New Obama administration HUD rule bans 'discrimination'
DETROIT — A new rule took effect this week barring those who own or operate U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-funded housing from asking about an applicant’s sexual orientation or gender identity, an Obama administration official announced Friday.
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said the new equal access to housing rule “says clearly and unequivocally that LGBT individuals and couples have the right to live where they choose.”
Donovan made the announcement at a White House conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender housing and homelessness in Detroit. The day-long conference at Wayne State University brought together advocates, community leaders and the public to discuss the issue of the tens of thousands of homeless youths across America who are LGBT.
The new rule, Donovan said, represents “a real demonstration of how important this issue is to me, to the president, to the entire administration.”
“If you’re denying HUD housing to people on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity — actual or perceived — you’re discriminating,” he said. “You are breaking the law, and you will be held accountable.”
Barbara McQuade, the Detroit-based U.S. attorney and a panelist in one of the sessions at Friday’s conference, called the new rule “a big deal.”
“I really applaud the administration, which isn’t waiting around for Congress” to act on this issue, she said.
HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan said the new equal access to housing rule “says clearly and unequivocally that LGBT individuals and couples have the right to live where they choose.”
Donovan made the announcement at a White House conference on lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender housing and homelessness in Detroit. The day-long conference at Wayne State University brought together advocates, community leaders and the public to discuss the issue of the tens of thousands of homeless youths across America who are LGBT.
The new rule, Donovan said, represents “a real demonstration of how important this issue is to me, to the president, to the entire administration.”
“If you’re denying HUD housing to people on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity — actual or perceived — you’re discriminating,” he said. “You are breaking the law, and you will be held accountable.”
Barbara McQuade, the Detroit-based U.S. attorney and a panelist in one of the sessions at Friday’s conference, called the new rule “a big deal.”
“I really applaud the administration, which isn’t waiting around for Congress” to act on this issue, she said.
BOBBY BROWN CHARGED WITH DUI
Bobby Brown has just been charged with driving under the influence and driving with a suspended license.
We're told Bobby blew a .12 blood alcohol level when he was busted on Monday just after noon.
Both offenses are misdemeanors. Each offense carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail. Bobby could also be fined $1000 per offense
Brown's license had been suspended because he got a speeding ticket in 2010 and failed to show up for his court date.
We're told Bobby blew a .12 blood alcohol level when he was busted on Monday just after noon.
Both offenses are misdemeanors. Each offense carries a maximum penalty of 6 months in jail. Bobby could also be fined $1000 per offense
Brown's license had been suspended because he got a speeding ticket in 2010 and failed to show up for his court date.
Piot is in some trouble ?
Passengers on board a JetBlue flight were forced to subdue the captain Tuesday after he began to exhibit "erratic behavior," including screaming "they're going to take us down," according to the passengers. JetBlue Flight 191, which was headed from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport to Las Vegas, made an emergency landing in Amarillo, Texas, due to what the airline called a "medical situation.
Former corrections officer says he choked ranting captain after stewardesses struggled to corral him
The captain reportedly ran up and down the aisles screaming, "Say your prayers," after his co-pilot locked him out of the cockpit, the New York Post reported.
Former corrections officer says he choked ranting captain after stewardesses struggled to corral him
The captain reportedly ran up and down the aisles screaming, "Say your prayers," after his co-pilot locked him out of the cockpit, the New York Post reported.
Update on Obama care
Justice Anthony Kennedy did not fully tip his hand as to how he might ultimately vote in the case -- leaving all sides to ruminate for the next few months until an expected summer ruling.
On this most important day of arguments for the landmark case, most of the high court bench was thoroughly engaged for a two-hour debate over the constitutional merits of President Obama's health care law. Based on the tenor of Tuesday's arguments, the justices appeared to be closely divided and this case, as do so many other close ones at the high court, may ultimately come down to Kennedy's vote.
Early in the arguments, the veteran justice cut to the heart of the debate over the so-called individual mandate -- which was the focus of Tuesday's hearing -- asking the federal government's attorney to explain what constitutional power the government had to force all Americans to obtain health insurance.
On this most important day of arguments for the landmark case, most of the high court bench was thoroughly engaged for a two-hour debate over the constitutional merits of President Obama's health care law. Based on the tenor of Tuesday's arguments, the justices appeared to be closely divided and this case, as do so many other close ones at the high court, may ultimately come down to Kennedy's vote.
Early in the arguments, the veteran justice cut to the heart of the debate over the so-called individual mandate -- which was the focus of Tuesday's hearing -- asking the federal government's attorney to explain what constitutional power the government had to force all Americans to obtain health insurance.