News

Maryland’s Governor O’Malley introduces same-sex marriage bill

Tenn. hospital blocked woman from visiting partner. A hospital in Tennessee denied a woman’s request to visit her partner, citing that they weren’t family. New federal rules require hospitals that accepts Medicare or Medicaid payments to allow patients to designate visitors.

Michigan bans domestic partner benefits for public employees
Michigan municipalities lost the right to extend health care and other benefits to the domestic partners of public employees after the Governor signed a law banning the practice.

Courts expand definition of family
A California case involving the parental rights of a lesbian who helped raise her partner’s children highlights changes in how the courts define family and parenthood.

Baltimore County will grant employees in same-sex marriages health care benefits for their spouses starting in January.

Howard County passes transgender rights bill. The Howard County Council voted to pass legislation that prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and expression in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, financing, and health and social services.

Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Bill Signed By Governor. The signed legislation forbids discrimination based on gender identity to anyone seeking housing, employment or post-secondary education.

Free State Legal Project opened its doors to the low-income LGBT community on May 23, 2011. Current types of cases considered by the pro bono attorney panel include: simple estate planning, Social Security Disability, divorce/dissolution, employment discrimination, housing discrimination and name and gender identification changes. The call-in intake hours are on Mondays (9am-1pm), Wednesdays (5-7pm) and Thursdays (9am-1pm). The phone number for intake calls is: 410.625.LGBT (5428).

Obama moves on hospital visitation, medical decision-making

Washington D.C., same-sex marriage takes effect

Maryland gay marriage ban dies in committee