With D.C.’s same-sex marriage law expected to take effect on March 3rd, marriage equality opponents have stepped up their efforts to try to halt the law’s implementation by forcing a public referendum. Today, opponents went to court seeking a preliminary injunction, which would have stayed the effective date of the Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Act of 2009. After hearing from both sides, Judge Holeman tentatively denied the motion from the bench, ruling that the court lacked the power “to usurp the legislative process,” that opponents did not establish a substantial likelihood of success on the merits and that they would not suffer irreparable harm if the law were to take effect as scheduled.

Same-sex marriage stands at a historic crossroads. California waits as two same-sex couples challenge Proposition 8, which in November 2008, overturned the ruling by the California Supreme Court that gay and lesbian couples have a right to marry under the California Constitution. The final decision by the United States District Court in San Francisco will impact families of all sizes, shapes and colors—setting the stage for the future of marriage equality in the United States.

Equality Hawaii, the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, denounced the Hawaii State House for failing to take up and pass HB 444 SD1, the state Civil Unions bill.  The bill would have provided that the equal rights and responsibilities of married couples in Hawaii are afforded to thousands of non-married couples in the state.  The House voted by voice vote to postpone the bill indefinitely, effectively killing the bill for the session.

Equality Hawaii, the state’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, and the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organization, today applauded the Hawaii State Senate for passing HB 444 SD1 by an 18-7 vote. The bill provides that the equal rights and responsibilities of married couples in Hawaii be afforded to thousands of non-married couples in the state. The bill now heads to the Hawaii State House for their consideration.