SGN February 18, 2011 - Section 1

Issue 07 Volume 39

Celebrating 38 Years!

FRIDAY February 18, 2011 FREE! 25¢ in bookstores & news stands

OBAMA’S AIDS $$$ p. 7

SEXY KABOOM p. 25

CEDAR RAPIDS p. 28

Seattle Gay News SEATTLE’S LGBT NEWS & ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY

SGN speaks with Greg Louganis on his life and upcoming Seattle appearance Eagle photo/Stuart Villanueva

Through strength and determination, Louganis has learned to accept his HIV-positive diagnosis and has overcome substance abuse, domestic violence, and battled dyslexia.

Greg Louganis spoke with Seattle Gay News on the obstacles he has overcome and his upcoming appearance in Seattle with a warmth and grace Former Olympic diving champion Greg Louganis that embody the

by Shaun Knittel Olympic spirit.

“I have been to Seattle many SGN Associate Editor times. I love it. The city and surFor years, Greg Louganis’ cheer- rounding area are beautiful,” he ful public persona gave little hint to see louganis page 20 the personal challenges he faced.

Emily Stock/ The Falcon

SPU rejects LGBT student “So much has group, Haven’s right to meet changed … and that’s a great thing.”

The leadership of Haven, a student-led group at Seattle Pacific University

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor The plight of Haven – a studentled group at Seattle Pacific University dedicated to discussing sexuality and LGBT issues – to get official club status from the school’s administrators has left the confines

of the campus and is now in print, online, and all over the news radio broadcasts.

A little over a week ago news of the students fight for recognition appeared in The Falcon, the Christian university of liberal arts, sciences, and professions’ campus newspaper. Almost overnight, the

story picked up speed and has already resulted in dozens of SPU alumni criticizing the administration for their January 25 decision to deny Haven the right to meet on campus.

Haven was formed four years see haven page 18

Three steps forward, one step Does political revolt in Egypt mean freedom back for same-sex couples AP Photo/Eugene Tanner

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer As LGBT rights activists celebrate the passage of a civil unions bill in Hawaii, other states are also acting on legislation that impacts same-sex couples.

In Washington, openly Gay legislators Sen. Ed Murray (D-43)

and Rep. Jim Moeller (D-49) have introduced a bill to legalize marriage equality.

Appropriately, the bill was introduced on Valentine’s Day. “Today is not the first time the issue of marriage equality for Gays and Lesbians and the Valentine’s Day holiday have crossed paths,” the lawmakers said in a statement

for Gays and Lesbians?

GayEgypt.com

Supporters of the Hawaii Civil Unions Bill applaud, celebrating the Hawaii Senate’s vote 18-5 to approve the Civil Unions bill at the Hawaii State Capitol Wednesday, February 16, 2011 in Honolulu.

issued February 14.

They point out that in February 1998, the legislature overrode Gov. Gary Locke’s veto to pass the state’s DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act).

“We’ve made tremendous progress since 1998,” Murray said.

“Gay and Lesbian families in Washington now enjoy the same state spousal rights that their married straight friends enjoy – except for the name ‘marriage.’ The recognition that their loving, lifelong commitment is no different from the loving, lifelong commitment of straight couples is the final step to achieving full equality. I believe the Legislature and the public are both ready to take that final step.”

In 2008 the legislature passed – and voters later ratified – an expansion of domestic partnership rights to include all the benefits of marriage except for the official designation.

Moeller agreed that the state was moving toward full equality for its LGBT residents.

“Over the past several years, the Legislature and the public together have been steadily building a bridge to equality for Gay and Lesbian families,” he said.

Egyptian soldier holding a rose given to him by a protester

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

The resignation of President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt was a monumental and historic moment for Egypt – and the world – as it showed the power of peaceful protests. The dramatic changes in Egypt, following the uprising in Tunisia, have inspired others in the region to challenge the repression see marriage page 21 of their own dictatorship and de-

proud to Be Different

We are conveniently located on-site at Lifelong AIDS Alliance below the Thrift Store.

mand democracy.

More than just a political victory, this is a moment of hope for the Egyptian people. Among the country’s 82 million people, a large number of LGBT Egyptians – many of whom took part in the ousting of Mubarak – are looking towards an uncertain future as the fate of the Gay community rests in the balance of power between the see egypt page 20

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Seattle Gay News

Ben Crowther and Danny Canham

by Ben Crowther Special to SGN On Valentine’s Day, two same-sex college students marched down to the local courthouse in Bellingham, WA, to demand they be given a marriage license. As expected, they were denied and turned away, but not without giving bystanders a show first.

As the Washington state Co-Lead of GetEQUAL, I started hearing about Valentine’s Day protests several weeks ago. The stories and plans of other activists from around the country and the energy, passion, and creativity I heard from them inspired me to organize an event in Bellingham.

The night before the action was to take place, I asked a group of my friends to see who among them wanted to try and marry me the next day. Danny Canham volunteered to be my partner in crime. While Danny doesn’t view marriage as a necessity for equality or something that should be aspired to, actions for equality are still actions for equality. No matter the cause, even if one doesn’t believe in marriage equality specifically, this was an action worth participating in.

While neither Danny nor I intend to get married in the near future, we want the opportunity for this to be available in the future. Additionally, institutional inequality is inherently damaging because it establishes a system wherein some identities are designated as inferior.

February 18, 2011

That afternoon, Danny and I met to plan the action. Together we filled out the application for a marriage license. As we reviewed the application, I noticed the gendered language of the form and quickly decided to correct it so the form read “male” and “male.” We then alerted our friends and reporters from the campus newspaper and within an hour were headed to the courthouse.

Knowing the reality that we would be rejected, Danny and I approached the demonstration to prove a point. We wanted to challenge the state office, forcing them to justify the law while simultaneously showing how ridiculous it was. Further, we aimed to raise awareness of this as an important issue.

As I learned from reading the article in the school paper the next day, this was the first time the Whatcom County state auditor had had a same-sex couple apply for a marriage license in her 23 years.

Entering the Licensing Office with an entourage of media in tow and forms in hand, we took our place in line. A county records clerk called us forward, and as we explained our intent to apply for a marriage license, the clerk became uneasy and explained that Washington does not allow same-sex couples to marry. The clerk suggested that we instead apply for a domestic partnership, which offers all the state benefits of marriage. When we questioned the value of domestic partnerships and demanded to know why we were excluded from marriage, the

clerk quickly called in the state auditor.

By this point, others in the office were taking notice of the fuss being made at the counter, their heads peeking over cubicle walls. The state auditor approached the counter. When I asked why we couldn’t get married that day, she urged us to speak to the state legislature attempting to remain polite as possible while clearly becoming increasingly frustrated.

I immediately pointed out that she was the one who ultimately decided whether or not we would walk away with a marriage license that day; as the person in a position of authority at the moment, she was the one saying no, and I would be approaching the legislature regardless.

When she made the argument that she was not legally allowed to give us a marriage license, I countered with the fact that she was under no obligation to follow a law that is unconstitutional under multiple court rulings specifically that stating laws against marriage equality are against the constitution. I made similar arguments to President Obama at a protest before the fall elections when it was first ruled that “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” was unconstitutional.

I then asked how she would react if we were an interracial couple. Would she deny us in that instance even though it has been ruled unconstitutional? I was met with the same lines. “Talk to the legislature to change the laws,” she said. “Talk to the Secretary of State’s office about getting a domestic partnership.” The problem with domestic partnerships is that they create a separate but equal system that is inherently flawed.

If it were actually equal to marriage, there would be no reason for different names.

I brought up the point that even if Danny and I had been together for 20 years, regardless of our relationship, we would still be denied access to the 1,138 Federal rights associated with marriage, simply because we both had penises. Yet I could have married Eliza Chan who I’ve only known for about a week simply because she has a vagina.

Comically, I stood between Eliza and Danny saying “marriage” and “domestic partnership” as I stepped from one to the other.

After one final question, I wished the room a happy Valentine’s Day and walked out the door. I was told later that as the debate escalated, a security guard had entered the office.

Outside, Danny and I were asked what we would have done if the auditor had granted us a marriage license. I explained that we approached the action presenting ourselves as a hypothetical couple, the idea being to bring to light the failures within the system not to actually get married. Had we been offered, we would have accepted the license, being the first same-sex couple in state history to have received a license.

Celebrating 38 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 18, 2011

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February 18, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

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February 18, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

Obama’s 2012 budget Lt. Col. Fehrenbach maintains commitment to retire with full rank to HIV/AIDS programs and pension

by Shaun Knittel SGN Associate Editor

Jacquelyn Martin/AP

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer President Obama’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2012 maintains his commitment to domestic and global HIV/AIDS programs and proposes increases for domestic AIDS medications and HIV prevention, as well as research at the National Institutes of Health.

The president’s proposed budget was greeted by The AIDS Institute with a mixture of caution and relief.

“The president has put forth a federal budget that seeks to restore fiscal responsibility while investing in some key areas.

While we acknowledge the increases he has proposed are far from adequate, we appreciate his continued commitment and investment to HIV/AIDS programs,” commented Michael Ruppal, executive director of The AIDS Institute.

The AIDS Institute is a national non-profit organization that promotes AIDS policy research, education, and advocacy.

Under the budget proposed by the president, funding for the Ryan White AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) would increase by $105 million over 2010 levels.

ADAP programs provide FDA-approved prescription meds to people with HIV/ AIDS who lack other resources to pay for treatment.

There are now some 6,000 people on ADAP waiting lists in 10 states and thousands more are being dropped from the program for lack of funding.

Congress is still working on the 2011 budget. With the two houses of Congress controlled by different parties, Senate and House budget proposals diverge widely.

Senate Democrats have proposed increasing 2011 ADAP funding by $65 million, but House Republicans are proposing to cut ADAP by $25 million for 2011.

“While we know what the president proposed for [fiscal year 2012] is far from what is adequate, in the near term Congress must support at least an increase of $65 million for ADAP in [fiscal year 2011]. If we have long wait lists now, just imagine what the situation will be like next year with no increases in funding,” said The AIDS Institute Deputy Director Carl Schmid.

If the Congress approves the $65 million 2011 increase, the president’s proposed increase for 2012 would be $45 million.

The president also proposed an increase of $5 million to the early intervention and primary care services for people with HIV/ AIDS under Part C of the Ryan White HIV/ AIDS Program.

With this increase, Part C would receive

the same amount of funding that the president proposed in last year’s budget.

The Ryan White Act Part C pays for primary care services for people with HIV/ AIDS that are not covered by individual insurance or other programs. Services may include dental and vision care, nutrition counseling, prescription meds, and help with insurance premiums or co-pays.

To help achieve the goals of the National HIV/AIDS Strategy to reduce the number of new HIV infections, President Obama is proposing to increase funding at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by $58 million over 2010 levels.

Thirty million dollars of that increase would come from the Prevention and Public Health Fund.

Medical research at the National Institutes of Health would receive an increase of $740 million above 2010, or about the same level proposed by the president in 2011.

Of this amount, $74 million would be allocated to AIDS prevention research, including vaccines and microbicides, and to the discovery of new drug therapies that prolong and improve people’s lives.

There are currently over 56,000 new HIV infections in the U.S. every year.

Under the president’s proposed budget, the Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) program at HUD would be funded at 2010 levels – $325 million.

That is $15 million less than what the president proposed last year.

HOPWA provides housing for low-income people with HIV/AIDS. Funding for Hepatitis Prevention at the CDC is slated to receive an increase of $5.2 million for a total of $25 million.

While the president proposes a budget, all spending bills must originate in the House of Representatives, now controlled by Republicans.

The president and House Republican leaders seem to be on a collision course, as Republicans pushed for $61 billion in budget cuts, almost all of them from domestic spending programs.

The effect of these budget battles on HIV/ AIDS funding is not yet certain.

“Now it is up to the Congress to do its part and demonstrate its commitment to the over 1.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS in the U.S.,” The AIDS Institute’s Ruppal said.

“The [fiscal year 2011] Continuing Resolution authored by House Republicans proposes massive cuts to both domestic and global HIV/AIDS programs. The AIDS Institute urges the Congress to reject those reckless cuts and consider the long term human and societal impacts of their decisions.”

Visit us online www.sgn.org

For nearly three years, U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Victor Fehrenbach has fought a battle to save his distinguished military career because of the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) policy.

Fehrenbach can now breathe easy, as the Air Force has said they will allow the aviator to retire from military service on October 1 with his full rank and pension intact.

“It was a great sense of relief.

I didn’t expect it,” said Fehrenbach, 41, a decorated flight officer who has flown combat missions over Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

According to Fehrenbach, with no further explanation, the military sent him new orders in January that said he would be retired September 30 from active duty at his current rank and with his pension.

The Air Force said he would serve out the remaining months of his 20-year career at his current desk job at a base in Idaho.

Fehrenbach told the media he isn’t sure what he’ll do or where he’ll live, but that he is thinking about writing a book about his experience facing off against DADT. “It’s been quite a rollercoaster,” he said. “I would hope it would be inspirational.”

Fehrenbach’s troubles began in 2008. Just before he was to be deployed for service in Afghanistan, he was told he was under in-

vestigation on charges of allegedly sexually assaulting a male civilian and of violating DADT. Ultimately, the assault allegation was dismissed for lack of evidence, but the Air Force investigation into his sexuality continued.

Even though he had never publicly admitted to being Gay, he was told that he might be discharged for violating the military’s ban on homosexuality.

If dismissed, Fehrenbach faced losing his military retirement entitlement of half pay and full medical care for the rest of his life.

Last year, he filed papers in Idaho federal court requesting a temporary order blocking his discharge. Fehrenbach and his attorneys won a stipulation agreement which established that the Air Force couldn’t discharge him without notifying the court first.

As it stands, the legal case is still open, but it won’t proceed unless action is taken by the military.

Fehrenbach told reporters that he never expected the military to agree to his full retirement and that he never expected to see DADT overturned.

“I thought the odds were against it,” he said. “It seemed an impossible task.”

In December 2010, Congress voted to repeal DADT. The repeal will take effect when top officials certify the change won’t harm military readiness and the president signs off on it.

If dismissed, Fehrenbach faced losing his military retirement entitlement of half pay and full medical care for the rest of his life.

William M. Hamilton

William M. Hamilton, age 67, previously of Capitol Hill, Seattle, passed away peacefully at his home in the Uplands Retirement Village of Pleasant Hill, TN, on November 21, 2010, from osteosarcoma. Always a learner, Bill’s educational achievements include an A.B. in Biology from Hamilton College, a M. Phil. and Ph.D. in Epidemiology from Yale, and a Certificate of Study (focusing on the interface between Christian ethics and medical ethics) from Episcopal Di-

February 18, 2011

vinity School and Harvard. He also has an MSW from the UW. Bill had a rich and varied work history during which he employed his many skills. A sampling of this work includes HIV/AIDS-related research, studies, testing, and treatment, and with several others, he co-founded the Seattle Gay Clinic whose off-shoot became known as the Chicken Soup Brigade. Filled with a deep and abiding compassion and concern for others, Bill managed to fuse his love of science with his love of humanity.

After retiring, he served as the director of the Pilgrim Referral and Resource Center on Capitol Hill in Seattle from 1994 to 2000. This program served the needy, and Bill offered his services as a volunteer. Bill’s hobbies included reading, writing, long conversations with friends – especially his partner Mark and dear friend Gerry, showering affection and care on his beloved cat Buddha and lovebird Toby, and helping the elderly. Bill was a very devoted friend, and he is greatly missed.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 26, at 2 p.m. at Prospect Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), on Capitol Hill, 1919 E. Prospect Street, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Capitol Hill Community Resource Center (c/o Prospect Church, Seattle, WA 98112) or the American Cancer Society.

Seattle Gay News

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NEWS

Indian Supremes to hear appeal of ruling that legalized Gay sex On April 19 India’s Supreme Court will hear an appeal of the Delhi High Court ruling that struck down the nation’s ban on Gay sex in July 2009.

At least two days of arguments are planned.

A number of parties have been allowed to intervene in the appeal to support or oppose the original ruling – including, among the supporters, famed Indian filmmaker Shyam Benegal, an ad hoc group of 19 parents with Gay/Lesbian children, an ad hoc group of 16 academics, and a group of 13 mental health professionals.

“All these have been admitted into the case, which goes a considerable way towards balancing the 15 petitions opposing us, most of them from extremist religious groups,” said leading activist Vikram Doctor.

In striking down the ban nationally, the High Court “read down” Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code so that it no longer applies to the activities of consenting adults.

The section bans “carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman, or animal” under penalty of 10 years to life in prison.

The court said 377 violated a constitutional guarantee of equality under the law, a constitutional ban on discrimination based on sex, and constitutional promises of personal liberty and protection of life.

“The criminalisation of homosexuality condemns in perpetuity a sizable section of society and forces them to live their lives in the shadow of harassment, exploitation, humiliation [and] cruel and degrading treatment at the hands of the law enforcement machinery,” the court wrote. “Section 377 IPC targets the homosexual community as a class and is motivated by an animus towards this vulnerable class of people. … It has no other purpose than to criminalise conduct which fails to conform with the moral or religious views of a section of society. …

When everything associated with homosexuality is treated as bent, Queer, repugnant, the whole Gay and Lesbian community is marked with deviance and perversity. …

The result is that a significant group of the population is, because of its sexual non-

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer conformity, persecuted, marginalized, and turned in on itself.”

Given India’s population of 1.2 billion people, the High Court’s decision had the effect of decriminalizing 17 percent of all LGB people on the planet.

São Tomé and Príncipe to legalize Gay sex São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation located off the west coast of Africa, will decriminalize Gay sex in upcoming revisions to its Criminal Code, its representatives said January 31 at the country’s United Nations Universal Periodic Review session.

“Obviously there is a concern about sexual relations between persons of the same sex in our country,” the delegation said. “Currently the Criminal Code goes back a very long way when the situation was entirely different and so the courts actually don’t apply the penalty anymore. So, despite what’s there in the text of the law, it’s not applicable because it runs counter to constitutional principles. The new Criminal Code which we’re drawing up does not penalize sexual relations between persons of the same sex.”

The new code should be in place within four months, the delegation said.

The Micronesian nation of Nauru reportedly made a similar pledge days earlier at its UPR session.

The Universal Periodic Review, a project of the U.N. Human Rights Council, officially analyzes the human-rights record of each of the 192 U.N. member nations on a rotating basis once every four years, and urges reviewed nations to protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms.

HRW blasts Tokyo governor’s anti-Gay remarks Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara must retract recent statements that denigrated Gays and Lesbians, Human Rights Watch said February 1.

On December 3, while discussing a measure to regulate the manga and anime industries, Ishihara said: “[This bill] is not just about the kids. We have got homosexuals casually appearing even on television. Japan has become far too untamed.”

Then, on December 7, in response to a re-

NATIONAL

NEWS

Hawaii House passes civil-union bill The Hawaii House of Representatives passed a civil-union bill by a vote of 31-19 on February 11.

It grants civil-union couples the same rights and responsibilities that come with marriage.

The measure already passed the Senate by a vote of 19-6 but will need to return there for approval of minor changes made in the House.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie has promised to sign the bill into law once it clears the Senate.

“Today is a great day for the people of Ha-

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Seattle Gay News

Chris Houston

INTERNATIONAL

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer waii,” said Equality Hawaii Co-Chair Alan Spector. “The action taken by the House today sends a strong message that our state recognizes the importance of moving towards equality.”

Freedom to Marry President Evan Wolfson commented, “Hawaii’s Legislature acted to acknowledge the state’s loving and committed Gay and Lesbian couples and their families and to provide them a measure of protections under the law – protections of particular importance during these tough economic times. This is a victory for all families, because it strengthens the lives of many couples and their loved ones while taking nothing away from anyone else.”

Including Hawaii and Illinois, where a civil-union law will come into force in June, 14 states and Washington, D.C., now have expansive civil-union laws, allow same-sex marriage, or recognize other jurisdictions’ same-sex marriages (as marriages). Samesex marriage is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. In addition, New York and Maryland recognize same-sex marriages from elsewhere in the nation or world. Civil-union or domestic-partnership laws that grant all state-level rights of marriage are in place in California, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, and Washington.

February 18, 2011

Eight couples from the United Kingdom mailed a case to the European Court of Human Rights on February 2. Four of the couples are Gay and want to get married.

Four of the couples are straight and want to enter into a U.K. civil partnership, which is only available to same-sex couples.

porter’s question about his earlier statement, Ishihara said: “I think homosexuals have something missing from them somehow. It may be something genetic. I feel sorry for them being a minority. I saw a parade made up of Gays [in San Francisco] and I really felt sorry for them. There were pairs of men and women, but it certainly did feel like they were deficient somehow.”

HRW said that such comments “increase the stigma against Lesbian and Gay people and can promote discrimination against an already marginalized group.”

“It is a matter of great concern that Gov. Ishihara, who is charged with upholding the rights and ensuring the well-being of all Tokyo residents, has characterized Lesbians and Gay men as somehow lower than other persons,” said HRW LGBT rights researcher Dipika Nath. “When public officials make pejorative characterizations of particular groups of people, they can compromise people’s ability to live their lives with dignity. It is the governor’s responsibility to undo the damage he has caused.”

U.K. couples take marriage and partnership case to Euro court Eight couples from the United Kingdom

mailed a case to the European Court of Human Rights on Feb. 2. Four of the couples are Gay and want to get married. Four of the couples are straight and want to enter into a UK civil partnership, which is only available to same-sex couples.

Civil partnerships are identical to marriage in the rights and benefits bestowed.

The eight couples all were turned down by officials when they tried to tie the knot.

“The bans on same-sex civil marriages and opposite-sex civil partnerships are a form of sexual apartheid,” said activist Peter Tatchell, who is involved in the challenge, dubbed Equal Love. “Two wrongs don’t make a right.”

The activists’ lawyer, Robert Wintemute, said that “banning same-sex marriage and different-sex civil partnerships violates [three separate articles] of the European Convention on Human Rights.”

“It’s discriminatory and obnoxious, like having separate drinking fountains or beaches for different racial groups, even though the water is the same,” he said. “The only function of the twin bans is to mark Lesbian and Gay people as socially and legally inferior to heterosexual people.”

With assistance from Bill Kelley

In Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, and Wisconsin, there are laws that grant same-sex couples some of the rights of marriage. In Rhode Island, an attorney general opinion and a subsequent court ruling have resulted in limited recognition of same-sex marriages entered into elsewhere in the nation or world.

California is a further case unto itself.

Same-sex marriage was legal from June to November 2008, when voters amended the state constitution via Proposition 8 to put a stop to it. The couples who married then are still legally married, as are other samesex couples who live in California and got married anywhere in the world before Prop 8 passed. Gay couples who married somewhere else after Prop 8 passed, or who marry elsewhere in the future, receive every state-level right and obligation of marriage in California except for the legal right to call their marriage a “marriage” when they are in California. They are not recognized under the state’s domestic partnership law, but rather are married couples who are denied use of the word “marriage.”

Eleven other nations allow same-sex couples to marry – Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Mexico (where same-sex marriages are allowed only in the capital city but are recognized nationwide).

legalized same-sex marriage, according to polling data released February 9.

The Granite State Poll, sponsored by WMUR-TV and conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, found that only 29 percent of New Hampshire adults support repeal, 62 percent oppose repeal, and nine percent are neutral on the matter or lack an opinion.

Pollsters questioned 520 randomly selected adults by telephone between January 27 and February 6. The margin of error was 4.3 percent.

In last November’s elections, Republicans took control of both houses of the Legislature and have enough seats to override vetoes by Democratic Gov. John Lynch.

Bills have been filed to repeal the marriage-equality law and to amend the state constitution to prohibit same-sex couples from marrying.

Four Republican senators or 32 Republican House members would need to join every Democrat in one or the other chamber to uphold a gubernatorial veto of any bill ending same-sex marriage. The Senate has 24 members, of whom 19 now are Republican, and the House has 400 members, of whom 298 are Republican.

Same-sex marriage also is legal in Connecticut, Iowa, Massachusetts, Vermont and Washington, D.C. Internationally, it is legal in Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, South NH residents oppose repeal Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Mexico (where of same-sex marriage same-sex marriages are allowed only in the New Hampshire residents overwhelm- capital city but are recognized nationwide). ingly oppose plans by some legislators to attempt to repeal the state’s 2009 law that With assistance from Bill Kelley

Celebrating 38 Years!

NORTHWEST

NEWS

compiled by Rick McKinnon SGN Staff Writer

SHANTI SEEKS VOLUNTEERS Seattle Shanti, a program of Multifaith Works/Rosehedge, has volunteer opportunities available for those interested in providing emotional support to people in our community challenged by HIV/AIDS, MS, other life-challenging illnesses, or addictionrecovery issues. Our volunteers provide one-to-one non-directive, nonjudgmental, compassionate listening to those who are generally isolated and alone.

We are currently accepting applications for our four-day winter training, which occurs over the weekends of February 26-27 and March 5-6. During this training, volunteers will gain insight into themselves while learning about providing support to stigmatized populations, working with grief and loss, chemical dependency and recovery, and mental health issues. Volunteers will also have an opportunity to increase their active listening, communication, emotional support, and relationship-building skills.

We are especially in need of volunteers from the LGBTQ community now.

If you have any questions, please call Molly at (206) 787-8409, or simply download an application from www.multifaith. org and send it to molly@multifaith.org.

IMPERIAL COURT OF SEATTLE SCHEDULE OF CORONATION EVENTS On Friday, February 18, at 7 p.m., at R Place (619 E. Pine St. at Boylston Ave.), the Court presents the Out of Town Show featuring fine drag performances by visiting dignitaries in town for Coronation.

On Saturday, February 19, the Court presents Coronation 2011: “The 40th Annual President’s Ball – An American Gala” at 5 p.m., at Seattle Renaissance Hotel (515 Madison St., at 6th Ave.) Tickets are $40.

On Sunday, February 20, at 10:30 a.m., at the Renaissance Hotel, the Court presents the Victory Brunch in celebration of the new Emperor and Empress. www.imperialcourtofseattle.com.

SEATTLE GAY FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE On Saturday, February 19, from noon to 2 p.m., at Sandel Park (1st Ave. NW and NW 90th St.) come out and play and have some fun practicing some flag football essentials, running some drills and then playing a fun scrimmage. Every skill level is welcome and everyone plays. Dress in layers, bring some water and a snack, and bring a friend!

UW OUTLAWS AND QLAW HOLD PANEL DISCUSSION ON BULLYING IN SCHOOLS On Tuesday, February 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the University of Washington Law School, Room 138, UW Outlaws and the QLaw Foundation will present a panel discussion to discuss the current legal landscape in Washington state to address the epidemic of bullying in schools. This panel is a part of the QLaw Foundation initiative to increase information throughout Washington state. The panel will be podcast and available to everyone in Washington. A reception from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will follow in Room 115.

Last year there were several highly publicized suicides that resulted from bullying based on the perceived or actual sexual orientation of students. While LGBT youth committing suicide, due at least in part to bullying, is not a new problem, these cases caught the attention of the nation and spawned the creation of the “It Gets Better” campaign to provide support to youth thinking about suicide.

UW Outlaws is the LGBT student group at the University of Washington School of Law. Outlaws aims to raise awareness of LGBT legal issues within the student body and faculty; and to provide mentoring to law students by sponsoring on-campus speakers, discussion panels, and advocacy activities.

The GLBT Bar Association of Washing-

ton Foundation (QLaw Foundation) exists to bridge the divide between the GLBT community and legal professionals. Through its programs, the Foundation seeks to educate the public and the courts about GLBT legal issues and empower community members through informed access to the legal and judicial systems.

For more information, contact Gabe Verdugo at gabev@u.washington.edu.

“AN EPIDEMIC OF POLICE BRUTALITY AND MURDER: WHY IS IT HAPPENING? HOW CAN WE STOP IT?” On Tuesday, February 22, doors at 6 p.m., at Seattle Central Community College (1701 Broadway, Room BE 1110), Revolution Books and the Revolutionary Student Club present a panel discussion on police brutality featuring Lynn Domingo, October 22nd Coalition to Stop Police Brutality, Orpheus Reed, Correspondent, Revolution newspaper, Ophelia Ealy, Chairperson, Michael Randall Ealy Social Justice Foundation (founded after her son was killed by Seattle police in 1998), Seattle/King County NAACP. Free admission – suggested donation $5-$10. www.revolutionbookssea.org.

landmark repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Tickets are: $130-members, $145-nonmembers, $75-students.

For more information and to RSVP, call 206-363-9188 or visit www.thegsba.org.

NW LGBT SENIOR PROVIDERS NETWORK PRESENTS GEN SILENT On Friday, February 25, from 1-3 p.m., at Northshore Senior Center (10201 E. Riverside Dr., Bothell), the NW LGBT Senior Providers Network presents Gen Silent, a documentary that reveals how Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender elders, who fought the first battles for equality now face so much fear of discrimination that they are afraid to ask for help. However, there is a growing number of individuals trying to build awareness and wake up the long term and health care industries to their plight.

A discussion follows with guest panelists: Marsha Botzer, founder, Ingersoll Gender Center, co-founder, Equal Rights Washington; David Haack, founder NW LGBT Senior Providers Network; Pastor Michael Smith, St. Paul United Methodist Church; Susie Starrfield, Snohomish County Long Term Care and Aging; Gloria Stancich, OLOC (Older Lesbians Organizing for Change); Susan Snyder, VP Senior Services of Seattle. This event is FREE.

“SWING INTO LAUGHTER” – SEATTLE WOMEN’S CHORUS IN CONCERT On Friday, February 25, at 8 p.m., and Saturday, February 26, at 2 p.m., at the Paramount Theatre, 911 Pine St., join the WILLIAM S. BURROUGHS: Seattle Women’s Chorus and special guest, A MAN WITHIN – Kathy Najimy, for an evening of musical AN INDEPENDENT LENS entertainment. Tickets: $20-$55 available DOCUMENTARY ON PBS On Tuesday, February 22, on KCTS-TV, at www.flyinghouse.org or by calling 206Channel 9, at 10 p.m., Independent Lens 388-1400. presents a documentary on legendary Gay SEATTLE PARKS & RECREATION beat author William S. Burroughs, a man CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY whose works at once savaged conservative MONTH WITH PERFORMANCES ideals, spawned countercultural movements, On February 26 and 27, Seattle Parks and and reconfigured 20th century culture. The influential artist’s friends and colleagues re- Recreation will celebrate Black History member the public persona and the private Month with a series of short performances man. (Repeats 2/26 at 2 a.m.) www.pbs.org/ highlighting the lives of African Americans the City has honored by naming parks after independent lens/burroughs them. Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center will present eight performances in LIFELONG AIDS ALLIANCE’S eight parks. Each event will be approxi“MAKING A DIFFERENCE” mately 15 minutes in length. These events ANNUAL BENEFIT BREAKFAST are free and open to the public, and everyWITH GREG LOUGANIS On Thursday, February 24, from 7:30 a.m. one is invited.

Performances on Saturday, February 26: to 9 a.m. (registration begins at 7 a.m.), join 1 p.m. – Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park (2100 emcee Jean Enerson, guest speaker Greg Louganis, the Lifelong AIDS Alliance board S. Jackson St.) Dr. Lavizzo was the first Afand staff, and caring community members rican-American woman pediatrician in the for a fundraising breakfast in support of state of Washington. She was the founding Lifelong AIDS Alliance at The Red Lion medical director of the Central Area’s Odessa Brown Children’s Clinic, whose motto is Hotel, 1415 5th Ave. Dr. Lawrence Corey, president and direc- “Quality Care with Dignity.”

2 p.m. – Edwin T. Pratt Park (1800 S. tor-elect of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, an American physician-scien- Main St.) Edwin Pratt was a civil rights tist and an internationally recognized expert leader and Seattle Urban League Executive on infectious diseases, whose discoveries Director. He was killed by a shotgun blast at have been recognized as having advanced his Shoreline home in 1969. The crime has the understanding of the pathogenesis and never been solved.

3 p.m. – Homer Harris Park (2401 E. treatment of diseases caused by viruses, especially the human immunodeficiency virus Howell St.) Dr. Harris was a University of (HIV), will receive the 2011 Ned Behnke Iowa graduate who wanted to play professional football, but in the 1930s black playLeadership Award.

For more information, contact 206-957- ers were banned from the National Football 1742; www.lifelongbreakfast.org. Suggest- League. He went on to become Seattle’s “go-to” dermatologist and treated generaed minimum donation is $150. tions of Seattle teens.

4 p.m. – Prentis I. Frazier Park (401 24th GREATER SEATTLE Ave. E.) Frazier was a former slave who BUSINESS ASSOCIATION came to Seattle in 1916. In the 1920s he HOSTS ANNUAL started and published a newspaper for the BUSINESS & HUMANITARIAN black community, the Seattle Enterprise, AWARDS DINNER On Thursday, February 24, from 5:30-9 which later became the Northwest Enterp.m., at the Westin Seattle (1900 Fifth Ave. prise. He is remembered as a generous phiat Stewart St.) join the Greater Seattle Busi- lanthropist and business entrepreneur.

Performances on Sunday, February 27: ness Association, Seattle’s LGBT Chamber 1 p.m. – William Grose Park (1814 30th of Commerce, in celebrating the “cream of the crop” at the GSBA Business and Hu- Ave.) Grose was a pioneer who arrived in Seattle in 1860 after serving in the U.S. manitarian Awards Dinner.

“These leaders have truly inspired us to Navy. By the 1880s he was Seattle’s wealthreach higher and reminded us that success iest black resident.

2 p.m. – Alvin Larkins Park (corner of E. isn’t only measured by the numbers on the balance sheet but by what they can accom- Pike St. & 34th Ave. E.) Another U.S. Navy man, Larkins was stationed at Sand Point plish for the community.”

U.S. Senator Patty Murray will be the Naval Air Station in 1943 when he became keynote speaker and special guest Ret. Col. a member of the band the Jive Bombers. He Margarethe Cammermeyer will be honoring spent the rest of his career as a renowned Major Margaret Witt for her efforts in the music teacher and member of the Rainy

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 18, 2011

City Jazz Band.

3 p.m. – Powell Barnett Park (352 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way) Barnett was a prominent community organizer and the first president of the Leschi Improvement Council.

4 p.m. – Flo Ware Park (corner of S. Jackson St. & 28th Ave. S.) Flo Ware was a tireless education activist and supporter of Head Start and Meals on Wheels. She anchored the King County Economic Opportunity Board in the 1960s and raised 20 foster children.

For more information, please visit www. seattle.gov/parks.

GAY, LESBIAN, STRAIGHT EDUCATION NETWORK (GLSEN) VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION AND INFORMATION SESSION On Saturday, February 26, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Miller Community Center (330 19th Ave.) in the multi-purpose room, join GLSEN Washington State board members and current and prospective volunteers to find out how you can support the work of this important community organization that works to support LGBT students and raise awareness about LGBT issues (including the bullying, harassment and homophobia that LGBT youth face) in schools. GLSEN supports Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs), Day of Silence and No Name Calling events, and organizes an annual GLSEN/GSA Awards/ Recognition Banquet. For more information, call 206-330-2099, www.wagsa.org, www.glsenwa.org; mail@glsenwa.org.

NIGHT FANTASIA On Saturday, Februry 26, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Nijo Sushi Bar & Grill (83 Spring St.), join Aleksa Manila for an evening in celebration of the GLBT Asian community.

Enjoy live DJ, great food and drink, with special raffle drawing fundraiser for the GLBT Youth Suicide Prevention Program.

Happy Hour men available throughout the evening. 21+ w/ID. Sponsored by Kwanchai.

FREEDOM SOCIALIST PARTY’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH FORUM “THE FBI’S WAR ON THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY – THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER” On Saturday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m., at New Freeway Hall (5018 Rainier Ave. S.), FSP/Seattle hosts a panel discussion featuring local activists Elmer Dixon and Megan Cornish with a special message from behind the walls from Eddie Conway. Door donation $3.

Jones Barbeque Smoked Turkey Dinner at 6pm for $10 dinner donation. Vegetarian options. Sliding scale or work exchanges available for students and unemployed. For information or to reserve childcare: 206722-2453; www.socialism.com.

NINTH ANNUAL HRC SEATTLE BOWLING FOR EQUALITY On Sunday, February 27, from 3-5 p.m., 5:30-7:30 p.m., and 8-10 p.m., join Human Rights Campaign Seattle supporters and friends at The Garage (1134 Broadway) for light appetizers, great entertainment and 2 hours of bowling (bowling shoes included).

Tickets: $40 before 2/19, $45 after, VIP tickets $70. An annual membership to HRC is included with any ticket purchased. To RSVP, visit www.hrcseattle.org/bowling.

THREE DOLLAR BILL CINEMA & GAY CITY HEALTH PROJECT HOST 6TH ANNUAL ACADEMY AWARDS PARTY AT SEATTLE CINERAMA On Sunday, February 27, doors 4:30 p.m. (VIP doors 3:30 p.m.), at Seattle Cinerama (2100 4th Ave. at Lenora St.) join Three Dollar Bill Cinema (Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival organizers) and Gay City Health Project on the red carpet for Seattle’s most fabulous Academy Awards Party. Watch Hollywood’s biggest night on the biggest screen in town and support two important community organizations.

Dress casual or in Hollywood red carpet inspired attire, and enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, fantastic raffle prizes, and much more. Tickets: $25 general, $50 VIP. www. threedollarbillcinema.org; www.gaycity. org.

Seattle Gay News

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10 Seattle Gay News

February 18, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

SENIOR LOBBY DAY Thursday, February 24 At United Churches in Olympia (adjacent to capitol) This is a fun, informative day, and an opportunity to make a difference and make new friends along the way.

The cost is only $10.00 which includes coffee, rolls, a delicious box lunch and a packet of information.

Be Sure And Make Appointments With Your Legislators Between The Hours Of 1-3 p.m. or when they have a 15 minute window of time for a visit in their office.

THEY WANT TO SEE YOU!

www.waseniorlobby.org Supported by Seattle’s Old and Proud Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 18, 2011

Seattle Gay News 11

12 Seattle Gay News

February 18, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

SGN Seattle Gay News

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 18, 2011

Seattle Gay News 13

14 Seattle Gay News

February 18, 2011

Celebrating 38 Years!

Visit us online www.sgn.org

February 18, 2011

Seattle Gay News 15

by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer

The Roman Catholic Archbishop of Chicago, Cardinal Francis George, accused LGBT rights activists of prejudice against the Catholic Church in a Valentine’s Day statement to reporters.

George was responding to a protest outside Chicago’s Holy Names Cathedral during services on Sunday, February 13.

Some 50 activists with signs and rainbow flags picketed the cathedral.

Chicago’s Gay Liberation Network (GLN) organized the action to protest intervention by Catholic Church leaders to block Illinois’s pending marriage equality bill.

George and other Catholic officials were also vocal opponents of the Illinois civil unions bill signed into law earlier this month

by Governor Pat Quinn.

“No matter the issue, Catholics should be able to worship in peace, without fear of harassment,” George said in his statement.

“An open display of prejudice against the Catholic Church because of resentment of Church teachings prejudices civil discourse in our society.”

Contacted by SGN, GLN organizer Andy Thayer vigorously denied any anti-Catholic bias.

“This charge by George is nonsense,” Thayer told SGN. “Like so many anti-Gay bigots, he is attempting to ‘play the victim’ by pretending that we are attempting to take away his rights, rather than the other way

around.

“Last time I checked, no LGBT organizations were trying to pass laws forcing the Catholic Church to recognize same-sex marriages, but rather it was the Catholic leadership which was trying to impose its sectarian doctrine against same-sex marriage on all of society, Catholic and nonCatholic alike.”

Thayer added that most American Catholics actually support same-sex marriage even thought their bishops do not.

“Our beef is with the leadership of the Catholic Church, and not most lay Catholics,” Thayer said. “Recent polls show that some 60% of Catholics support equal marriage rights for same-sex couples, a majority of Catholics support a woman’s right to choose abortion, and access to safe contraceptives. It’s the Catholic leadership which is so backward and out of step with the majority of lay Catholics, and so we confine our protest to that leadership.”

While exact numbers vary, several major polls in the past year – including the Field Poll in California and a national poll by the Pew Research Center – have shown more Catholics favor marriage equality for samesex couples than oppose it.

“GLN includes Catholics, ex-Catholics, atheists, and people of other faiths,” Thayer added.

“We do not ask people what religious affiliations they have, if any, in order to participate in any of our activities,” he told SGN. “We value the right of people to make their

9th Circuit rules – Prop 8 federal case delayed several more months

by Rex Wockner SGN Contributing Writer

A huge new delay was introduced into the federal case against California’s Proposition 8 on February 16.

The case is before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which, after hearing oral arguments in December, punted off a question to the California Supreme Court.

The California Supreme Court now has decided, unanimously, that it will indeed answer the question and has set up a brief-

ing schedule, to be followed by oral arguments no sooner than September.

The 9th Circuit asked the California Supreme Court if the people who put Prop 8 on the ballot have any legal right, under California law, to be in court arguing to overturn last summer’s federal District Court ruling that struck down Prop 8 as a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

Those proponents, ProtectMarriage.com, want to defend Prop 8 because California’s governor and attorney general and everyone else who was sued in the federal Prop 8 case have refused to defend the constitutional amendment that, in 2008, re-banned samesex marriage in the nation’s most populous state.

The 9th Circuit decided it couldn’t proceed with the case without hearing the California Supreme Court’s opinion on ProtectMarriage’s state-level right to defend Prop 8, which the 9th Circuit could then take under consideration in deciding whether to grant ProtectMarriage federal “standing” to appeal.

If ProtectMarriage is found to have no standing, then the case has no proper appellants and the 9th Circuit won’t hear the

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Gays are prejudiced against us, says Catholic cardinal

Cardinal Francis George

own decisions about religious faith. What we oppose is the privileging of religious free speech over that of secular speech.”

Thayer also said the protest was a victory for First Amendment rights.

Because GLN has mounted similar protests at Holy Names in the past, Chicago police announced they would begin to enforce an ordinance “prohibiting demonstrations in the public way within 150 feet and one half hour of a religious service in a place of worship.”

GLN and the ACLU challenged the ordinance, and secured a promise from the City’s attorney that “The City does not in-

tend to enforce this aforementioned ordinance at this time.” “[W]ith the able assistance of the ACLU, we are very proud to have effectively junked Chicago’s unconstitutional ordinance 8-4010(j), banning pickets such as ours on Sunday,” Thayer told SGN. Thayer said his group does not have immediate plans to picket Cardinal George again, but added that “Illinois has a marriage equality bill which is pending, and we are sure that Cardinal George will again work to defeat this bill if it comes close to passage, at which point he will make himself a very legitimate focus for continuing protests.”

appeal. Should that happen, the most likely outcome would be that the District Court ruling that struck down Prop 8 would take effect, and Gay couples in California would be able to get married again – although the standing question itself could end up being appealed by ProtectMarriage to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The question the California Supreme Court will answer, as asked by the 9th Circuit, is: “Whether under Article II, Section 8 of the California Constitution, or otherwise under California law, the official proponents of an initiative measure possess either a particularized interest in the initiative’s validity or the authority to assert the State’s interest in the initiative’s validity, which would enable them to defend the constitutionality of the initiative upon its adoption or appeal a judgment invalidating the initiative, when the public officials charged with that duty refuse to do so.”

Shannon Minter, legal director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, expressed annoyance at the new, lengthy delay in the case.

“For same-sex couples waiting to marry, and for all LGBT Californians waiting to be treated as equal citizens, the knowledge that they must endure further delay is incredibly painful and frustrating,” Minter said. “Prop 8 should never have been permitted on the ballot. The rights of a minority should never be put to a popular vote. Prop 8 was a toxic, anti-democratic measure that continues to wreak havoc in the lives of real people and families. The court should move as quickly as possible to resolve this issue. It is clear that California law does not give initiative proponents the power to override elected state officials who have decided not to appeal a federal court decision holding that a challenged state law is unconstitutional. The California Supreme Court should rule accordingly, and the 9th Circuit should affirm Judge Walker’s ruling. Prop 8 is blatantly unconstitutional, and it is past time for it to be gone.”

Lambda Legal seemed even more annoyed by the day’s developments, throwing an extended hissy fit from atop its highest horse.

“Because the federal appeals judges said they need clarification, we look forward to a decision by the California Supreme Court confirming that initiative proponents lack legal standing to continue the Perry case,” said Marriage Project Director Jennifer Pizer. “They are not law enforcers, and have the same limited rights as everyone else to litigate only when their own rights are at stake, not merely to assert their opinions about others’ rights. Initiative proponents also cannot step into the shoes of the attorney general, the governor or other state officials. The reason for this is basic: The governor and attorney general are elected by the people to represent all the people, not just one point of view on one issue, out of countless, competing concerns. Most importantly, state officials swear an oath to uphold the federal and state constitutions, including their abiding promises of equal protection and due process for everyone. Initiative proponents take no such oath, and have no such duties. Empowering initiative proponents with a special, new exception to these rules would be mistaken in any circumstances but the error is especially stark in this case.

Prop 8’s proponents claim to represent ‘the people,’ but in fact they only represent some 7 million voters in a state of 38 million residents. Moreover, according to the U.S. census, the tiny group of same-sex-couple residents targeted by Prop 8 is only around 200,000 people, or less than two percent of the population. The state high court’s previous decision to allow the initiative power to be used in the unprecedented way Prop 8 did – to strip a terribly vulnerable minority of a fundamental constitutional right – also stripped the equality guarantees out of the California Constitution. Yet another departure now from bedrock California law to allow proponents an exception from the ‘legal standing’ rules would invite further, deeply problematic consequences. It would mean proponents could enter every case about an initiative to argue against the state’s position. They could refuse ever to compromise about anything concerning the litigation process. And they could object to every settlement plan based on ideology about what the law should be, rather than what it is.”

Celebrating 38 Years!

REPORT FROM UGANDA: Gay activist corresponds with SGN courtesy front line

Bahati got lots of credits for sponsoring it, for pushing on, for seeming to be such a fool to the outside world. He has been rewarded.

He is treasurer for the ruling party. He has secured his place into the next parliament.

He can easily become a minister … and, am wondering whether he will not be the next minister of ethics and integrity … but, that is speculation.

Fact is, Bahati is flying high, politically speaking. He is a young parliamentarian, Mills revealed he is Gay and this was his first session. during an interview, and summoned armed police GayUganda also referred SGN readers to who pursued Mills to his his blog, where the latest post remembers hotel. Mills subsequently escaped to the airport and left Uganda.

SGN has been in correspondence with a Gay Ugandan activist, identified only as GayUganda.

A personal friend of David Kato, GayUganda wrote a moving tribute to him on his blog, gayu- by Mike Andrew SGN Staff Writer ganda.blogspot.com.

His answers to quesThirty Peruvian police in full riot gear attions from SGN follow: tacked 20 LGBT activists in Armory Plaza, SGN: What is the situ- Lima, on February 12, beating and arrestation for the LGBT com- ing several activists and shoving a group of munity now, in the wake young Lesbians down a flight of stairs.

Police then pursued fleeing demonstrators of David’s murder, and with the presidential into the Pancho Fierro Municipal Gallery, and into adjoining stores and coffee shops election coming?

GayUganda: Situation where the activists sought shelter from the … well, we are all tenser police attack.

The LGBT activists had gathered in centhan usual. Something David Kato was an active human rights defender with like this happening hits tral Lima for a kiss-in, which they called Sexual Minorities Uganda (SMUG). He was murdered “Kisses Against Homophobia.” home. in his home on January 26, 2011.

The violent police response is documented Are we safer than we

by Mike Andrew were before? Are we more at risk? Fear of in a five-minute video shot by Mary Vargas copycat crimes, fear of what else is going to and Giancarlo Elias and narrated by Ruth SGN Staff Writer happen. No, we don’t feel very safe. But, I Ramos, the political coordinator of MHOL, Uganda’s presidential election looms as think, as usual, we shall get thru yet another the Homosexual Movement of Lima.

Andres Duque of Blabbeando blog supcrisis.

SGN goes to press.

The presidential election … I believe plied English subtitles for North American The election is scheduled for Friday, February 18, less than one month after Gay ac- there will be a return of the old guard. That viewers.

The video clearly shows demonstrators tivist David Kato was beaten to death in his means that nothing is going to change. What is important is that the old parliament will chanting “No to homophobia! No to hohome.

Uganda’s infamous “Kill the Gays” bill be also ending its session. And, hopefully, mophobia!” as helmeted police with clubs has become an issue in the election as one without debating the anti-homosexuality and plexiglass riot shields move in to disperse them. candidate, Kizza Besigye, called for same- bill. But, that is yet to be seen.”

Young women demonstrators then begin SGN: Kizza Besigye has come out for sex relations to be decriminalized.

Besigye is reportedly the main challenger decriminalizing homosexuality. Is this a to yell, “They are attacking us! They are to incumbent president Yoweri Museveni, credible promise? Will Museveni hold on to trampling over our rights! Just for being Lesbians!” the protégé of the U.S.-based Christian- power?

As police began to shove young Lesbian GayUganda: Museveni will be the next right group The Family.

This is the third time Besigye has run president … whatever it takes. You think demonstrators down stairs at the edge of the against Museveni. His two previous runs the lessons of Egypt have taken root here? I plaza, the people yelled “Abusers! Abusers! earned him jail time and a five-year exile in don’t think so. Besigye, I am not sure what We are Lesbians and Gays! We are being athe was thinking to say what he said. Maybe tacked!”

South Africa.

According to narrator Ruth Ramos, poAnother candidate, Olara Otunnu, escaped just a gimmick … I don’t know.

SGN: I’ve read that David Bahati sent po- lice officers hid their name badges and atwith only minor injuries from a reported assassination attempt on February 14. Three lice after a BBC reporter. Is Bahati as crazy tacked activists who refused their order to disperse. members of his staff were hospitalized as a as he seems from that report?

One officer reportedly beat 33-year-old GayUganda: LOL, Bahati, whether I like result of the attempt, however.

Meanwhile, BBC reporter Scott Mills was him or not, is a very good politician. I be- Alicia Parra “savagely” with a baton. Her chased out of Uganda by David Bahati, au- lieve the AHB [Anti-Homosexuality Bill] present condition was not reported.

“We don’t have weapons! We don’t have was sponsored at the behest of the presithor of the “Kill the Gays” bill. anything to defend ourselves!” the demonBahati reportedly became enraged when dent.

his friend David Kato.

He also recommends Scott Mills’ documentary The Worst Place to be Gay. This is the film Mills was working on when he interviewed Bahati and unexpectedly had to flee the country.

“Thanks, Mills,” GayUganda writes. “You don’t know it, but you have put words to something that I, having grown up here, and known what you see as my ‘normal’ life, I don’t know how to put in words.

“But, that will not stop me from seeking something that I know I deserve because I am human. A freedom, that belongs to me because I can give it to me.”

Lima, Peru police attack LGBT kiss-in strators chanted.

After police invaded the Municipal Gallery to expel demonstrators, one of the activists is heard to say, “They didn’t kick anyone else out? In other words, they didn’t kick anyone else out except for us. They identified us and started kicking us out with the city’s backing? With the city’s backing.”

Several officers are shown beating a young man and attempting to carry him away.

“You cannot fine me for being Gay!” he cried as police officers tried to subdue him.

“You cannot fine me for being Gay! Being Gay is not a crime! I am not a criminal! I am not a criminal! I am not a criminal for being Gay!” Some demonstrators say into the video camera “Smells like alcohol! It smells like alcohol! The policemen smell of alcohol!”

Others yell at police “What a shame for Peru! What a shame for Peru! You should be ashamed!”

One officer then confronts the person holding the camera.

“You don’t have a name tag so we’ll be filming your faces,” she says.

“We don’t want it,” the officer replies, as he tries to snatch the video camera. “Film elsewhere!”

“Keep going! Keep going! Keep going!” the police officers tell the crowd.

“I have the right to walk by!” someone says. “I am a Peruvian citizen! It doesn’t matter to you?”

MHOL later issued the following statement: “The Homosexual Movement of Lima (MHOL) repudiates these violent and antidemocratic acts and reminds everyone that the Ministry of the Interior recommends that police personnel stay away from discriminatory acts, prevent sexual attacks, guarantee free access to public sites and their safety, just as they should guarantee the freedom of expression, gathering and reunions between LGBT people according to the human rights manual.”

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February 18, 2011

Seattle Gay News 17

nate gowdy

The Gay City LGBT Library lead librarian Nevin Jefferson.

Gay City volunteers and staff joined members of the local community to celebrate the first anniversary of the Gay City LGBT Library on February 17 at Kaladi Bros. Coffee (511 E. Pike St.). The Gay City LGBT Library is a collection of over 2,000 books that cover a wide range of topics. Books are available for free checkout with a valid ID. “We’re excited to be celebrating the first anniversary of the Gay City LGBT Library, and are grateful to those who thought to move this incredible resource to Gay City after the Seattle LGBT Community Center closed,” Fred Swanson, executive director for Gay City, told Seattle Gay News. “We appreciate the generosity of our donors who have doubled the size of the collection over the past year, and look forward to finding new ways to connect LGBT folks in Seattle to the library. Two recent examples of that are our writing workshop series Smudgy Notebook and Gay City Volume Four: At Second Glance.”

Congratulations, Gay City!

haven

continued from cover ago as a result of the LGBT Equality Ride movement that came to campus. Since that time, Haven leaders have sought official Associated Students of Seattle Pacific club status, only to be denied.

Then, on January 25, they received the worst news yet from Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Jeff Jordan. The group was told they will no longer be granted the right to reserve rooms on campus for group meetings. In addition, Jordan told the students he would no longer discuss the possibility of official club status for Haven.

Despite the setback, Haven leadership assured Seattle Gay News, “Haven will not disappear.”

CAMPUS TROUBLE Haven has always been in a fight to exist.

The group has never been officially recognized as a student club or organization, as far as the administration is concerned. Nevertheless, according to Haven leadership, the group is well-known on campus.

“Haven has roughly 15-20 people that regularly attend our weekly meetings,” Aaron Roberts, co-leader of SPU Haven, told SGN. Roberts says he joined Haven because he wanted a place on campus where he didn’t have to “feel like a deviant because of my sexuality.”

“Haven is the one time a week that I can be around people who understand or can sympathize with my struggles, being Gay, and going to SPU and society in general,” he said. “In essence, it is a time when I can be open with people who really care.”

SPU student Joy Bethune, Haven’s leader, told SGN, “Haven has meant more to me than I could ever express in words. I have made friends through Haven that have changed my life for the better. It has restored my faith in humanity and connected me to like-minded people. … Because of the people involved in Haven and in support of Haven, I am confident that I will never regret going to SPU.” Bethune says she feels honored to be able to be associated with Haven because of “what the group has been able to provide SPU students for the past four years: a place for the silence to end and discussion to thrive at SPU.” So what seems to be the problem?

“The issue that the administration points to is our purpose statement,” Caleb Richmond, Haven co-leader, told SGN. “However, this is not the root of the issue. Haven has given

dozens of carefully written statements to the administration for the last four years. [The administration was] never without an idea of what Haven stood for. Since we refused to affirm their stance on homosexuality as our starting place, they have accused Haven of promoting a lifestyle that is in opposition to their beliefs. On the contrary, Haven has tried to uphold the university’s ideals of ‘engaging the culture’ by discussing the controversial topics of sexuality at SPU.” In other words, homophobia is the elephant in the room. To gain a better understanding of where Jordan and the administration are coming from on the issue, SGN repeatedly made an effort to contact SPU officials. All phone messages and e-mails were left unanswered.

Jordan tried to explain himself in SPU’s newspaper, The Falcon. “I don’t think we have, in some way, said, ‘Stop talking about sex.’ We haven’t done that, nor do we want to do that.”

He went on to say that “no one believes we shouldn’t have conversations about sexuality. Some of these things – conversations about sexuality – are happening in many places on campus as it is.”

But what Jordan never says once, in the two major articles written by The Falcon staff over the last two weeks, are the words “homosexuality” or “LGBT.” He dances around the topic completely, citing, like Richmond pointed out, the issue of the Haven mission statement and the makeup of the group’s Pastor Panel.

“We were operating without an idea of Haven’s purpose – at least the administration didn’t have one,” said Jordan. “So there was a good-faith effort that I felt like I was doing on behalf of the university and administration to say, ‘We will give you space, but we also need this to be worked on.’”

According to Haven leadership, that is exactly what they began to do. They set about revising their mission statement to address what they wanted to be as a group.

According to its statement of purpose, “Haven recognizes that SPU has a Statement on Human Sexuality that defines the university’s position. Haven will ensure that the content of this statement is clearly presented in our activities. Because Haven exists to promote safe and respectful conversations, however, Haven will ensure that all views, even those in disagreement with SPU’s Statement, are presented fairly and impartially.”

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Celebrating 38 Years!

Haven submitted its new mission statement in January in vain. They were ultimately told that they would not be recognized and that they could meet, but it would have to be informally and unofficially, and held in public space.

That is not good enough, say Haven leadership, as the personal nature of Haven discussions requires privacy since the main goal is for it to be a safe place for discussion on campus. “When we don’t have a safe place that is our own,” said the group, “it compromises our ability to be a safe space.”

SPU STUDENTS SHOW SUPPORT “I haven’t personally faced any problems from other students from being a part of Haven,” Becky Jennings, Haven co-leader, told SGN. “The student body is generally very supportive.”

Jennings says there is some misconception that all the students who are part of Haven identify as LGBT, when really it is a mix. “My perception of the student body is that, by and large, they are supportive of Haven.”

“I think it is very important to say that SPU is not a bad school,” adds Roberts.

“Some of the most supportive people in my life have been my professors. Haven has a ton of support from the student body. The problem at SPU is not the faculty and it is not the majority of students; it is the administration. It is sad that a university who touts this idea of engaging culture is so afraid of

LGBT people. We are a part of the world out there, yet the university likes to pretend that we don’t exist.”

Roberts says he definitely feels discriminated against by the administration. “Haven is not simply an LGBT group,” he said.

“We are a discussion group. However, the discussion is focused on the LGBT experience, and the university doesn’t like that. As a Gay man, it is hard not to ask myself what is so wrong with me and others like me that my university would try so hard to prevent students from talking about how someone like myself experiences the world. What is so wrong with LGBT people that we’ve become a topic undeserving of, at the very least, discourse, if not full acceptance?”

“To me,” agreed Bethune, “it feels, smells, looks, sounds, and tastes just like homophobia.”

“We can speculate about the political reasons within the institution as to what is stopping them from giving us the respect and recognition that other student groups get almost automatically, but at the core of all the speculations is always homophobia,” she said. “It seems like many Christian communities have been having trouble facing their own fears and deciding to love and accept

everyone equally, which is what I think is happening here at SPU.” “I also think that the administration is frustrated with us because no matter how many times they say no, we will not go away – and we never will,” she said.

Bethune says she wants everyone to know that there are Gay students at SPU who are in the closet because they are scared to come out.

Still, Bethune says that there are a number of reasons why LGBT students may attend SPU. “The faculty at this institution are some of the most brilliant, supportive, passionate, encouraging, intelligent, and caring of any faculty I know of,” she said.

“They are a huge part of why I go here.”

“No one believes we shouldn’t have conversations about sexuality. Some of these things are happening in many places on campus as it is.”

SUPPORT HAVEN “Haven is a unique club in many ways,” explains Richmond. “We meet weekly, more often than any of the other clubs I know of.”

He said there are other clubs that focus on social justice and other topics that are approved and are very essential. Sophia, the feminist club on campus, has very strong discussions in a Christian context. There are many conversations being had on the SPU campus about difficult topics – “this helps

eliminate the stigma,” said Richmond. “Haven wants to help eliminate that kind of stigma around sexuality. We do not all have to agree, but we should be talking about this openly.”

Haven has held a steady goal for the last four years. Haven is about creating a safe space on campus to talk about sexuality and LGBT topics in an informative and respectful way.

Richmond says that Haven “would love to work with SPU to make the whole school a safer and healthier place for all students, straight or Gay.” According to Richmond, the only thing the university has to do to provide a safe space is allow Haven to begin using classrooms for meetings, as they did before. “It would be preferable that they also allow us to publicize on campus,” he added. “Ideally, they should abide by the system and rules that they set up on campus for club status.

We are primarily fighting for club status because that would guarantee us rights like rooms and publicity.”

Haven leadership told Seattle Gay News that they will work to provide a safe space for the SPU students whether or not the administration recognizes the group.

To show your support for Haven, change. org has set up a petition for the cause at www.change.org/petitions/tell-seattle-pacific-university-recognize-lgbt-group-oncampus. The goal is 2,500 signatures. As of press time, the petition has over 1,500 signatures.

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Seattle Gay News 19

egypt

continued from cover

Egyptian military, the Muslim Brotherhood, and others vying for power over one of the most populous countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Currently, the nation is in the hands of the high council of the Egyptian armed forces.

The Egyptian protestors are asking that they end emergency rule and initiate a meaningful and inclusive process of democratic transition to ensure free, fair, and competitive elections.

“We understand that there is, since the fall of Mubarak, a division of opinion,” said Ali Asali, GayEgypt.com editor, in a statement obtained by Seattle Gay News. “We respect both those who wish to continue to protest and those who prefer to return to their normal lives, having sacrificed their earnings and endangered their own lives by staying out on the street night after night.”

“We hope that all protests are peaceful, and above all, that the army remains loyal to the wishes of the people and continues to refrain from violence,” he said. “We demand that those guilty of acts of violence against peaceful demonstrators and organizing such actions will, in due time, be brought to court.”

Asali said “the contribution of thousands of Gay men and women in this revolution

should not be forgotten, and freedom for the Lesbian and Gay community must be an integral part of a new democratic society.”

GayEgypt.com was a willing partner in the internet war that was being raged on Mubarak.

When the protests first began in Egypt on January 25, Asali told his readers to join the revolution. “Egypt’s Gay and Lesbian community has had enough … of police brutality and torture, and GayEgypt.com calls on all Lesbians and Gays to join their brothers and sisters on the street to demand immediate change,” he posted on his website.

He asked everyone to “please take care” and to “try to minimize your risks.”

“Don’t give up,” said Asali. “What happens here will have a lasting impact on the entire Arab world.”

Now that Mubarak is gone, what’s in store for Egypt’s robust LGBT community?

For decades, homosexuality was barely acknowledged by Egyptian authorities. Homosexual acts are covered by general legislation governing public (Muslim and Christian) morality. According to GlobalGayz. com, “In the 21st century, this [Egyptian] legislation has been subject to stricter interpretation, and homosexual men live under continual threat of persecution and imprisonment.”

Life for Gays and Lesbians in Egypt has been a struggle over the years. A 2004 Human Rights Watch report on anti-Gay persecution in Egypt found that well over 1,000 Gay men had been arrested in cities and town throughout Egypt between 2001 and

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20 Seattle Gay News

February 18, 2011

2004 in a crackdown against LGBT people.

According to Human Rights Watch, authorities charged the mostly Gay men trapped in the crackdown with violating a provision in Egypt’s anti-prostitution law that prohibits the “habitual practice of debauchery.”

The Human Rights Watch report said that Egyptian courts interpreted the sweeping law to cover consensual, non-commercial sexual relations between people of the same sex. Police used the law to arrest Gays, even though it was clear that the men arrested were not engaged in prostitution.

The report grimly documented the widespread use of torture against the Gay men arrested in the crackdown – with many of them sent to the same police detention centers known for physical abuse of political prisoners that Egyptians participating in the protests to oust Mubarak have denounced.

Currently, the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic organization, is considered to be the most organized group ready to gain control of Egypt. The Muslim Brotherhood bills itself as a fundamentalist faction that would never embrace LGBT rights.

louganis

continued from cover said. “A good buddy of mine lives in Seattle and also a teammate of mine from the 1988 Olympic dive team is there.”

Greg is scheduled as a guest speaker at “Making a Difference: The 2nd Annual Lifelong AIDS Alliance Benefit Breakfast” on February 24 from 7:30-9 a.m. at The Red Lion Hotel (1415 5th Avenue). The breakfast is a community event that provides an opportunity for donors, corporations, and political leaders to join together and make a charitable difference in the lives of those affected by and living with HIV and AIDS. Greg says he accepted the invitation because he supports the work that Lifelong AIDS Alliance does. “I work with HIV and AIDS organizations like Lifelong because I’ve found that, by sharing my story with others, it is a type of therapy for not only them, but for me as well,” he told SGN. “When I first tested positive for HIV, I was fortunate to have such an incredible support team around me. That is exactly what Lifelong supplies for others. They offer services and support for people who may not be able to get what they need from anyone else.”

Before Greg became a Gay icon and outspoken advocate for Gay rights and youth services, he was best known as one of the world’s most talented divers.

Greg began competing in diving at age 9.

By 16, he had won his first Olympic medal – a silver medal on the platform in 1976. At 24, he became the first man in 56 years to win two gold medals in diving by winning both the platform and springboard events. In 1988, competing against divers half his age,

he became the first to win double gold medals for diving in two consecutive Olympic games.

Greg’s diving accomplishments did not stop there. He is a five-time world champion and holds 47 national championship titles.

At the Pan Am Games, he earned six gold medals, and in 1985, he was awarded the Sullivan Award as “the nation’s most outstanding amateur athlete.”

Greg was the first to score over 700 points in a diving competition under the old scoring system and is still the only one to accomplish that feat at the Olympics. However, what most people remember about Greg is that he went on to win the gold at the 1988 games despite striking the back of his head on the springboard during the preliminaries. He attempted a reverse two and-a-half somersault pike in the ninth round of the prelims, and he hit his head on the board and fell into the water. Thirty-five minutes later, after receiving stitches to his scalp wound, he resumed diving. The following day, he hit all 11 dives and easily won the Olympic gold medal.

Greg is more than just a diver; he stands out as a human being, as well. Greg speaks out for many organizations, including youth clubs, drug and alcohol rehabilitation groups, and organizations for the dyslexic.

“Three months ago, I started coaching at SoCal Divers in Orange County, California,” he told SGN. “The kids are ages ranging from 7-22, and are at different diving skill levels. Our intent is to go beyond the normal diving community. I teach the kids about community outreach and being a good citizen.”

“Whenever the kids do something good, like pick up trash or volunteer, they are rewarded with ‘hero bucks,’” Greg said.

“Good grades are also rewarded. Whenever a diver gets enough hero bucks, they win an international trip with me. They get to go to a diving competition and be exposed to a new culture. My hope is that they then bring that experience back home to the other kids.”

“I think it is important to teach youth to be aware of more than just themselves,” he continued. “I love it. We have a lot of fun, and the program is all about setting goals.

We do some diving, but the program is focused on so much more. It is important to me that these kids adopt the practice of giving back to the community.”

Fifteen years ago, Greg was invited to be a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show to talk about being an out Gay athlete with HIV. This year, he was invited back to be a part of her final season.

“Being on Oprah’s show twice was an awesome experience,” he said. “But this time it was very sweet. The show I was plugged into was ‘Homosexuality and Where We Are Today.’ I got to surprise a teen that had been questioning his sexuality and tell him about my experiences with coming out. It was very cool. I was honored to be a part of that show.”

Greg admits that although it may be easy to talk about today, the world was a much different place in 1978, when he came out of the closet. “First and foremost, you have to come out to yourself before you attempt to tell others. You must accept yourself for who you really are,” he said. “I came out as Gay when I was at the University of Miami.

I told my parents, and people in the diving community knew. I didn’t hide it from those around me.”

In the 1980s, Greg said it was his policy not to discuss his sexual orientation with the media. In fact, he didn’t start talking about it with the general population until right before his autobiography came out. He made his big announcement at the 1994 Gay Games.

Greg was diagnosed HIV-positive in 1988, and revealed his status in his 1995 autobiography, Breaking the Surface, which spent five weeks at number one on the New York Times Best Seller list.

“I knew that writing the book and coming out as Gay and HIV-positive was the next step in my journey,” he told SGN. “I decided it was time to live out and proud and become more secure with myself.”

“Keeping the secret that I was HIV-positive was terrifying,” he admits. “For years, I felt like I was living on an island because

Celebrating 38 Years!

that is what secrets do: they isolate. I felt that the only real way for me to communicate who I was was through a book.”

He said that in the mid-1990s, the media would have just treated him as a headline, and not a person. “I knew that my struggle and my life was worth much more than that.

It was a very emotional and raw experience.

Writing a book is an extremely personal thing.”

Greg says that when he does public speaking engagements, he reminds people not to forget about where we were as a community and a nation during the AIDS crisis. “People don’t realize that in 1988, I had to lie about my status because if anyone on the Olympic Board had known, I would not have been allowed to go to South Korea and compete. I would have missed the Olympics.”

“There was just so much fear surrounding HIV/AIDS back then,” he added. “So much has changed since then, and that is a great thing.”

Greg told Seattle Gay News that if he could go back in time to tell his 16-year-old self anything it would be to work on selfesteem.

“It is so important for young people – or anybody really, regardless of age – to realize that you are enough and you are of value,” he said. “That is the most important thing, you know … to have self-worth. There are bad choices that I made in my life that, had I had a better self-image, I may not have made.”

He was quick to add that, “every experi- cate that 23 or 24 senators are now on board. ence I have had, good or bad, has helped to One Republican joins 22 or 23 Democrats in make me who I am today, and I like who I supporting the measure. am today.”

Eleven Republican senators join nine Democrats in opposing same-sex marriage.

The Senate vote is considered crucial, because the House – dominated by Democrats from suburbs of D.C. – is expected to pass the bill, and Democratic Gov. Martin continued from cover O’Malley has already said he will sign it if passed.

marriage

Moeller cited the passage of the AndersonMurray Civil Rights Bill in 2006 protecting Gays and Lesbians from discrimination in employment, housing, and financial transactions, and then three successive years of securing broader and broader domestic partnership rights – which concluded in the successful Referendum 71 campaign.

Maryland As SGN goes to press, Maryland is apparently on the verge of passing marriage equality legislation.

On February 17, the Maryland Senate’s Judicial Proceedings Committee voted 7-4 to send the marriage equality bill to the full Senate for debate next week.

Two previously undeclared Democratic state senators used the occasion of Valentine’s Day to announce they would vote for the bill.

At least 24 senators are needed to pass legislation in Maryland, and whip counts indi-

Colorado Openly Gay Colorado Sen. Pat Steadman also introduced a bill on Valentine’s Day to legalize civil unions for same-sex couples.

Steadman said that the bill “is a method of recognizing committed relationships between two people, and allowing them to access the full scope of protections in Colorado law.”

The bill is expected to pass through the Democratic-controlled Senate, but will face some trouble in the House, where Republicans have a slim 33-32 majority over Democrats.

Marriage equality is banned by an amendment to Colorado’s constitution passed in 2006. Same-sex civil unions are not prohibited, however.

The amendment passed with 55% of voters approving. An initiative on the same ballot that would have passed domestic partnerships was shot down 47% to 53%.

Indiana In Indiana, on the other hand, the legislature is taking the initial steps to add a ban on same-sex couples to the state’s constitution.

The Indiana House of Representatives voted February 15 to pass an amendment to the state’s constitution prohibiting any legal recognition whatsoever for same-sex couples.

The House approved the measure on a bipartisan 70-26 vote after a mere 30 minutes of debate.

The amendment says, “Only a marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized as a marriage in Indiana.

A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.”

The House action begins an amendment process that could bring the amendment before voters in a November 2014 referendum.

The bill is expected to pass easily in the Indiana Senate, which has passed similar amendments before.

It then has to be passed by the House and Senate in one subsequent session before going to the voters.

Indianapolis Democrat Rep. Mary Ann Sullivan called the ban “a blow that hurts thousands across this great state, and taints our constitution with the language of hate.”

She added that she has friends and neighbors who are “deeply, deeply hurt by this legislation.”

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Celebrating 38 Years!

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Seattle Gay News 23