Saturday, May 17, 2008

GLBT DIGEST May 17, 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:

-Same - sex marriage ruling also victory for SF mayor
Hours before the California Supreme Court issued its decision on gaymarriage, Mayor Gavin Newsom heard rumblings that the justices would upholdthe state's ban.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Gay-Marriage-Mayor.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin


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

-The Words 'Evangelical' And 'Republican' Are Not Synonymous
Below is an excerpt from "On Faith," an Internet feature sponsored by TheWashington Post and Newsweek. Each week, more than 50 figures from the worldof faith engage in a conversation about an aspect of religion. This week'squestion: Some Christian leaders issued an Evangelical Manifesto last weekto depoliticize the term 'evangelical.' "We evangelicals are definedtheologically, and not politically, socially or culturally," they said. Inyour mind, what is the definition of an evangelical?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/16/AR2008051603400.html?sub=AR

-Episcopal Seminaries Struggle With Costs
Long-Held Training Model Faces an Uncertain Future
In the cloistered world of Episcopal seminaries, time sometimes seems tostand still as clergy-in-training gather in stone chapels to pray in waysfamiliar to their forebears centuries earlier.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/16/AR2008051603428.html

-Reuters Entertainment Summary
Ellen DeGeneres to wed after gay marriage ruling
Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres plans to marry her long-timepartner, actress Portia de Rossi, after a California court ruling allowinggay marriage. "I am announcing I am getting married," DeGeneres, 50, toldthe audience during the taping of her "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" onThursday. The show was due to be broadcast on Friday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/17/AR2008051700743.html

-CASEY DEMOCRATS: Not the Party Faithful Anymore
Irmo Antonacci used to vote for Democratic presidential candidates. A son ofItalian immigrants, the 80-year-old retiree lives in Jeannette, Pa., adown-at-the-heels smokestack city southeast of Pittsburgh. After droppingout of college in 1950, he got a job installing telephones with Bell Pennand joined a union. He registered as a Democrat and became a John F. Kennedyfan. A decade ago, he was the Democratic committeeman from the town's 5thward.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/16/AR2008051603459.html


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

-California ruling will test public opinion on gay marriage
The California Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage will not be thelast word.
California voters will almost certainly hold a referendum on aconstitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in November. Theamendment needs a simple majority to pass, and if the voters reject gaymarriage, their decision will supersede the high court's. There are signsthe contest's outcome will be close.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-flagay0517sbmay17,0,7350700.story

-Ellen DeGeneres and longtime girlfriend Portia de Rossi are jumping at thechance to get married.
During a Thursday taping for Friday's Ellen DeGeneres Show, the host talkedto the studio audience in Los Angeles about the news that the CaliforniaSupreme Court had struck down state laws against gay marriage.
"So I would like to say now, for the first time, I am announcing: I am getting married," DeGeneres, 50, said. The studio audience stood and gave a long ovation. De Rossi, 35, who has appeared in Ally McBealand Nip/Tuck,was sitting in the audience, beaming and clapping. Then DeGeneres joked: "Thank you. I'll tell you who the lucky guy is soon."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-flapeople0517sbmay17,0,4186561.story


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

-Drag Queen Sentenced To 40 Years In Trucker Murder
A 28-year old gay Florida man has been sentenced to 40-years in prison forthe slaying of a 45-year old trucker he met in a West Palm Beach gay club in2003.

-Health Warning Over HIV Drug Linked To Serious Liver Side Effects
Health Canada and pharmaceutical company Janssen-Ortho are warning peopletaking the HIV drug Prezista that the drug can cause serious liverside-effects.

-Minnesota Passes Gay Partner Benefits Bill
The Minnesota House has passed legislation that would allow localgovernments to to offer health and other benefits to the same-sex partnersof their workers.

-Gay Pride Organizers Appeal To Russian President
Organizers of a gay pride march appealed Friday to Russian President DmitryMedvedev to overturn a decision by Mayor Yuri Lushkov to prohibit the event.

-Calif. Ruling Pushes Conservatives To Push Two States On Gay Union Bans
Conservative lawmakers in Arizona and North Carolina are using Thursday'sCalifornia Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage to press foramendments to their state constitutions to prevent similar rulings.

-Year Of Waiting For Conn. Gay Marriage Ruling
One year ago this week the Connecticut Supreme Court heard arguments in acase involving 8 same-sex couples seeking the right to marry.

-Presidential Candidates On Same-Sex Marriage
When it comes to same-sex marriage there are few differences in thepositions of John McCain, Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

-Pope Blasts Gay Marriage
Pope Benedict is again weighing in on the issue of same-sex marriage.

-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.


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

-Majority justices in Calif. ruling have strong GOP ties
Landmark decision expected to influence battles in other statesThe California Supreme Court's historic decision Thursday legalizingsame-sex marriage in the state greatly strengthened the principle that stateconstitutions open the way for marriage rights for gays, attorneys said.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=18280

-Maine: Gay rights repeal effort moves forward
Petition drive to start next week
Election officials say they expect to give the Christian Civic League ofMaine the go-ahead next week to start a petition drive aimed at sending theproposal to the Legislature -- and then probably to voters -- no sooner thanNovember 2009.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=18347

-Quiet campaign helps two pro-gay bills pass Ala. House
GOP defector helps add sexual orientation to hate crimes law
In what some activists consider a bellwether moment for gay rights in theU.S., the Alabama House of Representative passed a pair of gay-inclusivebills in the same day earlier this month. Legislators voted 46-44 to amendthe state's hate crimes law to include sexual orientation, and unanimouslypassed a measure aimed at reducing bullying in schools.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=18339

-Canadian church faces censure over gay pastor
A Canadian Lutheran church was proceeding on Friday with plans to ordain agay pastor who is married to another man, despite warnings it would beviolating church teachings and would be disciplined.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080516/wl_canada_nm/canada_gay_col_1

-Los Angeles County gearing up for same-sex marriage licenses
Supervisor Yaroslavsky wants the county to be ready as soon as possible tocomply with the Supreme Court ruling. It will be at least 30 days beforelicenses are issued, officials say.
Marriage license officials across Southern California scrambled Friday toprepare for an anticipated crush of same-sex couples rushing to the altarnow that the Supreme Court has lifted the state's gay marriage ban.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lagay17-2008may17,0,2531646.story

-After disappointments, couple hopes for dignity and a ceremony
For Jim Smith and Frank Reifsnyder, the ban on gay marriage was anotherexample of gays and lesbians being treated 'as less than human.'
The slights are mostly small, but cumulative. Maybe it's the blank, slightlyconfused expression on someone's face when Jim Smith introduces his"domestic partner." Or the extra fee that rental car agencies charge if theyboth want to drive the car, because they are not married. Or the tax formsthey cannot file jointly.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-couple16-2008may16,0,5249714.story?track=rss

-Citizen-penned marriage equality bill introduced in Minnesota legislature
Can one citizen make a difference at the legislature? Doug Benson might bethe guy. He's spent the past two years protesting at the Minnesota Capitolwith large banners reminding legislators that a group of Minnesotans doesn'thave equality under the law. And Benson hasn't just protested; he's draftedhis first piece of legislation, which was finally introduced on Friday.
http://www.minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4008

-Turning Their Backs on Schlafly
After years of turning her back to women, LGBT Americans and plain ol'common sense, Phyllis Schafly got a taste of her own medicine today ashundreds of students and faculty members at Washington University turnedtheir backs as the school honored the controversial founder of The EagleForum with an honorary doctorate.
http://www.pflag.org/blog/?p=340

-Jeffrey Rosen on the Gay Marriage Ruling
Many are celebrating yesterday's decision by the California Supreme Court tolegalize gay marriage in the state; others are bracing for a referendumbattle; and some, cooped up in campaign offices, are trying to figure outhow best to play it. So, in an effort to see the ruling from as manyperspectives as possible, we've enlisted a few friends of the magazine tooffer their thoughts. First, we have Jeffrey Rosen, who is TNR's legalaffairs correspondent.
http://blogs.tnr.com/tnr/blogs/the_plank/archive/2008/05/16/jeffrey-rosen-on-the-gay-marriage-ruling.aspx

-Obama's Cowardice On Marriage
Jonathan Martin makes a point:
Because Obama is not where the far left wants him to be (marriage) andMcCain not where the far right wants him to be (a federal ban), this is notsomething either will probably make front and center.
I see his point but I still bristle at the notion of marriage rights being a"far left" position. No straight person would ever regard his or hermarriage as something of which only the "far left" would approve. And manyvery conservative gay couples who have gotten married because they want toaffirm family life, responsibility and commitment would be surprised tolearn that these values are now part of the "far left." It's equally truethat a federal ban is not meaningfully "far right." There is absolutelynothing conservative about amending the federal constitution to deal with amatter of social policy that is best left to the states. I wish these tiredand misleading labels could be put to one side.
http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/05/gay-marriage-an.html


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

-Whither Domestic Partnerships?
Now that marriage equality has been mandated for the Golden State, whathappens to gay and lesbian Californians registered as domestic partners?Lambda Legal's Jennifer C. Pizer explains it all.
Nearly 50,000 couples have registered as domestic partners in Californiasince its DP registry opened on January 1, 2000. So now that there'smarriage equality in the state, thanks to the California supreme court'sruling Thursday, what do domestic partners and curious observers need toknow? We asked Jennifer C. Pizer, senior counsel for Lambda Legal.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid54506.asp

-The Community Reacts to California Marriages - Quotes from Celebrities
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid54415.asp

-After Ruling, Party Scene in West Hollywood
A celebratory crowd in West Hollywood spilled out of the city's bars andcoffeeshops and into the street on Thursday to celebrate the end ofCalifornia's same-sex marriage ban. Friends and families, couples andsingles both gay and straight, flocked to a rally planned by theorganizations behind the legal win. Standing under an arrangement of flowersand flanked by wedding cakes, the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center's CEO,Lorri L. Jean, cheered the victory. "Today, the California supreme courtsaid, 'Let them eat cake,'" she crowed.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid54489.asp


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

-Two Down, Three to Go: With CA Ruling, NY, CT, NJ May Be Next in Line
The May 15 ruling by California Supreme Court that it is unconstitutional inthat state to deny gay and lesbian families marriage is already having aripple effect in states across the union. A month from the date of theruling, barring an injunction, the state is required to begin allowing gayand lesbian families to wed. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who had twicevetoed legislation approved by state lawmakers to extend marriage equality,said that he would abide by the ruling, and also said he would not supportany effort to write anti-gay-family bias into the state's constitution.

-Formerly Gay Porn Star Ready For One More Closeup
Usually I scream bloody murder when a gay man marries a woman, but when JackWrangler hooked up with Margaret Whiting all those years ago, I thought,"Well, maybe." She was 55, he was 33. She was a classic, old-style singer,he was a once-raunchy porn star. She was a woman, he was a gay. But theyboth liked showtunes! And when Wrangler told her he was gay, Whiting'sresponse was "only around the edges, dear."

-Is My Dog Gay?
I was not prepared for what I would find when typing the words "Can my dogbe gay?" into Google's search engine. I was bombarded by strange questionsposted on websites and blogs about strange things owner's make their dogs do(No, I will not repeat them!) and yes even videos created by people with waytoo much time on their hands.

-Gay Officers Out of Closet Thanks to Him
When Larry McKeon died this week, shortly after a violent stroke, he wasmemorialized as Illinois' first openly gay legislator. I remember him forsomething else. The night I met McKeon is hard to imagine now. It was aWednesday in 1992. Men and women, black and white, middle-aged and young,filed into an upstairs banquet room of an Ann Sather restaurant on BelmontAvenue. Twenty were expected. Eighty turned out.

-What's the Harm in Gays Marrying?
Two recent court decisions will give high-powered ammunition to both sidesof the gay marriage debate in Florida. Proponents of an amendment banninggay marriage point to yesterday's pro-gay marriage ruling by a Californiacourt and say, "See, these activist judges are exactly why we need to vote aban into the Florida constitution." And gay-rights activists look to arecent Michigan court ruling which threatens domestic partnership benefitsbecause of a state constitutional ban on gay marriage and say, "See, this iswhy the ballot proposal is so dangerous - these bans don't just stop gaymarriages but also strip benefits and rights that have already beenestablished."

-Gay Cop Busted For Sexually Abusing Boy
An NYPD sergeant who once headed the city's gay-cops coalition sexuallypreyed upon a relative's adopted son, forcing the boy to have sex on aweekly basis, authorities charged yesterday. Jaime Katz, a 10-year veteranassigned to the Police Academy, "developed a relationship with the orphan,and over time groomed him for sex and sex-related acts," Assistant DA JohnTemple said at the cop's arraignment last night.


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

-The magisterial conviction of Thursday's opinion would be extraordinary nomatter what court had delivered it. But its issuance from the high court ofCalifornia is nothing short of revolutionary. Recent polls show that theCalifornia Supreme Court is the most respected state high court in thecountry. This suggests that other courts may borrow its strict scrutinystandard, under which most bans on same-sex marriage would fall. Even if noother court adopts today's reasoning, the mere fact that millions can marryin the Golden State will have its own effects. California is the mostpopulous state in the nation and one of the top 10 economies in the world(alongside nations like Canada and Italy). Because of its cultural,political, and economic influence, what happens in California does not stayin California. So much depends, then, on the inevitable legislative responseto this opinion. The refusal of the opinion to temporize or compromise willmake it a political lightning rod. An initiative to pass a stateconstitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage has already been proposedfor California's November 2008 ballot. Unlike the anti-gay marriageinitiative that failed in Arizona in April, the upcoming one in Californiatakes narrow aim at marriage itself, leaving domestic partnerships alone.
-Gay rights advocates predicted yesterday's California court rulinglegalizing same-sex marriage will encourage the New Jersey Legislature tofollow suit, but a gay lawmaker is not so optimistic.
"What happens in California does not stay in California, and that is a greatthing for equality," said Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden StateEquality, which is pushing to legalize gay marriage by the end of this year.
Goldstein said the ruling by the California Supreme Court "will make it wayeasier for legislators in New Jersey to follow their heart and do the rightthing."

-I knew as soon as the California Supreme Court marriage ruling was posted,that I would read the whole thing. I started reading it at my desk, after itwas posted, but stopped once got to the "bottom line" of the ruling - and,truly, because as I realized what I was reading, and what the CaliforniaSupreme Court had said, the emotion was too much.

-Thinking about taking a trip to California to get married? According toDallas gay rights attorney Ken Upton, you may want to think again.
Thursday's decision by the California Supreme Court means that for the first time, gaycouples who reside in Texas are eligible to be civilly married on U.S. soil.
Unlike Massachusetts, where gay marriage has been legal since 2004,California has no residency requirement for marriage.
However, because Texas doesn't recognize same-sex marriages from otherstates, there's no legal benefit to be gained, Upton said. And if you'relooking to make a symbolic gesture, many churches in Texas already performsame-sex weddings. Upton warned that there may be legal complications forsame-sex couples from other states who tie the knot in California. This"dual status," he said, can create headaches when it comes to things likeincome taxes and health benefits, especially since the federal governmentdoesn't recognize same-sex marriages.

-D.C. Council on May 6 approved the addition of 39 new provisions to thecity's domestic partners law, bringing the law to a point where same-sexcouples who register as domestic partners will receive most, but not quiteall, of the rights and benefits of marriage under District law.

-Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr says that when it comes to gaymarriage, what happens in California is California's own business. He's astates' rights man.


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Moscow bans gays and lesbians from holding demonstration
A small group of gay men and women have been banned from holding a picket infront of the General Prosecution office in downtown Moscow on Saturday.

-"Unacknowledged policy" places disabled kids with gay carers
An adoption expert has criticised the treatment of lesbian and gay peoplewho want to foster children or become adoptive parents.

-New Mayor calls Pride a "sexual exhibition"
A former fascist elected to lead one of Europe's biggest cities has spokenout against the gay community. Gianni Alemanno defeated his opponents totake control of Rome on April 28th.

-Police pay damages after anti-gay Muslims documentary row
Channel 4 and independent film maker Hard Cash accepted damages and anapology at the High Court following a row over a documentary broadcast lastJanuary exposing homophobic preaching in UK mosques.


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

-MOSCOW: A leading Russian gay rights activist urged President DmitryMedvedev on Friday to sanction a gay pride parade in Moscow scheduled forlater this month. Nikolai Alexeyev's appeal came after repeated refusalsfrom Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who has called homosexuality "satanic." Alexeyevsaid activists want to hold the parade on May 31 to symbolize resistance tointolerance and xenophobia. He said the Moscow park where the parade isplanned falls under federal rather than municipal jurisdiction, and vowedthat activists would rally even if the request is denied. Russiadecriminalized homosexuality in 1993, but opposition to gay rights remainsstrong and frequently turns violent.

-MEPs to raise Moldova Pride violence in Euro Parliament
Members of the European Parliament's Intergroup on Lesbian and Gay Rightshave spoken of their dismay at events in Moldova at the weekend. Lesbian andgay activists in the central European nation, which is not a member of theEuropean Union, had their attempt to hold a Pride event banned and thenblocked by police inaction and violence. In the capital Chisinau on Sunday abus with 60 Pride marchers was surrounded by hundreds of members ofco-ordinated groups, including extremist religious groups and members of theneo-fascist movement. Pride organisers said that the gay-hate crowds enteredthe bus and grabbed flags and banners, while their companions shouted "Beatthem to death" and "Don't let them escape."
There were reportedly nine attempts to call the police during this incident,with no response.

-The Iranian Supreme Court upheld the death penalty for 4 people from thecity of Mashhad who abducted and forcefully raped a young man.
Earlier last year, [ Iranian new year starts on March 21], in the GhasemAbad suburb of Mashah, 4 young men between the ages of 20 to 23, abductedtwo 16 year-old teenagers using motorcycles and took them to the desert onthe outskirt of the city. One of the victims, who sensed the true intentionof his abductors, managed to escape by hitchhiking , but the second teenagerfell victim to his abductors. The case of this forceful abduction, rape, andharassment was reviewed by the Fifth Branch of the Criminal Court of theKhorasan Razavi province. During the court sessions, attended by thedefendants and their lawyers, the defenders confessed to their crime. Afterconsidering the law sue filed by the plaintiffs, the confession of thedefendants, and the forensic report, the judge at the Fifth Branch of theCriminal Curt issued his verdict based on the Islamic penal code, sentencingall defendants indicated in this case to execution through hanging.
Following the defendants and their lawyers' appeal, the case was sent to the27th Branch of the Supreme Court. the Supreme Court judges reviewed thecontent of the case and upheld the decision of the lower court.

-Today! INTERNATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION
IGLHRC Joins International Day Against Homophobia
The International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC) joins ourmany colleagues around the world in using this day-May 17, the InternationalDay Against Homophobia (IDAHO)-to further raise the visibility of ourstruggles around the world to combat and eliminate the tragic consequencesof homophobia.
IDAHO has a special significance this year, as it is the 60th anniversary ofthe Universal Declaration of Human Rights-the first international documentto define a universally applicable and inalienable set of human rights thatare the entitlement of every person, regardless of sexual orientation,gender identity or expression. The entitlement of everyone-including sexualminorities-to equality, freedom of expression, and freedom from abuse isoutlined in this document and the international treaties that have beensigned by governments around the world.


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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-PARIS: The founder of International Day Against Homophobia was arrestedyesterday outside the Presidential Palace along with a small group ofsupporters as they demonstrated and staged a 'die in' in support ofpersecuted gay and lesbians worldwide. They were held in police cells for ashort time before being released. "Here, in France, the situation is verycomplex, the founder of IDAHO, Louis-Georges Tin, said by email overnight.
"The conservative government was totally opposed to our cause. "The battlewas, and still, is very hard.
http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/May/1702.htm


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Forwarded from Gay Asalyum - UK
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayasylum/messages?o=1
Go to this link for the following articles or contact rays.list@comcast.net

-Messages In This Digest (13 Messages)
1. New report claims 86 countries criminalise same-sex acts From: omarkuddus
2. Italian police round up illegal immigrants/* Dutch immigration exam From:omar kuddus
3. NETHERLANDS: DISCRIMINATION IN THE NAME OF INTEGRATION From: omar kuddus
4. Asylum seeker takes his life in Belgium From: omar kuddus
5. Brown rejects cap on immigration From: omar kuddus
6. [1]http://www.irqo.net/IRQO/English/pages/138.htm From: omar kuddus
7. Government of Bahrain seeks to punish 'homosexual children' From: omarkuddus
8. UN: TELL US TO END ILLEGAL DETENTION PRACTICES IN IRAQ From: omar kuddus
9. Stonewall Housing releases booklet to help LGBT domestic violence vi
From: omar kuddus
10a.International News Bites From: omar kuddus
11. Kyrgyzstan: Do Not Return Asylum Seeker to Uzbekistan From: omar kuddus
12. Peter has contributed to making of two new videos. From: omar kuddus13. EARLY DAY MOTIONS From: omar kuddus


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Gay.com
National Masturbation Month
Let's call masturbation what it really is: the ultimate coup d'état. Themoment bush and dick showed up on the scene, they stole our power and havebeen calling the shots ever since. Just like aggressive politicos, they'realways demanding attention. At least the "handier" versions have given usgreat joy and good times -- and the only deficit we experienced afterwardswas a lack of energy.
May is National Masturbation Month and a time to celebrate the art of selfpleasure. Throughout the month we'll bring you everything you'll need tocelebrate fondling the fig, tickling the pickle, and hitchhiking under thebig top with the honor and respect it rightfully deserves.
So stand up, raise your one free hand and repeat after me: "My name is ____,
and I love to masturbate!"
Articles of interest
The finer points of assisted male orgasm
We need your straight friends!
Rate the weirdest J/O location
Talk to the hand: The language of masturbation
Gay sexpert: Beef stroke-it-off
You did it where?
http://www.gay.com/news/roundups/package.html?sernum=6556&navpath=/channels/health/sexuality/


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Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrier
http://www.smartbrief.com/index.jsp
Go to this link for the following articles:

-How Webb become Virginia's first out black elected official
This article takes an in-depth look at Lawrence Webb's historic win as thefirst out black person to gain elected office in Virginia. Webb on July 1 isscheduled to take his seat on the Falls Church City Council. WashingtonBlade (5/16)

-Obituary: Larry McKeon, 63, Illinois' first out lawmaker
Former Illinois state Rep. Larry McKeon, who in 1996 became the state'sfirst out elected official, died Tuesday in Chicago. He was 63. "He may havegone in there as the first openly gay state legislator but he is leaving asa very good legislator who happened to be gay," state Rep. John Fritchey,D-Chicago, said when McKeon announced his retirement in 2006. CBS2Chicago)/Associated Press (5/14)
Marketplace

-"Friendly" brands earn loyalty of gay, lesbian shoppers
More than two in three gay and lesbian consumers would rather do businesswith a marketer perceived to be gay-friendly, and 71% prefer brands withgay-themed ads, according to the Prime Access/PlanetOut Gay and LesbianConsumer Study. "The study reveals that gays and lesbians are fiercely loyalcustomers to brands they perceive as reaching out to them," said HowardBuford, president and CEO of Prime Access, New York. "A marketingcommunications program directed at the gay and lesbian audience can be asignificant opportunity for brands to build business." Brandweek (5/15)


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

NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS May 17, 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:

-Editorial: A Victory for Equality and Justice
The California Supreme Court brought the United States a step closer tofulfilling its ideals of equality and justice with its momentous 4-to-3ruling upholding the right of same-sex couples to marry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/opinion/17sat1.html?ref=opinion

-U.S. Planning Big New Prison in Afghanistan
The Pentagon is moving forward with plans to build a new, 40-acre detentioncomplex on the main American military base in Afghanistan, officials said,in a stark acknowledgment that the United States is likely to continue tohold prisoners overseas for years to come.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/world/asia/17detain.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

-Famine Looms as Wars Rend Horn of Africa
The global food crisis has arrived at Safia Ali's hut.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/world/africa/17somalia.html?hp

-New Tack Offers Straying Parolees a Hand, Not Cuffs
Since his release in January after serving time for a 2006 theft conviction,Lonnie Kemp has violated his parole conditions several times, getting drunkand kicked out of a halfway house and showing traces of marijuana in urinetests. If this were a few years ago, he almost certainly would be back inprison.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/us/17parole.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1211030433-wTXKKrdgqPYOVrty22OwZw

-Op-Ed Columnist: Hard Roads Ahead
Walt Disney would have been proud of John McCain's presentation on Thursdayof what the world might look like at the end of a first McCain term aspresident.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/opinion/17herbert.html?ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Columnist: McCain's Superfuture
John McCain gave a speech this week describing what the world would looklike after his first term in office.
It looked great! The terrorists are on the run, Iraq is a "functioningdemocracy," and back home the economy is terrific, thanks to a combinationof business tax cuts and savings gleaned from eliminating useless governmentprograms. For average citizens, the tax code has been made so simple andundemanding that filling out I.R.S. forms would probably become an enjoyablefamily activity, like miniature golf.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/opinion/17collins.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial: The President Goes Negative
President Bush's penchant for slash-and-burn politics, learned at the feetof Karl Rove and the late Lee Atwater, is unseemly when practiced at home.
It is shameful for the president and damaging for the country when put ondisplay abroad.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/opinion/17sat2.html?ref=opinion

-In Siberia, Shopping Malls Are Sprouting All Over
In this region of Siberia, long synonymous with gulags and hardship,shoppers mobbed an Ikea store last winter with the vigor of a miners' riot.
They loaded their outsize yellow shopping carts with clothes, housewares,appliances and small furniture.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/business/worldbusiness/17mall.html

-News Analysis: Same-Sex Marriage and Racial Justice Find Common Ground
Not long into the oral argument before the California Supreme Court in Marchover whether gay and lesbian couples have a constitutional right to marry,Chief Justice Ronald M. George showed his hand.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/us/17marriage.html

-Courting N.R.A., McCain Criticizes Obama and Clinton on Gun Control
Senator John McCain reached out to the National Rifle Association on Fridayand warned 6,000 people at the group's annual convention that a PresidentBarack Obama or Hillary Rodham Clinton would put the rights of "law-abiding"gun owners at risk.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/us/politics/17mccain.html

-Obama Strikes Back at Bush On Diplomacy
Sen. Barack Obama pushed back Friday against President Bush's implicitcriticism of his approach to foreign policy, condemning his administrationfor not capturing Osama bin Laden and blaming its Iraq war policy forstrengthening and emboldening Iran.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/16/AR2008051603914.html?hpid=topnews


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-TEXAS SECT: Pedophiles, not prophets
During the Vietnam War there was a phrase that came to symbolize the entiremisbegotten adventure: ''It became necessary to destroy the village in orderto save it.'' It was said at first with sincerity, then repeated with ironyand, finally, with despair.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other_views/story/536664.html


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Edwards rules out possibility of vice presidential run with Obama
When John Edwards and Barack Obama appeared on stage together Wednesdaynight in Michigan for the former North Carolina senator's official blessingof the Democratic front-runner, some pundits and Democrats wondered aloudwhether they were seeing the Democratic ticket.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/05/17/edwards_rules_out_possibility_of_vice_presidential_run_with_obama/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

-McCain Courts NRA In Gun Shop Visit
McCain Courts NRA, Second Amendment Devotees In West Virginia Gun Shop Visit
John McCain visited a gun shop Friday _ but bought just a fishing scale _during the first stop in a day of courtship of the National RifleAssociation and Second Amendment devotees.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/05/16/ap/politics/main4103252.shtml

-Culture change or culture war?
What will be the long-term outcome of the same-sex marriage ruling?
When the California Supreme Court ruled Thursday that the stateConstitution's fundamental right to marry extends to couples of the samesex, it settled a legal question and opened some critical political ones.
With a proposed constitutional amendment that would overturn the court'sdecision likely to qualify for the November ballot, will a high turnout ofsocial and religious traditionalists put usually Democratic California "intoplay" in the presidential election?
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-rutten17-2008may17,0,3861060.column?track=rss

-Senate poised to take up sweeping global warming bill
Landmark legislation to reduce global warming is set to spark an intenseSenate debate in early June.
While it is unlikely to become law this year, the Climate Security Act isseen by both supporters and opponents as evidence of how far Congress hasmoved on the issue and how quickly a bill is likely to pass after a newpresident moves into the White House in January and a new Congress takesoffice.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/environment/2008-05-17-global-warming_N.htm?csp=34


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#####

FLORIDA DIGEST May 17, 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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You're Invited! The Broward Equality Florida May Mixer. May 22, 2008
6:30-8:30p.m.
Please join your fellow Broward Florida Council Members for an evening ofDrinks, Snacks, and lively conversation. Our Executive Director, NadineSmith, will be our special guest and will give us a brief update from theCapital. At the home of Philip Dearborn - 4400 Bayview Drive - FortLauderdale, Fl 33308
Replies would be appreciated. Please email Philip at: PNDEAR@aol.com
Guests are welcomed and encouraged! Thank you for being a part of EqualityFlorida's Broward county leadership donor circle - the Florida Council. Thehouse is a 2-story white building with columns on the N.E. Corner of Bayviewand 44th Street. Parking on either 44th Street West of Bayview (adjacent tothe park) or the West Side of Bayview is preferred.
Stratton Pollitzer Deputy Director Equality Florida
954-682-6094 cell stratton@eqfl.org


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TERRY HAMMOND SAYS... 'DON'T MISS MY CONCERT!'
I hope to see all of my friends and fans at my big concert performance on Saturday, May 24th at 8pm. in Wilton Manors (Oakland Park). It is a fundraiser for the Center For Spiritual Living. You can call and charge your tickets or pay for them at the door. Please open the attachment [contact rays.list@comcast.net] and read the flyer for all of the information.


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Ft. Lauderdale - GAY & LESBIAN COMMUNITY CENTER (GLCC)
Monopoly, Scrabble or Mah Jongg anyone?
Dig out your favorite board game and come down to the GLCC the 1st and 3rdTuesday evenings of every month. The resurrected Game Night will take placefrom 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Games are provided if you don't have one to bring,and YES - we are teaching MAH JONGG!
When: 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month
Place: Main Hall of the GLCC
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Starting: Tuesday, May 20
Free to GLCC members; donation of $1 for non-members. Not a GLCC member? Goto our website, www.glccsf.org, and click on the "Donate Now" button andenter in the amount. Basic membership is only $36!


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

-Experts debate: To what degree does global warming affect storms?
Experts' question: To what degree does it affect storms? When Chris Landsea talks about global warming and its potential effect on storms, he thinks of his family. He showed a roomful of emergency managers a picture of them Friday to serve as illustration for any family.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/hurricane/sfl-flbcanewarm0517sbmay17,0,4000360.story


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Note to Sen. Obama: Wake up and smell the change in Florida
Memo to: Sen. Barack Obama
Re: Blowing off 27 electoral votes
Thanks for coming by next week for a three-day campaign swing, Senator.
There has been lots of chatter about you ceding Florida to Sen. John McCain,given the way you've ignored the state for eight months and dismissed the1.75-million Democrats who voted in our disputed Democratic primary. We'retrying not to take it personally when you keep talking about the oldelectoral map - i.e., Pennsylvania, Ohio and US! - being so 2000/2004.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article510039.ece


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#####

Friday, May 16, 2008

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


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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


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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


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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


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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


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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


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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.


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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


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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.


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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: ?


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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.


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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

-"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.


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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."


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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


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

NATIONAL & WORLD NEWS 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.


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

-In the South, a Force to Challenge the G.O.P.
The sharp surge in black turnout that Senator Barack Obama has helped togenerate in recent primaries and Congressional races could signal a threatthis fall to the longtime Republican dominance of the South, according topoliticians and voting experts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/politics/16south.html?_r=1&partner=MOREOVERNEWS&oref=slogin

-Panel Backs Amputee Sprinter's Olympic Quest
Oscar Pistorius, the double-amputee sprinter who was barred from able-bodiedcompetition in January, will be allowed to pursue his dream of qualifyingfor the Olympic Games after an unexpected decision by the Court ofArbitration for Sport. The Court, an international panel which has final sayover legal matters in sport, overturned the International Association ofAthletics Federations' ban, ruling in effect that Pistorius' carbon fiberprosthetic blades do not give him an unfair advantage.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/sports/olympics/17runner.html?hp

-Op-Ed Columnist: Obama Admires Bush
Hezbollah is one of the world's most radical terrorist organizations. Overthe last week or so, it has staged an armed assault on the democraticgovernment of Lebanon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/opinion/16brooks.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial: Blackwater's Impunity
After guards from Blackwater Worldwide protecting a State Department convoykilled at least 17 Iraqis in a hail of bullets last September, we hoped theBush administration would rethink the folly of relying on mercenaries, whohave no accountability to Iraqi or American law.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/opinion/16fri2.html?ref=opinion

-Editorial: Teach for America
To maintain its standing as an economic power, the United States mustencourage programs that help students achieve the highest levels in math andscience, especially in poor communities where the teacher corps is typicallyweak.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/opinion/16fri4.html?ref=opinion

-Naral Picks Obama, and Uproar Breaks Out
The decision by a major abortion-rights group to endorse Senator BarackObama has created an uproar among some of its affiliates and otherabortion-rights advocates. Many said that Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton hadas good a record on reproductive rights as Mr. Obama and that there was noneed to take sides in the Democratic primary.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/16/us/politics/16campaign.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1210950069-e/uqXmE2HvsoVHlnil9sJA


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

-Hypocrisy on Hamas
McCain Was for Talking Before He Was Against It
If the recent exchanges between President Bush, Barack Obama and John McCainon Hamas and terrorism are a preview of the general election, we are in foran ugly six months. Despite his reputation in the media as a charmingmaverick, McCain has shown that he is also happy to use Nixon-style dirtycampaign tactics. By charging recently that Hamas is rooting for an Obamavictory, McCain tried to use guilt by association to suggest that Obama isweak on national security and won't stand up to terrorist organizations, orthat, as Richard Nixon might have put it, Obama is soft on Israel.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051503306.html

-The GOP's Ideas Deficit
The Reagan era in American politics is about to end, and we have George W.Bush to thank for its demise.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051503161.html

-Torture's Blowback
An alleged Sept. 11 conspirator can't be tried because the administrationthought harsh tactics were a good idea.
THE GHOSTS of interrogations past have come back to haunt the Bushadministration. This week, the legal officer supervising the military trialsat the U.S. detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, dismissed capitalcharges against Mohammed al-Qahtani, who allegedly would have been the 20thhijacker during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks had he not beenprevented from entering the country. The decision has been widely reportedas a serious setback for the administration's quest to bring terrorists tojustice. It is much more and much worse than that: It is a palpable reminderof the inhumane acts committed by U.S. personnel and sanctioned by topofficials in the name of protecting Americans from extremists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051503705.html


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Obama Says Bush Falsely Accuses Him of Appeasement
Democrat Barack Obama accused President Bush on Thursday of launching a"false political attack" with a comment about appeasing dictators.
http://www.newsmax.com/politics/obama_bush/2008/05/15/96281.html

-Gay marriage back as a campaign issue
Yesterday's California Supreme Court decision striking down a voter-approvedban on same-sex marriage reintroduces a hot-button social issue into thepresidential campaign.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/05/16/gay_marriage_back_as_a_campaign_issue/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

-Bush warns of talks with 'radicals'
In Israel, evokes appeasement of Hitler Obama, others call remarksunwarranted political attack
President Bush yesterday used a high-profile speech in Israel to attack theidea of pursuing diplomatic talks with renegade countries such as Iran, akey element of Barack Obama's agenda, likening it to the failed appeasementof Germany prior to World War II.
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2008/05/16/bush_warns_of_talks_with_radicals/?rss_id=Boston+Globe+--+Today%27s+paper+A+to+Z

-GI Bill blues
Expanded benefits for deserving veterans are caught in a politicalcross-fire in Congress.
More than five years after the first U.S. soldiers were sent to Afghanistanand Iraq, Congress is finally trying to give them their due by helpingveterans pay for a college education. A well-crafted bill by Sen. Jim Webb(D-Va.) would increase the amount of assistance available to U.S. veteransdeployed since 2001 to reflect tuition increases. The cost is estimated atup to $5.2 billion a year for 10 years -- not cheap, but less than we spendin two weeks in Iraq.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-ed-gibill16-2008may16,0,312729.story?track=rss

-Edwards' backing pays off
Obama snags support from 4 of his delegates, United Steelworkers.
John Edwards' surprise endorsement of Sen. Barack Obama began payingdividends Thursday, when Obama corralled the support of four of Edwards'delegates and the 600,000-member United Steelworkers in his march toward theDemocratic nomination.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080516/POLITICS01/805160355/1374


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#####

FLORIDA 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.


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Forwarded from Michael Emanuel Rajner
merajner@gmail.com
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-This link http://cbs4.com/video/?id=55016@wfor.dayport.com is aninterview with CBS-4's Carey Codd, Equality Florida's Executive DirectorNadine Smith, and Janet Folger of Faith to Action who I proudly "shouteddown" at Mayor Naugle's press conference organized last year to demonize thegay community. Just the mere sound of Janet's voice makes me want to have anair sickness bag on hand. When were we taught selective discrimination aspart of Christian values? FLORIDA VOTERS - On November 4th, please vote NOon amendment no. 2 and demand dignity, equality and respect for all people.
To learn more about amendment no. 2 and to become part of the movement,visit: http://www.votenoon2.com/


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Safe Schools South Florida
Morgan Stanley Donates $2500 to SSSF
Investment banker Morgan Stanley recently donated $2,500 from its VolunteerIncentive Program (VIP) to Safe Schools South Florida (formerly GLSEN SouthFlorida) on behalf of Morgan Stanley investment executive and Safe SchoolsSouth Florida board member, Daniel M. Pye. "Morgan Stanley supports itsemployees' philanthropy," said Pye, who has served on the Safe Schools SouthFlorida board of directors for five years. "The company believes that if anemployee is willing to commit his own time and energy for a worthy cause,the firm should participate as well which is why they offer these VIPgrants." "We appreciate this generous gift from Morgan Stanley," said BrucePresley, president of the Safe Schools South Florida board. "Dan is animportant part of our organization and this is one more contribution he hasmade to our efforts to make South Florida schools safer for allstudents -regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
http://www.safeschoolssouthflorida.org/


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

-Speedos and Safe Schools
Nadadores host party; Safe Schools holds conference
The Nadadores of South Florida, Miami-Dade's gay swim team, will host afundraising reception on Saturday, May 17, at the Diana Lowenstein Fine ArtsCenter, 2043 North Miami Ave. in Miami. The party, "Noche Nadadores," willinclude complimentary hors d'oeuvres and drinks provided by Ice Box Café andentertainment by DJ Rob Solomon. The party starts at 7 p.m. A $20 donationis requested. And we request that all Nadadores swimmers attend in theirSpeedos, although they will undoubtedly ignore us and show up in clothes.
Boo-hiss. Proceeds from the event will help send swimmers to Washington,D.C. in June for the International Gay and Lesbian Aquatics (IGLA)championships.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-15/locallife/pulse/4671.cfm

-Building Gay Political Muscle
Camp Equality steers volunteer efforts to serious might
With Amendment 2 looming over the November 2008 elections, gay rightsorganizations are mobilizing supporters and community members to become keyplayers in gay-friendly campaigns and the effort to defeat theconstitutional measure to ban same-sex marriage in Florida.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-15/news/localnews/4666.cfm

-School's gay ban ruled unconstitutional
Administrators ordered to allow students to express their support for LGBTrights
A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the Holmes County School Districtviolated students' First Amendment rights when a high school principalbanned students from wearing pro-gay symbols such as rainbow flags andslogans.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/5-15/news/localnews/4667.cfm


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Ft. Lauderdale
Doug White is selling his home THIS SUNDAY 5/18, for $189,500 or highest bidder
3BR/2BA Designer Home with Dining Room
Open House/Inspection THIS Saturday 5/17 & Sunday 5/18
Contact Doug White - 954-599-5095
Go to www.FTL360.com/1600

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

-Teen pregnancies on rise in Palm Beach County
The Children's Services Council of Palm Beach County is to discuss today theresults of a new report on birth statistics.
The rate of births to mothers 15-19 increased in 2006 for the first timesince 1994 in Palm Beach County, according to the latest Birth OutcomesUpdate report. The update, part of the agency's ongoing State of the Childin Palm Beach County report, details birth rates, access to prenatal careand birth weights by age, race and county.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpbirths0516pnmay16,0,4737317.story

-About 2,300 in Broward County won't receive high school diploma
Few of Broward's high school seniors forced to retake the FCAT this yearpassed the reading and math sections, meaning almost 2,300 won't graduatewith a standard diploma.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbfcat0516sbmay16,0,4119898.story

-Florida rights activists laud California gay marriage ruling
Opponents say California decision helps drive for ban
Florida gay rights activists hailed the California Supreme Court decisionThursday allowing same-sex couples to wed as a victory that gives them hopeagainst a looming bid to write a gay marriage ban into Florida'sconstitution.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flfgay0516sbmay16,0,155545.story

-On-Line Poll: Should gay marriage be banned in Florida?
[as of 10:42am it's tied]
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-0515gaymarriagepoll,0,5159,post.poll


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Florida, Michigan delegates cannot save Clinton
Sorry, Sen. Clinton. Michigan and Florida can't save your campaign.
Interviews with those considering how to handle the two states' banishedconvention delegates found little interest in the former first lady'sbest-case scenario.
http://www.miamiherald.com/692/story/535447.html

-DROUGHT: Water restrictions may be made permanent
As soon as water managers eased watering restrictions in April, the weatherturned dry. Lake Okeechobee is dropping again. The rules may have to becomepermanent.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/535157.html


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Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Klein and Hasting going to Israel
U.S. Reps. Alcee Hastings and Ron Klein will join Speaker Nancy Pelosi aspart of a bipartisan congressional delegation to Israel to celebrate thecountry's 60th anniversary.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/south/epaper/2008/05/15/0515israeldelegation.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=75


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Orlando's black gays, lesbians chart quest for acceptance
Black gays, lesbians work to overcome rejection
At an early age, Jay-Michael Jarrod knew that he was gay and that because hewas also black his life would be an odyssey of rejection.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-blackgay1608may16,0,2697560.story

-FCAT scores still bad on retake
FCAT scores for high school seniors who have to retake the test because theyfailed it in the past are never that good, and this year is no exception.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/education/k12/article508858.ece

-Farm Bill Passes With Perks Targeting Florida
Florida's sugar, fruit and vegetable producers and Tampa Bay's tropical fishindustry would benefit under a nearly $300 billion farm bill given finalpassage Thursday by the Senate and sent to the White House.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/16/na-farm-bill-passes-with-perks-targeting-florida/?news-politics

-State bars Allstate policy sales
Court ruling gives regulators new leverage
Allstate agents in Florida can't sell new auto policies this morning.
Renters' coverage and boat insurance are out, too.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/CD/20080515/CAPITOLNEWS/805150341/-1/capitolnews

-State stands firm on Allstate new-policy ban
Florida insurance regulators said Thursday they would not lift a ban onAllstate selling new policies in the state, still unconvinced the companyhas turned over all the documents the state wants.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/banking/article508664.ece

-Despite Economy, State Tourism Rises 3.4%
Rising gas prices and a slumping economy did not dissuade visitors fromtraveling to Florida during the first three months of 2008, when the state'stourism numbers rose 3.4 percent.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/16/bz-despite-economy-state-tourism-rises-34/?news-politics

-Endorsement of Obama may ease Fla. delegate dilemma
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton insists that counting Florida could still helpher net the party's presidential nomination, but that net has developed someholes.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/article508854.ece

-Local & State: Crist seeking bigger role in GOP
With national Republicans fretting the possibility of a disastrous electionyear, Gov. Charlie Crist is inviting political insiders to two sessions nextmonth to discuss the political climate in Florida and the nation.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article508763.ece

-Obama plans Tampa rally
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama plans a rally Wednesday indowntown Tampa at the St Pete Times Forum for his first Florida campaigntrip in more than eight months.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/state/article508843.ece

-Massive Everglades restoration project halted
A massive Everglades restoration project will be put on hold pending theoutcome of a lawsuit by environmentalists, a move that could end up costingthe state nearly $14 million just for the delays.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_EVERGLADES_RESERVOIR_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT


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#####

Thursday, May 15, 2008

GLBT DIGEST May 15, 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:

-Television
As a Lovers' Kiss Turns a World Around
If you are between the ages of 13 and 87, the last time you met anyone whodescribed herself as a loyal viewer of daytime soap operas you were probablystill hoarding quarters for pay phones and maintaining a casual position onsunscreen. Soaps have been shedding audiences for years now. The young,especially, have found their absurdities elsewhere; there is almost nothingput forth by the writers of "All My Children" that could, in a stupiditycontest, outrank a single moment of "The Hills."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/15/arts/television/15soap.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt


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

-New Jersey ex-governor says he can't pay alimony
Limited income, few assets described in divorce case
The nation's first openly gay governor tried to convince the judge in hisdivorce case Wednesday that he's too poor to pay alimony, saying he's beenfinancially crippled by his resignation and marital troubles.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sfl-flagaygov0515sbmay15,0,6283717.story

-Midnight Cowboy a retro trip
Released to great acclaim in 1969 and the winner of three Oscars, MidnightCowboy is a superb classic film with a very strange twist or two.
Although this film was a big shocker back in the day, it now seems as if thefilm was targeted to a naive audience with no clue of what the future wouldbring. In today's world, a male prostitute and a homeless man are notshocking.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/events/sfl-fltl0515rev-midnightcowboytlbemay15,0,401605.story


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

-Lutherans to ordain married gay man
Bishop warns of 'irreparable damage' to church
http://www.thestar.com/News/Canada/article/425394

-ACLU launches 'Get Busy, Get Equal'
The American Civil Liberties Union recently launched a gay rights resourcewebsite called "Get Busy, Get Equal." The site gives the community the toolsneeded to create change towards equality.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=5/13/08&end=5/16/08#18251


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

-Nervous Excitement In Advance Of Calif. Gay Ruling Today
Both sides in the gay marriage debate will be watching California's highestcourt today to see if the nation's biggest state goes the way ofMassachusetts and legalizes same-sex marriage.

-Outrage Over T-Shirt Linking Obama To Curious George
The publisher of the popular children book's series "Curious George" isconsidering legal action against a Georgia bar owner for selling T-shirtsthat link Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to the inquisitivemonkey.

-Third House Loss Has GOP Fearful For Fall
Stunned House Republicans vow campaign changes and are questioning thewisdom of attacking Democratic presidential front-runner Barack Obama incongressional races after their third straight election defeat inonce-friendly territory.

-Edwards Endorses Obama
Democrat John Edwards endorsed former rival Barack Obama on Wednesday, amove designed to help solidify support for the party's likely presidentialnominee even as Hillary Rodham Clinton refuses to give up her long-shotcandidacy.

-Beaten, Raped And Tortured Uganda Lesbian Begs For UK Asylum
A woman who says she was raped, tortured and beaten after being imprisonedfor homosexuality in her homeland of Uganda is fighting to stay in Britain,where she fled for safety.

-Priest Leaves Parish After Furor Over Gay Support Group
Only weeks after he was appointed parish priest at St. Michael the ArchangelChurch in McKinney, Texas, the Rev. Arthur Mallinson has resigned in thewake of an email and blog campaign to oust him over his involvement with anow defunct Web site that supported gay priests.

-First Gay Legislator In Illinois Dies
Former state Rep. Larry McKeon - the first openly gay member of the IllinoisGeneral Assembly - has died.

-Gay Gov. Testifies At Divorce Trial
The nation's first openly gay governor has begun testifying in his divorcecase, saying he proposed writing a book with his estranged wife, but sheturned him down and later wrote her own memoir.


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

-The Marrying Man
Four years after he pushed same-sex marriage forward in the national debate,Gavin Newsom is waiting for his answer in the California supreme court. Soare we.
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid52869.asp


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

-Misogyny I Won't Miss
As the Democratic nomination contest slouches toward a close, it's time totake stock of what I will not miss.
I will not miss seeing advertisements for T-shirts that bear the slogan"Bros before Hos." The shirts depict Barack Obama (the Bro) and HillaryClinton (the Ho) and are widely sold on the Internet.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/14/AR2008051403090.html

-California's top court to rule on gay marriage
Both sides in the gay marriage debate will be watching California's highestcourt Thursday to see if the nation's biggest state goes the way ofMassachusetts and legalizes same-sex marriage.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/15/AR2008051500589.html?hpid=moreheadlines

-Jodie Foster Ends Her 14-year Lesbian Relationship?
American actress Jodie Foster has split with her long-time girlfriend CydneyBernard, according to reports. The rumours that Foster was having arelationship with the 54-year-old film producer had become public recently,although those in Hollywood, who are close to Foster, had known about the14-year relationship for many years.


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

-Will Gay Delegate War Spoil The Race?
With only six primaries left - and Barack Obama's resounding lead over rivalHillary Clinton - many people have basically declared the delegate selectionover. That, however, would be premature. While the majority of the statesand overseas regions' delegate numbers have been determined, most of themmust still decide which individuals will head to Denver this August. haveruled which candidate gets how many delegates, most of them still mustdecide who will head to Denver this August. And, like so many things in thiselection, there's loads of drama surrounding the process. Infighting,allegations, personal homophobia and potentially impotent DNC "gay delegategoals" may derail the whole process.

-Gay TV Channel Caught Up in RuPaul "Drag" Net
MTV Networks' Logo, which targets lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgenderviewers, has greenlighted a reality competition series starring noted dragqueen RuPaul. "RuPaul's Drag Race" will feature contestants competing tobecome "America's next superstar drag queen," with RuPaul serving as host,mentor and judge. Online voters will help pick one of the contestants atwww.RuPaulsDragRace.com

-Sneakiness Wins in Michigan Court By Deb Price
When Michigan voters headed to the polls in 2004 to decide the fate of aproposed amendment to the state constitution, they'd been told the followingby its lead proponent: "(This) has nothing to do with taking benefitsaway. This is about marriage between a man and a woman," said MarleneElwell, campaign director of Citizens for the Protection of Marriage. CPM'sWebsite declared the group's purpose was "for defining marriage as the unionof one man and one woman. Period."

-Girls Love Gay Male Porn
i just got back from a weekend at the University of California at SantaBarbara, where I attended "Console-ing Passions: An International Conferenceon Television, Audio, Video, New Media, and Feminism). It was three days ofgeeking out with academics about TV, the Internet, and various kinds ofmedia studies-who knew that people are getting their Ph.D.'s in BattlestarGalactica and The Hills these days? Naturally, the first panel I went to wasall about porn, with four scholars presenting papers on lesbian identitypolitics and pornography, the 1980s cult hit Café Flesh and its '90s sequel,the industry in Vietnam, and bad-boy director/current Justice Departmenttarget Max Hardcore, that last topic featuring the best title ever:
"Scrunchies, Braces, and Throat Fucking: Performances of Girlhood in GonzoPorn."

-"Only Gay Men Eye Me Up," says Posh
English pop singer Victoria Beckham has revealed that she no longer attractsstraight guys - as the only men who eye her up are gay. The Spice Girlrecently confessed to the fact that she attracts gays like a moth to alight. "All the men that like me are gay. It's true. I have a really stronggaydar. I do love gay men though," The Sun quoted her, as saying.

-First Openly Gay Illinois Lawmaker Dies
Former state Rep. Larry McKeon, the first openly gay member of the IllinoisGeneral Assembly, died Tuesday, House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currieannounced Wednesday on the state House floor. McKeon, 63, a ChicagoDemocrat, did not seek re-election in 2006 because of health struggles thatincluded cancer and an AIDS-related digestive illness.

-Kentucky Gay Civil Rights Leader Elected to National Organization
Jordan Palmer, co-founder and president of Kentucky Equality Federation hasbeen unanimously elected to the Board of Directors of Marriage Equality USA.
Marriage Equality USA was founded in 1998 and has chapters operating acrossthe nation. Marriage Equality USA seeks to "secure legally recognized civilmarriage for all, at the federal and state level, without regard to genderidentity or sexual orientation."

-More Bang For Your Buck
he Aurora Group is delighted to announce the recent disbursement of almost$45,000 to GLBT community groups and projects as a result of a successfulfundraising year. Aurora continues its support of both Twenty10 GLBT YouthSupport and the Gay and Lesbian Counselling Service NSW (GLCS) as mainbeneficiaries, with disbursements of $15,000 and $10.000 respectively. Thisis a significant contribution to the ability of these groups to provideessential services to the community.


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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:

-New report claims 86 countries criminalise same-sex acts
The International Lesbian and Gay Association's 2008 report onstate-sponsored homophobia says that being lesbian or gay is risking jailtime in 86 countries and death penalty in seven.

-Britain's out MEP to march in Turkey for gay rights
Michael Cashman with join authors, journalists and human rights defenders ona march against homophobia and transphobia in Ankara on Saturday. Mr Cashmanis one of only two out gay MEPs in the 785-member European Parliament.

-IDAHO will be marked with "gravitas, concern, determination, wit and irony"
The organisers of the International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO), havesaid they are delighted at the range of events taking place across thecountry. 17th May is IDAHO.

-Islamic influence on UN Human Rights Council worries humanists
The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association (GALHA) has written to ForeignOffice minister Lord Malloch-Brown about the activities of the Organisationof Islamic Conference.


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

-Moscow Authorities Ban Gay Picket In Support of Criminal Prosecution ofMoscow Mayor
Pride organizers to conduct a press conference on Friday to coincide withIDAHO day
The Prefecture of the Central Administrative Area of Moscow has refusedpermission to stage a small demonstration by gay men and women in front ofthe General Prosecution office in downtown Moscow on Saturday May 17 tocoincide with the fourth International Day Against Homophobia. Organisersand participants had planned to demand the starting of criminalinvestigation against Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov on the basis of Article 149of Russian Criminal Code for systematic preventing of the conduct of publicactions by representatives of the gay community. The organisers hadintentionally decreased the number of participants to a maximum of tenhoping to get authorization for the picket with the main slogan "Article 149has not been repealed!" The picket was supposed to take place at 1 pm onSaturday.

-2nd. EuropeanTransgender Council transforms into 1st. global conference oftransgender activists
More than 200 transgender activists from 5 continents came together from May2nd. ? 4th. for the 2nd. European Transgender Council `Make Human RightsWork´ at Rathaus Schöneberg (Schöneberg Town Hall) Berlin. Participants camefrom 83 groups and 38 countries: in addition to almost all western, southernand northern European countries the list also includes - among others -Russia, USA, Peru, Japan, Namibia, Kyrgyzstan, the Ukraine, Israel, Armenia,Azerbaijan, Turkey, Georgian Republic, Serbia, Iceland, Romania, Croatia,and White Russia. Human rights issues, anti-discrimination legislation andan exchange of experiences on an international level were the centralconcerns of the Council.


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HeartStrong
http://www.heartstrong.org
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

The children removed from the fundamentalist Mormon offshoot/rebelliongroup in Texas are used to religious homeschooling. And now, the state ofTexas has instructed those providing foster care to continue to homeschoolthe kids in order to precent further culture shock. There is some logicto that line of thinking but what has not been discussed by the media ishow any of the young people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgenderare dealing with the brainwashing they have endured from their families.
Because the majority of the agencies providing foster care for these kidsare religious, HeartStrong has expressed its concern to each agenciesregarding further damaging the development of any of the students who aredealing with being GLBT by furthering any additional faith-basedanti-GLBT teachings in homeschooling lessons.
HeartStrong will release any and all responses to its efforts to bring tolight the plight of the GLBT young people continuing to be religiouslyhomeschooled.
HS Mission Statement
HeartStrong is a non sectarian organization established to provideoutreach to gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other personsadversely affected by the influence of all denominations of religiouseducational institutions. HeartStrong is also committed to educating thepublic about the persecution of GLBT's and others at religious educationalinstitutions.
http://www.heartstrong.org


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From Transgender Equality
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-COLAGE Releases Groundbreaking Resource on Transgender Families
San Francisco, May 14 , 2008 - COLAGE is proud to announce the release ofits Kids of Trans Resource Guide, the first of its kind, which was writtenby and for people with transgender parents. While many transgender peoplehave children, very few resources exist for transgender parents and theirfamilies. Having a transgender parent can often feel isolating orchallenging. This crucial resource will provide the growing community ofchildren, youth, and adults with one or more transgender parent(s) muchneeded information about their experience. "When my father explained that(s)he was becoming a woman, (s)he handed me a pamphlet about transgenderissues," says Monica Canfield-Lenfest, COLAGE Kids of Trans Fellow. "Ireally wanted a pamphlet for me. Ten years later, that resource finallyexists." The Kids of Trans Resource Guide offers a range of perspectiveswith valuable quotes from the experts themselves - people of all ages withtransgender parents.
www.colage.org


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Lambda Legal's Clock In Pledge-a-Thon for Workplace Equality is less than 24 hours away!
Supporters have turned out in record numbers from all over thecountry. With over 4,000 individual pledges, we're sending a powerfulmessage to employers and lawmakers that workplace discrimination isunacceptable. Help us take that number to 5,000 by tomorrow, May 15. Postthe pledge form at your workplace and collect signatures. Then fax the formto 212-809-0055 by 9:00 pm EST tomorrow, Thursday, May 15 so we can tallythem up. Or you can take your form to one of our Pledge-a-Thon Drop-InCenters. There is still time for a final push to get others to sign thepledge. Together we can pulverize workplace discrimination!
http://ga4.org/campaign/clockin


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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

Sex And The American Mom: 1 In 3 Report Getting Action On The Side
You or someone you know is having an affair We know, it soundssurprising, shocking even, but apparently that is the caseCookie Magazineand "AOL Body" did a survey on the subject and 30,000 people respondedAsfar as surveys go, that is a big number, and it's even bigger when youconsider that their questions were aimed solely at married women withchildren ... Read the rest at HuffingtonPost.com
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/colleen-dealy-and-taylor-baldwin/sex-and-the-american-mom_b_101403.html

-Campus Pride Summer Leadership Camp
Finally the camp you have been waiting for! Campus Pride organizes thesecond annual Summer Leadership Camp for LGBT and Ally college students. Thefive-day camp experience works to develop stronger undergraduate studentleaders and safer, more LGBT-friendly colleges and universities.
Participants have the opportunity to learn valuable campus organizingskills, coalition building and strategies for creating change at collegesand universities.
CAMP is for you if you want:
*A phenomenal leadership and personal growth experience inclusive of gender identity/expression and sexual orientation.
*Key leadership concepts to becoming a stronger LGBT & Ally leader.
*Effective strategies and skill training for grassroots coalition building.
*Access to premiere faculty and national leaders in social justice, humanrights and civil rights advocacy.
*Successful campus organizing practices and the chance to explore challenges confronting your campus.
*Helpful resources and innovative tools from national organizations.
*A personal action plan for your campus to become more LGBT-friendly.
* Opportunity to connect and work with peer student leaders from across thecountry.
*An inclusive approach for celebrating diversity and motivating others.
*An open, safe environment to express yourself.
*Fun, entertainment and lasting relationships.
WHEN
Saturday, July 19, 2008 10:00 AM -
Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:00 PM
WHERE
Glen Complex
Towson University
8000 York Road
Towson, Maryland 21252

-From American Family Association
McDonald's is still trying to distort their support for the homosexualagenda by twisting words. While McDonald's says it is not a member of theNational Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, the NGLCC website proudlylists them as a "Corporate Partner and Organizational Ally." In a telephonecall from McDonald's Vice-President Jack Daly, on May 2, he confirmed to AFAthat it gave $20,000 to the NGLCC.
In addition, Daly told AFA that Richard Ellis, vice president ofcommunications for McDonald's, is a "gay man" and personally approved the$20,000 donation to the NGLCC. Mr. Daly also claimed that Richard Ellis waselected to the NGLCC board as a private citizen and not a representative ofMcDonald's. Yet, Richard Ellis is listed on the NGLCC website as VicePresident of Communications, McDonald's USA.

-Calling all parents, grandparents and caregivers of gender variant andtransgender children (under 18)-we need your participation!
TYFA is sponsoring an online survey to gather statistical information aboutour children and families. Your participation is confidential and anonymous.
You may answer as many or as few questions you are comfortable with.Theintention of the survey is to gather data from parents, grandparents orprimary caregivers of gender variant and transgender children under the ageof 18. This would include children who identify as transgender, bothgenders, a third gender or neither gender. We hope to include a broadsection of children with gender expression that is perceived as 'different'from their assigned birth sex. [...] Here's the link to our survey:
http://www.questionpro.com/akira/TakeSurvey?id=909229

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