Try Your Luck ~ Maybe They Can Help

jo©
2005 16:48:58 +0000




Dear Josie,



This is the second edition of GLAD's quarterly e-newsletter. Our intent is to keep you up-to-date on GLAD's cutting-edge work expanding and defending LGBT rights across New England. Please give us your feedback! And please forward this newsletter to a friend who supports equal justice under law.
Many thanks for your support of GLAD.



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GLAD Celebrates One Year of Marriage Equality



Marriage equality became a reality in Massachusetts on May 17, 2004, as a result of GLAD's historic win in Goodridge v. Department of Public Health. Since then, thousands of couples have married, and become happier and more legally secure. Learn more about what's happened in the past year, and about celebrations throughout the month of May. read more

Photo credit: Marilyn Humphries


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Q & A on Connecticut Civil Unions

To help couples, policy makers, and the general public understand the new Connecticut law on civil unions, GLAD's lawyers have compiled Some Questions and Answers about the New Connecticut Civil Unions Law. The document walks through issues such as how civil unions differ from marriages, the rights, benefits and protections provided by Connecticut civil unions, reciprocity with other states, and more.
read more




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Maine Passes Law Preventing Discrimination Against LGBT People

Maine Governor John Baldacci has signed into law an anti-discrimination bill that will protect the state’s LGBT people in housing, education, employment, credit and public accommodations. The law goes into effect on June 29, 2005.
read more




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GLAD Mourns Death of Jan Platner, former ED


Staff and friends of GLAD were deeply saddened by the monumental loss of former GLAD Executive Director Jan Platner following a long battle with cancer on March 15.
read more




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GLAD HOTLINE Q&A

Q: We are a married lesbian couple in Massachusetts who recently gave birth to a child and both of our names are recorded on the birth certificate. Some of our friends tell us that the non-birth parent should also do a second-parent adoption. Do you think that this is necessary?

A: Congratulations on the birth of your child! Even though you are both listed on the birth certificate and are presumed under Massachusetts law to both be the child's parents, that presumption could be challenged in court, and your marriage may not be respected outside Massachusetts. Therefore, we do strongly recommend that the non-birth parent obtain a second-parent adoption to give maximum legal protection both to the child and the non-birth parent.

If you have legal questions call the GLAD hotline at 1-800-455-GLAD.