New Report: Religious Accommodation Cannot Come at the Expense of Others' Rights

New Report: Religious Accommodation Cannot Come at the Expense of Others' Rights

The Leadership Conference Education Fund has released its report, Striking a Balance: Advancing Civil and Human Rights While Preserving Religious Liberty, documenting the use of religious arguments to oppose the abolition of slavery, women’s suffrage and equality, racial integration, inter-racial marriage, immigration, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and the right to collectively bargain. Striking a Balance also examines the current legal and political landscape in which religious exemptions are being used to deny civil and human rights, including LGBT equality.

Harvey Milk was Not The First Openly Gay Politician

Harvey Milk was Not The First Openly Gay Politician

In Ann Arbor in 1974, Kathy Kozachenko took an early step toward LGBT power. 41 years later, she tells her story.

Photographer: Chris Goodney/Bloomberg

Global-Local Connection for LGBT Rights event stirs up conversation

Global-Local Connection for LGBT Rights event stirs up conversation

The evening’s conversation covered an array of topics, including but not limited to anti-LGBT laws across the world, bullying, the school-to-prison pipeline, Black Lives Matter, Trans Lives Matter, the role of social media in activism, HIV/AIDS and LGBT elders.

Photo Credit: Patrick Saunders

The battle for LGBT rights in Georgia is far from over

The battle for LGBT rights in Georgia is far from over

Georgia’s gay community celebrated its largest victory ever this summer, but the state remains without laws to specifically protect LGBT citizens against discrimination.

Obama Nominates First Openly Gay Secretary of Army

Obama Nominates First Openly Gay Secretary of Army

President Obama is nominating Eric K. Fanning, a close civilian adviser to Defense Secretary Ashton B. Carter, to be the secretary of the Army, an appointment that would make him the first openly gay secretary of a military branch.

State of Black Gay America Summit Held

State of Black Gay America Summit Held

The State of Black Gay America Summit, a luncheon and panel series brought together black LGBT community members and allies to discuss issues affecting the community. 

Gregory Allen, Founder and Chairman of the State of Black Gay America Summit. (Photo by Patrick Saunders)

LGBT Institute officially launches at Center for Civil and Human Rights

LGBT Institute officially launches at Center for Civil and Human Rights

"It's the perfect time and the perfect place to shine a spotlight on issues that don't often get a platform."

Boy Scouts of America ends national ban on gay adults

Boy Scouts of America ends national ban on gay adults

The resolution approved today ends the BSA’s decades-old ban on gay adults while reaffirming the First Amendment right of Boy Scout units chartered (i.e. legally sponsored) by religious organizations to select troop leaders in accordance with their religious principles. 

Bayard Rustin, Gay Activist and MLK Mentor, To Be Honored

Bayard Rustin, Gay Activist and MLK Mentor, To Be Honored

Bayard Rustin advised Martin Luther King Jr. on nonviolent protest tactics and organized the 1963 March on Washington. He will be honored this weekend for his decades as an activist and organizer on issues including peace, racial equality, labor rights and gay rights.

Photo: Library of Congress

The Largest U.S. LGBT Massacre Happened 40 Years Ago Today

The Largest U.S. LGBT Massacre Happened 40 Years Ago Today

Forty years ago on June 24, 1973, an arsonist set fire to the UpStairs Lounge, a popular gay bar on the corner of Iberville and Chartres Streets. 32 people died in the blaze and no one was ever arrested or convicted for the crime. 

Day of Decision Event to be held at Center for Civil and Human Rights

Day of Decision Event to be held at Center for Civil and Human Rights

Following a decision on marriage by the U.S. Supreme Court – win or lose – The LGBT Institute at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, Georgia Equality, Freedom to Marry, and the Atlanta community will come together to mark this historic moment and talk about what the ruling means for same-sex couples and their families.