Judge denies Schneller’s petition in Haverford case
A Delaware County judge has denied the request of anti-LGBT activist James D. Schneller to be named as a plaintiff in a lawsuit that challenges Haverford Township’s LGBT-inclusive antibias ordinance.
The ordinance was enacted in February 2011. It bans discrimination in employment, housing, commercial property and public accommodations in the township.
Additionally, it establishes a human-relations panel to investigate antibias complaints.
Violators face penalties of up to $5,000 per discriminatory act.
In March 2011, Fred W. Teal sued the township, claiming it exceeded its authority when enacting the ordinance. But Teal died Sept. 21, 2012, of natural causes.
In January, Schneller filed a petition in Delaware County Common Pleas Court, seeking to succeed Teal as a litigant in the legal challenge.
But on March 1, Judge Christine Fizzano Cannon denied Schneller’s request, without elaboration.
Larry Holmes, a member of the Haverford Township Board of Commissioners, agreed with the judge’s ruling.
“I’m happy to see that the court ruled as it did,” Holmes said. “Our [human-relations panel] is a good group of accomplished, dedicated volunteers who all want to make our township an even better place to live — and who now can get on with their work.”
— Tim Cwiek
Remembering Hines
The LGBT and ally community will gather next month to remember former Philadelphian Desiree Hines.
A life celebration will be held at 10 p.m. April 8 at the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut St.
Hines, who died in January, was an accomplished organist and the driving force behind the GLBT Arts Festival and volunteered for a number of local LGBT groups.
Guests are encouraged to wear bright spring colors to celebrate Hines’ spirit.
Musicians and those interested in volunteering can email [email protected].
Memorial donations can be made to the Desiree Hines Memorial Organist Fund. Checks should be made payable to the First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, with a reference to the fund on the memo line.
— Jen Colletta
Stimulus hosts film screening
Stimulus Productions will host a screening of the film “Girl Rising” at 6 p.m. April 4 at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The film tells the stories of nine girls who embark on changing the world. Groups such as Elements Organization, Gay and Lesbian Latino AIDS Education Initiative, Delaware Valley Legacy Fund, The Attic Youth Center, Liberty City Kings Drag & Burlesque, Philly Dyke March, Sisterspace and others will be present to hand out information on their organizations.
Admission is free but a suggested donation of $5-$10 is welcomed.
Attic premiers exhibit
Bluestone Fine Art Gallery, 142 N. Second St., will host MASHUP, an exhibit by members of The Attic Youth Center next month, with a premiere reception from 5-9 p.m. April 5 at the gallery.
The exhibit will run until April 13.
For more information, email [email protected].
Animal relief team hosts first fashion show
The Red Paw Emergency Relief Team provides emergency and veterinary care for Philadelphia’s animals 365 days a year due to residential disasters, and next month they plan on celebrating that work in style.
Red Paw will host its first fundraising fashion show at noon April 6 at The Raquet Club of Philadelphia, 215 S. 16th St.
The show will feature Philadelphia area models and escorts donning summer apparel by Etcetera. Attendees will also have the chance to meet some of the rescued animals that are up for adoption.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased via email at [email protected]. Checks and cash can also be mailed to 1328 S. 24th St., Philadelphia, Pa. 19146.
Local cabaret hosts Trevor benefit
The Center City Cabaret will present “Songs for Trevor,” a collection of inspirational songs, from 6-10 p.m. on April 6 at the Ethical Humanist Society of Philadelphia, 1906 Rittenhouse Square.
The performance will raise funds for Trevor Project, which works to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.
Tickets for the event are $40 for a pre-cocktail wine reception and hors d’oeuvres and $25 for the concert. Seating is limited to 180 people, so reserve tickets at www.thetrevorproject.org/songsfortrevor.
— Angela Thomas