**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:
Rome's call: 'Come on over'
By George F. Will
Late in life, the mother of the Rev. Thomas Reese, S.J., began attending mass at a Southern California church, the congregation of which soon became Spanish-speaking. Services were conducted entirely in that language, which she could not understand, yet she happily continued attending. When her son asked why, she replied: "It is just like the Latin Mass, I don't understand a word of it. It is even better, I don't understand the homily." We have all listened to a speaker and wished: If only he were incomprehensible. As G.K. Chesterton said of Times Square, it would be beautiful if you could not read.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122302396.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
In Love and War
Husbands and wives can now serve together in the Army. How three couples try to juggle marriage and mission in Afghanistan.
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Maybe the couple that fights together stays together. The 293rd Military Police Company is a rarity in American love and American war. Among the 150 soldiers deployed to this restive Afghan city are three married couples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704240504574585850597672412.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Video | Mexico City lawmakers approve gay marriage bill
Associated Press video: Lawmakers in Mexico City have approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage. The Mayor is expected to sign it, however, Mexican President Felipe Calderon has said he will challenge the bill in the courts.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-mexico-city-lawmakers-approve-gay-marriage-bill.html/
Jesse's Journal: Gay bookstores, a dying breed
BY JESSE MONTEAGUDO
Like many lesbians, gay men, bisexuals or transgender people, I came out of the closet with the help of gay books and gay bookstores. Though we didn’t have a gay bookstore in Miami when I came out in the early 1970s, I took advantage of the mail order services provided by the newly-established bookshops. My first visit to the Oscar Wilde Bookshop in Greenwich Village (1977) was like a religious pilgrimage; an experience that I repeated two years later when I first visited Lambda Rising Bookstore in DuPont Circle in Washington, DC. Both Oscar Wilde and Lambda Rising were part of a chain of independent bookshops that dotted the gay ghettoes of North America: Glad Day in Boston and Toronto, Giovanni’s Room in Philadelphia, Outwrite in Atlanta, A Different Light in West Hollywood and San Francisco, Little Sister’s in Vancouver and, of course, Lambda Passages in Miami.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/jesses-journal-gay-bookstores-a-dying-breed.html/
Russian Orthodox Church embraces gays
Associated Press
MOSCOW -- The head of the Russian Orthodox Church says that, although the church views homosexuality as a sin, homosexuality is a personal choice. Patriarch Kirill says gays and lesbians must not be persecuted or discriminated against in any way, though the church still opposes same-sex marriages.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/russian-orthodox-church-embraces-gays.html/
Gender, sports issues to be explored at Florida International University conference
By LUISA YANEZ, lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
A female athlete wins an Olympic gold medal, but later a sexual verification test detects she has the testosterone levels of a man. What action does the International Olympic Committee take?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gender-sports-issues-to-be-explored-at-florida-international-university-conference.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Rabbi: `This place really embraces change'
A young female rabbi is making her mark at one of South Florida's largest synagogues.
BY TANIA VALDEMORO
Miami Herald reporter Tania Valdemoro sat down this week with Rabbi Rachel Greengrass, the newest rabbi at Temple Beth Am in Pinecrest. Greengrass, 29, is originally from Fort Wayne, Ind. She was ordained as a rabbi on May 4, 2008, at Hebrew Union College in New York City, where she earned master's degrees in Hebrew Literature and Religious Education.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/miami_dade/pinecrest/story/1395544.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
George Bush's PBS Show
By Michelle Garcia
The George W. Bush Institute will coproduce a show on public television, hosted by its executive director, Ambassador James Glassman, according to The Huffington Post.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/George_Bushs_PBS_Show/
Georgia Newspaper Goes After 'Keith' Jennings
By Neal Broverman
The Augusta [Ga.] Chronicle published an editorial Monday claiming the U.S. Department of Education's gay assistant deputy secretary for the Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools encouraged underage sex and molestation — all while calling him by the wrong name. The newspaper said that Kevin Jennings — whom it referred to as Keith — promoted underage sex with books recommended by the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, a group that Jennings founded and headed. GLSEN, which works to stop school bullying of gay students, does recommend books, and some did have passages of a sexual nature, but all of GLSEN's recommended reading materials come with warnings for parents or guardians. It's also not clear if Jennings himself vetted the individual books.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Georgia_Newspaper_Goes_After_Keith_Jennings/
Uganda Media Reports on Gay 'Death' Bill
By Neal Broverman
Local reports from Uganda have surfaced on the nation's proposed antihomosexuality bill, which, if passed, could impose the death penalty or a life sentence on those convicted of engaging in gay sex.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Uganda_Media_Reports_on_Gay_Death_Bill/
Which State is the Most Religious?
By Neal Broverman
Religion has not loosened its grip on the South — a new poll finds that the most religious states remain those below the Mason-Dixon Line, with Mississippi leading the pack. A Pew Forum study asked respondents whether religion is important in their lives, and 82% percent of Mississipians said yes. Following Mississippi were Alabama and Arkansas (both at 74%), Louisiana (72%), Tennessee (71%), and South Carolina (70%). The New England states of Vermont and New Hampshire (each at 36%) were the least religious; both states allow same-sex marriage.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Which_State_is_the_Most_Religious_/
Economy Crushes Homophobia in Sports Project
By Michelle Garcia
The director of an initiative to fight homophobia in women's sports has seen her position eliminated because of economic troubles. Pat Griffin, the project director of It Takes a Team, announced on her blog on Tuesday that she would leave her post at the end of her contract in January.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/Economy_Crushes_Homophobia_in_Sports_Project/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
PR advisor Max Clifford repeats warnings over 'vicious' homophobic football fans
PR guru Max Clifford has reiterated his advice to gay footballers to stay in the closet, saying the sport is "steeped in homophobia". He made his comments just after Welsh rugby player Gareth Thomas came out but said he could not imagine a premiership footballer doing the same.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/pr-advisor-max-clifford-repeats-warnings-over-vicious-homophobic-football-fans/
Club drug ban comes into force today
From today, 'legal highs' such as GBL, BZP and Spice will become Class C drugs. GBL (gamma-butaryl lactone), which is said to be popular on the gay club scene, is a liquid used in paint stripper and nail varnish remover.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/club-drug-ban-comes-into-force-today/
Katy Perry in trouble over 'transphobic' tweet
Katy Perry has been accused of transphobia after using Twitter to mock a photo of trans man. The singer, who found fame with her faux-lesbian hit I Kissed A Girl, posted a photo of a naked man with a beard, hairy chest and breasts.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/katy-perry-in-trouble-over-transphobic-tweet/
Head of Russian Orthodox Church condemns discrimination against gays
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said that although homosexuality is still a sin, gay people must not be discriminated against.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/head-of-russian-orthodox-church-condemns-discrimination-against-gays/
Lithuanian parliament revises 'gay ban' law
Lithuania has revised a controversial law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality. The country's parliament voted 58-4, with 25 abstentions, to amend the law. It prohibited the "public dissemination" of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/lithuanian-parliament-revises-gay-ban-law/
Archbishop of York speaks out on Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill
Archbishop of York John Sentamu, who was born in Uganda, has condemned the country's plans to introduce the death penalty of life imprisonment for gays. Speaking to Radio 4's Today programme this morning, he criticised the "victimising" language in the bill and said the communion was "committed" to listening to the experiences of gay people.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/archbishop-of-york-speaks-out-on-ugandas-anti-homosexuality-bill/
God Hates Fags church hates Lady Gaga
Westboro Baptist Church has announced it will picket a January gig by gay-friendly singer Lady Gaga. The church, best known for its slogan of God Hates Fags, said in a press release it would protest outside a St Louis concert on January 7th.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/god-hates-fags-church-hates-lady-gaga/
Ethics minister says Uganda's death penalty for gays will be ditched
The Ugandan minister for ethics and integrity has suggested that the country will ditch its plans to execute gays in favour of life imprisonment. James Nsaba Buturo said this would allow authorities to rehabilitate gays.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/24/ethics-minister-says-ugandas-death-penalty-for-gays-will-be-ditched/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
How does your ‘Garden’ grow?
by Joey DiGuglielmo
A local gay arts group and its recreation of Edith Beale’s 1978 cabaret act is becoming the show that won’t die. After two performances in Washington last year and another planned for this weekend, “After the Garden” is going to New York next week for a trial run. “After the Garden: Edith Beale Live at Reno Sweeney” is a tribute to the late Beale (”Little Edie,” who was immortalized with her mother in the freak show 1975 documentary “Grey Gardens”). A year after her mother (”Big Edie,” aunt of Jackie O) died, Little Edie performed a one-week engagement to raise enough money to pay back taxes on the rundown family home. Theater vet Gerald Duval was summoned to help Beale create her act, which has gone down in history as one of those pop culture curiosities, like the “Star Wars Holiday Special,” whose cult status has far outlived its initial appeal.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/how-does-your-garden-grow/
Favorite Christmas Specials, Anyone?
by: Louise
Mine. Right Here. I utter love that TNT runs this for a solid 24 hours on Christmas Day and know every word by heart...
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14581/favorite-christmas-specials-anyone/
2009 STORIES OF THE YEAR: NO. 3 Iowa first in Midwest to grant gay marriage rights
By Bret Hayworth - bhayworth@siouxcityjournal.com
Iowa ushered in same-sex marriage in April, becoming the only Heartland state to grant gay and lesbian couples the legal right to wed.
http://www.siouxcityjournal.com/news/local/article_d1634c5e-bceb-5217-a015-ea5acbc91eee.html/
Supreme Court increases suspension for homophobic Murcia judge up to 10 years
By m.p
Judge Calamita was originally suspended for 2 years for maliciously delaying a lesbian adoption. The Murcia judge who was suspended by the Murcia High Court for maliciously delaying the adoption by a lesbian woman of her partner’s child has had his appeal against the court’s turned down by Spain’s highest court.
http://www.typicallyspanish.com/news/publish/article_24455.shtml/
Timetables: Trains, Gender, Empathy
Filed by: Paige Schilt
Last Christmas, we decided to splurge and spend a few nights at a fancy beach resort. From the moment the clerk ushered us into the "VIP check-in room," I knew we were in for an adventure. Our five-year-old, Waylon, plunged head first into a butter-colored club chair. "Honey, please keep your shoes off the furniture," I said, feeling my class insecurities creep up like a slow and annoying blush. "But, Mama, I'm a seal," he informed me, resting his front flippers on the marble floor. I scanned the clerk's face, hoping for the knowing look that tells you you're in the presence of Family. Nary a blip on the old gaydar. His eyes were resolutely glued to his computer screen.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/timetables_trains_gender_empathy.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/
Just say no to the Salvation Army's red bucket
Filed by: Alex Blaze
It's that time of year again. Actually, it probably started a while ago for those of you in the US, but it's good to remember each year why lots of LGBT folks don't donate to the Red Bucket. From Lisa Neff: But I do not. I do not ring the bell for the Salvation Army. I do not donate to the Salvation Army, because the Salvation Army discriminates against gays and lesbians in employment, works to defeat civil rights measures that protect gays and lesbians and promotes position that gay relationships "do not conform to God's will for society."
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/just_say_no_to_the_salvation_armys_red_bucket.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/
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The Pride Center @ Equality Park
http://www.glccsf.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Transitions
The GLCC/Pride Center - Wilton Manors, FL - has moved out of our old Andrews Avenue location to our new location on Dixie Highway. Our board, staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly for the last couple of weeks to make this all happen. Please click here to view pictures of the move
http://www.glccsf.org/
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Friday, December 25, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - December 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:
Russian Church: Homosexuality Is Personal Choice
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOSCOW (AP) -- The head of the Russian Orthodox Church said Wednesday that although the church views homosexuality as a sin, gays should not face discrimination.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/23/world/AP-EU-Russia-Gay-Rights.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Color of change
By Howard Kurtz
When was the last time you thought of Barack Obama as a black president? The historic nature of his victory, of course, rested on his breaking the two-century streak of 43 white guys. But as was much observed at the time, Obama never ran as an African American candidate. With the exception of the race speech he gave in Philadelphia at the height of the Jeremiah Wright furor, he largely resisted the urge to cast his candidacy in racial terms. He didn't have to.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122300954_pf.html/
Little Edie lives again in Ganymede's 'After the Garden,' with Jeffrey Johnson
By Jane Horwitz
It's been a struggle for small nonprofit theater companies since the economy flopped last year, and Ganymede Arts is no exception. Yet as 2009 nears its final curtain, Ganymede has something to celebrate. Artistic Director Jeffrey Johnson will be performing the solo piece "After the Garden: Edith Beale Live at Reno Sweeney" at Joe's Pub in New York on Dec. 29. He'll be the opening act for Sandra Bernhard.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203322.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
In Love and War
Husbands and wives can now serve together in the Army. How three couples try to juggle marriage and mission in Afghanistan.
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Maybe the couple that fights together stays together. The 293rd Military Police Company is a rarity in American love and American war. Among the 150 soldiers deployed to this restive Afghan city are three married couples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704240504574585850597672412.html/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gender, sports issues to be explored at Florida International University conference
By LUISA YANEZ, lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
A female athlete wins an Olympic gold medal, but later a sexual verification test detects she has the testosterone levels of a man. What action does the International Olympic Committee take?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gender-sports-issues-to-be-explored-at-florida-international-university-conference.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
White House Christmas Tree Goes All Gay
By Advocate.com Editors
HEDDALETTUCE.COM
A gay man has decorated the White House’s Blue Room Christmas tree with communists and a “legendary transvestite” named Hedda Lettuce, according to the conservative blog Big Government.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/White_House_Tree_Goes_All_Gay/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Withers: DADT gets attention from some in Congress
By James Withers
With hints from Speaker Nancy Pelosi that next year the House is not going to go after any controversial issues until the White House or Senate step up, it was nice to see at least two representatives chipping away at Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), a member of the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee, and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), lead sponsor of the bill to repeal DADT, authored a letter to the Defense Department that was signed by 96 of their peers. They are looking for up-to-date information on the military members discharged under DADT while President Obama has been commander-in-chief.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/122309-dadt-gets-attention-from-some-in-congress/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Boy George barred from appearing on Big Brother
Singer Boy George will not be appearing on Celebrity Big Brother after a High Court judge dismissed his appeal. The star, real name George O'Dowd, was barred from going on the show when the Probation Service said his appearance would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/boy-george-barred-from-appearing-on-big-brother/
Head of Russian Orthodox Church condemns discrimination against gays
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said that although homosexuality is still a sin, gay people must not be discriminated against.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/head-of-russian-orthodox-church-condemns-discrimination-against-gays/
Lithuanian parliament revises 'gay ban' law
Lithuania has revised a controversial law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality. The country's parliament voted 58-4, with 25 abstentions, to amend the law. It prohibited the "public dissemination" of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/lithuanian-parliament-revises-gay-ban-law/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Christmas was meant for children
by Patrick Folliard
I once read in a Bette Davis bio that as a kid in New England the highlight of her childhood Christmases was finding the theater tickets that Santa Claus had left her under the tree. Take a note from Bette’s book, and try giving the little ones in your life the gift of theater this holiday season. Who knows — maybe your present will be the nudge that sends a little thespian-in-the-making on the path to a brilliant career of his or her own?
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/christmas-was-meant-for-children/
Gay short film has Oscar potential
By David Hoffman
Film buffs drawn to the Jewish Community Center’s annual film festival earlier this month stumbled onto a surprise gem of a major motion picture in the making, in the guise of being just one of five “Queer Shorts” offered by the JCC’s program for Gay & Lesbian Outreach & Engagement (GLOE). Starring the Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Sir Derek Jacobi, the 19-minute film “Sidney Turtlebaum” is now shaping up as a likely Academy Award nominee in the live action short film category, according to the film’s producer Daniel Jewel, who spoke to the audience after the recent D.C. screening.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/gay-short-film-has-oscar-potential/
Ringing in 2010
By Tyrone Ford
D.C. is gearing up for yet another New Year’s Eve packed full of events, parties and several after parties. There is no shortage of choices, whether you prefer low key or an all out two-day affair. The city’s bars, clubs and restaurants are working tirelessly to plan events that will make New Year’s Eve a memorable one. Below are a few options to consider.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/ringing-in-2010/
Gay marriage in our black church
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we took our places in front of the altar at Covenant Baptist Church, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091223/OPINION16/91222023/1004/OPINION/-Gay-marriage-in-our-black-church/
Teabagger has weepy breakdown over 'misdirected prayer'
by: Alvin McEwen
Every now and then, a situation takes that place that's so strange, it diverts my attention away from focusing on the religious right. During the mad battle over health care reform, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) recently gave a speech on the Senate floor hoping that a senator would not make the vote. He encouraged prayer on the matter: What the American people ought to pray is that somebody can’t make the vote tonight. That’s what they ought to pray.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14596/teabagger-has-weepy-breakdown-over-misdirected-prayer/
Moyers, Moore and Maddow top Alternet's 25 most influential progressive media figures
by: Pam Spaulding
This story caught my eye because Rachel Maddow, who certainly deserves to be at the top of the mountain, is 1) brilliant; 2) is "family" (woohoo), and 3) a relatively "new" media figure compared to the other veteran progressive media types making Alternet's list. It looks like the eds were surprised as well: It's no surprise that Moyers, the moral sage, and Moore, the rabble-rouser, are ranked at the top. They have been popular with AlterNet readers for years. Moyers' current show, "Bill Moyers' Journal," gets at the heart of our many social ills with long-form exploration and probing interviews. Recently, Moyers spent an episode on the Lyndon Johnson Vietnam tapes, drawing a connection to Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan. The show was a television masterpiece.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14595/moyers-moore-and-maddow-top-alternets-25-most-influential-progressive-media-figures/
=
[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:
Russian Church: Homosexuality Is Personal Choice
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
MOSCOW (AP) -- The head of the Russian Orthodox Church said Wednesday that although the church views homosexuality as a sin, gays should not face discrimination.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/23/world/AP-EU-Russia-Gay-Rights.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Color of change
By Howard Kurtz
When was the last time you thought of Barack Obama as a black president? The historic nature of his victory, of course, rested on his breaking the two-century streak of 43 white guys. But as was much observed at the time, Obama never ran as an African American candidate. With the exception of the race speech he gave in Philadelphia at the height of the Jeremiah Wright furor, he largely resisted the urge to cast his candidacy in racial terms. He didn't have to.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122300954_pf.html/
Little Edie lives again in Ganymede's 'After the Garden,' with Jeffrey Johnson
By Jane Horwitz
It's been a struggle for small nonprofit theater companies since the economy flopped last year, and Ganymede Arts is no exception. Yet as 2009 nears its final curtain, Ganymede has something to celebrate. Artistic Director Jeffrey Johnson will be performing the solo piece "After the Garden: Edith Beale Live at Reno Sweeney" at Joe's Pub in New York on Dec. 29. He'll be the opening act for Sandra Bernhard.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/22/AR2009122203322.html/
=
Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
In Love and War
Husbands and wives can now serve together in the Army. How three couples try to juggle marriage and mission in Afghanistan.
By MICHAEL M. PHILLIPS
Kandahar, Afghanistan
Maybe the couple that fights together stays together. The 293rd Military Police Company is a rarity in American love and American war. Among the 150 soldiers deployed to this restive Afghan city are three married couples.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704240504574585850597672412.html/
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gender, sports issues to be explored at Florida International University conference
By LUISA YANEZ, lyanez@MiamiHerald.com
A female athlete wins an Olympic gold medal, but later a sexual verification test detects she has the testosterone levels of a man. What action does the International Olympic Committee take?
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gender-sports-issues-to-be-explored-at-florida-international-university-conference.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
White House Christmas Tree Goes All Gay
By Advocate.com Editors
HEDDALETTUCE.COM
A gay man has decorated the White House’s Blue Room Christmas tree with communists and a “legendary transvestite” named Hedda Lettuce, according to the conservative blog Big Government.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/23/White_House_Tree_Goes_All_Gay/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Withers: DADT gets attention from some in Congress
By James Withers
With hints from Speaker Nancy Pelosi that next year the House is not going to go after any controversial issues until the White House or Senate step up, it was nice to see at least two representatives chipping away at Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Congressman Jim Moran (D-VA), a member of the House Defense Appropriations subcommittee, and Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA), lead sponsor of the bill to repeal DADT, authored a letter to the Defense Department that was signed by 96 of their peers. They are looking for up-to-date information on the military members discharged under DADT while President Obama has been commander-in-chief.
http://www.365gay.com/blog/122309-dadt-gets-attention-from-some-in-congress/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Boy George barred from appearing on Big Brother
Singer Boy George will not be appearing on Celebrity Big Brother after a High Court judge dismissed his appeal. The star, real name George O'Dowd, was barred from going on the show when the Probation Service said his appearance would undermine public confidence in the justice system.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/boy-george-barred-from-appearing-on-big-brother/
Head of Russian Orthodox Church condemns discrimination against gays
The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, has said that although homosexuality is still a sin, gay people must not be discriminated against.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/head-of-russian-orthodox-church-condemns-discrimination-against-gays/
Lithuanian parliament revises 'gay ban' law
Lithuania has revised a controversial law banning the "promotion" of homosexuality. The country's parliament voted 58-4, with 25 abstentions, to amend the law. It prohibited the "public dissemination" of any materials which could be seen to promote homosexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/23/lithuanian-parliament-revises-gay-ban-law/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Christmas was meant for children
by Patrick Folliard
I once read in a Bette Davis bio that as a kid in New England the highlight of her childhood Christmases was finding the theater tickets that Santa Claus had left her under the tree. Take a note from Bette’s book, and try giving the little ones in your life the gift of theater this holiday season. Who knows — maybe your present will be the nudge that sends a little thespian-in-the-making on the path to a brilliant career of his or her own?
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/christmas-was-meant-for-children/
Gay short film has Oscar potential
By David Hoffman
Film buffs drawn to the Jewish Community Center’s annual film festival earlier this month stumbled onto a surprise gem of a major motion picture in the making, in the guise of being just one of five “Queer Shorts” offered by the JCC’s program for Gay & Lesbian Outreach & Engagement (GLOE). Starring the Tony and Emmy Award-winning actor Sir Derek Jacobi, the 19-minute film “Sidney Turtlebaum” is now shaping up as a likely Academy Award nominee in the live action short film category, according to the film’s producer Daniel Jewel, who spoke to the audience after the recent D.C. screening.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/gay-short-film-has-oscar-potential/
Ringing in 2010
By Tyrone Ford
D.C. is gearing up for yet another New Year’s Eve packed full of events, parties and several after parties. There is no shortage of choices, whether you prefer low key or an all out two-day affair. The city’s bars, clubs and restaurants are working tirelessly to plan events that will make New Year’s Eve a memorable one. Below are a few options to consider.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/23/ringing-in-2010/
Gay marriage in our black church
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we took our places in front of the altar at Covenant Baptist Church, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20091223/OPINION16/91222023/1004/OPINION/-Gay-marriage-in-our-black-church/
Teabagger has weepy breakdown over 'misdirected prayer'
by: Alvin McEwen
Every now and then, a situation takes that place that's so strange, it diverts my attention away from focusing on the religious right. During the mad battle over health care reform, Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma) recently gave a speech on the Senate floor hoping that a senator would not make the vote. He encouraged prayer on the matter: What the American people ought to pray is that somebody can’t make the vote tonight. That’s what they ought to pray.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14596/teabagger-has-weepy-breakdown-over-misdirected-prayer/
Moyers, Moore and Maddow top Alternet's 25 most influential progressive media figures
by: Pam Spaulding
This story caught my eye because Rachel Maddow, who certainly deserves to be at the top of the mountain, is 1) brilliant; 2) is "family" (woohoo), and 3) a relatively "new" media figure compared to the other veteran progressive media types making Alternet's list. It looks like the eds were surprised as well: It's no surprise that Moyers, the moral sage, and Moore, the rabble-rouser, are ranked at the top. They have been popular with AlterNet readers for years. Moyers' current show, "Bill Moyers' Journal," gets at the heart of our many social ills with long-form exploration and probing interviews. Recently, Moyers spent an episode on the Lyndon Johnson Vietnam tapes, drawing a connection to Obama's escalation of the war in Afghanistan. The show was a television masterpiece.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14595/moyers-moore-and-maddow-top-alternets-25-most-influential-progressive-media-figures/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - December 22, 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:
Mexico City Allows Gay Marriage With Landmark Law
By REUTERS
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico City became the first capital in Catholic, often macho Latin America to allow same-sex marriage on Monday when city legislators passed a law giving gay couples full marriage rights. The legislation goes further than a 2006 city law allowing civil unions by giving gay couples access to the same family social security benefits and joint loans as straight couples.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/22/world/international-us-mexico-gaymarriage.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
OPM defies order on same-sex benefits
By Joe Davidson
With logic only a lawyer -- and perhaps only a government lawyer -- could love, the Obama administration is refusing to obey a federal judge's order that agrees with a position the administration supports.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/21/AR2009122103240.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Rudy's Out
By Advocate.com Editors
Former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani is expected to announce this afternoon that he will not run for U.S. Senate, New York’s Daily News reports. The announcement should benefit Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed to the Senate earlier this year when Hillary Clinton was named secretary of state. Gillibrand has since become one of the most pro-gay senators.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Giuliani_Wont_Run_for_Senate/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
RachelWatch: Nebraskin’ for a Favor
By Ali Davis
Bottom of the Ninth
Rachel started us off with the news that the Senate health care fight is essentially over… And yet still going on. Why give up a pointless exercise when it plays so well on Fox News?
http://www.365gay.com/living/rachelwatch-nebraskin%E2%80%99-for-a-favor/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Filmstar Tom Cruise sued by alleged gay lover
Hollywood film star Tom Cruise is being sued over allegations of wiretapping. Magazine editor, Michael Davis Sapir, claims that the actor hired private detective, Anthony Pellicano, to wiretap his phone. In 2001 Sapir claimed to have a video in his possession that proved he was having a "homosexual relationship" with the star.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/filmstar-tom-cruise-sued-by-alleged-gay-lover/
Former drag queen awarded £30,000 in unfair dismissal case
Former drag queen ,Dean Awford, has been awarded £30,000 for unfair dismissal from a high end furniture store. Employment Judge David Kearsley found that Mr Awford had been unfairly dismissed by store manager David Gray.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/former-drag-queen-awarded-30000-in-unfair-dismissal-case/
US law firm faces £31m sexual harassment lawsuit
A former associate at a major US law firm is filing a £50m (£31m) sexual harassment lawsuit against her former employers. Julie Kamps, who was dismissed from law firm Fried Frank in January, is claiming that a female partner at the firm harassed her and that she was overlooked for promotion because of her sexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/us-law-firm-faces-31m-sexual-harassment-lawsuit/
Brighton clinic starts to offer faster HIV tests
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Brighton & Hove has begun to offer a new type of rapid result HIV test at its clinic which can detect the virus just four weeks after the date of infection. Previous tests were only reliable three months after exposure to the virus.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/brighton-clinic-starts-to-offer-faster-hiv-tests/
Christian leader supports death penalty for gays
A far right Christian group has urged fellow Christians to support Uganda's proposed law that would make homosexuality punishable by death. The law would impose the death penalty on those convicted of having gay sex with a minor or disabled person or someone infected with HIV.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/christian-leader-supports-death-penalty-for-gays/
Ugandan President threatens to reject homophobic bill
The President of Uganda has threatened to veto the a controversial new bill that could see homosexuals sentenced to the death penalty or lifetime imprisonment.
US newspaper DC Agenda claims that President Yoweri Museveni pledged to US secretary of state for African affairs Jonnie Carson on two separate occasions that he would reject the bill currently making its way through parliament.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/ugandan-president-threatens-to-reject-homophobic-bill/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Minn. Gov. Regrets Pro-Gay Vote
By Advocate.com
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty tells Newsweek’s Howard Fineman that he regrets his vote in favor of a 1993 antidiscrimination law because it protects “things like cross-dressing.” Pawlenty, who was a state representative when he cast the pro-gay vote, became Minnesota’s governor in 2003. He now is considered a possible Republican contender for challenging President Obama in 2012. Perhaps that’s why he’s backtracking on anything in his voting history that could be considered pro-gay.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/22/Minn_Gov_Regrets_Pro_Gay_Vote/
The L Word's Kirshner Joins Vampire Diaries
By Advocate.com Editors
Mia Kirshner, who regularly pissed off fans of The L Word for six seasons as the ultimately ill-fated Jenny, has a new gig. Starting in January, she’ll appear on The CW’s Vampire Diaries in a recurring role.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/The_L_Words_Mia_Kirshner_Joins_Vampire_Diaries/
Dustin Lance Black vs. Gay-Bashing College
By Advocate.com Editors
Dustin Lance Black spent the last six months calling Holland, Michigan home while making his directorial debut, his follow up to winning an Oscar for writing Milk.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Dustin_Lance_Black_vs_Gay_Bashing_College/
Judge Who Ruled Against Scouts Dies
By Advocate.com Editors
Napoleon A. Jones, Jr., the federal judge who ruled in 2003 that the Boy Scouts of America couldn’t lease land owned by the city of San Diego, died December 12 of prostate cancer, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was 69. Jones said that San Diego couldn’t lease the land to the Scouts because the group, which bars gay leaders and requires members to swear an oath to God, is a religious group. The lease, he said, was a violation of the separation of church and state. The ruling is under appeal.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Judge_Who_Ruled_Against_Scouts_Dies/
Gay Critics Association Announces First Awards Nominations
By Advocate.com Editors
Films helmed by gay directors, including Grey Gardens, Precious, and A Single Man, dominate the nominations for the Gay & Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association's awards. The group announced its nominations for the its first Dorian Awards for the most exceptional achievements in film and television of the year on Friday.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Gay_Critics_Association_Announces_First_Awards_Nominations/
Louisiana Mayor Wants to Protect Gays
By Neal Broverman
Shreveport, La., mayor Cedric Glover wants the city's nondiscrimination policy to cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Louisiana_Mayor_Wants_to_Protect_Gays/
New immigration reform bill excludes LGBT families
By Chris Johnson
An alternative immigration reform bill introduced last week in Congress lacks sought-after language for LGBT families, but advocates of the provision remain optimistic the bill’s sponsor will support inclusion in future legislation.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/21/new-immigration-reform-bill-excludes-lgbt-families/
The Opposite of Fabulous
thelostboy posted to Notes
Before I return to regularly scheduled blogging (mainly end-of-decade/end-of-year lists, of which I’m seriously lagging behind), I figured I should get some final Dubai-related thoughts out of the way.
http://blogs.indiewire.com/thelostboy/archives/the_opposite_of_fabulous/
WSJ Poll: 12% of Americans judge the Bush decade 'good' or 'great'
by: Pam Spaulding
Are we supposed to feel better that the figure isn't any higher? (Think Progress): According to the poll, a combined 58% said the decade was either "awful" or "not so good," 29% said it was fair, and just 12% said it was either "good" or "great." [...]
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PamsHouseBlend/~3/9dU9MVxHWXE/wsj-poll-12-of-americans-judge-the-bush-decade-good-or-great/
Gov. Tim Pawlenty - saving us all from 'cross-dressing' third grade teachers
by: Alvin McEwen
crossposted on Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters
Now that Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is running for president (unofficially that is), he is backtracking from pro-gay legislation he signed: To borrow a phrase, have your views evolved over time? In 1993 I voted for a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodation, housing, and employment. That was 16 years ago.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14588/gov-tim-pawlenty-saving-us-all-from-crossdressing-third-grade-teachers/
Knights Out's Fulton: integrating out gays and lesbians into military will be easier than expected
by: Pam Spaulding
Not long ago we had a liveblog with Rep. Joe Sestak and KnightsOut's Dan Choi to discuss the repeal of DADT. On Sunday, fellow member of knightsout.org, Sue Fulton appeared on Rainbow Radio, and compared her experiences with women being integrated into the military, and feels there should be less culture clash involved than people think. (QNotes):
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14575/knights-outs-fulton-integrating-out-gays-and-lesbians-into-military-will-be-easier-than-expected/
Solidarity: "Transmisogyny" & "Faggots"
Filed by: Guest Blogger
Editors' Note: Guest blogger Rachel Dunn is an out and proud trans-lesbian filmmaker living in Los Angeles. Although very supportive of community events, her primary activism comes in the form of fostering and contributing to queer and minority film projects as a cinematographer, producer, writer and consultant. Some of her work can be seen at www.racheldunn.com . After reading "What Transmisogyny Looks Like" and "I Have a Problem with Faggots", something occurred to me that some may not like to hear, but here it is it is: The entire queer community has gender issues - not just the transfolk. Gay and lesbian people have a big gender issue - otherwise the gender of the people they love would not be an issue.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/solidarity_transmisogyny_faggots.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/
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Truth Wins Out - TWO
by Wayne Besen
http://www.truthwinsout.org/
Princeton’s Robert George: Sophistry Disguised as Scholarship
A feature article in this week’s New York Times Magazine refers to Princeton professor Robert P. George as the “intellectual architect” of the extreme right. This is hardly an honor, considering the main competition for “Values Valedictorian” is Sarah Palin, Ann Coulter and Mike Huckabee. One also has to consider admiration comes from the likes of George W. Bush and FOX instigator Glenn Beck, who calls George “one of the biggest brains in America.” George’s primary accomplishment has been denying gay couples the right to marry, by forming an unholy political union between conservative Catholics, like himself, and Evangelical Christians. He is the chairman of The National Organization for Marriage, the group that most recently worked to strip marriage rights from LGBT couples in Maine.
http://www.truthwinsout.org/pressreleases/2009/12/5520/
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Sunshine Cathedral MCC - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.sunshinecathedral.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Christmas Eve Services: 7:30PM; 9:00PM; & 10:30PM
All services will be in the Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for the Worship and the Arts on the campus of the Sunshine Cathedral. The Sunshine Cathedral is honored to be sharing our Christmas Eve celebration with the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus, the Fort Lauderdale Women's Chorus and of course our very own Sunshine Cathedral Choir. We invite you to remember to bring a canned food item to benefit the Broward Food Cooperative and the Pantry of Broward.
Sunshine Cathedral Performing Arts Season Tickets
Season Tickets are on sale now and they will make a great holiday gift! You can purchase your season tickets by visiting the Sunshine Cathedral Performing Arts website www.SunshinePerformingArts.com. A Season ticket (6 performances) is $150.00.
The Duelling Divas on stage at the Sunshine Cathedral
The Duelling Divas will be performing at the Sunshine Cathedral on Saturday, January 9th at 8:00 PM. For more information about this performance and to purchase tickets please visit www.SunshinePerformingArts.com. Tickets are $25.00 general admission and $10.00 for the Meet & Greet.
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Stonewall Library - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.stonewall-library.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Activist/writer Elana Dykewomon to speak to Stonewall Library & Archives
On Thursday, January 7, at 7:00 PM, Stonewall will host a lecture by social activist Elana Dykewomon, a Lambda award-winning author of seven books, including the early classic "Riverfinger Women" and the Jewish lesbian historical novel, "Beyond the Pale,." Winner of the 1998 Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian novel. Her latest novel, "Risk," was released in June 2008.
http://www.stonewall-library.org/index.html
=
[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:
Mexico City Allows Gay Marriage With Landmark Law
By REUTERS
MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico City became the first capital in Catholic, often macho Latin America to allow same-sex marriage on Monday when city legislators passed a law giving gay couples full marriage rights. The legislation goes further than a 2006 city law allowing civil unions by giving gay couples access to the same family social security benefits and joint loans as straight couples.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/22/world/international-us-mexico-gaymarriage.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
OPM defies order on same-sex benefits
By Joe Davidson
With logic only a lawyer -- and perhaps only a government lawyer -- could love, the Obama administration is refusing to obey a federal judge's order that agrees with a position the administration supports.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/21/AR2009122103240.html/
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Rudy's Out
By Advocate.com Editors
Former New York city mayor Rudy Giuliani is expected to announce this afternoon that he will not run for U.S. Senate, New York’s Daily News reports. The announcement should benefit Kirsten Gillibrand, who was appointed to the Senate earlier this year when Hillary Clinton was named secretary of state. Gillibrand has since become one of the most pro-gay senators.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Giuliani_Wont_Run_for_Senate/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
RachelWatch: Nebraskin’ for a Favor
By Ali Davis
Bottom of the Ninth
Rachel started us off with the news that the Senate health care fight is essentially over… And yet still going on. Why give up a pointless exercise when it plays so well on Fox News?
http://www.365gay.com/living/rachelwatch-nebraskin%E2%80%99-for-a-favor/
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Filmstar Tom Cruise sued by alleged gay lover
Hollywood film star Tom Cruise is being sued over allegations of wiretapping. Magazine editor, Michael Davis Sapir, claims that the actor hired private detective, Anthony Pellicano, to wiretap his phone. In 2001 Sapir claimed to have a video in his possession that proved he was having a "homosexual relationship" with the star.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/filmstar-tom-cruise-sued-by-alleged-gay-lover/
Former drag queen awarded £30,000 in unfair dismissal case
Former drag queen ,Dean Awford, has been awarded £30,000 for unfair dismissal from a high end furniture store. Employment Judge David Kearsley found that Mr Awford had been unfairly dismissed by store manager David Gray.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/former-drag-queen-awarded-30000-in-unfair-dismissal-case/
US law firm faces £31m sexual harassment lawsuit
A former associate at a major US law firm is filing a £50m (£31m) sexual harassment lawsuit against her former employers. Julie Kamps, who was dismissed from law firm Fried Frank in January, is claiming that a female partner at the firm harassed her and that she was overlooked for promotion because of her sexuality.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/us-law-firm-faces-31m-sexual-harassment-lawsuit/
Brighton clinic starts to offer faster HIV tests
Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) in Brighton & Hove has begun to offer a new type of rapid result HIV test at its clinic which can detect the virus just four weeks after the date of infection. Previous tests were only reliable three months after exposure to the virus.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/brighton-clinic-starts-to-offer-faster-hiv-tests/
Christian leader supports death penalty for gays
A far right Christian group has urged fellow Christians to support Uganda's proposed law that would make homosexuality punishable by death. The law would impose the death penalty on those convicted of having gay sex with a minor or disabled person or someone infected with HIV.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/christian-leader-supports-death-penalty-for-gays/
Ugandan President threatens to reject homophobic bill
The President of Uganda has threatened to veto the a controversial new bill that could see homosexuals sentenced to the death penalty or lifetime imprisonment.
US newspaper DC Agenda claims that President Yoweri Museveni pledged to US secretary of state for African affairs Jonnie Carson on two separate occasions that he would reject the bill currently making its way through parliament.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/22/ugandan-president-threatens-to-reject-homophobic-bill/
=
Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Minn. Gov. Regrets Pro-Gay Vote
By Advocate.com
Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty tells Newsweek’s Howard Fineman that he regrets his vote in favor of a 1993 antidiscrimination law because it protects “things like cross-dressing.” Pawlenty, who was a state representative when he cast the pro-gay vote, became Minnesota’s governor in 2003. He now is considered a possible Republican contender for challenging President Obama in 2012. Perhaps that’s why he’s backtracking on anything in his voting history that could be considered pro-gay.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/22/Minn_Gov_Regrets_Pro_Gay_Vote/
The L Word's Kirshner Joins Vampire Diaries
By Advocate.com Editors
Mia Kirshner, who regularly pissed off fans of The L Word for six seasons as the ultimately ill-fated Jenny, has a new gig. Starting in January, she’ll appear on The CW’s Vampire Diaries in a recurring role.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/The_L_Words_Mia_Kirshner_Joins_Vampire_Diaries/
Dustin Lance Black vs. Gay-Bashing College
By Advocate.com Editors
Dustin Lance Black spent the last six months calling Holland, Michigan home while making his directorial debut, his follow up to winning an Oscar for writing Milk.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Dustin_Lance_Black_vs_Gay_Bashing_College/
Judge Who Ruled Against Scouts Dies
By Advocate.com Editors
Napoleon A. Jones, Jr., the federal judge who ruled in 2003 that the Boy Scouts of America couldn’t lease land owned by the city of San Diego, died December 12 of prostate cancer, the Los Angeles Times reports. He was 69. Jones said that San Diego couldn’t lease the land to the Scouts because the group, which bars gay leaders and requires members to swear an oath to God, is a religious group. The lease, he said, was a violation of the separation of church and state. The ruling is under appeal.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Judge_Who_Ruled_Against_Scouts_Dies/
Gay Critics Association Announces First Awards Nominations
By Advocate.com Editors
Films helmed by gay directors, including Grey Gardens, Precious, and A Single Man, dominate the nominations for the Gay & Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association's awards. The group announced its nominations for the its first Dorian Awards for the most exceptional achievements in film and television of the year on Friday.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Gay_Critics_Association_Announces_First_Awards_Nominations/
Louisiana Mayor Wants to Protect Gays
By Neal Broverman
Shreveport, La., mayor Cedric Glover wants the city's nondiscrimination policy to cover sexual orientation and gender identity.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Louisiana_Mayor_Wants_to_Protect_Gays/
New immigration reform bill excludes LGBT families
By Chris Johnson
An alternative immigration reform bill introduced last week in Congress lacks sought-after language for LGBT families, but advocates of the provision remain optimistic the bill’s sponsor will support inclusion in future legislation.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/21/new-immigration-reform-bill-excludes-lgbt-families/
The Opposite of Fabulous
thelostboy posted to Notes
Before I return to regularly scheduled blogging (mainly end-of-decade/end-of-year lists, of which I’m seriously lagging behind), I figured I should get some final Dubai-related thoughts out of the way.
http://blogs.indiewire.com/thelostboy/archives/the_opposite_of_fabulous/
WSJ Poll: 12% of Americans judge the Bush decade 'good' or 'great'
by: Pam Spaulding
Are we supposed to feel better that the figure isn't any higher? (Think Progress): According to the poll, a combined 58% said the decade was either "awful" or "not so good," 29% said it was fair, and just 12% said it was either "good" or "great." [...]
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/PamsHouseBlend/~3/9dU9MVxHWXE/wsj-poll-12-of-americans-judge-the-bush-decade-good-or-great/
Gov. Tim Pawlenty - saving us all from 'cross-dressing' third grade teachers
by: Alvin McEwen
crossposted on Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters
Now that Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty is running for president (unofficially that is), he is backtracking from pro-gay legislation he signed: To borrow a phrase, have your views evolved over time? In 1993 I voted for a bill prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in public accommodation, housing, and employment. That was 16 years ago.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14588/gov-tim-pawlenty-saving-us-all-from-crossdressing-third-grade-teachers/
Knights Out's Fulton: integrating out gays and lesbians into military will be easier than expected
by: Pam Spaulding
Not long ago we had a liveblog with Rep. Joe Sestak and KnightsOut's Dan Choi to discuss the repeal of DADT. On Sunday, fellow member of knightsout.org, Sue Fulton appeared on Rainbow Radio, and compared her experiences with women being integrated into the military, and feels there should be less culture clash involved than people think. (QNotes):
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14575/knights-outs-fulton-integrating-out-gays-and-lesbians-into-military-will-be-easier-than-expected/
Solidarity: "Transmisogyny" & "Faggots"
Filed by: Guest Blogger
Editors' Note: Guest blogger Rachel Dunn is an out and proud trans-lesbian filmmaker living in Los Angeles. Although very supportive of community events, her primary activism comes in the form of fostering and contributing to queer and minority film projects as a cinematographer, producer, writer and consultant. Some of her work can be seen at www.racheldunn.com . After reading "What Transmisogyny Looks Like" and "I Have a Problem with Faggots", something occurred to me that some may not like to hear, but here it is it is: The entire queer community has gender issues - not just the transfolk. Gay and lesbian people have a big gender issue - otherwise the gender of the people they love would not be an issue.
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/solidarity_transmisogyny_faggots.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+BilericoProject+%28The+Bilerico+Project%29/
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Truth Wins Out - TWO
by Wayne Besen
http://www.truthwinsout.org/
Princeton’s Robert George: Sophistry Disguised as Scholarship
A feature article in this week’s New York Times Magazine refers to Princeton professor Robert P. George as the “intellectual architect” of the extreme right. This is hardly an honor, considering the main competition for “Values Valedictorian” is Sarah Palin, Ann Coulter and Mike Huckabee. One also has to consider admiration comes from the likes of George W. Bush and FOX instigator Glenn Beck, who calls George “one of the biggest brains in America.” George’s primary accomplishment has been denying gay couples the right to marry, by forming an unholy political union between conservative Catholics, like himself, and Evangelical Christians. He is the chairman of The National Organization for Marriage, the group that most recently worked to strip marriage rights from LGBT couples in Maine.
http://www.truthwinsout.org/pressreleases/2009/12/5520/
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Sunshine Cathedral MCC - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.sunshinecathedral.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Christmas Eve Services: 7:30PM; 9:00PM; & 10:30PM
All services will be in the Walt Lawrence & Stephen Lewis Center for the Worship and the Arts on the campus of the Sunshine Cathedral. The Sunshine Cathedral is honored to be sharing our Christmas Eve celebration with the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus, the Fort Lauderdale Women's Chorus and of course our very own Sunshine Cathedral Choir. We invite you to remember to bring a canned food item to benefit the Broward Food Cooperative and the Pantry of Broward.
Sunshine Cathedral Performing Arts Season Tickets
Season Tickets are on sale now and they will make a great holiday gift! You can purchase your season tickets by visiting the Sunshine Cathedral Performing Arts website www.SunshinePerformingArts.com. A Season ticket (6 performances) is $150.00.
The Duelling Divas on stage at the Sunshine Cathedral
The Duelling Divas will be performing at the Sunshine Cathedral on Saturday, January 9th at 8:00 PM. For more information about this performance and to purchase tickets please visit www.SunshinePerformingArts.com. Tickets are $25.00 general admission and $10.00 for the Meet & Greet.
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Stonewall Library - Ft. Lauderdale
http://www.stonewall-library.org/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Activist/writer Elana Dykewomon to speak to Stonewall Library & Archives
On Thursday, January 7, at 7:00 PM, Stonewall will host a lecture by social activist Elana Dykewomon, a Lambda award-winning author of seven books, including the early classic "Riverfinger Women" and the Jewish lesbian historical novel, "Beyond the Pale,." Winner of the 1998 Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian novel. Her latest novel, "Risk," was released in June 2008.
http://www.stonewall-library.org/index.html
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Monday, December 21, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - December 21, 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:
Catholics Grapple With Divisions Over Abuse
By PAUL VITELLO
Thousands of Masses were celebrated this year in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. But two of them, within a few weeks and a few miles of each other in this diverse commuter-line city, hinted at the tangled emotions still dividing many Catholics almost eight years after the start of a scandal that has confronted the church with its greatest crisis in the modern era.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/nyregion/21diocese.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
Link by Link: The Trouble With Tailoring a Web Search
By NOAM COHEN
SCOLDS have long had a favorite complaint about the Internet: it’s one big echo chamber. By providing so much information, the Internet paradoxically has made it much easier to read only what you agree with — to inhabit a world where your own thoughts are repeated back to you. A simple illustration of those fears can be found on a news aggregation site like the Drudge Report and in its treatment of global warming. Nothing seems to amuse its editors like a patch of cold weather during a global warming conference — and a quick search for “cold” in an archive of the site produces page after page of links to reports on “cold waves,” including one in Copenhagen last week. A search for “heat,” by contrast, finds very few pages.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/technology/internet/21link.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Whither American Conservatism?
Democratic control of the White House and Congress has prompted some profound soul-searching among conservatives. How did the powerful reign of the Right fall into such disarray? George H. Nash, a prominent historian of modern conservatism, has pondered the arc of conservative power for decades. In his latest book, "Reappraising the Right: The Past and Future of American Conservatism," he assesses the discontent and sees signs of hope for the future.
GUEST BLOGGER: George H. Nash
Recently it has become commonplace to assert that the American Right is dead -- or at least brain dead. But is this true? How firm are the foundations of modern American conservatism? Perhaps they are sturdier than many observers think. First, when examining the epiphenomena of contemporary politics -- especially in our era of ever more frenzied news cycles -- it is helpful to remember the ancient adage: "This, too, shall pass." The divisive Bush presidency is now over, and many of the political circumstances that dismayed and disoriented conservatives in recent years have begun to dissipate.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/12/whither_american_conservatism.html/
The Target: Nancy Pelosi
By Eleanor Clift
Conservatives love to hate Nancy Pelosi: for them, she personifies the grasping hand of big government in the Age of Obama. Now, some liberals are disappointed, too--over the troop surge in Afghanistan, and compromises on health care. The House speaker talked to NEWSWEEK's Eleanor Clift about what it's like to be in everyone's sights. Excerpts:
CLIFT: You are seen as this far-out liberal, when you actually are quite traditional in your lifestyle. I feel like the country doesn't really know you.
PELOSI: I don't choose to spend my time countering perceptions and mischaracterizations that the other side puts out there. I choose to do my job. Because we are effective, I continue to be the target.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/21/AR2009122101402.html/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Broward attorney launching gay newspaper
By Steve Rothaus
Broward criminal defense attorney Norm Kent, who began Express Gay News in 1999 and sold it four years later to Window Media -- which renamed it South Florida Blade and suddenly shut down last month -- will start a new gay newspaper in January. The first issue of South Florida Gay News.com will be published about Jan. 25, coinciding with what would have been the 11th anniversary of Express Gay News, he said.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-gay-newspaper-20091221,0,2312261.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Tom Ford swaps fashion for film with 'Single Man'
By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press
LONDON -- Fashion designer Tom Ford has made a seamless transition to filmmaker with "A Single Man," the soulful, immaculately styled story of a grieving college professor in 1960s California.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/tom-ford-swaps-fashion-for-film-with-single-man.html/
Gay activist Walter Tróchez's death illustrates spike in hate crimes in Honduras
BY FRANCES ROBLES, frobles@MiamiHerald.com
Walter Tróchez spent a lot time at Honduras police stations and morgues: he was the HIV-positive gay activist who got the call every time a transgender sex worker was murdered on the streets of Honduras.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gay-activist-walter-trchezs-death-illustrates-spike-in-hate-crimes-in-honduras.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay British Secretary Takes Heat for Holiday
By Julie Bolcer
Human rights groups are challenging Ben Bradshaw, the openly gay British secretary of state for culture, media and sport, for his decision to take a Christmas holiday in Sri Lanka, which the British government has condemned for its human rights record.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Gay_British_Secretary_Takes_Heat_for_Holiday/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
RachelWatch: It Came Upon a 1 a.m. Clear
By Ali Davis, Contributing writer
‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas
Rachel started us off with a blood pressure check by looking at the health care reform debate. After making short work of Senator John McCain’s (R – Arizona) snit over Senator Franken (D – Minnesota) denying Senator Lieberman (I – Connecticut) an extra couple of minutes to speak, she moved on to the grueling (for the Senate) schedule for the weekend ahead.
http://www.365gay.com/living/rachelwatch-it-came-upon-a-1-a-m-clear/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Happy fourth anniversary for civil partnerships
Today marks the fourth anniversary of civil partnerships in England and Wales. Although Scotland celebrated its first civil partnership on December 20th 2005 due to a misunderstanding over the date, today marks the fourth anniversary for gay couples in England and Wales.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/happy-fourth-anniversary-for-civil-partnerships/
Exclusive: Eurocreme CEO speaks to PinkNews.co.uk about the bareback porn debate
Max Lincoln, CEO of one of Europe's largest gay pornography producers 'Eurocreme', speaks exclusively to PinkNews.co.uk about his decision to stop producing bareback porn.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/exclusive-eurocreme-ceo-speaks-to-pinknews.co.uk-about-the-bareback-porn-debate/
Christian leader supports death penalty for gays
A far right Christian group has urged fellow Christians to support Uganda's proposed law that would make homosexuality punishable by death. The law would impose the death penalty on those convicted of having gay sex with a minor or disabled person or someone infected with HIV.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/christian-leader-supports-death-penalty-for-gays/
Chinese government backs first official gay bar
China's first official gay bar has opened after a three-week delay sparked by intense media attention. Opening on Saturday evening, the bar is situated in the tourist town of Dali in the southwestern province of Yunnan. It is the first venue of its kind to receive government backing.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/chinese-governement-backs-first-official-gay-bar/
Canadian MP gets widespread support after Christmas card controversy
Openly gay Novia Scotia MP Scott Brison has been given the support of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff after a Christmas card featuring his civil partner stirred controversy.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/canadian-mp-gets-widespread-support-after-christmas-card-controversy/
Proposed law change may ban production of bareback porn
An American gay health charity are planning to file a petition that could see a ban on the production of bareback pornography. California's AIDS Healthcare Foundation will file a petition to amend state law to mandate that all adult-film stars use condoms.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/proposed-law-change-may-ban-production-of-bareback-porn/
BBC 'may face sanctions' after gay execution debate
Trevor Phillips, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has said the BBC may face sanctions over last week's online debate on whether gays should be executed.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/20/bbc-may-face-sanctions-over-gay-execution-debate/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Lesbian Mom: Netflix Outed Me
By Julie Bolcer
A lesbian mother is suing Netflix for privacy invasion, charging that the video-rental giant outed her through its disclosure of anonymous information about customers as part of a high-profile contest to improve its recommendation system. The suit, Doe V. Netflix, was filed in federal court in California on Thursday and seeks more than $2,500 in damages for each of more than two million Netflix customers, according to Wired.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Lesbian_Mom_Netflix_Outed_Me/
Gay Marriage
Politicians push same-sex unions despite consistent public opposition
Last week, the City Council in our nation’s capital voted 11-2 to legalize gay marriage. The city already recognized same-sex marriages that had been performed in states where it is legal. The new legislation will mean that Washington will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and—as of Jan 1, 2010—New Hampshire in offering legal marriage to homosexuals couples.
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/editorial/2009/12/21/gay-marriage-93.php/
P.E.I. proclaims same-sex marriage amendments
Canada: Changes giving same-sex couples on P.E.I. all the rights enjoyed by mixed-sex couples were proclaimed over the weekend, ending a wait of more than three years. Marriage commissioners on P.E.I. have been able to perform same-sex marriages since June 2006, but many pieces of provincial legislation still referred to married couples as "man and woman" or "husband and wife."
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/12/21/pei-same-sex-marriage-rights.html/
D.C. gay marriage law signed at Unitarian church
Interfaith clergy coalition mobilized to promote same-sex marriage in nation’s capital.
By Jane Greer
History was made Friday, December 18, when Washington, D.C., mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed a bill in the sanctuary of All Souls Church, Unitarian, legalizing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia. The law was approved by the D.C. City Council December 15.
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/154042.shtml/
Charlotte O’s social media conference
by Matt Comer
You know the media world has definitively changed when the local daily newspaper announces its hosting a social media conference. The Charlotte Observer will host their day-long conference on Jan. 23 at Queens University: Throughout the day, you’ll hear from some of the most forward-thinking social media gurus in the region, including Jeff Elder, Lisa Hoffman, Crystal Dempsey, Scott Hepburn and Jason Silverstein. Observer Editor Rick Thames will deliver the keynote address. Capping it all off will be a panel discussion on “The Next Hot Thing in Social Networking.”
http://www.interstateq.com/archives/4054/
Did that week really just fly by?
by Matt Comer
What happened to last week? A full five work days felt more like two. And, I was doing so well on posting here at the old personal pad again. Can’t control the news cycle, or the news makers, it seems. Last week kept me busy at the day job, reporting on Mecklenburg County’s decision to extend health and leave benefits to same-sex partners of county employees. Then, I was kept busy still reporting on the antics of Republican Commissioner Bill James. All of this on top of our usual production week for the Dec. 26 print issue.
http://www.interstateq.com/archives/4050/
U S General Issues "No Pregnancy" Order For His Troops
by: Louise
The Army general of U.S. forces in Northern Iraq has banned pregnancy among military personnel in his command, NBC News reported on Friday. Anyone who becomes pregnant or impregnates another servicemember, including married couples assigned to the same unit, could face a court-martial and jail time, according to an order issued by Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14566/u-s-general-issues-no-pregnancy-order-for-his-troops/
Sarah Palin - Liar Of The Year
Fact-checking political site PolitiFact has chosen Sarah Palin's "death panels" claim as its "Lie Of The Year." Of all the falsehoods and distortions in the political discourse this year, one stood out from the rest. "Death panels." The claim set political debate afire when it was made in August, raising issues from the role of government in health care to the bounds of acceptable political discussion. In a nod to the way technology has transformed politics, the statement wasn't made in an interview or a television ad. Sarah Palin posted it on her Facebook page. Her assertion — that the government would set up boards to determine whether seniors and the disabled were worthy of care — spread through newscasts, talk shows, blogs and town hall meetings. Opponents of health care legislation said it revealed the real goals of the Democratic proposals. Advocates for health reform said it showed the depths to which their opponents would sink. Still others scratched their heads and said, "Death panels? Really?" The editors of PolitiFact.com, the fact-checking Web site of the St. Petersburg Times, have chosen it as our inaugural "Lie of the Year."
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/sarah-palin-liar-of-year.html/
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[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:
Catholics Grapple With Divisions Over Abuse
By PAUL VITELLO
Thousands of Masses were celebrated this year in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bridgeport. But two of them, within a few weeks and a few miles of each other in this diverse commuter-line city, hinted at the tangled emotions still dividing many Catholics almost eight years after the start of a scandal that has confronted the church with its greatest crisis in the modern era.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/nyregion/21diocese.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
Link by Link: The Trouble With Tailoring a Web Search
By NOAM COHEN
SCOLDS have long had a favorite complaint about the Internet: it’s one big echo chamber. By providing so much information, the Internet paradoxically has made it much easier to read only what you agree with — to inhabit a world where your own thoughts are repeated back to you. A simple illustration of those fears can be found on a news aggregation site like the Drudge Report and in its treatment of global warming. Nothing seems to amuse its editors like a patch of cold weather during a global warming conference — and a quick search for “cold” in an archive of the site produces page after page of links to reports on “cold waves,” including one in Copenhagen last week. A search for “heat,” by contrast, finds very few pages.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/21/technology/internet/21link.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Whither American Conservatism?
Democratic control of the White House and Congress has prompted some profound soul-searching among conservatives. How did the powerful reign of the Right fall into such disarray? George H. Nash, a prominent historian of modern conservatism, has pondered the arc of conservative power for decades. In his latest book, "Reappraising the Right: The Past and Future of American Conservatism," he assesses the discontent and sees signs of hope for the future.
GUEST BLOGGER: George H. Nash
Recently it has become commonplace to assert that the American Right is dead -- or at least brain dead. But is this true? How firm are the foundations of modern American conservatism? Perhaps they are sturdier than many observers think. First, when examining the epiphenomena of contemporary politics -- especially in our era of ever more frenzied news cycles -- it is helpful to remember the ancient adage: "This, too, shall pass." The divisive Bush presidency is now over, and many of the political circumstances that dismayed and disoriented conservatives in recent years have begun to dissipate.
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/12/whither_american_conservatism.html/
The Target: Nancy Pelosi
By Eleanor Clift
Conservatives love to hate Nancy Pelosi: for them, she personifies the grasping hand of big government in the Age of Obama. Now, some liberals are disappointed, too--over the troop surge in Afghanistan, and compromises on health care. The House speaker talked to NEWSWEEK's Eleanor Clift about what it's like to be in everyone's sights. Excerpts:
CLIFT: You are seen as this far-out liberal, when you actually are quite traditional in your lifestyle. I feel like the country doesn't really know you.
PELOSI: I don't choose to spend my time countering perceptions and mischaracterizations that the other side puts out there. I choose to do my job. Because we are effective, I continue to be the target.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/21/AR2009122101402.html/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Broward attorney launching gay newspaper
By Steve Rothaus
Broward criminal defense attorney Norm Kent, who began Express Gay News in 1999 and sold it four years later to Window Media -- which renamed it South Florida Blade and suddenly shut down last month -- will start a new gay newspaper in January. The first issue of South Florida Gay News.com will be published about Jan. 25, coinciding with what would have been the 11th anniversary of Express Gay News, he said.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-gay-newspaper-20091221,0,2312261.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Tom Ford swaps fashion for film with 'Single Man'
By JILL LAWLESS, Associated Press
LONDON -- Fashion designer Tom Ford has made a seamless transition to filmmaker with "A Single Man," the soulful, immaculately styled story of a grieving college professor in 1960s California.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/tom-ford-swaps-fashion-for-film-with-single-man.html/
Gay activist Walter Tróchez's death illustrates spike in hate crimes in Honduras
BY FRANCES ROBLES, frobles@MiamiHerald.com
Walter Tróchez spent a lot time at Honduras police stations and morgues: he was the HIV-positive gay activist who got the call every time a transgender sex worker was murdered on the streets of Honduras.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/gay-activist-walter-trchezs-death-illustrates-spike-in-hate-crimes-in-honduras.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay British Secretary Takes Heat for Holiday
By Julie Bolcer
Human rights groups are challenging Ben Bradshaw, the openly gay British secretary of state for culture, media and sport, for his decision to take a Christmas holiday in Sri Lanka, which the British government has condemned for its human rights record.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Gay_British_Secretary_Takes_Heat_for_Holiday/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
RachelWatch: It Came Upon a 1 a.m. Clear
By Ali Davis, Contributing writer
‘Twas the Fight Before Christmas
Rachel started us off with a blood pressure check by looking at the health care reform debate. After making short work of Senator John McCain’s (R – Arizona) snit over Senator Franken (D – Minnesota) denying Senator Lieberman (I – Connecticut) an extra couple of minutes to speak, she moved on to the grueling (for the Senate) schedule for the weekend ahead.
http://www.365gay.com/living/rachelwatch-it-came-upon-a-1-a-m-clear/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Happy fourth anniversary for civil partnerships
Today marks the fourth anniversary of civil partnerships in England and Wales. Although Scotland celebrated its first civil partnership on December 20th 2005 due to a misunderstanding over the date, today marks the fourth anniversary for gay couples in England and Wales.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/happy-fourth-anniversary-for-civil-partnerships/
Exclusive: Eurocreme CEO speaks to PinkNews.co.uk about the bareback porn debate
Max Lincoln, CEO of one of Europe's largest gay pornography producers 'Eurocreme', speaks exclusively to PinkNews.co.uk about his decision to stop producing bareback porn.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/exclusive-eurocreme-ceo-speaks-to-pinknews.co.uk-about-the-bareback-porn-debate/
Christian leader supports death penalty for gays
A far right Christian group has urged fellow Christians to support Uganda's proposed law that would make homosexuality punishable by death. The law would impose the death penalty on those convicted of having gay sex with a minor or disabled person or someone infected with HIV.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/christian-leader-supports-death-penalty-for-gays/
Chinese government backs first official gay bar
China's first official gay bar has opened after a three-week delay sparked by intense media attention. Opening on Saturday evening, the bar is situated in the tourist town of Dali in the southwestern province of Yunnan. It is the first venue of its kind to receive government backing.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/chinese-governement-backs-first-official-gay-bar/
Canadian MP gets widespread support after Christmas card controversy
Openly gay Novia Scotia MP Scott Brison has been given the support of Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff after a Christmas card featuring his civil partner stirred controversy.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/canadian-mp-gets-widespread-support-after-christmas-card-controversy/
Proposed law change may ban production of bareback porn
An American gay health charity are planning to file a petition that could see a ban on the production of bareback pornography. California's AIDS Healthcare Foundation will file a petition to amend state law to mandate that all adult-film stars use condoms.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/21/proposed-law-change-may-ban-production-of-bareback-porn/
BBC 'may face sanctions' after gay execution debate
Trevor Phillips, the chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, has said the BBC may face sanctions over last week's online debate on whether gays should be executed.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/20/bbc-may-face-sanctions-over-gay-execution-debate/
=
Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Lesbian Mom: Netflix Outed Me
By Julie Bolcer
A lesbian mother is suing Netflix for privacy invasion, charging that the video-rental giant outed her through its disclosure of anonymous information about customers as part of a high-profile contest to improve its recommendation system. The suit, Doe V. Netflix, was filed in federal court in California on Thursday and seeks more than $2,500 in damages for each of more than two million Netflix customers, according to Wired.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/21/Lesbian_Mom_Netflix_Outed_Me/
Gay Marriage
Politicians push same-sex unions despite consistent public opposition
Last week, the City Council in our nation’s capital voted 11-2 to legalize gay marriage. The city already recognized same-sex marriages that had been performed in states where it is legal. The new legislation will mean that Washington will join Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and—as of Jan 1, 2010—New Hampshire in offering legal marriage to homosexuals couples.
http://www.texarkanagazette.com/news/editorial/2009/12/21/gay-marriage-93.php/
P.E.I. proclaims same-sex marriage amendments
Canada: Changes giving same-sex couples on P.E.I. all the rights enjoyed by mixed-sex couples were proclaimed over the weekend, ending a wait of more than three years. Marriage commissioners on P.E.I. have been able to perform same-sex marriages since June 2006, but many pieces of provincial legislation still referred to married couples as "man and woman" or "husband and wife."
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2009/12/21/pei-same-sex-marriage-rights.html/
D.C. gay marriage law signed at Unitarian church
Interfaith clergy coalition mobilized to promote same-sex marriage in nation’s capital.
By Jane Greer
History was made Friday, December 18, when Washington, D.C., mayor Adrian M. Fenty signed a bill in the sanctuary of All Souls Church, Unitarian, legalizing same-sex marriage in the District of Columbia. The law was approved by the D.C. City Council December 15.
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/154042.shtml/
Charlotte O’s social media conference
by Matt Comer
You know the media world has definitively changed when the local daily newspaper announces its hosting a social media conference. The Charlotte Observer will host their day-long conference on Jan. 23 at Queens University: Throughout the day, you’ll hear from some of the most forward-thinking social media gurus in the region, including Jeff Elder, Lisa Hoffman, Crystal Dempsey, Scott Hepburn and Jason Silverstein. Observer Editor Rick Thames will deliver the keynote address. Capping it all off will be a panel discussion on “The Next Hot Thing in Social Networking.”
http://www.interstateq.com/archives/4054/
Did that week really just fly by?
by Matt Comer
What happened to last week? A full five work days felt more like two. And, I was doing so well on posting here at the old personal pad again. Can’t control the news cycle, or the news makers, it seems. Last week kept me busy at the day job, reporting on Mecklenburg County’s decision to extend health and leave benefits to same-sex partners of county employees. Then, I was kept busy still reporting on the antics of Republican Commissioner Bill James. All of this on top of our usual production week for the Dec. 26 print issue.
http://www.interstateq.com/archives/4050/
U S General Issues "No Pregnancy" Order For His Troops
by: Louise
The Army general of U.S. forces in Northern Iraq has banned pregnancy among military personnel in his command, NBC News reported on Friday. Anyone who becomes pregnant or impregnates another servicemember, including married couples assigned to the same unit, could face a court-martial and jail time, according to an order issued by Maj. Gen. Anthony Cucolo.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14566/u-s-general-issues-no-pregnancy-order-for-his-troops/
Sarah Palin - Liar Of The Year
Fact-checking political site PolitiFact has chosen Sarah Palin's "death panels" claim as its "Lie Of The Year." Of all the falsehoods and distortions in the political discourse this year, one stood out from the rest. "Death panels." The claim set political debate afire when it was made in August, raising issues from the role of government in health care to the bounds of acceptable political discussion. In a nod to the way technology has transformed politics, the statement wasn't made in an interview or a television ad. Sarah Palin posted it on her Facebook page. Her assertion — that the government would set up boards to determine whether seniors and the disabled were worthy of care — spread through newscasts, talk shows, blogs and town hall meetings. Opponents of health care legislation said it revealed the real goals of the Democratic proposals. Advocates for health reform said it showed the depths to which their opponents would sink. Still others scratched their heads and said, "Death panels? Really?" The editors of PolitiFact.com, the fact-checking Web site of the St. Petersburg Times, have chosen it as our inaugural "Lie of the Year."
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/sarah-palin-liar-of-year.html/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Sunday, December 20, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - December 20, 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:
Gay Rights
On June 17, Mr. Obama signed an administrative memorandum extending some partnership rights to federal workers in same-sex relationships. It allows administration personnel to take leave to care for sick partners and requires the government to recognize their partners as household members when determining overseas housing allocations for State Department employees, among other things.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/presidency/index.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/
gaymarry, gay-marry
To marry someone of the same sex. Also used hyperbolically to mean to form an unconventional relationship, as in, “I love my new cellphone so much I want to gay-marry it.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/weekinreview/20buzz.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
At 100, Boy Scouts say they're still `essential'
By DAVID CRARY
A fifth-generation Boy Scout, 11-year-old Brad Corr is steeped in all the lore and tradition: the Scout Oath and Scout Law, campcraft and community service, the daily doing of good deeds. If he were recruiting a friend for the Scouts, though, what would be his best pitch? "We got to build catapults and launch pumpkins from them."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/20/AR2009122000027.html/
Why two black D.C. pastors support gay marriage
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we entered the sanctuary at Covenant Baptist Church and took our places in front of the altar, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121802049.html/
Firms expect economic windfall from gay marriage in District
By Sandhya Somashekhar
Robin Sutliff's flower shop is redolent with the ingredients of a perfect wedding place setting: tall stands of white amaryllis, cala lilies imported from South America, summery clusters of yellow-orange orchids. When she imagines the many same-sex couples likely to tie the knot in the District this spring, though, her mind settles on the humble hyacinth.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/19/AR2009121902234.html/
HBO's 'Big Love' to start Season 4 with a gay story line
By Jill Serjeant
Television polygamy drama "Big Love" returns for a fourth season in January with a gay story line that is likely to stir up controversy in Mormon circles where homosexual relations are prohibited. The creators of the HBO cable show, about a polygamous family living in Utah, plan to explore a same-sex relationship between two male characters involved in a fictional breakaway sect at the center of the series.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121800161.html/
Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays
By ERIC GORSKI
The auditorium lights turned low, the service begins with the familiar rhythms of church: children singing, hugs and handshakes of greeting, a plea for donations to fix the boiler.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/20/AR2009122000036.html/
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
‘I’m gay,’ reveals Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas
By MATT WITHERS, Wales Online
"I'm a rugby player first and foremost. I just happen to be gay. It's irrelevant"
Rugby star Gareth Thomas today said he hoped he could make a difference to others struggling with their sexuality after disclosing he is gay. The former Wales international full-back said he was grateful for the “amazing response” he had received after describing his fears of how people would react.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/im-gay-reveals-welsh-rugby-star-gareth-thomas.html/
=
Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Who's saying what about gay and lesbian issues
Catholic Archdiocese of DC insinuates Jesus says "No" to gay marriage because its like incest & sex with animals
Posted by duy
''It occurred to me to wonder what Jesus would say about the redefining of Marriage that is happening in this country of the last number of years? Many today insist that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality or so-called Gay Marriage.... I am using here the Catholic NAB translation: '[Jesus said] whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.' (Matt 19:9) ... Now the phrase, 'unless the marriage is unlawful' translates a Greek word πορνείᾳ (porneia). The usual meaning of the word is 'fornication'... many Greek lexicons (e.g. Strongs and also Thayer & Smith) define porneia broadly as 'illicit sexual intercourse' and then go on to define porneia more generally to include, fornication, homosexual activitity, lesbian activity, intercourse with animals, sexual intercourse with close relatives ( as spelled out in Leviticus 18), or sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman.... So, fundamentally porneia most often means fornication (pre-marital sex) but it can mean other illicit things as well.... Gentiles often called "marriage" what the Judeo-Christians would call incest. There were also difficulties encountered with homosexual unions and other arrangements that the Christian Church could not and would not recognize.... Bottom line: Jesus would say 'No' I have it on the best of authority: Scripture and Tradition speaking through the Magisterium.''
http://www.metroweekly.com/news/last_word/2009/12/archdiocese-of-dc-insinuates-j.html/
Gay marriage is civil rights issue
Shannon Robb – Guest essayist
I was recently told by a man in his 50s that my generation would ruin the country based on our desired societal changes and political beliefs. However, with the recent failure of the New York Senate to pass a gay marriage bill, I disagree with this statement. I am a member of the MTV generation who has only felt increasing disappointment with the failure of New York to advance in an ever-changing nation.
http://rocnow.com/article/essays/2009912200322/
Letters: Marriages need court sanction
The Rev. John Edgar misses the point entirely ("Can't divorce marriage, religion," letter, Monday). He bases his argument against gay marriage on the straw man issues of procreation and children's wishes. This has nothing to do with the civil and legal rights bestowed upon a couple by way of marriage. The combination of marriage with religion is purely an option, as atheists can marry and have the same legal rights as a religious couple. And we don't refer to their marriage as an "atheist marriage," either.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/79743222.html/
American Family Association is selling condoms
by: Lurleen
Well, computer condoms, anyways. American Family Filter can help, whether your concern is for your children who use the Internet, your spouse who spends secret computer time, or your personal struggle against online pornography.I guess actually talking to your spouse about your concerns over their online frolics would be out of the question. As for installing a filter yourself to hinder your own online porn addiction, isn't that like handing the jailhouse keys to the convicts? The idiocy of this ad boggles the mind, but then again it is AFA, so...
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14559/american-family-association-is-selling-condoms/
=
[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:
Gay Rights
On June 17, Mr. Obama signed an administrative memorandum extending some partnership rights to federal workers in same-sex relationships. It allows administration personnel to take leave to care for sick partners and requires the government to recognize their partners as household members when determining overseas housing allocations for State Department employees, among other things.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/presidency/index.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/
gaymarry, gay-marry
To marry someone of the same sex. Also used hyperbolically to mean to form an unconventional relationship, as in, “I love my new cellphone so much I want to gay-marry it.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/20/weekinreview/20buzz.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
At 100, Boy Scouts say they're still `essential'
By DAVID CRARY
A fifth-generation Boy Scout, 11-year-old Brad Corr is steeped in all the lore and tradition: the Scout Oath and Scout Law, campcraft and community service, the daily doing of good deeds. If he were recruiting a friend for the Scouts, though, what would be his best pitch? "We got to build catapults and launch pumpkins from them."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/20/AR2009122000027.html/
Why two black D.C. pastors support gay marriage
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we entered the sanctuary at Covenant Baptist Church and took our places in front of the altar, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121802049.html/
Firms expect economic windfall from gay marriage in District
By Sandhya Somashekhar
Robin Sutliff's flower shop is redolent with the ingredients of a perfect wedding place setting: tall stands of white amaryllis, cala lilies imported from South America, summery clusters of yellow-orange orchids. When she imagines the many same-sex couples likely to tie the knot in the District this spring, though, her mind settles on the humble hyacinth.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/19/AR2009121902234.html/
HBO's 'Big Love' to start Season 4 with a gay story line
By Jill Serjeant
Television polygamy drama "Big Love" returns for a fourth season in January with a gay story line that is likely to stir up controversy in Mormon circles where homosexual relations are prohibited. The creators of the HBO cable show, about a polygamous family living in Utah, plan to explore a same-sex relationship between two male characters involved in a fictional breakaway sect at the center of the series.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121800161.html/
Evangelical church opens doors fully to gays
By ERIC GORSKI
The auditorium lights turned low, the service begins with the familiar rhythms of church: children singing, hugs and handshakes of greeting, a plea for donations to fix the boiler.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/20/AR2009122000036.html/
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
‘I’m gay,’ reveals Welsh rugby star Gareth Thomas
By MATT WITHERS, Wales Online
"I'm a rugby player first and foremost. I just happen to be gay. It's irrelevant"
Rugby star Gareth Thomas today said he hoped he could make a difference to others struggling with their sexuality after disclosing he is gay. The former Wales international full-back said he was grateful for the “amazing response” he had received after describing his fears of how people would react.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/im-gay-reveals-welsh-rugby-star-gareth-thomas.html/
=
Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Who's saying what about gay and lesbian issues
Catholic Archdiocese of DC insinuates Jesus says "No" to gay marriage because its like incest & sex with animals
Posted by duy
''It occurred to me to wonder what Jesus would say about the redefining of Marriage that is happening in this country of the last number of years? Many today insist that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality or so-called Gay Marriage.... I am using here the Catholic NAB translation: '[Jesus said] whoever divorces his wife (unless the marriage is unlawful) and marries another commits adultery.' (Matt 19:9) ... Now the phrase, 'unless the marriage is unlawful' translates a Greek word πορνείᾳ (porneia). The usual meaning of the word is 'fornication'... many Greek lexicons (e.g. Strongs and also Thayer & Smith) define porneia broadly as 'illicit sexual intercourse' and then go on to define porneia more generally to include, fornication, homosexual activitity, lesbian activity, intercourse with animals, sexual intercourse with close relatives ( as spelled out in Leviticus 18), or sexual intercourse with a divorced man or woman.... So, fundamentally porneia most often means fornication (pre-marital sex) but it can mean other illicit things as well.... Gentiles often called "marriage" what the Judeo-Christians would call incest. There were also difficulties encountered with homosexual unions and other arrangements that the Christian Church could not and would not recognize.... Bottom line: Jesus would say 'No' I have it on the best of authority: Scripture and Tradition speaking through the Magisterium.''
http://www.metroweekly.com/news/last_word/2009/12/archdiocese-of-dc-insinuates-j.html/
Gay marriage is civil rights issue
Shannon Robb – Guest essayist
I was recently told by a man in his 50s that my generation would ruin the country based on our desired societal changes and political beliefs. However, with the recent failure of the New York Senate to pass a gay marriage bill, I disagree with this statement. I am a member of the MTV generation who has only felt increasing disappointment with the failure of New York to advance in an ever-changing nation.
http://rocnow.com/article/essays/2009912200322/
Letters: Marriages need court sanction
The Rev. John Edgar misses the point entirely ("Can't divorce marriage, religion," letter, Monday). He bases his argument against gay marriage on the straw man issues of procreation and children's wishes. This has nothing to do with the civil and legal rights bestowed upon a couple by way of marriage. The combination of marriage with religion is purely an option, as atheists can marry and have the same legal rights as a religious couple. And we don't refer to their marriage as an "atheist marriage," either.
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/currents/79743222.html/
American Family Association is selling condoms
by: Lurleen
Well, computer condoms, anyways. American Family Filter can help, whether your concern is for your children who use the Internet, your spouse who spends secret computer time, or your personal struggle against online pornography.I guess actually talking to your spouse about your concerns over their online frolics would be out of the question. As for installing a filter yourself to hinder your own online porn addiction, isn't that like handing the jailhouse keys to the convicts? The idiocy of this ad boggles the mind, but then again it is AFA, so...
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14559/american-family-association-is-selling-condoms/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Saturday, December 19, 2009
GLBT DIGEST - December 19, 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:
Uganda: Homosexuality Bill Opposed
By REUTERS
The United States is urging Uganda to drop a bill that would criminalize homosexuality, saying its passage could encourage other African countries to make similar moves, a top United States diplomat said Friday. After a meeting at the State Department with gay and lesbian activists, the diplomat, Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson, told reporters in Washington that the United States considered the legislation a violation of human rights and a bad precedent. The bill, which calls for the death penalty for “serial offenders,” is in the committee stage. Mr. Carson said the American government had been in touch with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda to express opposition to the measure.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/19/world/africa/19briefs-HOMOSEXUALIT_BRF.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
Former Wales Captain Thomas Reveals He Is Gay
By REUTERS
LONDON (Reuters) - Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas has revealed he is gay. "I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player first and foremost," the 35-year-old told the Daily Mail on Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/19/sports/sports-uk-rugby-wales-thomas.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Ugandan government backs anti-gay legislation
By Barney Jopson
KAMPALA -- The Ugandan government is backing an anti-homosexuality bill that would introduce some of the world's toughest punishments for gays, with a minimum life sentence for anyone convicted of having gay sex and a mandatory death penalty if the person is HIV-positive.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121804294.html/
Why two black D.C. pastors support gay marriage
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we entered the sanctuary at Covenant Baptist Church and took our places in front of the altar, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121802049.html/
HBO's 'Big Love' to start Season 4 with a gay story line
By Jill Serjeant
Television polygamy drama "Big Love" returns for a fourth season in January with a gay story line that is likely to stir up controversy in Mormon circles where homosexual relations are prohibited.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121800161.html/
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Gov't refuses to OK health coverage for gay worker's wife, says judge's order is 'nonbinding'
By Lisa Leff
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management still thinks it can't authorize health care coverage for the same-sex spouse of a federal court employee even though a judge has ordered the agency to do, a government lawyer said Friday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gay-marriage-federal-employees,0,4806404.story/
Effort to restrict health coverage of abortion reignites an old cause for some young feminists
By Beth Fouhy
At 21, Jelena Woehr describes herself as a feminist, focusing on issues such as domestic violence and improved career opportunities for women. Yes, she also supports abortion rights. But that wasn't her emphasis until Congress began considering potential restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion. Now, she's joined many other young feminists in mobilizing to protect a right they thought had been settled long ago.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-young-women-abortion,0,7645288.story/
Proposed Medicare Advantage cuts concern South Florida seniors
Congress looks to cut back Medicare program to help pay for health-care reform
By William E. Gibson and Bob LaMendola
For years, the federal government has spent billions to entice senior citizens into private Medicare Advantage plans run by HMOs that offer bonus care for low premiums. Nw that nearly a quarter of Medicare patients have enrolled in these health plans, including 350,000 in South Florida, Congress is poised to pass reform legislation that would yank billions of dollars away from them.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-medicare-advantage-20091218,0,7352797.story/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Oy Vey: Oscar-Worthy Songs?
By Advocate.com Editors
Five songs from Hannah Montana: The Movie are contenders for Academy Award nominations for best original song. Along with the hits from the teenage pop star Miley Cyrus, songs from Brüno, Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! and Nine are on the list of 63 songs competing to be pared down to five. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will then screen parts of the films along with the songs to voting members.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Oy_Vey_Oscar-Worthy_Songs/
Marriage Equality Gets Remixed
FAIR has teamed with deviantART to sponsor an art contest based on graphic remixes of Shepard Fairey’s renowned marriage equality poster “Defend Equality Love Unites."
By Advocate.com Editors
Grassroots equality organization FAIR (Freedom Action Inclusion Rights) teamed with deviantART, an online viral art community, to sponsor an art contest based on graphic remixes of Shepard Fairey’s renowned marriage equality poster Defend Equality Love Unites last November. The contest generated over 1,600 submissions, making it one of deviantART’s most popular contests ever.
http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Art/Marriage_Equality_Gets_Remixed/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
US Assistant Secretary of State condemns Uganda's proposed anti-gay laws
The USA's Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs has said that it is urging Ugandan politicians to block a proposed law that would impose life imprisonments of gay people, arguing that it would set back the fight against HIV/ AIDS.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/19/us-assistant-secretary-of-state-condemns-ugandas-proposed-anti-gay-laws/
=
Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
5 senators won't back gay marriage
The moderate Republicans say N.J. should instead strengthen and enforce its civil-union law.
By Angela Delli Santi
Five moderate Republican state senators who have been under pressure to support gay marriage said yesterday that they would not vote for a bill allowing same-sex couples to wed in New Jersey.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/79707947.html/
Why would we judge a same-sex marriage?
Regarding Paul Edwards' Dec. 8 letter praising the state Senate's rejection of gay marriage, this should not be an issue in the 21st century. We cleared the hurdles of racism, anti-miscegenation, women's rights and a host of other such issues during the 20th century.
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=879959&category=OPINION/
European Parliament Firmly Denounces Ugandan ‘Anti-Gay’ Bill
Bill is “uncivilised and unacceptable” – Cashman
STRASBURG, December 17, 2009 – The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, today adopted a resolution strongly condemning the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009 , a Private Members Bill, said to have the support of the Government, tabled by David Bahati MP in the Ugandan Parliament.
http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/09/Dec/1701.htm/
BBC boss: Sorry for online debate on killing gays
LONDON — A senior BBC executive apologized Thursday for hosting an online debate over whether gays should face capital punishment in Uganda. The broadcaster drew criticism from some lawmakers and users for the discussion forum, which ran under the headline: "Should homosexuals face execution?"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gC5tZQSZbdQIhA68N6HrRDJxIBbgD9CL9DN01/
NC: The latest bigot eruption from Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill 'Your son was a homo' James
by: Pam Spaulding
Bill James isn't through making headlines; he clearly has difficulty coping with his fellow Mecklenburg County Commissioners voting to extend domestic partner benefits to county employees -- and that includes same-sex couples.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14548/nc-the-latest-bigot-eruption-from-mecklenburg-county-commissioner-bill-your-son-was-a-homo-james/
Guest Post - Carl Siciliano
posted by Joe
I get very angry at the hell so many LGBT teens are put through. A ew months ago a man named Anthony reached out to me to tell me a terrible story. He knew of a teen in upstate New York whose family learned he was gay and threw him out. A few days later the boy tried to return home, only to be told that if he returned again his father would kill him and bury him in the backyard. The boy tried to survive in nearby towns eating out of garbage cans and sleeping in parking lots. Anthony was the last person who saw the boy alive; Anthony was the train conductor who slammed on the brakes when the boy jumped in front of his train, ending his life.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/guest-post-carl-siciliano.html/
=
[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:
Uganda: Homosexuality Bill Opposed
By REUTERS
The United States is urging Uganda to drop a bill that would criminalize homosexuality, saying its passage could encourage other African countries to make similar moves, a top United States diplomat said Friday. After a meeting at the State Department with gay and lesbian activists, the diplomat, Assistant Secretary of State Johnnie Carson, told reporters in Washington that the United States considered the legislation a violation of human rights and a bad precedent. The bill, which calls for the death penalty for “serial offenders,” is in the committee stage. Mr. Carson said the American government had been in touch with President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda to express opposition to the measure.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/19/world/africa/19briefs-HOMOSEXUALIT_BRF.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=cse/
Former Wales Captain Thomas Reveals He Is Gay
By REUTERS
LONDON (Reuters) - Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas has revealed he is gay. "I don't want to be known as a gay rugby player. I am a rugby player first and foremost," the 35-year-old told the Daily Mail on Saturday.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/2009/12/19/sports/sports-uk-rugby-wales-thomas.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
=
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Ugandan government backs anti-gay legislation
By Barney Jopson
KAMPALA -- The Ugandan government is backing an anti-homosexuality bill that would introduce some of the world's toughest punishments for gays, with a minimum life sentence for anyone convicted of having gay sex and a mandatory death penalty if the person is HIV-positive.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121804294.html/
Why two black D.C. pastors support gay marriage
By Dennis W. Wiley and Christine Y. Wiley
On a beautiful Saturday afternoon a couple of years ago, we entered the sanctuary at Covenant Baptist Church and took our places in front of the altar, just as we had countless times before in our more than 20 years as partners in ministry. We had been united in holy matrimony ourselves in the same spot where we now stood to unite others.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121802049.html/
HBO's 'Big Love' to start Season 4 with a gay story line
By Jill Serjeant
Television polygamy drama "Big Love" returns for a fourth season in January with a gay story line that is likely to stir up controversy in Mormon circles where homosexual relations are prohibited.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121800161.html/
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Gov't refuses to OK health coverage for gay worker's wife, says judge's order is 'nonbinding'
By Lisa Leff
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management still thinks it can't authorize health care coverage for the same-sex spouse of a federal court employee even though a judge has ordered the agency to do, a government lawyer said Friday.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-gay-marriage-federal-employees,0,4806404.story/
Effort to restrict health coverage of abortion reignites an old cause for some young feminists
By Beth Fouhy
At 21, Jelena Woehr describes herself as a feminist, focusing on issues such as domestic violence and improved career opportunities for women. Yes, she also supports abortion rights. But that wasn't her emphasis until Congress began considering potential restrictions on insurance coverage for abortion. Now, she's joined many other young feminists in mobilizing to protect a right they thought had been settled long ago.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-young-women-abortion,0,7645288.story/
Proposed Medicare Advantage cuts concern South Florida seniors
Congress looks to cut back Medicare program to help pay for health-care reform
By William E. Gibson and Bob LaMendola
For years, the federal government has spent billions to entice senior citizens into private Medicare Advantage plans run by HMOs that offer bonus care for low premiums. Nw that nearly a quarter of Medicare patients have enrolled in these health plans, including 350,000 in South Florida, Congress is poised to pass reform legislation that would yank billions of dollars away from them.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-medicare-advantage-20091218,0,7352797.story/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Oy Vey: Oscar-Worthy Songs?
By Advocate.com Editors
Five songs from Hannah Montana: The Movie are contenders for Academy Award nominations for best original song. Along with the hits from the teenage pop star Miley Cyrus, songs from Brüno, Oy Vey! My Son is Gay! and Nine are on the list of 63 songs competing to be pared down to five. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences will then screen parts of the films along with the songs to voting members.
http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Oy_Vey_Oscar-Worthy_Songs/
Marriage Equality Gets Remixed
FAIR has teamed with deviantART to sponsor an art contest based on graphic remixes of Shepard Fairey’s renowned marriage equality poster “Defend Equality Love Unites."
By Advocate.com Editors
Grassroots equality organization FAIR (Freedom Action Inclusion Rights) teamed with deviantART, an online viral art community, to sponsor an art contest based on graphic remixes of Shepard Fairey’s renowned marriage equality poster Defend Equality Love Unites last November. The contest generated over 1,600 submissions, making it one of deviantART’s most popular contests ever.
http://www.advocate.com/Arts_and_Entertainment/Art/Marriage_Equality_Gets_Remixed/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
US Assistant Secretary of State condemns Uganda's proposed anti-gay laws
The USA's Assistant Secretary of State for African affairs has said that it is urging Ugandan politicians to block a proposed law that would impose life imprisonments of gay people, arguing that it would set back the fight against HIV/ AIDS.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/19/us-assistant-secretary-of-state-condemns-ugandas-proposed-anti-gay-laws/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
5 senators won't back gay marriage
The moderate Republicans say N.J. should instead strengthen and enforce its civil-union law.
By Angela Delli Santi
Five moderate Republican state senators who have been under pressure to support gay marriage said yesterday that they would not vote for a bill allowing same-sex couples to wed in New Jersey.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/local/79707947.html/
Why would we judge a same-sex marriage?
Regarding Paul Edwards' Dec. 8 letter praising the state Senate's rejection of gay marriage, this should not be an issue in the 21st century. We cleared the hurdles of racism, anti-miscegenation, women's rights and a host of other such issues during the 20th century.
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=879959&category=OPINION/
European Parliament Firmly Denounces Ugandan ‘Anti-Gay’ Bill
Bill is “uncivilised and unacceptable” – Cashman
STRASBURG, December 17, 2009 – The European Parliament, meeting in Strasbourg, today adopted a resolution strongly condemning the Anti Homosexuality Bill 2009 , a Private Members Bill, said to have the support of the Government, tabled by David Bahati MP in the Ugandan Parliament.
http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/09/Dec/1701.htm/
BBC boss: Sorry for online debate on killing gays
LONDON — A senior BBC executive apologized Thursday for hosting an online debate over whether gays should face capital punishment in Uganda. The broadcaster drew criticism from some lawmakers and users for the discussion forum, which ran under the headline: "Should homosexuals face execution?"
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gC5tZQSZbdQIhA68N6HrRDJxIBbgD9CL9DN01/
NC: The latest bigot eruption from Mecklenburg County Commissioner Bill 'Your son was a homo' James
by: Pam Spaulding
Bill James isn't through making headlines; he clearly has difficulty coping with his fellow Mecklenburg County Commissioners voting to extend domestic partner benefits to county employees -- and that includes same-sex couples.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/14548/nc-the-latest-bigot-eruption-from-mecklenburg-county-commissioner-bill-your-son-was-a-homo-james/
Guest Post - Carl Siciliano
posted by Joe
I get very angry at the hell so many LGBT teens are put through. A ew months ago a man named Anthony reached out to me to tell me a terrible story. He knew of a teen in upstate New York whose family learned he was gay and threw him out. A few days later the boy tried to return home, only to be told that if he returned again his father would kill him and bury him in the backyard. The boy tried to survive in nearby towns eating out of garbage cans and sleeping in parking lots. Anthony was the last person who saw the boy alive; Anthony was the train conductor who slammed on the brakes when the boy jumped in front of his train, ending his life.
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2009/12/guest-post-carl-siciliano.html/
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
GLBT DIGEST - December 18, 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:
Gay Rights
On June 17, Mr. Obama signed an administrative memorandum extending some partnership rights to federal workers in same-sex relationships. It allows administration personnel to take leave to care for sick partners and requires the government to recognize their partners as household members when determining overseas housing allocations for State Department employees, among other things.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/presidency/index.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/
Mayor Set to Sign DC's Gay Marriage Bill
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Same-sex marriages in the nation's capital will come one step closer when Washington's mayor signs the bill at a public ceremony.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/18/us/AP-US-DC-Gay-Marriage.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships
For over a decade, the issue of same-sex marriage has been a flashpoint political issue in the United States, setting off waves of competing legislation and ballot initiatives attempting either to legalize or ban the practice. Rifts have also opened among religious groups over the decision to recognize same-sex marriage or condemn it.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/s/same_sex_marriage/index.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:
BBC boss: Sorry for online debate on killing gays
The Associated Press
LONDON -- A senior BBC executive apologized Thursday for hosting an online debate over whether gays should face capital punishment in Uganda. The broadcaster drew criticism from some lawmakers and users for the discussion forum, which ran under the headline: "Should homosexuals face execution?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121703171.html/
Portuguese govt aims to permit gay marriage
By BARRY HATTON
LISBON, Portugal -- Portugal's Socialist government has drawn up a proposal that would make Portugal the sixth European country to allow gay marriage. The law is almost certain to pass, as the center-left Socialist government has the support of all left-of-center parties, who together have a majority in Parliament. Right-of-center parties oppose the measure.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121702026.html/
Snow White and 175 Faeries
The first half of the annual show by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington is delivered with sincere affection for the season, but in the second half, the camp comes out as the chorus retells the "Snow White" story like you've never heard it (the seven dwarves, for example, are Pushy, Nasty, Nancy, Cuddly, Spanky, Hose and Bitter). Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. 202-293-1548 or http://www.gmcw.org. $20-$50. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121701541.html/
Faith, folly and Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill
By Michael Gerson
It is sad when someone you care about threatens to do a foolish and destructive thing. In this case, it is not a relative or a friend but a country. Uganda has endured the rule of a psychotic -- dictator and cannibal Idi Amin -- and a pandemic that decimated a generation. Its people responded with courage and faith, and the two are related. When I think of cheerful compassion in the midst of suffering, my examples are Ugandans.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121703673.html/
World Digest: Spanish lawmakers move to ease abortion restrictions
SPAIN
Abortion restrictions likely to be eased
Lawmakers voted to ease Spain's abortion law Thursday, approving a bill to allow the procedure without restrictions up to 14 weeks of gestation. The change would bring this traditionally Roman Catholic country in line with its more secular counterparts in Northern Europe.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704260.html/
Fenty to sign same-sex marriage bill at church in NW D.C.
By Nikita Stewart
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty will sign legislation Friday to legalize same-sex marriage in the District at a bill-signing ceremony so historic that his staff scrambled to find the perfect location Thursday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704330.html/
Mayor set to sign DC's gay marriage bill
The Associated Press
Same-sex marriages in the nation's capital will come one step closer when Washington's mayor signs the bill at a public ceremony. The city council approved the measure this week legalizing gay marriage. It still has to go for review to Congress, which has the final say over D.C.'s laws. The district's nonvoting delegate to Congress, Eleanor Holmes Norton, has said she expects no opposition there.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121801557.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
There Isn't Much Gradualism in the New Testament
Andrew Klavan's "Pride and Prejudice in the Episcopal Church" (op-ed, Dec. 10) is a well-reasoned and passionate cry for moderation over the issue of full inclusion for gay and lesbian people in the Episcopal Church. It is a matter of intense pain and often fear for many as the Episcopal Church takes this route. Mr. Klavan's argument for moderation and slowing down is the same argument that kept racial segregation alive for far too long. While my rational, logical, sequential brain agrees with Mr. Klavan that "more haste, less speed" might sound like a good idea, and that a radical rush to inclusion in some instances harbors a display of moral one-upmanship, the other part of me remembers that without some members of the Episcopal Church taking a radical stand on the ordination of women and their equality as full members of the Church we'd still be mouthing the platitudes of "gradualism" which, Victor Hugo notwithstanding, may, or may not, be the whole method of God. I for one am uncomfortable with claiming to know so clearly the ways of the Holy One.
Zara Renander
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704517504574590351712258502.html/
Mr. Klavan fails to mention that at the Episcopal Church's last general convention in July both the House of Bishops and the House of (Lay) Deputies voted by more than a two-to-one margin to lift the moratorium on promoting gay clergy to the episcopate. I must also disagree with Mr. Klavan and Victor Hugo that "gradualism is the whole method of God." While over time change may appear to take place gradually, it seldom does in the short term. Nor is gradual change a prominent biblical theme. Jesus did not make reasoned arguments to recruit his disciples. He simply walked up to them and said, "Follow me." Astoundingly, having only just met the man, they immediately dropped whatever they were doing and did so. St. Paul was not gradually convinced to stop persecuting the early Christians—he was struck blind on the road to Damascus and radically transformed.
Patricia A. Robinson
Appleton, Wis.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704517504574590351712258502.html/
Filling Legal Gaps For Same-Sex Couples
By Taylor Smith
The state says we’re married, the feds say we’re not. What gives?Massachusetts-based financial planner Dana Levit regularly fields that question from clients. That’s because in 2004 the state of Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, but gay couples who have tied the knot there still aren’t recognized as married by U.S. federal authorities.“For those people, there’s an added level of complexity when it comes to financial planning,” says Levit. “Gay couples have the same problems paying the bills as other people, but have a lot of other challenges as well.”Non-traditional families–gay couples and straight couples who have chosen not to walk down the aisle–face roadblocks that the average married couple simply doesn’t have to worry about. Non-traditional couples can’t file joint taxes, and a partner’s Social Security benefits are off limits. Splitting up presents tricky issues, and death brings even trickier ones.Levit has become fluent in financial planning for non-traditional couples, who now make up more than a third of her client base. She says focusing on that particular niche has been good for her company, Newton, Mass.-based Paragon Financial Advisors. “It’s a great way to get business,” she says.Levit also likes the challenge of finding solutions to problems most financial advisers never encounter. For instance, her non-traditional clients won’t ever be able to rely on a partner’s pension or Social Security benefits. So to provide a chunk of cash when one partner dies, Levit looks to life insurance policies. “You have to pay premiums on insurance that you wouldn’t need otherwise, so there’s an added cost for same-sex couples,” she says.Other solutions aren’t as straightforward. One half of a couple Levit works with makes a lot of money, the other half doesn’t. Now that they’re planning to have a child, the low earner plans to stay home. The stay-at-home partner won’t have any income to contribute to her retirement savings and can’t count on tapping her spouse’s 401(k), so Levit recommended that the high earner make additional retirement provisions in the other’s name. Levit also advised the couple to title as much of their property jointly as possible to avoid complications passing on assets if one dies.“Planning for same-sex couples is all about equalizing the estate, because there isn’t the same opportunity to split up the assets in death or divorce,” says Levit.Levit also made sure the clients had healthcare-proxy documentation in place. “I recommend that couples keep a copy of their healthcare proxy or power-of-attorney with them even when they’re traveling, because other states may not recognize them as spouses,” she says.Still, Levit says that specializing in financial planning for non-traditional couples isn’t all about circumventing roadblocks. “There are plenty of ways where you can save these people money through smart planning,” she says. “You can help unmarried couples so much by doing that.”The state says we’re married, the feds say we’re not. What gives? Massachusetts-based financial planner Dana Levit regularly fields that question from clients. That’s because in 2004 the state of Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, but gay couples who have tied the knot there still aren’t recognized as married by U.S. federal authorities.
http://blogs.wsj.com/financial-adviser/2009/12/17/filling-legal-gaps-for-same-sex-couples/
The Adam Lambert Problem
"Wrong track" poll numbers aren't just about the economy.
By Peggy Noonan
The news came in numbers and the numbers were fairly grim, all the grimmer for being unsurprising. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll reported this week that more than half of Americans, 55%, think America is on the wrong track, with only 33% saying it is going in the right direction. A stunning 66% say they're not confident that their children's lives will be better than their own (27% are).
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704238104574602470345172100.html/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Poll finds Jerry Brown still leads race for California governor, but Republicans gaining
By Juliet Williams
Democrat Jerry Brown may still be the presumed front-runner in next year's California governor's race, but a new poll indicates he shouldn't take that position for granted.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-california-governors-race-poll,0,3365766.story/
Calif. parks department to address equality for women, gays in response to lesbian ranger suit
By Associated Press
The California Department of Parks and Recreation is forming a task force to address equality issues for its women and gay employees. Parks officials said Thursday the move is part of a settlement with a lesbian park ranger who filed a harassment lawsuit in San Diego County.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-park-ranger-harassment,0,3430283.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Video | North Carolina official in hot water after calling fellow commissioner’s late son ‘a homo’
During a debate about domestic partner benefits in Mecklenburg County, N.C., Commissioner Vilma Leake spoke passionately in favor, revealing that her son had been gay and died of AIDS. Fellow Commissioner Bill James leaned to Leake and responded: "Your son was a homo?"
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-north-carolina-official-in-hot-water-after-calling-fellow-commissioners-late-son-a-homo.html/
Video | ‘A Single Man’ director Tom Ford singled out for Oscar buzz
AP video:
Fashion director turned director Tom Ford talks about his debut feature film, A Single Man, which is nominated in 3 categories at the Golden Globes.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-a-single-man-director-tom-ford-singled-out-for-oscar-buzz.html/
Reggae star Banton will be transferred to Tampa
By JENNIFER KAY, Associated Press
Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton will fight a drug charge against him in Tampa instead of Miami.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/reggae-star-banton-will-be-transferred-to-tampa.html/
Video | HIV/AIDS Community Discussion held Nov. 20 at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale
The White House has posted a video of its HIV/AIDS Community Discussion held Nov. 20, 2009, at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-hivaids-community-discussion-held-nov-20-at-dillard-high-school-in-fort-lauderdale.html/
New report documents ‘Decade of Progress’ on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in America
News release from the LGBT Movement Advancement Project and the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr., Fund:
Study points to dramatic gains between 2000 and 2009
SAN FRANCISCO – As the decade draws to a close, a new report shows the past 10 years have been a period of dramatic gains in equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in America. Two-thirds of the 36 statistical indicators compiled in A Decade of Progress on LGBT Rights showed significant advances, including sharp increases in the number of LGBT Americans protected by nondiscrimination and family recognition legislation at the state level. Less than one quarter of the indicators were negative, and four showed mixed results. The report is a joint project of the LGBT Movement Advancement Project and the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr., Fund.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/new-report-documents-decade-of-progress-on-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-equality-in-america.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Spanish lawmakers vote to ease abortion law
By DANIEL WOOLLS
MADRID -- Lawmakers voted to ease Spain's abortion law Thursday, approving a bill to allow the procedure without restrictions up to 14 weeks. The change would bring this traditionally Roman Catholic country in line with its more secular neighbors in northern Europe.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1386316.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Antigay Sen. DeMint's Website Hacked?
By Julie Bolcer
Unusual content on the campaign Web site for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, the South Carolina Republican who recently said he found the idea of a gay president “immoral,” raised questions about whether the site was hacked.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Was_DeMint_Web_site_Hacked_/
Hate Crime Suspected in Puerto Rico
By Julie Bolcer
Investigators in Puerto Rico are questioning whether hate motivated the murder of an unidentified man believed to have been gay who was found dead inside the Motel Las Colinas in Ponce on Wednesday. The victim's throat had been slit.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Hate_Crime_Feared_in_Puerto_Rico/
Tot Suspended Over Hair Length, Misses Classmates
A prekindergarten student in Texas has been sent to in-school suspension because his hair was deemed too long.
http://www.advocate.com//article.aspx?id=104372/
Gately Widower Files Columnist Complaint
By Julie Bolcer
The civil partner of deceased British singer Stephen Gately (pictured) has filed a formal complaint about Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir, who called the circumstances of his death “sleazy” and criticized same-sex partnerships in an article published one day before the funeral.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Gately_Widower_Files_Columist_Complaint/
Prop 8 Case Could Be Televised
By Julie Bolcer
The federal challenge to Proposition 8 could be televised under a new experimental program authorized by the Judicial Council of the 9th Circuit.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Prop_8_Case_Could_Be_Televised/
Auschwitz Sign Stolen
By Julie Bolcer
Police reported Friday that the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”) sign over the gate to the Auschwitz memorial in Poland had been stolen. According to The New York Times,the Polish police believe the iron sign was taken between 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. by unscrewing it on one side and pulling it off on the other.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Auschwitz_Sign_Stolen/
BBC Sort of Sorry for Headline
By Neal Broverman
After a poll appeared yesterday on the BBC's website that initially asked "Should Homosexuals Face Execution?" the director of BBC World Service, Peter Horrocks, apologized if it caused any offense.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/17/BBC_Sort_of_Sorry_for_Headline/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Groups spend $9.6 m in Maine gay marriage vote
By The Associated Press
Campaign finance reports show that the two sides in the ballot fight that overturned Maine’s gay marriage law spent $9.6 million.
http://www.365gay.com/news/groups-spend-9-6-m-in-maine-gay-marriage-vote/
RuPaul as….Sarah Palin?
By 365gay Newswire
From John Polly at our sister site NewNowNext.com: ‘Tis the season for another hot-topic-worthy ready shot of RuPaul, and this time she’s “Going Vogue!” Watch out, Grandma Palin. Ru’s got on her red anorak and she’s ready to govern! And I’m guessing Ru knows her way around a lumberjack. Plus, I’m sure Ru also knows all about laying some serious Alaskan pipeline.
http://www.365gay.com/news/rupaul-as-sarah-palin/
Corvino: A story of comfort and joy
By John Corvino, columnist, 365gay.com
Allow me to share a favorite holiday story. It was late-November 1989, a year after I first came out. I had been dating a guy named Michael for over a month, which made him (in my mind, at least) my first “real” boyfriend. I was twenty and he was turning twenty-two, and we decided to drive into the city to celebrate his birthday.
http://www.365gay.com/news/corvino-a-story-of-comfort-and-joy/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay Europe minister Chris Bryant attacks BBC's 'ludicrous mistake' on gay execution debate
Minister for Europe Chris Bryant has attacked the BBC for holding a debate on whether gays should be executed. Bryant, who is gay, told PinkNews.co.uk he would be writing to the BBC's World Service director Peter Horrocks to demand an explanation.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/gay-europe-minister-chris-bryant-attacks-bbcs-ludicrous-mistake-on-gay-execution-debate/
Convictions for homophobic hate crime increase
Figures from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have shown a ten per cent rise in four years in the numbers of people being convicted for homophobic and transphobic hate crimes.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/convictions-for-homophobic-hate-crime-increase/
Ugandan parliament to debate anti-gay bill today
Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill will be discussed in the country's parliament today. It is thought that this debate will follow a second reading and a vote will be taken in January after a third reading.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/ugandan-parliament-to-debate-anti-gay-bill-today/
Canadian MP's Christmas card attacked by homophobes
A gay Canadian MP who sent out a Christmas card featuring himself and his husband has been attacked by homophobes on the internet. Nova Scotia Liberal MP Scott Brison's personalised card shows him and husband Maxime St Pierre on a walk with their dog.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/canadian-mps-christmas-card-attacked-by-homophobes/
Gay club owner goes into administration
Popbarz, the owner of gay clubs such as Ghetto in London, has gone into administration. Its administrators Ideal Corporate Solutions said it had suffered a “significant downturn in trade” .
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/gay-club-owner-goes-into-administration/
Man who killed gay council worker has sentence reduced
A man who murdered a gay council officer has had his prison sentenced reduced by two years. David Meehan, who was 19 at the time, admitted murdering James Kerr, 51, in a public park and leaving him for dead while he and his accomplices went to a party.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/man-who-killed-gay-council-worker-has-sentence-reduced/
Former drag queen accuses boss of homophobia
A gay man who once worked as a drag queen is suing his boss for unfair dismissal and sexual orientation discrimination. Dean Awford claims David Gray was homophobic and referred to him as "she" in front of customers.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/15453/
Stephen Gately's widower makes official complaint about Jan Moir column
Stephen Gately's civil partner has made an official complaint to the Press Complaints Commission about Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir's article on his death. Andrew Cowles cited breaches of accuracy, intrusion into grief or shock and discrimination.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/stephen-gatelys-widower-makes-official-complaint-about-jan-moir-column/
Portugal tipped to allow gay marriage
Portugal's government is drawing up a law to allow gay marriage. According to Associated Press, the legislative change would remove any references to gender and if passed, would come in to force by April.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/portugal-tipped-to-allow-gay-marriage/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Fairfax race to replace Cuccinelli a study in contrasts
By Harley Dennett
Virginia Partisans, the state’s gay Democratic group, was slated Thursday to endorse Del. David Marsden to fill incoming Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s state Senate seat. Marsden told DC Agenda that he was “proud to accept” the group’s endorsement.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/17/fairfax-race-to-replace-cuccinelli-a-study-in-contrasts/
Calif. man could become first openly gay dad in Congress
by Chris Johnson
The mayor of Palm Springs is making a bid to become the first openly gay member of Congress who’s married with children. Steve Pougnet, 46, a Democrat, is seeking to oust Republican incumbent Mary Bono Mack next year to represent California’s 45th district in the U.S. House. A win for Pougnet would make him the fourth sitting openly gay member of Congress.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/17/calif-man-could-become-first-openly-gay-dad-in-congress%C2%A0/
Parker’s win hailed as major breakthrough
By Chris Johnson
Gay rights advocates are heralding the victory of a lesbian official in her bid to become mayor of Houston as a triumph for LGBT Americans. Annise Parker, a Democrat and city controller for Houston, won the city’s Dec. 12 mayoral election by taking 53 percent of the vote. Her win marks the seventh time she’s won a citywide election in Houston and makes the city the most populous in the country to elect an openly LGBT mayor. She takes office Jan. 4.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/17/parker%E2%80%99s-win-hailed-as-major-breakthrough/
Cameras In Court OK'd In California: Gay Marriage Trial Could Be First Up
Erin Geiger Smith
The must-see TV of David Boies, Ted Olson & The Gay Marriage Debate could soon be hitting your flatscreen.
http://www.businessinsider.com/cameras-in-court-okd-in-california-gay-marriage-trial-first-up-2009-12/
German referee takes legal action after homophobic rant by Arminia Bielefeld coach
German referee Georg Schalk is taking legal action against Arminia Bielefeld assistant coach Frank Eulberg who allegedly called him a "dirty homosexual" after a second division match last week.
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Following his team's 3-2 defeat at Dusseldorf, Eulberg went over to the referee to vent his fury, before telling the press that "the dirty homosexual" laughed in his face.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/6787882/German-referee-takes-legal-action-after-homophobic-rant-by-Arminia-Bielefeld-coach.html/
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
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Gay Rights
On June 17, Mr. Obama signed an administrative memorandum extending some partnership rights to federal workers in same-sex relationships. It allows administration personnel to take leave to care for sick partners and requires the government to recognize their partners as household members when determining overseas housing allocations for State Department employees, among other things.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/o/barack_obama/presidency/index.html?scp=6&sq=gay&st=cse/
Mayor Set to Sign DC's Gay Marriage Bill
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Same-sex marriages in the nation's capital will come one step closer when Washington's mayor signs the bill at a public ceremony.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/18/us/AP-US-DC-Gay-Marriage.html?_r=1&scp=3&sq=gay&st=cse/
Same-Sex Marriage, Civil Unions, and Domestic Partnerships
For over a decade, the issue of same-sex marriage has been a flashpoint political issue in the United States, setting off waves of competing legislation and ballot initiatives attempting either to legalize or ban the practice. Rifts have also opened among religious groups over the decision to recognize same-sex marriage or condemn it.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/s/same_sex_marriage/index.html?scp=2&sq=gay&st=cse/
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Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
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BBC boss: Sorry for online debate on killing gays
The Associated Press
LONDON -- A senior BBC executive apologized Thursday for hosting an online debate over whether gays should face capital punishment in Uganda. The broadcaster drew criticism from some lawmakers and users for the discussion forum, which ran under the headline: "Should homosexuals face execution?"
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121703171.html/
Portuguese govt aims to permit gay marriage
By BARRY HATTON
LISBON, Portugal -- Portugal's Socialist government has drawn up a proposal that would make Portugal the sixth European country to allow gay marriage. The law is almost certain to pass, as the center-left Socialist government has the support of all left-of-center parties, who together have a majority in Parliament. Right-of-center parties oppose the measure.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121702026.html/
Snow White and 175 Faeries
The first half of the annual show by the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington is delivered with sincere affection for the season, but in the second half, the camp comes out as the chorus retells the "Snow White" story like you've never heard it (the seven dwarves, for example, are Pushy, Nasty, Nancy, Cuddly, Spanky, Hose and Bitter). Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. George Washington University, Lisner Auditorium, 730 21st St. NW. 202-293-1548 or http://www.gmcw.org. $20-$50. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121701541.html/
Faith, folly and Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill
By Michael Gerson
It is sad when someone you care about threatens to do a foolish and destructive thing. In this case, it is not a relative or a friend but a country. Uganda has endured the rule of a psychotic -- dictator and cannibal Idi Amin -- and a pandemic that decimated a generation. Its people responded with courage and faith, and the two are related. When I think of cheerful compassion in the midst of suffering, my examples are Ugandans.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121703673.html/
World Digest: Spanish lawmakers move to ease abortion restrictions
SPAIN
Abortion restrictions likely to be eased
Lawmakers voted to ease Spain's abortion law Thursday, approving a bill to allow the procedure without restrictions up to 14 weeks of gestation. The change would bring this traditionally Roman Catholic country in line with its more secular counterparts in Northern Europe.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704260.html/
Fenty to sign same-sex marriage bill at church in NW D.C.
By Nikita Stewart
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty will sign legislation Friday to legalize same-sex marriage in the District at a bill-signing ceremony so historic that his staff scrambled to find the perfect location Thursday.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/17/AR2009121704330.html/
Mayor set to sign DC's gay marriage bill
The Associated Press
Same-sex marriages in the nation's capital will come one step closer when Washington's mayor signs the bill at a public ceremony. The city council approved the measure this week legalizing gay marriage. It still has to go for review to Congress, which has the final say over D.C.'s laws. The district's nonvoting delegate to Congress, Eleanor Holmes Norton, has said she expects no opposition there.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/18/AR2009121801557.html/
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Wall Street Journal
http://online.wsj.com/
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There Isn't Much Gradualism in the New Testament
Andrew Klavan's "Pride and Prejudice in the Episcopal Church" (op-ed, Dec. 10) is a well-reasoned and passionate cry for moderation over the issue of full inclusion for gay and lesbian people in the Episcopal Church. It is a matter of intense pain and often fear for many as the Episcopal Church takes this route. Mr. Klavan's argument for moderation and slowing down is the same argument that kept racial segregation alive for far too long. While my rational, logical, sequential brain agrees with Mr. Klavan that "more haste, less speed" might sound like a good idea, and that a radical rush to inclusion in some instances harbors a display of moral one-upmanship, the other part of me remembers that without some members of the Episcopal Church taking a radical stand on the ordination of women and their equality as full members of the Church we'd still be mouthing the platitudes of "gradualism" which, Victor Hugo notwithstanding, may, or may not, be the whole method of God. I for one am uncomfortable with claiming to know so clearly the ways of the Holy One.
Zara Renander
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704517504574590351712258502.html/
Mr. Klavan fails to mention that at the Episcopal Church's last general convention in July both the House of Bishops and the House of (Lay) Deputies voted by more than a two-to-one margin to lift the moratorium on promoting gay clergy to the episcopate. I must also disagree with Mr. Klavan and Victor Hugo that "gradualism is the whole method of God." While over time change may appear to take place gradually, it seldom does in the short term. Nor is gradual change a prominent biblical theme. Jesus did not make reasoned arguments to recruit his disciples. He simply walked up to them and said, "Follow me." Astoundingly, having only just met the man, they immediately dropped whatever they were doing and did so. St. Paul was not gradually convinced to stop persecuting the early Christians—he was struck blind on the road to Damascus and radically transformed.
Patricia A. Robinson
Appleton, Wis.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704517504574590351712258502.html/
Filling Legal Gaps For Same-Sex Couples
By Taylor Smith
The state says we’re married, the feds say we’re not. What gives?Massachusetts-based financial planner Dana Levit regularly fields that question from clients. That’s because in 2004 the state of Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, but gay couples who have tied the knot there still aren’t recognized as married by U.S. federal authorities.“For those people, there’s an added level of complexity when it comes to financial planning,” says Levit. “Gay couples have the same problems paying the bills as other people, but have a lot of other challenges as well.”Non-traditional families–gay couples and straight couples who have chosen not to walk down the aisle–face roadblocks that the average married couple simply doesn’t have to worry about. Non-traditional couples can’t file joint taxes, and a partner’s Social Security benefits are off limits. Splitting up presents tricky issues, and death brings even trickier ones.Levit has become fluent in financial planning for non-traditional couples, who now make up more than a third of her client base. She says focusing on that particular niche has been good for her company, Newton, Mass.-based Paragon Financial Advisors. “It’s a great way to get business,” she says.Levit also likes the challenge of finding solutions to problems most financial advisers never encounter. For instance, her non-traditional clients won’t ever be able to rely on a partner’s pension or Social Security benefits. So to provide a chunk of cash when one partner dies, Levit looks to life insurance policies. “You have to pay premiums on insurance that you wouldn’t need otherwise, so there’s an added cost for same-sex couples,” she says.Other solutions aren’t as straightforward. One half of a couple Levit works with makes a lot of money, the other half doesn’t. Now that they’re planning to have a child, the low earner plans to stay home. The stay-at-home partner won’t have any income to contribute to her retirement savings and can’t count on tapping her spouse’s 401(k), so Levit recommended that the high earner make additional retirement provisions in the other’s name. Levit also advised the couple to title as much of their property jointly as possible to avoid complications passing on assets if one dies.“Planning for same-sex couples is all about equalizing the estate, because there isn’t the same opportunity to split up the assets in death or divorce,” says Levit.Levit also made sure the clients had healthcare-proxy documentation in place. “I recommend that couples keep a copy of their healthcare proxy or power-of-attorney with them even when they’re traveling, because other states may not recognize them as spouses,” she says.Still, Levit says that specializing in financial planning for non-traditional couples isn’t all about circumventing roadblocks. “There are plenty of ways where you can save these people money through smart planning,” she says. “You can help unmarried couples so much by doing that.”The state says we’re married, the feds say we’re not. What gives? Massachusetts-based financial planner Dana Levit regularly fields that question from clients. That’s because in 2004 the state of Massachusetts legalized gay marriage, but gay couples who have tied the knot there still aren’t recognized as married by U.S. federal authorities.
http://blogs.wsj.com/financial-adviser/2009/12/17/filling-legal-gaps-for-same-sex-couples/
The Adam Lambert Problem
"Wrong track" poll numbers aren't just about the economy.
By Peggy Noonan
The news came in numbers and the numbers were fairly grim, all the grimmer for being unsurprising. A Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll reported this week that more than half of Americans, 55%, think America is on the wrong track, with only 33% saying it is going in the right direction. A stunning 66% say they're not confident that their children's lives will be better than their own (27% are).
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704238104574602470345172100.html/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
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Poll finds Jerry Brown still leads race for California governor, but Republicans gaining
By Juliet Williams
Democrat Jerry Brown may still be the presumed front-runner in next year's California governor's race, but a new poll indicates he shouldn't take that position for granted.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-california-governors-race-poll,0,3365766.story/
Calif. parks department to address equality for women, gays in response to lesbian ranger suit
By Associated Press
The California Department of Parks and Recreation is forming a task force to address equality issues for its women and gay employees. Parks officials said Thursday the move is part of a settlement with a lesbian park ranger who filed a harassment lawsuit in San Diego County.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-us-park-ranger-harassment,0,3430283.story/
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.MiamiHerald.com/gay/
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Video | North Carolina official in hot water after calling fellow commissioner’s late son ‘a homo’
During a debate about domestic partner benefits in Mecklenburg County, N.C., Commissioner Vilma Leake spoke passionately in favor, revealing that her son had been gay and died of AIDS. Fellow Commissioner Bill James leaned to Leake and responded: "Your son was a homo?"
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-north-carolina-official-in-hot-water-after-calling-fellow-commissioners-late-son-a-homo.html/
Video | ‘A Single Man’ director Tom Ford singled out for Oscar buzz
AP video:
Fashion director turned director Tom Ford talks about his debut feature film, A Single Man, which is nominated in 3 categories at the Golden Globes.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-a-single-man-director-tom-ford-singled-out-for-oscar-buzz.html/
Reggae star Banton will be transferred to Tampa
By JENNIFER KAY, Associated Press
Grammy-nominated Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton will fight a drug charge against him in Tampa instead of Miami.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/reggae-star-banton-will-be-transferred-to-tampa.html/
Video | HIV/AIDS Community Discussion held Nov. 20 at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale
The White House has posted a video of its HIV/AIDS Community Discussion held Nov. 20, 2009, at Dillard High School in Fort Lauderdale:
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/video-hivaids-community-discussion-held-nov-20-at-dillard-high-school-in-fort-lauderdale.html/
New report documents ‘Decade of Progress’ on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality in America
News release from the LGBT Movement Advancement Project and the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr., Fund:
Study points to dramatic gains between 2000 and 2009
SAN FRANCISCO – As the decade draws to a close, a new report shows the past 10 years have been a period of dramatic gains in equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in America. Two-thirds of the 36 statistical indicators compiled in A Decade of Progress on LGBT Rights showed significant advances, including sharp increases in the number of LGBT Americans protected by nondiscrimination and family recognition legislation at the state level. Less than one quarter of the indicators were negative, and four showed mixed results. The report is a joint project of the LGBT Movement Advancement Project and the Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr., Fund.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2009/12/new-report-documents-decade-of-progress-on-lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-equality-in-america.html/
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
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Spanish lawmakers vote to ease abortion law
By DANIEL WOOLLS
MADRID -- Lawmakers voted to ease Spain's abortion law Thursday, approving a bill to allow the procedure without restrictions up to 14 weeks. The change would bring this traditionally Roman Catholic country in line with its more secular neighbors in northern Europe.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/world/AP/story/1386316.html/
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
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Antigay Sen. DeMint's Website Hacked?
By Julie Bolcer
Unusual content on the campaign Web site for U.S. Senator Jim DeMint, the South Carolina Republican who recently said he found the idea of a gay president “immoral,” raised questions about whether the site was hacked.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Was_DeMint_Web_site_Hacked_/
Hate Crime Suspected in Puerto Rico
By Julie Bolcer
Investigators in Puerto Rico are questioning whether hate motivated the murder of an unidentified man believed to have been gay who was found dead inside the Motel Las Colinas in Ponce on Wednesday. The victim's throat had been slit.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Hate_Crime_Feared_in_Puerto_Rico/
Tot Suspended Over Hair Length, Misses Classmates
A prekindergarten student in Texas has been sent to in-school suspension because his hair was deemed too long.
http://www.advocate.com//article.aspx?id=104372/
Gately Widower Files Columnist Complaint
By Julie Bolcer
The civil partner of deceased British singer Stephen Gately (pictured) has filed a formal complaint about Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir, who called the circumstances of his death “sleazy” and criticized same-sex partnerships in an article published one day before the funeral.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Gately_Widower_Files_Columist_Complaint/
Prop 8 Case Could Be Televised
By Julie Bolcer
The federal challenge to Proposition 8 could be televised under a new experimental program authorized by the Judicial Council of the 9th Circuit.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Prop_8_Case_Could_Be_Televised/
Auschwitz Sign Stolen
By Julie Bolcer
Police reported Friday that the infamous “Arbeit Macht Frei” (“Work Sets You Free”) sign over the gate to the Auschwitz memorial in Poland had been stolen. According to The New York Times,the Polish police believe the iron sign was taken between 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. by unscrewing it on one side and pulling it off on the other.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/18/Auschwitz_Sign_Stolen/
BBC Sort of Sorry for Headline
By Neal Broverman
After a poll appeared yesterday on the BBC's website that initially asked "Should Homosexuals Face Execution?" the director of BBC World Service, Peter Horrocks, apologized if it caused any offense.
http://www.advocate.com//News/Daily_News/2009/12/17/BBC_Sort_of_Sorry_for_Headline/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
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Groups spend $9.6 m in Maine gay marriage vote
By The Associated Press
Campaign finance reports show that the two sides in the ballot fight that overturned Maine’s gay marriage law spent $9.6 million.
http://www.365gay.com/news/groups-spend-9-6-m-in-maine-gay-marriage-vote/
RuPaul as….Sarah Palin?
By 365gay Newswire
From John Polly at our sister site NewNowNext.com: ‘Tis the season for another hot-topic-worthy ready shot of RuPaul, and this time she’s “Going Vogue!” Watch out, Grandma Palin. Ru’s got on her red anorak and she’s ready to govern! And I’m guessing Ru knows her way around a lumberjack. Plus, I’m sure Ru also knows all about laying some serious Alaskan pipeline.
http://www.365gay.com/news/rupaul-as-sarah-palin/
Corvino: A story of comfort and joy
By John Corvino, columnist, 365gay.com
Allow me to share a favorite holiday story. It was late-November 1989, a year after I first came out. I had been dating a guy named Michael for over a month, which made him (in my mind, at least) my first “real” boyfriend. I was twenty and he was turning twenty-two, and we decided to drive into the city to celebrate his birthday.
http://www.365gay.com/news/corvino-a-story-of-comfort-and-joy/
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
Gay Europe minister Chris Bryant attacks BBC's 'ludicrous mistake' on gay execution debate
Minister for Europe Chris Bryant has attacked the BBC for holding a debate on whether gays should be executed. Bryant, who is gay, told PinkNews.co.uk he would be writing to the BBC's World Service director Peter Horrocks to demand an explanation.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/gay-europe-minister-chris-bryant-attacks-bbcs-ludicrous-mistake-on-gay-execution-debate/
Convictions for homophobic hate crime increase
Figures from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) have shown a ten per cent rise in four years in the numbers of people being convicted for homophobic and transphobic hate crimes.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/convictions-for-homophobic-hate-crime-increase/
Ugandan parliament to debate anti-gay bill today
Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill will be discussed in the country's parliament today. It is thought that this debate will follow a second reading and a vote will be taken in January after a third reading.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/ugandan-parliament-to-debate-anti-gay-bill-today/
Canadian MP's Christmas card attacked by homophobes
A gay Canadian MP who sent out a Christmas card featuring himself and his husband has been attacked by homophobes on the internet. Nova Scotia Liberal MP Scott Brison's personalised card shows him and husband Maxime St Pierre on a walk with their dog.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/canadian-mps-christmas-card-attacked-by-homophobes/
Gay club owner goes into administration
Popbarz, the owner of gay clubs such as Ghetto in London, has gone into administration. Its administrators Ideal Corporate Solutions said it had suffered a “significant downturn in trade” .
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/gay-club-owner-goes-into-administration/
Man who killed gay council worker has sentence reduced
A man who murdered a gay council officer has had his prison sentenced reduced by two years. David Meehan, who was 19 at the time, admitted murdering James Kerr, 51, in a public park and leaving him for dead while he and his accomplices went to a party.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/man-who-killed-gay-council-worker-has-sentence-reduced/
Former drag queen accuses boss of homophobia
A gay man who once worked as a drag queen is suing his boss for unfair dismissal and sexual orientation discrimination. Dean Awford claims David Gray was homophobic and referred to him as "she" in front of customers.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/18/15453/
Stephen Gately's widower makes official complaint about Jan Moir column
Stephen Gately's civil partner has made an official complaint to the Press Complaints Commission about Daily Mail columnist Jan Moir's article on his death. Andrew Cowles cited breaches of accuracy, intrusion into grief or shock and discrimination.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/stephen-gatelys-widower-makes-official-complaint-about-jan-moir-column/
Portugal tipped to allow gay marriage
Portugal's government is drawing up a law to allow gay marriage. According to Associated Press, the legislative change would remove any references to gender and if passed, would come in to force by April.
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/12/17/portugal-tipped-to-allow-gay-marriage/
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Daily Queer News
http://www.dailyqueernews.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
Fairfax race to replace Cuccinelli a study in contrasts
By Harley Dennett
Virginia Partisans, the state’s gay Democratic group, was slated Thursday to endorse Del. David Marsden to fill incoming Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s state Senate seat. Marsden told DC Agenda that he was “proud to accept” the group’s endorsement.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/17/fairfax-race-to-replace-cuccinelli-a-study-in-contrasts/
Calif. man could become first openly gay dad in Congress
by Chris Johnson
The mayor of Palm Springs is making a bid to become the first openly gay member of Congress who’s married with children. Steve Pougnet, 46, a Democrat, is seeking to oust Republican incumbent Mary Bono Mack next year to represent California’s 45th district in the U.S. House. A win for Pougnet would make him the fourth sitting openly gay member of Congress.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/17/calif-man-could-become-first-openly-gay-dad-in-congress%C2%A0/
Parker’s win hailed as major breakthrough
By Chris Johnson
Gay rights advocates are heralding the victory of a lesbian official in her bid to become mayor of Houston as a triumph for LGBT Americans. Annise Parker, a Democrat and city controller for Houston, won the city’s Dec. 12 mayoral election by taking 53 percent of the vote. Her win marks the seventh time she’s won a citywide election in Houston and makes the city the most populous in the country to elect an openly LGBT mayor. She takes office Jan. 4.
http://dcagenda.com/2009/12/17/parker%E2%80%99s-win-hailed-as-major-breakthrough/
Cameras In Court OK'd In California: Gay Marriage Trial Could Be First Up
Erin Geiger Smith
The must-see TV of David Boies, Ted Olson & The Gay Marriage Debate could soon be hitting your flatscreen.
http://www.businessinsider.com/cameras-in-court-okd-in-california-gay-marriage-trial-first-up-2009-12/
German referee takes legal action after homophobic rant by Arminia Bielefeld coach
German referee Georg Schalk is taking legal action against Arminia Bielefeld assistant coach Frank Eulberg who allegedly called him a "dirty homosexual" after a second division match last week.
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Following his team's 3-2 defeat at Dusseldorf, Eulberg went over to the referee to vent his fury, before telling the press that "the dirty homosexual" laughed in his face.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/6787882/German-referee-takes-legal-action-after-homophobic-rant-by-Arminia-Bielefeld-coach.html/
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