Sexual Health Rankings™ presents Sex Stories, a weekly roundup of sexual health news from around the country.
Portsmouth, NH, Considers Transgender Protections (New Hampshire Public Radio)
Portsmouth could become the first city in New Hampshire to enact a policy protecting city employees who are transgender from workplace discrimination. At present, New Hampshire is the only state in New England that does not have a law protecting people from discrimination based on gender identity. That’s despite the state’s laws protecting individuals based on sexual orientation, gender, race, creed, marital status, or disability.
13 People Out of Jail after Being Arrested for Protesting at Capital Hill (4Utah)
More than a dozen protesters were jailed and promptly released after attempting to force Utah legislators to hear Senate Bill 100. The bill would prohibit discimination in housing and eomployment based on sexual orientation. Legislators say they are waiting for the results from the legal battle over Utah’s ban on same-sex marriage before they hear the anti-discrimination bill.
U.S. Expands Legal Benefits, Services for Same-Sex Marriages (CNN)
On Monday, the federal government announced it would recognize lawful same-sex marriages in federal legal matters. This expansion includes the states where same-sex marriage is not legal; however, the benefits there will only be for federal matters such as bankruptcies, prison visits, and survivor benefits.
Judge: Ky. Must Recognize Same-Sex Marriages (Seattle Pi)
In similar news, a federal judge struck down part of a state ban he felt demeaned LGBTQ individuals. KY’s government can still define marriage and attach benefits to it, but cannot discriminate against individuals for religious or traditional reasons. The ruling means only that Kentucky must recognize lawful same-sex marriages. Meanwhile,federal hearings began on Wednesday to challenge Texas’ ban of same-sex marriage.
FDA: Female Sex Drive Drug Needs More Research (CNN)
The FDA has requested additional testing for a drug that could treat low libido in women. Sprout Pharmaceuticals, the makers of the drug, feel encouraged by this step and will resubmit a new application later this year. The drug, flibanserin treats Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder which affects up to one-third of women.
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s Fight to Change Military System for Dealing with Sexual Assault Heads to Final Showdown (NY Daily News)
Sen. Gillibrand currently has 54 public supporters of her bill to remove sexual assult cases from the military’s chain of command. She needs 60 votes to clear the Senate fillibuster that tabled the bill back in December. Gillibrand’s aides are continuing to lobby undecided senators and with their support, along with some silent backers, she is confident they will reach the required number.