High on most checklists for ensuring a long and healthy life is being married. Marriage is said to bestow protective health benefits, such as low blood pressure and better cholesterol numbers. But does putting a ring on it confer the same well-being to all married couples or even most? No, according to a recent study […]
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Posted inMaine, sj-web
Susan Collins becomes fourth GOP senator to publicly support same-sex marriage
AUGUSTA — After receiving the endorsement of the nation’s largest LGBT advocacy group, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday indicated for the first time her personal support for same-sex marriage. “A number of states, including my home state of Maine, have now legalized same-sex marriage, and I agree with that decision,” Collins said in response […]
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Posted inMaine
Collins secures endorsement of national LGBT advocacy group
A national organization that advocates for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender equal rights has endorsed U.S. Sen. Susan Collins in her re-election campaign. Collins, R-Maine, is facing Democratic challenger Shenna Bellows, former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Maine. “Sen. Susan Collins has played a pivotal role in advancing support for LGBT […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Tens of thousands march for same-sex marriage in Taiwan
TAIPEI — Tens of thousands of demonstrators, many displaying rainbows and glitter, thronged the center of Taiwan’s capital on Saturday to press demands to legalize same-sex marriage amid an increasingly tolerant environment on the island nation. Organizers and participants said they were heartened by the prospect of same-sex marriage becoming a reality, despite enduring traditional […]
Posted inLife & Culture, sj-web
George H.W. Bush witness at Maine same-sex wedding
KENNEBUNKPORT (AP) — Former President George H.W. Bush was an official witness at the same-sex wedding of two longtime friends, his spokesman said Wednesday. Bush and his wife, Barbara Bush, attended the ceremony joining Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen as private citizens and friends on Saturday, spokesman Jim McGrath said. Thorgalsen posted a photo on […]
Posted inBusiness, Nation / World, sj-web
IRS issues tax rules for married gay couples
WASHINGTON — The government on Thursday said that all legally married gay couples will be able to file joint federal tax returns even if they reside in states that do not recognize same-sex marriages. The decision came in rules issued by the Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service designed to implement the tax aspects […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Pentagon plan would grant benefits to same-sex spouses but deny them to unmarried gay couples
WASHINGTON (AP) — Same-sex spouses of military members could get health care, housing and other benefits by the end of August under a proposal being considered by the Pentagon. But earlier plans to provide benefits to gay partners who are not married may be reversed. A draft Defense Department memo obtained Wednesday by The Associated […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Froma Harrop: Take government out of the marriage business
The Supreme Court’s boost for same-sex marriage was just and overdue. But the arguments, pro and con, begged a bigger question: Should government be involved in marriage at all? The answer would seem “no.” Marriage should be the business of clergy and ship captains. The government should bestow its blessings only on civil unions, however […]