President Joe Biden on Dec. 13 signed into law a federal bill to repeal the now-defunct Defense of Marriage Law and to require states to recognize any marriage, including a same-sex marriage, licensed by another state. 

BOISE, Idaho — Police arrested roughly two dozen gay rights activists Monday after protesters refused to leave the Idaho Senate and House chambers in an attempt to pressure lawmakers into passing anti-discrimination protections.

The U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority seemed to signal Dec. 5 that it is prepared to allow certain business owners to violate state laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodations.

In the absence of a federal law banning discrimination against gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people, there is a sharp split among the states, with some enacting such protections and a majority opting not to. According to LGBT-rights advocacy groups, here's the latest breakdown:

HOUSTON (AP) — The landslide defeat of a nondiscrimination ordinance in Houston has stunned LGBT-rights activists across the nation. They're now bracing for their opponents in other states to seize on the successful tactic of stoking fears over transgender people's access to public restrooms.

(WM) Polish leaders rejected suggestions Sept. 28 that LGBT people are deprived of any of their rights in the country, after an open letter from 50 ambassadors and international representatives cited a need to work for “non-discrimination, tolerance and mutual acceptance.”

According to a report, the majority of Americans support pro-LGBT policies, but not so much on transgender sports and bathroom accommodations.

LGBT issues were front and center in Day Two of the confirmation hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, with Democrats and even a few Republicans attempting to clarify how she might approach such issues on the high court. 

One lawsuit or election can roll back many of the gains

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) _ With the hiring of a state director for the first time in Arkansas, the Human Rights Campaign has highlighted how much of a battleground the state has become in the fight over equal rights for gays and lesbians.

Anchorage, Alaska - Opponents of Anchorage's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender non-discrimination law may need to get more specific in their ballot language seeking repeal.

In most states, the big elections will come next year. But on Tuesday, voters in a few states will pick governors and legislators, some cities will elect mayors and a variety of major issues will be settled at the ballot box.

HELENA (AP) – Democrats on Monday tried unsuccessfully to “blast” four tabled bills to the Senate and House floors, including one that would ban discrimination against gay people.

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Attorney General Eric Holder said Monday that he found it "frustrating" that the Justice Department hasn't been able to carry out criminal prosecutions of executives whose risky banking practices blamed for the global financial crisis.

A Broward judge on Tuesday rejected a Fort Lauderdale man's request to reduce his $1 million bond on an Oakland Park hit-and-run case.

HOUSTON (AP) - The Texas Supreme Court says voters in Houston must decide whether they want an equal right ordinance in their city - and not whether the existing one should be repealed.

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Barilla has made quite a turnaround.

BEIJING (CNN) -- In this narrow Beijing hutong, the rainbow flag flies free.

HOUSTON (AP) - Former Houston Astros star Lance Berkman's public opposition to the Houston Equal Rights Ordinance is drawing fire from the city's mayor.

NEW YORK (AP) — Even as same-sex marriage edges closer to becoming legal nationwide, gay rights advocates face other challenges in 2015 that may not bring quick victories.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Even as they celebrate epic victories in the push for marriage equality, gay-rights activists acknowledge that other difficult issues remain on their agenda. There's the persistent high rate of HIV infections, the struggles to expand transgender rights, and the striking fact that even in some states allowing same-sex marriage, people can lose their job for being gay.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vice President Joe Biden is throwing his unequivocal support behind letting transgender people serve openly in the U.S. military, as the Obama administration considers whether and when to lift the longstanding ban.

(WB) President Biden on Tuesday in his speech to the U.N. General Assembly spoke in support of LGBT rights around the world.

(WB) President Joe Biden on Wednesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to LGBT and intersex rights abroad.

(WB) President Joe Biden, on his first day in office Wednesday after taking the Oath of Office, is set to sign an executive order directing federal agencies across the board to implement the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic ruling against anti-LGBT discrimination under federal law.

The big story of the past week compiled by Jillian Melero

Gay Performer Helps Put the “Sexy” Back into Burlesque

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Passing statewide legislation to protect gay and bisexual people from workplace discrimination would be good for Kentucky businesses, gay rights advocates said Thursday.

CARMEL, Ind. (AP) — City leaders in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel are backing a proposal to expand anti-discrimination protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity.

CARMEL, Ind. (AP) — City officials in the Indianapolis suburb of Carmel are waiting to take action on a proposal to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.