- Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) says he will keep transgender rights in the Employment Nondiscrimination Act (ENDA) even though some say that will kill the bill.
- House lawmakers are considering passing a repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell this year that wouldn’t go into effect until later. Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, is continuing to push for the legislation.
- Former First Lady Laura Bush told CNN’s Larry King that she supports marriage equality and abortion rights.
- President Obama nominated Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. The LGBT community reaction? Meh.
- HRC is working with Equality Hawaii to make sure the governor signs the civil union bill that the legislature has passed. The secret bonus for working on the campaign? Chocolate-covered macadamia nuts.
- Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty said he would veto a bill that would give same-sex partners the same end-of-life rights as married couples.
Around the world:
- In “not really news” news, the Pope spoke in Portugal and called abortion rights and marriage equality some of the most “insidious and dangerous” threats to world civilizations.
- Lithuania held its first gay pride march. Police kept protesters at bay.
- The impact of the U.K. Conservative’s win on LGBT rights remains to be seen, but they have named at least two openly gay MP’s to ministerial roles. Alan Duncan will be international development minister and Nick Herbert will be policing minister.