The remarkable history of Houston’s transgender judge
Eagle scout, army cadet, engineer, husband, father, lawyer, woman, wife, judge. It takes a remarkable person to pack all of these titles into one lifetime. Phyllis Frye is such a person.
Read her story at the New York Times.
Why punish Rentboy.com?
The New York Times’ editorial board is the latest to turn against federal prosecutors investigating rentboy.com. Why prosecute a site now, the Times asks, that has operated in the open for decades? The answer: “The criminal complaint is so saturated with sexually explicit details, it’s hard not to interpret it as an indictment of gay men as being sexually promiscuous,” it concludes.
Uganda bill aims to close gay NGOs
Uganda’s parliament has introduced a bill giving the government sweeping power to approve or ban NGOs, a move undoubtedly aimed at gay rights workers. The bill would accomplish a similar goal as 2014 legislation making it a crime to “abet homosexuality.” The 2014 law was struck down in court.
Pope Francis defends author of gay-friendly children’s book
Pope Francis surprised the author of a series of Italian gay-friendly children’s books by writing her a letter of support. Francesca Pardi’s books have been criticized and banned by the mayor of Venice for promoting acceptance of non-conventional families. While the pope did not endorse the books’ message, he thanked Pardi for “the thoughtful gesture and for the feelings which it evoked.”
Charges against Oregon gay rights activist to be dropped
Charges against prominent Oregon gay rights activist Terry Bean and his boyfriend for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old boy will be dropped because the boy refuses to testify. The boy’s lawyer says his client is too traumatized to appear.
Kentucky judge still fighting equal marriage
Despite the ruling from the US Supreme Court and a clarifying ruling from a federal appeals court stating that she really, truly, honestly has to follow the law, a Kentucky court official is still refusing to issue marriage licenses to gay couples. Kim Davis is now facing official misconduct charges, which could carry jail time.
Why you can trust Xtra
