The proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which has long languished in the US C0ngress, was introduced again on Thursday (25 April) by a bipartisan group of lawmakers.

Among the co-sponsors optimistic of the bill's chances is Oregon Senator Jeff Merkley (pictured) who believes the timing may finally be right for passage.

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez has vetoed a bill that would have given all spouses of military veterans special treatment in applying for occupational licenses to work in the state directly after she signed a bill that gave that same special treatment to heterosexual spouses only.

Dan Choi, who led the movement to end the US’s army ban on out gay soldiers, called, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell (DADT), has been fined $100 for chaining himself to the White House in 2010.

Choi, who stood on trial yesterday (28 March) was a lieutenant that was fired from the US Army after coming out on the Rachel Maddow Show.

He was then billed by the US Defense Department for $2,500 for failing to fulfill his military contract, which he is refusing to pay.

We all have heard the arguments. From God 'made' Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve, to constant repeats of the Sodom and Gomorrah tale. Biblical, and moral, arguments against LGBT sexuality and life have currency, heard at dinner tables and political debates.

Air Force Major Mike Almy has settled his Don't Ask, Don't Tell lawsuit against the US Defense Department.

He brought the suit because of his 2006 discharge. During a routine search of emails, notes to his then-boyfriend were found. The correspondence was shown to a commander. After being relieved of his duties, Almy lost security clearance and a part of his pay. There was a 16-month  investigation, and the 18 year career military man was discharged. His severance was half of what it would have been if he left the Air Force for other reasons.

Gay soldiers who do not reveal their sexuality while in service are more likely to attempt suicide, a study has found.

Researchers at the University of Montana and other institutions found compared to their straight counterparts, lesbian, gay and bisexual soldiers in the closet are more likely to be depressed, have anxiety disorders and take drugs.

From 1981 to 2011, the US anti-gay policy Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT) said gay people should not serve openly in the military, but the effects are still affecting thousands of people.

It's clear President Barack Obama is in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) but he wants to see it passed by US Congress in the same way the repeal of the military's Don't Ask Don't Tell was during his first term in office.

But LGBT groups and now a group of 37 US senators are putting pressure on Obama to take action now to protect the employment rights of LGBT people by issuing an executive order to add sexual orientation and gender identity to other long-standing federal anti-discrimination protections.

For decades, the proposed Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) has languished in the US C0ngress.

But Iowa Senator Tom Harkin on Tuesday (12 February) promised at least a vote for that ENDA, which would establish protections nationally to prevent employers from discriminating against an employee because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Harkin made the pledge at an event held at the Center for American Progress in Washington DC saying that ENDA 'will move this year.'

Chief Warrant Officer Charlie Morgan, a vocal opponent against the Defense of Marriage Act, died earlier today (10 January).

'She made an indelible mark on everyone she met with her integrity, her positive outlook, and her unflinching commitment to righting the wrongs visited upon gay and lesbian military families,' said Allyson Robinson, the executive director of OutServe-SLDN, in a statement. 'The fight for full LGBT equality in this country is forever changed because Charlie Morgan took up the cause.'

Former US Senator Chuck Hagel was asked about gays in the military and same-sex marriages being performed on military bases Thursday (31 January) during a sometimes contentious secretary of defense confirmation hearing.

'I am fully committed to implementing the repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’' Hagel said in his opening statement, "And doing everything possible under current law to provide equal benefits to the families of all, all our service members.'

Use Your Mandate, an anonymous LGBT organization, has produced an ad against Chuck Hagel's nomination for Secretary of Defense.

The 30 second ad charges Hagel  'does not share our values' and is anti-woman, gay, and Israel. The spot ends asking viewers to urge senators to block the nominee.

Tracy Thorne-Begland has become the first openly gay judge in Virginia history despite 12 social Republicans in the State Senate refusing to vote for hos confirmation.

Thorne-Begland, a state prosecutor, is a decorated former Top Gun pilot but last year had his nomination defeated because a number of Republicans said his being gay made him biased and unqualified for the state bench.

He was appointed to the bench on a temporary basis.