; nu i u ;
news
Strictly enforc
trict,” said Winnie
ing the abstinence-
Stachelherg, Human
on ly-un til-m a rriag e
Rights Campaign polit
provision, which has
ical director. “We look
led some states’ public
forward to President
health departments to
Bush’s signature on this
turn back Centers for
historic legislation.”
Disease Control and
The measure is the
Prevention
A ID S
2002 District of Col
funds rather than risk
umbia appropriations
being found in viola
bill.
According
to
tion.
Many absti
HRC, Congress un
nence-only curricula
fortunately stripped out
reinforce dangerous
language allowing funds
stereotypes about sex
to go to District needle
ual minorities, girls
exchange programs.
and people living with
“We find it repre
HIV.
hensible that many
“Both the G LB T
people will unneces
community and com
sarily he put at risk
munities of color have
because the latest sci
a lot to lose if these
entific and medical
reactionary proposals
advice that clearly
are implemented," Jean
shows that needle
said. “This is not only C ongress voted for a measure giving
exchange
programs
domestic
partners
of
D
.C
.
employees
an issue of concern to
are effective and save
those supporting equal access to health benefits
lives is being ignored,”
treatment of G LB T families but also an issue of Stachelherg said. “With the highest rate of
racial and economic justice.”
H IV /AIDS in the nation, the District needs
to pursue an aggressive, targeted prevention
program. Yet the District is the only locality in
he Bush administration has selected for America that is prohibited from using federal
mer Montana Gov. Marc Racicot to chair
and local funds to support needle exchange
programs.”
the Republican National Committee. The
Human Rights Campaign called the decision a
Congress also allowed the bill to include
positive step that sends a message of tolerance
an amendment limiting the use of any funds
and inclusion.
to issue, implement, administer or enforce
“This appointment hopefully signals that
any order invalidating the policy of the Boy
the G O P is moving in a more moderate direc- Scouts of America regarding the employment
tion that will embrace all Americans," said or voluntary service of gay or lesbian troop
Winnie Stachelherg, Human Rights Cam-
leaders. “We are disappointed that Congress
paign political director. “Racicot has a strong
has elected to interfere with an ongoing judi-
record of inclusion and has a history of sup- cial process and erode the local decision-mak-
porting and respecting people regardless of ing authority of the District of Colum bia,”
sexual orientation.”
Stachelherg said.
While in office from 1992 to 2000, the pop
ular governor enacted a state employee non
NORTH CAROLINA
discrimination policy that includes sexual orien
ill “Bunky” Miller, the beloved gay contes
tation. He also was a proponent of an unsuc
tant on the C B S reality show Big Brother 2,
cessful 1993 effort to repeal Montana’s sodomy
was kicked out of his hometown Christmas
law and came under attack by the Christian
parade at the 11th hour, PlanetOut.com report
Coalition for that stance.
ed Dec. 6.
Further, Racicot opposed legislation in
Jody Frankly, head of the Bessemer City
1995 to add gay people to the sexual offenders
Parks and Recreation Department, had asked
registry and forced the state G O P to apologize
the new national celebrity to serve as the
for the attempt. However, he signed a hill in grand marshal. But when Buddy Rampey,
1998 to make same-sex marriage illegal in
First Wesleyan Church pastor, found out
Montana.
about the invitation, he rallied his par
ishioners to flood City
Racicot was President
Hall with angry calls.
Busks first choice for attor
The town mayor, a
ney general hut declined to
pursue the post, citing fam
devout Christian, caved
in to the pressure. Still,
ily and financial reasons.
Miller says he has no
Right-wing groups vehe
hard feelings.
mently opposed his candi
dacy because they viewed
“They’re all very,
very nice,” the 36-year-
him as too moderate.
old told the Shelby Star.
“At least the offer was
ongress passed a bill
there before getting
taken hack.”
Dec. 7 that for the
Miller was kicked
first time allows the Dis
out of the Big Brother
trict o f Colum bia govern
ment to fund a program
house Aug. 30. Since
then he has been on the
giving domestic partners
road with a one-man
o f city employees access to
show benefiting the
health benefits. T he m ea
American Red Cross
sure now will go to the
and other charities. jn
desk o f President Bush,
who is expected to sign it.
Compiled by Netvs Edi
"This is a tremendous
tor J im R a POSTA, who
victory that helps to assure Big Brother 2 contestant Bill “ Bunky
fair and equitable treatment Miller won't be coming home for the \ can be reached at
Jrm@justout.com.
for all families in the Dis- holidays
Visit Portland's sunniest,
most whimsical gift store
this holiday season!
•
a cultural crossroads of colorful crafts
The Water Tower at Johns Landing
5331 SW Macadam Av. Portland
503-241-6555 www.woodbloom.com
602 SE 38th Ave.
Portland, OR 97214
503.231.3922
Wed - Sat
PRUL MITCHELL
One-of-a-kind gifts, home decor
and fabulous forever flowers
S tep O ut in S tyle
T his C hristmas
T
Signature Shoes
96th St and Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy
Beaverton, OR 97005 • (503) 626-8413
Hours: 9:30am-7pm Mon-Fri
I0am-7pm Sat • I2pm-7pm Sun
BIRKENSTOCK
Design It
yourself!
Unique Holiday
Gift Giving
B
6357 SW Capitol Hwy • 503/246-1934
1512 NE Broadway • 503/288-3991
Earth Friendly Gifts
91 19 SE Foster Road
(5 0 3) 7 7 5 -7 9 93
Tues-Fri 10-6
r
a
C
limn
•
Sat 9-2
D ava
5EAD
AND TRADE
New purchase
100% equity loans
Pre-qualification
by phone or fax
R efinance/cash out
Office
D
503 . 297.9900
Evenings / Weekends
503 . 780.1561
Toll Free
1 . 877 . 826.9900
Email
colleenw@mtgadvocates.com
www.mtgadvocates.com
Pre-approved loans
Residential, commercial
& investment property
Appointm ents at
y our convenience
"I'mavailable
when you are!
9900
S .W .
Wilshire Street
Colleen Weed
AAA
MORTGAGE
A d v o c a te s
Portland, Oregon 97225