Category Archives: Law

Reaction to Supreme Court nominee Barrett: cautious concern

In her confirmation process for a federal appeals seat, Amy Coney Barrett promised to "faithfully follow" the precedents set by such landmark LGBT Supreme Court cases as Obergefell and Lawrence. LGBT experts think those precedents can stand despite her personal

Supreme Court’s most pro-LGBT justice dies

The Supreme Court justice with the most supportive voting record for LGBT people, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, died Friday. Now, the battle begins over who shall appoint her successor.

Two federal appeals courts: Title IX covers gender identity

Two federal appeals panels ruled in August that the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in June --that Title VII covers discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity at work-- means Title IX covers such discrimination at schools.

Judge stops HHS rule change from taking effect

The Trump administration's efforts to undercut non-discrimination protections for LGBT people in health care were stalled Monday when a federal judge stopped new HHS regulations from taking effect.

Activists see pro-religion ruling as ‘unsettling’

LGBT legal activists have some concerns about a pro-religion ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court Tuesday. Although the case is not LGBT specific, the ruling could have implications for future LGBT cases, including one pending for the next session.

Supreme Court curbs foreign AIDS affiliates

A 5 to 4 decision of the U.S. Supreme Court Monday will require that foreign groups affiliated with U.S. groups to issue public statements that some believe may hinder AIDS prevention efforts.

After Title VII ‘watershed,’ is the court reshaping?

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch show signs of forming a new middle ground on the Supreme Court bench, at least when it comes to LGBT issues.

Supreme Court: Title VII covers sexual orientation and gender status

Justice Neil Gorsuch, writing for Chief Justice John Roberts and four more liberal justices, ruled that federal law banning discrimination based on "sex" in employment covers discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender status.

4th Circuit examines ‘this transgender situation’

A three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals engaged in lively discussion of whether federal law protects transgender students but seemed confident the U.S. Supreme Court will settle the issue soon.

Supreme Court: First Amendment issues in the spotlight

The Trump administration defended its efforts to bolster religious belief exemptions and curtail other First Amendment considerations in two cases before the Supreme Court this week.