Gov. Mike DeWine, a Republican, struck down a bill to ban gender-affirming care for minors. More than 20 states have passed similar restrictions in the past two years.
LGBTQ
Posted inNation & World, Schools and Education
Half of challenged books return to schools. LGBTQ books are banned most.
Books about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer lives were 30% more likely to be yanked, The Washington Post found.
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Posted inNorthern Forecaster, The Forecaster
SAD 51 board votes to keep ‘Gender Queer’ at Greely High School library
A parent who had challenged the book because of its sexually explicit content had hoped the Cumberland-North Yarmouth School Board would overturn the recommendation from a review committee.
Posted inNation & World, News, Religion and Values
Pope’s approval of gay blessings could have impact in places where rights are restricted
From Uganda to the United States, laws that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people or even criminalize homosexuality have increased in recent years, leaving communities feeling under attack.
Posted inNation & World, News, Religion and Values
Pope approves blessings for same-sex couples
Francis suggested such blessings could be offered under some circumstances if they didn’t confuse the ritual with the sacrament of marriage.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Augusta school board votes down transgender-inclusive policy
Some school board members argued the policy needs more work, but others said there was plenty of time for adjustments since the document was introduced nearly a year ago.
Posted inNation & World
Police raid Moscow gay bars after court labels LGBTQ+ movement ‘extremist’
The ruling is the latest step in a decadelong crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under President Vladimir Putin.
Posted inNation & World, News
Russia bans international LGBT movement as ‘extremist’
The Kremlin appears to be banking on global homophobia as a unifying ideology that will align intolerant countries – particularly in the Middle East and Africa – against the liberal West.
Posted inLife & Culture, Nation & World, News, Religion and Values
Pope will open a big Vatican meeting as battle lines are drawn on his reform project
On the agenda are calls to take concrete steps to elevate women to decision-making roles in the church and ways to better welcome of LGBTQ+ Catholics.
Posted inBusiness, Nation & World
Colorado high court to hear case against Christian baker who refused to make LGBTQ-themed cake
The key issue in the case is whether the cakes Jack Phillips creates are a form of speech and whether forcing him to make a cake with a message he does not support is a violation of his First Amendment right.