John Riley

Monroe County, Florida, home to the Florida Keys, will stop spending public funds to promote several LGBTQ events that draw thousands of tourists to Key West each year. The county announced the decision on May 5, citing a law signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last month prohibiting public money from being spent on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The law bars preferential treatment or special benefits for groups based on characteristics such as race, sex, ethnicity, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Currently, organizations that host tourist-attracting events can be reimbursed through the Monroe County Tourist Development Council. Groups […]

Earlier this month, Hawaii Gov. David Ige (D) signed a law that provides additional protections under Title IX for LGBTQ students. The bill, which received very little attention, provides for a state corollary to Title IX that prohibits discrimination on the basis of “sex” — including gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation — in any state educational program or activity, or in any program, including after-school or extracurricular activities, that receives financial assistance from the state. The bill also directs the state’s legislative reference bureau to conduct a study of Title IX policies across the nation and, if needed, […]