**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:
-Progress on Family Planning
Tucked into the big spending bill just signed by President Obama is a welcome provision designed to make affordable birth control available to millions of women across the country. The provision is not a subsidy and will impose no burden on taxpayers. It will restore a limited exemption from Medicaid pricing rules that was in effect for nearly 20 years. It allowed pharmaceutical companies to supply contraceptives to college health clinics, all Planned Parenthood offices and other family-planning centers at an extreme discount that could be passed on to patients.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/opinion/14sat4.html?_r=1&ref=opinion
-Governor Challenges Utah's Conservative Verities
By KIRK JOHNSON
Among Utah Republicans, who hold every statewide elected office and more than two-thirds of the State Legislature, Hamlet-like quests for purpose and direction are hardly the norm.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/14/us/14utah.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The Trouble With Michael Steele
By Colbert I. King
Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele took office declaring he would show the country that his party cared about minorities. As a shining example of that which he claimed, Steele cited himself, the GOP's first African American chieftain.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/13/AR2009031302808.html
-Where to Now?
2008 was a spectacular year for women in politics. But the sober reality is that the race has just begun.
By Vanessa Gezari
Jennifer James Soto arrived in Georgia on a Friday afternoon. The air was thick with humidity, and the campus on the outskirts of Atlanta was deserted except for her and the other women. They carried their suitcases into dormitories and laid out their clothes on narrow student beds. That evening, Jennifer dressed carefully, choosing dangly earrings because her kids weren't around to tug them. This weekend would be the longest she'd spent away from her son and daughter since they were born. She made her way downstairs, where she and the other women found seats in a windowless conference room. They would spend the next two days here, listening to women who held elected office and women whose job it was to prepare other women to run.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/06/AR2009030601712_pf.html
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Rethinking Original Intent
Write to Jess Bravin at jess.bravin@wsj.com
The debate over the Constitution's meaning takes a surprising turn; a pivotal gun-rights case
After the Supreme Court struck down the District of Columbia's handgun ban last June, gun-rights advocates trained their sights on similar restrictions in Chicago and Oak Park, Ill. Last month, the National Rifle Association received ammunition from an unlikely source: the Constitutional Accountability Center, a liberal litigation shop.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123699111292226669.html
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Susan Stanton, the former Largo city manager who drew national media attention after being fired for announcing plans for a sex change, is a finalist for the city manager's job in Lake Worth. The former Steve Stanton worked as assistant city manager and manager for Largo for more than 16 years. He was fired by Largo commissioners in February 2007 after announcing plans to change his gender. Later that year, Stanton appeared as Susan Ashley Stanton while lobbying for transgender rights in Washington. She finished third in the competition for the city manager's job in Sarasota in May 2007. Stanton, 50, formerly of Clearwater, has since moved to Arizona, according to Connie Hoffman, vice president of The Mercer Group, which conducted the city manager search for Lake Worth.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/lakeworth/sfl-bn-0313lakeworth-manager,0,1969885.story
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Yesterday, LGBT leaders from across the globe once again packed UCLA School of Law for day two of The Global Arc of Justice Conference. The main topic of the day focused on implementing the Yogyakarta Principles. Named after the city in Indonesia in which they were drafted, the Yogyakarta Principles explain how existing international human rights laws apply to LGBT people and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The Principles include rights ranging from the right to be free from employment discrimination and laws criminalizing sexual behavior; to state recognition of parenting and couples rights; to affirmative rights for adequate standard of living, healthcare, education, housing and participation in public life. Signatories of the Yogyakarta Principles attending the Global Arc of Justice Conference include Mauro Cabral (Argentina), Sonia Corrêa (Brazil), Alice Miller (USA) and Robert Wintemute (Canada and the UK).
http://www.law.ucla.edu/WilliamsInstitute/programs/GlobalArcofJustice2009.html>
-Anal condom is no pain in the ass; FDA approval omits sodomy
News flash! Gay man engage in anal sex and need devices to ensure HIV and STDs are not transmitted during such sex, but Gay Inc and AIDS Inc remain silent about Reality:
http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2009/03/anal-condom-is-no-pain-in-ass-fda.html
-Support Oklahoma Teacher Suspended for
Teaching The Laramie Project
Tell Superintendent Ed Turlington: Teach Respect! Reinstate Teacher Debra Taylor!
A number of organizations have been monitoring a school controversy in Grandfield, OK where a teacher was recently suspended for teaching The Laramie Project, an award-wining play about the murder of Matthew Shepard, a young man in Wyoming who was killed because he was gay. Debra Taylor, who teaches the Ethics and Street Law class, was using pieces of the play to help her students examine how hatred and intolerance can be justified by attitudes within a community, a church, or in the home. Midway through the unit, Superintendent Ed Turlington told her to stop teaching the material. She held a mock funeral for the play to give her students closure and was subsequently suspended. She has now accepted a resignation agreement, as she feared that she would otherwise be fired. Her students are standing behind the play and their teacher. "She always taught us to speak our minds and have our voices heard," said one student. We need to tell Superintendent Turlington that Debra Taylor is a dedicated teacher who is willing to confront issues of respect and acceptance for all people regardless of sexual orientation and that she deserves to be immediately reinstated. TAKE ACTION NOW.call Superintendent Turlington at 580-479-5237 or send an email to eturlington@grandfield.k12.ok.us and tell him: "Debra Taylor did not deserve this kind of treatment. Young people need dedicated teachers willing to confront issues of respect and acceptance for people of all sexual orientations. She should be commended for creating a safe space for all her students and should be reinstated immediately."
-FOXSexpert: Defining Sexual Freedom
By Yvonne K. Fulbright
We've been getting the messages for years: Be sexually expressive. Live by
your own sexual rules. Explore your sexual fantasies. Own your true sexual nature. I, for one, am a huge supporter of anything that involves healthy sexuality. What I'm not a big fan of is the muddled meaning in "becoming sexually liberated." While sexual liberation is often touted as a form "healthy sexuality," this isn't always the case. We're told that being sexually free involves showing what you want, saying what you want, doing what you want, and taking what you need. But does this pursuit of happiness have anything to do with personal choice? We've been declared "sexually liberated." But are we?
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,509035,00.html
-Florida: Man jailed, accused of sex with 16-year-old he calls his wife
A relationship that started in Puerto Rico between a 47-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl led to the man's arrest Monday in Hollywood, Florida.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/943477.html
-Sex Column causes controversy; First Amendment issues raised
A University of Montana law professor who opposes the content of the Kaimin's weekly sex column could eventually take the issue to the state legislature unless the newspaper establishes written policies for hiring columnists and reviewing content. Since February, assistant law professor Kristen Juras has made clear to the Kaimin her opposition to senior Bess Davis's "Bess Sex Column" by writing a letter to the editor as well as e-mailing and meeting with Kaimin editor Bill Oram. Juras said the material in the column is inappropriate for college students and reflects poorly on the university's School of Journalism and UM itself.
http://www.uwire.com/Article.aspx?id=3855010
-Is Craigslist the world's biggest bordello?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10190334-93.html?tag=nl.e703
-ACLU files suit against Nassau schools over 'gay' club
Pastor urges 'prayer' after judge's comments
A Nassau County pastor attending a hearing in federal court March 4 about a "Gay-Straight Alliance" (GSA) at Yulee High School said he believes it's a matter of prayer. The School Board of Nassau County has been sued by the ACLU on behalf of Hannah Page, 15, and Jacob Brock, 16, students at Yulee High School who late last year organized a GSA at their school which met only once. At the hearing for a preliminary injunction, Frank Sheppard, the school board's attorney, said students were not denied access as has been claimed under the federal Equal Access Act, but were told in order to continue to meet they needed to change the name of the organization to exclude sexual orientation to comply with school board policy.
http://www.floridabaptistwitness.com/9985.article
-Florida lawmaker files bills that would legalize gay adoptions
BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER
As gay rights advocates and religious groups queue up in an effort to influence the outcome of a Miami appeals court case that will help decide whether gay people can adopt children in Florida, a state lawmaker has quietly introduced two bills that could render the dispute moot.
http://www.miamiherald.com/1374/story/944128.html
-"Beyond Backlash: Assessing the Impact of Judicial Decisions on
LGBT Rights"
In a new article in the journal Law and Society Review, Political scientist Thomas Keck "evaluates the widespread scholarly claim that the courtroom victories of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights movement have invariably provoked a counterproductive political backlash." He concludes: Those victories have indeed provoked conservative countermobilization, but that has not been their only or even their most prominent effect. Assessing the political reaction to the movement's judicial victories, the policy impact of those victories, and the alternative strategic paths that were available to the movement at the outset, I argue that here, as elsewhere, legal mobilization has sometimes been a promising avenue for pursuing policy changes whose prospects were otherwise quite limited.
http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/cgi-bin/fulltext/122255963/HTMLSTART
-In Interview, Republican Chairman Strays From the Party Line on Abortion
By ADAM NAGOURNEY
This was supposed to be the week that Michael Steele, the beleaguered new chairman of the national Republican Party, got his groove on, as he might put it: From filling vacancies left by the mass-firing he conducted upon taking office to issuing 100-day plans on how to make the Republican Party competitive on fund-raising and the Internet, among other things. But no. On Thursday Mr. Steele found himself yet again explaining what he had meant to say, this time after a lively interview with GQ in which he seemed to suggest, among other things, that women should have the right to decide whether to have an abortion. "I think that's an individual choice," he said. A moment later, he appeared to clarify his remarks, saying that abortion policy should be decided by the states. [...] The interview - in which Mr. Steele also appeared to stray from the view of many conservatives on homosexuality while offering a steady patter of joke and irreverent observations - rippled through Republican circles as soon it was posted on GQ's Web site Thursday morning. If the interview, conducted several weeks ago, fueled the existing concern among party leaders, it was hardly a surprise after four weeks in which Mr. Steele had left many Republicans anxious about their new chairman. He had tangled with Rush Limbaugh, the conservative talk show host, and become the target of mirthful parodies by Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert and "Saturday Night Live" over his call to apply the party's principles to "urban-suburban hip-hop settings."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/us/politics/13steele.html?_r=1&emc=tnt&tntemail1=y
-We must know of the ancestors on whose shoulders we stand.
Lorraine Hansberry's Gay Politics
Why the 'Raisin in the Sun' playwright's homosexual ties have been straight-washed from black history.
http://blackmanspirit.blogspot.com/2009/03/lorraine-hansberrys-gay-politics.html
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Lowenstein: We must not compromise on equality
By Jenna Lowenstein
We can compromise on taxes and on infrastructure funding and on health care costs. But we cannot-- we must not-- sell out the fundamental right to equality. Read more...
http://www.365gay.com/blog/lowenstein-we-must-not-compromise-on-equality/
-Gay marriage bills heading for showdowns in Maine, Vermont
Support is growing for legislation that would allow same-sex couples to marry in Maine. The bill now has more than 60 lawmakers as co-sponsors.
http://www.365gay.com/news/gay-marriage-bills-heading-for-showdowns-in-maine-vermont/
-Kings and Queens
NBC's new epic saga Kings imagines a modern-day monarchy with a queer spin -- complete with late night trysts and a jab at 'don't ask, don't tell.' With all of the personal betrayals and courtly intrigues, it would be easy to think that Kings, NBC's new mid-season drama, takes its inspiration from one of Shakespeare's great plays. After all, the show boasts a tragic king with upstart children, a conniving queen, and a nation exhausted by war.
http://www.advocate.com/exclusive_detail_ektid74991.asp
-Obama in Hot Seat Over Partner Benefits
By Julie Bolcer
Two strongly worded court orders place President Obama in an awkward position on the issue of whether the government must provide health insurance benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees, The New York Times reports.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid75170.asp
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Saturday, March 14, 2009
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 14, 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.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Laugh it Off: an Open Mic Reading
Today! Saturday, March 14, 2009, 1 p.m.
Broward Main Library
100 S. Andrews Avenue, 6th Floor Bienes Center
Ft. Lauderdale - 954-357-7443
Lwrites@mindspring.com
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Ex-Largo city manager who had sex change is a finalist for Lake Worth job
Willie Howard
Susan Stanton, the former Largo city manager who drew national media attention after being fired for announcing plans for a sex change, is a finalist for the city manager's job in Lake Worth. The former Steve Stanton worked as assistant city manager and manager for Largo for more than 16 years. He was fired by Largo commissioners in February 2007 after announcing plans to change his gender.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/lakeworth/sfl-bn-0313lakeworth-manager,0,1969885.story
-Campaign laws broken in attack fliers, Dania candidates say; legal action considered
Fliers violated campaign laws, targets say
By Andrew Ba Tran
The anonymous attack fliers started arriving in mailboxes the weekend before Tuesday's municipal election, dirtying up an otherwise clean campaign.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/dania_beach/sfl-flbdaniaelexfolosbmar14,0,5810146.story
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Guillermo Diaz to be Grand Marshal of AIDS Walk Miami, Craig Stevens returns as Master of Ceremonies
Care Resource news release:
Care Resource, South Florida's largest and oldest HIV/AIDS community health provider, is delighted to announce that recent SAG Award Nominee Guillermo Diaz, will serve as the official Grand Marshal of the 21st Annual AIDS Walk Miami - RUN, WALK, BLADE For the Cure. Following in the footsteps of past AIDS Walk Miami Grand Marshal celebrities like Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Sylvester Stallone, Cindy Crawford, Rosie O'Donnell and Antonio Sabato Jr., this year Guillermo Diaz will add his own brand of star power to South Florida's largest family fundraising walk-a-thon.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-'Songs of My Family'
Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus performance
By Dan Renzi
Tonight! Saturday, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus presents "Songs of My Family." Joined by the Miami Gay Men's Chorus, the songs focus on moments in the lives of gay families, a gay man's yearning to adopt a child wishing for a father, and the painful experience of partners not being accepted by relatives. Sounds pretty heavy, bring the Kleenex. 8 p.m., Sunshine Cathedral /MCC, 1480 S.W. 9 Ave. in FTL. 954-764-5150, http://www.fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=24476
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Laugh it Off: an Open Mic Reading
Today! Saturday, March 14, 2009, 1 p.m.
Broward Main Library
100 S. Andrews Avenue, 6th Floor Bienes Center
Ft. Lauderdale - 954-357-7443
Lwrites@mindspring.com
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Ex-Largo city manager who had sex change is a finalist for Lake Worth job
Willie Howard
Susan Stanton, the former Largo city manager who drew national media attention after being fired for announcing plans for a sex change, is a finalist for the city manager's job in Lake Worth. The former Steve Stanton worked as assistant city manager and manager for Largo for more than 16 years. He was fired by Largo commissioners in February 2007 after announcing plans to change his gender.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/lakeworth/sfl-bn-0313lakeworth-manager,0,1969885.story
-Campaign laws broken in attack fliers, Dania candidates say; legal action considered
Fliers violated campaign laws, targets say
By Andrew Ba Tran
The anonymous attack fliers started arriving in mailboxes the weekend before Tuesday's municipal election, dirtying up an otherwise clean campaign.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/dania_beach/sfl-flbdaniaelexfolosbmar14,0,5810146.story
=
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Guillermo Diaz to be Grand Marshal of AIDS Walk Miami, Craig Stevens returns as Master of Ceremonies
Care Resource news release:
Care Resource, South Florida's largest and oldest HIV/AIDS community health provider, is delighted to announce that recent SAG Award Nominee Guillermo Diaz, will serve as the official Grand Marshal of the 21st Annual AIDS Walk Miami - RUN, WALK, BLADE For the Cure. Following in the footsteps of past AIDS Walk Miami Grand Marshal celebrities like Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Sylvester Stallone, Cindy Crawford, Rosie O'Donnell and Antonio Sabato Jr., this year Guillermo Diaz will add his own brand of star power to South Florida's largest family fundraising walk-a-thon.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-'Songs of My Family'
Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus performance
By Dan Renzi
Tonight! Saturday, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus presents "Songs of My Family." Joined by the Miami Gay Men's Chorus, the songs focus on moments in the lives of gay families, a gay man's yearning to adopt a child wishing for a father, and the painful experience of partners not being accepted by relatives. Sounds pretty heavy, bring the Kleenex. 8 p.m., Sunshine Cathedral /MCC, 1480 S.W. 9 Ave. in FTL. 954-764-5150, http://www.fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org.
http://www.floridablade.com/blog/index.cfm?blog_id=24476
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Friday, March 13, 2009
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 13, 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.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Living Room readies for Pridefest 2009
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
=
Palm Beach Human Rights Council
-LOBBYING YOUR LEGISLATORS TO CO-SPONSOR THE LGBT RIGHTS BILL (SB 2O12/HB 397)
Hundreds of LGBT activists and our allies will meet in Tallahassee during the week of March 16 to rally for LGBT equality and lobby our legislators to support LGBT initiatives.PBCHRC is working with Equality Florida, the ACLU of Florida, Organizations United Together, SAVE Dade, the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, the Anti-Defamation League, Florida NOW and many other allied organizations to move the the LGBT civil rights bill and other legislation forward. Updated talking points on the civil rights legislation are attached. Feel free to use the information to help educate your legislators on why they need to support this important legislation. The list of co-sponsors for SB 2101 and HB 397 is also attached. If your state senator and state representative are not yet on the list, please encourage them to sign on as co-sponsors and to support this important legislation. Have a great time in Tallahassee and remember, by working together, we can make a difference!
Judge Rand Hoch (retired),
President and Founder
Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
=
Broward House
Please join us at another amazing "Boys Night Out" sponsored by Hotspots Magazine, at the Melting Pot on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale this coming Wednesday, March 18th starting at about 6:00 pm and running throughout the evening. For only $35 you will get a three course delicious fondue dinner with appetizer, main course and desert, plus there will be models presenting some of the latest fashions from Dillard's. Clinique and Paul Mitchell giveaways will come from the Michael Leigh Salon, and there will be special raffle prizes and gifts from Cookies by Design and Victoria Park Florist. This night is a benefit for Broward House. Reservations can be made by calling the number on the flyer below, be sure to mention that you are coming for the "Boys Night Out". Hope you can make it, we were there last month and it is truly a delicious night out and a lot of fun!! Don't forget too, The Florida Gay Rodeo Association will present the Florida Gay Rodeo at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie on Saturday April 4th and Sunday April 5th - They too have picked Broward House as their charity of choice this year, make sure to put it on your calendars now and come on out and see some cowboys and cowgirls in a full fledge rodeo event. For more information on the rodeo CLICK HERE http://fgra.com/stampede/rodeoinfo.asp
Terry DeCarlo
Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Events
=
Lambda Legal - Florida
-Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL *
3/29/09, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Join Executive Director Kevin Cathcart, South Florida Board Members, Lambda Legal Plaintiff Janice Langbhen and Lambda Legal supporters for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in celebration of another incredible year of civil rights work. For more info contact Rick Hill at 786-473-6126 or purchase tickets online.
-Rally in Tally for LGBT Equality
Florida Capitol Building, Tally, FL * 3/16/09, 12:00 pm
Join fair-minded Floridians from across the state as they gather at the State Capitol to demand that all Floridians be treated fairly and equally under the law, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Endorsed by Lambda Legal. For more info and to register, visit Rally in Tally online.
-Lambda Legal Pride in Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach
Join us for Pride South Florida in Ft. Lauderdale (3/21-3/22) and Pridefest in Palm Beach (3/28-3/29). Help us spread the word about Lambda Legal's groundbreaking work. To help out at a Pride booth, contact Simone Bell by Tuesday, March 17.
-Liberty Awards National Dinner
Pier 60, Chelsea Piers, 23rd Street & The Hudson River, New York, NY *
5/4/09, 6:00 - 11:00 pm
Join us for our flagship event as we honor Jeffrey S. Kalinsky, founder of the LGBT fundraiser Jeffrey Fashion Cares, and Martha Stark, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Finance. For more info contact Jennifer Kunin at 212-249-6188 or purchase tickets online.
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fort Lauderdale Spring Break: Come on down ( or maybe not )
It's easy to ignore the fuss about Spring Break when you're sipping from an 84-ounce bowl of booze. "What's the problem?" asks Katie Kennedy, 21, who checked into a Fort Lauderdale beachside hotel Saturday before heading to Lulu's Bait Shack with 13 pals from Eastern Kentucky University.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flspringbreak0313sbmar13,0,7237953.story?page=2
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Living Room readies for Pridefest 2009
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
=
Palm Beach Human Rights Council
-LOBBYING YOUR LEGISLATORS TO CO-SPONSOR THE LGBT RIGHTS BILL (SB 2O12/HB 397)
Hundreds of LGBT activists and our allies will meet in Tallahassee during the week of March 16 to rally for LGBT equality and lobby our legislators to support LGBT initiatives.PBCHRC is working with Equality Florida, the ACLU of Florida, Organizations United Together, SAVE Dade, the Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, the Anti-Defamation League, Florida NOW and many other allied organizations to move the the LGBT civil rights bill and other legislation forward. Updated talking points on the civil rights legislation are attached. Feel free to use the information to help educate your legislators on why they need to support this important legislation. The list of co-sponsors for SB 2101 and HB 397 is also attached. If your state senator and state representative are not yet on the list, please encourage them to sign on as co-sponsors and to support this important legislation. Have a great time in Tallahassee and remember, by working together, we can make a difference!
Judge Rand Hoch (retired),
President and Founder
Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
www.pbchrc.org
=
Broward House
Please join us at another amazing "Boys Night Out" sponsored by Hotspots Magazine, at the Melting Pot on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale this coming Wednesday, March 18th starting at about 6:00 pm and running throughout the evening. For only $35 you will get a three course delicious fondue dinner with appetizer, main course and desert, plus there will be models presenting some of the latest fashions from Dillard's. Clinique and Paul Mitchell giveaways will come from the Michael Leigh Salon, and there will be special raffle prizes and gifts from Cookies by Design and Victoria Park Florist. This night is a benefit for Broward House. Reservations can be made by calling the number on the flyer below, be sure to mention that you are coming for the "Boys Night Out". Hope you can make it, we were there last month and it is truly a delicious night out and a lot of fun!! Don't forget too, The Florida Gay Rodeo Association will present the Florida Gay Rodeo at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie on Saturday April 4th and Sunday April 5th - They too have picked Broward House as their charity of choice this year, make sure to put it on your calendars now and come on out and see some cowboys and cowgirls in a full fledge rodeo event. For more information on the rodeo CLICK HERE http://fgra.com/stampede/rodeoinfo.asp
Terry DeCarlo
Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Events
=
Lambda Legal - Florida
-Lambda Legal in Fort Lauderdale
Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, 900 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL *
3/29/09, 5:00 - 7:30 pm
Join Executive Director Kevin Cathcart, South Florida Board Members, Lambda Legal Plaintiff Janice Langbhen and Lambda Legal supporters for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in celebration of another incredible year of civil rights work. For more info contact Rick Hill at 786-473-6126 or purchase tickets online.
-Rally in Tally for LGBT Equality
Florida Capitol Building, Tally, FL * 3/16/09, 12:00 pm
Join fair-minded Floridians from across the state as they gather at the State Capitol to demand that all Floridians be treated fairly and equally under the law, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Endorsed by Lambda Legal. For more info and to register, visit Rally in Tally online.
-Lambda Legal Pride in Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach
Join us for Pride South Florida in Ft. Lauderdale (3/21-3/22) and Pridefest in Palm Beach (3/28-3/29). Help us spread the word about Lambda Legal's groundbreaking work. To help out at a Pride booth, contact Simone Bell by Tuesday, March 17.
-Liberty Awards National Dinner
Pier 60, Chelsea Piers, 23rd Street & The Hudson River, New York, NY *
5/4/09, 6:00 - 11:00 pm
Join us for our flagship event as we honor Jeffrey S. Kalinsky, founder of the LGBT fundraiser Jeffrey Fashion Cares, and Martha Stark, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Finance. For more info contact Jennifer Kunin at 212-249-6188 or purchase tickets online.
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Fort Lauderdale Spring Break: Come on down ( or maybe not )
It's easy to ignore the fuss about Spring Break when you're sipping from an 84-ounce bowl of booze. "What's the problem?" asks Katie Kennedy, 21, who checked into a Fort Lauderdale beachside hotel Saturday before heading to Lulu's Bait Shack with 13 pals from Eastern Kentucky University.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flspringbreak0313sbmar13,0,7237953.story?page=2
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Thursday, March 12, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - March 12, 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:
-Religious Leaders Battle Abuse Bill in New York
By PAUL VITELLO
Roman Catholic and Orthodox Jewish officials in New York are mounting an intense lobbying effort to block a bill before the State Legislature that would temporarily lift the statute of limitations for lawsuits alleging the sexual abuse of children.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/nyregion/12abuse.html?hp
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
-RNC Chairman Steele Is Under Fire for Abortion Comments
By Susan Davis
Call it baptism by fire. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, elected in January, has had a rocky six weeks on the job. Just as the dust was starting to settle on his very public dispute with conservative talker Rush Limbaugh, the chairman gave an interview to GQ magazine in which he made comments about abortion that have ruffled some conservative feathers.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/03/12/rnc-chairman-steele-is-under-fire-for-abortion-comments/
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Judge approves injunction for gay club at Florida high school
Associated Press
A federal judge has ordered the Nassau County School Board to allow a club promoting tolerance of gays to meet at Yulee High School. U.S. District Judge Henry Adams issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday in the case ordering the district to grant official recognition of the Gay-Straight Alliance and afford it the same privileges as any other student organization.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-031209-gayclub,0,233593.story
-Our goofy Legislature: Bestiality still legal, gay adoption not
Posted by Michael Mayo
She's tried before, and Democratic state senator Nan Rich of Weston is trying again: Rich wants to make it legal for gays to adopt and illegal for Floridians to have sex with animals. You'd have thought by now, in the year 2009, the law would be the other way around.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/mayo/blog/2009/03/our_goofy_legislature_bestiali.html
=
Steve Rothaus
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-GayAgenda.com: Congressman John Lewis Speaks OUT!
From James Hipps of GayAgenda.com:
I recently had the honor and pleasure of speaking with Congressman Lewis and had the opportunity to ask his thought on Gay Rights, Gay Marriage, and equality for all U.S. citizens. Congressman Lewis feels strongly that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation should be entitled to equality, and the same rights, as all other citizens.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
-Tyra Banks, Suze Orman & Phil Donahue to be honored at 2009 GLAAD Media Awards
GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has announced honorees and presenters at this year's media awards. Tyra Banks, Suze Orman and Phil Donahue are special award winners. Among the presenters: Clay Aiken and T.R. Knight.
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Jury begins deliberations in gay porn murder case
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
The jury in the Bryan Kocis murder case began deliberating Thursday the fate of 27-year-old Harlow Cuadra. If found guilty, Cuadra could receive the death penalty.
http://www.365gay.com/news/jury-begins-deliberations-in-gay-porn-murder-case/
-Trial begins for teen in NYC gay hate murder
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
The trial has begun for the alleged killer of a 20-year-old gay Brooklyn man, who was murdered because another man thought he was flirting with him.
http://www.365gay.com/news/trial-begins-for-teen-in-nyc-gay-hate-murder/
-Judge tosses confession of man accused of killing transwoman
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
The confession of a Colorado man who is accused of fatally battering a sex partner with a fire extinguisher after discovering she was a transgender woman, cannot be presented into evidence, a district court judge has ruled.
http://www.365gay.com/news/judge-tosses-confession-of-man-accused-of-killing-transwoman/
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Blood ban on gay men to be reviewed
By Jessica Geen
A review of blood donation policy in the UK will be carried out following the publication of new research. The latest review, in January 2007, recommended that the policy of banning gay and bisexual men from donating blood should be continued.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11581.html
-Medical advice 'puts lesbians at risk of cervical cancer'
Research has suggested that government guidelines should be revised to ensure more lesbian women are screened for cervical cancer. Currently, NHS advice states that women who have never been sexually active with a man have a very low risk of the disease, suggesting these women may decline to attend cervical smear tests.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11582.html
-2010 US census 'will not include gays'
The next US census, to be carried out next year, will not ask about sexual orientation or recognise gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships. If two men or two women who live together list themselves as husband and husband, or wife and wife, they will be counted as unmarried partners.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11585.html
-Research group to address training in LGBT issues for medical staff
A group of students from the Stanford Uninersity School of Medicine are working on increasing training for medical students on LGBT healthcare concern
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11589.html
-Family Guy provokes anger over gay orgy scene
Animated TV show Family Guy has come under fire from a parents' group over a recent episode that showed a gay orgy. In the episode, screened in the US on March 8th, storylines included a gay orgy featuring 11 men, a baby eating horse semen and bestiality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11587.html
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Cayman Islands: Ensure Equality for All
Restore Broad Anti-Discrimination Protections in Draft Constitution
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, should revise a draft constitution that will be submitted to voters on May 20, 2009, to ensure that it gives full protections to all against unequal treatment, and the British government should ensure that this happens, Human Rights Watch said today in letters to the Cayman governor, Stuart Jack, and the British foreign secretary, David Miliband. The draft constitution is being revised by the Cayman Islands government and will eliminate a free-standing guarantee of equality before the law and limit anti-discrimination protections only to rights expressly included in the constitution. This means that large and critically important areas of daily life would not be covered, including access to jobs, housing, and medical treatment. Reportedly, the government succumbed to pressure from religious groups, and the action was apparently intended to deny protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/11/letter-governor-cayman-islands
-Gay Pride Parade in Chiang Mai Broken Up by Red-Shirted Thugs
By STEVE AULT
More than two hundred red-shirted followers of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra introduced homophobia for the first time into Thailand's festering political scene when on Saturday, February 21, they forced cancellation of a lawful and peaceful gay pride parade and rally in Chiang Mai. The disruption was organized by Rak Chiang Mai 51, the local faction of Thaksin-supported United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Despite reassurances by local authorities that the parade would be allowed, the police made no effort to provide a buffer separating the disrupters from the marchers. Many of the disrupters wore red masks to avoid being recognized. About two hours before the parade was to begin, spoilers blockaded a compound where organizers had come earlier to prepare for the event. Later, thugs yelling homophobic insults prevented other parade organizers from entering the site. Also, 30 violence-threatening spoilers forced organizers of the concluding rally to dismantle a stage set up at the rally site.
-30 Years of CEDAW: Achievements & Continuing Challenges Towards The Realization of Women's Human Rights
International women's human rights activists gathered in New York on Monday, March 9, 2009, to observe the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Organized by the Kuala Lumpur-based International Women's Rights Action Watch-Asia Pacific and New Jersey-based the Center for Women's Global Leadership, the event featured a panel on the theme: Celebrating 30 Years of CEDAW:
Achievements and Continuing Challenges Towards the Realization of Women's Human Rights. Featured speakers traced the origins of CEDAW and described its achievements, which occurred despite its "step-child" status in the United Nations system-denied the support, credibility and resources given to other treaty monitoring bodies. Speakers also addressed the impact the Convention has had on challenging governments and improving commitments to respect, defend and promote women's human rights.
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Top Task Force staffer attends today's White House signing of executive order creating White House Council on Women and Girls
President Barack Obama signed an executive order today creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. The council is designed to provide a coordinated federal response to the challenges confronting women and girls, and to ensure that all cabinet and cabinet-level agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Deputy Executive Director Darlene Nipper attended today's signing at the White House. "The highest echelons of government need to be aware of and actively engaged in finding solutions to critical issues affecting women and girls - issues like pay equity, threat of violence, work-life balance for working women, and access to affordable health care and child care. Women and their families are particularly vulnerable on all these counts during an economic downturn. Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women face additional obstacles because they are unprotected by most nondiscrimination employment laws and family recognition laws. This new council will hopefully ensure the voices of women and girls are heard and that these issues remain front and center in the White House."
http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=mmKXJeM2IpJZJlL&s=eiKPK4MNLgJNI6MNKqF&m=cfILKXPAJgKTF
-2009 Transgender Leadership Summit!
We want to see you at the 4th Annual Transgender Leadership Summit! The 2009 Summit will be held at UC San Diego from March 27 - 29, 2009. The cost of this event is $25 and is open to individuals of all skill levels who are involved or interested in advancing civil rights for transgender people in California. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. We look forward to seeing you there!
www.transgenderlawcenter.org
-Please find more on Serbia and human rights in the report published today
by the Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Hammarberg:
https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1417013&Site=CommDH&BackColorInternet=FEC65B&BackColorIntranet=FEC65B&BackColorLogged=FFC679
-Increase In Anal Intercourse Involving At-Risk Teens And Young Adults
A new study by researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center suggests that the incidence of heterosexual anal sex is increasing among teens and young adults - particularly those who have recently had unprotected vaginal sex. These findings mirror recent data that show anal sex rates among adults doubled between the years 1995 and 2004. The study, published online by the American Journal of Public Health, is among the first to report on the little-known factors associated with heterosexual anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/130181.php
-Still need volunteers to participate in a study on dating violence among college students in same-sex relationships -Password : Butterfly007
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=UcpSW4UYDgnVDXzbYG3Hkw_3d_3d
-We are writing to ask for your participation in Campus Pride's
National LGBT College Climate Survey - GO ONLINE
http://www.campuspride.org/research and register to WIN A FREE RSVP CRUISE
or $500 CASH!
=
Southern Poverty Law Center
Live webcast: Hate group count rises
Join SPLC President Richard Cohen and Intelligence Project director Mark Potok as they discuss the growing number of hate groups in the United States. We've documented 926 hate groups in the U.S. - an increase of more than 50 percent since 2000. Hate groups are trying to swell their ranks by exploiting the election of President Obama, the struggling economy and immigration fears. Listeners will be able to submit questions before and during the event. The webcast will be Wednesday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Register today.
http://www.splcenter.org/news/item.jsp?aid=368&splcnewsletter=dnewsgen-031109
=
Truth Wins Out - TWO
by Wayne Besen
http://www.truthwinsout.org/
-Watchdog Groups Demand 'Ex-Gay' Organization Dismiss Leader, Alan Chambers,
After Exodus International Participates In Ugandan Anti-Gay Hate Conference
Exodus Under Fire After Group Remains Silent As Speakers At Ugandan Event
Seek To 'Wipe Out' Homosexuality And Imprison Gays
NEW YORK - The three leading watchdog organizations that monitor "ex-gay" ministries today called on the largest such group, Exodus International, to fire its leader, Alan Chambers. The coalition charged in a letter to Bob Ragan, chair of the Exodus Board of Directors, that Chambers allowed the organization to be used and give credibility to a conference that promoted human rights abuses against gay and lesbian people.
http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/open-letter-to-the-exodus-international-board-of-directors/
=
[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:
-Religious Leaders Battle Abuse Bill in New York
By PAUL VITELLO
Roman Catholic and Orthodox Jewish officials in New York are mounting an intense lobbying effort to block a bill before the State Legislature that would temporarily lift the statute of limitations for lawsuits alleging the sexual abuse of children.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/nyregion/12abuse.html?hp
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
-RNC Chairman Steele Is Under Fire for Abortion Comments
By Susan Davis
Call it baptism by fire. Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Steele, elected in January, has had a rocky six weeks on the job. Just as the dust was starting to settle on his very public dispute with conservative talker Rush Limbaugh, the chairman gave an interview to GQ magazine in which he made comments about abortion that have ruffled some conservative feathers.
http://blogs.wsj.com/washwire/2009/03/12/rnc-chairman-steele-is-under-fire-for-abortion-comments/
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Judge approves injunction for gay club at Florida high school
Associated Press
A federal judge has ordered the Nassau County School Board to allow a club promoting tolerance of gays to meet at Yulee High School. U.S. District Judge Henry Adams issued a preliminary injunction Wednesday in the case ordering the district to grant official recognition of the Gay-Straight Alliance and afford it the same privileges as any other student organization.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/sfl-031209-gayclub,0,233593.story
-Our goofy Legislature: Bestiality still legal, gay adoption not
Posted by Michael Mayo
She's tried before, and Democratic state senator Nan Rich of Weston is trying again: Rich wants to make it legal for gays to adopt and illegal for Floridians to have sex with animals. You'd have thought by now, in the year 2009, the law would be the other way around.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/columnists/mayo/blog/2009/03/our_goofy_legislature_bestiali.html
=
Steve Rothaus
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-GayAgenda.com: Congressman John Lewis Speaks OUT!
From James Hipps of GayAgenda.com:
I recently had the honor and pleasure of speaking with Congressman Lewis and had the opportunity to ask his thought on Gay Rights, Gay Marriage, and equality for all U.S. citizens. Congressman Lewis feels strongly that all persons, regardless of sexual orientation should be entitled to equality, and the same rights, as all other citizens.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
-Tyra Banks, Suze Orman & Phil Donahue to be honored at 2009 GLAAD Media Awards
GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has announced honorees and presenters at this year's media awards. Tyra Banks, Suze Orman and Phil Donahue are special award winners. Among the presenters: Clay Aiken and T.R. Knight.
=
365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Jury begins deliberations in gay porn murder case
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
The jury in the Bryan Kocis murder case began deliberating Thursday the fate of 27-year-old Harlow Cuadra. If found guilty, Cuadra could receive the death penalty.
http://www.365gay.com/news/jury-begins-deliberations-in-gay-porn-murder-case/
-Trial begins for teen in NYC gay hate murder
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
The trial has begun for the alleged killer of a 20-year-old gay Brooklyn man, who was murdered because another man thought he was flirting with him.
http://www.365gay.com/news/trial-begins-for-teen-in-nyc-gay-hate-murder/
-Judge tosses confession of man accused of killing transwoman
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
The confession of a Colorado man who is accused of fatally battering a sex partner with a fire extinguisher after discovering she was a transgender woman, cannot be presented into evidence, a district court judge has ruled.
http://www.365gay.com/news/judge-tosses-confession-of-man-accused-of-killing-transwoman/
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Blood ban on gay men to be reviewed
By Jessica Geen
A review of blood donation policy in the UK will be carried out following the publication of new research. The latest review, in January 2007, recommended that the policy of banning gay and bisexual men from donating blood should be continued.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11581.html
-Medical advice 'puts lesbians at risk of cervical cancer'
Research has suggested that government guidelines should be revised to ensure more lesbian women are screened for cervical cancer. Currently, NHS advice states that women who have never been sexually active with a man have a very low risk of the disease, suggesting these women may decline to attend cervical smear tests.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11582.html
-2010 US census 'will not include gays'
The next US census, to be carried out next year, will not ask about sexual orientation or recognise gay marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships. If two men or two women who live together list themselves as husband and husband, or wife and wife, they will be counted as unmarried partners.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11585.html
-Research group to address training in LGBT issues for medical staff
A group of students from the Stanford Uninersity School of Medicine are working on increasing training for medical students on LGBT healthcare concern
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11589.html
-Family Guy provokes anger over gay orgy scene
Animated TV show Family Guy has come under fire from a parents' group over a recent episode that showed a gay orgy. In the episode, screened in the US on March 8th, storylines included a gay orgy featuring 11 men, a baby eating horse semen and bestiality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11587.html
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Cayman Islands: Ensure Equality for All
Restore Broad Anti-Discrimination Protections in Draft Constitution
The Cayman Islands, a British Overseas Territory, should revise a draft constitution that will be submitted to voters on May 20, 2009, to ensure that it gives full protections to all against unequal treatment, and the British government should ensure that this happens, Human Rights Watch said today in letters to the Cayman governor, Stuart Jack, and the British foreign secretary, David Miliband. The draft constitution is being revised by the Cayman Islands government and will eliminate a free-standing guarantee of equality before the law and limit anti-discrimination protections only to rights expressly included in the constitution. This means that large and critically important areas of daily life would not be covered, including access to jobs, housing, and medical treatment. Reportedly, the government succumbed to pressure from religious groups, and the action was apparently intended to deny protections to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people.
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/11/letter-governor-cayman-islands
-Gay Pride Parade in Chiang Mai Broken Up by Red-Shirted Thugs
By STEVE AULT
More than two hundred red-shirted followers of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra introduced homophobia for the first time into Thailand's festering political scene when on Saturday, February 21, they forced cancellation of a lawful and peaceful gay pride parade and rally in Chiang Mai. The disruption was organized by Rak Chiang Mai 51, the local faction of Thaksin-supported United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Despite reassurances by local authorities that the parade would be allowed, the police made no effort to provide a buffer separating the disrupters from the marchers. Many of the disrupters wore red masks to avoid being recognized. About two hours before the parade was to begin, spoilers blockaded a compound where organizers had come earlier to prepare for the event. Later, thugs yelling homophobic insults prevented other parade organizers from entering the site. Also, 30 violence-threatening spoilers forced organizers of the concluding rally to dismantle a stage set up at the rally site.
-30 Years of CEDAW: Achievements & Continuing Challenges Towards The Realization of Women's Human Rights
International women's human rights activists gathered in New York on Monday, March 9, 2009, to observe the 30th anniversary of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Organized by the Kuala Lumpur-based International Women's Rights Action Watch-Asia Pacific and New Jersey-based the Center for Women's Global Leadership, the event featured a panel on the theme: Celebrating 30 Years of CEDAW:
Achievements and Continuing Challenges Towards the Realization of Women's Human Rights. Featured speakers traced the origins of CEDAW and described its achievements, which occurred despite its "step-child" status in the United Nations system-denied the support, credibility and resources given to other treaty monitoring bodies. Speakers also addressed the impact the Convention has had on challenging governments and improving commitments to respect, defend and promote women's human rights.
=
Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-Top Task Force staffer attends today's White House signing of executive order creating White House Council on Women and Girls
President Barack Obama signed an executive order today creating the White House Council on Women and Girls. The council is designed to provide a coordinated federal response to the challenges confronting women and girls, and to ensure that all cabinet and cabinet-level agencies consider how their policies and programs impact women and families. National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Deputy Executive Director Darlene Nipper attended today's signing at the White House. "The highest echelons of government need to be aware of and actively engaged in finding solutions to critical issues affecting women and girls - issues like pay equity, threat of violence, work-life balance for working women, and access to affordable health care and child care. Women and their families are particularly vulnerable on all these counts during an economic downturn. Lesbian, bisexual and transgender women face additional obstacles because they are unprotected by most nondiscrimination employment laws and family recognition laws. This new council will hopefully ensure the voices of women and girls are heard and that these issues remain front and center in the White House."
http://www.kintera.org/TR.asp?a=mmKXJeM2IpJZJlL&s=eiKPK4MNLgJNI6MNKqF&m=cfILKXPAJgKTF
-2009 Transgender Leadership Summit!
We want to see you at the 4th Annual Transgender Leadership Summit! The 2009 Summit will be held at UC San Diego from March 27 - 29, 2009. The cost of this event is $25 and is open to individuals of all skill levels who are involved or interested in advancing civil rights for transgender people in California. No one will be turned away due to lack of funds. We look forward to seeing you there!
www.transgenderlawcenter.org
-Please find more on Serbia and human rights in the report published today
by the Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Hammarberg:
https://wcd.coe.int/ViewDoc.jsp?id=1417013&Site=CommDH&BackColorInternet=FEC65B&BackColorIntranet=FEC65B&BackColorLogged=FFC679
-Increase In Anal Intercourse Involving At-Risk Teens And Young Adults
A new study by researchers at the Bradley Hasbro Children's Research Center suggests that the incidence of heterosexual anal sex is increasing among teens and young adults - particularly those who have recently had unprotected vaginal sex. These findings mirror recent data that show anal sex rates among adults doubled between the years 1995 and 2004. The study, published online by the American Journal of Public Health, is among the first to report on the little-known factors associated with heterosexual anal intercourse among adolescents and young adults.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/130181.php
-Still need volunteers to participate in a study on dating violence among college students in same-sex relationships -Password : Butterfly007
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=UcpSW4UYDgnVDXzbYG3Hkw_3d_3d
-We are writing to ask for your participation in Campus Pride's
National LGBT College Climate Survey - GO ONLINE
http://www.campuspride.org/research and register to WIN A FREE RSVP CRUISE
or $500 CASH!
=
Southern Poverty Law Center
Live webcast: Hate group count rises
Join SPLC President Richard Cohen and Intelligence Project director Mark Potok as they discuss the growing number of hate groups in the United States. We've documented 926 hate groups in the U.S. - an increase of more than 50 percent since 2000. Hate groups are trying to swell their ranks by exploiting the election of President Obama, the struggling economy and immigration fears. Listeners will be able to submit questions before and during the event. The webcast will be Wednesday, March 18 at 2 p.m. Eastern. Register today.
http://www.splcenter.org/news/item.jsp?aid=368&splcnewsletter=dnewsgen-031109
=
Truth Wins Out - TWO
by Wayne Besen
http://www.truthwinsout.org/
-Watchdog Groups Demand 'Ex-Gay' Organization Dismiss Leader, Alan Chambers,
After Exodus International Participates In Ugandan Anti-Gay Hate Conference
Exodus Under Fire After Group Remains Silent As Speakers At Ugandan Event
Seek To 'Wipe Out' Homosexuality And Imprison Gays
NEW YORK - The three leading watchdog organizations that monitor "ex-gay" ministries today called on the largest such group, Exodus International, to fire its leader, Alan Chambers. The coalition charged in a letter to Bob Ragan, chair of the Exodus Board of Directors, that Chambers allowed the organization to be used and give credibility to a conference that promoted human rights abuses against gay and lesbian people.
http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/open-letter-to-the-exodus-international-board-of-directors/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST - March 12, 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:
-As Cities Go From Two Papers to One, Talk of Zero
By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA
The history of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer stretches back more than two decades before Washington became a state, but after 146 years of publishing, the paper is expected to print its last issue next week, perhaps surviving only in a much smaller online version.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/media/12papers.html?_r=1&hp
-Financial Fraud Is Focus of Attack by Prosecutors
By DAVID SEGAL
Spurred by rising public anger, federal and state investigators are preparing for a surge of prosecutions of financial fraud.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/12crime.html?hp
-Israel Stance Was Undoing of Nominee for Intelligence Post
By MARK MAZZETTI and HELENE COOPER
When Dennis C. Blair, the director of national intelligence, announced that he would install Charles W. Freeman Jr. in a top intelligence post, the decision surprised some in the White House who worried that the selection could be controversial and an unnecessary distraction, according to administration officials.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/washington/12lobby.html?hp
-Investigation Into Madoff Fraud Turns to a Small Circle of Accountants
By LESLIE WAYNE and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM
As Bernard L. Madoff faces another big day in court Thursday, some details are emerging about how he operated his vast Ponzi scheme.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/12accountants.html
-At Stake for Madoff in Hearing: His Freedom
By DIANA B. HENRIQUES
When Bernard L. Madoff arrives in federal court on Thursday to plead guilty to operating a vast 20-year Ponzi scheme, there is a strong chance that he will not return home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/12madoff.html?hp
-Gordon to the Rescue
By ROGER COHEN
If, as a British prime minister, you get a five-minute segment on "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," you know you've made it, especially when the much-loved Stewart describes your country as a place that "gets about two hours of sunshine a year" and resembles a "coffee-less Seattle."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/opinion/12Cohen.html?ref=opinion
-Iraqi Shoe Thrower Gets Three Years
By MARC SANTORA
BAGHDAD - An Iraqi journalist who gained widespread acclaim throughout the Arab world for hurling his shoes at President Bush during a visit here in December was sentenced to three years in jail by a court on Thursday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/world/middleeast/13iraq.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Choice of Drug Czar Indicates Focus on Treatment, Not Jail
By Carrie Johnson and Amy Goldstein
The White House said yesterday that it will push for treatment, rather than incarceration, of people arrested for drug-related crimes as it announced the nomination of Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske to oversee the nation's effort to control illegal drugs.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103567.html?hpid=topnews
-Obama Signs Spending Bill, Vowing to Battle Earmarks
By Paul Kane and Scott Wilson
President Obama's call to rein in the use of earmarks was met with derision yesterday even from some of his past reformer allies, dealing an early blow to his attempt to change how business is done in Washington.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031101499.html?hpid=topnews
-The Country's Loss
By David S. Broder
The Obama administration has just suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the lobbyists the president vowed to keep in their place, and their friends on Capitol Hill. The country has lost an able public servant in an area where President Obama has few personal credentials of his own -- the handling of national intelligence.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103213.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Robert Parham
Limbaugh's Unrighteous Hold on Christian Right
Rush Limbaugh told what he thought was a joke to a cheering crowd at the 2009 Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of conservative activists and politicians. In his rambling remarks televised on FOX News, Limbaugh said that when Larry King died, he went to heaven and was met at the gates by Saint Peter. King's one question was: "Is Rush Limbaugh here?"
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2009/03/limbaughs_unrighteous_hold_on.html
-Alaska Gov. Palin's Daughter, Fiance Break Up
By RACHEL D'ORO
Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Gov. Sarah Palin, have broken off their engagement, he said Wednesday, about 2 1/2 months after the couple had a baby.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103405.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Tax-Prep Software Doesn't Add Up
By Rob Pegoraro
I knew I was doomed about five minutes into this year's tax-prep ordeal. Two different programs -- having been fed nothing more than basic personal info and the contents of a pair of W-2s -- did not agree on the total tax bill for my wife and me.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103934.html?wprss=posttech?hpid=sec-tech
-Paved With Magnificent Intentions
By George F. Will
Charles Dickens, who visited in 1842, described Washington as a "city of magnificent intentions" because of the incongruity between the city's grand aspirations and muddy, swampy actuality. Today Washington's discrepancy is not architectural but political. It is between the extraordinary powers and competences the administration claims it has and the administration's inability to be clear or plausible about what it is doing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103216.html
-A 'Phony War' On the Crisis
By David Ignatius
For all the legislative commotion surrounding the economic crisis, we are still living in the equivalent of "the phony war" of 1939 and 1940. War has been declared on the Great Recession, but it's basically politics as usual. The bickering and mismanagement that helped create the crisis are continuing, even though we elected a president who promised a new start.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103214.html
-Building a Better Capitalism
By Harold Meyerson
So what kind of capitalism shall we craft? Now that the market fundamentalism to which we've adhered for the past 30 years has -- by its own criterion of increasing shareholder value -- totally failed? Now that Alan Greenspan has proclaimed himself "shocked" that "the self-interest of lending institutions to protect shareholders' equity" proved to be an illusion?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103218.html
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-For More Mayors, School Takeovers Are a No-Brainer
Oversight by City Hall Can Help Push Through Reforms, but Some Parents and Teachers See Too Much Bullying
By JOHN HECHINGER and SUZANNE SATALINE
More U.S. cities are considering scrapping a longstanding tradition in American education, the elected school board, and opting to let mayors rule over the classroom.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123682041297603203.html
-Obama Outlines Plan to Curb Earmarks
By JONATHAN WEISMAN and GREG HITT
President Barack Obama signed a $410 billion spending bill Wednesday that includes thousands of pet projects inserted by lawmakers, even as he unveiled new rules to restrict such so-called earmarks.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680763049200481.html
-High School Shooting in Germany Leaves 16 Dead
By DAVID CRAWFORD
BERLIN -- A shooting rampage that began in a southern German school on Wednesday and left 16 dead is likely to stoke fresh debate in Europe about gun control and public security. The shooting began about 9:30 a.m., when 17-year-old Tim Kretschmer, a former student, entered Albertville high school in Winnenden, a suburb of Stuttgart. He killed nine students and three teachers with a Beretta 9mm pistol before fleeing, police say. In Winnenden, he killed a passerby and then hijacked a car, setting off a massive police manhunt.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680024809099043.html
-Obama, Geithner Get Low Grades From Economists
By PHIL IZZO
U.S. President Barack Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner received failing grades for their efforts to revive the economy from participants in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123671107124286261.html
-Tariq Aziz Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Saddam Hussein's former foreign minister, Tariq Aziz, was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday for the 1992 execution of 42 merchants accused of price gouging while Iraq was under U.N. sanctions. The conviction was the first against Mr. Aziz, who for years was the former regime's public face to West.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123678326756095521.html
-Bill Gates Reclaims Title as Richest Man in World
By KATHY SHWIFF
The global economic crisis has reduced the number of billionaires and made the richest people in the world poorer, according to Forbes magazine. Forbes found 793 billionaires in 2009, down 30% from a year earlier. This is the first decline since 2003.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680532287700123.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Dumbest Proposal Ever?
By Joe Conason
If President Barack Obama's response to the economic crisis is imperfect, as he acknowledges, and if the Congressional Democrats leave much to be desired as well, then Americans can at least be thankful that the nation's fate has not been consigned to the frozen minds on the other side of the aisle. Things are bad, and seem very likely to get worse-but the Republicans seem determined to plunge us into a real depression, gambling that catastrophe would return them to power.
http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/dumbest-proposal-ever
-Steele Under Fire
By The New York Times
Michael Steele, whose rocky start as chairman of the Republican National Committee had already led to chatter about his job security, has more trouble on his hands. In an interview with Lisa DePaulo of GQ, Mr. Steele was asked about his views on abortion and homosexuality, and in both cases gave answers that could give heartburn to conservatives.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/stem-cell-squabble/?partner=MOREOVERFEATURES&ei=5040
=
Pew Research center
http://pewresearch.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-States of Movement
Magnet or Sticky? A State-by-State Typology
Alaska has trouble keeping 'em down on the tundra: just 28% of the adults born in that state still live there now, placing it 50th on this measure of state population "stickiness." New York, meantime, has trouble attracting newcomers: just 19% of its current residents were born in another state, making it the nation's least "magnetic" state. Find out where your state lands on these novel measures of state migration patterns. Read more
-Pakistan
Few in Pakistan Support Extremists -- But Few Favor Military Confrontation
Extremist groups are increasingly demonstrating their ability to strike throughout a country in which support for al Qaeda or the Taliban has declined sharply in recent years and where few agree with their widely noted tactic of preventing education for girls. Read more
-Stop the Presses
Many Americans Wouldn't Care a Lot if Local Papers Folded
Fewer than half of Americans say losing their local paper would hurt civic life a great deal; even fewer say they would miss reading it a lot. Read more
-Seeing Red?
Socialism, American-Style
We love the free market, but fear corporations and global competition, and depend on Uncle Sam to keep us safe. Read more
-Poll Paradox
Why Surveys of Muslim Americans Differ
Because Muslim Americans make up a very small percentage of the U.S. public, it is difficult to provide a reliable picture of their views and differences in survey design can crucially affect findings. Read more
-Buy, Sell, Yell
Media Get on Dow Rollercoaster
For the fourth time in four weeks a different component of the economic crisis was the top storyline. Also, Limbaugh was the No. 2 newsmaker of the week. Read more
-Daily Number
33 - Candidate to President
America's impression of Barack Obama has changed substantially from his time on the campaign trail last fall to his current position in the Oval Office. Check back every weekday for another number in the news. Read more
=
[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:
-As Cities Go From Two Papers to One, Talk of Zero
By RICHARD PÉREZ-PEÑA
The history of The Seattle Post-Intelligencer stretches back more than two decades before Washington became a state, but after 146 years of publishing, the paper is expected to print its last issue next week, perhaps surviving only in a much smaller online version.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/media/12papers.html?_r=1&hp
-Financial Fraud Is Focus of Attack by Prosecutors
By DAVID SEGAL
Spurred by rising public anger, federal and state investigators are preparing for a surge of prosecutions of financial fraud.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/12crime.html?hp
-Israel Stance Was Undoing of Nominee for Intelligence Post
By MARK MAZZETTI and HELENE COOPER
When Dennis C. Blair, the director of national intelligence, announced that he would install Charles W. Freeman Jr. in a top intelligence post, the decision surprised some in the White House who worried that the selection could be controversial and an unnecessary distraction, according to administration officials.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/washington/12lobby.html?hp
-Investigation Into Madoff Fraud Turns to a Small Circle of Accountants
By LESLIE WAYNE and WILLIAM K. RASHBAUM
As Bernard L. Madoff faces another big day in court Thursday, some details are emerging about how he operated his vast Ponzi scheme.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/12accountants.html
-At Stake for Madoff in Hearing: His Freedom
By DIANA B. HENRIQUES
When Bernard L. Madoff arrives in federal court on Thursday to plead guilty to operating a vast 20-year Ponzi scheme, there is a strong chance that he will not return home.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/business/12madoff.html?hp
-Gordon to the Rescue
By ROGER COHEN
If, as a British prime minister, you get a five-minute segment on "The Daily Show With Jon Stewart," you know you've made it, especially when the much-loved Stewart describes your country as a place that "gets about two hours of sunshine a year" and resembles a "coffee-less Seattle."
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/opinion/12Cohen.html?ref=opinion
-Iraqi Shoe Thrower Gets Three Years
By MARC SANTORA
BAGHDAD - An Iraqi journalist who gained widespread acclaim throughout the Arab world for hurling his shoes at President Bush during a visit here in December was sentenced to three years in jail by a court on Thursday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/13/world/middleeast/13iraq.html?hp
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Choice of Drug Czar Indicates Focus on Treatment, Not Jail
By Carrie Johnson and Amy Goldstein
The White House said yesterday that it will push for treatment, rather than incarceration, of people arrested for drug-related crimes as it announced the nomination of Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske to oversee the nation's effort to control illegal drugs.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103567.html?hpid=topnews
-Obama Signs Spending Bill, Vowing to Battle Earmarks
By Paul Kane and Scott Wilson
President Obama's call to rein in the use of earmarks was met with derision yesterday even from some of his past reformer allies, dealing an early blow to his attempt to change how business is done in Washington.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031101499.html?hpid=topnews
-The Country's Loss
By David S. Broder
The Obama administration has just suffered an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the lobbyists the president vowed to keep in their place, and their friends on Capitol Hill. The country has lost an able public servant in an area where President Obama has few personal credentials of his own -- the handling of national intelligence.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103213.html?hpid=opinionsbox1
-Robert Parham
Limbaugh's Unrighteous Hold on Christian Right
Rush Limbaugh told what he thought was a joke to a cheering crowd at the 2009 Conservative Political Action Conference, an annual gathering of conservative activists and politicians. In his rambling remarks televised on FOX News, Limbaugh said that when Larry King died, he went to heaven and was met at the gates by Saint Peter. King's one question was: "Is Rush Limbaugh here?"
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/guestvoices/2009/03/limbaughs_unrighteous_hold_on.html
-Alaska Gov. Palin's Daughter, Fiance Break Up
By RACHEL D'ORO
Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin, the teenage daughter of Gov. Sarah Palin, have broken off their engagement, he said Wednesday, about 2 1/2 months after the couple had a baby.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103405.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Tax-Prep Software Doesn't Add Up
By Rob Pegoraro
I knew I was doomed about five minutes into this year's tax-prep ordeal. Two different programs -- having been fed nothing more than basic personal info and the contents of a pair of W-2s -- did not agree on the total tax bill for my wife and me.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103934.html?wprss=posttech?hpid=sec-tech
-Paved With Magnificent Intentions
By George F. Will
Charles Dickens, who visited in 1842, described Washington as a "city of magnificent intentions" because of the incongruity between the city's grand aspirations and muddy, swampy actuality. Today Washington's discrepancy is not architectural but political. It is between the extraordinary powers and competences the administration claims it has and the administration's inability to be clear or plausible about what it is doing.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103216.html
-A 'Phony War' On the Crisis
By David Ignatius
For all the legislative commotion surrounding the economic crisis, we are still living in the equivalent of "the phony war" of 1939 and 1940. War has been declared on the Great Recession, but it's basically politics as usual. The bickering and mismanagement that helped create the crisis are continuing, even though we elected a president who promised a new start.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103214.html
-Building a Better Capitalism
By Harold Meyerson
So what kind of capitalism shall we craft? Now that the market fundamentalism to which we've adhered for the past 30 years has -- by its own criterion of increasing shareholder value -- totally failed? Now that Alan Greenspan has proclaimed himself "shocked" that "the self-interest of lending institutions to protect shareholders' equity" proved to be an illusion?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031103218.html
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/public/us
Go to the links for the following articles:
-For More Mayors, School Takeovers Are a No-Brainer
Oversight by City Hall Can Help Push Through Reforms, but Some Parents and Teachers See Too Much Bullying
By JOHN HECHINGER and SUZANNE SATALINE
More U.S. cities are considering scrapping a longstanding tradition in American education, the elected school board, and opting to let mayors rule over the classroom.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123682041297603203.html
-Obama Outlines Plan to Curb Earmarks
By JONATHAN WEISMAN and GREG HITT
President Barack Obama signed a $410 billion spending bill Wednesday that includes thousands of pet projects inserted by lawmakers, even as he unveiled new rules to restrict such so-called earmarks.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680763049200481.html
-High School Shooting in Germany Leaves 16 Dead
By DAVID CRAWFORD
BERLIN -- A shooting rampage that began in a southern German school on Wednesday and left 16 dead is likely to stoke fresh debate in Europe about gun control and public security. The shooting began about 9:30 a.m., when 17-year-old Tim Kretschmer, a former student, entered Albertville high school in Winnenden, a suburb of Stuttgart. He killed nine students and three teachers with a Beretta 9mm pistol before fleeing, police say. In Winnenden, he killed a passerby and then hijacked a car, setting off a massive police manhunt.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680024809099043.html
-Obama, Geithner Get Low Grades From Economists
By PHIL IZZO
U.S. President Barack Obama and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner received failing grades for their efforts to revive the economy from participants in the latest Wall Street Journal forecasting survey.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123671107124286261.html
-Tariq Aziz Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison
Saddam Hussein's former foreign minister, Tariq Aziz, was convicted of crimes against humanity and sentenced to 15 years in prison Wednesday for the 1992 execution of 42 merchants accused of price gouging while Iraq was under U.N. sanctions. The conviction was the first against Mr. Aziz, who for years was the former regime's public face to West.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123678326756095521.html
-Bill Gates Reclaims Title as Richest Man in World
By KATHY SHWIFF
The global economic crisis has reduced the number of billionaires and made the richest people in the world poorer, according to Forbes magazine. Forbes found 793 billionaires in 2009, down 30% from a year earlier. This is the first decline since 2003.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123680532287700123.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Dumbest Proposal Ever?
By Joe Conason
If President Barack Obama's response to the economic crisis is imperfect, as he acknowledges, and if the Congressional Democrats leave much to be desired as well, then Americans can at least be thankful that the nation's fate has not been consigned to the frozen minds on the other side of the aisle. Things are bad, and seem very likely to get worse-but the Republicans seem determined to plunge us into a real depression, gambling that catastrophe would return them to power.
http://www.observer.com/2009/politics/dumbest-proposal-ever
-Steele Under Fire
By The New York Times
Michael Steele, whose rocky start as chairman of the Republican National Committee had already led to chatter about his job security, has more trouble on his hands. In an interview with Lisa DePaulo of GQ, Mr. Steele was asked about his views on abortion and homosexuality, and in both cases gave answers that could give heartburn to conservatives.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/03/11/stem-cell-squabble/?partner=MOREOVERFEATURES&ei=5040
=
Pew Research center
http://pewresearch.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-States of Movement
Magnet or Sticky? A State-by-State Typology
Alaska has trouble keeping 'em down on the tundra: just 28% of the adults born in that state still live there now, placing it 50th on this measure of state population "stickiness." New York, meantime, has trouble attracting newcomers: just 19% of its current residents were born in another state, making it the nation's least "magnetic" state. Find out where your state lands on these novel measures of state migration patterns. Read more
-Pakistan
Few in Pakistan Support Extremists -- But Few Favor Military Confrontation
Extremist groups are increasingly demonstrating their ability to strike throughout a country in which support for al Qaeda or the Taliban has declined sharply in recent years and where few agree with their widely noted tactic of preventing education for girls. Read more
-Stop the Presses
Many Americans Wouldn't Care a Lot if Local Papers Folded
Fewer than half of Americans say losing their local paper would hurt civic life a great deal; even fewer say they would miss reading it a lot. Read more
-Seeing Red?
Socialism, American-Style
We love the free market, but fear corporations and global competition, and depend on Uncle Sam to keep us safe. Read more
-Poll Paradox
Why Surveys of Muslim Americans Differ
Because Muslim Americans make up a very small percentage of the U.S. public, it is difficult to provide a reliable picture of their views and differences in survey design can crucially affect findings. Read more
-Buy, Sell, Yell
Media Get on Dow Rollercoaster
For the fourth time in four weeks a different component of the economic crisis was the top storyline. Also, Limbaugh was the No. 2 newsmaker of the week. Read more
-Daily Number
33 - Candidate to President
America's impression of Barack Obama has changed substantially from his time on the campaign trail last fall to his current position in the Oval Office. Check back every weekday for another number in the news. Read more
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST - March 12, 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.
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Fort Lauderdale Gay Mens Chorus
-Songs of My Family
BY POPULAR DEMAND, WE'VE ADDED A SECOND PERFORMANCE!
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009
Sunshine Cathedral - 1480 SW 9th Ave. - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org/index.html
=
Stonewall Library and Archives - Ft. Lauderdale
-Psychotherapist Dr. Ann Mody Lewis to speak about her just released book Me, Again -
Saturday, March 28 - 2:00 PM
On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 2:00 pm, Stonewall will host a lecture by psychotherapist and writer Dr. Ann Mody Lewis. Dr. Lewis will be speaking about her new book Me, Again: The Untold Story of Every Woman's Life. Dr. Lewis insightful book offers a fresh look at the role gender plays in the lives of women. Her work leads women on a journey to inner peace and self-liberation. [...] For further information, please call 954-763-8565. Stonewall Library & Archives is located at 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
2009 INTERNATIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CONFERENCE
Presented by Nova Southeastern University Fischler School - The Association for Child & Youth and Care Practices, Inc. - Council of Canadian Child & Youth Care Associations
WHAT: 120 workshops delivered by 160 presenters from all over the world
WHERE: Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: May 26 to May 29 of 2009
www.icycc2009.com
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Top 5 clubs and pubs in Fort Lauderdale
Forum Publishing Group
5. Sea Monster, 2 S. New River Dive W., 954-767-6200: Attention all gay and lesbian club enthusiasts: The cavernous Sea Monster nightclub is once again hugging the south bank of the New River in Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here.. Shuttered for four years, the renovated club retains much of its old charm. The club still consists of four rooms: a main room with pool tables and a well-populated bar; a large dance-floor area; a cozy, red-lit bar in the back; and an enclosed garden patio.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flesbtopfive0312esbmar12,0,6657333.story
=
Steve Rothaus
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-'Unfriendly Fire' author Nathaniel Frank to speak Wednesday at Books and Books on Lincoln Road
From Jon Schwenzer, South Florida chapter president of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association:
One of our members, Nathaniel Frank, will read from his new book,
"UNFRIENDLY FIRE"-How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military & Weakens America
http://www.unfriendlyfire.org
Wednesday, March 18, 7:00pm
Books and Books
927 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 305.532.3222
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Lawmaker seeks to legalize adoption by gays in Florida
Florida's gay-adoption ban will now face two challenges: one in a Miami appeals court, the other in the state Legislature.
BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER
As gay-rights advocates and religious groups queue up in an effort to influence the outcome of a Miami appeals court case that will help decide whether gay people can adopt children in Florida, a state lawmaker has quietly introduced two bills that could render the dispute moot.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/945660.html
-Army fired 11 soldiers in Jan. as openly gay
By ANNE FLAHERTY
The Army fired 11 soldiers in January for violating the military's policy that gay service members must keep their sexuality hidden, according to a Virginia congressman.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/946412.html
=
South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Presbytery votes to overturn gay minister ban
Similar amendments considered in 1996
A majority of Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation leaders in central and eastern Kentucky have voted to overturn a national ban on gay ministers.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=24470
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Florida legislators defend earmarks as Obama signs bill chock-full of them
By Wes Allison, Times Staff Writer
When it comes to the age-old practice of Congress sending millions of dollars back home, not even President Obama is likely to bring much change. As the president signed a massive government spending bill that earmarks billions of dollars for members' hometown projects, Obama urged Congress to increase the transparency of the earmark process and warned that tough budget times ahead may curtail future largess.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article983304.ece
-Voting Rights Elude Some Florida Ex-Felons, Study Says
By GARY FINEOUT
Florida's procedures for restoring voting rights to convicted felons are so cumbersome, bureaucratic and confusing that some ex-convicts are being denied their rights, according to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/us/12inmates.html?partner=MOREOVERNEWS&ei=5040
-Democrat named to Florida Supreme Court
BY DAVID DECAMP
Gov. Crist appointed Judge James E.C. Perry to the Florida Supreme Court -- the fourth black justice ever appointed. Gov. Charlie Crist made a Central Florida circuit judge the Florida Supreme Court's fourth-ever black justice on Wednesday, disappointing conservatives seeking to tilt the court more to the right.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/945659.html
-Why Rush Limbaugh Is Good for the Republicans
By Ramesh Ponnuru
Obama aides Rahm Emanuel and Robert Gibbs knew what they were doing when they declared Rush Limbaugh the leader of the Republican opposition. They were putting Republican politicians in a trap. Repudiating Limbaugh would mean alienating millions of conservatives and declaring Limbaugh's plainspoken conservatism - which many of those politicians share - outside the lines of the national debate. But neither could Republicans allow the insinuation that they take orders from a radio host stand. If voters got that impression, they would look weak. Worse, the polls show more people dislike Limbaugh than like him.
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1884289,00.html
-Florida: Ten hot congressional races next year
By Hastings Wyman
Democrats gained two congressional seats in the Sunshine State last year and came close in several more districts. Republicans see the Democratic freshmen as especially vulnerable in 2010. Moreover, there are several districts where the incumbents are stepping down -- or may step down -- to seek statewide office, creating much sought-after open seats. And at least one incumbent is facing a contested primary.
http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_39_799.aspx
-Judge warns of cost to imprison mentally ill as report pans Fla.
By CHARLES ELMORE
Florida will have to spend an estimated $3.6 billion to build new prisons if the number of people with mental illness behind bars keeps growing as fast as it has, a South Florida judge said Wednesday. "It's madness," said Steve Leifman, a Miami-Dade County judge who serves as special adviser on criminal justice and mental health to the Florida Supreme Court.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2009/03/11/0311mentalhealthgrade.html
-Federal spending bill includes funds for 7 Everglades projects
By PAUL QUINLAN
Several long-awaited Everglades restoration projects got a cash infusion from the $410 billion spending bill President Obama signed into law Wednesday. The bill included nearly $200 million for seven projects aimed at restoring flows and reducing pollution in the struggling and shrinking ecosystem. The Everglades Foundation cheered the spending, saying the projects would create hundreds of jobs, protect the drinking water supply and contribute to the long-term health of the tourism, fishing and other dependent industries.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2009/03/11/0311ecospending.html
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~
Fort Lauderdale Gay Mens Chorus
-Songs of My Family
BY POPULAR DEMAND, WE'VE ADDED A SECOND PERFORMANCE!
TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR FRIDAY, MARCH 13, 2009
Sunshine Cathedral - 1480 SW 9th Ave. - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org/index.html
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Stonewall Library and Archives - Ft. Lauderdale
-Psychotherapist Dr. Ann Mody Lewis to speak about her just released book Me, Again -
Saturday, March 28 - 2:00 PM
On Saturday, March 28, 2009, at 2:00 pm, Stonewall will host a lecture by psychotherapist and writer Dr. Ann Mody Lewis. Dr. Lewis will be speaking about her new book Me, Again: The Untold Story of Every Woman's Life. Dr. Lewis insightful book offers a fresh look at the role gender plays in the lives of women. Her work leads women on a journey to inner peace and self-liberation. [...] For further information, please call 954-763-8565. Stonewall Library & Archives is located at 1300 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~
2009 INTERNATIONAL CHILD AND YOUTH CARE CONFERENCE
Presented by Nova Southeastern University Fischler School - The Association for Child & Youth and Care Practices, Inc. - Council of Canadian Child & Youth Care Associations
WHAT: 120 workshops delivered by 160 presenters from all over the world
WHERE: Broward Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale
WHEN: May 26 to May 29 of 2009
www.icycc2009.com
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Top 5 clubs and pubs in Fort Lauderdale
Forum Publishing Group
5. Sea Monster, 2 S. New River Dive W., 954-767-6200: Attention all gay and lesbian club enthusiasts: The cavernous Sea Monster nightclub is once again hugging the south bank of the New River in Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here.. Shuttered for four years, the renovated club retains much of its old charm. The club still consists of four rooms: a main room with pool tables and a well-populated bar; a large dance-floor area; a cozy, red-lit bar in the back; and an enclosed garden patio.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flesbtopfive0312esbmar12,0,6657333.story
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Steve Rothaus
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-'Unfriendly Fire' author Nathaniel Frank to speak Wednesday at Books and Books on Lincoln Road
From Jon Schwenzer, South Florida chapter president of the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association:
One of our members, Nathaniel Frank, will read from his new book,
"UNFRIENDLY FIRE"-How the Gay Ban Undermines the Military & Weakens America
http://www.unfriendlyfire.org
Wednesday, March 18, 7:00pm
Books and Books
927 Lincoln Road
Miami Beach, FL 305.532.3222
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Lawmaker seeks to legalize adoption by gays in Florida
Florida's gay-adoption ban will now face two challenges: one in a Miami appeals court, the other in the state Legislature.
BY CAROL MARBIN MILLER
As gay-rights advocates and religious groups queue up in an effort to influence the outcome of a Miami appeals court case that will help decide whether gay people can adopt children in Florida, a state lawmaker has quietly introduced two bills that could render the dispute moot.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami-dade/story/945660.html
-Army fired 11 soldiers in Jan. as openly gay
By ANNE FLAHERTY
The Army fired 11 soldiers in January for violating the military's policy that gay service members must keep their sexuality hidden, according to a Virginia congressman.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics/AP/story/946412.html
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Presbytery votes to overturn gay minister ban
Similar amendments considered in 1996
A majority of Presbyterian Church (USA) congregation leaders in central and eastern Kentucky have voted to overturn a national ban on gay ministers.
http://www.floridablade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=24470
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Florida legislators defend earmarks as Obama signs bill chock-full of them
By Wes Allison, Times Staff Writer
When it comes to the age-old practice of Congress sending millions of dollars back home, not even President Obama is likely to bring much change. As the president signed a massive government spending bill that earmarks billions of dollars for members' hometown projects, Obama urged Congress to increase the transparency of the earmark process and warned that tough budget times ahead may curtail future largess.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article983304.ece
-Voting Rights Elude Some Florida Ex-Felons, Study Says
By GARY FINEOUT
Florida's procedures for restoring voting rights to convicted felons are so cumbersome, bureaucratic and confusing that some ex-convicts are being denied their rights, according to a report by the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/us/12inmates.html?partner=MOREOVERNEWS&ei=5040
-Democrat named to Florida Supreme Court
BY DAVID DECAMP
Gov. Crist appointed Judge James E.C. Perry to the Florida Supreme Court -- the fourth black justice ever appointed. Gov. Charlie Crist made a Central Florida circuit judge the Florida Supreme Court's fourth-ever black justice on Wednesday, disappointing conservatives seeking to tilt the court more to the right.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/945659.html
-Why Rush Limbaugh Is Good for the Republicans
By Ramesh Ponnuru
Obama aides Rahm Emanuel and Robert Gibbs knew what they were doing when they declared Rush Limbaugh the leader of the Republican opposition. They were putting Republican politicians in a trap. Repudiating Limbaugh would mean alienating millions of conservatives and declaring Limbaugh's plainspoken conservatism - which many of those politicians share - outside the lines of the national debate. But neither could Republicans allow the insinuation that they take orders from a radio host stand. If voters got that impression, they would look weak. Worse, the polls show more people dislike Limbaugh than like him.
http://www.time.com/time/politics/article/0,8599,1884289,00.html
-Florida: Ten hot congressional races next year
By Hastings Wyman
Democrats gained two congressional seats in the Sunshine State last year and came close in several more districts. Republicans see the Democratic freshmen as especially vulnerable in 2010. Moreover, there are several districts where the incumbents are stepping down -- or may step down -- to seek statewide office, creating much sought-after open seats. And at least one incumbent is facing a contested primary.
http://www.southernpoliticalreport.com/storylink_39_799.aspx
-Judge warns of cost to imprison mentally ill as report pans Fla.
By CHARLES ELMORE
Florida will have to spend an estimated $3.6 billion to build new prisons if the number of people with mental illness behind bars keeps growing as fast as it has, a South Florida judge said Wednesday. "It's madness," said Steve Leifman, a Miami-Dade County judge who serves as special adviser on criminal justice and mental health to the Florida Supreme Court.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2009/03/11/0311mentalhealthgrade.html
-Federal spending bill includes funds for 7 Everglades projects
By PAUL QUINLAN
Several long-awaited Everglades restoration projects got a cash infusion from the $410 billion spending bill President Obama signed into law Wednesday. The bill included nearly $200 million for seven projects aimed at restoring flows and reducing pollution in the struggling and shrinking ecosystem. The Everglades Foundation cheered the spending, saying the projects would create hundreds of jobs, protect the drinking water supply and contribute to the long-term health of the tourism, fishing and other dependent industries.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2009/03/11/0311ecospending.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - March 11, 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.
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Wash. Senate OKs domestic partner rights expansion
By RACHEL LA CORTE
Same-sex domestic partners would have all of the rights and benefits that Washington offers married couples under a measure passed by the state Senate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031100613.html
-Proposal to strike 'marriage' from California law
The Associated Press
California's top election official says supporters can start collecting signatures for a proposed ballot measure to strike the word "marriage" from all state laws. Supporters of this ballot measure want to replace it with the term "domestic partnership," while keeping all the rights of marriage in place.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/10/AR2009031002604.html?sub=AR
-Doubling Down
By Richard Leiby
A new administration, a new opportunity to anoint new Washington power couples. (It's just what we do around here.) But identifying them proves a bit harder than we thought. Rule No. 1 about power couples: They deny that they are power couples.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030902943.html
-Virginia & Maryland In Top 10 Porn-Rich States
By Marc Fisher
Ask most folks which population is most likely to buy a lot of pornographic material and the near-universal response will be people not like themselves. Just the other day, a religious Christian in Virginia made the case to me that your heavy porn users are your social liberals, seeing as how they think anything goes. From the other side of the red-blue divide, secular types in the District argue that of course it's the conservatives who keep the porn industry going, because their public quest to impose one set of morals on others is driven by their knowledge of their private shortcomings.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2009/03/virginia_maryland_in_top_10_po.html
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Supporters can gather signatures for California measure to strike 'marriage' from state laws
California's top election official says supporters can start collecting signatures for a proposed ballot measure to strike the word "marriage" from all state laws.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-no-more-marriage,0,240817.story
-Democrats close in on a Palm Beach retort to Rush
One of five responses to 'I hope Obama fails' will get billboard space
By Howard Goodman
The national Democratic Party has come up with five ideas for needling Rush Limbaugh on a West Palm Beach billboard and is asking Democrats to vote for their favorite. Out of "tens of thousands of submissions," party leaders have picked these five top contenders, Jen O'Malley Dillon, Democratic National Committee executive director, said in an e-mail sent Tuesday to supporters.
."Americans didn't vote for a Rush to failure"
."Hope and change cannot be Rush'd"
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpbillboard0311pnmar11,0,7711728.story
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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Washington state Senate OKs domestic partner rights expansion
By RACHEL LA CORTE, Associated Press
Same-sex domestic partners would have all of the rights and benefits that Washington offers married couples under a measure passed by the state Senate. Supporters of the bill said it offers same-sex couples fairness that has been denied them under the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act, which restricts marriage to unions between a man and woman.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Advocate Hits the Trail With the L.A. Frontrunners
Every Saturday, the Los Angeles Frontrunners - a running group for the LGBT community -- get together to bond while they break a sweat. But as Advocate contributor Derrick Shore found out when he hit the trail with this athletic crew of people, being a frontrunner is about much more than getting in shape - it's a chance to make friends, be social and, for a lucky few, even find a significant other.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid74842.asp
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Neff: Insecurity about Social Security
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
Month to month my partner and I save several hundred dollars to invest in our retirement. We don't earn much money - we're two women in pay-by-the-hour jobs in a state not known for being super friendly to labor. So we don't have a lot to save or invest.
http://www.365gay.com/opinion/neff-insecurity-about-social-security/
-Vermont mental health groups back gay marriage
Vermont mental health professionals are backing legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry. The Vermont Psychiatric Association, the Vermont Psychological Association, the Vermont Mental Health Counselor Association and the Vermont chapter of the National Association of Social Workers said in a joint statement that arguments by opponents of same-sex marriage who claim it is not in the best interest of children to allow gays and lesbians to marry are wrong.
http://www.365gay.com/news/vermont-mental-health-groups-back-gay-marriage/
-Concerns mount over Ohio adoption rules
Butler County commissioners have asked the county prosecutor to review a new rule by the Children Services Agency that could be used to discriminate against gay and unmarried couples. Butler County is in suburban Cincinnati.
http://www.365gay.com/news/concerns-mount-over-ohio-adoption-rules/
-Federal appeals court asked to revive case against Baptist childcare agency
A federal appeals court was asked Tuesday to reinstate a lawsuit accusing a Baptist childcare agency of proselytizing youngsters in its care and firing gay employees. The lawsuit was brought by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union.
http://www.365gay.com/news/federal-appeals-court-asked-to-revive-case-against-baptist-childcare-agency/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Update: Missing teenager caught on CCTV
More information has come through on teenager William Wright, who went missing after a night out with friends in Manchester's gay village at the weekend. William, 19, from Crick, Wales, was last seen by his friends at 4:20am on Saturday, March 7th outside the View bar on Canal Street. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11551.html
-Islington registrar denied right to appeal over civil marriages ruling
The Islington registrar who refused to carry out civil partnerships has been denied leave to appeal against the latest ruling. Lillian Ladele, 48, from Finsbury, was threatened with the sack after she told Islington borough council she could not carry out the ceremonies due to her Christian beliefs. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11549.html
-Robbie Williams to star in Little Britain sketch
Former Take That star Robbie Williams is to appear as a little girl in a Red Nose Day special Little Britain sketch. "It's hard to say no when asked to take part in a Little Britain sketch for Comic Relief," said Williams. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11547.html
-Iowa senator introduces gender-neutral civil marriage legislation
Openly gay Iowa state Senator Matt McCoy (Democrat) has introduced legislation that would make civil marriages in Iowa gender neutral. The bill would remove words such as 'husband' and 'wife' from the state's laws, replacing them with 'spouse'. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11546.html
-US mental health experts support gay marriage
Leading mental health organisations in Vermont, US, have come out in support of gay marriage, claiming it will validate relationships, increase benefits for the families and could reduce discrimination. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11545.html
-Pet Shop Boys wax lyrical on Blair, Obama and Kylie
Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys has criticised "gestural" politics, saying that comfort and convenience are what drives the political agenda. In an interview with Attitude magazine and bandmate Chris Lowe, he compared Tony Blair and Barack Obama for their inclusivity, calling them "big tent" people. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11544.html
-Home and Away to introduce lesbian romance
Australian soap Home and Away is set to show a lesbian relationship. The storyline will see tough policewoman Charlie Buckton, played by actor Esther Anderson, falling in love with Joey Collins, played by Kate Bell, who works on a trawler. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11538.html
-Event to raise funds for homophobic bullying campaign
An event to raise money for Stonewall's Education for All campaign to stop homophobic bullying in schools will be held next month at the Paramount Club, at the top of the Centre Point Tower in London. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11537.html
-Homophobic bullying 'rife' in schools
A survey of UK teachers has found a "deeply alarming" amount of homophobia in schools. The report, released today by Stonewall, is the largest ever survey of both primary and secondary school teachers on the issue of homophobic bullying. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11551.html
-US mental health experts support gay marriage
Leading mental health organisations in Vermont, US, have come out in support of gay marriage, claiming it will validate relationships, increase benefits for the families and could reduce discrimination. Civil unions for same-sex couples in Vermont were legalised in 2000.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11545.html
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-155 Banned Moscow Gay Pride Marches Appealed to European Court of Human Rights
http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/09/Mar/1101.htm
-IRanian Queer Railroad - IRQR
Across the floor of the Geneva human rights conference, Arsham Parsi spotted the Iranian government representative. This was his chance. Parsi fled Iran in 2005. Despite keeping his advocacy work underground, the police had found out he was a homosexual rights activist. But Geneva was not the Islamic Republic. Homosexual rights are mired in controversy worldwide. Currently, there are 58 countries that punish homosexuality - nine with death. The regime of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is so horrifying, the 28-year-old Parsi has dedicated his life to fighting its extreme brutality. "A friend once told me I didn't decide to become an activist," says Parsi. "Society forced me to."
http://www.irqr.net/
-We request your assistance with an urgent case involving Mehdi N., a 29-year-old gay
Iranian who seeks asylum in Germany.
"In Iran, one of my biggest challenges was having to deny my sexual orientation. Now, in Germany, the hardest challenge is to prove it," Mehdi N. wrote in his letter to the IRQR. Mehdi N. is in an unjust situation and needs your urgent action. Please visit our website (www[dot]irqr[dot]net) to read his full story and show your support by writing to the Deutsch government to urge them to grant refugee status to Mehdi N. You may copy and paste the sample letters into an email and send it to the provide emails or you may write your own letter in support of Mehdi N. In addition, if you or your organization is interested in hosting an event to support Mehdi and other Iranian gay refugees, please contact us as soon as possible.
Thank you for
your support.
http://www.irqr.net/
-Serbia: Pass Anti-Discrimination Law
Restoring Bill to Legislative Agenda Will Guarantee Rights
(Brussels, March 10, 2009) - Serbia's government should ensure that an anti-discrimination law is passed, rebuffing efforts to delay its progress, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the vice-prime minister for European integration, Bozidar Delic. The government withdrew the draft law from consideration on March 4, 2009. Media reports in Serbia have said the law was withdrawn because of a last-minute objection by the Serbian Orthodox Church and other religious denominations to two of its provisions - one prohibiting discrimination based on religion (article 18), and the other barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (article 21).
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/10/letter-vice-prime-minister-european-integrations
-UK: LGBT university staff and students face 'high levels' of discrimination
A survey has suggested that many gay, bisexual and trans staff and students in UK higher education institutes suffer homophobia and discrimination. The research, led by Professor Gill Valentine at the University of Leeds, found that 20 per cent of LGB students and 28.5 per cent of trans students had been forced to suspend their studies due to homophobia and transphobia. Although over 90 per cent of gay and bisexual students were out to their peers, 46.8 per cent said they had been subjected to negative comments, while others said they felt they couldn't participate in certain activities such as sports, as they felt other students may be wary of being phsyically close to them.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11461.html
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-NEWS FROM GALLUP.COM
Religiosity and Perceived Intolerance of Gays and Lesbians
People living in countries where more people say religion is important in their daily lives are much more likely than those living in countries where fewer people say religion is important to report that their communities are not good places to live for gays and lesbians.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/116491/Religiosity-Perceived-Intolerance-Gays-Lesbians.aspx
-Ark. judge allows group to help defend foster law
An Arkansas judge has ruled that a conservative group behind a successful ballot measure banning unmarried couples from fostering children can help the state defend the ban in a lawsuit. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza on Friday granted the Arkansas Family Council's request to help the state defend the measure it helped put on the November election ballot.
http://news.findlaw.com/ap/other/1110/03-06-2009/20090306102009_04.html
-Yes, College Students Have Sex. So Why Deny Them Information?
When I decided to attend Boston College, a private Jesuit university, I didn't think to ask whether they provided comprehensive health care for women. But as I soon learned, Boston College's reproductive health services fell far short of those typically offered on secular or some other religiously affiliated college campuses across the country. While some may see the university's decision as a valid extension of its religious affiliation, it is worth understanding the consequences. Not providing condoms, pregnancy testing, and information about sexually transmitted infections doesn't stop students from having sex. It does, however, prevent them from making informed decisions about their health and lives.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniela-ramirez/yes-college-students-have_b_173282.html
-CA: Field Poll shows voters evenly divided on gay marriage ShareThis
Four months after the passage of Proposition 8, a new opinion poll released today shows California voters almost evenly divided over same-sex marriage but significantly more accepting of it than just three years ago. "It's a general progression toward accepting same-sex marriage over time," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll. The survey asked how respondents would vote if a new constitutional amendment allowing same-sex marriage qualified for a future ballot.
-Kiss Thailand's Tolerance for Gays Goodbye
More than two hundred red-shirted followers of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra introduced homophobia for the first time into Thailand's festering political scene when on Saturday, February 21, they forced cancellation of a lawful and peaceful gay pride parade and rally in Chiang Mai. The disruption was organized by Rak Chiang Mai 51, the local faction of Thaksin-supported United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Despite reassurances by local authorities that the parade would be allowed, the police made no effort to provide a buffer separating the disrupters from the marchers. Many of the disrupters wore red masks to avoid being recognized.
http://www.counterpunch.com/ault03092009.html
-American Religious Identification Survey
Evangelical or born-again Americans make up 34 percent of all American adults and 45 percent of all Christians and Catholics, the study found. Researchers found that 18 percent of Catholics consider themselves born-again or evangelical, and nearly 39 percent of mainline Protestants prefer those labels. Many mainline Protestant groups are riven by conflict over how they should interpret what the Bible says about gay relationships, salvation and other issues.
http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2009/03/religious_belief_on_the_declin.php
-Can people unlearn their naked shame?
Once we were all happy to walk around naked, now we're not. But can an experiment in nudity help us understand why we are so embarrassed by being seen in the buff and help shed our inhibitions? It's a classic anxiety nightmare - you're standing in front of a room full of work colleagues, your boss is there, maybe even that new colleague you've been trying to impress. And you're stark naked. Ouch. Why are we so ashamed of being seen naked? Is there something deep in human nature that finds naked skin abhorrent? Some prudishness inherited from our Victorian ancestors?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7915369.stm
- Sexual Abuse of Minors OK But Not Floral Sales to Gay Couples
There are some days when the lunacy and disingenuousness of the Roman Catholic Church just simply goes off the charts. Here we have an institution that has (i) a worldwide problem with the sexual abuse of who knows how many thousands of minors, (ii) paid out literally billions of dollars in damages to abuse victims with no end of finacial hemmoraging in sight, and (iii) to date still failed to discipline any of its hierarchy that enabled and/or covered up the abuse of minors. But what are the Catholic Bishops in Connecticut worried about? Oh the horror! That with same sex marriage now legal in that state that florists might be forced to sell flowers to same sex couples getting married. I kid you not.
http://michael-in-norfolk.blogspot.com/2009/03/sexual-abuse-of-minors-ok-but-not.html
-THE Legal Challenge to DOMA (the "Defense of Marriage Act") is Filed!
Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders has filed a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a provision of federal law that requires the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages, or to treat the partners in same-sex marriages as spouses, for any purpose of federal law. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Boston under the name of Gill v. Office of Personnel Management on March 3, brings together the claims of fifteen plaintiffs, all of whom were lawfully married in Massachusetts soon after the Goodridge decision went into effect on May 17, 2004.
http://newyorklawschool.typepad.com/leonardlink/2009/03/the-legal-challenge-to-doma-the-defense-of-marriage-act-is-filed.html
-New Web Site Seeks to Fight Myths About Circumcision and H.I.V.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/health/03glob.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=circumcision&st=cse
-Sex in Spain: is 13 just too young?
http://www.tenerifenews.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10879:spain-sex-in-spain-is-13-just-too-young&catid=43:world-news&Itemid=161
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Raw Story
http://rawstory.com
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Recent poll showed Bush with higher favorable rating than Limbaugh
Republicans appear to be bowing down left and right to conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh, even though most Americans view the radio talk show host unfavorably.
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Rush_Limbaugh_less_popular_than_Bush_0303.html
=
Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Why I'm Not Now and Have Never Been the Democrats' "Rush Limbaugh"
by Michael Moore
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-moore/why-im-not-now-and-have-n_b_172410.html
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Anything but Straight
http://www.waynebesen.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Religion and Republicanism Losing Converts
In pandering to the fanatical and the fearful - both religion and Republicanism may have compromised their future. First, the Republican Party seems in an awfully big rush to implode with Rush Limbaugh as its mercurial mouthpiece. The GOP's other savior, Michael Steele, is just a big mouth who seems more suited to Limbaugh's talk show gig than chairman of the Party. The GOP's first African American leader, Steele, promised a "hip hop makeover" that would attract even "one armed midgets." It is Steele, however, who is the incredibly shrinking chairman, with his promised "Big Tent" turning into a circus act.
http://www.waynebesen.com/2009/03/religion-and-republicanism-are-losing.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Wash. Senate OKs domestic partner rights expansion
By RACHEL LA CORTE
Same-sex domestic partners would have all of the rights and benefits that Washington offers married couples under a measure passed by the state Senate.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/11/AR2009031100613.html
-Proposal to strike 'marriage' from California law
The Associated Press
California's top election official says supporters can start collecting signatures for a proposed ballot measure to strike the word "marriage" from all state laws. Supporters of this ballot measure want to replace it with the term "domestic partnership," while keeping all the rights of marriage in place.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/10/AR2009031002604.html?sub=AR
-Doubling Down
By Richard Leiby
A new administration, a new opportunity to anoint new Washington power couples. (It's just what we do around here.) But identifying them proves a bit harder than we thought. Rule No. 1 about power couples: They deny that they are power couples.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/09/AR2009030902943.html
-Virginia & Maryland In Top 10 Porn-Rich States
By Marc Fisher
Ask most folks which population is most likely to buy a lot of pornographic material and the near-universal response will be people not like themselves. Just the other day, a religious Christian in Virginia made the case to me that your heavy porn users are your social liberals, seeing as how they think anything goes. From the other side of the red-blue divide, secular types in the District argue that of course it's the conservatives who keep the porn industry going, because their public quest to impose one set of morals on others is driven by their knowledge of their private shortcomings.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/rawfisher/2009/03/virginia_maryland_in_top_10_po.html
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Supporters can gather signatures for California measure to strike 'marriage' from state laws
California's top election official says supporters can start collecting signatures for a proposed ballot measure to strike the word "marriage" from all state laws.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/nation/wire/sns-ap-no-more-marriage,0,240817.story
-Democrats close in on a Palm Beach retort to Rush
One of five responses to 'I hope Obama fails' will get billboard space
By Howard Goodman
The national Democratic Party has come up with five ideas for needling Rush Limbaugh on a West Palm Beach billboard and is asking Democrats to vote for their favorite. Out of "tens of thousands of submissions," party leaders have picked these five top contenders, Jen O'Malley Dillon, Democratic National Committee executive director, said in an e-mail sent Tuesday to supporters.
."Americans didn't vote for a Rush to failure"
."Hope and change cannot be Rush'd"
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/palmbeach/sfl-flpbillboard0311pnmar11,0,7711728.story
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Steve Rothaus
www.MiamiHerald.com/gay
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Washington state Senate OKs domestic partner rights expansion
By RACHEL LA CORTE, Associated Press
Same-sex domestic partners would have all of the rights and benefits that Washington offers married couples under a measure passed by the state Senate. Supporters of the bill said it offers same-sex couples fairness that has been denied them under the state's 1998 Defense of Marriage Act, which restricts marriage to unions between a man and woman.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
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South Florida Blade
http://www.floridablade.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Advocate Hits the Trail With the L.A. Frontrunners
Every Saturday, the Los Angeles Frontrunners - a running group for the LGBT community -- get together to bond while they break a sweat. But as Advocate contributor Derrick Shore found out when he hit the trail with this athletic crew of people, being a frontrunner is about much more than getting in shape - it's a chance to make friends, be social and, for a lucky few, even find a significant other.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid74842.asp
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Neff: Insecurity about Social Security
By 365gay Newscenter Staff
Month to month my partner and I save several hundred dollars to invest in our retirement. We don't earn much money - we're two women in pay-by-the-hour jobs in a state not known for being super friendly to labor. So we don't have a lot to save or invest.
http://www.365gay.com/opinion/neff-insecurity-about-social-security/
-Vermont mental health groups back gay marriage
Vermont mental health professionals are backing legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry. The Vermont Psychiatric Association, the Vermont Psychological Association, the Vermont Mental Health Counselor Association and the Vermont chapter of the National Association of Social Workers said in a joint statement that arguments by opponents of same-sex marriage who claim it is not in the best interest of children to allow gays and lesbians to marry are wrong.
http://www.365gay.com/news/vermont-mental-health-groups-back-gay-marriage/
-Concerns mount over Ohio adoption rules
Butler County commissioners have asked the county prosecutor to review a new rule by the Children Services Agency that could be used to discriminate against gay and unmarried couples. Butler County is in suburban Cincinnati.
http://www.365gay.com/news/concerns-mount-over-ohio-adoption-rules/
-Federal appeals court asked to revive case against Baptist childcare agency
A federal appeals court was asked Tuesday to reinstate a lawsuit accusing a Baptist childcare agency of proselytizing youngsters in its care and firing gay employees. The lawsuit was brought by Americans United for Separation of Church and State and the American Civil Liberties Union.
http://www.365gay.com/news/federal-appeals-court-asked-to-revive-case-against-baptist-childcare-agency/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Update: Missing teenager caught on CCTV
More information has come through on teenager William Wright, who went missing after a night out with friends in Manchester's gay village at the weekend. William, 19, from Crick, Wales, was last seen by his friends at 4:20am on Saturday, March 7th outside the View bar on Canal Street. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11551.html
-Islington registrar denied right to appeal over civil marriages ruling
The Islington registrar who refused to carry out civil partnerships has been denied leave to appeal against the latest ruling. Lillian Ladele, 48, from Finsbury, was threatened with the sack after she told Islington borough council she could not carry out the ceremonies due to her Christian beliefs. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11549.html
-Robbie Williams to star in Little Britain sketch
Former Take That star Robbie Williams is to appear as a little girl in a Red Nose Day special Little Britain sketch. "It's hard to say no when asked to take part in a Little Britain sketch for Comic Relief," said Williams. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11547.html
-Iowa senator introduces gender-neutral civil marriage legislation
Openly gay Iowa state Senator Matt McCoy (Democrat) has introduced legislation that would make civil marriages in Iowa gender neutral. The bill would remove words such as 'husband' and 'wife' from the state's laws, replacing them with 'spouse'. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11546.html
-US mental health experts support gay marriage
Leading mental health organisations in Vermont, US, have come out in support of gay marriage, claiming it will validate relationships, increase benefits for the families and could reduce discrimination. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11545.html
-Pet Shop Boys wax lyrical on Blair, Obama and Kylie
Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys has criticised "gestural" politics, saying that comfort and convenience are what drives the political agenda. In an interview with Attitude magazine and bandmate Chris Lowe, he compared Tony Blair and Barack Obama for their inclusivity, calling them "big tent" people. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11544.html
-Home and Away to introduce lesbian romance
Australian soap Home and Away is set to show a lesbian relationship. The storyline will see tough policewoman Charlie Buckton, played by actor Esther Anderson, falling in love with Joey Collins, played by Kate Bell, who works on a trawler. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11538.html
-Event to raise funds for homophobic bullying campaign
An event to raise money for Stonewall's Education for All campaign to stop homophobic bullying in schools will be held next month at the Paramount Club, at the top of the Centre Point Tower in London. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11537.html
-Homophobic bullying 'rife' in schools
A survey of UK teachers has found a "deeply alarming" amount of homophobia in schools. The report, released today by Stonewall, is the largest ever survey of both primary and secondary school teachers on the issue of homophobic bullying. Click here for full article
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11551.html
-US mental health experts support gay marriage
Leading mental health organisations in Vermont, US, have come out in support of gay marriage, claiming it will validate relationships, increase benefits for the families and could reduce discrimination. Civil unions for same-sex couples in Vermont were legalised in 2000.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11545.html
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Forwarded from Gays Without Borders
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-155 Banned Moscow Gay Pride Marches Appealed to European Court of Human Rights
http://ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/09/Mar/1101.htm
-IRanian Queer Railroad - IRQR
Across the floor of the Geneva human rights conference, Arsham Parsi spotted the Iranian government representative. This was his chance. Parsi fled Iran in 2005. Despite keeping his advocacy work underground, the police had found out he was a homosexual rights activist. But Geneva was not the Islamic Republic. Homosexual rights are mired in controversy worldwide. Currently, there are 58 countries that punish homosexuality - nine with death. The regime of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is so horrifying, the 28-year-old Parsi has dedicated his life to fighting its extreme brutality. "A friend once told me I didn't decide to become an activist," says Parsi. "Society forced me to."
http://www.irqr.net/
-We request your assistance with an urgent case involving Mehdi N., a 29-year-old gay
Iranian who seeks asylum in Germany.
"In Iran, one of my biggest challenges was having to deny my sexual orientation. Now, in Germany, the hardest challenge is to prove it," Mehdi N. wrote in his letter to the IRQR. Mehdi N. is in an unjust situation and needs your urgent action. Please visit our website (www[dot]irqr[dot]net) to read his full story and show your support by writing to the Deutsch government to urge them to grant refugee status to Mehdi N. You may copy and paste the sample letters into an email and send it to the provide emails or you may write your own letter in support of Mehdi N. In addition, if you or your organization is interested in hosting an event to support Mehdi and other Iranian gay refugees, please contact us as soon as possible.
Thank you for
your support.
http://www.irqr.net/
-Serbia: Pass Anti-Discrimination Law
Restoring Bill to Legislative Agenda Will Guarantee Rights
(Brussels, March 10, 2009) - Serbia's government should ensure that an anti-discrimination law is passed, rebuffing efforts to delay its progress, Human Rights Watch said today in a letter to the vice-prime minister for European integration, Bozidar Delic. The government withdrew the draft law from consideration on March 4, 2009. Media reports in Serbia have said the law was withdrawn because of a last-minute objection by the Serbian Orthodox Church and other religious denominations to two of its provisions - one prohibiting discrimination based on religion (article 18), and the other barring discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (article 21).
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/03/10/letter-vice-prime-minister-european-integrations
-UK: LGBT university staff and students face 'high levels' of discrimination
A survey has suggested that many gay, bisexual and trans staff and students in UK higher education institutes suffer homophobia and discrimination. The research, led by Professor Gill Valentine at the University of Leeds, found that 20 per cent of LGB students and 28.5 per cent of trans students had been forced to suspend their studies due to homophobia and transphobia. Although over 90 per cent of gay and bisexual students were out to their peers, 46.8 per cent said they had been subjected to negative comments, while others said they felt they couldn't participate in certain activities such as sports, as they felt other students may be wary of being phsyically close to them.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-11461.html
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if you can't access the article
-NEWS FROM GALLUP.COM
Religiosity and Perceived Intolerance of Gays and Lesbians
People living in countries where more people say religion is important in their daily lives are much more likely than those living in countries where fewer people say religion is important to report that their communities are not good places to live for gays and lesbians.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/116491/Religiosity-Perceived-Intolerance-Gays-Lesbians.aspx
-Ark. judge allows group to help defend foster law
An Arkansas judge has ruled that a conservative group behind a successful ballot measure banning unmarried couples from fostering children can help the state defend the ban in a lawsuit. Pulaski County Circuit Judge Chris Piazza on Friday granted the Arkansas Family Council's request to help the state defend the measure it helped put on the November election ballot.
http://news.findlaw.com/ap/other/1110/03-06-2009/20090306102009_04.html
-Yes, College Students Have Sex. So Why Deny Them Information?
When I decided to attend Boston College, a private Jesuit university, I didn't think to ask whether they provided comprehensive health care for women. But as I soon learned, Boston College's reproductive health services fell far short of those typically offered on secular or some other religiously affiliated college campuses across the country. While some may see the university's decision as a valid extension of its religious affiliation, it is worth understanding the consequences. Not providing condoms, pregnancy testing, and information about sexually transmitted infections doesn't stop students from having sex. It does, however, prevent them from making informed decisions about their health and lives.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniela-ramirez/yes-college-students-have_b_173282.html
-CA: Field Poll shows voters evenly divided on gay marriage ShareThis
Four months after the passage of Proposition 8, a new opinion poll released today shows California voters almost evenly divided over same-sex marriage but significantly more accepting of it than just three years ago. "It's a general progression toward accepting same-sex marriage over time," said Mark DiCamillo, director of the Field Poll. The survey asked how respondents would vote if a new constitutional amendment allowing same-sex marriage qualified for a future ballot.
-Kiss Thailand's Tolerance for Gays Goodbye
More than two hundred red-shirted followers of ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra introduced homophobia for the first time into Thailand's festering political scene when on Saturday, February 21, they forced cancellation of a lawful and peaceful gay pride parade and rally in Chiang Mai. The disruption was organized by Rak Chiang Mai 51, the local faction of Thaksin-supported United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD). Despite reassurances by local authorities that the parade would be allowed, the police made no effort to provide a buffer separating the disrupters from the marchers. Many of the disrupters wore red masks to avoid being recognized.
http://www.counterpunch.com/ault03092009.html
-American Religious Identification Survey
Evangelical or born-again Americans make up 34 percent of all American adults and 45 percent of all Christians and Catholics, the study found. Researchers found that 18 percent of Catholics consider themselves born-again or evangelical, and nearly 39 percent of mainline Protestants prefer those labels. Many mainline Protestant groups are riven by conflict over how they should interpret what the Bible says about gay relationships, salvation and other issues.
http://scienceblogs.com/dispatches/2009/03/religious_belief_on_the_declin.php
-Can people unlearn their naked shame?
Once we were all happy to walk around naked, now we're not. But can an experiment in nudity help us understand why we are so embarrassed by being seen in the buff and help shed our inhibitions? It's a classic anxiety nightmare - you're standing in front of a room full of work colleagues, your boss is there, maybe even that new colleague you've been trying to impress. And you're stark naked. Ouch. Why are we so ashamed of being seen naked? Is there something deep in human nature that finds naked skin abhorrent? Some prudishness inherited from our Victorian ancestors?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7915369.stm
- Sexual Abuse of Minors OK But Not Floral Sales to Gay Couples
There are some days when the lunacy and disingenuousness of the Roman Catholic Church just simply goes off the charts. Here we have an institution that has (i) a worldwide problem with the sexual abuse of who knows how many thousands of minors, (ii) paid out literally billions of dollars in damages to abuse victims with no end of finacial hemmoraging in sight, and (iii) to date still failed to discipline any of its hierarchy that enabled and/or covered up the abuse of minors. But what are the Catholic Bishops in Connecticut worried about? Oh the horror! That with same sex marriage now legal in that state that florists might be forced to sell flowers to same sex couples getting married. I kid you not.
http://michael-in-norfolk.blogspot.com/2009/03/sexual-abuse-of-minors-ok-but-not.html
-THE Legal Challenge to DOMA (the "Defense of Marriage Act") is Filed!
Gay and Lesbian Advocates & Defenders has filed a challenge to the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a provision of federal law that requires the federal government to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages, or to treat the partners in same-sex marriages as spouses, for any purpose of federal law. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Boston under the name of Gill v. Office of Personnel Management on March 3, brings together the claims of fifteen plaintiffs, all of whom were lawfully married in Massachusetts soon after the Goodridge decision went into effect on May 17, 2004.
http://newyorklawschool.typepad.com/leonardlink/2009/03/the-legal-challenge-to-doma-the-defense-of-marriage-act-is-filed.html
-New Web Site Seeks to Fight Myths About Circumcision and H.I.V.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/03/health/03glob.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=circumcision&st=cse
-Sex in Spain: is 13 just too young?
http://www.tenerifenews.com/cms/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=10879:spain-sex-in-spain-is-13-just-too-young&catid=43:world-news&Itemid=161
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Raw Story
http://rawstory.com
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Recent poll showed Bush with higher favorable rating than Limbaugh
Republicans appear to be bowing down left and right to conservative pundit Rush Limbaugh, even though most Americans view the radio talk show host unfavorably.
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/Rush_Limbaugh_less_popular_than_Bush_0303.html
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Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Why I'm Not Now and Have Never Been the Democrats' "Rush Limbaugh"
by Michael Moore
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-moore/why-im-not-now-and-have-n_b_172410.html
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Anything but Straight
http://www.waynebesen.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Religion and Republicanism Losing Converts
In pandering to the fanatical and the fearful - both religion and Republicanism may have compromised their future. First, the Republican Party seems in an awfully big rush to implode with Rush Limbaugh as its mercurial mouthpiece. The GOP's other savior, Michael Steele, is just a big mouth who seems more suited to Limbaugh's talk show gig than chairman of the Party. The GOP's first African American leader, Steele, promised a "hip hop makeover" that would attract even "one armed midgets." It is Steele, however, who is the incredibly shrinking chairman, with his promised "Big Tent" turning into a circus act.
http://www.waynebesen.com/2009/03/religion-and-republicanism-are-losing.html
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