Big Gay News
National News
Largest GLBT Newspaper Publisher Closes
According to the Associated Press, the largest publisher of GLBT newspapers in the United States has shut down. Window Media LLC, publisher of Southern Voice, Washington Blade, and a handful of other papers, has gone out of business. Southern Voice Editor Laura Douglas-Brown said in a telephone interview, “From my understanding, there was just no more money to keep these companies running. We had all been told that the companies would be sold. The fact that we were shut down was a complete shock.”
Rhode Island Governor Meets with Gay Rights Group
Rhode Island Governor Don Carcieri, who recently vetoed a bill giving same-sex couples the right to make funeral arrangements for one another, since has met with gay rights advocates. He now says he’s open to supporting a domestic partnership law in the state. According to The Providence Journal, he met with Queer Action of Rhode Island. Regarding domestic partnerships, Carcieri said, “Maybe it’s something we should consider.”
Catholic Church Gives Ultimatum to DC
According to The Washington Post, the Catholic Archdiocese of Washington said that if the District of Columbia (DC) passes same-sex marriage legislation, the church might not be able to continue providing social services. While the bill under consideration does not require religious organizations to perform same-sex weddings, they would still have to follow existing city laws prohibiting discrimination against gays and lesbians. According to the Post, church officials are worried they’ll have to provide benefits to the same-sex spouses of employees. Archdiocese Spokeswoman Susan Gibbssaid, “If the city requires this, we can’t do it.” DC Councilmember David Catania, sponsor of the legislation, told the Post, “The church doesn’t represent, in my mind, an indispensable component of our social services infrastructure.” The Council of the District of Columbia is expected to vote on the issue early in December.
Teacher Charged with Putting “Hit” on Student He Thought Was Gay
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported high school teacher Randolph Forde remains on administrative leave with pay while the school district investigates an allegation that he threatened to hire someone to kill a student he thought was gay. According to the police report, he allegedly pulled a student out of class, and asked him if he was gay. A few days later, he allegedly asked another student to “put a hit” on the teenager. Forde was arrested by police, then released, and told to stay away from the student. The case is waiting to be sent to a grand jury. Forde will remain on leave until school officials conduct an investigation.
Fort Worth Council Votes To Expand Discrimination Ordinance
The Forth Worth City Council voted to expand its antidiscrimination ordinance to include transgender people. The vote came as it considered a number of gay rights proposals taken up following the controversial raid of a gay bar in June. After the event, city officials appointed a task force to look for ways to decrease tension between the city and its gay community.
World News
Buenos Aires Grants First Same-Sex Marriage License
Jose Maria Di Bello and his partner, Alex Freyre, were granted a marriage license in Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires. The couple won the right to get married when a judge ruled the ban on same-sex marriage violates the country’s constitution. Buenos Aires Mayor Mauricio Macri stated the city would not appeal the ruling. He said, “We have to live with and accept this reality: The world is moving in this direction.” He added that it was important for officials to “safeguard the right of each person to freely choose with whom they want to form a couple and be happy.”
