Topic: LGBT Issues

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How much do you know about gay rights in America? Take the quiz!

Throughout much of the 20th century, an admission of homosexuality could result in a felony conviction and a lengthy prison sentence. Even as late as 1970, Connecticut denied a drivers license to a gay man on the basis of his sexual orientation. Today, gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender people get considerably more legal protection. Twenty-one states plus Washington, D.C. outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation, and nine states plus Washington, D.C. recognize same-sex marriage. But 39 other states prohibit same-sex marriage, either in their state constitutions or by statute. And LGBT people in every state still face bullying that can range from taunting to physical violence.How much do you know about the history of gay rights in America? Take our quiz to find out!
10 most controversial authors (in recent memory)

These writers have all sold plenty of books – and taken quite a lot of flak.
'30 Rock': The 10 best episodes

The NBC series '30 Rock,' created by Tina Fey, airs its final installment tonight. Check out our picks for the 10 best of its episodes.
12 electrifying memoirs and biographies you might have missed

Check out these 12 recent memoirs and biographies that might have escaped your notice.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:

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'30 Rock': The 10 best episodes

The NBC series '30 Rock,' created by Tina Fey, airs its final installment tonight. Check out our picks for the 10 best of its episodes.
Would change on gays allow Boy Scouts to recapture role in society? (+video)

The Boy Scouts has signaled it may remove a ban on gays that caused a rift within the movement. This could help improve both Boy Scout enrollment and fundraising.
Boy Scouts reconsidering anti-gay policy (+video)

Boy Scouts of America may soon give local troop leaders the power to choose not to discriminate against LBGT scouts, troop leaders, and den mothers — a major change from their previous blanket no-gay policy.
The Foster Friess soundtrack: top quips from the GOP megadonor

Always colorful, Foster Friess, who helped finance Republican Rick Santorum's presidential bid, expounded on gay rights, taxing the rich, and the alleged GOP 'war on women' at a Monitor breakfast.
Gay marriage legalized in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island took a big step towards legalizing gay marriage today: same-sex marriage passed the state legislature 51-19, but faces a tougher battle in the Rhode Island state senate.
Sasha Obama yawn at Obama's inauguration goes viral (+video)

Sasha Obama yawn: The point in her dad's inauguration speech where he mentions math and science brought a big yawn and a lot of Internet attention.
Obama inaugural speech: a sharp call to action

Obama began his second inaugural speech by citing the Constitution and the collective strength it affords America. Then he segued into a second-term agenda sure to raise some political hackles, calling for action on climate change, women’s rights, immigration, gay rights, and gun control.
Decoder Wire Could gun control be the new gay marriage?

The public's views on gay marriage have moved decidedly to the left, spurred by demographic and generational changes in the electorate. But that same electorate has shifted to the right on gun control. Why the politics of the two issues are different, for now.
French government unfazed by massive anti-gay marriage protest

Demonstrators converged on the Eiffel Tower Sunday to decry a proposed law allowing gay couples in France to marry and adopt, but the legislation is expected to pass Parliament easily.
12 electrifying memoirs and biographies you might have missed

Check out these 12 recent memoirs and biographies that might have escaped your notice.
Chapter & Verse Poet Richard Blanco is chosen as inaugural poet for 2013

Richard Blanco – who will compose an original poem to recite at Obama's Jan. 21 swearing-in – will be the first Latino, the first openly gay, and youngest inaugural poet ever.
Supreme court will hear gay marriage arguments in March

Justices on Monday announced they will hear arguments in Hollingsworth v. Perry on March 26 and United States v. Windsor on March 27.
Senate freshmen: What the 14 new members bring to Capitol Hill

A freshman Senate class was sworn in Jan. 3, bringing diverse skills and experience – not to mention agendas – to the legislative body. Whether the 14 newest senators help break partisan gridlock, or refuse to work across the aisle, will be the test for the 113th Congress.Twelve were elected on Nov. 6, including three Republicans, eight Democrats, and an independent. In addition, a Republican and a Democrat were appointed to vacant seats after the election. Here is a look at the 14 and what they bring to the Senate:
Taylor Swift, Psy perform for New Year's Eve in Times Square

Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, and others performed for New Year's Eve celebrations in Times Square in New York City.
Little enthusiasm among GOP for Hagel, but he has Obama's support

President Barack Obama said he saw nothing that would disqualify former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel from being nominated for US defense secretary. However, some Republicans have expressed doubts about Hagel's positions on Iran and Israel.
Maine same-sex couples marry in first hours of law

After waiting years, gay couples in Maine's largest city didn't have to wait a moment longer than necessary to wed, with licenses issued at the stroke of midnight as the law went into effect.
Gay marriage at Supreme Court: Will military couples get more benefits?

Same-sex military couples are not eligible for many benefits that heterosexual married couples in the military receive, including housing and medical care. But the Supreme Court could redefine the federal status of gay marriage next year.
University of Iowa first to ask incoming students about sexual orientation

The University of Iowa will ask incoming students about their gender identity and sexual orientation in their applications, in an effort to connect them to appropriate services.
Supreme Court invites lawyer to argue DOMA is outside their jurisdiction

Vicki C. Jackson will be arguing that it's improper for the Supreme Court to even consider making a ruling on a federal law that treats gay married couples differently from heterosexual married couples.
Same-sex couples trade first 'I do's' in Washington

Due to a three-day waiting period, Sunday was the first day same-sex couples could be married after picking up marriage licenses Thursday in the state of Washington.
Same-sex marriage: Waiting now for the Supreme Court to act

As reflected in polls and recent ballot measures, public opinion is moving in favor of same-sex marriage. Now that the US Supreme Court has agreed to take up the issue, both sides in the debate look for clear legal resolution.
Supreme Court: Both sides in gay marriage debate voice optimism

The Supreme Court's decision to take up appeals over DOMA and California's Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage elicited positive reactions from advocates on both sides of the contentious issue.
Supreme Court takes up gay marriage: what the justices have to decide

The main question before the Supreme Court is not whether the Constitution protects gay marriage, but whether Prop. 8 and DOMA discriminate in violation of the 14th Amendment.
Gay marriage reaches Supreme Court: Justices to review Prop 8., DOMA

The two cases being taken up by the Supreme Court involve a challenge to California’s Prop. 8 ban on gay marriage and a suit from New York City testing the federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Same-sex weddings in Washington State: Breakthrough for gay marriage?

On Election Day, voters in Maine, Maryland, and Washington State approved same-sex marriage – the first time such unions had been approved by popular vote. Same-sex marriage licenses in Washington were issued for the first time Thursday.