Sunday, March 09, 2008

GLBT DIGEST March 9, 2008

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.

=
National Gay News
http://www.nationalgaynews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-
Fort Lauderdale pulls mayor's column for criticism of gays
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbnaugle0305sbmar06,0,5989349.story
-
Gay Bashers Sentenced to Prison Term
The Tel Aviv District Court sentenced four residents of east Jerusalem totwo to eight years in prison Thursday, after they were convicted of theassault and robbery of several young homosexuals in Tel Aviv's old centralbus station. According to the indictment, in January 2007, the four scoured the station'sarea for men seeking to rendezvous with other men, going as far as to placeone of them as a decoy
-
When Jackie Goldberg and Sharon Stricker headed to San Francisco to getmarried four years ago, they saw their wedding as a political statement. Itsurprised them both when, halfway through the ceremony on the steps of theCity Hall rotunda, the usually stalwart Goldberg burst into tears.
"It felt much different than I expected," Goldberg said Wednesday, a fewdays shy of the March 8 anniversary. "I thought I was going to be proud andpleased and happy. But I didn't expect to be emotionally moved."
-
Everyday Life Best Argument For Gay Marriage
When defenders of the "sacred union of marriage" held a news conference lastTuesday after oral arguments on same-sex marriage at the state SupremeCourt, they weren't facing a friendly crowd. A small group of activists tried to drown out the comments with songs, chants and heckling. I'm sure they thought they were carrying the banner offreedom, standing up for principle and advancing the cause.
-
In and Out
Army Sgt. Darren Manzella could be the all-American poster boy for Armyrecruiting. The 30-year-old speaks softly with a polite charm that seems toreflect his unpretentious roots. ''I was homecoming king,'' he says with a slight, humble laugh. ''I was justthe average boy from my hometown. I played football. I worked on the farmwith my dad and my brothers. ''
-
Asylum Granted
Even though his face was hidden behind a curtain, and a scrambler used todisguise his voice, Korab Zuka still felt anxious about taking part twoyears ago in Kosovo's first televised debate about the normalcy ofhomosexuality. That's partly because most people knew Zuka as the founderand director of the Centre for Social Emancipation, Kosovo's first GLBTequal rights organization. ''My father was a political activist, so I think I got a little from the family and then the rest is just the strong will that [I] really believethat people are free, and there's no one in the world who can deny you ofthose rights, '' he says.
-
National Newspaper Takes Up Gay Iranian StoryA concerted campaign by gay rights activists on behalf of a gay teenagerfacing deportation to Iran and possible execution has pushed his plight intothe national press. This morning The Independent newspaper devoted its front page to 19-year-old
Medhi Kazemi, who fled to the Netherlands last year after his appeal forasylum in the UK was refused .
-



=
Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-
Today the National Urban League released their annual State of Black Americareport "In the Black Woman's Voice." The report provides the Black femaleperspective of the challenges that currently confront us in Americaincluding economic, social, psychological, and medical.
The report is broken down in five key areas --- economics, education,health, social justice, and civic engagement and features a Foreword by therevered Dr. Dorothy I. Height, president of the National Council of NegroWomen.
http://jasmynecannick.typepad.com/jasmynecannickcom/2008/03/black-people-st.html
-
The self-destructive Democrat, 2008 model
Recently I've had conversations with people online and offline abouttroubling encounters with Clinton supporters harboring increasinglypathological-level opposition to an Obama nomination. This in a year wherewe have two candidates who would be infinitely better stewards of thiscountry than the current White House occupant or John McCain.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4691
-
Panel tackles same-sex marriage in Canada
In recent weeks, a growing number of parishes across the country have votedto break ranks with the Anglican Church of Canada in a dispute overtheological issues that include the blessing of same-sex unions, which theyoppose.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080305.wfaithmarch2008/BNStory/specialComment/?page=rss&id=RTGAM.20080305.wfaithmarch2008
-
I'm not willing to tailor my citizenship to the homo-haters' discomfort withthe advancingby James Nimmo
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/03/05/18483770.php
-
Possible Campus Crusades for Christ Speaker: Homosexuality can be "Cured"
A Christian group at Hastings College is a step closer to bringing acontroversial speaker to the school.
http://www.kolnkgin.com/home/headlines/16260856.html
-
Nurture, Not Nature: How Lesbians, Gays and Bisexuals Become Liberal Democrats
http://daily.swarthmore.edu/2008/03/06/nurture-not-nature-how-lesbians-gays-and-bisexuals-become-liberal-democrats/
-


=
Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrier
http://www.smartbrief.com/index.jsp
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
Bill grants Wash. couples 170 new rights
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire is expected to sign into law a measure that would grant gay and lesbian couples 170 additional rights, including the ability to hold common property, the right to open joint bank accounts and immunity from testifying against a partner in court. The measure, which previously was approved by the House, on Tuesday cleared the state Senate by 29-20 vote. Seattle Post-Intelligencer (3/4)
-
Maryland may pass benefits of marriage without title
Maryland lawmakers who support equal marriage rights but don't have the votes to pass it are considering a compromise bill that would grant same-sex couples many of the benefits of marriage without the title. "We're looking at a smaller basket of rights and benefits," said Sen. Jamie Raskin, D-Montgomery County. "We champions of gay and lesbian couples prefer civil marriage. We'll start with all those rights and benefits and work our way down." The Sun (Baltimore) (free registration) (3/6)
Marriages viewed favorably by two New York courts
-
The recognition by two New York courts of two same-sex marriages performed in Canada seems to represent the "de facto legalization" of marriage -- and divorce -- rights for gays and lesbians, according to this article. But one marriage opponent said the state's Court of Appeals will likely have the final word on whether gay unions should be recognized. The New York Times
(3/6)
-
Trans-rights bill backed by Massachusetts governor
A measure to add transgender people to the list of groups expressly protected by Massachusetts' anti-discrimination law has won the support of Gov. Deval Patrick. The bill is under review in the House, according to this article. The Boston Globe (3/5)
-
Marriage ban fails to clear Iowa House committee
The Des Moines Register (Iowa) (3/5)
-
State may force Salt Lake City to call DP registry by different name
The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah) (3/4)
-
Do you want to work for the next President of the United States?
The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute is leading a community-wide effort to dentify strong candidates to serve the next president of the United States.
GLLI's Presidential Appointments Project serves as the talent bank for openly LGBT professionals seeking appointed positions in the next presidential administration. If you've ever considered working for the federal government, now is the time to start thinking about whether you have what it takes to work for the president and help to bring about positive change our country. GLLI's partners in the project include the Human Rights Campaign, The Task Force, National Black Justice Coalition and the National Stonewall Democrats. For more information and to submit your resume, go to www.glli.org/presidential.
-
Blogger: McCain's LGBT record speaks for itself
Blogger Michael Crawford has harsh words for Log Cabin Republicans for trying to defend the gay-rights record of presumptive Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, who reportedly has signed on as a co-sponsor of the six pending LGBT Senate bills and backed his home state of Arizona's marriage ban. "Log Cabin needs to make a choice," Crawford writes.
"Are they really about building support for GLBT civil rights in the GOP, or are they simply about pimping Republican politicians with questionable records on gay issues to GLBT voters?" Read more at The Bilerico Project.
-


=
Forwarded from Gay Asalyum - UK
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayasylum/messages?o=1
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
Now Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain faces deportation
An Iranian lesbian who fled to Britain after her girlfriend was arrested and sentenced to death faces being forcibly returned after losing the latest round in her battle to be granted asylum. The case of Pegah Emambakhsh, 40, comes a day after The Independent reported on the growing public outcry over the plight of a gay Iranian teenager who fears he will be executed if he is deported to Iran. Both cases have provoked international protests against Britain and led to calls for an immediate moratorium on the deportation of gay and lesbian asylum-seekers who fear they will be persecuted in Iran.
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/now-iranian-lesbian-who-fled-to-britain-faces-deportation-792819.html
-
A concerted campaign by gay rights activists on behalf of a gay teenager facing deportation to Iran and possible execution has pushed his plight into the national press. This morning The Independent newspaper devoted its front page to 19-year-old Medhi Kazemi, who fled to the Netherlands last year after his appeal for asylum in the UK was refused. His story was first reported on PinkNews.co.uk on February 19th.
http://pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7050.html
-


=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
International Gay Hotel Brand Launches
(Zurich) LGBT travelers who for years have complained there is a wide spectrum of quality among gay hotels may soon find a sign atop some that attest to high standards.
-

=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-
Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman American Family Association
Friday, April 25, several thousand schools across the nation will beobserving "Day of Silence (DOS)." DOS is a nationwide push to promote thehomosexual lifestyle in public schools. AFA is joining other family-oriented groups in urging parents to keep their children at home that day if their local school is participating in the DOSproject. By remaining silent, the intent of the pro-homosexual students isto disrupt the classes while promoting the homosexual lifestyle.
-
Scalia Says 'Living Constitution' Reduces Democracy
American democracy has been weakened by a shift toward a so-called "living Constitution" that gives judges more power and lawmakers less,Supreme CourtJustice Antonin Scalia said Tuesday during an appearance at the University of Central Missouri.
-
Ukrainian Members of Parliament Move to Staunch Alternate Sexual Identities
According to information spread by the group "Love against homosexualism" atthe beginning of March, some members of the Parliament of Ukraine considerthat "propaganda and expansion of homosexuality in the country form a threatto national security, contradict national interests, undermine authority ofrights and freedoms of human being and family".
-


=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
A new survey has found overwhelming support for allowing civil unions for same-sex couples in Pennsylvania.
Sixty-five percent of those polled said they would support civil unions in the state, while 37 percent were opposed. The survey was conducted by Susquehanna Polling and Research for the Value All Families Coalition, an umbrella organization fighting a proposed amendment to the Pennsylvania constitution that would ban same-sex marriage, block civil unions and possibly curtail domestic partner benefits.
-
When Spanish bishops advised Catholics on how to vote in next Sunday's election, Spaniards were reminded of the Church's one-time power, but also of how that power has waned. The advice -- seen as a direct swipe at the policies of the ruling Socialists -- outraged some and rekindled memories of the Church's powerful role during the years of General Francisco Franco's dictatorship after the 1936-39 civil war.
-
Thanks to a bill passed by the Legislature, same-sex couples will be treated with substantially more fairness. That step is almost as noteworthy as last year's recognition of domestic partnerships. The measure adds dozens of legal rights and responsibilities for domestic partners under state law. The bill adds same-sex couples to many areas of law affected by marriage, including probate, trusts, guardianship and powers of attorney. It also specifies mechanisms for ending domestic partnerships.
-
A Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly (PACE) hearing on the legal recognition of same-sex partnerships will take place in Paris tomorrow. The 47-member Council of Europe predates the European Union. It promotes and protects democracy, educational and sporting co-operation and created the European Court of Human Rights.
-


=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
Cyndi Lauper to resume True Colors Tour -- including South Florida
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/03/cyndi-lauper-to.html
-
India's transgender talk show host
A controversial new talk show has hit TV screens in southern India.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/03/indias-transgen.html
-


=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-
Swedish state to start selling sex toys
Sweden's state-run pharmacy chain Apoteket has announced that it is to beginselling sex toys in order to satisfy demand from customers.
When asked in a survey last year what products they would most like to seeon Apoteket''s shelves, a majority plumped for dildos and massage oils. Thestudy was conducted by the pharmacy chain in cooperation with the SwedishAssociation for Sexuality Education (RFSU).
-



=
Forwarded from Gay Asalyum - UK
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayasylum/messages?o=1
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
Princess Máxima of the Netherlands has leant her support to a gayrights campaign. The 36-year-old princess attended a meeting todayto witness officials from the country's four major cities and the Dutchgovernment sign an agreement to improve the social acceptance ofhomosexuals.
-



=
Soulforce Email Update
www.soulforce.org/
A Personal Invitation From Rev. Dr. Mel White to Come to Ft. Worth
Gary and I are hoping that you will seriously consider joining us in Ft.Worth, Texas, April 25-27, and if you can, stay through the following weekuntil Friday, May 2. You will have a rare opportunity to stand with us onthe front lines of our struggle to end religion-based oppression. On Fridayevening, April 25, we will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulforce withlaughter and tears, food and drink, special music and a documentary filmlooking back at the first ten years on the frontlines with Soulforce. Theentire Soulforce team will be there to meet and greet you.
-
Soulforce Welcomes Change at Exodus
In a March 4, 2008, interview with Ex-Gay Watch, Alan Chambers - Presidentof Exodus International - confirmed that the world's largest network ofex-gay ministries has refocused its priorities and will move away frompolitical lobbying. In spring 2007, Exodus hired a Director of PoliticalAffairs, and Exodus representatives were vocal opponents of the MatthewShepherd Act. However, Chambers indicated this week that the PoliticalAffairs position no longer exists:
-
Announcing the TEN for TEN program... our goal is to find TEN folks to giveTEN THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH in honor of TEN years of Mel and Gary's work withSoulforce. Donors will be acknowledged as Founding Partners at the 10thAnniversary gala (unless given anonymously). Give $10,000 in one lump sum ormake payment arrangements for 2008. If you can be ONE of the TEN, pleasecontact Ellen ellen@soulforce.org or Gary gary@soulforce.org.
-



=
Go Gay USA: Dania Beach, Florida
Dania Beach, Florida (March 5, 2008) - Wanting to get away for a week or twoor even a month of two? We can't think of a better place to go than toFLORIDA where gay life is EVERYWHERE ! And for those wanting to spend aweek, a month or more, there is no better place to go than to Dania Beach,Florida. Dania Beach is located right on the Atlantic Ocean and is awonderful get-a-way for people wanting sun and fun in winter. It is a 10minute drive to Ft. Lauderdale to the North or just a 30 minute drive toSouth Beach/Miami to the South but much less expensive than either.
http://wehonews.com/z/wehonews/archive/printpage.php?articleID=2119
-



=
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-

Board to foster gay business in Miami Beach
Strengenthing businesses within Miami Beach's community is a top priority for the mayor and a new committee she created, which focuses on developing business ties with gay and lesbian residents and tourists.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/beaches/story/447516.html
-
Gay publication apologizes to community for article about transgender
Colorado student
http://pageoneq.com/news/2008Gay_publication_apologizes_to_community_for_article_about_transgender_Colorado_stud_0307.html
-
Texas: Students host forum to discuss gay issues
http://media.www.ntdaily.com/media/storage/paper877/news/2008/03/06/ArtsLife/Students.Host.Forum.To.Discuss.Gay.Issues-3255016.shtml
-
Gay vote divided in Tuesday primaries
http://washblade.com/2008/3-7/news/national/12185.cfm
-
Hate gays? Take a cruise with Pastor Hutch!
http://seattlest.com/2008/03/07/hate_gays_take.php
-
Naugle's column in city newsletter ignites controversy
Activists accuse mayor of inciting violence with anti-gay statements
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-6/news/localnews/4476.cfm
-
Rash of anti-gay killings raises concerns
Attacks in Calif., Fla. prove young gays remain vulnerable
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-6/news/national/4480.cfm
-
Editorial: Mainstream media discovers anti-gay hate violence by Phil LaPadula
Alarming increase in murders, Heroes project raising awareness
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-6/view/editorial/4472.cfm
-
FRIEND AND FOE
Chi Chi Larue and Senator John McCain
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-6/view/friendfoe/4473.cfm
-
Sen. John McCain
McCain's embrace of wacko fundamentalist pastor (and renowned homophobe) John Hagee shows us to wh at lengths America's war hero will go to win votes.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-6/view/friendfoe/4473.cfm
-
Patrick backs bill to protect rights of transgendered
-
Transgender exec: from Michael to Megan
-
Cynthia Nixon right at home in gay relationship
-
Same-sex union: It's personal
-
Lauper, O'Donnell, B-52s to headline True Colors tour
-
Carson Kressley will host 24-city event
-
Judge: Money for Baptist school is wrong
Ruling hailed as 'victory against state-subsidized discrimination'
-
Is America ready for a gay 'Idol'?
Details of contestants' personal lives becoming more exposed
-
Discrimination in housing now banned in S.C. town
Columbia now one of two cities in the South with non-discrimination laws
-


=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com
Go to this link for the following articles:
-
Many Not Yet Told Of Possible Exposure To HIV, Hep C In Clinic NeedleScandal
(Las Vegas, Nevada) Health officials used an incomplete patient list tonotify people exposed to hepatitis and HIV at a Las Vegas clinic, anepidemiologist has testified.
-
Pennsylvania Race Tightens
(Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania) For Edwin David, who served with the famed WorldWar II unit of black fighters known as the Tuskegee Airmen, Sen. BarackObama is an easy choice.
-
Canadian PM Widens NAFTA-gate Probe To Include His Own Office
(Ottawa) Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated Thursday that he willexpand the probe into the so-called NAFTA-gate affair to include his ownoffice.
-
McCain Noncommittal On Veep Choice
(West Palm Beach, Florida) Republican John McCain praised Florida Gov.Charlie Crist, a potential running mate, as they campaigned togetherThursday, although he sidestepped questions about a vice presidentialchoice.
-
Utah Passes No-Name Domestic Partner Bill
(Salt Lake City, Utah) Salt Lake's domestic partner ordinance has receivedthe OK from state lawmakers - as long is it isn't called a domestic partnerregistry.
-
Dutch Government Raises Terror Level Ahead Of Film Slamming Quran AsViolent, Anti-Gay, Anti-Female
(The Hague) The Dutch government raised the national threat level Thursdaybecause of what it said was greater activity in Europe by professionalterrorists from Afghanistan and Pakistan.
-
Judge: Money For Anti-Gay Baptist School Wrong
(Frankfort, Kentucky) A judge ruled Thursday that Kentucky GOP lawmakers andformer Gov. Ernie Fletcher violated the state constitution by appropriating$11 million in state funding to a Baptist university.
-
Six Accused Of Attack On Gay Jewish Teen
(Paris) Six people kidnapped and tortured a Jewish teenager by punching andkicking him and writing "dirty Jew'' and "fag" on his forehead, judicialofficials say.
-


=


[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####

No comments: