News

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court said Tuesday it will release audio recordings of next week’s arguments in two same-sex marriage cases just a few hours after they conclude.

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles City Council approved a $1.25 million settlement Wednesday to a current and former officer who accused the Police Department of discriminating against them and harassing them because they are lesbians.

The forum in the Idaho Capitol’s Lincoln Auditorium came a year after Republican senators rejected introducing a bill to revamp the Human Rights Act. Advocates requested Wednesday’s session in hopes of one day winning enough support, even though GOP members who control the committee say there will be no renewed vote on the issue this year.

Three national polls released this week find widespread support for marriage equality, just days before the U.S. Supreme Court prepares to consider the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, and California’s ban on same-sex marriage.

PHOENIX — Arizona lawmakers have jumped in to the national debate over the rights of transgender people with a bill being debated Wednesday that would make it illegal for people to use public restrooms not associated with their birth gender.

LAS CRUCES, N.M. — A New Mexico county clerk is asking Attorney General Gary King for a legal opinion on whether county clerks may issue licenses for same-sex marriages.

BOISE, Idaho — Adding protections for gays and lesbians to Idaho’s Human Rights Act won’t get a vote this year. But it is due be discussed, at least informally.

MONTPELIER, Vt. — The Vermont House of Representatives has voted to require out-of-state companies that offer health coverage to the spouses of opposite-sex married couples to provide the same benefits to same-sex couples.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Puerto Rico’s government is supporting an effort to overturn a ban on gay adoption in the U.S. island territory.

TOPEKA, Kan. — Planting Peace, a progressive non-profit organization dedicated to environmental conservation, has purchased a house across the street from the anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church compound, giving it a new paint job that pays homage to the rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBT pride.