Author Archives: Lisa Keen

Federal appeals panel rules Title VII protects transgender

A federal appeals panel in Detroit this month ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act --which prohibits discrimination based on sex in employment-- also prohibits discrimination based on transgender status.

State of the Union: Many feel ‘under attack’

President Trump did not attempt to assert any support for LGBT citizens during his first State of the Union address Tuesday night, and LGBT leaders vowed to continue fighting a "long game" for civil rights during the Trump administration.

Supreme Court stays out of Mississippi fight, for now

LGBT activists say the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to take up a procedural issue in lawsuits challenging a virulently anti-LGBT law in Mississippi doesn't end the litigation. And it's significance to an upcoming decision in a similar Colorado case is

2017: The ‘cultural war’ re-intensifies under Trump

2017 was a tumultuous year for LGBT people, as the newly inaugurated president fanned the flames of conflict by naming appointees to the Supreme Court and federal agencies who acted on their hostilities toward equal rights for LGBT people.

Word ban, comment blackout seen as ‘disturbing pattern’

HRC and others see a 'disturbing' anti-LGBT trend in the recent news that CDC was purportedly instructed not to use the word "transgender" in its budget documents and that HHS is withholding thousands of comments regarding its plan to reduce

Supreme Court turns back on Title VII question

The U.S. Supreme Court could not muster four votes this week to agree to hear an appeal from an employee who said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act should protect her from sexual orientation discrimination at work. The case

Kennedy’s remarks suggest he favors baker in Masterpiece

After years of establishing a pro-LGBT record, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy sounded Tuesday like he was ready to vote in favor of a baker who refused, in the name of religious beliefs and artistic expression, to sell a

Guide to Tuesday’s showdown at Supreme Court

Once again, the Supreme Court will review the constitutionality of a state law that has significant implications for LGBT people. But this time, the issue is not limited to marriage.

DOJ likens bakery bias to St. Pat’s parade exclusion

The Trump administration's brief in an upcoming Supreme Court argument would ultimately dismantle all laws aimed at ending discrimination in public accommodations, not just discrimination against LGBT people.

Historic wins at the polls for LGBT candidates

Fifty-five percent of the 72 known LGBT candidates Tuesday won their elections, including some stunning historic firsts.