Big Gay News
Democratic Rep. Barney Frank Announces Retirement
The Associated Press reports that Dem. Rep. Barney Frank, the first voluntarily openly gay member of Congress has announced he will retire at the end of his current term; his 16th. “There are other things I would like to do with my life.” Frank, 71, said he hopes to remain active on issues that matter to him after his retirement.
‘Not Gay Enough’ Softball Players Settle Suit
SFGate reports that three members of an amateur gay softball team have settled their lawsuit against the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance. The men sued the organization after their team was disqualified for not having enough gay players. The settlement comes one week after a US district judge ruled that the Alliance had the right to limit the number of heterosexuals who could play on a team. As part of the settlement, the men will receive their second place trophy back, along with an undisclosed sum.
Nigeria Senate Approves Bill Banning Gay Marriage, Groups, PDA
The Washington Post reports that Nigeria’s Senate has voted to criminalize gay marriage, gay advocacy groups and same-sex public displays of affection. Gay sex is already illegal in Nigeria and under the new legislation, couples who marry could face up to 14 years in prison.
Senate Lets Chaplains Opt Out of Gay Weddings
The Army Times reports that the US Senate approved an amendment to the defense authorization bill that allows military chaplains to refuse to perform gay marriages. The measure was introduced by MI Republican Sen. Roger Wicker who said, “This amendment will allow the chaplains of our armed forces to maintain the freedom of conscience necessary to serve their nation and their religion without conflict.”
NY Judge Lets Anti-Gay Marriage Lawsuit Proceed
The Wall Street Journal reports that a NY state judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging the state’s gay marriage legislation. State Supreme Court Judge Robert Wiggins said there was an issue whether the state’s open meetings law was violated.
Church of Scotland against gay marriage law change
The BBC reports that the Church of Scotland has told the Scottish government that it should not allow gay marriages. The government launched a 14 week consultation over whether to legalize gay marriage, but the Church of Scotland, along with The Roman Catholic Church in Scotland are against the change. A recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey found more than 60% of people believe same-sex couples should have the right to marry.
Gay Groups Boycott Salvation Army Red Kettle Drive
MSNBC reports that gay rights groups are urging people to boycott donations to the Salvation Army this holiday season, arguing that the church has a history of anti-GLBT discrimination.Andy Thayer, co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network told MSNBC, “We are urging a boycott of the Salvation Army because it uses its selective interpretation of the Bible to promote discrimination against LGBT people in employment benefits and leadership positions within the Army.” A spokesman for the Salvation Army responded, saying, “In our policies, in our practices, in our programs and in our eligibility for any service within the Salvation Army, there is not a request for any details concerning sexual orientation.”
Top Marine Says Service Embracing Gay Ban Repeal
The Associated Press reports that top US marine, General James F. Amos says the Marines have handled the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ well. Amos previously opposed repealing the ban during wartime. He told the Associated Press last week, “I’m very pleased with how it has gone.”
Passengers Claim United Agent Used Gay Slur At DIA
Denver’s 7News reports that United Airlines is investigating a complaint from a gay couple claiming they were called faggots by an agent at Denver International Airport. Billy Canu told 7News he and his partner complained to a manager about a rude employee. Canu claims the manager escalated the situation, first calling them idiots then faggots as they walked away. A spokeswoman for United said, “We have received this complaint and are reviewing, and we will reach out to the customer directly.”
T.I. Defends Tracy Morgan, Calls Gay Activists ‘Not American’
Reuters reports that rapper and MTV reality star Clifford Joseph Harris Jr (aka T.I.) said in a recent interview that gay activists were overly sensitive in response to comedian Tracy Morgan’s comments last summer that he’d kill his son if he found out he were gay. “They’re like, ‘If you have an opinion against us, we’re gonna shut you down. That’s not American,” said Harris.
