HRC calls on Olympic sponsors to condemn anti-LGBT law in Russia, advocate for equality worldwide

WASHINGTON –  Human Rights Campaign (HRC) President Chad Griffin has sent a letter to the heads of the top sponsors of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) expressing concern over the anti-LGBT Russian law criminalizing “homosexual propaganda.”  In addition to raising awareness about the law that has led to multiple human rights abuses, particularly hate-based violence…

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Pennsylvania General Counsel Schultz responds to ‘issuing same-sex marriage licenses’ case

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania General Counsel James D. Schultz issued the following statement today surrounding the same-sex marriage case as reported earlier on LGBTweekly.com. “We are deeply disturbed and disappointed by recent coverage of the same-sex marriage case which misrepresents the commonwealth’s position in this matter. “This case is a clear matter of law: Does a public official…

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North Carolina mother attempts to ‘beat the gay’ out of her teenage son

A report filed with the Whiteville, N.C. Police Department indicates that Mary Gowans, 41, attempted to have her younger son repeatedly strike her older son in an attempt to ‘beat the gay’ out of him. The report states that when the officer arrived, screaming and yelling could be heard by several subjects inside the home….

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Paralyzed LGBT Navy officer latest beneficiary of local charity (VIDEO)

A paralyzed LGBT Navy Officer and his partner have become the latest beneficiaries of local San Diego charity Embrace’s, (www.embrace1.org) home restoration program. The program, Mission: H3 healing our heroes’ homes is about to send a team to start renovating  U.S. Navy Commander Brian Delaney’s home. Watch the video and hear Brian’s story and how…

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Pennsylvania Department of Health files suit to halt issuance of same-sex marriage licenses

In what was seen as a widely expected move, Philly.com is reporting that the Pennsylvania Department of Health has issued an injunction against the Montgomery County Register of Wills, D. Bruce Hanes. Hanes, who to date has issued 154 same-sex marriage licenses, began issuing them in late July. “”I decided to come down on the…

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HHS announces first guidance implementing Supreme Court’s decision on the Defense of Marriage Act

Today, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a memo clarifying that all beneficiaries in private Medicare plans have access to equal coverage when it comes to care in a nursing home where their spouse lives.  This is the first guidance issued by HHS in response to the recent Supreme Court ruling, which…

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All legal same-sex marriages will be recognized for federal tax purposes

WASHINGTON – Today the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a ruling that will ensure all legally-married same-sex couples, regardless of where they live, will be recognized for federal tax purposes.  Recently the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a key provision of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), which…

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HRC launches ‘Youth Well-Being Project’ with ‘Time to THRIVE’ conference

WASHINGTON – With LGBTQ young people facing disproportionate levels of harassment at school and a lack of acceptance in their homes and communities, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation announces the launch of its Youth Well-Being Project – promoting safety, inclusion and well-being for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth. Anchored by a new national conference…

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