gay rights

alright so i want to clear something up. Marriage isn't the only issue... Even in states where same sex couples can get married, they still don't get the federal benefits (over 131 at least) from the marriage because of DOMA (defense of marriage act) which defines marriage as between  a man and a woman.

but on a good note: As of May 2013 Twelve states allow same sex marriages, grant domestic partnerships, or have some form of protection for same sex couples:

Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Maryland, Washington, Rhode Island, Delaware, and Minnesota …

Along with the District of Columbia, the Coquille Indian Tribe, the Suquamish tribe, and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians which too, have all legalized same sex marriages.

In 29 states a person can still be fired for being gay.

as far as adoption goes Florida is the only state that forbids any same gender couples from adopting. California, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island (allows it if they are married and they recognize same gender marriages done in other states), Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin allow joint custody to both parents.but all other states only give custody to one parent or married couples, but seeing as there are still many states that don't allow same gender marriages so only one person in the couple would have custody.


Under current FDA guidelines, gay men are not allowed to donate blood unless they have been celibate for at least five years.

According to the most recent hate crime statistics, roughly 15% of bias-motivated crimes are committed on the basis of perceived sexual orientation.

we still have a long way to go, but t least now at least 12 states allow same sex marriages and the "don't as don't tell" policy was removed.