The Netherlands is writing LGBTQ rights into its constitution
The Netherlands’ lower chamber of the legislature voted 124-26 to add “sexual orientation” to the list of protected categories in its constitution.
LGBTQ+ rights & well-being
U.S. Supreme Court rules employers cannot discriminate against LGBTQ+ workers
The Supreme Court has ruled that a landmark 1964 civil rights law protects gay and transgender workers from discrimination in a historic victory for the LGBTQ+ community. The six-to-three verdict for the first time extends federal workplace protections to LGBTQ+ workers nationwide.
Gay weddings boost U.S. economy by $3.8 billion since landmark ruling
Some $3.2 billion has been spent on weddings, while thousands of traveling wedding guests spent $544 million. The events generated an additional $244 million in state and local taxes, the research found.
Gay widower wins historic victory for Social Security benefits in federal court
The U.S. District Court for Arizona said that it was unconstitutional for the Social Security Administration (SSA) to deny benefits to LGBT+ spouses wed for less than nine months as same-sex unions were illegal in some U.S. states until 2015.
Costa Rica becomes first Central American country to legalize same-sex marriage
“Today we celebrate liberty, equality and our democratic institutions. May empathy and love be the compass that guide us forward and allow us to move forward and build a country that has room for everyone,” President Carlos Alvarado Quesada wrote.
Germany becomes fifth country to ban gay conversion therapy for minors
Germany’s legislature has passed a ban on the advertising and practice of so-called gay conversion therapy for people under age 18, joining Malta, Ecuador, Brazil and Taiwan.
Virginia governor signs LGBTQ nondiscrimination measure into law
Gov. Northam signed the Virginia Values Act, making it the first in the South and the 21st across the United States to pass anti-discrimination protections for the LGBTQ community.
Virginia becomes first Southern state to ban conversion therapy for minors
On Monday, Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill that made Virginia the 20th state to ban the practice for minors.
Switzerland votes in favour of LGBT protection bill
The result – 63.1% in favour to 36.9% against – is a huge boost for Switzerland’s LGBT community. A bill to legalise same-sex marriage is currently on its way through parliament.
Legalising gay marriage caused dramatic fall in suicides in Denmark and Sweden, study finds
A 46 per cent fall in suicides among people in same-sex marriages was recorded by comparing two time periods in Denmark and Sweden – from 1989 to 2002, and 2003 to 2016.