It is possible that historians will cite 2015 as one of the most pivotal years in history for the LGBT community. The year boasted a number of significant events that garnered national attention. Many of these stories reflected positive changes and increased acceptance of the community while other stories demonstrated there is still room for improvement.
A national publication that covers LGBT issues recently published its top 10 national stories of the year. As you would expect, the number one story was the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling that legalized same-sex marriage for the entire nation. The Court determined that prohibition of same-sex marriage was in violation of aspects found under the U.S. Constitution’s Fourteenth Amendment.
Many of the other top stories were directly related to the same-sex ruling. On the positive side, the number 10 story was the enacting of new policies regarding same-sex couples on behalf of the Presbyterian and Episcopal churches. Both of these denominations enacted policies allowing their clergy to carry out same-sex marriages.
On the other hand, the number four story involved a county clerk in Kentucky who refused to comply with the ruling. The clerk received notoriety for not issuing marriage licenses based on her religious beliefs.
Certainly these stories are important and receive a lot of attention in the media. Marriage is a very personal issue, and it involves serious choices. It is a major step to enter a marriage, and likewise ending a marriage is extremely significant.
A same-sex marriage carries the same rights and responsibilities as an opposite-sex marriage. When a marriage ends, it is important that the divorce process is carried out fairly and equitably in regard to such things as property division and child custody issues. Therefore, those who are seeking a same-sex divorce may benefit from the advice and guidance of a family law attorney.
Source: The Washington Blade, “Top 10 national stories of 2015,” Chris Johnson, Dec. 30, 2015