JuristMail - Legal News » constitutional law

Gay Marriage Rights Hits a Snag in NY, NJ

Alicia Norman — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 00:32:18 +0000

In a surprise blow to the gay marriage rights movement, it appears as if liberal leaning New York and New Jersey may not vote on legalizing homosexual unions in the near future. This comes just as Freedom to Marry and other gay right organizations have gained momentum in key states throughout the Northeast.

Advocates for same-sex legislation that gives gays the same rights as heterosexual couples have counted on obtaining votes in New York and New Jersey, but it now seems as if the votes may never come. Freedom to Marry Executive Director Evan Wolfson isn’t apprehensive about the development, citing the fact that all civil rights movements ebb and flow.

On the other hand, National Organization for Marriage President Maggie Gallagher says conservatives are gaining momentum, citing Maine’s ban on same-sex marriages, which was a sharp reversal after initial votes to allow it.

It remains to seen if New York and New Jersey will vote on the legislation any time soon.

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Craigslist Shielded Against Erotic Services Lawsuit

Alicia Norman — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:28:50 +0000

An Illinois based federal judge granted Craigslist a motion for a judgment over the website’s ex “erotic services” listing. Seeking financial award under the Communications Decency Act, Thomas Dart, the Sheriff of Cook County Illinois, filed a lawsuit against Craigslist alleging that its erotic services category helped perpetuate prostitution. Thomas Dart is seeking an injunction prohibiting Craigslist from publishing erotic services listings. The sheriff also desires financial compensation for the money that his office has spent investigating prostitution occurring on the site.

Soon after the suit was filed, Craigslist changed the title to “adult services” and instituted a review process for postings in that particular category. Sheriff Dart argued that the changes did not eliminate the problem.

Illinois district Court Judge John Grady ruled that Craigslist was shielded from liability by section 230 of the Communication Decency Act which states that a provider of an interactive service can’t be held accountable for what transpires via third party material. Responsibility then falls onto the shoulders of the person posting the content, not the website providing the services.

The ruling means that Thomas Dart cannot recover financial damages from Craigslist under the stipulations of his suit.

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GA School bans Bible Verses from Football Field

Alicia Norman — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 16:27:00 +0000

A north Georgia high school has banned signs that bear bible verses during football games for fear they could be considered unconstitutional and provoke a potential lawsuit. The move angered many in the community who believe that the preemptive ban was unnecessary. Those who live around and/or attend Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High school argue that the community is a religious one and that the signs should remain a part of the football routines.

Demonstrations in support of the signs began immediately after the ruling, gaining momentum since the ban was put into place a week ago. The school administration has since conceded, designating a special area where the signs can go on display as a compromised.

There was no word on whether or not this solution appeased irate community members.

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