Arizona

The number of adoptions by gay and lesbian parents has almost tripled over the past ten years, despite the “patchwork of discriminatory policies” that often make it difficult for gays and lesbians to adopt, as either couples or individuals, according to a new study released this week.

University of Arizona student and congressional intern Daniel Hernandez Jr. garnered national recognition when he saved the life of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. President Obama acknowledged him for his heroism.

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer said a federal appeals panel “got it wrong” and is again appealing a court ruling that same-sex partners of state government workers are entitled to health care benefits provided to opposite-sex couples.

Rick Welts, who just four months ago came out — becoming the first openly gay senior executive of a professional sports team — has announced he is resigning his position as Phoenix Sun President and Chief Executive Officer.

A federal appeals court on Tuesday ruled that the state of Arizona must continue to provide health care benefits to same-sex domestic partners of state workers, blocking enforcement of a 2009 law that eliminated the coverage.

NBA superstar and Phoenix Suns’ point guard Steve Nash has voiced his support for marriage equality, appearing in a new video for the HRC’s “New Yorkers for Marriage Equality” campaign.

An Arizona teen who started his anti-bullying activism when he was forced to drop out of high school at the age of 14, has taken his cause to Washington to lobby Congress to make schools a safer environment for LGBT youth.

In a groundbreaking announcement for men’s professional team sports, Phoenix Suns president and chief executive Rick Welts, has come out, reported The New York Times on Sunday.

Meet the Hams. The Arizona Republic on Sunday profiled Steven and Roger Ham, a gay couple of 18 years who are raising 12 adopted children, ages 2 to 16.

A bill signed Monday by Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer will direct the state and other adoption agencies to give married couples a preference over single adults when placing children in adoptive and foster homes.