BYU-Hawaii Supports Queer Rights Through Housing Law After nearly ten years of attempts, Hawaii passed an anti-bias law stating that sexual orientation and gender identity are not valid reasons to deny housing. A second bill was passed to protect transgender people from workplace discrimination. A supporter of the bills was Brigham Young University–Hawaii, a Mormon church run school with its main branch in Provo, Utah. BYU student housing was exempted from the bill. Ken Miller, executive director of Honolulu queer rights advocacy group The Center, felt that the dialog between queer activists and BYU officials opened doors to future partnerships.
Navajo Nation President Vetoes Marriage Ban On April 23, the Navajo Nation joined other political entities around the country and banned same gender marriages on its reservation. On May 1, Navajo President Joe Shirley, Jr. took a step few other politicians have dared and vetoed the measure passed by the Tribal Council. The Tribal Council had voted unaniNavajo President Joe Shirley mously in favor of the legislation, which restricts a recognized union to that between a man and a woman. It also prohibits plural marriages and marriages between close relatives. The council reconvened and overrode the President’s veto in June.
June
Michael Mitchell Leaves for ACLU Job After helping lead the fight against an anti-gay marriage amendment, Michael Mitchell left his post as Executive Director of Equality Utah on June 15 to help advance the national dialogue on Michael Mitchell gay marriage in a new position with the ACLU in New York. Even though the amendment passed, many thought of the campaign as a major step forward for Utah’s gay community showing that more than 300,000 voters would vote against it, including two counties where a majority turned it down. Mitchell had been Equality Utah’s only Executive Director. He filled the position for four years, beginning when the group was called Unity Utah. Along with a very active board of directors, Equality Utah grew during that time, giving tens of thousands of dollars each year to gayfriendly political candidates and becoming the state’s pre-eminent gay advocacy group.
year-round during each Reign to ensure that it can meet the needs of community members who approach them for assistance. The Monarch AIDS Fund, the Rainbow Fund, the PWA Christmas Fund, the Scholarship Fund, the Felicia (Wade DeForrest) Children and Young Adult Fund, the Cancer Fund, the People’s Concern Fund, and the General Fund are supported by Royal Court members and get funding through functions organized by Court members.
Bruce Bastian Hosts Human Rights Campaign Gala The home of WordPerfect co-founder Bruce Bastian drew some 600 guests, united to show support for the Human Rights Campaign and to recognize members of the Utah queer community who have advanced the cause of equality. Laura Milliken-Gray was recognized for her work in the legal field to protect the rights of families where Utah law does not. Also recognized for their advocacy work were Episcopal Diocese of Utah Bishop, the Right Reverend Carolyn Tanner-Irish, and Family Fellowship founders Gary and Millie Watts. Tipper Gore, long-time supporter of the queer community and wife of former Vice President Al Gore, was the keynote speaker.
Royal Court Celebrates 30 Years Memorial Day weekend marked thirty years of organizational service to the community by the Royal Court of the Golden Spike Empire. The Royal Court is the longestrunning organization in the queer community. The organization has eight charitable funds and works Coronation XXX
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Residences at Central Pointe is an equal opportunity community, and is a registered trademark of Cascade Development, LLC. Coldwell Banker logo is a licensed trademark of Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporation. Models do not reflect racial preference. Pricing, terms and availability subject to change prior to sale. Rendering is artist interpretation. Map not to scale.
DECEMBER 22, 2005 ■ SALT LAKE METRO ■ 9
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