Civil Rights

Call me crazy, but I believe firmly that the statutory laws are in place for a reason – to prevent the exploitation of young men and women who don’t have the ability to make informed decisions, who don’t have the ability to “consent.” Moving the boundaries on what constitutes statutory rape is a slippery slope. After all, would we be hearing this same outcry in Chicago, if an 18-year-old black male were given a similar plea offer or a similar charge with a 15-year-old white female victim?

The Peace Corps says it will begin accepting applications from same-sex domestic partners who want to serve together as volunteers overseas.

In another blow to civil rights and reproductive health options, Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma signed a bill into law last week that allows tax payers to sue abortion providers should they allegedly fail to meet strict new reporting regulations—opening the door for frivolous lawsuits from anti-abortion religious zealots.

Abercrombie & Fitch surf-themed brand Hollister uses steps at many of its storefronts to create a beach shack atmosphere, steps that potential customers in wheelchairs can't exactly use in an effort to buy $40 t-shirts. It's a clear violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, but the corporate clothier isn't going without a fight.

Colorado Democrats have successfully passed a massive elections reform bill that allows voters to register up until Election Day and still cast their ballots.

The manager of the sexual harassment and assault response program at Fort Campbell, Ky., was arrested in a domestic dispute and relieved of his post, authorities said Thursday.

Thousands of anti-gay protesters, including Orthodox priests, occupied a central street in Georgia's capital Friday, with some threatening to lash with stinging nettles any participant in a gay pride parade which was to take place there.

Lawmakers say they're outraged that for the second time this month a member of the armed forces assigned to help prevent sexual assaults in the military is under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct.

Senator Scott Dibble and Representative Karen Clark, sponsors of Minnesota's newly-passed marriage equality bill, emerge from the Senate Chambers to a large crowd of cheering supporters.

Just when it seemed Disney actually did something right with their creation of Merida, the fierce, funny, I-don't-need-no-Prince Charming-'cause-I-got-my-horse-and-bow-and-arrow hero of Brave, they've up and given her a "makeover" for her induction Saturday into the Disney Princess collection.