Discrimination

Washington Florist Sues State, Says She 'Will Not Wilt'

Anna King — Thu, 16 May 2013 23:30:08 +0000

There’s a new development in the case of a Richland, Wash. florist who refused to sell flowers for a same sex couple’s wedding. The business owner’s lawyers announced a counter suit Thursday saying the florist “will not wilt.”

The owner of Arlene’s Flowers argues there are plenty of other shops in the Tri-Cities that could cater to a gay or lesbian wedding.

Arlene's Flowers Stirs Back-And-Forth On Social Media

Anna King — Thu, 02 May 2013 23:42:31 +0000

Business is bustling at the Richland florist who faces a lawsuit over same-sex marriage. The shop's owner says she was standing up for her Christian values when she refused to sell flowers for a gay couple’s wedding. Now, the case has become a focal point of intense debate on social media across the globe.

On Arlene’s Flower’s Facebook page, right alongside advertisements for corsages and boutonnieres, there are hundreds of posts for and against same-sex marriage.

Pocatello Rejects Gay Rights Ordinance In Close Vote

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 14:06:59 +0000

An ordinance to ban discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people failed in the city council of Pocatello, Idaho Thursday. The close vote was a setback for gay rights advocates, as Jessica Robinson reports.

Washington Legislature Receives 'D' In Racial Equity Report

Paige Browning — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:40:02 +0000

A new report gives Washington state lawmakers a “D” grade on their work on racial equity. As Paige Browning explains, the report card is based on policy decisions in the 2011-2012 session that advance or reverse racial and economic equity.

Gay Marriage Laws May Prevent Discrimination by Private Businesses

Austin Jenkins — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:23:54 +0000

OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington appears poised to become the seventh state in the nation to allow gay marriage. Backers say they have the votes in the legislature. The law would exempt churches that oppose same-sex marriage. But not wedding-related businesses. Attorney Steve O’Ban highlighted this recently in testimony against the proposed law.

Retirement Options Limited For Gay And Lesbian Seniors

Chris Lehman — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:18:31 +0000

PORTLAND - As gay and lesbian people age, their need for retirement options mirrors those of the general population. But they often face unique challenges, especially when it comes to finding housing. For instance, some active-living retirement facilities don't allow unmarried couples to live together. And some gay seniors fear a cold shoulder from staff or fellow retirees. Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.