Top 10 national news stories of 2017

As many predicted, 2017 brought an end to the progressive Obama era and the beginning of an assault on LGBT rights from the new Trump administration. Below is a ranking of the 10 biggest LGBT stories of the year.

10. The push for religious exemptions bills

Although anti-LGBT forces sought to pass an anti-trans bathroom bill in Texas, the measure was defeated in the state Legislature following outcry from the business community and LGBT advocates.

But the Legislature passed and Abbott signed into law an anti-LGBT religious exemption measure allowing taxpayer-funded adoption agencies in Texas to refuse placements to LGBT homes. South Dakota and Alabama enacted similar laws this year.

9. Sexual misconduct scandals ensnare Spacey, Takei

Left to right: A sexual misconduct scandal ended Kevin Spacey’s career, Danica Roem will become the first openly transgender person seated in any state Legislature when she’s sworn in next month in Virginia and the anti-LGBT Roy Moore lost in his bid for the U.S. Senate in Alabama. (Courtesy photos)

By CHRIS JOHNSON, WASHINGTON BLADE

riage equality nationwide.

7. Hurricane Maria devastates Puerto Rico 2. Trans candidates score historic wins