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About Just out. (Portland, OR) 1983-2013 | View Entire Issue (Sept. 16, 2005)
1 rrnrnTTTibriefs CALIFORNIA G overnor V ows to V eto L andmark M arriage L egislation or veto the bill, or he can let it go into effect without his signature. Unfortunately, he announced that he intends to veto the marriage equality legislation. In an attempt to pander to a right-wing base just months before a special election in which he is courting its support, Schwarzenegger has gone back on his view that same-sex marriage is “fine by him.” With only vague comments, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed Assembly Bill 866 on Sept. 7. The legislation, authored by Assembly Speaker pro Tern Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, and sponsored by Equality California, was designed to prevent discrimination against NATIONAL queer people in political campaigns. “We are extremely disappointed by Gov. W eek R aises A wareness of A ttacks Schwarzenegger’s veto of legislation that would on Q ueer -T hemed B ooks Who decides what you will find freely avail have added LGBT people to the list of groups covered by the Fair Political Practice Act’s able in your public and school libraries? Almost Voluntary Pledge,” said Geoffrey Kors, execu 25 years after its initiation, Banned Books tive director of Equality California. “Regardless Week, Sept. 24 to Oct. 1, has special resonance as queer-themed books of what he thinks about come under attack. the enforceability of the Three of the “Ten Voluntary Pledge, it is Most Challenged Btxiks ludicrous to exclude one of 2004,” compiled by group of people from the the American Library rights and protections Association Office for granted to others. The Intellectual Freedom, exclusion of LGBT citi were cited for homo zens in this case is just sexual themes—the simply an unacceptable highest number in a form of discrimination.” decade. These titles are Existing law establishes The Perks of Being a Wall' a Code of Fair Campaign flower by Stephen Practices to which candi Chbosky, King & King by dates may voluntarily sub Linda de Haan and Stern scribe and provides a Nijland and / Know Why pledge by which they the Caged Bird Sings by promise not to use or per Maya Angelou. mit any appeal to negative In the wake of pro prejudice based on race, posed legislation and res sex, religion, national ori olutions in several states gin, physical health status this year to restrict or or age. This code and a The governor of California enjoys a heterosexual moment. prohibit access to materi copy of the Elections als related to sexual ori Code provisions are required to be provided to candidates by the entation, the library association passed a resolu Registrar of Voters whenever a declaration of tion in June affinning the inclusion of materials candidacy, nomination papers or any other that reflect the diversity of our society and paper evidencing an intention to be a candi encouraging libraries to acquire and make avail able materials representative of all people. date for public office are issued. “The voices and stories of gays and lesbians The California Legislature made history Sept. 6 by becoming the first state legislature cannot be silenced in our culture or on our in the nation to pass equal marriage rights leg bookshelves,” said association president Michael Gorman. “Banning books is an islation for same-sex couples. Needing 41 votes to pass the Assembly after a historic 21- extreme disservice to our readers. Not only 15 vote in the Senate, the final roll call was does it hinder tolerance and acceptance, it 41-35 in favor of Equality California-spon also limits the information exchange Ameri sored AB 849, the Religious Freedom and cans hold dear.” Thousands of libraries and bookstores will Civil Marriage Protection Act, authored by sponsor events and exhibits speaking out Assemblymember Mark Leno, D-San Francis co, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, D-Los against attempts like these to censor books Angeles, and 30 co-authors, including the and celebrating the freedom to read during Banned Books Week. Observed sirfte 1982, LGBT Legislative Caucus. Schwarzenegger now has until Oct. 6 to sign Banned Books Week reminds Americans not to take this precious democratic free dom to read freely for granted. The American Library Association Office for Intellectual Freedom received 547 challenges last year, up from 458 in 2003. Robert Cormier’s California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s The Chocolate War topped the 2004 office is accepting calls from anywhere list, drawing complaints from parents regarding the marriage equality bill. It passed and others concerned about the book’s both houses of the Legislature but needs the sexual content, offensive language, governor’s approval. The hot line is all religious viewpoint and violence. automated, so you don’t have to talk to Banned Books Week is sponsored anyone. Follow these directions: by the American B<x)ksellers Associa 1. Cail 916-445-2841. (This number is listed tion, American B<x>ksellers Founda at www.govemor.ca.gov.) tion for Free Expression, American Library Association, Association of 2. Push 2 to voice your opinion on American Publishers, American Soci legislation. ety of Journalists and Authors and 3. Push 1 to voice your opinion on the National Association of College gender-neutral marriage bill, Senate Bill Stores. It is endorsed by the Library of 849. Congress Center for the B<x)k. JF1 4. Push 1 to support marriage equality. Compiled hy S arah D ougher Wentworth SubaruCity's CONSTRUCTION Clearance Sale ALL 2005 SUBARUS ARE ON SALE NOW! ALL NEW 2005 SUBARU LEGACY SEDANS AND OUTBACK SEDANS $5,500 OFF MSRP NEW 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK WAGON ALL WHEEL DRIVE $21,990 MSRP: $25,680 Wentworth Disc. $2690 Factory Rebate: $1,000 Stock #65065, 65066, 65067, 65068, 65069, 65214 Come check out our HUGE selection of Certified SUBARU. Used Subarus You’ll say, "I WENT and it was WORTH it!" Toll free (866)508-2389 WENTWORTHSUBARU.COM Think. Feel. Drive. SUBARU. East End of the Bumside Bridge 107 SE Grand Ave * On approved credit. Subject to prior sale Pictures for illustration purposes only Rebates in lieu of special financing. Expires 9/30/05
