Marriage equality appeals go to 6th Circuit this week

On Wednesday the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments in six marriage equality cases spanning the states of Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky.

The Sixth Circuit Appellate Blog provides a quick overview of the decisions that are under appeal in five of those cases. In more detail, FreedomToMarry.org lists (down the right column of this page) each of the six cases as well as links to PDF files of the original rulings as well as profiles of the plaintiffs.

Each of the cases are a bit different, with the Michigan case being the only one that explicitly regards the right for same-sex couples to marry.  According to the Washington Blade:

The Sixth Circuit has the distinction of being the only federal appellate court in history where each of the four states within the circuit have marriage cases on appeal.

The only case among the four that is outright seeking the right for same-sex couples to marry is the Michigan case, DeBoer v. Snyder.

The Tennessee case, Tanco v. Haslam, was filed by the National Center for Lesbian Rights and seeks state recognition for same-sex couples married elsewhere. So is the Kentucky case, Bourke v. Beshear, although that case was amended at the district court to seek outright marriage equality.

One Ohio case, Obergefell v. Himes, is seeking the same-sex marriage recognition rights for the purposes of death certificates, the other, Henry v. Himes, is related to birth certificates, but in that case the district judge ruled against the state’s marriage ban for all purposes of recognition.

One of the judges on the appeals panel is Martha Craig Daughtrey who is from Nashville and is a graduate of Vanderbilt. A senior judge appointed by Bill Clinton in 1993, she is considered liberal, though the Cleveland Plain Dealer warns prognosticators to be wary of assumptions going into these cases with these judges. The Louisville Courier-Journal agrees that though the panel may seem conservative each has ruled on topics involving gay rights.

Oral arguments begin at 1pm EST at the Potter Stewart Courthouse in Cincinnati on Wednesday August 6.

 

 

 

graphic compiled via dailykos & equalityontrial

WhistlePig + Alfa Romeo F1

SHOREHAM, VT (September 13, 2023) — WhistlePig Whiskey, the leaders in independent craft whiskey, and Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake are waving the checkered flag on a legend-worthy release that’s taking whiskey to G-Force levels. The Limited Edition PiggyBack Legends Series: Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is a high Rye Whiskey selected by the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake drivers, with barrels trialed in their wind tunnel to ensure a thrilling taste in every sip.

The third iteration in WhistlePig’s Single Barrel PiggyBack Legends Series, the Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake Barrel is bottled at 96.77 proof, a nod to Valtteri Bottas’ racing number, 77, and the precision of racing. Inspired by Zhou Guanyu, the first Chinese F1 driver, this Rye Whiskey is finished with lychee and oolong tea. Herbal and floral notes of the oolong tea complement the herbaceous notes of WhistlePig’s signature PiggyBack 100% Rye, rounded out with a juicy tropical fruit finish and a touch of spice.

Keep readingShow less
by Spectrum Medical Care Center

Nurse Practitioner Ari Kravitz

When I started medical transition at 20 years old, it was very difficult to get the care I needed for hormone replacement therapy because there are very few providers trained in starting hormones for trans people, even though it’s very similar to the hormones that we prescribe to women in menopause or cisgender men with low testosterone.

I hope more providers get trained in LGBTQ+ healthcare, so they can support patients along their individual gender journey, and provide the info needed to make informed decisions about their body. I’ve personally seen my trans patients find hope and experience a better quality of life through hormone replacement therapy.

Keep readingShow less

Descanso Resort swimming pool and lounge area

Descanso Resort, Palm Springs' premier destination for gay men, just received Tripadvisor's highest honor, a Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" award for 2023. Based on guests' reviews and ratings, fewer than 1% of Tripadvisor's 8 million listings around the world receive the coveted "Best of the Best" designation. Descanso ranked 12th in the top 25 small inns and hotels category in the United States. Quite an accomplishment!

Open less than two years, Descanso Resort offers gay men a relaxing and luxurious boutique hotel experience just minutes away from Palm Springs' buzziest restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping. Descanso has quickly established itself as a top destination for sophisticated gay travelers, earning hundreds of 5-star guest reviews and consistently ranking in Trapadvisor's top positions alongside brother properties Santiago Resort and Twin Palms Resort.

Keep readingShow less