Arizona Repeals Anti-LGBTQ Curriculum Law
Two weeks after the state of Arizona was sued for its anti-LGBTQ health curriculum in public schools, Governor Doug Ducey (R) signed a repeal of the law.
milestone
LDS Church Says Children of LGBT Parents May Be Blessed, Baptized; Same-Sex Couples No Longer “Apostates”
In a major reversal of policy, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has said that children of LGBT parents may now be blessed and baptized in the faith, and that same-sex couples in the LDS Church will no longer be considered “apostates.”
New Chicago Mayor Is City’s First Black, Woman Mayor, and Also a Lesbian Mom
In a historic victory, Lori Lightfoot last night was elected mayor of Chicago, becoming the city’s first Black woman mayor, its first openly LGBTQ mayor, and the first openly LGBTQ woman of color to be elected mayor in any of America’s 100 largest cities. She’s also a proud lesbian raising a 10-year-old daughter with her spouse Amy Eshleman.
Of Budget and Bias
President Trump’s proposed 2020 budget, released March 11, reinforces his intention to let foster care and adoption agencies discriminate against LGBTQ people and others in the name of religion, using taxpayer money. There is legislation pending that could stop these religious exemptions to nondiscrimination laws, however. Here’s what you need to know.
Michigan Cannot Fund Adoption Agencies that Discriminate Against LGBTQ People, Settlement Agrees
Two foster care and adoption agencies were violating Michigan’s nondiscrimination laws by refusing to work with same-sex couples, per the settlement of a case announced today by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Connecticut “Kid Governor” Speaks About Her LGBTQ Equality Platform
Connecticut’s newest “Kid Governor”—chosen by fifth graders last November as part of a statewide civics program—is 11-year-old Ella Briggs, who’s proudly lesbian and ran on a platform of LGBTQ Youth Safety. The Connecticut Mirror just did a nice profile and video of her, so have a look and meet one of the young LGBTQ leaders making change today.
Celebrating Five Decades of Queer-Inclusive Books for Children and Youth
This year is the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots—but also marks the decennial anniversaries of several groundbreaking LGBTQ-inclusive books for children and young adults in the U.S. Walk through the decades with me.
Boy Is Named U.S. Citizen Like His Twin in Limited Immigration Victory for Same-Sex Parents
A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled yesterday that the son of two married men, one a U.S. citizen and one an Israeli citizen, must be recognized as a U.S. citizen like his twin brother. But the ruling does not change a State Department policy that will allow continued discrimination against same-sex couples and their children.
New Jersey’s Paid Family Leave Law Now Includes Chosen Families
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (D) yesterday signed a bill expanding the state’s paid family leave law in a number of ways—notably, by expanding the definition of “family” under the law to include chosen families and by expanding the definition of “parent” to include foster parents and those who become parents via gestational surrogacy.
France to Use “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” on All School Forms
France’s National Assembly has passed legislation that will require schools to use “Parent 1” and “Parent 2” on all school forms, instead of “Mother” and “Father,” in order to recognize the variety of families today.