World News
PARIS ELECTS GAY MAYOR
by Rex Wockner
Paris elected an openly gay mayor March 18.
Socialist Bertrand Delanoe, 50, campaigned on the slogan "Let's Change Eras." He promised reduced smog, more parks, fewer cars, protected pedestrian zones along the Seine River, less dog poop on the streets, more day-care centers and renewed cultural vitality.
"Today Parisians freely chose change in the capital," Delanoe said following his victory. "Tonight hearts are moved among all those who for so long dreamed of putting Paris back on the road of the future, the road of imagination and of hope."
The election's final numbers were not available at press time.
Delanoe came out in 1999 during a TV interview, saying, "I prefer that people just don't care [ about my being gay ] ."
He works out, enjoys soccer, smokes cigars and likes to stroll in the city.
MEXICAN STATE
BANS ANTI-GAY
DISCRIMINATION
The Mexican state of Aguascalientes banned discrimination based on sexual orientation March 11. Legislators voted unanimously for the change.
An addition to the Penal Code punishes with six to nine months in prison "anyone who provokes or incites hate or violence, or negates or restricts employment rights based on age, sex, pregnancy, civil status, race, language, religion, ideology or sexual orientation."
The legislation is, in part, a response to an incident last year in which a city-run swimming park in the capital city, also called Aguascalientes, posted a sign banning dogs and gays. The sign led to a picket of City Hall by 50 gays and transvestites.
Following passage of the new protections, National Action Party Deputy Cecilia Franco, a member of the state Congress' Human Rights Commission, told reporters: "No person should be excluded because of his/her private life. Sexual preference is a private matter. You cannot and should not discriminate against anyone because of that."
The Federal District, where Mexico City is located, is the only other place in Mexico where anti-gay discrimination is banned.
GAY CHOIR GASSED
Somebody detonated a can of high-pressure pepper spray during a performance by the Vancouver Lesbian and Gay Choir at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay, British Columbia, March 10.
Courtenay is 90 miles ( 144 km ) northwest of Vancouver, on Vancouver Island. The chorus had been invited by the local Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays chapter.
Many of the 250 audience members began choking and coughing and darted from their seats. No one was seriously injured.
Choir members regrouped in front of the theater after marching around the building singing "Never Turning Back." The concert was later concluded in the sanctuary of a local United Church parish.
The type of pepper spray involved is designed for use by people who find themselves under attack from a bear.
PORTUGUESE
PARLIAMENT OKs PARTNERSHIP LAW
By a large majority, the Portuguese Parliament March 15 extended to gay couples the same rights given to unmarried straight couples who live together.
Gay couples who cohabitate for two years will have marital rights in such areas as vacations, taxes, inheritance, pensions, housing contracts and rental leases.
The "De Facto Unions" legislation is expected to receive the signature of President Jorge Sampaio and become law within several months.
It will not allow gay couples to adopt children.