News :: National

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, confers with the committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa.

Committee Nears Final Big Immigration Decisions

By David Espo and Erica Werner | May 21
The Senate Judiciary Committee hopes to pass a compromise on high-tech visas and may punt a controversy over gay marriage to the full Senate as it makes final drafting decisions on immigration legislation.

White House to Honor Gay Officials on Harvey Milk Day

By Ryan Dixon | Wednesday May 22, 2013
The White House has released the list of the 10 openly gay officials it plans to honor on May 22 as "Harvey Milk Champions of Change."
Charlie Rogers

Omaha Gay-Rights Group Seeks Return of Donations

Wednesday May 22, 2013
An Omaha gay-rights group is seeking the return of some $1,800 donated to a woman convicted of lying about being attacked by masked men who carved anti-gay slurs into her skin.
Boy Scouts hold signs at the "Save Our Scouts" Prayer Vigil and Rally.

Boy Scout Leaders to Vote on Lifting Gay Ban

Wednesday May 22, 2013
The Boy Scouts of America will convene a two-day meeting of 1,400 local leaders to consider changing its long-standing ban openly gay boys belonging to the scouting movement.
Vice President Joe Biden

Biden: Jewish Leaders Drove Gay Marriage Changes

By Josh Lederman | Wednesday May 22, 2013
Vice President Joe Biden is praising Jewish leaders for helping change American attitudes about gay marriage and other issues.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, confers with the committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, May 20, 2013

Senate Panel Approves Immigration Bill; Nixes Gay Spouses

By David Espo And Erica Werner | Tuesday May 21, 2013
Far-reaching legislation that grants a chance at citizenship to millions of immigrants living illegally in the United States cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a solid bipartisan vote Tuesday night after supporters somberly sidestepped a controver
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, confers with the committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, May 20, 2013

Ill. Gay Marriage Bill Sponsor: It Will Pass

By Jason St. Amand | Tuesday May 21, 2013
The sponsor of Illinois’ gay marriage bill says the gay marriage will be legalized by the end of the month, which would make the state the 13th in the nation to recognize same-sex marriage.
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., right, confers with the committee’s ranking Republican, Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, May 20, 2013

Will LGBT Amendments Bring Down Immigration Reform?

By Conswella Bennett | Tuesday May 21, 2013
Though LGBT groups remain optimistic on an inclusive LGBT immigration bill, some have raised concern that the gay amendments could destroy the bill’s chances of becoming law.
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy

AP Sources: Obama OK Punting Gay Immigration Idea

By Julie Pace | Tuesday May 21, 2013
Two people familiar with the Senate immigration deliberations say the White House has suggested to Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy that it would be best to put off a controversy over gay marriage until a bill goes before the full Senate.
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy

NYC Galvanized By Spate of Anti-Gay Hate Crimes

By Winnie McCroy | Tuesday May 21, 2013
New York City’s LGBT community came together in an intense show of force on May 20 to protest the rash of anti-gay hate crimes in the city, most recently the fatal shooting of gay man Mark Carson.

Sally Ride to Get Posthumous Medal of Freedom

Monday May 20, 2013
President Barack Obama will bestow the Medal of Freedom posthumously on Sally Ride, the first American woman to fly in space.