Three More States Win the Freedom to Marry

August 22, 2019

To counter the devastating loss of Prop 8, the Gill Foundation supports efforts to make 2009 the winningest year for same-sex marriage. Victory comes first in Iowa when the State Supreme Court rules unanimously in favor of the freedom to marry. Legislatures in Vermont and New Hampshire follow suit (as does Washington, DC) bringing the total number of states to five.

Limited marriage rights are extended in Nevada and Wisconsin.

More than 10 years after the tragic death of Matthew Shepard, President Obama signs into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, making hate crimes a federal offense.