NY Gov Slams Indiana

"WHEREAS, New York State is a national leader in protecting the civil rights and liberties of all of its citizens;

WHEREAS, New York State in 1945 enacted the first state law against discrimination in the nation, which now prohibits discrimination on many bases including age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, military status, sex, marital status, and disability;

WHEREAS, protecting the civil rights and liberties of lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons is a compelling state sanctioned government interest;

WHEREAS, protecting New York State from inadvertently financing discrimination against LGBT people is a compelling state sanctioned government interest;

WHEREAS, the State of Indiana has enacted legislation to protect religious freedom, but does not expressly prohibit discrimination against LGBT citizens;

WHEREAS, the exercise of religious freedom should not be a justification for discrimination based upon sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, or other protected classes;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the state of New York to promote fairness, protect the welfare of the citizens of the state of New York, and combat discrimination;

NOW THEREFORE, I ANDREW M. CUOMO, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by my office, the New York State Constitution, and the Statutes of the state of New York, do hereby ORDER AND DIRECT

• All agencies, departments, boards, authorities and commissions to review all requests for state funded or state sponsored travel to the state of Indiana so long as there is law in effect there that creates the grounds for discrimination against LGBT citizens.
• To bar any such publically funded or publically sponsored travel to such location, unless such travel is necessary for the enforcement of New York State law, to meet prior contractual obligations, or for the protection of public health, welfare, and safety;
• New York State’s ban on publically funded travel shall take effect immediately and shall continue while such law remains in effect."

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, Executive Order No. 144, March 31, 2015.

SF Mayor Slams Indiana

" Mayor Edwin M. Lee today issued the following statement after Indiana Governor Mike Pence signed the Religious Freedom Restoration Act into law that legalizes discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals:

“We stand united as San Franciscans to condemn Indiana’s new discriminatory law, and will work together to protect the civil rights of all Americans including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals.

Effective immediately, I am directing City Departments under my authority to bar any publicly-funded City employee travel to the State of Indiana that is not absolutely essential to public health and safety. San Francisco taxpayers will not subsidize legally-sanctioned discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people by the State of Indiana.” " March 26, 2015.

Federal Court Strikes Down Ban on Same-Sex Marriage in Alabama

"This case challenges the constitutionality of the State of Alabama’s “Alabama Sanctity of Marriage Amendment” and the “Alabama Marriage Protection Act.” It is before the Court on cross motions for summary judgment (Docs. 21, 22, 47 & 48). For the reasons explained below, the Court finds the challenged laws to be unconstitutional on Equal Protection and Due Process Grounds...

For the reasons stated above, Plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment (Doc. 21), is GRANTED and Defendant's motion for summary judgment (Docs. 47), is DENIED.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that Ala.CONST. ART. I, § 3603 (2006) and Ala. CODE 1975 § 30-1-19 are unconstitutional because they violate they Due Process Clause and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment."

Judge Callie V. S. Granade, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Alabama, Southern  Division, January 23, 2015.


      click here to read entire decision (not quite primary source)

Pro-Gay State of the Union Address

"And there’s one last pillar of our leadership, and that’s the example of our values.

... That’s why we defend free speech, and advocate for political prisoners, and condemn the persecution of women, or religious minorities, or people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. We do these things not only because they are the right thing to do, but because ultimately they will make us safer."...

President Barack Obama, January 20, 2015.

Orlando Mayor Celebrates Florida Same-Sex Marriage

"January 6 was a historic day for our City and our State as we became the 36th state (plus D.C.) to provide marriage equality for all. I was honored to host a wedding ceremony for 44 couples at Orlando City Hall.

The lifting of the ban on same-sex marriage in our State is advancing civil rights and equal treatment for all of Orlando’s residents and provides more than 1,200 legal and economic protections for same-sex families.

Because we have and continue to embrace diversity, Orlando is at the forefront for attracting businesses, talent and people from across the globe. I am proud that Orlando is a welcoming, multi-cultural community that people from across the country and globe want to call home.

I hope you will join me in congratulating the couples who celebrated their wedding Tuesday."

Orlando, Florida Mayor Buddy Dyer, January 6, 2015.

Senators Laud Montana Decision

"I applaud today's ruling. It aligns our laws with our values and is a big step forward for our state. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry denies them happiness and equal protection under the law."
U.S. Senator Jon Tester (MT), November 19, 2014.

"Throughout my 36 years of service in the military, as Lt. Governor, and now as U.S. Senator, I've been proud to fight for our freedoms. Today’s overdue court ruling reflects our Montana values of individual freedom, fairness and equality. I believe every Montanan - our sons, daughters, friends and family - should live free of discrimination."
U.S. Senator John Walsh (MT), November 19, 2014.

Gov Lauds Montana Decision

“Today’s decision ensures we are closer to fulfilling our promise of freedom, dignity, and equality for all Montanans. It is a day to celebrate our progress, while recognizing the qualities that bind us as Montanans: a desire to make a good life for ourselves and our families, while providing greater opportunities to the next generation.

I have instructed my administration to quickly take all appropriate steps to ensure that we are recognizing and affording the same rights and responsibilities to legally married same-sex couples that all married Montanans have long enjoyed.”  Montana Governor Steve Bullock, November 19, 2014.