LGBTQ rights

Florida Republicans advance bills on gender identity, defamation

By Anthony Izaguirre, Brendan Farrington, Associated Press

Florida Republicans are advancing a proposal to ban classroom lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity through the eighth grade, expanding the controversial law critics call "Don't Say Gay."…

Italian far-right government limits parental rights of same-sex couples

By Colleen Barry, Associated Press

Gay rights activists have denounced as homophobic moves by Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's far-right-led government to limit recognition of parental rights to the biological parent only in the case of same-sex parents.

Anxiety, fear fill West Virginia transgender health care clinic

By Leah Willingham, Associated Press

Doctors in West Virginia say transgender health care that could soon be banned in the state is just as essential as the other lifesaving services they provide.

Minnesota governor signs executive order protecting rights to gender affirming care

By Steve Karnowski, Associated Press

Gov. Tim Walz has signed an executive order protecting the rights of LGBTQ people from Minnesota and other states to seek and receive gender affirming health care.

Mississippi enacts ban on gender-affirming care for children

By Emily Wagster Pettus, Associated Press

Mississippi Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has signed a bill to ban gender-affirming care in the state for anyone younger than 18.

West Virginia transgender athlete ban halted during federal appeal

By John Raby, Associated Press

A federal appeals panel has ruled that West Virginia transgender athletes can compete in female school sports while an appeal is heard on a state law banning their participation.

Mississippi Senate passes limit on gender-affirming health care

By Emily Wagster Pettus, Associated Press, Michael Goldberg, Associated Press/Report for America

The Republican-controlled Mississippi Senate has given final approval to a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for anyone younger than 18.

Spain parliament approves menstrual leave, teen abortion and transgender protections

By Jennifer O'Mahony, Ciarán Giles, Associated Press

Spain's parliament has approved laws expanding abortion and trans rights for teenagers, while making Spain the first country in Europe entitling workers to paid menstrual leave.

Kansas push to define sex decried as erasing transgender people

By John Hanna, Associated Press

A bill in Kansas and similar legislation in at least seven other states have LGBTQ-rights advocates worrying about a sweeping Republican-led effort to erase the legal existence of transgender men and women.

New Florida bill could spell end of Disney’s control over resort

By Mike Schneider, Associated Press

Some see it as punishment for Disney's opposition to the so-called "Don't Say Gay" law championed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis and the Republican-controlled Legislature.