Partnership Challenge Way Off Base, Critics Say
August 14: A lawsuit asserting that Portland's domestic partnership ordinance should be overturned because it gives couples the same legal status as marriage is not even close to accurate, according to members of the city's gay and lesbian community. The suit, filed in Cumberland County Superior Court Tuesday afternoon, alleges the ordinance conflicts with the state's "Defense of Marriage Act," which limits the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. Representatives of the Washington, D.C.-based Center For Marriage Law Inc., a religious organization that has filed similar suits in several states, recruited 11 married
couples to be plaintiffs.
For More Eye on GLBT Rights International News Go to News Archives.
Servicemembers Legal Defense Network Legal and Communications Internships
August 15: Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) is now accepting resumes for internships with our law & policy and communications departments. Legal Internship: SLDN, the sole legal aid and watchdog organization for men and women in military who are harmed by 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' seeks legal interns for upcoming school year.
Communications Internship: This unpaid internship offers an opportunity to work with a national non-profit in the areas of media relations, message development, publications,
web outreach and more.
Members of Congress Press Pentagon to Implement Anti-Harassment Action Plan
August 1: Twenty-two Members of Congress have asked the Department of Defense to implement a July 2000 Anti-Harassment Action Plan (AHAP) which includes steps to curb anti-gay harassment. In a July 23, 2003 letter to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, Congressional Representatives conclude "that the Services are not in full compliance" with the Plan. They ask "the Department of Defense evaluate the Plan's implementation" and report on its progress within six months.
Court-Martial To Go Ahead For Gay Marine
August 15: A judge in New Orleans has refused to throw out charges against a gay man who
is seeking conscientious objector status from the Marine Corps. Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk is
accused of being away without leave for 47 days. During that time he came out and said he
was opposed to war. Cpl. Stephen Funk claimed he went AWOL to prepare his arguments

Gay Marine To Be Court-Martialed
August 8: A court-martial will begin for a gay Marine Corps reservist who wants conscientious
objector status and is accused of skipping out on 47 days of training in defiance of orders by his commander. During his absence Cpl. Stephen Funk was highly critical of military at peace rallies in San Francisco called to protest the war in Iraq.

Gay Marine Refuses To Fight
April 1: Lance Cpl. Stephen Funk, a 20-year-old gay Marine Corps reservist is seeking conscientious objector status. Cpl. Funk turned himself in to military authorities in San Jose today. Outside the Marine Corps reserve center Funk told a small crowd of supporters that all wars are immoral. Cpl. Funk said "The military coerces people into killing,'' and "I may not be a hero but I know it takes courage to disobey.''
Laws For Gay Parents Still Mixed
August 14: Despite legal gains, parents still face patchwork of differing state laws. Over the past few months GLBT political issues have received an unprecedented amount of media attention. Yet one topic that has garnered comparatively little attention is the struggle for GLBT people to
legally adopt children.
Lawyers To Lobby For Gay Adoption
August 12: The American Bar Association, the largest lawyers group in the US has voted to call on states to allow same-sex partners to adopt children together. At the ABA's annual convention, the recommendation passed easily and means that the organization would begin to lobby statehouses to rewrite adoption laws.

South Carolina Considers Banning Gay Adoption
August 11: Legislation before the South Carolina legislature would bar gays and lesbians from adopting. The bill is now in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Sen. Mike Fair has been trying to get similar legislation passed for several years, but believes it now will succeed because of what he calls a backlash against gays.

American Bar Association May Endorse Two-Parent Gay Adoption
August 5, 2003: Amid renewed debate over whether gay men and women should be allowed to marry, the American Bar Association, the nation's largest lawyers' group is considering endorsement of the related right of homosexual couples to adopt children.  

County Approves First Same-Sex Adoption
August 1: History was made in a Westmoreland County courtroom Thursday afternoon when a judge approved the adoption of 3-year-old girl by two Hempfield Township women. Pam Kackowski, a 46-year-old manager in the computer field, was legally awarded parental rights to the young girl her life partner adopted overseas two years ago. Janet Kendra formally adopted the couple's daughter, Daniela, in 2001. [To View An Enlarged Photo of Janet Kendra and Pam Kackowski With Daniela, Click Here.]
A Voice Heard ~ Is A Voice Counted ~ A Voice That Remains Silent
Allows the Voices of Others To Determine Its Future Destiny. 
Don't Just Read About GLBT Rights News ~ Make GLBT Rights News
"Eye on GLBT Adoption, Custody & Parenting Rights News Archives"
*Adoption Agency Moves To Have Lesbian Bias Suit Tossed.
*Lesbian Couple Sues California Adoption Agency.
*Vermont First State Seeking Gay Couples to Adopt Children.
*California Foster Care Bill Passes Key Committee.
*Judge Denies Transgender Man Custody Of Son.
*National Latina/o Group Supports Florida Rally for Gay Adoption
*Group Woos Lawmakers to Repeal Ban on Gay Adoptions
*U.S. Judges Question 'Rational Basis' of Gay Adoption Ban.
*Gay Adoption Pits Moral Arguments Against Need for Homes
*States Grapple With Gay Rights and Definition of the Family
For More Eye on Adoption, Custody & Parenting Rights News Go to News Archives.
For More Eye on Gays in the Military Rights News Go to News Archives.
For More Eye on GLBT Rights National News Go to News Archives.
"Eye on GLBT Rights National News Archives"
*Barney Frank Files Domestic Partner Bill. ~ *Petition Would Cancel Gay Rights Law.
*Assembly OKs Expanding Partners' Rights. ~ *Council Wants Moratorium Benefits for Domestic Partners.
*Kentucky Mayor Approves Domestic Partner Benefits. ~ *Congress Pressed To Sign Gender Pledge
*Gay and Race Issues Preoccupy Court. ~ *Hate-Crime Bill Back In Congress.
*Suit Challenges Nebraska's Ban on Benefits for Gay State Employees' Partners.*Campaign Targets City's Gay-Rights Vote ~ *Kansas City Mulls Domestic Partner Registry
*End Run Attempt On Florida Gay Rights ~ *GOPs Say Democrats' Support of Gay Rights Could Backfire
*Presidential Hopeful Howard Dean Rallies Gay Support ~ *Win In Peoria, Loss In Colorado Springs
*North Carolina Hears Plea For Gay Workers ~ *Illinois Gay Rights Bill Stalls
*J.C. Penney, FedEx to Add Sexual Orientation to Nondiscrimination Policies
*Erie County Civil Rights Ordinance May Be Rendered Useless ~ *New Mexico Gov Signs Two Gay Bills
*Legislatures Warm to Gay Rights ~ *Lieberman Will Push Bill Extending Benefits Gay Federal Employees
*Senator Joe Lieberman Press Release ~ *Domestic Partner Rights Bills Proceed in California Legislature *Colorado House Removes Healthcare Protections For Gays.

"Eye on GLBT Rights International News Archives"
*US Defends Anti-Gay Rights Stance on UN's Anti-Discrimination Resolution.
*UN Commission On Human Rights Fails To Act On Gay Rights Proposal.
*Queer Muslims Challenge Organization of Islamic Conference's Ill-Informed Campaign.
*Muslim Alliance Derails UN's Gay Rights Resolution.
*Global 'Gay' Rights Measure Before U.N..
*Court Says law Discriminates Against Same-Sex-Partners.
"Eye on GLBT Civil Unions & Same-Sex Marriage Rights News Archives"
*Lesbians, Gays Gain Political Clout in New Jersey. ~ *New Jersey Poll Finds 55% Support Gay Marriage.
*Hearing Draws Passionate Testimony. ~ *Texas Same-Sex Measure Easily Clears House Gay Unions Void.
*Federal Lawsuit To Strike Down Nebraska's Law Banning Any Recognition of Gay Couples.
*Massachusetts Resurrects Constitutional Amendment to Ban Same-Sex Marriages
*Minister Found Guilty of Marrying Same-Sex Couples ~ *Church Banished After Baptizing Gay Men
*California City Calls For Legal Gay Marriage ~ *Goin' To The Chapel? Swing by Provincetown First
*Connecticut Nixes Civil Unions ~ *Texas Gay Marriage Ban Closer To Vote
*New Survey Shows Massachusetts Residents Approve of Same-Sex Marriages
*Gay Unions Only Half the Battle ~ *Texas Civil Union Ruling Challenge Succedes Gay Divorce Reversed
*Texas Appeals Gay Couple's Divorce  ~ *Gay Divorce Texas Style
*Indiana Couples Challenge Same-Sex Marriage Ban ~ *Mass. Asked to Allow Same-Sex Marriages
*Landmark Marriage Case Heard by Massachusetts SJC.
"Eye on Gays in the Military News Archives"
*Metropolitan Community Churches Reaching Out To Gay Military Families
*For Gays, Secrecy in Love, War ~ *Partners Silenced Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
*Military Gay Linguist Firings Escalate ~ *TBC Op~Ed. "Don't Ask - Don't Tell - No Gay Arabic Linguists"
*SLDN Releases Revised 'Survival Guide' For Military Personnel.
*Military Continues to Discharge LG&B Linguists, Despite Critical Shortfall of Trained Personnel.
*Gays in Military See Easing of Discrimination ~ *Military Policy Exacerbates Homosexuals Stress of War
*Military Has Lowest Gay Dismissal Rate Since 1996, Report Says
*Gays, Lesbians Press to Serve Openly in Military ~ *Partners of Gay Soldiers Bid Farewell in Secret
*Families Of Gay Soldiers Forced Into Shadows ~ *SLDN Reports Sharp Increase in Calls for Assistance
*Colin Powell Defends Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy, Citing Privacy Concerns
*TeenInk.Com Interview With Secretary of State Colin Powell

"Eye on Gays in the Military News Archives"
Gay Couple Challenge Texas Sodomy Law
More than four years ago, police burst into John Lawrence's apartment, they were sent there by a bogus report of an armed intruder. After bursting into the apartment, they did not find an armed intruder, what they did find, was John and Tyron Garner engaged in consensual sex. The police arrested the men, jailed them overnight and charged them with breaking Texas' Homosexual Conduct Law, which bans oral and anal sex between people of the same gender. The two men have challenged the constitutionality of the Texas law, the Supreme Court decision has yet to be made. [Texas Sodomy Law ].
Lindner Unswayed By Holocaust Gay Memorial
August 13: Minnesota Republican Rep. Arlon Lindner, who said that gays were never persecuted
by the Nazis and claimed that homosexuals helped the Nazis gain power was visibly moved after
seeing exhibit by the National Holocaust Museum but still maintains, gays and lesbians should
Rep. Arlon Lindner Avoids Discipline for Anti-Gay Remarks
News article and audio clips, going back to when Linder first proposed repealing state human rights
protections for people based on their sexual orientation. Subsequent backlash of a flood of calls and emails denouncing Lindner's proposal and he beginning of his anti-gay diatribes and remarks. Up to motion to censure Lindner that was brought before House Ethics Committee, but, the motion to censure Rep. Arlon Lindner failed in 2-2 vote. "Eye On Rep. Arlon Lindner Special News Report"
"The Uproar Over Senator's Anti-Gay and Homophobic Remarks"
April 28:Gay Rights Groups and Democrats have criticized Senator Rick Santorum after blatantly homophobic comments and has refused to apologize for them. Santorum made the remarks in an interview with the Associated Press about a Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of a Texas law against sodomy. Santorum compared homosexuality to bigamy, polygamy, incest and adultery. Eye on GLBT Special News Report "Senator Rick Santorum Anti-Gay Comments".
"Civil Unions & Gay Marriages Websites"
Comprehensive Listing of Groups and Organizations Promoting Domestic Partnerships, Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriages Equality, News Articles Archives, Related Information and Resources.
For More Eye on Civil Unions & Same-Sex Marriages Rights News Go to "TBC's News Archives".
Let Him Stay
Roger Steven Lofton and Roger Croteau's battle Florida's Ban on Gay Adoptions, as they struggle to keep their family together. Find out what you can do to help Bert, remain apart of the only family he knows. The family who raised, loves and cares so much for him. Add your voice to thousands of others shouting "Let Him Stay".
TBC's Eye on "Let Him Stay" Adoption News Archives.

Also see TBC's Eye on GLBT Flordia News which has comprehensive news coverage on Florida's Gay Adoption Ban.
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Steve Lofton & Roger Croteau and their five foster kids: Frank, Tracy, Bert, Wayne
and Ernie, while still infants.
Click photo for Website.
Let Him Stay
Roger Steven Lofton and Roger Croteau's battle Florida's Ban on Gay Adoptions, as they struggle to keep their family together. Find out what you can do to help Bert, remain apart of the only family he knows. The family who raised, loves and cares so much for him. Add your voice to thousands of others shouting "Let Him Stay".
TBC's Eye on "Let Him Stay" Adoption News Archives.

Also see TBC's Eye on GLBT Flordia News which has comprehensive news coverage on Florida's Gay Adoption Ban.
National News
[News Article Opens New Window ~ Close Window to Return.]
"Civil Unions & Gay Marriages Websites"
Comprehensive Listing of Groups and Organizations Promoting Domestic Partnerships, Civil Unions and Same-Sex Marriages Equality, News Articles Archives, Related Information and Resources.
For More Eye on Civil Unions & Same-Sex Marriages Rights News Go to "TBC's News Archives".
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National
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[Click for SLDN Website]

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Domestic Parners, Benefits,
Protections & Rights News
Show your support for "GLBT Equal Rights", place this graphic on your website.
Free for Non-Profit Use Only ~ Right Click on Graphic and Save to File.
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Eye on GLBT Rights News
Special Reports
Eye on GLBT Rights News Archives
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"The Uproar Over Senator's Anti-Gay and Homophobic Remarks"
April 28:Gay Rights Groups and Democrats have criticized Senator Rick Santorum after blatantly homophobic comments and has refused to apologize for them. Santorum made the remarks in an interview with the Associated Press about a Supreme Court case challenging the constitutionality of a Texas law against sodomy. Santorum compared homosexuality to bigamy, polygamy, incest and adultery. Eye on GLBT Special News Report "Senator Rick Santorum Anti-Gay Comments".
Lindner Unswayed By Holocaust Gay Memorial
August 13: Minnesota Republican Rep. Arlon Lindner, who said that gays were never persecuted
by the Nazis and claimed that homosexuals helped the Nazis gain power was visibly moved after
seeing exhibit by the National Holocaust Museum but still maintains, gays and lesbians should
Rep. Arlon Lindner Avoids Discipline for Anti-Gay Remarks
News article and audio clips, going back to when Linder first proposed repealing state human rights
protections for people based on their sexual orientation. Subsequent backlash of a flood of calls and emails denouncing Lindner's proposal and he beginning of his anti-gay diatribes and remarks. Up to motion to censure Lindner that was brought before House Ethics Committee, but, the motion to censure Rep. Arlon Lindner failed in 2-2 vote. "Eye On Rep. Arlon Lindner Special News Report"
Arlon Lindner
Rick Santorum
Gay Couple Challenge Texas Sodomy Law
More than four years ago, police burst into John Lawrence's apartment, they were sent there by a bogus report of an armed intruder. After bursting into the apartment, they did not find an armed intruder, what they did find, was John and Tyron Garner engaged in consensual sex. The police arrested the men, jailed them overnight and charged them with breaking Texas' Homosexual Conduct Law, which bans oral and anal sex between people of the same gender. The two men have challenged the constitutionality of the Texas law, the Supreme Court decision has yet to be made. [Texas Sodomy Law ].
"Eye on Gays in the Military News Archives"
*Metropolitan Community Churches Reaching Out To Gay Military Families
*For Gays, Secrecy in Love, War ~ *Partners Silenced Under 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
*Military Gay Linguist Firings Escalate ~ *TBC Op~Ed. "Don't Ask - Don't Tell - No Gay Arabic Linguists"
*SLDN Releases Revised 'Survival Guide' For Military Personnel.
*Military Continues to Discharge LG&B Linguists, Despite Critical Shortfall of Trained Personnel.
*Gays in Military See Easing of Discrimination ~ *Military Policy Exacerbates Homosexuals Stress of War
*Military Has Lowest Gay Dismissal Rate Since 1996, Report Says
*Gays, Lesbians Press to Serve Openly in Military ~ *Partners of Gay Soldiers Bid Farewell in Secret
*Families Of Gay Soldiers Forced Into Shadows ~ *SLDN Reports Sharp Increase in Calls for Assistance
*Colin Powell Defends Military's "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Policy, Citing Privacy Concerns
*TeenInk.Com Interview With Secretary of State Colin Powell

"Eye on Gays in the Military News Archives"
"Eye on GLBT Civil Unions & Same-Sex Marriage Rights News Archives"
*Lesbians, Gays Gain Political Clout in New Jersey. ~ *New Jersey Poll Finds 55% Support Gay Marriage.
*Hearing Draws Passionate Testimony. ~ *Texas Same-Sex Measure Easily Clears House Gay Unions Void.
*Federal Lawsuit To Strike Down Nebraska's Law Banning Any Recognition of Gay Couples.
*Massachusetts Resurrects Constitutional Amendment to Ban Same-Sex Marriages
*Minister Found Guilty of Marrying Same-Sex Couples ~ *Church Banished After Baptizing Gay Men
*California City Calls For Legal Gay Marriage ~ *Goin' To The Chapel? Swing by Provincetown First
*Connecticut Nixes Civil Unions ~ *Texas Gay Marriage Ban Closer To Vote
*New Survey Shows Massachusetts Residents Approve of Same-Sex Marriages
*Gay Unions Only Half the Battle ~ *Texas Civil Union Ruling Challenge Succedes Gay Divorce Reversed
*Texas Appeals Gay Couple's Divorce  ~ *Gay Divorce Texas Style
*Indiana Couples Challenge Same-Sex Marriage Ban ~ *Mass. Asked to Allow Same-Sex Marriages
*Landmark Marriage Case Heard by Massachusetts SJC.
"Eye on GLBT Rights National News Archives"
*Barney Frank Files Domestic Partner Bill. ~ *Petition Would Cancel Gay Rights Law.
*Assembly OKs Expanding Partners' Rights. ~ *Council Wants Moratorium Benefits for Domestic Partners.
*Kentucky Mayor Approves Domestic Partner Benefits. ~ *Congress Pressed To Sign Gender Pledge
*Gay and Race Issues Preoccupy Court. ~ *Hate-Crime Bill Back In Congress.
*Suit Challenges Nebraska's Ban on Benefits for Gay State Employees' Partners.*Campaign Targets City's Gay-Rights Vote ~ *Kansas City Mulls Domestic Partner Registry
*End Run Attempt On Florida Gay Rights ~ *GOPs Say Democrats' Support of Gay Rights Could Backfire
*Presidential Hopeful Howard Dean Rallies Gay Support ~ *Win In Peoria, Loss In Colorado Springs
*North Carolina Hears Plea For Gay Workers ~ *Illinois Gay Rights Bill Stalls
*J.C. Penney, FedEx to Add Sexual Orientation to Nondiscrimination Policies
*Erie County Civil Rights Ordinance May Be Rendered Useless ~ *New Mexico Gov Signs Two Gay Bills
*Legislatures Warm to Gay Rights ~ *Lieberman Will Push Bill Extending Benefits Gay Federal Employees
*Senator Joe Lieberman Press Release ~ *Domestic Partner Rights Bills Proceed in California Legislature *Colorado House Removes Healthcare Protections For Gays.

"Eye on GLBT Rights International News Archives"
*US Defends Anti-Gay Rights Stance on UN's Anti-Discrimination Resolution.
*UN Commission On Human Rights Fails To Act On Gay Rights Proposal.
*Queer Muslims Challenge Organization of Islamic Conference's Ill-Informed Campaign.
*Muslim Alliance Derails UN's Gay Rights Resolution.
*Global 'Gay' Rights Measure Before U.N..
*Court Says law Discriminates Against Same-Sex-Partners.