Gay lobby takes aim at Bush
By Michael S. Gerber and James Kirchick


Celebrities and lawmakers speaking to a raucous Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and
Transgender (GLBT) Caucus yesterday largely ignored Sen. John Kerry’s opposition to gay marriage, focusing instead on Republican efforts to pass a constitutional amendment banning same-sex unions.

From convention chairman Gov. Bill Richardson (N.M.) to Teresa Heinz Kerry, speakers told the crowd that the Democratic Party would fight for more rights for homosexuals.

“The gay and lesbian community is no longer put on the sidelines,” Richardson said. “You’re an essential part of the Democratic family.”

Several members of Congress, governors and celebrities also addressed the crowd, which included delegates from around the nation and many local and state elected officials.



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Lutherans ordain a 3rd gay pastor
Tribune news services


MINNEAPOLIS -- Jay Wiesner has become the Twin Cities' third openly gay pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, defying a denominational policy that is under review.

The policy forbids ordination of candidates in same-sex relationships but allows gay clergy who are committed to celibacy. Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries said Wiesner and his partner of five years, Timothy Anthony, "were formally married" May 1 at Bethany Lutheran Church, where he will be installed on the staff next month.

Minneapolis Synod Bishop Craig Johnson did not attend Wiesner's ordination Sunday.

Bethany's pastor, Steven Benson, said Johnson could impose sanctions ranging from removing
Bethany from denominational rolls to ousting Benson, but he doesn't know what, if anything, the bishop might do


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Sena stops 'Girlfriend' in Gujarat


Amreli (Gujarat): Shiv Sena activists today disrupted a show of 'Girlfriend' depicting lesbian relationship and tore and burnt posters of the film in the town's only cinema house, police said.

The activists barged into Gopi Cinema here and forced the owner to stop the show after tearing posters and burning the posterboard, they said.

However, the Shiv Sena activists dispersed after police arrived and "there is no more disturbance", police said adding no arrests have been made.

The Karan Razdan film had generated a lot of heat across the country with saffron outfits stalling the show at several cities recently.



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City forms panel for gay, lesbian issues
Angela Cara Pancrazio
The Arizona Republic


Mayor Phil Gordon has created an advisory committee to address issues of concern to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The group's purpose is to "feel the pulse" of the LGBT community in Phoenix, said Gerardo Higginson, a senior assistant to the mayor who is coordinating the group.

"I have to give credit to the mayor of being aware of the gays and lesbians in the city and the incredible asset we bring to the city," said Patrick Kelley, director of governmental affairs for the Greater Phoenix Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.


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Murder draws national interest
Advocacy groups call for tougher 'hate crimes' laws across the nation


BAY MINETTE -- The slaying of Scotty Joe Weaver -- which prosecutors say they believe was motivated, in part, because of his sexual orientation -- has drawn interest from gay-rights organizations and others across the country.

A representative of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays expressed concern that law enforcement investigators have zeroed in on robbery as the primary motive and have downplayed the "hate crime" angle.

Ron Schlittler, the Washington-based organization's executive director, said the brutality of the attack makes it unlikely that it was money that the attackers were interested in.

That is especially true considering the attackers got so little, he said. Investigators have said $65 to $80 was taken from the 18-year-old Pine Grove man.