. to attend the events surrounding  the SCOTUS opening arguments for marriage equality in the DOMA and Prop 8 cases, and the 150 nationwide events, to rally in support of marriage equality and full … More Red White and Blue is for ALL as LGBT Americans prepare Marriage Rally Signs for SCOTUS

Rallies Across the United States for Marriage Equality

March 16, 2013

You MUST come OUT and Rally for Marriage Equality | Let the SCOTUS Justices hear your voice | Join United for Marriage: Light the Way to Justice in rallying for equality! By: Cathy Kristofferson and Melanie Nathan On March 26th and 27th, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments in two cases, respectively,  which are fundamentally … More Rallies Across the United States for Marriage Equality

Breaking: Lee Boys pull out from NOM’s rally against marriage equality

March 15, 2013

NOM’s National Organization for Marriage Rally Entertainment is falling apart By Melanie Nathan, March 15, 2013. It would seem that the vast majority of the entertainment world may not be available to those who rally against marriage equality. They should stick with Ted Nugent or a few bigots that are left in the world of … More Breaking: Lee Boys pull out from NOM’s rally against marriage equality

Katie Herzig says I DO support marriage equality

March 15, 2013

While NOM surreptitiously uses her music in must watch VIDEO to attract Marriage foes to rally at SCOTUS By Melanie Nathan, March 15, 2013. Updated March 19, 2013. There are a good many fallacious tidbits surrounding the NOM rhetoric and their call to thousands of their supporters to show up in D.C. to march against marriage … More Katie Herzig says I DO support marriage equality