Big Gay News – January 12, 2012

Gay Couple Sue Hawaii B&B, Claim Discrimination

The Associated Press reports that two lesbians filed suit against a Hawaii bed and breakfast they claim denied them a room for being gay in 2007. Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford say Aloha Bed & Breakfast owner Phyllis Young denied their request for a room because she was uncomfortable, for religious reasons, with having lesbians in her home. The lawsuit seeks to order Young to comply with Hawaii law which guarantees gays and lesbians public accommodation, as well as an unspecified monetary sum.

Rick Perry Confronted by Teen Over Gays in the Military

ABC News reports that Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry was confronted about his opposition to gay people in the military by a 14-year-old, openly bisexual girl after a town hall event . Rebecca Green asked Perry, “I just want to know why you’re so opposed to gays serving openly in the military, why you want to deny them that freedom when they’re fighting and dying for your right to run for president?” Perry responded, “I don’t agree that openly gays should be serving in the military. ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ was working.” He also told Green that being gay is a sin.

Mississippi Mayor’s Expense Receipts Prompt Coming Out

The Commercial Appeal reports that Southaven, Mississippi mayor Greg Davis revealed that he is gay. Davis made the announcement after receipts from a purchase he made at a Canadian store catering to gay men came to light. The charges are part of a wider investigation into allegations that Davis charged taxpayers thousands of dollars for expensive dinners, alcohol, and other expenses. He told reporters, “At this point in my life and in my career, while I have tried to maintain separation between my personal and public life, it is obvious that this can no longer remain the case.”

Gay Marriage ‘Improves Health’

The BBC reports that US researchers have shown that legalizing same-sex marriage may create a healthier environment for gay men. According to the American Journal of Public Health, the number of visits by gay men to clinics dropped significantly after same-sex marriages were legalized.

Virginia Board Allows Adoption Agencies to Discriminate Based on Sexual Orientation

The Washington Post reports that the Virginia Board of Social Services voted to allow state- licensed adoption agencies to discriminate against prospective adoptive and foster parents based on their sexual orientation, political beliefs, and other personal characteristics. The board voted 5-1 to strip discrimination protections.

Gay Porn Actor Fired from Police Gym Two Years Ago Still Actually Works There

The Miami New Times reports that although Bruno Diaz was supposedly fired from his job as the manager of the Miami Beach Police Athletic League gym two years ago following complaints he had appeared in adult films in the 90s, he was never actually fired. The League board at the time voted to fire Diaz by a vote of 7-1, but they never followed through. A lawyer for the board pointed out that they could have been sued if they had actually let him go.

Colombian Bishop Criticizes Gay Adoption

UPI reports that leading Colombian bishop Juan Vicente Cordoba criticized a recent court decision allowing openly gay American journalist Chandler Burr to adopt two Colombian boys. Cordoba hinted in an interview that Burr could become attracted to his children. “I am not accusing him of anything,” Cordoba said. “But one thing is clear and that is that he has homosexual tendencies … and he will receive two children at an age when they may be attractive to him, which could be a temptation.” The boys 10 and 13 were removed from Burr’s care when it was discovered he was gay. Following psychological tests, the boys were returned to him.

Gay Aussie Sex Ad Safe Despite Protests

The Australian reports that the Advertising Standards Bureau has refused to remove a billboard for a gay-themed safe-sex ad, even though it was the most hated ad in the country. The billboard campaign created for the Queensland Association for Health Communities showed two men embracing with the text “Rip & Roll” underneath. The Bureau rejected the complaints judging the billboard not offensive and carrying an important social message.

Norway Refuses Gay Iraqi Asylum, Says ‘Go Home, Be Discreet’

LGBTQ Nation reports that Norway’s high court has ruled that although Kurdish refugee Azad Hassan Rasol is gay, and gay men are at risk in Iraq, he can not stay in Norway and should seek protection from Kurdish authorities. Rasol told reporters, “My clan is going to kill me. Gays and lesbians cannot live openly in Iraq.” Just last month, Kurdish police allegedly raided a gay party and arrested 25 men.