Category Archives: National Politics
Historic Senate vote: ENDA passes, 64 to 32
The U.S. Senate today approved the flagship piece of legislation that the LGBT community has fought for over the past 19 years and more. The vote of 64 to 32 marked the first time the Senate has approved the Employment
U.S. House gay caucus gets new member
In a surprise announcement, U.S. Rep. Michael Michaud, a Democratic candidate for governor next year, acknowledged that he is gay. Michaud (pronounced Mee-show), 58, said he was making the acknowledgement publically because of “whisper campaigns, insinuations and push-polls” by opponents
House LGBT caucus shows division during budget battles
As Congress continues to wrestle with a bitter partisan divide that has crippled its ability to set a budget, keep the federal government open, and enable the nation to pay its bills, a few openly LGBT members of the U.S.
Obama cancels one-on-one with Putin over various issues, including “human rights and civil society”
President Obama said Tuesday (August 6) that countries that participate in the Olympics “wouldn’t tolerate gays and lesbians being treated differently” during the 2014 Olympics in Russia.
Five nominees are cleared, others are snagged
The U.S. Senate has confirmed 75 candidates for various executive branch offices, including four openly gay ambassadors and the highest openly gay official at the Department of Justice.
Obama names three more gay ambassadors; nearly doubles Clinton’s LGBT appointments
President Obama this month nominated three openly gay men for posts as ambassadors to Spain, Denmark, and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
DOJ nominee gets GOP booster
Openly gay nominee Stuart Delery went into Tuesday’s confirmation hearing with at least one big endorsement: Republican former Solicitor General Paul Clement.
Immigration bill advances without provisions for same-sex couples
The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee approved an immigration reform bill Tuesday, May 21 without voting on two amendments seeking to provide benefits to same-sex couples, and the room erupted into loud applause and cheers.
Leahy submits language to help bi-national same-sex couples
As expected, U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy introduced amendments Tuesday (May 7) to enable gay citizens to sponsor their “permanent” same-sex partners for immigration, under the proposed comprehensive immigration reform legislation.
President praises pro athlete Jason Collins for courage to come out
President Obama expressed his support for the decision by professional basketball player Jason Collins to come out this week in an interview with Sports Illustrated.
