American majority sides with LGBT rights, though so-called ‘Bathroom Bills’ cause division

NEW YORK — With 40 state legislatures convened thus far in 2017, analysts report there are more than 30 measures introduced in 11 states that are intended to weaken or remove civil rights safeguards for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. In this polarized political climate, a majority of Americans state they oppose measures that…

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AFGE applauds ruling affirming bathroom rights for transgender workers

WASHINGTON — The largest union of federal government employees is applauding the federal government’s announcement that transgender federal workers must be able to use restrooms that correspond to their gender identity. The American Federation of Government Employees said the Aug. 18 memo from the General Services Administration affirms recent decisions by the Equal Employment Opportunity…

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HRC: Upcoming Egyptian Economic Conference opportunity for business leaders to champion LGBT equality

Today the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) sent letters to prominent business leaders who are scheduled to speak at the upcoming Egypt Economic Development Conference (EEDC). HRC urged these high-level private sector speakers, many representing companies that have already demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to LGBT equality, to raise the issue of Egyptian human rights abuses in…

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Feel the thunder at FreeWillUSA’s hot summer ‘Fun’-der: Aug. 14

SAN DIEGO — Will Walters, founder and president of San Diego-based civil rights education organization, FreeWillUSA invites San Diegans and visitors alike to join him for an evening of food, friends, fun and a little bit of fundraising, this Thursday, Aug. 14 from 6-8 p.m. at Harvey Milk’s American Diner, Sixth Avenue and University in Hillcrest. FreeWillUSA…

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A bad day in court

Last year, the decisions of the Supreme Court’s June term were met with joyful celebration in San Diego’s LGBT community, with decisions bringing an end to both California’s Proposition 8 and part of the Defense of Marriage Act. The final day of the 2014 spring Supreme Court term was markedly different, with decisions that clearly…

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Ambassador Susan E. Rice addresses White House Forum on Global LGBT Human Rights

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Ambassador Susan E. Rice, the National Security Advisor, delivered keynote remarks at the White House Forum on Global Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Human Rights. The Forum brings together the faith community, private sector, philanthropy, HIV and health advocates, LGBT activists from around the world, and the broader human rights…

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American sanctions hit Uganda’s ‘most vulnerable’ hardest

Uganda warned on Monday that U.S. sanctions slapped on the country over its tough anti-gay laws would harm the “most vulnerable” in the country. Washington last week froze some aid programs, as well as cancelling military air exercises and barring entry to the U.S. for specific Ugandan officials involved in “human rights abuses”, including against the gay…

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Luxembourg passes marriage equality legislation

The government of Luxembourg has passed legislation that will make it the 19th nation to grant full marriage rights to all of its citizens. Luxembourg’s national parliament, the Chamber of Deputies, approved the bill by a vote of 56 to 4.  In addition to granting full marriage rights to Luxembourg’s LGBT citizens–previously only civil unions…

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HRC to Secretary Kerry: hold Uganda accountable

WASHINGTON –– The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), today urged Secretary of State John Kerry to directly raise the United States’ vehement opposition to Uganda’s recent enactment of state-sponsored homophobia and transphobia in his meeting this afternoon with Ugandan Foreign Minister Sam Kutesa. In addition, following recent news that an Administration-ordered interagency review of the U.S. relationship…

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