Big Gay News – January 26, 2012
Minnesota Public School Teachers Call For Gay-Friendly Policies
Think Progress reports that MN’s Anoka-Hennepin school district, which has faced criticism for a controversial policy preventing teachers and administrators from talking about sexual orientation, is considering a new policy that would still treat GLBT issues as controversial. Teacher’s union President Julie Blaha told reporters, “We need to clearly differentiate between what is an issue and what is somebody’s identity.” The school board is expected to vote on a new policy later this month.
Salt Lake Voted Gayest City in the US
CNN reports that The Advocate has named Salt Lake City, Utah the Gayest City in America. The Advocate ranked cities according to its own list of non-scientific criteria, including number of GLBT elected officials and number of International Mr. Leather competition semifinalists. Other cities on the top 15 included, Denver Colorado, Austin Texas, and Little Rock, Arkansas.
Gay Code Breaker Gets UK Stamp Honor
The Star Observer reports that Britain is honoring mathematician and WWII code breaker Alan Turing with a commemorative stamp. Turing committed suicide in 1954 after being convicted of homosexual acts and being sentenced to chemical castration. In 2009 British Prime Minister Gordon Brown apologized for Turing’s treatment. A film of Turing’s life reportedly in the works.
Teen Gets Jail in Bias Beating at NYC Gay Bar
The Associated Press reports that 18 year old Christopher Orlando was sentenced to two months in jail for his role in an anti-gay attack at the landmark New York gay bar, the Stonewall Inn. Co-defendant Matthew Francis is already serving two years in prison for the attack.
Washington Governor Supports Gay Marriage Law
Reuters reports that Washington Governor Christine Gregoire has announced her support for gay marriage legislation. The legislation is expected to be introduced in the state legislature in January. Gregoire told reporters, “It is time in Washington state for marriage equality.”
Two Men Beaten by Trio Who Allegedly Thought They Were Gay
FOX News reports that Santa Barbara police are looking for three men accused of beating up two men- who the trio thought to be gay-near a downtown bar. The attack, which was captured on video, is being treated as a hate crime.
Malaysian Gay Rights Activists Challenge Government in Court to Quash Ban
The Washington Post reports that gay activists filed a lawsuit, challenging a police ban on an anti-homophobia arts festival. Organizers of the Sexual Independence festival which has been held since 2008 decided to file suit after police ordered them to cancel the event, following complaints from Muslim organizations.
Kristy McNichol Comes Out of the Closet to Help Bullied Kids
ABC News reports that actress Kristy McNichol, known for her roles on television series Family and Empty Nest, has come out in order to help children who are bullied. McNichol, 49 has lived with her partner Martie Allen for the past two decades. People Magazine reported that McNichol chose to come out now because she is “approaching 50” and wants to “be open about who I am.”
Pope Says Gay Marriage a Threat to Humanity’s Future
Reuters reports that Pope Benedict said that gay marriage was a threat to the traditional family and undermined, “the future of humanity itself.” The Pope made his comments during an address to the diplomatic core at the Vatican. The Pope is expected to elevate New York Archbishop Timothy Dolan, a leading opponent of same-sex marriage in the US, to cardinal next month.
