House Republicans reveal agenda that doesn’t include hate crimes legislation
The priorities for Indiana House Republicans this year align with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s agenda, but one significant issue did not make the list: a hate crimes bill.
LGBT issues
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Appeals court sides with Trump in transgender military case
A federal appeals court sided with the Trump administration Friday in a case about the Pentagon’s effort to restrict military service by transgender people, but the ruling won’t change who can serve or enlist at this point.
Low-key days at Supreme Court may be ending soon
The Supreme Court began its term with the tumultuous confirmation of Justice Brett Kavanaugh, followed by a studied avoidance of drama on the high court bench — especially anything that would divide the five conservatives and four liberals. But when they gather in private on Friday to consider new cases for arguments in April and into next term, the justices will confront a raft of high-profile appeals.
Lawsuit filed over gay inmate’s suicide at Noble Co. jail
A northeastern Indiana county faces a wrongful death lawsuit alleging a gay inmate killed himself in its jail after being denied mental health treatment and enduring harassment over his sexuality. Markus Middleton’s partner is suing Noble County’s sheriff, jail commander and jail staff.
Indiana ACLU sues East Allen Schools over LGBTQ club
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana last week aided a group of more than 30 East Allen County high school students when it filed a lawsuit against the school corporation, claiming it had imposed “undue, unequal burdens” an LGBTQ+ organization.
Second gay Roncalli counselor has plans to sue
Not long after Roncalli High School guidance counselor Shelly Fitzgerald was placed on paid administrative leave because of her same-sex marriage, a second Roncalli guidance counselor announced she had filed a discrimination complaint against the school and Archdiocese of Indianapolis and plans to sue because she, too, is in a civil union.
Bitter fight over Kavanaugh shadows a conservative court
The moment conservatives have dreamed about for decades has arrived with Brett Kavanaugh joining the Supreme Court. But with it comes the shadow of a bitter confirmation fight that is likely to hang over the court as it takes on divisive issues, especially those dealing with politics and women’s rights.
Same-sex marriage could cost Catholic school counselor job
A guidance counselor at an Indianapolis Catholic school could lose her job after administrators learned that she was married to a woman. The employee who worked for the school for 15 years and has been with her partner for 22 years says she has hired an attorney.
ABA House of Delegates urges support for transgender military services
The American Bar Association House of Delegates voted in favor of a resolution that urges the federal government to recognize that transgender persons should not be discriminated against in applying for United States Armed Forces based on gender identity.
Settlement reached in Indiana Title VII case that started judicial shift
Kimberly Hively, the adjunct math professor whose employment discrimination complaint changed Title VII law in the 7th Circuit, has settled with her former employer, Ivy Tech Community College. But the issue of whether the Civil Rights Act provision extends to sexual orientation continues to roil in other judicial districts and may yet be examined by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Evansville schools must allow transgender teen to use boys’ bathroom
A transgender Evansville teen will be permitted to use the boys’ bathroom this school year after a district court judge issued an injunction against the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation, finding the school district cannot require the teen to use the girls’ restroom because his birth certificate identifies him as female.
Transgender student seeks injunction in bathrooms lawsuit
A federal judge is weighing whether to grant a preliminary injunction to allow an Evansville transgender student to use male bathrooms.
ACLU launches LGBTQ resources project
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana announced Thursday its statewide launch of the LGBTQ Rights Project, an initiative that encompasses current and future work to defend and advance the rights of LGBTQ Hoosiers.
Supreme Court enjoys relatively high public confidence
The next Supreme Court justice will join the bench at a time when the public has more confidence in the high court than in Congress or the presidency. A Gallup survey in June found 37 percent of Americans have a great deal or quite a lot of confidence in the court, while another 42 percent have “some” confidence. Only 18 percent have little or no confidence in the court.
School accepts teacher’s resignation over transgender policy
A central Indiana school district has officially accepted the resignation of a teacher who disagreed with a policy compelling teachers to address transgender students by their preferred name rather than their birth name.
Indiana GOP platform keeps marriage between man and woman
Indiana Republican Party activists overwhelmingly voted Saturday to reaffirm language first inserted in their platform when Vice President Mike Pence was governor that defines marriage as a union “between a man and a woman.”
Transgender teen’s restroom suit against Evansville schools proceeds
A transgender teen’s lawsuit alleging the Evansville school district violated his rights by forcing him to use the women’s restrooms despite his male identity will continue after a district court judge rejected the school’s argument that only the teen’s parents could act as his next friend in the litigation.
Ex-Brownsburg teacher challenges district transgender name policy
A former Brownsburg teacher says a school district forced him to resign following a disagreement over a policy that calls for teachers to address transgender students by their preferred gender name rather than their birth name.
ACLU Indiana plans transgender rights Facebook Live event
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana’s Transgender Education and Advocacy Program is organizing an “Ask Me Anything” event starting at noon Wednesday on Facebook Live, featuring advocates Lo Ray and Michelle Young.
Indiana legislative session enters its final day
Indiana lawmakers entered the final day of the annual legislative session with a substantial amount of work left to do and a midnight deadline to get it done by.