Thursday, March 06, 2008

GLBT DIGEST March 6, 2008

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NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST March 6, 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.

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Forwarded from Paul Harris
PHarris825@aol.com
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Arts organizations are becoming aggressive in getting candidates to talkabout funding.
When it comes to campaign themes, the arts can't compete with healthcarereform, national security, the sluggish economy -- just about anything youmight name. But this presidential primary season, people who work at thecrossroads of politics and culture say the arts have attained a higherprofile than usual -- and the push for an arts agenda has established afoothold in the campaign landscape. Linda Frye Burnham, well known in LosAngeles arts circles for starting High Performance magazine and co-foundingHighways Performance Space in Santa Monica, began hearing in January aboutBarack Obama's support for the arts.Along with thousands of other artsfigures, she received an e-mail detailing how Obama would increase supportfor the National Endowment for the Arts, embrace arts education, strengthencultural diplomacy, advocate an artist-friendly tax law and propose anArtist Corps to send young artists to teach in low-income areas.
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/arts/la-et-polartists4mar04,1,2194161.story?track=rss&ctrack=4&cset=true
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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McCain trails Clinton, Obama in new poll
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030502646.html?hpid=topnews
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A nation of laws, even at Guantánamo
The Pentagon would make a big mistake by failing to allow terrorist suspectsa vigorous defense in its war court at Guantánamo Bay. Most of the world,including many Americans, already believes that there can be no justice forGuantánamo captives. Unless accused terrorists have legal protections, anyconviction will be suspect, and rightfully so. The outrage in adeath-penalty case would be even worse.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/444523.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the link for the following article:
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How Democrats Can Avoid Civil War and Prevent Defeat
To save the Democratic Party from imploding into self-defeating andself-destructive civil war, Hillary and Obama should immediately pledge toappoint the other as their running-mate if nominated.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shaun-jacob-halper/hillbama-rises-how-democ_b_90149.html
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Clinton Success Alters Delegate Race's Dynamic
After Tuesday's primary victories for Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, herfocus is momentum; for her Democratic rival, Senator Barack Obama, it ismath.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/us/politics/06elect.html?hp
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Police Investigate Times Square Explosion
Traffic was diverted for about two hours after what police described as an"improvised explosive device" damaged the armed forces recruiting station.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/police-investigate-explosion-in-times-square/index.html?hp
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Hillary's Edge
Of all the things that went right for Hillary Clinton on Tuesday, the Ohioprimary win was most impressive.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/opinion/06collins.html?ref=opinion
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Take a Deep Breath
It is hard to believe that in the 21st century the democratically electedgovernments of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela would be talking about war.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/opinion/06thu2.html?ref=opinion
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The Obamas of the World
Piecing together Barack Obama's family is like piecing together the world.It's a rich experience, but not easy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/opinion/06cohen.html?ref=opinion
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Florida's 'Theory of ...'
If a new set of science standards are strictly followed, Florida may finallybe on the way toward improving the quality of its science curriculum.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/opinion/06thu3.html?ref=opinion
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To Dream the Possible Dream Ticket
If Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama became running mates, who would be theboss?
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/the-possible-dream-ticket/index.html?ref=opinion
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Two Tests Added to Recommended List to Prevent or Detect Colorectal Cancer
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/06/health/research/06cancer.html
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Where's the Exit Strategy?
The Democrats can't find their way out of a primary contest that almostsurreally refuses to end.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030502891.html
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Why Clinton Isn't Dead by Robert D. Novak
A convention showdown may be unavoidable, much to the chagrin of Democraticinsiders. They have themselves to blame.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030502888.html
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Democrats' Intraparty Gender Gap
| We may be ready to elect a woman president, but that doesn't explain thegender divisions within the Democratic party.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030502960.html
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Agencies Build National Intelligence Network
Fledgling Justice Department system enables authorities to examine enormouscaches of digital records and raises civil liberties concerns.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030503656.html?hpid=topnews
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Atheist Soldier Says Army Punished Him
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030502829.html?hpid=sec-religion
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FLORIDA DIGEST March 6, 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.

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Local10.com
http://www.local10.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Fla. Governor Wants Delegates Reinstated
Stripped Delegates Should Be Seated, Crist Says
http://www.local10.com/politics/15505366/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_7am&tmi=mia_7am_1_06000203062008&ts=H
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From Fight OUT Loud: www.fightoutloud.org
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Victory in Fort Lauderdale! Your Voice Made a Difference!
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After much outcry from around the country, the City of Fort Lauderdale hasremoved the "Focus on Fort Lauderdale" newsletter with Mayor Jim Naugle'sbigoted message against the LGBT community from the city's website. Thecity also decided that the mayor's column in Fort Lauderdale's bi-monthlypublication will be permanently removed, giving Naugle one less platformfrom which to spew hate. A special thanks to Commissioners Hutchinson andMoore for standing up for the respect and equality of all residents.

This shows the power and influence of a united LGBT community. Fight OUTLoud thanks its over 20,000 members, many who have written in to expresstheir outrage over this. Within 1 day, the offensive language was removedfrom the city website and Naugle's message was removed from futurepublications.

Thank you to everyone who wrote, called, and stood up against the spread ofanti-gay rhetoric at the expense of Fort Lauderdale tax-payers. Your voicewas heard. Never again will our community sit by and let dangerous,
violence inducing language go unanswered.

We continue to call on Mayor Naugle and the entire City Commission to speakout and denounce the outbreak of violence against the LGBT community. TheSouth Florida LGBT Community demands that its leaders step forward anddiffuse the atmosphere of hate and intolerance that is brewing.

A heartfelt thanks to the members of Fight OUT Loud who once again stood insolidarity against the bigotry and hatred of Mayor Naugle.
We are standing up, being heard, and making a difference!
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbnaugle0305sbmar06,0,5989349.story
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The openly gay Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire Gene Robinson will begiving a talk at All Saint's Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Dr. FortLauderdale, FL 33301 at 7 pm Wednesday, March 12th. All are invited. Formore information, please contact Todd Hoover 954 524-5941 or attoddjhoover@bellsouth.net
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Anthony Niedwiecki for Oakland Park City Commission
Campaign Kick-Off Event
At the Home of RoseAnn & Mike Flynn
2930 Oak Tree Drive
Oakland Park, 33309
Sunday March 9, 2008 - 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Suggested Minimum Donation: $100 per person
Maximum Donation is $250 per person
R.S.V.P. for the event by calling (954)319-5249
or go to
www.Anthony09.com/kickoffevent
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Ailing senator says she still can serve
At a news conference during which she wept , state Sen. Mandy Dawsonannounced Wednesday she is suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, a disablingand painful disease, and depression.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flfmandy0306sbmar06,0,6907994.story
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American Idol: Miramar's Ramiele is no longer a sure thing
http://blogs.sun-sentinel.com/tv/
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Michael Mayo: Democrats on way to another presidential election mess
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbmayocol0306sbmar06,0,2037671.column
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Victim dressed as a woman, 'buried as a boy'
In the days since the shooting death of a Fort Lauderdale teenager whopolice said was dressed as a woman, a conflicted portrait has emerged. ....
''Simmie's friends asked me if I was going to dress him as a woman for thefuneral. I said no. I gave birth to a boy, and my baby would be buried as aboy,'' says King, 38, her thin voice suddenly firm. ``I don't know . . .
what he did or didn't do across town. What I know is that he was gay anddidn't deserve to be gunned down because of who he was.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/445790.html
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Edison students not troublemakers
As a teacher at Miami Edison Senior High School for the past four years, Ihave had many difficult and challenging days. But never have I felt as lowand helpless as I did Friday. I was shocked to see students whose safety isentrusted to me being pushed back by police in riot gear and, in some cases,thrown to the ground. Seeing students crying, traumatized by what they hadseen, while more police arrived with dogs, hurt me profoundly.
http://www.miamiherald.com/456/story/445812.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Fight brews over university control
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/445778.html
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Will Florida tip the nomination?
Clinton's recent wins may make state's delegates crucial. Deja vu? Would aFlorida revote make the crucial difference? Obama could get a second chancehere and in Michigan. With Obama leading in delegates, what does hiscampaign favor?
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/03/06/State/Will_Florida_tip_the_.shtml
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Another Florida primary? Unlikely, Democrats say
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080306/NEWS/803060492/1018/news02
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Florida Republicans push ahead with budget cuts
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-spend0608mar06,0,2381273.story
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Crist speaks out on delegate issue
Saying it is "reprehensible" to ignore the presidential preferences of 5.1million voters, Gov. Charlie Crist urged both political parties Wednesday torecognize the Florida and Michigan delegations to national nominatingconventions next summer.
http://floridacapitalnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080306/CAPITOLNEWS/803060340
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Wednesday, March 05, 2008

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST March 5, 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.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Full State-by-State Results
Detailed results, county-by-county maps and the delegate selection process.
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/votes/index.html
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Campaign Tallies of the Superdelegates
Counts based on lists from the Democrats' campaigns showing whom thesuperdelegates are supporting.
http://politics.nytimes.com/election-guide/2008/results/superdelegates/index.html
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Easily Overlooked Lesions Tied to Colon Cancer
A hard-to-find abnormality in the colon is more common than previouslythought, researchers say.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/health/research/05cancer.html?hp
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Colombia Is Flashpoint in Chávez's Feud With U.S.
A three-country dispute highlights the fact that Colombia is increasinglyseen in Venezuela as an American proxy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/world/americas/05venez.html?hp
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Can Students Be Paid to Excel?
Many schools in New York City are experimenting with monetary incentives topromote learning.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/nyregion/05incentive.html?hp
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Abbas Says Peace Talks Will Resume
The Palestinian president backed off a threat to boycott negotiations untilIsrael reaches a truce with Hamas militants in Gaza.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-US-Mideast.html?hp
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Arizona Weighs Bill to Allow Guns on Campuses
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/us/05guns.html
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With McCain Atop Ticket, Talk Shifts to Spot No. 2
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/us/politics/05veep.html
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Silence on Armenia
We in Armenia have been trying to understand the roots of the West'sindifference to the rape of our democracy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030402329.html
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The Force of Gender
If Hillary Clinton doesn't win the nomination, her gender won't be herundoing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030402333.html
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The GOP's Dream Candidate
Hillary Clinton is politically doomed -- and incapable of admitting she isdoomed.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030402331.html
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Help the Good Guys in the West Bank
The U.S.should work to strengthen the moderate Palestinian opponents ofHamas.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030402332.html
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A Costly Battle on Two Fronts
Obama campaign faces protracted, two-front war against Clinton and GOP'sMcCain.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030403392.html?hpid=topnews
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Clinton hints at sharing ticket
Hillary Rodham Clinton hinted at the possibility of sharing the Democraticpresidential ticket with Barack Obama, but said voters still have to decidethe party nominee. .... Asked on CBS' The Early Show whether she and Obamashould be on the same ticket, Clinton said: ``That may be where this isheaded, but of course we have to decide who is on the top of ticket. I thinkthe people of Ohio very clearly said that it should be me.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/campaign08/story/444748.html
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Good-natured Huckabee reaches end of the road
Mike Huckabee bowed to reality Tuesday and out of the Republicanpresidential race.
http://www.miamiherald.com/campaign08/story/444509.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Report details black women's challenges
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/nation/5593661.html
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Analysis: McCain brings challenges for GOP
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/nation/5592895.html
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Step by Step, Bush and Fed Move on Mortgage Rescue
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/05/business/05housing.html?ex=1205384400&en=6b57d4249ecfb750&ei=5040&partner=MOREOVERNEWS
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FLORIDA DIGEST March 05, 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.

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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Broward County: Diversity performance troupe is in need of performers
Volunteers should be prepared to participate for the entire season and perform at the International Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Festival scheduled for July in Miami . For more information, go to www.inharmonyproductions.com ...
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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DESPITE CRIST OPTIMISM, LEGISLATORS REMAIN DOUR
TALLAHASSEE -- Gov. Charlie Crist helped open the annual legislative sessionTuesday by offering an optimistic agenda for Florida, despite "extraordinaryeconomic times" that are blowing holes in the state budget.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD04POL030508.htm
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Democrats in Legislature blame economy on GOP
Florida Democrats kicked off the legislative session by attackingRepublicans over the bad economy, not considering some tax increases andslashing the budget.
http://www.miamiherald.com/458/story/444458.html
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Florida mulls slavery apology
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/03/05/State/Florida_mulls_slavery.shtml
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Pedophiles:A fitting punishment
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/030508/opi_253682109.shtml
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Legislator proposes abolishing state university system's governing board
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/legislature/sfl-bog0304,0,3546060.story
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Tuesday, March 04, 2008

GLBT DIGEST March 4, 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.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Four years after San Francisco ignited passionate embraces and heatednational debate by briefly allowing gay marriage, California's top courthears arguments on Tuesday as to whether matrimony should be limited to aman and a woman.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-rights-california-gays.html?scp=2&sq=GAY&st=nyt
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Unexpected Soap Protest Favors Gay Kiss
NEW YORK (AP) -- The love affair between two young men on the venerable CBSsoap opera ''As the World Turns'' has triggered a protest campaign by angryviewers. It's just not the sort of protest you'd expect.
Fans of the fictional romance between Luke Snyder and Noah Mayer are baffledabout why the two characters haven't kissed on-screen since September,wondering whether it's a sign of squeamishness by CBS or show sponsorsProcter & Gamble Co.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/arts/AP-AP-on-TV-Missing-Kisses.html?scp=4&sq=GAY&st=nyt
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"American Idol" contestant David Hernandez once entertained audiences byremoving his clothes instead of singing tunes, a manager at a male stripclub in Phoenix told The Associated Press. The 24-year-old finalist fromGlendale, Ariz., once worked as a stripper at Dick's Cabaret, appearingfully nude and performing lap dances for the club's "mostly male" clientele,club manager Gordy Bryan said Monday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/04/AR2008030400387.html
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Transexual teen has faith in self, others
Ralph De La Cruz
The night I heard that a cross-dressing teen had been shot and killed onSistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, I immediately thought of WillieLitersky.
I had interviewed Willie, another cross-dressing teen, for a column aboutthe challenges that gay and transgender kids face.
I had been so impressed with Willie's courage and self-confidence that Iwrote, "When I grow up, I want to be like Willie."
That was 18 months ago. When he was 15. When Willie was still Willie.
Monday, Willie turned 17, the same age as murder victim Simmie Williams Jr.And Willie is now Niki.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/lifestyle/sfl-ralph04sbmar04,0,5435329,print.column
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Study: Spanking Affects Adult Sex Lives
New research by a University of New Hampshire domestic abuse expert saysspanking children affects their sex lives as adults. Professor Murray Strausconcludes that children who are spanked are more likely as adults to coercepartners to have sex, to have unprotected sex and to have masochistic sex.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sns-ap-spanking-study,0,6275865.story
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
at a male strip club in Phoenix says.
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Gay Marriage Attracting Skilled Workers To Mass.
(Boston, Massachusetts) Massachusetts is reaping huge financial gains as aresult of same-sex marriage.
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Gay Paris Mayor Mulling Presidency
(Paris) Bertrand Delanoe appears headed for easy re-election in next week'smunicipal vote but he already is being courted by his Socialist Party to runfor the presidency in the next general election.
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Nova Scotia Liberals Call For Government To Fund Sex Change Operations
Halifax, Nova Scotia) Nova Scotia Liberals have passed a resolution callingfor the province to pay for sex-change operations.
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Anti-Quran Film To Show In Netherlands
(The Hague) Protesters already have torched Dutch flags in Afghanistan aheadof a new Dutch film portraying Islam's holy book as a "fascist" text thatincites violence and preaches the oppression of women and gays.
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Poll: Iowa Supports Civil Unions But No Gay Marriage
(Des Moines, Iowa) The majority of Iowa voters support restricting marriageto opposite-sex couples but at the same time are divided on a constitutionalamendment to put that in place, and most believe same-sex couples shouldhave the right to have civil unions a new poll shows.
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California Gay Couples Hopeful For June Weddings
(San Francisco, California) Same-sex marriage is at the top of the docketwith the California Supreme Court resumes on Tuesday. If the court rulesfor gay and lesbian couples challenging the state California could be thesecond area in the US where same-sex marriage is legal.
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Obama In Damage Control After Canadian NAFTA Report
(San Antonio, Texas) Barack Obama's senior economic policy adviser says thatCanadian government officials wrote an inaccurate portrayal of his privatediscussion on the campaign's trade policy in a memo obtained by TheAssociated Press.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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HIV Breakthrough:
Researchers Identify Protein That Fights Immunodeficiency
A Canada-U.S. research team has solved a major genetic mystery: How aprotein in some people's DNA guards them against killer immune diseases suchas HIV. In an advance online edition of Nature Medicine, the scientistsexplain how the protein, FOX03a, shields against viral attacks and how thediscovery will help in the development of a HIV vaccine.
"HIV infection is characterised by the slow demise of T-cells, in particularcentral memory cells, which can mediate lifelong protection against viruses," said lead researcher Rafick-Pierre Sékaly, a Université deMontréal professor and a researcher at the Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal and the French Institut national de la santé et de la recherchemédicale (Inserm).
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Gays and Lesbians Urged to Kick the Habit
Smoking rates among the gay and lesbian community in the UK aresignificantly higher than the general population, and this No Smoking Day weare being urged to give up the fags for good.
Around 40% of gays and lesbians smoke, as opposed to 23% of men and 24% ofwomen in general population.
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A Proud Father of a Gay Son
Full disclosure: I'm the proud father of a gay son. And I'm not the onlyone. Our prime minister, Ehud Olmert, is the proud father of a gaydaughter - a daughter who has become a symbol, the pride of the community,for being an open lesbian and a brave fighter for equal rights for thehomosexual community.
And because I know, from personal acquaintance, that Ehud Olmert is a warmand loving father, I am angry at his thundering silence in light of thenonsense and incitement against the homosexual community by several leadersof Shas.
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Drunk Teens Spoil Mardis Gras
Drunk teenagers marred an otherwise well-behaved Mardi Gras in Sydney onSaturday night, police say.
Tens of thousands of people watched 10,000 participants in the 30th SydneyGay and Lesbian Mardi Gras sing and dance their way along Oxford Street lastnight for the annual celebration of gay rights.
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Sexual Orientation a Factor in Violence
Gays, lesbians and bisexuals reported higher rates of victimization byviolence than heterosexuals in 2004 - including sexual assault, robbery andphysical assault.
The Statistics Canada study examined victimization rates, perceptions ofdiscrimination, fear of crime and attitudes toward the justice system amonggays, lesbians and bisexuals.
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Not Single, Not Married: State Supreme Court to Consider Rights of GayCouples
It has taken four years, but the fierce conflict over gay marriage hasfinally shifted from its cradle at San Francisco City Hall to the CaliforniaSupreme Court, just a few hundred yards away.
The state's high court on Tuesday will consider three hours of legalargument in a series of cases that challenge California's ban on gaymarriage and a 2000 voter-approved ballot initiative that defines marriageas a union between a man and woman.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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In a controversial 21-7 vote Monday, the Senate passed legislation promptedby Salt Lake City's domestic partner registry program.
After a great deal of reworking, the legislation is expected to allow thecapital city's program to continue, but it would have to change the name.
Lawmakers Monday, though, removed an amendment approved last week tospecifically allow hospital visitation for unmarried partners.
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Basic Rights Oregon executive director Jeana Frazzini said today she was notsurprised to learn that anti-gay interests have filed an initiative torepeal Oregon's domestic partnership law. The initiative was filed lateFriday by State Senator Fred Girod (R-Stayton) and State Rep. Sal Esquivel(R-Medford).
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Students at Andover High are bringing an exhibit featuring photographs ofgay families to their school next week, and inviting the community to cometake a look.
"Love Makes A Family," a series of photographs of gay parents and theirchildren, has traveled to hundreds of colleges, businesses and some otherhigh schools across the country. The exhibit will be on display all week.On Wednesday night, the school's Gay-Straight All
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Canada: New Brunswick hospitals have agreed to accept same-sex partners asnext of kin following a human rights complaint.
The New Brunswick Human Rights Commission said Monday it has reachedagreements with all eight provincial health districts that allows patientsto designate a person to make care decisions on their behalf should theybecome incapacitated.
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Iowa's gay marriage controversy is expected to heat up again Tuesday when aRepublican lawmaker will attempt a rarely-used House rule in an attempt toforce legislative debate on the issue.
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The civil union law gives same-sex couples legal recognition and most statebenefits and responsibilities of marriage.
Basic Rights Oregon, the state's largest gay rights group, tallied 1,250partnerships as of Feb. 22. Another 59 couples registered last week in thePortland area, giving the region about two-thirds of the state total.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Gay.com parent company loses $51m
One of the largest gay media companies in the world has reported a loss of$51.2m (£25.8m) in 2007.
PlanetOut saw sales slide to $53m last year, down from $58.8m in 2006. Thecompany also recorded a $25.9 million charge for "impairment of goodwill andintangible assets" in 2007.
In May 2007 high operating costs and declining sales resulted in aconsiderable first-quarter loss and a resulting slide in share price.
click here for the full article
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Sydney celebrates biggest-ever Mardi Gras
More than 300,000 people lined the streets of the Australian city of Sydneyto watch a mile long Mardi Gras parade on Saturday night.
The colourful annual event is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
10,000 marchers in a variety of dazzling costumes, and more than 150 floatsincluding a gay 'pope-mobile,' took part. The parade was led by the'78er's', who staged a 1,500 strong protest march for gay rights in 1978.
click here for the full article
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Pope praises US opposition to gay rights
The leader of the Roman Catholic church has welcomed the new United StatesAmbassador to the Vatican with praise for her country's opposition toabortion and gay marriage.
Mary Ann Glendon, a close friend of President Bush, took up her appointmentlast month.
Speaking in English Pope Benedict XVI said that he is "looking forward" tohis five-day trip to the US next month.
click here for the full article
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Dutch stand up for gays at UN Human Rights council
The Foreign Minister of the Netherlands today told an international meetingthat gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans people deserve equal rights.
Maxime Verhagen made his remarks at the opening session of the UnitedNations Human Rights Council in Geneva.
In a wide-ranging speech he highlighted the rights of "children inUzbekistan picking cotton for long hours for little or no wages" andproposed the EU move to ban on the sale of goods that have been produced"using any form of slavery."
click here for the full article
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Lesbian group criticise police in Croatia
A group representing lesbians in Croatia has questioned why only one personhas been prosecuted for attacking last year's Pride parade in the capitalcity of Zagreb.
Last week Josip Situm was convicted of endangering lives and property andordered to undergo psychiatric treatment while behind bars after being foundguilty of a hate crime.
Police spotted him at the Pride event in Zagreb on 7th July 2007 with petrolbombs, but he fled the scene. Ten people were injured when violence brokeout at the gay Pride march in Zagreb.
click here for the full article
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Baldwin brothers disagree over gay marriage
Film and TV star Alec Baldwin has spoken publicly about the anti-gaypolitical views of his younger and less well-known brother Stephen.
Stephen is best-known for his roles in the controversial 1994 film Threesomeand 1995 thriller The Usual Suspects.
He became a born-again Christian after the attacks on New York on September11th 2001. During an appearance on the Howard Stern radio show in January hespoke out about same-sex marriage.
click here for the full article
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LesbiaNation lists top ten film lesbians
In February, we asked our readers to tell us their favourite hot lesbiancharacters from the silver screen.
Based on your votes, we bring you the LesbiaNation Top Ten Film Lesbians,including Gina Gershon in Bound, Queen Latifah in Set It Off, Erin Kelly inLoving Annabelle and more!
We wanted to know who your top favourite lesbian characters were from themovies. Our readers sent us a plethora of suggestions, which we narroweddown to ten based on the number of requests received.
click here for the full article
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Gay's Without Borders
Go to the links for the following articles:
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The state of homosexuality
A recent ruling by the Supreme Court of Nepal hasbrought about a significant victory in the ongoingpush for sexual rights. But in allowing the state tobe the final arbiter of these rights, Nepali activistgroups have allowed their own local identities to beoverwritten by globalised notions of sexuality.
http://www.himalmag.com/2008/march/cover_state_of_homosexuality.htm
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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
--
Obama has been talking about LGBT Americans in his speeches at criticalmoments in his career---from introducing himself to America at the DNCConvention, to announcing his presidential candidacy, to campaigning inIowa, to his historic speech on Martin Luther King Day, and more recentlywhile campaigning in Beaumont, TX and Nelsonville, OH. He stands up for ourcommunity---making clear that he will not tolerate homophobia or attacks onour community and that he will fight for our rights--in speeches beforemainstream audiences all across the nation; not just in front of gayaudiences; not just when he knows he will get a round of applause, but whenit is sometimes awkward or uncomfortable. That is leadership; that is whywe need to Barack Obama as our next President.
http://www.towleroad.com/2008/02/barack-obama-te.html
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Julian Bond: Gay rights are civil rights
NAACP chair opens 20th LGBT activists' convention
Detroit--"I want to talk about civil rights because I believe gay rights arecivil rights," said civil rights leader Julian Bond, opening the 20th annualCreating Change conference held in the Motor City February 6 to 10.
The conference is the nation's premier lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender training aimed at grassroots activism and organizing. This year,the gathering's sponsors, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, gave it anew name: the National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change.
http://www.gbmnews.com/articles/2850/1/Julian-Bond-Gay-rights-are-civil-rights/Page1.html
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Schools must grow more gay friendly by Deb Price
Kindergartner Jacob Parker brought home a "diversity" book bag that includeda picture book called "Who's in a Family?"
The book shows a variety of families, including a mom-dad family, a familyheaded by a grandmother, an animal family and a family headed by lesbianmoms. "Who's in a family? The people who love you the most!" the book ends.
In the same Massachusetts elementary school, second grader Joey Wirthlinlistened as his teacher read from another picture book, "King & King." Aprince, told by his mother Queen to marry, passes over several princessesbefore falling in love with another prince. The princes kiss on the finalpage, and a red heart is superimposed on their lips.
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080303/OPINION03/803030338/1031
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Forwarded from Bill Sterling
wh_sterling@yahoo.com
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Laws should grant the same rights to all of today's families.
Four years ago, when San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom declared by fiat thatthe state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, televisioncameras captured for the whole world the images of gay and lesbian couplesinundating the streets outside City Hall. In less than a month, more than4,000 same-sex couples wed there, until the California Supreme Court stoppedthe weddings and later declared the marriages invalid. The court said itwould willingly hear a constitutional challenge brought in a more orderlyfashion.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-polikoff3mar03,0,617562.story
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#####

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST March 4, 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.

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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Violence Leaves Iraqi Youth Doubting Clerics
Many young Iraqis, exhausted by constant exposure to the violence ofreligious extremism after five years of war, say they have growndisillusioned with religious leaders.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/world/middleeast/04youth.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
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A Promise of an Easier Night for Interpretation
Though not as complicated as Super Tuesday's returns, there will be noshortage of facts and analysis as results from Tuesday's high stakesprimaries in Texas and Ohio become available.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/us/politics/04primer.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1204636366-435INtez/qhGcQsD6/SEig
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Mind: When People Drink Themselves Silly, and Why
The urge to binge mindlessly, though it can strike at any time, seems tostir in the collective unconscious during the last weeks of winter. Maybe it's the television images from places like Fort Lauderdale and Cabo San Lucas,of communications majors' face planting outside bars or on beaches.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/health/04mind.html
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Border Insecurity
Only by bringing people onto the books, being realistic about the supply ofvisas, and letting people in through ports of entry will the country restoreorder to the broken system.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/opinion/04tue1.html?ref=opinion
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The $2 Trillion Nightmare
There has been little public conversation about the consequences of thecosts of the Iraq war, which are like a cancer inside the American economy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/opinion/04herbert.html?ref=opinion
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A Defining Moment
On Nov. 10, 2007, Barack Obama unleashed a zealous part of himself that haspropelled his candidacy ever since. His first big subject was belief itself.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/opinion/04brooks.html?ref=opinion
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Confessions on Climate
E.P.A. administrator Stephen Johnson's decision to deny California the rightto set its own emission standards is a blow to those worried about climatechange.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/opinion/04tue3.html?ref=opinion
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Putin's Mini-Me (or Not?)
The United States cannot pretend that Vladimir Putin and his allies operatefrom democratic intentions. They must push for more open elections andpolitical and journalistic freedoms.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/04/opinion/04tue2.html?ref=opinion
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Why McCain Would Vote for Obama
John McCain would actually do better against Barack Obama than he wouldagainst Hillary Clinton.
http://fish.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/02/why-mccain-would-vote-for-obama/index.html?ref=opinion
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Another Sobering Call
It is a subtle but pernicious form of racism to turn one's back on what ishappening to young black men.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030302629.html
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THE QUESTION of whether individuals should be required or simply encouragedto obtain health insurance sounds like a minor distinction. But thedisagreement between Sens. Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama over anindividual mandate (she wants one, he doesn't) is worth examining.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030302634.html
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Virginia: Latinos Looking Over Shoulder
Pr. William Begins Checking Suspects' Immigration Status
Work-van drivers signaled long before their turns to avoid being pulled overfor a traffic violation. Day laborers skipped their early morning coffee at7-Eleven, and merengue tunes played to empty tables at Latino lunch countersacross Prince William County yesterday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030303169.html?hpid=moreheadlines
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The head of the only major Western monitoring group that sent a team toRussia to observe Sunday's presidential election severely criticized theprocess Monday, drawing a furious rebuttal from the country's CentralElection Commission.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030301684.html?hpid=sec-world
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Hagee Endorsement of McCain Has Risks
Endorsed by an influential Texas televangelist, Republican John McCainendeared himself to one group of voters but risked alienating another withthe pastor's anti-Catholic views.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/03/AR2008030300313.html?hpid=sec-religion
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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More warning signs for economy
Construction, manufacturing plunge
WASHINGTON - Construction spending took its biggest nose dive in 14 yearsand manufacturing activity contracted, fresh trouble signs for a strugglingeconomy.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzecon0304sbmar04,0,1459161.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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No welcome mat for Colombian rebels
Most of the time, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez's saber-rattling islittle more than a cry for attention from someone who craves the limelight.
His latest maneuvers, however, show that Mr. Chávez well understands thedanger he has created for his own country by laying out the welcome mat forrebels from neighboring Colombia. A top leader of the FARC guerrillas waskilled last weekend by Colombian forces who found his camp in Ecuador. Mr.Chávez must believe that...
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/443012.html
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Without Fidel -- now what?
F idel leaves, but he stays. The first decision his brother Raúl made asbrand-new president of Cuba was to delegate his powers and consult withFidel on all the important issues. Parliament supported that proposalunanimously. There is a reason why these hapless deputies are known as ''theHavana Choir Boys.'' They form a puerile, pliant and well-tuned choir.
They've been obeying for half a century and know nothing else
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/443022.html
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Financed like Enron, run like GM
When President Bush disappears out the door of the White House, he'll leavehis successor a long list of horrendous problems, not least of them aDefense Department budget of more than $518 billion that doesn't eveninclude an additional $170 billion or so to continue funding a year of thewars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/443021.html
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Family Research Council on Obama, homosexuality and same-sex marriage
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/03/family-research.html
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#####

FLORIDA DIGEST March 4, 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.

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Mark LaFontaine for State Representative
Join us at Rosie's Tuesday night if you want to...
-Prohibit discrimination based upon sexual orientation or gender identity
-Beat back the "marriage protection" amendment
-Overturn the ban on gay adoption
-Pass an effective bullying bill
YOU can make a difference.
It's time we elected one of our own to Tallahassee!
MARK LAFONTAINE will be the first openly-gay State Representative inFlorida, but we have to get him elected first.
Please come and bring a friend
Tuesday, March 4th - 5:30 - 7:00 pm.
Hors d'oeuvres and a drink provided.
$25 Min. suggested contribution each
$500 Max. contribution allowed by law
RSVP and donate online at www.MarkLaFontaine.com/party or call (954)
651-3147
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Come join us on March 6 for a great time at one of the most fun spots in
town! CLUB BLUE
http://southflorida.hrc.org
Thursday, March 6th - 6:00p.m. - 8:00p.m.
@ Rosie's Bar & Grill
2449 Wilton Dr.
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Rosie's has a fun menu, too! If you think you may stay for dinner, givethem a call:
954-563-0123
Club Blue is a monthly social and networking event open to the community anddesigned to promote the Human Rights Campaign and its membership in SouthFlorida. Join the HRC South Florida Committee each month to network withother gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender professionals and to learnabout HRC in South Florida! The suggested donation is $10 at the door. Ifyou haven't been able to make it to a Club Blue event before, you are morethan welcome to attend! Club Blue is a great way to get to know fellow HRCmembers and supporters in your area. If you aren't able to come this time,make sure to keep the first
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The 5th Annual Valuing our Families Day SATURDAY MARCH 29
Sunshine Cathedral MCC Campus
1480 SW 9th Avenue
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
GLBTQ YOUTH PROGRAM
A full day of cool and creative workshops
Meet new friends
Meet gay and lesbian families
Learn about what's up in the community
End the day with a carnival and picnic
It's FREE for teens,but you have to register in advance,so click on this:
https://www.sporg.com/pom/registration?cmd=event_info&event_id=103564.
Oh, you have more questions? OK, ASK
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You have been invited to:
Obama House Party and Fundraiser
Dolphin Members Todd Hoover & Ron Michel are holding an Obama House Party towatch the returns from Texas, Ohio (Texmex and Meatloaf will be served),Rhode Island and Vermont on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 from 6:30-9:30. BYOB.
Please pass this message.
952 SW 7th St., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 (954) 524-5941
Please click link below for information, maps and reservations:
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/fundraising/4r9sh
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Schools, courts targeted as legislators slash $543 million
Schools will lose more than $200 million, state attorneys and publicdefenders may furlough some workers and nursing homes might offer lesspersonal care under a legislative plan to cut $543.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/legislature/sfl-flfbudget0304sbmar04,0,6107833.story
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Nooses are not welcome in South Florida
The dangling symbol of racial hatred appeared most recently at an outdoorlunch area at Somerset Academy, a charter school in Pembroke Pines. It wasmost likely an intended prank.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-303noose,0,7347014.story
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School's mission goes badly awry
Let us begin with the obvious. At this point, it isn't entirely clear whatcaused the melee at Edison Senior High School last week and who is to blame.
The facts will unfold as school administrators, police and the courts dotheir jobs. There will be ample time to deal with anyone who misbehavedegregiously or violated the law.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/443013.html
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Deal expensive, maybe unconstitutional
The Miami-Dade County Commission last month approved a proposal to spend$347 million in taxpayer money to build a 37,000-seat, retractable-roofstadium for the Florida Marlins. This proposal not only provides a hugesubsidy to the team's much maligned owner, Jeffrey Loria, but it also mightviolate two provisions of the Florida Constitution.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/443020.html
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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We demand a real primary or caucus in Florida by Phil LaPadula
After I voted in Florida's Jan. 29 primary, a smiling poll worker handed mea sticker with an American flag and the words "My Vote Counted!" printed onit. I'm sure the people responsible for the stickers meant well, but I foundit to be another slap in the face in a state that has perfected the art of disenfranchising voters.
You see, our votes really didn't count here in Florida. The Democratic National Committee stripped Florida of all of its delegates to the nationalconvention as punishment for the state holding its primary before Feb. 5.Since the votes do not translate into delegates, they are essentiallymeaningless, and the voters voiceless in the primary process.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=2/27/08&end=3/5/08#16905
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Storms joins Darwin debate
The state senator files a bill to protect teachers who present otherarguments. It looks like the Florida Legislature will have its say on the role of evolution in the science classroom, after all. State Sen. Ronda Storms, a Brandon Republican, has filed what she calls the "Academic Freedom Act" (SB 2692) with a stated goal of "providing publicschool teachers with a right to present scientific information relevant tothe full range of views on biological and chemical origins."
http://www.sptimes.com/2008/03/04/State/Storms_joins_Darwin_d.shtml-
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#####

Monday, March 03, 2008

GLBT DIGEST March 3, 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:
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Robert Skolrood Is Dead at 79; Argued Religion Cases
Robert K. Skolrood, a lawyer who battled for fundamentalist Christians onissues that included nativity displays and gay rights and who often examinedthe intricacies of the United States Constitution, died on Feb. 20 inVenice, Fla. He was 79.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/us/03skolrood.html?_r=1&sq=gay&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&oref=slogin&scp=3&adxnnlx=1204549643-hkK0Aig7cqYnzjBmj5MkOg
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A Bishop Unveiled God's Secrets While Keeping His Own
As is customary during Lent, the sermon at St. John the Divine Cathedral onSunday touched on the themes of seen and unseen truths, knowing and notknowing what is before one's very eyes.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/03/nyregion/03bishop.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
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Slide show: Winter Party 2008
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force's 15th annual Winter Party on SouthBeach. Photographed by Dennis Dean:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/03/slide-show-wi-1.html
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Documentary to explore killing of gay man in Polk
A documentary on the killing of a 25-year-old gay man in Polk County almosta year ago will premiere Monday at Rollins College, part of a crusade by hisparents to raise awareness of anti-gay violence in Florida.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/southwest/orl-ryanjk0208mar02,0,600481.story?track=rss
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Record five openly gay candidates look to toss hats into Council races
At least five openly gay or lesbian Queens residents are eying runs for CityCouncil in 2009, setting the stage for a possible watershed year forlesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender politics in the borough.
http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/queens/2008/03/02/2008-03-02_record_five_openly_gay_candidates_look_t-1.html?ref=rss
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Obama In Damage Control After Canadian NAFTA Report
(San Antonio, Texas) Barack Obama's senior economic policy adviser says thatCanadian government officials wrote an inaccurate portrayal of his privatediscussion on the campaign's trade policy in a memo obtained by TheAssociated Press.
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Clinton On Ohio Campaign Marathon
(Westerville, Ohio) Hillary Rodham Clinton is arguing that her campaign is"about solutions," not feelings, as she swept through Ohio on an intensepush two days before the state's presidential primary.
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Kucinich Faces Tough Fight In Home District
(Cleveland, Ohio) Two failed White House campaigns have left Dennis Kucinichfighting for his political life against the toughest, best-financedchallenge in his 12-year congressional career.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Not Single, Not Married:State Supreme Court to Consider Rights of GayCouples
It has taken four years, but the fierce conflict over gay marriage hasfinally shifted from its cradle at San Francisco City Hall to the CaliforniaSupreme Court, just a few hundred yards away.The state's high court onTuesday will consider three hours of legal argument in a series of casesthat challenge California's ban on gay marriage and a 2000 voter-approvedballot initiative that defines marriage as a union between a man and woman.
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Ohio: Preference vs. Prejudice: Gay Groups Promote Awareness Lessons toSchools
Is sexual preference something to be taught? Area parents, administratorsand teachers have varying opinions on whether teaching students about gay,lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues could make a student lean towardthat way of life.
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2008/03/02/front/doc47ca4178526e8924997767.txt
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The Talk of the Green Iguana
The rumors about Florida Gov. Charlie Crist and the Green Iguana justwouldn't go away. The story goes that the Florida governor frequented theGreen Iguana, a bar in Tampa, back in the early 1990s when he was juststarting his political career. He was less careful back then, people say,and during his partying at the Green Iguana, he was openly gay.
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Gay and Lesbian Events Prompt Hostility
A new report reveals a steady undercurrent of hostility during and afterlarge-scale gay and lesbian events, in particular the Sydney Gay and LesbianMardi Gras. The University of Newcastle's Cultural Institutions andPractices Research Centre report, When the Glitter Settles: safety andhostility at and around gay and lesbian public events, shows 40 per cent ofpeople attending these events had witnessed abusive or violent behaviour.
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HIV Rates to Soar as Use of Condoms Declines
HIV rates will rise by up to 73 per cent over the next seven years partlybecause fewer people are using condoms, according to a study that usesmathematical modelling to predict infection trends.The number of gay men whowere becoming infected with the disease was increasing significantly, saidthe report by the National Centre in HIV Epidemiology and Clinical Researchat the University of NSW.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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As a local divorce lawyer, I am really tired of letters from whiners likeDaren Young, who try to argue that he and his domestic partner aren't adrain on our community ("Some drain," Forum, Feb. 22). How am I supposed tomake a living around here when successful, professional,society-contributing guys like that are also blissfully happy in theirhomosexual relationships? More important, if they ever split up, how canthey truly utilize the benefits of my services as extensively (andlucratively for me) as my unhappy married clients? Simply outrageous.
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Washington: Expanding privileges for same-sex couples is not a partisan issue but one of civil rights, says the newest member of the Legislature's unofficial gaycaucus. Rep. Marko Liias, D-Mukilteo, who was appointed to his position inJanuary, is backing a bill working its way through the Legislature thatwould expand rights for domestic partners. "It really shouldn't matter whereyou come from on a political spectrum; it's about making sure that everybodyhas an equal opportunity in our society to succeed.
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In statehouses, well-meaning legislators offer civil unions or domesticpartner laws as a compromise for same-sex couples. New Jersey passed amuch-publicized civil union law in 2006. "It was supposed to give theequivalent of marriage to same-sex couples," wrote the Philadelphia Inquirerlast week. "But companies whose benefits plans are regulated by federalrules, rather than state law, overwhelmingly are refusing to provide healthinsurance to employees' same-sex partners." Lawrence C. Levine, a professorat McGeorge School of Law, said California's domestic partner laws arebetter than most - but they still aren't equal.
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One gay rights group appearing before the California Supreme Court inhistoric marriage arguments on Tuesday has told the court that "the freedomto marry the person of one's choice is an essential aspect of humandignity." A traditional-values group on the other side, meanwhile, hasargued that the bid for same-sex marriage is "a ticking bomb aimed atdemolishing the very institution to which plaintiffs claim to seekadmission."
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Leaders at Kansas University are concerned that not offering benefits todomestic partners of faculty and staff may end up costing the university theability to recruit some of the most talented candidates. On Monday, theUniversity Senate Executive Committee will receive a report on thepossibility of extending benefits to domestic partners. Paul Farran,president-elect of KU's Unclassified Staff Senate and an advocate for theproposal, said several peer institutions already extend benefits to domesticpartners.
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"I can't overstate the importance of California," said Shannon Minter, legaldirector for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. "It will have amonumental impact for decades to come." The Republican-dominated SupremeCourt is generally considered conservative, but has had a notable moderatestreak on social issues. The court, indeed, has strengthened gay rights in anumber of rulings, including a 2005 decision establishing new legalprotections for gay partners in child custody battles. "I suspect the courtis divided on it and it is hard to figure out where they'll come out," saidMichael Wald, a Stanford University law professor.
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Most Iowans believe marriage should be only between one man and one woman,but a majority of Iowa adults also support the creation of civil unionsgranting benefits to gay couples similar to those offered to heterosexualsin marriage, according to a new Iowa Poll. Sixty-two percent of Iowansbelieve marriage should be only between a man and a woman, according to thepoll by The Des Moines Register. Thirty-two percent believe same-sexmarriages should be allowed, while 6 percent were unsure.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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Obama uses Bible to defend civil unions
Presidential candidate Barack Obama has defended his support of civil unionsby referring to the Sermon on the Mount. The famous sermon given by Jesus,which includes the Beatitudes, the instruction to 'turn the other cheek' andthe Lord's Prayer, is found in the book of Matthew in the New Testament.
Senator Obama is thought to have been referring to Jesus' instruction to:"Do to others what you would have them do to you." click here for the fullarticle
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Civil partnership for senior Tory
After a whirlwind 14-month romance leading Conservative MP Alan Duncan hasproposed to his boyfriend. He met 39-year-old James Dunseath at a dinnerarranged by friends and proposed to him on Valentine's Day during a holidayin Oman. They are expected to hold a civil partnership ceremony later thisyear. Mr Duncan, 50, is the Shadow Secretary of State for Business,Enterprise and Regulatory Reform and MP for Rutland and Melton. click herefor the full article
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Jamaican gays reject tourist boycott over homophobia
J-Flag, the Jamaican lesbian and gay rights group, has rejected calls for atourist boycott in protest at homophobia on the island. Canadian newspapershave been focusing on the prejudice and violence gay people face in Jamaicasince a leading activist sought asylum there, and some have called forCanadians to refuse to holiday in the popular destination. In a statementreleased yesterday, J-Flag, Jamaica's Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals andGays, said it shared the frustration at the "slow progress towardstransforming the social climate." click here for the full article
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Gay rugby team branches out into club nights
After winning the European Championship last year in Copenhagen and securingthe right to host the contest in 2009, what next for London's leading gayrugby team? Ruggercub is the answer. From next Sunday the Kings CrossSteelers will be hosting their new club night at the Two Brewers in Clapham.
The monthly event is aimed at "rugby boys and their followers." The launchparty on 9th March 2008 features special guest DJ Andy Bell of Erasure fame.
click here for the full article
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MP targeted by "Satan" after gay earthquake comments
A member of Israel's parliament who generated headlines across the worldwhen he linked earthquakes to gay rights has been receiving death threats.
Shlomo Benizri, who is a member of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party, has beentargeted by someone using the name "Satan." The Jerusalem Post reports: "Itis unknown if those threats are connected to a suspicious envelope filledwith white powder that the MK received last week." click here for the fullarticle
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Bishop stresses civil partnership is not marriage
A Church of England bishop has said it is "careless" to refer to civilpartnerships as marriages. The Right Reverend Jonathan Gledhill, Bishop ofLichfield, also attacked the government for weakening the status ofmarriage. "Most of my gay friends would want to distinguish betweenmarriage, which is something that happens for a man and a woman," he said.
click here for the full article
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Clinton does comedy on Saturday Night Live
After plugging the show during her televised debate with rival Barack Obamalast week, Hillary Clinton dropped by Saturday Night Live this weekend for asurprise guest appearance. After a parody skit of the debate, Clintonprovided an "editorial response" and praised Amy Poehler's deft imitation ofher on SNL. For the second week in a row, Saturday Night Live opened with ascene featuring a Democratic debate. click here for the full article
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Porn twins story excites national press
Interest in the strange arrest of gay porn twins 'Teyon' and 'Keyon'exploded across the Net this week, even keying the national press intocovering the story. The brothers, 26-year-old Taleon and Keyontyli Goffney,who have appeared in a variety of gay porn videos, were arrested last weekin a suspected string of robberies across three states. The Associated Pressleapt onto the odd tale of the suspected twin gay porn criminals this week.
click here for the full article
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Gay Aslyum
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
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Mexico's National Human Rights Commission seriously limits its impact by noteffectively promoting remedies and reforms needed to end abusive practices,Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. The 128-page report,"Mexico's National Human Rights Commission: A Critical Assessment," examinesthe commission's work on more than 40 human rights cases, including recentabuses by soldiers involved in law enforcement operations, police crackdownsagainst demonstrators in Guadalajara and San Salvador de Atenco, and thekillings of women in Ciudad Juárez over the past decade, among others.
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As Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met with Iraq's leaders on Sunday,the first visit by a Middle Eastern head of state since the U.S.-ledinvasion, he engaged a country in which Iran's influence is deepening butalso provoking growing criticism from Iraqis. Ahmadinejad's visit is thefirst to Iraq by an Iranian leader since Iran's 1979 revolution, whichbrought to power a government in Tehran overseen by Shiite Muslim clerics.
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I, I'm Matteo Pegoraro of the italian EveryOne Group
(www.everyonegroup.com). I'm really glad that you're going to visit Mehditomorrow. Today we made a urgent request to the Dutch Embassador in Italy,toghether with the Radical Party and Italian radical members of the EuropeanParliament, to ask him to put pressures on the Government of The Netherlandsto grant Mehdi the asylum and to do not deport him back to United Kingdom.
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Jamaica: In light of the challenges being faced by the LGBT community inJamaica, a number of you have called for a tourist boycott of the island.
Like you, J-FLAG has been deeply frustrated at the slow progress towardstransforming the social climate that makes it difficult for gays andlesbians in Jamaica to lead lives free from homophobic violence.
Yet, because of the possible repercussions of increased homophobic violenceagainst our already besieged community, we feel that a tourist boycott isnot the most appropriate response at this time. In our battle to win heartsand minds, we do not wish to be perceived as taking food off the plate ofthose who are already impoverished. In fact, members of our own communitycould be disproportionately affected by a worsened economic situationbrought about by a tourist ban.
J-FLAG believes that there are a number of avenues which can be explored tobring pressure on our government to respect, protect and ensure the humanrights of LGBT people in Jamaica. We have called on the Prime Minister andinfluential leaders of industry to both renounce homophobic violence andcommit to a course of action that will stem this scourge that plagues ourisland.
The concern and support of the international community has been critical infocusing attention to our situation. We are open to further engaging withyou in pursuing constructive interventions that both make our case for humanrights protection and minimize risk to our physical and material well being.
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Persian New Year (Nowrooz) will be celebrated on March 20, 2008 at1:48:19am. At this time families gather around the "Haft Seen" table tostart the New Year together by feasting and celebrating. This year, likeprevious years, many queer Iranians who are seeking asylum will be spendingNew Year away from their home and families. This year IRQO is working on 80of those asylum cases. We hope to share this special time with them, andtherefore we are asking you to help us bring this gift of joy to theirhomes. (please check out IRQO's website)
www.irqo.net/IRQO/English/pages/121.htm
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