The Supreme Court of the State of Connecticut has now overturned the previous ruling on gay marriage, stating that it infringes upon the rights of their citizens. Connecticut is now the third state to legally validate the individual's right to a same sex marriage.
In his majority opinion, Justice Richard N. Palmer wrote that the court found that the "segregation of heterosexual and homosexual couples into separate institutions constitutes a cognizable harm," in light of "the history of pernicious discrimination faced by gay men and lesbians, and because the institution of marriage carries with it a status and significance that the newly created classification of civil unions does not embody."
(NYT) And the deciding opinion was not without its dissent,Opponents of same-sex marriage called for continued steps for a constitutional ban on the practice. "It's an outrage, but it's not unexpected," said Peter Wolfgang, the executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut. "We thought all along that the court would usurp the democratic process and force same-sex marriage on Connecticut."
(NYT) Another noteworthy story is that of the proposed "Pride Campus of Social Justice High School" in Chicago.Pointing to studies showing that gay high school students are at greater risk of dropping out because of stigma and fear of violence, Chicago Public Schools leaders said Wednesday that they will recommend opening a campus aimed at [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] students.
(CT) The proposal is brand new, however it is already making waves in the news media. During a Chicago meeting, citizens were encouraged to weigh in with their opinion.most in the audience supported the proposed school. Some had questions about where it would be located, its curriculum and even how students would decide which restrooms to use. There were opponents like LaShawn Greer who praised the design work but had other concerns.
"It's not to take away my compassion for anybody here. I try to raise my children righteously via the word of God via the Bible because this is my belief," Greer said. "I cannot support with my own tax dollars paying for something that I don't agree with."
Others had different reasons for opposing the school. Hantas Farmer, a transgender, cited the ground-breaking Brown v. Board of Education school decision.
"Have any of you considered that this is nothing but de facto segregation? I support you in principle. School should be safe for everyone. But I'm not sure segregation is the way forward," Farmer said.
(NPR) There is no denying that this has been a noteworthy week for crusaders of social tolerance and equity.
0 comments