New Maryland law makes transgender discrimination illegal
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Reuters) – Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley on Thursday signed into law a bill banning discrimination against transgender people, the latest in a series of progressive measures approved by the Democrat.
Arkansas judge strengthens ruling striking down gay marriage ban
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (Reuters) – An Arkansas judge who struck down the state’s ban on same—sex marriage strengthened his decision on Thursday, re-authorizing gay and lesbian weddings after confusion over his original order had prompted their suspension for several hours.
N.Y. lawmakers consider ban on gay ‘conversion therapy’ for minors
NEW YORK (Reuters) – New York lawmakers on Thursday heard testimony on a bill that would ban licensed therapists from counseling gay and lesbian minors to change their sexual orientation, amid a growing wave of backlash against the practice.
Accused Boston bomber’s friend suspected guilt, agent says
BOSTON (Reuters) – A friend of the accused Boston Marathon bomber grew suspicious that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev had carried out the attack when he threw away a backpack and laptop he had removed from the suspect’s dorm room, a federal agent testified on Thurs…
Federal judge upholds D.C.’s gun law
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – A U.S. federal judge on Thursday upheld a Washington D.C. gun law that bans assault weapons and requires owners of other firearms to follow certain registration requirements, including that they pass a test and safety course.
Texas woman, 31, arrested for posing as high school teenager
(Reuters) – A 31-year-old woman has been arrested after several months posing as a teenage student at a private high school in Texas, local media reported.
Obama opens 9/11 memorial, a ‘sacred place of healing and hope’
NEW YORK (Reuters) – President Barack Obama led an emotional dedication on Thursday of a museum that commemorates the traumatic events of September 11, 2001, built on the “ground zero” site of the twin towers that fell that day.
Suspect in missing Fort Bragg soldier’s death held without bail
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (Reuters) – The man charged with killing a U.S. soldier whose remains were found more than two years after she went missing in North Carolina was ordered held without bail on Thursday and could face the death penalty, a jud…
California consumers say duped by Blue Shield’s limited Obamacare plans
(Reuters) – Consumers who purchased new health plans from Blue Shield of California have sued the insurer, claiming they were misled into thinking the insurance would cover their desired doctors and hospitals.
Ousted Trenton, New Jersey, mayor sentenced to prison for corruption
TRENTON, New Jersey (Reuters) – Tony Mack, found guilty of corruption and forced to resign as mayor of Trenton, New Jersey, was sentenced to more than four years in prison on Thursday for his part in a kickback scheme involving city-owned land.
