News
Tony Perkins: More action from Trump soon on ‘religious freedom’
Anti-LGBT leader says follow-up to executive order coming next week


Family Research Council President Tony Perkins says more action on “religious freedom” is coming next week. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)
In the aftermath of a religious freedom executive order signed by President Trump that had no explicit reference to LGBT issues, the head of a top anti-LGBT group close to the White House said more action is coming next week on the issue — code for social conservatives to mean anti-LGBT discrimination.
Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, made the remarks last night on “Washington Watch” the weekly radio broadcast produced by the organization.
“By the way, stand by next week, you’re going to see some follow-up to the president’s executive order on religious liberty,” Perkins said. “The next phase of that is going to be coming about and I think it is going to be very instructive. We are going to see government agencies basically put on notice that they have to respect religious freedom. And that is not just the ability to believe, it is the free exercise of religion.”
It’s unclear exactly what Perkins was referencing. Earlier this year, a draft executive order on “religious freedom” that would have enabled sweeping anti-LGBT discrimination circulated among federal agencies and advocacy groups, although Trump never signed the order.
Instead, Trump in May signed a religious freedom executive order that was largely a symbolic statement in favor of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision and against the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law barring churches and religious non-profits from making political endorsements.
The directive made no explicit reference to LGBT issues, although it charged U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions with implementing federal guidance in favor of religious freedom. That language alarmed some LGBT groups like the Human Rights Campaign, who said it opened the door for discrimination.
At a conference earlier this month, for the anti-LGBT Alliance Defending Freedom, Sessions said guidance for “religious freedom” is on the way.
Although he didn’t offer details, the attorney general said it would “help agencies follow the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.” That law, which prohibits the government from substantially burdening a person’s exercise of religion, was passed in 1993 on a bipartisan basis, but has been cited as legal basis for allowing anti-LGBT discrimination.
“Congress enacted RFRA so that, if the federal government imposes a burden on somebody’s religious practice, it had better have a compelling reason,” Sessions said. “That is a demanding standard, and it’s the law of the land. We will follow it just as faithfully as we follow every other federal law. If we’re going to ensure that religious liberty is adequately protected and our country remains free, then we must ensure that RFRA is followed.”
Sarah Kate Ellis, CEO of GLAAD, distributed the audio of Perkins predicting action on “religious freedom” and warned Trump against following through with discrimination.
“If President Trump issues another executive order based on advice from anti-LGBTQ extremist groups like the Family Research Council, he will be harming countless hardworking Americans and their families,” Ellis said in a statement. “The ‘religious exemptions’ laws that groups like the Family Research Council are successfully pushing fly in the face of real American values and open LGBTQ people and our children up to discrimination.”
World Pride 2025
Tourists, locals express concerns about WorldPride security
Officials say no credible threats have been reported

With WorldPride upon us, Washington, D.C. is preparing to welcome an estimated 2 million people who will flock to the District to celebrate queer love, identity and resistance, with another 1 million regional LGBTQ community members expected to attend.
With so many people visiting from across the ocean (as well as across the Potomac) amid a less-than-supportive presidential administration, the issue of safety has become a major concern for those attending and hosting events.
Various social media platforms — including Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and Reddit — have become spaces for residents and tourists alike to air their concerns about safety and security. Many have cited the Trump-Vance administration by name as the source of their fear.
“As much as I appreciate PRIDE — can’t help but think @realdonaldtrump is going to step in at the last minute and y’all are going to have to scramble for backup plans…” one person commented under a WorldPride Instagram post listing some of the events planned for Pride.
“Trump better leave this alone and let us do our thing,” said another user under the same post.
Beyond general unease, others pointed to concrete concerns, citing the Trump administration’s policies and past behavior as reasons for alarm. From detaining outspoken critics to restricting international travel, the fear of interference feels rooted in precedent.
“Just worrying a bit for anyone traveling to the USA right now, in particular if they are not a citizen,” another person commented on a Capital Pride Instagram post. “Especially if they have stuff on their phone etc. that shows that they’re not 100% in love with Trump’s policies. Don’t get me wrong, it’s more important than ever to protest and celebrate in D.C. for the right to be different. Just wondering how we can make it as safe as possible??”
“So the reality of the situation is that 1) the threat profile has increased 2) federal and local resources dedicated to security have massively shrunk 3) the federal government is overtly hostile to the protection of queer people,” said user Xcelsiorhs on Reddit. “There are compelling reasons not to host WorldPride in a country which is unconcerned with gay rights. The security nexus is just one complication and trans/queer immigration concerns are also towards the top of the list.”
“I am extremely worried about the security of the event. I really hope outside security is brought in to make it safe,” said another Reddit user. “Especially the festival and parade that are open to anyone.”
Last week Capital Pride, the local organization in charge of Washington’s Pride celebrations, hosted a webinar dedicated to community fears regarding health and safety. More than 150 people attended the virtual event to hear what the organization’s leaders had to say.
Organizers say they are prepared to address any challenges that arise.
“Tens of thousands of hours have been dedicated to this event,” said Sadhand Miraminy, the director of operations for Capital Pride and host of the safety webinar, ensuring safety is a top priority of the event organizers. “You all are in good hands.”
“It does take a city,” said Linda Lindamood, the director for health and safety for WorldPride, who highlighted various changes from Pride events in years past. “This is the city where people come to have their voices heard… We have worked diligently to address those ‘what ifs…’”
“There is a backup plan for everything,” Miraminy said, following participant questions about some of those “what ifs.”
Trevor Knight, the partner engagement program manager for D.C. Homeland Security, assured attendees that, so far, nothing indicates the event is a target.
“We do not have any credible threats to WorldPride,” Knight said, but he did note changes in some Pride protocols in the nation’s capital.
One of the biggest changes will be an established perimeter around the street festival on Pennsylvania Avenue. This year, it will be entirely fenced in with only nine entrance points — all of which will have metal detectors, bag checks, and nearby law enforcement.
Some social media users criticized the move, citing the history of Pride as justification. Others, like Reddit user ATLinDC, welcomed the change if it means a safer celebration.
“People uncomfortable with law enforcement having a visible presence in and around bars need to get over it. Our spaces need protecting should something go wrong. We do not need another Pulse,” they commented. “I welcome daddy cops on every corner!”
Despite some fears, the general feeling after the meeting — and among some online — was that they felt listened to and saw the organizations doing everything in their power to keep LGBTQ people safe.
“I have confidence that local bar owners and organizers are going to put their best foot forward on security,” said Reddit user Xcelsiorhs. “And the reality of the situation is it will not be enough and the scale of the problem far exceeds their capacity to respond to it. And it is not plausible the resourcing gap will be bridged.”
“The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is working closely with our local, state, and federal partners as we prepare for WorldPride 2025. As with any other events in the District, it is our priority to ensure the safety and security of District residents and visitors. Further details about securing these events, road closures, and additional impacts will be released as we get closer to these events,” said Lee Lepe, public information officer for MPD.
“While there are no known threats to WorldPride 2025, we always encourage the public to remain vigilant. If you see something, say something. Please report threats and emergencies to 911. Keep your community safe by reporting suspicious activity by calling 202-727-9099, texting 50411, or visiting iwatchdc.org.”
D.C. police officials were noncommittal when asked if outside police forces from Virginia and Maryland would assist with security.
“I can confirm we are looking into that,” Tom Lynch, supervisory public affairs specialist for MPD, told the Blade in an email. “We will have more to share on this once it’s confirmed.”
Despite the concerns, Ryan Bos, executive director of Capital Pride, emphasized that those trying to keep LGBTQ people from celebrating Pride are the very reason the event must go on.
“We must remain visible,” said Bos. “We must continue to fight and show up.”
World
New stock exchange initiative promotes LGBTQ inclusion in private sector
‘Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality’ campaign kicked off in Toronto on Tuesday

More than a dozen stock exchanges around the world are participating in an initiative that seeks to promote LGBTQ inclusion in the private sector.
The first “Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Toronto Stock Exchange when members of the LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors Canada Association rang the closing bell.
(Video courtesy of the TMX Group)
Two “Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” ceremonies took place on Wednesday at the London Stock Exchange and the Australia Stock Exchange. Similar events are scheduled to occur in Amsterdam, Brussels, Paris, Chicago, Mexico City, the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, the Namibian capital of Windhoek, and other cities throughout the month.
Koppa: The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab and various U.N. agencies are behind the campaign that coincides with the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia.
IDAHOBiT commemorates the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder on May 17, 1990.
“This is more than just a symbolic gesture – it’s a global call to action to focus on LGBTIQ+ economic equality inclusion,” said Fabrice Houdart, co-founder of Koppa, in a press release that announced the “Ringing the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality” campaign. “Economic inclusion remains among the unfinished business of the LGBTIQ+ equality movement of the LGBTIQ+ equality movement around the world, including in the U.S. We are ringing the bell to remind the world: Our journey is far from over.”
“With an increasing number of governments trying to force businesses around the world to retreat on their support for basic equality, companies must step in and defend their right to do business as they see fit, including their support for equality for all,” he added.
District of Columbia
Rainbow History Project WorldPride exhibition to open May 18
‘Pickets, Protests and Parades’ to be on display at Freedom Plaza

D.C.’s Rainbow History Project is scheduled to open its WorldPride 2025 exhibition called “Pickets, Protests, and Parades: The History of Gay Pride in Washington” on Sunday, May 18, in Freedom Plaza.
Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. between 13th and 14th streets less than three blocks from the White House, the exhibition will be open to the public free of charge for 24 hours through July 6.
The exhibition “will chronicle the local LGBTQ+ Pride movement and how the pickets and protests of the 1960s led to the vibrant celebrations of the 2020s,” a statement released by Rainbow History Project says.
The statement notes that the exhibition’s displays will include photos and information about a 1965 protest in front of the White House by 10 gay men and lesbians carrying picket signs in what is believed to be one of the city’s and possibly the nation’s first public demonstrations in support of the then homosexual community.
“The exhibition disrupts the popularly held belief that the LGBTQ+ rights movement began with the Stonewall Riots in 1969 in New York,” the statement points out. It says the 1965 gay protest outside the White House, which took place four years before Stonewall, represents “the start of D.C.’s rich queer history.”
“Covering 1965 to the present, the exhibition explores the history of Pride in D.C. in 10 distinct thematic eras,” according to the statement. “Large hero images around the perimeter will draw people into the exhibit to explore a timeline wall with historic quotes from Pride’s organizers. Each of the 10 eras are detailed in thematic cubes rich with history and visuals.”
The statement says Rainbow History Project is seeking community members to serve as Exhibit Monitors to assist in operating the display in four shifts each day and night to be compensated from between $80 and $100 per shift depending on the time of the shift.
Information about applying to become an exhibit monitor can be accessed at Rainbow History’s website.
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