Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
A Rainbow Wave Of LGBTQ Wins: NH Elects First Openly Gay Man To US Senate; Virginia Officially Repeals Ban On Same-Sex Marriage
Advocate.com: Rainbow Wave: See All The LGBTQ+ Midterm Election Winners
In addition to Senator-elect Chris Pappas, voters sent several out candidates to Washington, D.C., as well as state houses across America. (Ennis, 11/3)
The 19th: Chris Pappas Will Be The First Out Gay Man In The U.S. Senate
In New Hampshire, Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas defeated former Sen. John Sununu, a Republican backed by President Donald Trump, according to projections by Decision Desk HQ. Pappas will be the first out gay man to serve in the upper chamber. (Rummler, 11/3)
On same-sex marriage and transgender health —
The 19th: Virginia Voters Repeal Ban On Same-Sex Marriage
Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment officially repealing the state’s ban on same-sex marriage, nearly 20 years to the day after it was adopted in 2006. (Migdon, 11/4)
The Colorado Sun: Proposition 135, Banning Gender-Related Surgeries For Kids, Too Close To Call
Colorado voters are closely divided on a ballot measure to ban certain gender-related surgeries for minors, following a campaign that featured debates about medical independence and appropriate care for young people. As of 11:30 p.m., Proposition 135 remained too close to call, with 51.5% of tabulated voters in favor of the measure and 48.5% opposed. Because the measure would amend state statutes, not the constitution, it needs a simple majority to pass. (Ingold, 11/3)
The New York Times: Live Results For Colorado Proposition 135: Prohibit Gender Confirmation Surgery For Minors
As of 6:05 am ET, the "yes" votes had garnered 51.7% of the vote, versus 48.3% for "no." (11/4)
KOMO: Voters Favor Banning Transgender Student Athletes From Girls' Sports In Washington
Washington voters will decide whether to approve Initiative 638, a measure that would require students to undergo a physical exam documenting sex assigned at birth before participating in interscholastic sports. With nearly 1,117,424 votes counted, the initiative had 60% support and 39% opposition as of Nov. 3 early results. (11/3)
Nebraska Examiner: Nebraska On Track To Add Gender-Based School Sports Requirements To State Constitution
Voters appeared to agree to cement sex-separate school sports requirements into the Nebraska Constitution with Tuesday’s approval of the Fairness for Girls ballot measure. Initiative Measure 442 had 318,439 yes votes to 160,626 no votes, as of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, with 69% of the vote counted. The proposal would make permanent part of a 2025 state law requiring public K-12 schools, colleges and universities, and any private schools or colleges in the state playing against those schools, to designate sports and teams as male, female or coed. Male students couldn’t play on female-only teams. (Bamer, 11/3)
Plus —
WCAX: Vermont Voters Approve Equal Protection Amendment
Vermonters overwhelmingly approved an equal protection of law amendment on this Election Day. With about 64% of the vote counted, the results stood at nearly 80% of voters saying yes to Proposal 4. Prop 4 would guarantee everyone equal protection under the law. It would prohibit the denial of rights based on race, ethnicity, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or national origin. (11/3)
