Law

National

New Jersey's Anti-Discrimination Law Is 'Just A Tool' To Protect Gender Identity

6:12pm May 16, 2016

by Joel Rose

Seventeen states have legal protections to prevent discrimination against transgender people in areas like housing and employment. But just having a law on the books doesn't change peoples' attitudes.

Supreme Court Sends Obamacare Contraception Case Back To Lower Courts

4:24pm May 16, 2016

by Nina Totenberg

The Supreme Court Monday punted on the constitutional merits of a religious freedom challenge to the Affordable Care Act. The court said it was feasible to satisfy religious groups and women seeking contraception and sent the case back to the lower courts.

Supporters of insurance coverage for birth control rallied outside the U.S. Supreme Court in March.

As Supreme Court Sends Back Birth Control Case, Both Sides Claim Victory

4:14pm May 16, 2016

by Julie Rovner

The Supreme Court gave lower courts additional instructions to try and reach an accommodation on balancing religious rights and no-cost access to contraception.

Nuns opposed to the Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate rally outside the Supreme Court on March 23 prior to oral arguments in Zubik v. Burwell. The Supreme Court sent the case back to a lower court on Monday.

National

Supreme Court Sends Latest Obamacare Challenge Back To Lower Courts

2:08pm May 16, 2016

by Eyder Peralta

The justices did not decide the central question in the case: whether Obamacare's contraceptive mandate violates the religious liberties of some organizations.

A native of Faith, Chrystal Cretin says she knows almost everyone in the small North Carolina town. She says she's not bothered by the idea of transgender people using the same bathroom she does. But she says many people in her town are confused.

National

North Carolinians Who Support 'Bathroom Law' Say They're Being Drowned Out

5:14pm May 15, 2016

by Emily McCord

There's a deep divide in the state over a law limiting civil rights protections for LGBTQ people. Amid a national backlash, nearly 49 percent of people in the state say they support parts of the law.

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President Barack Obama speaks during Rutgers University's 250th Anniversary commencement ceremony on Sunday in New Brunswick, N.J.

Without Naming Him, Obama Takes Aim At Trump During Rutgers Commencement

4:05pm May 15, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

"Ignorance is not a virtue," the president told Rutgers University graduates, in an apparent critique of Donald Trump. He called for embracing an interconnected world over building walls.

A bathroom sign welcomes both genders at the Cacao Cinnamon coffee shop in Durham, N.C., on May 3.

National

When A Transgender Person Uses A Public Bathroom, Who Is At Risk?

3:01pm May 15, 2016

by Jeff Brady

Supporters of North Carolina's "bathroom law" say it blocks sexual predators' access to victims. There's little evidence backing that, while research suggests transgender people face greater threats.

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Barbershop: Bathroom Laws, Women In The Workplace And High Heels

6:40pm May 14, 2016

Political blogger Dru Ealons, columnist Gayle Trotter, and author Josh Levs discuss controversy over transgender rights, working as a single mother, and wearing what you want at work.

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White House And N.C. Governor In War Of Words Over Transgender Guidance

4:59pm May 14, 2016

by Michel Martin

White House press secretary Josh Earnest and North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory each had strong opinions on the federal government's new guidelines about transgender students and school bathrooms.

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks at the 84th winter meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in January in Washington, D.C.

National

Chicago Mayor Says He Will Disband Much-Criticized Police Oversight Agency

3:19pm May 14, 2016

by Merrit Kennedy

The Independent Police Review Authority is charged with investigating police shootings and misconduct in the city — but has been criticized for acting slowly and rarely doling out disciplinary action.