The U.S. Supreme Court has to consider two
cases about the freedom to marry. These two cases, which concern the
discriminatory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and California’s
Proposition 8, are fundamentally about whether gay and lesbian
Americans can enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities as everyone
else.
This week the Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in both cases, and is expected to announce its runnings at June 2013. It is a very important moment in the LGBT movement, and of course I hope its decisions will be in favor of equality.
Recently on March 20th, we are in Spring Season again (in the Northern Emisphere) and finally leave the long and cold winter.
But in Second Life you can find some Sims where is Spring Season too. One of the most awesome Springtime themed Sim is The Garden of Whimsy, owned by Aash Writer.
I recommend to visit this charming place and enjoy nature and fresh air for a while.
12-year-old Daniel Martinez, adopted by a Californian gay couple, has read a personal letter to Supreme Court chief justice John Roberts, urging him to strike down California Proposition 8.
Daniel tells that his
fathers provide him and his sister a wonderful life when no one
else wanted to, and their family should be treated no differently than
others. He also says to Chief Justice Roberts: "I know you have a tough decision to
make with the gay marriage issue but my family is just as valuable and
worthwhile as any other". And he adds: "We are all Americans and deserve
an equal chance at bettering our lives."
Proposition 8 was a California ballot proposition and a state constitutional amendment passed in the November 2008 state elections. The measure added a new provision, Section 7.5 of the Declaration of Rights, to the California Constitution, which provides that "only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California".
The Supreme Court has to decide the constitutionality of state laws that define marriage as only the union of a man and a woman. On March 26-27, it will hear arguments on the California and federal laws, in two of the most anticipated cases of its current term.
Following in the footsteps of French and British Parliaments, the New Zealand's parliament has approved the marriageequality bill in second reading.
Labour MP Louisa Wall, the bill’s sponsor, emphasised: “It’s not about gay marriage, same-sex marriage or straight
marriage, it’s about equality”.
After an intense debate, the bill has passed with 77 votes to 44 in favour of the legalization of same-sex marriage. The result has been a little different from the 80 to 40 votes in favour reached in the first vote the past August.
However, the second vote uses to be the most crucial one.But third and final
vote is likely to be a formality and could be taken next month.
Finally, polls indicate about two-thirds of New Zealanders support gay marriage.
I really hop that they get it !!!
MP Labour Louisa Wall
One of the demonstrations in favour of equal marriage in New Zealand
International Women's Day (IWD) has been observed since in the early 1900's, a time of great expansion and turbulence in the industrialized world that saw booming population growth and the rise of radical ideologies
Women's Day was honoured the first time in Austria, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland on 19 March 1911. At same time, in accordance with a declaration by the Socialist Party of America, the first National Woman's Day was observed across the United States on 28 February. In 1913 following discussions, Women's Day was transferred to 8 March and this day has remained the global date for International Wommen's Day ever since.
Since its birth, International Women's Day has grown to become a global day of recognition and celebration across developed and developing countries alike. For decades, IWD has grown from strength to strength annually. For many years the United Nations has held an annual IWD conference to coordinate international efforts for women's rights and participation in social, political and economic processes.
The new millennium has witnessed a significant change and attitudinal shift in both women's and society's thoughts about women's equality and emancipation. With more women in the boardroom, greater equality in legislative rights, and an increased critical mass of women's visibility as impressive role models in every aspect of life, one could think that women have gained true equality. The unfortunate fact is that women are still not paid equally to that of their male counterparts, women still are not present in equal numbers in business or politics, and globally women's education, health and the violence against them is worse than that of men.
Each year around the world, IWD is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Most organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate this day.
IWD events honour and celebrate the achievements of women all around the world, ranging from small random informal gatherings to large highly organised events.
The new March issue of GMP Magazine is
out. This awesome and very good designed publication is full of nice and interesting stories again.
Included Joa's reflection, most of the articles of last issue deal with art and cultural issues. I want to highlight the photographers' section of Erik Bayn, Juanello Ralegh, Cera Toll and specially the very interesting Eddi Haskell's report about the arrival of Spring in Second Life, with several amazing photographs (from page 70).
Congrats Joa for this new wonderful issue!
During the current month, you can find an embedded issue of the March's GMP Magazine at the top right hand side of my blog.