Russian minister to IOC: international LGBT Olympians at risk

WASHINGTON – Claims made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that international LGBT visitors to Russia would be safe during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi appear to be coming apart at the seams today as Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko declared that all LGBT athletes within Russian borders will be very much at risk…

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Sign controversy surrounding Phoenix City Council candidate’s signs (VIDEO)

One LGBTweekly reader spotted a political sign in Phoenix that is causing some controversy. In his race for Phoenix City Council District 4, HIV/LGBT advocate Austin Head’s roadside campaign signs have, apparently, been mis-interpreted by some! On a more serious note Head knows all too well what it’s like to be discriminated against. Last year…

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New study: In raising children parents’ relationships more important than their sexual orientation

AMHERST, Mass. – A new study by psychology researchers suggests that whether parents are gay, lesbian or straight, how well they work together as a couple and support each other in parenting is linked to fewer behavior problems among their adopted children and is more important than their sexual orientation. Rachel H. Farr at the…

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Nation’s leading businesses support ENDA as Senate hearing nears

WASHINGTON – The nation’s leading corporations are continuing to stand up for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA), legislation that would provide workplace protections to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community.  Currently, there is no federal law prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Human Rights Campaign President Chad…

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HRC on Exodus: ‘now persuade all other religious-based institutions that they got it wrong’

WASHINGTON — Following the announcement that Exodus International is closing its doors for good and the organization’s president Alan Chambers’ apology to the gay community the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) issued a statement welcoming the move and calling on Exodus to now persuade other religious-based institutions that they “got it wrong.” “We are encouraged that…

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Delaware passes Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act

DOVER, Del. — Delaware is set to become the 17th state to ban gender identity discrimination when the Senate voted 11-to-9 Wednesday to pass the Gender Identity Non-Discrimination Act.  The bill adds gender identity to the existing list of protected nondiscrimination categories, including race, age, religion and sexual orientation. It also allows for enhanced penalties under Delaware’s…

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HUD announces first-ever same-sex housing discrimination study

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) today released the nation’s first-ever national study examining housing discrimination against same-sex couples in the private rental market.  The study, An Estimate of Housing Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples, measures the treatment same-sex couples receive from rental agents when inquiring about apartments advertised online, as compared…

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Freedom from Discrimination in Credit Act could help LGBT Americans realize American Dream

WASHINGTON – With no federal law protecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people from discrimination in securing credit, thousands of Americans face unfair challenges in buying a home, going to college, or starting a small business.  To ensure all qualified people have access to the financial credit necessary to build a productive life, Sen….

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Speaker John A. Pérez, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin lead first-ever California National Guard contingent in L.A. Pride parade

LOS ANGELES — For the first time, a delegation from the California National Guard, led by its Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David S. Baldwin, took part in L.A. Pride, joining Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles), the first openly gay person elected official to lead a state house, in yesterdays Pride Parade. The California National…

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