Friday, November 27, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - November 26, 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.


It's A Girl Thing: Images by Women
December 5 - 31, 2009
Stonewall Library & Archives
1300 East Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33304
"It's A Girl Thing: Images by Women" is a glimpse of the female perspective by women artists of ArtsUnited and Women in Network.
http://www.stonewall-library.org/

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Ft. Lauderdale: Thom Leffler Honored
Our own GLCC/Pride Center volunteer and Founders Circle Member, Thom Leffler, received the distinguished "Choice for Equality Award" from Equality Florida at their Gala last week. The Board, staff and volunteers of the GLCC/Pride want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Thom on his award.
http://campaign.constantcontact.com/render?v=001kSkfsfL4g8ieYvVQMoEyDO5T_CBGvydchTF25lclqAdNBdX8l1XvMkNjJP8gAArMoC2iOY98lzEly4qfOy9p0Tj2PiSs0Vf9A3pr9kMtjvWh_vrwEIYXSA%3D%3D/

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

New Jersey’s Marriage Moment
There can come a moment in a politician’s career when doing the right thing requires summoning the courage to buck strong voter sentiment. The drama over same-sex marriage in a lame-duck session of the New Jersey State Legislature is not that kind of moment.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/opinion/26thur3.html?_r=1&scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/

Adam Lambert Furor Spreads to Gay Community
By REUTERS
"American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert on Wednesday admitted he got carried away during his racy American Music Awards performance, as furor over his singing and dancing stoked a wider controversy in the U.S. gay community.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/11/26/arts/entertainment-us-lambert.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/

Community Standard or Double Standard?
By ALESSANDRA STANLEY
It wasn’t really the man-on-man kiss or the simulated oral sex that marked Adam Lambert’s performance on the American Music Awards on Sunday as shocking. Mostly it was ABC’s reaction. By rescinding Mr. Lambert’s invitation to sing on “Good Morning America,” ABC self-protectively drew a line that networks usually prefer to keep blurred.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/arts/television/26watch.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/

Soul-Searching in Turkey After a Gay Man Is Killed
By DAN BILEFSKY
ISTANBUL — For Ahmet Yildiz, a stocky and affable 26-year-old, the choice to live openly as a gay man proved deadly. Prosecutors say his own father hunted him down, traveling more than 600 miles from his hometown to shoot his son in an old neighborhood of Istanbul.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/26/world/europe/26turkey.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/

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

Thousands gather in Puerto Rico to remember gay teen who was found slain
Crowd demands use of hate-crime law in prosecution of case
By Associated Press
SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO -- Thousands of people marched through Puerto Rico's capital Wednesday, celebrating the life of a gay teenager whose dismembered, burned body was found dumped along a road in a small mountain town.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/25/AR2009112504688.html/

US-POLITICS Summary
Gay marriage losing support in New Jersey: poll
Reuters
New Jersey voters are split on whether to legalize gay marriage, but more people now oppose it than support it, a poll found on Wednesday. The Quinnipiac University survey found 49 percent of voters oppose a law allowing same-sex couples to marry, while 46 percent support such legislation, reversing an April poll that found 49 percent supported it and 43 percent opposed it.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/26/AR2009112601233_pf.html/

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

Race to the Top in Education
We can get real reform if the president resists pressure to dilute standards.
By HAROLD E. FORD JR., LOUIS V. GERSTNER JR. AND ELI BROAD
For decades, policy makers have talked about significantly improving public education. The problem has been clear: one-third of public school children fail to graduate, there are embarrassing achievement gaps between middle-class children and poor and minority children, and the gap between our students and those in other countries threatens to undermine our economic competitiveness. Yet for the better part of a quarter century, urgent calls for change have seldom translated into improved public schools.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574483473296731550.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLTopStories/

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

Adam Lambert isn't apologizing for sexually charged performance
By David Bauder
Adam Lambert admits he got carried away with his sexually charged American Music Awards performance, but he's offering no apology. The glam rocker from American Idol said on CBS television that his performance would not have caused as much controversy if he weren't openly gay. He also said there were other "adult" moments on the show that caused no outrage.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/entertainment/fl-adam-lambert-20091125,0,4372613.story/

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

International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: End executions for sodomy charges in Iran
From the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission: Join the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (IGLHRC), Iranian Queers Organization (IRQO) and COC Netherlands in calling on Iranian authorities to stop the numerous executions of minors and adults accused of sodomy. Also join us in calling on Western countries with significant diplomatic and economic ties to Iran, including Germany, France, Canada, as well as the European Union, to pursue diplomatic efforts to cease these executions.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/international-gay-and-lesbian-human-rights-commission-end-executions-for-sodomy-charges-in-iran.html/

GLAAD president: Blurring Adam Lambert’s kiss ‘reinforces an unfortunate double standard’
Posted to GLAAD Blog by Jonathan Rosales, GLAAD's Entertainment Media Manager:
Yesterday, GLAAD issued a statement applauding CBS for its decision to feature Adam Lambert on The Early Show after Good Morning America cancelled his planned appearance. However, during the broadcast this morning, The Early Show made the decision to blur the image of Adam kissing his keyboardist. In response, GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios has issued the following statement:
“The Early Show’s decision this morning to blur Adam Lambert’s kiss from the American Music Awards reinforces an unfortunate double standard that is applied to openly gay performers,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). “I would have hoped CBS would provide the same treatment for images of gay and lesbian people and not create an unfair double standard that treats our community differently. CBS regularly shows kisses throughout every daypart. The kiss was not blurred on ABC nor in news coverage on other networks. While we continue to applaud The Early Show for featuring Adam Lambert today, we have reached out to the show’s producers to express our concerns about their decision and offer ways they can make their coverage of gay and transgender people more fair.”
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/glaad-president-blurring-adam-lamberts-kiss-reinforces-an-unfortunate-double-standard.html/

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

Gay Couples Face Higher Estate Taxes
By Advocate.com Editors
Some wealthy gay couples will pay an average of $3.3 million more in federal estate taxes this year upon the death of a spouse than their married heterosexual counterparts, a new study finds.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/24/Gay_Couples_Face_Higher_Estate_Taxes%282%29/

Fundamentalists Tied to Uganda's Antigay Law
By Advocate.com Editors
An antigay conservative group with high-powered U.S. political allies has used its influence to support a proposed Ugandan law that would impose the death penalty on "repeat offenders" engaging in gay sex.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/25/Fundamentalists_Tied_to_Ugandas_Antigay_Law/

CBS: Avoiding Legal Woes By Blurring Images
By Advocate.com Editors
The possibility of legal action is what caused The Early Show on CBS to blur images of Adam Lambert's controversial performance on Wednesday morning. A spokesperson for CBS told Extra.com that the the decision to blur Lambert simulating oral sex with a dancer and kissing a keyboardist — while not blurring another controversial awards show kiss between Madonna, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera — came after a lot of deliberation.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/25/CBS_Avoiding_Legal_Woes_By_Blurring_Images/

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

9 Good Gifts: Editor’s picks from 365gay
By Jennifer Vanasco
Your friends are politically aware. Sophisticated. Well-traveled. Creative. And they recycle. In fact, they’re a lot like you. So what can you get them that they don’t have themselves? 365gay hunted for good gifts – gifts that say you put a lot of thought into the kind of people your friends are. Gifts that say you admire their intelligence, their elegance, their wit. Gifts that say, “I looked into your soul. And your soul told me that you wanted a rare, designer set of cuff-links crafted by gay monks out of pieces of disco ball recycled from Studio 54.” http://www.365gay.com/news/9-good-gifts-editors-picks-from-365gay/

The gayest Republican moments – in video
By Jennifer Vanasco
The Daily Show celebrates the news that a GOP Republican running for governor has named an openly gay man as his running mate – by reliving a few of the gayest Republican moments in the past few years. The Daily Show staff reporting from a certain notorious restroom:
http://www.365gay.com/news/the-gayest-republican-moments-in-video/

Lambda sues Atlanta for gay bar raid
By 365gay Newswire
From Lambda Legal: In the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia today, Lambda Legal and co-counsel filed a lawsuit against the city of Atlanta, the Chief of Police and 48 individual officers of the Atlanta Police Department on behalf of 19 individuals who, on Sept. 10 at the Atlanta Eagle gay bar, were forcibly searched and detained.
http://www.365gay.com/news/lambda-sues-atlanta-for-gay-bar-raid/

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

Police officers disciplined for homophobic emails
Two police officers in Leith, Scotland, have been disciplined for sending homophobic emails to colleagues in the Gay Police Association and choir.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/police-officers-disciplined-for-homophobic-emails/

Video: Game features secret gay sex scene
A scene in new video game Dragon Age: Orgins features a secret gay sex scene between a man an a elf. The new game, which has received high ratings, allows players to access the scenes by using the correct combination of chat-up lines on warrior elf Zevran.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/video-game-features-secret-gay-sex-scene/

School pupils to learn about transphobic bullying
Children in UK schools will be taught about transphobic bullying and gender equality, it was announced yesterday. Ministers stressed the lessons would be age-appropriate.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/school-pupils-to-learn-about-transphobic-bullying/

Call for political parties to publish diversity of candidates
Political parties are being urged to publish their lists of MP candidates to show the diversity of the selection process. It is expected the data would include the numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans candidates.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/call-for-political-parties-to-publish-diversity-of-candidates/

Alan Cumming and Ben Summerskill receive OBEs
Actor Alan Cumming and Stonewall chief executive Ben Summerskill were honoured with OBEs yesterday at a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Both were presented with their honours by Princess Margaret.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/alan-cumming-and-ben-summerskill-receive-obes/

Gay couple have Australia's first civil union
Warren McGaw and Chris Rumble have become the first Australian gay couple to have their relationship legally recognised. Their ceremony was performed yesterday in Canberra in the ACT.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/25/gay-couple-have-australias-first-civil-union/

London universities invite homophobic preacher to speak
Two London universities have been attacked for inviting an extremist Islamist preacher to speak. Abu Usamah appeared in Channel 4's Undercover Mosque documentary, in which he was seen advocating the killing of gays and Muslims who leave their faith.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/24/london-universities-invite-homophobic-preacher-to-speak/

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

Former Obama Organizer Threatens to ‘Out’ Catholic Priest to ‘Encourage’ Them to Repudiate Church’s Moral Stand on Homosexuality
Matt Cover, Staff Writer \ CNSNews
A longtime Washington, D.C., liberal Internet activist has founded a Web site that he says will collect accounts of homosexuals in the Catholic priesthood–accounts he will use to “encourage” them to change their views on homosexual marriage and other issues. “Outing” the priests–publicly revealing their homosexuality–is “not off the table,” Phil Attey, founder of the Web site ChurchOuting.com, told CNSNews.com. The site will also collect information on straight priests who have broken their vow of celibacy, using the information to “encourage” those priests to go against their Church’s teachings on homosexuality as well.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11767/

Southern Voice Gets $12,000 Matching Grant for New Gay Publication
Kristi E. Swartz \ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An Atlanta foundation has given a $12,000 matching grant to help create a new gay publication since Southern Voice closed last week.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11765/

Rationale Builds for Same-Sex Benefits Law
Joe Davidson \ Washington Post
Two federal appellate court judges issued separate rulings last week that came to the same result: Uncle Sam must permit employee benefits for same-sex spouses of federal workers. Though the decisions apply only to same-gender married employees of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, and that’s a pretty small group even in California, the judges’ orders boost the arguments of those favoring legislation that Congress now is considering.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11762/

ABC: Lambert’s Performance Draws 1,500 Complaints
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZmT-x0elRKM
DAVID BAUDER (AP) – 23 hours ago \ Google
Complaints poured in Monday about Adam Lambert’s sexually charged performance at the American Music Awards, including criticism of his kiss with a male keyboard player that was left out of rehearsals for the show.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11758/

It Could Have Been Worse
Paul Varnell \ Independent Gay Forum
First published in the new Milwaukee Gazette on November 19, 2009
For many gay people, this year began with high hopes following the election and inauguration of President Barack Obama who had promised “change we can believe in.” But the enthusiasm and hope seemed gradually to deflate with the passage of weeks and months in which Obama concerned himself with the economic crisis, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the continuing debate over health care. There seemed no movement on any gay-related issues.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11755/

Randall Terry, Operation Rescue Founder, to Protest Abortionist Carhart, in Omaha, Nebraska
To: National DeskContact: Kathy Veritas,
904-687-9804
www.OverturnRoe.com
“Carhart is a killer, not a healer; abortion is murder, not healthcare.” Randall Terry
OMAHA, Neb., Nov. 24 /Christian Newswire/ — The following is submitted by Randall Terry:
What: Randall Terry and other pro-life advocates to protest LeRoy Carhart’s abortion mill.
When: November 25, 2009 from 9:00 to 9:30 AM.
Where: LeRoy Carhart’s Abortion Mill, 1002 West Mission, Bellevue, NE 68005.
Who: Randall Terry and other pro-life advocates.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11752/

Some Democrats Back Off Bid to Legalize Gay Marriage in New Jersey
DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI \ New York Times
It was not on the ballot, nor was it a top-tier issue in the New Jersey governor’s race this fall, but the push to legalize same-sex marriage in the state could become a casualty of the election results. Just weeks ago, Democrats, who control both houses of the Legislature, spoke confidently about their intention to pass a marriage-equality bill after the election and send it to Gov. Jon S. Corzine, a fellow Democrat who had promised to sign it even if he was not re-elected.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11771/

Southern Voice Gets $12,000 Matching Grant for New Gay Publication
Kristi E. Swartz \ The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
An Atlanta foundation has given a $12,000 matching grant to help create a new gay publication since Southern Voice closed last week. The Lloyd E. Russell Foundation will give $12,000 in matching funds to the new news outlet, according to a note posted on www.savesovo.com
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11765/

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

Adam Lambert Flap: A Double Standard?
Lambert's 'GMA' Performance Canceled
WILTON MANORS, Fla. -- "American Idol" finalist Adam Lambert's controversial performance at the American Music Awards stirred up so much controversy that "Good Morning America" dropped his appearance from Wednesday's show. Lambert's live performance at the award's show certainly caused some controversy. The openly gay singer's kiss with his male keyboardist shocked viewers, but it was the simulated sex act on stage that brought more than 1,500 complaints to the Federal Communications Commission. On Tuesday, producers from "Good Morning America" canceled Lambert's scheduled appearance for Wednesday morning. “Given his controversial American Music Awards performance, we were concerned about airing a similar concert so early in the morning," a GMA representative said. Some said the cancellation was based on a double standard. In 2003, Madonna and Britney Spears kissed onstage, and it was deemed an edgy performance. Dean Trantalis, a Wilton Manors attorney and gay rights activist, said the performance was inappropriate but that Lambert should be judged by the same standards. "What he did onstage is totally in line with what other performers have done, and I think that for them to deny him continued access to the media, his inability to show himself as a performer, I think shows that America is unwilling to accept the gay community the same way they accept performers in the straight community," Trantalis said. Trantalis said Madonna and Spears are clearly not gay, but he said if two lesbians were to have performed the same thing, they would have been ostracized.
http://www.justnews.com/entertainment/21716204/detail.html?treets=mia&tid=2655619429813&tml=mia_7am&tmi=mia_7am_1_06000211252009&ts=H/

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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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Tuesday, November 24, 2009

GLBT DIGEST - November 24, 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:

Some Democrats Back Off Bid to Legalize Gay Marriage in New Jersey
By DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI
It was not on the ballot, nor was it a top-tier issue in the New Jersey governor’s race this fall, but the push to legalize same-sex marriage in the state could become a casualty of the election results.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/24/nyregion/24marriage.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/

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

Now schools are being targeted by anti-abortion groups
Students and staff at six D.C. area private and public high schools will be greeted this morning by anti-abortion protesters holding up graphic pictures. The three Districts schools are Wilson High, Sidwell Friends and Gonzaga High. Gaithersburg High School in Montgomery County, Washington-Lee in Arlington and Catonsville High in Baltimore will also be targeted, according to an email by anti-abortion activist Randall Terry. The protests are similar to recent ones by an anti-gay church in the sense that they are being led by conservative Christians using schools to garner publicity. I wrote about it then in two different posts, one about reaction to counter-protests by students and staff at school, and another about "teachable moments." For more on Education, please see http://washingtonpost.com/education
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/now-schools-are-being-targeted.html/

More reports of hate offenses against gays, religious groups
Reports of hate crimes against gays and religious groups increased sharply in 2008, according to FBI data released Monday. Overall, the number of reported hate crimes increased about 2 percent. The figures show a nearly 11 percent increase in offenses based on sexual orientation, and a nearly 9 percent increase in offenses based on religion. The largest category, racially motivated hate crimes, fell less than 1 percent.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112303858.html/

Priorities for the Pentagon
Regarding the Nov. 20 news story "In Fort Hood aftermath, Pentagon opens two reviews": Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates, like virtually all leaders in the U.S. government, has rightly vowed to do "everything in our power" to prevent another Fort Hood-type incident. Here's something in our power: Take the scarce resources now being wasted on drumming out of the military competent, patriotic Americans who happen to be gay and instead focus them on people posing actual threats.
George Brazier, Arlington
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112303596.html/

DEAR AMY: My fiance "Rob" and I are getting married. Our wedding party has three attendants on each side, with his brother "Ted" as best man.
Ted has been out of the closet as a gay man for a few years and is supported by his family. Rob, Ted and I frequently see each other outside of family gatherings and enjoy a nice friendship. Recently, Ted told us he refuses to serve as best man or even attend the wedding because he does not want to be part of a ceremony that he cannot personally enjoy. Rob and I tried to reinforce how important it is to us to have Ted as a part of our wedding, but Ted told us it was selfish of us to ask him in the first place. We asked Ted months ago, and until recently he never indicated that he was anything less than flattered. Should we ask someone else to be in our wedding party or wait a bit longer in case he changes his mind? Rob is incredibly hurt by this decision. -- Bashed Bride
DEAR BRIDE: "Ted" loves the institution of marriage so much that he won't participate in or attend one until he can partake of the privilege himself. By this reasoning, Ted won't be attending any legal same-sex wedding ceremonies in states where it is permitted until everyone in every state can marry. He is driving a political stake through the heart of an institution he aspires to be a part of. Families contain all types of people, however, and as someone entering into a new family bond with your fiance, you will see that sometimes the best you can do is be honest about your disappointment, accept someone else's unhappiness and move on with grace. Tell Ted you're disappointed in his choice but that you accept it and have asked someone else to stand up with you.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/19/AR2009111902184.html/

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

Tom Ford On “A Single Man”: “This is Not a Gay Film”
By Jeffrey Podolsky
“Oh, I just want to inhale you!” Tom Ford said as he greeted Speakeasy last night before a private viewing of his new film “A Single Man” hosted by Mike Nichols on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. Being the Renaissance man that he is — former designer for Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent; founder of his own eponymous luxe menswear line; now a screenwriter and director — Ford has a keen nose for all things aesthetic. So we assumed he was complimenting us on our cologne. Far from it. The former smoker was instead vicariously taking in the cloud of Marlboro Light that apparently enveloped us.
http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/11/23/tom-ford-on-a-single-man-this-is-not-a-gay-film/

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

Glenn Beck seeks to turn TV, radio audience into a political force
By James Oliphant
Glenn Beck wants to become . . . a community organizer. The voluble Fox News television host says he hopes to transform his personal celebrity into political action and has begun to assemble a movement to "change America's course."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-dc-politics-beck,0,3350863.story/

Students suspended for taking part in "kick a Jew day"
Ten North Naples Middle School students were suspended last week after district officials said they participated in “kick a Jew day,” reports the Naples Daily News.
http://weblogs.sun-sentinel.com/news/specials/weirdflorida/blog/2009/11/students_suspended_for_taking.html/

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

Broward Democratic Executive Committee urges elected officials to support Obama HIV/AIDS strategy
From Michael Emanuel Rajner:
It is my pleasure to share that tonight the Broward County Democratic Executive Committee unanimously passed a resolution proclaiming:
PRESIDENT OBAMA IS FULFILLING HIS COMMITMENT TO DEVELOP THE FIRST EVER NATIONAL HIV/AIDS STRATEGY TO ADDRESS AIDS IN AMERICA AND URGES ALL ELECTED AND NON-ELECTED DEMOCRATS TO ACTIVELY SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGY TO END AIDS IN AMERICA.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/broward-democratic-executive-committee-urges-elected-officials-to-support-obama-hivaids-strategy.html/

Hate crimes vigil to be held 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at Euclid Circle on Lincoln Road
Wire Magazine, Equality Florida and Unity Coalition will hold a vigil Wednesday evening on Lincoln Road in memory of Jorge Steven López Mercado, the 19-year-old Puerto Rican found decapitated on Nov. 13 and Jason Mattison, a 15-year old gay boy recently raped and murdered in his aunt’s Baltimore home.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/hate-crimes-vigil-to-be-held-630-to-730-pm-wednesday-at-euclid-circle-on-lincoln-road.html/

More anti-gay, religious-motivated crimes reported, according to latest FBI report
This is consistent with a recent state report of hate crimes in Florida. – Steve Rothaus
By DEVLIN BARRETT, Associated Press
Reports of hate crimes against gays and religious groups increased sharply in 2008, according to new FBI data released Monday. Overall, the number of reported hate crimes increased about 2 percent. These same figures show a nearly 11 percent increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation, and a nearly 9 percent increase in hate crimes based on religion.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/more-anti-gay-religious-motivated-crimes-reported-according-to-latest-fbi-report.html/

‘Rent’ star Anthony Rapp to discuss, sign memoir at Books & Books on Lincoln Road
Anthony Rapp, original star of Rent, will read from his memoir, Without You, and sign books Thursday, Dec. 10, at Books & Books on Lincoln Road. Rapp will appear with fellow Rent co-star Adam Pascal, also from the original cast, in a revival of the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical from Dec. 8-13 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available via www.livenation.com or by calling 1-877-598-8698.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/rent-star-anthony-rapp-to-discuss-sign-memoir-at-books-books-on-lincoln-road.html/

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

DOMA Included in GOP "Purity Test"
By Julie Bolcer
A so-called purity test of conservative principles being circulated for consideration among Republican National Committee members includes a commitment to retain the Defense of Marriage Act.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/24/DOMA_Included_in_GOP_Purity_Test/

Queen to Honor Alan Cumming
By Michelle Garcia
Theater and film actor Alan Cumming will receive one of the U.K.'s highest honors for his work as an entertainer and activist.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/23/Queen_to_Honor_Alan_Cumming/

Men on a Mission Back for 2010
By Advocate.com Editors
In its third year, the Men on a Mission calendar has put twelve returned Mormon missionaries front and center, bare-chested and ready to make a statement.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/23/Men_on_a_Mission_Back_for_2010/

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

Study says lesbians make better parents
By 365gay Newswire
Lesbians make better parents than a man and a woman, according to Stephen Scott, Director of Research, at the National Academy for Parenting Practitioners.
http://www.365gay.com/news/study-says-lesbians-make-better-parents/

A statement from the mother of Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado
By Jennifer Vanasco, editor in chief, 365gay.com
Miriam Mercado gave this statement to the team organizing the weekend’s vigils: “When my son told me he was gay, I told him, ‘Now, I love you more.’ I want to tell the world that hatred is not born with human beings, it is a seed that is planted by adults and is fostered creating a climate of intolerance and violence. We must change our ways and understand that anyone …could have been my son. And I want everybody to know that Jorge Steven was a very much loved son.”
http://www.365gay.com/uncategorized/a-statement-from-the-mother-of-jorge-steven-lopez-mercado/

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

Straight couple's civil partnership application rejected
A straight couple who tried to apply for a civil partnership this morning have said they are willing to take their case to the European Court of Human Rights.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/24/straight-couples-civil-partnership-application-rejected/

Man jailed for blackmailing gay cruisers
A man who admitted blackmailing men meeting for sex has been jailed for three and a half years. Lee Creamer, 26, admitted extorting hundreds of pounds out of three men who were fearful their families would find out about their activities.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/24/man-jailed-for-blackmailing-gay-cruisers/

1,500 Americans complain over Adam Lambert's gay kiss
More than 1,500 US viewers have complained over a gay kiss and simulated oral sex in American Idol star Adam Lambert's performance at the American Music Awards on Sunday.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/24/1500-americans-complain-over-adam-lamberts-gay-kiss/

Lesbian deserter to have asylum claim reviewed in Canada
A lesbian soldier who deserted the US Army after claiming she had been physically abused and threatened has won the right to have her asylum case reviewed in Canada.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/24/lesbian-deserter-to-have-asylum-claim-reviewed-in-canada/

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

Exemptions Allowing Churches to Refuse to Employ Gays to be Scrapped Following Pressure from EU
Pink News
The European Commission is putting pressure on the British government to drop the exemptions from equality legislation by religious organisations who currently have the right to refuse to employ LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) staff.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11707/

Church Leaders in Liverpool Release ‘Groundbreaking’ Condemnation of Homophobia
Jessica Geen \ Pink News
Leaders of the six main Christian churches in Liverpool have released a joint statement condemning homophobia in the city. The message, released on the eve of a vigil earlier this month, affirmed their commitment to stamping out anti-gay violence.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11706/

Gay Man Running on Mass. GOP Gubernatorial Ticket
On Top Magazine
Massachusetts Republican gubernatorial hopeful Charlie Baker has chosen state Senator Richard R. Tisei, an openly gay man, to be his running mate. The announcement was posted Monday morning on the candidate’s website.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11705/

Levin: Military Gay Ban Hearings Postponed
Carlos Santoscoy \ On Top Magazine
Promised fall hearings on repeal of the military’s ban on open gay service in Congress are likely tabled for now, TheHill.com reported Saturday. Both chambers of Congress have likely delayed hearings on the issue.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11704/

Move Over Michael Moore Here Comes ‘Tea Party: The Documentary’
Bill Berkowitz \ Buzz Flash
“It began as a ripple; an online whisper; a grassroots awakening to a new threat on freedom. … Lady Liberty faces her newest challenge and across this great nation a new generation of patriots stands ready for her defense. … They were ignored, they were mocked, but in the end, they would not be silence. … A greater cause united them. … A greater outcome awaits them. … This Thanksgiving the story of 2009 becomes the living history of the second American Revolution. ‘TEA PARTY: The Documentary’ film; liberty’s march has a new generation of patriots.” – From the trailer for “TEA PARTY: The Documentary Film”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11703/

Post Washington Blade: The Future of Journalism In America
Wayne Besen \ Truth Wins Out
While attending University of Florida’s journalism school in 1992, I told my parents that I was going to give up the profession to become a gay activist. They looked at me like I was crazy and said, “What are you thinking going into such an unstable career!”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11702/

Family Research Council Caught Falsely Accusing Congresswoman of Religious Bigotry
Alvin McEwen \ Truth Wins Out
crossposted on Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters
A story that seems to be under the headlights but very appropriate involves how the Family Research Council got caught inaccurately accusing a Congresswoman of being a religious bigot. The entire story is here in Faith In Public Life: . . . the Family Research Council sent out a press release with the headline “FRC Calls On President Obama, Speaker Pelosi, and Senator Reid to Repudiate Diana DeGette’s Religious Bigotry,” which stated Family Research Council President Tony Perkins today called on President Obama and Congressional leaders to repudiate comments made by U.S. Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) to The Hill’s Michael O’Brien that “religiously-affiliated groups…should be shut out of the process” in the health care debate because of their support for the Stupak/Pitts amendment. She told The Hill, “Last I heard, we had separation of church and state in this country,” she said. “I’ve got to say that I think the Catholic bishops and all of the other groups shouldn’t have input.”
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11701/

The New GLBT Pope Problem
Wayne Besen \ Truth Wins Out
It is time to admit that the gay community has a gigantic Pope problem. Under the leadership of Benedict XVI, the Vatican has become an implacable foe of liberalism, modernity and basic rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Rome has eagerly jumped with both feet into America’s culture wars and is working on a global scale to punish or purge ideological dissenters within the church. This aggressive activism presents a formidable new front in the fight for parity – one with considerable political clout and financial resources.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11700/

Event: Visually Dazzling, Boldly Thought–Provoking Documentary asks “What Is God”
Visually dazzling, boldly thought-provoking documentary asks “What Is God”
Multi-cultural spiritual quest spans the globe
SCREENING INFORMATION:
DATE/TIME: Monday, November 23, 2009, 7:30pm
LOCATION: Embarcadero Center Cinema, 1 Embarcadero Center, Promenade Level, SF
Mitropoulos Films present OH MY GOD?, opening Friday, November 27 at Landmark Theatres in San Francisco venue tbd, Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley. (Also tentative to open at Landmark Theatres in Palo Alto/Menlo Park, date tbd.) The film had its recent Bay Area premiere at the Mill Valley Film Festival.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11699/

Catholic Remonstrance Now!
Frank Cocozzelli \ Talk 2 Action
Lately, the Catholic Right has unabashedly sought to impose its will on society. From its recent advocacy against marriage equality in Maine; to the inquisition of American nuns who challenge Vatican hard-liners; and now the U.S Bishops who have threatened to sabotage health care reform unless they got their way on abortion policy in the House version of the legislation.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11698/

New Marriage Strategy Needed
Leland Traiman \ Bar Area Reporter
Same-sex marriage has never won an election. Maine was our 33rd loss. On the other hand, domestic partnership has never, on its own, lost an election. Washington state continued that winning streak, barely. The attempt to repeal comprehensive domestic partnerships was too close for liberal Washington State, 47 percent. This means trouble for us. Our enemies, undoubtedly, are already planning domestic partnership repeals in more conservative areas. Even in California, instead of fighting for the rites of marriage, we may be forced to defend the rights of marriage we have already won through domestic partnerships. (California law says that all laws, regulations, and court decisions that apply to spouses in a marriage equally applies to registered domestic partners.) Even if California’s domestic partnership law is not in jeopardy, certainly other states with domestic partnerships or other forms of recognition are at risk.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11697/

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#####

GLBT DIGEST - November 23, 2009

**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.


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

The Church and the Capital
Gay people will eventually win full civil rights — including the right to marry — throughout the United States. Between now and then, there will be many more disputes like the one unfolding between the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington and the District of Columbia City Council over a bill recognizing same-sex marriages that could be voted on as soon as next week.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/23/opinion/23mon1.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=gay&st=cse/

More Anti-Gay, Religious-Motivated Crimes Reported
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Reports of hate crimes against gays and religious groups increased sharply in 2008, according to new FBI data released Monday. Overall, the number of reported hate crimes increased about 2 percent. These same figures show a nearly 11 percent increase in hate crimes based on sexual orientation, and a nearly 9 percent increase in hate crimes based on religion.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/23/us/politics/AP-US-Hate-Crimes.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/

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

Taylor Swift wins five American Music Awards
By Dean Goodman
Country crossover star Taylor Swift overshadowed the late Michael Jackson at the American Music Awards on Sunday, winning five prizes including artist of the year.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/22/AR2009112202277.html/

Iran prez seeks new legitimacy in visit to Brazil
By ALAN CLENDENNING
BRASILIA, Brazil -- For Iran, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's visit to Brazil provides some sorely needed political legitimacy for his increasingly isolated nation.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/23/AR2009112301032_pf.html/

An ignoble mission
Regarding the Nov. 18 Style article "Seeking to put asunder":
Bishop Harry Jackson appears to be saying that certain residents of the District should not enjoy certain civil rights by virtue of being sinners as defined by his reading of the Bible. How is this not "a mission of hate"? And by what stretch of logic does homosexuality and gay marriage relate to the problem of broken families within the African American community? Nothing this man says makes civic or Christian sense, and it's a travesty for The Post to lionize him on the front page of the Style section.
Ralph Hitchens, Poolesville
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/22/AR2009112201609.html/

Support for legalizing marijuana grows rapidly around U.S.
Approval for medical use expands alongside criticism of prohibition
By Karl Vick
The same day they rejected a gay marriage ballot measure, residents of Maine voted overwhelmingly to allow the sale of medical marijuana over the counter at state-licensed dispensaries.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/22/AR2009112201986.html/

Crime Scene: Hate crimes, D.C. police and the gay and lesbian community
(Cross-posted from Crime Scene)
It was a day of disagreement between D.C. police and gay activitists over how the department handles hate crimes, and whether the gay community is being served by changes to the Gay and Lesbian Liason Unit.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dc/2009/11/crime_scene_hate_crimes_dc_pol.html/

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

‘Rent’ star Anthony Rapp to discuss, sign memoir at Books & Books on Lincoln Road
Anthony Rapp, original star of Rent, will read from his memoir, Without You, and sign books Thursday, Dec. 10, at Books & Books on Lincoln Road.
Rapp will appear with fellow Rent co-star Adam Pascal, also from the original cast, in a revival of the Tony- and Pulitzer-winning musical from Dec. 8-13 at The Fillmore Miami Beach at The Jackie Gleason Theater. Tickets are available via www.livenation.com or by calling 1-877-598-8698.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/rent-star-anthony-rapp-to-discuss-sign-memoir-at-books-books-on-lincoln-road.html/

Drag it Out! to perform Dec. 5 at Voodoo Lounge, Dec. 6 at Cinema Paradiso in Fort Lauderdale
From K. Steinberg:
For the inner King and Queen in all of us
Be prepared to take your ideas of CommUNITY building and gender performance to the next level with Drag It Out (DIO)! Drag It Out is a professional and amateur (PRO-AM) 100% volunteer driven organization providing All Drag No Drama entertainment while raising awareness to benefit the KQA – The KIDS, the QUEERS and the ANIMALS! 100% of all donations ($15 per person) will go to three local charities; Safe Schools South Florida, Animal Aid, and the GLCC (Gay and Lesbian Community Center) of South Florida.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/drag-it-out-to-perform-dec-5-at-voodoo-lounge-dec-6-at-cinema-paradiso-in-fort-lauderdale.html/

Levi Johnston gives Sarah Palin’s daughter Bristol the (ring) finger
The Levi Johnston Playgirl pics are showing up online and it’s confirmed that Sarah Palin’s ex-future son-in-law didn’t show “the full Johnston” as his manager had promised. What we do get a good glimpse of is Levi’s left ring finger. As we all know, there is no wedding band – but there is a small tattoo.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/levi-johnston-gives-sarah-palins-daughter-bristol-the-ring-finger.html/

Sidelines Sports Bar, Team Sidelines members raise more than $10,000 for the Smart Ride
News release from Sidelines Sports Bar: The night was extra special, not only because Sidelines Sports Bar’s SMART Ride “Party for Charity” was a huge success by all accounts, but above all it was truly a night of firsts. For the first time since its opening, Sidelines closed its doors to the general public for a private and exclusive fundraising party. For the first time ever, Sidelines offered celebrity entertainment such as Nikki Adams, who hosted the evening’s events with glamour and poise, and Nicolette, who stirred the hearts of many with an energy-filled performance. And, for the very first time, Sidelines along with the 16 members of Team Sidelines raised the most money in one night for a charitable cause. The evening’s tally from this special party was a whopping $10,102.50! Thus far, the total funds generated by Team Sidelines for the SMART Ride totals over $12,000!
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/sidelines-sports-bar-team-sidelines-members-raise-more-than-10000-the-smart-ride.html/

Jackson Memorial Hospital nurses personally apologize to lesbian whose partner died there
BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com
Several Jackson Memorial Hospital nurses personally apologized to Janice Langbehn, a Washington state lesbian who said a Jackson social worker wouldn't allow her to be with her dying partner in 2007.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/11/gay-nurses-at-jackson-memorial-hospital-personally-apologize-to-lesbian-whose-partner-died-there.html/

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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

Adam Lambert ready to shake up pop world with CD
By DERRIK J. LANG
During rehearsals for his outlandish American Music Awards performance, amid a thundercloud of throbbing theater lights and special-effects fog, Adam Lambert effortlessly governs the sprawling stage while gripping a microphone in his gloved hands and donning a tight T-shirt slathered with an image of David Bowie's face.
http://www.miamiherald.com/entertainment/music/AP/story/1347614.html/

Ambassador to Holy See sees role as bridge-builder
By JACQUELINE CHARLES
ROME -- Deep in the heart of Vatican City, Cuban-born Roman Catholic theologian Miguel H. Diaz has managed to find an Italian version of a sandwich that reminds him of home: pan con lechon.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/environment/story/1347641.html/

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

Lambert Simulates Oral, Kisses Keyboardist
By Advocate.com Editors
In his first major awards show performance, American Idol runner-up Adam Lambert pulled out all the stops and turned in a racy performance at the American Music Awards.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/22/Lambert_Simulates_Oral_Kisses_Male_Keyboardist/

Houston Chron. Endorses Annise Parker
By Advocate.com Editors
Houston mayoral hopeful Annise Parker has picked up a major newspaper endorsement. The Houston Chronicle has thrown its support behind Parker who, if elected, would become the first lesbian mayor of a major U.S. city.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/11/22/Houston_Chronicle_Endorses_Annise_Parker/

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

Atheist student groups flower on college campuses
By The Associated Press
The sign sits propped on a wooden chair, inviting all comers: “Ask an Atheist.” Whenever a student gets within a few feet, Anastasia Bodnar waves and smiles, trying to make a good first impression before eyes drift down to a word many Americans rank down there with “socialist.”
http://www.365gay.com/news/atheist-student-groups-flower-on-college-campuses/

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

Church leaders in Liverpool release 'groundbreaking' condemnation of homophobia
Leaders of the six main Christian churches in Liverpool have released a joint statement condemning homophobia in the city. Local councillor Steve Radford said it was a "real breakthrough".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/23/church-leaders-in-liverpool-release-groundbreaking-condemnation-of-homophobia/

Exemptions allowing churches to refuse to employ gays to be scrapped following pressure from EU
The European Commission is putting pressure on the British government to drop the exemptions from equality legislation by religious organisations who currently have the right to refuse to employ LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) staff.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/22/exemptions-allowing-churches-to-refuse-to-employ-gays-to-be-scraped-following-pressure-from-eu/

Liverpool teenager hurt in homophobic attack
A gay 19-year-old student was beaten by eight boys last week in Liverpool's city centre for being "flamboyantly dressed".
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/23/liverpool-teenager-hurt-in-homophobic-attack/

Dannii Minogue cleared over 'homophobic' X Factor joke
Dannii Minogue has been cleared of making a 'homophobic' jibe about an X Factor contestant's sexuality by broadcasting watchdog Ofcom. Nearly 4,000 people complained when she suggested that Danyl Johnson did not need to sing about a woman because he was bisexual.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/23/dannii-minogue-cleared-over-homophobic-x-factor-joke/

Mother fights for NHS treatment of trans daughter
The mother of a 14-year-old trans girl is fighting to get her hormone treatment on the NHS. Carole Smith, 41, said that her child needed hormone treatment to prevent her from entering puberty as a boy.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/23/mother-fights-for-nhs-treatment-of-trans-daughter/

Straight couple to apply for civil partnership tomorrow
A straight couple who believe the ban on marriage for gay people is discriminatory will attempt to register their intention to have a civil partnership tomorrow. As the law stands, gay couples cannot marry and straight couples cannot have a civil partnership.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/23/straight-couple-to-apply-for-civil-partnership-tomorrow/

Gordon Brown and equalities minister Maria Eagle mark Transgender Day of Remembrance
Prime minister Gordon Brown has made a statement describing violence and harassment against trans people as "utterly unacceptable". He also thanked trans campaigners for their work.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/gordon-brown-and-equalities-minister-maria-eagle-mark-transgender-day-of-remembrance/

UNISON calls for better reporting on homophobic hate crime
Workers' union UNISON is holding its annual lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) conference today and tomorrow. The organisation is calling for more encouragement for LGBT victims of hate crime to report offences to police.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/unison-calls-for-better-reporting-on-homophobic-hate-crime/

Gay Glasgow council leader Steven Purcell is Councillor of the Year
Steven Purcell, the leader of Glasgow city council, has been named the Herald's Councillor of the Year. Purcell, who is gay, was ranked at number 16 this year on PinkNews.co.uk's 50 most powerful gay, lesbian and bisexual people in British politics.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/gay-glasgow-council-leader-steven-purcell-is-councillor-of-the-year/

New York court grants married gay couples some government benefits
Gay couples who married in states where gay marriage is legal should be able to claim some government benefits, a New York court ruled yesterday.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/new-york-court-grants-married-gay-couples-some-government-benefits-2/

Elton John's UK gigs won't be rescheduled
Elton John has offered his fans refunds after it was announced that a string of cancelled UK tour dates will not be rescheduled.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/elton-johns-uk-gigs-wont-be-rescheduled/

Gay rights advocate Cathy Ashton is new EU foreign affairs chief
Baroness Cathy Ashton, who won Stonewall's Politician of the Year award in 2006, has been named as the new European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/20/gay-rights-advocate-cathy-ashton-is-new-eu-foreign-affairs-chief/

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

TWO Declares that ‘Manhattan Declaration’ is Bigoted, Lawless and a Danger to American Values
Contact: Wayne Besen
Phone: 917-691-5118
Religious Activists Claim to be Above the Law and Express Desire to Force All Americans To Obey Sectarian Church Rules, Says TWO
Truth Wins Out (TWO) condemned a theocratic anti-gay manifesto that seeks to foist compulsory Christianity on the nation, at the expense of basic liberty, pluralism and freedom. The so-called “Manhattan Declaration” was signed by 145 fundamentalist, evangelical, Catholic and Orthodox Christian activists, who claimed they were above the law and would refuse to obey state rules unless they were in alignment with their sectarian church beliefs.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11696/

Florida Competitive Workforce Bill Filed to Add Anti-Discrimination Protections Statewide
TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA - 11/20/2009 -
OUT Advocacy Network applauds the filing of the Competitive Workforce bill in the Florida House of Representative. This bill, filed by Rep. Kelly Skidmore, would add sexual orientation and gender identity to Florida’s civil rights statutes. Currently, there is no Florida law that protects someone from discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations because that person is gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT). This bill would add these categories into laws that already protect Floridians based on race, age, disability, sex and religion.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11695/

Lambda Legal Files Federal Lawsuit Seeking to Block Elimination of Domestic Partner Benefits for Gays and Lesbian State Employees
San Diego Gay & Lesbian News
Lambda Legal has filed a federal lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Tucson to block a move to strip domestic partner benefits from gay and lesbian state employees. Arizona lawmakers included a provision stripping domestic partner health benefits from state employees as part of a last-minute budget deal signed by Governor Jan Brewer in September, while retaining spousal health benefits for heterosexual workers.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11694/

NY: Rabbis Back Condemning Same-Sex Marriage Politicians
Margie M. Palmer, Editor \ San Diego Gay & Lesbian News
Prominent rabbis in the New York City area backed measures to distance the Orthodox Jewish communities from public officials and candidates who support same-sex marriage, a recent survey found. A broad consensus of Rabbis surveyed acknowledged the need to correct the impression that Orthodox Jews were willing to turn a blind eye to the enactment of public laws they feel contradict the Torah, like the law allowing same-sex marriage.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11693/

Semenya Retains Title
Kimberly St. Louis \ WeNews correspondent \ Womens News
South African runner Caster Semenya–who underwent gender verification tests this summer–will retain her gold medal, title and prize money for her August victory at the women’s 800 meter race at the world track and field championships in Berlin, Reuters reported Nov. 19. The results of her gender test, which stirred much controversy this year, will remain confidential.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11691/

Mother of Slain Teen Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado Speaks
Towleroad
“When my son told me he was gay, I told him, ‘Now, I love you more.’ I want to tell the world that hatred is not born with human beings, it is a seed that is planted by adults and is fostered creating a climate of intolerance and violence. We must change our ways and understand that anyone …could have been my son. And I want everybody to know that Jorge Steven was a very much loved son.”— Miriam Mercado, mother of gay 19-year-old Puerto Rican Jorge Steven Lopez Mercado, who was brutally murdered last week for being gay.
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/news/11690/

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