Causecast

by CLAIRE DALTON, Contributing Writer

1. The Federal Defense of Marriage Act, signed in 1996, has two provisions: first, no state is required to recognize a same-sex couple as married, even if they were married in another state, and second, the federal government never has to recognize same-sex marriages, no matter if they are recognized by a particular state. Currently, 37 states have their own DOMAs, and 30 have constitutional amendments protecting “traditional” marriage.

2. Because the word “marriage” is used for both the religious ceremony and the legal contract, there’s often confusion on whether federal ruling on gay rights violates the separation of church and state. “Gay marriage” as it pertains to legal rights and DOMA references only the legal contract, leaving the decision up to religious organizations if they choose to recognize same-sex marriages.

3. A heterosexual “marriage” references the 1,138 rights, benefits and privileges given to the couple by law. However, a homosexual “marriage” where equal rights are given is currently only recognized in three states, and those couples still are not recognized by the federal government. In the absence of gay marriage, some states instead grant civil unions.

4. A civil union doesn’t grant the same rights as a marriage. While they certainly mark an improvement in recognition of the LGBT community, that doesn’t mean that they level the playing field. Civil unions fail to grant various rights, differing from state to state, including the right to inheritance, adoption, joint filing, visa and work permits for the foreign partner of a U.S. citizen, and social security benefits. Wondering where your state stands? Read more about the states who have already awarded some gay rights or check out NPR’s state map for more specific coverage on your home state.

5. According to a May 2009 Gallup poll, 57% of Americans do not think that same-sex marriages should be recognized by the law as valid, with the same rights as “traditional” marriages. This number remains almost identical to last year’s results, despite the recent and forthcoming changes in legislature. Gay rights supporters have been incredibly active, protesting such rulings as Proposition 8) in California, and will have to continue to make their voice heard to gain the majority opinion and enact change.

6. The fight for gay rights isn’t only happening in the U.S. While the LGBT community has won significant battles in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Northern and Central Europe, and much of South America, there’s still a huge amount of discrimination in Eastern Europe, Africa, Asia, Central America, and the Middle East. In many of these areas, homosexual acts are illegal, and in rare cases, punishable by death.

7. Granting equal rights to same-sex couples doesn’t take away rights from heterosexual couples. Period.

8. There’s currently a lot of speculation on what Obama intends to achieve during his time as president. Many were outraged by the brief released by the Obama administration in support of the DOMA, but in the same week he granted benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. Still on the docket? Repealing DOMA and the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, but recent reports suggest these might be slated for Obama’s potential second term.

9. There’s a lot you can do to help support the LGBT community in the fight for equal rights. Contact your local lawmakers and make your voice be heard. Get out and show your support; your advocacy is a huge part of the battle.

10. Obama has declared June LGBT Pride month, and there are lots of events all across the country celebrating the LGBT community. Check out these major events or take a peek at the festivities in your hometown.

Photo by mattymatt, flickr