Gay marriage effort shifts back to New England

(Montpelier, Vt.) Vermont was the first state to outlaw slavery. Neighboring New Hampshire declared its independence from England before any other colony. Maine led the way with Prohibition.

These days, Yankee activism has another cause – gay rights.

Two states in New England already allow same-sex marriage, and lawmakers in three more …

Delaware votes for gay rights

Two gay victories swept Delaware Thursday, when the state Senate defeated a constitutional ban on gay marriage and the state House passed a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Delaware already has a law limiting marriage to a man and a woman, and Senators expressed concern that the constitutional ban …

Outsourced condom production could shut US factory

The last U.S.-based supplier of condoms for global HIV/AIDS prevention programs could be forced to shut its doors because the federal government sent the work to cheaper suppliers in Asia.

The change came earlier this month as Congress dropped a requirement that the government buy American-made condoms when possible, with exceptions …

Suspect in NY reporter’s stabbing pleads not guilty

(New York) A 16-year-old has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and weapons charges in the stabbing death of a New York City newsman.

John Katehis (KAY’-tis) is being held without bail. He was arraigned Wednesday night in Brooklyn.

Police say Katehis told them he was answering an online ad offering $60 …

Serbian lawmakers pass anti-discrimination law

(Belgrade, Serbia) Serbian lawmakers narrowly gave final approval Thursday to an anti-discrimination law that is part of pro-Western reforms but was strongly opposed by the Serbian Orthodox Church and other conservatives.

Parliament passed the bill with a slim majority of 127 votes in favor to 59 against – one more vote …