Switzerland overwhelmingly reaffirms marriage equality in national referendum
Final figures are reflecting that nearly two of every three Swiss voters supported the measure, despite conservative efforts to stoke outrage and overturn the law.
Same-sex marriage
Nevada retroactively recognizes same-sex marriages
The Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that the state must honor marriages of same-sex couples performed before the state legalized marriage equality in 2014.
Switzerland is set to be the next country to legalize marriage equality
The Council of States passed a law that would legalize marriage equality with a 22-15 vote, with seven abstentions. The lower house passed the bill this past June. The bill now goes back to the National Council for final approval and it is expected to pass before the end of the year.
Gabon’s legislature repeals the ban on homosexuality
Last week, the National Assembly in the central African nation voted in favor a bill that would legalize homosexuality. This past Monday, the Senate passed the law. President Ali Bongo is expected to sign it.
Gay weddings boost U.S. economy by $3.8 billion since landmark ruling
Some $3.2 billion has been spent on weddings, while thousands of traveling wedding guests spent $544 million. The events generated an additional $244 million in state and local taxes, the research found.
Gay widower wins historic victory for Social Security benefits in federal court
The U.S. District Court for Arizona said that it was unconstitutional for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deny benefits to LGBT+ spouses wed for less than nine months as same-sex unions were illegal in some U.S. states until 2015.
Costa Rica becomes first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage
“Today we celebrate liberty, equality and our democratic institutions. May empathy and love be the compass that guide us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone,” President Carlos Alvarado Quesada wrote.
Same-sex marriage now legal in Northern Ireland
From Monday, same-sex couples will be able to register to marry, meaning the first ceremonies will take place in February.
Oglala Sioux Tribe legalizes same-sex marriage
The tribal council last week approved a same-gender marriage ordinance in a 12-3 vote with one abstention.
Minnesota Methodists resolve to allow officiating of same-sex unions, LGBT ordination
Members of Minnesota’s United Methodist Church voted to commit to full inclusion of LGBT people.