TV shows with gay characters could lose Florida tax credits
Television shows and films with gay characters could miss on tax credits in Florida for not being “family-friendly”. Lawmakers in the state have been coy over the meaning of the phrase “non-traditional family values”.
Homophobic senator Roy Ashburn comes out as gay
The California senator who was arrested on suspicion of drink driving last week after leaving a gay club has come out. Roy Ashburn said he was gay on a local radio show yesterday.
Opponents demand explanation for Steven Purcell’s departure
Political opponents of gay former Glasgow council leader Steven Purcell have demanded full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding his departure.
Scottish Lib Dems call for gay marriage
The Lib Dem Scottish spring conference passed a motion yesterday calling on the Scottish government to legalise gay marriage.
Anti-gay senator arrested after visiting gay club
An anti-gay California senator was arrested last week on suspicion of drunk driving after visiting a gay bar. Roy Ashburn, who has a history of opposing gay rights, had been at a gay bar called Faces and had a man in his car when he was stopped.
Tories publish ‘rainbow list’ of gay candidates
The Conservative Party has published a list of its out gay candidates standing for election this year. The party has 20 out gay candidates, with 11 of these happy to be named.
Gay former leader of Glasgow council questioned by police
Steven Purcell, the openly gay former Labour leader of Glasgow city council, was questioned by police inside the city council chamber a year ago, it emerged today.
Government could reject religious civil partnerships amendment
Equalities minister Harriet Harman could remove an Equality Bill amendment allowing civil partnerships in church over fears it could raise problems in the marriage system.
US senators introduce bill to overturn gay military ban earlier than Obama planned
Following President Barack Obama’s call for the end of the United States’ ‘don’t ask don’t tell’ policy, banning gays in the military, senators are introducing legislation to repeal the current law or halt discharges of gays continuing to take place.
‘Serious errors’ made when equality watchdog was set up
The setting up of the Equality and Human Rights Commission was “patently flawed” and cost taxpayers almost £39 million, a Commons report said today.
Cameron promises equal parental leave for gay couples
Tory leader David Cameron has promised that gay couples in civil partnerships will receive the same maternity and paternity leave as their straight counterparts.
‘Conscientious objection’ amendments to gay rights withdrawn
Two amendments to the Equality Bill giving the right to “conscientious objections” to gay equality measures were withdrawn in the House of Lords last night.
John Perez sworn in as California Speaker
Openly gay California Assembleyman John Perez was sworn in as Speaker yesterday. He was unanimously elected as Speaker by a caucus of his Democratic colleagues in December and takes over from incumbent Karen Bass to hold one of the most powerful political positions in the state.
Ulster Unionist candidate says he is not homophobic
The Ulster Unionist Party candidate for South Antrim has said he is not homophobic and supports gay equality. Adrian Watson, an Ulster Unionist who is the mayor of Antrim, has been accused of homophobia in the past.
Gay leader of Glasgow council Steven Purcell steps down
Steven Purcell, the Labour leader of Glasgow city council, has resigned after five years. The 37-year-old is said to be suffering from stress and will be replaced by his deputy, Jim Coleman, until a successor is elected.
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