A federal judge has decided to issue an injunction blocking enforcement of federal protections that were set to go into effect Jan. 1 barring discrimination in health care services based on an individual’s gender identity, as well as reproductive health services. U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor’s decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by…
Wednesday, Judge Todd Hernandez of the 19th Judicial District Court struck down Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards’ executive order protecting LGBTQ state workers and contractors from discrimination. Judge Hernandez delivered the ruling as the result of a dispute between Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, a Republican, and the Democratic governor, reported The Washington Blade. “The court…
A federal judge has suspended enforcement of one of the discriminatory provisions of North Carolina’s HB2 law until plaintiffs have an opportunity to fully make their case in court. U.S. District Judge Thomas Schroeder blocked the University of North Carolina (UNC) from enforcing the provision which prevents transgender people from using restrooms and other facilities…
WASHINGTON, DC – A federal judge day dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Fourth Corner Credit Union against the Federal Reserve in hopes of providing banking services to the legal cannabis industry. In his ruling, Judge R. Brooke Jackson said Congress must provide the answer, stating, “I regard the [cannabis banking] situation as untenable and…
Today, Broward Circuit Judge Dale Cohen struck down Florida’s marriage ban, affirming that the denial of marriage equality to same-sex couples in Florida is unconstitutional. The judge’s ruling applies to recognition of out-of-state same-sex marriages, as well as overturning Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage – Broward County only. This marks the third time in the…
This morning, the Senate confirmed three federal judges. On the one hand, they are not unique; like all of the President’s judges and judicial nominees, they have the necessary intellect, experience, integrity, and temperament. But they are special in that each of them is a trailblazer on their courts: Judge Darrin Gayles, confirmed to the…
U.S. District Judge Michael McShane has ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in two consolidated marriage cases challenging Oregon’s ban on marriage equality, known as Measure 36. Judge McShane’s is the latest in a string of rulings striking down state laws or constitutional amendments that ban marriage for same-sex couples. The cases were both filed…
Last night, a federal judge ruled that Idaho’s ban on marriage equality is unconstitutional. In her ruling flagwrote, “Idaho’s Marriage Laws withhold from them a profound and personal choice, one that most can take for granted. By doing so, Idaho’s Marriage Laws deny same-sex couples the economic, practical, emotional, and spiritual benefits of marriage, relegating…
WASHINGTON – Friday, Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza ruled in Wright v. Arkansas, striking down Arkansas’ ban on same-sex marriages. Following Judge Piazza’s ruling, Human Rights Campaign president and Arkansas native Chad Griffin issued the following statement: “I want to congratulate the plaintiffs in this case, as well as lead attorney Cheryl Maples and co-counsel…
An ex-convict who hates Catholics has admitted to committing a hate crime against religion when he torched a Spring Valley Catholic church. A prison term of 40 years to life is the maximum sentence for Eugene William Volk, 45, of Spring Valley, who will be sentenced July 17 by El Cajon Superior Court Judge Laura…
