I hope you all enjoyed the gorgeous weather the Bay Area was spoiled with this weekend. As we move into the dog-days of summer riddled with vacations and relaxation for some (hopefully you), I am pleased our progress toward full marriage equality is not enjoying a similar break.

Over the weekend, Attorney General Eric Holder said that if the Supreme Court decides to hear a case on same-sex marriage, the Department of Justice will file a brief urging the courts to uphold the rights of gay couples to wed. With Utah's Federal Court of Appeals striking down the ban on gay marriage, the possibility of the high court hearing the issue is becoming more likely. It is comforting to know we have the Department of Justice behind the fight, not just in word, but in action as well.

With Colorado's ban on same-sex marriage struck down last Wednesday we are up to 19 states where same-sex couples may legally wed. Are you thinking of marrying your loved one, or did you just marry? Come learn about the pros and cons of marriage and the rights and responsibilities that come with it this Wednesday, July 16th at "Marriage...The Fine Print: 5 Surprising Facts Everyone Needs to Known."

It was great to see many of your shining summer faces at the July 10th happy hour last week. I hope to see many of you this Tuesday at the LGBTQ Partners and Associates Reception, sponsored by BASF and BALIF.


Lilah Sutphen
BALIF Board Judiciary Co-Chair