GLBT DIGEST - December 04, 2009

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

'Bruno' Pastor Runs for Mayor of Birmingham, Ala.
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Moviegoers know Jody Trautwein as the smiling Alabama pastor who tries to talk Sacha Baron Cohen's character out of being gay in the hit movie ''Bruno.'' Trautwein is now auditioning for another role: Mayor of Birmingham. Trautwein is among 14 candidates in next week's election to replace Larry Langford, who was booted from office in October after being convicted on 60 felony counts in a bribery scheme.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/04/us/AP-US-Bruno-Pastor.html?scp=12&sq=gay&st=cse/

LA Episcopal Bishop Vote Includes Gay Candidates
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Clergy and laypeople voting to replace two retiring assistant bishops in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles will choose Friday from a pool that includes two openly gay candidates.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/04/us/AP-US-Episcopalians-Gay-Bishops.html?scp=8&sq=gay&st=cse/

The Words, the Dispute
By MICHELLE QUINN and GERRY SHIH
Supporters and critics gathered this week at Vallejo City Hall to voice concerns over comments the mayor, Osby Davis, made to a columnist at The New York Times about gay men and lesbians, and the subsequent controversy. The Nov. 20 column by Scott James shed light on tensions between the city’s gay community and the growing political power of evangelical Christians, among them the mayor.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/us/04sfbriefs.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/

Paterson Is Left on the Sidelines
By JENNIFER 8. LEE
Gov. David A. Paterson was sidelined in the days leading up to the State Senate vote on same-sex marriage, despite being an outspoken advocate of the bill. Advocates and Senate Democrats leading the effort to build support for the legislation said they felt that the governor had little political capital to leverage, given that he has low approval ratings and has recently become deeply unpopular with Senate Democrats after a bruising battle over cutting the state budget.
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/paterson-is-left-on-the-sidelines/?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/

The Vallejo Controversy, in Everyone’s Words
By FELICITY BARRINGER
The Bay Area Report today publishes a review of the things Vallejo’s mayor, Osby Davis, said to The New York Times’ Barbary Coast columnist Scott James, and all that has been said since. On Tuesday, a double rally brought out two camps: supporters of the mayor who say he was exercising his freedom to speak and critics who say his comments revealed a bedrock of antipathy toward the gay community. On Thursday, the Vallejo Times-Herald defended the mayor and criticized The Times.
http://bayarea.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/04/the-vallejo-controversy-in-everyones-words/?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/

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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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Conservatives jumping ship
By Howard Kurtz
The raging debate over who should lead the Republican Party isn't the only passionate argument on the right. While partisans argue about the relative virtues of Sarah Palin, Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee, columnists, writers and bloggers have been slugging it out about the future of conservatism.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/04/AR2009120401506.html/

Digest
Irish lawmakers debate gay rights: Ireland's lawmakers opened debate on a bill to grant same-sex couples marriage-style rights, including the rights to property ownership, inheritance, medical care and access to state benefits. The predominantly Catholic country defined homosexuality as a criminal offense until 1993.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120304318_pf.html/

Kaine plans to extend health benefits to same-sex partners
Proposal covering state employees would take 18 months to implement
By Anita Kumar
Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine has directed his staff to begin putting into effect a proposal that would allow same-sex partners to be covered under the state's employee health plan.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/03/AR2009120304329.html/

LA Episcopal bishop vote includes gay candidates
The Associated Press
Clergy and laypeople voting to replace two retiring assistant bishops in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles will choose Friday from a pool that includes two openly gay candidates.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/04/AR2009120400707.html/

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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
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Ben Affleck, Katie Holmes, 'New Moon' co-stars Stewart, Fanning go indie in Sundance premieres
By David Germain
Ben Affleck, Katie Holmes, rapper 50 Cent and "The Twilight Saga: New Moon" co-stars Kristen Stewart and Dakota Fanning are taking their acts to the Sundance Film Festival. They are among the stars of big-name premieres announced Thursday for Robert Redford's independent-film showcase that runs Jan. 21-31 in Park City, Utah.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sns-ap-us-film-sundance-premieres,0,1385945.story/

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

Irish lawmakers open debate on gay rights bill
By SHAWN POGATCHNIK, Associated Press
DUBLIN -- Ireland's lawmakers opened debate Thursday on a bill to grant marriage-style rights to gay couples, a social milestone in a country long observant of Roman Catholic opposition to homosexuality.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/irish-lawmakers-open-debate-on-gay-rights-bill.html/

Gay marriage bill up for vote in New Jersey next week
Associated Press
A bill to legalize gay marriage in New Jersey will be posted for a vote next week. Sen. Ray Lesniak, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says the bill is scheduled to go before that committee on Monday and will be voted on by the full Senate next Thursday.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gay-marriage-bill-up-for-vote-in-new-jersey-next-week.html/

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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
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Dillard students testify about shooter's message
A Broward teen who is on trial for the murder of a classmate at Dillard High School faces life in prison if convicted.
BY TONYA ALANEZ
In the 24 hours before she gunned down a sophomore she was obsessed with, high school classmate Teah Wimberly messaged friends saying she would be jailed because she was going to ``blow somebody away.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/southflorida/story/1364861.html/

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

Va's Kaine To Extend DP Benefits
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has asked his staff to implement a policy extending health-care benefits to the same-sex partners of state employees.
By Advocate.com Editors
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine has instructed his staff to put a partner-benefits policy into effect that would extend health-care benefits to the same-sex partners of state employees, the Washington Post reported. The policy, however, will take 18 months to implement and could be overturned by Republican Robert McDonnell, who takes over as governor in just a few weeks.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Va_To_Offer_DP_Benefits/

Cynthia Nixon on New York Disappointment
By Neal Broverman
Emmy-winning Sex and the City star Cynthia Nixon is justifiably upset about the failure of the New York senate to pass a marriage equality bill Wednesday. The actress, who has been with her partner, Christine Marinoni, for six years, released the following statement to Advocate.com and SheWired.com: "The fight for justice is always long and hard, and while this vote was of course extremely disappointing, we now know with certainty who our friends are and who our enemies are. And, trust me, we won't forget it at election time. It's really a terrible shame that many of our legislators could not bring themselves to support a simple matter of fairness and equality, and have betrayed the majority of New Yorkers who believe same-sex marriage should be legalized."
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/03/Cynthia_on_New_York_Disappointment/

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

Witness immunity sought for gay service members
By The Associated Press
Gay service members who reveal their sexual orientations during congressional testimony would be immune from forced discharges under a bill introduced Wednesday, as lawmakers prepare to consider repealing the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.
http://www.365gay.com/news/witness-immunity-sought-for-gay-service-members/

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

Anger at New York Democrats who voted against gay marriage
Several hundred people marched in New York last night to protest against a Senate vote barring gay marriage in the state. They rallied in Time Square and read out the names of the eight Democrats who voted against the bill.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/03/anger-at-new-york-democrats-who-voted-against-gay-marriage/

Opening of Chinese gay bar delayed
The opening of a Chinese gay bar designed to tackle HIV infections has been delayed. The state-funded bar, in the city of Dali, was due to open on Tuesday, which was World AIDS Day.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/03/opening-of-chinese-gay-bar-delayed/

Emmerdale could see new gay storyline
A new gay storyline may be in the pipeline for Emmerdale character Aaron Livesy, played by Danny Miller. The bad boy character begins to question his sexuality next week after trying to kiss his friend Adam Barton.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/03/emmerdale-could-see-new-gay-storyline/

Gay man bids to become California Assembly Speaker
John Perez, an out gay man, is vying to become the Speaker of the California Assembly. He would become the first openly assembly leader in America's history if elected.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/gay-man-bids-to-become-california-assembly-speaker/

University to launch research network for LGBT History Month
The University of Salford is to create an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans) research network The research network was launched at an LGBT History Month event at the university last night. This was the first regional event for the month, which has been running for several years.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/university-to-launch-research-network-for-lgbt-history-month/

Brighton gay man suffocated in sex act
A Brighton man died during auto-erotic asphyxiation, an inquest heard this week. Stuart Leonard, 35, was found dead in August under a tree at Dukes Mound, a local cruising spot.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/brighton-gay-man-suffocated-in-sex-act/

Voting opens for Los Angeles gay assistant bishop candidates
Voting opens today for the next Los Angeles assistant bishop and two of the six candidates are openly gay. The Rev John L Kirkley of San Francisco and the Rev Mary Douglas Glasspool of Maryland are both in committed same-sex relationships.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/voting-opens-for-los-angeles-gay-assistant-bishop-candidates/

More Adam Lambert shows cancelled over AMA gay antics
Gay singer Adam Lambert, who provoked controversy at the American Music Awards by kissing a man, has had more TV shows cancelled. More than 1,500 US viewers complained over a gay kiss and simulated oral sex in his performance last month.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/more-adam-lambert-shows-cancelled-over-ama-gay-antics/

Gay hurling star wins book award
Donal Og Cusack, the Irish hurling star who came out in his autobiography, has won a prestigious award for the book. The 32-year-old, who plays in goal for Cork All Stars, revealed he was gay in installments of his autobiography, published last month.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/gay-hurling-star-wins-book-award/

Gay Buenos Aires couple demand fine for mayor who barred marriage
A gay Buenos Aires couple who hoped to become the first to marry in Argentina this week have said the city mayor should be fined for not authorising their wedding.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/gay-buenos-aires-couple-demand-fine-for-mayor-who-barred-marriage/

Archbishop of Canterbury in 'intensive and private' talks over Uganda's gay law
The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams is said to be in "private" discussions with the Ugandan Anglican Church over the country's proposed anti-homosexuality laws.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/04/archbishop-of-canterbury-in-intensive-and-private-discussions-over-ugandas-gay-law/

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

Rachel Maddow: Uganda Be Kidding Me
By Advocate.com Editors
Rachel Maddow, on her Thursday show, tackled the proposed antigay Ugandan bill that would call for the death of gays and lesbians in many scenarios if passed.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/04/Maddow_Uganda_Be_Kidding_Me/

A new newspaper of record
by Peter Rosenstein
I was as shocked as anyone else when the Washington Blade closed its doors on Monday, Nov. 16. That day will go down as a day of mourning for the LGBT community. I knew that the Blade’s parent company was experiencing financial difficulties. But I also knew that the Washington Blade was profitable even if no one was getting rich. Running a newspaper these days can be a bleak business but the online edition of the Blade had been attracting more than 250,000 visitors a month.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/04/a-new-newspaper-of-record/

Web Designer Creates Movement Seeking to ban divorce
WiredPRNews.com
A web designer in California is seeking to have divorce banned in the state. Sacramento, California (WiredPRNews.com) – A Sacramento web designer has begun a movement to have divorce banned in the state of California. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), John Marcotte’s efforts have begun following the implementation of a voter supported state ban on gay marriage in 2008.
http://www.wiredprnews.com/2009/12/04/movement-seeks-to-ban-divorce_200912047271.html/

Stop Taser Torture Blogging For Justice Day
by: Pam Spaulding
Today is "Stop Taser Torture" Blogging For Justice Day," organized by the Stop Taser Torture Blog:
Many police departments are using tasers to torture even nonviolent people who are often those who are incoherent, hallucinating, wheelchair bound, suicidal, unarmed, deaf, handcuffed, blind, pregnant, students, or just didnt move fast enough for an officers liking. Taser torture in America is continuously growing not only in volume, but in the level of how liberally, unwarranted, and excessively tasering is being used across the U.S and many other countries. In America, some police departments are even now torturing 10 year old children. Our goal is to unite the world's bloggers in posting about the same issue on the same day - Taser Torture in America, Canada and throughout the world.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14353/stop-taser-torture-blogging-for-justice-day/

Bus Driver Fired After Gay Beating
A bus driver has been fired in connection with an openly gay student getting beaten up because of his sexuality, KPRC Local 2 reported Thursday.
http://www.click2houston.com/news/21801048/detail.html/

Singalong: Santa Claus Is Coming Out
JMG reader Sean Chapin turns in this sing-a-long response to yesterday's story about Focus On The Family's hissy fit regarding GLSEN's Xmas play.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/singalong-santa-claus-is-coming-out.html/

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