2012 starts with gay advances

There have been may wrapups on advancements in LGBT rights during 2011.  With so many victories it is hard to pick which one is most significant.  The repeal of DADT, the advent of marriage equality in New York, and the shift in public support for gay equality have all been mentioned as the most important changes in the last year.  (I vote for DADT repeal.)  But the new year is only a few hours old and already there are developments toward protecting gay families.  Hawaii and Delaware laws permitting civil unions went into effect at the start of the year.  Last minute attempts to thwart the law were rejected in Hawaii.

Gay activists find civil unions to be sub-optimal.  Like the Brown decision on school segregation, activists  maintain separate is never equal.  But an incremental approach is preferable to no progress at all.  And the likely result of this will be full marriage equality in just a few years.  Groups opposing equality will be unable to invoke fear of change to block full marriage equality

Update:  I forgot to mention that tests show Baby New Year 2012 is gay.