2004 in LGBTQ rights

none March 2012 2004 LGBT rights This is a list of notable events in the history of LGBTQ rights that took place in the year 2004. Events January 1 – Tasmanian laws come into effect recognising civil unions between same-sex couples. Tasmania becomes the first Australian state to enact such laws. 8 – The New Jersey legislature passes a bill creating a domestic partnership status for same-sex couples, with many of the same legal rights as marriage. Governor James McGreevy signs the bill into law four days later, making New Jersey the fifth US state to offer such a status to same-sex couples. The law officially takes effect 180 days later.Mansnerus Laura 2004-01-09 New Jersey To Recognize Gay Couples en-US The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/09/nyregion/new-jersey-to-recognize-gay-couples.html 2021-06-29 0362-4331 February 4 – The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court answers the state's senate that the proposed civil unions will still violate the constitution by maintaining an inferior status of same-sex couples.https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB107591166936320569 Massachusetts Court Says Gays Have the Right to Marry Bravin Jess February 5, 2004 The Wall Street Journal July 7, 2021https://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040204_988.html Mass. High Court Rules for Gay Marriage February 4, 2004 ABC News July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040815000207/http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040204_988.html August 15, 2004 6 – Bob Taft, governor of the U.S. state of Ohio, signs the state's Defense of Marriage Act which denies recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions or domestic partner agreements performed in other states. It also outlaws same-sex marriage within the state and forbids state benefits from being extended to gay and lesbian couples.https://www.morningjournal.com/news/taft-signs-gay-marriage-ban-bill/article_b7aa1629-b45c-554e-8ad6-4cc7a82d976d.html Taft Signs Gay Marriage Ban Bill February 7, 2004 The morning Journal July 7, 2021http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Feb/02042004/nation_w/135571.asp Ohio's gay marriage ban heads to governor's desk Salt Lake Tribune https://web.archive.org/web/20040622203356/http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Feb/02042004/nation_w/135571.asp June 22, 2004 http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=9&id=2096 https://web.archive.org/web/20040208101341/http://www.gaywired.com/article.cfm?section=9&id=2096 dead 8 February 2004 Ohio Governor Signs Anti-Gay Marriage Ban gaywired.com 7 February 2004 10 – In the United Kingdom, the Gender Recognition Bill passes in the House of Lords. 12 National Freedom to Marry Day in the United States City officials in San Francisco start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in violation of state law, staging what they view as an act of civil disobedience, by marrying Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon in the first known civil marriage of a same-sex couple in the country. Over 80 couples are whisked through quick ceremonies.http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&e=2&u=/ap/gay_marriage_calif Calif. Court Voids S.F. Gay Marriages David Kravets Yahoo! News https://web.archive.org/web/20040813175357/http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&e=2&u=%2Fap%2Fgay_marriage_calif August 13, 2004 dead In the U.S. state of Virginia, the House of Delegates gives preliminary approval to legislation that would ban the recognition of same-sex civil unions and partnerships.https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2004/02/13/va-house-moves-to-bar-state-from-recognizing-gay-unions/d12aa21a-1d6e-4458-830a-5d7990dd2bde/ Va. House Moves to Bar State From Recognizing Gay Unions Becker Jo 2004-02-13 The Washington Post en-US 0190-8286 2016-10-14 15 – Officials at the city and county of San Francisco turn away hundreds of would-be same-sex newlyweds after thousands of couples show up to marry over the weekend. The city claims it can only handle between 400 and 600 marriages a day, or about one a minute.http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/021604sfUpdt.htm Gay Marriage To Continue Tuesday Worrall Mark February 16, 2004 www.365gay.com July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040217023706/http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/021604sfUpdt.htm 2004-02-17https://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040215_814.html Gay-Marriage License Demands Overwhelming - Demand for San Francisco's Same-Sex Marriage Licenses So Great, Hundreds of Couples Turned Away February 15, 2004 ABC News July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20041009155817/http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040215_814.html October 9, 2004https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A44385-2004Feb15&notFound=true Gays Seeking to Wed Must Take a Number Min Tami February 16, 2004 Washington Post July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20110514000242/https://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&contentId=A44385-2004Feb15&notFound=true May 14, 2011https://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2004-02-15-gay-marriage-legal_x.htm Legal fight greets S.F. gay marriages February 15, 2004 USA Today July 7, 2021http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2004/02/16/WEDDINGS.TMP Marriage mania grips S.F. as gays line up for licenses - Scores of couples camping out in the name of love Sebastian Simone Schevitz Tanya February 16, 2004 July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20120418200100/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2004%2F02%2F16%2FWEDDINGS.TMP April 18, 2012 16 – Officials at the city and county of San Francisco estimate by the end of the day that they will have issued 2,000 marriage licenses for same-sex couples in the four days since they started granting licenses to same-sex couples.http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7964972.htm Gay-marriage crush likely again today San Jose Mercury News 16 February 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040618134351/http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/local/7964972.htm June 18, 2004 17 – San Francisco Superior court Judge James L. Warner postpones any decision to block San Francisco from issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples and to void the 2,464 same-sex marriages that were performed in the city since February 12. This was on the grounds that the Proposition 22 Legal Defense and Education Fund's order for San Francisco to "cease and desist issuing marriage licenses to and/or solemnizing marriages of same-sex couples; to show cause before this court..." had an improper semicolon. To do both, rather than one or the other, would have exceeded the judge's jurisdiction.https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna4251510 Calif. court asked to block gay marriage February 12, 2004 NBC News July 7, 2021 18 – The California state agency that records marriages states that forms which have been altered, as San Francisco slightly did on its same-sex marriage licenses, will not be registered.http://washingtontimes.com/national/20040219-123003-6956r.htm California will reject altered marriage forms February 19, 2004 The Washington Times July 7, 2021 19 In Washington, D.C., The Bush administration reserves judgement on the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment to the U.S. Constitution until the Massachusetts legislature and San Francisco courts take further action. San Francisco sues the state of California to force the state to accept marriage licenses it altered to remove reference to bride and groom.http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/7995259.htm City sues state saying ban on same-sex marriages unconstitutional Matt Krupnick Thomas Peele KansasCity.com https://web.archive.org/web/20040604011346/http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/news/nation/7995259.htm June 4, 2004 The American Civil Liberties Union says it will appeal to U.S. federal court to overturn Florida's laws banning adoption by lesbians and gays.http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/7985914.htm ACLU vows to fight ruling that bans gay adoptions Tere Figueras Miami Herald https://web.archive.org/web/20040804094743/http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/local/7985914.htm August 4, 2004 20 Victoria Dunlap, county clerk of rural Sandoval County, New Mexico, starts issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing lack of legal grounds for denial.http://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/apwed02-20-04.htm Same-Sex Couples Line Up in Sandoval County To Get Married Susan Montoya Bryan February 20, 2004 Albuquerque Journal July 7, 2021 February 10, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210210202627/https://www.abqjournal.com/news/state/apwed02-20-04.htm dead Democratic party leaders in California try to withdraw from the divisive political issue of same-sex marriage. A Public Policy Institute of California poll indicates that half of Californians oppose same-sex marriage.http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/02/20/MNGSF54RDD1.DTL https://web.archive.org/web/20040510183508/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2004/02/20/MNGSF54RDD1.DTL dead May 10, 2004 Top state Dems criticize S.F. mayor / TIGHTROPE: Politicians try not to anger voters – 50% of Californians oppose same-sex unions Simon Mark Marinucci Carla February 20, 2004 SFGATE July 7, 2021 Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California, writes to state Attorney General Bill Lockyer telling him to take legal action to stop the San Francisco from granting marriage licenses to same-sex couples, saying the practice presents "an imminent risk to civil order".http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/53EBC410-48B6-41EE-A40A-3187377999BA.htm Schwarzenegger: Stop gay unions Al Jazeera April 18, 2006 https://web.archive.org/web/20060418203618/http://english.aljazeera.net/NR/exeres/53EBC410-48B6-41EE-A40A-3187377999BA.htm In the U.S. state of Oklahoma, a proposed amendment to the state's constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage dies in the Senate Human Resources Committee.https://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/11/02/ballot.samesex.marriage/ Same-sex Marriage Bans Winning on State Ballots November 3, 2004 CNN July 7, 2021http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/2860882/detail.html Senate Committee Scuttles Gay Marriage Resolution – Oklahoma City News Story – KOCO Oklahoma City https://web.archive.org/web/20060519115718/http://www.channeloklahoma.com/news/2860882/detail.html May 19, 2006 22 – Saying he will defend California's laws limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples, state attorney general Bill Lockyer dismisses governor Arnold Schwarzenegger's "order" in the San Francisco marriage licenses debate, saying the office of Attorney General is independent of gubernatorial power.http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/8012589.htm Governor playing 'Conan the Barbarian for the right wing,' attorney general says Jessica Portner Mary Anne Ostrom San Jose Mercury News 22 February 2004 August 10, 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20040810214149/http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/politics/8012589.htm 24 United States President George W. Bush announces his support for a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. Bush did not explicitly endorse the Federal Marriage Amendment (FMA), which has been criticised for potentially also denying states the ability to recognise same-sex civil unions and partnerships. However, he did say that the FMA "meets his principles" in protecting the "sanctity of marriage" between men and women.http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/02/24/elec04.prez.bush.marriage/index.html CNN Bush calls for ban on same-sex marriages February 25, 2004 July 7, 2021http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8785839%255E2,00.html Bush Calls for Gay Marriage Ban February 25, 2004 News Interactive July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040225024205/http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,8785839%5E2,00.html February 25, 2004https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-02-24-bush-marriage_x.htm USA TODAY Bush backs gay-marriage ban February 24, 2004 Page Susan Benedetto Richard July 7, 2021 26 – The mayor of New Paltz, a village in the U.S. state of New York, announces that the town will start performing civil marriages for same-sex couples. It will not attempt to issue marriage certificates, but married couples in New York state will have six months from the date of their wedding to seek a certificate.http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/022604nyWed.htm Gay Marriage Comes To New York Windsor Doug February 26, 2004 365Gay July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040402000807/http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/022604nyWed.htm April 2, 2004 27 The Supreme Court of California refuses a petition by state Attorney General Bill Lockyer asking for an immediate ruling on the constitutionality of same-sex marriage and a cease and desist order to prevent San Francisco from granting marriage licenses to more same-sex couples.http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/022704calCourt.htm Cal Supremes Refuse To Block Gay Marriages For Now Worrall Mark 365Gay February 27, 2004 July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040308042724/http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/02/022704calCourt.htm March 8, 2004 Republican lawmakers in the Indiana House of Representatives fail to introduce legislation for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, due to legal maneuvering by Democratic lawmakers in the House's leadership causing the Republicans to miss the 2004 deadline for introducing new legislation.https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/27/us/state-action-is-pursued-on-same-sex-marriage.html State Action Is Pursued on Same-Sex Marriage Dao James February 27, 2004 The New York Times July 20, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20140103100600/https://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/27/us/state-action-is-pursued-on-same-sex-marriage.html January 3, 2014 March 2 – Jason West, mayor of New Paltz is charged with 19 criminal counts of "solemnizing" marriages without a license after officiating same-sex marriage unions. He faces up to a $500 fine and a year in jail on each count.Justin Silverman http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/N-Y-village-mayor-jumps-into-same-sex-marriage-2816347.php N.Y. village mayor jumps into same-sex marriage fray February 28, 2004 SFGATE July 7, 2021 3 – Multnomah County, Oregon, which includes the city of Portland, becomes the second county in the United States where same-sex marriages are legally performed after four county commissioners decide the current state law banning marriage from same-sex couples is against the Oregon constitution.https://www.nytimes.com/2004/03/04/us/oregon-county-with-portland-offers-same-sex-marriages.html Oregon County, With Portland, Offers Same-Sex Marriages Preusch Matthew 2004-03-04 The New York Times 2016-10-14 Couples lined up, and clergy performed ceremonies for 3,022 gay couples, mostly from Oregon, over the next month and a half. Couples from throughout the country flocked to Portland to obtain a license and marry legally. See April 20 for a continuation of the story. 5 The Wisconsin State Assembly approves a state constitutional amendment (voted 68–27) to ban same-sex marriage or civil unions. The Kansas House passes, by 88 votes to 36, a proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. 10 – Indianapolis, Indiana mayor Bart Peterson issues an executive order that prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in city and county employment as well as city contractors and vendors. 11 – The California Supreme Court orders San Francisco officials to stop performing same-sex marriages. San Francisco officials comply with this order and, for the first time since February 12, refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. At the same time, the City Attorney of San Francisco sues the State of California on the grounds that prohibiting same-sex marriages is unconstitutional (on a state level).http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031104calRuling.htm California Supreme Court Halts San Francisco Gay Marriages Peterson Mary Ellen March 11, 2004 365Gay July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040314212710/http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031104calRuling.htm March 14, 2004 12 Oregon's attorney general issues his opinion on same-sex marriage within Oregon. He concludes that current state law prohibits issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, but that the Oregon Supreme Court is likely to conclude those statutes violate the state's constitution. The Wisconsin State Senate approves a state constitutional amendment by a vote of 20–13 to ban same-sex marriage or civil unions. 15 Commissioners of Multnomah County, Oregon, dismiss state attorney general Hardy Myers' non-binding opinion that same-sex marriages are illegal and vow to continue issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. In South Africa, the Alteration of Sex Description and Sex Status Act comes into force, allowing transsexual and intersex people to change their legally recognized sex. 16 – Rhea County, Tennessee commissioners vote 8–0 to ask that state law be changed to allow county officials to effectively ban homosexuals from the county by being able to charge them with "crimes against nature". After a community uproar, the resolution is withdrawn two days later. 19 – Quebec joins Ontario and British Columbia in legalizing same-sex marriage after the Quebec Court of Appeals upholds Hendricks and Leboeuf v. Quebec. More than two-thirds of the Canadian population now live in provinces that recognize same-sex marriage.http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031904queMarry.htm Quebec Court Rules Gays Can Marry O'Brien Jean-Pierre March 19, 2004 365Gay July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20040327071725/http://www.365gay.com/newscon04/03/031904queMarry.htm March 27, 2004 31 – The British government announces the details of the new Civil Partnerships Bill. This would give legal recognition to same sex couples.https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/3584285.stm Gay Couples to Gay Joint Rights March 31, 2004 BBC News July 7, 2021 live https://web.archive.org/web/20090417081645/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/3584285.stm April 17, 2009 April 1 – The first legal same-sex marriage in the Canadian province of Quebec is celebrated; Michael Hendricks and René Leboeuf wed in Montreal. 20 – Oregon Circuit Court Judge Frank Bearden ruled that the state must "accept and register" marriages of same-sex couples. He then ordered a temporary stop to issuing new licenses, but gave the Oregon Legislative Assembly 90 days from the start of its next session to write a law that ensures identical rights for same-sex couples, which could happen through civil marriage or civil union. If the legislature fails to act on the issue within the 90 days, licenses to same-sex couples will resume. The order has been appealed by both proponents and opponents of same-sex marriage, in hopes of the issue making a fast track to the Oregon Supreme Court, which may rule the ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional. A ruling upheld by the state supreme court in 1999 says government officials must meet an extraordinary burden to treat gays and straights differently – the same high burden required to justify disparate treatment of blacks and whites, or men and women. Opponents hope to change the Oregon constitution to define marriage as restricted to one man and one woman through a vote on the November 2004 ballot. May 17 – Massachusetts becomes the first state to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couple and perform same-sex marriages. 29 – U.S. District Judge Nancy Gertner (in Massachusetts) rules that stating that someone is homosexual does not libel or slander them, saying that "a finding that such a statement is defamatory requires this court to legitimize the prejudice and bigotry that for too long have plagued the homosexual community". The ruling came in a lawsuit of James Albright against the singer Madonna: Albright's name had appeared in a photo caption in a book by Andrew Morton about Madonna. Gertner said previous rulings that stating someone is homosexual is defamatory had relied on laws criminalizing same-sex sexual acts, and had to be reevaluated in light of more recent rulings that such laws are Constitutionally suspect.http://www.thelavendereffect.org/2013/05/29/may-29-in-lgbtq-history/ May 29 inn LGBTQ History May 29, 2013 Annetta Michael The Lavender Effect July 7, 2021 June 3 – The first civil union is realized in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. 21 – Maine Governor John Baldacci issues an executive order requiring businesses contracting with the state not to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. 24 – the United Kingdom government suffers a defeat in the House of Lords as they approve a wrecking amendment to the Civil Partnership Bill. 30 – The Spanish minister of justice, Juan Fernando López Aguilar, announces a number of social bills to be introduced, including one that will legalize same-sex marriage in Spain, one that will introduce rights for common-law couples, and one that will allow transsexual and transgender people to legally change their name and sex designation without the requirement of surgery. July 1 – In the United Kingdom, the Gender Recognition Act 2004 receives Royal Assent 14 The Yukon becomes the first territory to legalise same-sex marriage after a ruling by the Yukon Supreme Court. The United States Senate votes 48–50 against a procedural motion that would have ended debate on the Federal Marriage Amendment, effectively denying Senate approval this session. 22 – The United States House of Representatives passes legislation preventing federal courts from ordering courts in other states recognize same-sex marriage granted elsewhere. 30 – Having been passed by the Legislature in April, Maine's Domestic Partnership law comes into effect. August 9 Appointed by Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm, Rudy Serrahttp://www.rudyserra.net/biography.html Biography Rudy Serra July 7, 2021 is sworn in as a judge in the state's District 36, serving Detroit, becoming the first openly gay judge in the state. Authorities in Nepal raid bars and clubs to arrest 39 members of the Blue Diamond Society, a gay rights and AIDS education organization and charge them with "spreading perversion". 12 In a 5–2 vote, the Supreme Court of California voids the almost 4,000 same-sex marriages performed in San Francisco between February 12 and March 11 after another, unanimous decision that the city's officials overstepped their legal rights in ignoring state laws in issuing marriages licences to same-sex couples. New Jersey governor James McGreevey becomes the first openly gay chief executive of a US state when he discloses an extramarital affair with another man and announces his resignation effective November 12. 13 – The Australian Senate passes legislation by a 38–7 vote that defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman, granting prime minister John Howard a victory in his campaign to outlaw same-sex marriage in the country. 16 Federal justice minister Irwin Cotler announces that the federal government will no longer resist court proceedings aiming to require provincial governments to issue same-sex marriage licences. Ohio election officials approve the wording to be placed on the state ballot for the proposed state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage and extension of marriage rights to the non-married. 17 UNAIDS and Human Rights Watch call on the government of Nepal to release the 39 members of the Blue Diamond Society imprisoned August 9. Indiana Governor Joseph Kernan issues an executive order banning gender identity discrimination in the public sector.http://intraa.tgcrossroads.org/connections/story/?iid=39&aid=956 Gov. Kernan Protects Transgender State Employees 2004 INTRAA July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20070214152254/http://intraa.tgcrossroads.org/connections/story/?iid=39&aid=956 February 14, 2007 September 16 – Manitoba becomes the fifth of Canada's provinces or territories to have legal same-sex marriage. Neither the federal nor provincial governments opposed the lawsuit filed by three couples, one of whom had previously filed suit for same-sex marriage in 1974. See Same-sex marriage in Manitoba. 23 – California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs SB 1234, a bill that defines the legal term "hate crime" (which includes LGBT-motivated violence) for all state and local agencies, encourages the creation of local law enforcement hate-crime protocols and increased hate crime awareness training for law enforcement officers. 24 – Nova Scotia becomes the sixth of Canada's provinces or territories to have legal same-sex marriage. Neither the federal nor provincial governments opposed the lawsuit filed by three couples, one of whom had already been married in Ontario and sought recognition for their marriage in their home province. See Same-sex marriage in Nova Scotia. 25 – California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs AB 2900, a bill to unify all state anti-discrimination codes to match the California Fair Employment and Housing Act. In essence it adds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" anti-discrimination protections to the California government, labor, military and veterans, public utilities, unemployment and insurance, and welfare and institutions codes. 27 – California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs SB 1193, a bill to provide a $10,000 death benefit to the surviving spouse or designated beneficiary of a member of one of the state military reserves (California National Guard, State Military Reserve, or Naval militia). The bill, retroactive to March 1, 2003, allows LGBT partners of military personnel be listed as "designated beneficiary". 30 – The proposed Federal Marriage Amendment fails to pass the United States House of Representatives, with a vote of 227–186 on House Joint Resolution 106. October 1 – The cabinet of Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero approves a bill to legalize same-sex marriage; the government believes that it will pass the full parliament. 29 – Germany expands the rights of same-sex couples, allowing registered domestic partners to adopt each other's children. November 2 Voters in 11 states pass amendments to their state constitutions banning same-sex marriage, and in most of those states, civil unions and domestic partnership as well. Voters in San Mateo County, California approve a measure to prohibit public-sector employment discrimination based on sexual orientation, with 70.5 per cent of votes in favor. 5 – A judge in Saskatchewan rules that same-sex couples have the right to marry in that province. 18 – In the United Kingdom, the Civil Partnership Act receives royal assent. 29 – Without comment, the Supreme Court of the United States refuses to hear arguments appealing the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that same-sex marriage must be allowed in that state, in essence letting the ruling stand. 30 – In the case of Fourie v Minister of Home Affairs, the Supreme Court of Appeal of South Africa rules that the common law definition of marriage must be extended to include same-sex couples.Lesbian marriage gets the nod News24 November 30, 2004 http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/Lesbian-marriage-gets-the-nod-20041130 December 11, 2011 Same-sex marriages would not become immediately possible because of limitations in the Marriage Act; in any event, the government took the decision on appeal to the Constitutional Court. December 6 – Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco issues an executive order banning sexual orientation discrimination in the public sector.http://www.politicsla.com/press_releases/2004/december/120604_GOVERNOR_ISSUES_EXECUTIVE_ORDER.htm Governor Blanco Issues Executive Order: State to Ban Employment Discrimination & Harassment December 6, 2004 July 7, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20050116034937/http://www.politicsla.com/press_releases/2004/december/120604_GOVERNOR_ISSUES_EXECUTIVE_ORDER.htm January 16, 2005 9 Parliament of New Zealand passes the Civil Union Bill, establishing the new institution of civil union, available to same-sex and de facto couples. The Civil Union Bill has been described as a copy of the Marriage Act with "marriage" replaced by "civil union". Its companion bill, the Relationships (Statutory References) Bill, was to remove discriminatory provisions from a large number of pieces of legislation, but has run into stumbling blocks in Parliament and has been shelved until 2005. The Supreme Court of Canada rules in its reference on same-sex marriage that altering the legal definition of marriage to include same-sex couples is within the jurisdiction of the Parliament of Canada. Prime Minister Paul Martin indicates that his government will introduce such a bill early in the new year. 21 – Newfoundland and Labrador becomes the eighth province to legalize same-sex marriage after a Supreme Court judge approves the licences for two lesbian couples. Deaths November 28 – Leroy F. Aarons, 70, founder of the National Lesbian and Gay Journalists Association See also LGBTQ Timeline of LGBTQ history – timeline of events from 12,000 BCE to present LGBTQ rights by country or territory – current legal status around the world LGBTQ social movements References External links Category:2000s in LGBTQ rights