NC college system’s federal funds in crosshairs of LGBT law
North Carolina’s prized public universities could be the biggest losers as state leaders defend a new law limiting the rights of LGBT people.
N.C. leaders denounce federal threat on LGBT law
Giving no indication of yielding to pressure, North Carolina’s Republican leaders called a federal warning about the legality of the state’s new law limiting LGBT anti-discrimination rules a broad overreach by the government.
Grammy museums director wants repeal of Mississippi LGBT law
After opening the only Grammy Museum outside Los Angeles in the Mississippi Delta, the museums’ director Bob Santelli had planned to bring his 28-year-old son to visit the high-tech facility honoring the cradle of the blues.
Education sec. calls for repeal of 2 transgender laws
Laws in North Carolina and Mississippi that restrict the rights of transgender Americans are hateful and should be repealed, Education Secretary John B. King Jr. said Monday.
LGBT rights protesters vow to keep fighting
Hundreds of supporters of lesbian, gay bisexual and transgender rights protested Sunday against a new Mississippi law they call discriminatory, saying they’re not giving up their fight.
Attorney: Miss. law could harm access to gay marriage
A new Mississippi law might violate a federal judge’s order that blocks the state from treating same-sex couples differently from straight couples who want to marry, says an attorney who helped overturn the state’s ban on gay marriage.
Religious leaders object to religious objections law
Dozens of Methodist leaders are objecting to Mississippi’s new religious objections law, saying it violates their religious principles.
UK alerts LGBT travelers to North Carolina, Mississippi laws
The British government is advising lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens to pay special attention when traveling to North Carolina and Mississippi.
Comedian Tracy Morgan scraps planned Miss. performance
Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan has scrapped a scheduled April 29 performance in Mississippi, citing its contested religious-objections bill for his decision.
Conservatives drive backlash against LGBT rights
Year after year, South Carolina Sen. Lee Bright has watched as gays won more rights through legislation and the courts. And as he sees proposals elsewhere in the U.S. aimed at allowing transgender people to use the bathroom that conforms to their identity, he says plenty of people feel just like he does.
Country artists condemn LGBT laws, but labels silent
Several country music artists and songwriters have condemned proposed laws that critics say discriminate against LGBT people, but anyone looking for reaction from the record labels and production companies on Nashville’s Music Row has heard only the sound of silence.
Miss. church a window into national gay rights debate
On many Sundays, conservative Mississippi Republican Gov. Phil Bryant can be found in the sanctuary at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, almost always in his trademark suit and boots, often among those helping pass the offering plates.
95 Miss. authors call for repeal of anti-LGBT law
A former U.S. poet laureate, winners of the National Book Award and Pulitzer Prize, and best-selling authors including John Grisham are among 95 Mississippi authors urging state officials to repeal a law that will let workers cite religious beliefs to deny services to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people.
Under the Capitol Dome: Analysis: HB1523 shows Miss. cultural, political rift
As the Mississippi Senate sparred in one of its most contentious debates of the 2016 session, spectators watched intently from a balcony overlooking the chamber.
ABC anchor on Miss. law: Equal treatment for everyone
Robin Roberts said Friday that “it hurts my soul” that someone might not be welcome in Mississippi because of a law saying religious groups and some private businesses can cite moral beliefs to deny services to lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender people.
Renewed debate planned on LGBT rights, religious freedom
With same-sex marriage now legal nationwide, lawmakers in numerous states are preparing for a new round of battles in 2016 over whether to grant discrimination protections to LGBT people or religious exemptions to nonprofits and businesses that object to gay marriage.
Backlash over Mormon LGBT rule change spreads among faithful
New Mormon church rules targeting gay members and their children have triggered a firestorm of backlash from church members of all political backgrounds.
Judge is asked to block ban on adoption by gay couples
Four lesbian couples are asking a federal judge to immediately stop Mississippi from enforcing a law that bans same-sex couples from adopting or taking children into foster care.
Our View: Miss. should not fight challenge to its ban on same-sex adoptions
Wednesday, the LGBT advocacy group Campaign for Southern Equality filed suit against the state of Mississippi challenging the state law that prohibits same-sex couples from adopting children.
Lawsuit filed against state for gay adoption ban
Throughout the 19 years that Tina Sweeten-Lunsford and her wife, Kari, have been together, they have talked about growing their family by adopting a child.