Carson won’t deliver Johns Hopkins commencement address

(CNN) — The conservative neurosurgeon Ben Carson, who last month equated homosexuality with pedophilia and bestiality in a television appearance, withdrew as Johns Hopkins University’s medical school commencement speaker on Wednesday. “Given all the national media surrounding my statements as to my belief in traditional marriage, I believe it would be in the best interests…

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NHL partners with advocacy group to stamp out homophobia

(CNN) — The National Hockey League and a sports-oriented anti-homophobia advocacy group announced Thursday they are joining forces to provide players with tolerance training and other programs. The league said the agreement with You Can Play cements pro hockey’s reputation as the world’s most inclusive sports league. The New York-based league will partner with You…

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Standing room only at ‘Transgender Day of Empowerment’

The community gathered April 5 at The Center to celebrate the 10th annual Transgender Day of Empowerment, “An evening of celebration, education, and entertainment.” The auditorium was filled with a diverse standing room only audience including many families and youth. Connor Maddocks was the emcee and welcomed special guests, sponsors, keynote speakers and elected officials….

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State files suit against florist for refusing to sell flowers for gay wedding

Olympia, WA (KCPQ-CNN) — State Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a consumer protection lawsuit Tuesday against Arlene’s Flowers and Gifts of Richland, Wash., for refusing to provide wedding flowers for a same-sex marriage ceremony. The Attorney General’s Office said that on March 1, Barronelle Stutzman, owner of Arlene’s Flowers, refused to provide wedding flowers to…

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