News

WASHINGTON — The Washington theater where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated will produce the play “The Laramie Project” and offer programs about bullying and violence against LGBT people.

AUSTIN, Texas — The commander of the Texas National Guard is asking the state’s attorney general for a legal opinion about whether he can process applications for military benefits for same-sex couples under a Pentagon directive even though gay marriage is banned in Texas.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — The clerk of a New Mexico county who is facing a legal challenge over his decision to issue same-sex marriage licenses is seeking support for expenses.

ST. PETERSBURG, Russia — President Barack Obama is telling gay rights activists and other Russian civil leaders that they are strengthening their country.

U.S. Sen. Rob Portman hasn’t decided yet whether U.S. employers should be able to fire workers just because they’re gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

APPLETON, Wis. — Appleton becomes the third city in Wisconsin to adopt rules against housing discrimination based on gender identity.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Southern Baptist Convention, which provides the largest share of active-duty military chaplains, has barred members from taking part in weddings, counseling sessions and couples retreats for same-sex couples.

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The city of Battle Creek has joined the growing list of municipalities across Michigan to adopt an ordinance to prohibit discrimination against LGBT residents in the areas of housing and employment.

FORESTVILLE, New South Wales — Margie Abbott, wife of the man many expect to be elected the next Prime Minister of Australia, indicated in a television interview Thursday that she does not necessarily support her husband’s staunch opposition to same-sex marriage.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Republican Gov. Tom Corbett’s office announced Thursday it has hired a well-known lawyer from outside the government to lead his defense of the state’s same-sex marriage ban in a federal lawsuit.