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It is vital for South Africa to oppose Uganda’s dangerous anti-gay bill

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While South Africans were celebrating Human Rights Day on March 21, Ugandan lawmakers passed a sweeping bill that tramples on the basic human rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Ugandans. Under this bill, sexually active gay men and lesbians could face the death penalty. South Africa’s constitution and the protection it provides offer a beacon of hope in this situation. South Africa has the leadership, experience and regional influence to advocate against it and should do so urgently, before this bill is signed into law.  Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni has 30 days since its passage through parliament to sign this […]

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Idaho governor signs bill banning transition care for minors

Idaho has joined a dozen states across the country in banning or restricting transition-related care for minors. The state’s governor, Brad Little, a Republican, signed the “Vulnerable Child Protective Act” into law Tuesday evening. The measure prohibits transgender people under 18 from accessing puberty blockers and hormones. It also prevents them from undergoing transition-related surgery, though there is no evidence to suggest minors are getting this type of surgery in Idaho, according to KTVB-TV, an NBC affiliate in Boise.  “In signing this bill, I recognize our society plays a role in protecting minors from surgeries or treatments that can irreversibly damage their healthy […]

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‘White Lives Matter’ neo-Nazi admits firebombing church over drag queen event, court told

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A supporter of a White Lives Matter group has been arrested for attempting to burn a church “to the ground” over a Drag Queen Story Hour event.  Aimenn Penny, 20, was charged with malicious use of explosives and possessing a destructive device on Friday (31 March) following an arson attack on the Community Church of Chesterland in Ohi Advertisement Remove ads An affidavit filed in court states that Penny told FBI agents he attempted to burn “the entire church to the ground” to protect children from the “threat” of drag queens.  Following the failed attack on 25 March, the family-friendly drag […]

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We’ll Cut Your Throats’: Man Charged With Threatening Human Rights Campaign

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A Maryland man has been charged with threatening the Human Rights Campaign, referencing the Nashville school shooting, in which the shooter was said to be transgender. The Department of Justice filed a criminal complaint Monday against Adam Michael Nettina, 34, of West Friendship, Md. He is accused of making the threat by phone to HRC’s Washington, D.C., headquarters the night of March 28. A transcription of his voice mail, contained in the complaint, reads as follows: “You guys going to shoot up our schools now? Is that how it’s going to be? You just gonna to kill little kids. You’re just going […]

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Education department proposed a change to Title IX that would prohibit categorical bans on trans athletes

The Education Department proposed a rule Thursday in connection with the growing number of states that have banned transgender student-athletes from participating on school sports teams that align with their gender identities. The department’s proposed rule would change Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 — which prohibits discrimination based on sex in federally funded education programs — by, in part, prohibiting blanket exclusions of trans girls and women from female sports teams, which have become law in 20 states. The measure would, however, permit some restrictions in certain sports at more elite levels of competition, such as in high […]

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U.S. Reaches All-Time High in Out Elected Officials, and They’re Ready to Fight Back

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At a time of record anti-LGBTQ+ legislation at the state level and attacks from other government officials, there’s also some good news: LGBTQ+ people are serving in elected office in record numbers, and they’re helping to counter the hate. The number of out LGBTQ+ elected officials in the U.S. increased by 68 percent over the past five years, rising from 698 to 1,174, according to a new report from the LGBTQ Victory Institute, the educational and training arm of the LGBTQ Victory Fund. This was helped along by rainbow waves in recent elections. “In 2018, LGBTQ+ people hit the campaign […]

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Even most Republican voters think the GOP is attacking transgender kids too much

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A new poll found that a majority of Democratic, independent, and even Republican likely voters believe that there is “too much legislation” aimed at reducing LGBTQ+ rights at the state level. The progressive polling firm and think tank Data for Progress conducted a survey of 1220 participants and asked about the 429 bills presented at state legislatures attacking LGBTQ+ rights. Most of the bills are aimed at transgender youth, and 17 have already become law this year. Republican lawmakers have worked round the clock to pass oppressive bills targeting gender-affirming care, bathroom usage, drag shows, and trans students.  72% of Democratic voters […]

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Santos bill would ban US foreign aid to countries that criminalize LGBTQ people

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Republican New York Congressman George Santos has introduced a bill that would ban U.S. foreign aid to countries that criminalize LGBTQ people and women. “Discrimination against both women and the LGBTQ community is unacceptable,” said Santos in a March 24 press release that announced the introduction of Equality and Fiscal Accountability Protection Act of 2023. “My bill will send a clear message that the United States will not offer federal aid to countries found to be violating the rights of individuals based on sexual orientation. We as a nation have a responsibility to stand up for the human rights of all people, […]

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Nebraska school district hit with lawsuit after shutting down school paper over LGBTQ+ content

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A school district in Nebraska is facing a lawsuit after a high school shut down its newspaper because students produced an LGBTQ+ edition.  The lawsuit states that Grand Island Northwest Public Schools and its superintendent violated the First Amendment rights of students by axing the Viking Saga in May 2022.  The newspaper had been running for 54 years. As reported by the Associated Press, legal action has been brought by the Nebraska High School Press Association, and former Grand Island Northwest High School journalist Marcus Pennell.  The student newspaper staff were made aware that the publication was being pulled three […]

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Biden administration appeals judge’s decision that insurance companies don’t have to cover PrEP

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The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) is appealing a judge’s decision to nullify a section of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) that requires insurance companies to cover the HIV prevention drug regimen PrEP.  Last week, U.S. District Juge Reed O’Connor struck down a section of the ACA requiring coverage of certain preventive health care services, which, in addition to PrEP, includes some cancer screenings, contraception, immunizations, and more. O’Connor’s decision leaves over 150 million people vulnerable to the added costs of this care.  A coordinated effort by right-wing media and lawmakers has decimated community-based programs addressing healthcare for LGBTQ+ people in Tennessee O’Connor’s […]

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