LGBTQ

How Did The 83rd Legislature Do On LGBT Equality?

Ryan Poppe — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 19:48:23 +0000

The month of June is Gay Pride month and Chuck Smith, the executive director of Equality Texas, is looking back over the 83rd legislative session to celebrate the group’s successes and develop a plan for some areas of improvement.

Mixed Review For Anti-Discrimination Proposal

Ryan Loyd — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:57:44 +0000

When it comes to city hiring practices or contracts the council awards, District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal believes everyone should be included in protections against discrimination, which is why he’s suggesting an update to San Antonio’s anti-discrimination policies to include gender identity, sexual orientation, and veterans.

Bernal Gets Support, Backlash On Anti-Discrimination Expansion Proposal

Ryan Loyd — Mon, 20 May 2013 21:01:17 +0000

The San Antonio City Council could soon take up an anti-discrimination ordinance to include additional groups.

District 1 Councilman Diego Bernal proposed a policy that would also be consolidated with other anti-discrimination regulations that he said are scattered about in a constellation of codes and ordinances.

City staffers are researching how to go about consolidating the policies. The council’s governance committee will meet Tuesday and decide whether to advance the issue to the full city council.

Castro Seeking City Attorney Opinion Following Attorney General Ruling On Domestic Benefits

Ryan Loyd — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 16:13:24 +0000

In response to a request by state Sen. Dan Patrick, R-Houston, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has issued an opinion on domestic partner benefits.

Abbott said cities, school districts and other "political subdivisions" who allow benefits to domestic partners are in violation of the Texas Constitution.

LGBT Group Endorses Candidates For City Election, Castro May Get Another Chance

Ryan Loyd — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:39:13 +0000

The Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio are the only Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender organization of their kind in Bexar County to screen and endorse candidates for public office.

For endorsement consideration, candidates must fill out a questionnaire on issues like non-discrimination and during its recent review of candidates for the San Antonio City Council, 22 of the 39 candidates completed their questionnaires.

LGBT Workplace Equality Bill Would Ban Such Discrimination Statewide

Ryan Poppe — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 21:44:57 +0000

A bill in the Texas Senate authored by Sen. Leticia Van DePutte would make it illegal for any employer to discriminate against someone based on their sexual orientation.

Supporters Rally For Equal Rights In San Antonio, Court Hears DOMA Case

Ryan Loyd — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:48:48 +0000

Julie Pousson took the microphone and shouted that all people should be treated the same. A closeted lesbian for a long time, Pousson said no one should have to hide in the shadows, and her message resonated with the hundreds of people gathered outside the Bexar County Courthouse Tuesday evening.

Activists held signs, candles, flags, and their pride for gays and lesbians who they believe should have the right to marry the same as traditional couples.

Same-Sex Couples Want Inclusion In Immigration Reform

Crystal Chavez — Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:05:34 +0000

Fronteras: Gay and lesbian activists are fighting to be included as U.S. immigration reform takes shape. The new Somali president has called for Somali refugees in the U.S. to return to their homeland and help rebuild the nation. Will young Somalis heed his call? We look at a new university housing model in New Mexico for student veterans. Also, we get the scoop on this year's CineFestival, which spotlights Latino films in San Antonio.

Same-Sex Marriage/Civil Union Bills Filed In Legislature

Joey Palacios — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 20:20:30 +0000

As some states across the U.S. approve same-sex marriage by voters or legislatures, many are asking when conservative Texas will move forward on the issue. Several lawmakers filed bills this week that can be seen at least symbolic victories of progress.

Sullivan Keeps Marriage Ceremony Civil, But Same-Sex Supporters Asked To Stand Aside

Ryan Loyd — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 17:21:43 +0000

The midnight Valentine’s marriages at the courthouse went off without a hitch, except that a small group of equal rights supporters received a not-so-loving greeting from Bexar County deputies providing security.

This year’s marriage of lovebirds at the steps of the courthouse follows a controversial ceremony last year, when a video recording captured Pastor Joe Sullivan remarking that the same-sex couples in attendance would have to deal with God, and then urged them to leave.