Just out., February 06, 2004, Page 21, Image 21

februa/y fi. 2004 * J u t m U .2 1
decision by a trial
judge preventing
gay and lesbian
legal marriage to non-
employees from go­
marital relationships be­
tween persons of the same
ing forward with
their challenge to
sex or different sexes.”
University of Pitts­
Republican Gov. Bob
Taft has said he will sup­
burgh’s policy of
denying them ac­
port the measure. Accord­
cess to health in­
ing to a Jan. 21 article in
surance and other
The Cleveland Plain Dealer,
employee benefits
Republican Attorney G en­
for their domestic
eral Jim Petro said he
partners.
opposed Ohio
House
Bill 272, saying it was “a
“ Pitt may he
breathing a sigh of
little too broad” and “a lit­
tle unfair."
relief that it can
continue to dis­
“It’s a sad day for Ohio,
criminate against
to write discrimination
its gay employees,
into the laws of our state,” O hio Gov. Bob Taft has threatened to ban
but this fight is far
said
Tim
Downing, m arriage and marriage-related protections
from over,” attor­
Ohioans for Growth and for sam e-sex couples
ney Chris Bian-
Equality chairman. “Even
the attorney general of Ohio believes that this cheria said. “We expected all along that this
law is not necessary and seriously flawed. It’s rep­ case was headed for the appeals courts.”
A Jan. 12 decision by the Court of Common
rehensible that more public officials didn’t join
Pleas of Allegheny County prevents the Pitts­
him in opposition to such a biased law.”
The measure— which passed the Senate by burgh Commission on Human Relations from
deciding whether Pitt is in violation of a city law
an 18-15 vote and the House by a 69-23 vote—
prohibiting discrimination based on sexual ori­
prevents state employees from ever receiving
entation. The A C LU originally brought suit in
health insurance benefits for their unmarried
1996 before the commission on behalf of seven
partners. Additionally, out-of-state same-sex
couples who are both legal parents of their chil­ current and former employees who were unable
to obtain health insurance for their domestic
dren may see these adoptions invalidated or not
partners because of the university’s policy.
honored when they visit or move to Ohio.
Before the case could he heard, Pitt went
before the court and got a temporary order pre­
P E N N S Y L V A N IA
venting the commissic- from hearing the case.
he American Civil Liberties Union filed
Now that order has been made permanent.
notice Jan. 21 that it is appealing a recent
FLO R ID A
Continued from Page 1 9
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ndrea Zimbardi, a catcher who was released
from University of Florida’s varsity women’s
softball team shortly after alleging sexual orienta­
tion discrimination, has reached an agreement
with the institution that includes policy changes
and a program to educate about harassment and
discrimination of queer students and athletes.
As part of the agreement, the university will
provide training to combat homophobia in
sports to its entire athletic department, includ­
ing directors, coaches and staff. The university
also will encourage team captains to attend.
“I am thrilled that we have reached an agree­
ment that will enable us to put this all behind
us,” Zimbardi said. “My goal from theJ very
beginning has been to help ensure that other
gay and lesbian athletes at UF feel welcome,
accepted and judged solely on their talent. I love
UF and am more proud than ever to he a Gator.”
Pat Griffin, a University
of Massachusetts professor
and leading expert in the field
of homophobia/heterosexism
in sport, helped conduct the
first phase of the training
Jan. 26. “I was impressed by
how willing the coaches were
to engage and really talk
about these difficult issues— Pat Griffin
this was clearly a group of
coaches who cared about their athletes and were
interested in making athletics accessible for every­
one," she said.
A
for firing performer Matthew Cusick because he
has HIV, concluded Jan. 30 that the company
likely engaged in illegal discrimination. The
commission’s Los Angeles District Office han­
dled the inquiry and will now attempt to resolve
the matter before it reaches court.
“This is a major development,” said Hayley
Gorenberg of Lambda Legal, which represents
Cusick. “The federal government has looked
very carefully at Cirque du Soleil’s actions, and
its investigation confirmed there is evidence that
Cirque engaged in unlawful discrimination.”
Gorenberg said commission investigations
don’t reach beyond deciding whether there’s
“cause to believe” an employer discriminated.
“This is the most serious determination the gov­
ernment can reach at this level.”
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C A L IF O R N IA
he Assembly passed a bill Jan. 29 that
would create a commission to deal with
veterans groups officially recognized under Cali­
fornia law, including queer veterans.
The panel will he responsible for creating a
memorial to gay, lesbian, hi and trans service-
members who died while serving their country.
Assembly Bill 1520 now heads to the state Sen­
ate, where the Veterans Affairs Committee will
review the legislation.
“For so many brave soldiers who fought and
sometimes died for our nation, it is time that their
sacrifice is forever remembered,” said lesbian
Assemblywoman Christine Kehoe, D-San Diego,
the measure’s author. "Now women, veterans of
color and LG BT veterans are one step closer to
having an official means for recognition.” JH
he federal government’s Equal Employ­
ment Opportunity Commission, which for
months has been investigating Cirque du Soleil
Compiled by News Editor J im RADOSTA, who can
be reached at jim@justout.com.
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