**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:
-In London's Mayoral Campaign, a Conservative Jokes His Way Into Contention
LONDON - The Conservative politician Boris Johnson bounded through BoroughMarket the other day like some kind of hyper-articulate Labrador, trawlingfor votes in the May 1 mayoral election.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/world/europe/01mayor.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=GAY&st=nyt&oref=slogin
-Hamas's Insults to Jews Complicate Peace Effort
GAZA - In the Katib Wilayat mosque one recent Friday, the imam wasdiscussing the wiliness of the Jew.
"Jews are a people who cannot be trusted," Imam Yousif al-Zahar of Hamastold the faithful. "They have been traitors to all agreements - go back tohistory. Their fate is their vanishing. Look what they are doing to us."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/world/middleeast/01hamas.html?hp
-U.S. to Require States to Use a Single School Dropout Formula
Moving to sweep away the tangle of inaccurate state data that has obscuredthe severity of the nation's high school dropout crisis, Secretary ofEducation Margaret Spellings will require all states to use one federalformula to calculate graduation and dropout rates, Bush administrationofficials said on Monday.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/education/01child.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Campaign.USA
With the Internet Comes a New Political 'Clickocracy'
We saw it coming.
Just as MySpace and Facebook change the way we communicate, just as YouTubealters the way we entertain ourselves, just as eBay and iTunes modify theway we shop, the Internet is transforming the way we engage with thisnever-ending presidential campaign.
-Campaign.USA: With the Internet Comes a New Political 'Clickocracy'
We saw it coming.
Just as MySpace and Facebook change the way we communicate, just as YouTubealters the way we entertain ourselves, just as eBay and iTunes modify theway we shop, the Internet is transforming the way we engage with thisnever-ending presidential campaign.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102856.html
-McCain's Free Ride
Quite a "defining moment" in Iraq, wasn't it? At this rate, John McCain isgoing to be proved right: The war will last a century.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102157.html
-Clinton's Real Choice
Chill out.
More specifically: "We're going to win this election, if we just chill outand let everybody have their say."
Thus, Bill Clinton's advice to Democrats who are gnashing their collectiveteeth over whether the extended struggle between Hillary Clinton and BarackObama will cause their party to lose an election it once seemed certain towin.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102153.html
-What a Headscarf Can Mean
It can be a little wisp of fabric, nothing more. It comes in longerversions, shorter versions, versions that cover the hair, others that coverthe face. According to Le Monde, you can even get a Viennese stylist todesign one in the manner of "Catherine Zeta-Jones and Naomi Campbell," witha whiff of supermodel glamour.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102150.html
-Zimbabwe Teeters
With the help of its neighbors, a country could be rescued from autocracy.
ZIMBABWE IS at a familiar tipping point. There is growing evidence that apresidential and parliamentary election held Saturday was won by theopposition -- mandating, at long last, the retirement of 84-year-oldPresident Robert Mugabe. But there's been a suspicious and prolonged delayin the announcement of the voting results: By late yesterday the officialelection commission had reported tallies from only 66 of 210 parliamentarydistricts, and none from the presidential election. It seems pretty clearthat Mr. Mugabe, whose misrule has all but destroyed Zimbabwe during thepast decade, hopes to steal the election and enforce his decision with thepolice and army.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102429.html
-Holding Pattern
The demise of New York's passenger bill of rights puts the spotlight onCongress.
WELL, IT WAS a good try. The New York state law that sought to bring alittle dignity to flying by requiring air carriers to provide fresh air,lights, functioning restrooms and "adequate food and drinking water" duringa delay of three hours or more at John F. Kennedy or La Guardia airports wasstruck down by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit. The rationale:Regulation of the airlines is a federal, not a state, function. As much aswe want air carriers not to treat passengers like cattle, we're not unhappywith this outcome. State micromanagement of their operations is not the wayto bring carriers in line.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033102405.html
-Bush Pushes NATO Membership for Ukraine, Georgia
KIEV, Ukraine, April 1 -- President Bush championed expansion of NATOfurther into the former Soviet Union on Tuesday and declared that Russia"will not have a veto" over the alliance's decision this week about whetherto put Ukraine and Georgia on a path to membership.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/01/AR2008040100686.html?hpid=topnews
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Who'll Stop the Pain?
Gore and Edwards may have the most party clout. But there's only one personHillary will finally listen to. Her name isn't Bill.
http://nymag.com/news/politics/powergrid/45604/
-Bush's Last Laugh
In the recent history of presidential campaigning, April is the time whenhope springs eternal. When every Democratic general election candidate--Michael Dukakis! John Kerry!--looks like he might have the stuffto pull off a landslide. It is the time to heal from the knocks and bruisessuffered during the primary season. You raise money, you begin building acase for the fall, you vet vice presidential candidates, you start to knockaround your opponent, and you still have time to head to Florida to work onyour tan.
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=0f6390f1-526e-4509-9321-8f886c529b3c
-Bare-knuckle politics
Why is Clinton fighting so hard? Because history shows it works.
At any time other than in the midst of a heated electoral battle, it's hardto imagine that Nancy Pelosi would attract much controversy by opining thatthe Democratic Party's nominee for president should be the candidate whowins the most votes. The House speaker has done just that, last week drawingan angry backlash from wealthy supporters of Hillary Rodham Clinton.
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/la-oe-nugumbel31mar31,0,343914.story?track=rss
-Dem elite working for June solution
Hoping to avoid a summer-long bloodbath for the Democratic presidentialnomination, some party leaders such as Tennessee Gov. Phil Bredesen haveurged a convention of superdelegates in June, after the caucuses andprimaries are over.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9272.html
-McCain polls well amid war, economic worries
WASHINGTON (AP) - He robustly backs the unpopular Iraq war. The U.S. economyis in a tailspin under the stewardship of President Bush, a fellowRepublican whose favorable ratings with Americans stands at 30% or lower.
His stance on some hot-button American issues like immigration rankle hisparty's conservative base.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/2008-03-30-mccain-poll_N.htm?csp=34
=
Politico.com
http://www.politico.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Clinton's convention strategy in doubt
If the fight over whether to count the results in Florida and Michigan makesit to the Democratic National Convention, Hillary Clinton will not haveenough pledged votes on the 169-member Credentials Committee to deliver amajority decision in her favor, according to an analysis conducted forPolitico.
http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0308/9298.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
FLORIDA DIGEST April 1, 2008
**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.
=
There are still tickets available for our intimate evening with ElliottTiber, "the gay man who helped give birth to the Woodstock Nation.
"When? Tuesday, April 1, 6:30 pm
Where? Fort Lauderdale's Cinema Paradiso (503 SE 6th St)
What? An intimate cocktail reception with
In 1958, Tiber, then the 23-year-old president of the White Lake Chamber ofCommerce, granted himself a permit to run a music and art festival on thethree swampy acres of lawn of his motel El Monaco in the Catskills.
Please join us on Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 PM at Cinema Paradiso, for thischance to meet Mr. Tiber. We also encourage you to stay for the 8:00screening of his docu-comedy film "Woodstock: Ticket to Freedom"... thestory of how a gay Jewish man from Brooklyn went on to become one of thismost influential figures of the Woodstock nation. Mr. Tiber will alsodiscuss and be signing copies of his new book "Taking Woodstock."
Tickets for the reception are limited and are $20 for members, $25 fornon-members. Tickets for the film screening are $8.00 General Admission /$7.00 Students and Seniors / $5.00 FLIFF members. Cinema Paradiso hasgenerously offered to donate a potion of the ticket sales to Stonewall.
For cocktail reception reservations, please contact:
Jack Rutland, Executive Director
Stonewall Library & Archives
954-763-8565
Jack-rutland@stonewall-library.org
=
On Thursday April 3rd, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Details Magazine,Converse Sneakers and David Barton Gym are throwing an in store event insupport of the 20th Anniversary of AIDS Walk Miami benefiting Care Resource,the GLCC of South Florida, Broward House and Food for Life Network. Mediasponsors are 411 Magazine, Express, and Mark's List. Festivities include anevening of fashion shows, fitness and entertainment with DJ Producer OrenNizri, fitness tips from David Barton Gym, custom sneaker tagging byConverse Sneakers, Wii games, drinks, food, raffles and prizes. There willbe a $25 donation for admission that will benefit AIDS Walk but for thateach person receives a $25 electronic gift card from Saks Fifth Avenue BalHarbour that they can then apply to any Men's Contemporary purchase thatevening. To RSVP call 305-576-1234 X257, 954-587-7141 X257.
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Businesses need right to ban guns
For three years, the National Rifle Association has been pushing a law thatwould invite armed violence in Florida workplaces. The measure would limitemployers' ability to ban weapons from their premises - and trample theright of businesses to decide what happens on their private property. TheHouse passed the bill last week without meaningful debate and largely alongparty lines.
http://www.bradenton.com/opinion/story/502055.html
-Q & A: How the national financial overhaul affects you
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Monday proposed a major overhaul of thefederal government's regulation of the nation's financial system -- from thenation's biggest banks and investment houses to insurance companies andmortgage brokers.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/custom/consumer/sfl-brackey-qa-0331,0,6369926.story
-Congressional delegation tells Tallahassee: Don't cut Everglades money
WASHINGTON - Members of South Florida's congressional delegation Mondaywarned legislative leaders not to eliminate spending next year forEverglades restoration.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/state/epaper/2008/03/31/everglades01.html
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward schools face biggest cuts in state from legislators
TALLAHASSEE - South Florida this year may be forced to absorb more than halfof the public school spending cuts being proposed by the state House - inpart because the region is losing students faster than other part of thestate.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flfschools0401sbapr01,0,2164147.story
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
There are still tickets available for our intimate evening with ElliottTiber, "the gay man who helped give birth to the Woodstock Nation.
"When? Tuesday, April 1, 6:30 pm
Where? Fort Lauderdale's Cinema Paradiso (503 SE 6th St)
What? An intimate cocktail reception with
In 1958, Tiber, then the 23-year-old president of the White Lake Chamber ofCommerce, granted himself a permit to run a music and art festival on thethree swampy acres of lawn of his motel El Monaco in the Catskills.
Please join us on Tuesday, April 1, at 6:30 PM at Cinema Paradiso, for thischance to meet Mr. Tiber. We also encourage you to stay for the 8:00screening of his docu-comedy film "Woodstock: Ticket to Freedom"... thestory of how a gay Jewish man from Brooklyn went on to become one of thismost influential figures of the Woodstock nation. Mr. Tiber will alsodiscuss and be signing copies of his new book "Taking Woodstock."
Tickets for the reception are limited and are $20 for members, $25 fornon-members. Tickets for the film screening are $8.00 General Admission /$7.00 Students and Seniors / $5.00 FLIFF members. Cinema Paradiso hasgenerously offered to donate a potion of the ticket sales to Stonewall.
For cocktail reception reservations, please contact:
Jack Rutland, Executive Director
Stonewall Library & Archives
954-763-8565
Jack-rutland@stonewall-library.org
=
On Thursday April 3rd, Saks Fifth Avenue Bal Harbour, Details Magazine,Converse Sneakers and David Barton Gym are throwing an in store event insupport of the 20th Anniversary of AIDS Walk Miami benefiting Care Resource,the GLCC of South Florida, Broward House and Food for Life Network. Mediasponsors are 411 Magazine, Express, and Mark's List. Festivities include anevening of fashion shows, fitness and entertainment with DJ Producer OrenNizri, fitness tips from David Barton Gym, custom sneaker tagging byConverse Sneakers, Wii games, drinks, food, raffles and prizes. There willbe a $25 donation for admission that will benefit AIDS Walk but for thateach person receives a $25 electronic gift card from Saks Fifth Avenue BalHarbour that they can then apply to any Men's Contemporary purchase thatevening. To RSVP call 305-576-1234 X257, 954-587-7141 X257.
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Businesses need right to ban guns
For three years, the National Rifle Association has been pushing a law thatwould invite armed violence in Florida workplaces. The measure would limitemployers' ability to ban weapons from their premises - and trample theright of businesses to decide what happens on their private property. TheHouse passed the bill last week without meaningful debate and largely alongparty lines.
http://www.bradenton.com/opinion/story/502055.html
-Q & A: How the national financial overhaul affects you
Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Monday proposed a major overhaul of thefederal government's regulation of the nation's financial system -- from thenation's biggest banks and investment houses to insurance companies andmortgage brokers.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/custom/consumer/sfl-brackey-qa-0331,0,6369926.story
-Congressional delegation tells Tallahassee: Don't cut Everglades money
WASHINGTON - Members of South Florida's congressional delegation Mondaywarned legislative leaders not to eliminate spending next year forEverglades restoration.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/politics/content/state/epaper/2008/03/31/everglades01.html
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward schools face biggest cuts in state from legislators
TALLAHASSEE - South Florida this year may be forced to absorb more than halfof the public school spending cuts being proposed by the state House - inpart because the region is losing students faster than other part of thestate.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flfschools0401sbapr01,0,2164147.story
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Monday, March 31, 2008
GLBT DIGEST March 31, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
Florida's Nude Beaches - The State of the Art
by Jesse Monteagudo
jessemonteagudo@aol.com
Florida is a great state with horrible rulers. This seems to be the casewith Florida's clothing-optional beaches, or the absence of them. Accordingto Michael Boyd, editor of Naked Places: A Guide for Gay Men to NudeRecreation and Travel, "Florida should be a nude beach paradise, but itsimply is not. There is a clash of cultures at play in the state.
Florida's mild weather and beautiful beaches have made it popular with gay men andwith international tourists form places where beach nudity is notcontroversial. Despite such cosmopolitan influences, Florida is still verymuch part of the Bible Belt. Florida has a state anti-nudity law, and thereare hardly any places where authorities leave nude sunbathers alone." In aprevious article I wrote about Florida's gay nudist scene - Fort Lauderdaleand Key West are two of the three capitals of gay nude recreation in the US;Palm Springs, California being the third - as manifested in its gay nudistclubs and clothing-optional resorts. Here I will limit my scope to Florida'snude beaches, and here the news are both good and bad.
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gay Couple Loses Benefits With Move
EAGLE, Idaho (AP) -- What they didn't know before moving to Idaho could filla house, and in many ways it does.
The kitchen table holds stacks of legal papers. Medication bottles litter anearby countertop. The two-story home Robert Ryan, 42, shares with hispartner, Ralph Martinelli, 53, overlooks a quaint suburb west of Boise, arural landscape of ruddy hills that doesn't seem quite as welcoming as itonce did.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Lost-Benefits.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Vatican Sees Pope's Visit as Chance to Soften Image
WASHINGTON - When Pope Benedict XVI makes his first papal trip to the UnitedStates in April, he will be guided by a seasoned Vatican ambassador who seesthe visit as an opportunity to introduce a little-known pope to a complexset of audiences: American Catholics, Americans in general and globalopinion leaders.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/31papal.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-As he recited vows of commitment Saturday, Frank Vasquez stopped speaking,overcome with emotion.
He got past the snag only after partner Paul Datti leaned over theirdouble-clasped hands and kissed him, setting off sympathetic laughter fromthe crowd at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center at Penn State. Vasquezand Datti were one of four couples in what Pennsylvania Human RelationsCommission Chairman Steve Glassman guessed was the largest-ever same-sexcommitment ceremony held in public in Pennsylvania.
-Arizona: A state oversight panel is expected to decide Tuesday morningwhether to green-light a proposal that would expand state benefits to thedomestic partners of state employees, gay or straight. The seven-memberGovernor's Regulatory Review Council, which has final say on administrativerule changes such as this, is expected to take public comment on theproposal. The benefits expansion has been a lightning rod for controversysince it first came to light in early December. In short, it would allowstate employees with domestic partners to claim the same benefits as marriedcouples, the biggest of which is coverage under the state health plan.
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Brendan Fay and Tom Moulton, made famous when their wedding image was usedin Polish President Lech Kaczynski's Address to scare the Polish peopleagainst supporting the Lisbon Treaty, arrived to Warsaw for a three-dayvisit. The visit was sponsored by TVN television. They were greeted by amedia frenzy at the airport, mobbed by reporters. Their first day in Polandwas an opportunity to meet with Polish gay rights leaders Tomasz Szypula andGreg Czarnecki from the Campaign Against Homophobia (KPH) as well as othermembers of the LGBT community. Fay and Moulton were eager to get to knowabout the situation and issues of LGBT people in the East European nation.
-Some sites with footage of Fay and Moutlon's first day in Poland (click onthe video windows, some are in Polish):
http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Wiadomosci/1,80269,5069665.html
http://www.onet.tv/28962,4451,1,3352551,1,1,0,0,wideo.html
http://www.tvn24.pl/-1,1544157,wiadomosc.html
http://www.superstacja.com/8a79e1b4af6e37e26c26256dab070a98,video,show
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-600 Polish Intellectuals Apologize to US Gays For Prez's Homophobia
http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2008/03/600-polish-intellectuals-apologize-to.html
-Doyle Survey Shows Vermont Voters Favor Same-Sex Marriage
Vemont: A majority of nearly 7,000 Vermonters completing opinionsurveys on Town Meeting Day said they favor same-sex marriage. 54-percentsaid they support allowing gay couples to marry while 37-percent wereopposed. That represents an 8-per cent jump in support for same-sex marriagein the last year, noted Johnson State College political science professor and stateSen. William Doyle of Washington County who compiles the results each March.
- ILGA-Europe Letter to Ukrainian Officials
IGLHRC and ILGA-Europe responded jointly to a request from colleagues in theUkraine about a situation involving the violation of freedom of expressionand discrimination based on sexual orientation.
-AIDS/Journalist-to-Journalist Program
The Journalist to Journalist Project of the National Press Foundation willconduct a four-day training program on HIV/AIDS in Mexico City , Mexicoprior to IAC 2008, the 17th International AIDS Conference. This biennialconference brings together HIV scientists, policy-makers and globalstakeholders in HIV/AIDS. Fellowships including air travel, lodging, perdiem, and most meals are open to journalists who have covered HIV/AIDS andhealth for five or more years. The deadline for applications is 31 March2008. Twenty fellowships will be awarded to qualified print, broadcast, andonline journalists.
http://us.f651.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=programs@nationalpress.org
-Traveling exhibit explores Nazi persecution of gays
Rhode Island: In Nazi Germany, some gay men were castrated and prosecutedunder draconian laws prohibiting homosexuality. Others were subjected tocrude medical experiments designed to "correct" their sexual orientation. Gay menin concentration camps were singled out with distinctive pink trianglebadges and assigned backbreaking labor that often killed them.
A traveling exhibit from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum usesphotographs, documents and artwork to chronicle the Nazis' arrests andpersecution of tens of thousands of gay men from 1933 to 1945.
The exhibit, which is on display through the end of the month at theUniversity of Rhode Island, gives voice to what its curator describes as"one of the lesser-known stories of the Nazi era."
www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.nazis30mar30,0,1976475.story
=
Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-IA Gay Marriage Ban Attracts National Attention
A national gay rights organization is filing arguments in a case that willdecide whether Iowa's ban on same sex marriage is legal.
http://www.kcautv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8087100&nav=1kgl
-Five Years In Tracking a Marine Lost at Home
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - A week after Eric W. Hall disappeared into the woodsof Southwest Florida, his mother stood in a parking lot overlooking the Gulfof Mexico. She had asked for volunteers. Would they come?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/31war.html?ex=1364616000&en=c77d31ac34dd2dc4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
-Gay Marine opts for path 'out'
Jeff Key, now of Salt Lake City, stars in play recounting his decision toleave service
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8745653?source=rss
-Is Gay Marriage Ban Constitutional?
Analysts, citing various state high court rulings, disagree on how the issueis likely to be resolved.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/crime/la-me-gaymarriage28mar28b,1,2210171.story
-Teepen: Hillary's so desperate she's joined the right wing in attackingObama
Apparently Hillary Clinton was finding the going against Barack Obama tootough, so she's switched to running against another, easier opponent. Incommon with right-wing talk radio, which is in full howl on the matter, shehas started running against the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/search/content/shared/news/stories/2008/03/TEEPEN_COLUMN_0328_COX.html
-Ex-gay speaker at HC sparks controversy on campus
A presentation slated for Monday already has provoked much debate amongHastings College students and members of the Hastings community.
Guest speaker Mike Haley is a man who identified himself as gay for 12 yearsas a teen and young adult, but says he has come out of homosexuality. He nowworks as director of the Homosexuality and Gender department for the publicpolicy division of Focus on the Family, a Colorado Springs, Colo.-basedChristian organization. Haley is also on the speaker's bureau for ExodusInternational, which describes itself as a "nonprofit, interdenominationalChristian organization promoting the message of 'freedom from homosexualitythrough the power of Jesus Christ.' "
http://www.hastingstribune.com/news32608_speaker.html
-Sermon to address wrongs of intolerance
Just as the Christian church has done many wonderful things throughouthistory, the Rev. Richard Mark Lee says, it also has done many terriblethings, such as targeting, judging and condemning various individuals andgroups.
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/03/29/apology0329g.html
-Gay couple attends Scottsboro High's prom
Judge rules schoolcannot ban pairfrom the festivities
SCOTTSBORO - Chelsea Overstreet and Lauren Martin were like many otherScottsboro High School girls Saturday afternoon, both nervous and excitedabout going to their first prom in a only a few hours.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1206868560229520.xml&coll=1
-'Out at the Library' comes to Missoula
The exhibit "Out at the Library" - a history of gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender culture - is coming to the Missoula Public Library in mid-April.
Missoula is one of only a dozen libraries across the country to display theexhibit, which was organized and circulated by the San Francisco Library in2006 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its James C. Hormel Gay &Lesbian Center.
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/03/30/news/mtregional/news09.txt
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Roger N. Taber: aspects of a gay poet's life in verse
I mentioned to friends how, on most days, I enjoy dipping into my own poetrycollections, and re-creating the mood in which I wrote a certain poem andwhatever (or whoever) may have inspired it. They encouraged me to sharethese experiences and write this Blog in Verse, comprising poems meant toconvey a pot pourri of thoughts, images and memories that have causedsadness, even depression over a period of years - to the present day andbeyond. Meanwhile.all lasting relationships - gay or straight - need to beworked at but, oh, the rich rewards! Link to the poetry is below:
http://journals.aol.co.uk/rogertab/aspecstofagaymanslifeinverse/
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Florida's Nude Beaches - The State of the Art
by Jesse Monteagudo
jessemonteagudo@aol.com
Florida is a great state with horrible rulers. This seems to be the casewith Florida's clothing-optional beaches, or the absence of them. Accordingto Michael Boyd, editor of Naked Places: A Guide for Gay Men to NudeRecreation and Travel, "Florida should be a nude beach paradise, but itsimply is not. There is a clash of cultures at play in the state.
Florida's mild weather and beautiful beaches have made it popular with gay men andwith international tourists form places where beach nudity is notcontroversial. Despite such cosmopolitan influences, Florida is still verymuch part of the Bible Belt. Florida has a state anti-nudity law, and thereare hardly any places where authorities leave nude sunbathers alone." In aprevious article I wrote about Florida's gay nudist scene - Fort Lauderdaleand Key West are two of the three capitals of gay nude recreation in the US;Palm Springs, California being the third - as manifested in its gay nudistclubs and clothing-optional resorts. Here I will limit my scope to Florida'snude beaches, and here the news are both good and bad.
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gay Couple Loses Benefits With Move
EAGLE, Idaho (AP) -- What they didn't know before moving to Idaho could filla house, and in many ways it does.
The kitchen table holds stacks of legal papers. Medication bottles litter anearby countertop. The two-story home Robert Ryan, 42, shares with hispartner, Ralph Martinelli, 53, overlooks a quaint suburb west of Boise, arural landscape of ruddy hills that doesn't seem quite as welcoming as itonce did.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/us/AP-Lost-Benefits.html?scp=3&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Vatican Sees Pope's Visit as Chance to Soften Image
WASHINGTON - When Pope Benedict XVI makes his first papal trip to the UnitedStates in April, he will be guided by a seasoned Vatican ambassador who seesthe visit as an opportunity to introduce a little-known pope to a complexset of audiences: American Catholics, Americans in general and globalopinion leaders.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/31papal.html?scp=4&sq=gay&st=nyt
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-As he recited vows of commitment Saturday, Frank Vasquez stopped speaking,overcome with emotion.
He got past the snag only after partner Paul Datti leaned over theirdouble-clasped hands and kissed him, setting off sympathetic laughter fromthe crowd at Alumni Hall in the HUB-Robeson Center at Penn State. Vasquezand Datti were one of four couples in what Pennsylvania Human RelationsCommission Chairman Steve Glassman guessed was the largest-ever same-sexcommitment ceremony held in public in Pennsylvania.
-Arizona: A state oversight panel is expected to decide Tuesday morningwhether to green-light a proposal that would expand state benefits to thedomestic partners of state employees, gay or straight. The seven-memberGovernor's Regulatory Review Council, which has final say on administrativerule changes such as this, is expected to take public comment on theproposal. The benefits expansion has been a lightning rod for controversysince it first came to light in early December. In short, it would allowstate employees with domestic partners to claim the same benefits as marriedcouples, the biggest of which is coverage under the state health plan.
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-Brendan Fay and Tom Moulton, made famous when their wedding image was usedin Polish President Lech Kaczynski's Address to scare the Polish peopleagainst supporting the Lisbon Treaty, arrived to Warsaw for a three-dayvisit. The visit was sponsored by TVN television. They were greeted by amedia frenzy at the airport, mobbed by reporters. Their first day in Polandwas an opportunity to meet with Polish gay rights leaders Tomasz Szypula andGreg Czarnecki from the Campaign Against Homophobia (KPH) as well as othermembers of the LGBT community. Fay and Moulton were eager to get to knowabout the situation and issues of LGBT people in the East European nation.
-Some sites with footage of Fay and Moutlon's first day in Poland (click onthe video windows, some are in Polish):
http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Wiadomosci/1,80269,5069665.html
http://www.onet.tv/28962,4451,1,3352551,1,1,0,0,wideo.html
http://www.tvn24.pl/-1,1544157,wiadomosc.html
http://www.superstacja.com/8a79e1b4af6e37e26c26256dab070a98,video,show
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-600 Polish Intellectuals Apologize to US Gays For Prez's Homophobia
http://mpetrelis.blogspot.com/2008/03/600-polish-intellectuals-apologize-to.html
-Doyle Survey Shows Vermont Voters Favor Same-Sex Marriage
Vemont: A majority of nearly 7,000 Vermonters completing opinionsurveys on Town Meeting Day said they favor same-sex marriage. 54-percentsaid they support allowing gay couples to marry while 37-percent wereopposed. That represents an 8-per cent jump in support for same-sex marriagein the last year, noted Johnson State College political science professor and stateSen. William Doyle of Washington County who compiles the results each March.
- ILGA-Europe Letter to Ukrainian Officials
IGLHRC and ILGA-Europe responded jointly to a request from colleagues in theUkraine about a situation involving the violation of freedom of expressionand discrimination based on sexual orientation.
-AIDS/Journalist-to-Journalist Program
The Journalist to Journalist Project of the National Press Foundation willconduct a four-day training program on HIV/AIDS in Mexico City , Mexicoprior to IAC 2008, the 17th International AIDS Conference. This biennialconference brings together HIV scientists, policy-makers and globalstakeholders in HIV/AIDS. Fellowships including air travel, lodging, perdiem, and most meals are open to journalists who have covered HIV/AIDS andhealth for five or more years. The deadline for applications is 31 March2008. Twenty fellowships will be awarded to qualified print, broadcast, andonline journalists.
http://us.f651.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=programs@nationalpress.org
-Traveling exhibit explores Nazi persecution of gays
Rhode Island: In Nazi Germany, some gay men were castrated and prosecutedunder draconian laws prohibiting homosexuality. Others were subjected tocrude medical experiments designed to "correct" their sexual orientation. Gay menin concentration camps were singled out with distinctive pink trianglebadges and assigned backbreaking labor that often killed them.
A traveling exhibit from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum usesphotographs, documents and artwork to chronicle the Nazis' arrests andpersecution of tens of thousands of gay men from 1933 to 1945.
The exhibit, which is on display through the end of the month at theUniversity of Rhode Island, gives voice to what its curator describes as"one of the lesser-known stories of the Nazi era."
www.baltimoresun.com/news/nation/bal-te.nazis30mar30,0,1976475.story
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-IA Gay Marriage Ban Attracts National Attention
A national gay rights organization is filing arguments in a case that willdecide whether Iowa's ban on same sex marriage is legal.
http://www.kcautv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8087100&nav=1kgl
-Five Years In Tracking a Marine Lost at Home
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. - A week after Eric W. Hall disappeared into the woodsof Southwest Florida, his mother stood in a parking lot overlooking the Gulfof Mexico. She had asked for volunteers. Would they come?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/us/31war.html?ex=1364616000&en=c77d31ac34dd2dc4&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
-Gay Marine opts for path 'out'
Jeff Key, now of Salt Lake City, stars in play recounting his decision toleave service
http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_8745653?source=rss
-Is Gay Marriage Ban Constitutional?
Analysts, citing various state high court rulings, disagree on how the issueis likely to be resolved.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/crime/la-me-gaymarriage28mar28b,1,2210171.story
-Teepen: Hillary's so desperate she's joined the right wing in attackingObama
Apparently Hillary Clinton was finding the going against Barack Obama tootough, so she's switched to running against another, easier opponent. Incommon with right-wing talk radio, which is in full howl on the matter, shehas started running against the Rev. Jeremiah Wright.
http://www.daytondailynews.com/search/content/shared/news/stories/2008/03/TEEPEN_COLUMN_0328_COX.html
-Ex-gay speaker at HC sparks controversy on campus
A presentation slated for Monday already has provoked much debate amongHastings College students and members of the Hastings community.
Guest speaker Mike Haley is a man who identified himself as gay for 12 yearsas a teen and young adult, but says he has come out of homosexuality. He nowworks as director of the Homosexuality and Gender department for the publicpolicy division of Focus on the Family, a Colorado Springs, Colo.-basedChristian organization. Haley is also on the speaker's bureau for ExodusInternational, which describes itself as a "nonprofit, interdenominationalChristian organization promoting the message of 'freedom from homosexualitythrough the power of Jesus Christ.' "
http://www.hastingstribune.com/news32608_speaker.html
-Sermon to address wrongs of intolerance
Just as the Christian church has done many wonderful things throughouthistory, the Rev. Richard Mark Lee says, it also has done many terriblethings, such as targeting, judging and condemning various individuals andgroups.
http://www.ajc.com/search/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2008/03/29/apology0329g.html
-Gay couple attends Scottsboro High's prom
Judge rules schoolcannot ban pairfrom the festivities
SCOTTSBORO - Chelsea Overstreet and Lauren Martin were like many otherScottsboro High School girls Saturday afternoon, both nervous and excitedabout going to their first prom in a only a few hours.
http://www.al.com/news/huntsvilletimes/index.ssf?/base/news/1206868560229520.xml&coll=1
-'Out at the Library' comes to Missoula
The exhibit "Out at the Library" - a history of gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender culture - is coming to the Missoula Public Library in mid-April.
Missoula is one of only a dozen libraries across the country to display theexhibit, which was organized and circulated by the San Francisco Library in2006 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of its James C. Hormel Gay &Lesbian Center.
http://www.missoulian.com/articles/2008/03/30/news/mtregional/news09.txt
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Roger N. Taber: aspects of a gay poet's life in verse
I mentioned to friends how, on most days, I enjoy dipping into my own poetrycollections, and re-creating the mood in which I wrote a certain poem andwhatever (or whoever) may have inspired it. They encouraged me to sharethese experiences and write this Blog in Verse, comprising poems meant toconvey a pot pourri of thoughts, images and memories that have causedsadness, even depression over a period of years - to the present day andbeyond. Meanwhile.all lasting relationships - gay or straight - need to beworked at but, oh, the rich rewards! Link to the poetry is below:
http://journals.aol.co.uk/rogertab/aspecstofagaymanslifeinverse/
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST March 31, 2008
**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.
=
Inside Higher Education
-Among the Uninsured: 1.7 Million College Students
About 1.7 million traditional-aged college students, or 20 percent, areuninsured in the United States. And student health plans - offered by 57percent of all colleges - vary dramatically in terms of services covered,according to a new report on college students and health insurance releasedby the United States Government Accountability Office Friday.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/03/31/insurance
-The 11th Annual Technology Counts is here. This new report, a joint projectby Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education (EPE) ResearchCenter, is now available online at edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2008/03/27/index.html. During our edweek.orgOpen House, you can access the whole report for FREE! The report examinesthe K-12 community's response to the United States' perceived failings inpreparing young people to thrive in a high-tech global economy. While you'reat it, be sure to check out some of our past reports and our most recentedition of Quality Counts.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2008/01/10/index.html
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Belatedly Making Nice
George Bush and Vladimir Putin, after months of acrimony and years ofinaction, are suddenly ready to talk seriously about serious matters. Wehope it is not too late, since both are nearly at the end of theirpresidencies. There are certainly a lot of things they need to address.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/opinion/31mon1.html?ref=opinion
-The Baton Passes to Asia
It's the end of the era of the white man.I know your head is spinning. The world can feel like one of thosesplit-screen TVs with images of a suicide bombing in Baghdad flashing, andthe latest awful market news coursing along the bottom, and an ad for somestool-loosening wonder drug squeezed into a corner.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/opinion/31cohen.html?ref=opinion
-Race and the Social Contract
For all the appeal of America's melting pot, the country's diverse ethnicmix is one main reason for entrenched opposition to public spending on thepublic good.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/opinion/31mon4.html?ref=opinion
-Zimbabwe Opposition Insists Mugabe Lost
HARARE, Zimbabwe - The main opposition party pressed its claim Monday thatit had won a landslide election victory to unseat Zimbabwe President RobertG. Mugabe, but the government said nothing about the presidential vote 48hours after ballots had been cast. The only official announcement was thatboth sides were tied in early parliamentary results.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/world/africa/01zimbabwe.html?hp
-A Different Kind of Student Exam
JIM HENNESSY, a Darien High School junior, does not go to school dancesanymore. The 16-year-old is boycotting them because to get in, he has totake a test that he thinks is unfair: Before he and classmates are allowedto enter a dance, they are asked to breathe into a device to determinewhether they have consumed alcohol.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/30breathalyzerct.html
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Piercing This Bubble For Good
In the past two weeks, the Federal Reserve has lent or guaranteed at least$57 billion to investment banks. This sudden infusion, the first to WallStreet firms since the 1930s, underscores the financial emergency facing thenation. Yet just last June, the markets were euphoric. How, within ninemonths, could a lending bubble inflate to gargantuan proportions and thenburst into this credit market disaster?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001833.html
-Taking Exception
A Day in Court Denied
Last week, the Supreme Court heard a case from Shawqi Omar and Mohammad
Munaf, two American citizens held in a U.S. prison for more than three yearswithout access to lawyers or judges. Omar and Munaf are asking U.S. courtsto examine the legality of their detention at the hands of U.S. troops inIraq. Human rights groups agree that because the men are Sunni Muslims theywill probably be tortured if they are handed over to Iraqi authorities.
Whether U.S. courts can hear their legal challenge depends on whether thejustices can tell green from blue.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001834.html
-The Vienna Convention
The U.S. must ensure that arrested foreigners can contact their consulates.
JOS¿ ERNESTO Medell¿n is a Mexican national who has lived in the UnitedStates for most of his life. In 1993, he was arrested in connection with therape and murder of two Texas girls. Although he was read his Miranda rightsand was defended by two court-appointed lawyers, Texas law enforcementofficials failed to inform Mr. Medell¿n of his right under the ViennaConvention to notify the Mexican consulate of his arrest. Mr. Medell¿n wasultimately convicted and sentenced to death, but he failed to raise theVienna Convention argument at trial or during sentencing and did so infederal court only after he filed a habeas petition.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001777.html
-States Are Hit Hard by Economic Downturn
Many Cutbacks Felt by Most Needy
NEW YORK -- In Illinois' Cook County, women in poor neighborhoods no longerhave access to free mammograms from two mobile vans testing for breastcancer.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033002138.html?hpid=topnews
-First African American Is Elected Bishop of Diocese
Canon at National Cathedral Also Leads Pilgrimage Center
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has elected its first African Americanbishop: the Rev. Canon Eugene Taylor Sutton of Washington NationalCathedral.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001779.html?hpid=sec-religion
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The New Super Tuesday
Primaries in Indiana and North Carolina on May 6 may be the last chance toend the Dem race early.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/129585
-Obama's church gets pep talks
Congregation urged to remain strong
Members of Sen. Barack Obama's church got pep talks from the pulpit Sunday,as their new pastor and a representative from the national denominationurged them to stay strong in the coming months.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-wrightwatch_31mar31,1,3032137.story
-To working class, Clinton talks the talk
Blue-collar voters buoy candidacy
RALEIGH, N.C. - Hillary Clinton kicked off her North Carolina primarycampaign last week at a technical school that bills itself "College for theReal World." After some pleasantries and a stab at a basketball reference,she began to outline what she called "the problems that we face" as anation.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-working-class-heromar31,1,940922.story
-Gore Launches Ambitious Advocacy Campaign on Climate
Former vice president Al Gore will launch a three-year, $300 millioncampaign Wednesday aimed at mobilizing Americans to push for aggressivereductions in greenhouse gas emissions, a move that ranks as one of the mostambitious and costly public advocacy campaigns in U.S. history.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001880.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Analysis: Democratic Battle Helps McCain
WASHINGTON -- John McCain's standing in the presidential race grows strongereach day as he benefits from the increasingly personal and extraordinarilyprotracted Democratic nomination fight between Hillary Rodham Clinton andBarack Obama.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033100244.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Inside Higher Education
-Among the Uninsured: 1.7 Million College Students
About 1.7 million traditional-aged college students, or 20 percent, areuninsured in the United States. And student health plans - offered by 57percent of all colleges - vary dramatically in terms of services covered,according to a new report on college students and health insurance releasedby the United States Government Accountability Office Friday.
http://www.insidehighered.com/news/2008/03/31/insurance
-The 11th Annual Technology Counts is here. This new report, a joint projectby Education Week and the Editorial Projects in Education (EPE) ResearchCenter, is now available online at edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2008/03/27/index.html. During our edweek.orgOpen House, you can access the whole report for FREE! The report examinesthe K-12 community's response to the United States' perceived failings inpreparing young people to thrive in a high-tech global economy. While you'reat it, be sure to check out some of our past reports and our most recentedition of Quality Counts.
http://www.edweek.org/ew/toc/2008/01/10/index.html
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Belatedly Making Nice
George Bush and Vladimir Putin, after months of acrimony and years ofinaction, are suddenly ready to talk seriously about serious matters. Wehope it is not too late, since both are nearly at the end of theirpresidencies. There are certainly a lot of things they need to address.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/opinion/31mon1.html?ref=opinion
-The Baton Passes to Asia
It's the end of the era of the white man.I know your head is spinning. The world can feel like one of thosesplit-screen TVs with images of a suicide bombing in Baghdad flashing, andthe latest awful market news coursing along the bottom, and an ad for somestool-loosening wonder drug squeezed into a corner.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/opinion/31cohen.html?ref=opinion
-Race and the Social Contract
For all the appeal of America's melting pot, the country's diverse ethnicmix is one main reason for entrenched opposition to public spending on thepublic good.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/31/opinion/31mon4.html?ref=opinion
-Zimbabwe Opposition Insists Mugabe Lost
HARARE, Zimbabwe - The main opposition party pressed its claim Monday thatit had won a landslide election victory to unseat Zimbabwe President RobertG. Mugabe, but the government said nothing about the presidential vote 48hours after ballots had been cast. The only official announcement was thatboth sides were tied in early parliamentary results.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/01/world/africa/01zimbabwe.html?hp
-A Different Kind of Student Exam
JIM HENNESSY, a Darien High School junior, does not go to school dancesanymore. The 16-year-old is boycotting them because to get in, he has totake a test that he thinks is unfair: Before he and classmates are allowedto enter a dance, they are asked to breathe into a device to determinewhether they have consumed alcohol.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/nyregion/nyregionspecial2/30breathalyzerct.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Piercing This Bubble For Good
In the past two weeks, the Federal Reserve has lent or guaranteed at least$57 billion to investment banks. This sudden infusion, the first to WallStreet firms since the 1930s, underscores the financial emergency facing thenation. Yet just last June, the markets were euphoric. How, within ninemonths, could a lending bubble inflate to gargantuan proportions and thenburst into this credit market disaster?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001833.html
-Taking Exception
A Day in Court Denied
Last week, the Supreme Court heard a case from Shawqi Omar and Mohammad
Munaf, two American citizens held in a U.S. prison for more than three yearswithout access to lawyers or judges. Omar and Munaf are asking U.S. courtsto examine the legality of their detention at the hands of U.S. troops inIraq. Human rights groups agree that because the men are Sunni Muslims theywill probably be tortured if they are handed over to Iraqi authorities.
Whether U.S. courts can hear their legal challenge depends on whether thejustices can tell green from blue.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001834.html
-The Vienna Convention
The U.S. must ensure that arrested foreigners can contact their consulates.
JOS¿ ERNESTO Medell¿n is a Mexican national who has lived in the UnitedStates for most of his life. In 1993, he was arrested in connection with therape and murder of two Texas girls. Although he was read his Miranda rightsand was defended by two court-appointed lawyers, Texas law enforcementofficials failed to inform Mr. Medell¿n of his right under the ViennaConvention to notify the Mexican consulate of his arrest. Mr. Medell¿n wasultimately convicted and sentenced to death, but he failed to raise theVienna Convention argument at trial or during sentencing and did so infederal court only after he filed a habeas petition.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001777.html
-States Are Hit Hard by Economic Downturn
Many Cutbacks Felt by Most Needy
NEW YORK -- In Illinois' Cook County, women in poor neighborhoods no longerhave access to free mammograms from two mobile vans testing for breastcancer.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033002138.html?hpid=topnews
-First African American Is Elected Bishop of Diocese
Canon at National Cathedral Also Leads Pilgrimage Center
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland has elected its first African Americanbishop: the Rev. Canon Eugene Taylor Sutton of Washington NationalCathedral.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001779.html?hpid=sec-religion
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The New Super Tuesday
Primaries in Indiana and North Carolina on May 6 may be the last chance toend the Dem race early.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/129585
-Obama's church gets pep talks
Congregation urged to remain strong
Members of Sen. Barack Obama's church got pep talks from the pulpit Sunday,as their new pastor and a representative from the national denominationurged them to stay strong in the coming months.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-wrightwatch_31mar31,1,3032137.story
-To working class, Clinton talks the talk
Blue-collar voters buoy candidacy
RALEIGH, N.C. - Hillary Clinton kicked off her North Carolina primarycampaign last week at a technical school that bills itself "College for theReal World." After some pleasantries and a stab at a basketball reference,she began to outline what she called "the problems that we face" as anation.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-working-class-heromar31,1,940922.story
-Gore Launches Ambitious Advocacy Campaign on Climate
Former vice president Al Gore will launch a three-year, $300 millioncampaign Wednesday aimed at mobilizing Americans to push for aggressivereductions in greenhouse gas emissions, a move that ranks as one of the mostambitious and costly public advocacy campaigns in U.S. history.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/30/AR2008033001880.html?hpid=moreheadlines
-Analysis: Democratic Battle Helps McCain
WASHINGTON -- John McCain's standing in the presidential race grows strongereach day as he benefits from the increasingly personal and extraordinarilyprotracted Democratic nomination fight between Hillary Rodham Clinton andBarack Obama.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/31/AR2008033100244.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST March 31, 2008
**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.
=
From Mark LaFonatine Democrat, for Florida House of Representatives,District 92
-Mark with Elliot Rodriguez on Channel 4
Yesterday I appeared on "4 Sunday Morning with Elliot Rodriguez" discussingthe constitutional amendment that the Taxation and Budget Committee justplaced on the November ballot. This dangerous amendment, while billed as aschool voucher issue, will in reality allow religious institutions toutilize taxpayer money to advance their own agendas, which are oftendiscriminatory. I believe in religious freedom, but this is just wrong --and explained my reasons to Elliot. When I'm in Tallahassee , I'll stand upand fight these kinds of purely political initiatives from the floor of theLegislature, just like I'm doing now from my office in Oakland Park .
Please click here to watch the interview.
http://cbs4.com/services/popoff.aspx?categoryId=7&videoId=52597@wfor.dayport.com&videoPlayStatus=true&videoStoryIds=&videoTime=6.896&
PS: We're on a mission to break last quarter's fundraising record beforetonight's midnight deadline. Please click here to contribute and help meget my message out. Last quarter you helped me raise more money than all ofmy competitors combined, and they're gunning for me this time. Thanks forall that you're doing!
http://marklafontaine.com/donate.html
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Pridelines Youth Services has served Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender and Questioning youth for over 25 years, providing themwith a safe and nurturing environment. As we move forward into theNew Year, there are many exciting opportunities for development.
Pridelines Youth Services is excited to launch our DevelopmentCampaign. With a goal of raising $10,000 in 10 days, we turn to rolemodels such as you for support.
These funds will go toward powerful programmatic initiatives such asour youth financial literacy and micro-enterprise course called MoneyTalk, our new Transgender peer group night and youth enrichmentprogramming, community outreach, and satellite programs that willbridge the gap between glbtq youth in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
We look forward to your donation in order to provide many more yearsof service to our glbtq youth community.
Click here to Donate Now securely with your credit card or with PayPal.
http://www.pridelines.org
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-PrideFest parade honors slain gay activist in Lake Worth
Lake Worth - There were bubbles.There was a giant metal rooster.And there were even people wearing extravagantly long eyelashes.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/local/sfl-flppride0331pnmar31,0,7378179.story
-At last, some meaningful change to FCAT
ISSUE: FCAT grading change in the works.
Around the state, you could almost hear it being shouted in unison:"Finally."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editgsfcatsbmar31,0,6828768.story
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-From public hands for religious cause
It is bad enough that the state Taxation and Budget Reform Commissionproposed a constitutional amendment axing $9 billion for local schooldistricts. (It would do so by eliminating the state-required portion ofproperty taxes -- without a real guarantee, only a recommendation, thatfunds would be replaced by the Legislature.) Now it is proposing anotheramendment that would allow state government to divert education dollars toprivate, faith-based schools -- schools that don't have to meet the legalaccountability laws required of public districts.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN45033108.htm
-State wants to reuse sewage water
TALLAHASSEE - Lakes are reaching record-low levels and Floridians are facingwater restrictions, but every day in South Florida, water that could fill450 Olympic pools gets piped out to sea.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080331/NEWS/803310525/1018/NEWS02
-Let Citizens keep money; keep premiums frozen
If the Legislature doesn't let Citizens Property Insurance Corp. raiserates, the Legislature shouldn't take money from Citizens.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/03/31/a12a_leadedit_citizens_0331.html
-CAMPAIGN 2008 | DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
Florida, Michigan delegates are seated in limbo
As 48 states jockey for the best hotels and floor seats at the 2008Democratic convention in Denver, Florida and Michigan delegates are leftnoodling on travel websites and wondering if they should risk shelling outplane fare.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/475610.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
From Mark LaFonatine Democrat, for Florida House of Representatives,District 92
-Mark with Elliot Rodriguez on Channel 4
Yesterday I appeared on "4 Sunday Morning with Elliot Rodriguez" discussingthe constitutional amendment that the Taxation and Budget Committee justplaced on the November ballot. This dangerous amendment, while billed as aschool voucher issue, will in reality allow religious institutions toutilize taxpayer money to advance their own agendas, which are oftendiscriminatory. I believe in religious freedom, but this is just wrong --and explained my reasons to Elliot. When I'm in Tallahassee , I'll stand upand fight these kinds of purely political initiatives from the floor of theLegislature, just like I'm doing now from my office in Oakland Park .
Please click here to watch the interview.
http://cbs4.com/services/popoff.aspx?categoryId=7&videoId=52597@wfor.dayport.com&videoPlayStatus=true&videoStoryIds=&videoTime=6.896&
PS: We're on a mission to break last quarter's fundraising record beforetonight's midnight deadline. Please click here to contribute and help meget my message out. Last quarter you helped me raise more money than all ofmy competitors combined, and they're gunning for me this time. Thanks forall that you're doing!
http://marklafontaine.com/donate.html
=
Pridelines Youth Services has served Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual,
Transgender and Questioning youth for over 25 years, providing themwith a safe and nurturing environment. As we move forward into theNew Year, there are many exciting opportunities for development.
Pridelines Youth Services is excited to launch our DevelopmentCampaign. With a goal of raising $10,000 in 10 days, we turn to rolemodels such as you for support.
These funds will go toward powerful programmatic initiatives such asour youth financial literacy and micro-enterprise course called MoneyTalk, our new Transgender peer group night and youth enrichmentprogramming, community outreach, and satellite programs that willbridge the gap between glbtq youth in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
We look forward to your donation in order to provide many more yearsof service to our glbtq youth community.
Click here to Donate Now securely with your credit card or with PayPal.
http://www.pridelines.org
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-PrideFest parade honors slain gay activist in Lake Worth
Lake Worth - There were bubbles.There was a giant metal rooster.And there were even people wearing extravagantly long eyelashes.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/services/newspaper/printedition/local/sfl-flppride0331pnmar31,0,7378179.story
-At last, some meaningful change to FCAT
ISSUE: FCAT grading change in the works.
Around the state, you could almost hear it being shouted in unison:"Finally."
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editgsfcatsbmar31,0,6828768.story
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-From public hands for religious cause
It is bad enough that the state Taxation and Budget Reform Commissionproposed a constitutional amendment axing $9 billion for local schooldistricts. (It would do so by eliminating the state-required portion ofproperty taxes -- without a real guarantee, only a recommendation, thatfunds would be replaced by the Legislature.) Now it is proposing anotheramendment that would allow state government to divert education dollars toprivate, faith-based schools -- schools that don't have to meet the legalaccountability laws required of public districts.
http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/Opinion/Editorials/opnOPN45033108.htm
-State wants to reuse sewage water
TALLAHASSEE - Lakes are reaching record-low levels and Floridians are facingwater restrictions, but every day in South Florida, water that could fill450 Olympic pools gets piped out to sea.
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20080331/NEWS/803310525/1018/NEWS02
-Let Citizens keep money; keep premiums frozen
If the Legislature doesn't let Citizens Property Insurance Corp. raiserates, the Legislature shouldn't take money from Citizens.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/opinion/content/opinion/epaper/2008/03/31/a12a_leadedit_citizens_0331.html
-CAMPAIGN 2008 | DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION
Florida, Michigan delegates are seated in limbo
As 48 states jockey for the best hotels and floor seats at the 2008Democratic convention in Denver, Florida and Michigan delegates are leftnoodling on travel websites and wondering if they should risk shelling outplane fare.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/story/475610.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Sunday, March 30, 2008
GLBT DIGEST March 30, 2008
**IF YOU CAN'T ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE, CONTACT US AT rays.list@comcast.net and we'll be happy to send the full article.
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-The City Visible: Finding Her Voice
WHEN I first met Nicole Von Valkenburg, she was sitting in front of amirror, intent on her morning grooming ritual, which involved tweezing,applying makeup, parting her dark blond hair, and fitting her long streakedblond wig over her head. When she was finished, she emerged as anotherperson, a diva who had stepped from a '70s movie, ready for a night out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/nyregion/thecity/30tran.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=GAY&st=nyt&oref=slogin
-Students of Virginity
There was a time when not having sex consumed a very small part of JanieFredell's life, but that, of course, was back in Colorado Springs. It seemedto Fredell that almost no one had sex in Colorado Springs. Her hometown wasextremely conservative, and as a good Catholic girl, she was annoyed by allthe fundamentalist Christians who would get in her face and demand, as sheput it to me recently, "You have to think all of these things that we think." They seemed not to know that she thought many of those thingsalready. At her public high school, everyone, "literally everyone," worechastity rings, Fredell recalled, but she thought the practice ridiculous.
Why was it necessary, she wondered, to signify you're not doing somethingthat nobody is doing?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/magazine/30Chastity-t.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
-German Expressionism
EXPATS IN BERLIN HAVE TURNED THE CITY INTO ONE BIG ARTY PARTY.
"What New York was in the '80s, Berlin is now," says Nadja Vancauwenberghe,the French editor in chief of Berlin's English-language magazine, theExberliner. "That's the cliché." She shakes her head and smiles. "Thereality," Maurice Frank, the Exberliner's publisher, chimes in, "is thatrents here are a third of what they are in Paris or London."
http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2008/03/30/style/t/index.html#pageName=30berlinw
-A Case of the Blues
The Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole is 58 years old, but he has never beenfamous before, and after this year, he will most likely never be famousagain. Even this kind of fame, brief and slight, is uncomfortable on him.
Cole is a party man, a lifelong Republican consultant, campaign worker andpolitician whose career, like that of a typical European Social Democrat,has recognized only a fluid and fungible line between political operativeand elected official. It sometimes seems an accident he's in Congress atall. He is tall and slightly formal, and slightly awkward; people who meethim casually describe him as cordial or gentlemanly. The Republican Party,in its current uncertainty, might have chosen an ideologue to fill Cole'spost or, as is its habit, a money man. Its choice of Cole, an operative, wasthe establishment insisting that its own learned habits were enough to saveitself. "Right now, with where we are," Ken Mehlman, a former chairman ofthe Republican National Committee, told me, "Tom Cole is the perfectleader."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/magazine/30Republicans-t.html?scp=14&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Grim Outlook for an AIDS Vaccine
Back in 1984, federal health officials, flush with excitement over discoveryof the virus that causes AIDS, famously predicted that they would have avaccine ready for market within three years. Now, after almost aquarter-century of toil and struggle, the effort has crashed in failure. Noone yet knows whether a vaccine to prevent the disease will ever bepossible.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/opinion/30sun3.html?ref=opinion
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Public Death, Private Life
What should a newspaper print about a person's most private life in a storyafter his death?
The Post ran a story March 22 about the burial at Arlington NationalCemetery of Army Maj. Alan G. Rogers, a decorated war hero killed in anexplosion in Baghdad. The subject of much journalistic soul-searching, thestory did not mention that Rogers's friends said that he was gay and waswell known in local gay veterans' circles. The Washington Blade, agay-oriented newspaper, identified him as gay in a story Friday that wascritical of The Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803062.html
-Loyal Bishop Named In Breakaway Diocese
LODI, Calif. -- A bishop loyal to the Episcopal Church leadership waselected Saturday to take over a California diocese that was the first tobreak away over the church's support for gay and women's rights.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/29/AR2008032902114.html
-Dear Wise Guys:
I don't think I am crazy, but I remember when The Washington Post wouldprint pictures and announcements of weddings when the couples were same-sex.Now I look and everyone is heterosexual! What gives with that? Has The Postchanged its mind, or is no one gay getting married in the D.C. area?
Proud PFLAG Mom
Justin: You are correct: No one gay is getting married in the D.C. area.
While the District allows gay couples to formalize their relationshipsthrough domestic partnerships, it doesn't allow them to marry. And Marylandand Virginia are at least as restrictive, if not more so.
Same-sex union announcements can be found on the Celebrations page inSunday's Style & Arts section, but they are listed as "CommitmentCeremonies." Of course, some gay couples, as well as straight people such asmyself, may feel that doesn't carry the same weight. The Post is always opento feedback from readers, so feel free to express any concerns about thispolicy to the ombudsman at ombudsman@washpost.com.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/27/AR2008032702782_pf.html
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Regardless of your political affiliation, one debate that usually inflamespassions in the Washington Metro Area is whether it's best to live in D.C,Virginia or Maryland. The question becomes more important if you are asame-sex couple. While the law at the federal level for gay couples is quiteclear - marriage only exists between a man and a woman - when it comes to adiscussion of estate taxes, whether you reside in D.C., Virginia or Marylandcan have a significant impact on the taxes your estate will pay if you areleaving money to a partner.
-After a two-year-long delay, the interior ministry has issued a circularoutlining the residence rights and obligations of non-European Unioncitizens who are the spouses, children or other dependent family members ofEU citizens living in Greece. The 33-page circular is aimed at bringingorder to the chaos that for years has hounded these immigrants' residenceapplication and renewal process. The rules are based on a European Uniondirective (2004/38/EC) that came into force across the EU in April 2006. Asoutlined in the circular, these family members may include the spouses andchildren under 21 and/or other dependent relatives of all EU citizens,including citizens of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
-Buddy G has been named the first animated member of an education-focusedgay rights group. The lead character of the recently released Buddy G: MyTwo Moms and Me, the boy joins a coalition of children and young adults ofthe gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender parentage who dedicate their timeand efforts to advocacy and education. COLAGE, a national organization whosebenchmarks include establishing a prideful connection within the gay rightscommunity, has announced that Buddy G serves as a more than perfectproponent of the organization's goals.
-The New York Appellate Division, 2nd Department, issued a ruling inFunderburke v. New York State Department of Civil Service, No. 6186/05(March 25, 2008), granting the defendants' motion to dismiss the appeal of adecision by the trial court refusing to recognize the plaintiffs' Canadiansame-sex marriage for purposes of benefits eligibility under a public schoolemployee benefits plan as moot, and granting the appellant's motion tovacate the decision of the trial court, which is reported as Funderburke v.New York State Department of Civil Services, 13 Misc.3d 284, 822 N.Y.S.2d393 (N.Y.Sup.Ct. 2006).
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Scottish campaign aims to stop deportation of gay teenager
A campaign has been launched to save a teenager from Syria being deported tohis homeland. Jojo Jako Yakob, 19, claims he will be executed if he isreturned. He has been held at Polmont Young Offenders in Falkirk, Scotlandfor the last 12 months after being arrested for possessing a fake Belgianpassport. His lawyers say an asylum application for his stay in the UK wasmistakenly withdrawn.
click here for the full article
-Evangelicals attack Ecuador's protection of sexual minorities
A member of Ecuador's National Assembly has caused outrage throughout thegay community by comparing homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality.
Rosanna Queirolo, a former model, television news anchor and triathlonathlete, won election on a manifesto of environmental protection. However,since joining the Assembly she has caused controversy by embracing thecountry's ultra-conservative Christian Evangelical movement.
click here for the full article
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-I would like to invite you to Krakow Gay and Lesbian Culture Festival'Culture for Tolerance' which is taking place from 24th to 27th of April2008. Enclosed you find Festival programme and pressbook (pdf file)
=
[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:
-The City Visible: Finding Her Voice
WHEN I first met Nicole Von Valkenburg, she was sitting in front of amirror, intent on her morning grooming ritual, which involved tweezing,applying makeup, parting her dark blond hair, and fitting her long streakedblond wig over her head. When she was finished, she emerged as anotherperson, a diva who had stepped from a '70s movie, ready for a night out.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/nyregion/thecity/30tran.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=GAY&st=nyt&oref=slogin
-Students of Virginity
There was a time when not having sex consumed a very small part of JanieFredell's life, but that, of course, was back in Colorado Springs. It seemedto Fredell that almost no one had sex in Colorado Springs. Her hometown wasextremely conservative, and as a good Catholic girl, she was annoyed by allthe fundamentalist Christians who would get in her face and demand, as sheput it to me recently, "You have to think all of these things that we think." They seemed not to know that she thought many of those thingsalready. At her public high school, everyone, "literally everyone," worechastity rings, Fredell recalled, but she thought the practice ridiculous.
Why was it necessary, she wondered, to signify you're not doing somethingthat nobody is doing?
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/magazine/30Chastity-t.html?scp=5&sq=gay&st=nyt
-German Expressionism
EXPATS IN BERLIN HAVE TURNED THE CITY INTO ONE BIG ARTY PARTY.
"What New York was in the '80s, Berlin is now," says Nadja Vancauwenberghe,the French editor in chief of Berlin's English-language magazine, theExberliner. "That's the cliché." She shakes her head and smiles. "Thereality," Maurice Frank, the Exberliner's publisher, chimes in, "is thatrents here are a third of what they are in Paris or London."
http://www.nytimes.com/indexes/2008/03/30/style/t/index.html#pageName=30berlinw
-A Case of the Blues
The Oklahoma Congressman Tom Cole is 58 years old, but he has never beenfamous before, and after this year, he will most likely never be famousagain. Even this kind of fame, brief and slight, is uncomfortable on him.
Cole is a party man, a lifelong Republican consultant, campaign worker andpolitician whose career, like that of a typical European Social Democrat,has recognized only a fluid and fungible line between political operativeand elected official. It sometimes seems an accident he's in Congress atall. He is tall and slightly formal, and slightly awkward; people who meethim casually describe him as cordial or gentlemanly. The Republican Party,in its current uncertainty, might have chosen an ideologue to fill Cole'spost or, as is its habit, a money man. Its choice of Cole, an operative, wasthe establishment insisting that its own learned habits were enough to saveitself. "Right now, with where we are," Ken Mehlman, a former chairman ofthe Republican National Committee, told me, "Tom Cole is the perfectleader."
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/magazine/30Republicans-t.html?scp=14&sq=gay&st=nyt
-Grim Outlook for an AIDS Vaccine
Back in 1984, federal health officials, flush with excitement over discoveryof the virus that causes AIDS, famously predicted that they would have avaccine ready for market within three years. Now, after almost aquarter-century of toil and struggle, the effort has crashed in failure. Noone yet knows whether a vaccine to prevent the disease will ever bepossible.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/opinion/30sun3.html?ref=opinion
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Public Death, Private Life
What should a newspaper print about a person's most private life in a storyafter his death?
The Post ran a story March 22 about the burial at Arlington NationalCemetery of Army Maj. Alan G. Rogers, a decorated war hero killed in anexplosion in Baghdad. The subject of much journalistic soul-searching, thestory did not mention that Rogers's friends said that he was gay and waswell known in local gay veterans' circles. The Washington Blade, agay-oriented newspaper, identified him as gay in a story Friday that wascritical of The Post.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803062.html
-Loyal Bishop Named In Breakaway Diocese
LODI, Calif. -- A bishop loyal to the Episcopal Church leadership waselected Saturday to take over a California diocese that was the first tobreak away over the church's support for gay and women's rights.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/29/AR2008032902114.html
-Dear Wise Guys:
I don't think I am crazy, but I remember when The Washington Post wouldprint pictures and announcements of weddings when the couples were same-sex.Now I look and everyone is heterosexual! What gives with that? Has The Postchanged its mind, or is no one gay getting married in the D.C. area?
Proud PFLAG Mom
Justin: You are correct: No one gay is getting married in the D.C. area.
While the District allows gay couples to formalize their relationshipsthrough domestic partnerships, it doesn't allow them to marry. And Marylandand Virginia are at least as restrictive, if not more so.
Same-sex union announcements can be found on the Celebrations page inSunday's Style & Arts section, but they are listed as "CommitmentCeremonies." Of course, some gay couples, as well as straight people such asmyself, may feel that doesn't carry the same weight. The Post is always opento feedback from readers, so feel free to express any concerns about thispolicy to the ombudsman at ombudsman@washpost.com.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/27/AR2008032702782_pf.html
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Regardless of your political affiliation, one debate that usually inflamespassions in the Washington Metro Area is whether it's best to live in D.C,Virginia or Maryland. The question becomes more important if you are asame-sex couple. While the law at the federal level for gay couples is quiteclear - marriage only exists between a man and a woman - when it comes to adiscussion of estate taxes, whether you reside in D.C., Virginia or Marylandcan have a significant impact on the taxes your estate will pay if you areleaving money to a partner.
-After a two-year-long delay, the interior ministry has issued a circularoutlining the residence rights and obligations of non-European Unioncitizens who are the spouses, children or other dependent family members ofEU citizens living in Greece. The 33-page circular is aimed at bringingorder to the chaos that for years has hounded these immigrants' residenceapplication and renewal process. The rules are based on a European Uniondirective (2004/38/EC) that came into force across the EU in April 2006. Asoutlined in the circular, these family members may include the spouses andchildren under 21 and/or other dependent relatives of all EU citizens,including citizens of Norway, Iceland, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
-Buddy G has been named the first animated member of an education-focusedgay rights group. The lead character of the recently released Buddy G: MyTwo Moms and Me, the boy joins a coalition of children and young adults ofthe gay, lesbian bisexual and transgender parentage who dedicate their timeand efforts to advocacy and education. COLAGE, a national organization whosebenchmarks include establishing a prideful connection within the gay rightscommunity, has announced that Buddy G serves as a more than perfectproponent of the organization's goals.
-The New York Appellate Division, 2nd Department, issued a ruling inFunderburke v. New York State Department of Civil Service, No. 6186/05(March 25, 2008), granting the defendants' motion to dismiss the appeal of adecision by the trial court refusing to recognize the plaintiffs' Canadiansame-sex marriage for purposes of benefits eligibility under a public schoolemployee benefits plan as moot, and granting the appellant's motion tovacate the decision of the trial court, which is reported as Funderburke v.New York State Department of Civil Services, 13 Misc.3d 284, 822 N.Y.S.2d393 (N.Y.Sup.Ct. 2006).
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Scottish campaign aims to stop deportation of gay teenager
A campaign has been launched to save a teenager from Syria being deported tohis homeland. Jojo Jako Yakob, 19, claims he will be executed if he isreturned. He has been held at Polmont Young Offenders in Falkirk, Scotlandfor the last 12 months after being arrested for possessing a fake Belgianpassport. His lawyers say an asylum application for his stay in the UK wasmistakenly withdrawn.
click here for the full article
-Evangelicals attack Ecuador's protection of sexual minorities
A member of Ecuador's National Assembly has caused outrage throughout thegay community by comparing homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality.
Rosanna Queirolo, a former model, television news anchor and triathlonathlete, won election on a manifesto of environmental protection. However,since joining the Assembly she has caused controversy by embracing thecountry's ultra-conservative Christian Evangelical movement.
click here for the full article
=
Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-I would like to invite you to Krakow Gay and Lesbian Culture Festival'Culture for Tolerance' which is taking place from 24th to 27th of April2008. Enclosed you find Festival programme and pressbook (pdf file)
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST March 30, 2008
**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:
-Iraqi Offensive Revives Debate for Campaigns
The war's return to the public consciousness poses new challenges andopportunities for the candidates, particularly Senator John McCain.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/us/politics/30campaign.html?hp
-'With a Few More Brains ...'
Our competitiveness as a nation in coming decades will be determined notonly by our financial accounts but also by our intellectual accounts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/opinion/30kristof.html?ref=opinion
-A Civil War Iraq Can't Win
It is a dangerous oversimplification to believe that Iraqi government forcesare the only legitimate side trying to bring order.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/opinion/30cordesman.html?ref=opinion
-The Game's Not Over, Clinton Backers Agree
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton likened this stage of the campaign to thefinal quarter of a close basketball game - hardly the time to stop playing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/us/politics/30clinton.html
-Clinton Shouldn't Feel Forced to Quit Race, Obama Says
Senator Barack Obama had a few words of advice Saturday for his rival,Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do not drop out on my account.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/us/politics/30obama.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-McCain's Manifesto
What Barack Obama tried to do with the sensitive issue of race, John McCainattempted last week on the no less important topic of foreign policy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802823.html
-Mideast Openings
Get to Know Hamas and Moqtada al-Sadr
The Bush administration is coming to a crunch point soon in the two biggestconflicts in the Middle East -- the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate and thestruggle to create a stable Iraq. In each case, we can see the limits ofmilitary power in combating the "bad guys" who the administration believesare obstructing the path to peace.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802819.html
-Why Obama Rocks the Vote
Just before every presidential campaign of the past few decades, the mediahave heralded The Year That Young People Will Actually Vote. Yet each ofthose years turned out to be a youth turnoff. The last time more than halfof 18-to-24-year-olds voted in a federal election was 1968.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032801857.html
-Don't Stop Campaigning
Why the rush to push Hillary Clinton out of the race for the nomination?
THE GROWING chorus among some Democrats and other interested observers forSen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) to get out of the race for the DemocraticParty's nomination for president is troubling. We're not promoting Ms.Clinton over Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), or either of them over RepublicanSen. John McCain (Ariz.), for that matter. A time may come when someoneshould gracefully bow out. But their extended contest informs the electorateand serves to battle-test them both. We don't see why the process should beshort-circuited when millions of votes are yet to be cast and two qualifiedcandidates believe themselves to be the best potential Democratic nominee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/29/AR2008032901846.html
-NOT EYE TO EYE
Wholly Different Angles on The World
It wasn't that long ago that the Vatican and the White House saw the worldpretty similarly. Throughout the Cold War, both staunchly opposed communism,laying the bedrock for U.S.-Vatican cooperation. The Truman administrationlaunched the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe's shattered postwar economiesand stave off radicalism; at the Vatican, Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani warned,"You can say what you want about the divinity of Christ, but if, in theremotest village in Sicily, you vote communist, your excommunication willarrive the next day." And of course, both Pope John Paul II and PresidentRonald Reagan played supporting but important roles in the collapse ofcommunism.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802971.html
-PAKISTAN'S BADLANDS: Like the Wild, Wild West. Plus Al-Qaeda.
Darra Adam Khel, a small burg in Pakistan's tribal areas, is thequintessential frontier town. Picture Wyatt Earp sashaying down the streetsof Tombstone in a turban, and you begin to get the idea. Because Pakistanilaws don't apply here, smugglers, gunsmiths and, most recently, the Talibanfind Darra, as it's locally known, an optimal place to do business.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802973.html
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CAMPAIGN 2008
Hillary Clinton's surge worries some Democrats
Some Democrats are concerned that the fallout from an increasingly tight andcontentious race could splinter the party's voters.
WASHINGTON -- For all their delight in soaring voter registration and strongpoll numbers, some Democrats fear the contest between Sens. Barack Obama andHillary Clinton might have a nightmarish end, which could wreck a promisingelection year.
http://www.miamiherald.com/political-currents/story/475630.html
-Four decades later, men recall King's last campaign
MEMPHIS -- Forty years later, they are old men, many with bent backs andgingerly steps. And they are taciturn, strangers to an era of confession,getting in touch with your feelings.
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard_pitts/story/474102.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Edwards Donors Prefer Obama to Clinton
John Edwards ' former donors broke toward Barack Obama by a 2-to-1 marginover Hillary Rodham Clinton in February, the first full month after Edwardsdropped out of the Democratic presidential nomination fight.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002693385
-McCain's health plan fails her test
Neither Elizabeth Edwards, whose cancer is incurable, nor the presumptiveRepublican presidential nominee would be covered by his policy, she asserts.
ARLINGTON, VA. -- Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democraticpresidential contender John Edwards, said she and John McCain have one thingin common: "Neither one of us would be covered by his health policy."
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-health30mar30,1,6757273.story
-Do-anything attitude hurts Clinton by Eugene Robinson
Talk about not being able to catch a break. To pummel a boxing metaphor, itwas Barack Obama who got tagged with a roundhouse right, flush on thechin -- but it was Hillary Clinton, from early indications, who ended upnursing a sore jaw and wondering what it was that hit her.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080330/OPINION03/803300309/1031
=
[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:
-Iraqi Offensive Revives Debate for Campaigns
The war's return to the public consciousness poses new challenges andopportunities for the candidates, particularly Senator John McCain.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/us/politics/30campaign.html?hp
-'With a Few More Brains ...'
Our competitiveness as a nation in coming decades will be determined notonly by our financial accounts but also by our intellectual accounts.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/opinion/30kristof.html?ref=opinion
-A Civil War Iraq Can't Win
It is a dangerous oversimplification to believe that Iraqi government forcesare the only legitimate side trying to bring order.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/opinion/30cordesman.html?ref=opinion
-The Game's Not Over, Clinton Backers Agree
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton likened this stage of the campaign to thefinal quarter of a close basketball game - hardly the time to stop playing.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/us/politics/30clinton.html
-Clinton Shouldn't Feel Forced to Quit Race, Obama Says
Senator Barack Obama had a few words of advice Saturday for his rival,Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton: Do not drop out on my account.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/30/us/politics/30obama.html
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-McCain's Manifesto
What Barack Obama tried to do with the sensitive issue of race, John McCainattempted last week on the no less important topic of foreign policy.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802823.html
-Mideast Openings
Get to Know Hamas and Moqtada al-Sadr
The Bush administration is coming to a crunch point soon in the two biggestconflicts in the Middle East -- the Israeli-Palestinian stalemate and thestruggle to create a stable Iraq. In each case, we can see the limits ofmilitary power in combating the "bad guys" who the administration believesare obstructing the path to peace.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802819.html
-Why Obama Rocks the Vote
Just before every presidential campaign of the past few decades, the mediahave heralded The Year That Young People Will Actually Vote. Yet each ofthose years turned out to be a youth turnoff. The last time more than halfof 18-to-24-year-olds voted in a federal election was 1968.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032801857.html
-Don't Stop Campaigning
Why the rush to push Hillary Clinton out of the race for the nomination?
THE GROWING chorus among some Democrats and other interested observers forSen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.) to get out of the race for the DemocraticParty's nomination for president is troubling. We're not promoting Ms.Clinton over Sen. Barack Obama (Ill.), or either of them over RepublicanSen. John McCain (Ariz.), for that matter. A time may come when someoneshould gracefully bow out. But their extended contest informs the electorateand serves to battle-test them both. We don't see why the process should beshort-circuited when millions of votes are yet to be cast and two qualifiedcandidates believe themselves to be the best potential Democratic nominee.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/29/AR2008032901846.html
-NOT EYE TO EYE
Wholly Different Angles on The World
It wasn't that long ago that the Vatican and the White House saw the worldpretty similarly. Throughout the Cold War, both staunchly opposed communism,laying the bedrock for U.S.-Vatican cooperation. The Truman administrationlaunched the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe's shattered postwar economiesand stave off radicalism; at the Vatican, Cardinal Alfredo Ottaviani warned,"You can say what you want about the divinity of Christ, but if, in theremotest village in Sicily, you vote communist, your excommunication willarrive the next day." And of course, both Pope John Paul II and PresidentRonald Reagan played supporting but important roles in the collapse ofcommunism.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802971.html
-PAKISTAN'S BADLANDS: Like the Wild, Wild West. Plus Al-Qaeda.
Darra Adam Khel, a small burg in Pakistan's tribal areas, is thequintessential frontier town. Picture Wyatt Earp sashaying down the streetsof Tombstone in a turban, and you begin to get the idea. Because Pakistanilaws don't apply here, smugglers, gunsmiths and, most recently, the Talibanfind Darra, as it's locally known, an optimal place to do business.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802973.html
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-CAMPAIGN 2008
Hillary Clinton's surge worries some Democrats
Some Democrats are concerned that the fallout from an increasingly tight andcontentious race could splinter the party's voters.
WASHINGTON -- For all their delight in soaring voter registration and strongpoll numbers, some Democrats fear the contest between Sens. Barack Obama andHillary Clinton might have a nightmarish end, which could wreck a promisingelection year.
http://www.miamiherald.com/political-currents/story/475630.html
-Four decades later, men recall King's last campaign
MEMPHIS -- Forty years later, they are old men, many with bent backs andgingerly steps. And they are taciturn, strangers to an era of confession,getting in touch with your feelings.
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/leonard_pitts/story/474102.html
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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Edwards Donors Prefer Obama to Clinton
John Edwards ' former donors broke toward Barack Obama by a 2-to-1 marginover Hillary Rodham Clinton in February, the first full month after Edwardsdropped out of the Democratic presidential nomination fight.
http://www.cqpolitics.com/wmspage.cfm?parm1=5&docID=news-000002693385
-McCain's health plan fails her test
Neither Elizabeth Edwards, whose cancer is incurable, nor the presumptiveRepublican presidential nominee would be covered by his policy, she asserts.
ARLINGTON, VA. -- Elizabeth Edwards, the wife of former Democraticpresidential contender John Edwards, said she and John McCain have one thingin common: "Neither one of us would be covered by his health policy."
http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-na-health30mar30,1,6757273.story
-Do-anything attitude hurts Clinton by Eugene Robinson
Talk about not being able to catch a break. To pummel a boxing metaphor, itwas Barack Obama who got tagged with a roundhouse right, flush on thechin -- but it was Hillary Clinton, from early indications, who ended upnursing a sore jaw and wondering what it was that hit her.
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080330/OPINION03/803300309/1031
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST March 30, 2008
**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.
==
SunServe and the Sunshine Community Foundation
Bravissimo on April 5, 2008
So many people have responded to this exciting event, that all the availableseats to the reception and dinner at the Museum of Science and Discovery areOVERSOLD. However, if you act quickly, you can still pick up a reserved orgeneral admission seat for the 8:00 p.m. show on Saturday, April 5th and theAmaturo Theater of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. There aren'tmany places you can go see exceptional vocal talent and get coffee anddessert included for $30.00. Join us and help benefit SunServe and SunshineCommunity Foundation. The Broward Center is sending out an e-blast to over15,000 people tomorrow, so we expect to be sold out by the beginning of nextweek as there are less than 100 tickets that remain for the show (and FortLauderdale is a last-second sort of town). Limited VIP and Reserved SeatingRemains.
http://www.bravissimo2008.org/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward County sheriff candidate under FDLE investigation
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating astate Human Relations commissioner who is running for Broward Countysheriff. FDLE spokeswoman Kristen Perezluha said the agency is looking into "an allegation" against Shahrukh "Shak" Dhanji, but she declined to providefurther details. Dhanji is among eight candidates seeking to take charge ofthe Broward Sheriff's Office in this year's election.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbsheriff0329sbmar29,0,3221917.story?track=rss
-Florida's unemployment rate up sharply from a year ago
State posts 4.5% jobless rate
Construction workers bore the brunt of job losses in February, more evidenceof an unrelenting housing crisis statewide.
In Florida, the construction industry cut 74,900 jobs over the preceding 12months, with roofers, electricians and other trade workers accounting for49,300 of them, the state Agency for Workforce Innovation said Friday. Morethan a quarter of those construction job cuts were in South Florida.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzunemployment0329sbmar29,0,62497.story
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
==
SunServe and the Sunshine Community Foundation
Bravissimo on April 5, 2008
So many people have responded to this exciting event, that all the availableseats to the reception and dinner at the Museum of Science and Discovery areOVERSOLD. However, if you act quickly, you can still pick up a reserved orgeneral admission seat for the 8:00 p.m. show on Saturday, April 5th and theAmaturo Theater of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. There aren'tmany places you can go see exceptional vocal talent and get coffee anddessert included for $30.00. Join us and help benefit SunServe and SunshineCommunity Foundation. The Broward Center is sending out an e-blast to over15,000 people tomorrow, so we expect to be sold out by the beginning of nextweek as there are less than 100 tickets that remain for the show (and FortLauderdale is a last-second sort of town). Limited VIP and Reserved SeatingRemains.
http://www.bravissimo2008.org/
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Broward County sheriff candidate under FDLE investigation
Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement are investigating astate Human Relations commissioner who is running for Broward Countysheriff. FDLE spokeswoman Kristen Perezluha said the agency is looking into "an allegation" against Shahrukh "Shak" Dhanji, but she declined to providefurther details. Dhanji is among eight candidates seeking to take charge ofthe Broward Sheriff's Office in this year's election.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbsheriff0329sbmar29,0,3221917.story?track=rss
-Florida's unemployment rate up sharply from a year ago
State posts 4.5% jobless rate
Construction workers bore the brunt of job losses in February, more evidenceof an unrelenting housing crisis statewide.
In Florida, the construction industry cut 74,900 jobs over the preceding 12months, with roofers, electricians and other trade workers accounting for49,300 of them, the state Agency for Workforce Innovation said Friday. Morethan a quarter of those construction job cuts were in South Florida.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzunemployment0329sbmar29,0,62497.story
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
Saturday, March 29, 2008
GLBT DIGEST March 29, 2008
**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.
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-I received word tonight from Tomasz Szypula, spokesman for the CampaignAgainst Homophobia, one of Poland's gay political organizations, thatBrendan Fay and Tom Moulton, the US gay couple whose wedding is being usedby Poland's president to spread hate and fear of same-sex loving people, aretraveling to Warsaw this weekend. To get more information on their trip, Icalled Brendan at home. He gave me the scoop. He have been invited by aPolish TV network to come and appear on a program, all expenses paid by thenetwork. Brendan and Tom touch down in Warsaw on Saturday morning. Inaddition to being guests on the TV show, they will be meeting with gayactivists and with the staff of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights,and also attending church.
-Iran: Private Homes Raided for 'Immorality'
Authorities Escalate Arbitrary Arrests, Harassment
The arrest of more than 30 men attending a party in a private home in thecity of Esfahan signals renewed efforts by Iranian authorities to enforce"morality" codes, and highlights the fragility of basic rights in a countrywhere police powers routinely undermine privacy, Human Rights Watch saidtoday. It urged Iranian authorities to release the men reportedly arrestedin late February, and to drop charges against people accused of consensualhomosexual conduct, drinking alcohol, and other related "morals" offenses.
"When police routinely break down doors to enforce a brand of morality, itmeans a line has been crossed to invade people's privacy at any time," saidJoe Stork, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Iran's repressivesystem of controlling people's dress, behavior, and personal lives violatesfundamental rights." Sources inside Iran report to Human Rights Watch thaton February 28-29, police in Esfahan raided a private home and arrested 30or more men attending a party. They have been jailed for almost four weekswithout access to lawyers and without charge. Police reportedly referredthem to a forensic medical examiner to look for "evidence" that they haveengaged in homosexual conduct.
http://www.hrw.org/doc?t=mideast&c=iran
-Musical Pranksters and Tricksters - Sunday 30 March 2008
The Iain Burnside show on BBC Radio 3 this week celebrates the work of Gaycomposers and explores the link between sexuality and music.
To coincide with the 22nd London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Iain pondersthe relationship between music and sexuality. His guest is culturalcommentator David Benedict and the music includes pieces by Szymanowski,Saint-Saens, Britten and Tippett. BBC Radio 3 can be received live and freeworldwide on the internet:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-From American Family Association
General Motors Supports The Gay Agenda
General Motors has made a decision to help promote the homosexual agenda.
The automaker supports the gay agenda with advertising in homosexualpublications and on the gay TV cable channel LOGO. GM's Cadillac regularlyplaces full-page ads in The Advocate, a magazine dedicated to pushing thehomosexual agenda. The LOGO TV network carries programs promoting thelifestyle. Jon Brancheau, director of media operations for Saturn (asubsidiary of General Motors), left no doubt about General Motors' supportfor the homosexual lifestyle. In a letter to someone who complained aboutGM's sponsorship of an episode of the LOGO program "Adam and Steve," Mr.Brancheau wrote. "Given that this film aired on the LOGO network, which iswidely know(n) to offer content oriented for a gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender audience, we feel comfortable with our decision to advertiseduring LOGO's broadcast of the film."
-National Black Lesbian Conference in Las Vegas
Prepare yourself to join us in Las Vegas, Nevada as we embark upon the Timeto be Renewed. Get ready to learn, share your expertise, network withhundreds of skilled organizers, business professionals, and communitymembers - a diverse group of Lesbians from more than 35 states and over 60different cities around the country and abroad. It all starts with you!!
"Time To Be Renewed"
http://zunainstitute.org/
-GLSEN Partners with Logo to Launch PSA in Wake of Lawrence King Tragedy
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is honored topartner with Logo on a new public service announcement campaign denouncinghate in the wake of junior high student Lawrence King's murder.
King, a 15-year-old from Oxnard, Calif., was shot and killed in school onFeb. 12 by a 14-year-old classmate because of King's sexual orientation andgender expression. Click here to view the PSA:
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2277.html
-A Pew Research Center News Interest Index survey earlier in March found that
79% of the general public had heard rumors that Obama is Muslim, and 38% hadheard "a lot" about this. The current survey finds that most voters have nomisconceptions about Obama's religious beliefs - 53% say that he isChristian. But one in ten believes Barack Obama is Muslim.
Roughly a third (34%) say they don't know what his religious beliefs are,though 9% say the reason they don't know is that they've heard differentthings about his religion, not that they haven't heard about it. Notably,the impression that Obama is Muslim crosses party lines: 14% of Republicans,10% of Democrats and 8% of independents think he is Muslim.
Within both parties, ideology is a major factor: 16% of conservativeRepublicans believe Obama is Muslim, compared with 9% of moderates andliberals. And 13% of conservative and moderate Democrats believe Obama isMuslim, compared with just 5% of liberal Democrats.
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Supreme Court refuses to hear Arpaio's appeal of rulings on abortionThe U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider an appeal from theMaricopa County Sheriff's Office on whether it should be forced to takefemale jail prisoners to abortion clinics.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0325arpaio0325.html
-Shocker: Mass Resistance declared a hate group
Brian Camenker, Amy Contrada, and the rest of the anti-gay activists at Mass Resistance have finally received some long-overdue recognition. In the mostrecent issue of its Intelligence Report the Southern Poverty Law Center, anorganization that tracks hate groups across the country, added MassResistance to its list of anti-gay hate groups. Camenker and co. join theillustrious ranks of Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church and Lou Sheldon'sTraditional Values Coalition.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=72242
-Peter Sprigg Apologizes
Current immigration laws deny the foreign partners of gay Americans theability to immigrate to the U.S, unlike their heterosexually-marriedcounterparts. A bill is stalled in Congress which would address thisproblem. Last week, we awarded the LaBarbera Award to the Family "Research"Council's Peter Sprigg for suggesting that instead of uniting gays andlesbians with their partners, we should export gays instead:
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1708
-Conservative seminary in Israel pushes pro-gay event off campus
In a sign of continuing friction among Conservative Jews over the issue ofhomosexuality, a ceremony in Jerusalem to mark the first anniversary of thedecision to admit gays to the Jewish Theological Seminary was held away fromthe campus of the movement's main educational institution there.
http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=19149
-Anti-Emo Riots Break Out Across Mexico
A series of attacks on dyed-hair, eye-makeup-wearing emo kids began in earlyMarch when several hundred people went on an emo-beating rampage inQuerétaro, a town of 1.5 million about 160 miles north of Mexico City.
http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/anti-emo-riots.html
-Sex-education classes prevent few problems
Every poor, awkward preadolescent that goes through the American schoolsystem has endured a similar scenario: staring at egregiously largeprojections of male and female sexual anatomy, listening to a teacher droneon about the functions of these mysterious body parts and shifting uneasilyin their seat while their fellow classmates elicit snickers. This is thehorror of sex-ed.
http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/03/28/Opinion/SexEducation.Classes.Prevent.Few.Problems-3289278.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition
-Clinton Owes Obama An Apology
I've had it with the Clintons.
The past few months I've tried to defend Bill and Hillary Clinton againstsome of the more unreasonable attacks from their critics. Just last weekendon CNN's Ballot Bowl, I defended Bill Clinton when critics accused of him ofquestioning Barack Obama's patriotism. The critics may have misinterpretedClinton's remarks, I said, giving the former president the benefit of thedoubt.
http://www.jasmynecannick.com/blog/?p=1567
-Freepers turn on Condi Rice over comments on Obama's speech on race
Did I call it or not? You'll recall that the denizens of the Free Republicwere huge fans of Condoleezza Rice - in fact there was a draft Condi in 08movement there. However, I was certain once she commented positively aboutObama's speech about race, the love affair would be OVER in the swamps.
These are the mild, straightforward comments that landed Dr. Rice in theconservative dog house.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4909
-Obama is the answer for gay, lesbian community
I have been called stupid, naive and a traitor for going against HillaryClinton and supporting Barack Obama as the right candidate for the Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community.
http://media.www.studentprintz.com/media/storage/paper974/news/2008/03/27/Opinion/Between.The.Lines.Obama.Is.The.Answer.For.Gay.Lesbian.Community-3285971.shtml
-Gay Jews Confront Their Heritage
Gay Jews face the double challenge of fitting in with the larger Jewishcommunity as they come to terms with their sexual identities, and alsosearch for a place in the GLBT community.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=local&sc2=photoalbum&sc3=&id=72092
-Rev. Jeremiah Wright Gets LGBT Support
Several LGBT people have come out in support of Democratic presidentialcandidate Sen. Barack Obama's controversial former pastor following mediauproar over short clips from his past sermons.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=72174
-Lay Church Leader Slain; 'Gay Panic' Defense Employed
Victim Victor Manious (Source:The Grand Rapids Press)
In the latest deployment of the so-called "gay panic defense," a Mich.attorney claimed that his client, accused of killing a 62-year-old churchlayman with a bat, was acting in self-defense.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=72268
-Kansas Public School May Expell Student for Being Gay
Naturally, no public school would openly state that they were expelling astudent because he was gay. But the facts of the story, as reported by theWichita Eagle, seem to indicate that this is what is happening in Wichita.
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1704
-What's So Threatening About a Boy in a Prom Dress?
Last December, Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit in Indiana on behalf of Kevin "KK" Logan, a gay transgender high school student who was barred fromentering his prom because he arrived in a dress. Principal Diane Rouseliterally stretched her arms across the door to bar KK from entering. Nowthe Gary Community School Corporation has moved to dismiss KK's lawsuit.
According to GCSC's memorandum of law, KK's expression of his femininegender identity is not constitutionally protected expression. The GCSCadministrators claim that they excluded KK not because of his sex butbecause "he wore a pink ankle length dress to the prom." They claim to havebeen motivated by a "concern for all of the students who attended the prom."
But the other students at prom had known for a long time that KK wasfeminine; they understood the message he sent through his gender expressionover the prior two school years, and they accepted him for who he was.
Rather, the school administrators singled KK out for discriminatorytreatment, and now insist that KK's unequivocal feminine self-expression isunworthy of First Amendment protection.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/our-work/publications/general/whats-so-threatening.html
-Lambda Legal Reaches Settlement on Behalf of University of Wisconsin
Student Who Suffered Violent Antigay Attack
'This is the first time the civil provision in the hate crime law hasresulted in a settlement of an antigay violence case --- it sends a strongmessage that you can't assault someone and get away with it.'
http://www.lambdalegal.org/news/pr/lambda-legal-reaches-settlement-1.html
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Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrier
http://www.smartbrief.com/index.jsp
Go to this link for the following articles:
-PFLAG: Kern taking first steps in dialogue on gay rights
Although Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern in a meeting with PFLAG did notapologize for her widely circulated anti-gay comments, she did express somesupport for protecting gay and lesbian workers from job discrimination,according to this article. "We appreciate this initial meeting [and] we lookforward to continuing today's conversation and working with Kern to moveequality forward," said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG. Readthe blogosphere's reaction to the meeting at Pam's House Blend, PageOneQ,Queerty and The PFLAG National Blog. 365Gay.com (3/27)
-Grab your tickets now for Victory Fund's 8th Annual Champagne Brunch!
Sunday, April 6th, at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. Just a few daysremain to purchase tickets to the fun, fabulous Victory Fund ChampagneBrunch, honoring Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and featuring Iowa State Sen.Matt McCoy. All proceeds benefit the mission of the Gay & Lesbian VictoryFund-to grow the number of openly LGBT elected officials across the U.S.Join us April 6th at the Mayflower Hotel to honor Congresswoman Baldwin, oneof just two openly LGBT Members of Congress and a true hero in the fight forequality for all. Tickets are going fast, so buy yours online right now!
-Couple reaches golden milestone
Virginia couple John Cook, 88, and Waverly Cole, 78, who will mark their50th anniversary on April 15, are profiled. The two, who are both Armyveterans, have been generous supporters of LGBT advocacy groups, includingServicemembers Legal Defense Network, Lambda Legal, Human Rights Campaign,Equality Virginia and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
Washington Blade (3/21)
-Did mainstream media push dead soldier back into closet?
The mainstream media coverage of the death of highly decorated U.S. ArmyMaj. Alan Rogers, 40, in Baghdad, whom friends say was openly gay, failed toinclude his sexual orientation, according to this article. Although Rogersreportedly was out to friends and active in the Washington, D.C., chapter ofAmerican Veterans for Equal Rights, which opposes the military's gay ban,neither The Washington Post nor The Gainesville Sun in Florida foundsufficient evidence to describe Rogers as being gay. Washington Blade (3/27)
-Meet the DNC's first black trans delegate
Marisa Richmond, the first black transgender delegate to the DemocraticNational Convention, is interviewed about her groundbreaking appointment.The college history professor from Tennessee is a delegate for U.S. Sen.Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., but said she would be pleased, from an LGBT-rightsperspective, if Clinton or U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., secured thenomination. Washington Blade (3/26)
-Anti-gay campaigns target out Midwestern candidates
Paul Karr, director of media field strategy for GLAAD, writes of thechallenges faced by several out Midwestern candidates for local offices whoare being targeted by anti-gay forces. For more details, visit Read Betweenthe Lines.
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From HRC
http://www.hrc.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Don't let hatred stain our state constitutions.
Don't let bigotry sway this election.
Renew your membership BEFORE our fiscal year ends on Monday.
We've received an outpouring of support for Eric Breidenbaugh since we firstshared his story last week.
Eric's devastating experience - having to learn of his partner's death fromthe TV because he was "not an actual family member" - epitomizes the crueltyof laws that discriminate against GLBT couples. Watch the video »
https://secure.ga3.org/03/r_states/nT7q0dDFq5fig
But his story has also helped focus attention on a chilling reality: aconstitutional ban on same-sex marriage on the 2008 ballot in Eric's homestate of Florida - and, if you can believe it, more anti-GLBT measuresmoving toward the ballot in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Oregon.
Renew before Monday - help us enter the new fiscal year prepared to stopthese tactics in their tracks and elect leaders who will protect GLBTfamilies.
https://secure.ga3.org/03/r_states/nT7q0dDFq5fig
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Maine: Jennifer Finney Boylan never set out to be the public face for the transgendered.
Jennifer Finney Boylan wrote about her 2000 sex change change in thebest-selling memoir "She's Not There." But the novelist and Englishprofessor at Colby College was thrust into that role by her 2002best-selling memoir about the transition to womanhood that freed her fromthe decades-long torment of being a female trapped in a male body. Withthree appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," two on "Larry King Live" andnumerous other interviews and public appearances, Boylan, 49, has become asunny-faced activist for the nation's transgendered and one of the mostwidely recognized transsexuals of recent years.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/03/26/transgendered.author.ap/
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Hot Button Ballot Issues Back In Election
DALLAS (Reuters) - When Americans cast ballots on November 4 to elect apresident, some states also will ask voters hot-button questions likewhether or not to ban gay marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-usa-ballotinitiatives.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Faithful may quote Scripture to support bigotry
Re Cal Thomas' anti-gay column, "Value system clashes at home and school"
(March 12): The curriculum changes introduced by intelligent officials likethose in California are largely responsible for the reduction of systemicanti-Semitism and blatant racial stereotypes - both of which had beenendorsed by religious leaders who defended their ignorance with scripturalpassages. It's a pity so many "religious" Americans think like troglodytes.
Albert E. Menard
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-brmail996pnmar29,0,5144232.story
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-New on the Web: a gay real estate directory
One of today's fastest growing home owner market segments is our gay familycommunities. They are highly successful and very influential members of ourAmerican society. They have the means and the need to secure loans andpurchase homes in some of the wealthiest communities. They are searching forlike minded as well as opened minded business professionals to help themachieve their life goals.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Nittany Lion love
Those of us living in urban "gay ghettos" sometimes forget what it's like tolive outside of our little insulated worlds where we can stroll hand-in-handwithout incident or attend a gay-affirming church or have a drink in a gaybar before dinner in a gay restaurant.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=3/23/08&end=3/30/08#17416
-Porno Pete Want To Out Gov. Crist
A few years ago when Florida Governor Charlie Crist was running for office,allegations surfaced that Crist was gay. Crist has repeatedly denied it -not that there's anything wrong with that. After all, he isn't opposed tocivil unions, and he did direct the state Republican Party to halt fundingof the anti-gay marriage initiative.
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1710
-Gravel Still Fighting For The Gays
An Exclusive Letter From The Presidential (Very) Hopeful
The former Alaska governor, who this week jumped from Democratic party tothe Libertarians, sent us an exclusive letter pledging to fight for gaymarriage. The issue, he says, has been ignored during this campaign, anabsence he blames on both corporate media and his former colleagues in theDemocratic party.
http://www.queerty.com/gravel-still-fighting-for-the-gays-20080328/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pa. Sen. Endorses Obama
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey endorsed DemocratBarack Obama on Friday, a move that could help the presidential candidatemake inroads with white working-class voters dubbed "Casey Democrats" in theKeystone State.
-Sen. Leahy To Clinton: Quit Now
(Burlington, Vermont) Sen. Patrick Leahy is suggesting that Democraticpresidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton abandon her White House run.
-Former Iowa Lt Govs Support Gay Marriage Case
(Des Moines, Iowa) Two former Iowa Lieutenant Governors, one a Republicanthe other a Democrat, submitted a brief Friday to the state Supreme Courtarguing that the court, not the legislature or voters, is the place todecide the constitutionality of same-sex marriage.
-Clock Ticking On Illinois Civil Unions Bill
(Springfield, Illinois) There is no indication when, or even if, Illinoislawmakers will vote a bill that would allow same-sex couples to have civilunions in the state.
-Report Shows 48% Hike In US HIV Cases
(Washington) Reported new HIV infections in the United States increased by48 percent in 2006 according to new data from the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention.
-FDA Reviews Safety Of HIV Drugs On Heart Attack Concerns
(Washington) The Food and Drug Administration says recent data show patientstaking HIV drugs from GlaxoSmithKline and Bristol-Myers Squibb may haveincreased risk of heart attack.
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National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Men Risk of HIV 'Still High'
The Health Protection Agency made the warning after new diagnoses among gaymen topped 2,600 for the third year. But the figures do seem to have begunto plateau after a surge at the turn of the century. Overall, the number ofnew cases hit an estimated 6,840 in 2007 - a fall of 1,400 from the previousyear.
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The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Obama Holds LGBT Fund-raiser In New York City
Sen. Barack Obama waded deep into Clinton territory Thursday evening at aprivate LGBT fund-raiser in New York City where the price of admission was$2,300 per person.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53048.asp
-Group Urges Iran to Release Gay Prisoners
A human rights group is urging Iranian police to release more than 30 menwho were arrested at a house party for allegedly engaging in gay sexualconduct, drinking alcohol, and other activities that violate Iran's moralcodes. Iranian police raided the house in February, Human Rights Watchreported on Friday. The men have been in jail since their arrest withoutaccess to attorneys and without charge.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53038.asp
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Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-RainbowWeddingNetwork.com has chosen Seattle as the newest location for thecompany's upcoming GLBTQ Wedding & Family Expo and Rally for Equality. Theevent will be held Sunday April 6, 2008 from 12:30 - 3:30 pm at the SeattleMarriott Waterfront. Dozens of local wedding vendors are scheduled toparticipate, who actively support equal rights in marriage. Other highlightsinclude Music, Ceremony Tips, Samples, Fashion and Informative Presentationsabout the issues concerning equality in marriage and adoption for the GLBTQcommunity. Admission is free, and all supporters of equality are encouragedto attend.
-A gay rights group filed legal arguments today in a case that will decidewhether the state's ban on same-sex marriage is legal. Lambda Legal is a NewYork-based group that filed the arguments in a lawsuit on behalf of 6 gayand lesbian couples in Iowa who were denied marriage licenses, as well as 3of the couples' children.
Lambda Legal maintains that the ban denies gay and lesbian couples theconstitutionally guaranteed right to liberty and privacy and equalprotection under the law.
-H&R Block's TaxCut Online software doesn't support tax filings for civilunion couples, as two Connecticut men have found out. The ACLU has sent ademand letter to the company asking it to change its system. The ACLU alsostates "Although the tax requirements for couples with civil unions inConnecticut are very similar to the requirements for married gay couples inMassachusetts, H&R Block's online tax preparation service seems toaccommodate married gay couples there."
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Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-London: Met Police criticised for allowing gay hate concert
The Metropolitan Police have allowed a concert by artist Bounty Killer to goahead, despite his lyrics inciting homophobic hatred and violence. TheJamaican reggae and dancehall DJ, born Rodney Basil Price, has already hadtwo concerts cancelled in Bradford and Birmingham following protests by thegay human rights group Outrage! The Met have previously stated that artistswould not be allowed to perform unless they sign the Reggae CompassionateAct (RCA).
click here for the full article
-Scottish campaign aims to stop deportation of gay teenager
A campaign has been launched to save a teenager from Syria being deported tohis homeland.
Jojo Jako Yakob, 19, claims he will be executed if he is returned. He hasbeen held at Polmont Young Offenders in Falkirk, Scotland for the last 12months after being arrested for possessing a fake Belgian passport. Hislawyers say an asylum application for his stay in the UK was mistakenlywithdrawn.
click here for the full article
-Evangelicals attack Ecuador's protection of sexual minorities
A member of Ecuador's National Assembly has caused outrage throughout thegay community by comparing homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality.
Rosanna Queirolo, a former model, television news anchor and triathlonathlete, won election on a manifesto of environmental protection. However,since joining the Assembly she has caused controversy by embracing thecountry's ultra-conservative Christian Evangelical movement.
click here for the full article
-Politicians and church leaders back gay marriage in Iowa
The fight for gay equality continues in the heart of rural America thisweek, as the Iowa Supreme Court considers a lawsuit brought by six same-sexcouples denied marriage licences in the state. Senior attorneys from LambdaLegal, joined by former Iowa solicitor general Dennis Johnson, will arguethat denying marriage to same-sex couples violates the equal protection anddue process guarantees in the state's Constitution. In August 2007 a trialcourt ruled that denying marriage to same-sex couples was unconstitutional.
click here for the full article
-Irish teachers face dismissal for being gay
Gay and lesbian teachers in Ireland could be sacked if their lifestyle isseen as undermining the religious ethos of schools, a conference was toldthis week. Members of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) group at the IrishNational Teachers' Organisation conference said that the Employment EqualityAct permits schools to dismiss homosexual teachers from religious schools.
Section 37 of the Act states that schools that promote certain religiousvalues can take action to protect their "religious ethos."
click here for the full article
-Mayor "not ready" to support gay rights
One of Europe's most bigoted politicians has once again defended nakedprejudice in his city. Juozas Imbrasas, the Mayor of Vilnius, the capital ofLithuania, was asked by journalists if he would back a campaign affirmingfreedom of assembly and expression for LGBT people in Europe. 19 mayors fromacross the EU have signed up, but Mr Imbrasas said: "I am not ready for suchthings yet." His response was unsurprising considering that Vilnius citycouncil has effectively banned any gay Pride events.
click here for the full article
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Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gay Youth's Slaying Spurs Call for Tolerance
LOS ANGELES -- With his school uniform, eighth-grader Lawrence "Larry" Kingwore purple eye shadow, nail polish and pink lipstick. In the weeks beforehe died, he added purple boots with three-inch heels.
Classmates at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, Calif., mocked hismakeup and slung anti-gay slurs at him in the halls. Sometimes, the wordstransformed the expressive teenager into a wallflower.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803350.html?hpid=moreheadlines
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[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
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Forwarded from Euro-Queer
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article:
-I received word tonight from Tomasz Szypula, spokesman for the CampaignAgainst Homophobia, one of Poland's gay political organizations, thatBrendan Fay and Tom Moulton, the US gay couple whose wedding is being usedby Poland's president to spread hate and fear of same-sex loving people, aretraveling to Warsaw this weekend. To get more information on their trip, Icalled Brendan at home. He gave me the scoop. He have been invited by aPolish TV network to come and appear on a program, all expenses paid by thenetwork. Brendan and Tom touch down in Warsaw on Saturday morning. Inaddition to being guests on the TV show, they will be meeting with gayactivists and with the staff of the Helsinki Foundation for Human Rights,and also attending church.
-Iran: Private Homes Raided for 'Immorality'
Authorities Escalate Arbitrary Arrests, Harassment
The arrest of more than 30 men attending a party in a private home in thecity of Esfahan signals renewed efforts by Iranian authorities to enforce"morality" codes, and highlights the fragility of basic rights in a countrywhere police powers routinely undermine privacy, Human Rights Watch saidtoday. It urged Iranian authorities to release the men reportedly arrestedin late February, and to drop charges against people accused of consensualhomosexual conduct, drinking alcohol, and other related "morals" offenses.
"When police routinely break down doors to enforce a brand of morality, itmeans a line has been crossed to invade people's privacy at any time," saidJoe Stork, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. "Iran's repressivesystem of controlling people's dress, behavior, and personal lives violatesfundamental rights." Sources inside Iran report to Human Rights Watch thaton February 28-29, police in Esfahan raided a private home and arrested 30or more men attending a party. They have been jailed for almost four weekswithout access to lawyers and without charge. Police reportedly referredthem to a forensic medical examiner to look for "evidence" that they haveengaged in homosexual conduct.
http://www.hrw.org/doc?t=mideast&c=iran
-Musical Pranksters and Tricksters - Sunday 30 March 2008
The Iain Burnside show on BBC Radio 3 this week celebrates the work of Gaycomposers and explores the link between sexuality and music.
To coincide with the 22nd London Lesbian and Gay Film Festival, Iain pondersthe relationship between music and sexuality. His guest is culturalcommentator David Benedict and the music includes pieces by Szymanowski,Saint-Saens, Britten and Tippett. BBC Radio 3 can be received live and freeworldwide on the internet:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/
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Forwarded from Kenneth Sherrill - Ken's List
Kenneth.Sherrill@hunter.cuny.edu
kenslist@groups.queernet.org
Go to the links for the following articles:
Contact rays.list@comcast.net if can't access the article
-From American Family Association
General Motors Supports The Gay Agenda
General Motors has made a decision to help promote the homosexual agenda.
The automaker supports the gay agenda with advertising in homosexualpublications and on the gay TV cable channel LOGO. GM's Cadillac regularlyplaces full-page ads in The Advocate, a magazine dedicated to pushing thehomosexual agenda. The LOGO TV network carries programs promoting thelifestyle. Jon Brancheau, director of media operations for Saturn (asubsidiary of General Motors), left no doubt about General Motors' supportfor the homosexual lifestyle. In a letter to someone who complained aboutGM's sponsorship of an episode of the LOGO program "Adam and Steve," Mr.Brancheau wrote. "Given that this film aired on the LOGO network, which iswidely know(n) to offer content oriented for a gay, lesbian, bisexual andtransgender audience, we feel comfortable with our decision to advertiseduring LOGO's broadcast of the film."
-National Black Lesbian Conference in Las Vegas
Prepare yourself to join us in Las Vegas, Nevada as we embark upon the Timeto be Renewed. Get ready to learn, share your expertise, network withhundreds of skilled organizers, business professionals, and communitymembers - a diverse group of Lesbians from more than 35 states and over 60different cities around the country and abroad. It all starts with you!!
"Time To Be Renewed"
http://zunainstitute.org/
-GLSEN Partners with Logo to Launch PSA in Wake of Lawrence King Tragedy
GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, is honored topartner with Logo on a new public service announcement campaign denouncinghate in the wake of junior high student Lawrence King's murder.
King, a 15-year-old from Oxnard, Calif., was shot and killed in school onFeb. 12 by a 14-year-old classmate because of King's sexual orientation andgender expression. Click here to view the PSA:
http://www.glsen.org/cgi-bin/iowa/all/news/record/2277.html
-A Pew Research Center News Interest Index survey earlier in March found that
79% of the general public had heard rumors that Obama is Muslim, and 38% hadheard "a lot" about this. The current survey finds that most voters have nomisconceptions about Obama's religious beliefs - 53% say that he isChristian. But one in ten believes Barack Obama is Muslim.
Roughly a third (34%) say they don't know what his religious beliefs are,though 9% say the reason they don't know is that they've heard differentthings about his religion, not that they haven't heard about it. Notably,the impression that Obama is Muslim crosses party lines: 14% of Republicans,10% of Democrats and 8% of independents think he is Muslim.
Within both parties, ideology is a major factor: 16% of conservativeRepublicans believe Obama is Muslim, compared with 9% of moderates andliberals. And 13% of conservative and moderate Democrats believe Obama isMuslim, compared with just 5% of liberal Democrats.
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Forwarded from Victoria Lavin
Daily Queer News
dailyqueernews@yahoo.com
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Supreme Court refuses to hear Arpaio's appeal of rulings on abortionThe U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider an appeal from theMaricopa County Sheriff's Office on whether it should be forced to takefemale jail prisoners to abortion clinics.
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0325arpaio0325.html
-Shocker: Mass Resistance declared a hate group
Brian Camenker, Amy Contrada, and the rest of the anti-gay activists at Mass Resistance have finally received some long-overdue recognition. In the mostrecent issue of its Intelligence Report the Southern Poverty Law Center, anorganization that tracks hate groups across the country, added MassResistance to its list of anti-gay hate groups. Camenker and co. join theillustrious ranks of Fred Phelps's Westboro Baptist Church and Lou Sheldon'sTraditional Values Coalition.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=72242
-Peter Sprigg Apologizes
Current immigration laws deny the foreign partners of gay Americans theability to immigrate to the U.S, unlike their heterosexually-marriedcounterparts. A bill is stalled in Congress which would address thisproblem. Last week, we awarded the LaBarbera Award to the Family "Research"Council's Peter Sprigg for suggesting that instead of uniting gays andlesbians with their partners, we should export gays instead:
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1708
-Conservative seminary in Israel pushes pro-gay event off campus
In a sign of continuing friction among Conservative Jews over the issue ofhomosexuality, a ceremony in Jerusalem to mark the first anniversary of thedecision to admit gays to the Jewish Theological Seminary was held away fromthe campus of the movement's main educational institution there.
http://www.jewishjournal.com/home/preview.php?id=19149
-Anti-Emo Riots Break Out Across Mexico
A series of attacks on dyed-hair, eye-makeup-wearing emo kids began in earlyMarch when several hundred people went on an emo-beating rampage inQuerétaro, a town of 1.5 million about 160 miles north of Mexico City.
http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/03/anti-emo-riots.html
-Sex-education classes prevent few problems
Every poor, awkward preadolescent that goes through the American schoolsystem has endured a similar scenario: staring at egregiously largeprojections of male and female sexual anatomy, listening to a teacher droneon about the functions of these mysterious body parts and shifting uneasilyin their seat while their fellow classmates elicit snickers. This is thehorror of sex-ed.
http://media.www.dailytrojan.com/media/storage/paper679/news/2008/03/28/Opinion/SexEducation.Classes.Prevent.Few.Problems-3289278.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition
-Clinton Owes Obama An Apology
I've had it with the Clintons.
The past few months I've tried to defend Bill and Hillary Clinton againstsome of the more unreasonable attacks from their critics. Just last weekendon CNN's Ballot Bowl, I defended Bill Clinton when critics accused of him ofquestioning Barack Obama's patriotism. The critics may have misinterpretedClinton's remarks, I said, giving the former president the benefit of thedoubt.
http://www.jasmynecannick.com/blog/?p=1567
-Freepers turn on Condi Rice over comments on Obama's speech on race
Did I call it or not? You'll recall that the denizens of the Free Republicwere huge fans of Condoleezza Rice - in fact there was a draft Condi in 08movement there. However, I was certain once she commented positively aboutObama's speech about race, the love affair would be OVER in the swamps.
These are the mild, straightforward comments that landed Dr. Rice in theconservative dog house.
http://www.pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=4909
-Obama is the answer for gay, lesbian community
I have been called stupid, naive and a traitor for going against HillaryClinton and supporting Barack Obama as the right candidate for the Lesbian,Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community.
http://media.www.studentprintz.com/media/storage/paper974/news/2008/03/27/Opinion/Between.The.Lines.Obama.Is.The.Answer.For.Gay.Lesbian.Community-3285971.shtml
-Gay Jews Confront Their Heritage
Gay Jews face the double challenge of fitting in with the larger Jewishcommunity as they come to terms with their sexual identities, and alsosearch for a place in the GLBT community.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=local&sc2=photoalbum&sc3=&id=72092
-Rev. Jeremiah Wright Gets LGBT Support
Several LGBT people have come out in support of Democratic presidentialcandidate Sen. Barack Obama's controversial former pastor following mediauproar over short clips from his past sermons.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=72174
-Lay Church Leader Slain; 'Gay Panic' Defense Employed
Victim Victor Manious (Source:The Grand Rapids Press)
In the latest deployment of the so-called "gay panic defense," a Mich.attorney claimed that his client, accused of killing a 62-year-old churchlayman with a bat, was acting in self-defense.
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=glbt&sc2=news&sc3=&id=72268
-Kansas Public School May Expell Student for Being Gay
Naturally, no public school would openly state that they were expelling astudent because he was gay. But the facts of the story, as reported by theWichita Eagle, seem to indicate that this is what is happening in Wichita.
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1704
-What's So Threatening About a Boy in a Prom Dress?
Last December, Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit in Indiana on behalf of Kevin "KK" Logan, a gay transgender high school student who was barred fromentering his prom because he arrived in a dress. Principal Diane Rouseliterally stretched her arms across the door to bar KK from entering. Nowthe Gary Community School Corporation has moved to dismiss KK's lawsuit.
According to GCSC's memorandum of law, KK's expression of his femininegender identity is not constitutionally protected expression. The GCSCadministrators claim that they excluded KK not because of his sex butbecause "he wore a pink ankle length dress to the prom." They claim to havebeen motivated by a "concern for all of the students who attended the prom."
But the other students at prom had known for a long time that KK wasfeminine; they understood the message he sent through his gender expressionover the prior two school years, and they accepted him for who he was.
Rather, the school administrators singled KK out for discriminatorytreatment, and now insist that KK's unequivocal feminine self-expression isunworthy of First Amendment protection.
http://www.lambdalegal.org/our-work/publications/general/whats-so-threatening.html
-Lambda Legal Reaches Settlement on Behalf of University of Wisconsin
Student Who Suffered Violent Antigay Attack
'This is the first time the civil provision in the hate crime law hasresulted in a settlement of an antigay violence case --- it sends a strongmessage that you can't assault someone and get away with it.'
http://www.lambdalegal.org/news/pr/lambda-legal-reaches-settlement-1.html
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Gay & Lesbian Leadership SmartBrier
http://www.smartbrief.com/index.jsp
Go to this link for the following articles:
-PFLAG: Kern taking first steps in dialogue on gay rights
Although Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern in a meeting with PFLAG did notapologize for her widely circulated anti-gay comments, she did express somesupport for protecting gay and lesbian workers from job discrimination,according to this article. "We appreciate this initial meeting [and] we lookforward to continuing today's conversation and working with Kern to moveequality forward," said Jody M. Huckaby, executive director of PFLAG. Readthe blogosphere's reaction to the meeting at Pam's House Blend, PageOneQ,Queerty and The PFLAG National Blog. 365Gay.com (3/27)
-Grab your tickets now for Victory Fund's 8th Annual Champagne Brunch!
Sunday, April 6th, at the Mayflower Hotel, Washington, D.C. Just a few daysremain to purchase tickets to the fun, fabulous Victory Fund ChampagneBrunch, honoring Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin and featuring Iowa State Sen.Matt McCoy. All proceeds benefit the mission of the Gay & Lesbian VictoryFund-to grow the number of openly LGBT elected officials across the U.S.Join us April 6th at the Mayflower Hotel to honor Congresswoman Baldwin, oneof just two openly LGBT Members of Congress and a true hero in the fight forequality for all. Tickets are going fast, so buy yours online right now!
-Couple reaches golden milestone
Virginia couple John Cook, 88, and Waverly Cole, 78, who will mark their50th anniversary on April 15, are profiled. The two, who are both Armyveterans, have been generous supporters of LGBT advocacy groups, includingServicemembers Legal Defense Network, Lambda Legal, Human Rights Campaign,Equality Virginia and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network.
Washington Blade (3/21)
-Did mainstream media push dead soldier back into closet?
The mainstream media coverage of the death of highly decorated U.S. ArmyMaj. Alan Rogers, 40, in Baghdad, whom friends say was openly gay, failed toinclude his sexual orientation, according to this article. Although Rogersreportedly was out to friends and active in the Washington, D.C., chapter ofAmerican Veterans for Equal Rights, which opposes the military's gay ban,neither The Washington Post nor The Gainesville Sun in Florida foundsufficient evidence to describe Rogers as being gay. Washington Blade (3/27)
-Meet the DNC's first black trans delegate
Marisa Richmond, the first black transgender delegate to the DemocraticNational Convention, is interviewed about her groundbreaking appointment.The college history professor from Tennessee is a delegate for U.S. Sen.Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., but said she would be pleased, from an LGBT-rightsperspective, if Clinton or U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., secured thenomination. Washington Blade (3/26)
-Anti-gay campaigns target out Midwestern candidates
Paul Karr, director of media field strategy for GLAAD, writes of thechallenges faced by several out Midwestern candidates for local offices whoare being targeted by anti-gay forces. For more details, visit Read Betweenthe Lines.
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From HRC
http://www.hrc.org/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Don't let hatred stain our state constitutions.
Don't let bigotry sway this election.
Renew your membership BEFORE our fiscal year ends on Monday.
We've received an outpouring of support for Eric Breidenbaugh since we firstshared his story last week.
Eric's devastating experience - having to learn of his partner's death fromthe TV because he was "not an actual family member" - epitomizes the crueltyof laws that discriminate against GLBT couples. Watch the video »
https://secure.ga3.org/03/r_states/nT7q0dDFq5fig
But his story has also helped focus attention on a chilling reality: aconstitutional ban on same-sex marriage on the 2008 ballot in Eric's homestate of Florida - and, if you can believe it, more anti-GLBT measuresmoving toward the ballot in California, Arizona, Arkansas, and Oregon.
Renew before Monday - help us enter the new fiscal year prepared to stopthese tactics in their tracks and elect leaders who will protect GLBTfamilies.
https://secure.ga3.org/03/r_states/nT7q0dDFq5fig
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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article
-Maine: Jennifer Finney Boylan never set out to be the public face for the transgendered.
Jennifer Finney Boylan wrote about her 2000 sex change change in thebest-selling memoir "She's Not There." But the novelist and Englishprofessor at Colby College was thrust into that role by her 2002best-selling memoir about the transition to womanhood that freed her fromthe decades-long torment of being a female trapped in a male body. Withthree appearances on "The Oprah Winfrey Show," two on "Larry King Live" andnumerous other interviews and public appearances, Boylan, 49, has become asunny-faced activist for the nation's transgendered and one of the mostwidely recognized transsexuals of recent years.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/03/26/transgendered.author.ap/
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New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Hot Button Ballot Issues Back In Election
DALLAS (Reuters) - When Americans cast ballots on November 4 to elect apresident, some states also will ask voters hot-button questions likewhether or not to ban gay marriage.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/news/news-usa-ballotinitiatives.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=gay&st=nyt&oref=slogin
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Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Faithful may quote Scripture to support bigotry
Re Cal Thomas' anti-gay column, "Value system clashes at home and school"
(March 12): The curriculum changes introduced by intelligent officials likethose in California are largely responsible for the reduction of systemicanti-Semitism and blatant racial stereotypes - both of which had beenendorsed by religious leaders who defended their ignorance with scripturalpassages. It's a pity so many "religious" Americans think like troglodytes.
Albert E. Menard
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-brmail996pnmar29,0,5144232.story
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Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-New on the Web: a gay real estate directory
One of today's fastest growing home owner market segments is our gay familycommunities. They are highly successful and very influential members of ourAmerican society. They have the means and the need to secure loans andpurchase homes in some of the wealthiest communities. They are searching forlike minded as well as opened minded business professionals to help themachieve their life goals.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/
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Express Gay News
http://www.expressgaynews.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Nittany Lion love
Those of us living in urban "gay ghettos" sometimes forget what it's like tolive outside of our little insulated worlds where we can stroll hand-in-handwithout incident or attend a gay-affirming church or have a drink in a gaybar before dinner in a gay restaurant.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/blog/index.cfm?type=blog&start=3/23/08&end=3/30/08#17416
-Porno Pete Want To Out Gov. Crist
A few years ago when Florida Governor Charlie Crist was running for office,allegations surfaced that Crist was gay. Crist has repeatedly denied it -not that there's anything wrong with that. After all, he isn't opposed tocivil unions, and he did direct the state Republican Party to halt fundingof the anti-gay marriage initiative.
http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/2008/03/27/1710
-Gravel Still Fighting For The Gays
An Exclusive Letter From The Presidential (Very) Hopeful
The former Alaska governor, who this week jumped from Democratic party tothe Libertarians, sent us an exclusive letter pledging to fight for gaymarriage. The issue, he says, has been ignored during this campaign, anabsence he blames on both corporate media and his former colleagues in theDemocratic party.
http://www.queerty.com/gravel-still-fighting-for-the-gays-20080328/
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365Gay.com
http://www.365gay.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Pa. Sen. Endorses Obama
(Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey endorsed DemocratBarack Obama on Friday, a move that could help the presidential candidatemake inroads with white working-class voters dubbed "Casey Democrats" in theKeystone State.
-Sen. Leahy To Clinton: Quit Now
(Burlington, Vermont) Sen. Patrick Leahy is suggesting that Democraticpresidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton abandon her White House run.
-Former Iowa Lt Govs Support Gay Marriage Case
(Des Moines, Iowa) Two former Iowa Lieutenant Governors, one a Republicanthe other a Democrat, submitted a brief Friday to the state Supreme Courtarguing that the court, not the legislature or voters, is the place todecide the constitutionality of same-sex marriage.
-Clock Ticking On Illinois Civil Unions Bill
(Springfield, Illinois) There is no indication when, or even if, Illinoislawmakers will vote a bill that would allow same-sex couples to have civilunions in the state.
-Report Shows 48% Hike In US HIV Cases
(Washington) Reported new HIV infections in the United States increased by48 percent in 2006 according to new data from the Centers for DiseaseControl and Prevention.
-FDA Reviews Safety Of HIV Drugs On Heart Attack Concerns
(Washington) The Food and Drug Administration says recent data show patientstaking HIV drugs from GlaxoSmithKline and Bristol-Myers Squibb may haveincreased risk of heart attack.
=
National Gay News
http://nationalgaynews.com/component/option,com_frontpage/Itemid,1/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Gay Men Risk of HIV 'Still High'
The Health Protection Agency made the warning after new diagnoses among gaymen topped 2,600 for the third year. But the figures do seem to have begunto plateau after a surge at the turn of the century. Overall, the number ofnew cases hit an estimated 6,840 in 2007 - a fall of 1,400 from the previousyear.
=
The Advocate
http://advocate.com/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-Obama Holds LGBT Fund-raiser In New York City
Sen. Barack Obama waded deep into Clinton territory Thursday evening at aprivate LGBT fund-raiser in New York City where the price of admission was$2,300 per person.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53048.asp
-Group Urges Iran to Release Gay Prisoners
A human rights group is urging Iranian police to release more than 30 menwho were arrested at a house party for allegedly engaging in gay sexualconduct, drinking alcohol, and other activities that violate Iran's moralcodes. Iranian police raided the house in February, Human Rights Watchreported on Friday. The men have been in jail since their arrest withoutaccess to attorneys and without charge.
http://advocate.com/news_detail_ektid53038.asp
=
Marriage Equality News
http://samesexmarriage.typepad.com/weblog/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-RainbowWeddingNetwork.com has chosen Seattle as the newest location for thecompany's upcoming GLBTQ Wedding & Family Expo and Rally for Equality. Theevent will be held Sunday April 6, 2008 from 12:30 - 3:30 pm at the SeattleMarriott Waterfront. Dozens of local wedding vendors are scheduled toparticipate, who actively support equal rights in marriage. Other highlightsinclude Music, Ceremony Tips, Samples, Fashion and Informative Presentationsabout the issues concerning equality in marriage and adoption for the GLBTQcommunity. Admission is free, and all supporters of equality are encouragedto attend.
-A gay rights group filed legal arguments today in a case that will decidewhether the state's ban on same-sex marriage is legal. Lambda Legal is a NewYork-based group that filed the arguments in a lawsuit on behalf of 6 gayand lesbian couples in Iowa who were denied marriage licenses, as well as 3of the couples' children.
Lambda Legal maintains that the ban denies gay and lesbian couples theconstitutionally guaranteed right to liberty and privacy and equalprotection under the law.
-H&R Block's TaxCut Online software doesn't support tax filings for civilunion couples, as two Connecticut men have found out. The ACLU has sent ademand letter to the company asking it to change its system. The ACLU alsostates "Although the tax requirements for couples with civil unions inConnecticut are very similar to the requirements for married gay couples inMassachusetts, H&R Block's online tax preparation service seems toaccommodate married gay couples there."
=
Pink News - UK
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-London: Met Police criticised for allowing gay hate concert
The Metropolitan Police have allowed a concert by artist Bounty Killer to goahead, despite his lyrics inciting homophobic hatred and violence. TheJamaican reggae and dancehall DJ, born Rodney Basil Price, has already hadtwo concerts cancelled in Bradford and Birmingham following protests by thegay human rights group Outrage! The Met have previously stated that artistswould not be allowed to perform unless they sign the Reggae CompassionateAct (RCA).
click here for the full article
-Scottish campaign aims to stop deportation of gay teenager
A campaign has been launched to save a teenager from Syria being deported tohis homeland.
Jojo Jako Yakob, 19, claims he will be executed if he is returned. He hasbeen held at Polmont Young Offenders in Falkirk, Scotland for the last 12months after being arrested for possessing a fake Belgian passport. Hislawyers say an asylum application for his stay in the UK was mistakenlywithdrawn.
click here for the full article
-Evangelicals attack Ecuador's protection of sexual minorities
A member of Ecuador's National Assembly has caused outrage throughout thegay community by comparing homosexuality to paedophilia and bestiality.
Rosanna Queirolo, a former model, television news anchor and triathlonathlete, won election on a manifesto of environmental protection. However,since joining the Assembly she has caused controversy by embracing thecountry's ultra-conservative Christian Evangelical movement.
click here for the full article
-Politicians and church leaders back gay marriage in Iowa
The fight for gay equality continues in the heart of rural America thisweek, as the Iowa Supreme Court considers a lawsuit brought by six same-sexcouples denied marriage licences in the state. Senior attorneys from LambdaLegal, joined by former Iowa solicitor general Dennis Johnson, will arguethat denying marriage to same-sex couples violates the equal protection anddue process guarantees in the state's Constitution. In August 2007 a trialcourt ruled that denying marriage to same-sex couples was unconstitutional.
click here for the full article
-Irish teachers face dismissal for being gay
Gay and lesbian teachers in Ireland could be sacked if their lifestyle isseen as undermining the religious ethos of schools, a conference was toldthis week. Members of the Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual (LGB) group at the IrishNational Teachers' Organisation conference said that the Employment EqualityAct permits schools to dismiss homosexual teachers from religious schools.
Section 37 of the Act states that schools that promote certain religiousvalues can take action to protect their "religious ethos."
click here for the full article
-Mayor "not ready" to support gay rights
One of Europe's most bigoted politicians has once again defended nakedprejudice in his city. Juozas Imbrasas, the Mayor of Vilnius, the capital ofLithuania, was asked by journalists if he would back a campaign affirmingfreedom of assembly and expression for LGBT people in Europe. 19 mayors fromacross the EU have signed up, but Mr Imbrasas said: "I am not ready for suchthings yet." His response was unsurprising considering that Vilnius citycouncil has effectively banned any gay Pride events.
click here for the full article
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Gay Youth's Slaying Spurs Call for Tolerance
LOS ANGELES -- With his school uniform, eighth-grader Lawrence "Larry" Kingwore purple eye shadow, nail polish and pink lipstick. In the weeks beforehe died, he added purple boots with three-inch heels.
Classmates at E.O. Green Junior High School in Oxnard, Calif., mocked hismakeup and slung anti-gay slurs at him in the halls. Sometimes, the wordstransformed the expressive teenager into a wallflower.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803350.html?hpid=moreheadlines
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
NATIONAL & WORLD DIGEST March 29, 2008
**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.
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-French are right on Olympic stance
French have it right this time
Americans have had their gripes with the French in recent years, but let'sgive France some credit. They are doing the right thing in trying to applypressure on China to ease up on its crackdown in Tibet.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editgstibetcappnmar28,0,3349743.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-PRESIDENCY
How senior is too senior?
It was probably not wise for the 64-year-old Brit Hume to describe the71-year-old John McCain as having a ''senior moment.'' A blip would havebeen better. Or a gaffe. Or even a dent in the candidate's ''experience''armor.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/474692.html
-Musicians getting in tune with Obama
Caribbean artists' tributes to Barack Obama are symbolic of the senator'sgrowing appeal beyond U.S. borders and the global excitement enveloping hiscandidacy -- even among those who can't vote.
http://www.miamiherald.com/campaign08/story/474673.html
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-McCain Forecloses Early
I don't see how anybody could deny that John McCain is a straight-talker.
The country is terrified of economic collapse and he's been sounding likeMr. Potter, the banker in "It's a Wonderful Life." You can't get moreforthright than that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/opinion/29collins.html?ref=opinion
-Endorsement of Obama Points Up Clinton's Obstacles
The surprise endorsement of Senator Barack Obama by a popular senator in abattleground state on Friday underlined the ferment in the Democraticnominating race and the serious obstacles facing Senator Hillary RodhamClinton as she tries to rescue her candidacy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29dems.html?hp
-Obama Communicates, Even Without Words
Senator Barack Obama didn't go on "The View" on Friday solely to talk aboutrace and the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. He also wanted to address thegender issue. And if the fluttery response of the show's five co-hosts isany harbinger, Mr. Obama will not have any trouble assuaging female votersif Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton drops out of the Democratic race for theWhite House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29watch.html
-Surprise Backing From Senator Reflected Frustration and Desire for Healing
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania left for his Easter vacation in Floridadetermined to remain neutral in the increasingly bitter battle for theDemocratic presidential nomination. But rain there kept him inside, and hebegan ruminating about the election and what was at stake.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29penn.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-In Pa., She's Got a Friend In Murtha
UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- They waited for three hours in a chilly gymnasium, morethan 2,000 people standing shoulder to shoulder on the hardwood floor, theirpatience waning through a cheerleading routine, a pep rally and four noisyspeeches from local politicians.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803409.html?hpid=topnews
-Dollar Signs In Double Helixes
Firm Brings Genetic Testing to the Masses
For years, women have been able to go to the drugstore to answer a question:pregnant or not? Now science has taken testing a step further, and thosesame drugstore shelves are stocking kits to answer another, equally pressingquestion: daddy or not?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803511.html?hpid=moreheadlines
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-French are right on Olympic stance
French have it right this time
Americans have had their gripes with the French in recent years, but let'sgive France some credit. They are doing the right thing in trying to applypressure on China to ease up on its crackdown in Tibet.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editgstibetcappnmar28,0,3349743.story
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-PRESIDENCY
How senior is too senior?
It was probably not wise for the 64-year-old Brit Hume to describe the71-year-old John McCain as having a ''senior moment.'' A blip would havebeen better. Or a gaffe. Or even a dent in the candidate's ''experience''armor.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/474692.html
-Musicians getting in tune with Obama
Caribbean artists' tributes to Barack Obama are symbolic of the senator'sgrowing appeal beyond U.S. borders and the global excitement enveloping hiscandidacy -- even among those who can't vote.
http://www.miamiherald.com/campaign08/story/474673.html
=
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-McCain Forecloses Early
I don't see how anybody could deny that John McCain is a straight-talker.
The country is terrified of economic collapse and he's been sounding likeMr. Potter, the banker in "It's a Wonderful Life." You can't get moreforthright than that.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/opinion/29collins.html?ref=opinion
-Endorsement of Obama Points Up Clinton's Obstacles
The surprise endorsement of Senator Barack Obama by a popular senator in abattleground state on Friday underlined the ferment in the Democraticnominating race and the serious obstacles facing Senator Hillary RodhamClinton as she tries to rescue her candidacy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29dems.html?hp
-Obama Communicates, Even Without Words
Senator Barack Obama didn't go on "The View" on Friday solely to talk aboutrace and the Rev. Jeremiah A. Wright Jr. He also wanted to address thegender issue. And if the fluttery response of the show's five co-hosts isany harbinger, Mr. Obama will not have any trouble assuaging female votersif Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton drops out of the Democratic race for theWhite House.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29watch.html
-Surprise Backing From Senator Reflected Frustration and Desire for Healing
Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania left for his Easter vacation in Floridadetermined to remain neutral in the increasingly bitter battle for theDemocratic presidential nomination. But rain there kept him inside, and hebegan ruminating about the election and what was at stake.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/29/us/politics/29penn.html
=
Washington Post
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-In Pa., She's Got a Friend In Murtha
UNIONTOWN, Pa. -- They waited for three hours in a chilly gymnasium, morethan 2,000 people standing shoulder to shoulder on the hardwood floor, theirpatience waning through a cheerleading routine, a pep rally and four noisyspeeches from local politicians.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803409.html?hpid=topnews
-Dollar Signs In Double Helixes
Firm Brings Genetic Testing to the Masses
For years, women have been able to go to the drugstore to answer a question:pregnant or not? Now science has taken testing a step further, and thosesame drugstore shelves are stocking kits to answer another, equally pressingquestion: daddy or not?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032803511.html?hpid=moreheadlines
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
FLORIDA DIGEST March 29, 2008
**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.
=
Anthony Niedwiecki Campaign for
Oakland Park City Commission
The first fundraising quarter of the year ends on Monday March 31, and ourcampaign is very close to breaking the $10,000 mark in total donations. Weneed your help to reach this milestone by Monday! Please donate any amountyou can and send a signal that we are set to move the city forward! Clickhere to contribute today!
www.Anthony09.com
=
From Mark LaFontaine
Running for Florida Legislature from House District 92
Just a quick note to let you know that I am appearing on "4 Sunday Morningwith Eliott Rodriguez" this Sunday at 11am to discuss the amendment to theFlorida Constitution that the Taxation and Reform Commission just placed onthe November ballot. This dangerous amendment will gut the section ofFlorida's Constitution that guarantees the separation of church and state.
I oppose this drastic step that would remove the prohibition on using taxdollars to fund religious activities and allow the government to earmarkyour tax dollars to sponsor government-funded religion. I think you'llagree with me in saying this is not the right direction for Florida.
Please take a few minutes to watch my interview. When I'm in theLegislature in Tallahassee I'll speak out to put an end to these right-wingattacks on our Constitution.
PS: I can't get to Tallahassee without your help. You've come through inthe past but I'd appreciate if you could contribute again before the quarterends on March 31. Click HERE to contribute to check out my website andlearn more.
http://marklafontaine.com/
=
From Transgender Equality
Making it clear that anti-gay bullying is destructive does not promotehomosexuality
People on the right have a troubling tendency to cherry-pick the typesof bigotry they choose to denounce. We saw this recently when Sen.John McCain issued a carefully worded, "categorical" repudiation ofRev. John Hagee's anti-Catholic remarks. McCain, who had earlierembraced Hagee's endorsement of his candidacy and publicly praised theright-wing preacher, was careful not to mention anything about Hagee'santi-gay statements or his anti-Muslim statements in his belatedrepudiation.
Unfortunately, a similar thing is happening with the Safe Schools Billthat is currently being considered in the Florida Legislature. Thebill seeks to address the problem of bullying in the public schools,which as we have seen recently can have deadly consequences. StateRep. Nick Thompson, who introduced the bill in the Florida House, hasinsisted that it is intended to protect all students from bullying. Infact, the text of the bill says it would "prohibit bullying andharassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educationalinstitution."
But in the section of the bill that defines bullying, the bill onlyspecifies "sexual, religious or racial harassment" as categories ofbullying based on a person's inherent characteristics or ethnicbackground.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-27/view/editorial/4541.cfm
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-School vouchers shouldn't be part of Florida's needed tax and budget reform
ISSUE: Since when do school vouchers qualify as a tax and budget reform?
Floridians are closer than they think to a vote on whether to spend taxdollars on religious institutions, including private schools. It's not likethe public's clamoring for it, as they are for property tax and insurancereform, but that hasn't deterred the Florida Taxation and Budget ReformCommission.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editdltaxandbudgetdebaclepnmar29,0,2486333.story?track=rss
-5 Myths About No Child Left Behind
It's the 800-pound gorilla of U.S. education. The No Child Left Behind Act(NCLB), the sweeping legislation enacted six years ago to improve publicschools, seems to make a lot of people unhappy. But President Bush,undaunted by the barrage of criticism aimed at this beleaguered measure bystates, teachers' unions and politicians on both sides of the aisle, ispushing Congress to reauthorize it this year . Many Capitol Hill observersbelieve that it won't survive without the political clout a new presidentand Congress would bring -- but after a starring role in five straightpresidential elections, education is a bit player at best in the 2008 race.
Could these widespread myths about No Child Left Behind have poisoned thewell?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802976.html
-Funding may dry up for Glades restoration
Budget plans could slash health care
TALLAHASSEE - Restoration of the Everglades could come to a grinding haltunder a House plan to slash $200 million from the project because of thestate's dropping revenues.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/legislature/sfl-flfspend0328sbmar28,0,1334057.story
-Florida unemployment rate holds steady
Unemployment in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties rose in Februarycompared with the same month a year ago, according to state agency figures.
Palm Beach County had the biggest jump in jobless at 4.7 percent, comparedwith 3.6 percent a year ago.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-0328jobless,0,1263606.story
-More Broward County families becoming homeless
Linda Smith has five kids, two jobs and no home.
Her husband walked out a few months ago, she says, not telling her theirmortgage hadn't been paid and their house would soon be foreclosed. Sheworks nights at an upscale department store, substitute teaches in BrowardCounty and has no idea where she'll wind up.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbhomeless0329sbmar29,0,3071327.story
-Florida's unemployment rate up sharply from a year ago
State posts 4.5% jobless rate
Construction workers bore the brunt of job losses in February, more evidenceof an unrelenting housing crisis statewide.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzunemployment0329sbmar29,0,62497.story
-Increase in Florida's cigarette tax makes sense
ISSUE: Cigarette tax touted as revenue source.
Hard economic times call for drastic measures, and Florida's budget crisisqualifies as such an occasion. The current financial crunch has requiredcutting, but lawmakers also have to find new revenue options.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editajjcigarettetaxpnmar29,0,3399208.story
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-FAU gay student group, Equality Florida hold town hall meeting on marriagevote
I moderated a town hall meeting Thursday night to discuss Florida'sconstitutional marriage amendment, which will be on the ballot in November.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/03/fau-gay-student.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Undaunted Nelson Urges Major Political Reforms
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says he fully intended to equate thetaking away of Florida's Democratic presidential delegates to historicalwrongs such as slavery or denying women and minorities the right to vote.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/28/na-undaunted-nelson-urges-major-political-reforms/?news-politics
=
Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Stay tough on crime -- by preventing it
OUR OPINION: JUVENILE ASSESSMENT CENTERS CAN DIVERT CRIMINALS
In a year of the steepest budget cuts in Florida history, some state-fundedoperations will actually get more tax dollars. These would be private-prisonoperators and prison-construction companies. The Legislature is poised tospend millions of dollars to build two prisons a year for the next fiveyears. The state prison system is near capacity with nearly 100,000 inmates.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/473152.html
-LEGISLATURE
Gun lobby has property rights in its sights
In Tallahassee, you sometimes hear outlandish statements, and we all haveour favorite examples. This, year I haven't yet heard of anything as odd asthe retail industry's gun sellers being labeled ''anti-gun.'' The paradoxmight be amusing if it weren't so troubling. The U.S. Supreme Court'sdeliberation on Washington D.C.'s gun ban now promises to add another layerof irony for our consideration.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/474694.html
-DEMOGRAPHICS
Florida's population slowing to 30-year low, study shows
A University of Florida economics professor finds Florida's population's isdipping to 30-year low.
A new study has reaffirmed a growing demographic trend in Florida: The stateis seeing its population growth slow to its lowest level in three decades.
http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/474647.html
=
[Send your comments about articles to Rays.List@Comcast.net]
#####
=
Anthony Niedwiecki Campaign for
Oakland Park City Commission
The first fundraising quarter of the year ends on Monday March 31, and ourcampaign is very close to breaking the $10,000 mark in total donations. Weneed your help to reach this milestone by Monday! Please donate any amountyou can and send a signal that we are set to move the city forward! Clickhere to contribute today!
www.Anthony09.com
=
From Mark LaFontaine
Running for Florida Legislature from House District 92
Just a quick note to let you know that I am appearing on "4 Sunday Morningwith Eliott Rodriguez" this Sunday at 11am to discuss the amendment to theFlorida Constitution that the Taxation and Reform Commission just placed onthe November ballot. This dangerous amendment will gut the section ofFlorida's Constitution that guarantees the separation of church and state.
I oppose this drastic step that would remove the prohibition on using taxdollars to fund religious activities and allow the government to earmarkyour tax dollars to sponsor government-funded religion. I think you'llagree with me in saying this is not the right direction for Florida.
Please take a few minutes to watch my interview. When I'm in theLegislature in Tallahassee I'll speak out to put an end to these right-wingattacks on our Constitution.
PS: I can't get to Tallahassee without your help. You've come through inthe past but I'd appreciate if you could contribute again before the quarterends on March 31. Click HERE to contribute to check out my website andlearn more.
http://marklafontaine.com/
=
From Transgender Equality
Making it clear that anti-gay bullying is destructive does not promotehomosexuality
People on the right have a troubling tendency to cherry-pick the typesof bigotry they choose to denounce. We saw this recently when Sen.John McCain issued a carefully worded, "categorical" repudiation ofRev. John Hagee's anti-Catholic remarks. McCain, who had earlierembraced Hagee's endorsement of his candidacy and publicly praised theright-wing preacher, was careful not to mention anything about Hagee'santi-gay statements or his anti-Muslim statements in his belatedrepudiation.
Unfortunately, a similar thing is happening with the Safe Schools Billthat is currently being considered in the Florida Legislature. Thebill seeks to address the problem of bullying in the public schools,which as we have seen recently can have deadly consequences. StateRep. Nick Thompson, who introduced the bill in the Florida House, hasinsisted that it is intended to protect all students from bullying. Infact, the text of the bill says it would "prohibit bullying andharassment of any student or employee of a public K-12 educationalinstitution."
But in the section of the bill that defines bullying, the bill onlyspecifies "sexual, religious or racial harassment" as categories ofbullying based on a person's inherent characteristics or ethnicbackground.
http://www.expressgaynews.com/2008/3-27/view/editorial/4541.cfm
=
Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-School vouchers shouldn't be part of Florida's needed tax and budget reform
ISSUE: Since when do school vouchers qualify as a tax and budget reform?
Floridians are closer than they think to a vote on whether to spend taxdollars on religious institutions, including private schools. It's not likethe public's clamoring for it, as they are for property tax and insurancereform, but that hasn't deterred the Florida Taxation and Budget ReformCommission.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editdltaxandbudgetdebaclepnmar29,0,2486333.story?track=rss
-5 Myths About No Child Left Behind
It's the 800-pound gorilla of U.S. education. The No Child Left Behind Act(NCLB), the sweeping legislation enacted six years ago to improve publicschools, seems to make a lot of people unhappy. But President Bush,undaunted by the barrage of criticism aimed at this beleaguered measure bystates, teachers' unions and politicians on both sides of the aisle, ispushing Congress to reauthorize it this year . Many Capitol Hill observersbelieve that it won't survive without the political clout a new presidentand Congress would bring -- but after a starring role in five straightpresidential elections, education is a bit player at best in the 2008 race.
Could these widespread myths about No Child Left Behind have poisoned thewell?
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/28/AR2008032802976.html
-Funding may dry up for Glades restoration
Budget plans could slash health care
TALLAHASSEE - Restoration of the Everglades could come to a grinding haltunder a House plan to slash $200 million from the project because of thestate's dropping revenues.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/legislature/sfl-flfspend0328sbmar28,0,1334057.story
-Florida unemployment rate holds steady
Unemployment in Palm Beach, Broward and Miami-Dade counties rose in Februarycompared with the same month a year ago, according to state agency figures.
Palm Beach County had the biggest jump in jobless at 4.7 percent, comparedwith 3.6 percent a year ago.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-0328jobless,0,1263606.story
-More Broward County families becoming homeless
Linda Smith has five kids, two jobs and no home.
Her husband walked out a few months ago, she says, not telling her theirmortgage hadn't been paid and their house would soon be foreclosed. Sheworks nights at an upscale department store, substitute teaches in BrowardCounty and has no idea where she'll wind up.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbhomeless0329sbmar29,0,3071327.story
-Florida's unemployment rate up sharply from a year ago
State posts 4.5% jobless rate
Construction workers bore the brunt of job losses in February, more evidenceof an unrelenting housing crisis statewide.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/sfl-flzunemployment0329sbmar29,0,62497.story
-Increase in Florida's cigarette tax makes sense
ISSUE: Cigarette tax touted as revenue source.
Hard economic times call for drastic measures, and Florida's budget crisisqualifies as such an occasion. The current financial crunch has requiredcutting, but lawmakers also have to find new revenue options.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/opinion/sfl-editajjcigarettetaxpnmar29,0,3399208.story
=
Steve Rothaus
http://www.miamiherald.com/living/columnists/steve_rothaus/
Go to this link for the following articles:
-FAU gay student group, Equality Florida hold town hall meeting on marriagevote
I moderated a town hall meeting Thursday night to discuss Florida'sconstitutional marriage amendment, which will be on the ballot in November.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/gaysouthflorida/2008/03/fau-gay-student.html
=
Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Undaunted Nelson Urges Major Political Reforms
WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson says he fully intended to equate thetaking away of Florida's Democratic presidential delegates to historicalwrongs such as slavery or denying women and minorities the right to vote.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/28/na-undaunted-nelson-urges-major-political-reforms/?news-politics
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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:
-Stay tough on crime -- by preventing it
OUR OPINION: JUVENILE ASSESSMENT CENTERS CAN DIVERT CRIMINALS
In a year of the steepest budget cuts in Florida history, some state-fundedoperations will actually get more tax dollars. These would be private-prisonoperators and prison-construction companies. The Legislature is poised tospend millions of dollars to build two prisons a year for the next fiveyears. The state prison system is near capacity with nearly 100,000 inmates.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/editorials/story/473152.html
-LEGISLATURE
Gun lobby has property rights in its sights
In Tallahassee, you sometimes hear outlandish statements, and we all haveour favorite examples. This, year I haven't yet heard of anything as odd asthe retail industry's gun sellers being labeled ''anti-gun.'' The paradoxmight be amusing if it weren't so troubling. The U.S. Supreme Court'sdeliberation on Washington D.C.'s gun ban now promises to add another layerof irony for our consideration.
http://www.miamiherald.com/851/story/474694.html
-DEMOGRAPHICS
Florida's population slowing to 30-year low, study shows
A University of Florida economics professor finds Florida's population's isdipping to 30-year low.
A new study has reaffirmed a growing demographic trend in Florida: The stateis seeing its population growth slow to its lowest level in three decades.
http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/474647.html
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