Celebrating 39 Years!
Issue 03 Volume 40
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BISHOPS NIX p. 4
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Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Intoxicated off-duty SPD officers involved in scuffle at Neighbours
“The next evolution of civil rights in the U.S.” by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
State Senator Ed Murray (DSeattle) filed Senate Bill 6239 on January 13, only two votes shy of having enough support in the state Senate to pass marriage equality legislation. By January 19, that number had shrunk to one, as an undecided Democratic lawmaker, Sen. Jim Kastama of Puyallup, announced his support of the bill. If passed, SB 6239 would provide equal protection for all families in Washington by creating equality in civil marriage and changing the domestic partnership laws while protecting religious Neighbours Nightclub freedom. Zach Silk, campaign manager by Shaun Knittel with a racially charged statement for Washington United for Marat Neighbours Seattle, a popular riage – a broad statewide coalition SGN Associate Editor Gay dance club on Capitol Hill. of organizations, congregations, The incident began at approxi- unions, and business associations Seattle Police Department investigators are looking into a dis- mately 1 a.m. Monday outside the that will work to obtain civil marturbance involving three off-duty police officers that allegedly began see neighbours page 18 see marriage page 17
courtesy national skills coalition
technogypsie
Support for marriage equality in WA continues to grow
Washington United for Marriage Campaign Manager Zach Silk
michael key
National Organization for Marriage President Brian Brown
reuters
Two state GOP Reps. back American Catholics & Marriage Equality marriage; NOM threatens by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), a group opposed to same-sex marriage, announced on January 18 that it is prepared to spend $250,000 on primary challenges against any Republican legislators who vote for Washington’s marriage equality bill. The NOM announcement came just hours after Republican Reps. Maureen Walsh (R-16) and Glenn Anderson (R-5) said they would split with the majority of their Republican colleagues and vote for the bill. “We intend to hold every legislator accountable for his or her vote on marriage,” NOM president Brian Brown said in a statement. “Any Republican who votes to redefine marriage can count on funding of a primary challenge to them. All legislators need to know that the same-sex marriage lobby wants to destroy the institution of marriage, redefining not just marriage, but also ‘husband,’ ‘wife,’ ‘mother,’ and ‘father.’”
Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire
porter of marriage equality. Gregoire is a Catholic. So is Washington State Senator Ed Murray – a Religion and marriage. For man who has championed every many Americans, separating the major piece of LGBT legislation for nearly two decades. In fact, a two is an impossibility. Others, however, take a personal recent poll (and there are many journey, like Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, and see gop page 17 come out the other side as a supsee catholics page 13 by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor
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Celebrating 39 Years!
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn joined mayors from the across the country this week to support the launch of Mayors for the Freedom to Marry. Freedom to Marry, the campaign to win marriage nationwide, will launch Mayors for the Freedom to Marry at a press conference during the U.S. Conference of Mayors meeting in Washington, D.C., on January 20. More than 75 Republican, Democratic, and Independent mayors from cities across the country have pledged to support Gay and Lesbian couples’ freedom to marry. By joining the group, mayors hope to expand public and political support for ending the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage. The broad-based coalition of mayors includes Rahm Emanuel of Chicago and Annise Parker of Houston, and is chaired by
mayors Jerry Sanders of San Diego, Thomas Menino of Boston, Michael Bloomberg of New York, U.S. Conference of Mayors President Antonio Villaraigosa of Los Angeles, and Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. “The mayor was very happy to sign on to the letter when asked to support,” said Aaron Pickus, a spokesman for Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. “The mayor supports full marriage equality in Washington state and supports the legislature finally taking up this issue to end the denial of this right to committed living partners,” Pickus told Seattle Gay News. Freedom to Marry is the campaign to win marriage nationwide, working to grow the national majority for marriage and end federal marriage discrimination. Freedom to Marry partners with individuals and organizations across the country to end the exclusion of same-sex couples from marriage and the protections, responsibilities, and commitment that marriage brings.
Two major benchmarks in LGBT history
Joe Mabel
Seattle’s McGinn, Mayors for the Freedom to Marry
Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn
CNBC
journalists should note.) Romney – who, it seems during this nomination process, has cast aside his previous limited LGBT equality record – stated very clearly that he supports nondiscrimination and that, as governor, he appointed LGBT people to his administration and as judges. He then said clearly that he does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation. So he answered the question and you’d think that was it, but the journalist – this guy was good – then asked: “But what will you do to further the rights of LGBT people?” (Again, journalists please note the phrasing of the question.) Romney clearly said, “I just did that.” Applause. He added that the only difference he has with the Gay community is that he believes “marriage” is solely between a man and a woman. Applause from the audience again. Here’s the surprise, and why this is a moment that will be marked as the beginning of the long road to reality for Republicans: They then went to Santorum with the question. He attempted to make a joke but it was obvious that the audience was not amused, so he sidestepped the question. It was his chance to stand out, but he knew that disparaging Gays would no longer work. And so did every other candidate standing up there, since no one took Romney on. How serious of a change is this? The Obama campaign was quick to send out a press release Monday morning suggesting that Romney was stepping away from comments made at the debate, but that was based on a 2002 flyer that Romney’s team had disavowed. Point is, the handwriting is on the wall and Republicans see the inevitable. Americans are tired of them trashing the Gay community. So the frontrunner has drawn a new line in the sand: We believe in nondiscrimination up to the issue of marriage. So enjoy the next few months and watch the dying gasps of the anti-equality Republican rhetoric, since this is the last presidential race in which you’ll hear it. The bigots won’t go quietly, but Romney’s statements, if he’s nominated, make that change inevitable.
There was another change last week that needs noting, since my previous column really hit hard on that issue: Chicago’s Cardinal Francis George comparing our community to the KKK. We congratulated the Chicago community on planning to demonstrate against the cardinal, and further suggested that if no apology or meeting with the community happened, a look at the church’s finances would be in order. Guess what happened? The church blinked, as it did in D.C. when challenged. George apologized. The community in Chicago is mixed on whether the apology was strong enough, but this is their turf, and it is imperative that the national community take note that the church now twice has blinked when challenged. This is a major change. While we should respect the church and its religious views, it is also time for the church to treat our community with that same respect. If not, we must use our tools to create a climate of respect. Change is in the wind. It is imperative to recognize it and know how to move on to the next battle for equality. The two greatest foes of equality both shifted in one week – important benchmarks on our path to equal rights.
It was his chance to stand out and he knew that disparaging Gays would no longer work. And so did every candidate standing up there, since no one took Romney on.
Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney
by Mark Segal Courtesy of the Philadelphia Gay News If you sneezed last week, you might have missed them. Two major changes in the fight for LGBT equality took place, and they will change the playing field forever. During the Republican presidential debate last Sunday on NBC’s Meet the Press, before the New Hampshire primary, a new
benchmark in LGBT equality – at least for Republicans – was christened. And the surprise was who set it and who shrugged it off. The frontrunner, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, did the honors. Here’s the thumbnail version. One of the moderators quoted a pro-Gay equality statement from Romney that was published in Boston’s LGBT newspaper Bay Windows, then asked Romney what he will do for nondiscrimination. (A well-phrased question,
Mark Segal, PGN publisher, is the nation’s most-award-winning commentator in LGBT media. He can be reached atmark@ epgn.com.
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WA’s Catholic bishops nix marriage equality by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Washington state’s four Roman Catholic bishops issued a pastoral letter against marriage equality on January 14. Titled “Marriage and the Common Good,” the letter was signed by Seattle Archbishop J. Peter Sartain, his auxiliary bishop Eusebio Elizondo, Spokane bishop Blase Cupich, and Yakima bishop Joseph J. Tyson. While the Catholic Church’s opposition to marriage rights for Gay and Lesbian couples is so well known that it probably doesn’t require restatement, the bishops specifically instructed Catholics to lobby their legislators against the marriage equality bill. “We urge you to contact your own state senator and your two state representatives to request that they defend the current legal definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman,” the bishops said. SGN tried to contact the Seattle Archdiocese both by phone and by email for clarification on the bishops’ intentions. “Does the archdiocese intend to work to defeat legislators who vote for the bill?” SGN asked. “And should Catholic legislators who vote for the bill be denied sacraments?” Many Catholic bishops have said that Catholic lawmakers who vote for reproductive choice should not receive sacraments such as Holy Communion in church. If the
bishops believe that marriage equality is as offensive to church doctrine as abortion, that would indicate a very serious level of opposition. At press time, the Archdiocese had not responded to SGN’s questions. In their letter, the bishops say that nothing less than the future of human civilization is at risk if Gay and Lesbian couples are allowed to marry. “Marriage is certainly about the public recognition of a relationship between a man and a woman,” they say in their letter. “But it is much more. Marriage in faith and societal traditions is acknowledged as the foundation of civilization.” “It has long been recognized that the stability of society depends on the stability of family life in which a man and a woman conceive and nurture new life.” Like the Washington Supreme Court majority in the case of Andersen v. King County, the bishops attempt to ground their opposition to marriage equality in the potential for procreation. The bishops say that “civil recognition of marriage” has sought to bestow “on countless generations of children the incomparable benefits of a loving mother and father committed to one another in lifelong union. “Were the definition of marriage to change, there would be no special laws to support and recognize the irreplaceable contribution that these married couples make to
society, and to the common good by bringing to life the next generation. “Upholding the present definition of marriage does not depend on anyone’s religious beliefs,” the bishops argue. “Washington state’s present law defining marriage as a ‘civil contract between a male and a female’ is grounded not in faith, but in reason and the experience of society. “It recognizes the value of marriage as a bond of personal relationships but also in terms of the unique and irreplaceable potential of a man and woman to conceive and nurture new life, thus contributing to the continuation of the human race.” While the bishops certainly have influence among the state’s Catholics, they represent a minority view among American Catholics. Several recent polls have shown that a majority of Catholics support marriage equality, with one poll suggesting that as many as 63% of Catholics do so. Among supporters of the marriage equality bill are a number of Catholics – notably Governor Christine Gregoire and Senator Ed Murray (D-43). “This was all about my personal faith,” Gregoire said in introducing the bill. “I came to understand my religion is one thing, but as governor of the state and as a human being, I believe in equality. And I don’t respect a state that discriminates.” “My first reaction [to the bishops’ letter], as a practicing Catholic, is that this is very hurtful,” Murray told reporters. According to Mary Murphy of the Rainbow Sash Movement, an organization of LGBT Catholics, the bishops have no authority to speak for the church on marriage. “There are three pillars of authority in the Church,” Murphy writes in a blog post. “Each is of equal importance and authority: the Teaching Magisterium, of which the four bishops of Washington state are a part; the ‘sense of the faithful’ of which Gov. Chris Gregoire is part; and our theological community. When unity is lacking between these three pillars of authority you do not have unity, and without unity there is no authority to speak for Jesus Christ.”
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GLSEN reports on bias, bullying, and homophobia in grades K-6
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) has released a new report on school climate, biased remarks, and bullying, “Playgrounds and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States.” The report, based on national surveys of 1,065 elementary school students in 3rd to 6th grade and 1,099 elementary school teachers of K-6th grade, examines students’ and teachers’ experiences with biased remarks and bullying, and their attitudes about gender expression and family diversity. Harris Interactive conducted the surveys on behalf of GLSEN during November and December 2010. “School climate and victimization can affect students’ educational outcomes and personal development at every grade level,” said GLSEN Executive Director Eliza Byard. “‘Playgrounds and Prejudice’ offers invaluable insights into biased remarks and bullying in America’s elementary schools. The report also shows the need for elementary schools to do more to address issues of homophobia, gender expression and family diversity.” In addition, GLSEN also released “Ready, Set, Respect! GLSEN’s Elementary School Toolkit,” an instructional resource developed to help educators address issues raised in ‘Playgrounds and Prejudice,’ particularly biased language, LGBT-inclusive family diversity, and gender nonconformity. “Over the past few years, there has been an increase in research on bullying in schools, including elementary schools,” said GLSEN Senior Director of Research & Strategic Initiatives Dr. Joseph Kosciw. “However, our report is one of the few that examines bias-based bullying at the elementary school level and the first to examine incidence of homophobic remarks and the negative experiences of children who do not
conform to societal standards in their gender expression from a national vantage point.” The most common forms of biased language in elementary schools heard regularly (i.e., sometimes, often, or all the time) by both students and teachers are the use of the word “Gay” in a negative way, such as “that’s so Gay,” (students: 45%, teachers: 49%) and comments like “spaz” or “retard” (51% of students, 45% of teachers). Many also report regularly hearing students make homophobic remarks, such as “fag” or “Lesbo” (students: 26%, teachers: 26%) and negative comments about race/ethnicity (students: 26%, teachers: 21%). Three-fourths of students (75%) report that students at their school are called names, made fun of, or bullied with at least some regularity. Most commonly this is because of students’ looks or body size (67%), followed by not being good at sports (37%), how well they do at schoolwork (26%), not conforming to traditional gender norms/roles (23%), or because other people think they’re Gay (21%). Nearly one in 10 of elementary students in 3rd to 6th grade (8%) indicate that they do not always conform to traditional gender norms/roles – either they are boys whom others sometimes think, act, or look like a girl, or they are girls whom others sometimes think, act, or look like a boy. Gender-nonconforming students are less likely than other students to feel very safe at school (42% vs. 61%), and are more likely than others to indicate they sometimes do not want to go to school because they feel unsafe or afraid there (35% vs. 15%). Gender-nonconforming students are also more likely than others to be called names, made fun of, or bullied at least sometimes at school (56% vs. 33%). Less than half of teachers believe that a gender-nonconforming student would feel comfortable at their school (male student who acts or looks traditionally feminine: 44%, female student who acts or looks tra-
Less than half of teachers believe that a gendernonconforming student would feel comfortable at their school and only a third of teachers report having personally engaged in efforts to create a safe and supportive classroom environment for gender nonconforming students.
ditionally masculine: 49%), and only a third (34%) of teachers report having personally engaged in efforts to create a safe and supportive classroom environment for gendernonconforming students. Seven in 10 students (72%) say they have been taught that there are many different kinds of families. However, less than two in 10 (18%) have learned about families with Gay or Lesbian parents (families that have two dads or two moms). While an overwhelming majority of elementary school teachers say that they include representations of different families when the topic of families comes up in their classrooms (89%), less than a quarter of teachers report any representation of Lesbian, Gay, or Bisexual parents (21%) or Transgender parents (8%). Only about a quarter (24%) of teachers report having personally engaged in efforts to create a safe and supportive classroom environment for families with LGBT parents. A majority of elementary school teachers believe they are obligated to ensure a safe learning environment for gender-nonconforming students (83%) and students with LGBT parents (70%). Eight in 10 teachers would feel comfortable addressing namecalling, bullying, or harassment of students because a student is perceived to be Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual (81%) or is gendernonconforming (81%). Less than half of teachers (48%) indicate that they feel comfortable responding to questions from their students about Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual people. There was a lower level of comfort found among teachers (41%) responding to questions from their students about Transgender people. A majority of teachers (85%) have received professional development on diversity or multicultural issues, but less than half of teachers have ever received specific
AN OPEN LETTER TO CARDINAL FRANCIS GEORGE Eminence, I find myself conscience-bound to respond to your most recent column in the Chicago New World (January 15, 2012). Once again you publicly talk about the fear that motivated your harsh words in comparing the Gay liberation movement with KKK. You speak of this fear as if it were an addiction over which you have no control. Instead of honoring the words you spoke to the Gay and Lesbian community, you appear to be attempting to walk away from that apology. Why are three simple words so difficult for you to honor – “I am sorry”? I have reached out to you to encourage direct dialogue about the fear you are harboring, but instead of engaging in a meaningful dialogue you have chosen to publicly wallow in it, as your most recent column suggests. In our previous private written communication, I have pleaded with you to light a candle of hope, and not curse the darkness of fear. I want to take this opportunity once again to publicly ask you to enter into a meaningful dialogue process where we can begin to address the unreasonable fear you harbor against the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Community, and rather seek common ground over fear. There can be no justification or rationalization for your uncharitable words directed at the LGBT community. I call on you to publicly honor the apology you gave to our community without any reservations.
professional development on gender issues (37%) or on families with LGBT parents (23%). “‘Playgrounds and Prejudice’ articulates a desire among elementary educators to create optimal learning environments for all students, but there is a larger need to provide educational tools and resources that enhance their understanding of gender-nonconforming students and families with LGBT parents,” said Byard. “Providing this kind of support to teachers and school staff serving our nation’s youngest students will build a lasting foundation of learning and development for all elementary school students.” Findings in “Playgrounds and Prejudice: Elementary School Climate in the United States” came from online surveys conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of GLSEN. The national sample was drawn primarily from the Harris Poll Online (HPOL) opt-in panel and supplemented with sample from trusted partner panels. All respondents were invited to participate through passwordprotected emails. Interviews for students averaged 15 minutes in length and were conducted between November 3 and November 29, 2010. Interviews for teachers averaged 20 minutes in length and were conducted between November 11 and December 7, 2010. The data were weighted to key demographic variables to align with the national population of the respective groups. No estimates of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. In addition, an online strategy session was conducted on June 14, 2010, among a group of 20 elementary school teachers of grades ranging from Kindergarten to 6th grade to inform the development of the survey. Key informants (e.g., elementary school teachers, administrators, students, and teacher educators) reviewed the student and teacher surveys to assess for comprehension and face validity.
TIME FOR HAUGEN TO GO? During the last Washington state legislative session, Snohomish County and King County had garnered enough support in the legislature to pass legislation that would allow these two counties to enact a $20.00 license tab fee. The fee would allow King County Metro and Community Transit to prevent a massive 20% reduction in bus service for both counties, respectively. The legislation was championed by Representative Marko Liias (D, 21st). When the chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Mary Margaret Haugen, got her hands on the proposed legislation, she removed Snohomish County and left King County. Why would she do this? Why would Mary Margaret Haugen force the working poor in Snohomish County to wait hours for a bus in the rain, in the freezing cold, and let’s not forget we no longer have bus service on Sundays and Para Transit service suffered massive cuts for a county as large as Snohomish County. Now, this legislative session, Governor Gregoire has proposed legislation to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state. Once again, Mary Margaret Haugen will block the legislation. It’s time to ask the question: Is it time, after 30 years in office, for Mary Margaret Haugen to go? Anthony Vicari
Joe Murray, executive director of Rainbow Sash Movement
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by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Less than a week after a Canadian government lawyer provoked an international controversy by challenging the validity of some 5,000 marriages of foreign same-sex couples, Canada finally clarified the situation: all same-sex marriages performed in Canada are valid and always were. Canadian Justice Minister Rob Nicholson issued a statement on January 13 that reversed the government’s earlier position that same-sex marriages performed in Canada are legal only if they would also be legal in the home country of the marriage partners. “I want to make it clear that, in my government’s view, those marriages should be valid,” Nicholson said in a statement to the Globe and Mail newspaper. Nicholson also promised to revise his country’s marriage laws to remove any doubt as to the validity of all same-sex marriages performed by Canadian officials. “We will change the Civil Marriage Act so that any marriages performed in Canada that aren’t recognized in the couple’s home
jurisdiction will be recognized in Canada,” Nicholson promised. The controversy erupted as a byproduct of a divorce trial in Toronto. A Lesbian couple – one British, one a resident of Florida – who had been married in Canada, returned to the country to get divorced. Canadian Justice Department lawyer Sean Gaudet told the court that the couple could not be divorced in Canada because they were never legally married there. The marriage would be legal in Canada only if it were legal in the U.K. and Florida, which it wasn’t, Gaudet said. Former Prime Minister Paul Martin, whose Liberal government passed the law legalizing same-sex marriages in Canada, called the government’s position in the Toronto divorce case “absolutely ridiculous.” “We validated those marriages and you cannot retroactively invalidate marriages that you validated,” Martin said in a Globe and Mail interview. Nicholson, a Conservative, blamed Martin’s Liberals for any confusion in the law. “This is a legislative gap left by the Liberal government of the day when the law was changed in 2005,” Nicholson said. “The
CHRIS WATTIE/REUTERS
Canada backs off challenge to marriages of foreign couples
Canadian Justice Minister Rob Nicholson
confusion and pain resulting from this gap, in my opinion, is completely unfair to those who are affected.” Liberal leader Bob Rae vehemently rejected the Nicholson’s claim that the Liberals were at fault. “The only gap is the gap between the heads of Conservative cabinet ministers who have failed to live up to the best and finest traditions of Canada with respect to our traditions of tolerance,” Rae said. Kathleen Lahey, a law professor at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, said that the government lawyer appeared to be relying on an outdated interpretation of private international law.
The argument that marriages of foreign nationals are valid only if they are also valid in the home countries of the couple is an archaic, centuries-old doctrine, Lahey said. It was drafted during a time when “there was a great deal of discrimination surrounding the whole concept of marriage – who could marry whom, [like] whether Catholic marriages were valid or whether they had to be Church of England marriages. “I think it is an invalid legal argument,” said Lahey. “I think it should never have been submitted to the court.” Of the 15,000 same-sex marriages performed in Canada since 2005, some 5,000 are reportedly foreign couples.
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Anti-Gay Pastor Rick Warren has joined the near-universal condemnation of socalled “HIV denialism” – the theory that AIDS was a scheme concocted by scientists in order to justify their research grants, and not a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Warren weighed in on the issue on January 16, in a statement posted on conservative psychologist Warren Throckmorton’s website. The statement was a response to a recent radio interview in which American Family Association head Bryan Fischer endorsed HIV denialism. By coincidence, the fact that Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul once publicized similar views on AIDS in his notorious Ron Paul Newsletter came to light at about the same time. Fischer interviewed Dr. Peter Duesberg, author of “Inventing the AIDS Virus,” who asserts that the symptoms attributed to AIDS are really caused by overindulgence in recreational drugs and casual sex. In the interview, and in a January 5 statement on the AFA website, Fischer explicitly endorses Duesberg’s crackpot views.
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“So what is the cause of what we know as AIDS?” Fischer writes. “What is the cause of this condition that is killing people? Duesberg’s answer can be found in one word: drugs. “And specifically, drug use connected with the kind of sex that is far too common in the homosexual community. “Anonymous sex in public places like bathhouses, public parks, and public restrooms is an all-too-frequent occurrence in the Gay community, and homosexuals will frequently attempt to have multiple sexual encounters in a single night, often with total strangers. The only way this is possible is through taking stimulants that heighten sexual pleasure and make multiple sexual experiences possible.” Calling Duesberg’s theory “quack science, like claiming the Earth is flat, or the moon is made of cheese,” Warren said his views “would be laughable if millions of lives weren’t at stake.” “But,” Warren continued, “his view is deadly. Unfortunately, Duesberg convinced some people in Africa that HIV was not the cause of AIDS and as a result many people there needlessly became infected with the virus, and some have subsequently suffered and died.”
January 20, 2012
courtesy ncregister
Pastor Rick Warren vs. AFA leader Bryan Fischer
Pastor Rick Warren
South Africa’s former president Thabo Mbeki was a well-known HIV denialist, whose policies impeded HIV/AIDS programs in his country. South Africa’s current president, Jacob Zuma, reversed Mbeki’s policies and has actually publicized the results of his own HIV tests. Although Warren is close friends with Uganda’s Martin Ssempa, one of the main supporters of his country’s “Kill the Gays” bill, his statement denies any ill will towards people living with HIV/AIDS. “No one deserves this illness,” Warren says in his statement, “and we must not ignore those among us who are infected or affected by HIV and AIDS. “People living with the virus are people that Jesus created, loves, and died for. Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan teaches us that when you find someone bleeding on the side of the road, you don’t say ‘Was it your fault?’ You just help them in love! Let’s be
very careful about what reality we deny; lives are at stake.” In a January 18 post on the AFA blog, Fischer struck back at Warren. Noting that Warren believes in a human cause for global warming – another scientific conclusion that he rejects – Fischer says Warren has been ‘duped.” “Warren was wrong on the global warming scam, and he is wrong on the AIDS scam,” Fischer says. “If you want to solve the AIDS crisis, the solution is simple, and it’s not found in a test tube,” Fischer continues. “If you’re a man, stop using poppers, stop having sex with other men, and don’t shoot up. The beauty of that solution is that it doesn’t require billions and billions of dollars.” “[U]nbiblical behavioral patterns can in fact be responsible and people do in fact reap what they sow.”
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on the wall will be available for sale. Cash or checks only. Ten percent of net profits will be donated to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, The Abbey of St. Joan, who work to raise money for AIDS charities and compiled by Rick McKinnon fight for Queer rights and visibility. SGN Staff Writer There will be free food and drink generously provided by the HIV Vaccine Trials SEATTLE VOLLEYBALL CLUB On Saturday, January 21, from 10:45a.m.- Unit, where Nate also works, and there will The Winter 2012 League Season has be- 7 p.m., and Sunday, January 22, from 11 be beer and wine tasting with ID. gun. For more information, visit www.seat- a.m.-5:30 p.m., at Seattle Center’s Center tlevolleyballclub.com. PUBLIC MEETING House and Fisher Pavilion, Tet Festival ON 12TH AVE. TRAFFIC SAFETY celebrates the traditions of VietnameseBORN THIS WAY KAFE On Wednesday, January 25, at 6 p.m., at Americans by presenting and promoting the FOR URBAN QUEER TEENS arts, music, performances and foods that are the Capitol Hill branch library (425 Harvard AT CAL ANDERSON PARK unique to Vietnam. FREE. For more infor- Ave. E.), join the Capitol Hill Community On Fridays, 5-9 p.m., at Cal Anderson mation and complete schedule of events, Council for the second of three public meetShelterhouse (1635 11th Ave., one block visit www.tetinseattle.org. ings to identify how to make dangerous north of E. Pine St.), Seattle Parks & Recspots along 12th Ave. and 12th Ave. E. safer. reation hosts Born This Way Kafe, a welHelp make traveling on Capitol Hill safer IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE – coming place where LGBTQ youth, friends for all. “APHRODITE’S AUCTION and allies (ages 13-19) can gather, be them& CUPID’S DRAW” selves, and have fun. Meets every Friday. SEATTLE GAY & LESBIAN On Saturday, January 21, at 6 p.m., at For more information and to help make it Lobby Bar (916 E. Pike St.), join hosts BOOK CLUB – FINISTERE happen, contact Randy at Seattle Parks, 206- Mr. Gay Seattle, Alexander Mentele, and The Seattle Gay & Lesbian Book Club 883-6110 txt/phone, email randy.wiger@se- Miss Gay Seattle, DonnaTella Howe, for a meets every Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Seattle attle.gov or Google “SeattleParksCOD.” benefit raffle and auction for the Imperial Area Support Groups Community Center Court of Seattle and the J.C. & Lady Gray- (303 17th Ave. E. at E. Thomas St.). DIVERSE HARMONY – January’s selection is Fritz Peters’ piotop Memorial Scholarship, with a few drag “TRAVELIN’ THRU: performances to entertain you. The auction neering Gay novel of 1951, Finistere, a SONGS FROM THE ROAD” will feature two nights accommodations in classic from the era of Gore Vidal’s The City On Friday and Saturday, January 20 and a one-bedroom suite at The Westin Grand, and the Pillar. 21, at 7:30 p.m., at Seattle First Baptist Vancouver, BC, located in a prime downFebruary’s selection will be We the AniChurch (1111 Harvard Ave. at E. Union St.), town location at the crossroads of trendy mals by Justin Forres, about three brothers, Diverse Harmony, the nation’s first Gay- Yaletown and Robson St., close to the city’s one of whom is Gay. Composed of small Straight Alliance chorus presents “Travelin’ best dining, shopping, and entertainment. vignettes, this slender volume has received Thru: Songs from the Road.” The Westin Grand offers all-suite luxury in rave reviews, including praise from Doro“In this concert, we celebrate both the a boutique style. Other items for the auction thy Allison, Michael Cunningham, and physical and (frequently) emotional jour- and raffle include dining at Sip and the Grill Marilynne Robinson. neys that we experience throughout our on Broadway, fashion from Timoteo and All GLBTQ folks are welcome to particilives. Many of the songs are near and dear The Crypt, RuPaul’s Drag Race memora- pate in this FREE book club. For more into our youth’s hearts, because many of our bilia, Swiss Navy Lubricant, Aveda beauty formation, email nickdimartin@earthlink. performers ultimately have to leave the products, and Kendall Lauren Photogra- net, visit http://faculty.washington.edu/ chorus because of work, school, or age. In phy. With FREE gift bags provided by the switter/SGLBookClub/ or contact SASG at addition, many of us can understand how Aveda Alderwood Experience Center for 206-322-2437. our journeys can be both exciting and isolat- the first 100 guests. NO cover. After your fix ing. Please join us for a high-energy, upbeat of FABULOUS, guests are welcome to join NEW GROUP FORMING show that includes “Go the Distance,” “Sit- the Court of Seattle for the official dance AfFOR ALL SCHOOL EMPLOYEES tin’ on the Dock,” “Take the A-Train,” and ter Party hosted by R Place (619 E. Pine St.). TO DISCUSS “Midnight Train to Georgia.” We hope to A special reduced cover will be available in LGBTIQ DIVERSITY ISSUES see you there!” FOR ADULTS WORKING IN THE advance for guests. Tickets: $12-in advance, $15 at the door; K-12 SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT FREE for youth 22 years old or younger. On Thursday, January 26, from 4-6 p.m., QLAW FOUNDATION www.diverseharmony.org or www.brownat Roy Street Coffee (700 Broadway E.), PROJECT OUTREACH – papertickets.com/event/215928. a new social and discussion group for all “GLBT AND GROWING OLDER: school employees will begin meeting on a ISSUES IN THE GOLDEN YEARS” VELOCITY DANCE CENTER’S Growing older presents complicated le- monthly basis to share coffee, tea and re“THE BRIDGE PROJECT” & gal issues for almost everyone, but Lesbian, sources concerning LGBTQI diversity isSEATTLE DANCE PROJECT’S Gay, Bisexual and Transgender elders face sues related to adults working in the K-12 “PROJECT 5” even greater challenges. On Tuesday, Janu- school environment. You are invited to lend On January 20-22, at 8 p.m., at Veloc- ary 24, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Capitol your spirit and hand to this venture. RSVP ity Dance Center (1621 12th Ave.), “The Hill branch library (425 Harvard Ave. E.) not required. For more information, contact Bridge Project” features four new works by join QLaw Foundation Project OUTreach Doug at 206-329-5676 or Jill at jilldavidfour emerging artists. Tickets: $15-general, for a lively discussion of legal issues facing son53@gmail.com $12-student/senior. www.velocitydancecen- LGBT elders. The event is FREE and open Except for this first meeting in January, ter.org. the group will meet the third Thursday in to the public. On January 20-22, at 8 p.m., and January Lawyers will present important informa- February, March, no meeting in April, start22 matinee at 2 p.m., and on January 27-28 tion and will be available to answer ques- ing up again in May and June, with no meetat 8 p.m., and January 29 matinee at 2 p.m., tions. Topics include: the importance of ings over the summer. at ACT Theater (7th Ave. & Union St.), the legal documents such as wills, medical critically-acclaimed Seattle Dance Project directives, and powers of attorney; longMUSIC OF REMEMBRANCE’S launches their fifth season with “Project term care financing; domestic partnerships SPARKS OF GLORY SERIES – 5,” a collection of new works and return- and public benefits; discrimination against “BETWEEN TWO WORLDS” ing favorites – including Brahms Afoot, a LGBT elders. On Saturday, January 28, at 2 p.m., at new, multidisciplinary collaboration with This event is part of the Project OUTreach Good Shepherd Center (4649 Sunnyside The Inverse Opera, a group that explores the program of the QLaw Foundation and is Ave. N.), Music of Remembrance presents unique storytelling aspects of the classical- supported by a generous Pride Foundation a FREE concert showcasing the avant-garde ly-trained voice; and a world premiere by grant. A podcast of the event will be avail- art music of early-20th-century Russian choreographer and former Hubbard Street able at www.q-law.org/educationcommittee composer Joel Engel. Artistic Director Mina Dance Chicago member Jason Ohlberg – a along with podcasts of previous community Miller discusses how Engel’s Dybbuk Suite mixture of music, movement and spoken education panels on LGBT bullying and was influenced by folk legends and meloword, incorporating audio from dancer in- LGBT parenting. dies, transmitted across generations by Hasterviews into the score. To round out the sidic Jews from the Pale of Settlement. Plus: program, Seattle Dance Project brings back Shostakovich’s controversial song cycle NATE GOWDY’S a number of audience favorites from past “From Jewish Folk Poetry.” Guest vocalists: FIRST PHOTO SHOW seasons, including “Planes in the Air,” by On Wednesday, January 25, from 5:30- soprano Megan Chenovick, mezzo soprano Molissa Fenly, Edwaard Liang’s “To Con- 8:30 p.m., at Seattle Mobile Espresso Kathryn Weld, tenor Ross Hauck. verse Too,” and Kent Stowell’s “B6.” Tick- (13000 Linden Ave. N. #106), SGN staff ets: $25-general, $20-student/senior. www. photographer Nate Gowdy launches his first IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE seattledanceproject.org. COLLEGE OF MONARCHS – one-man show with an opening night party. “AN EVENING The evening will be hosted by The One and SEATTLE CENTER FESTAL – AT THE MOCAMBO” Only Mama Tits, Seattle’s Skyscraper Host“TET FESTIVAL: On Saturday, January 28, door at 6 p.m., ess, and will include a special performance VIETNAMESE LUNAR NEW YEAR” by Nate’s favorite drag king. Matted prints show at 7 p.m., at Neighbours Nightclub and a 120-page book as well as framed work (1509 Broadway Ave., entrance in alley),
NORTHWEST
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the Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and the Olympic and Rainier Empire College of Monarchs invites you to an evening of fine drag entertainment and special celebration hosted by Nina Maxwell and Aleksa Manila featuring the Emperors and Empresses of Seattle from 1972 to 2011 – including Queen Mother Scotty I and King Father John Frangelico, La Trina Bidet, Coco Vaughn, Larry Ryan, Candace Derriere, Eric Bonesteel, Bruce Butler and more! $7 suggest donation at the door. www.imperialcourtofseattle.com GAYSHA STARR’S 40TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT NEIGHBOURS NIGHTCLUB On Saturday, January 28, doors at 9 p.m., at Neighbours Nightclub (1509 Broadway, entrance in alley), you are cordially invited to cocktails to celebrate the 40th birthday of Robert Matencio a.k.a. Gaysha Starr. Must be 21+ with ID. www.gayshastarr.com. SNOHOMISH COUNTY SNO-GLOBE EQUALITY ALLIANCE 2012 WINTER FILM FESTIVAL On Sunday, January 29, from 1-6 p.m., at Everett PUD Theatre (2320 California St., Everett), the Snohomish County SnoGLOBE Equality Alliance (www.snoglobe. us) presents their inaugural program showcasing three films that draw attention to the lives and hearts of LGBT people and their stories young and old. You are cordially invited to join them for an afternoon of inspiring stories. The films: Inlaws & Outlaws – “It’s marriage from the inside and out.” 2011 Web Cam Confessions – a film short highlighting the voices of Snohomish County LGBTQ Youth. This 8 minute short highlights the voices of Snohomish County’s GLOBE (GLBT Loving Ourselves Becoming Empowered) youth on topics of identity, coming out, bullying, religion and what’s most important to them. Out in America – an uplifting collection of unique, transformative stories and inspiring personal narratives told through the lens of the country’s most prominent LGBT figures and pioneers, as well as many average, yet extraordinary, citizens from Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender communities. Tickets: $10. www.brownpapertickets. com/event/217007. 2012 GSBA & PRIDE FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS Deadline for application is January 31. For more information, visit www.pridefoundation.org/pride-foundation-scholarshipsapply-online-today1 SAFE SCHOOLS COALITION – LOCAL AND NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMS FOR LGBTQ STUDENTS www.safeschoolscoalition.org TACOMA LESBIAN CONCERN’S FORT FLAGLER RETREAT On February 17-20 (or 15-20) Tacoma Lesbian Concern hosts their annual retreat at Fort Flagler on Whidbey Island. According to their newsletter, the event is unique: each woman basically customizes the experience to suit her own interests and abilities. Some of the hardier, more able-bodied women spend a lot of time hiking the beach and exploring the outdoors. Others take full advantage of an opportunity to curl up with a good book and read to their hearts content. Some play cards, games and do jigsaw puzzles. Others spend much of their time talking and getting to know everyone better. TLC will be reserving two buildings to provide comfy accomodations for everyone to cook, eat, sleep and socialize. Costs will be shared by those who reserve – probably close to $25 per person plus pitching in some food. Some financial assistance is available. Day visitors are welcome. For complete information, visit www.tacomalesbiancon-
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January 20, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
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January 20, 2012
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10 Seattle Gay News
January 20, 2012
Celebrating 39 Years!
courtesy of the seattle city council
Seattle Gay News congratulates Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen and Sally Clark, who were just re-elected to four-year terms on the Seattle City Council.
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January 20, 2012
Seattle Gay News 11
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Celebrating 39 Years!
catholics continued from cover
others to back it up) states that over half of all American Catholics support same-sex marriage, even if the Church’s hierarchy does not. Catholic money supports anti-Gay legislation and campaigns. That is most of what some members of the LGBT community know about religion. And while that might not be an inaccurate statement, according to many national (and local) Gay Catholic groups, we might just be surprised how progressive the “Catholics in the pew” really are. “As an activist Gay Catholic, I was heartened by Gov. Chris Gregoire’s compassionate, principled, and rational support for marriage equality for Gay couples,” said Leo N. Egashira. “Some readers might find it surprising that many of this state’s progressive leaders are Catholic.” “But, it shouldn’t be surprising. For the vast majority of Catholics, the social justice teachings of the church trump the conservative and institutional inertia of the Vatican and its hierarchy,” he continued. “Indeed, 63% of Catholics in this country support marriage equality, a rate that is 10% higher than that of the general public [ABC News/ Washington Post poll, March 18, 2011]. Catholics will no more heed official Archdiocesan opposition to marriage equality than they do the church’s head-in-the-sand proscription against birth control.” “While putting the civil rights of a minority segment of the population to a vote is inherently flawed, were it to come to that, I can count on my fellow Catholics and other principled people of faith to vote overwhelmingly for justice and equality,” he said. CATHOLICS FOR EQUALITY Catholics for Equality, a national social justice campaign of Catholics putting their faith into ethical and effective political action on behalf of the LGBT community and their families, were quick to praise Gregoire for her endorsement of marriage equality. “Governor Gregoire’s support for marriage equality represents not only the will of the majority of Washingtonians, but the will of the majority of Catholics throughout the state and the country,” said Catholics for Equality Executive Director Phil Attey. “Governor Gregoire follows not only the recent examples of Catholic leaders like Governors [Andrew] Cuomo and [Martin] O’Malley, but the legacy of President John F. Kennedy in reaffirming that American Catholics can be trusted in our political system to be faithful Catholics, while being champions of the Constitution and legal equality for all citizens.” An independent poll by Strategies 360 shows that 54% of Washington voters support marriage equality. “Though this poll did not identify religious affiliation, in most recent national polls, a supermajority of American Catholics support civil marriage for Gay and Lesbian couples,” said Attey. BISHOPS, POPE PUSH AGAINST EQUAL RIGHTS At first, all looked good for the Catholics in Washington state. The Rainbow Sash Movement, an international Catholic organization of LGBT Catholics who don a rainbow colored sash, congratulated the Roman Catholic Bishops of Washington state for their silence on Gov. Gregoire’s support for marriage equality. “Unlike the bishops of New York and Illinois, the bishops of Washington state appear to be fatigued arguing against reason and common sense,” said Bill O’Connor, a spokesperson for the Rainbow Sash Movement. That was on a Thursday. By Sunday, the bishops did speak out and, as what has become expected behavior, came out against marriage equality.
“Legislation has been introduced in Washington state to change the current law defining marriage. The present law states: ‘marriage is a civil contract between a male and a female.’ … This same law also prohibits marriage to close-blood relations, a clear indication that the definition of marriage is related to bringing children into the world and the continuation of the human race. The legislation to redefine marriage, therefore, is not in the public interest,” said Washington State Catholic Conference officials. “Upholding the present definition of marriage does not depend on anyone’s religious beliefs. Washington state’s present law defining marriage as ‘a civil contract between a male and a female’ is grounded not in faith, but in reason and the experience of society. It recognizes the value of marriage as a bond of personal relationships, but also in terms of the unique and irreplaceable potential of a man and woman to conceive and nurture new life, thus contributing to the continuation of the human race. A change in legislation would mean that the state would no longer recognize the unique sacrifices and contributions made by these couples, thereby adding to the forces already undermining family life today.” The following day, Pope Benedict XVI addressed a gathering of international diplomats, telling them that marriage equality threatens “the future of humanity itself.” His comments were described by several media outlets as his strongest anti-LGBT comments to date. Pope Benedict was quoted, “This [the traditional family] is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself.” While the pope and Roman Catholic hierarchy have been consistent in their opposition to LGBT equality, they are not in line with everyday Catholics who live, work, and worship with LGBT people in their daily lives, maintain some LGBT Catholic organizations. “It’s important to remember that the institutional Catholic Church is not a democracy,” Phil Attey, executive director of Catholics for Equality, told Seattle Gay News. “Church policy is decided by our pope, not through a democratic process like many Protestant churches and Jewish synagogues. There is also no structure for the laity [Catholics in the pews] to dissent or influence church reform. So it’s easy to imagine a host of issues, from contraception to LGBT equality, where there evolves a wide divide between what’s being dictated by the Vatican and what’s being decided at Catholic dinner tables across the country.” So what about the money that pours in from the Catholic hierarchy to fight pro-LGBT causes? “Catholics donate to our local parishes out of a tradition of community solidarity and philanthropy, not because of any particular policy that comes out of the Vatican or a bishop’s office,” said Attey. “And few Catholics have a clear understanding of where our money goes, after it leaves our parishes. Most believe it goes to fund our many charitable efforts, but in fact, in most states the overwhelming majority of funding for Catholic charities comes from the government – not private or church funding. Worse, even if an individual parish wanted to stop their money from going toward their bishop’s anti-equality campaign, there’s no way of doing that short of closing down the parish.
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“If a parish fails to raise enough money through special collections to fund the bishop’s appeal, the bishop’s office takes it from the parish’s general operating fund,” he said. Marianne Duddy-Burke, executive director of DignityUSA – the nation’s oldest and largest organization of LGBT Catholics, families, friends, and supporters – agrees with Attey. “We make the important distinction between the Catholic hierarchy (the bishops, cardinals, and pope) and the Church, which is all of us people of God,” she said. “Like on so many other issues – divorce, birth control, whether women should be ordained – Catholics strongly disagree with Church officials on whether loving, committed same-sex couples should be able to be married. And the divide is growing all the time, as more and more LGBT Catholics come out to their families, friends, coworkers, and neighbors.” “A lot of the money being given to the bishops to support their anti-equality campaigns is coming from the Knights of Columbus. Most Catholics think of this group as a charitable organization, and the truth is they do a lot of good in local communities,” continued Duddy-Burke. “But at the national level, they are really a huge insurance company, and it appears they are using the proceeds from that business to fund national and state-level campaigns against us. They team up with NOM (the National Organization for Marriage) to fund television campaigns that are downright lies.”
“For the vast majority of Catholics, the social justice teachings of the church trump the conservative and institutional inertia of the Vatican and its hierarchy.”
LGBT CATHOLICS AND THEIR FAITH When pressed about the difficulty of being an LGBT Catholic, most Gay Catholics say they wouldn’t trade their faith for anything. “For many of us, being LGBT and Catholic bring together two very important aspects of our lives,” explained Duddy-Burke. “We treasure our faith, and the blessing of who we are. Yes, it can be hard to come out when you’ve heard all your life that your Church is against who you are. But more and more of us understand that the Church leadership is simply wrong on this issue, and that they represent just a small proportion of Catholics.” “The reality of our day-to-day lives is that most of our fellow Catholics – our families, friends, coworkers, the people we see in Church – know exactly who we are and love us,” she continued. “For 20 years, every poll taken on the issue shows that Catholics are more supportive of LGBT people than people from any other denomination. Our work is to make that reality better known, and to raise our voices so that the bishops aren’t the only ones heard.” But that’s not saying that it isn’t hard, says Attey. “It’s devastatingly difficult for LGBT Catholic children to grow up in a church whose hierarchy calls them ‘intrinsically disordered’ and tells them to lead a life of celibacy and second-class shame,” he said. “This not only emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually scars our children, but rips apart our families, who are struggling to protect and support their family members, but stay faithful to the church.” “Those who are able to keep strong their ties to our faith, are able to internalize that while their well-being and dignity may not be supported by our hierarchy, the people sitting next to them in the pews every Sunday love them and support them,” said Attey.
January 20, 2012
According to DignityUSA officials, American Catholics’ support of marriage equality should not come as a surprise. “The social justice teachings of our Church are very important to Catholics. They teach us that since every person is created and loved by God, we are all equal, and that we need to be part of removing the barriers to equality and fullness of life faced by so many people. In addition, almost every Catholic I’ve ever met knows and loves at least one person who is LGBT. That personal experience clearly makes people look at the official Church teachings and realize they are not based in truth. Finally, our rich sacramental tradition teaches us to recognize the holy wherever it exists. People see same-sex couples who have deep commitments to one another, and recognize that these relationships are just as sacred as any others. We know marriage when we see it!” Catholics for Equality officials agree, saying, “We believe in marriage equality mostly because we see happy and healthy Lesbian and Gay couples in our families, our parishes, and our communities, and we know love and commitment when we see it.” “We base our understanding of the world not from the heavy-handed dictates of our bishops, but by what we see and know to be true in our everyday lives,” said Catholics for Equality. “We follow in our community’s longstanding tradition and commitment to social justice. And because of that, we believe that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, should be given the same legal rights and responsibilities as every other citizen.” For Joe Murray, executive director of the Rainbow Sash Movement, marriage equality goes beyond just his religion; it’s personal. “I had a lover for 33 years,” Joe told Seattle Gay News, as he began to weep. “He passed away. He lost his battle against cancer last April. That’s why I believe in it.” The two men were never married, despite their committed loving relationship spanning three decades. He says that he’s seen a change in the way the “people in the pew” view the LGBT community and marriage equality. And he’s quick to point out that “Catholic legislators are leading the struggle.” “The people in the pew are rational and reasonable,” said Murray. “They’ve taken the journey like a lot of people have on this matter. They’ve gone from a place of misunderstanding to a place of understanding. This is due in part to the way members of the LGBT community have approached debating the subject of marriage equality. We’ve not allowed ourselves to be led into a place of name-calling. That touches people.” While the pope and bishops aren’t going to run through the halls of the Vatican and sing the praises of same-sex marriage anytime soon, some American Catholics are saying we’ve got their vote. “American Catholics are the most LGBT equality supportive faith community in the country,” concluded Attey. “We’re also the largest faith community in the country. We hope that when the history books are written on LGBT civil rights in America, our community will be judged, not by the antiequality stands of our hierarchy, but by the heroic stands for equality by great American Catholics like Governor Gregoire.”
Seattle Gay News 13
Saudi Arabia arrests Gay man for hooking up on Facebook by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Saudi Arabia’s religious police have arrested a Gay man for using Facebook to meet other men, activists in the kingdom say. The man – who was not identified by name – was arrested on December 23, but details of the case are only now being revealed by reporters for the Gay Middle East website. The 30-year-old man is reportedly being held in the Persian Gulf coast town of Dammam while awaiting prosecution. If convicted, he may be sentenced to a prison term, flogging, or even death. According to a Sabq blog post cited by Gay Middle East, an unnamed Saudi citizen turned the man in to religious police working for the Committee for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice. They then apprehended the man, who confessed that “the Facebook profile is his and that he had been using it for obscenity acts with other men.” According to Gay Middle East, this is first known case of entrapment of a Gay man via Facebook in Saudi Arabia. Despite an email and a phone call from Gay Middle East, Facebook would not comment on the incident. Saudi law does not recognize a right to privacy. The religious police encourage Saudis to inform on “deviants” and routinely entrap Gay men. Recently a British male nurse was entrapped by a fake text message sent by the religious police. He was beaten and imprisoned for six months, Gay Middle
East said. Entrapment by the religious police does not necessarily lead to prosecution, but often results in life-long financial or sexual blackmail, Gay Middle East editor Sami Hamwi said. “Sexual blackmail and abuse by the Religious Police is unfortunately quite common,” Hamwi said. “When I lived in Medina [Saudi Arabia], a neighbor who was a member of the religious police raped my neighbor’s son, a 12-year-old boy, at that time. The same man entrapped and arrested a Pakistani national for homosexuality; the guy was whipped 80 times and before being deported. Such a sentence is often applied when sexual intercourse cannot be proven.” Hamwi noted that the man was being held in Dammam, a predominately Shiite area of Saudi Arabia. “Native born Saudi citizens who are Sunni or from the Bedouin tribes in the country are often let off, while punishments are severely executed against minorities like Shiites and/ or newly naturalized citizens,” Hamwi said. “Punishments regarding homosexuality are also held against expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, especially those coming from Asian, African, and Arab countries. Dammam is a largely Shiite area and if the 30-year-old aforementioned man is a Shiite, he is likely to be [tried] and sentenced harshly.” The report of the man’s arrest coincided with an official visit by British Prime Minister David Cameron to Saudi Arabia. The British Foreign Ministry is “aware of the
reports and seeking further information,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said. “The U.K. opposes all discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) people in all circumstances. We are committed to combating violence and discrimination against LGBT people as an integral part of our international human rights work. We believe that human rights are universal and that LGBT people should be free to enjoy the rights and freedoms to which people of all nations are entitled.” British human rights activist Peter Tatchell urged the British government to intervene in the case. “I urge Foreign Secretary William Hague, and E.U. Foreign Minister Catherine Ashton, to make representations to the Saudi government to secure the release of this man,” Tatchell said in a statement. “His detention violates all the norms of international human rights law. In the longer
term, Britain and the U.S. must stop colluding with the Saudi royal dictatorship. Sanctions should be imposed against the regime until it ensures democracy and human rights for all its citizens.” Amnesty International has also become involved in the case. “If the man reported in the Sabq story has been arrested and charged with homosexuality, Amnesty International would consider him to be a prisoner of conscience and call for his immediate and unconditional release,” an Amnesty International spokesperson said. “Amnesty International considers the use of ‘sodomy’ laws to imprison (usually) men for same-sex relations in private to be a grave violation of human rights, including the rights to privacy, to freedom from discrimination, to freedom of expression and association, which are protected in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.”
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Celebrating 39 Years!
Cuba will consider same- GLBT and Growing sex civil unions this year Older: Legal Issues in courtesy the inquisitr
Mariela Castro
by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer Mariela Castro, niece of revolutionary leader Fidel Castro and daughter of Cuban president Raul Castro, says that Cuba will consider legalizing same-sex civil unions later this year. She made the remarks to Cuba Si website, an official government news source, on January 17. A preliminary proposal to modify the country’s Family Code is undergoing legal study and is on the legislative schedule for 2012, Mariela said. “According to the justice minister [Maria Esther Reus] … it is going to be discussed in the assembly, and is on the agenda for 2012,” she said. She added that she is hopeful the Communist Party will adopt a policy that bars discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity at its January 28 national conference. According to AFP news service, Cuba will consider civil unions but not full marriage equality. In August last year, a Gay man married a Trans woman in a public ceremony in Ha-
the Golden Years
by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The GLBT Bar Association Foundation of Washington (QLaw Foundation) is scheduled to present a community education event focusing on legal issues facing elder members of Washington’s LGBT community. This presentation is the third in a series of community education panels presented as part of Project OUTreach, an effort by the QLaw Foundation to provide legal information to community members throughout Washington state, according to officials. The event, titled “GLBT and Growing Older: Legal Issues in the Golden Years,” will take place January 24, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Capitol Hill branch of the Seattle Public Library (425 Harvard Ave. E.). The event is free and open to the public. According to organizers, the event will include presentations by a panel of preeminent attorneys, including Judi O’Kelley of Lambda Legal, Lisa Brodoff of Seattle University School of Law, and Amy Freeman of Columbia Legal Services. June Krumpotick of Legal Voice will moderate the discussion. “Panelists will discuss a wide range of legal issues that GLBT elders face, including long-term care financing, planning for incapacity and death, and unique concerns that
impact GLBT people as they age,” QLaw officials told Seattle Gay News. A podcast of the event will be available at www.q-law.org/educationcommittee, along with podcasts of the QLaw Foundation’s previous community education panels on bullying in public schools and LGBT parenting issues. Support for Project OUTreach is provided by a generous grant from the Pride Foundation. The GLBT Bar Association of Washington Foundation exists to bridge the divide between the LGBT community and legal professionals. Through its programs, the foundation seeks to educate the public and the courts about LGBT legal issues and empower community members through informed access to the legal and judicial systems. In addition to Project OUTreach, the foundation’s programs include a summer grant program that offers summer internship grants to law students to work on projects that benefit the LGBT community and/or people living with HIV/AIDS. The foundation also offers, in conjunction with the King County Bar Association, a monthly legal clinic that provides free legal advice on LGBT issues. For more information, visit www.q-law.org/foundation.
vana. That ceremony was conducted with official blessings because the bride is legally a woman. Mariela heads the National Center for Sex Education (Cenesex), and is an outspoken LGBT rights advocate. She began introducing pro-Gay reforms to Cuba’s Communist Party in 2005. Her center has also mounted public campaigns to educate people about Transgender issues. In September 2010, her uncle Fidel publicly apologized for firing Gays, imprisoning them, and shipping them off to work camps in the countryside in the ‘60s and early ‘70s. In a 1965 interview, Fidel Castro called same-sex attraction a “deviation” that “clashes with the concept we have of what a militant Communist must be.” During what Cubans call “the five gray years” – 1971 to 1976 – many Gay writers and artists were driven into exile abroad. By 2003, Fidel had changed his mind. “I’d like to think that discrimination against homosexuals is a problem that is being overcome,” he said in a 2003 interview. “Old prejudices and narrow-mindedness will increasingly be things of the past.”
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Ending the epidemic: Why is 2012 so important? by Paul Kawata Special to the SGN For many years I’ve enjoyed sharing my thoughts with the National Minority AIDS Council’s (NMAC) constituents and friends through my periodic “musings.” In 2012, my writings – “Ending the Epidemic” – will reflect NMAC’s efforts to realize its new mission and discuss the various changes brought about by the watershed moment in which our movement finds itself. Through these new messages, I will seek to share with all of you, more than just my general thoughts on the status of our movement, but concrete suggestions and analysis that, in my opinion, will position us to better achieve the goal of ending the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This is going to be a big year and we are going to need everyone in top form, if we are going to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. You have no idea how much I like saying “we’re going to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic!” It’s a dream come true. I am so ready to make this vision a reality. I know it will take years, but every big transformation has to start somewhere. This is our watershed moment and I hope we’re up to the task. The importance of this year’s election
cannot be overstated. The last two years have been marred by partisan gridlock and rancor. Elections have consequences, and now is the time for our constituents’ voices to be heard. For our community, this election is important for another reason. The populations who are most likely to be disenfranchised – minorities and the poor – are also the same populations that are most severely impacted by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. We work every day to give voice to these communities and ensure that their needs are met. This election is their chance to speak up for themselves: at the ballot box. We should do everything we can to help them do so. Voting is fundamental to our democracy; however, too often CBOs don’t want to get involved. They’re concerned about their 501(c)3 status. While their trepidation is understandable, their participation is critical. As nonprofits, we must all be careful to remain nonpartisan, but we can and should, encourage voting, whether through registering new voters and/or organizing transportation to the polls.
group, coalition meeting, our movement needs to register voters. In most states it’s a simple process. To figure out how, go to http://register-vote.com. Not only is voter registration important for our democracy, but organizations that Nonpartisan register thousands of voters become imporVoter Registration At every fundraiser, health fair, support tant to mayors, city councils, governors, and federal legislators. Not only are you doing your part for democracy, but you’re also building “political capital.” You never know when this will come in handy, especially as we need additional funds to end the HIV/ AIDS epidemic.
folks to their medical appointments. Constituents, donors, and clients need to understand that voting is similarly important and your agency can help arrange transportation to get to the polls. Please note: You cannot use government money to organize transportation to the polls. This is why it is vital that organizations establish diverse funding streams to sustain their mission and work. Organizations that have a mix of government and private support are more likely to succeed than organizations dependent on government money alone. Organizing transportation is a great way to create “new private donors” for Why This Election your agency. Private donors understand the Is Important value of voting. I’m available to help stratConstituents, donors, and clients need to egize if you’d like: pkawata@nmac.org. know why it’s important to vote. You can’t tell them who to vote for, but you can cerContinue to Support the tainly educate them about our issues. You Patient Protection and can also share with candidates why health Affordable Care Act (ACA) care reform is important. Talk about our While this year’s election is important, shared vision to end the HIV/AIDS epidem- it’s also critical that we keep our eye on the ic. ball in terms of health care reform. We must NMAC is here for support as you put to- continue to support the ACA in Congress gether briefs for candidates on the issues that and oppose any efforts to undermine its full impact your community. We have already implementation. This being an election year, planned a series of issue papers that you can it’s possible that the ACA will become an modify to meet your needs. Contact Kali even more tempting target for those looking Lindsey (klindsey@nmac.org), NMAC’s to score political points. We must work to director of legislative and public affairs, or ensure that the health of millions of AmeriDaniel Montoya (dmontoya@nmac.org), cans, including the 1.1 million individuals NMAC’s deputy executive director if you living with HIV or AIDS, are not held hosneed assistance as you develop your orga- tage by political gamesmanship. nization’s strategy or simply want to know how you can make a difference. This is a big year. We have to a lot of work to do to get ourselves positioned to end the Organize Transportation HIV/AIDS epidemic in 2012. No one said We all know that access to a doctor is ending the AIDS epidemic would be easy. meaningless unless you have transportation It’s a struggle that will test our character and to get to the appointment. As a result, our commitment. But I have no doubt our movecommunity has developed systems to get ment is up to the challenge.
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the people in my district. When confronted with issues of conscience such as this, I am continued from cover unable to compromise on what I truly believe is the right thing to do in my heart and in my mind. Brown went on to claim credit for over- “It might be politically easier for me to turning the former Democratic majority in vote no on this issue and not be subjected New Hampshire’s legislature and defeating to the many undesirable comments I have/ marriage equality in a Maine referendum. will receive. But I signed up for this job, am “In New Hampshire NOM worked with truly honored to serve, and hope my constitgrassroots organizations to flip the state uents agree that I must be true to my conviclegislature there after liberal Democrats le- tions.” galized same-sex marriage in 2009. NOM played in 119 House races and won all of An equal protection issue them. As a result, the New Hampshire leg- Rep. Glenn Anderson, a Republican from islature is now poised to restore the rightful Fall City, announced his support for mardefinition of marriage in the coming weeks,” riage equality the next day. Brown claimed. In a lengthy and closely argued statement “Our work in Minnesota and Maine also released on January 18, Anderson says he helped deliver a pro-marriage majority to has concluded that Gay and Lesbian couples both states. Minnesota will vote on a pro- have a 14th Amendment right to civil marmarriage amendment in 2012 thanks to a riage. bipartisan majority of legislators in both “If there was ever an issue that deserved houses.” more than advocacy sound-bites by either NOM also threatened to work for an anti- side in our civic debate, this is that issue,” equality referendum if Washington’s legis- Anderson says in his statement. “It is relilature does pass the marriage equality bill. gion, sex, and politics all wrapped into one “NOM will also work to make sure that, issue.” if the State Legislature legalizes same-sex Anderson says his research on the issue marriage, the people of Washington have led him to three conclusions: the right to vote on it and repeal the work of “First,” he says, “the compelling primary the legislature,” their statement added. purpose of civil marriage remains to provide a neutral and secular foundation for so“I am unable to compromise…” cial order and an orderly transfer of property Republican Rep. Maureen Walsh of Walla rights for the collective good, regardless of Walla announced her support for marriage individual differences. equality on January 17 in a letter to Seattle “Second, the distinction between civil and activist Janice Van Cleve. Van Cleve decid- religious marriage is a long-settled question ed to share the letter with SGN “because she between religious organizations and civil felt that some expressions by political lead- government in Western culture. ers rise above personal communication by “And third, there is sufficient physiologivirtue of their eloquence, depth of feeling, cal research and consistent historical record and universal application. Maureen’s letter to suggest that homosexuality is a normal, rises to that level.” if much less frequent, genetic expression of In the letter, Walsh acknowledged that the human biology.” issue of marriage equality is “contentious,” Based on these Conclusions, Anderson and added, “Many of my constituents will says, he believes that just as discriminanot approve of my stance on this legislation tion based on race is unacceptable under the and I respect their right to disagree with me constitution, discrimination based on sexual on this.” orientation must also be unacceptable. Walsh also voted in favor of the Domes- “This is certainly a big change in our cultic Partnership Expansion Bill in 2009 – the tural expectations and it will take time to measure that was challenged by the right fully sort it all out,” Anderson admits. and ultimately approved by voters as Ref- “It took almost 100 years from the ratifierendum 71. cation the 14th Amendment after the AmeriHer vote then earned her a formal censure can Civil War until the enactment of the by the Franklin County Republican organi- Civil Rights Act of the 1960s. Hopefully, we zation and a primary challenger in 2010, but have learned much from that experience and she beat her primary opponent in a landslide, it won’t take so long on this issue.” with more than 77% of the vote. In her letter to Van Cleve, Walsh says that, as a Roman Catholic, she was concerned that churches not be forced to perform mar- continued from cover riages against their religious teachings, but added she was satisfied with the bill’s reliriage for Lesbian and Gay couples in 2012 gious exemption. “Some may question if I am truly a Re- – said the introduction of the bill was “the next step towards making the promise of publican,” Walsh concludes. “I would submit that a core tenet of the equality a reality in Washington state.” “The introduction of this bill not only Republican Party is individual freedom. As a legislator, my vote on the vast majority of recognizes the value that Lesbian and Gay bills is cast on what is in the best interest of families in Washington make to our united
GOP
marriage
community, but also upholds the longstanding tradition of the separation of church and state in this country,” Silk said. “Marriage is about dignity, commitment, love, and respect – it is the ultimate expression of a profamily society. The foundation of marriage helps us build stable families, and now is the time to recognize the importance of treating all families in Washington state equally.” While Seattle Gay News won’t declare victory in Olympia just yet, one can’t help but get excited about the positive turn of events. As it stands, the state House is widely expected to have enough support to pass marriage equality, and Gov. Chris Gregoire publicly endorsed the proposal earlier this month. And so it goes, LGBT citizens in Washington state need only lobby for one more vote in the Senate and marriage equality will be close enough to reach out and touch. “There’s tremendous energy in Olympia right now surrounding marriage equality,” Silk told Seattle Gay News. “Our coalition is hard at work lobbying lawmakers who have yet to pledge their support for the bill.” Silk said that a big boost to the campaign was the recent support the marriage equality bill received from the King County Council. “What we are finding is that, for many politicians, the issue of marriage equality has risen above traditional politics,” he said, adding, “this is about values and doing what is right.” It would seem that, with each passing day, more and more citizens, corporations, and clergy are beginning to “get it.” Marriage equality is on its way to Washington state. Even Microsoft jumped on the bandwagon. This week, the technology giant made public its support of the legislation, signing on to a letter to legislative leaders with other prominent Northwest companies. Vulcan, NIKE, RealNetworks, Group Health Cooperative, and Concur were among the firms that signed the letter. Microsoft’s general council, Brad Smith, said, “As other states recognize marriage equality, Washington’s employers are at a disadvantage if we cannot offer a similar, inclusive environment to our talented employees, our top recruits, and their families. Employers in the technology sector face an unprecedented national and global competition for top talent. Despite progress made in recent years with domestic partnership rights, same-sex couples in Washington still hold a different status from their neighbors. Marriage equality in Washington would put employers here on an equal footing with employers in the six other states that already recognize the committed relationships of same-sex couples – Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. This in turn will help us continue to compete for talent.” “Marriage equality would put Washington businesses in the strongest, most competitive position to attract, recruit, and retain the best and brightest employees – and to keep high-caliber talent in the state,” said
Silk. “With hearings on the bills [Senate and House] scheduled for this coming Monday, the momentum continues to grow in support of bestowing equal dignity and respect on all Washington families.” Silk, who grew up in a rural Wisconsin farming village, says that while Washington United for Marriage is thankful for the endorsements, he is not surprised by the shift in opinion surrounding marriage equality. He calls the fight for LGBT Americans to secure marriage equality – state by state and on a federal level – the “next evolution of civil rights in the U.S.” “This is a historic moment for Washington state,” he said. “It is our intention to win in Olympia and at the ballot box.” Part of Murray and Washington United for Marriage’s success in rounding up support for the bill has been centered on time. It’s a short legislative session (just 60 days) so, according to Silk, “We’ve not spent a lot of time lobbying the senators whom we’ve identified as absolute ‘no’ votes.” “We’ve had talks with lawmakers who are either undecided or who we think are moveable,” he said. “Many of these lawmakers have strong supporters of marriage equality living in their districts.” With just one more vote left to get, Silk and his team say they are engaged in talks with Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D-Camano Island), Sen. Brian Hatfield (D-Raymond), Sen. Andy Hill (R-Redmond), and Sen. Joe Fain (R-Auburn). With momentum building, Silk says that Washington United for Marriage has shifted its focus to Lobby Day in Olympia on February 16. “Our entire coalition is working on this,” he said. “We want to make this a monumental event with a crowd that measures in the thousands.” Silk said Lobby Day 2012 will consist of a full day of events. “This is the moment,” he said. “We’ve got to have a strong showing on the steps of the State Capitol that day. It’s so important.” Silk says that, beyond the goal of a large and energized crowd, they need individuals from legislative districts whose elected officials have not yet signed on to support the marriage equality bill, to show up and speak directly to their senator on Lobby Day. It is no secret that once the marriage equality bill passes the House and Senate, Gov. Gregoire will sign it into law. It is also no secret that a referendum campaign will begin, where marriage equality detractors will put the matter up to public vote in November. Silk says that Washington United for Marriage is ready for that fight. Already, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) has pledged it will send $250,000 to help defeat any Republican lawmakers who vote in favor of the bill. The group also said it will work to ensure Washington residents have a chance to vote on the same-sex marriage legislation in Nosee marriage page 18
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marriage
continued from page 17
vember. NOM and other out-of-state groups are a fact of life that Washington United for Marriage will have to live with, and they will need to raise a considerable amount of money to wage a successful campaign to ensure victory at the ballot box. “We will need to raise a substantial amount of money,” Silk told SGN. “We can never underestimate the depth of the purse that our opponents have. They’ve proven they have the ability to raise money swiftly and spend greatly.” Silk says that while we don’t need to exceed their totals, we will need to match it. Make no mistake, this will be a campaign that will cost millions of dollars. In the short term, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; we still need one more vote.
neighbours continued from cover
alley entrance to the nightclub. According to the two and a half page police report, three men got into a scuffle with two of the club’s security guards after exchanging words in the alley. Footage captured by surveillance cameras showed the men shoving each other. What started as a shoving match evolved into one of the off-duty officers being tackled by a security guard, who then pulled the officer’s head back by placing a hand around his throat. When police arrived, the three men involved in the fight identified themselves as off-duty Seattle police officers. The guard who tackled the off-duty officer told police he had charged at the man because he “shouldn’t have acted like that if they were police officers.” He added one of the men had told him,
“You don’t know anything about the law, Mexican,” the report says. All three officers had been drinking, investigators said, and two of them – including the man who was tackled – were “visibly drunk.” No one was seriously injured in the incident. That is the synopsis of what the mainstream media has reported on. I decided to speak with Neighbours Seattle staff, including the men involved in the scuffle, and if what I was told is even anywhere near true, these three off-duty officers were acting like world class jackasses from the moment they came in contact with Neighbours employees. According to Neighbours Seattle general manager, Steve Tracy, Neighbours Seattle has “a great relationship with the East Precinct.” Tracy maintains that the club’s management and staff – including security – has absolutely no beef with SPD, even after the incident. Why would they? They exist together. Whenever there is a problem at Neighbours Seattle, the club relies on a swift police response. Likewise, Neighbours security guards – who are often responsible for keeping more than 500 dancers safe – respect the police officers who come to the aid of the nightclub staff when needed. But what is at issue here is not uniformed police officers on duty. We are talking about three drunk men – two of whom were visibly intoxicated. The police report taken at the scene says that Neighbours staff and the men first came into contact in the alley, when the truth is some of the men had been inside the building earlier that evening, and their behavior was much the same. According to witnesses in attendance at the nightclub’s Noche Latino, a weekly Latin dance night at the club, a bartender had had a run-in with one or more of the men earlier in the night. People who I spoke to at the club said the men were acting cocky and flashing their police credentials while saying that they did not like the way they were being treated. At one point, they tossed a penny into the Latino bartender’s tip jar. Hours later, the hotdog vendor at the Shell station on the corner of Broadway and Pike came walking (swiftly, almost running) up
the alley to speak with one of the Neighbours security guards stationed at the door. The vendor had apparently been in an argument with the off-duty officers, who followed him up the alley. On the security video, the vendor (also Latino) can be seen getting into a shoving match with the off-duty officers. That’s when the Neighbours security guard called for backup and stepped in to break up the fight. In the police report, the vendor says he was only walking up to the door to greet the security guard. After watching the surveillance footage, I can say this is completely untrue. The off-duty officers were already following the vendor when he appeared on camera, and within seconds of his walking over to the Neighbours’ entrance, the vendor and the officers got into an argument and eventual shoving match. The second security guard who arrived at the scene (also Latino) is whom the intoxicated off-duty officers zeroed in on. The first guard, who asked not to be named and will be referred to as Security 1, began to ask the men to leave. According to Security 1, they began to tell him and Security 2 – another Latino security guard who’d arrived to help – that the alley was not private property and refused to leave. Why would they refuse to leave? Because according to Neighbours security personnel, as well as the club’s general manager and responding officers to the situation, they were heavily intoxicated. And according to Security 1 and 2, “they had a problem with brown people.” While all of this is alleged, I do have to point out that throughout the night – from the Neighbours bartender to the security guards and hotdog vendor – everyone the officers scuffled or argued with was Latino. What happened next is just bad news for SPD, a department which has come under fire again and again for officers – both onand off-duty – acting out with racial slurs. According to Security 2, who called the SPD Office of Professional Accountability (the situation is being investigated through Internal Affairs) because he felt the truth isn’t being told, the officers’ aggression had strong racial motivations. “They kept saying racist things to us. They called [Security 1] ‘Mexican,’ kept referring to me as a ‘little boy,’ and it got even worse,” said Security 2, who would not give his name as he does not have the authority to speak on behalf of the nightclub. “They even told [Security 1] to ‘go back to your country, this is my country.’” The initial scuffle between Security 1 and two of the officers, who – according to the police report – continued to keep their hands in their pockets because they knew surveillance cameras were on, began when, Security 1 claims, the men would not leave and after a few shoves it got a little out of control. Again, in the video, you see one of the offduty police officers – the most aggressive of
the group – try to go at a customer who was outside witnessing the incident. You clearly see the customer put his hands in the air as if to say, “I don’t want any trouble” and Security 1 gets in between the two of them. At one point, one of the intoxicated officers makes a dash for the door, trying to get inside the club. That is when Security 1 takes him down. My question to SPD is this: Does identifying yourself as an officer – even when you are off-duty and drunk – allow you to charge at a nightclub door after you’ve been asked to leave? Does being an officer enable you to tell people to “go back to their country”? Why didn’t they leave the alley in the first place? Why did three off-duty police officers need to go inside a Gay nightclub on the Hill when they were too drunk and had been asked to leave? The SPD officers are currently claiming they were assaulted and did nothing wrong. The officers are saying they did not say anything racist and that they identified themselves as officers from the start, even though Neighbours security personnel and the general manager say they did not identify themselves until after the pushing and shoving began. SPD spokesman Sgt. Sean Whitcomb assured SGN that the police are investigating this incident, which caught the attention of Police Chief John Diaz. “The fact that I hold my officers to the highest standard is no secret. Our community deserves and expects nothing less,” said Chief Diaz in a statement about the incident. “Right now this case is in the hands of the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA). It was referred there by department commanders per department policy. The investigation will receive priority and will continue with necessary speed and due diligence. “The OPA is working hard to determine the facts,” he continued. “I have complete confidence in the OPA’s ability to investigate this incident in a way that is thorough and fair. I will not judge this incident until the investigation is complete and the facts are in. Due process is a necessary component to the integrity of our police accountability system.” “If the investigation bears out that my officers acted inappropriately, know that they will be held accountable. As chief of police, that is my responsibility.” SPD’s officials are asking anyone with information pertinent to the investigation to contact OPA by phone at (206) 684-8797 or by email at opa@seattle.gov. The security personnel at Gay nightclubs and bars on the Hill deserve the respect of the community for keeping us safe, telling us when we’ve had enough and it’s time to go home, and I think we can all agree that, despite them being paid to put up with everyone’s bullshit, the last thing they should have to worry about are aggressive off-duty police officers – drunks, at that.
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