GLBT DIGEST - May 21, 2009

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

Adult Adoption a High-Stakes Means to an Inheritance
By DEBORAH L. JACOBS
ADULT adoptions, an established though infrequently used financial planning tool, have attracted increased attention as a way for gay and lesbian couples to secure an inheritance.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/your-money/estate-planning/21ADOPT.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse

Setback to Gay Marriage in New Hampshire
By ABBY GOODNOUGH
In an unexpected move that raised a new hurdle for same-sex marriage in New Hampshire, the state’s House of Representatives on Wednesday rejected changes that Gov. John Lynch had ordered for the same-sex marriage bill.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/21/us/21marriage.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse


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

Eye Opener: More Postal Woes
Happy Thursday! As if it wasn't bad enough for the U.S. Postal Service, rising gas prices could be its next big challenge. • Cabinet and Staff News: Tom Vilsack makes the case for USDA's relevancy. Hillary Clinton promises equal benefits to gay and lesbian partners of overseas diplomats. Janet Napolitano visits the U.S.-Canada border at Motor City next week. Timothy Geithner says the U.S. making headway in battling the financial crisis. Economic stimulus czar G. Edward DeSeve gives Obama a healthy progress report. A member of the Pawnee tribe who was Idaho’s attorney general is the new head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Interior deputy secretary nominee David Hayes confirmed.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/federal-eye/2009/05/eye_opener_may_21_2009.html

American Idol Gets Crowned
The "American Idol" finale opens with the two remaining Idolettes, Kris Allen and Adam Lambert coming out on stage after having finished painting the dressing rooms. Or, maybe they're dental-hygenist Idols. Anyway, they look creepy in their all-white twinsie outfits.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2009/05/american_idol_gets_crowned.html

Sealed With a Kris
In 'Idol' Upset, Allen's Newfound Stage Polish Beats Lambert's 'Guyliner'
By Lisa de Moraes
Once again, Simon Cowell got it wrong. This time, Kris Allen, the modest, 23-year-old married college student who has worked as a church worship leader, was named 2009's American Idol. He beat Adam Lambert, the 27-year-old, boldly creative, can-only-call-him-"flamboyant" musical theater actor who brought "guyliner" and black fingernail polish to the country's most watched television show and made the audience like it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/20/AR2009052000638.html

Obama in Command
By David S. Broder
Thursday, May 21, 2009
No new president finds that every aspect of the job suits him at once; some duties are inevitably more comfortable than others. What we have witnessed in the past few weeks is Barack Obama trying on and fitting himself to the role of commander in chief. The most controversial decisions of this period -- expanding the troop commitment and replacing the commander in Afghanistan, opposing the release of photos of abused detainees, keeping the system of military tribunals and delaying any change in the "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays -- are of a pattern.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/20/AR2009052003029.html

Gay-Marriage Bill Falls Short in House
Reuters
New Hampshire lawmakers voted Wednesday to reject a bill that would have made the state the sixth in the United States to authorize same-sex marriage.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/20/AR2009052003662.html

Gay Marriage Fuels Debate Among D.C. Democrats
By Nikita Stewart
The same-sex marriage debate continued to make its way across the city, landing in Ward 8 on Saturday when the Democratic committee there voted 21 to 11 to support a same-sex marriage resolution drafted by activists.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/05/20/AR2009052001396.html


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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Gays Have Served Honorably in the War on Terror
It's time to end 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell.'
By BRIAN HUGHES
As a candidate, Barack Obama spoke out strongly against the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy of banning gays and lesbians from serving openly in the Armed Forces. He promised a full repeal of the ban if he was elected. But President Obama seems to be backing down from this pledge. The White House now hedges on the issue, saying it supports changing the policy "in a sensible way."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124286225508241195.html

The Battle Over Benefits for Same-Sex Spouses
Lawsuit Seeks Same Rights Straight Couples Possess; Opponents Fear Campaign to Advance Gay Marriage Nationally
By PHILIP SHISHKIN
BOSTON -- In October 2006, Gerry Studds, the first openly gay U.S. congressman, took his dog out for a morning walk and collapsed with a blood clot in his lung. He died a few days later.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124285325940940677.html

The Latest Battle in the Same-Sex Marriage War
By Ashby Jones
To date, the more heated and visible battles over same-sex marriage have played out at the state level, either in courtrooms, at the ballot-box or in legislative halls. But an interesting battle is now brewing at the federal level. The question is this: does the 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act, which defines marriage as a union of one man and one woman, require the government to ignore same-sex marriage even if a state chooses to recognize them?
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/05/21/another-battle-in-the-same-sex-marriage-war/


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

Disenchantment with GOP is growing
By Kathleen Parker at kparker@kparker.com.
It's not yet clear how the one-armed midget demographic is shaping up, but everybody else seems to be bailing on the GOP. Begging the forgiveness of one-armed midgets, I'm merely quoting Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele. In a Washington Times interview shortly after being elected head of the GOP, Steele met Howard Dean's gays/guns/God challenge and raised him a jackpot of grief.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-21parkersbmay21,0,1972068.story

Mural memorializes victims of anti-gay crimes
FALLAN PATTERSON
In March 2007, Scott Hall watched as a news report flashed across his television screen about the murder of 25-year-old Polk County resident Ryan Skipper, who was targeted by two men for being homosexual.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flhrbheroes0521esbmay21,0,1030444.story

Condos are a great buy, but look before you leap
Bargain hunters such as Economou are driving condo sales as the median prices in Palm Beach and Broward counties have tumbled below $100,000, prices not seen since 2003. Still, condo mortgages are harder to get these days, the result of new lending policies that reduce the pool of qualified borrowers and limit them to buildings that have been left mostly unscathed by the housing bust.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/features/time-money/home/sfl-condo-sales-052009sbmay21,0,3488451.story


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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:

Reader outraged that American Idol voters chose ‘Sunday school kid’ Kris Allen, not ‘talented gay kid’ Adam Lambert
An e-mail commentary I received today from Laurie Allen, executive director of Florida Circus Art School in North Miami Beach:
Mr. Rothaus, I know that Howard Cohen writes the American Idol update for The Herald and Leonard Pitts Jr. pens the heart-wrenching stories about prejudice, but I wish you would write about the homophobia that resulted in the upset on American Idol.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/reader-outraged-that-american-idol-voters-chose-sunday-school-kid-not-a-talented-gay-kid.html

Drag it Out gay charities benefit May 24 at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale
Dear Friend of SSSF, We at Safe Schools wish to reminder all of our friends and supporters of this upcoming benefit. This popular benefit raises needed funds for local non-profits including Safe Schools South Florida. Please pass this invitation along to other friends and supporters.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/drag-it-out-gay-charities-benefit-may-24-at-cinema-paradiso-in-fort-lauderdale.html

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund hails introduction of federal Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act
News release from the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force: The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Action Fund hails the introduction of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act in the U.S. Congress. This legislation would provide domestic partner benefits for federal employees and their partners. The bill was introduced by U.S. Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) and U.S. Senators Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-ME).
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/national-gay-and-lesbian-task-force-action-fund-hails-introduction-of-federal-domestic-partnership-benefits-and-obligations-a.html

Howard Cohen: Real star Adam Lambert eclipsed in 'American Idol' upset
By HOWARD COHEN
America wasn't ready for Adam Lambert. With nearly 100 million votes coming in for the eighth season showdown of American Idol, clean cut Arkansas boy Kris Allen, 23, dubbed the ''dark horse'' weeks ago by new judge Kara DioGuardi, took the title from the most talked-about contestant in years. Howard Cohen: Real star Adam Lambert eclipsed in 'American Idol' upset With nearly 100 million votes coming in for the eighth season showdown of American Idol, clean cut Arkansas boy Kris Allen, 23, dubbed the ''dark horse'' weeks ago by new judge Kara DioGuardi, took the title from the most talked-about contestant in years. America wasn't ready for Adam Lambert. With nearly 100 million votes coming in for the eighth season showdown of American Idol, clean cut Arkansas boy Kris Allen, 23, dubbed the ''dark horse'' weeks ago by new judge Kara DioGuardi, took the title from the most talked-about contestant in years.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/howard-cohen-real-star-adam-lambert-eclipsed-in-american-idol-upset.html

ACLU: School censored student's Milk report
By LISA LEFF
The American Civil Liberties Union on Wednesday threatened to sue a San Diego County school that refused to let a student present a report on slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk until her classmates got their parents' permission to hear it.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/aclu-school-censored-students-milk-report.html

Gay marriage in DC moves debate to black community
By BRIAN WESTLEY and GILLIAN GAYNAIR
In the District of Columbia, where African-Americans are the majority and black congregations dominate, the recent vote to recognize same-sex marriages may signal the gay rights movement is making inroads among groups traditionally opposed to it.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/gay-marriage-in-dc-moves-debate-to-black-community.html

Matthew Shepard’s mother, Judy, meets with President Barack Obama in the Oval Office
From HRC: According to the White House this photo is, “following a meeting the President had with Judy Shepard in the Oval Office today. The President thanked Ms. Shepard for her work on the hate crimes bill and reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Senate finalize the bill and act swiftly.”
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/05/matthew-shepards-mother-judy-meets-with-president-barack-obama-in-the-oval-office.html


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

Amazing Luke
Reichen Lemhkuhl and then-partner Chip Arndt won season 4 of The Amazing Race, and now a second gay man has finished in the top three. But Luke Adams was known to viewers not for being gay ... but for being deaf. Amazing racers Luke Adams and his mom, Margie Reichen Lemhkuhl and then-partner Chip Arndt won season 4 of The Amazing Race, and now a second gay man has finished in the top three. But Luke Adams was known to viewers not for being gay ... but for being deaf.
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid84747.asp


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

ACLU: School censored student report on Harvey Milk
By The Associated Press
The American Civil Liberties Union is threatening to sue a San Diego County school that refused to let a student present a report on slain gay rights leader Harvey Milk until her classmates got their parents' permission to hear it. Read more...
http://www.365gay.com/news/aclu-school-censored-student-report-on-harvey-milk/

Bill would give benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
Legislation has been introduced in the the House and Senate to provide benefits for same-sex domestic partners of federal civilian employees on the same basis as spousal benefits.
http://www.365gay.com/news/bill-would-give-benefits-to-same-sex-partners-of-federal-workers/

RachelWatch: Lie of Newt
By Ali Davis
Rachel led off with the news that President Obama had an off-the-record meeting with leaders of human rights and civil liberties groups, who are none too pleased with the President’s sudden attacks of Dubyosity.
http://www.365gay.com/living/rachelwatch-lie-of-newt/


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

Churches to be banned from turning down gay staff
Religious groups are to be forced to accept gay youth workers, secretaries and other staff under new anti-discrimination laws.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12537.html

Ruth Kelly claimed thousands of pounds for flood damage despite having home insurance
Former Equality Minister Ruth Kelly claimed thousands of pounds for water damage caused by a burst pipe, despite having home insurance at the time.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12535.html

BNP leader Nick Griffin to attend Queen's summer garden party
BNP member Richard Barnbrook and party leader Nick Griffin are among the guests at a summer garden party to be hosted by the Queen.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12539.html

Trevor Phillips acknowledges 'intense hurt' caused by Evangelical appointment
Trevor Phillips, chairman of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has acknowledged the anger felt by LGBT groups at the appointment of Evangelical leader and gay rights critic Joel Edwards to the organisation.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12540.html

Prop 8 decision draws closer
The California Supreme Court's decision on whether to strike down Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in the state, could come as soon as Tuesday.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12538.html

New Hampshire gay marriage bill stalls
New Hampshire has voted against an amended bill to allow gay marriage in the state. The Senate yesterday approved the bill 14-10 but the House of Representatives voted it down by 188 votes to 186.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12534.html

Lesbian student wins $25,000 payout over homophobic harassment
A lesbian student who claimed she was the victim of anti-gay harassment and discrimination at a California school has received $25,000 (£15,950) in a settlement.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12533.html

Maine drafts ballot question for possible gay marriage referendum
Election officials in Maine have drafted the question which will appear on ballot papers if opponents gather enough signatures to call a referendum on the state's recent decision to legalise gay marriage.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12532.html

Pentagon: 'No plans to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
The Pentagon said yesterday there are no plans to repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the directive that bans gays from serving openly in the military.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12531.html

Gay domestic violence campaign to be launched at Birmingham Pride
A new campaign is urging gay and lesbian victims of domestic violence to report it to the police. 'Unzip the Silence' is to be launched at Birmingham Pride this weekend.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-12529.html


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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com
Go to the links for the following articles:

NE: Rainbow Celebrations Update
Upcoming Events Check it Out Today
April 24, 2009, A night of unconventional fun!
Connections, 1901 Leavenworth Street.
8PM April 25, 2009, Grand Marshal Announcement and Show
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/7209/

Does Obama Have Enough Political Capital to Nominate a Lesbina for the Supreme Court?
Michael A. Jones | Change.org
Two of the ugliest words in politics (imho) are “political capital,” because they generally are used when a group is about to be thrown under the bus. We’ve heard it used in debates about overturning “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” as well as when it comes to other LGBT rights issues, like repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. Now we’re seeing the phrase used once again, in commentary about who President Obama will pick to replace Justice David Souter on the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Souter announced his retirement last week, and now the vultures are circling, trying to decipher who Obama might pick. There’s Sotomayor, Kagan, Granholm, Wood, Wardlaw and a host of others that folks are talking about. But gay rights groups, including the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund and EqualRep.com, are hailing another potential candidate who should shatter the glass ceiling when it comes to the “all-straight” club known as the U.S. Supreme Court. Her name is Kathleen Sullivan. Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/7208/

A Marijuana Tax As the Next New Revenue Stream?
Michael B. Farrell | Staff writer of The Christian Science Monitor
San Francisco - Are Americans really ready to consider legalizing marijuana? This week, California’s governor said it was time to debate the issue, and a new nationwide poll suggests a majority of voters favor decriminalizing the drug. While legalization advocates say they’ve never seen such widespread public support for reforming marijuana laws, they still don’t expect drug policy to change overnight. But, they say, the country appears to be at tipping point in how it views recreational use of marijuana, which is now legal in 13 states for medically-approved use. “We are actually talking about historic highs when it comes to public support of taxing and regulating marijuana for adult consumption,” says Paul Armentano, deputy director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). But, he adds, “the most difficult task is how you convert public sentiment into public policy.” Read more
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/7207/

Big Wolf Expeditions Launches Multisport Adventure Tour Company and Highlights the Green in the LGBT Rainbow Flag
For Immediate Release: Big Wolf Expeditions Launches Multisport Adventure Tour Company And Highlights The Green in the LGBT Rainbow Flag.
Big Wolf Expeditions proudly announces its first set of adventurous trip offerings to the LGBT community. The company’s goal is to provide active gay and lesbian travelers the opportunity to participate in a variety of adventure sports around the world, while helping planet Earth. The company will provide a mix of activities on each trip so that gay / lesbian outdoor enthusiasts have the opportunity to not only enjoy nature and cultures, but also learn a new activity sport from dedicated professionals.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/7204/


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