CARNAL NATION

A few weeks ago, we told you of the tragic plight of a lesbian mom who was to be deported by the U.S. government. The Advocate reports that a one-off bill introduced by Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) will allow Shirley Tan to stay in the U.S. with her partner of 23 years and their twin 12-year-old boys. The act of introducing the bill to Congress automatically granted Tan clemency. The Senate can now consider the passage of Uniting American Families Act (UAFA), which would allow same-sex couples the same right as heterosexual couples to sponsor their foreign-born partners for U.S. residency. Upon introducing the bill, Feinstein told members of the judiciary committee that the deportation would "cause undue hardship for her and her family. Without this legislation, this family will be separated or they will be relocated to a third country where Ms. Tan's safety and her children's well-being may be at risk." Ms. Tan will not be eligible for deportation again until December 2010, but Feinstein's bill and/or passage of UAFA could allow her to stay in the country permanently.

Excellent work, Senator! Now, please pass UAFA!