Issue 33 Volume 38
FRIDAY August 13, 2010 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands
Celebrating 37 Years!
ALANO UPDATE p. 5
MEXICO MARRIAGE p. 17
QUEEN LATIFAH p. 28
Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Seattle athletes bring home gold at Gay Games
California same-sex marriage on hold until August 18
courtesy Orca Swim Team
Vaughn Walker, the chief judge of the Federal District Court in San Francisco, gave opponents of same-sex weddings until August 18 at 5 p.m. to get a ruling from the 9th U.S. District Court of Appeals on whether Gay marriage should resume. In other words, Walker put Gay marriages on hold for at least another six days in California, and depending on the appeals process, same-sex marriages could happen at that point or be put off indefinitely. California voters passed Proposition 8 as a constitutional amendment in November 2008, five months after the state Supreme Court legalized same-sex unions and an estimated 18,000 same-sex couples already had tied the knot. Last week, Walker struck down the Seattle’s Orca Swim Team state’s voter-approved Gay mar(l to r): Ashley Brown, Jason Stone, Jim Lasersohn, Phil Brennan riage ban in a case many believe is by James Whitely attended by 10,000 people. Ath- destined for the Supreme Court. SGN Staff Writer On August 12, Judge Walker deletes from 70 nations participated in the ceremony amidst the cheers clined to extend that stay beyond Gay Games VIII in Cologne, Germany ended on Saturday, August 7 with a closing ceremony see gay games page 20 see marriage page 21
S.Todd Rogers
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
West Point cadet resigns under DADT policy
R71 bigots resurface in Koster campaign by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Old bigots never die. Sometimes they don’t even fade away, they just keep coming back for campaign after campaign. This year, John Koster’s 2nd District congressional campaign provides a home for many anti-Gay veterans of the 2009 Referendum 71 campaign. Koster, a Sarah Palinendorsed Republican, is running for Congress against incumbent Democrat Rick Larsen. The 2nd District takes in Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom, and Island Counties, and a piece of northeast King County. Koster is presently a Snohomish County Council member. He was a state Representative from 1995 till 2001. As a state representative, Koster’s claim to fame was his “Freedom County” resolution – seeking to allow his hometown of Arlington to secede from Snohomish County and set up its own county government. While Koster pitched “Freedom see west point page 17
The discriminatory U.S. military policy “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) does hurt unit readiness and cohesion, but not in the way we have been led to believe. The latest example of why the policy hurts our military and national security can be seen in the case of Katherine Miller. Miller began the week as the #9-ranked West Point cadet. She ended the week as an out Lesbian who resigned from the world’s top military academy, saying she cannot reconcile the military’s DADT policy with her desire to live an open and honest life and maintain her integrity. In her resignation letter to the academy, she wrote: “I have created a heterosexual dating history to recite to fellow cadets when they inquire. I have endured unwanted approaches by male cadets for fear of being accused as a Lesbian by rejecting these events. I have been coerced into ignoring derogatory comments towards homosexuals for fear of being alienated for my viewpoint.
koster for congress
courtesy the advocate
Katherine Miller
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
Chief San Francisco Federal District Judge Vaughn Walker
John Koster
County” as an anti-tax paradise, it was widely believed that it was intended as a haven for right-wing extremists. In 2000, Koster gave up his legislative seat to run unsuccessfully against Larsen for Congress. Koster himself is a vocal opposee koster page 20
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Seattle Gay News
August 13, 2010
Celebrating 37 Years!
Visit us online www.sgn.org
August 13, 2010
Seattle Gay News
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Seattle Gay News FOUNDED 1973
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2010
Deadlines Classifieds - Thursday at noon Calendar - Tuesday 6pm Display Ads: Space Reservation - Monday 5pm Ad copy (non-camera ready) - Tues. 5pm Ad copy (camera ready) - Wed. 5pm Letters to the Editor - Tuesday 5pm Obituaries - Call the SgN office All others - Tuesday 5pm
Editor In Chief George Bakan Associate Editor Shaun Knittel Editorial Assistant Nick Ardizzone Production William Creswell Calender Editors Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Travel Editor George Bakan Advertising Manager Marty Weisbrod Advertising Department Maggie Bloodstone Executive Assistant Mike Andrew Staff Writers George Bakan, Albert S. Rodriguez, Nick Ardizzone, Shaun Knittel Miryam Gordon, James Whitely, Tim Peter Contributing Writers Rev. Barbara Allen, Mike Andrew, Eric Andrews-Katz, Madelyn Arnold, Maggie Bloodstone, Beau Burriola, Jessica Davis, Ron Anders, Jessica Price, Milton W. Hamlin, Nevin Jefferson, Keen News Service, Jason A. Miller, Liz Meyer, Rod Parke, Don Paulson, Scott Rice, Leslie Robinson, Richard Kennedy, Romeo San Vicente, Rex Wockner Classifieds Mike Andrew and Rick McKinnon Photographers Nick Ardizzone, Joseph P. Herron, Shaun Knittel, James Whitely National Advertising Rep. Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863 Website Designer Barry Thorsness/Digital Team Works Seattle Gay News is published weekly by JT&A, Inc. © 2010, JT&A, Inc., all rights reserved. Reprints by permission.
Porno Pete’s “Truth Academy” bombs by Wayne Besen SGN Contributing Writer Anti-Gay activist Peter LaBarbera billed his three-day “Truth Academy,” which took place in a Chicago exurb last week, as “one of the most thorough pro-family educational seminars on homosexuality ever held in the United States.” The event was heavily promoted for weeks on right-wing websites, such as World Net Daily, which had an article headlined, Exposed: Gay Brainwashing of America’s Youth. On the eve of his hate seminar, LaBarbera got a gift from God. Judge Vaughn Walker ruled that Proposition 8, which prohibited marriage equality in California, was unconstitutional. Surely, a spontaneous outpouring of rage against this so-called “Gay activist judge” would swell the ranks of angry conservatives at the Truth Academy. My organization, Truth Wins Out, sent a “spy” to document what we expected – based on the hype – to be a large event. The thrust of the conference was to teach an army of young culture warriors how to beat back the Gay agenda. These students would then return home equipped to turn back the clock on Gay rights in their communities. What we found, however, was an event
Publication of names, photographs or likenesses of any person, organization, event or business in this publication cannot be taken as any indication of the sexual orientation of the person, organization, event or business. Opinions expressed in bylined articles, columns, and letters are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or management of this paper. Seattle Gay News welcomes unsolicited material, including letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit or reject material. All rights revert to authors upon publication. We assume no liability for loss or damage of materials, solicited or not. We invite feedback, please write. And please play safe. It is our policy that no money shall be refunded if you choose to cancel your subscription or ad. However, credit towards any size ad will be given for the balance owed. No exceptions.
In Loving Memory Of Steve Foiles, Scott Roger Alpert, Cookie Andrews-Hunt, James Leland Moore, Randy Peters, Lee Richeson, Shaun Shelton, Jim Tully, James Arnold
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that looked more like a poorly attended condo board meeting than a youthful resurgence of the anti-Gay movement. The crowd vacillated between 20-30 people, who were considerably older than the “students” the conference claimed it was trying to reach. I’m not sure how LaBarbera plans to win his culture war, when he can’t even fill one buffoon platoon. “How we are born clearly does not justify all behaviors. For example, what if someone is born a Gay-basher? Instead of diverting our attention and focusing energy [on] how homosexuals are made and born, wouldn’t it be more effective for us to instead concentrate on explaining why homosexual activity is wrong and explaining how homosexuals may be born is ultimately irrelevant?” LaBarbera asked during a panel discussion. A few years ago, I dubbed LaBarbera “Porno Pete” because of his bizarre fascination with naughty Gay magazines and his penchant to go “undercover” at leather events and photograph naked men. It seems the sodomy-obsessed LaBarbera’s strategy is for anti-Gay activists to talk explicitly about Gay sex and why it is an unbecoming, immoral “behavior” that undermines society. To bolster his argument, Porno Pete
hosted a slew of professional Gay-bashers who would say just about anything to make LGBT people appear depraved. One Truth Academy lecturer was Greg Quinlan, the president of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays (PFOX). This organization is particularly dangerous because it teams up with conservative legal organizations to threaten schools with lawsuits if they do not provide students with “ex-Gay” propaganda. “I was questioning the homosexual lifestyle. It looked like a dead end to me,” explained Quinlan. “It looked like something that was so ugly. Here we are, you go to the bar, you hook up, this back and forth stuff, it just seems so shallow. So lust-filled, so immature. But I was there and too prideful to do anything about it. So I stayed there for a little while.” Quinlan explained how he went from Gay to straight, and found support from an Assemblies of God Church who accepted him because he allegedly was not effeminate. “I wasn’t your flaming faggot, you know,” the effete Quinlan told the chuckling crowd. “I can say that because I’ve been there and done that. You know, the ones whose wrists are so limp that when the wind blows they slap themselves in the face. I wasn’t one of them.” In the same vein as Quinlan, convicted felon and co-founder of Jews Offering New Alternatives to Homosexuality (JONAH), Arthur Abba Goldberg, offered a few stereotypes of his own. “By the way, did you notice that a lot of Gays who remain in the Gay lifestyle also do a lot of bodybuilding,” said Goldberg. “They will be in the gym a lot trying to build up their pecs … because they have these body image issues and don’t feel they are masculine enough.” Of course, an anti-Gay seminar would not be complete without the old canards tying LGBT people to communists and child molesters. “It’s consensual [sex with minors] if you don’t believe in the age of consent, which they don’t,” said Accuracy in the Media’s Cliff Kincaid. “This is the mentality of the Marxists who are a significant component and work with elements of the Gay rights movement.” Even as these anti-Gay activists were harkening back to smears of the past, key conservatives were stepping into the future. Decidedly non-Marxist Ted Olson was defending marriage equality on national TV, and the Gay conservative organization GOProud announced that commentator Ann Coulter would keynote the group’s annual event. This broad societal shift towards acceptance is the hard truth that those at the “Truth Academy” aren’t willing to acknowledge, and certainly don’t seem prepared to handle.
Celebrating 37 Years!
THANK-YOU FROM CHAC ASSISTANT TREASURER My name is Don Carroll. I am the assistant treasurer of CHAC, newly elected to the Board of Directors, member-at-large. Few entities are as central to any community as the paper. As a result of being at the center of our Seattle Gay community, the staff of the SGN are well aware of events that have taken place in the past and means that have been used to successfully address those problems. In addition to experience, the staff at SGN also are familiar with people well-placed today to address problems currently. It is truly a blessing when such a group steps in to help make connections and see that things happen. Left to their own devices, many organizations can limp along on the edge of collapse for quite a while. When
offered such energetic and well-informed assistance as we receive from the SGN, entire new beginnings seem possible. I don’t know of any other single organization that could have focused the attention on our plight in such a way as to give us the kind of boost from the community that we have received. We have also benefited greatly from advice concerning ongoing funding strategies. Working with the SGN has given us a new lease on life, and we will be certain to follow through. Many thanks again to George, Shaun, the staff of the SGN, Aleksa Manila, the Café Metropolitain, and the host of performers and volunteers who made one of the most successful fundraisers so successful. Don Carroll
Joe’s 7th annual Leo Party raises funds for community
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
james whitely
Gaysha Starr (l) and Joe Torres at the Leo Party at Neighbours Nightclub on August 8
by James Whitely SGN Staff Writer Leo Party August 8 Neighbours Nightclub On August 8, Joe Torres held his annual Leo Party at Neighbours Nightclub on Capitol Hill. The Neighbours bartender has been using his birthday as a fundraiser for local LGBT organizations for the past seven years now, and the Leo Party has become a Neighbours tradition that draws large crowds and stellar entertainers. This year’s Leo Party was a fundraiser for Lifelong AIDS Alliance and Entre Hermanos. Joe has been a bartender at Neighbours for eight years now. Early on in his time there,
CHAC stays alive with help from community
he simply asked Neighbours management if he could hold his birthday party as an event at the venue. With their blessing, he created the Leo Party, and is able to use the event as a way to fundraise for the community each year. In past years, Torres had used the event to fundraise for Rise ‘n’ Shine, HRC, Dunshee House, and many other LGBT non-profits and typically raises around $700-800. “It’s just a good feeling to be with my friends, have a party, and do something for the community,” Torres told SGN. This year’s Leo Party brought out approximately 250 people and featured performances from Roxy Doll, Gaysha Starr, Sean Paul, Aleksa Manila, Layla Manila, and many others.
Visit us online www.sgn.org
The Capitol Hill Alano Club (CHAC) is in great shape, and in a much different position than it was just 30 days ago. CHAC’s Staying Alive fundraising campaign has swelled to an impressive $25,000. According to CHAC officials, the original projections, without the new funding, projected CHAC with only $1,123 banked at the end of this month – not enough money to pay outstanding bills required and forcing them to shut down. Today, CHAC and the community they serve are singing a different tune: one of appreciation, pride, and a real sense of what Seattle’s LGBT and recovery communities are capable of doing. CHAC is here to stay. “We at CHAC would like the community to know that we will continue to provide a safe place for people to attend twelve-step recovery meetings,” Aaron Emde, CHAC web/IT member-at-large, told SGN. “Thanks to the Capitol Hill community, if you need help from alcohol addiction, drug addiction, sex addiction, overeating, or dealing with a loved one who struggles with addiction, we will continue to be there.” CHAC said major donations came from Gay City, the Apex Foundation, the Aleksa Manila & Friends fundraiser, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, Group Health, and the Knights of Mantra, with additional assistance provided by the Seattle Gay News. “The remainder of our fundraising came from the CHAC community itself once they became aware of the need,” Ken Thibodeaux CHAC treasurer, told SGN. “Immediately upon being notified, the group’s using CHAC meeting spaces increased their ‘pass the basket’ rent to CHAC by 40% – well above historical amounts. Some of the meetings, such as the non-Gay Spanishlanguage meeting, made additional contributions. Scores of individuals went to the CHAC website and joined the club by making a $150 contribution. Several members sought matching contributions from their employers through annual workplace giving efforts. Additionally, donations came from virtually everyone who came through the front door. CHAC members donated anything they could spare.” And the community isn’t done yet. On August 14, from 6-8:30 p.m., The Sisters of
August 13, 2010
Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of Saint Joan and Seattle Quake Rugby RFC will face off in a game of kickball – with a twist. Modeled after the CHAC Bat N’ Rouge softball game, audience members can make a cash donation to score a point, strip a rugby player of his shorts, or making a rugby player get painted in sister-face, among other options. Seattle drag sensation Lily Armani is scheduled to emcee the event, which costs a $5 suggested donation. The game is scheduled for the Bobby Morris Playfield at Cal Anderson Park. “In keeping with the twelve-step philosophy that guides our course, CHAC has always been a lean operation, spending everything it earned on member services,” Thibodeaux continued. “In 2009, CHAC had large unexpected expenses to repair the air conditioning on the building it currently rents, and this was followed by disappointing results from our largest fundraisers, the sale of Christmas trees in November and December. The CHAC Board began spending freezes at the time, in anticipation of new funds from the annual June event, Bat N’ Rouge. On the night of June 19, 2010, the CHAC Board counted the receipts from the event and realized the end was near.” According to Thibodeaux, financial projections showed that CHAC would not be able to pay rent after August 1, and would even have to struggle to pay bills already due in order to shut the doors. Further projections showed that CHAC wouldn’t have any money to fund a 2010 Christmas tree fundraiser. That is when the community sprang into action. “The Staying Alive support from the community means that CHAC is well positioned to stage that holiday fundraiser. In addition, the CHAC Board is creating new fundraising events to occur throughout the year in order to diversify its income sources,” Thibodeaux told SGN. “Spending remains tightly controlled, with only vital operating needs being authorized for payment. The CHAC Board and CHAC community recognizes that the generosity of the larger Seattle community has created an opportunity for not only continued operations, but renewed and reinvigorated ways to continue playing our part as a member of the Seattle LGBT community by keeping this place safe and open for all.”
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INTERNATIONAL
NEWS
Marriage: Next stop, Chile A bill to legalize same-sex marriage was introduced in Chile’s Congress August 3. Sen. Fulvio Rossi, president of the Socialist Party, said the bill would rewrite the Civil Code to remove the heterosexual definition of marriage along with language that says the objective of matrimony is procreation. The bill would not explicitly legalize Gay adoption. Santiago Roman Catholic Cardinal Francisco Javier Errázuriz was annoyed by the news. “Maybe ... two men or two women want to live together and share life, but to call this marriage is an aberration into which some countries have fallen,” Errázuriz said. “I lament that Argentina has fallen into this.” The move is considered by some to be a long shot in Chile, which is not as liberal as neighboring Argentina, where same-sex marriage became legal in July. Same-sex marriage also is legal in Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Mexico City, Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C.
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer trative Appeals Tribunal. “As if it’s not bad enough that the government’s ban on same-sex marriages forces hundreds of Australians to marry overseas every year, often at great expense and without their families and friends present, the government still wants to reach around the world in an effort to stop these Australians marrying,” said AME convener Alex Greenwich. Sudan flogs cross-dressers Nineteen young men in Sudan were lashed 30 times each August 3 immediately after being convicted of wearing women’s clothes and makeup, local media reported. They had been arrested in a police raid of a private party in Khartoum and charged under Shariah law.
the backstroke in the medley relay in 1988 in Seoul, a gold in the 100-meter backstroke in Barcelona in 1992 and a bronze in the relays in Barcelona. In a 2001 interview with this reporter in Montreal, Tewksbury talked about his coming out. “They were grooming me to become the next IOC [International Olympic Committee] member for Canada [but] I just felt I couldn’t be myself in that environment,” he said in the interview. “I left the country in 1994 and moved to Sydney, Australia, to come out, essentially – to explore my own sexuality. Finished my degree in political science and studied gender politics as well. I was studying the theory and living the practice in Sydney. It was a great time.”
“I came back to Canada in 1996 because of the IOC,” he said. “You have to live in the country you represent. By 1998, I just couldn’t stand it – some people knew, some didn’t – it wasn’t spoken about. And I just thought, ‘I can’t keep pretending not to live my life anymore.’ So I came out December 15, 1998. I did a one-man show. That’s how I chose to do it. A good friend of mine worked for the Globe and Mail, which is our national newspaper, and just kept hounding me to let him do the story. The morning of the opening of the show it appeared on the front page of the Globe and Mail. I had 96 calls from the national media by 9:30 in the morning.” With assistance from Bill Kelley
NATIONAL
NEWS
by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer
Reykjavik mayor goes to Gay pride in drag Jón Gnarr, mayor of Iceland’s capital, Reykjavik, went to a Gay pride in drag August 5, British media reported. Gnarr kicked off Gay pride week wearing a blond wig, red lipstick and a paisley-print dress. Iceland’s prime minister, Jóhanna SigAustralia blocks urðardóttir, is openly Gay and, on June 27, Gay couples from m married her longtime partner, Jónína Leósarrying overseas dóttir, on the very day the nation’s law leThere will be no change in Australia’s pol- galizing same-sex marriage took effect. icy of attempting to block its Gay citizens Iceland is one of 12 nations where samefrom getting married in other countries, the sex couples have access to full marriage. government said in late July. Australia will continue to withhold the Tewksbury heads “Certificates of Non-Impediment to MarCanadian 2012 Olympics team riage” that sometimes are needed before Openly Gay former Olympic swimmer foreigners are allowed to marry in other na- Mark Tewksbury will lead Canada’s team to tions. the 2012 Games in London. In an August 2 media release, the group The Canadian Olympic Committee seAustralian Marriage Equality called the pol- lected the three-time medalist as the nation’s icy “mean-spirited” and said AME is con- “chef de mission.” templating a challenge before the AdminisTewksbury won a silver medal swimming
Rex Wockner
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders outside The LGBT Center August 4
San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders apologizes to Gay community Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders apologized to the city’s Gay and Lesbian residents August 4 for not having always supported same-sex marriage. Sanders was speaking at The San Diego LGBT Community Center at a celebration of U.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker’s striking down of Proposition 8 earlier in the day. The rally at The Center followed a march through the Gay Hillcrest district by 2,0003,000 LGBT people cheering Walker’s ruling. “I’ve been at The Center on some real bad nights,” Sanders said. “I can remember the night I was debating for the first mayor’s race, and it was not a good night. And I think a few of you were clearly irritated with me. And I don’t blame you. I was new to politics and I was trying to dance the dance, and I came to the wrong conclusion on that dance [same-sex marriage], and I want to apologize to each of you.” A few minutes later, Sanders apologized again through a portable bullhorn to an overflow crowd outside The Center. Sanders became a supporter of same-sex marriage in September 2007, saying he 6
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was influenced by his wife, Rana Sampson, openly Lesbian then-City Councilwoman Toni Atkins, openly Gay members of his staff, and friends. He also mentioned at the time that his daughter, Lisa, is a Lesbian. She has since become a Gay activist and, last December, married her girlfriend, Meaghan Yaple, in Vermont. In January, Sanders testified for the challengers at the federal Prop 8 trial in San Francisco. In striking down Prop 8 on August 4, Judge Walker said it violates the U.S. Constitution’s guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law. Walker said there is no “rational basis” for Prop 8’s existence and that it was inserted into the state’s constitution solely to express “moral disapproval” of Gay people. He blamed pro-Prop 8 campaigners for fueling such disapproval by airing nasty TV ads and distributing material that “relied heavily on negative stereotypes about Gays and Lesbians and focused on protecting children from inchoate threats vaguely associated with Gays and Lesbians.” Prop 8 re-banned same-sex marriage in California in November 2008 after it had been legal for 4 1/2 months. With assistance from Bill Kelley
Celebrating 37 Years!
nova, a Brazilian musical style popularized internationally by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Joao Gilberto. The bossa-nova movement in Brazil lasted from 1958-1963 and it contributed significantly to standard jazz compiled by Rick McKinnon repertoire. This year’s guest performer is SGN Staff Writer Jonathan Patterson, also known as “Capital” from California, who will perform and conRAIN COUNTRY duct a bossa-nova workshop. Capital has RUNG STUDIO DANCE ASSOCIATION studied bossa-nova for years and is a highly CAPITOL HILL ALANO CLUB OFFERS FREE CLASSES acclaimed performer and recording artist on FUNDRAISER On Fridays, August 13, 20, and 27 at 7:15 On Saturday, August 14 from 6-9 p.m. at classical guitar. p.m. at The Cuff Complex (1533 13th Ave. Rung Studio Gallery (1136 S. Albro St. in For more information, visit www.seattleat E. Pine St.), Rain Country Dance Asso- Georgetown), an art benefit will be held in center.com. ciation will offer weekly west coast swing support of the Capitol Hill Alano Club. The dance lessons for the GLBTQ community. group show includes photography by Eze12TH AVENUE This one-month series will teach new danc- kiel Nolan Gray, Dixon Hamby, Larry DarNEIGHBORHOOD FESTIVAL ers the fundamentals of this fun and flirty rah, and Lisa Raimondi; encaustic painting On Sunday, August 15, from noon-6 p.m. dance style, followed by chances to practice by Patti Bowman; and installation sculpture at 12th & E. Pike on Capitol Hill, join the during “Cuff Country” Fridays. The series by Jack Strubbe, who curated the show and 12th Avenue Neighborhood Festival. Pike/ is free (though tips are welcome) and open will be assisting in setting up an online art Pine’s 12th Avenue serves up the flavors of to all, regardless of gender or gender iden- sales support through Facebook for the club. the neighborhood in its first annual street tity, sexual orientation, body type, and skill Music for the evening will be furnished by festival. Taste bites from Seattle’s most level, and no partner is required. Lessons composer/performer James Roth, who will eclectic mix of local premier dining venues from each week will build on moves taught also be presenting a musically focused eve- - affordably priced at $5 and under. Savor during the previous session. Some weeks ning later in the month, as well as work by live music performances as a variety of buswill also feature the opportunity to learn a Mr. Gray during the opening. More infor- kers perform throughout the day. Appreciate line dance or basic two-step. mation can be found on Rung Studio Face- the character of independent neighborhood More details are available at www.rain- book site, which will also have information merchants and entrepreneurs as they showcountrydance.org. for the eventual organization of the online case their wares and services. For a full list of performers and sponsors, sales benefit site for the club, under separate THREE DOLLAR BILL administration. This opening will be alco- visit http://12thaveseattle.com/festival.php. OUTDOOR CINEMA PRESENTS hol-free in respect to members of the Alano “BLONDE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN” Club attending. ED MURRAY SUMMER OUTDOOR MOVIES CAMPAIGN KICKOFF On Friday, August 13, Three Dollar Bill On Monday, August 16, from 5:30-7:30 ACADEMY OF BURLESQUE Cinema presents Desperately Seeking SuSUMMER GRADUATION RECITAL p.m. in Cal Anderson Park (11th Ave. & san – a fun and FREE movie shown at Cal On Saturday, August 14, at 7 p.m. and E. Olive St), Senator Ed Murray will hold Anderson Park, 11th Ave. & E. Olive St., 9:30 p.m. at West Hall, OddFellows Hall his campaign kickoff. For 15 years, Seattle this summer, under the stars! Candleshoe Building (915 E. Pine St.), Miss Indigo has relied on the leadership of Ed Murray will be shown on Friday, August 27. Blue will host two shows of her Academy to pass landmark LGBT civil rights and doAll screenings start at dusk – around 9:15- of Burlesque 101 Summer Graduation Re- mestic partnership legislation, call for high9:30 p.m. To make your movie-going expe- cital. Come cheer a brand new crop of saucy er emission standards to keep our air clean, rience complete, concessions will be sold at students at Miss Indigo Blue’s Academy of create progressive transportation choices, the screenings. Burlesque. The shows include brand-new and fight for K-12 and higher education. For more information and to see trailers performers, some for whom this is their very Help Ed and others in the State Senate who for the “Blonde But Not Forgotten” movie first time on stage! As seen in the indepen- support equality and progressive values. series, visit www.threedollarbillcinema.org. dent film A Wink And A Smile, the Academy Join Ed for Molly Moons ice cream, snacks, Three Dollar Bill Cinema sponsors the an- of Burlesque six-week sessions transform and an ice-cold pint or glass of wine to toast nual Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival in students from curious cuties to full-fledged Capitol Hill’s champion! Donor levels: $43 October. foxes! Bring confetti and flowers for your Friend, $150 Supporter, $250 Sponsor, $500 favorite students. As is our custom, we give (and above) Champion. TRIANGLE CAMPSITE PRESENTS FREE door prizes including tickets to the RSVP at www.edmurrayforsenate.com. UNDERWEAR FOAM PARTY upcoming shows and classes, previously From Friday, August 13, through Sunday, worn undergarments, and other authentic FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY August 15 at Triangle Recreation Campsite, burlesque memorabilia. Tickets $12 at www. SUMMER POTLUCK PICNIC join Triangle Recreation Camp’s Underwear brownpapertickets.com/event/120644, $15 On Monday, August 16, from 6-9 p.m. Foam Party fundraiser. Regular camping at the door. at Shelter #3 in Lincoln Park in West Sefees and rules apply. For more information, visit www.acad- attle (8011 Fauntleroy Way SW), the Puget Full details, including maps and direc- emyofburlesque.com. Sound Labor Potluck Picnic will offer an tions, at www.camptrc.org. opportunity for labor and community activists to learn more about exciting campaigns EMERALD CITY MUDHENS CRUISEYT to strengthen workers’ rights in the Seattle LUBE WRESTLING FUNDRAISER GET TOGETHER CRUISE On Saturday, August 14, at 8 p.m. at the area. An activist with the United Food and On Saturday, August 14 at 12:30 p.m. at Kangaroo and Kiwi (7305 Aurora Ave. N.), Commercial Workers Local 21 will discuss Argosy Cruises (Pier 55/56, 1201 Alas- the Emerald City Mudhens will hold a lube the drive to win a “bill of rights” for 21,000 kan Way), boarding begins for the Cruisey wrestling fundraiser. The Emerald City grocery workers in Puget Sound. UFCW T Get Together Cruise. Cruise aboard the Mudhens are part of the Team Seattle LGBT members employed at QFC, Safeway, Fred MV Good Times 2. Drag performances by Sports and Cultural Festival, an organiza- Meyer, Metropolitan Market and indepenJoan-E and special guests. DJs Zach Shore tion that promotes opportunities in all sports dent stores are working under an “extendand Brett Law provide music. Light meal by at all levels of ability for the Lesbian, Gay, ed” contract until they can win guarantees Bucca De Beppo. Partial proceeds benefit Bisexual, and Transgender community and of fair pay, sick leave, safe working condiSeattle Out & Proud. Tickets $55. their friends. The Mudhens normally hold tions and other basics. The outcome for groFor more information or to buy tickets, this fundraiser once a year – this second cery workers is bound to set a pace for other visit www.cruiseyt.com. event was added after the immense popular- unions who are also negotiating contracts ity of their July lube wrestling event. The through fall and winter. Also featured will SISTERS OF Kangaroo and Kiwi is a small venue – ev- be firsthand reports by delegates just returnPERPETUAL INDULGENCE/ ery seat is up close and personal. And, ap- ing from the Washington State Labor CounQUAKE RUGBY propriately for lube wrestling, it’s directly cil’s Convention, held in Tacoma this year. KICKBALL FUNDRAISER on Aurora. Tickets are $20 through www. Top issues at the convention include labor’s On Saturday, August 14, at 6 p.m. at Cal brownpapertickets.com. policy on immigration reform and whether Anderson Park (11th Ave. & E. Olive St), the For more information, visit http://www. or not to support Democratic Party candiQuake Rugby team will take on the Sisters teamseattle.org/events/mudhens.htm. dates who cut jobs and slashed benefits for of Perpetual Indulgence, Abbey of St. Joan state workers in the last legislative session. and Order of Benevolent Bliss (Portland) in The potluck, hosted by the Freedom SocialSEATTLE CENTER FESTÁL: the all-American, rough-and-tumble sport ist Party, is designed to bolster awareness BRASILFEST of kickball. A $5 suggested donation gets On Sunday, August 15, from noon to 8 and assistance for the growing number of you in and the game will benefit the Capitol p.m. at Center House and Mural Amphi- labor fightbacks. Everyone is welcome. Hill Alano Club. In addition, there will be a theatre (Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St.), raffle (with a special cruise package prize) Seattle Center Festál: BrasilFest presents SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN and a variety of other ways to put some of the lively world of Brazilian arts and culBOOK CLUB AT DUNSHEE HOUSE your spare cash to good use and raise some ture. The festival fills Seattle Center with The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club money for a worthy charity at the same time. a sultry display of South American soul, meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at DunSisters will be walking through the audience Brazilian style, and celebrates Brazilian shee House (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas and taking donations to actually change the cultural diversity through traditional and St.). All GLBTQ folks in the community are course and nature of the game. A pre-game contemporary expressions. The festival fea- welcome to participate in this FREE book cocktail hour will begin at 4:30 p.m. at Purr tures continuous music, dance and perfor- club. The book for August is Mark Doty’s Cocktail Lounge, and kickoff is scheduled mance, from Capoeira demonstrations and Dog Years. 206-322-2437. for 6:00 p.m. A 9:00 p.m. “Black and Blue samba workshops to children’s activities Victory Party” will take place at C.C. Attle’s (mask-making, painting), Brazilian instruFREEDOM SOCIALIST after the game, followed by a dance party at ments, arts and crafts, photo exhibits and DISCUSSION SERIES: the Cuff Complex at 10:30 p.m. THE LOGIC OF MARXISM films. The 2010 BrasilFest theme is bossa-
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On Wednesdays through September 15 at the Old Firehouse (402 15th Ave. E.) from 7-9 p.m., The Logic of Marxism, by socialist scholar George Novack, will be discussed. This book provides an accessible introduction to Marx’s dialectical materialism and contrasts it with other political philosophies. Free. Drop-ins welcome. Sponsored by Freedom Socialist Discussion Series. For information, call 206-722-2453 or visit www.socialism.com/seattle. GAY SKATE SEATTLE On Wednesday, August 18, from 7-10 p.m. at Skate King Bellevue (2301 140th Ave. NE, Bellevue), join Gay Skate Seattle. Tickets $8 at the door, $5 under 18. Regular skate rentals free, inline skate rental $4, or bring your own skates. For more information, visit www.GaySkateSeattle.com or email info@gayskateseattle.com. PUDDLETOWN SQUARES’ A TASTE OF SQUARE DANCING On Wednesday, August 18 and Thursday, August 26 from 7-9 p.m. at St Andrews Episcopal Church (111 NE 80th St.), Puddletown Squares will host A Taste of Square Dancing, with caller Gaylen Suave on the 18th and caller Ross Lopton on the 26th. This is an opportunity for anyone remotely interested in square dancing to come and give the Puddletown Squares a try for free, and learn a number of calls. High-energy callers and fun music. Dress is casual, and you don’t need a partner. For more information, visit www.puddletownsquares.com. THANK GLAAD IT’S FRIDAY On Friday, August 20, from 7-9 p.m. at Purr Cocktail Lounge (1518 11th Ave.), Thank GLAAD It’s Friday will hold its second Seattle event. TGIF passes are $35 and $50 and grant you access to the event. TGIF is a national networking event series for young LGBT professionals and straight allies, featuring ABSOLUT Vodka. TGIF events include hosted ABSOLUT Vodka cocktails, one-year GLAAD memberships, special guest hosts and nightly prize drawings as well as the opportunity to network and meet with like-minded professionals. Purchase a TGIF Series Pass to help GLAAD amplify the voices within our community and see for yourself why so many people love to “Thank GLAAD It’s Friday!” www.glaad.org/events. NUBIAN PRIDE WEEKEND From August 20 through 22, celebrations will be held for the first annual Nubian Pride Weekend. On Friday, August 20, from noon-6 p.m., there will be an all-ages beach party at Madrona Park (853 Lake Washington Blvd.). It will be followed by the Kickoff Party at 9 p.m. at Vibe Bar and Grill (226 1st Ave S, Kent). $5 cover, 21+. On Saturday, August 21, at 1 p.m. at Volunteer park (1247 15th Ave. E.), there will be an all-ages BBQ and Water Fight. This will be followed by the Nubian Pride Celebration at 8 p.m. at Cafe Metropolitan (1701 E Olive Way). $5 cover, 21+. On Sunday August 22, at 6 p.m., there will be a Gospel Showdown at Cafe Metropolitan (1701 E. Olive Way). Q-SQUARED BOOK GROUP On Saturday, August 21, at 1 p.m. at the Capitol Hill Branch Library (425 Harvard Ave. E.), the Q-Squared Book Group will discuss the book Allan Stein by Matthew Stadler. In his review of the book, Edmund White states, “Stadler demonstrates that he is among the handful of first-rate young American novelists, one with a wide reach and a quirky, elegant pen.” Q-Squared Book Group is open to men who are interested in Gay literature and always welcomes new members. For more information, visit www. qsquared.org. GAY CITY VOL. 3 LAUNCH PARTY On Saturday, August 21, at 7 p.m. at Elliot Bay Books Co. (1521 10th Ave.), Gay City Vol. 3: Re-Pulped will have its launch party. Local contributing authors will read excerpts of their work. The event is open to the public.
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by Barry Thorsness SGN African Correspondent Welcome to a very incredible week of traveling. On Sunday morning, we were up at 5 a.m. to meet our 6 a.m. taxi to get to the bus taking us to Nata. Off we went without incident to Nata, about a three-hour ride. We had to transfer to another bus to get to Kasane, where we had reservations at Thebe to camp for the next two nights. As we waited for the bus, we noticed fewer and fewer people waiting with us. I was getting nervous. It had been a couple of days since we had been to the bank. I only had a MasterCard, and what you need in Africa is a Visa. Stanbic bank was the only bank in Botswana to take our card at an ATM, and I was told there were no Stanbic banks in Kasane. We would have to go to a bank and request a cash advance, so we had to make it to Kasane before the bank closed at 4 p.m. We also had an additional problem. We had decided to go to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, and last year Zimbabwe’s currency became the US dollar. I had only $50 of cash with me, and unless we got money exchanged, we couldn’t go to Victoria Falls the next day. As we waited for the bus, an “executive transport” bus pulled up. It was between the size of a bus and a van. I walked over and talked to the driver, and he said they had two seats. I had no idea what we were getting into. I climbed into the back of the oversized van and found there was almost no room. I indicated to Louis to grab our bags and crawl in, too. Like the larger buses, there were five people sitting in the back. Louis could only sit on the edge of the seat, without even space to lean back. Off we went … and we picked up some more people along the way. I was amazed the van could move, and I was alarmed at the rate of speed we were traveling. Louis looked at me with disgust and anger. “This is the last time I ever travel with you!” he said. “What were you thinking?!” Needless to say, the next hour was somewhat scary, most uncomfortable, and very hot! We came across a police checkpoint. Everyone had to get off the bus with all their stuff, go through the checkpoint, and then
All photos by Barry Thorsness
Our sixth week in South Africa (part one) get back into the van. This took almost an hour of crawling over bags and coolers in the aisle as everybody was trying to get in and out. Thankfully, we got to Kasane without incident. I saw the sign for Thebe and asked the bus driver to stop and let us out. We made it, got some Botswana pula, and exchanged some for American dollars. We flagged down a real taxi. Our driver, who we really liked, was named Thabo and for the next 3 days he was the person we called to get us around. While I worked out the specifics about taking a bus from Kasane to Gaborone, I was also trying to figure out how we would
Crossing the Zimbabwe border and into Victoria Falls Thabo left us off at the Botswana customs, from where we would walk to the Zimbabwean side. We arranged to call Thabo about 5 p.m. that afternoon so he could pick us up. A Zimbabwean approached us, saying he had a taxi for $40 U.S. and insisted it was the going rate. I told him I knew about the $5 taxis, and he said for that amount, we would have to share. And share we did. Initially, I felt uncomfortable but it didn’t take long to start chatting and then joking with Newton, our driver. We talked about the wildlife we had seen, and how we hadn’t seen any lions yet. He joked that there were lions along the road, and I joked that I would pay extra to see a lion. Well, less than five minutes later, a big lion with its kill appeared at the edge of the highway. We jammed on the brakes and the big cat sauntered across the rode in front of us and over to the edge of the
The Falls Victoria Falls is one of the seven wonders of the world. What can I say? It was incredible. We got thoroughly soaked by all the spray, and even the binoculars got water in them. We wandered from one side (while playing with the monkeys in the trees) all the way down to the other side of the falls, then we walked over to a sunny spot to dry out and get warm in the sun. I then suggested to Louis we do it
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A big mistake at the Botswana border After visiting the town of Victoria Falls, we went back to where Newton was supposed to pick us up. He was 40 minutes late, but his friend Artur was there to keep us company while we waited. We were traveling back to the Botswana border in Newton’s taxi just as it was getting dark, and a couple of big elephants and a calf walked right in front of the car. Newton said he had never hit an elephant, but it did seem we came very close to that happening. We called Thabo, letting him know we were at the Zimbabwe border and then proceeded to walk across to Botswana immigration. As we walked out of immigration to wait for our taxi, our phone rang and we could see a taxi leave the drop-off place and turn around and drive over to pick us up. We got into the taxi and it seemed a little strange. The taxi took off with us up the road.
get to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. For those of you who are not aware of what has happened in Zimbabwe over the last 10-20 years, it is a country which has financially crumbled. Inflation a year ago (before the use of the U.S. dollar) could be 1000% a month. The country has the reputation as being too dangerous to travel through, and even our Lonely Planet Guide does not recommend it. I arranged for Thabo to pick us up the next morning.
highway to continue eating. Newton backed up, and we found ourselves watching the lion for the next 15 minutes. We then took off down the highway and I presented Newton another $5. We all roared with laughter and I told him the next lion would be worth only $3.
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again in reverse, forgetting about taking pictures and just truly enjoying and experiencing the falls. It was remarkable.
August 13, 2010
I looked over and didn’t recognize the driver. I said to him, “You’re not Thabo.” He assured us he was. I was tired. I felt so confused – so many different taxi drivers and people. I thought I was just losing it. We had been hijacked. We sped along the road toward town, and then he asked us where we were going. I told him Thebe, and we proceeded to drive to the front of our hotel. Suddenly, Thabo pulled up right beside us. Thabo was furious with the taxi driver that had picked us up. I was most embarrassed by the whole incident, but very happy that we were okay and back to our hotel in Kasane. We gave the hijacker a token payment and told him what we thought of him, and then also paid Thabo and thanked him for following us to the hotel. We also made arrangements with Thabo to pick us up and take us to the Zambian border so we could get on our bus to go to Gaborone the next morning.
Celebrating 37 Years!
R71 names will remain sealed, federal judge says by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The names of Washington voters who signed petitions to put Referendum 71 on the ballot will remain sealed for now, a federal judge ruled on August 11. U.S. District Court Judge Benjamin Settle denied the state’s request for immediate release of the names, in spite of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in June that the names are public information. In Doe v. Reed the U.S. Supreme Court agreed with Washington’s Attorney General Rob McKenna and Secretary of State Sam Reed that releasing the names would not violate the 1st Amendment rights of the signers. The Supreme Court also said that Protect Marriage Washington – the organization that ran the petition drive that put Referendum 71 on the ballot – may return to lower federal courts to argue that disclosure of the names might result in specific harm to the signers – harassment, for example. At the same time, there is a case pending in state court, also with a restraining order in place preventing the release of Referendum 71 names. Consequently, Settle ruled on August 11 that the names should not be released immediately because doing so would make any future litigation moot, since the names could not be re-sealed after being published. Dan Sytman, spokesperson for Attorney General Rob McKenna, told SGN, “We objected to the temporary restraining order remaining in place because members of the public have been waiting over a year to obtain these public records. However, we’re not surprised the order will remain because, had the judge allowed the petitions to be released, the case would be over.” Anne Levinson – Chair of Washington Families Standing Together, and one of the
attorneys who intervened in the case on their behalf – told SGN that under the circumstances, “the R-71 petitions couldn’t have been released yesterday.” While Settle refused to order that the names be released immediately, he did agree to fast-track hearings on the remaining issues in the case. Both the state and Protect Marriage Washington will now have 10 days to provide lists of witnesses, 45 days for briefings, and 60 days for discovery. According to the Secretary of State’s office, the case could reach trial by November. That trial is not likely to be the final word, however, since any outcome is almost certain to be appealed. “Our position remains the same going forward as it was at the U.S. Supreme Court,” Levinson told SGN. “The State and the public have an important interest in elections being free from fraud and mistake. As we argued in our brief to the Court, there have been many instances here and in other states where fraud and mistake were discovered only because of third parties or voters being able to see the petition signer information.” The Secretary of State’s Elections Division also noted, in an August 12 statement, that “nearly 2 million signatures have been released in recent years, without apparent incident.” Levinson remains confident that, ultimately, courts will order the names released. “They have, to date, submitted absolutely no evidence of anyone ever having been harassed for signing any petition,” she said. “So they can continue to pound the table all they want, but in a federal court, they are actually going to have to rely on facts and on the law.” The Referendum 71 case has a complicated history.
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As Protect Marriage Washington was circulating Referendum 71 petitions, Gay blogger Brian Murphy said he would post the names and addresses of petition signers on his website. Protect Marriage Washington then filed suit to prevent him from getting access to the information. In September 2009, Settle approved their request to seal the names. McKenna and Reed appealed, arguing that the state’s Public Records Act requires release of all public documents, including petitions. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with McKenna and Reed, and overruled Settle. The U.S. Supreme Court then agreed to review the case, and issued its opinion on June 24 this year.
August 13, 2010
The case may ultimately end up before the Supreme Court again. “If we prevail, of course, there is always the distinct possibility of appeals going all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court,” Sytman noted. Josh Friedes, executive director of Equal Rights Washington and campaign manager for Washington Families Standing Together, said he was not surprised by Judge Settle’s decision. “I’m pleased to see he agreed to expedite the schedule,” Friedes told SGN. “We’d like this to be brought to closure as rapidly as possible. This issue is – in a way – distracting the community and the media from the real issue: that our [LGBT] families still do not have equal status under the law.”
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their straight peers. Nothing! Great parents both a responsibility and one of the greatare great parents. This is solely about their est honors in a person’s life. D, you have “characterology” and has nothing to do with legacy with both your sons, by the way in who they choose to love and be in a relation- which you show up in the world as a parship with. Being Gay or Lesbian in no way ent of a Gay son, and now by sparking more reflects poor characterology. thought and consideration about this topic. As more and more young Lesbian women Parents – Lesbian, Gay, or straight – have an and Gay men see that it is possible for them equal opportunity to contribute to a positive to be good parents, and do what it takes to be legacy and, personally, I, like you, look forgood parents, more and more same-gender ward to seeing more and more Gay/Lesbian couples will have children. These children couples being parents and the benefits our will benefit from the love and values that culture will reap from that. these parents provide. The more this happens, the more the cultural mores will slowMichael Raitt, MA LMHC, is a therapist ly evolve. These changes will be reflected in and a contributing writer for the SGN. He the laws of the land. These healthy, well-bal- writes a bi-monthly column in the SGN. If anced children will become healthy, well- you would like to comment on this column, balanced leaders, and our world therefore ask a question you’d like him to write about, temperament of children – which is greatly has the chance to become a better place. or suggest another topic of interest, please impacted by the intellectual and emotional Parenting can be a very rich and reward- contact him at askingmichael@comcast. temperament of their parents – will contrib- ing experience. It is about legacy. Legacy is net. ute greatly to our future cultural climate. In my opinion, this supersedes everything! I call this legacy. As well, you bring up a couple of very real hurdles: First, the social mores that influence how individuals map out their lives. Social mores are the stories and expectations that we put on our children about how they should be in our society. Children pick up these mores and plan out their lives in large part based on how they perceive these expectations. Even now, young Lesbians and Gays don’t get very many messages or stories that provide them with a framework that HRC and SLDN’s efforts will be specifisupports them as normal people, let alone by Shaun Knittel cally focused on 10 states with key lawmakhealthy parents raising their own healthy SGN Associate Editor ers whose votes on DADT repeal are critichildren. In addition, there are culturally imposed The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the cal: Arkansas, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, restrictions that are placed on Gay men and nation’s largest LGBT civil rights organiza- Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Lesbian women that legally prevent them tion, and Servicemembers Legal Defense Ohio, South Dakota, and Virginia. In addition, HRC will also engage the from being parents because they are denied Network (SLDN), a national legal services the right to adopt. Like many straight cou- and policy organization dedicated to ending LGBT community and their allies in those states on ENDA as well as on-theples, certain Lesbian/Gay couples biologi- “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT), ground work for ENDA in cally (for legitimate medical reasons, not for jointly announced today a new North Carolina, Pennsylvathe obvious “they don’t have the right parts” grassroots campaign to in“It is critical nia, and Texas. reason) cannot conceive, so their only op- crease support and to press that we beat back To participate, indition is to adopt. for passage of DADT reviduals can sign up Through all my years working as a ther- peal in the U.S. Senate any filibuster threat, at countdown2010. apist and as a teacher, I’ve come to form as well as passage of some opinions about what being a good the Employment Non- defeat attempts to strike hrc.org. There, you can find downloadparent looks like. Good parents create dy- Discrimination Act namics with their children that support a (ENDA) in the U.S. repeal, and defeat any able meeting toolkits, videos on in-district healthy, positive self-image within each House. child without shaming them about who they According to the or- crippling amendments. meetings and informaare. They teach their children that there are ganizations, this nation- Senators need to hear tion on how to schedule a meeting and report back consequences and cause-and-effect out- wide campaign will mocomes, and they don’t shield them from life bilize grassroots supporters from us now.” on how it went. “As we approach the waning completely. Rather, they give their children of equality across the country days of the Congressional session, skills and education to effectively cope and through in-district meetings as well we must continue to demand immediate acmanage the challenges that are inevitable in as a call-in and e-mail campaign. life. Good parents instill a sense that each of “We need supporters to contact their sena- tion on critical legislation,” said HRC Presitheir children is loveable and help them de- tors and tell them to repeal DADT and fol- dent Joe Solmonese. “LGBT voters and our velop an image of their lives as adults that low the lead of Chairman Carl Levin who allies will be keenly aware of Congressional include love and success in their peer group. will be managing the defense bill on the action or inaction as the November elections Equally as important, good parents recog- floor,” said Aubrey Sarvis, Army veteran approach.” “LGBT people and our allies can make a nize that diversity abounds in the world and and executive director for SLDN. “It is critithat one will be more successful when one cal that we beat back any filibuster threat, real difference by making their voices heard learns tolerance and respect of others and defeat attempts to strike repeal, and defeat face-to-face and in the districts where they oneself. any crippling amendments. Senators need to live,” added Solmonese. “Many of us are There is absolutely nothing that proves hear from us now, especially in the 10 key frustrated with the pace of progress and this that Gay men or Lesbian women are any less states where our combined SLDN and HRC is a way to get involved to make change happen. capable of these parenting tasks than any of field teams are working now.”
Can my Gay son enjoy parenthood? by Michael Raitt SGN Contributing Writer Dear Michael, I don’t get back to Capitol Hill [often]. … It was special to … find a column of relevance to a straight guy. I have two boys, one Gay, one straight, and to my eternal satisfaction, they are very close to each other, and I, modestly, am close to both of them. They are both gone from home, independent, and living happy lives. [One son] came out eight or nine years ago. … However, while I read your warm and encouraging column with great interest, I found [one] of my issues was not mentioned. [The issue] for me … was, “Oh, how sad. … [My Gay son] won’t be able to enjoy having children as I have done and as I had hoped for him.”… In many parts of the U.S. there is still a sanction against [Gay/Lesbian parents] and even still, I believe, there is a sanction against it in the Gay community itself. To me, this is a great pity. To me, being a parent was the most fulfilling and focusing part of my life. I believe that the most emotionally stable and secure adults in our community should be the parents of our future. I claim no special mandate for straight couples in this regard as possessing the key to success. But I meet many Gay men in my travels who I think would make terrific fathers, but somehow it does not seem to be on their radar screens. But I do wish that parenting was seen as a fundamental issue for Gay men and that there was a large support community for this choice. Perhaps, I am simply out of date. What do you think? Best wishes, D. D, thank you for your thoughtful letter. It is clear you have raised two great sons and you love them and are proud of them. The fact that you all are close and they are happy and successful speaks to what you brought (and continue to bring) to their lives as their dad. I do not think you are out of date. In fact, I think you are far ahead of a particular group of your peers. You are right; for a specific group of parents, having and raising children is the most fulfilling part of their lives. It provides parents with purpose and accomplishment which sets their children on a trajectory that brings them happiness and success. The emotional and intellectual
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Mexican court rules same-sex marriages valid by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled on August 10 that same-sex marriages – which can now be performed only in Mexico City – must be recognized throughout the country. The vote on the decision was 9-2. The court’s latest decision expands on their August 5 ruling that Mexico City’s marriage equality law is constitutional. In that decision, the court rejected an appeal by Mexican federal prosecutors who argued that Mexico City’s same-sex marriage law violated constitutional guarantees to protect the family. The August 5 vote was 8-2, with one justice absent. The same two justices dissented from the August 10 decision. The court’s two decisions do not mandate other Mexican states to legalize same-sex marriages. But they establish that Mexican states may do so, and even if they do not do so, they must recognize the validity of same-sex marriages performed where they are legal. The court must still rule on the constitutionality of the provision in the Mexico City law allowing same-sex couples to adopt children. It is expected to rule on the adoption issue next week. Roman Catholic Cardinal Norberto Rivera denounced Mexico’s Supreme Court for their August 5 ruling that same-sex marriage is constitutional, and Gay rights advocates for convincing them to do so. In a statement issued on August 8, Cardinal Rivera called the court’s ruling “aberrant” and “immoral.” Same-sex marriages “distort the nature of marriage raised by Christ to the dignity of a sacrament,” the Cardinal said, and are “inherently immoral.” Cardinal Rivera protested that Gay rights activists had manipulated the court. The discussion leading to the Supreme Court ruling “was conducted with a flippant and sneaky attitude,” the Cardinal said. “Once again, we have been witnesses of the inequity with which laws are interpreted to unilaterally favor extraordinary situations that do not reflect the activity of a natural human society or its reason for existence,” the Cardinal said in his statement. “We cannot help but express our hope that
this ruling is not binding on all the States of the Republic and that state legislatures, as on other occasions, will come to the defense of the human and family values of the Mexican citizens who have given them their vote of confidence to respond to these debates. “[T]he Archdiocese of Mexico City hopes the Court’s discussion on the adoption of children by same-sex couples will take into account and give priority to the greater good of children and protect their fundamental human right to have a family made up of a father and a mother.” The justices who voted to uphold same-sex marriages differed in their reasoning. Some stressed the constitutional protection of an individual’s right to choose a marriage partner, and others the right of local legislatures to enact laws governing the issue. Justice Jose Gudino said that “[Mexico City’s law] does not appear to me to be unconstitutional. … The concept of the family established in the constitution is an open concept.” Justice Guillermo Ortiz, one of two justices who voted against the law, said, “marriage is reserved exclusively for couples who can procreate, because one of the big issues of marriage is the protection of children.” But another judge, Jose Fernando Franco, argued that, “procreation is not an essential element of marriage.” “Those who wish to procreate are free to do so, not only within marriage but in any way they see best, and this happens and can happen in heterosexual marriages, and those that are not, or among single persons,” Franco said. Justice Luis Aguilar Morales argued against basing the ruling on the individual rights issue, because that might require other states to adopt marriage equality as well. “If Mexico City wants it a certain way, that does not necessarily mean that the rest of the states have to do the same,” Aguilar said. Mexico City authorities said that as of the beginning of August, 320 couples had been married under the law – 173 weddings between men and 147 between women. Argentina became the first country in Latin America to legalize marriage for same-sex couples with a law approved in July. Mexico City remains the only city in Mexico with a similar law.
Justice Luis Aguilar Morales argued against basing the ruling on the individual rights issue, because that might require other states to adopt marriage equality as well.
west point continued from cover
“In short, I have lied to my classmates and compromised my integrity by adhering to existing military policy.” The existing policy Miller speaks of is known as Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, passed in 1993 as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994, and has resulted in the abrupt firing of more than 14,000 men and women because of their sexual orientation, and has led tens of thousands more to voluntarily terminate their careers because of the burden of serving under this outdated law. There are an estimated 66,000 Gays, Lesbians, and Bisexuals currently serving in the U.S. military, and an estimated 1 million Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual veterans of the U.S. armed forces. “While at the academy, I have made a deliberate effort to develop myself academically, physically, and militarily, but in terms of holistic personal growth, I reached a plateau,” Miller wrote in her resignation letter. “I am unwilling to suppress an entire
portion of my identity any longer because it has taken a significant personal mental and social toll on me and detrimentally affected my professional development. I have experienced a relentless cognitive dissonance by attempting to adhere to DADT and retain my integrity, and I am retrospectively convinced that I am unable to live up to the Army values as long as the policy remains in place.” Like DADT repeal poster-boy and fellow West Point alumni Dan Choi (recently discharged from military service under DADT), Miller indicated her desire to still serve as an army officer should DADT be removed and LGBT people are allowed to serve openly. According to Knights Out, a group of LGBT alumni of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Miller will be transferring to Yale University this fall on a Point Foundation Scholarship. “This is a loss to the Academy and to the Army,” said Becky Kanis, West Point ’91. Kanis, chair of Knights Out and a former captain and company commander, added, “We keep losing talented people needlessly while we wait for the Pentagon’s ‘review.’”
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Iranian human rights lawyer flees to Norway High-profile clients to be executed
file photo
According to international Gay activist Peter Tatchell, “Ebrahim’s case highlights the flaws and injustices of the Iranian legal system. It is further evidence that innocent people are sentenced on false charges of homosexuality, often after torture.” “To avoid the hangman’s noose,” Tatchell continued, “Ebrahim’s best hope is to persuade the Chief Justice of Iran, Sadeq Larijani, to veto his hanging.” Tatchell gave Larijani’s address as follows: Sadeqh Larijani Howzeh Riyasat-e Qoveh Qazaiyeh (Office of the Head of the Judiciary) Pasteur St., Vali Asr Ave., south of Serahe Jomhouri Tehran 1316814737, Iran E-mail: info@dadiran.ir or via the official website: www.dadiran.ir/tabid/75/Default. aspx In Mostafaei’s other high-profile case, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, a 43-year-
Decorated Air Force officer sues to block DADT discharge
Mohammad Mostafaei
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Iranian human rights lawyer Mohammad Mostafaei fled his country this week, eluding government security agents trying to arrest him. He had been in hiding since July 24, when he was detained and interrogated for three hours by police. When he was released, he returned to his office to find it had been ransacked. When his wife and brother-in-law arrived at the office, they were arrested. Mostafaei surfaced in Turkey on August 5, and then reappeared in Norway on August 9, where he asked for asylum. His brother-in-law has been released, Mostafaei says, but his wife is still in solitary confinement in Evin prison. Their 7-yearold daughter is staying with her grandparents, he says “I love my country. I loved helping people and I didn’t escape because I’m afraid of going to jail. I did it because I have no more belief or respect for Iran’s judiciary,” Mostafaei told reporters in Oslo. Mostafaei has a long history of taking on politically sensitive cases pro bono. He has pressed Iran’s judiciary to ban stoning, execution of minors, and imprisonment of political dissidents. He has represented 40 juveniles on death row, he says. Eighteen of those clients have been freed, four have been executed, and the remaining 18 cases are pending.
old mother of two, was convicted of adultery and sentenced to be stoned to death. She has already been held in prison for five years and received 99 lashes for an “illicit relationship” that she confessed to at the time of her arrest. Like Ebrahim Hamidi, she later recanted her confession, saying it was extorted from her under duress. An online petition for Ashtiani’s release had more than half a million signatures as of Thursday, with celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Peter Gabriel joining the effort. Protestors around the world staged demonstrations calling on Iran to release her. Last week, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered to grant Ashtiani asylum, an offer the Iranian government rejected. An Iranian court has cancelled the stoning sentence while upholding the adultery conviction. State-controlled Iranian media said this week that Ashtiani is also guilty of murdering her husband. The punishment for that charge is death by hanging.
Mostafaei angered Iranian officials because of his aggressive defense of two highprofile clients – a young man convicted of sodomy and a widow convicted of adultery. Both were sentenced to death by courts in Tabriz, Iran, and are awaiting execution. Ebrahim Hamidi, an 18-year-old, has been sentenced to death for a sexual assault on another man. His accuser has since withdrawn the assault claim in a sworn affidavit, admitting that he lied under pressure from his family. Two years ago, the alleged victim was caught by Hamidi damaging his father’s crops. There had been a history of feuding between their families. A fistfight ensued, involving Hamidi and some friends. During the fracas, the accuser’s pants slipped down 20cm, which he claimed was evidence of a sexual assault. Two hours later, Hamidi and three friends were arrested on sodomy charges and tortured for three days in a detention centre. Under torture, Hamidi signed a confession. There is no evidence that Hamidi is Gay or that a sexual assault took place, only the word of one person against another and a confession under torture, both of which were later retracted. The Supreme Court of Iran has overruled the local court’s guilty verdict on two separate occasions, and ordered a re-examination of the case, citing errors in the legal investigation and an “issue of doubt.” Both Supreme Court rulings have been ignored by the judiciary in Tabriz.
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor One of the highest-ranking military officers, Air Force Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, investigated for violating the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy, filed suit August 11 in an effort to block the Air Force from discharging him. Fehrenbach’s lawyers filed a request for a temporary restraining order in U.S. District Court in Idaho, arguing a discharge will cause him irreparable harm and that the government cannot prove that his continued service hinders “morale, good order and discipline, and unit cohesion.” The motion is one of the first cases to use a legal line of reasoning established in a 2008 ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit in the case of an Air Force Major who challenged the Gay ban. In addition, Fehrenbach and his lawyers are asking Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley to intervene and overrule the Air Force Personnel Board, which has recommended his discharge. In early 2008, just eight days before he was to deploy in support of the war in Afghanistan, Fehrenbach, a decorated Air Force flight officer, was informed he was under investigation on charges of violating DADT, the U.S. military’s discriminatory ban prohibiting Gays and Lesbians from serving openly. He was placed on desk duty at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Now, just a
year from completing his 20th year in the military – entitling him to a pension and retirement benefits – Fehrenbach, 40, lives in fear of being discharged under DADT and losing said benefits. He would be among the highest-ranking service members discharged under the policy. “In the two years that I’ve been sitting at my desk rather than inside my jet, I’ve offered to deploy numerous times,” Fehrenbach said. “I’m ready, willing, and able to deploy tomorrow, but I’m barred from deployment because of this unjust, discriminatory policy.” “The evidence is that he is a benefit to the Air Force and to his unit,” said M. Andrew Woodmansee, co-counsel for Fehrenbach, along with the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, a nonprofit group representing Gays in the military. “Why and how the hell do we end up firing our best and brightest when we’re fighting in two wars?” asked Aubrey Sarvis, executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network. “If Secretary Donley does not step in, this nation will lose a servicemember worth $25 million in training whose skill sets are desperately needed today.” The case comes as the Log Cabin Republicans await a ruling in their constitutional challenge to DADT in a California federal court. A ruling in the group’s favor would suspend the military’s ability to discharge troops under the policy.
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GLSEN lauds introduction of Safe Schools Improvement Act in Senate
School Climate in America, a 2005 report from GLSEN and Harris Interactive that surveyed more than 3,000 students, nearly two-thirds of middle and high school students (65%) said they had been bullied in school in the past year. LGBT students face even higher levels of victimization. Nearly nine out of 10 LGBT students (86.4%) said they had been harassed in the past year, according to GLSEN’s 2007 National School Climate Survey of more than 6,000 LGBT students. Additionally, 60.8% said they felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation. Both studies, however, found that students at schools with a comprehensive anti-bullying policy similar to the one required by the Safe Schools Improvement Act, which includes enumerated characteristics of students most often targeted, reported harassment at a significantly reduced rate. “Bullying and harassment affect millions of students every year. While we do have federal laws to provide support to promote school safety, there is nothing currently in place to comprehensively and expressly address issues of bullying or harassment,” said
Senator Casey. “This bill is a crucial step towards ensuring that no child is so afraid to go to school that he or she stays home for fear of bullying.” In some cases, bullying has led students – some still in grade school – to take their own lives. “Bullying is a national public health crisis that demands a national solution,” said Sirdeaner Walker, whose 11-year-old son Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover took his life in Springfield, Massachusetts last year after enduring constant bullying at school. “As a mother who knows the painful consequences of inaction, I urge Congress to pass the Safe Schools Improvement Act and give schools the tools they need to make their hallways and classrooms safer for all students.” GLSEN, established in 1990, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. The National Safe Schools Partnership, led by GLSEN, is an informal coalition of leading national education, health, civil rights, law enforcement, youth development, and other organizations committed to ensuring that America’s schools are safe for all children.
was an attempt to violate human rights. CONODIS attorney Esteban Quirós filed an appeal with the constitutional chamber of the Supreme Court on the grounds that a popular vote on Gay rights would be in breach of the constitution, which guarantees these rights. “I think they [the Supreme Court] will block it,” Quirós told IPS before the court handed down its decision. Costa Rica has signed several international treaties that same-sex couples since 2006 without reach- confirm that basic rights cannot be subjecting a decision. ed to a referendum, he said. To break the deadlock, the Supreme ElecQuiros cited the Universal Declaration toral Tribunal approved a proposal made of Human Rights, the American Convenby four Catholic lawyers – and backed by tion on Human Rights, and the International 150,000 signatures – to hold a referendum Covenant on Civil and Political Rights as on the issue. It set December 5 as the date examples. for the vote. In the event the court ruled against Human rights organizations accused Ro- CONODIS, Quirós planned to take the man Catholic leaders of religious interfer- case to the Inter-American Court of Human ence in political affairs. Rights, which happens to be based in Costa Government Ombudswoman Ofelia Tait- Rica’s capital, San José. elbaum told IPS news service “we are comCONODIS also had a “Plan B” ready in pletely against” holding the referendum. case the referendum was held and same-sex “It is about human rights, which cannot be unions were rejected by voters. left in the hands of a group of homophobic According to Abelardo Araya, PresiCatholics,” she said, adding that it would be dent of Movimiento Diversidad (Diverdetrimental to a social minority whose rights sity Movement), Gay rights activists would must be defended. have backed a different bill recognizing the Nine organizations formed the Costa Ri- legal status of same-sex couples. can Coalition of Sexual Diversity OrganizaThat bill is a draft law on “sociedades de tions and Groups (CONODIS), to campaign convivencia” (cohabitation partnerships), against the referendum, which they argued which enjoys more support from lawmakers
than the same-sex civil unions bill. While Health Minister María Luisa Ávila and Education Minister Leonardo Garnier sided with the LGBT community in the runup to the Supreme Court ruling, no other officials spoke out about the referendum. Ombudswoman Taitelbaum criticized the government’s silence on the issue. She warned that agitation against civil unions, “will unleash a wave of violence against sexual minorities.” ”It is a matter of national security,” she added, calling for a public statement from the executive branch. Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla, who is close to Catholic Church authorities, called for a respectful debate on civil unions, “free of stigma or oversimplifications,” but added that it was “not a priority” issue.
WASHINGTON STATE by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, praised the August 5 introduction of the Safe Schools Improvement Act – a federal anti-bullying bill that includes protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity/expression – in the Senate by Senator Bob Casey (D-Pa.) and 10 cosponsors. If passed, the Safe Schools Improvement Act, endorsed by nearly 70 members of the GLSEN-led National Safe Schools Partnership, would require comprehensive anti-
bullying policies in U.S. public schools. The bill was introduced in the House last year by Representative Linda Sanchez and has 119 bipartisan cosponsors. “Our nation has failed to address the pervasive problem of bullying and harassment in schools for far too long,” GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard said. “Countless youth are denied access to an education every day because they do not feel safe in school. Passing the Safe Schools Improvement Act would go a long way toward laying the necessary foundation of support lacking in many American schools.” According to From Teasing to Torment:
Gay rights activists win in Costa Rica
If passed, the Safe Schools Improvement Act ... would require comprehensive antibullying policies in U.S. public schools.
Supreme Court blocks referendum on civil unions by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer
Gay rights activists won a victory in Costa Rica on August 10, when that country’s Supreme Court ruled that a referendum on same-sex civil unions scheduled for December 5 could not go forward. “Minority rights that are derived from claims against the majority cannot be subject to a referendum process where majorities are needed,” the court said in its ruling. The referendum was being promoted by Observatorio Ciudadano, an organization backed by the Catholic Church. Like most Latin American countries, Costa Rica is overwhelmingly Catholic, and referendum supporters believed voters would reject same-sex unions. Gay rights activists, on the other hand, challenged the referendum in court. Costa Rica’s parliament has been discussing a civil union bill that would include
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gay games continued from cover
of thousands. Athletes from Seattle participated in the games in multiple events. “It was a fantastic experience. My first games were in Chicago. It’s something that once you experience it, you really want to experience it again,” said Jason Stone, a swimmer with Seattle’s Orca Swim Team. “Around 120 Seattle-area athletes attended,” Seattle Frontrunner Kelly Stevens told SGN. From basketball to bridge, swimming to track, athletes were representing the Emerald City in full swing.
“It’s about participation inclusion and personal best,” said Stone about the games. Stone competed in both the 100- and 200-meter freestyle events and the 50- and 100-meter butterfly events. “Swimming is one of the most competitive sports and represents the largest sport of the games, with competition spanning a full six days,” said Jim Lasersohn of the Orcas. “Knowing the competition would be difficult, we were there to enjoy participating and to strive to do our personal bests.” “I was happy to have placed fifth in my age group in two events and beat my best time in the 1,500-meter freestyle by 25 seconds,” added Lasersohn. The Orcas sent seven swimmers to the games. “This particular time seemed to be a little more rich. … I was swimming every day.
… It was really fantastic to connect with the Gay and Lesbian swimmers, my friends from all over the world, friends from Aus- continued from cover tralia to Iceland to Russia. … These are people that I’ve gotten to know thought International Gay and Lesbians Aquatics,” nent of domestic partnership rights, and he Stone told SGN. Basketball was where Seattle took a bit of was a supporter of the No on Referendum 71 campaign, seeking to abolish them. the spotlight. His campaign manager this year is none “We sent two teams and both won medals,” said Michael Coleman of Jet City other than Larry Stickney, one-time president of the Washington Values Alliance Hoops. According to Coleman, in the recreational (WAVA), the author of Referendum 71, and division, Jet City won a gold medal, and in campaign manager for Protect Marriage the men’s 35+ division, they won a bronze Washington. Stickney and Koster go back a long way. medal. Stickney managed Koster’s first congres“[This was the] first time any team from Seattle has won a medal in basketball at the sional campaign against Larsen in 2000. The next year he managed Koster’s winning Gay Games,” said Coleman. The closing ceremony of the Gay Games County Council campaign, after which he also featured out Gay athletes Matthew became Koster’s legislative aide. In that post, Stickney drafted Council Mitcham, one of the few openly Gay Olympic medalists, David Kopay, a former NFL Resolution 03-026 which Koster sponsored, (and former UW Husky) running back and supporting the City of Everett’s controverone of the first professional athletes to come sial monument to the Ten Commandments. Stickney also helped draft a 2006 Koster out (in 1975), and John Amaechi, the first amendment to the Snohomish County budopenly Gay player in the NBA. At the end of the ceremony, the flames get seeking to strike funding for a Decemwere extinguished and the flag of the Fed- ber holiday program because Seattle Men’s eration of Gay Games was passed to hosts Chorus was scheduled to perform there. Stickney and Koster see eye to eye on of the Gay Games IX, Cleveland, Ohio. “Being able to compete with my team- LGBT rights. “I didn’t create the institution of marmates on an international level was a lot of fun. … It’s a very validating sort of expe- riage,” Koster told the Seattle Times rerience,” said Stone. Stone is also a volun- cently, “God did. If you think it should be teer for the Federation of Gay Games and changed, take it up with the author.” Koster also opposes reproductive choice, was awarded the Male 2010 volunteer of the Year Award for the Federation of Gay arguing that abortion should never be legal – even in cases of rape, incest, or danger to Games.
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Celebrating 37 Years!
the mother’s life. Several Referendum 71 supporters appear on Koster’s endorsement list, including Pastor Richard Long of Atonement Free Lutheran Church and his wife Barbara, Pastor Bill Walker of Arlington’s First Baptist Church and his wife Mary, and Swede and Sharon Johnson of Snohomish. Strangely enough, centrist Republicans Rob McKenna and Dave Reichert have joined noted right-wingers Val Stevens, Norma Smith, Barbara Bailey, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, and Doc Hastings to endorse Koster’s campaign. Besides Sarah Palin and her SarahPAC, Koster has been endorsed by Team America PAC – the anti-immigrant group headed by Tom Tancredo and Bay Buchanan (Pat’s look-alike sister) – Human Life of Washington, the Christian Homeschool Network, and the Washington State Eagle Forum, among other groups. While Larsen beat Koster in 2000 by only
four points, he beat his most recent opponent, Republican John Bart, by a whopping 62-38%. The district went for Democratic presidential candidates Al Gore and John Kerry, and President Obama carried it handily with 55% of the vote in 2008.
marriage
continued from cover August 18, ruling, “The evidence presented at trial and the position of the representatives of the State of California show that an injunction against enforcement of Proposition 8 is in the public’s interest. Accordingly, the court concludes that the public interest counsels against entry of the stay proponents seek.” “None of the factors the court weighs in
considering a motion to stay favors granting a stay,” Walker’s rule concluded. “Accordingly, proponents’ motion for a stay is denied. The clerk is directed to enter judgment forthwith. That judgment shall be stayed until August 18, 2010 at 5 p.m. PTD at which time defendants and all persons under their control or supervision shall cease to apply or enforce proposition 8.” What does it all mean? Now that Walker has voiced his intentions to lift the stay (as of August 18), it is likely it will be appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. At the 9th Circuit, it would be reviewed by a three-person panel and their decision could be appealed to the full 9th Circuit, and eventually the U.S. Supreme Court. But because the U.S. Supreme Court is not in session until October, the decision about lifting the stay would be appealed to the Justice in charge, who, for the 9th Circuit, is Justice Kennedy. In essence, same-sex marriages are likely
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to resume in California next week if a stay from the 9th Circuit is denied. Both California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and Attorney General Jerry Brown had asked the court to lift the stay. “Doing so is consistent with California’s long history of treating all people and their relationships with equal dignity and respect,” Schwarzenegger’s lawyers wrote in a brief filed August 6. Supporters of Proposition 8 said Walker’s ruling defied the will of voters and asked for the stay, arguing that they would eventually win the case. Walker’s ruling effectively makes California the sixth state to allow same-sex marriage, joining Iowa, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia. The decision set off a mix of emotions outside San Francisco City Hall, where several dozen Gay couples had lined up outside the county clerk’s office in hopes of getting hitched. For some, the scene was joyous, and for others, Walker’s decision was disappointing. It would seem the battle for marriage equality in California is far from over.
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