A bipartisan majority of Senators this week voted in favor of budget amendments that show growing momentum for paid sick leave for employees, social security and veterans benefits for same-sex couples, equal pay, and fair treatment for pregnant workers.
Nebraska Could Become the Next State With Marriage Equality
US District Judge Joseph Bataillon ruled Monday morning that Nebraska’s same-same sex marriage ban is unconstitutional.
FMLA Update Will Expand Protections for Thousands of Same-Sex Couples
The FMLA update means employees in legal, same-sex marriages can take family medical leave to take care of their spouse even if they live in another state. The change could affect up to 118,000 spouses.
Kate Brown Just Became America’s First-Ever Openly Bisexual Governor
Brown’s election represents a victory for women and LGBT folks, who are underrepresented in gubernatorial positions as well as in all levels of national and state leadership.
Marriage Equality Has Officially Come to Alabama
The Supreme Court refused to stop a federal court ruling today that requires Alabama state officials to recognize same-sex marriage rights. The state has begun issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples.
Activist Monica Jones Can Now Appeal Her Conviction for “Walking While Trans”
An Arizona appeals court Monday overruled an April verdict that highlighted police profiling of trans women of color.
Protestors Demand Justice After Denver Police Fatally Shoot Queer Latina Teen
On Monday morning, a 16-year-old lesbian Latina named Jessie Hernandez was shot and killed by Denver police. Now, her friends and family are uniting with communities of color and LGBT activists to demand justice.
Mormon Church Moves To Protect Gay Rights
Leaders of the Mormon Church said it is promising to support housing and job protections for the LGBT community in exchange for legal protections for believers who object to others’ behavior.
Trans People Can No Longer Obtain Driver’s Licenses in Russia
The new regulations put trans folks and anyone suffering from “fetishism, exhibitionism, and voyeurism” among those with primarily physical impairments such as blindness who are barred from driving.
Transgender Woman Elected Mayor in India
On Sunday, independent candidate Madhu Kinnar was elected mayor over Mahaveer Guruji of the popular Bharatiya Janata Party by more than 4,500 votes.
Scripps College Will Now Officially Admit Transgender Women
The new policy will be in effect for all Fall 2016 applicants.
Transgender Day of Remembrance Raises Awareness About the Dangers of Transphobia
Today marks the 15th annual International Transgender Day of Remembrance, a memorial for all transgender (and other non-gender-conforming people) who have lost their lives due to hatred and violence toward their identity.
Sixth Circuit Ruling on Gay Marriage Bans Could Send Marriage Equality to the Supreme Court
This Sixth Circuit has changed the legal landscape, becoming the first federal Court of Appeals to uphold a ban since the US Supreme Court decided US v. Windsor.
UPDATE: Supreme Court Justice Delays Marriage Equality in Idaho
Justice Kennedy issued a one-page order requiring the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to delay their ruling striking down Idaho’s same-sex marriage ban.
Marriage Equality Set to Take Hold in 35 States Following Court Rulings
Decisions by the US Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals this week brought the number of states in which same-sex marriage bans are effectively null and void to 35.
Civil Rights Lawsuit for Transgender Workers Is First of its Kind
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has brought two lawsuits on behalf of transgender worker, marking the first time the federal government has sued to protect transgender rights under the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Ecuador Will Now Recognize Same-Sex Civil Unions
As of this upcoming September 15, same-sex couples in Ecuador will legally be able to register their civil unions.
Federal Judge Upholds Louisiana Same-Sex Marriage Ban
A federal judge ruled that Louisiana has the right to ban same-sex marriage in the state and to refuse to recognize legal same-sex marriages performed elsewhere.
New Report Urges US Military to Allow Transgender Personnel to Serve Openly
A recent report has concluded that the US military has the resources it needs to allow transgender personnel to serve openly. Unfortunately, military policies don’t allow them to do so.
Supreme Court Blocks Marriage Equality in Virginia
The US Supreme Court granted a request Wednesday that delays a decision that would have allowed same-sex couples to start getting married this week in Virginia.