Archive for January, 2007
Italy Bishop’s Head Raps Same-Sex Rights
ROME (AP) | 01/22/2007 09:16 PM
By MARIA SANMINIATELLI Associated Press Writer
The head of Italy’s bishops lashed out Monday at a government proposal to give same-sex couples rights similar to those of married people and criticized euthanasia in a speech that provoked an immediate political backlash.
Premier Romano Prodi’s center-left government has pledged to come up with legislation to safeguard rights for all unmarried couples, including same-sex ones, by the end of January. The issue has been divisive in a predominantly Catholic country closely watched by the Vatican.
”It must be said that (gay unions) are at odds with basic anthropological facts, in particular with the nonexistence of the blessing of generating children, which is the specific reason for the social recognition of marriage,” Cardinal Camillo Ruini said in an address to the Italian bishops’ conference.
Proponents of the proposed law accused the cardinal of interfering in Italy’s political affairs.
Ruini spoke ”like a premier or the head of a political party setting his agenda to the government and Parliament,” said Daniele Capezzone, of the tiny Radical Party.
But right-wing politicians opposed to the proposal praised Ruini’s stance as a defense of the traditional family.
”Even in lay politics, we have a responsibility to defend the family,” lawmaker Maurizio Gasparri was quoted as saying by the Apcom agency. ”We must follow Ruini’s warning not to break up the family, and to protect the natural one based on marriage.”
The proposed legislation would give unmarried couples inheritance rights, joint medical insurance, visiting rights in prisons and hospitals, and the right to make decisions in case one partner becomes ill.
He also warned that attempts to allow living wills in Italy could legitimize euthanasia, and defended the church’s decision not to allow a religious funeral for a paralyzed man who had a doctor disconnect his respirator.
The cardinal said the man, Piergiorgio Welby, had repeatedly expressed his desire to end his life, and allowing him a religious funeral ”would have legitimized an attitude that is contrary to God’s laws.”
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Ad On Hospital Wall Promises Burial
SOWETO, South Africa, Jan. 19 (UPI)
A cell phone company’s ad on the side of a South African hospital building carried the unfortunate message: You’ve come to play. We’ve come to bury. To make matters worse, the building at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto where the Vodacom ad was placed houses two AIDS clinics, the Pretoria News reported. We have clients coming in and asking us, ‘What’s this about burying us?’ said Steve Whiting, a staffer at the Perinatal HIV Research Unit. Hester van den Heever, a spokeswoman for the hospital, said that officials there rent building walls for ads and generally do not worry about the content, as long as there are no commercial messages for cigarettes or alcohol. She said that Vodacom has been asked to change its message. Shameel Joosub, managing director at Vodacom SA, said the hospital billboard was intended to be placed at a stadium to tout the company’s soccer sponsorship. The hospital sign was meant to show Vodacom’s support for people with AIDS.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International Â
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ABC Leads Nominees for GLAAD Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) | 01/21/2007 10:26 PM
ABC, whose hit show ”Grey’s Anatomy” has made headlines over an anti-gay slur used by an actor, led nominees for this year’s awards from an organization that monitors depictions of gays and lesbians in the media.
The network landed eight nominations from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, the group announced Sunday.
CBS garnered five nods, NBC three and PBS two. Among cable networks, CNN received four, Bravo and HBO three, and BBC America two.
”Grey’s Anatomy,” a medical drama, is nominated for outstanding individual episode.
The show itself has gotten unwanted attention since actor Isaiah Washington used a slur to talk about castmate T.R. Knight in an on-set dustup in October with co-star Patrick Dempsey, then used it again at this month’s Golden Globes as he denied ever uttering it.
Washington apologized Thursday after the network admonished him.
Nominees for feature film in wide release include ”Little Miss Sunshine,” ”The Night Listener,” ”Running with Scissors,” ”Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” and ”V for Vendetta.”
Special prizes will go to singer Patti LaBelle, fashion designer Tom Ford and tennis great Martina Navratilova.
The 18th annual GLAAD Media Awards _ consisting of 42 categories _ are split into four ceremonies, held in Los Angeles, New York, Miami and San Francisco in March, April and May.
The awards ”recognize and honor mainstream media for their fair, accurate and inclusive representations of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender … community and the issues that affect their lives.”
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Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Sweden’s ‘HIV Man’ Contacts Lawyer
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan. 19 (UPI)
An Iranian fugitive referred to as the HIV man by the media in Sweden has contacted his lawyer for the first time since 1998. Mehdi Tayeb, who is HIV-positive, is wanted in Sweden on charges of having unprotected sex with 130 women and two men, The Local reports. Lawyer Peter Althin says he was surprised to receive a call from Tayeb and by the fact he is still alive. He wanted to know the current situation, whether the crime has been written off, and whether there have been any developments in the case, Althin says. He added he did not know where Tayeb was calling from and had no idea whether he had any intention of returning to Sweden to face the charges. In 2003, Swedish police received unconfirmed reports that Tayeb had been arrested in Iran on suspicion of embezzlement.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International
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Big Gay News for Monday, Jan 22 2007
Gay Lutheran Minister Faces Church Trial
ATLANTA (AP) | 01/18/2007 02:36 PM
By GIOVANNA DELL’ORTO Associated Press Writer
A minister who disclosed that he was gay before Atlanta’s oldest Lutheran church hired him as its pastor could now be defrocked for announcing he has a partner.
The Rev. Bradley Schmeling was chosen in 2000 to lead St. John’s, though some worried his sexuality could threaten its standing with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. But last year, the 350-member congregation threw a party for him and his partner, when Schmeling announced he had found a lifelong companion.
Bishop Ronald Warren of the ELCA’s Southeastern Synod, however, asked the 44-year-old pastor to resign. When Schmeling refused, Warren started disciplinary proceedings against him for violating church rules barring sex outside of marriage.
On Friday, Schmeling will face a hearing _ structured much like a trial _ where a committee of 12 ELCA members will decide whether he can remain an ordained minister in the church that sits among mansion-lined hills just east of downtown.
If the committee rules against Schmeling, he could face suspension or no longer be recognized as an ordained minister in the ELCA. In the latter case, if his congregation opts to keep him as its pastor, the ELCA could also discipline St. John’s.
The ELCA maintains it’s simply following its own rules, which bar unmarried clergy _ whether gay or straight _ from having sex. The denomination believes that sex is reserved for marriage and marriage for heterosexual couples. Still, many Lutheran churches support ordaining partnered gays and perform same-sex blessing ceremonies despite the policy.
Schmeling and his supporters say they hope his case will make the church more accepting of pastors in same-sex relationships.
”We’ve always been a church that emphasizes the unconditional love of God, so this policy runs counter to that,” Schmeling said in an interview with The Associated Press last weekend.
Other mainline Protestant denominations, including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Methodists and the Episcopalians, also have been struggling for years to resolve differences over the Bible and gay clergy.
The Rev. Irene ”Beth” Stroud was defrocked by the United Methodist Church in 2005 for being in a lesbian partnership, while a Presbyterian assembly last year voted to create leeway for congregations to hire gay clergy.
Schmeling told both his bishop and congregation about his sexual orientation before he was chosen pastor. He didn’t have a partner at the time.
ELCA spokesman John Brooks said that if a heterosexual pastor was in a relationship outside of marriage and he refused to repent, he would face similar disciplinary proceedings. When Warren announced in August that he was taking action against Schmeling, he said he wouldn’t comment until a verdict was rendered.
In 2005, delegates to an ELCA national meeting rejected a proposal to allow sexually active gays and lesbians in committed, long-term relationships to be ordained.
Schmeling and his supporters say the policy barring sexually active gay pastors is discriminatory by forcing them to refrain from sex, while heterosexuals only have to wait for marriage.
Schmeling’s hearing, which will be closed to the public, is expected to run through the weekend. Afterward, the 12-person committee _ comprised of both clergy and lay people, including two members chosen by Schmeling _ will have a couple of weeks to decide whether to take action, which could include a suspension or removal from ordained ministry.
”We want Bradley to be our pastor and we want to remain in ELCA,” congregation president Laura Crawley said. ”If he’s removed from the roster, he’ll continue as pastor.”
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On the Net:
St. John’s Lutheran Church: http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: http://www.elca.org
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Controversy Grows Over Anti-Gay Remark
LOS ANGELES (AP) | 01/18/2007 11:36 PM
By SANDY COHEN AP Entertainment Writer
The heated controversy at ABC’s top show, ”Grey’s Anatomy,” boiled over Thursday as the network rebuked co-star Isaiah Washington for an anti-gay comment and Washington issued a lengthy apology.
”We are greatly dismayed that Mr. Washington chose to use such inappropriate language at the Golden Globes, language that he himself deemed ‘unfortunate’ in his previous public apology,” the network said in a statement.
”His actions are unacceptable and are being addressed,” the statement conclude.
During a backstage interview Monday at the Globes gala, Washington denied involvement in a heated on-set incident in October during which an anti-gay remark was reportedly uttered.
”No, I did not call (co-star) T.R. (Knight) a faggot,” Washington told reporters. ”Never happened, never happened.”
In his apology Thursday, Washington acknowledged ”repeating the word Monday night.”
”I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on ‘Grey’s Anatomy.’ I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I’ve asked for help.”
ABC said in its statement it has ”a longstanding policy to maintain respectful workplaces” for its employees, adding that the network had ”dealt with the original situation in October, and thought the issue resolved.”
The statements came a day after the president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation demanded an apology from Washington. On Thursday, GLAAD President Neil Giuliano said he was encouraged by Washington’s latest remarks.
”We are … optimistic that it may mark a turning point in this deeply troubling situation,” Giuliano said.
Washington said Thursday he welcomes the chance to meet with gay and lesbian community leaders ”to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I’ve opened.”
”I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity,” Washington said.
Knight, who said soon after the October fracas that he is gay, appeared in Tuesday’s taping of ”The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to discuss the original incident and Washington’s recent comments.
”He referred to me as a faggot,” Knight said of the October incident. ”Everyone heard it.”
”Grey’s Anatomy,” now in its third season, won the Golden Globe for best television drama. It regularly finishes atop or near the top of the Nielsen rankings.
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Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Episcopalians Readying Legal Challenge
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) | 01/18/2007 09:34 PM
By MATT REED Associated Press Writer
Episcopalian leaders on Thursday said they are done negotiating and plan to take legal action for the return of property held by 11 parishes that broke away because of the church’s tolerance of gay clergy and relationships.
Bishop Peter Lee and the executive board of the Diocese of Virginia declared the land and buildings held by the churches ”abandoned” and said they mean to go to court to recover or protect diocesan property.
Lee wrote Thursday that he had tried unsuccessfully to find ways to resolve the dispute without taking it to court.
”No longer am I convinced that such an outcome is possible, nor do I believe that such a move at this time is dishonorable,” he wrote in a letter to the diocese.
The diocese and members of the breakaway Truro Church and The Falls Church _ the two most prominent and largest of the state’s Episcopal parishes _ agreed in December to delay legal action over those two parishes’ property, estimated to be worth $25 million, for 30 days. That agreement expired Wednesday.
Jim Pierobon, a member of Falls Church and a spokesman for the breakaway churches, said all 11 congregations are prepared for a court battle.
”We intend to protect our churches’ property rights to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Pierobon said church members have filed reports with court clerks, informing the state as required by civil law, of the congregations’ decisions to leave the church.
Lee wrote Thursday that the diocese is attempting to block such action, since breakaway congregants appear to be believe filing the reports ”gives them the right to Episcopal Church property.”
The churches have voted since late last year to part ways with The Episcopal Church, which is the U.S. wing of the global Anglican Communion. They have said they will align with the Convocation of Anglicans in North America, which was established by Nigeria’s conservative Anglican Archbishop Peter Akinola.
The Episcopal Church has been under pressure since the 2003 consecration of the first openly gay bishop, New Hampshire’s V. Gene Robinson. The denomination has adopted a general acceptance of gays.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Gay Ex-Governor’s Wife Writes Memoir
NEW YORK (AP) | 01/18/2007 11:57 AM
The estranged wife of former New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey, who in 2004 stunned the nation by announcing he was gay and resigning from office, is writing a memoir. Dina Matos McGreevey’s ”Silent Partner” is scheduled to be published this spring by Hyperion Books.
”I’ve had a lot of requests for interviews and appearances, but thought it best for my daughter (Jacqueline) and myself to stay out of the public maelstrom,” Dina McGreevey said in a statement released Thursday by Hyperion.
”But two years have passed and still I am the subject of much speculation as to the nature of my relationship with my husband. Enough is enough.”
James McGreevey’s memoir, ”The Confession,” came out last fall. He wrote in the book that he was forced to quit after a man he loved threatened to reveal his homosexuality unless he was paid millions to stay quiet.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Group Demands Apology From ‘Grey’s’ Star
LOS ANGELES (AP) | 01/18/2007 12:28 AM
A gay and lesbian advocacy group demanded an apology Wednesday from ”Grey’s Anatomy” co-star Isaiah Washington for comments made following the Golden Globe Awards.
During a backstage interview Monday, Washington denied involvement in a heated on-set incident last year during which an anti-gay slur was reportedly uttered.
”No, I did not call (co-star) T.R. (Knight) a faggot,” Washington told reporters. ”Never happened, never happened.”
On Wednesday, Neil Giuliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, said he had contacted Washington’s representatives in hopes of meeting the actor to discuss ”the destructive impact of these kinds of anti-gay slurs.”
”Washington’s repeated use of it on-set and in the media is simply inexcusable,” Giuliano said in a statement.
Washington’s publicist declined comment Wednesday.
Knight, who said soon after the October fracas that he is gay, appeared in Tuesday’s taping of ”The Ellen DeGeneres Show” to discuss the original incident and Washington’s recent comments.
”He referred to me as a faggot. Everyone heard it,” Knight said of the October incident.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Study: Chinese Herbs May Produce New Drugs
LONDON, Jan. 17 (UPI)
A British computer screening of herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine suggests some may be useful in treating modern diseases. David Barlow and colleagues at King’s College London found a wide variety of the compounds have the potential for use in treating HIV-AIDS, cancer, Alzheimer’s, arthritis and other diseases. The researchers say computer simulation is becoming increasingly effective in identifying promising compounds that could be candidates for drug development. The researchers screened a database of chemical structures of Chinese herbal constituents from 240 species of plants for possible activity against various diseases. About 62 percent of the species were found to contain chemicals with characteristics required for activity against at least one disease and 53 percent against two or more diseases. The research is to be detailed in the March 26 issue of the American Chemical Society’s Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling.
Copyright 2007 by United Press International Â
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Madison Leaders Protest Gay Marriage Ban
MADISON, Wis. (AP) | 01/17/2007 05:24 PM
By RYAN J. FOLEY Associated Press Writer
City leaders will vow to uphold the state constitution when they are sworn into office in April, but with a caveat _ many plan to add a statement protesting the state’s new constitutional ban on gay marriage.
The city council voted 13-4 Tuesday night to let hundreds of elected and appointed city officials opt to add a statement saying they are taking the oath of office under protest because the amendment ”besmirches our constitution.”
The statement also says the leaders will work to reverse the ban and prevent any discriminatory effects it may cause. Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, as well as several council members, already have said they intend to use the statement.
”Voters of this city are going to be very happy to know that their elected officials are as committed to reversing discrimination as they are,” said City Council President Austin King.
The ban on gay marriage and civil unions passed with 59 percent of the statewide vote in November. But 76 percent of voters in Madison, the state capital, voted against the amendment.
Critics said the protest sends a dangerous signal that city officials will only uphold the parts of the constitution they support.
”You take an oath to affirm a system of government where elected leaders follow the law and not their own personal whims. This flies in the face of that principle,” said Council member Jed Sanborn, who voted against the ban but found it inappropriate to tinker with the oath.
City Attorney Michael May said the oath itself cannot be changed under state law, but he believes the protest is legal because it is a political statement separate from the oath, similar to an inaugural address.
The Family Research Institute of Wisconsin, a social conservative group that supported the ban, disagreed and said it was researching ways to halt the protest.
Copyright 2007 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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