News

PHOENIX — An effort to allow people to sue over potential violations of religious liberty cleared the Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday despite opposition from civil liberties groups who warn the measure will inspire waves of lawsuits over alleged First Amendment violations.

RICHLAND, Wash. — A florist targeted by two lawsuits for refusing to provide flowers for a same-sex wedding has filed her own lawsuit against Washington state, claiming the state is violating her religious beliefs.

CARSON CITY, Nev. — A resolution to abolish Nevada’s ban on same-sex marriage has passed an Assembly committee.

HARTFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut bill that would restore state benefits to gay and lesbian veterans discharged under the U.S. military’s former “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy is moving to the governor’s desk.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A transgender student at a Catholic high school in Albuquerque, N.M., says he is has been told he must wear female student gown at his graduation procession, or not walk at all.

AUSTIN — The Texas state House of Representatives on Wednesday voted in favor of a bill to allow student organizations at any of the state’s public universities to discriminate in their membership practices.

CHICAGO — A candidate for the chairmanship of the Illinois Republican Party who supports same-sex marriage has pulled out of contention for the post.

LANSING, Mich. — A new poll finds that a majority of Michigan voters support repealing the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, and replacing it with an amendment to allow gay couples the freedom to marry.

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell plans to announce a new campaign Friday that aims to adopt 1,000 Virginia children out of foster care, but equality groups around the state are calling foul on the new initiative, which comes one year after McDonnell signed legislation allowing adoption agencies to discriminate against gay parents.

SEOUL, South Korea — An openly gay filmmaker in South Korea on Wednesday said he plans to campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in the conservative nation, while announcing plans to marry his partner of nine years.