GOP immigration bill blocked
On Oct. 20, U.S. Senate Democrats scuttled a GOP-backed measure that aimed to toughen immigration laws.
Voting 54-45, the Senate decided not to advance legislation meant to have so-called "sanctuary cities" such as San Francisco comply with federal immigration laws. Democrats contended that the measure would isolate the immigrant community even more.
In a statement, National Center for Lesbian Rights ( NCLR ) Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq., said "We are relieved that yet another discriminatory congressional attack against the immigrant community in the United States has been blocked.
"It is disappointing, however, that rather than advancing genuine immigration reform that honors the dignity and value of all human lives, irrespective of their country of origin, the Senate would prefer to punish those who are seeking safety, shelter, and freedom from oppression and to unfairly target local governments seeking to combat anti-immigrant discrimination and to ensure the safety of all."
Franken inquires about trans murders
U.S. Sen. Al Franken ( D-Minnesota ) has sent a letter to the Department of Justice expressing his desire to know, among other things, how much the federal government is working with local authorities after multiple murders of trans individuals, The Washington Blade reported.
Franken called on U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch and FBI Director James Comey to become more involved. The Oct. 21 letter, in part, "strongly urge[s] the U.S. Department of Justice to work with state and local authorities in the investigation and prosecution of these incidents."
The senator also wrote, "The Department should develop a model policy for law enforcement agencies on interactions with LGBT and gender-nonconforming individuals and guidance on public communications regarding crimes against members of the transgender community."
The article is at www.washingtonblade.com/2015/10/21/franken-seeks-answers-from-doj-on-transgender-murders/ .