Now that we’ve all recovered from the joys (or horrors) of the holiday season, thoughts turn once again to politics. What is on the gay agenda for 2010? Elections, court cases and international issues all loom in the forefront of the gay rights movement this year.

2009 saw the passage of the Matthew Shepard Act on a federal level, creating an inclusive federal hate crime law. While we can’t particularly expect a lot of growth or change on the federal side of things, there is hope for the passage of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act or ENDA in 2010 according to Barney Frank (D-Mass). Opinions are mixed on the possibilities of a repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT) in 2010.

The New Jersey Senate has defeated a gay marriage bill in that state, but supporters are already planning to head to the Supreme Court. New Jersey offers civil unions for gay couples; however, marriage remains out of reach.

Supporters of gay marriage in California may have another chance to be heard at the ballot box. Speculation suggests that the issue may see the ballot this November rather than in 2012. All three possible Democratic candidates for California’s gubernatorial race support full gay marriage rights, making 2010 seem the year to try and try again in California. Gay marriage may also be on the ballots in Colorado and Maine this year.

Internationally, news of anti-gay laws in Uganda have worried many in the gay community worldwide. These laws show the clear influence of fundamentalist Americans, of the type to support the “pray away the gay” theory. In their original form, Ugandan law would have put gays at risk of execution; however, as the law stands now, the penalty for homosexuality is life in prison. International pressure reduced the penalty, but this news provides a harsh glimpse of reality for many of us. Take the time to phone and write your senators and representatives to express the clear need for the US to condemn this and similar laws worldwide.