Latest news with #Prideflag
CTV News
01-08-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Liberal U.S. states sue Trump over transgender care ban
The Pride flag seen at Windsor, Ont. on Aug. 1, 2025. (Gary Archibald/CTV News Windsor) A coalition of liberal U.S. states on Friday said it was suing U.S. President Donald Trump's administration over an order to prevent clinics providing gender-affirming care to children. The lawsuit, brought by officials from California and 15 other states, as well as the District of Columbia, challenges an executive order that denounces the treatment as 'chemical and surgical mutilation.' The order, which Trump signed in January, calls on the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) to investigate providers who offer such treatment, even in states where it is legal. 'The President and his Administration's relentless attacks on gender-affirming care endanger already vulnerable adolescents whose health and well-being are at risk,' California's Attorney General Rob Bonta said. 'Their demands that our healthcare providers discriminate against transgender individuals and deny them access to medically-necessary healthcare is cruel and irresponsible.' The DoJ said last month it had issued more than 20 subpoenas to doctors and clinics providing treatment to adolescents. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said at the time that 'medical professionals and organizations that mutilated children in the service of a warped ideology will be held accountable.' The lawsuit, filed in a U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, argues that the administration's actions have no legal basis and should be declared unlawful. 'These actions have created a chilling effect in which providers are pressured to scale back on their care for fear of prosecution, leaving countless individuals without the critical care they need and are entitled to under law,' said Bonta. LGBTQ+ rights have become a divisive subject in the United States, where Trump rode a wave of public support for his crusade against so-called 'woke ideology.' In his first days in office, Trump declared the federal government would recognize only two genders -- men and women -- and has targeted transgender people in a slew of other orders. In February, he issued an executive order aimed at banning transgender athletes, allowing federal agencies to halt funding to any institution that does not consider birth-assigned genders in determining sex. The lawsuit groups California with New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. It is the latest legal effort from a coalition of Democratic-run states aimed at pushing back at what liberals see as overreach by the Trump presidency.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Opposition attacks Reform-led Lancashire council's new flag policy
A council has voted through changes that mean a number of flags, including the Pride flag, will no longer be flown over Lancashire County Council voted to restrict those flown to national, county, royal, military and commonwealth flags only in a debate at County Hall in Preston. The ruling Reform UK group told a meeting on Thursday that flags are a way of promoting shared identity and "individual political causes should not take precedence".But Independent county councillor Michael Lavalette accused the party of "trying to divide our community". Reform UK took charge of the council in 2025, and cabinet member for education and skills Matthew Salter said the flag policy was a matter of promoting "shared identity".He said: "We are all Lancastrians – whatever our particular characteristics, whatever someone's sexuality, ethnic background, religion – whatever else is true of us as individuals."We can all come together to celebrate Lancashire and to celebrate the flags of our nation." 'Posture politics' Reform councillor Joshua Roberts, who put the motion forward, said: "Inclusivity isn't measured by the number of flags flown, it's reflected in our policies, services and engagement. "The flag policy is about civic neutrality and unity – not exclusion."Currently the flag of England, the St. George's Cross, the Commonwealth flag, Armed Forces flag and Merchant Navy red ensign all fly over council buildings on or around the individual national days dedicated to those places and Pride flag is flown on the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia on 17 Lavalette said the leading Reform group was "engaging in posture politics".He said: "You're talking to an audience out there that you think want to hear about flags and the range of flags that people fly when actually they don't."Leader of the opposition group, Independent councillor Azhar Ali, said "the list goes on and on" when considering other issues the authority should be looking at, including "the financial position, treasury management, SEND, adult social care, working with the ICB, potholes"."The first opportunity for Reform to put forward some motions, and it's flags," he said. "You shame yourself and you shame this county and you haven't even got the guts to say 'I don't believe in that flag'," Liberal Democrat councillor, John Potter, told the meeting."You're supposed to be the free speech warriors talking truth to power, yet you try this nonsense."Roberts said the council "continues to support diverse communities through funding, outreach and representation"."This policy simply ensures that public buildings reflect shared civic identity, celebrating our local and national identity and acknowledging the important role…our armed forces play in the safety of our country," he final decision will be taken by cabinet at a later date after the motion was passed by a majority, with all opposition groups voting against it. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
