All Things LGBTQ+

[Farb]

Didn't really see a place for this so I thought I would start a thread about all things LGBTQ since this is a pretty hot topic in our culture right now

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/17/sup...y-that-refuses-to-work-with-lgbt-couples.html

• The Supreme Court on Thursday delivered a unanimous defeat to LGBT couples in a high-profile case over whether Philadelphia could refuse to contract with a Roman Catholic adoption agency that says its religious beliefs prevent it from working with same-sex foster parents.
• Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in an opinion for a majority of the court that Philadelphia violated the First Amendment by refusing to contract with Catholic Social Services once it learned that the organization would not certify same-sex couples for adoption.

I will admit, I was hopeful for this decision by the SCOTUS but I was surprised by the unanimous decision.

While I don't think there is anything wrong, per se, with same sex couples adopting and raising children (I actually think it is a good thing as it not an abortion) but I also did not want to see the state force a religious institution to bend to a societal norm.

 

[Optimus Prime]

Illinois has launched a first-of-its-kind legal hotline that provides resources for the LGBTQ+community at a time when they face increased hostility across the US.

Legal services in the US can be costly and inaccessible, and the creation of the phone line is aimed at helping LGBTQ+ people access them despite other federal cuts that may affect them.

“This hotline is a groundbreaking opportunity to receive free, affirming legal support from the comfort and safety of home,” said Joshua Gavel, the executive director of United Pride, an LGBTQ+ resource center in Illinois. “It sends a powerful message,” Gavel added, “that Illinois values and protects its LGBTQ+ residents, and we are proud to see our state leading the way.”


The phone line, called IL Pride Connect, was launched by the Democratic governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker. It includes a digital resource hub, referrals to affirming legal and community services, and advocacy tools. The hotline is staffed Monday through Thursday and can assist people with tasks such as accessing healthcare and changing their name and gender marker on documents.

“In Illinois, we are fighting ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion,” Pritzker said at the launch. “IL Pride Connect will inform individuals of their rights and connect them to health and social services support – making us the only state in the nation to provide free legal advice and advocacy tools to protect the LGBTQ community.”

Pritzker’s installation of the phone hotline comes as other US states and organizations have experienced rollbacks to LGBTQ+ initiatives.……

Illinois launches LGBTQ+ legal hotline amid Trump-led onslaught

Governor JB Pritzker’s promotion of phone line comes as other US states have faced rollbacks of LGBTQ+ initiatives

www.theguardian.com