LGBTQ

Virginia Health Officials Agree to Allow Talk Conversion Therapy, Sparking Controversy Over LGBTQ+ Rights and Religious Freedoms

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RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia officials have reached an agreement that allows counselors to continue using talk conversion therapy, despite a law enacted in 2020 that was intended to prohibit such practices for minors. The decision stems from a consent decree with the Founding Freedoms Law Center, a faith-based conservative organization that had legal grounds to challenge the law. Last month, the Virginia Department of Health Professions, guided by the state attorney general’s office, signed the consent agreement, which permits counselors to engage in conversation-based therapies without fear of disciplinary action. This move has raised considerable … Read more

Judge Dismisses Teacher’s $77M Lawsuit After She Refuses LGBTQ+ Training Requirement

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A New Jersey judge dismissed a teacher’s $77 million lawsuit claiming discrimination for refusing to participate in mandatory LGBTQ+ training. The case, which sparked significant attention, highlighted the ongoing debate around educational policies and employee rights in public schools. The teacher, who has not been publicly named, argued that her refusal to take part in the training was based on personal beliefs. She contended that the policy violated her freedom of speech and religious rights. The lawsuit accused the school district of creating a hostile work environment, asserting that the training coerced staff into aligning … Read more

Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration’s Diversity Funding Restrictions, Upholding LGBTQ Rights

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A federal judge in San Francisco ruled Monday against executive orders issued by the Trump administration that aimed to curb diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives among organizations seeking federal funding. The orders required these groups to halt certain programs and reassess their acknowledgment of transgender individuals to qualify for grants. U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar stated that pro-LGBTQ nonprofits demonstrated a strong likelihood of being able to challenge these executive orders, which they argue violate constitutional rights. In his ruling, Tigar noted that the provisions aimed to censor constitutionally protected speech while undermining services that … Read more

Salt Lake City Mayor Unveils Bold New Flags to Defy Controversial State Law, Championing LGBTQ+ and Diversity

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SALT LAKE CITY — In a bold response to a recently enacted law banning “non-official” flags, Mayor Erin Mendenhall introduced a new set of city flags that she asserts comply with the legislation. During a Salt Lake City Council meeting on Tuesday, Mendenhall presented variations of flags that include the LGBTQ+ Pride flag, the Juneteenth flag, the transgender pride flag, and the official Salt Lake City flag. These designs incorporate the city’s logo—featuring a Sego Lily—allowing them to technically adhere to the new regulations. The law, passed by the state legislature earlier this year, restricts … Read more