Section Newsletters

Articles on Marriage Equality

Effect of same-sex marriage on family law By Tracy Douglas Women and the Law, June 2016 By looking at how state courts and the Illinois General Assembly addressed the issue of same-sex parents, state legislatures can examine the ways to adapt family laws.
Can Alabama roll with the rainbow tide? By Heidi Ramos Human and Civil Rights, May 2015 In response to the Supreme Court’s anticipated ruling, Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Roy Moore tendered a written order to the state’s probate judges instructing them to refuse to issue same-sex marriage licenses.
In support of same-sex marriage or marriage equality By Deidre Baumann Human and Civil Rights, May 2015 Today's the day when the U.S. Supreme Court will hear argument stemming from a Sixth Circuit decision upholding bans on same-sex marriage and marriage recognition in four consolidated cases.
Why the U.S. Supreme Court should rule states, not courts, should determine if same-sex marriage is a right within individual states By Kathryn E. Eisenhart Human and Civil Rights, May 2015 If the U.S. Supreme Court determines that the federal courts have the last word on whether same-sex couples have the right to marry in any given state, then it is overruling the 2013 decision in U.S. v. Windsor.
Editorial: Is same-sex marriage headed to the Supreme Court? By Kathryn E. Eisenhart Human and Civil Rights, January 2015 The Sixth Circuit has set the stage for the Supreme Court to determine whether prohibition of same-sex marriage is a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Summary of United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruling in DeBoer v. Snyder By Heidi E. Ramos Human and Civil Rights, January 2015 On November 6, 2014, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a ruling overturning district court rulings on behalf of the Plaintiffs, and in favor of the recognition of gay marriage, in the four states that make up the Sixth Circuit.
Unique considerations for same-sex couples who plan to marry in Illinois By Padraig McCoid Family Law, July 2014 A look at the issues that still remain since the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act became effective on June 1, 2014.
Some Illinois same-sex marriages may be void By Evan Bruno Human and Civil Rights, June 2014 A well-meaning County Clerk's gesture of giving same-sex couples an extra few months of marriage might end up doing more harm than good.
1 comment (Most recent June 10, 2014)
Utah takes center stage in the marriage equality debate By Michele M. Jochner Family Law, January 2014 The ruling in Kitchen v. Herbert was the first decision to strike down a state marriage ban after the United States Supreme Court issued its opinion on same-sex marriage this past summer in United States v. Windsor.
IRS rules all legal same-sex marriages will be recognized for federal tax purposes By Nancy Franks-Straus & Donna F. Hartl Federal Taxation, October 2013 After weeks of speculation as to how the Internal Revenue Service would treat same-sex marriages, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS released a joint ruling which held same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize same-sex marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes.
What do the Supreme Court decisions on same-sex marriage mean for Illinois? By Charles F. Newlin Trusts and Estates, July 2013 On Wednesday, June 26, 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court handed two anxiously awaited decisions. These two rulings on same-sex marriage have been widely discussed in national and local media. But what is there impact for Illinois residents?
Obama supports same-sex marriage in May 9th interview Diversity Leadership Council, June 2012 On May 9, 2012, ABC News’ Robin Roberts interviewed President Obama and during that interview he stated for the first time that he now supports same-sex marriage. Below is a small portion of that history-making interview and his thoughts on equal rights and related legal issues.
Chair’s column By Rory Weiler Family Law, February 2011 While the new, soon-to-be-signed-into-law Illinois Religious Freedom and Civil Union Act greatly enhances the rights of certain individuals involved in partnerships outside of the traditional state approved marriage, it doesn’t completely level the playing field between married parties and those involved in a civil union.
1 comment (Most recent January 28, 2011)
“When I’m 64”—Why elderly gay couples need marriage rights By Valerie Sherman Elder Law, April 2010 The hospital issues, estate planning, and inheritance issues that younger gay couples worry about come to reality as long-term gay couples age, affecting the elderly most acutely.
A matter of right: Same-sex marriage—A look at the evolving law By Ray Prather Trusts and Estates, May 2009 While Illinois does not have a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, same-sex marriages are against the public policy of the State
California Supreme Court rules to allow same-sex marriage: Decision could lead to Constitutional issues By Penny Costa & Renee Applegate Corporate Law Departments, June 2008 In a 4-3 decision on May 15, 2008, the Supreme Court of California held that the state’s constitution provides same-sex couples the right to marry.

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