Gay Students Protest Treatment At UNF


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Gay and lesbian students say they've been threatened and harassed ever since the student president refused to approve funding for their group.

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual students converged on the University of North Florida campus with signs saying they've been the victims of blatant discrimination and they want to put a stop to it.

The students said that harassment has increased since Student Body President Jerry Waterson refused to approve funding for the PRIDE group on campus.

The group did get its money, but now students want an apology and some action from the administration.

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Report Outlines How To Stay Healthy During Anti-Gay Campaigns


AMHERST, MA – Gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and their heterosexual allies can take concrete steps to resist feelings of isolation, stress, and sadness in the face of anti-gay campaigns, according to a new publication by the Institute for Gay and Lesbian Strategic Studies.

Communities in eleven states enacted divisive anti-gay referenda in this months election. In the course of these campaigns to limit the rights of gay people, well-publicized stereotypes and hostility became dominant themes that challenged the psychological well-being of GLBT people.

“I’ve heard many stories about fear, sadness, and a sense of loss from people all over the country,” noted Dr. Glenda Russell, author of the report.

“Putting the civil rights of one group to a vote takes an enormous psychological toll on members of that group, as well as on communities and on families.”

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Mayor: City pension funds should recognize gay marriage


NEW YORK (AP) _ Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced Wednesday that he will direct his appointees on the city's pension fund boards to treat city employees in gay marriages the same way as those in traditional marriages.

Bloomberg's decision, based on a legal opinion by the city Law Department, makes no immediate changes. It is unclear how many people would be affected.

If the idea is approved by the city's five pension fund boards, same sex couples who are legally married or involved in a civil union with a city employee, would receive pension benefits _ including for instance, accidental death benefits.

The mayor does not have a majority of appointees on any of the boards, which cover pension plans for police, teachers and other city employees.



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'Gay Weddings' Bill Clears Final Hurdle
By Amanda Brown PA Lords Staff


Government plans for so-called “gay weddings” passed their final hurdle in the Lords tonight – after a three hour heated debate and protests that it would create unfair tax advantages for a minority.

The Civil Partnerships Bill gives gays and lesbians the right to form legally binding civil partnerships – giving them the same tax, inheritance and tenancy rights as married couples.