Gay rights

Gay Rights Efforts Gain Traction In Idaho Small Towns

Jessica Robinson — Sat, 11 May 2013 00:34:07 +0000

Efforts to pass more local gay rights laws are moving ahead in Idaho. A city councilor in Coeur d'Alene plans to introduce an ordinance later this month. And in Pocatello, a failed ban on discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgender people is getting a second chance.

The first attempt in the southeast Idaho town of Pocatello raised fears about religious liberty and the possibility of men using the law to harass women in public restrooms.

Judge's Order Questions DOMA, Oregon's Measure 36

April Baer — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:23:34 +0000

A judge on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals has decided that a Portland lesbian couple has a right to federal health benefits. April Baer reports.

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.

In Idaho, Towns Take Up Gay Rights In Absence Of State Action

Jessica Robinson — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 15:00:44 +0000

This Thursday, the city council in Pocatello, Idaho, is expected to vote on whether to make it illegal to discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. It’s one of several cities in Idaho that have taken up the cause of gay rights – an issue the Idaho legislature has so far resisted. But as Jessica Robinson reports, even some gay rights supporters wonder if the local ordinance will change anything.

Pocatello Council Hears Emotional Testimony Over Local Gay Rights Law

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 14:03:09 +0000

A city in the heart of Idaho's Mormon country held a four-hour public hearing last night on whether to ban discrimination against gays and lesbians. A growing number of cities in Idaho are adopting local rules that protect sexual orientation and gender identity.

Oregon Gathers Signature For Same-Sex Marriage

Virginia Alvino — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 14:34:34 +0000

Gay rights supporters in Oregon have begun the early work to put same-sex marriage on the 2014 ballot. Their petition was filed with the Secretary of State on Monday.

Now, 1,000 signatures are needed to initiate the ballot title process.

How Did Tacoma, Wash. Get To Be America's 'Gayest City'?

editor — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 22:02:00 +0000

Every year when The Advocate magazine publishes its list of the "Gayest Cities in America" it comes with a few surprises. This year was no different.

At the top of the list for 2013: Tacoma, Wash.

To Tacoma resident Ellen Cohen, the superlative was unexpected.

"In all of Tacoma coming out as No.

Same-Sex Marriage Mailers Raise Eyebrows

Liz Jones — Tue, 16 Oct 2012 12:58:53 +0000

Some senior citizens in Washington recently got a flyer in the mail from supporters of same-sex marriage. It says approval of Referendum 74 will preserve domestic partnerships for seniors. Gay marriage opponents call the ad a misleading scare tactic. KUOW’s Liz Jones takes a closer look at that claim.