Blog – Page 4 – Matthew Barison

Obama Administration Quietly Advances Transgender Rights

‘It’s quiet by design, because the louder you are in Washington, the more the drama.”

Ever since “coming out” in support of same-sex marriage in May of 2012, President Obama has been working behind-the-scenes to advance the rights of transgender Americans. The administration has expanded the reach of hate crimes legislation, increased access to health care and strengthened public accommodation laws.

This change has come solely from the Executive branch, as Congress continues its reign of dysfunction. Nonetheless, these developments represent […]

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00June 23, 2014|LGBT Rights|0 Comments

Same Sex Marriage’s Inexorable March
Same Sex Marriage’s Inexorable March

LGBT Rights, Same Sex Marriage

Same Sex Marriage’s Inexorable March

As federal courts continue to strike down states' bans on same-sex marriage, it is inevitable that Supreme Court will soon weigh in on the issue. Lawyer Paul Smith, who was part of the team that successfully overturned DOMA, predicts that the Court will rule in favor of same sex marriage within one to two years.

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00May 28, 2014|LGBT Rights, Same Sex Marriage|0 Comments

Federal Clemency Initiative

In an effort to reduce the Federal prison population, the Department of Justice has begun a clemency initiative. This initiative offers non-violent offenders, who had been sentenced to long prison terms as part of the “war on drugs,” the opportunity to seek early release.

This initiative began late last year, when President Obama granted commutations to prisoners facing life imprisonment for offenses such as “conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.”

To be considered under the program, inmates must meet […]

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00April 24, 2014|Criminal Justice|0 Comments

St. Patrick’s Day Parade LGBT Controversy
Gallery
St. Patrick’s Day Parade LGBT Controversy

1st Amendment, LGBT Rights

St. Patrick’s Day Parade LGBT Controversy

In light of the still-ongoing controversy regarding LGBT groups’ efforts to march in Boston’s St. Patrick’s day parade, I’d like to revisit the 1995 Supreme Court case that upheld the parade organizers’ right to exclude such groups.

The St. Patrick’s day parade has a long history in Boston. The City of Boston was the official sponsor of the parade until 1947, at which point Mayor Curley granted authority over the parade to the South Boston Allied Veterans War Council, a […]

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00March 5, 2014|1st Amendment, LGBT Rights|0 Comments

Veterans Treatment Court at the BMC

The Boston Municipal Court (BMC) has recently established a special veterans treatment court session. The purpose of this new offering is to “incorporate rehabilitative and treatment services for veterans by providing them with the tools and services to help them overcome substance abuse issues, alcoholism, mental health issues and emotional disabilities.” If you have spent time in Boston, you are probably aware that many of our area’s homeless are veterans; sadly, mental health issues often land these individuals in court. […]

By Matthew Barison|2020-11-01T17:38:15+00:00January 31, 2014|Criminal Justice|0 Comments