GLBT DIGEST - October 02, 2009

**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:

The Courts and Privacy
Published: October 2, 2009
To the delight of headline writers, the Alabama Supreme Court recently decided the case of 1568 Montgomery Highway Inc. — also known as Love Stuff — v. the City of Hoover. In a 7-to-2 ruling, it upheld a state law banning the sale of sex toys. The dispute may seem a bit frivolous, but it rests on a fundamental question: After the Supreme Court’s 2003 ruling striking down sodomy laws, how free is the majority to impose its morality through the law?http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/02/chicago-mourns-and-new-york-empathizes/?scp=12&sq=gay&st=cse

Study Finds Gay Roles Up on Broadcast TV
Compiled by DAVE ITZKOFF
The number of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters has grown in recent years on prime-time network television but decreased on cable, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation said. For its “Where We Are on TV” study, the alliance reviewed 79 scripted comedies and dramas announced for the broadcast networks during the 2009-10 season. It found that of 600 regulars on these shows, 18 are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. The study said that ABC has the most such characters, with 8 out of 168 total series regulars; Fox has 4 (including cartoon characters on “The Simpsons” and “American Dad”), NBC has 3, CW has 2 and CBS, none. In its review of mainstream cable channels, including HBO, Showtime, Comedy Central, AMC and others, the alliance found that the number of series regulars who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender decreased this year, to 25 from 32 last year. When the gay-oriented cable channels here! and Logo were included, the study said, 27 gay characters were added to the tally.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/02/arts/television/02arts-STUDYFINDSGA_BRF.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse

A Baby for the Gay Authors Behind the Daddy Penguins
By Jennifer 8. Lee
It’s yet another example of life imitating art, or at least humans imitating animals. Ever since “And Tango Makes Three,” a children’s book detailing the story of two male penguins and the baby chick they hatched, has been published, in 2005, more people have requested the book’s removal each year from schools and libraries than any other book in the United States, according to the American Library Association.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/10/02/a-baby-for-the-gay-authors-behind-the-daddy-penguins/?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse

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

Waking Up a Tired Genre
Fall offers two smart, funny takes on the family comedy
By DOROTHY RABINOWITZ
All television announces its quality early, but it's been awhile since any half-hour comedy came blazing out of the gate to declare itself with such speed and so many layers of pure seduction as "Modern Family" (Wednesdays, 9-9:30 p.m. Eastern, on ABC). Of all TV genres, comedy is the form quickest to show its stuff for good or ill—viewers know what they're in for in two to three minutes—and since it's mostly for ill, the exceptions come as something of a miracle every time. No miracles are involved, of course. The thrusting wit, the roaring confidence that distinguishes "Modern Family" emerges from the well-honed skills of its creators, Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd, both with an imposing list of credits to their names, including "Frasier."
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704471504574445651992041382.html

Dallas Judge Shoots Down Texas’ Ban on Gay Marriage
By Ashby Jones
The gay-marriage issue started in states that have voted solidly blue in the last handful of presidential elections: Massachusetts and California. But slowly — and perhaps inexorably — the issue moved to states more violet than indigo, like Iowa. Now the issue has landed in the lap of voters in the most solidly red of all the big states in the country: Texas.
http://blogs.wsj.com/law/2009/10/02/dallas-judge-shoots-down-texas-ban-on-gay-marriage/

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

Fort Lauderdale beach guide
By Tom Swick
Fort Lauderdale has successfully shed its image as a Spring Break circus and become a more tranquil family resort. But something of the old song Where the Boys Are still applies, as the city is regularly voted one of the top vacation destinations for gays. In recent years tall buildings have sprouted -- luxury hotels on the beach, luxury condos downtown -- but they haven't totally altered the beach town feel. And now, in addition to salt water, you get a few more urban pleasures.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/travel/wsfl-fort-lauderdale-guide,0,2860967.story

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

‘Fiddler’ tour tosses tradition: Male actor from Miami plays the butcher’s dead wife, Fruma Sarah
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Un-traditional casting: Miami Springs native Sean Patrick Doyle plays the role of Fruma Sarah -- the butcher's dead wife -- in the national revival of Fiddler on the Roof running Tuesday through Oct. 18 at Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/10/fiddler-tour-tosses-tradition-male-actor-from-miami-plays-the-butchers-dead-wife-fruma-sarah.html

=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:

First renderings of G Resort
Development scheduled to open within two years
By STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
Renderings have been released for G Resort, a luxury hotel and timeshare property proposed for a 6.04-acre site at NE 24 Street and NE 13th Avenue, near Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. These drawings depict the main entrance to the 172-unit building and the poollounge area. Last week the Wilton Manors City Commission ap­proved resort plans on first vote. Residents will have a chance to weigh in on G Resorts plans in front of city commissioners before the final approval votes take place. If everything goes as planned by the developers, the G Resort should open in about two years.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/10-1/news/localnews/6327.cfm

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

"Christian Coalition 2.0" Hits Florida
By Julie Bolcer
Ralph Reed, former head of the Christian Coalition, formalized plans last week to open an affiliate of his new Faith and Freedom Coalition in Florida, with the goal of energizing social conservatives and financing Republican state campaigns.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/10/01/Christian_Coalition_2_0_Hits_Florida/

LDS-Owned Paper Rejects Gay Ad
By Julie Bolcer
A newspaper owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints rejected an advertisement for a memorial service in Salt Lake City this weekend in honor of gay Mormons who have committed suicide.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/10/01/LDS-Owned_Paper_Rejects_Gay_Ad/

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

DC councilman to introduce gay marriage bill
By The Associated Press
A Washington, D.C., councilman says he’ll introduce a bill next week to allow same-sex couples to wed.
http://www.365gay.com/news/dc-councilman-to-introduce-gay-marriage-bill/

Will California recognize pre-Prop-8, out-of-state marriages?
By Jennifer Vanasco
Equality California needs help.
I hope you are well. The heat is still on here in California, as we’re waiting for Governor Schwarzenegger to sign the bills the legislature just passed.
http://www.365gay.com/news/vanasco-will-california-recognize-pre-prop-8-out-of-state-marriages/

Domestic partnership certificates issued in Nevada
By The Associated Press
Nevada’s secretary of state issued domestic partnership certificate No. 1 at the state Capitol on Thursday as a state law providing many of the same legal rights as marriage to gay and straight partners went into effect.
http://www.365gay.com/news/domestic-partnership-certificates-issued-in-nevada/

Texas judge clears way for gay divorce
By The Associated Press
(Dallas) A Texas judge cleared the way for two Dallas men to get a divorce, ruling Thursday that Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage violates the constitutional guarantee to equal protection under the law.
http://www.365gay.com/news/texas-judge-clears-way-for-gay-divorce/

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

Anti-gay National Organisation for Marriage to have finances probed
A group campaigning against gay marriage in Maine is to have its finances investigated over accusations of fraud.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/02/anti-gay-national-organisation-for-marriage-to-have-finances-probed/

Tatchell 'ignored' over Equality Bill concerns
Peter Tatchell has complained that the Equality Bill is discriminatory and that the government has failed to respond to his concerns about harassment protection for gays.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/10/02/tatchell-ignored-over-equality-bill-concerns/

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

Can Gay Officials Respect the Rights of Heterosexuals
Contact: Regina Griggs, Executive Director, Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX), 804-453-4737, PFOX@pfox.orgARLINGTON, VA, Oct. 1 /Christian Newswire/ — The following is submitted by David Elliott: When staffing the Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) exhibit booth at the Arlington County fair last month, I spotted Jay Fisette, my elected county representative who self-identifies as gay. Two years ago at this fair, a gay man had assaulted me because he was upset with my ex-gay story of hope and change from a homosexual identity. Because I did not press assault charges, some gay activists and Fisette falsely claimed the assault never occurred.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/10309/

Hong Kong at Risk of Losing Its Only Gay Community Center
Sylvia Tan \ Fridae
Rainbow of Hong Kong, the only LGBT-community centre in the territory, faces an uncertain future due to lack of funding and is appealing to the community for donations to keep it going. Rainbow of Hong Kong (香港彩虹), a LGBT-community centre located at the busy junction of Nathan and Jordan Roads in Kowloon, is finding itself in a precarious situation and is at risk of having to shut down if its hope to raise additional funds doesn’t materialise.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/10307/

Marriage Equality Bill Introduced in Illinois Senate: Matches House Version
Phil Reese \ Bilerico Project
And we’re off! The race to marriage equality for the fifth largest state in the Union was kicked off this morning when State Senator Heather Steans became the first Illinois Senator to introduce a marriage equality bill - SB2468 the Equal Marriage Act - in that chamber. Illinois - which promises to have the eyes on the world on it if it is chosen to host the 2016 Olympic Games - is one of the most progressive states in the Midwest. It is the state that President Barack Obama calls home and where he honed his leadership credentials.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/10305/

=
JustNews.com
http://www.justnews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Hundreds Leave Fla. Megachurch
Ft. Lauderdale: Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church
Church Splits After New Pastor Begins
Hundreds of congregants have left a pioneering megachurch in Florida to form their own congregation because they were unhappy with leadership at the church that's seen as a bedrock of the religious right. The action by the unhappy members at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church was the culmination of a feud between loyalists to an evangelical luminary, the Rev. D. James Kennedy, and his replacement as pastor, the Rev. Tullian Tchividjian, a grandson of the Rev. Billy Graham.
http://www.justnews.com/news/21173633/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_dailyforecast&tmi=mia_dailyforecast_1_04000110022009&ts=H

=

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