Stories to Watch

GLAAD's Stories to Watch bring you the latest and most important news stories affecting the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

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Orlando LGBT Community Center Vandalized

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

A spray-painted swastika and other graffiti were discovered Monday morning at the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community Center of Central Florida in Orlando.

Volunteers are organizing to paint over the graffiti.

LGBT advocates and allies have condemned the vandalism which is estimated to have cost over $1000 in damage.

Related Media Coverage:

The Associated Press - November 18, 2009

"Vandalism Discovered at Orlando Community Center"

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1339238.html

Keechl Becomes First Openly Gay Mayor of Broward, FL

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Openly gay Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. lawyer Ken Keechl was chosen by county commissioners to take over as mayor of Broward, Fla. on Tuesday amid a government corruption investigation that led to the arrest of Josephus Eggelletion, who previously held the seat.

“I ran for the commission not as a gay man but as a fiscal conservative and as someone concerned about the environment, but I am aware of the historic nature of becoming mayor and am proud of it,” Keechl said.

Keechl has vowed to work closely with a task force to draft a new code of ethics for the county government.

Related Media Coverage:

South Florida Sun-Sentinel - November 18, 2009

"Keechl Becomes Broward's First Openly Gay Mayor"

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/broward/fl-broward-mayor-20091118,0,3613787.story

Georgia Teacher Put on Leave After 'Putting a Hit' on Student's Life

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

A Georgia high school teacher has been placed on administrative leave after allegedly offering a student money to kill one of his classmates who the teacher perceived to be gay.

Randolph Forde was arrested last month and released on a $10,000 bond after the victim's mother reported the incident to authorities. Forde is now on paid administrative leave.

Forde's attorney, Borquaye Thomas, claims that the student only became upset after he got in trouble for an unrelated incident. Thomas went on to admit that Forde asked the student if he was gay, but only "as a joke."

Thomas said an internal review by the school system recommends he be suspended without pay for five days and attend training for “inappropriate and unprofessional” interaction with a student.

Related Media Coverage:
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - November 16, 2009
"Clayton Teacher Charged with Putting 'Hit' on Student"
http://www.ajc.com/news/clayton/clayton-teacher-charged-with-200153.html

Window Media LLC, Largest LGBT Publisher, Closes Its Doors

Monday, November 16, 2009

Window Media LLC, the nation's largest publisher of LGBT newspapers, shut down over the weekend reportedly over a lack of funding.

The Washington Blade, the company's most well-known publication, also ceased operation. The Blade celebrated its 40th anniversary last month.

Steven Myers, co-president of Window Media in Washington, D.C., declined comment.

Window Media long provided a very special outlet for the gay community to learn about itself way before there were a lot of other places to find that type of thing," said Michael Musto, an openly gay writer for the Village Voice in New York. "This was the gay community writing about itself, and that's a voice we should never lose."

Related Media Coverage:
The Associated Press - November 16, 2009
"Window Media, Nation's Largest LGBT Publisher, Closes"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/11/16/window-media-nations-larg_n_359257.html

Florida's Leading Candidate for Governorship Supports Adoption by Same-Sex Couples

Monday, November 16, 2009

Florida's leading candidate for governor, Alex Sink, said on Sunday that he believes same-sex couples should have the right to adopt if it's in the children's "best interest."

Florida is the only state with an outright ban on adoption by same-sex couples.

Sink clarified that it should be up to a judge to determine what exactly is in a child's best interest and the issue should be addressed on a case-by-case basis.

``We need a system in which all of our children are assured that they live in a healthy, loving home—a home that’s determined not by any law,’’ Sink told about 300 gay activists who packed a gallery of modern artwork at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale. ``The decision has to be made by the judge, in consultation with the experts, to determine what is the best for that individual child.’’

Related Media Coverage:
The Miami Herald - November 16, 2009
"Sink Backs Adoption by Gays, Lesbians"
http://www.miamiherald.com/486/story/1335577.html

RI Gov. Will Consider Expanding Rights for Same-Sex Couples

Friday, November 13, 2009

Rhode Island Governor Donald Carcieri said on Thursday that he will consider expanding rights for same-sex couples.

“The governor’s office has agreed to put resources towards the gay community,” said Susan Heroux of Queer Action of Rhode Island. “They are willing to look at our issues, and they are willing to talk to us more.”

Carcieri vetoed a bill on Tuesday that would have granted same-sex couples the right to plan their spouse's funeral. An override of that veto is expected.

Related Media Coverage:
WPRI.com (Providence) - November 13, 2009
"Gov. Open to Same-Sex Couples' Rights"
http://www.wpri.com/dpp/news/local_news/local_wpri_providence_governor_carcieri_says_he_is_
willing_to_explore_expanded_rights_for_same_sex_couples20091113_tro

Men Charged With Vandalism of Gay Center and Fighting with Police

Friday, November 13, 2009

Two men, Ross Burton and Wesley Huggins, were arrested after they set fire to the rope on the flagpole in front of the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center and then fought with police officers.

Both men are charged with assault and vandalism. This is the second recent incident in which the Memphis Gay and Lesbian Center has been a target of vandalism.

Additional Media Sources:
Associated Press – November 13, 2009
“2 Charged After Vandalism at Gay Center, Fight With Police in Memphis”
http://www.whnt.com/news/sns-ap-tn--policefight,0,7193998.story

Congress Could Repeal Don't Ask, Don't Tell Via Defense Authorization Bill

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) said Congress may work to repeal the military's Don't Ask, Don't Tell policy by way of next year's defense authorization bill.

Speaker Nancy Pelosi reportedly backs the strategy. That means a vote on the bill could take place as soon as next fall.

President Bill Clinton signed the policy that bars gay and lesbian service members from serving openly in the military in 1993. President Barack Obama, however, has vowed to repeal the policy.

Related Media Coverage:
The Hill - November 11, 2009
"Leaders Set to Include 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' Repeal in Defense Authorization Bill"
http://thehill.com/homenews/house/67477-leaders-fix-on-strategy-for-dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal

Transgender Residents to be Included in Forth Worth Anti-Discrimination Ordinance

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The city council of Fort Worth, Texas voted 6-3 to expand its non-discrimination ordinance to protect transgender residents. The move comes after a controversial police raid of Rainbow Lounge, a gay bar in the city.

Jon Nelson of Fairness Fort Worth said, “We believe, as you do, that we should respect each other. The foundation of these recommendations isn’t preferential treatment, it’s equal treatment.”

Related Media Coverage:
Houston Chronicle – November 11, 2009
“Fort Worth Council Votes to Expand Anti-Discrimination Ordinance”
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6716200.html

Catholic Dioceses Fund Campaign Against Marriage Equality in Maine

Thursday, November 12, 2009

According to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland’s campaign finance report, it gathered more than $500,000 in contributions from dioceses across the country to help repeal a state law that allowed for same-sex couples to marry in Maine. Among the top out-of-state contributors are the Archdioceses of Phoenix and Philadelphia which donated $50,000 each.

The Portland diocese, which is second only to National Organization for Marriage in its total contribution to the umbrella agency Stand for Marriage, donated more than $200,000 from its own general treasury, donations and special church collections. It also paid for the salary of diocesan employees working at the Stand for Marriage headquarters.

Maine voters approved the ballot question that nullified the legislature approved marriage equality law on Nov. 3 by a 53-47-percent vote.

Related Media Coverage:
MPR News – November 11, 2009
“Minnesota area Catholic Dioceses contributed to Maine ballot initiative”
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/collections/special/columns/polinaut/archive/2009/11/minnesota_area.shtml

The Associated Press – November 12, 2009
“St. Louis Archdiocese donated funds to defeat gay marriage in Maine”
http://www.fox2now.com/news/sns-ap-mo--archbishop-stlouis,0,3446037.story

The Edge – November 12, 2009
“Analysis reveals Roman Catholic dioces poured money into anti-marriage campaign in Maine”
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=98801

Philadelphia Gay News – November 12, 2009
“Archdiocese gives $50k to Maine marriage fight”
http://epgn.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Archdiocese+gives+-50K+to+Maine+marriage+
fight%20&id=4446161-Archdiocese+gives+-50K+to+Maine+marriage+fight&instance=top_story

LDS Church Supports Anti-discrimination Law

Thursday, November 12, 2009

In a statement to the Salt Lake City Council on Nov. 10, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced its support for an ordinance that prohibits discrimination against gay people in housing and employment.

"In drafting these ordinances, the city has granted common-sense rights that should be available to everyone," said Michael Otterson, spokesperson for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The ordinance which passed unanimously by the seven member city council takes effect next April and allows the mayor to appoint an administrator to handle complaints of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Related Media Coverage:
The New York Times – November 11, 2009
“Mormon support for gay rights statute draws praise”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/12/us/12utah.html

The Associated Press – November 11, 2009
“Mormons throw support behind gay-rights cause”
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5giJCBVPLX6vCUGeogYt0B5Wz7UNgD9BTL4EG0

The Wall Street Journal – November 12, 2009
“Mormon Church backs Salt Lake City’s gay-rights ordinances”
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125795766243843803.html?mod=WSJ_hpp_MIDDLENexttoWhatsNewsSecond

Examiner.com – November 11, 2009
“Mormon church approves gay rights law as long as it doesn’t have to follow it”
http://www.examiner.com/x-4107-International-LGBT-Issues-Examiner~y2009m11d11-Mormon-church-
approves-gay-rights-law--as-long-as-it-doesnt-have-to-follow-it

D.C. Catholic Archdiocese to Discontinue Social Service Programs Because of Proposed Marriage Equality Bill

Thursday, November 12, 2009

The Catholic Archdiocese in Washington D.C. released a statement on Nov. 11 threatening to abandon dozens of city contracts and discontinue social service programs in the district unless changes are made to a proposed marriage equality bill that is expected to be voted on next month.

Under the bill, religious organizations are not required to perform or make space available for same-sex weddings but do have to obey city laws prohibiting discrimination against gay men and lesbians. The Archdiocese is asking that an amendment be added so that individuals can refuse goods and services related to marriage ceremonies for gay couples.

Organizations like Catholic Charities currently receive several hundred thousands of dollars a year in city contracts and manage city-owned centers like homeless shelters. If the archdiocese follows through with its ultimatum, tens of thousands of people could be denied service by Catholic groups in areas of adoption, homelessness and health care.

Related Media Coverage:
The Washington Post – November 12, 2009
“Catholic Church gives D.C. ultimatum on same-sex marriage issues”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111116943.html

On Top Magazine – November 11, 2009
“Catholic Church ready to walk over D.C. gay marriage”
http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4853&MediaType=1&Category=26

D.C Marriage Vote Scheduled for December

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Gay and lesbian couples are one step closer to gaining the right to be legally married in Washington D.C. On Tuesday, Washington D.C.’s City Council voted 4-1 in favor the bill. However, Council member Phil Mendelson made a few changes to Council member David Catina’s bill before it was voted on. Mendelson removed language from the bill that would have ended city registration of new domestic partnerships. He also broadened the bill’s exemption for churches and religious organizations to allow them to refuse to rent facilities or provide services for same-sex marriage ceremonies, even though such facilities and services are available to the general public.

Both Catina and a coalition for organizations and activists who support of marriage for gay and lesbian couples approved these changes. It is expected that the final vote will take place on December first.

Related Media Coverage:
Marriage vote set for Dec. 1
The Washington Blade-November 11, 2009
http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=28042

The Washington Post-November 12, 2009
D.C. marriage bill draws eyes across the region
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/11/AR2009111112670.html

R.I. Gov. Strikes Down Equal Funeral Rights

Thursday, November 12, 2009

R.I. Gov. Don Carcieri, on Tuesday, vetoed legislation that would allow the state’s gay and lesbian couples to plan the funeral services of their late partners. Gov. Carcieri, said the proposed protections represented “a disturbing trend.”

Kathy Kushnir, executive director of Marriage Equality Rhode Island responded to the governor’s actions saying: "It is absolutely unconscionable that Gov. Carcieri would step in the middle of people being able to take care of their loved ones at such a sorrowful time. Why would he make it more difficult? I just don't get it."

Rhode Island currently does not allow gay and lesbian couples to marry,

Related Media Coverage
The Associated Press – November 11, 2009
“R.I. Gov. Vetoes Same-Sex Funeral Rights”
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/11/11/national/main5608892.shtml

N.Y. Senate Delays Marriage Vote

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Marriage in New York remains a near-distant prospect after the State Senate, on Wednesday, delayed the vote that would allow gay and lesbian couples to marry. The bill, placed on the emergency-session’s agenda by Gov. David Patterson, hit a standstill after an entire day of deliberations. “Senators emerged from the governor’s office late Tuesday with only a vague agreement that the bill would come to a vote before the end of the year,” reports the New York Times.

“I think that the vote is closer than people think,” said Gov. Patterson. “It’s one of those rare types of legislation that you never know what people are going to do until it hits the floor,” he added.

Related Media Coverage
The New York Times – November 11, 2009
“State Senate Delays Vote on Same-Sex Marriage Bill”
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/11/nyregion/11albany.html

Tampa Extends Protections to Transgender People

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Tampa, Fla’s City Council voted on Friday to include transgender individuals under anti-discrimination laws. The ordinance, which protects against discrimination in housing, employment and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation, sex, race and religion, will now include gender expression and identity.

Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio says she will support the changes.

Related Media Coverage:

The Tampa Tribune – November 5, 2009

Tampa extends rights to transgender individuals

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/nov/05/tampa-extends-rights-transgender-individuals/

Chiefs Release RB Larry Johnson

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

The Kansas City Chiefs confirmed on Monday that they have released running back Larry Johnson.

Last week, fans created an online petition asking the Chiefs to release Johnson, so as not allow him to break the team’s rushing record.

The official news comes at the end of Johnson’s second suspension this year. Most recently, Johnson was suspended for questioning the competence of his head coach and for using several gay slurs.

Related Media Coverage:
The New York Times - November 9, 2009
"Chiefs Release Larry Johnson"
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/11/09/sports/AP-FBN-Chiefs-Johnson-Released.html

HUD to Prohibit Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity

Monday, November 09, 2009

The federal government is set to expand Federal Housing Administration regulations to protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Soon, any FHA-insured mortgage must be granted on the creditworthiness of a borrower and not unrelated factors such as sexual orientation.

The Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Shaun Donovan, also announced that HUD will implement the first-of-its-kind national study on housing discrimination against LGBT people.

“Having the federal government catching people in the act of discriminating is really important,” said Matthew Faiella, a lawyer with the New York Civil Liberties Union. “It’s nearly impossible for an advocacy organization to gather the resources to do that.”

Related Media Coverage:

The New York Times - November 6, 2009

"HUD Combats Discrimination"

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/realestate/08mort.html

Poll: Californians Support Marriage Equality

Monday, November 09, 2009

A poll conducted by the Los Angeles Times and the University of Southern California has found that a small majority of California voters support the right of gay and lesbian couples to marry. The poll also found that voters oppose efforts to put the issue back on the ballot next year.

The survey for the poll included 1,500 California residents and was conducted for the Times and USC by two prominent polling firms, the Democratic firm Greenberg Quinlan Rosner and the Republican firm Public Opinion Strategies. The poll has a 2.6 percent margin of error.

Related Media Sources:
Los Angeles Times – November 8, 2009
“By a small margin, California voters support same-sex marriage”
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-gay-marriage-poll8-2009nov08,0,6605540.story

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