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N.H. Legalizes Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples
By Rebecca White
June 01, 2007
N.H. Legalizes Civil Unions for Same-Sex Couples
Crowds cheered in the courthouse Thursday as New Hampshire passed legislation approving civil unions for same-sex couples. The new law grants same-sex couples access to the rights and responsibilities of marriage and recognizes legal same-sex civil unions from other states. "We in New Hampshire have had a long and proud tradition taking the lead in opposing discrimination," Gov. John Lynch said upon signing the bill. "Today that tradition continues." New Hampshire is the fourth state to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples, after Vermont, Connecticut and most recently, New Jersey. Which states will be next? Read more.
To find out the marital laws in your state, click here. Ever been to a civil-union ceremony? DiversityInc Partner and Cofounder Luke Visconti attended one of New Jersey's first same-sex civil unions in February. Read all about it.
Ala. Gov. Says 'Sorry' for Slavery
Ala. Gov. Bob Riley signed a resolution Thursday to express "profound regret" for the state's role in perpetuating the slave trade and acknowledges the repercussions of slavery that continue to plague the nation today. Alabama is the fourth state to adopt a resolution to this effect, after Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. Alabama is a Democrat-controlled state, though their governor is Republican. What other states have formal resolutions? Read more.
Dr. Kevorkian Released! Families of Dead Respond
Dr. Kevorkian was released from prison today after serving eight years of his 10- to 20-year sentence. Old emotions are resurfacing for families of those he helped kill, but not all of these emotions are bad. While some feel a wound has been cut open again, others believe that the famed doctor should be admired. What do you think? Read more.
(See also: Dr. Kevorkian Getting Out as Assisted-Suicide Poll Infuriates Disability Activists)
Lesbian Sues eHarmony for Discrimination
How harmonious is eHarmony? Members of the LGBT community long have harbored disappointment toward the popular online dating service for not offering a "men-seeking-men" or "women-seeking-women" option on their site. Profound discontent has lead to legal action for Linda Carlson, who was denied access to eHarmony because she is a lesbian. Carlson has taken the suit to the Los Angeles Superior Court. This is the first LGBT-discrimination lawsuit brought against eHarmony, according to Carson's lawyers. How will the courts rule, and will this open the door for other lawsuits? Read more.
Lou Dobbs Fights Back
CNN anchor and Managing Editor Lou Dobbs recently was attacked by The New York Times for his scathing and non-factual anti-undocumented-immigration tirades—yet another in a slew of attacks from publications and advocacy groups calling Dobbs out for twisting facts to achieve a political agenda. Now Dobbs is starting to take things personally. On Wednesday, he addressed a column written by The New York Times' David Leonhardt, entitled "Truth, Fiction and Lou Dobbs," by stating, "I've been over the years, because of our reporting on controversial issues and my strongly held beliefs on those issues, attacked—and usually pretty vigorously—by both the left wing and the right wing of this nation's media, both mainstream and otherwise, and of course the politicians that form the extremes of our political spectrum." What else did Dobbs fire back, and does he show any remorse? Read more.
(See also: Lou Dobbs 4 Funky Immigration 'Facts').
Where Are All Congress' Black Republicans?
Not since 2002 has a congressional seat been filled by a black Republican, but that may soon change. Two black Republicans recently announced their intentions to run in the next midterm election: Kentucky lawyer Erwin Roberts and Army Lt. Col. Allen West from South Florida. Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele cautions these candidates not to rely too heavily on the GOP for support. He stresses the need for a grassroots campaign and fears that otherwise the black community will remain underrepresented in Congress. "We have been too damn deaf, dumb and blind about it to engage at a grassroots level," Steele said. What else did he say, and why is he so angry? Read more.
1 in 5 Public-School Enrollees Is Latino
People of color now make up 42 percent of public-school enrollees, nearly doubling their share of total enrollment from 1970, according to a new report from the Department of Education. Latinos accounted for one in five new students in 2005. "The rapid increase in the Hispanic population in America's schools is quite striking," National Center for Education Statistics Commissioner Mark Schneider said. What are others saying about this marked surge, and what does it mean for your business? Read more.
U.S.-Born Imams Wanted and Welcome
School is out and native-born Muslims are looking for jobs as Imams. Imams aren't just prayer leaders; they're community leaders, which makes U.S.-born Imams doubly valued by congregations that want to discuss practical matters in addition to spiritual ones. Issues such as dating, drugs, or setting up a 401(k) now are deemed equally as important as religion in many Muslim communities. Older Muslims, however, tend to prefer foreign-born Sheiks. Will traditional communities welcome the new graduating class of U.S.-born Imams? Read more.
More Mexicans Stay in Mexico, New Study Finds
All this immigration talk leads one wonder what's really going on. Turns out, the number of immigrants coming to the United States from Mexico has declined in the last year, a recent Pew Research study found. The study measures overall trends in migration flows from Mexico and other countries. Economic trends also are evaluated against migration patterns. Why are immigration rates slackening and how does this affect your stance on immigration reform? Read more.
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