My Two Cents

By Jim Koury, Editor/Publisher
© 2013 Diversity Rules Magazine.  All Rights Reserved.
www.diversityrulesmagazine.com

JRK (150 x 150)Welcome to the July issue of Diversity Rules Magazine!  What a great issue it is too, and it’s packed with some awesome information!

As I write this editor’s message this month, and finalize the issue for the printer, we are in the midst of an historic event!

On June 26th, the United States Supreme Court invalidated the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) and dismissed the Proposition 8 case before it as well, in effect upholding the 9th Circuits opinion that it was unconstituional, this allowing marriages to proceed again in California.  What a remarkable day it was too!

DOMA being declared unconstitutional, brings to an end a very long fight that finally brings fairness and equity to those same sex couples legally married in that they are now accorded all the federal benefits of marriage that are available to heterosexual couples.

Additionally, the dismissal of Prop 8 by the court restores the right to marry in CA, bringing the number of marriage equality states to 13.

While we can bask in the glow of victory, we must take up the battle immediately, as there are still 37 states who lawfully discriminate against their queer citizens.  Also, our transgender brothers and sisters are still persecuted and many states deny gay couples adoption rights, hospital visitation rights, and other such rights and privileges taken for granted by straight couples.

The beacon of freedom and justice shines a bit brighter in America now since the court rulings.  America is a more perfect union because of them as well in that the freedoms of gays and lesbians are more protected now.

We still have a long way to go.  We cannot let up the pressure or get complacent in our efforts.  We must keep up the fight to equality is won for everyone.

See this article as well as the many other great features in the July issue of Diversity Rules Magazine by subscribing TODAY!
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