Connecticut files suit to keep National Guard base open News
Connecticut files suit to keep National Guard base open

[JURIST] Connecticut filed a federal lawsuit [PDF complaint; press release] against Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Base Closure and Realignment Commission [official website] Monday, challenging the BRAC Commission's decision to close Connecticut's Air National Guard 103rd Fighter Wing [official website]. Connecticut is arguing that the Pentagon needs the state's approval before moving or altering the unit. Last week, a federal rule judge ruled [PDF decision; JURIST report] that the Defense Department did not have the authority to dissolve a Pennsylvania National Guard unit without approval of the state's governor. AP has more. The Hartford Courant has local coverage.

THIS DAY @ LAW

South Africa becomes first country on continent to legalize same-sex marriage

Same-sex marriages became legal in South Africa on November 30, 2006 as the country's Civil Union Act, 2006 went into effect, making South Africa the only country on the African continent to legalize same-sex marriage. Read the Civil Union Act, 2006.