We just witnessed the nation's first trial for the hotly debated issue of same-sex marriage that has torn California in two, as it comes to the forefront as the result of the passing of Proposition 8 back in November 2008. The narrow passage of Prop 8 (by only a 4.5%margin) amends the constitution to say that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California. This ballot was a direct response to the California Supreme Court's ruling in May 2008: "In re Marriage Cases" giving gays and lesbians the right to marry, stating that they are subject to "strict judicial scrutiny and that marriage is a fundamental right."

The Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act

Today, Wednesday October 28th, 2009, President Obama signed into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act.  This is the first major step in fulfilling his campaign promises to the LGBT community.

LGBT activists have been and continue to complain about the “slow pace” at which the Administration has addressed LGBT concerns, despite that the President has only been President for about nine months.  Hopefully, this event proves his true commitment to our community.