Calif. Gov. Candidate Backsteps on Gays
The Los Angeles Times reports that, "Under pressure from conservative supporters, Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Simon Jr. ... disavowed his campaign's response to a gay rights questionnaire, saying someone signed his name on it without his approval."
The Log Cabin Republicans of California questionnaire included pledges to sign a Gay Pride Day proclamation and to support job benefits for partners of gay state employees.
Simon's campaign had arranged for him to be the guest of honor at a reception for the gay-inclusive Republican Unity Coalition. Guests were to pay $500 for photos with the candidate and Mary Cheney, the lesbian daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney. But after Simon disavowed the Log Cabin questionnaire, Mary Cheney and the coalition's other four board members revoked Simon's invitation, the Times reported.
Philly Fights Ruling
The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that the city's administration plans to appeal a Commonwealth Court decision that struck down a tax break and city health benefits for same-sex partners.
In addition, "we are also seeking a stay of the opinion so those employees currently receiving benefits will continue to receive benefits until this issue is resolved," a spokesman said.
The Commonwealth Court threw out two of the city's three laws granting benefits to same-sex partners, saying that the city was trying to redefine marriage and that only the state could do that.
Ohio Offers Limited Parental Rights
The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that gay couples who want to share parental rights can petition the courts for joint custody, but only one of them can be considered a parent, the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled.
The court said Shelly M. Zachritz does not fit the definition of a parent because she is not the biological or adoptive parent of her partner Teri J. Bonfield's five children. Justices said Zachritz is eligible for joint custody because the law recognizes "an adult's commitment to a child, and that adult's right and responsibility to continue that commitment."