The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday that every state must recognize the parental rights of same-sex parents who legally adopt a child. The decision reverses an Alabama Supreme Court decision that refused to recognize the parental rights of a lesbian mother who adopted three children in Georgia in 2007.
LGBT Californians Make Legal Strides
This month, California Governor Jerry Brown signed into law four bills that protect same-sex families, LGBT students and many more.
Kentucky Clerk Defies Supreme Court, Refuses to Issue Marriage Licenses
Kentucky Clerk Kim Davis will be summoned to court this morning where a federal judge could hold her in contempt for refusing to issue a marriage licenses to gay couples.
Queer Troop Leaders Are Now Welcome By The Boy Scouts of America
This win for LGBT rights is limited, however, as troops organized through church groups can still decide if they will allow gay leaders.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Rules LGBT Employees Are Protected from Job Discrimination
The EEOC declared that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act protects the LGBT community from workplace discrimination.
Pentagon Starts Process to Lift Ban on Transgender Military Members
Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced this week that the Department of Defense will begin the process of lifting the ban on transgender military service members.
We Need to Talk About the SCOTUS Marriage Equality Dissenters
It was a moment in time that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was the kind of joy you experience deep in your chest. But what I’m really going to remember is how close it was.
Moving Beyond Marriage: What Needs to Be Next for the LGBT Rights Movement
A marriage certificate is not a shield from discrimination.
Supreme Court Declares Marriage Equality a Constitutional Right
In a 5-4 decision delivered by Justice Anthony Kennedy this morning, the Supreme Court of the United States declared that same-sex couples fundamentally have equal protections under the Constitution.
Ireland Votes Overwhelmingly to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Ireland became the first country in the world to pass marriage equality through popular vote on Friday.
Maryland Governor Will Not Veto LGBT Rights Bills
The Maryland General Assembly passed SB 743 / HB 862 and SB 416 / HB 838 by wide margins and with bipartisan support on March 24, after which both were sent to the Governor’s desk.
LGBT Rights Activists Applaud Bruce Jenner Coming Out As Trans
Bruce Jenner, a former Olympic gold medalist and reality TV personality, recently came out as transgender in an interview with Diane Sawyer. LGBT activists around the world applaud the brave move, pointing out the added struggle of being trans while in constant public spotlight.
The Supreme Court Will Hear Arguments Tomorrow in Long-Awaited Marriage Equality Case
The case, Obergfell v. Hodges, will look at whether the 14th Amendment requires the state to allow and license a marriage for same-sex couples, and will address whether the Amendment requires the state to recognize the marriage of same-sex couples when their marriage was licensed out-of-state.
The Obama Administration Has Come Out Against Anti-Gay “Conversion Therapy”
The statement was in response to a WhiteHouse.gov petition that was created after the suicide of transgender teenager Leelah Alcorn, which gained more than 120,000 signatures.
Malta Passes Law to Ban ‘Normalization’ Surgery on Intersex Infants, Allow Self-Determination of Gender
The new law also allows people to change their gender identity on documents by simply filing an affidavit with a notary, which ends the requirement for surgery in order to legally identify as a gender other than the one assigned at birth.
On Transgender Day of Visibility, Advocates are Celebrating Trans Lives and Experiences
Today is a designated day for the trans community to share and celebrate their lives and experiences.
Senate ‘Vote-A-Rama’ Passes Amendments for Equal Pay, Pregnant Workers, Paid Leave, Benefits for Same-Sex Couples
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.