United States lifts lifetime ban on gay blood donations
“In practice”, Louie said, “the new policy is still a continuation of the lifetime ban and ignores the modern science of HIV-testing technology while perpetuating the stereotype that all gay and bisexual men are inherently risky”. The federal agency of the …

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FDA Announces Major Change in Who's Allowed to Donate Blood
The FDA lifted the ban based on a study by the government in Australia, which, along with the United Kingdom and New Zealand, dropped a lifelong ban on gay men as blood donors to 12 months. The Federal health officials have shown readiness to lifting up …

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Catholic Ireland's saints and sinners
But upon arriving home, O’Gorman felt gripped by fear – homosexuality was still illegal in Ireland and he had previously told his sister that he was gay. But, to his relief and surprise, he was welcomed. “Where were you?” his father asked. “Where were you …

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#Bestof2015: Marriage Equality Sweeps the Nation

Six months ago today, in a historic 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court of the United States sided with loving, committed same-sex couples and made marriage equality the law of the land. The Court found bans on marriage equality to be unconstitutional.

Millions around the country celebrated the moment, sharing their reactions on social media. President Obama even called the day one of his favorite moments of 2015.

The road to marriage equality was not easy. Dozens of cases were filed in court and same-sex plaintiff couples across the nation put their privacy on the line. State-by-state, groups of people organized campaigns in favor of marriage equality. Their efforts raised awareness of LGBT issues and even brought marriage equality to a vote on several occasions. It didn’t just take years. It took decades to make this hard work become a reality.

While June 26, 2015, will remain a special day for many, there were other pivotal points in the movement. In 2013, the Supreme Court heard two other historic marriage equality cases: United States v. Windsor and Hollingsworth v. Perry. Prior to the decision this year, we celebrated state-by-state as each state gained marriage equality.

Nationwide marriage equality ensures that same-sex couples are recognized on the state level for tax purposes, healthcare decision-making, and inheritance determinations.  On the federal level, these couples gain access to critical lifeline benefits like Social Security and veteran’s spousal benefits– programs that have remained out of reach for couples living in states that do not recognize their marriage.

Thanks to tireless efforts of so many LGBT people and allies, we have helped change the minds and hearts of citizens around the country and bolstered unprecedented support for marriage equality. It wouldn’t have happened without and your support.

Learn more about the nationwide marriage equality here.

Counting down to 2016, HRC is celebrating our greatest milestones and victories in 2015. It has been another incredible year for LGBT equality and we could not have done it without you — our members, readers and supporters–and we look forward to continuing our work in 2016. Stay tuned for more highlights from 2015.

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BOZICH | Homecourt makes Kentucky slight favorite against Louisville
Kentucky game before the game begins. It’s Christmas Eve-Eve — and that means a special holiday edition of the Sports Page Live chat with Rick Bozich and Eric Crawford. What’s the line for the Louisville-Kentucky game on Saturday? It depends upon who you ask.

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Pune girl radicalised by ISIS may have brainwashed missing Malwani man
ATS officials are verifying if Wajid Sheikh listed on 16-year-old ‘Radical Gun’ Pune girl’s chat room list is Malwani man; suspect that arrested Jaipur IOC manager could’ve entrusted her with task of ‘converting’ him A new twist has emerged in the Anti …

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LGBT Rights: Uganda, Russia And Saudi Arabia Show Why The Fight For Equality Continues
In many countries across the world, 2015 saw governments take major leaps forward in terms of LGBT equality – from same-sex marriage in Ireland to debates in Westminster … it is barely just beginning, as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people …

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US authorities claim that an American tried to join al-Nusra because of gay marriage
“Adam was discouraged with the politics and direction of the United States, citing the recent Supreme Court decision allowing gay marriage, and wanted to be in a country of people of similar mindset and religion as himself,” is reads, according to The …

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Chipotle Tweaks Cooking after E. coli Scare
Queen emphasizes hope amid ‘moments of darkness’ in Christmas message William and Kate paused to chat with mother and daughter Jill and Vicky Symon, who had travelled from New Plymouth in New Zealand. She wore her Kiki McDonough green amethyst earrings and …

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