2009 in LGBT rights explained
This is a list of notable events in the history of LGBT rights that took place in the year 2009.
Events
January
February
- 1 – Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir becomes prime minister of Iceland, the first openly gay head of government in the modern world.[3]
- 9 – Domestic Partnership Registry opens in Phoenix, Arizona.[4]
- 12
- In the United States Congress, Representative Jerrold Nadler of New York and Senator Patrick Leahy of Vermont reintroduce the Uniting American Families Act (UAFA) (H.R.1024 & S.424).[5] [6]
- The government of Hungary approves a new registered partnership bill which would only apply to same-sex couples, providing all of the rights of marriage except adoption and the ability to take the same surname. Registered partnership legislation was previously passed by the government in 2007, but struck down as unconstitutional 16 days before taking effect since its availability to opposite-sex couples duplicated already-existing marriage law.[7]
- Hawaii civil unions bill passes the state house on a 33–17 vote.[8]
- 18 – All five bills called the Common Ground Initiative that would have extended LGBT rights in Utah die.[9]
- 19 – The North Dakota Senate votes 27 to 19 to amend the state Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation and gender identity.[10]
- 20 – A bill to criminalize homosexuality dies in the Burundi Senate.[11]
- 23 – The Colorado House approves a domestic partner benefits bill that would make it easier for unmarried couples, including gays and lesbians, to make medical decision for incapacitated partners and leave property to their partners.[12]
- 24 – The Colorado Senate approves a domestic partner benefits bill that would make it easier for unmarried couples, including gays and lesbians, to make medical decision for incapacitated partners and leave property to their partners.[13]
March
- 2 – Argentina ends ban on gays in the military.[14]
- 3 – The Philippines ends ban on gays in the military.[15]
- 5 – The California Supreme Court meets in San Francisco to hear arguments concerning the validity of Proposition 8.
- 10
- in Tel Aviv, Uzi Even and his life partner become the first same-sex male couple in Israel whose right of adoption is legally acknowledged.[16]
- In the case of HJ and HT v Home Secretary, the Court of Appeal of England and Wales denies the asylum claims of two men, from Iran and Cameroon, stating that the men would not be subject to persecution for their sexual orientation if they concealed it (the so-called "discretion test").[17]
- 20 – Denmark legalizes adoption by same-sex couples.[18]
- 23 – The Vermont Senate passes a bill 26 to 4 legalizing same sex marriage.[19]
- 26 – Serbian lawmakers give final approval with a majority of 127 votes in favor to 59 against to ban any kind of discrimination, whether based on race, religion, sexual orientation or gender or other factors.[20]
- 26 – The New Hampshire House votes for gay marriage 186 to 179 after first voting against it, 183 to 182.[21]
- 27 – Japan allows its citizens to marry same-sex foreign partners in countries where same-sex marriage is legal.[22]
April
May
- 1 – Sweden's gender-neutral marriage law becomes effective.[31] [32]
- 3 – The Obama administration allows the deadline to appeal Witt v. Department of the Air Force to pass, leaving Witt as binding precedent for the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.[33]
- 5 – New Hampshire passes the same-sex marriage bill by a Senate vote of 13–11 and a House vote of 186–179.[34]
- 8 – Maine Governor John Baldacci signs the End Discrimination in Civil Marriage and Affirm Religious Freedom Act 2009 into law which legalizes same-sex marriage effective September 14, 2009.[35]
- 12 – New York marriage bill passes the Assembly vote by a vote of 89–52.[36]
- 15 – Uruguay allows gay people to serve openly in the military.[37]
- 15 – Finland allows same-sex couples the legal right to adopt a biological child.[38]
- 19 – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire signs the "everything-but-marriage" domestic partnership bill into law.[39] [40]
- 20 – The Nevada legislature passes the Domestic Partnership Responsibilities Act 2009 but Governor Jim Gibbon vetoes the bill a week later.[41] [42]
- 21 – Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signs a bill that provides health insurance and a few more entitlements for state workers that includes unmarried mixed- and same-sex couples.[43]
- 26 – The California Supreme Court issues its ruling in Strauss v. Horton. The court upholds Proposition 8 by a 6–1 vote but the marriages performed before the measure took effect remain legal and valid.[44]
June
- 1 – The Nevada legislature overrides Governor Jim Gibbons's veto; the state will provide domestic partnership effective October 1.[45]
- 3
- 30 – Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle signs the Budget Considerations And Limited Domestic Partnership Act 2009 into law. The law enumerates 43 rights for registered same-sex couples.[48]
July
- 1 – Colorado domestic partnership law becomes effective.
- 2 – The Delhi High Court rules that homosexual intercourse between consenting adults is not a criminal act.[49]
- 3 – Delaware prohibits sexual orientation discrimination under the Delaware Code, but not gender identity.
- 6 – The District of Columbia recognizes same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions.
August
- 3 – Wisconsin domestic partnership law becomes effective.
September
- 1 – Vermont same-sex marriage law becomes effective.
October
- 1 – Nevada domestic partnership becomes effective.
- 13 – Ugandan Member of Parliament David Bahati introduces the Uganda Anti-Homosexuality Bill which would broaden the criminalization of same-sex relationships in Uganda and establish the death penalty for HIV-positive people engaging in sexual activity with people of the same sex or with those under 18.[50]
- 28 – United States President Barack Obama signs the Matthew Shepard Act, which expands federal hate-crime law to include crimes motivated by a victim's actual or perceived gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability, the first US federal law to extend legal protections to transgender persons.[51]
November
- India agrees to list eunuchs and transgender people as "others", distinct from males and females, in voting rolls and voter identity cards.
- 3
- Washington voters approve Referendum 71 to uphold the state's "everything but marriage" domestic partnership law with 53% of the vote.[52]
- Maine voters repeal the state's marriage equality law by 53%.[53]
- 12 – India election authorities begin granting intersex and transsexual people the right to register as independent genders on voting lists.[54]
- 13 – A judge in Buenos Aires, Argentina, allows for the first same-sex marriage in Argentina and Latin America.[55] [56]
- 14 – The mayor of Montpellier, France, Hélène Mandroux, launches the Appeal of Montpellier in support of same sex marriage in France.
- 19 – The New York Court of Appeals rules that state officials have the authority to recognize out-of-state same-sex marriages, although the court declines to rule on whether same-sex couples may legally marry in the state.[57]
December
Deaths
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: Same sex marriage law passed by wide majority . Aftenposten Multimedia . dead . June 12, 2008 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080617115242/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2479146.ece . 2008-06-17 . March 26, 2012.
- Web site: Norway LGBT Laws . Pride Legal . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Grew . Tony . Iceland makes history as lesbian Prime Minister takes office . PinkNews . March 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090406084058/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-10983.html . April 6, 2009 . dead .
- Web site: Phoenix domestic partnership registry opens News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090213091354/http://www.365gay.com/news/phoenix-domestic-partnership-registry-opens/ . February 13, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy-all .
- Web site: H.R. 1024 - United American Families Act of 2009 . March 16, 2009 . Congress.gov . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Assembly Joint Resolution No. 15 CHAPTER 60 Relative to the United American Families Act . July 7, 2010 . California Legislative Information . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Hungarian Government Proposes Registered Same-Sex Partnerships . February 12, 2009 . PinkNews . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Hawaii civil unions bill passes state House, goes to Senate . The Honolulu Advertiser . dead . February 13, 2009 . https://archive.today/20090216133559/http://honoluluadvertiser.com/article/20090213/NEWS01/902130379/1001 . 2009-02-16 . March 26, 2012.
- Web site: All 5 LGBT bills die in Utah News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090221171849/http://www.365gay.com/news/all-5-lgbt-bills-die-in-utah/ . February 21, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: LGBT protections added to ND human rights law in state senate News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090221135739/http://www.365gay.com/news/lgbt-protections-added-to-nd-human-rights-law-in-state-senate/ . February 21, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Gay imprisonment bill dies in Burundi Senate News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20110605135135/http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-imprisonment-bill-dies-in-burundi-senate/ . June 5, 2011 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Partner bill passes Colorado house News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090226160522/http://www.365gay.com/news/partner-bill-passes-colorado-house/ . February 26, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Colorado Senate approves partner bill News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090228051835/http://www.365gay.com/news/colorado-senate-approves-partner-bill/ . February 28, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Argentina officially ends trials for homosexual acts in military News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090307005019/http://www.365gay.com/news/argentina-officially-ends-trials-for-homosexual-acts-in-military/ . March 7, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Philippines ends ban on gays in military News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090506203418/http://www.365gay.com/news/philippines-ends-ban-on-gays-in-military/ . May 6, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy-all .
- News: Edelman. Ofra. Gay couple wins right to adopt foster son. Haaretz. March 11, 2009. March 11, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090313034244/http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1070060.html. March 13, 2009 . live.
- HJ and HT v Secretary of State for the Home Department . [2009] . EWCA Civ . 172 . . March 5, 2009 . http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Civ/2009/172.html. July 22, 2010 .
- Web site: Denmark OKs adoptions by gay couples News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090725183819/http://www.365gay.com/news/denmark-oks-adoptions-by-gay-couples/ . July 25, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy-all .
- Web site: Vt. senate passes gay marriage bill: Rutland Herald Online . https://web.archive.org/web/20120214195030/http://www.rutlandherald.com/article/20090324/NEWS04/903240344/1004/NEWS03 . February 14, 2012 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy-all .
- Web site: Serbian lawmakers pass anti-discrimination law News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090330092659/http://www.365gay.com/news/serbian-lawmakers-pass-anti-discrimination-law/ . March 30, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- News: New Hampshire House OKs same-sex marriage . CNN . April 23, 2010 . March 26, 2009.
- Web site: Japan allows its citizens same-sex marriage abroad . https://web.archive.org/web/20090331042730/http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5imtwjW1jvMoCTXZaahFbK3ClE9ZA . dead . March 31, 2009 . March 27, 2009 . March 17, 2012.
- Web site: 365gay.com . 365gay.com . March 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110605135920/http://www.365gay.com/news/sweden-oks-gay-marriage/ . June 5, 2011 . dead .
- Web site: 365gay.com . 365gay.com . March 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20110605140210/http://www.365gay.com/news/iowa-supreme-court-strikes-down-gay-marriage-ban/ . June 5, 2011 . dead . mdy-all .
- News: Vermont Legislature gives final OK to gay marriage . Los Angeles Times . Jessica . Garrison . April 8, 2009 . April 8, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090410051752/http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-gay-marriage8-2009apr08%2C0%2C3646071.story . April 10, 2009 . live . mdy .
- Web site: State House Sends Same-Sex Domestic Partner Benefits Bill to Governor's Desk . Luning . Ernest . April 29, 2009 . The Colorado Independent . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: House Passes "everything but marriage" Domestic Partnership Bill... . Roesler . Richard . April 15, 2009 . The Spokesman-Review . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Constitutional Court Affirms Registered Partnership . March 23, 2010 . European Commission on Sexual Orientation Law . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Gay Couples Apply for Marriage Licenses in Iowa . The Guardian . April 27, 2009 . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Iowa Gay Marriages Begin as Ruling Takes Effect . April 27, 2009 . NBC News . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Gender-neural marriage and Marriage Ceremonies . April 30, 2009 . Government Offices of Sweden . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Sweden Votes in Favor of Legalizing Gay Marriage . April 1, 2009 . Reuters . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Bravin . Jess . Laura Meckler . Obama Avoids Test on Gays in Military . The Wall Street Journal . May 19, 2009 . July 24, 2010.
- Web site: Gov. Lynch Statement Regarding Same-Sex Marriage Legislation – Gov John Lynch . https://web.archive.org/web/20090517030342/http://www.governor.nh.gov/news/2009/051409same.html . May 17, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy-all .
- Web site: UK Gay News – Gay and Lesbian Marriage, Partnership or Unions Worldwide . https://web.archive.org/web/20090615184256/http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/marriage_timeline.htm . June 15, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Assembly Passes Marriage Equality Bill . May 12, 2009 . Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Uruguay Lifts Ban On Gays In The Military . The Huffington Post . May 15, 2009 . August 10, 2010.
- Web site: Finland allows gay couples to adopt partner's children . https://web.archive.org/web/20090719231945/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12468.html . July 19, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy . PinkNews.
- Web site: Gov. Gregoire signs legislation to expand rights to domestic partners . Governor.wa.gov . May 18, 2009 . March 17, 2012 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120215064133/http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1236&newsType=1 . February 15, 2012 .
- Web site: SB 5688 – 2009–10 . Apps.leg.wa.gov . March 17, 2012.
- Web site: Nevada State Legislature Approves Domestic Partnership Legislation . May 20, 2009 . Human Rights Campaign . https://web.archive.org/web/20090925172751/http://www.hrc.org/12739.htm . September 25, 2009 . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Nevada Approves Domestic Partnership; Governor Threatens Veto . May 20, 2009 . Out Alliance . September 15, 2021.
- Web site: Gov. signs Colo. benefits bill News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090808003926/http://www.365gay.com/uncategorized/gov-signs-colo-benefits-bill/ . August 8, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: HRC California Supreme Court Takes Step Back from Equality . https://web.archive.org/web/20090827174046/http://www.hrc.org/12755.htm . August 27, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy-all .
- Web site: Nevada lawmakers reject veto of partnership bill News Story on 365gay.com . https://web.archive.org/web/20090623012918/http://www.365gay.com/news/nevada-lawmakers-reject-veto-of-partnership-bill/ . June 23, 2009 . dead . July 24, 2009 . mdy .
- Web site: Legislative Assembly of Alberta . Assembly.ab.ca . March 17, 2012.
- Web site: View a Hearing or Meeting . Judiciary.senate.gov . July 8, 2010 . March 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120218201109/http://www.judiciary.senate.gov/hearings/hearing.cfm?id=3876 . February 18, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
- News: Pitsch . Mark . Doyle signs budget, vetoes binding referendum on RTA tax . The Wisconsin State Journal . June 29, 2009 . March 26, 2012.
- News: Gay sex decriminalised in India . BBC News . July 2, 2009 . July 2, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20090703011816/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8129836.stm . July 3, 2009 . live . mdy .
- News: Ugandan MP proposes that gays should be executed. Pink News. Jessica. Geen. October 15, 2009. October 21, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091017133715/http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/15/ugandan-mp-proposes-that-gays-should-be-executed/. October 17, 2009 . live.
- Web site: Obama Signs Defense Policy Bill That Includes 'Hate Crime' Legislation . Fox News . October 29, 2009 . August 10, 2010 . https://web.archive.org/web/20121024233254/http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/10/28/obama-signs-defense-policy-includes-hate-crime-legislation/ . October 24, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
- News: Yardley . William . Early Vote Favors Domestic Partner Law . The New York Times . November 4, 2009 . November 4, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20160606135906/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/us/04washington.html. June 6, 2016. live.
- News: Mainers vote down gay marriage law . Susan M. Cover . . November 4, 2009 . November 4, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091107090527/http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/story.php?id=293976&ac=PHnws . November 7, 2009 . dead .
- News: India's third gender gets own identity in voter rolls . CNN . April 23, 2010 . November 12, 2009.
- Web site: Buenos Aires OKs first gay marriage in Latin America – INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos . Newsinfo.inquirer.net . November 14, 2009 . March 17, 2012 . https://web.archive.org/web/20120924140148/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20091114-236182/Buenos-Aires-OKs-first-gay-marriage-in-Latin-America . September 24, 2012 . dead . mdy-all .
- News: Argentine judge allows gay wedding in legal first . Reuters . November 13, 2009 . November 14, 2009 . https://web.archive.org/web/20091116185939/https://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE5AC32X20091113 . November 16, 2009 . live . mdy .
- News: Nichols . Michelle . NY court OKs out-of-state gay marriage benefits . Reuters . March 17, 2012.
- News: People defaulting on bank loans? Use eunuchs to recover: Pak SC. December 24, 2009. Bennett Coleman. The Economic Times . India. December 23, 2009.
- News: Gresko . Jessica . Same-sex marriage becomes legal in DC . Associated Press . March 3, 2010 . March 3, 2010 . https://archive.today/20200111201321/https://www.webcitation.org/5nx4LhJxv?url=http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gftV6RnfBC8iPPWGM0SGQeNLiC6QD9E71J3G0 . January 11, 2020 . dead . mdy .
- News: Associated Press . Mexico City 1st in region to approve gay marriage . December 21, 2009 . December 21, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091225172613/https://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5grJesfflOb0tjV_flyYRem81BVMwD9CNUCH00. December 25, 2009 . dead.
- News: Haider, Zeeshan. Pakistan's transvestites to get distinct gender. December 23, 2009. Reuters. December 23, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20100115180041/http://in.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idINTRE5BM2BX20091223. January 15, 2010 . live.
- News: Masood, Salman. Pakistan: A Legal Victory for Eunuchs . December 23, 2009. The New York Times. December 23, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20121110073441/http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/world/asia/24webbriefs-ALEGALVICTOR_BRF.html. November 10, 2012. live.
- News: Pakistani eunuchs to have distinct gender . December 23, 2009. BBC News. December 23, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091224025613/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8428819.stm. December 24, 2009 . live.
- News: Khan, Sohail. SC advises govt to hire eunuchs for loan recovery. December 24, 2009. The News International. December 23, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20120610042046/http://www.thenews.com.pk/top_story_detail.asp?Id=26257. June 10, 2012. dead. mdy-all.
- News: Tracy . Wilkinson . Los Angeles Times . Gay marriage closer to reality in Mexico . December 29, 2009 . December 30, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20100101153740/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/laplaza/2009/12/gay-marriage-closer-to-reality-in-mexico.html. January 1, 2010 . live.
- Web site: Garcia . Michelle . Educator, Author Eve Kosofsky Sedgwick Dies at 58 . Advocate.com . April 13, 2009 . August 10, 2010.
- News: Mark Leduc, 47: Gay athlete, Olympic medallist . The Star . https://web.archive.org/web/20090727133708/http://www.thestar.com/sports/article/671345 . July 27, 2009 . live . July 24, 2009 . Toronto . Danielle . Wong . July 24, 2009 . mdy .