The fact that most churches do not recognize same sex 'marriages' has been wood for the fire against government recognition. But the trend is slowly changing. In Glenn Dale, Md., an Episcopal bishop performed the ceremony for two gay men—a union that was recognized by the church, reports the Baltimore Sun. The Right Rev. John Bryson Chane, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, performed the service uniting the Rev. Michael Warren Hopkins and John Clinton Bradley.
In New York, a judge cleared New Paltz Mayor Jason West of criminal charges stemming from the marriages he performed, reports the Daily Freeman. Justice Jonathan D. Katz wrote in his five-page ruling that there is no 'legitimate state interest in refusing marriage to same-sex partners.' New York Attorney General Eliot Spitz said, in response to a letter from Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, that New York law said nothing that would prohibit recognition of gay marriage performed in other states.
Meanwhile, President Bush has asked for the Vatican's help to urge Catholic bishops in the United States to take a stand, reports The New York Times. According to the National Catholic Reporter, Bush emphasized in his meeting with the Vatican secretary of state that not all American bishops are on the same page as Bush when it comes to 'cultural' issues. Bush reportedly pledged aggressive efforts 'on the cultural front' and against gay marriage. The Vatican refused to comment on the meeting.
In California, a Republican judge is set to hear five consolidated civil cases stemming from San Francisco's gay marriages earlier this year, reports the San Jose Mercury News. Judge Richard Kramer, with seven years on the bench, was assigned to the cases Friday.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg vetoed a bill that would have done in New York what legislators in San Francisco did many years ago, reports GFN. The bill, passed the City Council by a vote of 43-5. Bloomberg waited almost the full 30 days after the bill was introduced before he vetoed it, saying the city should not use its purchasing power to pursue social change. The bill would require companies receiving more than $100,000 in business with the city to provide domestic-partner benefits to its employees. The City Council may override the mayor's veto.
As former President Ronald Reagan's body was flown across country for tribute, some factions were openly criticizing the president for his stance on civil rights, AIDS, and labor, reports AFP. George Wilson, the host of a daily radio talk show for Black listeners, called Reagan 'divisive' and said 95 percent of his calls were from people who did not appreciate Reagan. Ralph Neas, president of the liberal People for the American Way, said people are being more open now about criticizing Reagan for having an 'absolutely abysmal record in terms of civil rights.'
The Gender Public Advocacy Coalition praised the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals June 1 for its historic ruling that Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act protects transgender employees. The case, Smith v. City of Salem, Ohio , et al, is the first federal ruling to declare that Title VII—which bans discrimination 'because of sex'—includes gender identity and expression. The court decision covers the states of Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Holocaust Museum Houston added a new exhibit last week to describe the terrors gay victims endured during Hitler's regime, reports the Houston Voice. The new exhibit features stories from victims who suffered at the hands of article 175—the anti-homosexual law that existed before Hitler and was strengthened during his reign.
The Hawaiian chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans, a group of gays and lesbians who believe in Republican ideals, broke away from the national organization because of the national stance on gay marriage, reports The Advocate. Jeffrey Bingham Mead, who co-founded the organization five years ago, said he believes in the President's view on marriage—that it is between one man and one woman. Mead said he was annoyed when the national Log Cabin Republican organization asked local chapters to help overturn anti-gay defense of marriage acts.
Lawrence Wheat, a member of the Dallas Plan Commission, was savagely beaten and died as a result, reports the Dallas Voice. Detectives are reviewing a similar homicide three months ago to determine if the same killer could be involved. There was no sign of forced entry, authorities said. Interior designer James Stephen Watts was beaten to death March 13, the paper said.
Soul Force, the interfaith organization, plans to protest at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting this week in Indianapolis, according to an organization statement. The group plans to target youth at the convention by distributing a brochure by and for gay youth.
Police in Missoula, Montana, were called out four times last week over arguments between supporters and detractors of a proposed constitutional ban on gay marriage, reports the Billings Gazette. Supporters of a ban waited outside primary polling places trying to get signatures for a petition that would place the initiative on the November ballot. Gay activists protested the petition drive asking voters to be sure they knew what they were signing. Both sides denied calling the police
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