Violently Anti-Gay Speakers To Address Islamic Conference Sunday While Pride Parade Proceeds; Bilal Philips Advocates Murder For Men Who “Confess” To Homosexual Behaviour

On Sunday, Toronto’s gay community will celebrate Pride on downtown streets, while Muslims attending a major Islamic conference at the nearby Metro Toronto Convention Centre will hear from two speakers who say gays should be killed, The Toronto Star reporting that the Journey of Faith is the same annual event that drew criticism last year for inviting a televangelist who had expressed solidarity with Osama bin Laden and disparaged homosexuals and other groups. The televangelist’s speech was cancelled. The most virulently anti-gay speaker this year is Bilal Philips, a charismatic Jamaican-Canadian religious scholar who embraced Islam in 1972 in Toronto, where he was raised. In a Thursday interview, Philips cheerfully advocated death as a punishment for males who “confess” to homosexual behaviour, or are seen performing homosexual acts by four reliable witnesses, in countries governed by Islamic law. Lesbians should only get lashes, he said. In secular countries like Canada, he said, even gays should not be punished. But the word of the Qur’an must be followed in Islamic countries, he said, and the Qur’an says gays must be killed. “In a country that has subscribed to secular rule — in Canada — that’s how it is. I accept that. But if you ask me what would the situation be within an Islamic state, or Islamic government, then it would not be permitted, and the punishment is applied, yes,” he said. Philips has made similar statements in his writings and in videos. In the interview, he also confirmed that he believes homosexuality is “evil,” like pedophilia and bestiality, and that God gave gays AIDS to penalize them for their deviancy. The leader of the conference, Toronto imam Saed Rageah, argued that controversial speakers are entitled to freedom of speech. He also contended, incorrectly, that Mayor Rob Ford has expressed similar views to those of Philips. “I think Mr. Ford, the Mayor, he has a stance — so why are you guys making issue of this one and not that one? It’s a personal — this is what (Philips) wants to voice out, this is what he wants to say,” he said. “We understand that we are living in a mosaic community, and we all should respect another. But this is his opinion, this is an opinion that he holds, this is not only him — as I said, Ford holds a similar opinion. If I invited Ford, Mr. Ford, to the conference, I don’t think this would be an issue.” Ford said he cannot attend the parade because he has a family engagement at a Muskoka cottage. Though he made controversial comments about gay and transgendered people as a councillor, he never came close to advocating violence. Nick Mulé, chair of the activist group Queer Ontario, said comments like Philips’ could make it harder for Muslim gays to gain acceptance in their communities. “A lot of us believe in free speech and free expression. But those of us who do, within Queer Ontario, we know there are limits to that. And for many of us, we draw the line where you’re calling for the killing-off of people based on any particular identification or orientation,” Mulé said. Philips, 63, said he attended Jarvis Collegiate and Northview Heights high schools. Now a resident of Qatar, he was expelled from Germany in April and denied entry to England in 2010. Rageah said he was unaware of anti-gay comments by speaker Abdur Raheem Green, a British convert to Islam who has also endorsed the killing of gays. Philips and Green, who could not be reached for comment, will not be speaking about homosexuality, Rageah said, and will not be on stage for long. He said people who disagree with their views are free to criticize them, and added that “My bottom line would be we need to learn how to respect one another and live in peace.”

Deportation Of Venezuelan Man Legally Married To American Man Cancelled, Cuba Gay Pride, Las Vegas Wants To Be Seen As Same-Sex Honeymoon Capital, Lil B Releases I’m Gay, Tom Daley, Tim Tebow Cannot Even Say Same-Sex Marriage, Jonathan Rhys-Meyers

A deportation order has been cancelled for a Venezuelan man who married his same-sex partner in the United States, The Associated Press reporting that advocates say that renews hope for thousands of same-sex multinational couples across the United States. Henry Velandia had asked to remain in America as the legal spouse of U.S. citizen Josh Vandiver. They live in New Jersey but were married last year in Connecticut, where same-sex marriage is legal. A Newark immigration judge put Velandia's deportation on hold in May, citing U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder's intervention in the case of another New Jersey gay man facing deportation. Holder has said the Obama administration will no longer support the Defense of Marriage Act in court. The act defines marriage as between a man and a woman. Velandia received word Wednesday of the cancellation.

There were just a handful, but the dozen Cubans who took part in the country's first Gay Pride rally Tuesday celebrated one more step on the country's road to gay rights recognition, according to a report by AFP. "We are not asking for anything, we're only celebrating the fact that Cuba voted at the United Nations in favour of recognizing the rights of the gay community," said Ignacio Estrada, one of the leaders of the Cuban Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered People's Rights Watch Group. The short march -- along the 500 meters of Prado Avenue towards the seaside boulevard, the Malecon -- took place without incident and broke up amid music and dancing under the amused eye of passers-by and tourists. Cuba's Center for Sexual Education, directed by Mariela Castro, the daughter of President Raul Castro, celebrates a "day against homophobia" every year, but this was the first time a Gay Pride march was held in downtown Havana. The moment was an important example of tolerance in a country in which the Communist Party singlehandedly controls the government, the media and almost all of the struggling economy. For decades under the Americas' only one-party communist government, gays faced both traditional social and government ostracism, and often tried to hide. Some wound up in prison, and many went into exile. That began to change mainly in the past decade, with more modern official media education about gays and lesbians. Yet, said Leannes Imbert, another director of the rights watch group, "discrimination unfortunately still exists in Cuba, we are turned down for certain jobs, and there are hassles of all other kinds as well.”We're trying to do the real work of a revolution, to 'change what must be changed,'" said Imbert, quoting an expression made famous by Cuban revolutionary Fidel Castro.

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority may look at an opportunity to market Southern Nevada as a honeymoon destination for same-sex couples getting married in New York when marriages can be performed in that state next month, The Las Vegas Sun reports. Mya Lake Reyes, director of diversity marketing for the LVCVA, said New York Gov. Mario Cuomo’s signing of the Marriage Equality Act last Friday was still too recent for the agency that markets Southern Nevada tourism to develop a strategy for, but “I’ve already started talking about it with my colleagues.” Reyes was one of three panellists who addressed marketing to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities with the Luxury Marketing Association on Wednesday. New York became the latest state to legalize issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples, joining Massachusetts, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire and the District of Columbia. Rhode Island, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. Same-sex marriage was banned in Nevada in 2002 by a state-wide vote, but the Nevada Legislature in 2009 passed and overrode Gov. Jim Gibbons’ veto of a bill recognizing domestic partnerships in the state. Las Vegas is widely recognized as the “Marriage Capital of the World” because of the relative ease in obtaining a wedding license, and the LVCVA widely markets wedding chapels and the city as a honeymoon spot. In her presentation to the association, Reyes said LVCVA estimates 83,000 room nights have been booked in Las Vegas by gay couples this year. At an average daily room rate of $129 a night, she said, lodging revenue would be $10.7 million. Other travel expenses boost spending by gay travelers in Las Vegas to an estimated $25.9 million.

"Healthcare reform, Martin Luther King Jr. and self-hate — these are all topics referenced on Lil B's I'm Gay album, but, um, not homosexuality, MTV reporting that late Wednesday night, the Based God released his controversially named LP with no warning save for a single tweet at approximately 9:00 pm. "Buy my new project I'm Gay now!" B wrote, with a link to iTunes. When the Based God first announced the album's title in April at Coachella he drew criticism from rappers, death threats from fans and concerns from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation about whether or not the album was a gimmick. Lil B has contended that his intent for the album was to break down barriers and show that words don't mean anything. "Don't let a word make you discriminate upon another human," he said.

Tom Daley tweets a picture of himself and friends enjoying a barbeque before heading to China, the 17 year old diving sensation set to lead the British team at World Championships in Shanghai.

A bizarre, fawning profile by Sally Quinn of Tim Tebow in The Washington Post, Quinn mentioned that Tebow’s publicist cuts off a question about same-sex marriage before the anti-abortion Tim can answer.

The Sun reports that the oft-troubled Jonathan Rhys-Meyers was rushed to hospital Tuesday night, the 33 year old apparently having fallen from sobriety.

Same-Sex Marriage Supporters In Maine Seek To Place Issue On 2012 Ballot

Supporters of same-sex marriage officially kicked off their efforts to get the issue on the 2012 ballot Thursday with a morning news conference outside Lewiston City Hall, The Bangor Daily News reporting that organizers from Equality Maine and the Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders spoke, as did Lewiston Mayor Laurent Gilbert Sr. and Pastor Michael Gray of the United Methodist Church in Old Orchard Beach. The issue was intensely political when it dominated the Maine news in 2009. A bill allowing same-sex marriage passed largely along party lines in the Democrat-controlled Senate and House that year and was signed into law by Democratic Governor John Baldacci. A people’s veto effort was immediately launched, run by a coalition of evangelical Christian churches and the Catholic Church in Maine. Outside support was provided to both sides and overall spending on the referendum question totalled $9.6 million. The side opposed to same-sex marriage had the support of the National Organization for Marriage and spent roughly $5.8 million compared to the $3.8 million spent by supporters of gay marriage in the “No on 1” campaign. The people’s veto was successful and the same-sex marriage law was overturned 300,848 to 267,828.On Thursday, Equality Maine Executive Director Betsy Smith said supporters of same-sex marriage have continued talking to the public about the issue, working to change the overall public sentiment. “We’ve changed hearts and minds during ‘No on One,’ and since then, many more Mainers have changed their hearts and continue to change their minds,” said Smith in a Thursday release. “We have been going door to door, talking to them and hearing their journey toward support. In two separate polls, conducted over the last five months, 53 percent of Mainers surveyed said they support letting gay and lesbian couples marry here.”Gray will submit the proposed referendum question to the Secretary of State’s office, asking voters “Do you favour a law allowing marriage licenses for same-sex couples that protects religious freedom by ensuring no religion or clergy be required to perform such a marriage in violation of their religious beliefs?” Supporters must get 57,277 signatures to get the question on the November 2012 ballot. Same-sex marriage supporters hope to build on momentum in Rhode Island and in New York, which earlier this month became the sixth state to allow gay marriage.

New iPhone App Supergay & The Attack Of His Ex-Girlfriends Encourages Players To “Be Yourself”

MSNBC reports on a new episodic application released for the iPhone and the iPad is called Supergay & the Attack of his Ex-Girlfriends. The basics, according to the report, are this: You play Dr. Tom Palmer, a young man on his way to becoming the pink-and-black-clad hero known as Supergay. As the game opens, we find Tom working on a controversial cloning project while coming to terms with the fact that he's not really into the ladies ... all of this right before he's about to wed his boss' daughter. Nefarious secrets are afoot and a cloning experiment goes wrong as Tom tries to live a lie rather than admit the truth. The trailer is below.

Keeping Campaign Promise Colorado Springs Mayor Bach Refuses To Sign Proclamation For Gay Pride Month; City Council Seeking To Issue Proclamation In Spite Of Mayor’s Stance

The leaders of the City Council say they are willing to issue a proclamation in support of a gay pride celebration in Colorado Springs, Colorado next month even if Mayor Steve Bach will not, reports The Gazette. “I want to encourage diversity,” council President Scott Hente said Wednesday. “I want to encourage a feeling of welcomeness for everybody within Colorado Springs.” Scott and President Pro Tem Jan Martin say they are reaching out to their colleagues to determine whether they support a proclamation for PrideFest, an annual celebration for the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community and its supporters. “I have had a discussion with the City Attorney’s Office to say, ‘If we are going to issue a proclamation only from council, under our new form of government, what’s the right way to do it?’” Hente said. “I just want to make sure we’re doing it correctly.” Before being elected, Bach made it clear he would not issue such a proclamation. But the Colorado Springs Pride Center asked anyway. On June 23, Bach rejected the request. “My priorities are to transform our city government so that it works for everyone again and lead the charge to facilitate job creation for our citizens,” the mayor wrote in a letter to Charles Irwin, the center’s executive director. “Therefore, I will not be signing proclamations such as you requested,” he wrote. Bach’s decision drew sharp criticism. “He says in quotes that you see all over the Internet, and I believe in his speech that day when he was inaugurated, he said, ‘We’re going to work together, and we’re going to fix this city together,’” Irwin said. “Together means, to me, everybody,” Irwin said. “He has already set the precedent that he’s excluding a large portion of the community.” Hente said he gives Bach credit for honouring his campaign commitment. But he does not agree with the mayor’s stance not to issue the proclamation. “I didn’t agree with him when he said it during the campaign either,” Hente said. Martin said she respected the mayor’s decision. “I’m elected as an at-large City Council person, which means I represent the whole city,” Martin said. “That includes all of the members of the community, and I don’t distinguish between one and another.” As mayor, Bach represents the entire city, too, but Martin said she didn’t want to criticize the mayor. “During his campaign, he made it clear that he didn’t intend to sign a proclamation,” she said. “I think that’s fine. My advice to him was, ‘You either sign them all or you don’t sign any.’ The problem arises when you begin to pick and choose.” PrideFest, which is celebrating its 21st year, is July 16-17. The downtown event draws thousands of people annually.

Toronto Alternative Paper Offers To Fly Mayor Ford From Cottage To Pride Parade And Back, Rudy Giuliani Reneges On Promise To Wed Same-Sex Couple Should Marriage Become Legal In New York, San Diego Catholic Priest Claims Gay Activists Set Him Up, Ellen Page And Her Possible Girlfriend Clea DuVall In Old Montreal, Mark Indelicato Wears Short Shorts

An update on the continuing saga of Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and the city’s Gay Pride festivities, The Star reporting that NOW Magazine, which three months ago caused controversy by publishing this altered image of the mayor on its cover, has offered to fly Ford in from his cottage to attend the Pride parade. An editorial by editor and publisher Michael Hollett admits “I know we haven’t got off to the best start, what with the Naked You cover and all, but I just can’t stand here and watch you make a huge mistake. Your Robship, you really must take part in Toronto’s immense Gay Pride parade Sunday (July 3), and it’s easy. Let me explain.” Hollett argues that the Ford family cottage near Huntsville is only about 200 kilometres from downtown Toronto. The mayor could take a train. Or hire a private driver. But the easiest way, Hollett continues, would be to fly in to the island airport. A private jet could pick him up at his cottage door. NOW made some calls and determined a plane could be chartered for between $2000 and $4000. “C’mon, Rob, there really is no excuse. We’ll do you one better and pick up the tab,” writes Hollett. “Rob, do the right, er, correct thing, for your two families, the Fords and the city.” Ford, who initially said that he would not attend the parade, has left the door open to attending at least one Gay Pride event, saying he’s taking it “one day at a time.” But as of last week, despite a wave of criticism from the public and various political corners, the mayor said he was not going to back down on the parade, and intends to spend the holiday weekend with his family.

Former New York City mayor and possible Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani has broken a promise, The Post reporting that the gay car dealer who opened his home to Giuliani in 2001 during his humiliating divorce battle says the former mayor offered to preside at his wedding if same-sex marriage were ever legalized , but is now avoiding his calls to make good on the offer. "I asked if he would marry us," recalled Howard Koeppel, the unlikely provider of an emergency Midtown crash pad to Giuliani for six months when his marriage to Donna Hanover was crumbling and Gracie Mansion was a war zone. "He said, 'Howard, I don't ever do anything that's not legal. If it becomes legal in New York, you'll be one of the first ones I would marry.' " Ten years later, Koeppel is distressed that his former house guest has not returned the many calls he began making before the legislation was passed last week. "It seems like a lot of people he was close to become persona non grata," Koeppel observed. Koeppel has been with his partner, Mark Hsiao, since 1991. This year, the couple became the parents of twin 4-month-old girls, Isabella and Sophia, through a surrogate mom. Koeppel and Hsiao got married in Connecticut in 2009, a ceremony Koeppel would like to repeat here with Giuliani officiating. Mayors of New York City retain the right to conduct weddings even after leaving office. Koeppel wondered if Giuliani was placating him a decade ago, when they were sharing breakfast chatter and he was advising the city's chief executive on which ties to wear to work. Upon reflection, Koeppel decided Giuliani meant what he said. "He doesn't usually say things just to make you feel good," said Koeppel. "He's straight as an arrow." Still, Koeppel is annoyed and says he is waiting to hear a good reason why Giuliani will not perform a lawful ceremony. "He wouldn't be married three times if he was holier than thou," Koeppel concluded. Giuliani's spokesperson did not return calls.

An update on a previous post, 10News reporting that a local priest is accused of saying San Diego gay activists set his church up after a local Catholic church cancelled a funeral for gay parishioner John Sanfilippo. The San Diego-based religious website California Catholic Daily posted a report on Wednesday quoting a parishioner who attended the mass at the church, Our Lady of the Rosary. That person said Father Louis Solcia told the congregation that he believes the controversy was a "setup" by gay activists. This was said on the same day the Diocese of San Diego told the media the initial funeral arrangements were cancelled by "a visiting priest, substituting during the pastor's vacation, and was not familiar with local practice." Local gay activists said that local practice is unclear. They said it was never clarified even after what happened six years ago when the Catholic diocese denied John McCusker, another gay parishioner, a funeral mass in a church. Bishop Robert Brom apologized after the fact, but the family chose to have the funeral at St. Paul's Cathedral, an Episcopalian church. The dean of St. Paul's told 10News why his church allowed the funeral for McCusker. "One of the things we declare when we're baptized is we will strive for justice and peace and respect the dignity of every human being," said the Very Rev. Scott Richardson. "John McCusker was a human being… a child of God."

Pretend Ellen Page is out, and that she and her equally out girlfriend, Clea DuVall, took a trip to visit Montreal, and that they were photographed doing so – it would look a lot like this.

Cute Mark Indelicato spotted in New York City, wearing black combat boots, and very short, very tight black shorts.

Rhode Island Legislators Pass Same-Sex Civil Unions Bill 21-16; If Signed By Governor Chaffee Law Will Take Effect July 1

Days after New York became the nation's sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage, Rhode Island state lawmakers on Wednesday voted in favour of a bill that permits civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, CNN reporting that the measure, which passed the state Senate by a count of 21-16, is widely seen as a compromise intended to provide same-same couples with added rights and benefits, while also preventing an expanded legal definition of marriage. Governor Lincoln Chafee, an independent, is expected to sign the bill into law, according to his spokesman, Michael Trainor. If signed, the law would take effect on July 1, making Rhode Island the fifth state in the union to allow civil unions between same-sex couples. Such unions are currently permitted in New Jersey and Illinois, and will be allowed in Delaware and Hawaii beginning January 1, 2012. Three West Coast states -- California, Oregon and Washington -- plus Nevada, also allow for "comprehensive domestic partnerships," largely considered an equivalent to their civil union counterparts. Despite strong opposition to the measure, Rhode Island's Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill by a vote of 7-4, sending it to the Democrat-controlled Senate floor where lawmakers voted in its favour, according to Senate spokesman, Greg Pare. The legislation, which passed overwhelmingly in the state's lower house on May 19, affords same-sex couples a host of new state tax breaks, health-care benefits and greater ease of inheritance. But it also drew sharp criticism from religious leaders and opposition groups who say it will lead to court-ordered action that would eventually legalize same-sex marriage. Similar legal action in Connecticut and Massachusetts resulted in those states adopting same-sex marriage laws, noted Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage's Rhode Island chapter. Chafee -- who is supportive of potential legislation that legalizes same-sex marriage -- says civil unions are "a step in the right direction," according to Trainor. Gay rights activists, meanwhile, like Marriage Equality Rhode Island, say that while they support the civil union bill, they would prefer legislation that permits same-sex couples to wed. The group urged Chafee not to sign the measure if it includes a House amendment that permits groups with religious affiliations to refuse certain legal rights provided to civil unions. For instance, a hospital with a religious affiliation could refuse a civil union partner from being involved in the emergency medical care decisions of their spouse if it chose to do so, said Ray Sullivan, a spokesman for the activist group. Chafee is "very aware of the concerns that have been expressed," Trainor said, but will likely sign the bill into law, which passed the Senate with the controversial amendment included. House spokesman Larry Berman called the issue a "red herring," pursued by the state's more radical activists. The exemption, he said, is meant to provide religious protections against potential litigation."It's a small exception," Berman said, when compared to the slew of new rights and benefits same-sex couples would enjoy should the measure be signed into law. Currently, Rhode Island and Maine are the only states in New England that do not permit same-sex marriage.

Denied Gay-Straight Alliance, Ontario Catholic Students To March In Toronto Pride Parade; St Joseph’s Coalition Hopes To Cull Support For GSA Formation

An update on a previous post, Catholic students in the Greater Toronto Area are bringing attention to their efforts to create more safe spaces in their schools by marching in Sunday’s Pride Parade, The Globe and Mail reports. Leanne Iskander is the spokesperson for a group of students at St. Joseph's Catholic Secondary School in Mississauga who have started an “unofficial” Gay-Straight Alliance at their school called the Open Arms club. The group was in the news earlier this month when the Dufferin-Peel Catholic board banned the use of the rainbow, a symbol of gay pride, at an anti-homophobia event after refusing to allow a chartered Gay-Straight Alliance at St. Joseph’s. “Pride is an excellent way to get the message across to the community, the government, and the Catholic School system that there is a want and a need for gay-straight alliances in Catholic Schools,” Iskander wrote in a news release. The students are in the process of beginning a coalition of Catholic Students for GSAs and hope their participation in the march will bring more attention to the cause. Bruce Campbell, a spokesperson for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic School Board, explained that the board supports the students in terms of the need to promote anti-bullying and anti-homophobia efforts, but that any club or group within the board also needs to be in line with the requirements of the Catholic faith. He said Open Arms “has been widely accepted and hugely successful in terms of engaging students and creating awareness of issues.” The board supports anti-bullying and anti-homophobia efforts and see the group as a template that could be used at other schools should there be a demand for it. Gay-Straight Alliances are often places to go for support in a school environment, explained Iskander. “The LGBT students have never had a voice before in Catholic schools. They’ve been closeted.” Equality For Gays and Lesbians Everywhere (Egale) is an LGBT advocacy group that has been working with Ms. Iskander’s club for the past three months. Egale runs a website that provides materials for students who want to establish Gay-Straight Alliances in their schools called mygsa.ca. There are efforts like the one at St. Joseph’s being made by students across the country to develop safe spaces in their schools. “I don’t think this is an isolated incident. We’re a national organization and we see this right across the country and it’s not, unfortunately, specific to the Catholic school board,” said Helen Kennedy, Egale’s executive director. She added that this is not just a gay issue either, emphasizing that it affects the school environment in its totality. 80-percent of students targeted by homophobic violence identify as straight. Egale just completed a study that found schools that have GSAs among their school clubs are safer and the incidence of homophobic violence in schools are reduced because of them. The benefits of the unofficial GSA at St. Joseph’s have already become clear. Ms. Iskander said there has been less bullying in her school because of the club. “If something happens to one of us, there are 50 other people in our GSA who are going to stand up for us.” Half the students in the group identify as LGBT. Kennedy said she expects the students will have strong support for their efforts on Sunday both within the LGBT community and outside of it.

Red Bull Fires NASCAR Crewman For Anti-Gay Tweet; Jeremy Fuller Denies Posting Tweet; “I Don’t Have Negative Thoughts About Gay People ... I Have Gay Friends”

A Red Bull NASCAR Racing crewman was fired for an anti-gay tweet he posted Sunday night following the Sprint Cup race at Infineon Raceway, according to SceneDaily.com. Prior to flying out of San Francisco on Sunday night, Jeremy Fuller, a contract employee and tire changer, posted on Twitter a photo of a gay pride banner on a car with the comment, “This is way [sic] I don’t live here!” One of his Twitter followers responded with a tweet that read, “if we could get rid of them, it’d be a lot better.” It appeared that Fuller later replied to that tweet, but did not re-tweet the original message. The response read “lol.. Don’t we all wish!” Fuller said Tuesday night that his initial tweet was meant as a joke to another crew member. He said he never posted that response and was on a plane when that appeared on his Twitter account. He took down the posts Monday morning, and Fuller said Tuesday night that he had been fired by Red Bull Racing and by Turner Motorsports, where he also worked a few races as a tire changer in the Nationwide Series.“It was a joke between two friends and it cost me both of my jobs,” Fuller said. “I’m not racist and I do not hate gay people. It wasn’t intended to be what [it appeared]. … I didn’t write anything about getting rid of them or 'ha ha,' or 'laughing out loud.'" In response to questions about the tweets, Red Bull issued a statement Tuesday night stating that a member of its team had been fired. “Red Bull Racing Team was made aware of comments posted to a contractor's Twitter account following this weekend's race,” the statement said. “After investigating the matter, Red Bull Racing Team terminated the contractor's employment effective immediately. The race team regularly conducts diversity training and strictly enforces our team policies against any form of discrimination. We have zero tolerance for such violations and in no way support any of the comments posted by this individual.” Fuller stressed that he did not hate gay people and did not mean for the tweet, which he said was designed to only go to one other person, to be taken that way. “I don’t have any negative thoughts about gay people,” Fuller said. “I got rid of everything because I did not want it to go this far. … I’ve got gay friends. It was like, ‘Hey, look, this [banner] is something you don’t [typically] see. It’s like, ‘Wow, let’s post this.’” Michael Myers, who runs the website Queers4Gears.com and has covered the sport for the last couple of years, said he got about 30 comments about Fuller’s tweets. Myers, who wrote about the issue Tuesday afternoon, said that about 10 minutes before he saw the tweet, he did an interview saying he had never experienced any anti-gay bias in the garage.“My first unfortunate negative story went up today,” Myers said. “That was kind of sad to have to post that. … I don’t want his actions to reflect on NASCAR. “I really have been blown away how easily this has gone for me and how everyone has accepted me in the sport. I’ve had nothing negative at all until this one time.” Myers, an accredited member of the NASCAR media and whose website has been profiled in The New York Times, does not use his website as a political platform. He mainly writes articles about NASCAR races and hopes his site helps address misconceptions in the gay community about NASCAR, and vice versa. He said he was not advocating Fuller be fired but he had to write about it.“I couldn’t overlook this one,” Myers said. “If it had just been the sign, I probably would have let that go. But it was the agreement and re-tweeting … of the statement that we should get rid of them all.” Fuller reiterated several times Tuesday night that he did not write that, and that the person who originally wrote to him about getting rid of gay people no longer exists on Twitter.“The only thing I posted was the picture and this was the reason I don’t live here,” Fuller said. “That is the only thing I’ve done and I don’t know how it got to be where it’s at now.”

Independent Review Finds At Least Ten Atlanta Police Officers Lied And Deleted Data In Connection To Botched September 2009 Raid On Eagle Bar

At least 10 police officers lied and then many of them deleted data on their cell phones in an attempt to hide their actions the night of a raid on a Midtown Atlanta gay bar, according to the findings of an independent review, according to a report from The Atlanta Journal Constitution. The report from former U.S. Attorney Joe Whitley and a team of attorneys from the law firm Greenberg Traurig also found top police officials gave misleading information to the public when they answered reporters' questions about the controversial raid at the Atlanta Eagle bar on September 10, 2009. A statement from the mayor's office, released late Tuesday evening along with a 343-page report, said the independent review corroborated claims made in a federal lawsuit that has since been settled for more than $1 million. The mayor's office also released simultaneously a 39-page report of the internal police investigation of the raid. "The reports conclude that most of the officers involved in the operation did not conform to the APD’s standard operating procedures," city attorney Cathy Hampton said in a statement Tuesday night. "Mayor Kasim Reed and Chief George Turner have made the resolution of this matter a top priority and will review both reports," Hampton said. "Chief Turner will determine appropriate disciplinary action in short order." There also are plans for an expert to conduct extensive training for every APD officer within the next 90 days. The controversy began when APD vice officers and members of the now-defunct RED DOG unit raided the bar. APD said the raid was conducted based on reports that men were engaging in sex at the bar while others watched. Patrons and employees said they were illegally detained and some were forced to lie on the barroom floor for as long as an hour while officers checked for criminal histories and peppered them with slurs about their homosexuality. The report confirmed that some officers directed offensive language and slurs at some of the patrons during the raid. Eight people were arrested that night but the charges were either dropped or dismissed. According to the Greenberg Traurig report, 10 members of the vice unit and the RED DOG team, including three supervisors, violated APD's policy regarding truthfulness. Most law enforcement agencies consider lying a firing offense, partly because that officer's credibility can be challenged in court. The report also found 24 officers illegally searched patrons, illegally detained them and illegally took their belongings, including cell phones and wallets. The reviewers did not find any fault with eight of the 32 sergeants, investigators and officers who participated in the raid. The internal APD investigation sustained complaints violating police policies against 23 officers, including a major. Their offenses ranged from lack of supervision to lying, to showing bias, to using unnecessary force. It was not immediately known if any of these APD officers would be disciplined. The December 8 settlement of the federal lawsuit filed after the raid, which cost taxpayers more than $1 million, required APD to complete within 180 days all internal investigations, including a review of the raid at the Atlanta Eagle. The initial deadline for a report of the internal review of the 2009 raid was June 6. But the city secured a three-week extension, which pushed the deadline to Monday. The mayor's office released the two reports in tandem after 10:00 pm Tuesday. Earlier Tuesday, the mayor's spokeswoman said Whitley and Greenberg Traurig were putting final touches on the separate investigation of APD and the City Law Department's handling of the lawsuit. The Greenberg Traurig report did not have a court-ordered deadline, however. That review was requested by the mayor.

Rhode Island Legislator To Vote On Same-Sex Civil Unions Law That No One Seems To Want

Less than a week after New York became the nation's sixth state to legalize same-sex marriage, Rhode Island lawmakers are scheduled to vote on a bill that would permit civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, CNN reporting that the state's Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to meet over the measure on Wednesday. If passed, the bill could come up for a general Senate vote as early as Wednesday afternoon, according to the body's spokesman, Greg Pare. The legislation, which passed overwhelmingly in the state's lower house May 19, would afford same-sex couples many of the same rights and benefits as their married counterparts. Governor Lincoln Chaffe, an independent, is expected to sign the bill into law should it pass the Democrat-controlled Senate, according to his spokesman Michael Trainor. But the controversial measure drew sharp criticism from groups who say it would eventually lead to court-ordered action that would legalize same-sex marriage. Similar legal action in Connecticut and Massachusetts resulted in those states adopting same-sex marriage laws, noted Christopher Plante, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage's Rhode Island chapter. Chaffe -- who is supportive of potential legislation that legalizes same-sex marriage -- says civil unions are "a step in the right direction," according to Trainor. But gay rights activists -- like Marriage Equality Rhode Island -- say that while they support the civil union bill, they would prefer legislation that permits same-sex couples to wed. The group has also urged Chaffe not to sign the measure if it includes a controversial House amendment that permits groups with religious affiliations to refuse certain legal rights afforded to civil unions. For instance, a hospital with a religious affiliation could refuse a civil union partner from being involved in the emergency medical care decisions of their spouse if it chose to do so, said Ray Sullivan, a spokesman for the activist group. Chaffe is "very aware of the concerns that have been expressed," Trainor said, but will likely sign the bill into law should it pass the Senate. House spokesman Larry Berman called the amendment a "red herring," pursued by the state's more radical activists. The exemption, he said, is meant to provide religious protections against potential litigation. "It's a small exception," Berman said, when compared to the slew of new rights and benefits same-sex couples would enjoy should the measure pass. Civil unions are currently permitted in New Jersey, Illinois and Delaware, and will be allowed in Hawaii beginning January 1, 2012. Rhode Island and Maine are the only states in New England that do not permit same-sex marriage. Iowa, New York and the District of Columbia also allow gay and lesbian couples to wed.

Trial Involving British Soccer Star Jack Wilshire And Anti-Gay Altercation Outside Club In August Begins

England and Arsenal star Jack Wilshere was part of a group which hurled homophobic insults before a fight began outside a nightclub, a court has heard, The BBC reporting that Kimberley Plested, whose arm was broken in the scuffle, was at a west London club for her 21st birthday, a jury heard. One of Wilshere's friends insulted Plested before a fight began, Isleworth Crown Court heard. Two of Miss Plested's friends deny altercation during the incident last August. Wilshere was given a caution last November for common assault for his involvement in the incident and his friends, Adam Mardell and Duane Brailsford, admitted altercation. Plested's friends, 23 year old Bradley Martin and 24 year old Elliot Fowler both from Farnham, Surrey, deny altercation and are currently on trial. Prosecutor Warwick Tatford read a statement from Chris Osbourne, a business developer who was out with Plested. Mr Osbourne said in the statement he had gone outside the Amika club with his friend Ben, and Ms Plested was sitting nearby. He said he had been there for about 10 minutes when one of "Wilshere's group" made a sexually derogatory remark about her, which they ignored. Mr Osbourne's statement read: "Then one of the lads said the words: 'Is it the poof brigade?' and made comments about us wearing pink. I suddenly became aware it had erupted as I saw one of the males grab Ben by the lapels of his jacket and was invading his personal space." Another witness, limousine driver Ronald Baer, said he saw "two men having a go at each other and there was a kung fu kick. I have no idea who did that but it made contact with someone," he added. "I heard a wince of pain and it was a female voice." Wilshere was trying to round up people and usher them away, Mr Baer said. The footballer, who was out celebrating a Premier League victory, is not expected to appear as a witness during the trial. The case continues.

Seven New Jersey Gay Couples In Civil Unions File Suit Against State Demanding Marriage Equality

The battle for gay marriage in New Jersey is about to begin again, The Star Ledger reporting that a New Jersey gay rights organization, seven same-sex couples and several of their children say they will file a suit in state Superior Court today demanding the partnerships be recognized not as civil unions, but as marriages. The lawsuit comes days after New York signed gay marriage into law, which will go into effect next month. But in New Jersey, where Governor Chris Christie has vowed to veto any same-sex marriage bill approved by the Legislature, the courts are the only realistic option for same-sex partners who hope to marry any time soon. "Gov. Christie says no way will there be marriage equality in New Jersey," said Steven Goldstein, chairman of Garden State Equality, a gay rights organization that is the lead plaintiff in the suit. "And we say no way are we going to listen to him." New Jersey allows civil unions for gay couples, and the state has automatically recognized same-sex marriages performed in other states or foreign countries as civil unions since 2007. Over the last year and half, the movement for gay marriage in New Jersey has suffered two major setbacks. In January, 2010 (weeks before Christie took office) the state Senate rejected a bill that would have legalized it. Several Democrats either voted no or did not cast a vote. Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who did not cast a vote, recently said he should have voted yes and called it the "most embarrassing moment of my political career" in a radio call-in show. Six months later, the state Supreme Court declined to hear the case, ruling that it needed to work its way through the trial courts. That led to today’s lawsuit. The suit contends civil unions are a "badge of inferiority" for same-sex couples. Although civil unions are meant to grant the state’s 5,417 civil union couples the same rights as heterosexual married couples, the suit argues that is far from the case in practical terms."Today, New Jersey shunts lesbian and gay couples into the novel and inferior status of ‘civil union,’ while reserving civil marriage only for heterosexual couples," it read. The suit outlines how William Keith Heimann’s health insurance policy dropped his two children and his 25-year partner, Thomas Davidson, after a contractor conducting an audit "questioned whether they had adequate documentation of their relationship." The lawsuit says it took months to reinstate the policy, even though Davidson and Heimann were in a civil union. The suit also outlines Danny Weiss’s struggle to make health care treatment decisions for his civil union partner, John Grant, after Grant was struck by a car in New York City. "Despite their civil union, doctors and hospital staff did not recognize their legal relationship," the suit says. "Discussions with doctors and other hospital staff about what a civil union meant, and whether it was ‘like marriage,’ took place as John was suffering from a brain haemorrhage." Eventually, hospital staff summoned Grant’s sister in Delaware to help make decisions. But Len Deo, president of the New Jersey Family Policy Council, says civil unions are working fine, adding that stories of them not providing the same rights as marriage are overblown. Deo said that when he last checked, from 12 to 15 civil union couples had filed complaints with the New Jersey Civil Rights Commission — which the civil union law instructed to review them. "I think they have a very high threshold to prove to the court that the civil unions legislation is not functioning," he said. "We’re not fighting against civil unions. We understand that’s the law in New Jersey now. But we will stand to defend marriage as remaining between one man and one woman." Hayley, Gorenberg, a lawyer with Lambda Legal, said many don’t even know the option to contact the commission exists, and noted that a commission created to review civil unions found they did not provide equal rights. "But I think what speaks more is when the civil union review commission did review its hearings and when the Senate Judiciary Committee held its hearings, they heard a lot (of stories)," she said. "Even senators who were not supporters of marriage equality, acknowledged that civil unions were falling down on the job."

President Obama Praises Passage Of Same-Sex Marriage Measure In New York But Says He Was “Not Going To Make News” Expressing His View Of Whether The Defense Of Marriage Act Should Be Repealed

President Barack Obama said Wednesday he was pleased with the outcome of a "contentious and emotional" legislative battle in New York that ended with the state passing a gay marriage law, however, as AFP reports, just days after New York became the latest, and largest, state to legalize same-sex marriage, the President said he was "not going to make news" by expressing his views on whether the time had come for a nationwide policy allowing matrimony between homosexuals. "What I have seen happen over the last several years, and what happened in New York last week, I think was a good thing," Obama told a White House press conference. "It was contentious and emotional, but ultimately they made a decision to recognize civil marriages. I think that's exactly how things should work," Obama said, defending his record on civil rights for gay Americans which some activist in that community have said has not gone far enough. "This administration under my direction has consistently said we cannot discriminate as a country on the basis of people of different sexual orientation," the President said. "We have done more in the two-and-a-half years that I have been in here than the previous 43 presidents," said Obama, listing some gays rights achievements made during his administration, including "making sure gay and lesbian partners can visit each other in hospitals, and making sure federal benefits can be provided to same-sex couples -- across the board. "We have made sure that that is a central principle of this administration, because I think it's a central principle of America," Obama said. "We said that we could not defend, the federal government poking its nose into what states are doing is putting the thumb on the scale against same sex couples." Pressed on the point however of whether he would support a federal policy allowing same-sex marriage, Obama demurred. "I am not going to make news on that today," he told a reporter. "Good try, though."

Arkansas Governor Beebe First Sitting Governor To Meet With Gay Rights Group But Says He Cannot Support Civil Unions Or Same-Sex Marriage, Oregon Same-Sex Marriage Opponents Aim To Discourage 2012 Ballot Measure Repealing 2004 Ban, One Of Two Suspects In Portland Bias-Attack Appears In Court

Arkansas Democratic Governor Mike Beebe Tuesday night became the first sitting governor of the state to speak to a gay rights group, Reuters reporting that Beebe, who won his second term in 2010, addressed the Stonewall Democrats in a packed church hall of more than 200 people. In the past, Beebe and the gay community have not agreed on many issues, including adoption rights and same-sex marriage, and the same was true on Tuesday night. During a question and answer session, Beebe said an Arkansas newspaper should not have to run the name of a life partner in an obituary if that was the paper's policy. Many in the crowd loudly disagreed, as they did when Beebe said he did not believe in same-sex marriage."I think marriage is ... as defined by the law," he said, saying unions should be between a man and a woman."That's something we disagree on," he said. When asked if he thought marriage or civil union laws would ever become legal in Bible Belt Arkansas, Beebe said no. But his appearance echoes other changes in the state, said Kathy Webb, the state's only openly gay legislator. "Even if you look at the polls, a majority of Arkansans support the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell," said Webb, a founder of the Stonewall Democrats. "Four years ago, you wouldn't have even seen that. I think more and more people are coming out of the closet, so to speak, and we are started to see change here." Beebe told the group his opinions had changed over the years. In 2006, he was opposed to gays becoming foster parents. When the issue re-emerged in 2008, Beebe changed his viewpoint and said there should not be a blanket provision. The determining factor, he said, should be in the best interest of the child.

According to The Oregonian, Tim Nashif, the Oregon Family Council co-founder who ran the successful 2004 campaign for a ballot measure banning same-sex marriage in the state, says he is preparing for a fight he does not want. If Basic Rights Oregon puts a measure on the 2012 ballot to repeal the ban, Nashif said he is confident Oregonians will uphold the ban."We'll fight hard for it. We have been working for that end as if they are going to run" a ballot measure, said Nashif. But, he added, "it's a lot of stinking work and it causes a lot of hard feelings." Nashif was reacting to the latest spate of news surrounding gay marriage. The New York Legislature approved a same-sex marriage bill last week that provided a huge boost to the movement. And a new survey of Oregon voters by Public Policy Polling showed that 48 percent backed gay marriage while 42 percent were opposed. Basic Rights Oregon has been conducting its own advertising and grass-roots effort to boost support for gay marriage in the state. The group has said its goal is to eventually win support for an initiative but hasn't said whether it will seek to put a measure on the 2012 ballot. Jeana Frazzini, Basic Right's executive director, said in a statement that the group would decide in the fall about 2012. But she also said, "We are optimistic that Oregon will be the first state in the nation to embrace the freedom to marry by a vote of the people."

In Portland Monday, one of two men accused of harassing a gay man and then attacking a passerby who tried to stop them appeared in court, KPTV reporting that 21 year old Christian Sanchez-Villavicenzio was arraigned on charges of third-degree assault and second-degree intimidation. Another suspect, 28 year old Shawn Siefke, was taken into federal custody on a charge of distributing Oxycodone. Prosecution on assault and intimidation charges against Siefke was set for Monday, but now awaits the resolution of his federal charge. The charges stem from an incident early Saturday morning at Northwest Flanders Street and Second Avenue. Portland officers say a man called police to report that two men asked him for directions and then harassed him and pushed him because he is gay. When a passerby tried to intervene, the caller said his antagonists beat the man to the ground, according to authorities. Police went to the area and arrested the suspects later that morning. The passerby was later identified as Andrew Smith, of Newport. He was treated and released from a Portland hospital.

Catholic Church In San Diego Denies Gay Parishioner Funeral; Following Outcry Reverses Decision But Family Of John Sanfilippo Including Life Partner Find Other Location

A funeral service for a gay parishioner that was cancelled by a Catholic church will be allowed to take place, according to the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, 10News reporting that the church, however, has not communicated the decision change to either the family of the deceased man or the media. Local businessman and devout Catholic John Sanfilippo died last week after struggling with emphysema. Friends said Sanfilippo planned for the funeral mass to be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church in Little Italy, where Sanfilippo had attended for decades. Friends said he even left the church a large sum of money in his will. This past weekend, Sanfilippo's partner of 28 years and Sanfilippo's family were notified that the church cancelled the funeral because Sanfilippo was gay. Friend Patrick Cannon said that "The fact that they're now turning their backs on him is a… sad thing.” Nicole Murray-Ramirez, Sanfilippo's friend, said “It’s like 2005 all over again for us Catholics… especially us gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Catholics." Ramirez said the same thing happened in 2005 when Bishop Robert Brom said John McCusker, a gay businessman, could not have his funeral at any of the diocese's churches. McCusker's funeral was eventually held at an Episcopal church. Friends said some of McCusker's family converted to the Episcopalian church because of the way they were treated by the Catholic Church. Bishop Brom apologized to the family after the fact."This is the only diocese [where] this has come up," said Ramirez, who is also Catholic. "This is the second time in the entire nation."He led a small group in prayer outside the Our Lady of the Rosary on Monday and taped a letter addressed to Brom to the front door of the church. Ramirez said the letter asks the bishop to clarify the church's position on funerals for gay parishioners. "Are there going to be others that are going to be denied in the future? Will we have to go through this again?" asked Ramirez. Sanfilippo's partner and his family were not available for comment on Monday. In an e-mail, Rodrigo Valdivia, the chancellor of the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego, told 10News that "The Diocesan office was notified about this situation earlier today... Diocesan Authorities have concluded that the funeral as scheduled at Our Lady of the Rosary Parish may take place. Plans for the ritual are yet to be made." At the cocktail lounge that Sanfilippo owned for 28 years came outrage from friends over what some called a confusing statement from the San Diego diocese. "All of a sudden, they change their mind and say, 'Well, you know, we may still allow the funeral to be here.' Why? Because they got caught in the process of denying equal rights to people?" asked Neil Thomas, a friend and customer of Sanfilippo's. Cannon also believes the statement is unclear. "I think it's confusing… They did their best to put the verbiage in there that they needed because they still have their… out," he said. Ramirez said the statement was proof the parish was acting alone and the diocese needs a diocese-wide policy so a similar situation does not happen again. But after a hurtful rejection, it appears Sanfilippo's family has moved on."From what I'm told, they don't want it there now," said Thomas. Ramirez said Sanfilippo's family had already found another Catholic church for the funeral. Ramirez said the family would not feel comfortable going back to Our Lady of the Rosary after what happened. No one from Our Lady of the Rosary was available for comment. On Tuesday evening, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Sanfilippo's funeral will be held Thursday morning at Holy Cross Cemetery and Mausoleum on 4470 Hilltop Drive.

Volney New York Town Clerk Refuses To Sign Marriage Licences For Gay Or Lesbian Couples; “I Should Not Be Forced Into Something Against My Morals And My God”

New York’s same-sex weddings victory lap has not extended to all parts of the Empire State, with a rural town clerk determined to not sign any same-sex marriage licenses, POLITICO reporting that Barbara MacEwen, the town clerk in upstate Volney who is responsible for signing marriage licenses in the town, said she is morally opposed to same-sex weddings and does not intend to affix her signature to any marriage documents for gay or lesbian couples. “If there’s any possible way to not do it legally, then yes, I would not want to put my name on any of those certificates or papers,” MacEwen told POLITICO. “That’s their life, they can do it, but I don’t feel I should be forced into something that’s against my morals and my God.” MacEwen said she’s written her state senator — Republican Patty Ritchie, who voted against legalizing gay weddings — to determine her legal options. While the legislation Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed late Friday night includes exemptions for religious organizations that disapprove of same-sex couples, it does not extend such protections to public officials. Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto did not immediately respond to a request for comment. MacEwen, a 75-year-old Republican, said she will be on the ballot this fall for a fifth, full four-year term as clerk of the town of about 6,200 people. And while clerks in New York City and elsewhere in the Empire State are preparing for a deluge of gay and lesbian couples applying for marriage licenses once they become legal July 24, MacEwen said she doesn’t expect an uptick in activity in her town, which is about 30 miles from Syracuse.“I don’t know of anybody like that in my town,” she said. “I’m sure that there might be, but I haven’t heard about anybody.”

Anti-Gay Marriage NHL Players’ Agent Todd Reynolds Fired By Minnesota Wild Forward Brunette; Sean Avery Calls On NHL To Support Marriage Equality

The Sporting News reports that with the start of the National Hockey League free agency draft less than days away, NHL players’ agent Todd Reynolds – an advocate of traditional marriage - has lost a client because of past comments. Minnesota Wild forward Andrew Brunette, a potential unrestricted free agent, fired Reynolds and replaced him with Don Baizley, Michael Russo of Minneapolis Star Tribune reported on Twitter. The 37 year old Brunette had 18 goals and 28 assists for Minnesota in 2010-11. After New York Rangers forward Sean Avery recorded a PSA in support of gay marriage last month, Reynolds took to Twitter to share his views: "Very sad to read Sean Avery's misguided support of same-gender 'marriage.' Legal or not, it will always be wrong." And later: "To clarify. This is not hatred or bigotry towards gays. It is not intolerance in any way shape or form. I believe we are all equal," which was soon followed by "But I believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman. This is my personal viewpoint. I Do not hate anyone." Later, on Canadian sports talk radio station TSN 1050, Reynolds said "I believe in voicing your opinion and not being part of the silent majority. If Sean Avery or any other player can comment on one side of the discussion then — I work in hockey, I'm in hockey 24/7 — why can I not comment on it as well?" Avery, meanwhile, continues to advocate progressive stances. "I understand that the NHL represents 30 different owners who come from different backgrounds and hold different viewpoints, but I think it would be meaningful for (commissioner Gary Bettman) and the Board of Governors to open themselves up for conversation about this issue," Avery told The New York Post on Monday, adding that while he got support from the Rangers, he was "disappointed" over the lack of contact from the league. The 31 year old Avery, one of the best things about the NHL, is known for his on- and off-ice attempts to agitate his opponents. He was suspended in 2008 for comments he made about another player's girlfriend. He had three goals and 21 assists in 2010-11 for the Rangers. "It's like I have a split personality on and off the ice, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that," he told the Post. "People who only know me as a player don't know me at all. "This is very, very special for a lot people across the U.S., in New York State and for a lot of my friends," Avery said. "What's a more genuine issue than having the same rights as everyone else when it comes to marriage? "You don't have to be gay to know when something is fundamentally not right."

Nine Arrested In Springfield Massachusetts Hate Crime; Openly Gay 30 Year Old Man Attacked And Robbed; Of The Four Females And Five Males Apprehended Only One An Adult

Police in Springfield, Massachusetts have charged five males and four females, ranging in age from 12 to 19, with committing a hate crime following the beating of an openly gay man on Walnut Street early Tuesday, The Springfield Republican reporting that the victim, who suffered head trauma and other injuries, was treated at Baystate Medical Center and released. Such attacks are rare for Springfield. “This is unusual and we are treating it seriously,” Sergeant John M. Delaney said. The 30 year old victim was attacked shortly after 3:00 am as he walked along Walnut Street, heading home, Delaney said. The victim told police that a group of youths inside Barrow’s Park yelled and asked him to come inside the park, Delaney, aide to Police Commissioner William J. Fitchet, said. The victim kept walking and told police he was then attacked by the suspects who knocked him to the ground, kicked him in the head and abdomen and punched him in the face with closed fists, Delaney said. “During the beating, the females encouraged the males to beat up the victim,” Delaney said. “All the participants yelled disparaging about the victims sexual orientation during the attack.” Police said one of the slurs hurled at the victim during the attack was “That’s what we do to faggots.” The victim’s MP3 player was stolen, Delaney said. Afterwards, the victim called police from a home on Eastern Avenue. A short time later, officers Luis Adames and Herman Little spotted the suspects in front of 600 State St., less than a quarter-mile from the attack. One of the suspects, a juvenile, had the MP3 player in his possession, Delaney said. All nine suspects were detained and brought to Baystate’s emergency department where the victim positively identified them all. Investigators determined that the attack amounted to a hate crime, Delaney said, adding he believes that the victim was not known to the suspects. The lone adult in the group, 19 year old Shay Andre Edwards, of 11 George St., and the 8 juveniles, were charged with unarmed robbery and civil rights violation with injury, Delaney said. City Councillor Amaad I. Rivera, who describes himself as the city’s first openly gay city councillor, said he was “very sad and disturbed” to hear of the attack. Rivera said, however, he applauded the police’s quick reaction to it. “I think any time anyone is targeted for who they are, we have to hold people accountable for those actions,” Rivera said. “We have to create a safe community for everyone.” And although Rivera agreed that such extreme incidents are rare for the city, he said homophobia is not uncommon. “This is indicative of a climate that starts with bullying and can potentially explode with these kinds of consequences,” he said. Rivera led a grassroots effort to hold a Springfield Pride Week earlier this month aimed at increasing the visibility and voice of the gay and bisexual community and its allies. The event, held June 8-16, was well-received and Rivera said he intends to expand it next year. “It went really well, he said.

Former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey Suggests President Obama Would Support Marriage Equality If He Just Listened To The First Lady; Michelle Obama’s Office Denies Ever Having Spoke Publically About Same-Sex Marriage

Monday, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey said the "decency of the American people" is often ahead of political action while speaking about same-sex marriage during an interview on CNN's In the Arena, hosted, ironically, by the former governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer. Though most elected officials "started in the same place – a marriage is between a man and a woman," McGreevey said politicians "understand that they're moving inevitably, catching up to the American public." Included in that group of "politicians" are President Barack Obama and current New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has been outspoken about pursuing civil unions over same-sex marriage in his state. "I think 10 years ago what Gov. Christie said was the norm by Democrats and Republicans and I think that will change," McGreevey said. "I think Gov. Christie, or whoever's governor across this nation, they will catch up with the decency of the American public." And of President Obama, the former governor stated in a reference to the first lady, "If only he would listen to Michelle more often." The president stopped short of using the term "marriage" while endorsing equal rights for same-sex couples at a fundraiser late Thursday, but affirmed, "I believe that gay couples deserve the same legal rights as every couple in this country." Now that the state of New York has legalized same-sex marriage, McGreevey admitted that he, too, is tempted to get married - but will wait until it is legal in his home state. "When it comes to New Jersey, which, I believe that inevitably it will, I think that time will come," he said. McGreevey resigned halfway through his term as governor amid scandal in 2004 when he admitted to having an affair with a male aide while married. At the time, McGreevey stated, "My truth is that I am a gay American."

Meanwhile, responding to McGreevey’s comments, on Tuesday, First Lady Michelle Obama’s office quickly shot down the suggestion that she has ever publicly voiced support for same-sex marriage, a policy her husband opposes even as the left pressures him to take a stand, Kristina Schake, her communications director, saying in an e-mail to POLITICO, that “Mrs. Obama has never made any public statements about same-sex marriage.” She added that the First Lady has never met the former governor and that she has never “had any conversations with former Gov. McGreevey about the issue.” Michelle Obama has only gone so far as to share her husband’s views on gay rights issues, saying at 2008 fundraiser that “Barack believes that we must fight for the world as it should be, a world where together we work to reverse discriminatory laws like DOMA and ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’ The world as it is should be one that rejects discrimination of all kinds.” The president has come under increased pressure to support same-sex marriage since after New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed a bill into law last week that legalizes the marriages in the state. At a fundraiser in Manhattan hosted by a gay group on Thursday, the day before the bill passed, attendees tried to heckle him into voicing support for the issue. Instead, he heralded New York’s decision to take on the issue but did so without expressing his opinion. The state “is doing exactly what democracies are supposed to do,” he said. “There’s a debate; there’s deliberation about what it means here in New York to treat people fairly in the eyes of the law.”

Two Portland Men Arrested In Anti-Gay Bias Crime Committed Saturday Morning, Arkansas Newspaper Reverses Decision To Run Free Obituary Mentioning Same-Sex Partner, Palm Springs Haven For Homosexual Couples, Cesar Filho, Fernando Torres Beach Sighting

Two Portland, Oregon men were arrested early Saturday morning after an attack on a gay man and a good Samaritan who stepped in to help, KOIN-6 reporting that Portland Police spokesperson, Lt. Robert King, said just before 3 a.m. Saturday morning, 28 year old Shawn Siefke and 21 year old Christian Sanchez-Villavicencio asked a man walking in Old Town for directions, then began to harass him, calling him derogatory gay names and pushing him to the ground. Andrew Smith, a 24 year old from Newport, Oregon, was in Portland attending a concert with his friend Friday night, and saw the man being harassed by Siefke and Christian Sanchez-Villavicencio, and stepped in to defend him. "I stepped in to help the man because I thought to myself, what if that was my little brother?" Smith said. Smith said before he knew it, punches were thrown and he was face down on the ground being kicked in the head. Siefke and Sanchez-Villavicencio left Smith wounded and laying in the intersection of NW 2nd Avenue and NW Flanders. The first victim called police, and as he was talking with officers about the attack, Siefke and Sanchez-Villavicencio returned to the scene, where they were both arrested and booked in Multnomah County Jail. Siefke was charged with third degree assault and second degree intimidation. Sanchez-Villavicencio was charged with third degree assault. They have both since been released. Smith said he was taken to OHSU where he was thoroughly checked out with a CAT scan. He said he has scrapes, bruises, cuts, and has returned home in Newport to recover. Portland Police continue their investigation into this bias crime. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jeff Sharp at 503-823-9773.

A battle between gay rights groups and an Arkansas newspaper over an obituary is once more after a near-truce fell apart, Reuters reporting that almost immediately after saying they would review their policy banning the inclusion of life partners in free obits, the Batesville Daily Guard's newspaper executives published an editorial defending the policy. Now the protests are going forward, and the central figure in the controversy, the gay life partner of a man who died from spinal meningitis, is threatening legal action from a hospital bed. "I want a hundred times more now than I did at the beginning of all of this, which was just to have my name listed," Terence James told Reuters on Monday. James has been diagnosed with the same illness that killed his partner, John Millican, on June 11. Oscar Jones, the newspaper's attorney, told Reuters on Monday that the policy was still being reviewed and that it was "a process," not something they could do overnight. "That's a process as opposed to just not a decision immediately," Jones said. "I anticipate changes in the policy but I don't know what those will be yet." Jones' mother, Pat Jones, is the newspaper's manager and operator. The newspaper has been in the family for 82 years. Oscar Jones said the newspaper stood by the editorial, published in Friday's editions. Last week, the newspaper came under fire from activist groups who accused its owners of discrimination after Millican's obituary ran without James' name listed as a survivor. The disputing parties appeared to be close to an solution, but then the newspaper published an editorial saying James knew the paper's policy on obituaries and is now grandstanding. The editorial, which ran directly across from an ad on the issue by the Human Rights Campaign, said the paper did not owe an apology to James, nor was it obligated to re-run the obituary. The editorial also said James had tried to list pets as children and was denied that, too. "Listing pets as children is a direct slap in the face to grieving parents who have buried children, young or old," the editorial said. "This begs the question of exactly what motive Mr. James had..." The newspaper has said its policy is not to publish the name of significant others, ex-spouses or life partners in free obituaries. Paid obituaries cost $85 and will include anything the survivors want to add. The newspaper contends James knew this when he submitted the obituary. James disputed the editorial, which he called "unmitigated gall," and said he may investigate legal action. The funeral home has listed his name as a survivor on its website. Randi Romo, a representative for Little Rock's Center for Artistic Revolution, a non-profit gay rights group, said it is organizing a community vigil in honour of James. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation plans a campaign against the newspaper this week.

The Desert Sun reports that Palm Springs has the highest concentration of same-sex couples living together in California, new findings from the 2010 Census show. With about 115 same-sex couples for every 1,000 households, Palm Springs ranks ahead of other notably gay-friendly cities like San Francisco and West Hollywood, according to an analysis of census data by the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law, based at the University of California, Los Angeles. Cathedral City Mayor Kathy DeRosa said gay residents have become an important part of her city. “It's part of the city's character. ... We're a community that embraces everybody,” she said. State-wide, the data shows there are 125,516 same-sex couples living together in California, roughly 10 gay or lesbian couples for every 1,000 households. Of those couples, 53 percent are women and 47 percent are men. Though Palm Springs' number of same-sex couples is dwarfed by that of larger cities, the 2,621 gay couples in Palm Springs represent a larger fraction of its total population of 44,552 than other California cities. The number includes gay census respondents who listed their partner as a “husband/wife,” or as an “unmarried partner” as of 2010, the first year the census has pushed for the declaration of same-sex partnerships. Same-sex couples were also allowed to choose to list themselves as married even if they aren't legally wed. Melinda Tremaglio, president of the Palm Springs National Organization for Women, said the high volume of same-sex couples in the area illustrates the way the LGBT community is reaching complete cultural assimilation.“(Being gay) is no longer a lifestyle, it's a life,” she said.

Brazil’s smoking sexy swimming star Cesar Cielo Filho spotted participating at the 5th Open EDF International Meet.

So hot Fernando Torres shirtless, seen on the beaches of Ibiza.

Pentagon Confirms Three More Service Personal Identify As Gay In Order To Secure Discharge; Policy Prohibiting Openly Gay Service Personal Likely Fully Repealed By Summer’s End

Three members of the American Air Force have requested a discharge because they are gay, moving quickly to get out of the military under the ban on openly gay service before its expected repeal later this year, according to The Associated Press. Pentagon officials said the other military services have not seen any similar effort this year under the so-called don't ask, don't tell law that prohibits gays from serving openly. Defense Secretary Robert Gates has said there are no roadblocks to ending the 17-year-old ban, but it probably won't happen until mid-summer. Gates leaves office this week. According to the Air Force, during the past month two female staff sergeants and a male 2nd lieutenant made statements identifying themselves as gay and asked to be separated quickly from the service. Only one other person, an airman 1st class, has been discharged under the law since last October. Air Force Secretary Michael Donley approved the discharges of the two women, and accepted the resignation of the airman who requested separation from the service. Gates issued an order last October that said no one could be discharged under the gay ban unless it was approved by the secretary of the military service involved. The armed services are concluding their training of the force on the new law, passed last December that allows gays to serve openly. Before the law can go into effect, defense leaders have to certify that it will have no adverse impact on the military. So far, military leaders say they have seen no widespread resistance to the policy change. In a survey of the troops last year, two-thirds predicted little impact on the force's ability to fight. But the greatest complaints about the change came from combat troops, including many in the Marine Corps and Army. Gates has met with the military and civilian leaders of the services and has started to prepare for certification. But the final action will be left to the next defense secretary, Leon Panetta, who will be sworn in on Friday. The repeal would take effect 60 days after certification. In a statement issued Monday, Alexander Nicholson, executive director of Servicemembers United, the largest organization in the nation for gay and lesbian active troops and veterans, said it is shocking to see incidents of people "trying to force the Pentagon to let them out of the service obligation" because the law is still on the books.

Proponents Of Proposition 8 Protect Marriage Files Papers Appealing Judge Walker Ruling

Proponents of California's same-sex marriage ban are appealing a ruling that a U.S. judge's own gay relationship was no basis for dismissing his decision in support of same-sex marriage, Reuters is reporting. U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco last year struck down California's same-sex marriage ban, known as Proposition 8. He later openly discussed his own gay relationship after retiring from the bench earlier this year. Supporters of the ban now say his ruling was compromised and should be vacated. But Chief U.S. District Judge James Ware disagreed earlier this month, ruling that granting such a request would send a message that minority judges could not rule in civil rights cases. Attorneys for ProtectMarriage.com, the anti-gay marriage group defending California's ban, said in court papers filed late last week that they would appeal Ware's decision. They did not respond to a request for comment on Monday. Matthew McGill, an attorney for two same-sex couples challenging the ban, said ProtectMarriage.com had been clear that they would continue a "smear campaign" against Walker. "The only thing surprising about this development is doing so in the face of such a well-reasoned opinion," McGill said. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals is already considering the constitutional issues surrounding gay marriage and has asked the California Supreme Court to weigh in on one point of state law. The case in U.S. District Court, Northern District of California is Perry v. Schwarzenegger, 09-2292.

Brazilian Judge Approves Nation’s First Same-Sex Marriage; Rules Two Men Can Legally Convert Civil Union To Marriage

Monday, a Brazilian state judge approved what the court said is the nation’s first same-sex marriage, The Associated Press reporting that Sao Paulo state Judge Fernando Henrique Pinto ruled two men could convert their civil union into a full marriage. Brazil’s Supreme Court cleared the way in May for the recognition of same-sex civil unions, but stopped short of approving same-sex marriages. A court statement said Pinto made the decision based on the top court’s ruling on civil unions and on Brazil’s constitution, which outlines how a civil union can be converted into a legal marriage. Benjamin Polastri, a spokesman with the Sao Paulo state Attorney General’s Office, said it was not immediately clear if the ruling set a strong national precedent. Polastri also said the just-approved same-sex marriage was the first for South America’s biggest nation. Jose Luiz Bednarski, a lawyer for the Sao Paulo state attorney general, said in an opinion presented to Pinto that the marriage was legal. “The federal constitution establishes as a fundamental objective of the Federal Republic of Brazil to promote the good of everyone without bias of gender or any other form of discrimination,” Bednarski wrote. “This certainly includes the choice or sexual orientation of a person.” In the Brazilian legal system, judges often seek the opinion of a state or federal attorney general about a case. After-hours calls were not answered at the National Conference of Brazilian Bishops, whose lawyers took the lead in arguing against the Supreme Court’s civil union case. While the court released only the initials of the couple that was married, the Globo television network’s G1 website identified the men as Sergio Kauffman Sousa and Luiz Andre Moresi. They asked a state court in the city of Jacarei, 53 miles (85 kilometres) northeast of Sao Paulo, to approve their marriage. “It’s an immense joy. I’m still trying to comprehend this historic moment,” Moresi told G1. “We’ve fought for so many years and now that it’s happened we’re in ecstasy. I dedicate this victory to all the activists.” Luiz Mott, founder of Grupo Gay da Bahia, the oldest gay rights organization in Brazil, called the marriage a huge step for LGBT rights in the country. “Now any couple can ask for the same thing. It’s a great advance,” he said. In Latin America, same-sex marriage is legal only in Argentina and Mexico City. Same-sex civil unions granting some rights to homosexual couples are legal in Uruguay and in some states of Mexico outside the capital. Colombia’s Constitutional Court has granted same-sex couples inheritance rights and allowed them to add their partners to health insurance plans. Moresi said that he knew the Sao Paulo state court’s ruling could be reversed by a higher court, but that “we’ll take the case to the Supreme Court if needed.” Sousa told G1 that he and Moresi had been together for eight years and filed for civil union designation in May, less than two weeks after the Supreme Court ruling allowed them to do so. On June 6, they asked the state court to recognize their civil union as a marriage. Pinto cited the Brazilian Constitution’s section on civil unions, literally referred to as “stable unions,” saying a couple “living together can, by mutual agreement and at any time, request the conversion of a stable union into a marriage.”

New York City Tourism Campaign Targets Same-Sex Couples Seeking To Marry, Same-Sex Marriage Showdown Likely Minnesota, While Maryland Does Not Recognize Same-Sex Marriage It Will Have To Grapple With Same-Sex Divorce, The Ugly Unfortunate Anti-Gay History Of The Washington Times

The Daily News reports following the passage of a bill legalizing same-sex marriage in New York State, NYC Mayor Bloomberg wants them to say "I do" at the Empire State Building, Coney Island - or any other romantic spot in the five boroughs. "We'd love to have you come here," Bloomberg said Monday of the two-bride and two-groom couples who can start to marry in New York in late July. "Stay in a hotel. Buy flowers, clothes, meals or whatever. It's good for the economy." The city's tourism agency - NYC & Company - says the gay wedding industry could be worth millions of dollars to the city, triggering job growth, and it intends to launch an ad campaign to convince couples to marry in the city where the gay rights movement began four decades ago."NYC & Company is working to create a multi-channel, global communications and marketing campaign - NYC I DO - to promote the vibrancy and attractiveness of the five boroughs as a gay weddings destination," said Kimberly Spell, the agency's chief communications officer. The agency is already promoting an NYC I DO page on its website - nycgo.com - that tells couples the rules for getting married here, offering deals on hotels and listing popular wedding venues.

With New York’s new same-sex marriage legislation scheduled to take effect in late July, the battle lines are forming for the next skirmishes over same-sex marriage — and the most dramatic could come in Minnesota, that according to The Associated Press. Same-sex marriage supporters in the Land of 10,000 Lakes will be working fervently to end a 31-state losing streak at the polls and defeat a proposed amendment on the 2012 ballot that would limit marriage to one-man, one-woman unions. It is expected to be a closely fought campaign, attracting extensive out-of-state resources. "The other side is certainly desperate for a victory at the ballot box. We expect to be outspent," said Jason Adkins, executive director of the Minnesota Catholic Conference and a member of the coalition supporting the amendment. If the amendment passes, in a state viewed as politically moderate, foes of gay marriage will be able to claim that the New York Legislature's vote Friday to legalize same-sex marriage did not turn the tide nationally. Their side will have extended a winning streak dating to 1998, with opponents of same-sex marriage prevailing every time it has been put to a popular vote. If the amendment is defeated, same-sex marriage supporters will be able to make a strong case that public opinion has turned in their favour."These ballot measures are so expensive and so divisive," said Monica Meyer, executive director of OutFront Minnesota, the state's biggest gay rights group. "If we can defeat this, it sends a strong message that at some point soon these things just aren't going to be brought up at all anymore." Thirty states have passed amendments banning gay marriage, while Maine voters in 2009 overturned a bill passed by the Legislature that would have legalized the practice. Where same-sex marriage is legal — in New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, Vermont and the District of Columbia — it came about through court orders or legislative action, not by popular vote. Chuck Darrell of the Minnesota Family Council, which supports the proposed amendment, said the New York vote validated the concerns of Minnesota legislators who put the ban on next year's ballot. "Our Legislature wisely decided to let the people decide the issue of marriage — not politicians," Darrell said. Ann-Kaner Roth of Project 515, a Minnesota gay-rights group, said she and her fellow activists would take lessons from what happened in New York."They were able to build such a broad-based coalition: Republicans, independents and Democrats, the business community all coming out very strongly in support of equality," Kaner-Roth said. "Minnesota is really ripe for that kind of coalition-building." The anti-amendment coalition is sure to include Democratic Gov. Mark Dayton, who was unable to keep the measure off the ballot but has vowed to campaign against it. He has already appeared at a fundraiser held by amendment opponents and marched in the Twin Cities gay pride parade on Sunday — a first for a Minnesota governor. Same-sex marriage advocate Evan Wolfson, president of Freedom to Marry, anticipates an intense struggle in Minnesota, saying "Any time minority rights are put up to a majority vote, in the white-hot heat of nasty political exchanges, it's a dangerous situation."

Last year, reports The Baltimore Sun, Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler issued an opinion suggesting that Maryland can and should recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states, even though such marriages are not allowed under Maryland law. Since several states and the neighbouring District of Columbia now grant gay marriages, it seemed likely to be an issue when it came to how state agencies should handle things like pension and benefit rights for married same-sex couples. But Gansler’s opinion amounted to an educated guess as to how the state's courts might rule on such issues — and until they do, it remains mere advice. It looks like that uncertainty may soon be lifted, but in an ironic twist, it will be related to a right all married couples have but none ever hope to assert: divorce. A handful of cases working their way through the courts, and likely to wind up in the Court of Appeals, ask the question: Can same-sex couples who were married in states where such unions are legal be divorced in Maryland, where they are not?

Media Matters for America reports that the incoming editor of The Washington Times, Ed Kelley, recently suggested he was not familiar with the newspaper's long, well-documented history of anti-gay attacks, saying the only controversy he had heard on the issue was "a change in whether or not the term either civil unions or gay marriage or something, whether or not there were going to be quotes used around the term or not." In fact, The Washington Times has long history of extreme rhetoric and smears against the LGBT community, including condemning any and all attempts to repeal the military policy prohibiting openly gay service personal, same-sex marriage, the alleged homosexual agenda, and offering a platform for the dangerously homophobic Robert Knight.

Following Meeting Monday Morning With Maple Leafs’ GM Brian Burke Toronto Mayor Ford Hints He May Participate In Pride Parade

An update on a previous post, The Toronto Star reports that after spending Monday morning with Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke, who is marching in this year’s Pride parade to honour his late son, Mayor Rob Ford finally opened the door to some participation in the huge gay pride celebration.“One day at a time,” Ford told reporters Monday afternoon, when asked if he will go to any activities in the 10-day festival. The event began last Friday and ends Sunday with a huge parade expected to be attended by hundreds of thousands of Torontonians and visitors. Ford emerged from his office wearing a Leafs jersey and said he spent the morning touring the ACC with Burke. Asked if Burke invited to join in marching with family members of gays and lesbians, Ford said that “It was a confidential meeting.” Burke’s son Brendan was killed in a car accident in February 2010, not long after the 21 year old former goalie, working with a top-ranked university hockey program, went public with the fact that he is gay. Brian Burke’s acceptance of his son’s orientation was heralded across the continent. He marched in last year’s Pride parade to honour his son’s memory. About a dozen reporters and camera operators had camped outside Ford’s office on the second floor of City Hall after Councillor Frances Nunziata, his representative at the ceremonial raising of the Pride flag in Nathan Phillips Square, was heckled by a handful of attendees and booed twice by a more substantial number. Nunziata read Ford’s proclamation of Pride Week in place of the mayor, who she later said had “other commitments” she could not identify, although that commitment is now known.

Substituting For Mayor Ford, Toronto Councillor Nunziata Reads Pride Proclamation To An Angry Audience; No One Able Or Willing To Explain Ford’s Absence

The councillor who stood in for Mayor Rob Ford at Monday’s official Pride Toronto flag-raising event was heckled by a handful of attendees and booed twice by a more substantial number, The Toronto Star reporting that Council speaker Frances Nunziata read Ford’s proclamation of Pride Week in place of the mayor, whom she later said had “other commitments” she could not identify. Her speech was interrupted by Dan Fraser, a 48-year-old corrections officer who is gay, and his friend Richard Warner, a gay 55-year-old retail salesperson, who stood in a crowd of more than 200 in Nathan Phillips Square. “Where’s the mayor?” Fraser shouted. “We want Ford. Forget it, Frances. It’s a disgrace. It’s an absolute sham.” Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, a left-leaning Ford critic who is a lesbian, stepped in to say, “We are here today to celebrate the beginning of Pride Week.” The crowd cheered loudly. But Warner shouted: “The mayor should be part of it. The mayor was elected for everybody.” Nunziata returned to the microphone, to cheers, and said in the stern voice she often uses the silence unruly councillors: “I think there are people here who would like for me to be here and read the proclamation. So I would like to please ask: If you do not agree, you have the right to leave.” Dozens of crowd members booed in response. The crowd booed louder when Nunziata read the words “I, Mayor Rob Ford. . .” Ford has said he cannot attend the parade on Sunday because he has an annual family commitment at his cottage. He has failed to explain why he cannot attend any of the other events that are part of the 10-day Pride festival. Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday, among others, has suggested that he attend a non-Parade event to quell accusations that he is homophobic. Warner said he and Fraser decided to heckle Nunziata because Ford had demonstrated antipathy to the gay and lesbian community. “Previous mayors have set the precedent by becoming part of the community for the day and joining the parade even if they were uncomfortable,” he said. “We know Mr. Lastman was not happy, but he did it, because he had the political smarts to do it. Mr. Ford has shown not only a complete lack of political savvy but irresponsibility and absolute contempt. It needs to be called out.” Ford allies Michael Thompson, Cesar Palacio and Karen Stintz joined a larger group of centrist and left-leaning councillors in attendance. Most of the people in attendance listened politely to the speakers and made no effort to demonstrate against Ford. Four men stood beside the stage holding pink signs that together read “You Can’t Hide From Us 4Eva, Respect LGBTQ Taxpayers.” The back of the last sign directed an expletive at Ford. Erin Filby, a 32-year-old self-described “heterosexual housewife” who lives in the Church-Wellesley area, wore a paper Ford mask and a prominent false belly while holding a sign that read “I’m Not Here, “and who added that “Pride isn’t just a queer issue, it’s a community issue. And it’s a giant ‘screw you’ to the city to not turn up.” Speaking to reporters, Nunziata dismissed the boos and called the hecklers “rude,” but she said, “That’s fine. I accept booing. I get that all the time as speaker of council.” Ford’s absence from the event, and planned absence from the parade, received a mixed response. “I just don’t care. It’s going to happen with him or without him. It doesn’t matter,” said David, 49. Melanie Walters, a 35-year-old lesbian, said, “It doesn’t bother me as much as everyone else. It would be kind of hypocritical for him to show up since he’s not into it anyway, “adding that “I know it’s disrespectful for him to not show up, but it’s a little bit disrespectful to heckle (Nunziata) when it’s not really her problem.” Said Wong-Tam: “I understand that the community’s upset, and there is a lot of anger, but there’s a time and a place. And right now, today, it’s a happy celebration. We’re here to proclaim Pride Week, and I’m happy Councillor Nunziata did that on behalf of the mayor.”

Lancaster California Mall Targeted With Violent Anti-Gay Graffiti; Police Investigate As Hate Crime

Authorities were investigating a hate crime in Lancaster, California on Sunday night, ABC-7 reporting that five anti-gay messages were spray painted in red on different areas around a strip mall at the intersection of 10th Street West and Avenue J-4. A security guard at the shopping complex spotted the vandalism Sunday morning and notified authorities. Among other profanity-laced messages, some said "Gays Go 2 Hell" and "Kill All Gays Now." Sergeant Paul Pfrehm of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said that "These were anti-homosexual messages advocating killing and violence against homosexuals spray painted on walls of three distinct businesses." Investigators said it appears to be a random act of violence and is not connected to the businesses in anyway. Detectives said they believe it happened between 10:30 pm Saturday and 5:00 am Sunday. They were reviewing security video from several locations to see if the suspects were caught on camera. "This is a felony," Pfrehm said. "It's an attempt to intimidate people or harass people. The sheriff's department has a strong stand on this. If we can locate the individuals involved they will be prosecuted for a felony." Nearby residents said it is sad to see such malicious messages. "I think they're ignorant. I thought we got past this a long time ago, but I can see that we ain't. Some people still just in their bigotry ways," said Lancaster resident Michael Cannon. Sergeant Craig Husbands of the Lancaster Sheriff's Department said that affected businesses include a hamburger and steak restaurant called the Texas Cattle Company, and a Round Table Pizza eatery. Husbands said it was unclear if the scrawls were related to the state of New York's recent approval of gay marriage. The investigation was ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the sheriff's department at (661) 948-8466.

ACLU And SAVE Dade Condemn Mayoral Candidate For Reneging On Statement Concerning Domestic Partnership Health And Visitation Rights

Leaders of two gay rights and civil rights organizations condemned Mayoral Candidate Julio Robaina for announcing a position on domestic partner health and visitation rights which conflicts with signed statements he submitted just two months ago when he was seeking endorsement from the County’s principal gay rights organization, reports The Miami Herald. On April 26, 2011, Candidate Julio Robaina – then seeking the endorsement of SAVE Dade – submitted a questionnaire to the SAVE Dade Action PAC supporting a state-wide domestic partner registry, visitation rights and “other basic rights” for gay and unmarried opposite sex couples. SAVE Dade is Miami-Dade County’s leading organization dedicated to protecting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) against discrimination. In the signed statement, Robaina stated:”I support and believe that it is right for there to be a register (sic) of domestic partner relationships with the county to provide visitation rights and basic rights to domestic partners. I would support a measure at the state level that recognizes visitation rights and other basic rights. As to health coverage, I would need additional information regarding its fiscal impact.” According to The Miami Herald, in the final face-to-face debate before Tuesday’s election, Robaina announced that “he would likely support any move by county commissioners to repeal benefits currently offered by the county, which allows its unmarried employees to buy health insurance for their partners, and for the couples to visit each other in jail and in the hospital.” The debate was taped Friday morning, June 24, for WFOR’s News & Views with Eliott Rodriguez. A statement issued by a coalition reads “It is sad to see a politician willing to play politics with essential health insurance coverage and even visitation rights for gay and unmarried non-gay county workers and their families in a desperate effort to scrape up a few votes before Tuesday’s election. In light of Robaina’s statement that he supports visitation rights and domestic partner benefits for state workers that he signed and submitted to SAVE Dade Action PAC when he was seeking the group’s endorsement, his latest statement reflects poorly on his integrity -- demonstrating his willingness to say anything to anyone to win votes.”