People protested at a university in Texas for having it claiming an exemption from a law that protects LGBT people, a former county clerk in Kentucky is ordered to pay a gay couple $100K for discrimination, and California legislators vote to lift ban to travel to anti-LGBT states.
University Claims LGBT Exemption; Community Protests
According to the Waco Tribune-Herald, more than 1,300 people from the Baylor University community have joined in on an open letter protesting the university’s successful religious exemption claim from a law that protects against discrimination for the LGBT community.
The alumni group BU Bears for All promoted the letter online, which was signed by students, alumni, current/former faculty and administration personnel.
“Seeking to be exempt from a law that prohibits harassment and discrimination against LGBTQIA+ students undermines recent and repeated assurances that the University has provided to the Baylor family that it would seek to build ‘trust with LGBTQ+ students,’” the letter read.
Former County Clerk Ordered To Pay Gay Couple $100K
Kim Davis. Photo by davidmoore1976, via Wikimedia Commons.
Infamous former Kentucky county clerk Kim Davis was ordered by a federal judge on Sept. 14 to pay $100,000 to a gay couple whose marriage license she denied, according to USA Today.
She refused to issue the license after the 2015 Supreme Court decision that legalized same-sex marriage and has been ordered to pay $50,000 each to both David Ermold and David Moore.
"My clients couldn't be happier," said Michael Gartland, the couple’s lawyer.
Legislators Vote To Lift Travel Ban to Anti-LGBT States
Senate Leader Toni Atkins. Photo by Melissa Jacobs via Wikimedia Commons.
According to NBC News, California legislators in the state Assembly voted on Sept. 11 to end a travel ban to anti-LGBT states that started in 2017 and has grown to include 26 states. The bill was introduced by state Senate Leader Toni Atkins, who identifies as a lesbian. It would create a campaign in states on the travel ban list to advocate for the LGBT community.
“In many instances, the travel ban has inadvertently caused California to isolate its services and citizens in a time when we are leading the nation in ensuring inclusivity and freedom,” said Democratic Assemblymember Rick Zbur, the former executive director of Equality California. “With nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills having been introduced in legislatures nationwide this year alone, now more than ever, we need to reach into those communities with messages of support, inclusivity and understanding.”
