GLBT DIGEST May 16, 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.


=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-California Supreme Court Overturns Gay Marriage Ban
The California Supreme Court, striking down two state laws that had limitedmarriages to unions between a man and a woman, ruled on Thursday thatsame-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/16marriage.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=login

-DeGeneres, de Rossi plan to marry, AP is told
Ellen DeGeneres is putting the California Supreme Court ruling in favor ofgay marriage into action -- she and Portia de Rossi plan to wed, DeGeneresannounced during a taping of her talk show.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-People-Ellen-DeGeneres.html?_r=1&scp=10&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin

-News Analysis: Ruling Could Revive Gay Marriage Issue in Campaign
Gay marriage is an issue on which the three major presidential candidates -John McCain, Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton - are pretty much inagreement. All oppose it, while saying at the same time that same-sexcouples should generally be entitled to the legal protections affordedmarried couples. All think the decision should be left to the states.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/politics/16gay.html?scp=7&sq=gay&st=nyt

-California Court Affirms Right to Gay Marriage
The California Supreme Court, striking down two state laws that had limitedmarriages to unions between a man and a woman, ruled Thursday that same-sexcouples have a constitutional right to marry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-marriage.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=nyt

-Gay Couples Rejoice at Ruling
Gay and lesbian couples in San Francisco rejoiced Thursday over a stateSupreme Court decision affirming their right to marry even as politicalleaders on both sides of the issue prepared for an extended fight over theruling in the courts and at the ballot box.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/15cnd-scene.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt

-Gay marriage opponents vow to fight Calif. ruling
Even as same-sex couples across California begin making plans to tie theknot, opponents are redoubling their efforts to make sure wedding bellsnever ring for gay couples in the nation's most populous state.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Gay-Marriage.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt


=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-California Supreme Court Strikes Bans on Same-Sex Marriage
The California Supreme Court ruled yesterday that gays have a constitutionalright to marry, striking down state laws that forbade it, in a decision thatis likely to reenergize the election-year debate over same-sex marriages andgay rights.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051500589.html


=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Q and A: Same-sex marriages
The court's decision is to take effect in 30 days.
When will same-sex couples be able to marry?
The decision will take effect 30 days after it was issued. Los AngelesCounty and San Francisco officials are reviewing the decision and have notsaid when they will begin issuing licenses to same-sex couples.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/la-me-gayqanda16-2008may16,0,3442499.story


=
The Sacramento Bee
Governor will uphold court's 4-3 decision
It was a momentous decision, one that supporters say ushers in a new era ofcivil rights for thousands of Californians, and that opponents say is anaffront to their moral beliefs.
http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/943593.html


=
Los Angeles Times
www.latimes.com
Go to this link for the following articles:

-L.A. Mayor Villaraigosa says he will officiate at same-sex weddings
'This is about people and the right for people to love who they want,'Villaraigosa says in praising the ruling by the California Supreme Court.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-antonio16-2008may16,0,2593822.story

-Read the Court's Decision
http://www.courtinfo.ca.gov/opinions/documents/S147999.PDF

-Opponents of gay marriage see hope in ballot measure
A proposed constitutional amendment could go before voters in November. Itwould say that 'only marriage between a man and a woman is valid orrecognized in California.'
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-anti16-2008may16,0,7598579.story


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

-A Victory for Equality: California Affirms the Freedom to Marry
History was made today when the California Supreme Court ruled that lesbianand gay couples have a fundamental right to marry under the state'sconstitution. The decision, grounded in the California Constitution'spromises of equality and due process, means that same-sex couples who wishto commit themselves to one another, to honor and protect one another, maydo so through marriage.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shannon-minter-and-kate-kendell/a-victory-for-equality-ca_b_101938.html

-Reactions to the Calif. marriage decision
As you all know, the Calif. Supreme Court ruled overturned the gay marriageban in the state today. You can read the opinion here.
http://www.washblade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=18307

-D.C. must now deal with marriage
It's early in the process of analyzing the lengthy California Supreme Courtruling, but the state does not have a residency requirement for marriage, sothe floodgates could be ready to open.
And D.C. may not be able to stave off addressing the marriage issue muchlonger.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=5/15/08&end=5/17/08#18311

-FRIEND & FOE

FRIEND OF THE WEEK
Richard Smoak, US District Judge
Three cheers to Judge Richard Smoak of the United States District Court,Northern District of Florida, who issued an order on May 13 against theHolmes County School District, that forces the school to stop censoringstudents who want to wear gay pride symbols, such as raimbow pins andstickers.

FOE OF THE WEEK
The Caliente Cab Company, New York
Alright, we don't mean to kick them when they're down, but while we're onthe subject of lawsuits: The Trandgender Legal Defense Fund recently won alawsuit against the Caliente Cab Company, a restaurant in New York's WestVillage, on behalf of a woman named Khadijah Farmer. It seems Ms.Farmer--who is, in fact, a woman, and was born as one--went to use theladies' room at the restaurant, when someone complained they thought she wasa man.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-15/view/friendfoe/4674.cfm

-The heart and soul of activism
Activists come together through common bond of frustration
On May 10 and 11, The Human Rights Campaign ("HRC") held a two-day politicalcampaign training event in Broward County, called "Camp Equality." Yes, Ipassed up a boating invitation to learn how to wake board, but I do lovepolitics, and 'tis the political season. Plus, I wanted to see what HRC wasdoing with their national "Camp Equality" initiative.and what they weredoing with the money I give to them each year.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-15/view/editorial/4677.cfm

-Gay bar not allowed
Miami Council says gay bar will bring "bad element" to downtown'sgentrifying Design District
Vlada Von Shute is on the brink of opening the Miami Design District's firstfull-time gay bar: her eponymous New York lounge, Vlada, is slated to openits second location here in south Florida, at a spot on the corner of 32ndand NE 2nd Ave.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-15/view/ontherecord/4672.cfm

-Supporters of same-sex marriage call for Senate vote
Calif. ruling gives ammunition to advocates
A California Supreme Court ruling overturning that state's ban on same-sexmarriages is providing ammunition for supporters of a proposed Arizonaconstitutional amendment on the subject.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=18309


=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Group Returns To Court, Seeks Delay In Gay Marriages
Even as same-sex couples across California begin making plans to tie theknot, opponents are redoubling their efforts to make sure wedding bellsnever ring for gay couples in the nation's most populous state.

-Jubilation Over Marriage Ruling, Foes Promise To Keep Fighting
They began arriving before dawn, many with their partners - some carryingsigns supporting gay marriage, others with their children.

-Ordination Of Married Gay Man First For Canadian Lutherans
Despite stern warnings from a leading Canadian bishop, a southern Ontariocongregation will test the limits of its parent organization Friday when itbecomes the first Lutheran church in Canada to ordain a man in a gaymarriage.

-Rights Group Protests Dutch Test Requiring Immigrants To Be Shown PicturesOf Gays Kissing
An international human rights group says it is discriminatory to forceprospective immigrants to The Netherlands to be tested on their knowledge ofDutch life, including the country's attitude toward gays.

-HIV-Pos Man Sentenced To 35 Years For Spitting At Cop
An HIV-positive man convicted of spitting into the eye and mouth of a Dallaspolice officer has been sentenced to 35 years in prison.


=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-The Community Reacts: California State Senator Sheila Kuehl
The movers and shakers of the LGBT community tell The Advocate how they feelabout the California supreme court's landmark decision May 15 to legalizesame-sex marriage in the state.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid54415.asp


=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Cheapflights.com Celebrates Gay Pride Month With Tips for VisitingFestivals
It's time to kick up your heels and be "Mary!" The month of June not onlymarks the official start of summer, but also commemorates the anniversary ofthe modern gay rights movement. Cities across the globe take thisopportunity to celebrate freedom and equality for everyone regardless oftheir sexual orientation. From parades with lavish floats to family-orientedpicnics in the park, dozens of major cities play host to gay pridefestivities each year, with many taking place next month. Cheapflights.comwants to help revelers commemorate Gay Pride Month by spotlighting some ofthe best events - large and small - taking place across America.

-How Do We Make Greenville SC Safe For Our Kids?
On Friday, a candlelight remembrance will be held downtown Greenville forSean Kennedy, whose life was ended when a blow to his face broke many bonesand sent him to the ground terminally damaging his brain stem. Sean was abeautiful young gay man and his attacker called him a vile word that somepeople think is all right to call a gay person. Sean's family still suffersfrom the horror of losing him in such a violent way, but Sean was fortunateto have had a family who loved him unconditionally.

-PRG Gets Into 'Out' Housing Housing co-op aimed at aging members ofgay-lesbian community
The Spirit on Lake Housing Cooperative in south Minneapolis isn't youraverage housing development. Its owners are marketing the project to oldermembers of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) communitieswith the slogan, "Capture the Spirit of Living Out." Minneapolis-basednonprofit PRG Inc. is developing the $10.6 million, 41-unit housing projectalong Lake Street, just three blocks east of the Midtown Exchangeredevelopment project. The housing co-op appears to be the first of itskind in the Twin Cities.

-Michelle Ferris, Cycling World & Olympic Silver Medalist, Named Gay GamesAmbassador
Federation of Gay Games names elite Australian athlete to join internationalroster of sports and cultural stars promoting the quadrennial Gay Games.
Australian Michelle Ferris, one of cycling's all-time sprint stars withmultiple world and Olympic medals to her credit, has been selected by theFederation of Gay Games (FGG) to be the newest Gay Games Ambassador, aninternational group of prominent individuals supporting the Gay Games. Theeighth edition of the quadrennial Gay Games takes place in Cologne, Germany31 July to 10 August 2010.

-True Intent of Amendment 2 Backers Revealed By William Butte
On May 7, every unmarried Florida couple in a registered domesticpartnership got a chilling preview of what passage of Amendment 2 could meanto them. The proposed marriage amendment on the Nov. 4 ballot, which aims toban recognition of same-sex marriages and "the substantial equivalentthereof," could curtail the few benefits those partnerships now afford them.
In a 5-2 vote, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that the Great Lake state'smarriage amendment, which only recognizes "the union of one man and onewoman in marriage . . . as a marriage or similar union," makes it illegalfor public employers to provide health insurance benefits to domesticpartners of their employees.

-Why Target The Gay Marketing Pink Pound? 81 Billion Good Reasons
Research just released from the 'Out Now 2008 Millivres Gay Market Study'shows that last year the almost 3,000,000 gays and lesbians in the UK earnedan estimated £81 billion. The study is the result of the collaborationbetween the UK's largest gay media company -- Millivres Prowler, and theleading international gay market consulting agency -- Out Now, and samplesthe users of six leading UK lesbian and gay media products (both online andprint).

-Gay & Lesbian Business Guild Turns 15
It says a lot for an organization, much less an all-volunteer one, to last15 years. But credit the South Carolina Gay and Lesbian Business Guild tonot only have stuck it out but to be going stronger than ever. It's fitting,then, that this year's annual awards gala, set for this Friday, May 16,should be something special.


=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-(TRENTON) - Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr. (D-Camden) todayreleased the following statement regarding the California Supreme Court's4-3 decision overturning that state's ban on same-sex marriage:
"As I have said before, the granting of full marriage equality to NewJersey's same-sex couples is simply a question of 'when,' not 'if.'
"In the year since New Jersey's civil union law took effect the sky has notfallen in and the meaning of marriage for opposite-sex couples has not beeneroded.

-The California Supreme Court's decision to overturn a state ban on gaymarriage is a "milestone" for gay rights, Speaker Nancy Pelosi saidThursday.
It's no surprise that Pelosi (D-Calif.), who hails from one of the moreliberal districts in the country, would back the landmark ruling on gaymarriage. But Republicans who are reeling from recent special electionlosses have been slow with their responses on the issue, perhaps calculatingwhether or not they want to issue firebrand comments about yet another wedgeissue.

-While state lawmakers may be skeptical about supporting a civil union billthat some voters see as legalizing gay relationships, one lawmaker is hopingto boost support by showing how it could benefit widowed senior citizens.
Like same-sex couples, heterosexual unmarried couples are sometimes notallowed to make critical medical decisions on behalf of their partners. Someof these are widows and widowers who are often reluctant to remarry to gainthose rights out of fear they will lose their former spouses' pensionbenefits.
But opponents say bringing widows into the mix is just skirting the factthat the bill is really about legalizing gay marriage.

-Bob Barr Supports California Supreme Court Decision On Marriage
Yes he does - and he's the the guy who wrote DOMA.
"Regardless of whether one supports or opposes same sex marriage, thedecision to recognize such unions or not ought to be a power each stateexercises on its own, rather than imposition of a one-size-fits-all mandateby the federal government (as would be required by a Federal MarriageAmendment which has been previously proposed and considered by theCongress). The decision today by the Supreme Court of California properlyreflects this fundamental principle of federalism on which our nation wasfounded.
"Indeed, the primary reason for which I authored the Defense of Marriage Actin 1996 was to ensure that each state remained free to determine for itscitizens the basis on which marriage would be recognized within its borders,and not be forced to adopt a definition of marriage contrary to its views byanother state. The decision in California is an illustration of how thisprinciple of states' powers should work."

-Hillary, Obama and McCain on CA gay marriage decision
Obama statement:
"Barack Obama has always believed that same-sex couples should enjoy equalrights under the law, and he will continue to fight for civil unions asPresident. He respects the decision of the California Supreme Court, andcontinues to believe that states should make their own decisions when itcomes to the issue of marriage."
Clinton statement:
"Hillary Clinton believes that gay and lesbian couples in committedrelationships should have the same rights and responsibilities as allAmericans and believes that civil unions are the best way to achieve thisgoal. As President, Hillary Clinton will work to ensure that same sexcouples have access to these rights and responsibilities at the federallevel. She has said and continues to believe that the issue of marriageshould be left to the states."
McCain statement: ?


=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:

-Europe: Lesbians and gay men march with pride to end prejudice
Amnesty International calls on governments in Europe to secure the right oflesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to celebrate their identityat a series of pride marches and other public events that take place eachyear between April and November.

-"Equality before the law with no discrimination is the message that gayrights activists take to the streets. Yet more often than not they areprevented from doing so in safety," said Nicola Duckworth, Europe andCentral Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International. In a number ofcountries, mainly in Eastern Europe, participants in pride events too oftenface threats and official hostility even before they march. They are jeered,spat at, and pummelled with bottles, eggs, excrement, and fists byprotesters, sometimes while police look on. On 11 May, 60 would-beparticipants sought to travel to the Moldovan capital in defiance of a ban apride march - the sixth time such a ban had been imposed. There, at leastthree times as many protesters surrounded their bus, forced open the doors,and seized their banners and flags while police watched from half a dozenpatrol cars parked nearby.


=
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

-"Retired Gay & Lesbian Couples: A Qualitative Exploration Into TheirConcerns, Experiences, Needs & Problems."
This qualitative study presents the results of in person and phoneconversations with 20 gay male and lesbian couples in long-termrelationships, close to, or retired from full-time employment. Length ofthe relationships ranged from 6 and 42 years. Couples lived in rural andurban areas of California, Florida, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey,Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. With a focus on therelationship, this study examined the couple's concerns, experiences, needsand problems. During a time of passionate debates regarding gay marriage,this study can serve to better inform the discussion by showing withconcrete data the many ways couples are affected. The study is available ina free download, and book format at:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001LDpyWOXykox7e7SOiLJYk47h0EuPd1a2o-x1M4ymKThse1TgXw7GtpLR63pzjuQzFfd7WD1fntoAaUJpC-8aG_1K0oFovFHSECCdaLqfjYW-KZdf-KdSMg

-Europe: Lesbians and gay men march with pride to end prejudice
Amnesty International calls on governments in Europe to secure the right oflesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people to celebrate their identityat a series of pride marches and other public events that take place eachyear between April and November.
"Equality before the law with no discrimination is the message that gayrights activists take to the streets. Yet more often than not they areprevented from doing so in safety," said Nicola Duckworth, Europe andCentral Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International.
In a number of countries, mainly in Eastern Europe, participants in prideevents too often face threats and official hostility even before they march.
They are jeered, spat at, and pummelled with bottles, eggs, excrement, andfists by protesters, sometimes while police look on.

-HIV-positive man sentenced 35 years for spitting at officer
An HIV-positive man convicted of spitting into the eye and mouth ofa Dallas police officer has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. Because ajury found that Willie Campbell used his saliva as a deadlyweapon, the 42-year-old will have to serve half his sentence before becomingeligible for parole. He was sentenced Wednesday. Campbell was being arrestedin May 2006 for public intoxication when he began resisting and kickinginside the patrol car, Dallas police office Dan Waller testified. Campbellwas convicted of harassment of a public servant.


=
From Sunburst - Sunshine Cathedral, Ft. Lauderdale
www.sunshinecathedral.org
info@sunshinecathedral.org

-Jamaican update
There were 236 worshipers at Sunshine Cathedral in Jamaica last weekend (anall time high). 22 people were brought into membership in Jamaica, whichmeans Sunshine Cathedral now has 147 members living in the Caribbean!!! Rev.Robert Griffin was present at Sunshine Cathedral in Jamaica over the weekendand participated in radio interviews, a prayer breakfast, and a prayer vigilfor human rights in Jamaica. He was joined by Rev. Pat Bumgardner of MCC-NY,Tom Scaringellie (security) from NYC, and Councilman Ken Reeves of theCambridge, MA, City Council. (Councilman Reeves is the former mayor ofCambridge and is originally from Jamaica. He will now be using his contactsand influence to help our efforts in Jamaica.) Our work in Jamaica continuesto be nothing short of miraculous and our MANY members who live in Jamaicaare very grateful for the comforting, encouraging, empowering word of hopethat Sunshine Cathedral has brought to their lives. We continue "...sharingthe light with the world."


=
Queer Muslim Revolution
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article with links.

-A Jihad for Love: Can Your Faith Really Kill You?
-A Jihad for Love Comes to Europe

-Saudi Arabia
Underground Sport: Saudi Women Shed Veils to Play Basketball
Op-Ed: Acquiring Women's Rights in Saudi Arabia
Love on the Female Side of the Divide
Young Saudis, Vexed and Entranced by Love's Rules
Saudi Arabia: Issue of 'Married Spinsters' Leave Some Women in Limbo
Celebrating Womanhood in Riyadh

-Iraq
Sign Language for Islamists (in Iraq)

-Egypt
Gays in Egypt Besieged by Wave of Suppression
Egypt: New Indictments in HIV Crackdown

-Bahrain
'Trendy' Abayas Are Unveiled (in Bahrain)

-United Arab Emirates
Aga Khan Opens Ismaili Centre in Dubai

-Palestine
Drag Against the Occupation

-United Kingdom
Gay Asians 'Marrying to Conform' - Article
Gay Asians 'Marrying To Conform' - News Report
UK Grants Gay Iranian Temporary Asylum
Gay Iranian Deportation Reviewed (in UK)
A Life or Death Decision: Mehdi Kazemi's Story
Iranian Lesbian Who Fled to Britain Faces Deportation
Urgent European Resolution Approved; Extraordinary Intervention by theEuropean Parliament
UK Human Rights Groups Celebrate Announcement of Temporary Asylum
EU Criticised Over 'Pass the Parcel' Asylum Policy


=

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