LGBTQ rights

Activists turn backs on U.S. officials as UN-backed human rights review of United States concludes

By Jamey Keaten, Associated Press

The protesters led the demonstration as U.S. Ambassador Michele Taylor wrapped up two days of hearings on the United States before the independent Human Rights Committee.

Wisconsin Senate approves bill banning gender-affirming surgery for minors

By Scott Bauer, Associated Press

Republican lawmakers across the country want to limit the rights of transgender youths, sparking fierce pushback from the transgender community and triggering discrimination lawsuits along the way.

News Wrap: Belgian police kill Tunisian man accused in deadly Brussels shooting

In our news wrap Tuesday, police in Brussels killed a Tunisian man accused of gunning down two Swedish soccer fans on Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China to visit a top ally in his war against Ukraine, the…

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India’s Supreme Court declines to legalize same-sex marriage, saying it’s up to Parliament

By Krutika Pathi, Associated Press

The chief justice also urged the government to uphold the rights of the queer community and end discrimination against them.

Transgender residents in North Carolina, Montana file lawsuits challenging new state restrictions

By Hannah Schoenbaum, Amy Beth Hanson, Associated Press

Transgender residents of North Carolina and Montana added to a growing list of lawsuits challenging the recent onslaught of Republican state laws aimed at transgender individuals.

Michigan Supreme Court orders judges to honor pronouns of parties in court

By Ed White, Associated Press

The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday ordered all judges to address people in court by the pronouns they use or by “other respectful means.”…

Montana judge temporarily blocks law banning gender-affirming medical care for minors

By Amy Beth Hanson, Associated Press

A Montana state judge has temporarily blocked enforcement of a law to ban gender-affirming medical care for minors.

Federal judge rules Texas university that canceled drag show didn’t violate free speech rights

By Kimberlee Kruesi, Associated Press

The U.S. district judge argued Thursday that drag shows are "sexualized content" and can be subject to more regulations.

Pentagon working to restore benefits to LGBTQ+ veterans forced out under ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’

By Tara Copp, Associated Press

Under the policy, service members who had other than heterosexual orientation could serve — as long as they kept it quiet. That led to years of discrimination, undue pressure, discharges and lost benefits.

Democrats retain narrow control of Pennsylvania House after special election

By Brooke Schultz, Associated Press/Report for America

Voters on Tuesday elected former congressional aide Lindsay Powell, bringing the partisan split to 102-101. Powell defeated Republican challenger Erin Connolly Autenreith in the heavily Democratic district.