Bay Windows
Coalition of the unwilling?
One potential obstacle to the effectiveness of the LGBT community this session has been the prospect of a turf war between MassEquality and other organizations that had long lobbied the legislature on LGBT issues, such as the Mass. Gay and Lesbian Political Caucus and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Many out-of-state couples coming from New York
Following the repeal of the 1913 law last week, there was some assumption that out of state gay couples would flock to Massachusetts to obtain marriage licenses. While there certainly have been some, Massachusetts isn’t quite yet "the Las Vegas of same-sex marriage" as opponents of repealing the law had predicted.
Power surge
Last week’s signing of two separate LGBT-rights related bills on the same day by Gov. Deval Patrick heralded a new era in LGBT political power on Beacon Hill, political observers say.
Concentration of MSM contributes to high STD rate in South End
The South End leads the city in infection rates of several sexually transmitted diseases, including syphilis, gonorrhea and HIV/AIDS, according to the most recent "Health of Boston" report published by the Boston Public Health Commission.
’Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ in the crosshairs
Presidential race, lack of Senate sponsor for repeal are obstacles
How they voted
The bill to repeal the 1913 law passed on a roll call vote of 119 to 36, with three House members not voting. Here is how the members voted. Names in bold indicate lawmakers who voted in a way that contrasted with how they voted on the anti-gay marriage amendment at the June 2007 constitutional convention.
Diego Sanchez crosses the (picket) line at San Fran HRC dinner
The July 26 Human Rights Campaign (HRC) dinner at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco was protested by a number of LGBT activists upset about HRC’s support of the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) which currently does not include protections for transgender people. But Diego Sanchez, a Boston-based trans activist who spoke at the event, felt that it was an important opportunity.
Obituary: Gerald R. Dagesse
Gerald R. Dagesse of Boston, died on July 27 at his home in Boston. He was 49 years old.
Ocean State is awash in film
The twelfth annual Rhode Island International Film Festival opens on Aug. 5 and with nearly 300 films screening over six days all over downtown Providence, phrases like "there’s something for everyone" are insufficient.
Viva Mass. Vegas
The bill to repeal the 1913 law, which has barred most out-of-state same-sex couples from marrying in Massachusetts, has been signed into law. The repeal bill opens the door for couples from across the country to marry in the Bay State; two high-profile couples are already planning their Massachusetts marriages.
Summer breeze makes you feel GLAD
More than 300 people enjoyed cool ocean breezes and a sunsoaked, late-day view of Provincetown Harbor as Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders (GLAD) celebrated its 30th anniversary at its annual Summer Party at the foot of the Pilgrim Monument on July 26.
From the dance floor to the dunes
The organizers behind Boston Guerrilla Queer Bar are taking their party from the club to the beach.
Laughter strikes
Wicked with with the Women of Color in Comedy
Sonia Chang-Diaz sounds off on LGBT issues
In 2006 Jamaica Plain activist Sonia Chang-Diaz drew blood in the 2nd Suffolk District Democratic primary, coming within six percentage points of defeating state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson. Now she’s back for round two, campaigning against Wilkerson in the Sept. 16 Democratic primary. One of her challenges is convincing the Senate district’s LGBT voters to back her over Wilkerson, one of the staunchest LGBT rights supporters on Beacon Hill.
Gay human rights violations don’t sway state lawmakers on Iran divestment bill
If passed, House Bill 4270, which was filed at the beginning of January, would direct Massachusetts state funds to divest in Iran in addition to sealing divestments that are presently being held in foreign oil companies within Iran. The bill was voted on twice in committee and is currently pending in the House. It is questionable whether it will move to the House floor for a vote before the session ends on July 31.
With end of legislative session, trans rights bill dies quietly
With the Massachusetts legislative session ending July 31, advocates expect the transgender non-discrimination and hate crimes bill, House Bill 1722, is effectively dead for the year.
Governor Deval Patrick signs Mass. 1913 law repeal
With two strokes of the pen Gov. Deval Patrick opened the borders of the Commonwealth to out-of-state same-sex couples hoping to marry and granted equal Medicaid benefits to married same-sex couples in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts House passes 1913 law repeal in roll call vote
The bill to repeal the 1913 law is on its way to Governor Deval Patrick, who will sign it into law. The bill cleared a final hurdle this afternoon, when the House of Representatives passed the bill on a roll call vote after about 25 minutes of debate. The vote was 118-35, with five members not voting.
Tsongas slams anti-gay military policy
Massachusetts Rep. Niki Tsongas, the newest member of the state delegation and a member of the House Armed Services Committee’s Personnel Subcommittee, delivered a strong rebuke to the military’s "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" in her opening remarks at the subcommittee’s congressional oversight hearing on the policy on July 23.
Same-sex domestic dispute ends on I-93
In what appears to be a domestic dispute between two women, Sandra Howes, 42, was boxed in by police and then held at gunpoint on Interstate 93 in Dorchester yesterday just after noon. According to the Boston Herald, the passenger was screaming for help out of the window of a green 2000 Honda Civic.