Slovenia Legalises Same-Sex Marriage

" ''Slovenia has finally joined the countries in Europe and the world that have already made the status of heterosexual and same-sex couples equal'', said State Secretary Simon Maljevac after the National Assembly confirmed the amended Family Code following decisions made by Slovenia’s Constitutional Court.

In compliance with two decisions by the Constitutional Court, the confirmed amendments ensure there will be no more discrimination between heterosexual and same-sex couples in the definition of marriage. The same arrangement is being introduced for partners who are not married and live in extra-marital relationships. With the amended definition of marriage and the regulation of extra-marital relationships for heterosexual and same-sex partners, partners in these relationships are equal in all legal consequences determined by the Family Code, and in legal consequences in other legal domains. Legally recognised relationships in extra-marital and marital relationships and families are not only important for the exercise of rights and duties in the field of family law, but also affect numerous rights and duties of individuals in other legal fields, including laws governing succession, damages, penalties, work, taxes and social security. The regulation of this field is therefore crucial for ensuring the equal treatment of partners in heterosexual and same-sex relationships.

The adopted amendments to the Family Code in compliance with the decisions by the Constitutional Court are a consolation in the history of systematic violations of human rights, and we at the ministry are firmly convinced that the recognition of the rights of same-sex partners means a move in the direction of a more just and tolerant society. "

Ministry of Labour, Family, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, October 5, 2022.

     Click here to see original statement 

 

 

US Dept. of Justice Tells States: No Discrimination!

Department of Justice Office of Public Affairs, Thursday, March 31, 2022

Justice Department Reinforces Federal Nondiscrimination Obligations in Letter to State Officials Regarding Transgender Youth

The Justice Department announced today that it issued a letter to all state attorneys general reminding them of federal constitutional and statutory provisions that protect transgender youth against discrimination, including when those youth seek gender-affirming care.

“The Department of Justice is committed to ensuring that all children are able to live free from discrimination, abuse and harassment,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Today’s letter reaffirms state and local officials’ obligation to ensure that their laws and policies do not undermine or harm the health and safety of children, regardless of a child’s gender identity.”   

The letter advises states that laws and policies that prevent individuals from receiving gender-affirming medical care may infringe on federal constitutional protections under the Equal Protection Clause and Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. The letter also discusses federal statutes that impose nondiscrimination obligations, including Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

The letter was issued on the International Transgender Day of Visibility in recognition of the contributions and accomplishments of transgender and gender non-conforming people, as well as their continued struggle to live free from violence and discrimination.

A copy of today’s letter can be found here. Additional information about the Civil Rights Division’s work to uphold and protect the civil and constitutional rights of LGBTQI+ individuals is available online at https://www.justice.gov/crt/lgbtqi-working-group. Complaints about discriminatory practices may be reported to the Civil Rights Division through its internet reporting portal at https://civilrights.justice.gov.

     Click here to see original press release

     Click here to see original DOJ letter

 

 

Austin TX Schools Fight Back Against State-Sanctioned Hate

 

" Austin ISD Pride Week— March 21-26—is an annual celebration of our LGBTQIA+ students, staff and families. During the week, campuses are provided with activities that support the value of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde has released the following statement ahead of Austin ISD Pride Week.

Pride Month happens in June when we’re on summer break. Here at Austin ISD, we celebrate Pride during every school year so our LGBTQIA+ students know how much they are valued and loved. This year, it’s important to me personally that they know they are respected and safe, too, and lest anyone have any doubt, that absolutely goes for our trans kids. We are ALL Austin ISD. We embrace diversity.

La Semana del Orgullo del Austin ISD (del 21 al 26 de marzo) es una celebración anual de nuestros estudiantes, personal y familias LGBTQIA+.

Durante la semana, las escuelas tienen actividades que apoyan el valor de la comunidad LGBTQIA+. La superintendente Stephanie S. Elizalde ha publicado la siguiente declaración en vísperas de la Semana del Orgullo del Austin ISD.

El Mes del Orgullo ocurre en junio cuando estamos en las vacaciones de verano. Aquí en el Austin ISD, celebramos el Orgullo durante cada ciclo escolar para que nuestros estudiantes LGBTQIA+ sepan cuánto son valorados y amados. Este año, es importante para mí personalmente que sepan que son respetados y están seguros también, y para que no quede ninguna duda, esto definitivamente se aplica para nuestros niños transgénero. TODOS somos Austin ISD. Aceptamos la diversidad. "

Austin Independent School District Superintendent Stephanie S. Elizalde, March 24, 2022.

     Click here to see original