Aruba narrowly misses on marriage
Another island ends its gay blood ban
Just a quick set of updates today.
Aruba: The same-sex marriage bill failed on a tie vote in Parliament on Wednesday. The Court of Cassation in the Netherlands is set to rule on same-sex marriage by the end of the month.
Bermuda: The Bermuda Hospitals Board has ended the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men, bringing the territory in line with emerging international standards.
Japan: A local court has allowed a man to take the surname of his same-sex partner, a decision that is rare in Japan. Most of Japan’s prefectures recognize some form of non-binding union for same-sex couples, and the courts are currently working out marriage.
Lithuania: The Prime Minister says she may turn to the Constitutional Court to get civil unions passed into law, after her coalition partners indicated they’re not willing to pass the law in parliament.
Mexico: A court has ordered the congress of Veracruz state to finally vote on long-delayed LGBT rights bills, including a gender identity law and conversion therapy ban, but the congress is not complying. Activists plan to appeal to the supreme court.
Ghana: The Supreme Court has delayed action on a challenge to a recently passed anti-LGBT law, which in turn will delay its coming into force. Challengers allege the law is unconstitutional.
Russia: The European Court of Human Rights says the state violated a gay teacher’s rights by firing him, violating anti-discrimination standards. Russia is no longer a member of the Court, but the case predates its withdrawal.
Meanwhile in the States…
North Carolina: A court has upheld the firing of a gay teacher from a Catholic school after he announced his upcoming wedding.
New York: A gay couple is suing the New York City over denial of coverage for IVF, alleging its definition of infertility is discriminatory.