Ten years ago, the violent death of a gay man in Vancouver, British Columbia’s Stanley Park shook the West End community to its core, but, reports News 1130, for Aaron Webster's family, it is an occasion to mark some positive changes that have resulted from his death. Webster's cousin Denise Norman recalls the rallies and vigils held in his name in the days and weeks following his death. She says the biggest change has been the relationship between the gay community and police. "At that time the gay community distrusted the police. I know that because Aaron told me himself. They didn't take crimes against gays seriously enough. Aaron's death illustrated that this was a big problem," she points out. That criticism spurred public meetings, and ultimately resulted in the addition of sexual orientation in hate crimes legislation. Four young men were implicated in the murder. Two were youths at the time, and were sentenced to only two years in jail for the crime. Norman admits the family is still upset by their short sentences, but takes comfort in having met the youths, through the restorative justice program. "We were really impressed that they were willing to meet with us, because they were the younger ones involved in the crime. After speaking with them, I really thought they understood what they had done," she explains, noting that the one adult convicted in the crime, Ryan Cran, was sentenced to a six year term for manslaughter. Another adult was acquitted. A housing co-op and a memorial fund have also been named after Webster. "Aaron would probably be really, really embarrassed by all of this. He was very, very shy and kept to himself," Norman says. She adds it's still difficult to explain to her kids why Aaron is not around, and says they are sad they will never get to know him.
An investigation is under way after a transgender person was found dead in Los Angeles, in Hollywood. KABC-7 reports that the body was discovered late Thursday night near Gower Street and Lexington Avenue. Los Angeles police responding to reports of gunfire found the victim on the street with a gunshot wound to the chest. A man was seen leaving the area shortly after the shooting. Police are looking for him, but no arrests have been made. The identity of the victim was not released.
Sunday, November 20 marks the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, commemorating those who have been killed because of their gender identity. TDOR was founded in 1998 following the murder of a transgender woman – Rita Hester – in Massachusetts. In the first nine months of 2011, according to Reuters, there have been 116 transgender people murdered globally, mostly in Latin America.
A proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Iowa will again be a topic during the legislative session beginning January 9, but the top Senate Democrat said Thursday he would block debate over the issue, according to a report by The Cedar Rapids Gazette. “People’s rights should not be put to a popular vote,” said Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal (D-Council Bluffs), adding, “We didn’t put slavery to a vote of the people. We didn’t put the right to go to a school in your neighbourhood to a vote of the people of Iowa.” Senate Minority Leader Jerry Behn (R-Boone) said the debate is less about same sex marriage than allowing voters to have their say on an emotional issue. He promised that Republicans will again push the issue. “We’re just discussing should Iowans get a vote on it,” said Behn. “Absolutely, Iowans should get a vote on it. It’s outrageous that he’s going to say no.” The two spoke during a taping of the Iowa Public Television program, “Iowa Press.” Senate rules and tradition give the majority leader absolute authority over what issues are debated in the chamber. Democrats held on to their slender 26-24 majority by winning a special Senate election last week and there’s been no challenge to Gronstal’s leadership role. The state Supreme Court in 2009 struck down a state law defining marriage as being between one man and one woman, and critics have sought to amend the state’s constitution to overturn that decision. Amending the constitution is a deliberately arduous task. A resolution must be approved by two consecutive General Assemblies, and then put to a vote of the people in a state-wide election. The Republican-controlled House has already approved such a resolution, but Gronstal has blocked Senate debate. If he succeeds again, the resolution would have to be approved by the Legislature elected in 2012, and again by the Legislature elected in 2014. Despite their disagreements, the two leaders said they’ve already met to discuss speeding the legislative calendar to avoid a repeat of the last overtime session, which stretched until the end of June because of partisan bickering. While Democrats run the Senate, Republicans have a lopsided 60-40 margin in the House. Gronstal said no one wants to be in session during May or June this year. “We are very interested in getting out on time,” he said. Lawmakers are scheduled to adjourn April 17, and Behn said he agrees on speeding the timetable. “I think everybody has an interest in getting out early,” said Behn. “I think it’s a great idea to move it up, that just makes everything speed up.” Gronstal said lawmakers of both parties have made their case already on many issues. “When you’ve got divided government, to the extent you can’t find common ground — and there are a host of issues where we can’t find common ground — you can stake out your territory and tell Iowans why it’s important,” said Gronstal.
Darren Criss shirtless and wet – yes please!
Kellan Lutz spotted arriving at the 16th annual GQ Men of the Year ceremony, with, and without a beard; A neat trick.
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