Saturday, June 28, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - June 28, 2008

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NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - June 28, 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:

-NRA sues to overturn S.F. gun ban in city housing
The National Rifle Association sued the city of San Francisco on Friday tooverturn its ban on handguns in public housing, a day after the U.S. SupremeCourt struck down a handgun ban in the nation's capital. The legal actionfollows a similar lawsuit against the city of Chicago over its handgun ban,filed within hours of Thursday's high court ruling.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Gun-Ban-Reaction.html?_r=1&scp=12&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin

-Challenges to Bans on Handguns Begin
Using the new judicial muscle provided by the Supreme Court's affirmation ofthe right to bear arms, the National Rifle Association and another pro-gungroup sued San Francisco and its housing authority on Friday to invalidate aban on handguns in public housing. The lawsuit said the ban violated theSecond Amendment and "renders responsible, law-abiding adult public housingresidents especially vulnerable."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/us/28guns.html?sq=gay&st=nyt&adxnnl=1&scp=8&adxnnlx=1214656572-ml0g81ALWhM3FeG+wmKjtw

-Presbyterian assembly votes to drop gay clergy ban
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), bitterly divided over sexuality and theBible, set up another confrontation Friday over its ban on ordainingnon-celibate gays and lesbians. The denomination's General Assembly,meeting in San Jose, Calif., voted 54 percent to 46 percent Friday to drop
the requirement that would-be ministers, deacons and elders live in''fidelity within the covenant of marriage between and a man and a woman, orchastity in singleness.''
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-REL-Presbyterians-Gays.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt

-New meaning for San Francisco gay pride parade
Move over Dykes on Bikes. Here come the brides -- and grooms. Given SanFrancisco's sizable role in initiating the lawsuits that led California'shighest court to strike down the state's bans on same-sex marriage, thecity's 38th annual gay pride festival and parade is likely to draw hugecrowds this weekend, tourism officials say.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Gay-Marriage-Pride.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt

-All Too Human
BOB HERBERT
Once the green light is given to torture, the guaranteed result is anever-widening landscape of broken bodies, ruined lives and profound shame toall involved.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/opinion/28herbert.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin

-It's Nice to Be Rich
The Supreme Court ruling that the millionaire's amendment violates the FirstAmendment is conservative judicial activism of the first order.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/opinion/28sat3.html?ref=opinion

-A Candidate Runs to a G.O.P. Chorus of 'Don't'
Bob Barr, a Republican turned Libertarian, hopes to follow in thethird-party footsteps of Ross Perot and Ralph Nader.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/us/politics/28barr.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1214651125-ZRvoLkWMfCUFYWCP9pSlQQ


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

-Dobson vs. Obama
I am a conservative evangelical, and even I am offended by James Dobson'sdishonest critique of Barack Obama's theology.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062702490.html

-Who'll Keep the Faith-Based Initiative?
As President Bush noted Thursday at the national conference of the WhiteHouse Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, his first executiveorder was to establish that office. The controversy over his initiativebegan then and continues. Liberals who measure compassion only by taxdollars spent say it hasn't gone far enough, while zealots aboutchurch-state separation say that it goes too far and should be shut down. But this program is transforming lives. And in an election campaign lackingfor new ideas, this one is worth saving.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062702631.html

-An Attack That Came Out of the Ether
Scholar Looks for First Link in E-Mail Chain About Obama
The e-mail landed in Danielle Allen's queue one winter morning as she wasstudying in her office at the Institute for Advanced Study, the renownedhaven for some of the nation's most brilliant minds. The missive began:
"THIS DEFINITELY WARRANTS LOOKING INTO."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062703781.html?hpid=topnews


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

-It will cost you $25 to redeem Delta SkyMiles
Frequent fliers have a new charge to contend with on so-called "free" awardtickets: jet fuel. Delta Air lines said Friday it will charge frequentfliers $25 for SkyMiles Award Tickets between the 50 states and Canada, and$50 for international travel, starting Aug. 15.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzdelta0628sbjun28,0,3652950.story

-California fire deals big blow to Big Sur tourism
Many of the rustic inns, restaurants and art galleries that dot the ruggedCentral Coast are nearly deserted this weekend at the height of the touristseason as a huge wildfire threatens Big Sur. The blaze had charred nearly42 square miles as of Friday in the Los Padres National Forest and destroyed16 homes in the Big Sur area, one week after it was started by a lightningstorm that also ignited more than 1,000 wildfires from the Central Coast tothe Oregon state line.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap_top11jun28,0,1061533.story


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

-'Forgotten war' a sad memory for survivors
The sour economy makes Iraq seem so 2006. Only 6 percent of South Floridiansnamed the war as a top issue in a Miami Herald poll released this week. ''Iraq fatigue,'' explained pollster John Zogby. But for Itzhak and BethAgami of Parkland, whose 25-year-old son Daniel was killed one year ago lastSaturday, the war is a constant source of heartache. The cost of gas meanslittle to parents forced to outlive their child.
http://www.miamiherald.com/418/story/586397.html

-The great tolerant majority
Here's a nice news flash: Most people really are religious and tolerant,faithful and open, altogether American. That's the conclusion this week of amajor Pew Research Center study of religion in America. They call it''non-dogmatic.'' In what feels like an increasingly dogmatic world, it isultimately our greatest strength.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other_views/story/586435.html


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

-Kucinich won't rally for Obama until he gets answers
Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) has yet to officially endorse Sen. BarackObama (D-Ill.) for president and indicated he will not rally his liberalsupporters this fall until he knows "what the party stands for." In aninterview this week, Kucinich said it is too early to see which directionthe Democratic Party is headed this election year. Pressed on when a formalendorsement of Obama would be announced, Kucinich replied, "[Obama and I]will be talking."
http://thehill.com/campaign-2008/kucinich-wont-rally-for-obama-until-he-gets-answers-2008-06-27.html

-$7-a-Gallon Gas Coming Soon?
A New Gas Price Forecast Comes on the Same Day That the Dow Plummets, OilSurges
Stocks plummeted today as oil hit a new record and signs of trouble from the financial, automotive and high-tech industries soured the mood on WallStreet.
http://abcnews.go.com/Business/PainAtThePump/story?id=5253022&page=1

-McCain: Set U.S. limit for car CO2
He moves away from state-set emissions limits, rejects federal bailout ofBig 3. Republican presidential candidate John McCain said Friday he favorsnationwide limits on carbon emissions from cars, a position that addressesone major worry of Detroit's automakers but could create new problems forthem.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080628/POLITICS01/806280338/1374

-Obama and Clinton Hold First Post-Primary Event
Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton came to this tiny town ofUnity on Friday for their first public appearance after a bitter primaryfight. Less certain was whether Unity would come to them.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/28/us/politics/28obama.html?ei=5040&adxnnl=1&partner=MOREOVERNEWS&adxnnlx=1214657029-Uf2VJkM8MwYbNUdyVHF9Ew

-Sen. Hagel won't endorse McCain
The Republican says he'd consider a post in an Obama Cabinet. Sen. ChuckHagel (R-Neb.) declined to endorse his party's likely presidential nominee,Sen. John McCain of Arizona, and said he would consider serving in a Cabinetunder Democrat Barack Obama.
http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-hagel28-2008jun28,0,1089970.story?track=rss

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FLORIDA DIGEST - June 28, 2008

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


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

-GLCC: Gay center buys site, plans new home in Wilton Manors
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida announced Friday ithas purchased 5.6 acres in Wilton Manors that will allow it to move to averitable "campus" - complete with conference building, theater, waterfrontmemorial garden and office space for other groups serving the gay community.The organization paid a telecommunications company $4.75 million for thesite at 2040 N. Dixie Highway, just south of Wilton Drive, putting an end tothe organization's long search for a new home, said executive director PaulHyman.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbglcc0628sbjun28,0,6348130.story

-Fort Lauderdale's New River Marina headed to auction block
Family-owned New River Marina likely to auctioned off next monthA longtime Broward County marina, sinking in choppy economic waters, isheaded for the auction block next month. For more than 20 years, thefamily-run New River Marina boatyard has repaired small and midsize boatsand mega yachts.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flznewriverbox0628sbjun28,0,3799184.story


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

-Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus: Open auditions for the 23rd season of thechorus, auditioners can use recorded music, or accompanist provided by thechorus; 1 p.m., Sunshine Cathedral Auditorium, 1480 SW Ninth Ave., FortLauderdale. 954-832-0060 or ftlgmc.com.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/586033.html

-AGRICULTURE: Tomatoes may not be to blame for salmonella
Tomatoes may not be the cause of a salmonella outbreak, which has continueddespite a warning that pulled them off shelves and cut Florida growers'sales in half. As the number of people sickened by a salmonella outbreakrose to 810, federal officials said Friday they're unsure whether tomatoesare still the cause of the illness.
http://www.miamiherald.com/business/story/586439.html


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

-Schwarzenegger splits from Crist on gulf drilling
For a second year, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger flew in for aclimate change summit, heaping praise on Gov. Charlie Crist's work inFlorida. Until the subject turned to offshore oil drilling.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/article646522.ece

-Florida Power & Light goal: 3 solar plants in 2009
Florida Power & Light, the state's largest utility, announced Wednesday itplans to build three solar energy plants in Florida, including one thatwould be the biggest of its kind in the world.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/article644444.ece

-Under Crist, Florida lifts civil rights death penalty
It has taken Gov. Crist about 14 months to correct an injustice that hispredecessor fostered during eight years in office. More than 115,000 formerfelons who have completed their sentences have had their civil rightsrestored because of a state rule enacted in April 2007. The governor chairsthe Board of Executive Clemency. At his urging, the board changed thestate's 140-year-old policy of requiring felons to go through a long anduncertain process of individual appeals to regain their rights. Because ofGov. Crist's leadership, restoration is virtually automatic.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/06/28/a10a_felons_edit_0628.html

-New Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Peggy Quince makes history
In the ornate chambers of the Florida Supreme Court, Peggy Quince today willmove to the chief justice's center seat. And history will be made. Quince,60, will become the first black woman to lead the state's court system -- orany branch of government in Florida. The soft-spoken mother of two knowsshe's a role model. "One of the ways you give back to your community is bybeing there and being visible," Quince said. "Young people find it's not allabout whether you are a rap star or a baseball player or any of those kindsof careers. But there are also other careers available that can make adifference. "I know my responsibility," she added.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-quince2708jun27,0,6012250.story

-Glimmer of hope for home prices: They're up a little!
Palm Beach County home prices and home sales climbed in May compared toApril, providing a glimmer of hope in an unrelentingly bleak housingpicture. The median price of an existing single-family home sold in PalmBeach County in May was $330,900, up from $314,000 in April, the FloridaAssociation of Realtors said today.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/realestate/entries/2008/06/26/glimmer_of_hope_for_home_price.html?cxntfid=blogs_real_time

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Friday, June 27, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - June 27, 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:

-H.I.V. Diagnosis Rates Continue to Rise Among Young Men, African-Americans
Diagnoses of H.I.V. and AIDS in men who have sex with men rose significantlybetween 2001 and 2006 while declining in other demographic groups, thefederal Centers for Disease Control reported Thursday. The increase indiagnoses was especially high among males between the ages of 13 and 24,with an annual increase of 12.4 percent, compared to 1.5 percent for menoverall. The annual increase was still higher among young African-Americanmen who have sex with men, nearly 15 percent. Among African-American men ofall ages who have sex with men, the annual increase in diagnoses was 1.9percent.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/health/research/27hiv.html


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

-George Michael keeps the faith at L.A. concert
The audience at Los Angeles' Forum gave George Michael a special presentjust before the second half of his two-hour performance Wednesday: aspontaneous arena-wide "happy birthday to you" for the English singer, whoturned 45 on Wednesday. There were more birthday rounds toward the end ofthe night, including one from his band, plus a cake from actress Bo Derek. But Michael already had given his fans the gift of a stylish,career-spanning show as part of his first North American tour in 17 years,returning to this venue after two decades.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062700195.html

-HIV Rate Up 12 Percent Among Young Gay Men
Steepest Rise Is in Black Males Ages 13 to 24
The number of young homosexual men being newly diagnosed with HIV infectionis rising by 12 percent a year, with the steepest upward trend in youngblack men, according to a new report.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062603521.html

-Deadly Consequences -- But the Right Call
Few landmark Supreme Court rulings have been so widely predicted asyesterday's decision striking down the District of Columbia's ban onhandguns. The mere fact that the court agreed to hear the case was a prettygood indication that the justices were itching to make some kind of bigstatement about the Second Amendment. Questions from the bench during oralarguments in March left little doubt as to which way the wind was blowing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062603656.html


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

-"A Jihad for Love": Muslims on gay life, faith
Parvez Sharma's A Jihad for Love looks at the plight of gays still faithfulto their Muslim beliefs, even as the majority who share that faith areexplicitly opposed to homosexuality. Same-sex acts, socializing or evenvaguely defined offenses like "debauchery" are criminalized and punishableby fines, whipping, jail - even execution. The predicament of the victimsmakes the documentary kin to 2001's Trembling Before G-d, about gay OrthodoxJews. Both films share the same fascination and limitation. Their subjects'bravery is impressive, their situation moving, but so few are willing tospeak, and the cultures they come from so unwilling to accept them, that acertain repetitiousness soon settles in.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/events/sfl-shjihadbrjun27,0,2866858.story


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

-Michelle Obama: Barack Will Fight For Gay Equality
Barack Obama will fight for equal rights for gays just as he fought to helpworking-class families overcome poverty, the Democratic presidentialhopeful's wife told a gay Democratic group Thursday night.
Also: AFL-CIO Endorses Obama

-CDC: Quarter Of Those With HIV Do Not Know
Today is National HIV Testing Day and the Centers for Disease Control hasissued an ominous warning - about one-fourth of the more than one- millionpeople living with HIV in the United States don't know they are infected.

-NYC Urges Docs To Do Routine HIV Testing On Adults
Health officials are trying to persuade doctors to offer HIV tests to nearlyevery patient in a New York City community hit harder than most by AIDS.

-Lesbian Mom, Two Others Plead In Child Torture Case
Three women have pleaded not guilty to child abuse and other chargesinvolving a 5-year-old boy who was burned, starved and beaten.

-House Holds Historic Hearing On Transgender Discrimination
For the first time a House subcommittee has heard firsthand of widespread discrimination against transgender men and women.

-Thousands Attend Jerusalem Pride
(Jerusalem) More than three-thousand people attended Jerusalem's gay prideparade on Thursday but unlike previous marches police reported only minorhomophobic incidents.

-Gay Republicans Laud Supreme Court Gun Ruling
Log Cabin Republicans applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling Thursdaystriking down Washington, DC's 32-year-old ban on hand guns.


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

-Judge OKs Christian group to hand out fliers at PrideFest
Said ban would be unconstitutional
A federal judge says a Christian ministry has the right to distributeliterature and discuss its religious viewpoint at the annual gay Pride eventknown as Pride Festival this weekend in St. Louis.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19340

-Progress on effort to repeal ban on HIV-positive visitors
Senate Dems push for vote before July 4 recess
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) announced Wednesday night thatDemocratic and Republican leaders appeared to have settled differences overa global AIDS relief bill that includes a provision repealing a 15-year-oldlaw banning foreign visitors and immigrants with HIV from entering orseeking permanent residence in the U.S.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19327

-British lawmakers speak out on Heinz commercial
Say pulling ad was 'bad move'
A group of British lawmakers said Thursday that foodmaker Heinz Co. waswrong to withdraw a television advertisement that showed two men kissing.Six legislators from the governing Labour Party filed a House of Commonsmotion saying the decision to pull the ad was "ill-considered" and likely tooffend gay people. They called on Heinz to reconsider. Heinz pulled the adfor Deli Mayo last week after some viewers complained.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19331

-Gay teens coming out of the closet: it's talked about more, but stilldifficult
It was a black, stretch-velvet dress that outed Shawn Fowler at the age of14. Hours earlier, the sexy number had been tucked secretly away in hisbedroom - along with a wig, lipstick and mascara. Yet there was his sister,sashaying through his grandparents' house, only she was donning the frock.
http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5hK-hMh83LlrAZKmamtZlnSpjoxSA

-Art museum goes gay(er)
Sexuality through the ages explored in 'Gay Art: From Ancient to Modern'Rare homoerotic photographs by turn-of-the-century German photographerWilhelm Von Gloeden are on display as part of a new exhibit, "Gay Art: FromAncient to Modern," at Miami Beach's World Erotic Art Museum.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/6-26/arts/cover/4821.cfm

-Again with the down low
Today I received a disturbing press release from JL King, who got his momentof fame on Oprah's show when he discussed his down low lifestyle (and hisbook "On the Down Low"). His newest work apparently is a DVD, "The Top 10Signs of Down-Low Behavior.and More." His press release states, "Afterwatching only 10 minutes you will have received your money's worth. It isSHOCKING!!!!" (Caps and overuse of exclamation points courtesy of therelease.)
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=6/26/08&end=6/28/08#19328

-Beckner: Being gay shouldn't be headline news
"It seems to be headline news when somebody is gay or somebody is lesbian,"said Victory Fund endorsee Kevin Beckner. "I still struggle to understandwhy it's a breaking story when you talk about somebody being gay or beinglesbian. This isn't a lifestyle. This isn't something we have chosen to be;it's who we are."
http://www.gaypolitics.com/?p=561

-State Department Weighing Boy George
Who says foreign policy can't be fun?! An intrepid reporter this week askedState Department Deputy Spokesman Tom Casey on the very pressing matter ofBoy George's visa holdup. Mr. George planned on coming to the States for atour this summer, but the current investigation into his alleged kidnappingof a Norwegian hooker gave American officials pause.
http://www.queerty.com/state-department-weighing-boy-george-20080626/

-The sanctity of (closeted, loveless) marriage
We often struggle with which of our opposition's anti-marriage equalityarguments are the most frustrating. Some are disturbing in the way they usebiased studies or outright lies to dehumanize gay people and discreditsame-sex commitments. Others are annoying in their baseless illogic (likethe idea that marriage is "about children," even though (a) kids are not amarital requirement and (b) gay folks also raise children). But when itcomes to sheer dull-wittedness, no argument strikes us as inane as the onethat Janet Chastain is recycling in a new WorldNetDaily commentary: Thelaw that has governed traditional marriage is in no way discriminatory. Amarriage applicant does not have to declare his or her sexual preference toapply for a marriage license, and there is no test for a gay gene, as onedoesn't exist. Homosexuals always have been free to marry. Many have beenmarried in the past and likely will enter into heterosexual marriages in thefuture. They simply were not free to marry a person of the same gender.
http://www.goodasyou.org/good_as_you/2008/06/the-sanctity-of.html

-Queery: Bobby Kyser
Chairman of the Stonewall Street Festival - Wilton Manors, Florida
The tents were taken down, the floats have been dismantled, and 30 cubicyards of trash have been cleaned up. Thus marks the end of the 9th AnnualStonewall Street Festival in Wilton Manors.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/6-26/view/columns/4817.cfm


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

-Historic Video Gives New Look Into LGBT Movement
New York's LGBT Center releases new video in honor of Pride month thatdocuments the community's pre-Stonewall trials and celebrates the leaderswho jump-started our movement at the time.
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid56642.asp

-Sam Harris: I'm a Dad
Actor, singer, and all-around entertainer Sam Harris talks about his journeyof adoption and the joys of taking on his latest title: father. I'm a dad. Ican't believe I get to say those words. "I'm a dad." When I was growing upit wasn't possible for a gay man to utter that phrase unless he'd once had astraight family. There was often shame, sadness, and guilt around thehusband that fathered children and then shocked his wife and kids byflinging the closet door open and attending his son's graduation accompaniedby his new Yves Saint Laurent-donning male lover. Studies have illustratedthe difficulties kids suffer when they feel they are the product of a lie. The wives aren't usually thrilled about it either. But many of them do comearound, then everyone spends Christmas together: the kids (all grown up andmarried themselves), Mom (who never remarried but has a lot of cats), andDad and Bob (who just got a summer home in Amagansett and "everyone isinvited for clam season!!").
http://advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid56418.asp

-Calling a New Army of Lovers - An Essay by Armistead Maupin
In California and beyond, we're marrying for love. Our time has come. We will not be denied. Four years ago, when the mayor of San Francisco made history by marrying gayfolks down at City Hall, his fellow Democrat Dianne Feinstein voiced herdispleasure in no uncertain terms. "Too much, too fast, too soon," was theway she put it, and the ice water in her veins was almost audible. Thesenator's 26 years in the national spotlight had been launched by ahomophobic assassin, yet she still found a quarter of a century "too soon"for the full establishment of gay civil rights. How much more time had sheneeded, for God's sake? For years Feinstein had seen the full-blown horrorsof AIDS and watched same-sex love in action -- sturdy, unwavering,unconditional love -- as LGBT families cared for the dying. She knew as wellas anyone alive what we'd endured at the hands of a callous government andorganized religious hatred. She had lived throughMatthew Shepard'scrucifixion and scores of other antigay atrocities. When exactly, Iwondered, would it be convenient for her to stand up for a constituency thathad consistently returned her to office?
http://www.advocate.com/issue_story_ektid55283.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:

-Cuba's First GayPride Parade Cancelled
Cuba's first gay pride parade was abruptly cancelled yesterday, momentsbefore it was to begin.The unofficialmarch, organised with Florida's Unity Coalition, was notsanctioned by Cuba's National Centre for Sex Education, which is headed byMariela Castro, the daughter of President Raul Castro.Activist Mario Jose Delgado said two organisers who were to deliver a set ofdemands to the Justice Ministry were detained on Tuesday.

-They Shoot Gays, Don't They? Even before last winter, Lawrence "Larry"King, an eighth grader at E.O.Green Junior High in Oxnard, Calif., had itrough. His classmates in theschool, north of Los Angeles in Ventura County,routinely picked on him. "Hey you gay kid, you want to wear lipstick?" oneof King's friends recalledof the taunting. Another classmate told the LosAngeles Times, "You'd hear,'Faggot! Hey faggot!' That was happening in everyclass."For King, who had been adopted and then recently removed from theonlyfamily he knew by child protective services, every day must have been anightmare.

-Is Anderson Cooper Going to Hell?
Rev. Al Sharpton seems to think so, and while appearing on AndersonCooper360 to discuss Rev. James Dobson's recent accusations that Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama is distorting the bible, Sharpton feltcompelled to say something."I may have some very conservative personalfeelings but I feel you have the right to live your life differently,"Sharpton said. "I may think that what you do Anderson is gonna put you inHell, but I'm gonna defend your right to get there."

-Monogamous Same-Sex Adultery
I argue against same-sex marriage in part because I think the gay andlesbian community barely understands marriage, particularly the part aboutfidelity. Thus, I am accused of extrapolating the nonmonogamy of a few gaycouples to an entire community, and reminded of the widespread cheating andswinging in the straight community.

-Gender Confusion Goes to the Hill
Today [Thursday] Congress will hold its first-ever hearing dedicated to theplight of transgender employees. This morning on Capitol Hill, the HouseHealth, Employment, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Subcommittee will be holding ahearing titled "An Examination of Discrimination Against TransgenderAmericans in the Workplace."


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

-Mississippi: Opinion--'Why are we all so afraid of allowing gay marriage?'
Link: Delta Democrat Times by Ross Reilly
Excerpt: Who knew that marriage needed protecting? Apparently U.S. Sen.Roger Wicker, R-Miss., believes that to be the case. On Wednesday, Wickerintroduced the Marriage Protection Act, which would amend our Constitutionto declare that marriage is a union between one man and one woman. It hasalways baffled me why so many of us have a problem with gays and lesbiansgetting married. And please don't answer back with a lot of double talkabout what the Bible says. There are plenty of Biblical scholars andreligious leaders, including some in the Mississippi Delta, who have notrouble with either homosexuality or gay marriage.


-McCain backs California marriage ban
Link: AP via San Jose Mercury News
Excerpt: The sponsors of a ballotinitiative that seeks to ban same-sex marriage in California say Republican presidential candidate John McCain has endorsed the measure. TheProtectMarriage.com campaign says it received an e-mail from McCain Thursdayin which the Arizona senator expressed his support for the group's efforts"to recognize marriage as a unique institution between a man and a woman."McCain has previously said that while he does not back banning same-sexmarriage at the federal level, he thinks it is appropriate for states to doso.

-Labor Moves Behind Marriage Movement
Link: Gay City News
In July, at the labor federation's biennial conference,
gay and lesbian union members will seek a resolution that "will call on alllabor unions and central councils to oppose the amendment," said JeremyBishop, executive director of Pride at Work. "This would encourage allunions to get involved in the fight. "They will also ask labor leaders tospeak out against the initiative and support same-sex marriage, as well asplace pro-same-sex marriage messages in labor newsletters. These are notinsignificant.

-Column: Why Havent Calif. Gay Marriages Destroyed Society Yet?
Link: CBS News
Something is amiss. A week and two days has passed since thestate of California began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, butthe sky is still in place, and generally some shade of blue. People arestill dying and paying taxes, the sun is still rising every day, north isnorth and south is south and Don Imus is saying stupid things. And somehow,the monolithic institution of marriage has not crumbled into a great pile ofrubble and crushed beneath it the legitimacy and sanctity of every unionbetween men and women in America. What is going on here? I was promisedcalamity and catastrophe and the end of all things good and decent.

-Domestic partnerships still valid, necessary
Link: Bay Area Reporter
"There are good reasons that people should be keeping their domestic partnerships," said Jennifer Pizer, senior counselfor Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in Southern California, one ofthe key groups behind the California same-sex marriage victory. "Thelandscape is a checkerboard right now for gay and lesbian couples, withstates respecting different kinds of legal status. And that puts a burden oncouples to use a belt-and-suspenders approach. "Kate Kendell, executivedirector of San Francisco-based National Center for Lesbian Rights, anotherkey player in the state marriage case, agreed.

-Arizona Anti-Marriage Amendment Re-Vote Likely for Friday
Yesterday's vote by the Arizona Senate to advance an anti-marriage amendmentto the voters fell short. But amendment supporters today vow to bringthemeasure back for another vote on Friday.


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

-Politics and showbiz unite to show support for gay asylum seekers
A Hollywood star, prominent politicians and leading gay-rights activistsshowed their support for LGBT asylum seekers and same-sex bi-nationalcouples at a fundraiser last week.

-Tabloid's front page gay kiss shows Heinz how it's done
A tabloid newspaper has responded to the Heinz gay kiss ad fiasco byprinting a photo of two men kissing on its front page this morning.

-"Eco-dildo" a useful bulwark against oil price instability
The makers of a wooden "eco-friendly" dildo have claimed that the productcan "help save the planet." The latest sex toy, called an Eco-Dildo, is madefrom carefully selected wood.

-New legislation will instruct public bodies to promote gay equality
The new Equality Bill published today includes proposals for all publicbodies to promote equality for gay and lesbian people.

-Pride London's delight at men in uniform
The UK's largest Pride parade will for the first time feature members of allthree branches of the Armed Services in uniform after negotiations betweenorganisers and the Ministry of Defense.

-Budapest police braced for disruptions to Pride
Budapest's police chief Gabor Toth is expecting harsher and more frequentdisruption to the city's Pride parade.

-Russian gays call for prosecution of homophobic governor
Two gay rights activists have called on the State Office of PublicProsecutor of the Russian Federation to start criminal proceedings againstthe Governor of the Tambov region.


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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-European Parliament Intergroup Backs First Gay Pride in Bulgaria
BRUSSELS, June 26, 2008 - Politicians from the European Parliament'sall-party 'intergroup' on gay and lesbian rights said last night that theywarmly supported the Gay Pride scheduled to take place on Saturday in Sofia.It will be the very first Pride event to be held in Bulgaria,

-Hidden Lives, Proud Service: Gays in the Military
As part of their Military Pride exhibition, the Imperial War Museum Northasked gay servicemen and women to come forward with their experiences in themilitary. Here are four of their testimonies. Keith, (main picture) born in Blackburn in 1950, joined up at 17 and servedin the Royal Navy between 1967 and 1982. Keith attained the rank of PettyOfficer. "I was in the ship's boiler room - it's the most frighteningthing. The steam is 950 - so a jet of it coming out of a leaking pipe wouldcut your head off straight away, you wouldn't know it had happened.


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

-Ireland: Senator leads move to deny gay couples right to register
A group of Fianna Fáil TDs and Senators is seeking to reverse a Governmentdecision to allow gay and lesbian couples register their relationships withthe State. A party motion put forward last night by Wexford-based SenatorJim Walsh demanded that nothing should be done in the upcoming CivilPartnership Bill that would in any way lessen the "special status" enjoyedby heterosexual marriage under the Constitution. The issue is to bediscussed at next week's meeting of Fianna Fáil's parliamentary party, andthe Government is likely to ask the parliamentary party's justice committeeto consider it.

-"Intergroup congratulates Czech republic with the first Pride parade."
For the first time in the history of the Czech republic a Pride parade willtake place in the city of Brno on 28 June. The European Parliament'sIntergroup on Gay and Lesbian Rights congratulates the Czech Republic withtheir first Pride event and sending support to organisers and participantsof the Pride parade.


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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

-Trembling before Allah: Parvez Sharma's Jihad comes to Boston
Jihad is a loaded word in America, freighted with associations of "the waronterror." But in fact jihad simply means struggle, a concept ParvezSharmaunderstands well. The filmmaker and journalist spent six years filminghisdocumentary, A Jihad for Love, traveling to a dozen countries andoftenshooting in secret, to follow the stories of Muslims struggling toreconciletheir homosexuality with their religion. Read
http://www.baywindows.com/index.php?ch=arts&sc=arts_and_culture&sc2=features&sc3=&id=76469

-In 1980, an 18-year-old student in Cumberland, Rhode Island took acourageous step that helped make it easier for LGBT students to have theprom experience they deserve. Aaron Fricke went to court to fight for hisright to take a male date to his high school prom, and, with GLAD's help, hewon. You can hear Aaron tell his story in this month's podcast, Tuxedoesfor Two
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001IKNQgeV9pmXA4sw3yXfeI1A6MyEgenCs8YLbVgK-1zSQ2Q8NLZss8-Oo3zKzw7KUfUQw-7HzZkAdnSC9JDnliyNh9Eqse3GThWY2SC2Moa2BTNwW-Hb8ynhfDPGq_EvmUtzQZ_B_0K0

-SAFER SEX IN THE CITY
Fewer Partners and More Condoms Would Decrease Risk of Infections, includingHIV
More than One Third of Men Who Have Sex with Men and Who Have Multiple SexPartners Did Not Use Condoms Consistently
http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/pr2008/pr044-08.shtml

-What If the Justices Had Said No?
Five years ago today, we made history - and the world is literally adifferent place for LGBT people. Six justices said yes, the constitutionalguarantee of liberty applies to all of us. On June 26, 2003, the U.S.Supreme Court ruled all remaining state sodomy laws unconstitutional inLambda Legal's groundbreaking Lawrence v. Texas case. Writing for themajority, Justice Anthony Kennedy issued a ringing declaration of dignityand equality for gay and lesbian people: "The state cannot demean theirexistence or control their destiny by making their private sexual conduct acrime." This year Lambda Legal is proud to premiere "Overruled!," a shortdocumentary about Lawrence v. Texas and the monumental legal and culturalshift it inspired.
http://ga4.org/lambdalegal/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=25371747


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Florida: LIBERTY SUITES CELEBRATES TENTH ANNIVERSARY
Dania Beach Innkeepers Become Community Legends
DANIA BEACH, Florida - June 26, 2008 - As the Fourth of July holiday weekendapproaches, Liberty Suites proprietors Joe Van Eron and Jack Zimmerman planon celebrating the success of their award winning Superior Small Lodgingwhich caters to the Gay & Lesbian market, and the impact and changes thatthey personally have achieved in their community. Their pioneering spirithas helped to transform and redevelop their Dania Beach Neighborhood andlead the way for tourism success for Dania Beach, Broward County and theState of Florida. According to Van Eron, "Our first ten years were aremarkable journey, and we are very proud to have had the opportunity toinfluence so many changes and to have created a very special GuesthouseHotel that continues to accommodate the needs of local, national andinternational clientele year after year".
http//www.LibertySuites.com


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Mark's List

-Wilton Manors - Stonewall Street Festival Parade - Links to Pictures
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/images/mp/stonewall_street_festival/2007/parade/062407_1.htm


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

-Dublin: Discrimination against HIV carriers helps spread virus
Growing discrimination against people with HIV is causing the spread of thevirus, a soon-to-be-published study claims. The study, carried out by theGay and Lesbian Equality Network (Glen), cites growing ignorance about andstigmatisation of people with HIV. Among its findings, detailed at theannual all-Ireland Gay Health Forum in Dublin yesterday, are that peoplewith HIV are the third most discriminated against group in the State afterTravellers and intravenous (IV) drug users."Almost 40 per cent of peoplesaid that if someone in their family had HIV they would prefer to keep itsecret, while 24 per cent said they would have concerns about eating a mealprepared by someone who is HIV positive," said Ciarán McKinney, director ofgay HIV strategies with Glen.

=

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#####

NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - June 27, 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:

-Complex Ties Lead Ally Not to Condemn Mugabe
South Africa's president, Thabo Mbeki, is convinced that that he can resolvethe Zimbabwe crisis through patient negotiations with Robert Mugabe.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/world/africa/27mbeki.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin

-News Analysis: A Diplomatic Success That Defies the Critics
North Korea's declaration of its nuclear activities is a triumph of the sortof diplomacy - complicated, plodding, often frustrating - that PresidentBush and his aides once eschewed as American weakness.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/washington/27assess.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1214570623-5Y7TUeBhvazJLaCEz/U+7A

-Lock and Load
The Supreme Court's ruling on gun rights is a decision that will causeimmeasurable pain and suffering and turn America into a more dangerouscountry.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/opinion/27fri1.html?ref=opinion

-Fuels on the Hill
PAUL KRUGMAN
Why are politicians so eager to pin the blame for oil prices on speculators?Because it lets them believe that we don't have to adapt to a world ofexpensive gas.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/opinion/27krugman.html?ref=opinion

-DDT on Ice
The effects of climate change are being felt far more strongly at the polesthan elsewhere on the planet, and the lasting scars of human negligence areshowing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/opinion/27fri4.html?ref=opinion

-Op-Ed Contributor: Your Brain Lies to You
FALSE beliefs are everywhere. Eighteen percent of Americans think the sunrevolves around the earth, one poll has found. Thus it seems slightly lessegregious that, according to another poll, 10 percent of us think thatSenator Barack Obama, a Christian, is instead a Muslim. The Obama campaignhas created a Web site to dispel misinformation. But this effort may be moredifficult than it seems, thanks to the quirky way in which our brains storememories - and mislead us along the way.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/opinion/27aamodt.html?ref=opinion

-Landmark Ruling Enshrines Right to Own Guns
The Supreme Court on Thursday embraced the long-disputed view that theSecond Amendment protects an individual right to own a gun for personal use,ruling 5 to 4 that there is a constitutional right to keep a loaded handgunat home for self-defense.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/washington/27scotus.html?adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1214571269-Xmyo37yV0ccreRWsTezt7g

-Supreme Court Strikes Down 'Millionaire's Amendment.'
The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a law meant to level the financialplaying field when rich candidates pay for their own political campaigns.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/washington/27money.html

-Government Seeks Dismissal of End-of-World Suit Against Collider
Calling its claims "overly speculative and not credible," and saying that itis too late anyway, lawyers for the federal government argued this week thata so-called "doomsday suit" intended to prevent the startup of a the world'smost powerful particle accelerator should be thrown out of court. When itbegins operations, the collider will smash together subatomic particles atthe speed of light in search of new forms of matter and new laws of physics.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/science/27collider.html


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

-A Tactical Leap of Faith
The latest findings of the Pew Forum's massive and indispensable U.S.
Religious Landscape Survey reveal some intriguing confusion among Americanson cosmic issues. About 13 percent of evangelicals, it turns out, don'tbelieve in a personal God, leading to a shameful waste of golf time onSunday mornings. And 9 percent of atheists report that they are skeptical ofevolution. Are there atheist creationists?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062603654.html

-The D.C. Handgun Ruling
Originalism Goes Out the Window
In knocking down the District's 32-year-old ban on handgun possession, theconservatives on the Supreme Court have again shown their willingness toabandon precedent in order to do whatever is necessary to further the agendaof the contemporary political right.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062603655.html

-D.C. Views Shaped by A History Of Violence
Gun control, for many D.C. residents, has always been more personal thanideological, regardless of where they stand on the issue. Take MauriceBenton, who hates yesterday's Supreme Court decision, and Sandra Seegars,who loves it. Each lives in a Southeast Washington community -- he in BarryFarm, she in Congress Park -- where it's difficult to find someone whodoesn't know someone who has been shot or robbed at gunpoint.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062604325.html?hpid=topnews

-Mormons Distance Themselves From Polygamist Groups
As authorities have investigated a polygamist sect in Texas, Mormon churchleaders in Salt Lake City have largely stayed on the sidelines, weighing aresponse.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062601654.html?hpid=sec-religion

-NYC urges docs to do routine HIV testing on adults
Health officials are trying to persuade doctors to offer HIV tests to nearlyevery patient in a New York City community hit harder than most by AIDS. Under a new program announced Thursday, officials have set an ambitious goalof testing a quarter million adults in the Bronx, one of five boroughs thatmake up New York City, within three years.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/26/AR2008062602918.html

-Today on the presidential campaign trail
Former rivals Obama, Clinton take first public step toward reconciliation... Michelle Obama says husband will fight for gay equality ... Democraticdelegate who said she'd vote for McCain tries to keep convention credentials
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/27/AR2008062700486.html


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

-Right politics needed for job at Justice
At a time when politicians divide the country into red states vs. bluestates, it is disappointing to see vestiges of those partisan themes in thehiring practices at the U.S. Department of Justice. It is of equal comfortto note, however, that many in the Justice Department abhor the practice --and have taken steps to expose and stop it.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/584944.html


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NASA
http://www.texasjim.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Astounding photos of the Space Station
If you want to feel like you are in space check these pictures out. Theyare amazing! After you open the link be sure and hit the F11 button, itmakes the pictures high def.!
http://www.texasjim.com/NASApix/NASA%20pix.htm


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

-A new world for America's next president
Whoever moves into the Oval Office in January 2009 will have to deal with asignificantly different global economy from the one George W. Bush inheritedjust eight years earlier - and will need to forge a very different set ofpolicies to address it. The most dramatic changes are that the emergingeconomies - most notably Brazil, Russia, India and China (the Brics) and thebig oil exporters - now play a far greater role in the world economy thanthey did then, and that the US is now a great deal more dependent on theirfinancial decisions, economic policies, capital and markets.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/8ef278b2-438b-11dd-842e-0000779fd2ac,Authorised=false.html?_i_location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcms%2Fs%2F0%2F8ef278b2-438b-11dd-842e-0000779fd2ac.html%3Fnclick_check%3D1&_i_referer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fortreport.com%2F&nclick_check=1

-Obama's profound impact on the future
MANY HAVE OPINED about what Sen. Barack Obama's phenomenal win in theDemocratic presidential primary and his possible ascension to the presidencymean to this nation. Just the elementary historical facts are powerfulenough: There has never been a black president. An African-American hadnever come close to winning a major-party nomination. None had been part ofa majority-party ticket.
http://www.thestate.com/editorial-columns/story/444092.html

-Obama's Supreme Move to the Center
When the Supreme Court issues rulings on hot-button issues like gun controland the death penalty in the middle of a presidential campaign, Republicanscould be excused for thinking they'll have the perfect opportunity to painttheir Democratic opponent as an out-of-touch social liberal. But whileBarack Obama may be ranked as one of the Senate's most liberal members, hisreactions to this week's controversial court decisions showed yet again howhe is carefully moving to the center ahead of the fall campaign.
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1818334,00.html

-Poll: Most Clinton supporters back Obama
Barack Obama has won over more than half of Hillary Rodham Clinton's formersupporters, according to an Associated Press-Yahoo News poll that findsparty loyalty trumping hard feelings less than three weeks after theirbruising Democratic presidential contest ended.
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20080626/D91HT6AG0.html

-Senate Republicans unveil drilling bill
Just in time to face irate voters back home during their Independence Dayrecess, Senate Republicans on Thursday introduced a wide-ranging billdesigned to open most of the U.S. coast to oil and natural gas drilling.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/article645814.ece

=

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#####

FLORIDA DIGEST - June 27, 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.


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

-OMAR PAISLEY CASE: Nurse to plead guilty in death at juvenile lockup
A guilty plea by a nurse who failed to help a teenager ends the five-yearcase surrounding the death of Omar Paisley at Miami's juvenile lockup.
http://www.miamiherald.com/460/story/584888.html


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

-GOP oil drilling proposal would spare Gulf coast
A Republican proposal to lift federal bans on oil drilling would not affectFlorida's Gulf coast but could impact its Atlantic Coast, U.S. Sen. MelMartinez said today. Under the plan introduced today by 43 Republicansenators, state governments would have the option of allowing oil and gasdrilling 50 miles from their coastlines along the Atlantic and Pacificoceans.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/shared/news/stories/2008/06/DRILLING27_PBP.html


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

-South Florida welcomes National HIV Testing Day
More people than ever are living with HIV in the United States, somewherebetween one million and 1.2 million, according to the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention. A estimated quarter million living with HIV who don't even know they have it, so they are not getting the treatment they need,while spreading the disease.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/6-26/news/localnews/4813.cfm


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Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Floridians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty and our allies call forsimultaneous execution vigils/protests across the state at the time ofexecutions. Florida is scheduled to execute Mark Schwab on Tuesday, July 1stat 6:00 pm. Use the list below to find a vigil or event near you and take astand! If you do not see your area listed and would like to stage a localvisibility action, please contact FADP for advice and materials at727-215-9646 or fadp@fadp.org.

-FT. LAUDERDALE
Broward FADP will have vigils if the executions go forward as scheduled.
Meet from 5:00pm to 6:00pm in front of the Federal Court House or FederalBuilding on east Broward Blvd. at NE 3 Ave. in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Parking is available on SE 1st St., just east of SE 3rd Ave. Bring signs orsigns will be provided. For local updates and announcements, subscribe tothe local announcement list by sending a message to browardfadp-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. Contact: Broward County Floridiansfor Alternatives to the Death Penalty Steve Jens-Rochow, 954-463-2085,E-Mail: sjensrochow@comcast.net


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Equality Florida
http://www.equalityflorida.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Five Days Left to Hit Our Goal
When we set a goal of 2,000 donations by July 1st we didn't know if it waseven possible. What we did know was that the next five months will impactour lives for a generation and we need thousands of supporters to win. We've been amazed by the overwhelming response to this history makingdonation drive and today we are just 249 gifts away from hitting our goal. Will you help put us over the top with a gift today? Election Day 2008 willbe nothing less than a referendum on LGBT equality in Florida and nationallyand we have an incredible plan for victory. Click here for more on our 2008Election Plan. [...] This is our moment to take back our state and ourcountry. Please join us in this historic campaign with your contributiontoday. Thank you for standing with us,
Tom Runyan, Co-Chair, Equality Florida Board of Directors
https://secure.ga4.org/01/victory


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

-Gerrymandering and Turnout
In the occasional discussion of congressional gerrymandering andredistricting reform, it's generally taken for granted that noncompetitiveelections negatively affect voter interest and thus turnout. But until now,there have been few if any efforts to actually measure that effect. Todaythe Democratic Leadership Council released a study by Marc Dunkelman thatsuggests that truly competitive House districts could generate as much as 11million additional votes, heavily concentrated in those states (Dunkelmancalls them the "dirty dozen") with particularly egregious gerrymanderingpractices. (David Broder favorably wrote the study up in his column today).
http://www.thedemocraticstrategist.org/strategist/2008/06/gerrymandering_and_turnout.php

-Talking heads: Wexler and Wasserman Schultz
Florida was all over national cable news shows Thursday night. U.S. Rep.Robert Wexler went on Hannity & Colmes to promote his new book. "I amconvinced liberals need to take this country back," he said. "You know whatthe conservatives have given us? The Iraq war, they've given us budgetdeficits and Dick Cheney."
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/2008/06/talking-heads-w.html

-Cards could give Obama hand to win Jewish voters
Barack Obama needs to look to Boynton Beach for help with his Jewish voterchallenges. Surrogates for the presumptive Democratic presidential nomineehave been trying to assure South Florida's Jewish voters that, despite whatthey might have heard, Obama is a mensch.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/06/26/s1b_bino_0627.html

-Broward, Collier counties oppose leasing Alligator Alley
Broward County commissioners are following suit with the Collier Board ofCounty Commissioners and Naples City Council in opposing the proposed leaseof Alligator Alley. The county commission in Broward voted this week toapprove a resolution opposing a 50- to 75-year contract that could place thealley in private hands. Alligator Alley is the 78-mile toll road that runsfrom Naples to Fort Lauderdale, cutting across both Collier and Browardcounties.
http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/jun/26/broward-collier-counties-oppose-leasing-alligator-/

-Editorial: Everglades dream coming true?
The tentative deal to purchase land from U.S. Sugar rekindles hope forEverglades
The Dream. For Floridians who care deeply about the Everglades - theremarkable, mysterious, but troubled, ecosystem that once used to cover 4million acres in the heart of South Florida - the dream has always been torestore and preserve this natural (and national) treasure.
http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2008/jun/27/when-dreams-come-true/

-Crist announces 'green' aviation effort at climate conference
Governor Charlie Crist ended his second Climate Change Summit on Thursdayafternoon with the announcement of a green aviation partnership but heprovided no details of how the group planned to reduce greenhouse gasemissions and cut fuel use. Crist, recovering from a recent knee operation,walked off the dais at a press conference without answering questions aboutthe Alliance for Sustainable Air Transporation. According to materialsprovided, the group is a Massachusetts based, non-profit coalition of"leaders who share a vision for accelerated implementation of a sustainableair transportation system."
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2008/06/26/0626greenconf21.html

-No compromises for the 'guardians of public health'
The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, a bill pending inCongress that would give the Food and Drug Administration authority over thetobacco industry, draws ringing endorsements from nearly every health groupin America. But not the American Association of Public Health Physicians. That group, which elected a Florida doctor as president June 14, is fightingto defeat the bill, saying it's not strong enough.
http://floridahealthnews.org/index.cfm/go/public.articleView/article/7956/top/true

-Quince taking gavel as Fla. chief justice
Peggy Quince is set to take the gavel as the Florida Supreme Court's 53rdchief justice. She also will become the first black woman to lead thestate's highest court at a ceremony Friday. Quince will serve a two-yearterm, replacing R. Fred Lewis. Lewis will remain on the seven-member court.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080627/APN/806270635

=

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#####

Thursday, June 26, 2008

GLBT DIGEST - June 26, 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:

-AIDS A Growing Global "Disaster"
HIV/AIDS infection rates are growing among intravenous drug users, prostitutes and gay men around the globe but they are often viewed as outcasts and refused treatment, according to a report issued on Thursday. The report, from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, also called on governments and humanitarian agencies to pay more attention to AIDS in their response to natural disasters and armed conflicts.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/world/international-disasters.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:

-Organizers abruptly cancel Cuba's first gay pride parade
HAVANA - Cuba's first gay pride parade was abruptly canceled Wednesday,moments before it was to begin. The unofficial march, organized withFlorida's Unity Coalition, was not sanctioned by Cuba's National Center forSex Education, which is headed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of PresidentRaul Castro.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/cuba/sfl-flrndcubaparade0626sbjun26,0,2049184.story

-ISSUE: Seven senators block global AIDS bill.
The global fight against AIDS now rests on the shoulders of seven U.S.senators blocking a bill that would increase spending for an acclaimedanti-retroviral program launched by President Bush.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editajjaidspnjun25,0,428129.story


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

-Ex-Miami priest accused of sex abuses is sued twice more
Two more lawsuits were filed against a former Archdiocese of Miami priestaccused of sexually abusing more than a dozen South Florida boys. A retiredCatholic priest, already facing criminal charges in Broward County and adozen lawsuits claiming he sexually abused several boys in South Florida, isbeing sued by two other accusers.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/583417.html

-Ariz. same-sex marriage ban not heading to ballot
Measure will be reconsidered at later, unspecified date
The Arizona Senate has rejected a proposal that would have asked voters toamend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex marriage. The 14-11 votefell two votes shy of what was required to send the proposal to the Novemberballot. Senators later voted to reconsider the measure at anotherunspecified date. The proposal would define marriage as a union between oneman and one woman. Supporters say the proposal would provide additionallegal protection needed to prevent marriage from being redefined by a courtor future lawmakers. Opponents argued that the existing law makes theamendment unnecessary and that it insults gays and represents an attempt toexploit marriage for political purposes. The 14-11 vote fell two votes shyof what was required to send the proposal to the November ballot. Senatorslater voted to reconsider the measure at another unspecified date.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19305

- McCain meets with gay Republicans
Log Cabin confirms talks with presumed GOP nominee
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19302

-Kmart exec resigns to join California marriage fight
Leaves behind six-figure salary to take volunteer position
The openly gay chief marketing officer for Kmart is about to embark on a newrole that will drastically change his standard of living. Bill Stewartrecently resigned from his executive position at Sears Holdings, where heearned a six-figure salary and had stock options and opportunities forbonuses. He is also giving up his vintage apartment in Chicago worth $1million to live in an efficiency apartment in San Francisco.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19290

-Sharpton 'outs' Anderson Cooper?
The blogs are abuzz today with this clip from Anderson Cooper's show lastnight. In a debate between James Dobson of Focus on the Family, Rev. AlSharpton and journalist Roland Martin, Sharpton managed to "out" AndersonCooper! "I may have some very conservative personal feelings, but I feelyou have the right to live your life differently. I may think that what youdo, Anderson, is gonna put you in Hell, but I'm gonna defend your right toget there," he said. Whoa!
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=6/25/08&end=6/27/08#19294

-To the class of '88: Yep, I'm gay
This year marks my 20th year from graduating from Tullahoma High School and,boy, does that make me feel old. I've got gray hairs, more wrinkles and anot so trim figure to show for the past two decades since I crossed thestage set up on the football field to get my diploma.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=6/26/08&end=6/27/08#19312

-Gay challenger for Senate seat takes wider view
If elected this fall, Needham psychologist Sara Orozco could be the onlyopenly gay member serving in the state Senate. But some gay-rights advocatessay attitudes in Massachusetts have shifted enough that her sexualorientation no longer represents the electoral hurdle it once was.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/06/26/gay_challenger_for_senate_seat_takes_wider_view/

-Retiring with equality
Gay federal gov't employees have options for leaving a pension to a partner
Are you a gay federal government employee with a life partner? Think you can't leave a portion of your CSRS or FERS pension to your partner? Think again.The next time you visit your financial adviser ask the following question,"How can I leave a portion of my FERS or CSRS pension to my life partnerwhen I die?" When your adviser stops laughing and tells you it can't bedone, pull out this article and watch their response. You can leave aportion of your federal government CSRS or FERS pension to a domesticpartner, but as with all government processes, there's bureaucracy tonavigate.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19281

-Kick Bolthouse Farms Out of Your Refrigerator
As reported by Alex Blaze on The Bilerico Project, William Bolthouse,founder and 43% owner of Bolthouse Farms, a farm in California that providesorganic juices, lemonades, and smoothies to places like Whole Foods andother organic market places, has just recently given a donation of $100,000to proponents of a campaign to strip California couples of the right tomarry.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bil-browning/kick-bolthouse-farms-out_b_109046.html


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

-New York Senate Shakeup Might Help Move Marriage Equality
New York's senate majority leader, Joseph Bruno, a 32-year institution inthe state senate, announced his retirement Tuesday just as the GOP andDemocrats gird for an election season that will determine the fate of thechamber and, potentially, New York's gay marriage bill.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid56586.asp

-First Cuban Pride Results in Arrests
Cuban activists with the aid of Florida's Unity Coalition organized thenation's first pride parade on Wednesday. The group met in Havana's DonQuixote Park at 10 a.m. and planned on marching to the Ministry of Justiceto deliver a series of demands, according to Unity.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid56573.asp

-Italian Gays to Exchange Symbolic Vows
Same-sex couples are planning on exchanging vows all over Italy this fall inthe hope they can one day be recognized by the state, according to prideorganizers on Tuesday.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid56574.asp

-Staying Gay: Top Gay-friendly Hotel Companies
Some mainstream hotel companies trot eagerly out of their way to make LGBTtravelers welcome at their properties, from putting together gay-specificwebsites and Pride packages to offering discounts and local scene advice togay and lesbian travelers. These five homo-loving hotel companies deserveparticular recognition for their efforts in making our overnights away fromhome a real treat.
http://advocate.com/travel_detail_ektid56400.asp


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

-UK: Shocking new report shows one in five gays are victims of homophobicviolence
A new survey of gay, bisexual and lesbian people has revealed that they areregular targets for physical and verbal abuse, yet many do not trust thepolice to take action.

-Limbaugh: US shock jock claims Democrats will "bend over" for gays
A conservative Talk Radio host hit a home run this week when he told acaller "Democrats will bend over, grab the ankles, and say have your waywith me" to black and gay voters.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-8114.html

-Gay experiences of war and conflict on show at Imperial War Museum
An exhibition focusing on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people'sexperiences in the military from 1945 to the present day will open nextmonth at the Imperial War Museum North in Manchester.

-Condom activists target Pope's trip to Australia
Pope Benedict XVI has been branded 'anti-condom' ahead of his visit toSydney for World Youth Day next month.

-Pride London hit by volunteer walkout
Members of Pride London's production team have walked out with just ten daysuntil he event. Volunteer producer Ryan Haynes, who has been organizing main stage acts or Pride London for six months, will hand over his dutiesthis week.


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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to this link for the following articles:

-European Parliament Intergroup Backs First Gay Pride in Bulgaria
BRUSSELS, June 26, 2008 - Politicians from the European Parliament'sall-party 'intergroup' on gay and lesbian rights said last night that theywarmly supported the Gay Pride scheduled to take place on Saturday in Sofia.It will be the very first Pride event to be held in Bulgaria,"I call uponBulgarian authorities to give the Pride support and, where necessary, properand adequate policing," said Sophie in `t Veld, vice-president of theintergroup for ALDE. "Sofia has the opportunity to set an example oftolerance and diversity in Europe," she added.

-Homoglobia: Out in Africa
16-year-old Emma poses in her classroom. If you thought you had it toughgrowing up, try being young and gay or lesbian in Liberia, says JessLangley. "I'm more nervous than a go-go dancer at a Madonna audition,"quips Samuel down the line in a mellow West African accent. "The dancingqueens are fired up and we're ready to go!" It's karaoke night in Monrovia,the Liberian capital, and I'm bumping down Tubman Boulevard in a rattly LandCruiser. Dressed 1980s punk style, I've applied safety pins to my clothes,written 'love' on my knuckles, and wound a studded belt around my neck. ANigerian peacekeeper cocks his head at the next checkpoint. I lift my darkglasses to give him a smile, and he nods and waves me through, one finger onthe trigger of his assault rifle.

-MSM Account for 30% of New HIV Infection Cases in Hong Kong
Of the 89 new HIV cases reported from January to March this year, 28acquired the infection via homosexual or bisexual contact. Homosexual orbisexual transmission has been cited as the major route of new HIV infectioncases from January to March this year, a diseases prevention official told apress conference on Tuesday. Dr Wong Ka-hing, Consultant (SpecialPreventive Program) of Center for Health Protection reported that of the 89new cases, among whom 70 were men, have raised the cumulative reported HIVinfections to 3,701 in Hong Kong since 1984. Of the 89, 27 acquired theinfection via heterosexual contact, 25 via homosexual, 3 via bisexualcontact and 10 via intravenous drug use. The routes of transmission of theremaining 24 cases were undetermined due to insufficient data.

-Scalia Cites False Information in Habeas Corpus Dissent
Marjorie Cohn says, "Scalia bolstered his hysterical claim that theBoumediene decision 'will almost certainly cause more Americans to be killed'with stale information that was proven to be false a year ago." To bolsterhis argument that the Guantanamo detainees should be denied the right toprove their innocence in federal courts, Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in hisdissent in Boumediene v. Bush: "At least 30 of those prisoners hithertoreleased from Guantanamo have returned to the battlefield." It turns outthat statement is false. According to a new report by Seton Hall Law Centerfor Policy and Research, "The statistic was endorsed by a Senate MinorityReport issued June 26, 2007, which cites a media outlet, CNN. CNN, in turn,named the DoD [Department of Defense] as its source. The '30' number,however, was corrected in a DoD press release issued in July 2007, and a DoDdocument submitted to the House Foreign Relations Committee on May 20, 2008,abandons the claim entirely." The largest possible number of detainees whocould have "returned to the fight" is 12; however, the Department of Defensehas no system for tracking the whereabouts of released detainees. The onlyone who has undisputedly taken up arms against the United States or itsallies, "ISN 220," was released by political officers of the DoD against therecommendations of military officers.

-MI: Grand Rapids Hospital Looking into Comments Made to Lesbian Couple
A is investigating a claim by a lesbian couple that a physician told themsame-sex unions are contrary to his Christian beliefs. The incidentoccurred at Spectrum Health's South Pavilion in Cutlerville. AshleighHaberman notified Spectrum by e-mail that she and her partner, Erica Schaub,had gone to the urgent care center for treatment of Schaub's lingering cold. Schaub told The Grand Rapids Press for a report published Sunday that thedoctor asked who she was in relation to Schaub, and Schaub replied they were"life partners." "She didn't even have that out of her mouth before hesaid, 'So, what do you guys feel about your ruling in California?'" Habermanrecalled. "As soon as he looked at us, he knew we were gay, and he waslooking for an opportunity to start that conversation."

-Obama's Aim: 14 Bush States and Local Races
Barack Obama will focus his resources largely in 14 states George W. Bushwon in 2004, his chief field operative said Tuesday, hoping to score upsetsin places like Virginia, Indiana, and Georgia. But winning the White Housewon't be his only goal, deputy campaign manager Hildebrand told Politico: Inan unusual move, Obama's campaign will also devote some resources to statesit's unlikely to win, with the goal of influencing specific local contestsin places like Texas and Wyoming. "Texas is a great example where we mightnot be able to win the state, but we want to pay a lot of attention to it,"Hildebrand said. "It's one of the most important redistricting opportunitiesin the country." Texas Democrats are five seats away in each chamber fromcontrol of the state legislature, which will redraw congressional districtsafter the 2010 census.

-McCain's Position on Abortion Pushes 'Critical Bloc' of Women Voters toObama, Poll Finds
Republican and independent women who support abortion rights in 12presidential election "battleground" states were more likely to favor Sen.Barack Obama (D-Ill.) when told of Sen. John McCain's (Ariz.) position onabortion rights, according to a poll released Monday by NARAL Pro-ChoiceAmerica, U.S. News and World Report reports. According to some pollsters,the results indicate that Obama could win that "critical bloc" of swingvotes in the general election in November (Halloran, U.S. News and WorldReport, 6/16). The poll was conducted by Democratic polling firm GreenbergQuinlan Rosner Research between May 29 and June 8 among 1,788 likely womenvoters who support abortion rights in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Michigan,Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginiaand Wisconsin. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.1 percentage points(NARAL Pro-Choice America release, 6/16).


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

-School District Settles Student Harassment Case
A Northern California school district has agreed to a comprehensive seriesof steps to protect students from anti-gay harassment and discrimination.

-Cliffhanger In Arizona Over Anti-Gay Amendment
A proposed amendment that would limit marriage in Arizona to opposite-sexcouples has more lives than a cat and still could appear on the Novemberballot.

-Czech Government Bans Anti-Gay Protests
(Prague) Authorities have banned two anti-gay rallies that were to havetaken place Saturday to coincide with an LGBT pride march in Brno, SouthMoravia.

-HIV Drug May Raise Heart Attack Risk
(Toronto, Ontario) A drug used in combination with other antiretrovirals totreat HIV infection has been linked with an increased risk of heart attack,the medication's manufacturer is warning.

-Claire McCaskill: The Other Woman In Obama's Life
Claire McCaskill, senator from Missouri, is hardly a household name outsideher home state. But Barack Obama knows who she is.

-Obama Asks Donors To Help Clinton With Debt
Democrat Barack Obama is asking his finance team to help Hillary RodhamClinton pay off a debt of at least $10 million from her failed presidentialcampaign, setting the stage for joint appearances by the two former rivalslater in the week.


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Forwarded from Gay Asylum - UK
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gayasylum/messages?o=1
Go to this link for the following articles:

-Iran: Guarantee Fair Court Hearings for Two Kurdish Women !!!!!!!!
Harsh Sentences May Await Two Rights Activists
Iranian judicial authorities should guarantee two Kurdish women's rightsactivists transparent court proceedings when their cases come up for ahearing, Human Rights Watch said today. Activist Hana Abdi is appealing afive-year prison sentence, while Ronak Safarzadeh is on trial on chargesthat could lead to a death sentence. Human Rights Watch urges Iranianauthorities to ensure fair and open court proceedings for both women. Thegovernment's previously documented patterns of restricting freedom ofassociation and expression using broad security laws raise concern that theofficials are prosecuting both women only on the basis of their involvementin Kurdish rights and women's rights activism.

-Syria: Repression of Activists Continues Unabated
Engagement With Damascus Should Include Human Rights
Western countries looking to increase engagement with Syria should know thatSyrian authorities continue to arrest, try, and harass political and humanrights activists, Human Rights Watch said today.

-Gambia: President Should Disavow Reported Homophobic Threats
Dangerous Remarks Fuel Tension and Promote Violence
President Yahya Jammeh's reported threats to expel or kill lesbian and gaypeople not only encourage hatred, but also contribute to a climate in whichbasic rights can be assaulted with impunity, Human Rights Watch said todayin a letter to the president. Human Rights Watch called on Jammeh tocompletely disavow all such statements, and to work toward repealing thecountry's colonial-era sodomy law, which allows arbitrary and discriminatoryarrests and invasion of privacy.

-Police expect far-right attacks during gay pride parade
The Budapest Times
Budapest police are preparing for organised attacks by Hungary's far rightduring the upcoming gay pride parade. Far-right leaders Gyorgy Budahazy andLaszlo Toroczkai have published a statement on the internet, inviting"Hungarian patriots" to travel to Budapest on July 5 to "protect Hungary'shonour" from the international gay community. A cross-European paradedubbed "Rainbow Rampage" leaves Brighton, UK, on June 27 and arrives inBudapest a week later. Police are reluctant to say how many far-rightprotesters they are expecting to disrupt the event and decline to give anydetails of police preparations for security reasons.
http://www.budapesttimes.hu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=8086&Itemid=27

-Czech amendment to registered partnership law takes effect
Prague- Czech President Vaclav Klaus has neither signed nor vetoed theamendment regulating conditions for concluding marriage or registeredpartnership by foreigners so the law will take effect, his secretaryLadislav Jakl said today. Klaus by his signature does not want to supportsteps that, in his opinion, lead to the raising of same sex couples'partnership to the position close to marriage, Jakl said. Klaus at the sametime did not use his right to return the legislation to the Chamber ofDeputies for reappraisal, Jakl added.
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=320027

-Bulgaria Extremists Want Public Display of Homosexuality Incriminated
The nationalist Bulgarian National Union led by Nikolay Rasate demands thatthe changes in the country's legal code be made in order to incriminate thepublic display of homosexuality. The BNU held Wednesday its round tableentitled "How to Limit and Fight the Harms from Homosexuality and Pedophiliain Bulgaria?" The forum is part of a whole week of events called "Week ofIntolerance" organized by the nationalist extremists as a countermeasure tothe gay parade planned to take place in the Bulgarian capital Sofia onSaturday,
June 28.


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

-First South Asia LGBTI Partnership Building Workshop
We are very pleased to announce the first South Asia LGBTI PartnershipBuilding Workshop organized by LLH Norway and Blue Diamond Society,Kathmandu. The workshop will take place at Hotel Astoria in Lazimpat area ofKathmandu September 3 and 4, 2008. The aim of the workshop is to formpartnership amongst South Asian LGBTI groups and communities, shareexperiences, learn form each other and support LGBTI movements in South Asiato advance our rights and ensure justice. We also aim to strengthen ourknowledge in the field of South Asian social and cultural sexuality.

-Iran: Guarantee Fair Court Hearings for Two Kurdish Women !!!!!!!!
Harsh Sentences May Await Two Rights Activists
Iranian judicial authorities should guarantee two Kurdish women's rightsactivists transparent court proceedings when their cases come up for ahearing, Human Rights Watch said today. Activist Hana Abdi is appealing afive-year prison sentence, while Ronak Safarzadeh is on trial on chargesthat could lead to a death sentence. Human Rights Watch urges Iranianauthorities to ensure fair and open court proceedings for both women. Thegovernment's previously documented patterns of restricting freedom ofassociation and expression using broad security laws raise concern that theofficials are prosecuting both women only on the basis of their involvementin Kurdish rights and women's rights activism.


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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

-Victory! Same-Sex Couples and Their Families Will Be Protected FromDomestic
Violence Under Family Court Access Law
The New York State Legislature has just unanimously passed a bill thatallows domestic partners - including same-sex couples - access to theprotections granted by Family Court. The bill is now expected to be signedinto law by Governor Paterson, and as soon as it is, it will enable FamilyCourt to give civil orders of protection to all victims of domesticviolence, including unmarried committed couples and those in datingrelationships. This victory means that same-sex partners who werepreviously blocked from the Family Court because they didn't have theability to get married will now have equal access to protection fromdomestic violence.

-States turn down US abstinence education grants
Skeptical states are shoving aside millions of federal dollars forabstinence education, walking away from the program the Bush administrationtouts for slowing teen sexual activity. Barely half the states are stillin, and two more say they are leaving. Some $50 million has been budgetedfor this year, and financially strapped states might be expected to wanttheir share. But many have doubts that the program does much, if any good,and they're frustrated by chronic uncertainty that it will even be kept inexistence. They also have to chipin state money in order to receive thefederal grants. Iowa Gov. Chet Culver, a Democrat, made his decision toleave based on the congressionally mandated curriculum, which teaches "thesocial, psychological and health gains of abstaining from sexual activity."Instructors must teach that sexual activity outside of marriage is likely tohave harmful psychological and physical effects.

-Czech authorities ban two anti-gay rallies
Brno- The authorities in Brno, South Moravia, have banned two Saturdayprotest rallies against a march of homosexuals through the town, RomanBurian, spokesman for the Brno-stred district, said. They were to be heldat the same time, closely to the route of the march Queer Parade. In suchcases, the law only allows to permit the first announced rally, which wasthe homosexuals' march, Burian said. Disagreement with the march was to bevoiced by the National Party (NS) and the civic group National RenewalAction 99. Protests are also planned by other groups, but they have notannounced them to the authorities.
http://www.ceskenoviny.cz/news/index_view.php?id=319897

-Sex offender law goes too far, court rules
Revision would have subjected computers to searches at any time
A federal court in Indianapolis ruled Tuesday that a major portion of therevised Indiana sex offender law cannot be enforced. The ruling came oneweek before the new law would have gone into effect.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080625/NEWS02/806250426


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Forwarded from Leon VanDyke
leonmax@aol.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Sexual Antagonism
A genetic theory of homosexuality. By William Saletan
Gay couples can't have biological kids together. So if homosexuality isgenetic, why hasn't it died out? A study published last week in PLoS Onetackles the question. It starts with four curious patterns. First, malehomosexuality occurs at a low but stable frequency in a wide range ofsocieties. Second, the female relatives of gay men produce children at ahigher rate than other women do. Third, among these female relatives, thoserelated to the gay man's mother produce children at a higher rate than dothose related to his father. Fourth, among the man's male relatives,homosexuality is more common in those related to his mother than in thoserelated to his father. Can genes account for these patterns? To find out,the authors posit several possible mechanisms and compute their effects overtime. They conclude that only one theory fits the data. The theory is called"sexually antagonistic selection." It holds that a gene can bereproductively harmful to one sex as long as it's helpful to the other. Thegene for male homosexuality persists because it promotes-and is passed downthrough-high rates of procreation among gay men's mothers, sisters, andaunts. http://www.slate.com/id/2194232/


-Peter Burke's Gay Tea Cruise! will sail again Sunday, July 6th celebratingFourth of July Weekend. Jump on board the new "Musette" Yacht in your "red,white and blues" for another gay afternoon on the Intracoastal. As always,there will be some new surprises including entertainment with Nikki Adamsand Deja on the first deck, DJ Izzy spinning your favorite dance vocals onthe 2nd deck while Hot Dancers spin it out or just enjoy the views from theobservation deck where there's always some craziness from passers by. There's always a new variety of sumptuous Hors D'oeuvres and snacks. Admission is $25 in advance and $30 day of cruise. (Ask about the new "TeaCruise VIP card". Purchase 6 cruises for $90 and it's good for one year.)
Call Peter at 954-649-1107.


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Federal Bureau of Investigation
A five-day nationwide sweep targeting child trafficking for prostitution inthe U.S. resulted in 389 arrests and 21 child rescues
http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june08/innocence_lost062508.html


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Forwarded from Bill Sterling
whsterling1@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Pastor rallies clergy against gay marriage
Efforts will include a 40-day fasting period before election day and 100days of prayer. Eight years ago, when an initiative to ban gay marriage wason the California ballot for the first time, Pastor Jim Garlow of the2,500-member Skyline Church in San Diego County barely mentioned it from hispulpit.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-pastors26-2008jun26,0,1728079.story


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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-Watch the Congressional Hearing Live Via the Internet
If you would like to watch the first Congressional Hearing on transgender issues that is happening [Thursday] "An Examination of DiscriminationAgainst Transgender Americans in the Workplace," you may be able to watch it through the committee's live webcast at
http://edwork.edgeboss.net/wmedia-live/edwork/16137/300_edwork-2175stream_070124.asx

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