Tampa Bay Coalition
Eye on GLBT News Archives December 2001
National & International Headlines
Eye on GLBT News Archives Has a Synopsis of News Story or Event Article Posted.
National & International Headlines Has Only the Headline No Article Synopsis. 
 
 
Tampa Bay Coalition Newsletter December 6
*Campaign of Kindness and Compassion.
*Boycott Donations to the Salvation Army Protest.
*Gay and Lesbians Who Lost Partners 9-11 Attacks.
*Red Cross Official Policy Issues Fairness to Gay &
  Lesbian Survivors.
*Special 911Fund Set Up for Gay & Lesbian Families
                        Click Here.
 
 
 
A Beautiful Mind Gets a "Homoectomy" for the Big Screen.
SHAME ALERT: Do Universal and DreamWorks feel that John Nash's Homosexuality was much
to offensive to be portrayed on the big screen? Or that John Nash, being a gay man can hurt
box office revenues? Because no one would pay to see Russell Crowe and another man express
their affection for each other? Or the gay aspect on John Nash's life got in the way? Seems all of
these things are true. So, they simply just wave their creative wand and poof, he's straight. As
far as paying to see a new movie that being gay is to offensive to be included. I intend to skip the
movie and read the book, again. If you decide to do the same and plan on purchasing the book,
don't get it from Dr Laura's Amazon.com. To read TBC's article on this insult to John Nash's life.
 
TBC's Follow-Up on 'A Beautiful Mind' Homoectomy
December 26: A number of news services reporting the reason for deleting references to Jonh Nash's
homosexual activities increase. It was even reported by one this is not the case, Nash is not or was
ever involved in gay play.The point TBC has made is that the book the movie is based on, did include
a number of references to homosexual activity Nash had been involved in. Hype or not, the fact that
this was left out, sends a negitive message about being gay. Some quotes being contributed to insiders
involved is fanning the flames of anti-gay sentiment. TBC has updated some of our findings and will wait
and see the outcome on this and continue to post updates.
 
There is a Gay Positive Movie that Russell Crowe Stars In.
All the talk that no one would want to pay to see Russell Crowe, playay man or getting it on with a man.
This I can contest and offer proof this is not the case. A 1994 movie titled 'The Sum of Us' dispells such
statements. I have seen this wonderful movie, I have it on tape and just watched it again. If you haven't
seen or heard about this movie, then read all the details included in this TBC Eye on GLBT Entertainment
Special Report. It is certainly a gay positive look at the relationship of a father and his gay son.I have included
info on purchasing, 'The Sum of Us' and am sure you will truly enjoy this movie. If this controversy did one
good thing, it reminded me of this movie and gave me the chance to share just how special it is with you all.
 
Funeral Home Accused of Refusing Gay Service
December 22: David Diehl, 46, said a male employee at Garden Oaks Funeral
Home initially said the business would handle the cremation before his partner,
Bobbie Blanton, had died. But, when hecalled back after Blanton died, he was
told by the same employee the funeral home would not take care of the service.
Diehl had the documents stating that he was to take care of Blanton's services.   
But, the funeral home employee, never asked about this. Attorney Mitchell Katine,
representing Diehl, said, "They basically said, 'We can't help you because you're
in a gay relationship and Texas law doesn't recognize that.'" But, State officials
may soon investigate allegations by Diehl that a Houston funeral home refused
to cremate his partner
 
Salvation Army Says Gays Are All Wrong About Them.
December 22: As the Salvation Army see's it we have got them all wrong. I am
sure glad they cleared that up for us, aren't you? Check out what they explain
we are so confussed about.
 
Police Offer Reward In Gay Murder
December 21: Vancouver Police are offering a $10,000 reward for information
leading to the arrest and conviction of the killer or killers of Aaron Webster.
This reward comes amid the accusations of police incompetence in the handling
of Webster murder investigation. For detailed coverage see "TBC Eye on Aaron Webster News".
 
Miami Mayor Urges End To Anti-Gay Initiative
December 21: The Miami-Dade Mayor, Alex Penelas wants the conservative
Christian group to drop bid to overturn the county's gay rights amendment. But,
the anti-gay group Take Back Dade rebuffed the mayor's plea.Gay rights group
SAVE Dade said it is preparing for "all out war" to preserve the law. The Mayor
fears such a battle could deeply divide Miami residents and severely damage
the tourist industry.
December 21: Gay Protections Contract Talks Break Down.
December 20: Gay Rights Repeal to Voters in September .
Op~Ed: Anti-Gay Rights Drive Ignores Facts.
 
Trans Murder May Be Hate Crime
December 20: Terrianne Summers shot in the back of the head while in her
drive-way last week. Gay rights organizations urging authorities toinvestigate
the transgener activistas a hate crime. Police said they suspect she was the
victim of an attempted robbery, however, her handbag was not taken.
Related Article:
Winn-Dixie Tries to Silence Protest Site.
Their firing of a transgender driver has spurred a large protest movement
throughout Florida against Winn-Dixie.
 
Federal Victim Compensation Fund to Accept Claims
from Gay/Lesbian Surviving Partners.
December 20: Empire State Pride Agenda Press Release. Regulations governing
the fund were issued today by Special Master Kenneth Feinberg in a press conference
at the Department of Justice. They provide that same-sex partners will be eligible
claimants but leave many of the details on final disposition of such claims to the
Special Master.
Related Articles December 20:
Same-Sex Partners Face Discrimination. & 9/11 Victims' Families Eligible for $500,000 Each.
 
Senate, House Decide Separately on Same-Sex Benefits
December 20: The House and Senate are beong allowed to decide for themselves
whether their legislative employees should be extended same-sex benefits. OK, Let's
see, Republicans control the House and DFLers control the Senate, want to make a
bet who will and who won't receive benefits?
 
Romania's Gays Celebrate End of Ban
December 20: The notorious Article 200 of the Penal Code has been repealed,
under fierce pressure from the European Union. The law criminalized the practice
of homosexuality was used to harass and imprison thousands of gay and lesbian
people. The law conceived during Communist regime of Nicolae Ceausescu, is finally
repealed, only 12 years after that regime collapsed
 
United They (Don't) Stand
December19: An offshoot of Log Cabin Republicans launched a four-week national
ad campaign. Ads urge gays to unite behind the president. Protrays the Gay and
Lesbian Community as on a campaign of incessant negative back biting President Bush
and his Administration. Their ads make claims that are false and GLBT's and Our
Community come out looking very negitively. Rich Tafel is so out of touch with the
goings on in our community. You would think he was from another country or planet.
Dec 19: TBC Press Release Respond to their ad campaign. We do not believe that
his gay bashing accomplishes anything positive
 
Gay Discrimination Pays Off for Boy Scouts @ $200,000.
December 19: So. Florida couple's donation  to the Boy Scouts is because of the
harm the United Way and Protest of Scouts Gays Ban has caused. The unnamed
couple made the largest donation to the Scouts in their history. Discrimination paid
off for them this time, how sad it is people will support such policies.
 
Egypt Releases Gay Teen 23 Men Remain Imprisoned
December 19: An Egyptian Gay 16 year-old  appealed his sentence of three years at
hard  labor in a youth prison, was released today. Without comment, an Appeals Court
reduced Mahmoud Abdel Fatah's sentence to 6 months at time served and 6 months
home probation.Although, Mahmoud's nightmare is finally over, 23 Gay Egyptian Men
remain imprisoned and their nightmare in hell will continue on for another 1 to 5 years
at hard labor.
Egyptian Students Convicted of Internet Gay Sex Offer
December 18: Two college students sentensed to prison. for using the internet to offer
gay sex at $ 22. an hour. Each was sentenced to one year in prison. Egypt continues
to arrest gay men and imprison them as their persecution of gays goes on
 
TBC Eye on GLBT News Special Report
TBC Reports on the Death of Dedicated Young Gay Activist Brad Matthew Fuglei, 19.
How Hate Monger Phelps Planned to Protest This Remarkable Teens Acheivements
and Lifestyle. But, Phelps Protest Fails to Tarnish Respect for Brad. A Counter Protest
Staged by Friends, Students, Teachers and Other Members of the Community was a
Moving Tribute and Great Show of Support for Brad and his Family.
Articles, Op~Ed and Video Clips. View.
 
Egypt Releases Gay Teen 23 Men Remain Imprisoned
December 19: An Egyptian Gay 16 year-old  appealed his sentence of three years at
hard  labor in a youth prison, was released today. Without comment, an Appeals Court
reduced Mahmoud Abdel Fatah's sentence to 6 months at time served and 6 months
home probation.Although, Mahmoud's nightmare is finally over, 23 Gay Egyptian Men
remain imprisoned and their nightmare in hell will continue on for another 1 to 5 years
at hard labor.
Egyptian Students Convicted of Internet Gay Sex Offer
December 18: Two college students sentensed to prison. for using the internet to offer
gay sex at $ 22. an hour. Each was sentenced to one year in prison. Egypt continues
to arrest gay men and imprison them as their persecution of gays goes on.
 
Principal Tells Parents Students Want to Form G-SA Club.
December 17: The principal of Pensacola, FL, Escambia High School, Delores Morrisa admits she does
not meet with parents about clubs at the school. But, she intends to discuss with the parents or guardians
of the 40 students who are petitioning to organize a Gay-Straight Alliance. Morris defended her action saying
"Teachers should call any time they are going to involve a child in something that might embarrass the family,"
 
Falwell; Good Friend Bush Excited to Help Rights Agenda.
December 16: Jerry Falwell hopes fund-raising letter sent out to 2 Million Christians, will raise 1.2 Million.
His pitch is that with his good friendship with the President and Bush's popularity, "Now is the time and he's
the man" to get Rights Agenda passed by Congress. If they send him $$$$$, he will press his good buddy
Bush to help shove the Religious Rights Conserative Anti-Gay Agenda down the throats of Americans. This
may not be the exact wording in Falwell'sletter. However, TBC believes the wording may differ between his
and ours, the message remains the same .
 
Salvation Army "Using Deceptive Ads"
The recent fundraising letter sent by the Salvation Army included a separate card with bold headline:
"Equality." The letter reads in part, "We at The Salvation Army, want you, our cherished donor, to
know that we are all about equality in the work place" Salvation Army recent national policy mandate
and statements, claims of Workplace Equality are far from the truth.
 
Funds Merge To Help Sept 11 GLBT Families
December 14: The Empire Pride, EPNY, in New York and Human Rights Campaign, HRC, Washington, 
merged their funds they had established to assist GLBT families affected by  9-11 terrorist attacks. The
combined fund has just over $150,000. (EPNY's fund had collected $ 141, 000 and HRCs newly created
fund $14,000.). On December 13th. checks of $4,000. were presented to each of four surviving same-sex
partners who had filed a requet for financial assistance with the fund.
NOTE: The deadline to file for proceeds from the fund is January 13th. The surviving partners could receive
between $4,000 and $6,000, depending on the number of people who file claims.
Homosexuals Seek Partner Death Benefits 9-11 Attacks.
December 14: Transcript of CNN Daybreak News Report.
 
New Education Bill Gets Mixed Reviews
December 13: The bill retained a provision that allows schools to sponsor the Boy Scouts. It appears schools
could be punished if they do not allow Boy Scouts to meet in their facilities, with the loss of federal funding. An
aspect of the bill, does allow schools to refuse sponsoring the Boy Scouts. However, two positive points of the
bill were included. The committee kept programs that help communities confront hate violence in schools, such
as extending the hate violence programs. Lawmakers did take the bite out of an amendment that would have
required kids to get parental consent before using school health services. The improved version, parental consent
is not obligatory. The bill likely to be passed Thursday and reach the president's desk shortly.
 
Sweeping Gay Reforms Passed In W Australia.
December 12: Legislative Assembly passed gay reform bill. It must now go to the upper house, the legislative
Council, but, it is not clear if it will become law before the end of the year. MPs sat through the night on Tuesday
to finalise the gay equality legislation in the Legislative Assembly, but it will not become law until next year. So
the Gay Rights Bill takes back seat.
Related Articles: Dec 11:
Australia Rights Battle Turns Ugly.  
Australian Family Association's Anti-Gay Ads 'Vilification.
 
Bush Welfare Plan Could "Destroy Gay Families"
December 11: In a report released Monday by the Policy Institute of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force,
Welfare proposals advocated by Bush Administration appointees could devastate gay, lesbian, bisexual and

Fear & Ignorance Killing World's Youth Half Of All HIV Cases Between Ages 15 & 24
December 11: Half of the world's HIV cases are young people between the ages of 15 and 24, according to a
new report on AIDS. They make up half of the Worlds AIDS cases and yet are only one-fifth of the population.
 
Alaska Judge: Gay Partners Don't Get Benefits
December 10: A Superior Court judge has ruled on the lawsuit of nine same-sex couples who sued, demanding
health insurance and pension benefits in 1999. He found the city of Anchorage and the state of Alaska do not
have to extend benefits to gay or lesbian partners of employees and retirees.
 
Ray Warren Switches Focus and Will Run for House
December 9: Warren announced he will try to unseat Rep. Robin Hayes, a conservative Republican incumbent
who represents North Carolina's 8th District. He decided he stands a better chance of succeeding if he concentrates
on his home region rather than fight a difficult statewide primary for the Senate.

Pat Robertson Resigns a Christian Coalition Head
December 9: Robertson criticized for implying the United States deserved to be attacked on Sept. 11, because
we abandoned God. Recently resigned as head of the Christian Coalition, an organization he founded in 1989.
The powerful conservative political organization spearheaded the political movement of the U.S. religious right in
the 1990s. ``The Christian Coalition has been a sinking ship for several years, and now the captain's jumped
overboard,'' said Barry Lynn, Americans United executive director. ``Without Robertson's money and political clout,
it's only a matter of time before the organization collapses outright.''
 
ACLU Lawsuit Doesn't Stop San Diego Scouts Land Lease.
December 5: The Boy Scouts use of 15.6 acres of city land they have leased since 1946 for $1 a year, is the focus
of a Federal lawsuit. ACLU says the the city and the taxpayers should not have to subsidize discrimination. However,
the San Diego city council is set to vote renewing the Boy Scouts' lease despite a pending federal lawsuit. 

Landmark Transgender $2.5 mil Estate Case Begins In Kansas.
December 5:  Kansas Supreme Court will decide if  the marriage of a transgendered woman is legal. The
case involves her entitlement to the estate of her late husband. Her husbands family is contesting his will
that left the $2.5 million estate to his wife.
 
Quebec Unveils Partnership Union Plan
December 4: The government announced November 9 that it would bring in legislation to create a Partnership
Registry. unveiled details of its Partnership Union bill to members of Montreal's gay community Monday night.
All of Canada's provinces, and the federal government, recognize same sex relationships only Nova Scotia has
gone as far as setting up an official registry.

11 Year Old Gay Rights Law In Peril as AFA Targets Law..
December 4:American Family Association has set its sights on striking down one of the oldest gay rights
laws in Michigan. since 1990 Flint has included gays and lesbians in its anti-discrimination clause. Sexual
orientation also is included in the hate crimes ordinance passed in 1994. Gary Glenn, of AFA's Michigan
branch says, "the ordinance should be changed because it gives "special status based on homosexual behavior."
 
L.A. Judge Declares, Tom Cruise is Not Gay.
December 4: Tom Cruise has dropped his legal action against a man who claimed to have a video of him
having gay sex. As if to finally quash the gay rumours that have dogged Tom Cruise, a Los Angeles judge
writes in the court documents: "The plaintiff is not, and never has been, homosexual and has never had a
 
Brothers Accused of Killing Gay Couple Sentenced for Fires.
December 3: Two white supremacist brothers facedeath penalty in cold blooded murder of Gary Matson
and Winfield Mowder, in 1999. Setting fires at synagogues and abortion clinic, Benjamin Williams was
sentenced to 30 years, James Williams to 21 years, 3 months and were also ordered to pay $1 million each.
Their murder trial is set for April. Gary Matson and Winfield Mowder are listed in  TBC's Tribute and Memorial
to Those We Lost to Hate". "Gary & Winfield's Tribute Page" click here.
Main Tribute & Memorial Page click here
 
Report: Police Often Ignore Hate Crimes
December 03: The Southern Poverty Law Center say FBI severely underestimates the number of crimes
of bigotry and racism, from petty vandalism to murder. The FBI acknowledges flaws in the data but says
the system will improve as public and police awareness of bias crimes increases
 
Is Religion Under Siege?
December 1: Recent legal, political rights battles pit gays against freedoms of those who discriminate.
Do gay rights trample religious freedom. What happened to seperation of church and state. Battle lines
are drawn and we are no longer just passive observers. Albeit, equality for all, does not infringe on anyones
freedom. But, equality for some and not for all, does in fact infinge on ones freedom.
 
Surprise Success
December 1: Marylanders on both sides of the ballot issue reflect on long journey to legal resolution. With the
failed petition drive and the anti-discrimination law taking effect on November 21st. Those forand against reveal
their views about the process and how they see the events that unfolded during this battle. The could-a, should-a
and would-a syndrome, as I refer to it. But never the less, we know that Gay Marylanders are now protected
against discrimination by law. That this brings us one state closer to our hope, that the day will come when all
of us being protected in every state.
 
Vermont Courts Mull House Members Betting on Civil Unions.
December 1: Should the wagering among 14 lawmakers about the outcome of last year's debate over civil unions
invalidate the law. Vermont's Supreme Court is asked to decide if House members who threw $1 each into a pot
had a stake in the outcome of the vote and if so, this violates House rules that prohibit members from voting on an
issue in which they have a direct interest.Opponents try anything to strip Gays of our rights.
 
Call For Hate-Crime Investigation Murder of Lesbian Activist.
December 1: Milwaukee law enforcement officials are being urged to fully investigate the murder of gay activist
and elevating the murder to the classification of a hate crime. Gay activist Juana Vega was shot repeatedly in the
face and chest and died Nov 11. Pablo Parrilla who, according to witnesses, had threatened to kill Vega numerous
times because of Vega's lesbian relationship with Parrilla's sister. He has been charged with first-degree intentional
homicide in shooting
 
 
 
Florida ~ National  News in the Headlines
November 22 ~ December 3
 
December 16th ~ 21th.
 
*Police Investigate UK Cruising Site.
 
*Principal Tells Parents Students Want to Form a Gay-Straight Alliance Club at high school.
 
*Bishops Fight Jamaica Gay Rights Proposal.
 
*AIDS Virus Eluding Some Tough Drugs.
 
*GLAAD Announces Media Awards.
 
*Salvation Army's Kettles Get Notes of Protest.
 
*Hospital Rejects Wording on Gay Volunteers.
 
*Glaad Media Award Nominations Set.
 
*Aussie Gays Burry Right Wing Group In Mail.
 
*Atlanta Mayor Vetoes DP Contract Requirement.
 
December 10th ~ 15th
 
*Falwell to Press Bush on Conservative Agenda.
 
*Sperm Donor Ordered to Pay Child Support.
 
*Millionaire's Ex Loses Battle Over $10M Estate.
 
*First Anti-Gay Helms, Now Dick Armey Retiring, Things are Looking Up.
 
*Gay Conservative Ad Campaign Falls Flat.
 
*Helms Amendment allowed to stand by House-Senate.
 
*Leo to Play gay Sex Scenes in Alexander the Great.
 
*Panel Gives Final Nod to D. C. City's DP Benefits.
 
*A Loss Compounded for Peggy Neff.
 
*MTV Apologises for Lesbian Video.
 
*Discrimination Bill Initiated in U.K..
 
*Gay Sauna Protest Heats Up, Not in My Backyard.
 
*Orangutans Can Swing Both Ways.
 
November 22 ~ December 3
 
*Florida PTA Calls for Harassment-Free Zones.
 
*Federal Judge Asked to Decide if Flying the Rainbow is Covered by First Amendment. 
 
*Cruise Drops Gay Suit Against Gay Porno Star.
 
*Atlanta Elects Lesbian to Head City Council.
 
*California Court 'Clarifies' Adoption Ruling.
  Related Articles on this Story. *Plan To Protect Cal. Gay Adoptions Ruling.
 
*2nd Parent Adoptions Invalidated in California.
 
*Four Florida Men Charged In Hate Crime.
 
*Discrimination Alleged at CIA.
 
*Openly gay man considers run for Maryland House.
 
*S.F. Officials Deny Report of Quarantine Comment.
 
*Federal Appeals Court to Hear Gay Case Involving   Publicly Funded Religious Group.
 
 
Just In Time For Christmas
*The Gift For Suspicious Partners.
 Stop wondering,Checkmate Infidelity Test is the answer.
 
*Gay Tourism Supporting Many.Sunbelt.
 Looking to take a holiday getaway, Miami's the place.
 
 
International News in the Headlines
November 24 ~ December 3
 
 
And Then There Where Two.
November 30: George Harrison died about 1:30 p.m. at a friend's home. His wife, Olivia,
and son, Dhani, were at his side. This News comes just days after reports surfaced that
he was in the City of Angeles and receiving chemotherapy treatment at UCLA Medical
Center. The Rumors spreading in July, said George was dying of cancer, he denied this.
In early November, rumors started circulating again, this time George and those close to
him remained silent. However, they seem to have turned out to be true.
Brief Bio on George Harrison.
 
*A Discrimination Complaint was Filed Against the Royal Canadian Mounted Police,
 No Gay Mounties Policy.
 
*Lesbian to become chair of Amnesty International UK.
 
*Christian Institute Backs Gay Discrimination In U.K.. 
 
*Israeli President Meets Gay Activists.
 
*9 Years In Vicious Gay Killing.
 
*Victims of AIDS Protest in China.
 
*Pope Attacks Gay Families.
 
*Football's Gay Pioneer Wants to Start Family.
 

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