Czech gay group shuts down after passage of civil-union law
The gay group that worked 17 years to pass a civil-union law in the Czech Republic has closed up shop, saying its work is done.
Gay Initiative chairman Jirí Hromada told The Prague Post, 'I don't want to say that everything has been accomplished, but our priorities have been achieved.'
More than 200 same-sex couples have taken advantage of the civil-union law since it came into force last July. The statute, which became law after the Chamber of Deputies overrode President Vaclav Klaus's veto, grants many of the rights and obligations of marriage but withholds equality in the areas of adoption, pensions, taxation and joint ownership of property.
Other activist groups, including the Gay and Lesbian League, will pick up the slack resulting from Gay Initiative's dissolution.
'The reality is that the [ partnership ] law is not ideal,' the league's Martin Strachon told the Post.
He said the group will seek parity with heterosexuals in the areas of adoption, property rights, income tax and fast-track immigration.
Gays protest at Vatican
About 150 gays and lesbians picketed the Vatican Jan. 13, protesting against Pope Benedict XVI's outspoken opposition to civil-union and same-sex-marriage laws.
The protest marked the day nine years ago when a gay man, Alfredo Ormando, set himself alight in St. Peter's Square to protest Roman Catholic homophobia. Ormando died 10 days later from his injuries.
The Vatican has expressed hostility to the Italian government's promise to introduce a civil-union bill into Parliament by the end of January.
The measure is expected to cover areas such as health insurance, health care decisions, hospital and prison visitation, inheritance, immigration, transfer of leases, and alimony.
Prime Minister Romano Prodi told local media that such a law would be a 'fundamental step forward.'
South African same-sex weddings face delays
South Africa became the sixth nation to legalize same-sex marriage on Dec. 1, but many gay couples have been unable to tie the knot because a government agency is moving too slowly in certifying celebrants.
Reports said some marriage officers have heard nothing back from the Department of Home Affairs six weeks after submitting their applications to take the exam they must pass before marrying same-sex-couples.
Buenos Aires mayor confirms he's straight
Buenos Aires' metrosexual mayor, Jorge Telerman, has again assured the city he's not gay. 'I laugh at the comments about my being gay,' he said Jan. 15 in an interview with La Nación. 'I feel that homophobia is aberrant, but, even so, for those thinking about a dirty campaign [ against me ] , I'm sorry to say that I'm not homosexual.'
But, he added, 'every time I hear about antigay discrimination, I have the urge to say that I'm homosexual.'
In an earlier interview, Telerman labeled himself 'afrancesado,' which translates as Frenchified or foofy.
' [ The word 'afrancesado' ] just came out of me,' he told La Nación. 'And I never thought it would have the repercussions that it did. But it doesn't bother me. Even when my friends ask me if I'm gay, I laugh.'
European transgender coalition registered
TransGender Europe, a new coalition of 66 transgender and transsexual organizations in 21 nations, was officially registered by Austrian authorities this month.
'This is a major milestone towards the recognition of the rights of transgender people,' said Chairperson Justus Eisfeld. 'Now TransGender Europe can apply for funding and make our voices heard on an international level.'
The group plans to fight for 'legal recognition of the gender of trans people in the gender they live in, as well as nondiscrimination in all aspects of life, equal access to health care, and social acceptance.'
—Assistance: Bill Kelley; Also contributing: Andrew Davis