Equality in the News January 23-29

Thanks again to Communications Intern Danielle for pulling together this week's stories.

State

Child Custody Case Could Set Adoption Precedent in North Carolina

The decision to send State Senator Julia Boseman’s child custody case to North Carolina Supreme Court could have tremendous impact on the LGBT community in North Carolina.

It is unfortunate that Boseman's ex-partner is trying to make this case about anything other than the well-being of the child. It is in the child's best interest to have both parents actively involved and responsible. Hopefully, the Supreme Court will rule in favor for keeping both parents in the child's life.

Jim Neal Vows to Match Donations to Efforts to Repeal Prop 8

In an effort to increase the movement on getting marriage equality in California, Jim Neal vowed to match every donation of $10 or more to the Restore Equality Campaign. Let the good news, keep on coming!

National

Obama Asks Congress to Repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy”

This week during the State of the Union Address, President Obama vowed that this year he will work with Congress to remove the policy that has ejected over 13,000 gays and lesbians serving in the military. This is definitely change we can believe in.

Of course, this measure is seeing opposition. Some believe that the policy is effective. And by effective, what exactly do they mean? Do they mean that gays and lesbians have successfully been discharged from the military? If so, I agree because it is true. But that has to stop. In a country currently fighting in two wars, we can’t continue to exempt competent, viable people who are willing to serve their country.

North Carolina Congressman Walter Jones believes that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy should stay in place. He has cited advice from military officials who believe that it would decrease moral in the troops. But of course, these were the same arguments against women joining the military.

Our executive director, Ian Palmquist, is hopeful that the President’s initiative will be successful and that all gays and lesbians in the military can come out and proudly serve their country.

EHarmony.com to Add a Section for Gay and Lesbian Dating on Their Website

As part of their settlement for a class action suit, EHarmony will now match all couples, both different and same-sex ones! Part of the agreement requires the EHarmony pay $500,000 to make their website more welcoming to those seeking same-sex relationships.

Law Professor at University of North Carolina, Holning Lau suggests that the lawsuit did not go far enough. This new section of the website will be separate from the original website. To be truly equal, the section designated to gays and lesbians should appear on the original website.

But it is a start for all of the gays and lesbians seeking a relationship through EHarmony, or any of the companies with a better history of supporting our community.