Bidding opens for Task Force auction

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Foley in Arizona celebrity rehab center, attorney says

BY BRIAN SKOLOFF, Associated Press

Former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley is being treated for alcoholism at a facility in Arizona, his attorneys said.

Foley has been in a 30-day treatment program at the Sierra Tucson treatment center in Catalina, Ariz., near Tucson, since Oct. 1, according to a joint statement released by his attorneys in West Palm Beach and Washington, D.C.

To read more, click here.

National Gay and Lesbian Task Force on NJ ruling

WASHINGTON, Oct. 25 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force recognizes as a step forward today’s unanimous New Jersey Supreme Court decision holding that denying rights and benefits to same-sex couples that are statutorily given to heterosexual couples violates the state’s constitution. Three justices voted to end marriage discrimination immediately; all seven of the justices said that same-sex couples must be given all the rights and protections of marriage. The decision gives the New Jersey Legislature 180 days to either amend the state’s marriage laws to include same-sex couples or to create some other statutory structure that will extend the same rights, benefits and obligations borne by married couples.

Statement by Matt Foreman, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force

“Today’s unanimous New Jersey Supreme Court ruling recognizes the equal needs of same-sex couples and their families. It is now up to the Legislature to implement the court’s decision by amending the state’s marriage laws to include same-sex couples; nothing less will suffice. We look forward to working with Garden State Equality to make that happen.

“Sadly, we know that politicians on the right and their allies in the anti-gay industry will do everything in their power to exploit this decision for political gain on November 7. Again they will denounce ‘activist judges’ and defame gay people and our families to inflame their base. Again they will use us to try to distract voters from the war in Iraq and failures in education, energy and health care. Again they will resort to lies, myths and fearmongering to promote more discriminatory, anti-family state constitutional amendments.

“Beyond being utterly predictable, these shameless tactics are wedge politics at their worst and a sure sign of desperation. We are confident the vast majority of voters will see them for what they are — reprehensible — and reject them.

“On behalf of our national community, we express our profound gratitude to Lambda Legal for its outstanding legal advocacy, to the plaintiffs in the case for their courage and determination, and to Steven Goldstein and Garden State Equality for their extraordinary work on behalf of marriage equality.”

People For The American Way on NJ ruling

News release:

The Supreme Court of New Jersey today ruled unanimously that the state Constitution requires that all of the rights and benefits of marriage be available to same-sex couples, but in a 4-3 ruling, allows the legislature to decide whether to grant same-sex couples equal access to civil marriage or whether to create a separate institution such as civil unions.  The Court gave the legislature 180 days to act.  People For the American Way Foundation had filed an amicus curiae brief in support of the couples seeking to end marriage discrimination in the state.

“Today’s ruling is an extremely important positive step toward full equality in

New Jersey

and the protection of all families,” said PFAWF President Ralph G. Neas. “All seven justices recognized that denying the rights and benefits of marriage to same-sex couples violates the state Constitution.  It is disappointing that the Court’s strong stand against discrimination stopped short of the clearest remedy to that discrimination: marriage.”

Neas noted that a recent Zogby-Garden State Equality poll showed that a majority of

New Jersey

voters support marriage equality for same-sex couples by a margin of 56-39%.

“The people of

New Jersey

are ready to stop discriminating against committed same-sex couples who are prepared to accept the responsibilities of marriage,” said Neas.  “Legislators should recognize that our nation has decided that ‘separate but equal’ is no solution to discrimination.  The legislature should catch up with the people, seize the opportunity presented by the Court and allow same sex couples to marry.”

Neas, warning that anti-gay forces are likely to respond to the ruling with false and inflammatory rhetoric, noted that the ruling in no way compromises religious liberty in

New Jersey

or elsewhere.  “No church or congregation will ever be forced to bless any marriage or civil union. Discrimination is being dismantled. But religious liberty is secure.”

Neas congratulated Lambda Legal for its work on behalf of the plaintiffs in the case.

Read the NJ Supreme Court ruling

Download a-68-05.pdf

Expert comment on NJ marriage decision

Note: Study author grew up in Miami and went to Palmetto High School. Click on photo to enlarge.

Bulletin: NJ Supreme Court rules gay couples have same rights as heterosexual couples

   TRENTON, New Jersey -- (AP) -- New Jersey's Supreme Court has ruled that same-sex couples
are entitled to the same rights as heterosexual couples, but that lawmakers must determine
whether the state will honor gay marriage or some other form of civil union.

November Women's Networker - OLA Steak

November 2nd - 6:30 to 8:30 PM - 320 Lorenzo Ave. in Coral Gables, FL

Join MDGLCC, Pandora/Ultra Events and our hosts OLA Steak for an evening of great networking, food and 2 for 1 drinks as we toast the fall season. The event takes place on Thursday November 2nd from 6:30 to 8:30 @ OLA Steak (320 Lorenzo Ave. Coral Gables, FL; 305-461-4442); located on Lorenzo between US 1/South Dixie Hwy and SW 42nd Ave. The cost is $5 for members; $10 for potential members. Bring your business cards and, bring a friend.

Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey to be on WFTL Radio

PRESS RELEASE:

Former NJ Governor Jim McGreevey, currently on a book tour promoting his "Confessions," will be on the air on WFTL Radio with Kelley Mitchell and Russ Morley on Monday, October 30th.  The interview is scheduled for 8:10am.  (You might remember Kelley from WSVN, Channel 7 and WPLG, Channel 10)

If Mr. McGreevey is willing to stay more than his pre-booked 10 minutes, we plan to open the phones so the general public can ask questions.

WFTL, at 850AM, is located in Fort Lauderdale and serves Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade Counties.

Transgendered Win Case Against N.Y. Transit Authority

By Sara Stefanini
amNewYork

NEW YORK  --  Transgendered New Yorkers won the right to use any restroom they choose at
Metropolitan Transportation Authority stations after a lawsuit was settled between a New
York woman and the agency.

The agreement Monday came as advocates prepare to tackle the same issue with the Port
Authority, whose police advocates say they arrested three transgender women for using the
women's restroom earlier this month.

The MTA agreed to pay $2,000 in damages to Helena Stone, formerly known as Henry
McGuinness. Stone, a longtime Verizon telephone technician, was arrested three times in
late 2005 and early 2006 after using women's restrooms at Grand Central Terminal, where
she was assigned to repair pay phones.

"I'm thrilled with it," said Stone, who began hormone replacement therapy 11 years
ago. "It's like the world was lifted off my shoulders after a few months of hell."

Transit police charged her with disorderly conduct. She said the officers verbally
abused her after she presented a man's work credentials. The charges were dropped after a
protest in March.

As part of the agreement, the MTA will also sponsor a transgender sensitivity training
program for employees, said Michael Silverman, an attorney for the Transgender Legal
Defense and Education Fund. Silverman filed the complaint with the city Commission on
Human Rights.

Both Silverman and Stone said they were satisfied with the terms. The $2,000 will
reimburse Stone for her criminal defense, and the new policy should put an end to the
harassment, Silverman said, noting that people aren't required by law to use specific
bathrooms.

An MTA spokesman confirmed the terms but would not comment.

Silverman is now considering bringing a complaint or civil suit against the Port
Authority. Three transgender women were arrested at the Port Authority Bus Terminal Oct. 3
and charged with trespassing, said Kate Barnhart, manager of Sylvia's Place, a shelter for
gay, bisexual and transgender youth, where the women were clients.

A spokesman for the Port Authority said it was looking into the case.