Marriage Discrimination By Government Employees

An Oregon Judge Who Discriminated Against LGBTQ People Loses His Final Court Appeal

A state judge in Oregon who was disciplined for, among other things, refusing to perform weddings for same-sex couples won’t have his case heard by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Lawmakers In Two States Consider Mean-Spirited ‘Parody Marriage’ Bills

The latest attack on marriage equality from the Religious Right: Marriage would be between one man and one woman. All other marriages would be “parody marriages.”

West Virginia County Apologizes For Discriminating Against Same-Sex Couple Who Applied For A Marriage License

Last year, Amanda Abramovich and Samantha Brookover were harassed by a West Virginia county clerk who ranted at them as they applied for a wedding license. The clerk called them an “abomination” and declared her belief that the same-sex couple shouldn’t be allowed to marry. Today, thanks to Amanda and Samantha’s courage to stand up to discrimination, Gilmer County has promised that other same-sex couples won’t face similar harassment that ruins their wedding days.

Wyoming Judge Asks Supreme Court For Permission To Discriminate Against Same-Sex Couples

A Wyoming judge has asked the US Supreme Court to consider whether she has the right to refuse to marry same-sex couples due to her religious beliefs.

Kim Davis Refused To Recognize Marriage Equality, And Now Kentucky Taxpayers May Pay For That

The cost of ending the legal battle over Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis’ refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples may exceed $220,000—and Kentucky taxpayers currently are on the hook.

Why We’re Fighting Religion-Based Discrimination in West Virginia

This post was written by Samantha Brookover and Amanda Abramovich of West Virginia, the two plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit Americans United and our allies filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia.

North Carolina Legislators Try (And Fail) To Ban Marriage Equality

On Tuesday, just before the filing deadline for bills for the North Carolina legislature’s regular session, state GOP legislators introduced a ridiculous anti-LGBTQ bill, HB 780, which would ban marriage for same-sex couples. Less than 24 hours later, House Speaker Tim Moore declared that the bill would not advance, effectively killing this misguided legislation.

Broad Arkansas FADA Could Have Devastating Effect On Arkansans

Today, the Arkansas House Judiciary Committee is scheduled to hear HB 2232. Although the bill’s title claims it would it promotes “non-discrimination” and protects “religious liberty,” it would do the exact opposite.

Wyoming Supreme Court Rebukes Judge For Refusing To Marry LGBTQ Couples

Judge Ruth Neely, a municipal judge and part-time circuit court magistrate in Pinedale, Wyoming, has never been asked to preside over the marriage of a same-sex couple. Nonetheless, she announced that, based on her religious beliefs, she’d refuse to do so if asked. Last week the Wyoming Supreme Court formally reprimanded Judge Neely because she wouldn’t treat everyone the same way and apply the law fairly.

Harming Religious Freedom: For Some Oklahoma Senators, It’s As Easy As 1, 2, 3

Oklahoma's SB 197, a "religious freedom" bill, passed out of the Oklahoma Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday, along with two other extreme bills. This post from AU's Wall of Separation blog explains why this SB 197 and another bill that seeks to violate church-state separation are so dangerous.

What Do We Do Now?: A Message From Americans United's Executive Director Barry Lynn

It will take some time for many of us to heal from the wounds and disappointments of this election. For now, know that we stand with you and deeply appreciate you standing with us.

Roy Moore, Alabama’s Anti-Gay Chief Justice, Stands Trial For Ethics Violations

Alabama’s anti-gay chief justice, Roy Moore, was on trial before a state ethics board yesterday. He stands accused of instructing Alabama officials to defy the U.S. Supreme Court’s marriage equality decision. Based on media reports, it seems the longtime foe of Americans United didn’t make a very strong case for keeping his job.

Civil Rights Commission Releases Report On Nondiscrimination And Civil Rights

Yesterday, the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights released a report focused on religious freedom following a 2013 briefing where AU’s then-Legal Director Ayesha Khan testified.

 

Americans United Warns Tennessee Official That He Cannot Discriminate Against Same-Sex Couples

Americans United sent a Tennessee trustee a letter warning him that his practice of officiating marriages for different-sex couples while refusing to preside over marriages for same-sex couples is both unconstitutional and discriminatory.

North Carolina Law Allowing Magistrates To Avoid Officiating Marriages For Same-Sex Couples Facing Challenges In Federal Court

The attention surrounding North Carolina's controversial bathroom law makes it easy to forget that the Tar Heel State recently enacted another anti-LGBT measure. This one allows magistrates to opt-out of their duty to perform marriages for at least six months if they have a religious objection. 

Accountability In Alabama: No One Is Above The Law, Chief Justice Moore

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by disgraced Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore and Liberty Counsel against the Judicial Inquiry Commission (JIC). Here's a reminder about why the Justice Moore is in trouble in the first place.

Netroots Nation Conference Connects Protect Thy Neighbor With Social Justice Activists Nationwide

AU Field Associate Erin Hagen describes her experience at the 2016 Netroots Convention and how Protect Thy Neighbor takes part in social justice activism.

FRC’s FADA Fade Away

We all know that in politics, sometimes people say one thing and mean another. It isn’t that often, though, that a group flip flops in a way that makes it so obvious.