WASHINGTON (AP) — Some of America’s most well-known companies are urging the Supreme Court to rule that a federal employment discrimination law prohibits discrimination based on a person’s sexual orientation, a position opposite of the one taken by the Trump administration. The 76 businesses and organizations — including American Airlines, Apple, eBay, Facebook, Google, Starbucks … Continue reading
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Energy Secretary Rick Perry, whose agency oversees the nation’s nuclear arsenal, is inserting himself into an unusually small political dispute: an election for student body president at Texas A&M. In an op-ed submitted to the Houston Chronicle, the former Texas governor suggested that his alma mater’s first openly gay president may … Continue reading
CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — Gay rights advocates on Tuesday, Nov. 8, welcomed Australia’s Senate voting down a government plan to hold a nonbinding public vote on recognizing gay marriage and called on Parliament to legislate for marriage equality soon. The Senate voted 33-29 late Monday against holding the plebiscite Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s conservative government … Continue reading
NEW DELHI (AP) — The killing of two gay rights activists in the Bangladeshi capital has driven the country’s already secretive and small gay community underground, wondering if they can trust a government that considers their status to be criminal, rights groups said. Police detectives say they are working with evidence including a mobile phone, … Continue reading
ROME (AP) — Italian Premier Matteo Renzi is considering resorting to a risky confidence vote in the Senate to ensure the passage of a bill allowing civil unions, but not marriage, for gay couples. He told his Democratic Party members Sunday he is “ready” to use the tactic on the bill if needed. Pro-Vatican senators … Continue reading
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Former Utah lawmaker Jackie Biskupski on Tuesday, November 17, became the first openly gay mayor of Salt Lake City, the capital of the conservative state where the Mormon church and a small town judge delivered setbacks last week to the LGBT community. Official election results show Biskupski won 52 … Continue reading
In most states, the big elections will come next year. But on Tuesday, November 3, voters in a few states are electing governors and legislators, some cities will select mayors, and a variety of major issues will be settled at the ballot box. The elections, although likely to draw fewer voters than next year’s … Continue reading
MOREHEAD, Ky. (AP) — A gay couple emerged from a Kentucky county clerk’s office with a marriage license in hand Friday morning, embracing and crying as the defiant clerk who runs the office remained jailed for her refusal to issue the licenses because she opposed same-sex marriage. William Smith Jr. and James Yates, a couple … Continue reading
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama on Monday, Jan. 26, began the process of appealing a federal judge’s decision that overturned the state’s ban on same-sex marriage — a decision that was put on hold to allow time for the appeal. Attorney General Luther Strange’s office filed notice with the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of … Continue reading
Spartan Echo 