Chris Johnson
Attorneys Who Argued Gay Rights Cases Reflect on Kennedy Legacy
U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy is stepping down from the U.S. Supreme Court after writing four milestone cases in favor of gay rights over the course of his 30 years on the bench. The Washington Blade contacted the attorneys who argued [...]
Is Marriage in Danger with Kennedy Gone from Supreme Court?
After announcing his retirement following 30 years on the U.S. Supreme Court, U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy leaves a profound legacy in favor of gay rights — but questions linger over whether his legacy is in jeopardy and same-sex marriage [...]
Justice Kennedy Announces Plans to Step Down from Supreme Court
U.S. Associate Justice Anthony Kennedy — the author of major U.S. Supreme Court rulings in favor of gay rights — has announced plans to step down from the bench. Major media outlets reported Kennedy — appointed by President Reagan in 1988 — [...]
Supreme Court Sends Back 'Religious Freedom' Case From Anti-Gay Florist
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday announced that it has sent back for review to Washington State a lawsuit filed by an anti-gay florist seeking a First Amendment right to refuse service to same-sex weddings. The court announced the decision in an [...]
Gina Ortiz Jones Could be LGBTQ Face of 2018 Dem Victories
Change could come to Washington after the congressional mid-term elections in November, and the bid of Gina Ortiz Jones to represent Texas' 23rd congressional district certainly represents that possibility. Jones, who recently emerged a victor in [...]
Awkward Tension as Pentagon Hosts Pride While Pushing to Ban Trans Members
Pride is supposed to be a time for celebration, but there was palpable tension Monday at the annual Defense Department Pride event as LGBT civilians and members of the armed forces recognized the occasion. The event — hosted by DOD Pride, an [...]
Supreme Court Sidesteps Major Ruling in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
The U.S. Supreme Court sidestepped a major decision Monday in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case, issuing a narrow decision based on the facts of the lawsuit in favor of a Colorado baker sued for refusing to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. In [...]
No Proclamation (Again) From Trump for Pride Month
The first day of June has arrived and President Trump again declined to issue a proclamation recognizing Pride month, breaking a tradition when Democrats occupied the White House. Meanwhile, Trump has issued proclamations in recent days recognizing [...]
CDC Denies LGBT Questions Removed from Federal Health Survey
Despite a report the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention had removed LGBT questions from a federal health survey, the agency insists no decision has been made to omit the module. Bernadette Burden, a CDC spokesperson, said the agency is [...]
Kansas Governor Signs 'Religious Freedom' Anti-LGBT Adoption Law
Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer has signed anti-LGBT adoption legislation making his state the latest to enact a "religious freedom" law enabling taxpayer-funded agencies to deny placement into LGBT homes. Colyer signed the legislation, Senate Bill 284, [...]
SBA Restores Website Info for LGBT-Owned Businesses
Following complaints from a leading LGBT business group and two House Democrats, the U.S. Small Business Administration has restored to its website material dedicated to LGBT-owned small businesses. The new webpage on the SBA website, titled [...]
Oklahoma Governor Signs First Anti-LGBT Law of 2018
Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin signed into law on May 11 a "religious freedom" bill enabling taxpayer-funded adoption agencies to deny placement into LGBT homes, marking the first time in 2018 a state anti-LGBT bill became law. In a statement on May 11, [...]