This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/31/lgbt-pride-month-president-same-sex-marriage

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
White House marks LGBT Pride Month on eve of legal gay marriage in Illinois White House marks LGBT Pride Month on eve of legal gay marriage in Illinois
(3 months later)
Sunday is the first day of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, an occasion marked by the White House and couples in Illinois, the most recent state to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses.Sunday is the first day of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month, an occasion marked by the White House and couples in Illinois, the most recent state to begin issuing same-sex marriage licenses.
"This month, as we mark 45 years since the patrons of the Stonewall Inn defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement, let us honor every brave leader who stood up, sat in, and came out,” read a presidential proclamation issued on Friday."This month, as we mark 45 years since the patrons of the Stonewall Inn defied an unjust policy and awakened a nascent movement, let us honor every brave leader who stood up, sat in, and came out,” read a presidential proclamation issued on Friday.
The Stonewall Inn is often referred to as the “birthplace” of the modern gay rights movement. In 1969, New York City police raided the bar and arrested customers on “public morals” charges, sparking demonstrations that summer.The Stonewall Inn is often referred to as the “birthplace” of the modern gay rights movement. In 1969, New York City police raided the bar and arrested customers on “public morals” charges, sparking demonstrations that summer.
“As progress spreads from state to state, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect – our nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well,” the proclamation said.“As progress spreads from state to state, as justice is delivered in the courtroom, and as more of our fellow Americans are treated with dignity and respect – our nation becomes not only more accepting, but more equal as well,” the proclamation said.
Last June, key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act were declared unconstitutional by the US supreme court. That law kept same-sex spouses from receiving federal benefits provided to heterosexual married couples, such as filing joint taxes, social security and military benefits.Last June, key provisions of the Defense of Marriage Act were declared unconstitutional by the US supreme court. That law kept same-sex spouses from receiving federal benefits provided to heterosexual married couples, such as filing joint taxes, social security and military benefits.
Since then, federal judges in 13 states have struck down same-sex marriage bans, the latest in Pennsylvania, though rulings are stayed in 11 states.Since then, federal judges in 13 states have struck down same-sex marriage bans, the latest in Pennsylvania, though rulings are stayed in 11 states.
Illinois officially begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses on 1 June. Sixteen counties of the state’s 102 counties began issuing licenses early, including Cook County where Chicago is located. Governor Pat Quinn signed the state’s same-sex marriage law in November 2013 and the legislature approved the law on Valentine’s Day this year.Illinois officially begins issuing same-sex marriage licenses on 1 June. Sixteen counties of the state’s 102 counties began issuing licenses early, including Cook County where Chicago is located. Governor Pat Quinn signed the state’s same-sex marriage law in November 2013 and the legislature approved the law on Valentine’s Day this year.
Challenges are expected to every gay marriage ban in the US by mid-summer. A Minneapolis attorney says he or his associates will file a suit in North Dakota, the last state to have its same-sex marriage ban challenged.Challenges are expected to every gay marriage ban in the US by mid-summer. A Minneapolis attorney says he or his associates will file a suit in North Dakota, the last state to have its same-sex marriage ban challenged.
Public opinion has also swayed – a February poll by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 53% of Americans support gay marriage and 41% oppose it. That is nearly a reverse of the same poll 10 years ago, when less than one-third (32%) of Americans supported gay marriage, and 59% opposed it.Public opinion has also swayed – a February poll by the Public Religion Research Institute found that 53% of Americans support gay marriage and 41% oppose it. That is nearly a reverse of the same poll 10 years ago, when less than one-third (32%) of Americans supported gay marriage, and 59% opposed it.
Challenges do not necessarily mean that same-sex couples in every state can marry. Gay couples cannot marry in any states in the southeast. Some states, such as Arkansas, Texas and Utah, have struck down gay marriage bans but stayed rulings until higher courts can hear the cases.Challenges do not necessarily mean that same-sex couples in every state can marry. Gay couples cannot marry in any states in the southeast. Some states, such as Arkansas, Texas and Utah, have struck down gay marriage bans but stayed rulings until higher courts can hear the cases.
Resistance to the movement persists. According to some polls, it’s generational. For example, a Pew Research Center poll found that 61% of Republicans under 30 support gay marriage. Only 22% of Republicans over 65-years-old share the same view. Resistance to the movement persists. According to some polls, it’s generational. For example, a Pew Research Center poll found that 61% of Republicans under 30 support gay marriage. Only 22% of Republicans over 65-years-old share the same view.
By contrast, among Democratic leaning Americans of the same age groups, under 30 and over 65, there is only a 15-point difference.By contrast, among Democratic leaning Americans of the same age groups, under 30 and over 65, there is only a 15-point difference.
Vocal groups such as the Family Research Council also continue to oppose gay marriage. The head of the FRC, Tony Perkins, recently held a panel discussion on restoring the “traditional family” as a Republican priority, Politico reports.Vocal groups such as the Family Research Council also continue to oppose gay marriage. The head of the FRC, Tony Perkins, recently held a panel discussion on restoring the “traditional family” as a Republican priority, Politico reports.
And as Friday's presidential proclamation pointed out, many LGBT couples around the world face persecution and discrimination.And as Friday's presidential proclamation pointed out, many LGBT couples around the world face persecution and discrimination.
"In many places around the globe, LGBT people face persecution, arrest, or even state-sponsored execution,” said the proclamation. "This is unacceptable. The United States calls on every nation to join us in defending the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.”"In many places around the globe, LGBT people face persecution, arrest, or even state-sponsored execution,” said the proclamation. "This is unacceptable. The United States calls on every nation to join us in defending the universal human rights of our LGBT brothers and sisters.”