American Foundation for Equal Rights

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April 2012

Video: Civil Unions Close in Colorado & More News
In this week's video: Civil unions advance in Colorado, but old foes are joining forces in Maine. There's just a few days left until North Carolina votes on an extreme constitutional amendment, and the race is getting closer and closer every day. And new research has shown a promising trend when it comes to public opinion.
“I Owe the Gay Community an Apology,” Says Author of Controversial “Ex-Gay” Study
In court, the Prop. 8 Proponents had little evidence to justify the discrimination imposed by Prop. 8. One of their main arguments during the 2010 trial centered on their assertion that being gay is a choice. If people can change their sexual orientation, they claimed, then there is no need to extend the right to marry to gay and lesbian Americans. (Flawed logic for the people who are happy and content with being gay, for sure.)
AFER Advisory Board Member Dolores Huerta to Receive Presidential Medal of Freedom
President Barack Obama named AFER Advisory Board Member Dolores Huerta a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The Nation’s highest civilian honor, the Medal of Freedom is presented to individuals who have made especially meritorious contributions to the security or national interests of the United States, to world peace, or to cultural or other significant public or private endeavors.
Are ‘Family Values’ Outdated? The New York Times Guest Contributors Debate.
As The New York Times points out, the ideal of family has played a prominent role in Republican campaigns, but is it still a worthy goal for public policy? Within the past several years, especially since Ted Olson and David Boies came together to bring AFER’s lawsuit challenging Prop. 8, no longer is the debate about marriage for gay and lesbian couples an issue that divides our country, but a value that brings it closer together.
Gay Couples Suffer Unjust Burden During Tax Season Because of DOMA
Tax season is a stressful time for anyone, but it is especially so for gay and lesbian couples like Tom and Jimmy. Although they were legally married in Massachusetts seven years ago, the federal government does not recognize their marriage.