**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.
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-AIDS Funding Binds the Health of Millions to U.S.
Bush's plan to commit nation to spending roughly $40B over five years tofight epidemic overseas carries implicit promise of indefinite foreign aid.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072503350.html?hpid=topnews
-Gay Bishop Attends Conference
He wasn't invited to the Anglican Communion in Canterbury, but U.S. bishopgoes anyway.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072502828.html?hpid=topnews
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Lawyer: Gay bias might have role in police shooting male dancer afterSan Diego Bay rescue
To police, Steven Hirschfield was violent and out of control when heclambered aboard a patrol boat sent to rescue him in the San Diego Bayduring a gay pride party. The 37-year-old bodybuilder, shirtless andwearing sneakers, seized an officer's stun gun and beat him in the face,they say, before he was fatally shot while reaching for the officer'sweapon.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-overboard-shooting,0,3895875.story
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Miami Gay Film Festival fires director Carol Coombes
The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival -- about $50,000 in debt -- on Fridayfired its flamboyant festival director, Carol Coombes. Now, she may bedeported. "Carol is British and in 60 days she might have to leave thecountry," said Harvey Burstein, a festival founder and former board member.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
-Nike to drop Hyperdunk ads some see as homophobic
Nike said Friday it would pull its ads for its Hyperdunk basketball shoes,responding to criticism that they fed homophobic views. Nike previouslydefended the ads, but said it would withdraw them as quickly as possible "tounderline our ongoing commitment to supporting diversity in sport and theworkplace," The Oregonian reported. The ads were created by Portland'sWieden+Kennedy agency and titled "That Ain't Right," "Isn't That Cute," and"Punks Jump Up."
http://www.miamiherald.com/business/AP/story/618809.html
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-A Deck of Closeted Hypocrites
by Michelangelo Signorile
Producer David Guggenheim and I met some enterprising young men at Netroots Nation in Austin who produced a fabulous deck of playing cards: GayRepublican Hypocrites. Page-crazy Mark Foley is the Ace of Hearts. BJ BobAllen is the Ten of Clubs. Toe-tapping Larry Craig is the King of Spades. Onthe show today we played my interview with one of the creators of the deck,Austin college student Nathan Moore. Below is a short video clip of thatinterview. Nathan and his friends came up with the idea one night while they"got a little drunk on some beers." These guys have now sold over 2000 ofthese decks of cards. You can buy a deck too at http://www.gayrepublicancards.com/ for $8.95. A portion of the proceedsgoes to Equality Texas, the statewide LGBT group. The rest of the money,says Moore, goes to "buying us some more beers." I think they certainlydeserve it.
http://signorile2003.blogspot.com/2008/07/deck-of-closeted-hypocrites.html
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Lawrence King Case Gets Worse
A judge ruled the 14 year old boy accused of killing Lawrence King can betried as an adult. Brandon McInerney allegedly shot King as the child, whohad told friends he was gay, was writing an assignment for his Englishclass. The February crime occurred in a school in Oxnard, California, astate that has what's called Proposition 21. Passed by California voters in2000, this law gives state prosecutors more leeway on charging children 14and older with adult crimes without having the permission of a judge.McInerney is charged with first-degree murder and a hate crime.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/lawrence-king-case-gets-worse/
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Rewording of Prop. 8 Could Help Its Defeat
The California secretary of state has changed language in the ballotinitiative that would ban same-sex marriage in California. [...] The newlanguage says that the initiative "Changes California Constitution toeliminate right of same-sex couples to marry." It further explains thatbanning gay marriage could prevent the state from gaining tens of millionsof dollars in potential sales tax revenue.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid58344.asp
-Snickers Ad Pulled Under Pressure From HRC
Mars Inc. has pulled its newest television commercial for Snickers candybars after communication with the Human Rights Campaign. "Followingconversations between the Human Rights Campaign and senior Marsrepresentatives, the company has agreed to pull its most recent ad usingstereotypes of gay men to sell its Snickers product line," HRC workplacedirector Daryl Herrschaft said in a press release.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid58293.asp
=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-New Book Sheds Light on Gay Life in the Muslim World
Following thirty-three people in twenty-two countries, Afdhere Jama paints acomplicated picture in "Illegal Citizens", subtitled "Queer Lives in theMuslim World." "I set out to tell the stories of people sufferingeverywhere," says Jama, who is the editor of Huriyah, a queer Muslimmagazine. "Instead, I was confronted with diverse lives including happyones--sometimes in places I never imagined."
-"Ratings Magnet"
Rosie O'Donnell Ready for Primetime
Forget the N-word. If you really want to see Elisabeth Hasselbeck cry, tryuttering the R-word - especially in this next context. Multiple sourcesconfirm to me exclusively that Hasselbeck's former View nemesis, RosieO'Donnell, is in active talks with NBC to return to television with her ownweekly primetime variety show.
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-CA: "Tourism Bureau Launches Gay Marriage Sweepstakes"
Link: NBC Sandiego.com
San Diego's official tourism and convention bureau is staging a "Here Comesthe Pride" give away aimed at same sex couples. The San Diego Convention andVisitors Bureau is offering free airline tickets, a five-night hotel stayand complimentary meals at some of San Diego's finest restaurants to thecouple who submits the best essay describing why they want to get married inSan Diego.
-"N.J. group makes waves in Calif. gay marriage debate"
Link: Southern Voice
Opponents of gay marriage say their easiest political work is done: Moststates have passed laws or constitutional amendments banning recognition ofsame-sex unions. Now they say their task is getting more difficult: Seekingto ban same-sex marriage in some of the nation's most gay-friendly states. APrinceton-based group, the National Organization for Marriage, is targetingits message against gay marriage in California, one of two states thatcurrently allow it, and a handful of other states that might consider it inthe next few years.
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay.com owner has lost $100 million since launch
Gay.com parent company PlanetOut Inc has lost $100 million (£50 m) since itwas founded. The figure was revealed in the company's most recent stockfilings to the Nasdaq market in New York.
=
Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Mexico: A Den of Sin or a Beacon of Liberty?
The serenading mariachis, the vast pots of tacos and the drunkensalsadancing made the May wedding look like any other Mexicannuptialcelebration. What was different, of course, were the genders ofthehappy couple. [...] The new laws give residents rights longdenied bysocially conservative governments heavily influenced by theCatholic Church,they argue. "People here are tired of repressivevalues," says Victor HugoCirigo, leader of the city assembly's majorityleftist Party of theDemocratic Revolution (PRD). "They want to live ina modern age and havetheir rights. We are giving our constituentsconcrete gains."
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1826308,00.html
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Gearing up for Europride: the best of Stockholm's gay scene
Stockholm will turn itself into Europe's semi-official gay capital at theendof this month, as the Europride festival hits town. Visitors will find acitythat does gay in its own, understated way, James Savage reports.On paper,Stockholm should be one of the gayest cities on earth: it is notonlyachingly fashion-conscious and home to Abba, but also a capital of acountryproud of its record of tolerance. Next week, Stockholm willtemporarily beelevated to the status of Europe's gay capital, as it hostsEuropride, a kindof ambulating cocktail of parties, parades and politics. This means thecity's bars, clubs and restaurants are gearing up for a gayinvasion.
http://www.thelocal.se/13282/
-Belfast gay pride parade gets go-ahead
The organisers of a gay pride parade in Belfast were today urged to ensurethat there will be no repeat of the controversy surrounding last year'sevent when a participant displayed a placard suggesting Jesus was ahomosexual. The Northern Ireland Parades Commission, which rules oncontentious marches in the region, has decided not to place any restrictionson next weekend's event in Belfast city centre despite a significant numberof objections from the public. The commission will not restrict thereligious protests expected to be staged along the parade route either.
=
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
-This Week in Washington Blade!
http://www.washblade.com/
-The Bilerico Project Report
http://www.bilerico.com/
Anti-queer violence & spiritual/community protection I work part-time at aqueer non-profit that does activism and outreach around issues ofspirituality, religion, ministry, and LGBTQ communities. I just had a big"this is why I do the work that I do" moment. An older, disabled queer manwho lives in a poor city on the outskirts of the Bay Area just called theoffice. His life was threatened this weekend, in part because he is queer.He's trying to get a restraining order against the person in question, andhe went to the police. He was basically told that because the threat washomophobic, the police "can't do anything." He's scared, vulnerable, andvery isolated.
http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BilericoProject/~3/345043056/antiqueer_violence_spiritualcommunity_pr.php
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Saturday, July 26, 2008
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - July 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:
-Obama Meets With Brown in Britain
LONDON (AP) -- Presidential contender Barack Obama on Saturday defended hisdecision to travel to Europe and the Middle East, saying that problemsencountered by Americans at home are often best dealt with by working withallies overseas.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Obama.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
-Op-Ed Columnist: Getting to Know You
The conventional wisdom in this radically unconventional presidential raceis that the voters have to get to know Barack Obama better. That's what thisweek's overseas trip was about: to showcase the senator as a potentialcommander in chief and leader of U.S. foreign policy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/opinion/26herbert.html?ref=opinion
-4,000 U.S. Combat Deaths, and Just a Handful of Images
Some journalists say the American military is making a growing effort tocontrol graphic war images from Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/world/middleeast/26censor.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Megachurch and State
It can't hold as many screaming fans as the football stadium in Denver,where Sen. Barack Obama will address an expected crowd of 75,000 on Aug. 28.Nor is it conveniently located near the scenic Mississippi River, like thearena in St. Paul, Minn., where Sen. John McCain will take the stage a fewdays later. But the 3,000-seat auditorium at pastor Rick Warren's SaddlebackChurch does have one notable advantage: It's a stage that Obama and McCainlast week agreed to share, at least for a little while, on Aug. 16.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072502256.html
-Failing in Civility
John McCain falls short of the standard he set by impugning Barack Obama'smotives. POLITICIANS SAY a lot of things in the heat of campaigns that theyend up regretting -- or ought to regret. Sen. John McCain, the presumptiveRepublican presidential nominee, had one of those unfortunate moments theother day, when he charged that his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama,"would rather lose the war to win a political campaign."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072503163.html
-Banished From Beijing
Having done business with Iraq's Uday Hussein, the Olympics' overseersdecide to penalize his successors. WHEN IRAQ'S Olympic team paraded at the2000 Summer Games in Sydney, the head of the country's Olympic Committee wasUday Hussein, the notoriously sadistic son of dictator Saddam Hussein. Udaymade Baghdad's Olympic facilities the headquarters for his own epic feats ofrape, torture and murder; among those he brutalized were athletes on thenational team who failed to live up to his expectations. His may have beenthe foulest abuse of a national Olympic movement in history. Yet theInternational Olympic Committee found a way to live with Uday, just as ithas tolerated the manipulations of sports teams by totalitarian governmentsaround the world -- including this year's host, China.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072502569.html
-U.S. Broadens Sanctions to Pressure Mugabe
President Bush yesterday signed an executive order expanding sanctionsagainst companies and individuals linked with Zimbabwean President RobertMugabe, part of an effort by Western nations to ratchet up the pressure on agovernment accused of killing and terrorizing political opponents in orderto remain in power.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072501245.html?hpid=sec-politics
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-RELIGION: Equality of priesthood ordained, these women say
A group called Roman Catholic Womenpriests moves forward with threeordinations despite protests from the Vatican. Judith A.B. Lee of FortMyers wanted to be a minister since her teenage years, when she would visitthe sick and elderly with her Methodist pastor in Brooklyn after youth groupmeetings.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/story/617406.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-36 Hours In Israel (With Barack Obama)
When John McCain visited Israel last March hardly anyone noticed. WhenBarack Obama did the same this week he caused a sensation. It was the mostchoreographed of visits: Two nights and one day in Israel, seeminglydesigned by the kind of tour guide interested only in providing his chargeswith the ultimate number of snapshot opportunities at clichéd places -- fromObama wearing a white skullcap at Yad Vashem,to Obama at the Western Wall,in a white skullcap. There were no leaks while Barack Obama was in Israel,no drama, no gaffes -- to the disappointment of a vast media contingentintent only on bringing home gaffes as souvenirs -- and precious littlesleep. At his press conference in the rocket-scarred southern Israeli townof Sderot, Obama's syntax meandered; in a conversation with BenjaminNetanyahu, Obama said, "I could fall asleep standing up." Nonetheless, hedid not refer to the Iran-Israel border.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=36_hours_in_israel_with_barack_obama
-Obama's private prayer published in Israeli paper
Barack Obama's visit to the Western Wall was a public event. The handwrittenprayer the presidential candidate left there was meant to be private.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008074312_obamanote26.html
-Iraq War's Price Tag Nears Vietnam's
Congressional Estimate Puts U.S. Costs In Iraq At $648B; Vietnam Cost $686BIn 2008 Dollars
The total cost of the Iraq war is approaching the Vietnam War's expense, acongressional report estimates, while spending for military operations after9/11 has exceeded it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/25/national/main4296368.shtml?source=RSSattr=U.S._4296368
-Kinda Sorta Impeaching the President
"It seems that we are hosting an anger management class," Republican Rep.Lamar Smith of Texas told his colleagues on the House Judiciary Committeeyesterday morning. He had a point.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072503077.html?hpid=news-col-blogs
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Obama Meets With Brown in Britain
LONDON (AP) -- Presidential contender Barack Obama on Saturday defended hisdecision to travel to Europe and the Middle East, saying that problemsencountered by Americans at home are often best dealt with by working withallies overseas.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/world/AP-Obama.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
-Op-Ed Columnist: Getting to Know You
The conventional wisdom in this radically unconventional presidential raceis that the voters have to get to know Barack Obama better. That's what thisweek's overseas trip was about: to showcase the senator as a potentialcommander in chief and leader of U.S. foreign policy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/opinion/26herbert.html?ref=opinion
-4,000 U.S. Combat Deaths, and Just a Handful of Images
Some journalists say the American military is making a growing effort tocontrol graphic war images from Iraq.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/26/world/middleeast/26censor.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Megachurch and State
It can't hold as many screaming fans as the football stadium in Denver,where Sen. Barack Obama will address an expected crowd of 75,000 on Aug. 28.Nor is it conveniently located near the scenic Mississippi River, like thearena in St. Paul, Minn., where Sen. John McCain will take the stage a fewdays later. But the 3,000-seat auditorium at pastor Rick Warren's SaddlebackChurch does have one notable advantage: It's a stage that Obama and McCainlast week agreed to share, at least for a little while, on Aug. 16.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072502256.html
-Failing in Civility
John McCain falls short of the standard he set by impugning Barack Obama'smotives. POLITICIANS SAY a lot of things in the heat of campaigns that theyend up regretting -- or ought to regret. Sen. John McCain, the presumptiveRepublican presidential nominee, had one of those unfortunate moments theother day, when he charged that his Democratic opponent, Sen. Barack Obama,"would rather lose the war to win a political campaign."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072503163.html
-Banished From Beijing
Having done business with Iraq's Uday Hussein, the Olympics' overseersdecide to penalize his successors. WHEN IRAQ'S Olympic team paraded at the2000 Summer Games in Sydney, the head of the country's Olympic Committee wasUday Hussein, the notoriously sadistic son of dictator Saddam Hussein. Udaymade Baghdad's Olympic facilities the headquarters for his own epic feats ofrape, torture and murder; among those he brutalized were athletes on thenational team who failed to live up to his expectations. His may have beenthe foulest abuse of a national Olympic movement in history. Yet theInternational Olympic Committee found a way to live with Uday, just as ithas tolerated the manipulations of sports teams by totalitarian governmentsaround the world -- including this year's host, China.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072502569.html
-U.S. Broadens Sanctions to Pressure Mugabe
President Bush yesterday signed an executive order expanding sanctionsagainst companies and individuals linked with Zimbabwean President RobertMugabe, part of an effort by Western nations to ratchet up the pressure on agovernment accused of killing and terrorizing political opponents in orderto remain in power.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072501245.html?hpid=sec-politics
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-RELIGION: Equality of priesthood ordained, these women say
A group called Roman Catholic Womenpriests moves forward with threeordinations despite protests from the Vatican. Judith A.B. Lee of FortMyers wanted to be a minister since her teenage years, when she would visitthe sick and elderly with her Methodist pastor in Brooklyn after youth groupmeetings.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/story/617406.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-36 Hours In Israel (With Barack Obama)
When John McCain visited Israel last March hardly anyone noticed. WhenBarack Obama did the same this week he caused a sensation. It was the mostchoreographed of visits: Two nights and one day in Israel, seeminglydesigned by the kind of tour guide interested only in providing his chargeswith the ultimate number of snapshot opportunities at clichéd places -- fromObama wearing a white skullcap at Yad Vashem,to Obama at the Western Wall,in a white skullcap. There were no leaks while Barack Obama was in Israel,no drama, no gaffes -- to the disappointment of a vast media contingentintent only on bringing home gaffes as souvenirs -- and precious littlesleep. At his press conference in the rocket-scarred southern Israeli townof Sderot, Obama's syntax meandered; in a conversation with BenjaminNetanyahu, Obama said, "I could fall asleep standing up." Nonetheless, hedid not refer to the Iran-Israel border.
http://www.prospect.org/cs/articles?article=36_hours_in_israel_with_barack_obama
-Obama's private prayer published in Israeli paper
Barack Obama's visit to the Western Wall was a public event. The handwrittenprayer the presidential candidate left there was meant to be private.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2008074312_obamanote26.html
-Iraq War's Price Tag Nears Vietnam's
Congressional Estimate Puts U.S. Costs In Iraq At $648B; Vietnam Cost $686BIn 2008 Dollars
The total cost of the Iraq war is approaching the Vietnam War's expense, acongressional report estimates, while spending for military operations after9/11 has exceeded it.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/07/25/national/main4296368.shtml?source=RSSattr=U.S._4296368
-Kinda Sorta Impeaching the President
"It seems that we are hosting an anger management class," Republican Rep.Lamar Smith of Texas told his colleagues on the House Judiciary Committeeyesterday morning. He had a point.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072503077.html?hpid=news-col-blogs
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - July 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.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
SunBurst - News from Sunshine Cathedral, Ft. Lauderdale
www.sunshinecathedral.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Rodgers Masterpiece T-1038 organ is here!
The Rodgers Masterpiece T-1038 custom four-manual organ with its ebonyfinish and burl wood inlays is now on the Chancel. The organ and pipes arescheduled to make will make their debut on Sunday, August 3rd.
-Ruffatti pipes installed!
As you enter the Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for Worship and theArts on Sunday you will be greeted by the presence of 12 ranks(approximately 700 pipes) of Ruffatti pipes above the choir loft.
-Chancel construction complete
With the exception of a couple of inspections, the Chancel has beencompleted.
-VisLaw sponsors D.A.Y. camp
Volunteering Is LOVE at Work (VisLaw) is coordinating the fourth annualDiversity among Youth (D.A.Y) camp again this summer. This summer camp isthe only one of its kind in the south.
=
Letter from Paul Harris to Brittany Wollman of Sun-Sentinel
PHarris825@aol.com
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the entire letter.
-Dear Miss Wallman:
Are you openly heterosexual, closetedly heterosexual, openly homosexual (orlesbian if you prefer), or closetedly homosexual?? Or either variety ofbisexual??? The answer is, of course, "none of my damned business." Whatmatters is are you a good, honest journalist who reports the news asaccurately as you can. [...] Your comment about someone being "openly"gay is frankly disgraceful. I cannot for one moment believe it is yourpersonal editorial policy that insists in continuing this nonsense... HenceI'll copy it to a few of "the people upstairs" who obviously control thisinsulting and demeaning editorial policy. I hope that it is not long beforethis nonsense ends. I always tease myself about an issue by wondering whatpeople will think 100 years from now. I frankly think that they will laughthey heads off.
Sincerely yours,
The openly graying-haired, somewhat height-challenged, rather freckled,
occasionally opinionated Paul Harris
=
GLCCSF eVoice - Ft. Lauderdale
http://glccsf.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CONVENTION CENTER.
Thank you to the Broward County Convention Center for hosting and sponsoringthe July Founder Circle Reception. Click on these two links to view thepictures from Steve Shires: http://www.photoshow.com/members/shirespics
and JumpOnMarksList.com
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/MSFL/2008/072308.htm
-Our next Founder Circle Reception will be on Thursday, August 28 on the newGLCC Campus. To learn more about the Founder Circle membership and how youcan get invited to these great networking events, contact Robert Boo,Development Director at rboo@glccsf.org or 954.463.9005.
-Mike Trost will host the second annual fundraising event at his home forthe GLCC. Last year Mike raised $25,000 to support the programs andservices of the GLCC. This year the goal is $40,000. Cost is only $100 toenjoy great food, drink, Silent Auction with great items, and much more. For more information contact Robert Boo, Development Director, at 954.463.9005 or rboo@glccsf.org
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-A look at black life: Fort Lauderdale group screens documentary
Art Evans, by any standard, has made it.
He has taught at Florida Atlantic University for 30 years. He leftBaltimore's inner city to later earn a doctorate in sociology from KansasState University. He and his wife own a home in Boca Raton. But as anAfrican-American man, "I'm always on guard," he says. "If I am out gardeningand I need to go to Sears, I change my clothes. Not because I'm sticky oranything. But because I don't want to appear I'm there to take something."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flrndblackmen0726sbjul26,0,7551971.story
-Do we really want 80-year-old cowboys carrying guns?
ISSUE: National permit allows retired officers to carry weapons. You'reeither a cop or you're not. If you retired, or found some other line ofwork, you're not a badge-carrying law enforcement officer anymore. Unfortunately, Congress has approved a national program to allow retired lawenforcement officers to complete a shooting course for a concealed weaponspermit that is recognized nationwide. Doubly unfortunate, Florida has signedon by offering a course for ex-officers to take and receive the permit. Inpart, the program's goal is to give retired cops a countrywide permit sothey can act if they see a crime occurring. This is a flawed assumption.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editgsgunssbjul26,0,5766435.story
-Rep. Wexler's opponent calls for residency investigation
One of U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler's election opponents is seeking state andfederal investigations into questions surrounding his residency in Florida.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbwexler0726pnjul26,0,3088634.story
-A look at black life: Fort Lauderdale group screens documentary
Art Evans, by any standard, has made it. He has taught at Florida Atlantic University for 30 years. He left Baltimore's inner city to later earn adoctorate in sociology from Kansas State University. He and his wife own ahome in Boca Raton. But as an African-American man, "I'm always on guard,"he says.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flrndblackmen0726sbjul26,0,7551971.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-POLITICS: Broward candidates build on war chests
With one month to go until the Aug. 26 primary, Friday's campaign financereporting deadline indicates who's going to have the most money for the homestretchIn the Broward Sheriff's race, Scott Israel is still the Democraticfundraising leader but lags far behind the incumbent sheriff. Tightfundraising battles by two state House candidates, including one who couldbecome the state's first openly gay legislator, have set the stage for aclose primary.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/618603.html
-Miami-Dade School Board showdown set over Crew's job
The Miami-Dade schools superintendent and board members appear ready to faceoff next week over money woes and growing displeasure with the chief.
http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/618589.html
-Why the School Board is unhappy
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/618565.html
-POLITICS: Broward candidates build on war chests
With one month to go until the Aug. 26 primary, Friday's campaign financereporting deadline indicates who's going to have the most money for the homestretch
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/618603.html
=
YouTube Ad Supports Amendment 2 that restricts marriage only to male andfemale.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBx5VDr5g84
=
ProgressFlorida
http://www.progressflorida.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Victory for the Everglades...maybe
Today the Everglades are a little safer from poorly planned development.Thousands of Floridians from around the state signed our petition to Gov.Crist urging his Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to reject twodevelopments, including a Lowe's big box retail center that threatened theEverglades. On Friday, DCA did exactly that. But our work isn't done.Lowe's, who still wants to cement urban sprawl to the edge of theEverglades, plans to fight this decision. "We feel confident that thedecision will be overturned,'' declared a Lowe's attorney in response to theDCA's decision. There are 111 Lowe's stores in Florida but there's only oneEverglades. We need to send a message to Lowe's right now and tell them toprotect the Everglades, not pave it. We've made it very easy to send amessage to Lowes, simply click here:
http://progressflorida.org/page/speakout/pressurelowes
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Two Hillsborough Democrats flush with contributions
Democratic challengers outraised Republican incumbents in the scramble forcampaign funds in two significant Hillsborough County races. PhyllisBusansky, who's running for supervisor of elections, raised $48,000 in thepast three months, according to a report filed with the county.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article739823.ece
-Sink calls for independent WellCare investigation
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink called for an independent audit ofWellCare Health Plans after the Tampa company said an "accounting error"showed it owed $46.5-million to several states, including Florida's HealthyKids program. WellCare is Florida's largest provider of Medicaid and HealthyKids, which covers low-income children. Managed-care companies are paid aflat fee per member per month by the state, but they are required to spend acertain percentage on services or refund the difference. WellCare said itscalculations understated the amount of refunds due by $46.5-million in 2006and the first half of 2007. While Sink called for an audit Friday, therelevant documents are probably already in the possession of state andfederal investigators who seized records relating to possible overpaymentsfrom WellCare's headquarters in late October. Sink is chairwoman of theHealthy Kids board of directors.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/article739642.ece
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
SunBurst - News from Sunshine Cathedral, Ft. Lauderdale
www.sunshinecathedral.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Rodgers Masterpiece T-1038 organ is here!
The Rodgers Masterpiece T-1038 custom four-manual organ with its ebonyfinish and burl wood inlays is now on the Chancel. The organ and pipes arescheduled to make will make their debut on Sunday, August 3rd.
-Ruffatti pipes installed!
As you enter the Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for Worship and theArts on Sunday you will be greeted by the presence of 12 ranks(approximately 700 pipes) of Ruffatti pipes above the choir loft.
-Chancel construction complete
With the exception of a couple of inspections, the Chancel has beencompleted.
-VisLaw sponsors D.A.Y. camp
Volunteering Is LOVE at Work (VisLaw) is coordinating the fourth annualDiversity among Youth (D.A.Y) camp again this summer. This summer camp isthe only one of its kind in the south.
=
Letter from Paul Harris to Brittany Wollman of Sun-Sentinel
PHarris825@aol.com
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the entire letter.
-Dear Miss Wallman:
Are you openly heterosexual, closetedly heterosexual, openly homosexual (orlesbian if you prefer), or closetedly homosexual?? Or either variety ofbisexual??? The answer is, of course, "none of my damned business." Whatmatters is are you a good, honest journalist who reports the news asaccurately as you can. [...] Your comment about someone being "openly"gay is frankly disgraceful. I cannot for one moment believe it is yourpersonal editorial policy that insists in continuing this nonsense... HenceI'll copy it to a few of "the people upstairs" who obviously control thisinsulting and demeaning editorial policy. I hope that it is not long beforethis nonsense ends. I always tease myself about an issue by wondering whatpeople will think 100 years from now. I frankly think that they will laughthey heads off.
Sincerely yours,
The openly graying-haired, somewhat height-challenged, rather freckled,
occasionally opinionated Paul Harris
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GLCCSF eVoice - Ft. Lauderdale
http://glccsf.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CONVENTION CENTER.
Thank you to the Broward County Convention Center for hosting and sponsoringthe July Founder Circle Reception. Click on these two links to view thepictures from Steve Shires: http://www.photoshow.com/members/shirespics
and JumpOnMarksList.com
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/MSFL/2008/072308.htm
-Our next Founder Circle Reception will be on Thursday, August 28 on the newGLCC Campus. To learn more about the Founder Circle membership and how youcan get invited to these great networking events, contact Robert Boo,Development Director at rboo@glccsf.org or 954.463.9005.
-Mike Trost will host the second annual fundraising event at his home forthe GLCC. Last year Mike raised $25,000 to support the programs andservices of the GLCC. This year the goal is $40,000. Cost is only $100 toenjoy great food, drink, Silent Auction with great items, and much more. For more information contact Robert Boo, Development Director, at 954.463.9005 or rboo@glccsf.org
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-A look at black life: Fort Lauderdale group screens documentary
Art Evans, by any standard, has made it.
He has taught at Florida Atlantic University for 30 years. He leftBaltimore's inner city to later earn a doctorate in sociology from KansasState University. He and his wife own a home in Boca Raton. But as anAfrican-American man, "I'm always on guard," he says. "If I am out gardeningand I need to go to Sears, I change my clothes. Not because I'm sticky oranything. But because I don't want to appear I'm there to take something."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flrndblackmen0726sbjul26,0,7551971.story
-Do we really want 80-year-old cowboys carrying guns?
ISSUE: National permit allows retired officers to carry weapons. You'reeither a cop or you're not. If you retired, or found some other line ofwork, you're not a badge-carrying law enforcement officer anymore. Unfortunately, Congress has approved a national program to allow retired lawenforcement officers to complete a shooting course for a concealed weaponspermit that is recognized nationwide. Doubly unfortunate, Florida has signedon by offering a course for ex-officers to take and receive the permit. Inpart, the program's goal is to give retired cops a countrywide permit sothey can act if they see a crime occurring. This is a flawed assumption.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editgsgunssbjul26,0,5766435.story
-Rep. Wexler's opponent calls for residency investigation
One of U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler's election opponents is seeking state andfederal investigations into questions surrounding his residency in Florida.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flbwexler0726pnjul26,0,3088634.story
-A look at black life: Fort Lauderdale group screens documentary
Art Evans, by any standard, has made it. He has taught at Florida Atlantic University for 30 years. He left Baltimore's inner city to later earn adoctorate in sociology from Kansas State University. He and his wife own ahome in Boca Raton. But as an African-American man, "I'm always on guard,"he says.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flrndblackmen0726sbjul26,0,7551971.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-POLITICS: Broward candidates build on war chests
With one month to go until the Aug. 26 primary, Friday's campaign financereporting deadline indicates who's going to have the most money for the homestretchIn the Broward Sheriff's race, Scott Israel is still the Democraticfundraising leader but lags far behind the incumbent sheriff. Tightfundraising battles by two state House candidates, including one who couldbecome the state's first openly gay legislator, have set the stage for aclose primary.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/618603.html
-Miami-Dade School Board showdown set over Crew's job
The Miami-Dade schools superintendent and board members appear ready to faceoff next week over money woes and growing displeasure with the chief.
http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/618589.html
-Why the School Board is unhappy
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/618565.html
-POLITICS: Broward candidates build on war chests
With one month to go until the Aug. 26 primary, Friday's campaign financereporting deadline indicates who's going to have the most money for the homestretch
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/618603.html
=
YouTube Ad Supports Amendment 2 that restricts marriage only to male andfemale.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBx5VDr5g84
=
ProgressFlorida
http://www.progressflorida.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Victory for the Everglades...maybe
Today the Everglades are a little safer from poorly planned development.Thousands of Floridians from around the state signed our petition to Gov.Crist urging his Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to reject twodevelopments, including a Lowe's big box retail center that threatened theEverglades. On Friday, DCA did exactly that. But our work isn't done.Lowe's, who still wants to cement urban sprawl to the edge of theEverglades, plans to fight this decision. "We feel confident that thedecision will be overturned,'' declared a Lowe's attorney in response to theDCA's decision. There are 111 Lowe's stores in Florida but there's only oneEverglades. We need to send a message to Lowe's right now and tell them toprotect the Everglades, not pave it. We've made it very easy to send amessage to Lowes, simply click here:
http://progressflorida.org/page/speakout/pressurelowes
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Two Hillsborough Democrats flush with contributions
Democratic challengers outraised Republican incumbents in the scramble forcampaign funds in two significant Hillsborough County races. PhyllisBusansky, who's running for supervisor of elections, raised $48,000 in thepast three months, according to a report filed with the county.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/localgovernment/article739823.ece
-Sink calls for independent WellCare investigation
Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink called for an independent audit ofWellCare Health Plans after the Tampa company said an "accounting error"showed it owed $46.5-million to several states, including Florida's HealthyKids program. WellCare is Florida's largest provider of Medicaid and HealthyKids, which covers low-income children. Managed-care companies are paid aflat fee per member per month by the state, but they are required to spend acertain percentage on services or refund the difference. WellCare said itscalculations understated the amount of refunds due by $46.5-million in 2006and the first half of 2007. While Sink called for an audit Friday, therelevant documents are probably already in the possession of state andfederal investigators who seized records relating to possible overpaymentsfrom WellCare's headquarters in late October. Sink is chairwoman of theHealthy Kids board of directors.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/business/article739642.ece
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Friday, July 25, 2008
GLBT DIGEST - July 25, 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.
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-An Intimate 'Love Story'
On Valentine's Day 1953, a Los Angeles teenager named Don Bachardy met the48-year-old British author Christopher Isherwood on a Malibu beach. On thesurface, movie fan Bachardy had little in common with the patrician Englishwriter, already admired in literary circles for such works as "Goodbye toBerlin," which would later be adapted as the musical "Cabaret."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072401079.html
-Religion news in brief
Conservative Christian broadcaster James Dobson beat out shock-jock HowardStern and others in national online balloting for induction into theNational Radio Hall of Fame. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program isthe first religious program to receive the honor, started in 1992 by theChicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072500873.html
-Lesbians lose Australian court battle over twins
An Australian lesbian couple have lost a controversialcourt battle after trying to sue their doctor for having healthy twins froman in vitro fertilisation procedure (IVF), with doctors on Friday praisingthe verdict. "If there's an outcome which is a healthy, live baby, thesethings shouldn't end up in the courts," Dr Paul Jones, from the doctors'body the Australian Medical Association, told Australian radio on Friday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072500040.html
-MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Ruling Clears Way for November Vote on TransgenderMeasure
A Maryland judge cleared the way yesterday for voters to decide in Novemberwhether to keep a new anti-discrimination law that provides broadprotections for transgender individuals. Circuit Court Judge Robert A.Greenberg sided with opponents of the law, ruling that advocates for gay andtransgender rights missed a critical deadline for challenging the countyBoard of Elections, which certified a petition to put the law to a vote onthe November ballot.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072402561.html
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-N. Illinois professor took it all off for his career
At 39, Craig Seymour has a resume most journalists would envy: a doctorateand stints as a music critic at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and BuffaloNews. But he has also worked one job even George Plimpton would shy awayfrom: stripper in Washington, D.C., gay bars during the 1990s.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-stripper-prof-0724jul24,0,5675466.story
-Officials: Search for HIV vaccine needs overhaul
Researches call for new people, ideas
Scientists will have to take "enormous intellectual leaps" to develop anAIDS vaccine in the coming years, say researchers clearly frustrated by thefailure of a once-promising shot.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19949
-House committee hosts hearing on 'Don't Ask'
Retired gay service members testify in heated discussion
A congressional hearing on the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"policy turned into a small battle zone Wednesday as opponents of the policyin Congress harangued its defenders with harsh questioning.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19900
-'Sordid Lives' a campy, sassy success for Logo
Sexy, funny tale of trailer park life
There has been much hullabaloo surrounding Logo's new series, "Sordid Lives," as the show is the network's largest original series to date. TheTV series is a prequel to "Sordid Lives," the play, which has been performedcountless times across the country and has achieved cult-hit status amongstits fans; that play has also been adapted into "Sordid Lives," the movie,which lacks some of the comedic wallop of the stage version, butnevertheless provides fans a faithful rendition of the story. As a result,fan scrutiny of this TV series is heavy.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/arts/television/4903.cfm
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Repeal Of Discriminatory HIV Travel Law Goes To President
The U.S. House has approved repeal of a law barring HIV-positive visitorsand immigrants from entering the country. The legislation now goes to thePresident's desk. The measure was included in legislation reauthorizingPEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
http://www.365gay.com/news/repeal-of-discriminatory-hiv-travel-law-goes-to-president/
-Congress OKs $48B for global AIDS fight
The House voted Thursday to triple money to fight AIDS, malaria andtuberculosis around the world, giving new life and new punch to a programcredited with saving or prolonging millions of lives in Africa alone. The303-115 vote sends the global AIDS bill to President Bush for his signature.Bush, who first floated the idea of a campaign against the scourge of AIDSin his 2003 State of the Union speech, supports the five-year, $48 billionplan.
http://www.365gay.com/news/congress-oks-48b-for-global-aids-fight/
-Wayne Besen: A Backdrop of Brutality
Sporting a fog machine for its smoke and mirrors routine and an extravagantstage that would make The Rolling Stones blush, the "ex-gay" group ExodusInternational held its glitzy annual conference in Asheville, NorthCarolina.
http://www.365gay.com/features/besen-a-backdrop-of-brutality/
-Gay Teen Arrested for Filing False Hate Crime Report
An 18-year-old, who had told police he was beaten by his father afterattending a gay pride parade, was charged Thursday with filing a falsepolice report. Dwight Clark Ables told police last week that his fatheryelled, swung the bat and tried to "cast the demon of homosexuality out ofhim."
http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-teen-arrested/
-County Passes Most Inclusive Anti-Bully Policy In Fla.
The Broward County School Board passed the strongest anti-bully ing policyin Florida this week. The policy contains a full list of prohibited formsof harassment, bullying and discrimination; prohibitions include targetingvictims based on their sexual orientation, as well as gender identity andexpression.
http://www.365gay.com/news/county-passes-most-inclusive-anti-bully-policy-in-fla/
-Video/The Gay Agenda: What is a gay issue?
Why isn't poverty a gay issue? Why do we focus so hard on the military andmarriage? Jennifer Vanasco and Jon Mallow discuss what the criteria shouldbe for issues our organizations and media consider "gay."
http://www.365gay.com/video/072408-gayagenda-issues/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Mass. House Initially Approves Gender-Neutral Law
The Massachusetts house of representatives has given its initial approval toa bill that would require all future legislation be written in language thatis gender-neutral. The one-paragraph bill says legislation should containnon-gendered phrases such as "he/she" or "his/her," instead of followingpast practice and using the masculine pronoun by default.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid58275.asp
-Ecuador Could Give Same-Sex Unions Parity With Marriage
Highlights from Ecuador's 444-article draft constitution, which would be theAndean nation's 20th. If it receives initial approval Thursday, the nation'svoters will decide September 28 whether to adopt it. - The president candissolve Congress once and Congress will have one opportunity to unseat thepresident. In either case, general elections would be called.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid58280.asp
-Margaret Cho: Dick O'Clock
When out at the bars, Margaret Cho is every gay man's best friend-that is,until last call. I am a big fan of going to gay bars. After a long, hardnight walking all over a big stage in my new show, Beautiful, I need to beable to watch a good drag queen lip-synch perfectly to "Piece of Me" andhave a very large and very strong drink, so my favorite place to go is thelocal gay bar with my most special gays.
http://advocate.com/issue_story_ektid56745.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:
-Patients Often Hide Sexual Orientation
Thirty-nine percent of men in New York City who have sex with other men donot disclose their sexual orientation to their doctors, health officialssaid. Healthcare providers, who know about their patients' sexual behavior,can help prevent HIV infection through testing, counseling and otherservices, officials said. The study, published in the Archives of InternalMedicine, examined data from the 2004 to 2005 Centers for Disease ControlNational HIV Behavioral Survey.
-Gays in Iraq Terrorized by Threats, Rape, Murder
Kamal was just 16 when gunmen snatched him off the streets of Baghdad,stuffed him in the trunk of a car and whisked him away to a house. But thereal terror was about to begin. The men realized he was gay, Kamal said,when he took his shirt off and they saw his chest was shaved. "They told meto take off my clothes to rape me or they would kill me immediately. Thismoment was the worst moment in my life," he told CNN, weeping as he spoke ofthe 2005 ordeal.
-Hundreds of LGBT Delegates Headed to Denver
The LGBT caucus to next month's Democratic National Convention may well beone of the most eclectic groups ever. Horacio Sierra is a doctoralcandidate in English literature at the University of Florida, with adissertation entitled "Sanctified Subversives: Depictions of Righteous andRebellious Nuns in English and Spanish Renaissance Literature." Mirian Saezis the director of San Francisco's Treasure Island development. David Munaris an executive with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-"What's tougher to get than a same-sex marriage? A same-sex divorce"
Link: Los Angeles Times
"I was so elated," Ormiston said. "When I was in college, Iwas Chapter 9 in abnormal psych. To be able to marry the woman I loved atthe age of 58 -- my feet didn't touch the ground for days." Then, after twoyears of marriage, the 10-year relationship soured, and Chambers filed fordivorce. That put the couple into a legal limbo that is becomingincreasingly common as same-sex couples married in one state try to divorcein another. A judge in Family Court, where divorces are handled, asked theRhode Island Supreme Court for a ruling on whether his court hadjurisdiction, given that Rhode Island doesn't recognize gay marriage. Thestate Supreme Court decided that the women weren't legally married in theeyes of the state and therefore couldn't get divorced. Chambers then triedfiling for divorce in the state's Superior Court, but last month a judgethere ruled that the court had no jurisdiction over marriage dissolutions. AMassachusetts divorce isn't an option because only residents who have livedin the state for a year can file there.
-CA: "Same-sex marriage foes warn of kindergarten lessons on gay matrimony"
Link: San Francisco Chronicle
Backers of a November initiative to ban same-sex marriage inCalifornia plan to tell voters in the state ballot pamphlet that theconstitutional amendment would protect children as young as kindergarten agefrom being taught in school about the virtues of gay and lesbian matrimony."If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, teachers will be required toteach young children there is no difference between gay marriage andtraditional marriage," supporters of Proposition 8 said in ballot argumentsthat went on public display this week at the secretary of state's office.It's all nonsense and scare tactics, opponents of the measure said Thursday.Steve Smith, strategist for the No on 8 campaign, said opponents of themeasure will decide by next week whether to sue, which is the only way aballot argument can be changed before the election.
-CA: "Big Labor Move For Gay Marriage"
Link: Gay City
A California labor group that represents 1,200 union locals and2.1 million union members in that state voted unanimously on July 23 tooppose Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that would amend that state'sconstitution to bar same-sex marriages and could nullify the marriages thatgay men and lesbians entered into starting on June 16.
-"Mass. lawmakers OK Medicaid for gay couples"
Link: The Advocate via Gay.com
The Massachusetts state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill grantingmarried same-sex couples equal Medicaid benefits, gay rights groupMassEquality reported. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill,which was passed by the state House on July 15. The lawmakers' actions defythe federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bans legally wed same-sex couplesfrom receiving federally provided benefits such as Medicaid, the"safety-net" health care program administered by the states. Supporters sayMassachusetts can circumvent federal law by using only state dollars to payfor gay couples' benefits.
-Arkansas: "Gay adoption ban falls short of signatures, has 30-dayextension"
Link: Arkansas News Bureau
Supporters of a proposal that would ban unmarried couples livingtogether from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas did not gatherenough signatures to secure a place on the November ballot, the secretary ofstate's office said Wednesday. The Family Council Action Committee fellabout 4,000 valid signatures short but will have another 30 days to make upthe difference, which Family Council Executive Director Jerry Cox saidshould not be difficult.
-Commentary: "McCain's Adoption Contradiction"
Link: Independent Gay Forum
by John Corvino
Let's start by making something clear: nobody gives a flyingwallenda what McCain's (or any other candidate's) "personal preferences"are. My personal preference is that children be raised by parents who dressthem in tasteful Ralph Lauren sweater sets, but I'm not about to translatethat into public policy. Second, the follow-up question in the initialinterview could not have been clearer - "Even if the alternative is the kidstaying in an orphanage?" - and, at best, McCain punted on that question.Given the thousands of children in need of good homes - often due toheterosexual irresponsibility - and the number of gay couples selflesslystepping up to the plate to provide for them, McCain's response was nothingshort of shameful. McCain's "clarification" just added insult to injury.Through an aide, he went out on a major limb and said - are you ready? -that having "caring parental figures" is better for children thanabandonment. Now there's some bold leadership for you. (Notice that thecampaign couldn't even bring itself to mention gay parents- just "caringparental figures.")
-Clergy Support Marriage Equality -- But We Still Need Your Help
Link: Sexuality and Religion: What's the Connection?
I am so excited to tell you that in the first 48 hours, more than1,000 ordained clergy have signed the "Open Letter to Religious Leaders onMarriage Equality." They represent more than 40 denominations and almostevery state in the country. These clergy are standing together to affirmthat same sex couples have the right to civil and religious marriage.
-Gay couples organizing for lawsuit to challenge Minnesota's marriagestatutes
Link: Minnesota Independent
A group of gay and lesbian couples are organizing a lawsuitsimilar to one in California that resulted in laws against same-sex marriagein those states being struck down. Court challenges in Massachusetts andCalifornia seem to have provided lasting marriage equality for same-sexcouples, but will Minnesota follow suit? "We have waited long enough," saysDoug Benson. He and his partner, Duane, together for 18 years, are one ofthe pioneer couples looking to sue the state. "The point we want to make isto make sure equality is pursued wherever we can pursue it." He continues,"Because we can't sit around waiting for this to happen. We want this tobecome a reality here at home, and we are trying through the courts as wellas through the Legislature."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Iranian denied refugee status by UN
A gay couple who fled to Turkey from Iran may be separated after the UnitedNations accepted one man's case and denied the other.
-HIV drugs extend life by more than a decade
A Bristol University study of more than 43,000 people living with HIV hasfound that better treatments increase their life expectancy by 13 years.
-Muslim Congressman "honoured" to join fight for gay equality
The first Muslim to be elected to the United States Congress has given verypublic support to gay rights.
-Tory councillor charged with having gay sex in a public toilet
A Conservative councillor in Harrow has appeared in court charged withengaging in sexual activity in a public lavatory. Robert Benson did notenter a plea at Harrow Magistrates' Court last week.
=
Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Swedish Man Jailed for Attacks on Gays He Met in Chatroom
By T'Kisha| Pink News George
A life sentence has been handed to a Swedish man for his brutal attacksagainst gay men. Swedish website The Local reported that the 35-year-oldwas convicted of killing a man in his own home on December 28th 2007 and ofthe robbery and attempted murder of a 44-year-old man the day before. Hewas also convicted of robbing two men on the ninth and 15th of December,having finished a sentence in January 2007 for similar crimes. All thevictims were, or are, homosexual, said public prosecutor Fredrik Ingblad atthe man's indictment hearing, The Local reports.
-Michigan Equality Unveils Online Resolution for Independence from Hate
Crimes and Hate Speech Month
Pride Source
Michigan Equality, the only Lansing-based LGBT activist group in the state,unveiled an online resolution last week as part of Independence from HateCrime and Hate Speech month. Michigan Equality announced a new educationalcampaign designed to address the growing issue of hate motivated crimes andviolence earlier this month, declaring July Independence from Hate Crimesand Hate Speech month. Hate crimes against Michigan's LGBT community haveincreased 133 percent, according to a new report from the National Coalitionof Anti-Violence Prevention. Every week, Michigan Equality will featurearticles, blog posts and new programs designed to help people talk abouthate crimes and hate speech. In the fall, they will host a series ofcommunity workshops thanks to a generous grant from the Arcus Foundation'sGay & Lesbian Fund. Now, the group is asking citizens to sign an onlineresolution rallying against hate crimes and the root causes of hate speech.
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Hate crime in the heart of Rome
A young twenty year old was attacked Tuesday night in what has been defineda "hate crime". The young woman, whose name has been withheld, is a lesbianand works in the locale "Coming Out", the popular homosexual hangout by theColosseum. Her recount of the events state that around 3am, after leavingwork and heading home on a night bus, she was grabbed and kicked from behindby an unidentified man who repeatedly yelled homophobic slurs. Once thewoman yelled back "I'm a woman", the man stopped hitting her and ran off.The victim states she has no recollection of what her aggressor looked likeand would not be able to identify him. A few months ago, gay radio DJCristian Floris was similarly attacked from behind and insulted.
http://www.theromanforum.com/articolo.asp?ID=852
-Indian prince to be prized guest at Swedish gay fest
The Economic Times
STOCKHOLM: Manvendra Singh Gohil, perhaps the only erstwhile Indian royal tohave declared himself gay, is expected to be the main attraction at thisyear's StockholmPride, a famous global gay event, starting Friday. "I amhonoured to be invited as one of the opening speakers for StockholmPride,"Manvendra said. "Especially since I live in a country where LGBT issuescontinue to be ridiculously taboo, no matter how universally practiced."Manvendra is the son of the erstwhile Maharana of Rajpipla in Gujarat. He,along with Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom and veteranSwedish mega-entertainment star Barbro 'Lill Babs' Svensson, will beakeynote speaker during the 10-day festival.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Indian_prince_to_be_prized_guest_at_Swedish_gay_fest/articleshow/3272976.cms
-Keith Ellison is Proud to be Named Vice-Chair of Bipartisan Congressional
LGBT Equality Caucus
"I am proud to join Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and CongressmanBarney Frank (D-MA) today in launching the Congressional LGBT EqualityCaucus," Congressman Ellison said. The mission of the Caucus is to promotelesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The Caucus willwork toward extending equal rights, repealing discriminatory laws, theeliminating hate-motivated violence. The Caucus is dedicated to the improvedhealth and well-being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or genderidentity/expression. "I am honored to join this caucus because of mylifelong commitment to fighting all discrimination. I believe when my gay,lesbian, bisexual or transgender neighbor suffers from discrimination, thenI suffer, and so does our whole community. Every member of our societycontributes to the health, wealth and generosity of our community. Onlywhen we recognize, protect, and, celebrate that will we realize all ourcitizens' potential," Ellison concluded.
http://www.keithellison.org/lgbtcaucus.htm
-Irish Times: Lifelong crusader for gay rights
Never a stranger to controversy, human rights activist Peter Tatchell willgive this year's Amnesty International lecture in Belfast at a time whenhomophobia is high on the news agenda in the North, writes Fionola Meredith
- - -
How exactly did the public perception of Peter Tatchell shift from
"homosexual terrorist", as one newspaper dubbed him - the kind of man whocaused a collective tut across middle England when he stormed the Archbishopof Canterbury's pulpit - to widely-feted human rights hero? It was probablythe moment when he was knocked unconscious by Robert Mugabe's bodyguards ashe tried to perform a citizen's arrest on the reviled Zimbabwean leader inBrussels in 2001. The "have-a-go" bravery of the physically slightactivist's attempt to take on Mugabe and his heavies impressed even thosewho found his previous direct-action stunts a bit too anarchic for comfort.But as far as Tatchell is concerned, it was simply business as usual: thelatest stand against bigotry and injustice in a lifetime spent dedicated tothe cause.
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Community Rallies in Response to Anti-Transgender Murder
On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender womanwas found murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. It appears that there may beanti-transgender motive in this brutal crime. It is believed that thesuspect has stolen Angie's sister's car, a very dark forest green 2003Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There isa hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missingon the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone withinformation about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through thecommunications center, 970-350-9600.
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-An Intimate 'Love Story'
On Valentine's Day 1953, a Los Angeles teenager named Don Bachardy met the48-year-old British author Christopher Isherwood on a Malibu beach. On thesurface, movie fan Bachardy had little in common with the patrician Englishwriter, already admired in literary circles for such works as "Goodbye toBerlin," which would later be adapted as the musical "Cabaret."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072401079.html
-Religion news in brief
Conservative Christian broadcaster James Dobson beat out shock-jock HowardStern and others in national online balloting for induction into theNational Radio Hall of Fame. Dobson's Focus on the Family radio program isthe first religious program to receive the honor, started in 1992 by theChicago-based Museum of Broadcast Communications.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072500873.html
-Lesbians lose Australian court battle over twins
An Australian lesbian couple have lost a controversialcourt battle after trying to sue their doctor for having healthy twins froman in vitro fertilisation procedure (IVF), with doctors on Friday praisingthe verdict. "If there's an outcome which is a healthy, live baby, thesethings shouldn't end up in the courts," Dr Paul Jones, from the doctors'body the Australian Medical Association, told Australian radio on Friday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/25/AR2008072500040.html
-MONTGOMERY COUNTY: Ruling Clears Way for November Vote on TransgenderMeasure
A Maryland judge cleared the way yesterday for voters to decide in Novemberwhether to keep a new anti-discrimination law that provides broadprotections for transgender individuals. Circuit Court Judge Robert A.Greenberg sided with opponents of the law, ruling that advocates for gay andtransgender rights missed a critical deadline for challenging the countyBoard of Elections, which certified a petition to put the law to a vote onthe November ballot.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072402561.html
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-N. Illinois professor took it all off for his career
At 39, Craig Seymour has a resume most journalists would envy: a doctorateand stints as a music critic at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and BuffaloNews. But he has also worked one job even George Plimpton would shy awayfrom: stripper in Washington, D.C., gay bars during the 1990s.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/chi-stripper-prof-0724jul24,0,5675466.story
-Officials: Search for HIV vaccine needs overhaul
Researches call for new people, ideas
Scientists will have to take "enormous intellectual leaps" to develop anAIDS vaccine in the coming years, say researchers clearly frustrated by thefailure of a once-promising shot.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19949
-House committee hosts hearing on 'Don't Ask'
Retired gay service members testify in heated discussion
A congressional hearing on the U.S. military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"policy turned into a small battle zone Wednesday as opponents of the policyin Congress harangued its defenders with harsh questioning.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=19900
-'Sordid Lives' a campy, sassy success for Logo
Sexy, funny tale of trailer park life
There has been much hullabaloo surrounding Logo's new series, "Sordid Lives," as the show is the network's largest original series to date. TheTV series is a prequel to "Sordid Lives," the play, which has been performedcountless times across the country and has achieved cult-hit status amongstits fans; that play has also been adapted into "Sordid Lives," the movie,which lacks some of the comedic wallop of the stage version, butnevertheless provides fans a faithful rendition of the story. As a result,fan scrutiny of this TV series is heavy.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/arts/television/4903.cfm
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Repeal Of Discriminatory HIV Travel Law Goes To President
The U.S. House has approved repeal of a law barring HIV-positive visitorsand immigrants from entering the country. The legislation now goes to thePresident's desk. The measure was included in legislation reauthorizingPEPFAR, the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief.
http://www.365gay.com/news/repeal-of-discriminatory-hiv-travel-law-goes-to-president/
-Congress OKs $48B for global AIDS fight
The House voted Thursday to triple money to fight AIDS, malaria andtuberculosis around the world, giving new life and new punch to a programcredited with saving or prolonging millions of lives in Africa alone. The303-115 vote sends the global AIDS bill to President Bush for his signature.Bush, who first floated the idea of a campaign against the scourge of AIDSin his 2003 State of the Union speech, supports the five-year, $48 billionplan.
http://www.365gay.com/news/congress-oks-48b-for-global-aids-fight/
-Wayne Besen: A Backdrop of Brutality
Sporting a fog machine for its smoke and mirrors routine and an extravagantstage that would make The Rolling Stones blush, the "ex-gay" group ExodusInternational held its glitzy annual conference in Asheville, NorthCarolina.
http://www.365gay.com/features/besen-a-backdrop-of-brutality/
-Gay Teen Arrested for Filing False Hate Crime Report
An 18-year-old, who had told police he was beaten by his father afterattending a gay pride parade, was charged Thursday with filing a falsepolice report. Dwight Clark Ables told police last week that his fatheryelled, swung the bat and tried to "cast the demon of homosexuality out ofhim."
http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-teen-arrested/
-County Passes Most Inclusive Anti-Bully Policy In Fla.
The Broward County School Board passed the strongest anti-bully ing policyin Florida this week. The policy contains a full list of prohibited formsof harassment, bullying and discrimination; prohibitions include targetingvictims based on their sexual orientation, as well as gender identity andexpression.
http://www.365gay.com/news/county-passes-most-inclusive-anti-bully-policy-in-fla/
-Video/The Gay Agenda: What is a gay issue?
Why isn't poverty a gay issue? Why do we focus so hard on the military andmarriage? Jennifer Vanasco and Jon Mallow discuss what the criteria shouldbe for issues our organizations and media consider "gay."
http://www.365gay.com/video/072408-gayagenda-issues/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Mass. House Initially Approves Gender-Neutral Law
The Massachusetts house of representatives has given its initial approval toa bill that would require all future legislation be written in language thatis gender-neutral. The one-paragraph bill says legislation should containnon-gendered phrases such as "he/she" or "his/her," instead of followingpast practice and using the masculine pronoun by default.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid58275.asp
-Ecuador Could Give Same-Sex Unions Parity With Marriage
Highlights from Ecuador's 444-article draft constitution, which would be theAndean nation's 20th. If it receives initial approval Thursday, the nation'svoters will decide September 28 whether to adopt it. - The president candissolve Congress once and Congress will have one opportunity to unseat thepresident. In either case, general elections would be called.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid58280.asp
-Margaret Cho: Dick O'Clock
When out at the bars, Margaret Cho is every gay man's best friend-that is,until last call. I am a big fan of going to gay bars. After a long, hardnight walking all over a big stage in my new show, Beautiful, I need to beable to watch a good drag queen lip-synch perfectly to "Piece of Me" andhave a very large and very strong drink, so my favorite place to go is thelocal gay bar with my most special gays.
http://advocate.com/issue_story_ektid56745.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:
-Patients Often Hide Sexual Orientation
Thirty-nine percent of men in New York City who have sex with other men donot disclose their sexual orientation to their doctors, health officialssaid. Healthcare providers, who know about their patients' sexual behavior,can help prevent HIV infection through testing, counseling and otherservices, officials said. The study, published in the Archives of InternalMedicine, examined data from the 2004 to 2005 Centers for Disease ControlNational HIV Behavioral Survey.
-Gays in Iraq Terrorized by Threats, Rape, Murder
Kamal was just 16 when gunmen snatched him off the streets of Baghdad,stuffed him in the trunk of a car and whisked him away to a house. But thereal terror was about to begin. The men realized he was gay, Kamal said,when he took his shirt off and they saw his chest was shaved. "They told meto take off my clothes to rape me or they would kill me immediately. Thismoment was the worst moment in my life," he told CNN, weeping as he spoke ofthe 2005 ordeal.
-Hundreds of LGBT Delegates Headed to Denver
The LGBT caucus to next month's Democratic National Convention may well beone of the most eclectic groups ever. Horacio Sierra is a doctoralcandidate in English literature at the University of Florida, with adissertation entitled "Sanctified Subversives: Depictions of Righteous andRebellious Nuns in English and Spanish Renaissance Literature." Mirian Saezis the director of San Francisco's Treasure Island development. David Munaris an executive with the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-"What's tougher to get than a same-sex marriage? A same-sex divorce"
Link: Los Angeles Times
"I was so elated," Ormiston said. "When I was in college, Iwas Chapter 9 in abnormal psych. To be able to marry the woman I loved atthe age of 58 -- my feet didn't touch the ground for days." Then, after twoyears of marriage, the 10-year relationship soured, and Chambers filed fordivorce. That put the couple into a legal limbo that is becomingincreasingly common as same-sex couples married in one state try to divorcein another. A judge in Family Court, where divorces are handled, asked theRhode Island Supreme Court for a ruling on whether his court hadjurisdiction, given that Rhode Island doesn't recognize gay marriage. Thestate Supreme Court decided that the women weren't legally married in theeyes of the state and therefore couldn't get divorced. Chambers then triedfiling for divorce in the state's Superior Court, but last month a judgethere ruled that the court had no jurisdiction over marriage dissolutions. AMassachusetts divorce isn't an option because only residents who have livedin the state for a year can file there.
-CA: "Same-sex marriage foes warn of kindergarten lessons on gay matrimony"
Link: San Francisco Chronicle
Backers of a November initiative to ban same-sex marriage inCalifornia plan to tell voters in the state ballot pamphlet that theconstitutional amendment would protect children as young as kindergarten agefrom being taught in school about the virtues of gay and lesbian matrimony."If the gay marriage ruling is not overturned, teachers will be required toteach young children there is no difference between gay marriage andtraditional marriage," supporters of Proposition 8 said in ballot argumentsthat went on public display this week at the secretary of state's office.It's all nonsense and scare tactics, opponents of the measure said Thursday.Steve Smith, strategist for the No on 8 campaign, said opponents of themeasure will decide by next week whether to sue, which is the only way aballot argument can be changed before the election.
-CA: "Big Labor Move For Gay Marriage"
Link: Gay City
A California labor group that represents 1,200 union locals and2.1 million union members in that state voted unanimously on July 23 tooppose Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that would amend that state'sconstitution to bar same-sex marriages and could nullify the marriages thatgay men and lesbians entered into starting on June 16.
-"Mass. lawmakers OK Medicaid for gay couples"
Link: The Advocate via Gay.com
The Massachusetts state Senate on Wednesday passed a bill grantingmarried same-sex couples equal Medicaid benefits, gay rights groupMassEquality reported. Gov. Deval Patrick is expected to sign the bill,which was passed by the state House on July 15. The lawmakers' actions defythe federal Defense of Marriage Act, which bans legally wed same-sex couplesfrom receiving federally provided benefits such as Medicaid, the"safety-net" health care program administered by the states. Supporters sayMassachusetts can circumvent federal law by using only state dollars to payfor gay couples' benefits.
-Arkansas: "Gay adoption ban falls short of signatures, has 30-dayextension"
Link: Arkansas News Bureau
Supporters of a proposal that would ban unmarried couples livingtogether from adopting or fostering children in Arkansas did not gatherenough signatures to secure a place on the November ballot, the secretary ofstate's office said Wednesday. The Family Council Action Committee fellabout 4,000 valid signatures short but will have another 30 days to make upthe difference, which Family Council Executive Director Jerry Cox saidshould not be difficult.
-Commentary: "McCain's Adoption Contradiction"
Link: Independent Gay Forum
by John Corvino
Let's start by making something clear: nobody gives a flyingwallenda what McCain's (or any other candidate's) "personal preferences"are. My personal preference is that children be raised by parents who dressthem in tasteful Ralph Lauren sweater sets, but I'm not about to translatethat into public policy. Second, the follow-up question in the initialinterview could not have been clearer - "Even if the alternative is the kidstaying in an orphanage?" - and, at best, McCain punted on that question.Given the thousands of children in need of good homes - often due toheterosexual irresponsibility - and the number of gay couples selflesslystepping up to the plate to provide for them, McCain's response was nothingshort of shameful. McCain's "clarification" just added insult to injury.Through an aide, he went out on a major limb and said - are you ready? -that having "caring parental figures" is better for children thanabandonment. Now there's some bold leadership for you. (Notice that thecampaign couldn't even bring itself to mention gay parents- just "caringparental figures.")
-Clergy Support Marriage Equality -- But We Still Need Your Help
Link: Sexuality and Religion: What's the Connection?
I am so excited to tell you that in the first 48 hours, more than1,000 ordained clergy have signed the "Open Letter to Religious Leaders onMarriage Equality." They represent more than 40 denominations and almostevery state in the country. These clergy are standing together to affirmthat same sex couples have the right to civil and religious marriage.
-Gay couples organizing for lawsuit to challenge Minnesota's marriagestatutes
Link: Minnesota Independent
A group of gay and lesbian couples are organizing a lawsuitsimilar to one in California that resulted in laws against same-sex marriagein those states being struck down. Court challenges in Massachusetts andCalifornia seem to have provided lasting marriage equality for same-sexcouples, but will Minnesota follow suit? "We have waited long enough," saysDoug Benson. He and his partner, Duane, together for 18 years, are one ofthe pioneer couples looking to sue the state. "The point we want to make isto make sure equality is pursued wherever we can pursue it." He continues,"Because we can't sit around waiting for this to happen. We want this tobecome a reality here at home, and we are trying through the courts as wellas through the Legislature."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Iranian denied refugee status by UN
A gay couple who fled to Turkey from Iran may be separated after the UnitedNations accepted one man's case and denied the other.
-HIV drugs extend life by more than a decade
A Bristol University study of more than 43,000 people living with HIV hasfound that better treatments increase their life expectancy by 13 years.
-Muslim Congressman "honoured" to join fight for gay equality
The first Muslim to be elected to the United States Congress has given verypublic support to gay rights.
-Tory councillor charged with having gay sex in a public toilet
A Conservative councillor in Harrow has appeared in court charged withengaging in sexual activity in a public lavatory. Robert Benson did notenter a plea at Harrow Magistrates' Court last week.
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Swedish Man Jailed for Attacks on Gays He Met in Chatroom
By T'Kisha| Pink News George
A life sentence has been handed to a Swedish man for his brutal attacksagainst gay men. Swedish website The Local reported that the 35-year-oldwas convicted of killing a man in his own home on December 28th 2007 and ofthe robbery and attempted murder of a 44-year-old man the day before. Hewas also convicted of robbing two men on the ninth and 15th of December,having finished a sentence in January 2007 for similar crimes. All thevictims were, or are, homosexual, said public prosecutor Fredrik Ingblad atthe man's indictment hearing, The Local reports.
-Michigan Equality Unveils Online Resolution for Independence from Hate
Crimes and Hate Speech Month
Pride Source
Michigan Equality, the only Lansing-based LGBT activist group in the state,unveiled an online resolution last week as part of Independence from HateCrime and Hate Speech month. Michigan Equality announced a new educationalcampaign designed to address the growing issue of hate motivated crimes andviolence earlier this month, declaring July Independence from Hate Crimesand Hate Speech month. Hate crimes against Michigan's LGBT community haveincreased 133 percent, according to a new report from the National Coalitionof Anti-Violence Prevention. Every week, Michigan Equality will featurearticles, blog posts and new programs designed to help people talk abouthate crimes and hate speech. In the fall, they will host a series ofcommunity workshops thanks to a generous grant from the Arcus Foundation'sGay & Lesbian Fund. Now, the group is asking citizens to sign an onlineresolution rallying against hate crimes and the root causes of hate speech.
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Hate crime in the heart of Rome
A young twenty year old was attacked Tuesday night in what has been defineda "hate crime". The young woman, whose name has been withheld, is a lesbianand works in the locale "Coming Out", the popular homosexual hangout by theColosseum. Her recount of the events state that around 3am, after leavingwork and heading home on a night bus, she was grabbed and kicked from behindby an unidentified man who repeatedly yelled homophobic slurs. Once thewoman yelled back "I'm a woman", the man stopped hitting her and ran off.The victim states she has no recollection of what her aggressor looked likeand would not be able to identify him. A few months ago, gay radio DJCristian Floris was similarly attacked from behind and insulted.
http://www.theromanforum.com/articolo.asp?ID=852
-Indian prince to be prized guest at Swedish gay fest
The Economic Times
STOCKHOLM: Manvendra Singh Gohil, perhaps the only erstwhile Indian royal tohave declared himself gay, is expected to be the main attraction at thisyear's StockholmPride, a famous global gay event, starting Friday. "I amhonoured to be invited as one of the opening speakers for StockholmPride,"Manvendra said. "Especially since I live in a country where LGBT issuescontinue to be ridiculously taboo, no matter how universally practiced."Manvendra is the son of the erstwhile Maharana of Rajpipla in Gujarat. He,along with Swedish Minister for EU Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom and veteranSwedish mega-entertainment star Barbro 'Lill Babs' Svensson, will beakeynote speaker during the 10-day festival.
http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/News_By_Industry/Indian_prince_to_be_prized_guest_at_Swedish_gay_fest/articleshow/3272976.cms
-Keith Ellison is Proud to be Named Vice-Chair of Bipartisan Congressional
LGBT Equality Caucus
"I am proud to join Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and CongressmanBarney Frank (D-MA) today in launching the Congressional LGBT EqualityCaucus," Congressman Ellison said. The mission of the Caucus is to promotelesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) equality. The Caucus willwork toward extending equal rights, repealing discriminatory laws, theeliminating hate-motivated violence. The Caucus is dedicated to the improvedhealth and well-being for all, regardless of sexual orientation or genderidentity/expression. "I am honored to join this caucus because of mylifelong commitment to fighting all discrimination. I believe when my gay,lesbian, bisexual or transgender neighbor suffers from discrimination, thenI suffer, and so does our whole community. Every member of our societycontributes to the health, wealth and generosity of our community. Onlywhen we recognize, protect, and, celebrate that will we realize all ourcitizens' potential," Ellison concluded.
http://www.keithellison.org/lgbtcaucus.htm
-Irish Times: Lifelong crusader for gay rights
Never a stranger to controversy, human rights activist Peter Tatchell willgive this year's Amnesty International lecture in Belfast at a time whenhomophobia is high on the news agenda in the North, writes Fionola Meredith
- - -
How exactly did the public perception of Peter Tatchell shift from
"homosexual terrorist", as one newspaper dubbed him - the kind of man whocaused a collective tut across middle England when he stormed the Archbishopof Canterbury's pulpit - to widely-feted human rights hero? It was probablythe moment when he was knocked unconscious by Robert Mugabe's bodyguards ashe tried to perform a citizen's arrest on the reviled Zimbabwean leader inBrussels in 2001. The "have-a-go" bravery of the physically slightactivist's attempt to take on Mugabe and his heavies impressed even thosewho found his previous direct-action stunts a bit too anarchic for comfort.But as far as Tatchell is concerned, it was simply business as usual: thelatest stand against bigotry and injustice in a lifetime spent dedicated tothe cause.
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Community Rallies in Response to Anti-Transgender Murder
On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transgender womanwas found murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. It appears that there may beanti-transgender motive in this brutal crime. It is believed that thesuspect has stolen Angie's sister's car, a very dark forest green 2003Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There isa hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missingon the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone withinformation about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through thecommunications center, 970-350-9600.
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - July 25, 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:
-U.S. Expands Visa Program for Iraqi Allies
By ALISSA J. RUBIN
The 10-fold expansion of a system to help threatened Iraqi employees obtainU.S. visas and ultimately citizenship comes after criticism over delays.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/world/middleeast/25visa.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
-Obama, Vague on Issues, Pleases Crowd in Europe
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Many Europeans see Barack Obama's candidacy as a sign of hope for a moreflexible, less ideological America. Governments and politicians are not sosure.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/us/politics/25assess.html?hp
-Iraqi Athletes 'Unlikely' to Be at Olympics
The International Olympic Committee said Thursday that it was "very unlikely" that Iraqi athletes would compete at the Beijing Games becausethe Iraqi government refused to reinstate the country's official Olympiccommittee in time to officially submit most of their names.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/sports/olympics/25athletes.html?hp
-Op-Ed Columnist: Playing Innocent Abroad
DAVID BROOKS
Radical optimism is America's contribution to the world. The early settlersthought America's founding would bring God's kingdom to earth. John Adamsthought America would emancipate "the slavish part of mankind all over theearth." Woodrow Wilson and George W. Bush preached their own gospels ofworld democracy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/opinion/25brooks.html?ref=opinion
-Oil Spill on Nearly 100 Miles of Mississippi River
A sheen of oil coated the Mississippi River for nearly 100 miles from thecenter of this city to the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday following the worstoil spill here in nearly a decade. The fuel-laden barge that collided with aheavy tanker on Wednesday was still leaking.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/us/25spill.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1216988466-1UAc33R2PHkNC3VJqjFQAA
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pittsburgh Cancer Center Warns of Cell Phone Risks
The head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedentedwarning to his faculty and staff Wednesday: Limit cell phone use because ofthe possible risk of cancer. The warning from Dr. Ronald B. Herberman,director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, is contrary tonumerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use,and a public lack of worry by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302881.html?hpid=sec-health
-South African Named U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights
UNITED NATIONS, July 24 -- South African judge Navanethem Pillay was namedThursday as the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, culminating aremarkable ascent for a lawyer who was once barred from entering a judge'schamber during South Africa's apartheid era because of the color of herskin.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072403505.html?hpid=sec-world
-No Drilling, No Vote
Speaker Pelosi won't let the House debate the merits of offshore drilling.
WHY NOT have a vote on offshore drilling? There's a serious debate to be hadover whether Congress should lift the ban on drilling in the OuterContinental Shelf that has been in place since 1981. Unfortunately, youwon't be hearing it in the House of Representatives -- certainly, you won'tfind lawmakers voting on it -- anytime soon.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072403506.html
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Investigators say State Department needs to overhaul the passportapplication process
The State Department urgently needs to overhaul the way it handles passportapplications to avoid a repeat of the massive backlogs last summer thatfrustrated countless travelers, congressional investigators concluded. Theysaid the department must develop a "comprehensive, long-term strategy" tomeet rising demand for the identity documents. The Associated Press obtaineda draft copy Thursday of the report by the Government Accountability Office,the investigative arm of Congress, ahead of its expected release Friday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap-passport-messjul25,0,1059391.story
-Romania proposes law allowing under-15s to have abortion at 24 weeks
BUCHAREST, Romania - Romania's health ministry says it has proposed a lawallowing under-15s to have an abortion at up to 24 weeks. Currentlegislation does not allow for abortions beyond 14 weeks, except to save awoman's life and in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Thecircumstances are not specified in the law.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-0725romanianlaw,0,1006368.story
-Afghanistan a land impossible to conquer
Gather 'round the fire and hear, the sad tale of Najibullah. Let this be awarning to invaders, and those who kill believing Muslims. OK, back toWestern-speak: In 1979, when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, MuhammadNajibullah was 32. The KGB put him in charge of the KHAD, the local secretpolice. Najibullah exceeded his masters' expectations, torturing and killingtens of thousands. As a reward, the Soviets named him their puppetpresident, then withdrew, leaving him alone to fight the U.S.-backedMujahaddin - including one Osama bin Laden. Eventually, Najibullah's forceswere pushed from the countryside to Kabul, after which the rebels, known asthe Taliban, captured the city. They beat and castrated Najibullah, hanginghis blood-soaked body from a lamppost.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-rpcol25sbjul25,0,7479360.column
-Barack Obama has a 10 to 1 advantage over John McCain in expatriate
donations from Europe
Barack Obama's campaign has received roughly 10 times more
money from declared U.S. donors living in Germany, France and Britain thanhis Republican rival, reflecting his popularity in Europe as he makes hisfirst tour of the continent as the presumed Democratic nominee. FederalElection Commission reports show Obama has raised at least $1 million fromdonors who identify themselves as Americans living in Great Britain, Germanyand France, while John McCain has taken in at least $150,000.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap-britain-obama-moneyjul25,0,1090433.story
-Boys aren't better than girls at math, study says
The notion that boys are better than girls at math simply doesn't add up,according to a study published today in the journal Science.An analysis of standardized test scores from more than 7.2 million studentsin grades 2 through 11 found no difference in math scores for girls andboys, contradicting the pervasive belief that most women aren't hard-wiredfor careers in science and technology. The study also undermined theassumption - infamously espoused by former Harvard University PresidentLawrence Summers in 2005 - that boys are more likely than girls to be mathgeniuses. Girls scored in the top 5 percent almost as often as boys, thedata showed. "Both parents and teachers continue to hold the stereotypethat boys are better than girls," said psychologist Janet Hyde of theUniversity of Wisconsin at Madison, who led the study. "That's just notaccurate.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-flamath0725sbjul25,0,576321.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-FUJIMORI TRIAL: Peru setting standards for justice
Little noticed by the international press, the historic trial of formerPeruvian President Alberto Fujimori for gross violations of human rights isnow under way before a special chamber of the Supreme Court in Lima. How thetrial turns out -- and how it is conducted -- will send important messagesabout the apacity of national courts in Latin America and elsewhere tobring repressive eaders to justice.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/617194.html
=
MoveOn.Org
http://www.moveon.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Big news! Your petition signature telling FOX to stop their racist smearsagainst the Obamas had a really exciting day on Wednesday. Here's whathappened:
1:00 p.m. Your signature was printed off at a New York City Kinko's alongwith 620,126 others-filling 19 big boxes.
2:00 p.m. The signatures were piled in front of FOX's national headquartersat 6th Avenue and 48th Street.
3:15 p.m. Hip hop star Nas (whose new album had just risen to #1 on theBillboard charts hours earlier) joined over 100 activists and delivered thepetitions to FOX on behalf of ColorOfChange, MoveOn, and Brave New Films.
3:30 p.m. FOX refused to accept the petitions. (Sometimes, the truth hurts.)
4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. News of FOX's racism and the star-studded petitiondelivery made its way around the world-with stories in Rolling Stone,Billboard, USA Today, Associated Press, Reuters, India Express, HuffingtonPost, MTV, OpenLeft, and over 200 other places.
11:30 p.m. Stephen Colbert welcomed Nas as his guest on the Colbert Reportand dedicated over half of his show to FOX's racism. The boxes containingour signatures were stacked prominently on Colbert's set in place of hisnormal interview table and chairs-and he conducted the entire interviewsurrounded by petitions! Then, Nas performed his new song "Sly Fox," whichis all about FOX's racism.
12:00 a.m. Several MoveOn staffers, jaws dropped open, get on the phone andengage in several rounds of, "Wow!" :) Since then, the news has keptspreading around the world. You sent a message to FOX, and that message wasvery much received! And the fight's not over. We'll continue to push backtogether against FOX's racism and their smears against Obama. But for now,enjoy the video of Wednesday's petition delivery-led by our friends atColorOfChange-and the video of Colbert. Both videos are at this link:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3980&id=13325-5533006-GhbjPWx&t=4
=
Pew Research center
http://pewresearch.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-The Hispanic Vote
Latinos Overwhelmingly Support Obama and Democrats in 2008
A new Pew Hispanic Center survey finds the presumptive Democratic nomineenow has a strong lead among Hispanics, a sharp reversal from the primarieswhen Obama lost the Latino vote to Hillary Clinton by a nearly two-to-oneratio. In addition, the 39-percentage-point Democratic Party identificationedge is larger than it has been at any time this decade, up from 21 pointsin 2006. Read more
-Media Matters
Partisan Split on New Yorker Cover
Fully four-in-ten Americans heard a lot about a satirical cartoon on thecover of the New Yorker magazine. A majority of those who saw it found itoffensive (54%) while few found it funny (27%). Troubles at Fannie Mac andFreddie Mac topped news interest, and the public was also highly attuned tosuch business stories as bank runs at the IndyMac, the buyout ofAnheuser-Busch and GM cutbacks. Read more
-War Takes Center Stage as Obama (and Media) Move Overseas
In a week that began with speeches on foreign policy by both candidates andended with Barack Obama traveling to the Middle East, the wars in Iraq andAfghanistan, in various dimensions, retook center stage in the campaign forthe presidency. Read more
-All Politics is Local: Social Issues Crowd State Ballots
More proposals that would appeal to conservative voters than to liberals areshowing up in 2008, but there is no consensus on whether ballot measurestend to drive enough voters to the polls to give an advantage to apresidential candidate, finds a special report to the Pew Research Centerfrom Stateline.org. Read more
-Daily Number: 87% - Blacks Are The Most Religious Americans
Of all the major racial and ethnic groups in America, blacks are the mostlikely to report a formal religious affiliation, and even among black adultswho are unaffiliated (12%), more than two-thirds (70%) say that religion issomewhat or very important in their lives. Check back every weekday foranother number in the news. Read more
=
Inside Higher Education
http://www.insidehighered.com/
-Defining Political Correctness and Its Non-Impact
A major new study of the political correctness of faculty members maychallenge assumptions all around. For those who deny that there is anidentifiable group of PC professors, the study says that there is in fact agroup with consistently common perspectives, largely based on their views ofdiscrimination (that it exists and matters).
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/07/25
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Mich. GOP wants McCain-Romney ticket
If he's the running mate, it could help win the state in November, officialssay. The growing relationship between once-bitter adversaries John McCainand Mitt Romney is generating a buzz nationally, and here in Romney's nativestate, about a McCain-Romney presidential ticket this fall.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/POLITICS01/807250389
-Secret Service wants more money for candidates
The Secret Service has asked for an extra $9.5 million to cover unexpectedcosts of protecting the presidential candidates during what has turned intoan historic year for the agency's campaign security job.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-07-24-secret-service_N.htm?csp=34
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-U.S. Expands Visa Program for Iraqi Allies
By ALISSA J. RUBIN
The 10-fold expansion of a system to help threatened Iraqi employees obtainU.S. visas and ultimately citizenship comes after criticism over delays.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/world/middleeast/25visa.html?_r=1&hp&oref=slogin
-Obama, Vague on Issues, Pleases Crowd in Europe
By STEVEN ERLANGER
Many Europeans see Barack Obama's candidacy as a sign of hope for a moreflexible, less ideological America. Governments and politicians are not sosure.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/us/politics/25assess.html?hp
-Iraqi Athletes 'Unlikely' to Be at Olympics
The International Olympic Committee said Thursday that it was "very unlikely" that Iraqi athletes would compete at the Beijing Games becausethe Iraqi government refused to reinstate the country's official Olympiccommittee in time to officially submit most of their names.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/sports/olympics/25athletes.html?hp
-Op-Ed Columnist: Playing Innocent Abroad
DAVID BROOKS
Radical optimism is America's contribution to the world. The early settlersthought America's founding would bring God's kingdom to earth. John Adamsthought America would emancipate "the slavish part of mankind all over theearth." Woodrow Wilson and George W. Bush preached their own gospels ofworld democracy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/opinion/25brooks.html?ref=opinion
-Oil Spill on Nearly 100 Miles of Mississippi River
A sheen of oil coated the Mississippi River for nearly 100 miles from thecenter of this city to the Gulf of Mexico on Thursday following the worstoil spill here in nearly a decade. The fuel-laden barge that collided with aheavy tanker on Wednesday was still leaking.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/25/us/25spill.html?hp=&adxnnl=1&adxnnlx=1216988466-1UAc33R2PHkNC3VJqjFQAA
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Pittsburgh Cancer Center Warns of Cell Phone Risks
The head of a prominent cancer research institute issued an unprecedentedwarning to his faculty and staff Wednesday: Limit cell phone use because ofthe possible risk of cancer. The warning from Dr. Ronald B. Herberman,director of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, is contrary tonumerous studies that don't find a link between cancer and cell phone use,and a public lack of worry by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302881.html?hpid=sec-health
-South African Named U.N. Commissioner for Human Rights
UNITED NATIONS, July 24 -- South African judge Navanethem Pillay was namedThursday as the U.N. high commissioner for human rights, culminating aremarkable ascent for a lawyer who was once barred from entering a judge'schamber during South Africa's apartheid era because of the color of herskin.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072403505.html?hpid=sec-world
-No Drilling, No Vote
Speaker Pelosi won't let the House debate the merits of offshore drilling.
WHY NOT have a vote on offshore drilling? There's a serious debate to be hadover whether Congress should lift the ban on drilling in the OuterContinental Shelf that has been in place since 1981. Unfortunately, youwon't be hearing it in the House of Representatives -- certainly, you won'tfind lawmakers voting on it -- anytime soon.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/24/AR2008072403506.html
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Investigators say State Department needs to overhaul the passportapplication process
The State Department urgently needs to overhaul the way it handles passportapplications to avoid a repeat of the massive backlogs last summer thatfrustrated countless travelers, congressional investigators concluded. Theysaid the department must develop a "comprehensive, long-term strategy" tomeet rising demand for the identity documents. The Associated Press obtaineda draft copy Thursday of the report by the Government Accountability Office,the investigative arm of Congress, ahead of its expected release Friday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap-passport-messjul25,0,1059391.story
-Romania proposes law allowing under-15s to have abortion at 24 weeks
BUCHAREST, Romania - Romania's health ministry says it has proposed a lawallowing under-15s to have an abortion at up to 24 weeks. Currentlegislation does not allow for abortions beyond 14 weeks, except to save awoman's life and in the case of extraordinary circumstances. Thecircumstances are not specified in the law.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-0725romanianlaw,0,1006368.story
-Afghanistan a land impossible to conquer
Gather 'round the fire and hear, the sad tale of Najibullah. Let this be awarning to invaders, and those who kill believing Muslims. OK, back toWestern-speak: In 1979, when the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, MuhammadNajibullah was 32. The KGB put him in charge of the KHAD, the local secretpolice. Najibullah exceeded his masters' expectations, torturing and killingtens of thousands. As a reward, the Soviets named him their puppetpresident, then withdrew, leaving him alone to fight the U.S.-backedMujahaddin - including one Osama bin Laden. Eventually, Najibullah's forceswere pushed from the countryside to Kabul, after which the rebels, known asthe Taliban, captured the city. They beat and castrated Najibullah, hanginghis blood-soaked body from a lamppost.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-rpcol25sbjul25,0,7479360.column
-Barack Obama has a 10 to 1 advantage over John McCain in expatriate
donations from Europe
Barack Obama's campaign has received roughly 10 times more
money from declared U.S. donors living in Germany, France and Britain thanhis Republican rival, reflecting his popularity in Europe as he makes hisfirst tour of the continent as the presumed Democratic nominee. FederalElection Commission reports show Obama has raised at least $1 million fromdonors who identify themselves as Americans living in Great Britain, Germanyand France, while John McCain has taken in at least $150,000.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/ats-ap-britain-obama-moneyjul25,0,1090433.story
-Boys aren't better than girls at math, study says
The notion that boys are better than girls at math simply doesn't add up,according to a study published today in the journal Science.An analysis of standardized test scores from more than 7.2 million studentsin grades 2 through 11 found no difference in math scores for girls andboys, contradicting the pervasive belief that most women aren't hard-wiredfor careers in science and technology. The study also undermined theassumption - infamously espoused by former Harvard University PresidentLawrence Summers in 2005 - that boys are more likely than girls to be mathgeniuses. Girls scored in the top 5 percent almost as often as boys, thedata showed. "Both parents and teachers continue to hold the stereotypethat boys are better than girls," said psychologist Janet Hyde of theUniversity of Wisconsin at Madison, who led the study. "That's just notaccurate.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/sfl-flamath0725sbjul25,0,576321.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-FUJIMORI TRIAL: Peru setting standards for justice
Little noticed by the international press, the historic trial of formerPeruvian President Alberto Fujimori for gross violations of human rights isnow under way before a special chamber of the Supreme Court in Lima. How thetrial turns out -- and how it is conducted -- will send important messagesabout the apacity of national courts in Latin America and elsewhere tobring repressive eaders to justice.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/617194.html
=
MoveOn.Org
http://www.moveon.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Big news! Your petition signature telling FOX to stop their racist smearsagainst the Obamas had a really exciting day on Wednesday. Here's whathappened:
1:00 p.m. Your signature was printed off at a New York City Kinko's alongwith 620,126 others-filling 19 big boxes.
2:00 p.m. The signatures were piled in front of FOX's national headquartersat 6th Avenue and 48th Street.
3:15 p.m. Hip hop star Nas (whose new album had just risen to #1 on theBillboard charts hours earlier) joined over 100 activists and delivered thepetitions to FOX on behalf of ColorOfChange, MoveOn, and Brave New Films.
3:30 p.m. FOX refused to accept the petitions. (Sometimes, the truth hurts.)
4:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. News of FOX's racism and the star-studded petitiondelivery made its way around the world-with stories in Rolling Stone,Billboard, USA Today, Associated Press, Reuters, India Express, HuffingtonPost, MTV, OpenLeft, and over 200 other places.
11:30 p.m. Stephen Colbert welcomed Nas as his guest on the Colbert Reportand dedicated over half of his show to FOX's racism. The boxes containingour signatures were stacked prominently on Colbert's set in place of hisnormal interview table and chairs-and he conducted the entire interviewsurrounded by petitions! Then, Nas performed his new song "Sly Fox," whichis all about FOX's racism.
12:00 a.m. Several MoveOn staffers, jaws dropped open, get on the phone andengage in several rounds of, "Wow!" :) Since then, the news has keptspreading around the world. You sent a message to FOX, and that message wasvery much received! And the fight's not over. We'll continue to push backtogether against FOX's racism and their smears against Obama. But for now,enjoy the video of Wednesday's petition delivery-led by our friends atColorOfChange-and the video of Colbert. Both videos are at this link:
http://www.moveon.org/r?r=3980&id=13325-5533006-GhbjPWx&t=4
=
Pew Research center
http://pewresearch.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-The Hispanic Vote
Latinos Overwhelmingly Support Obama and Democrats in 2008
A new Pew Hispanic Center survey finds the presumptive Democratic nomineenow has a strong lead among Hispanics, a sharp reversal from the primarieswhen Obama lost the Latino vote to Hillary Clinton by a nearly two-to-oneratio. In addition, the 39-percentage-point Democratic Party identificationedge is larger than it has been at any time this decade, up from 21 pointsin 2006. Read more
-Media Matters
Partisan Split on New Yorker Cover
Fully four-in-ten Americans heard a lot about a satirical cartoon on thecover of the New Yorker magazine. A majority of those who saw it found itoffensive (54%) while few found it funny (27%). Troubles at Fannie Mac andFreddie Mac topped news interest, and the public was also highly attuned tosuch business stories as bank runs at the IndyMac, the buyout ofAnheuser-Busch and GM cutbacks. Read more
-War Takes Center Stage as Obama (and Media) Move Overseas
In a week that began with speeches on foreign policy by both candidates andended with Barack Obama traveling to the Middle East, the wars in Iraq andAfghanistan, in various dimensions, retook center stage in the campaign forthe presidency. Read more
-All Politics is Local: Social Issues Crowd State Ballots
More proposals that would appeal to conservative voters than to liberals areshowing up in 2008, but there is no consensus on whether ballot measurestend to drive enough voters to the polls to give an advantage to apresidential candidate, finds a special report to the Pew Research Centerfrom Stateline.org. Read more
-Daily Number: 87% - Blacks Are The Most Religious Americans
Of all the major racial and ethnic groups in America, blacks are the mostlikely to report a formal religious affiliation, and even among black adultswho are unaffiliated (12%), more than two-thirds (70%) say that religion issomewhat or very important in their lives. Check back every weekday foranother number in the news. Read more
=
Inside Higher Education
http://www.insidehighered.com/
-Defining Political Correctness and Its Non-Impact
A major new study of the political correctness of faculty members maychallenge assumptions all around. For those who deny that there is anidentifiable group of PC professors, the study says that there is in fact agroup with consistently common perspectives, largely based on their views ofdiscrimination (that it exists and matters).
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/07/25
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Mich. GOP wants McCain-Romney ticket
If he's the running mate, it could help win the state in November, officialssay. The growing relationship between once-bitter adversaries John McCainand Mitt Romney is generating a buzz nationally, and here in Romney's nativestate, about a McCain-Romney presidential ticket this fall.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/POLITICS01/807250389
-Secret Service wants more money for candidates
The Secret Service has asked for an extra $9.5 million to cover unexpectedcosts of protecting the presidential candidates during what has turned intoan historic year for the agency's campaign security job.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-07-24-secret-service_N.htm?csp=34
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - July 25, 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.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Tagged and Targeted
Prevalence of anti-gay incidents alarm residents
The television news crews are long gone from the 2800 block of NW 7th Avenuein Wilton Manors, and most traces of the anti-gay epithets that were sprayedin black paint on houses and cars there are washed away or painted over.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/news/localnews/4887.cfm
-Firefighters endorse LaFontaine
Two Florida-based professional firefighter associations announced theirsupport for Mark LaFontaine, the openly gay candidate who is running forState Representative in District 92. The Broward County Council ofProfessional Firefighters and the Florida Professional Firefighters madetheir endorsements July 16. The BCCPF represents more than 2600 firefightersin Broward, while the FPF has more thatn23,000 members across the state.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/news/localnews/4889.cfm
-Boxers and briefs bring in big bucks
Two fundraisers result in more than $30,000 benefiting gay charities
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/news/localnews/4895.cfm
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-66,000 South Floridians fail to file for stimulus checks
66,000 locally fail to file returns to get stimulus cash. With Tax Day longgone and the final deadline for filing fast approaching, there are stillmore than 5 million Americans who have yet to put in the proper paperwork tocollect their economic stimulus checks. More than 66,000 of them live inPalm Beach and Broward counties.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flptaxhelp0725pnjul25,0,4038339.story
-Despite rainy summer, S. Florida still has water shortage
After another lawn-soaking, puddle-producing summer storm rolls through,familiar taunts rain down on the top forecaster for the South Florida WaterManagement District. "Nice drought!" neighbors tease Geoff Shaunghnessy,lead meteorologist for the agency that is imposing Water restrictions onSouth Florida.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flpwater0725pnjul25,0,3505986.story
-Senator wants review of plan to lease Alligator Alley to investors
A South Florida senator wants an independent review of the state's plans tolease Alligator Alley for 50 to 75 years. With an estimated value as highas $1.3 billion, Sen. Dave Aronberg, D- Greenacres, said the lease proposalneeds to be thoroughly vetted.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flballey0725sbjul25,0,6252645.story
-Hutchinson, Seiler lead way in fundraising for Fort Lauderdale mayor race
The race to be the next mayor of Fort Lauderdale might be more than half ayear away, but already five candidates are raising money and campaigning.The latest campaign finance reports show that two candidates - CityCommissioner Cindi Hutchinson and state Rep. Jack Seiler - are taking therace seriously, raising the lion's share of $89,000 in contributions.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbmayor0722sbjul25,0,5391489.story
-Medicare Part D a boon for drug companies, House report says
Taxpayers pay up to 30% more for prescriptions under the privatelyadministered program than under Medicaid, the House Committee on Oversightand Government Reform finds. U.S. drug manufacturers are reaping a windfallfrom taxpayers because Medicare's privately administered prescription drugbenefit program pays more than other government programs for the samemedicines, a House committee charged in a report Thursday. The HouseCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform found that taxpayers are payingup to 30% more for prescription drugs under Medicare's privatized Part Dprogram for seniors and the disabled than under the government's Medicaidprogram for the poor.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/la-na-medicare25-2008jul25,0,6138626.story
-Broward home prices fall 20 percent in June:
Home prices fall 20 percent in Broward
Price cuts still ruled in June as South Florida's housing slump trudged intoits 30th month.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzhousingbr0725pnjul25,0,904035.story
-Palm Beach County School District to categorize 83 troubled schools
Plans comply with new federal rules on progress
Eighty-three Palm Beach County schools will receive various levels ofsupport and corrective measures this year to comply with changing AdequateYearly Progress requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Theschool district on Thursday released its restructuring plan, whichincorporates a pilot program announced early this month by the stateDepartment of Education.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpschools0725pnjul25,0,1436394.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Prison program working wonders with inmates
As far as graduations go, it was a modest affair: About 75 men in foldingchairs under fluorescent lights, no big speech, no refreshments becausethere was no money for that. The ''band'' was four of the guys, singing acapella. And one harmonica wizard, solo, testament to the talents that canlie hidden away in prison.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/top-stories/story/617169.html
-DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Foster transplant case sparks DCF policy revamp
Among the lessons learned by welfare bosses when a foster child needed a newliver: Kids in care often need a 'champion' to fight for their cause.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/615840.html
-FIU gives Marco Rubio a $69,000 job
Outgoing state House Speaker Marco Rubio got a $69,000 part-time job atcash-strapped FIU. School officials said the hiring made good sense.Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio has landed a part-time job at FloridaInternational University that pays $69,000, amid layoffs and tuition hikescaused by what the university president called ``the most serious budgetcrisis in our history.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/617215.html
=
Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Self-insured condo fund may forfeit state license
State regulators are worried that a new self-insurance fund lacks enoughmembers to spread its risk and say it hasn't submitted all the paperworkneeded to keep its license.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/business/epaper/2008/07/24/a8b_condoinsure_0725.html
-Guv's birthday haul: $1 million, and a tie
They may as well be an old married couple. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist'ssexy betrothed gave him a tie for his 52nd birthday Thursday.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/07/24/a2a_jose_0725.html
-State to consider compensation for tomato industry
Tomato growers and packers nationwide would be compensated for their lossesdue to the recent salmonella outbreak according to a bill introducedThursday. The bill by U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, a Democrat from Palm BeachGardens, would authorize $100 million to make payments to growers andhandlers - the amount the Florida Tomato Exchange estimates was lost due tothe Food and Drug Administration's June advisory.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2008/07/24/0724tomatoes.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-State official admits felons worked in mortgage industry
The head of a state agency that allowed thousands of criminals to sell homeloans in Florida has acknowledged that his office did not follow a screeninglaw, but blamed legislators for failing to provide money to enforce it.That's one of the explanations in a 40-page response to a Miami Heraldinvestigation, which found that more than 10,000 people with criminalrecords were permitted to work in Florida's mortgage industry between 2000and 2007.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-mortgage2508jul25,0,26681.story
-Our view: Asleep at the wheel
Stop lax oversight of Florida mortgage professionals that adds to housingwoes
Even more proof Florida should be known as the rip-off state when it comesto consumer protection. That's because it fails to regulate its mortgageindustry to shield homebuyers from felons running scams, according to areport by The Miami Herald.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/OPINION/807250320/1004&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL
-6 teams want to lease Alligator Alley in the Everglades
Six teams are competing to lease Alligator Alley for the next 50 to 75years. The Florida Department of Transportation received their statementsof qualification Wednesday. In June, eight teams responded to the state'sfirst call for the information.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-alley2508jul25,0,7170012.story
-At least 15 seek 2 Fla. Supreme Court openings
At least 15 judges and lawyers have applied to replace two of the mostconservative members of the Florida Supreme Court. The deadline forapplications is 5 p.m. Friday.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_SCOFLA_JUSTICE_APPOINTMENTS_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
-Pahokee mayor will ask for acreage from sugar deal
On a hot, dusty morning in July, Larry Wright sweeps the space in front ofhis Pahokee Flower Shop. The small cloud of dust disturbs no one since thesidewalks of East Main Street are deserted.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2008/07/24/a8b_pahokeesugar_0725.html
-Energy analysis can help residents save money on bills
Lisa Polak Edgar of the Florida Public Service Commission has sat throughmany hours of state hearings, meetings and workshops about energy use andconservation. But she learned Thursday during an energy audit of her homethat there's plenty she can do to conserve energy and lower her monthlyelectric bill, such as fixing the leaking air-conditioning ducts in herattic.
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807250321
-Mysterious disease taking toll on Florida's palm trees
A silent killer is stalking Florida, leaving dead sabal palms in its wake.The official state tree, also called the cabbage palm, is under attack by amicroscopic killer that is hard to stop.The mass killer has spread throughSouth Florida, Sarasota and Tampa, and into Polk County dropping trees up to50 feet tall. But there are no reports of the bacterial threat yet inVolusia or Flagler counties, said Karen Stauderman, University of Floridaextension agent in DeLand.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD04EASTGAR072508.htm
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Tagged and Targeted
Prevalence of anti-gay incidents alarm residents
The television news crews are long gone from the 2800 block of NW 7th Avenuein Wilton Manors, and most traces of the anti-gay epithets that were sprayedin black paint on houses and cars there are washed away or painted over.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/news/localnews/4887.cfm
-Firefighters endorse LaFontaine
Two Florida-based professional firefighter associations announced theirsupport for Mark LaFontaine, the openly gay candidate who is running forState Representative in District 92. The Broward County Council ofProfessional Firefighters and the Florida Professional Firefighters madetheir endorsements July 16. The BCCPF represents more than 2600 firefightersin Broward, while the FPF has more thatn23,000 members across the state.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/news/localnews/4889.cfm
-Boxers and briefs bring in big bucks
Two fundraisers result in more than $30,000 benefiting gay charities
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/7-24/news/localnews/4895.cfm
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-66,000 South Floridians fail to file for stimulus checks
66,000 locally fail to file returns to get stimulus cash. With Tax Day longgone and the final deadline for filing fast approaching, there are stillmore than 5 million Americans who have yet to put in the proper paperwork tocollect their economic stimulus checks. More than 66,000 of them live inPalm Beach and Broward counties.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flptaxhelp0725pnjul25,0,4038339.story
-Despite rainy summer, S. Florida still has water shortage
After another lawn-soaking, puddle-producing summer storm rolls through,familiar taunts rain down on the top forecaster for the South Florida WaterManagement District. "Nice drought!" neighbors tease Geoff Shaunghnessy,lead meteorologist for the agency that is imposing Water restrictions onSouth Florida.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-flpwater0725pnjul25,0,3505986.story
-Senator wants review of plan to lease Alligator Alley to investors
A South Florida senator wants an independent review of the state's plans tolease Alligator Alley for 50 to 75 years. With an estimated value as highas $1.3 billion, Sen. Dave Aronberg, D- Greenacres, said the lease proposalneeds to be thoroughly vetted.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flballey0725sbjul25,0,6252645.story
-Hutchinson, Seiler lead way in fundraising for Fort Lauderdale mayor race
The race to be the next mayor of Fort Lauderdale might be more than half ayear away, but already five candidates are raising money and campaigning.The latest campaign finance reports show that two candidates - CityCommissioner Cindi Hutchinson and state Rep. Jack Seiler - are taking therace seriously, raising the lion's share of $89,000 in contributions.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbmayor0722sbjul25,0,5391489.story
-Medicare Part D a boon for drug companies, House report says
Taxpayers pay up to 30% more for prescriptions under the privatelyadministered program than under Medicaid, the House Committee on Oversightand Government Reform finds. U.S. drug manufacturers are reaping a windfallfrom taxpayers because Medicare's privately administered prescription drugbenefit program pays more than other government programs for the samemedicines, a House committee charged in a report Thursday. The HouseCommittee on Oversight and Government Reform found that taxpayers are payingup to 30% more for prescription drugs under Medicare's privatized Part Dprogram for seniors and the disabled than under the government's Medicaidprogram for the poor.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/health/la-na-medicare25-2008jul25,0,6138626.story
-Broward home prices fall 20 percent in June:
Home prices fall 20 percent in Broward
Price cuts still ruled in June as South Florida's housing slump trudged intoits 30th month.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzhousingbr0725pnjul25,0,904035.story
-Palm Beach County School District to categorize 83 troubled schools
Plans comply with new federal rules on progress
Eighty-three Palm Beach County schools will receive various levels ofsupport and corrective measures this year to comply with changing AdequateYearly Progress requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Theschool district on Thursday released its restructuring plan, whichincorporates a pilot program announced early this month by the stateDepartment of Education.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpschools0725pnjul25,0,1436394.story
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CRIMINAL JUSTICE: Prison program working wonders with inmates
As far as graduations go, it was a modest affair: About 75 men in foldingchairs under fluorescent lights, no big speech, no refreshments becausethere was no money for that. The ''band'' was four of the guys, singing acapella. And one harmonica wizard, solo, testament to the talents that canlie hidden away in prison.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/top-stories/story/617169.html
-DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN & FAMILIES
Foster transplant case sparks DCF policy revamp
Among the lessons learned by welfare bosses when a foster child needed a newliver: Kids in care often need a 'champion' to fight for their cause.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/615840.html
-FIU gives Marco Rubio a $69,000 job
Outgoing state House Speaker Marco Rubio got a $69,000 part-time job atcash-strapped FIU. School officials said the hiring made good sense.Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio has landed a part-time job at FloridaInternational University that pays $69,000, amid layoffs and tuition hikescaused by what the university president called ``the most serious budgetcrisis in our history.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/457/story/617215.html
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Palm Beach Post
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Self-insured condo fund may forfeit state license
State regulators are worried that a new self-insurance fund lacks enoughmembers to spread its risk and say it hasn't submitted all the paperworkneeded to keep its license.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/business/epaper/2008/07/24/a8b_condoinsure_0725.html
-Guv's birthday haul: $1 million, and a tie
They may as well be an old married couple. Florida Gov. Charlie Crist'ssexy betrothed gave him a tie for his 52nd birthday Thursday.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2008/07/24/a2a_jose_0725.html
-State to consider compensation for tomato industry
Tomato growers and packers nationwide would be compensated for their lossesdue to the recent salmonella outbreak according to a bill introducedThursday. The bill by U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, a Democrat from Palm BeachGardens, would authorize $100 million to make payments to growers andhandlers - the amount the Florida Tomato Exchange estimates was lost due tothe Food and Drug Administration's June advisory.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/state/epaper/2008/07/24/0724tomatoes.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-State official admits felons worked in mortgage industry
The head of a state agency that allowed thousands of criminals to sell homeloans in Florida has acknowledged that his office did not follow a screeninglaw, but blamed legislators for failing to provide money to enforce it.That's one of the explanations in a 40-page response to a Miami Heraldinvestigation, which found that more than 10,000 people with criminalrecords were permitted to work in Florida's mortgage industry between 2000and 2007.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-mortgage2508jul25,0,26681.story
-Our view: Asleep at the wheel
Stop lax oversight of Florida mortgage professionals that adds to housingwoes
Even more proof Florida should be known as the rip-off state when it comesto consumer protection. That's because it fails to regulate its mortgageindustry to shield homebuyers from felons running scams, according to areport by The Miami Herald.
http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080725/OPINION/807250320/1004&referrer=NEWSFRONTCAROUSEL
-6 teams want to lease Alligator Alley in the Everglades
Six teams are competing to lease Alligator Alley for the next 50 to 75years. The Florida Department of Transportation received their statementsof qualification Wednesday. In June, eight teams responded to the state'sfirst call for the information.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/state/orl-alley2508jul25,0,7170012.story
-At least 15 seek 2 Fla. Supreme Court openings
At least 15 judges and lawyers have applied to replace two of the mostconservative members of the Florida Supreme Court. The deadline forapplications is 5 p.m. Friday.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/F/FL_SCOFLA_JUSTICE_APPOINTMENTS_FLOL-?SITE=FLTAL&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
-Pahokee mayor will ask for acreage from sugar deal
On a hot, dusty morning in July, Larry Wright sweeps the space in front ofhis Pahokee Flower Shop. The small cloud of dust disturbs no one since thesidewalks of East Main Street are deserted.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/business/content/business/epaper/2008/07/24/a8b_pahokeesugar_0725.html
-Energy analysis can help residents save money on bills
Lisa Polak Edgar of the Florida Public Service Commission has sat throughmany hours of state hearings, meetings and workshops about energy use andconservation. But she learned Thursday during an energy audit of her homethat there's plenty she can do to conserve energy and lower her monthlyelectric bill, such as fixing the leaking air-conditioning ducts in herattic.
http://www.tallahassee.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807250321
-Mysterious disease taking toll on Florida's palm trees
A silent killer is stalking Florida, leaving dead sabal palms in its wake.The official state tree, also called the cabbage palm, is under attack by amicroscopic killer that is hard to stop.The mass killer has spread throughSouth Florida, Sarasota and Tampa, and into Polk County dropping trees up to50 feet tall. But there are no reports of the bacterial threat yet inVolusia or Flagler counties, said Karen Stauderman, University of Floridaextension agent in DeLand.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/Headlines/frtHEAD04EASTGAR072508.htm
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Thursday, July 24, 2008
GLBT DIGEST - July 24, 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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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Defending Our Values
Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians?An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces,though by law they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight twowars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers,sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302904.html
-Sorry We Asked, Sorry You Told
Don't ask, don't tell. And, whatever you do, don't ask Elaine Donnelly totell you what she thinks about gays in the military. The House ArmedServices personnel subcommittee made just such a miscalculation yesterday.Holding the first hearing in 15 years on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy,lawmakers invited a quartet of veterans to testify on the subject and alsoextended an invitation to Donnelly, who has been working for years toprotect our fighting forces from the malign influence of women.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072303642.html
-Defending Our Values
Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians?
An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces,though by law they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight twowars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers,sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential. [...]Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians?An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces,though by law they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight twowars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers,sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302904.html
-A Shameful Ban
The United States should end a prohibition against HIV-positive visitors andimmigrants.
A PLAN THAT would direct about $50 billion over the next five years to haltthe spread of HIV-AIDS in developing countries has dodged multiplechallenges from Republican lawmakers and is set to become one of the Bushadministration's finest accomplishments. The Senate voted overwhelminglylast week to approve the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief(PEPFAR), and the House is expected to do the same as early as today. Butone of PEPFAR's most significant provisions, the elimination of a21-year-old ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants that puts the UnitedStates in the company of countries such as Libya and Sudan, may not takeeffect even if the legislation passes. The bill leaves to the Department ofHealth and Human Services (HHS) the decision as to whether HIV-positivevisitors may enter the country. HHS officials have previously expressed awillingness to remove the ban but may delay a decision until the nextadministration takes office.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072303315.html
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-A Conference of Anglican Leaders Confronts Deeply Divisive Issues
Actions by the U.S. Episcopal Church test the durability of the AnglicanCommunion
It was not the most joyous of starts for the Lambeth Conference, theonce-every-10-year gathering of the bishops of the 77 million-memberAnglican Communion in Canterbury, England. Speaking last Sunday at theformal opening ceremony in the city's storied cathedral, the Archbishop ofCanterbury, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, observed that the globalassociation of Anglican churches, including the Episcopal Church of theUnited States, faced the most serious challenge of its history.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/07/23/a-conference-of-anglican-leaders-confronts-deeply-divisive-issues.html
-Laguna Beach council opposes ban on gay marriage
The City Council votes unanimously to oppose Prop. 8 on the November ballot.'Laguna has a live-and-let-live attitude,' a councilwoman says. LagunaBeach, long a gay-friendly community, followed Los Angeles' lead as one ofthe first cities to reject a ballot measure that would ban same-sexmarriage.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-marriage24-2008jul24,0,4080471.story
-North Carolina: Anti-bullying law would have sent strong message
Every student deserves a safe school environment to learn. Of the failureof N.C. lawmakers to approve a statewide school bullying policy thissession, we'll let Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Fayetteville, speak for us. "Ithink, sadly, the Senate was truly bullied on the bullying bill," he said oflegislation the N.C. House had approved earlier. "Much to the detriment ofschool children, the politics of bigotry and hate won out." He's right.Unfortunately, we in Charlotte could see it coming. That's because a fewmonths ago, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board approved a beefed upanti-bullying policy, and some of the same forces worked to derail it. TheCMS policy, like the one N.C. lawmakers debated as late as last week,included sexual orientation among the characteristics school districts useto identify students who are possible targets of bullying.
http://www.charlotte.com/opinion/story/723896.html
-Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Telling My Story to Congress
Last year, one of the first times I told my story was here on HuffingtonPost and I was overwhelmed by the positive and supportive response. I'vefound the same is true as I've traveled around the country talking about theneed to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-alva/dont-ask-dont-tell-tellin_b_114561.html
-George Michael talks about losing his partner to AIDS, the death of hismother, getting caught cruising in a bathroom in a park in Beverly Hills,and his drug arrests. Said the singer: "I lost my partner to HIV then ittook about three years to grieve; then after that I lost my mother. I feltalmost like I was cursed. The only thing that got me through it was mymusic. It survived. I wrote very, very little, but the little I wrote didwell and kept my head above water...It was depression and shock which justwent on for years." He also says he's come to realize his arrest for publicsex was something he did deliberately. Link to video:
http://www.towleroad.com/2008/07/george-michael.html
-Seattle: Qwest Field Sorry About Scolding Lesbians
In the current issue of the Stranger, I write about two lesbians who heldhands at Qwest Field's WaMu Theater. To their horror, a security guardapproached them, shined a flashlight on their faces, and told them to "stopit," they say. What's worse: They were at the True Colors concert. You know,the show promoted with the rainbow fliers; the one that starred Rosie O'Donnell and Cyndi Lauper; the one that, as part of its mission statement, was heldto "raise awareness about the discrimination the GLBT community stillfaces." The PR firm handling the tour was mortified by the news. PatrickConfrey, of Rogers and Cowan, says, "We were freaked. We were like, "Are youkidding me?" The women met with representatives of Qwest Filed last weekto find out how to resolve the issue. Cai and Laura, who asked to beidentified only by their first names, say Qwest agreed to institute newdiversity trainings for their staff.
http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/qwest_sorry_about_scolding_lesbains
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Anti-Gay Lawmaker Caught With Gun At Capitol
A state lawmaker who gained national notoriety with an anti-homosexual rantwas stopped from entering the state Capitol Wednesday when she was found tohave a loaded handgun in her purse, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.Patrol spokeswoman Chris West said Republican Rep. Sally Kern was notcharged because there did not appear to be any "malicious intent" behind heractions.
http://www.365gay.com/news/anti-gay-lawmaker-caught-with-gun-at-capitol/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Old Prejudices Revealed at House DADT Hearing
The first hearing in 15 years on the U.S. military's controversial "don'task, don't tell" policy prohibiting gay and lesbian soldiers from servingopenly was held in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Con Artist in 9-11 Scam Rearrested in California
Statement from the Publisher, Norm Kent: As many of you know, I was the person responsible for exposing the original scam by Patric Ian Henn when,
as Publisher of The Express, I ran a story entitled 'Disaster and Deceit.' The story methodically detailed how Henn ran a scam which ripped the Red Cross off for over $68,000 in survivor benefits. Henn had falsely claimed to have lost his gay lover in the World Trade Center attacked, and had actually complained that the Red Cross was not funneling him money quickly enough.
-Support Increasing for UM Gay and Lesbian Community
The University of Mississippi has greatly changed its attitude towardsmembers of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) community overthe past ten years, Allies administrator and Gay-Straight Alliance advisorKevin Cozart said. "There is still a lot of work to do as far as the LGBTcommunity being included in things," Cozart said. "But it's better than itused to be." Cozart said the South's cultural heritage might havecontributed to this situation.
-Cox Enterprises Announces $50,000 in Foundation
Scholarships for Minority Journalism Students
Today at the 2008 UNITY journalism convention, Cox Enterprises, Inc.announced the James M. Cox Foundation is awarding $50,000 in scholarships tosupport minority journalism students. The scholarships will be managed byfive minority journalism organizations: the Asian American JournalistsAssociation (AAJA), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ),the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), the Native AmericanJournalists Association (NAJA) and the National Lesbian & Gay JournalistsAssociation (NLGJA).
-Australia: Solving the Puzzle
Like so many gay teenagers, Sebastian remembers hating his time as a studenton Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula. "For years, I was persecuted andabused, verbally and physically," he recalls. "The teachers knowinglyignored and turned a blind eye to the bullying, and I got blamed for drawingattention to myself. It got to the point where I dropped out of school forsix months." Mark went to an all boys' private school, and didn't come outuntil he was 21.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-CA: Map--"Spike in marriage licenses statewide"
Link: Los Angeles Times
Licenses issued by counties the first week of legal same-sexmarriage--compared to average rates. Statewide, more than 8,500 marriagelicenses were issued, more than two and a half times an average June week.
-"Some Mass. Lawmakers Scared of Vote to Repeal Anti-Misegenation LawRepeal"
Link: Edge Boston
In the wake of Mass. state senators voting to consider the repeal of aracist law from 1913, some House Democrats are expressing dismay at thetiming of the move because anti-gay activists are painting the repeal as anattempt to export marriage equality to other states. The Boston Heraldquoted unnamed Democratic lawmakers in July 22 article, with one Democratsaying Sal DiMasi, the House Speaker, was forcing a vote on the issuewithout regard to the political fallout for politicians facing re-electionbattles in the fall.
-"Janet Folger's Prison Fantasies"
Link: Box Turtle Bulletin
Her fantasy looks something like this: I can argue why marriage matters forthe continuation of civilization. I can tell you about every study thatshows without a doubt that children do best with both a mother and a father.But let me cut to the chase: If we don't win the marriage battle, now on theballot in California, Florida and Arizona, people who disagree withhomosexual behavior will . go to jail.
-"California Changes Prop 8 Ballot Language"
Link: Box Turtle Bulletin
Excerpt: The original title was "Limit on Marriage. Constitutional
Amendment". Now it's been changed for the better (PDF: 2 pages):
ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY.
INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples tomarry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid orrecognized in California. Fiscal Impact: Over the next few years, potentialrevenue loss, mainly sales taxes, totaling in the several tens of millionsof dollars, to state and local governments. In the long run, likely littlefiscal impact to state and local governments.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-UK: Tory councillor charged with having gay sex in a public toilet
A Conservative councillor in Harrow has appeared in court charged withengaging in sexual activity in a public lavatory. Robert Benson did notenter a plea at Harrow Magistrates' Court last week.
-German court rules forced divorces for trans people unconstitutional
A ruling by Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has been hailed as amajor victory for the trans community.
-Gaydar expands its radio reach to Australia
The UK's most popular gay radio station is to launch in Australia later thisyear. GaydarRadio has won armfuls of awards and is broadcast in the UK onSky and globally online.
-Vanity Fair parodies Obama 'terrorist' magazine cover
Vanity Fair has stepped into the fray over a controversial New YorkerMagazine cover featuring a cartoon Barack Obama as a terrorist by issuingtheir own faked John McCain parody cover this week.
-Gay advocacy groups get consultative status at United Nations
Two sexual orientation and gender identity rights groups have been givenconsultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC).
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Black and Single: Is Marriage Really for White People?
Posted by Daily Queer News
A career she enjoyed, a nice home, two adorable children and a husband. Sheshared her tools for success with me at an early age. She went to college,got married and waited until she was 26 to have her first child.The perfectlife. The perfect plan. It was one I decided to model.My aspirations forboth a career and family were set at the age of 12. I knew I couldaccomplish what Mrs. Allen, my fifth- and seventh-grade teacher, had. But asI approach 30 and measure the goals I had at 12 against the reality of life,the only thing I can check off that list is a college education. I am astatistic.
-Activists in Maryland Await Judge's Ruling on Montgomery Co.'s TransgenderAnti-Discrimination Law
Posted by Daily Queer News
Equal-rights advocates in Maryland are hoping for the best while preparingfor the worst, regarding Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert A.Greenberg's upcoming ruling on the validity of 25,001 signatures collectedby a group of citizens hoping to place the fate of a transgenderanti-discrimination law in the hands of voters in November. "We're notassuming we're going to win in court. We certainly hope we do, but we can'trely on that," says Carrie Evans, who works as policy director for EqualityMaryland. "So we are absolutely preparing for defending this at the ballotbox in November and helping out Basic Rights Montgomery so voters inMontgomery County can understand why repealing this law is not a good thing."
-How One Vet's Persistence Paid Off
Posted by Daily Queer News
It was an average-looking letter that landed in Paul Weaver's mailbox. Butbearing news that his veteran's disability benefits had been stopped, itfelt more like a ton of crashing bricks. He felt shock, then resignation.He thought "I can't do this anymore. I have to move on." Mr. Weaver hadsought treatment at US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities a fewyears earlier for what had been diagnosed as a serious illness as well asfor post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his Marine Corps deploymentto Iraq in 2003, where he was a machine-gunner with the original invasionforce. Now it was July 2007, and he wanted to leave the battle behind him -even if it meant giving up thousands of dollars a month in disabilitybenefits. But his father, a retired senior chief petty officer with theNavy, wouldn't hear of it.
-Antiretroviral Drugs Extending Life, Not Improving It
Posted by Daily Queer News
Nairobi - HIV-positive people are living longer on antiretroviral (ARV)medication, but many of them remain poor and hungry, highlighting the needto create incomes for them, says a new report. "The long-termsustainability of people on ART [antiretroviral therapy] and the [treatment]programmes are threatened by the continuing lack of food and economicindependence," said a press release on the report, produced for CAFOD, adevelopment NGO based in the United Kingdom. The report noted that ART hadhad a significant impact on patients, whose expectations had changed from"preparing for death" to looking to the future for ways to sustainthemselves and their families. However, many people had started taking ARVsafter periods of illness during which they had lost their jobs and soldtheir assets to survive, so returning to a more normal life has proveddifficult. "ART programmes need to take into account the fact that peopleon treatment still need to eat and still need an income," Jo Maher, authorof the CAFOD report, told IRIN/PlusNews.
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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:
-The Syrian government should order an independent investigation into thedeadly shooting of inmates by military police at Sednaya prison two weeksago and make the findings public, Human Rights Watch said today. HumanRights Watch also called on the authorities to immediately make public thenames of those killed or injured in the incident. On the morning of July 5,prison authorities attempted to quell a riot in Sednaya prison, about 30kilometers north of Damascus. The riot had begun when a contingent ofMilitary Police officers conducted an aggressive search at the prison.According to an inmate who spoke to Human Rights Watch from a cell phoneinside the prison, the officers insulted inmates and stepped on copies ofthe Qur'an they had thrown on the floor.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Gay Movements Abroad
As best I can from this distance, I try to follow the progress of gay rightsmovements abroad. And I feel great admiration and sympathy for the bravemenand women who are trying to promote gay legal and social equality inmanycountries of Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. But most ofthem face a much harder time than we did in North America and WesternEurope. They face very different social situations from the ones we didso Iam not sure if the activist model they have adopted in part from us can workas well for them as it did for us.
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-United Nations: Defeat for Discrimination, Victory for InclusionLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Groups Gain Consultative StatusThe decision by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)granting consultative status to two groups that work on sexual orientationand gender identity is a victory in the ongoing struggle for inclusion atthe UN, a coalition of six human rights organizations said today. The twogroups approved on July 21 and 22, 2008 are COC Netherlands and the StateFederation of Lesbians, Gays, Transexuals and Bisexuals of Spain (FELGTB),national organizations representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender(LGBT) people in the Netherlands and Spain. "COC Netherlands is delightedabout obtaining consultative status with the UN," said Björn van Roozendaal,COC international advocacy officer. "It means we can join the efforts at theUN to address human rights violations against people with an alternativesexual orientation or gender identity." "Spanish-speaking LGBT voices willbe heard in UN meetings where human rights questions are debated," saidDavid Montero, FELGTB Spain's officer for international issues and humanrights. "We thank all who have contributed to this exciting outcome, andespecially Spain's UN mission for their support." Consultative status is akey means for civil society to access the UN system. It allowsnon-governmental organizations (NGOs) to deliver oral and written reports atUN meetings, and to organize events on UN premises. With it, these groupscan share their information and analysis of the abuses and discriminationLGBT people confront around the world.
-Today, in spite of the fact, that moscow authorities banned the picket nearthe embassy of Iran, organized in memory of gay-teenagers, executed in 2005,several activists of LGBT Rights, honored the memory of Mahmud Asgari (1989-19.07.2005) and Aiaz Marhoni (1987-19.07.2005) and other thousands ofpeople, exterminated by authorities during the years of victimizing of gaypeople in Iran. We would like to remind that this picket near the embassyof Iran was not coordinated with authorities because of the homophobia ofour Moscow government. In our country it is dangerous for morality of thesociety to honor the memory of people and to be outraged with brutal murderof gay people in Iran. We also break the 11th Article of the Convention!
http://lgbtrights.ru/eng/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=1
-Finland: Lutheran Pastor Blesses Union of Lesbian Couple
A Lutheran pastor in Espoo has flouted church rules to bless the partnershipof a lesbian couple. The dean of the archdiocese of Espoo, Liisa Tuovinen,bestowed her blessing on the registered partners at a church summer campfacility on July 12. The bishop of Espoo, Mikko Heikka, said the churchwould not take any steps in response to the act unless a formal complaint isfiled. Two years ago a Lutheran pastor Leena Huovinen blessed a gay coupleat a Helsinki restaurant. A complaint was filed, but no action was takenagainst her. Pastor Tuovinen says that other such ceremonies have been heldat private homes. Finland's Lutheran bishops are to reconsider the issue ofblessing same-sex unions next year. Nearly nine out of 10 Finns are membersof the state-supported Evangelical Lutheran Church. Same-sex couples havebeen allowed to register theirrelationships with a magistrate since 2002.
http://www.yle.fi/news/left/id96984.html
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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
-The Child Online Protection Act suffers from a slew of fatal flaws thatrender the law unconstitutional under the First Amendment, the 3rd U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. "We are quite certain thatnotwithstanding Congress's laudable purpose in enacting COPA, the governmenthas not met its burden of showing that it is narrowly tailored so as tosurvive a strict scrutiny analysis and thereby permit us to hold it to beconstitutional," Senior 3rd Circuit Judge Morton Greenberg wrote in ACLU v.Mukasey.
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202423185753&rss=newswire
-Campus Pride Honors Transgender Advocate Donna Rose with National Voice &Action Award
Second Annual Summer Leadership Camp Comes to Close
(Charlotte, NC) - National transgender advocate and educator Donna Rose willbe honored by Campus Pride with its first-ever Voice & Action Award. Ms.Rose will receive the honor as well as be a featured guest speaker at theClosing Dinner & Graduation Ceremony for the Campus Pride Summer LeadershipCamp this evening Wednesday, July 23, 2008. The camp is hosted on the campusof Towson University. "As a trans-identified young adult male, nationalleaders like Donna Rose remind me that we all have something to fight for.Her voice has been a catalyst for action and change for LGBT people for manyyears to come," Courtney D'Allaird, camp participant and Pride Leader fromthe State University of New York - Albany said.
www.campuspride.org
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Allyson Robinson Named Human Rights Campaign Foundation Associate Director of Diversity
Longtime activist, ordained minister Robinson to lead organization's work on transgender issues
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest gay, lesbian,bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced that AllysonRobinson has been named Associate Director of Diversity of the organization.Robinson, a longtime activist and ordained minister, will lead HRC and itsvolunteer base in promoting awareness of transgender issues and ensuringthat all program areas demonstrate measurable commitment to transgenderequality and inclusion.
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Defending Our Values
Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians?An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces,though by law they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight twowars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers,sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302904.html
-Sorry We Asked, Sorry You Told
Don't ask, don't tell. And, whatever you do, don't ask Elaine Donnelly totell you what she thinks about gays in the military. The House ArmedServices personnel subcommittee made just such a miscalculation yesterday.Holding the first hearing in 15 years on the "don't ask, don't tell" policy,lawmakers invited a quartet of veterans to testify on the subject and alsoextended an invitation to Donnelly, who has been working for years toprotect our fighting forces from the malign influence of women.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072303642.html
-Defending Our Values
Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians?
An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces,though by law they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight twowars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers,sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential. [...]Did you know that your safety and security depend on gay men and lesbians?An estimated 65,000 gay men and lesbians serve in the U.S. armed forces,though by law they cannot be open about their sexuality. As we fight twowars, our military is stretched thin. Those gay and lesbian soldiers,sailors, airmen, Marines and members of the Coast Guard are essential.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072302904.html
-A Shameful Ban
The United States should end a prohibition against HIV-positive visitors andimmigrants.
A PLAN THAT would direct about $50 billion over the next five years to haltthe spread of HIV-AIDS in developing countries has dodged multiplechallenges from Republican lawmakers and is set to become one of the Bushadministration's finest accomplishments. The Senate voted overwhelminglylast week to approve the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief(PEPFAR), and the House is expected to do the same as early as today. Butone of PEPFAR's most significant provisions, the elimination of a21-year-old ban on HIV-positive visitors and immigrants that puts the UnitedStates in the company of countries such as Libya and Sudan, may not takeeffect even if the legislation passes. The bill leaves to the Department ofHealth and Human Services (HHS) the decision as to whether HIV-positivevisitors may enter the country. HHS officials have previously expressed awillingness to remove the ban but may delay a decision until the nextadministration takes office.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/07/23/AR2008072303315.html
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-A Conference of Anglican Leaders Confronts Deeply Divisive Issues
Actions by the U.S. Episcopal Church test the durability of the AnglicanCommunion
It was not the most joyous of starts for the Lambeth Conference, theonce-every-10-year gathering of the bishops of the 77 million-memberAnglican Communion in Canterbury, England. Speaking last Sunday at theformal opening ceremony in the city's storied cathedral, the Archbishop ofCanterbury, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams, observed that the globalassociation of Anglican churches, including the Episcopal Church of theUnited States, faced the most serious challenge of its history.
http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/national/2008/07/23/a-conference-of-anglican-leaders-confronts-deeply-divisive-issues.html
-Laguna Beach council opposes ban on gay marriage
The City Council votes unanimously to oppose Prop. 8 on the November ballot.'Laguna has a live-and-let-live attitude,' a councilwoman says. LagunaBeach, long a gay-friendly community, followed Los Angeles' lead as one ofthe first cities to reject a ballot measure that would ban same-sexmarriage.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-marriage24-2008jul24,0,4080471.story
-North Carolina: Anti-bullying law would have sent strong message
Every student deserves a safe school environment to learn. Of the failureof N.C. lawmakers to approve a statewide school bullying policy thissession, we'll let Rep. Rick Glazier, D-Fayetteville, speak for us. "Ithink, sadly, the Senate was truly bullied on the bullying bill," he said oflegislation the N.C. House had approved earlier. "Much to the detriment ofschool children, the politics of bigotry and hate won out." He's right.Unfortunately, we in Charlotte could see it coming. That's because a fewmonths ago, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board approved a beefed upanti-bullying policy, and some of the same forces worked to derail it. TheCMS policy, like the one N.C. lawmakers debated as late as last week,included sexual orientation among the characteristics school districts useto identify students who are possible targets of bullying.
http://www.charlotte.com/opinion/story/723896.html
-Don't Ask, Don't Tell: Telling My Story to Congress
Last year, one of the first times I told my story was here on HuffingtonPost and I was overwhelmed by the positive and supportive response. I'vefound the same is true as I've traveled around the country talking about theneed to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/eric-alva/dont-ask-dont-tell-tellin_b_114561.html
-George Michael talks about losing his partner to AIDS, the death of hismother, getting caught cruising in a bathroom in a park in Beverly Hills,and his drug arrests. Said the singer: "I lost my partner to HIV then ittook about three years to grieve; then after that I lost my mother. I feltalmost like I was cursed. The only thing that got me through it was mymusic. It survived. I wrote very, very little, but the little I wrote didwell and kept my head above water...It was depression and shock which justwent on for years." He also says he's come to realize his arrest for publicsex was something he did deliberately. Link to video:
http://www.towleroad.com/2008/07/george-michael.html
-Seattle: Qwest Field Sorry About Scolding Lesbians
In the current issue of the Stranger, I write about two lesbians who heldhands at Qwest Field's WaMu Theater. To their horror, a security guardapproached them, shined a flashlight on their faces, and told them to "stopit," they say. What's worse: They were at the True Colors concert. You know,the show promoted with the rainbow fliers; the one that starred Rosie O'Donnell and Cyndi Lauper; the one that, as part of its mission statement, was heldto "raise awareness about the discrimination the GLBT community stillfaces." The PR firm handling the tour was mortified by the news. PatrickConfrey, of Rogers and Cowan, says, "We were freaked. We were like, "Are youkidding me?" The women met with representatives of Qwest Filed last weekto find out how to resolve the issue. Cai and Laura, who asked to beidentified only by their first names, say Qwest agreed to institute newdiversity trainings for their staff.
http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/07/qwest_sorry_about_scolding_lesbains
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Anti-Gay Lawmaker Caught With Gun At Capitol
A state lawmaker who gained national notoriety with an anti-homosexual rantwas stopped from entering the state Capitol Wednesday when she was found tohave a loaded handgun in her purse, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol said.Patrol spokeswoman Chris West said Republican Rep. Sally Kern was notcharged because there did not appear to be any "malicious intent" behind heractions.
http://www.365gay.com/news/anti-gay-lawmaker-caught-with-gun-at-capitol/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Old Prejudices Revealed at House DADT Hearing
The first hearing in 15 years on the U.S. military's controversial "don'task, don't tell" policy prohibiting gay and lesbian soldiers from servingopenly was held in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Con Artist in 9-11 Scam Rearrested in California
Statement from the Publisher, Norm Kent: As many of you know, I was the person responsible for exposing the original scam by Patric Ian Henn when,
as Publisher of The Express, I ran a story entitled 'Disaster and Deceit.' The story methodically detailed how Henn ran a scam which ripped the Red Cross off for over $68,000 in survivor benefits. Henn had falsely claimed to have lost his gay lover in the World Trade Center attacked, and had actually complained that the Red Cross was not funneling him money quickly enough.
-Support Increasing for UM Gay and Lesbian Community
The University of Mississippi has greatly changed its attitude towardsmembers of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transsexual (LGBT) community overthe past ten years, Allies administrator and Gay-Straight Alliance advisorKevin Cozart said. "There is still a lot of work to do as far as the LGBTcommunity being included in things," Cozart said. "But it's better than itused to be." Cozart said the South's cultural heritage might havecontributed to this situation.
-Cox Enterprises Announces $50,000 in Foundation
Scholarships for Minority Journalism Students
Today at the 2008 UNITY journalism convention, Cox Enterprises, Inc.announced the James M. Cox Foundation is awarding $50,000 in scholarships tosupport minority journalism students. The scholarships will be managed byfive minority journalism organizations: the Asian American JournalistsAssociation (AAJA), the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ),the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), the Native AmericanJournalists Association (NAJA) and the National Lesbian & Gay JournalistsAssociation (NLGJA).
-Australia: Solving the Puzzle
Like so many gay teenagers, Sebastian remembers hating his time as a studenton Melbourne's Mornington Peninsula. "For years, I was persecuted andabused, verbally and physically," he recalls. "The teachers knowinglyignored and turned a blind eye to the bullying, and I got blamed for drawingattention to myself. It got to the point where I dropped out of school forsix months." Mark went to an all boys' private school, and didn't come outuntil he was 21.
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-CA: Map--"Spike in marriage licenses statewide"
Link: Los Angeles Times
Licenses issued by counties the first week of legal same-sexmarriage--compared to average rates. Statewide, more than 8,500 marriagelicenses were issued, more than two and a half times an average June week.
-"Some Mass. Lawmakers Scared of Vote to Repeal Anti-Misegenation LawRepeal"
Link: Edge Boston
In the wake of Mass. state senators voting to consider the repeal of aracist law from 1913, some House Democrats are expressing dismay at thetiming of the move because anti-gay activists are painting the repeal as anattempt to export marriage equality to other states. The Boston Heraldquoted unnamed Democratic lawmakers in July 22 article, with one Democratsaying Sal DiMasi, the House Speaker, was forcing a vote on the issuewithout regard to the political fallout for politicians facing re-electionbattles in the fall.
-"Janet Folger's Prison Fantasies"
Link: Box Turtle Bulletin
Her fantasy looks something like this: I can argue why marriage matters forthe continuation of civilization. I can tell you about every study thatshows without a doubt that children do best with both a mother and a father.But let me cut to the chase: If we don't win the marriage battle, now on theballot in California, Florida and Arizona, people who disagree withhomosexual behavior will . go to jail.
-"California Changes Prop 8 Ballot Language"
Link: Box Turtle Bulletin
Excerpt: The original title was "Limit on Marriage. Constitutional
Amendment". Now it's been changed for the better (PDF: 2 pages):
ELIMINATES RIGHT OF SAME-SEX COUPLES TO MARRY.
INITIATIVE CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT
Changes California Constitution to eliminate right of same-sex couples tomarry. Provides that only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid orrecognized in California. Fiscal Impact: Over the next few years, potentialrevenue loss, mainly sales taxes, totaling in the several tens of millionsof dollars, to state and local governments. In the long run, likely littlefiscal impact to state and local governments.
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-UK: Tory councillor charged with having gay sex in a public toilet
A Conservative councillor in Harrow has appeared in court charged withengaging in sexual activity in a public lavatory. Robert Benson did notenter a plea at Harrow Magistrates' Court last week.
-German court rules forced divorces for trans people unconstitutional
A ruling by Germany's Federal Constitutional Court has been hailed as amajor victory for the trans community.
-Gaydar expands its radio reach to Australia
The UK's most popular gay radio station is to launch in Australia later thisyear. GaydarRadio has won armfuls of awards and is broadcast in the UK onSky and globally online.
-Vanity Fair parodies Obama 'terrorist' magazine cover
Vanity Fair has stepped into the fray over a controversial New YorkerMagazine cover featuring a cartoon Barack Obama as a terrorist by issuingtheir own faked John McCain parody cover this week.
-Gay advocacy groups get consultative status at United Nations
Two sexual orientation and gender identity rights groups have been givenconsultative status by the United Nations Economic and Social Council(ECOSOC).
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Black and Single: Is Marriage Really for White People?
Posted by Daily Queer News
A career she enjoyed, a nice home, two adorable children and a husband. Sheshared her tools for success with me at an early age. She went to college,got married and waited until she was 26 to have her first child.The perfectlife. The perfect plan. It was one I decided to model.My aspirations forboth a career and family were set at the age of 12. I knew I couldaccomplish what Mrs. Allen, my fifth- and seventh-grade teacher, had. But asI approach 30 and measure the goals I had at 12 against the reality of life,the only thing I can check off that list is a college education. I am astatistic.
-Activists in Maryland Await Judge's Ruling on Montgomery Co.'s TransgenderAnti-Discrimination Law
Posted by Daily Queer News
Equal-rights advocates in Maryland are hoping for the best while preparingfor the worst, regarding Montgomery County Circuit Court Judge Robert A.Greenberg's upcoming ruling on the validity of 25,001 signatures collectedby a group of citizens hoping to place the fate of a transgenderanti-discrimination law in the hands of voters in November. "We're notassuming we're going to win in court. We certainly hope we do, but we can'trely on that," says Carrie Evans, who works as policy director for EqualityMaryland. "So we are absolutely preparing for defending this at the ballotbox in November and helping out Basic Rights Montgomery so voters inMontgomery County can understand why repealing this law is not a good thing."
-How One Vet's Persistence Paid Off
Posted by Daily Queer News
It was an average-looking letter that landed in Paul Weaver's mailbox. Butbearing news that his veteran's disability benefits had been stopped, itfelt more like a ton of crashing bricks. He felt shock, then resignation.He thought "I can't do this anymore. I have to move on." Mr. Weaver hadsought treatment at US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) facilities a fewyears earlier for what had been diagnosed as a serious illness as well asfor post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from his Marine Corps deploymentto Iraq in 2003, where he was a machine-gunner with the original invasionforce. Now it was July 2007, and he wanted to leave the battle behind him -even if it meant giving up thousands of dollars a month in disabilitybenefits. But his father, a retired senior chief petty officer with theNavy, wouldn't hear of it.
-Antiretroviral Drugs Extending Life, Not Improving It
Posted by Daily Queer News
Nairobi - HIV-positive people are living longer on antiretroviral (ARV)medication, but many of them remain poor and hungry, highlighting the needto create incomes for them, says a new report. "The long-termsustainability of people on ART [antiretroviral therapy] and the [treatment]programmes are threatened by the continuing lack of food and economicindependence," said a press release on the report, produced for CAFOD, adevelopment NGO based in the United Kingdom. The report noted that ART hadhad a significant impact on patients, whose expectations had changed from"preparing for death" to looking to the future for ways to sustainthemselves and their families. However, many people had started taking ARVsafter periods of illness during which they had lost their jobs and soldtheir assets to survive, so returning to a more normal life has proveddifficult. "ART programmes need to take into account the fact that peopleon treatment still need to eat and still need an income," Jo Maher, authorof the CAFOD report, told IRIN/PlusNews.
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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:
-The Syrian government should order an independent investigation into thedeadly shooting of inmates by military police at Sednaya prison two weeksago and make the findings public, Human Rights Watch said today. HumanRights Watch also called on the authorities to immediately make public thenames of those killed or injured in the incident. On the morning of July 5,prison authorities attempted to quell a riot in Sednaya prison, about 30kilometers north of Damascus. The riot had begun when a contingent ofMilitary Police officers conducted an aggressive search at the prison.According to an inmate who spoke to Human Rights Watch from a cell phoneinside the prison, the officers insulted inmates and stepped on copies ofthe Qur'an they had thrown on the floor.
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Gay Movements Abroad
As best I can from this distance, I try to follow the progress of gay rightsmovements abroad. And I feel great admiration and sympathy for the bravemenand women who are trying to promote gay legal and social equality inmanycountries of Eastern Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. But most ofthem face a much harder time than we did in North America and WesternEurope. They face very different social situations from the ones we didso Iam not sure if the activist model they have adopted in part from us can workas well for them as it did for us.
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-United Nations: Defeat for Discrimination, Victory for InclusionLesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Groups Gain Consultative StatusThe decision by the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)granting consultative status to two groups that work on sexual orientationand gender identity is a victory in the ongoing struggle for inclusion atthe UN, a coalition of six human rights organizations said today. The twogroups approved on July 21 and 22, 2008 are COC Netherlands and the StateFederation of Lesbians, Gays, Transexuals and Bisexuals of Spain (FELGTB),national organizations representing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender(LGBT) people in the Netherlands and Spain. "COC Netherlands is delightedabout obtaining consultative status with the UN," said Björn van Roozendaal,COC international advocacy officer. "It means we can join the efforts at theUN to address human rights violations against people with an alternativesexual orientation or gender identity." "Spanish-speaking LGBT voices willbe heard in UN meetings where human rights questions are debated," saidDavid Montero, FELGTB Spain's officer for international issues and humanrights. "We thank all who have contributed to this exciting outcome, andespecially Spain's UN mission for their support." Consultative status is akey means for civil society to access the UN system. It allowsnon-governmental organizations (NGOs) to deliver oral and written reports atUN meetings, and to organize events on UN premises. With it, these groupscan share their information and analysis of the abuses and discriminationLGBT people confront around the world.
-Today, in spite of the fact, that moscow authorities banned the picket nearthe embassy of Iran, organized in memory of gay-teenagers, executed in 2005,several activists of LGBT Rights, honored the memory of Mahmud Asgari (1989-19.07.2005) and Aiaz Marhoni (1987-19.07.2005) and other thousands ofpeople, exterminated by authorities during the years of victimizing of gaypeople in Iran. We would like to remind that this picket near the embassyof Iran was not coordinated with authorities because of the homophobia ofour Moscow government. In our country it is dangerous for morality of thesociety to honor the memory of people and to be outraged with brutal murderof gay people in Iran. We also break the 11th Article of the Convention!
http://lgbtrights.ru/eng/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=1
-Finland: Lutheran Pastor Blesses Union of Lesbian Couple
A Lutheran pastor in Espoo has flouted church rules to bless the partnershipof a lesbian couple. The dean of the archdiocese of Espoo, Liisa Tuovinen,bestowed her blessing on the registered partners at a church summer campfacility on July 12. The bishop of Espoo, Mikko Heikka, said the churchwould not take any steps in response to the act unless a formal complaint isfiled. Two years ago a Lutheran pastor Leena Huovinen blessed a gay coupleat a Helsinki restaurant. A complaint was filed, but no action was takenagainst her. Pastor Tuovinen says that other such ceremonies have been heldat private homes. Finland's Lutheran bishops are to reconsider the issue ofblessing same-sex unions next year. Nearly nine out of 10 Finns are membersof the state-supported Evangelical Lutheran Church. Same-sex couples havebeen allowed to register theirrelationships with a magistrate since 2002.
http://www.yle.fi/news/left/id96984.html
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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
-The Child Online Protection Act suffers from a slew of fatal flaws thatrender the law unconstitutional under the First Amendment, the 3rd U.S.Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. "We are quite certain thatnotwithstanding Congress's laudable purpose in enacting COPA, the governmenthas not met its burden of showing that it is narrowly tailored so as tosurvive a strict scrutiny analysis and thereby permit us to hold it to beconstitutional," Senior 3rd Circuit Judge Morton Greenberg wrote in ACLU v.Mukasey.
http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202423185753&rss=newswire
-Campus Pride Honors Transgender Advocate Donna Rose with National Voice &Action Award
Second Annual Summer Leadership Camp Comes to Close
(Charlotte, NC) - National transgender advocate and educator Donna Rose willbe honored by Campus Pride with its first-ever Voice & Action Award. Ms.Rose will receive the honor as well as be a featured guest speaker at theClosing Dinner & Graduation Ceremony for the Campus Pride Summer LeadershipCamp this evening Wednesday, July 23, 2008. The camp is hosted on the campusof Towson University. "As a trans-identified young adult male, nationalleaders like Donna Rose remind me that we all have something to fight for.Her voice has been a catalyst for action and change for LGBT people for manyyears to come," Courtney D'Allaird, camp participant and Pride Leader fromthe State University of New York - Albany said.
www.campuspride.org
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Allyson Robinson Named Human Rights Campaign Foundation Associate Director of Diversity
Longtime activist, ordained minister Robinson to lead organization's work on transgender issues
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the nation's largest gay, lesbian,bisexual and transgender civil rights group, today announced that AllysonRobinson has been named Associate Director of Diversity of the organization.Robinson, a longtime activist and ordained minister, will lead HRC and itsvolunteer base in promoting awareness of transgender issues and ensuringthat all program areas demonstrate measurable commitment to transgenderequality and inclusion.
=
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