From the first gay-rights organization to the battle for marriage equality, TIME looks at the history of the gay-rights movement.
1,000 Words
“[The] sociological information is new. We have five years of information to weigh against 2,000 years of history or more. On the other hand, there is an immediate legal injury or what could be a legal injury, and that's the voice of these children. There are some 40,000 children in California, according to the Red Brief, that live with same-sex parents, and they want their parents to have full recognition and full status. The voice of those children is important in this case don't you think?”
— Justice Anthony Kennedy from today's Supreme Court case on the constitutionality of California's Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage. Click here for the audio feed from the courtroom.
44%
— Of troops from Afghanistan and Iraq report difficulties after they return, according to a new study by the Institute of Medicine. Significant numbers suffered traumatic brain injuries, symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance misuse or abuse.
Universal Gun Background Checks Shine Spotlight on Gun Stores
Gun store owners, industry trade groups, and the NRA argue over the effectiveness and benefits of gun background checks.
Alaska Sen. Mark Begich Endorses Gay Marriage—Again
The Alaska Senator, who admitted his support for gay marriage last year, reaffirms his view.
Morning Must Reads: March 26
In the news: Prop 8 before the Supreme Court today, Senator Warner’s endorsement of gay marriage, the Grand Recession and the Grand Illusion, and the costliest former U.S. President.
The Gentlemen from Kentucky: Inside the Partnership of Rand Paul and Mitch McConnell
The symbiotic relationship between Mitch McConnell and Rand Paul is a key to both senators’ political futures.
Americans: No Drone Killings at Home, Which May Be How Congress First Wanted It
Despite their efforts in 2001, Congress did not ultimately impose any geographic limitation for the “War on Terror.” The core issue, as it remains today, is who qualifies as an enemy, not where the enemy is.
In the ArenaGovernment
Shinseki Stonewall
General Eric Shinseki, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, appeared on CNN yesterday. The interview was a nothingburger, but I suppose we should be grateful that the Secretary has offered proof of his existence.
Senator Mark Warner Endorses Gay Marriage. Who’s Next?
Senator Mark Warner announced his support for gay marriage. Eleven Democratic Senators remain opposed. Who’s next? UPDATE: Answer—Sen. Jon Tester and Sen. Hagan
Morning Must Reads: March 25
In the news: Supreme Court, immigration, David Cameron, Rick Perry, Obamacare’s third birthday, tourist-friendly countries.
Law Enforcement Sounds Alarm on Cell-Phone-Theft Epidemic
Law-enforcement officials are demanding that the wireless industry and lawmakers take new steps to quash a thriving black market for stolen phones