Kentucky House Committee Approves Anti-Bullying Bill Specifically Designed To Protect Based On Student’s Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity, Hiring Of Homophobic Former Washington State Republican Senator By Influential Liberal Union Angers Advocates, Rosie O’Donnell Single, Angels In America New York Revival Extended, Matthew Mitcham And Lachlan Public Displays Of Cuteness, Kellan Lutz, Jake Gyllenhaal

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports that Tuesday the Kentucky House Education Committee passed House Bill 370, which would expand the anti-bullying legislation approved in 2007 to expressly state the law applies to student’s sexual orientation or gender identity, race, religion, national origin, or disability. Current law does not identify those specific categories. Representative Mary Lou Marzian (Democrat-Louisville) said the changes are intended to make the law more specific, consequently affording school officials more authority to discipline bullies. HB 370 also bans “cyber-bullying” through electronic communications. The committee voted 21-1 to approve HB 370. Representative Ben Waide (Republican-Madisonville) cast the only no vote. Waide said he was concerned about why existing anti-bullying law is not better enforced and also about the tenor of the arguments in support of HB 370, saying “What’s troubling to me is that the appeal from our testimony seems to be about the moral acceptance of homosexuality and not about school safety,” and added that he also was concerned that the measure appears to “create a protected class. If this is about creating a protected class it is completely out of order.” Marzian countered that lawmakers have recognized other protected classes, through civil rights legislation and disability rights laws, and that HB 370 is needed to protect children and ensure their success in school. “We know these are the kids who are getting picked on,” she said. “Who wants to stay in school when you are getting shoved up against your locker every day?” HB 370 now goes to the full House.

The Associated Press is reporting that the hiring of Luke Esser, a former Republican state party chairman and state senator by an influential labour union in Washington State has upset prominent gay lawmakers and advocates, dividing two political camps that are usually allies. Luke Esser, who was removed in January as the chairman of the state's Republican party, is now a lobbyist in Olympia and one of his clients is the Service Employees International Union 775NW, the home-care workers union. It was an unusual political partnership - the union is a prominent liberal voice at the capital and has often had clashing views with conservative lawmakers. But gay rights advocates remember that Esser as a state senator was one of the key voices of opposition during the efforts to establish civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in Washington. "I think this is a teachable moment," said Josh Friedes of Equal Rights Washington, an advocacy group. "We need to remember that Luke Esser was a longtime leader in fighting against fair labour laws for LGBT people." During his time as a legislator, Esser voted against establishing gay rights and often spoke on the floor against it. In 2006, moments after the Senate approved an anti-discrimination measure, Esser pressed the chamber to also consider a constitutional amendment to protect marriage between a man and a woman, a resolution that had been on hold in the Senate Judiciary Committee for two years. "I'm not going to attempt to influence an organization's personnel decisions, but obviously we're concerned that somebody who is a leader against the gay and lesbian civil rights bill and marriage equality for gay and lesbians now plays a significant role in the organization," said Senator Ed Murray, a Seattle Democrat, told The Associated Press. "I'm concerned that they fully understand our on struggle." Murray is drafting a letter to the union that will state his views.

The New York Post’s Page Six reports that Rosie O’Donnell and Tracey Kachtick-Anders, her girlfriend since 2009, have separated. A representative for O’Donnell told Page Six that "Rosie and Tracy never officially lived under one roof. They have lived near one another for quite some time, and their families still socialize and they see each other frequently." A source, however, says “They have definitely split up, but it is very complicated because their kids are very close. They still spend a lot of time together,” noting that Rosie still has pictures of her and Tracy together on her blog.

Broadway World reports that the Signature Theatre Company has announced a fourth extension for the first New York revival of Tony Kushner's Angels In America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, directed by Michael Greif. The production, originally slated to run through December 19, 2010 and first extended through January 30, 2011, then a second time through February 20, 2011 and a third time through March 27, 2011, will now play its fourth and final extension through Sunday, April 24, 2011. The current cast of Angels In America features Adam Driver as Louis Ironson, Sofia Jean Gomez as The Angel, Bill Heck as Joe Pitt, Keira Keeley as Harper Pitt, Lynne McCollough as Hannah Pitt, Billy Porter as Belize, Michael Urie as Prior Walter and Frank Wood as Roy Cohn. On Tuesday, March 29, Tony Award nominee Jonathan Hadary will replace Frank Wood as Roy Cohn for the final weeks of the run.

In Australia, the very cute Matthew Mitcham and his equally cute boyfriend Lachlan Fletcher took in Fair Day in Sydney Monday, as a part of the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras celebration, the twosome posing for pictures at the SX News booth.

Tuesday, the smoking sexy Kellan Lutz spotted in Los Angeles taking his rescue brood for a run accompanied by an unidentified male companion.

Jake Gyllenhaal was seen out and about at the fabulous Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles Tuesday.