News Briefing

Eagle Scout indicted for assault A grand jury in New Jersey handed down a 50-count indictment this week, accusing an Eagle Scout of sexually assaulting at least five boys in the past decade. The Atlantic County grand jury indicted 38-year-old Brian Killion Tuesday for an array of charges, including child endangerment, aggravated sexual assault and possession of child porn. Killion, who lives in Absecon, remains in custody in Burlington County after failing to post $250,000 bail. Prosecutors say Killion assaulted the boys at his home, as well as on camping trips and at one of the boys’ homes. One of the alleged victims filed a federal criminal complaint against Killion in April. Hoedown in Philly

Up to 500 cowboys and cowgirls are expected to be in Philadelphia this weekend for the annual convention of the International Association of Gay/Lesbian Country Western Dance Clubs. Country-western clubs from around the U.S. will participate May 26-30, with most events at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. Participants will take part in workshops with dance experts through the weekend and face off in the annual Championship Dance Competition May 28 beginning at 1 p.m., followed by the Hoedown Ball at 7. Half of the proceeds from the weekend will benefit the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, with the other half going to The Attic Youth Center and William Way LGBT Community Center. For more information, visit www.iaglcwdc.org. Bethlehem advances LGBT bill The Bethlehem Council last week approved a bill to extend nondiscrimination protections to the LGBT community. The vote was the council’s first reading, and it will need to be approved again in a final vote June 7. The measure would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in housing, employment and public accommodations. It would also create a Human Relations Commission to investigate discrimination complaints. Bethlehem is currently the largest city in the state without LGBT protections. Drexel hosts ‘two-spirit’ event Drexel University will host a free forum that celebrates Native American LGBT culture from 5-7 p.m. June 1 at the Intercultural Center, 33rd and Chestnut streets. The NorthEast Two-Spirit Society will deliver a presentation on the history and traditions of the Two-Spirit population, the Native American concept of LGBTs. Harlan Pruden, council member and co-founder of the society, will present findings of the first-ever needs assessment of the Two-Spirit people and conduct a discussion on ways to best serve this community. — Jen Colletta

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