(New York, NY, January 19, 2011) —Yesterday, new federal regulations regarding hospital visitation rights went into effect. The new rules will affect same-sex couples and their families across the country.

Today the full U.S Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments in a case regarding the New York adoption of a Louisiana-born baby boy by a same-sex couple after the state of Louisiana denied the child an accurate birth certificate reflecting both of his parents.

1/18/2011

"The question of whether Louisiana must put both parents' names on birth certificates of children adopted by gay couples goes before 16 federal appeals court judges on Wednesday.

"Oren Adar and Mickey Ray Smith of San Diego want the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a unanimous three-judge ruling and a district judge's decision that both of their names must go on their son's birth certificate.

(New Orleans, January 14, 2011) - The full 16-member U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments on Wednesday, January 19, 2011, regarding the New York adoption of a Louisiana-born baby boy by a same-sex couple.

When news of the Atlanta Eagle raid case came out, it shocked the community, exacerbated by the APD's stunning and cavalier public assertion a month later that such police conduct was standard operating procedure. The effect on the city was so profound that city brass really couldn't defend the police conduct—even though they tried for more than a year. Mayor Kasim Reed eventually apologized in a press conference. But what made the difference was the incredible bravery and selflessness of our clients, who overcame fear and intimidation and were willing to serve as plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit to publicly denounce the horrendous police harassment they suffered and to seek meaningful change. As a result, after more than a year of litigation, we achieved an important settlement that included comprehensive police reforms. It will protect not just people who go to the Eagle or who go to gay bars, but everybody who lives in or visits Atlanta.

While Congress and President Obama gave lesbian, gay and bisexual service members a happy ending to a bumpy year, "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) may remain in effect for months. That's because the language of the repeal states that the President, Secretary of Defense and Joint Chiefs of Staff of the services must now certify that the military is ready to implement whatever changes are necessary to allow lesbian, gay and bisexual troops to serve openly.

Today, Lambda Legal announced that Scott Schoettes, who has been with Lambda Legal as the HIV Project Staff Attorney since October 2007, has been hired as the new HIV Project Director.

(New York, January 10, 2011) - Today, Lambda Legal announced that Scott Schoettes, who has been with Lambda Legal as the HIV Project Staff Attorney since October 2007, has been hired as the new HIV Project Director.

(New York, NY, January 10, 2011) – In response to the weekend's shootings in Arizona which left six dead, including U.S. District Judge John Roll, and six injured, including Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords (D-Tucson), Lambda Legal Executive Director Kevin Cathcart issued the following statement:

1/9/2011

"The legal battle over same-sex marriage in California pivoted back last week to the state Supreme Court to answer a legal question that will affect not only gays and lesbians who want to marry.

"The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issued an order Tuesday asking the state high court to decide if state law allows proponents of a proposition to defend it in court when state officials refuse that role.