Suspect Vehicle In Arson Hate Crime Sought, Nebraska Judge Declines To Grant Divorce To Lesbian Couple Legally Married In Vermont, Bahrain Authorities Arrest 127 For “Depraved And Decadent” Gay Party, Ohio Republican And Democratic Representative Partner To Propose Bill Banning Discrimination In Areas Of Employment And Housing Based On Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity

An update on a previous post, WRAL-TV reporting that in Clayton, North Carolina, Johnson County authorities are searching Sunday for a Chevrolet pickup truck that may have been used in a break and enter and arson at the home of a gay couple who neighbours claim were victims of systematic harassment. An early morning fire Friday destroyed the couple’s home (who were away on vacation), and investigators believe that the home was broken into within days of the fire. Tammy Amaon, with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, said Sunday that authorities are searching for a white Chevrolet S-10 crew-cab truck towing a small trailer, with a John Deere LA115 riding lawn mower and Troy-Built push mower, both mowers stolen from the home.

The Associated Press reports that a judge in Nebraska has denied the divorce of a lesbian couple legally married in Vermont, saying he cannot dissolve a marriage that is not recognized by the state. Brenda Mueller, of Nebraska City, advised the court that she and Deborah Pry had agreed to a custody arrangement for their daughter and had resolved other issues related to their separation. However, Otoe County District Judge Randall Rehmeier ruled that since the Nebraska Constitution does not recognize the couple’s 2003 Vermont marriage, he holds no authority to grant a divorce. The judge did approve their custody arrangement.

Authorities in Bahrain have arrested 127, mostly gay men from the Gulf countries, for hosting a “depraved and decadent” party, according to Gulf News. Most of the men were between the ages of 18 and 30. “Neighbours, complaining about the late night noises emanating from the sports hall in the traditional fishing village, had alerted the police who sent a patrol to verify the claims at around 2.30am. An undercover agent paid the 20 dinar entrance fee and was allowed into the hall where he saw dozens of cross-dressers drinking and smoking shishas. More patrols were called in and 127 people were arrested in the police swoop, the daily said. Initial investigations have revealed that the gays were either Gulf nationals who came to Bahrain for the party or were living in Bahrain and flocked to the hall in Hidd. The organisers are being held separately.” Homosexuality is banned in Bahrain, and in the five Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and foreigners arrested on charges of homosexual acts are deported after serving prison terms.

Ohio Representative Ross McGregor (Republican-Springfield) intends to introduce a bipartisan effort to ban discrimination in employment and housing based on sexual orientation or gender identity, according to the Dayton Daily News. His Democratic joint sponsor will likely be freshman Representative Nickie Antonio, the state’s first openly gay state-level elected official. McGregor, who says he intends on “taking a leadership role,” and Antonio both agree that the issue is not about same sex marriage or civil unions, but about economic development. “The jobs of the 21st century are going to be jobs that require creativity,” said McGregor. “It makes no sense to signal to one group of people that their creativity isn’t wanted.” Antonio added that “If we’re trying to really attract companies that are on the edge of technology and everything else, they’re going to be progressive. The majority of them are trying to attract the best and the brightest. They want their employees to be in an inclusive atmosphere.” Antonio, who, with her partner Jean Kosmac, is raising a daughter, considered leaving the state after an amendment to the constitution banned gay marriage, but stayed. “... unfortunately, because of state laws, I do not have equal access to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” she said. “I have hope for Ohio. That’s why I stay.”