Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (July 18, 2003)
19 rrnrirm news of state facilities in furtherance of discrimina tion, including bias based on sexual orientation. Meanwhile, the Scouts received more bad news July 13 when the United Church of Christ passed a resolution during its national annual meeting in Minneapolis calling on the organiza tion to “adopt a membership policy that does not discriminate based on sexual orientation." The vote by the 24th General Synod was overwhelm ing; the two-thirds majority required was far exceeded, with only a scattering of "no” votes. Senate Bill 386 was hailed by equal rights activists as an important step forward for same-sex couples and other people who are not legally related. “This legislation represents another impor tant step forward in the equal treatment of all Nevadans, regardless of the legal status of their relationships and friendships,” said Ande Rice, Equal Rights Nevada chairwoman. “With very little effort, patients in Nevada can ensure the person who is most important in their life can be with them in the hospital.” The bill allows a person to des ignate through a simple letter who should be granted the same hospital visitation rights as legally defined family members. It also lays out a series of affidavits that would allow an individual to appoint the person who will make decisions about burial, cremation and organ donation. These rights previously were unavailable to unmarried couples irr Nevada under any existing law. “This is a remarkable achieve ment for gays and lesbians in Nevada,” said Jere Keys, Las Vegas A gymnast was fired from Cirque du Soleils pipular show Bugle editor. “It shows that by teaming up with other groups, we Mystère because he is HIV-positive can make true progress toward CALIFORNIA equality of all of us.” rguing that Cirque du Soleil violated state Rice explained that the bill isn’t just a gay and federal laws by denying a highly quali rights victory. “It affects the elderly who are on fixed incomes and cannot afford to get married fied gymnast an integral part in its popular show and unmarried couples of all kinds." Mystère this spring, Lambda Legal filed a federal discrimination complaint against the company MICHIGAN July 15 in Los Angeles. Matthew Cusick, who has been living with n 18-year-old from Grand Rapids may have died as a direct result of a vicious sexual HIV for 10 years and whose viral load was assault, The Ann Arbor News repined July 11. undetectable in two comprehensive medical Justin Bogdanik had been discovered in a exams by Cirque du Soleils doctor, disclosed his status without incident when he was hired ditch in Livingston County two weeks prior to his death July 8. According to published reports, last summer. But after spending four months the victim had “been beaten until he was training in Quebec, Cirque du Soleil told him unconscious, sexually tortured, and his eyes that because he has HIV it would not continue were glued shut.” to employ him. “For any gymnastics performer, working for “This incident, from what has been repined, i bears all the markings of an anti-gay ‘pick-up’ Cirque du Soleil is a dream job,” said Cusick, crime, perpetrated by an extremely disturbed indi who also works part time as a personal trainer. vidual,” said Jeffrey Montgomery, Triangle Foun “Maybe it’s naive, but 1 never thought I’d be dation executive director. “We understand that kept from pursuing my dreams because I’m pilice have not mled out anti-gay motivation, HIV-positive. 1 thought society had gotten which is important because it appears more than beyond thinking that people with HIV can evident that, regardless of the actual sexual orien only do desk jobs and never come into contact tation of the victim, a perception that he was gay, with people.” In a letter this spring responding to Lambda or that gay sex was involved, is clear.” JF1 Legal’s formal request to reinstate Cusick in the performance, Cirque du Soleils attorneys said Compiled by News Editor J1M R aix KTA, who can be reached at jim@justout.com. the company was acting as a “socially responsible employer” that has an obligation to avoid "known safety haz ards.” Federal and state laws prohibit dis crimination against people with disabili ties if they pose no real risk to themselves or others and if the ill ness doesn’t interfere with their ability to do the job. NEVADA epublican Gov. Kenny Guinn has signed legislation con cerning the hospital visitation rights of patients and providing a new classification for people who may partic ipate in the disposition Nevada Gov. Kenny Guinn has signed a bill granting hospital visitation of a deceased person. rights to same-sex couples “I’m. AVAILABLE when you are!” Careful and energetic handling of all your home financing needs MORTGAGE 4 Advocates 6700S\V IO5th Aw.. Suite 200 Beaverton, (JR 97005 Foil Free (877) 82tMl900 Fax (503) 297-0824 E-Mail: colleenwilmtgadvcKates.com www.nitgadvocatcsxom The Finest Collision Repair. ¿/AUTOBODY 503-232-3600 2454 E. Bumside • Portland, OR 97214 www.fergusonauto.com Family Owned & Operated Since 1952 • Collision Repair Problems Solved • Wheel Alignment • Tires • Oil Changes • Break-in Repairs Auto, Home, Life, Health & Business "Your Independent Insurance Agency" epb&b insurance Elliott, Powell, Raden Baker, Inc. Richard B. Schneider A ttorney A t L aw Hartford stilt offers earthquake insurance on older homes II ARTFOKI) YOUR RIGHTS? YOU SHOULD BE. is well versed in the special estate planning needs of the GLBT community and can help you with care and professionalism. What Every Gay And Lesbian Couple Should Know About Estate Planning. Marc Baker Downtown Portland (503) 227-1771 www epbb.com PERSONAL CONCIERGE FREE REPORT! “Gay & Lesbian Couples Face Special Challenges In Estate Planning.” Finally! A Personal Concierge Service available in Portland! Your time is valuable and we aim to help you increase your free time by doing things you don't have the time to do! • • • • Law Offices of PERSONAL ASSISTANT COMPUTER TUTOR WEB/GRAPHIC DESIGN TRAVEL PLANNING See all our services at: www.Go4Updx.com (503) 957-9792 ^ fdx 503.241.1215
