news & opinion
Press Release
Lesbian and Gay Couples Win Freedom to Marry in California
California Supreme Court Issues Historic Ruling
05.15.08—The California Supreme Court ruled today that the state can no longer exclude same-sex couples from civil marriage. In a 4-3 decision, drafted by Chief Justice Ronald George, the court ruled: “In light of the fundamental nature of the substantive rights embodied in the right to marry — and their central importance to an individual’s opportunity to live a happy, meaningful, and satisfying life as a full member of society — the California Constitution properly must be interpreted to guarantee this basic civil right to all individuals and couples, without regard to their sexual orientation.”
Statement
Statement on Mildred Loving's Death
By Shannon Price Minter, Legal Director, National Center for Lesbian Rights
05.05.08—As an American and an attorney representing same-sex couples seeking the freedom to marry, I join millions of others around the world in mourning the death of Mrs. Mildred Loving.
Press Release
Groups Advocating for LGBT Rights Urge D.A. to Charge Alleged Lawrence King Murderer as a Minor
"We call on prosecutors not to compound this tragedy with another wrong.”
04.14.08—A coalition of 27 groups fighting for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights today is urging Ventura County prosecutors to try 14-year-old Brandon McInerney in juvenile court, and not as an adult.
Press Release
Same-sex Couples Ask California Supreme Court to Strike Down Marriage Ban
California Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments
on March 4
03.04.08—Attorneys for same-sex couples presented arguments to the California Supreme Court today in a historic lawsuit seeking to strike down a state law that bars lesbians and gay men from marriage.
click here to read the press release in Chinese (pdf)
haga click aquí para leer el comunicado de prensa en Español
In re Marriage Cases | victory!
Today, the California Supreme Court issued a historic decision in In re Marriage Cases which challenged the constitutionality of state laws that discriminate against same-sex couples in marriage.
click here to read the court’s opinion (PDF)
click here to read the press release from the California Supreme Court (pdf)
click here to read about the couples that we represent
case updates
Appeal Pending (California)
In re Marriage Cases
NCLR is lead counsel in In re Marriage Cases, a lawsuit seeking marriage equality on behalf of eleven same-sex couples, Equality California, and Our Family Coalition.
Victory! (California)
Burrows v. ILWU
Marvin Burrows and his partner William Swenor were together for 51 years. Burrows and Swenor did everything within their power to demonstrate their commitment to each other and to provide for the surviving partner in the event of one partner's death, including registering as domestic partners.
Victory! (California)
Strong v. Board of Equalization
Under California law, when a spouse dies and the other spouse inherits the couple’s home, the state will not reassess the tax value of the couple’s home. In 2003, the California Board of Equalization (BOE) adopted a rule that extended a similar protection to same-sex couples. When several counties filed a lawsuit challenging this rule in 2005, NCLR, Lambda Legal, and the law firm of Munger, Tolles & Olson, LLP, represented Equality California and three same-sex couples to defend the rule’s validity.
Over the past 30 years the National Center for Lesbian Rights has been at the forefront of nearly every legal gain won for LGBT people and families.
Each issue listed here provides a wealth of information regarding:
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Do you have legal questions related to your sexual orientation or gender identity?
The information on our website is here to help you. If you don’t find the answers to your questions on our website, NCLR's online help form can help you find the answers.
