Crazy 8: Our Year in Review

May 21, 2010 Sharyn Jackson, Stephanie Schroeder, Abby Tallmer

Marriage Equality The battle for same-gender marriage raged on these past months, with Maine voters echoing the 2008 decision of California voters on Proposition 8 and choosing to take away marriage rights that had previously been given to gays and lesbians. On the upside, Vermont, Iowa, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia all passed laws allowing same-gender marriage in the past year. Connecticut and Massachusetts already have formalized gay marriage provisions.

This year has been a whirlwind. As we celebrate yet another milestone, we invite you to reflect with us upon the last 364 plus days’ high moments, low moments, and everything in between. In no particular order, the events that helped shape our year…

Prop 8

California’s Proposition 8 went on trial in a San Fran-based U.S. District Court in a case that will determine the constitutionality of the referendum that put an end to a short-lived stretch of marriage equality in the Golden State. Due to the volatile subject matter, the impact it will have on the LGBT community and its all-star counsel, all eyes were on Perry v. Schwarzenegger — even though the U.S. Supreme Court blocked public broadcast of the trial. District Court Chief Judge Vaughn Walker plans to release his ruling mid-June, just before Pride. Coincidence? We hope not.