California approved three anti-trans petition drives, NYPD made an arrest in hate crime, and an Alabama mayor died by suicide after photos of him crossdressing were released.

Approval Granted for 3 Anti-Trans Petition Drives

According to the Bay Area Reporter, the supporters of three ballot measures aiming to limit the rights of transgender minors have been approved by California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber to begin petitioning for signatures in hopes of making the state’s 2024 ballot.

Protect Kids California, co-founded by Jonathan Zachreson, must submit the necessary signatures to county election officials by April 29.

The Bay Area Reporter had previously reported on the proposed initiatives. One ballot initiative aims to restrict the participation of trans girls in female school sports. A second would ban gender-affirming healthcare, while a third ballot measure would allow schools to out trans students to their parents.

Police Make Arrest in Hate Crime

Photo by GeneralPunger, Wikimedia Commons.

The NYPD arrested a man in Brooklyn on Nov. 7 who was accused of assaulting a woman while using a homophobic slur, according to local news site Patch.

According to the NYPD and court records, 28-year-old Richard Taylor pleaded not guilty to charges of strangulation, assault, and harassment linked to the Aug. 25 assault.

The incident involved Taylor using homophobic language while punching and choking a 23-year-old woman on the subway.

According to court records, Taylor is scheduled to return to court on Nov. 13.

Mayor Dies of Suicide After Crossdressing Photos Surface

Smiths Station Mayor F.L. "Bubba" Copeland. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

According to NBC News, an Alabama’s mayor died by suicide after a conservative news site released photos of him allegedly wearing women’s clothes.

Smiths Station Mayor F.L. "Bubba" Copeland, who also served as a pastor at First Baptist Church of Phenix City, shot himself and was declared dead on Nov. 3, according to a statement from Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton.

"Thank you all for your prayers and expressions of sympathy and support," said a statement from First Baptist Church. "First and foremost, we ask that you keep Pastor Bubba Copeland’s family in your prayers today, and in the days ahead."

His death came two days after 1819 News published photos where the mayor was dressed in women’s clothes and makeup.