Gay-marriage backers gather in Iowa
The Sioux City [Iowa] Journal reports supporters of marriage rights for all people filled the pews of First Unitarian Church on Aug. 1 for a service and rally called “Standing on the Side of Love.”
The event was organized in response to a rally set for Sioux City on Aug. 3 by the National Organization for Marriage, which is targeting key states, promoting marriage between one man and one woman.
In April 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court upheld a District Court ruling that there was “no important governmental interest” in prohibiting gay marriages, which became available within the month.
Anti-bullying policy omits sexual orientation
The Montgomery [Ala.] Advisor reports an anti-harassment policy passed by the Anniston Board of Education does not include sexual orientation.
With a unanimous vote July 28, Anniston joined school systems across the state in passing an official policy, which explicitly bans harassment based on race, disability and religion, but is silent on anti-gay bullying.
Anti-bullying advocates criticized the exclusion saying that antigay slurs and violence make up a significant portion of the bullying most students — gay or straight.
“When you leave the most common form of bullying out of your policy, that’s problematic,” said Carly Friedman, an assistant professor of psychology at Mississippi State University.
NY gay bar closes after 40 years
Advocate.com reports The Starlite Lounge, a celebrated fixture of the Brooklyn gay scene, closed July 31.
A message posted on the Starlite Lounge website read: “It is with a heavy heart that we are forced to announce that the Starlite Lounge has lost its highly publicized battle to stay open in its landmark location.”
The lounge is described on the site as “The oldest black-owned non-discriminating bar/club in the heart of Brooklyn, New York.”
In January, a New York Times article reported that the bar’s owners were unable to negotiate a new lease “in good faith.”
There may be hope, however: The bar’s farewell message cryptically promises, “There are plans for a fresh, new beginning for the Starlite Lounge.”
— Larry Nichols