Tax court allows deduction for woman’s sex-change
The U.S. Tax Court has ruled that a Massachusetts woman should be allowed to deduct the costs of her sex-change operation. Rhiannon O’Donnabhain, who was born a man, sued the Internal Revenue Service in 2007. The agency had disallowed a $5,000 tax deduction for $25,000 in medical expenses associated with the sex-change surgery. The IRS said the surgery was cosmetic and not medically necessary. In its decision, the tax court said the IRS position was rebutted by medical evidence at the Boston trial. Advocates say the ruling could potentially affect thousands of people a year in the U.S. who undergo similar operations.
Fox elected first openly gay R.I. House speaker
Rep. Gordon Fox has became the first openly gay lawmaker elected to lead the Rhode Island House of Representatives, arguably the state’s most powerful political post. In 2004, Fox surprised colleagues when he unexpectedly revealed he was gay during a rally supporting gay marriage. Rhode Island is the only New England state besides Maine that does not recognize same-sex marriage.
Gay military advocate reports for drill duty
Lt. Dan Choi took time off from gay rights work for infantry training with the Army National Guard. Choi was scheduled to appear at a National Gay and Lesbian Task Force conference, but reported for training with his Guard unit instead. A National Guard committee recommended in June that Choi be discharged under the ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ policy. He remains in the Guard while awaiting a final decision. The Iraq veteran and West Point graduate says his commander urged him to return to monthly drills.
Ruling sought in Arkansas adoption ban
Opponents and supporters of an Arkansas law banning unmarried couples from fostering or adopting children are asking a judge for a ruling on the prohibition. Both the American Civil Liberties Union and the Arkansas Family Council have filed motions on the issue. The ACLU sued the state on behalf of a group of families seeking to overturn the ban, calling it unconstitutional. Voters approved the measure in 2008 after the state Supreme Court ruled gays could be foster parents.
Iowa lawmakers fail in effort on gay marriage ban
Republicans have failed in their effort to start the process of amending the Iowa Constitution to ban gay marriage—meaning it will likely be 2014 at the earliest before voters could decide on the issue. “There are a lot of folks out there who say they support traditional marriage,” said House Minority Leader Kraig Paulsen, R-Hiawatha. Democrats, who hold majorities in both chambers, responded that lawmakers have their hands full with budget problems and don’t have time for a gay marriage debate.
