Schumer backs first openly gay male federal judge

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is recommending to President Obama that he nominate for the first time ever an openly gay male to serve on the federal bench, according to the senator's office. The senator has designated Daniel Alter to serve as judge for the U.S. District Court for the Southern...

Italy to open prison for transgender inmates only

Italy is to open the world's first prison facility to cater solely for transgendered people.
The 30-bed facility, in the town of Pozzale, near Florence in Tuscany, was formerly a women's prison, but by the end of last year its population had dwindled to just two inmates despite employing a staff...

Va. Senate OKs non-discrimination for state workers

The Virginia Senate passed a bill Monday that would make it illegal to discriminate in the state workforce, including on the basis of sexual orientation, marking the first time such legislation has passed either chamber of the Virginia General Assembly. The bill, which passed on a 23-to-17 largely party line...

Fresno College teacher under fire for anti-gay views

An instructor at Fresno City College is under fire over his alleged teachings about homosexuality. Two FCC students accuse Dr. Bradley Lopez of presenting religious-based and anti-gay views as scientific fact inside the classroom. The American Civil Liberties Union sent a letter to FCC President Cynthia Azari on Monday demanding...

N.J. group suspends party gifts after marriage defeat

New Jersey's largest gay rights group is suspending donations to political parties after feeling spurned by Democratic lawmakers who did not pass a gay marriage bill. Garden State Equality is also asking its 65,000 members not to contribute to parties. The group has not said it will refrain from donating...