During a recent appearance at Columbia University, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejab claimed his country is gay-free, reported Reuters. Not only did he state that gays and lesbians do not exist in Iran, but likened them to criminals. He is qouted as saying, ‘ In Iran, we don’t have homosexuals like in your country…. I don’t know who has told you we have it [the ‘phenomenon’ of homosexuality.] ‘
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Peter Pace attempted to clarify anti-gay comments he made earlier this year, when he referred to homosexuality as ‘immoral,’ Associated Press reported. At a Senate Appropriations Committee, Pace indicated that he might be willing to change the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy that bans openly gay and lesbian servicemembers from serving in the military. However, he also reiterated his belief that his upbringing taught him to not condone behavior that is ‘counter to God’s law.’
The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church USA chose to suspend the ordination of gay bishops, according to HRC. The voted to put a moratorium on confirming gay and lesbian bishops, and to ban the blessing of same-sex unions. The Anglican Church had placed a deadline for the U.S. Episcopal Church.
Christian organization Catholic League announced a national boycott of Miller beer for sponsoring the San Francisco Folsom Street Fair. According to blog Joe.My.God, Miller has asked Folsom Street Fair organizers to remove its logo from one of its posters, citing ‘offensive’ imagery.
A New York student was sent home for wearing a T-shirt that said, ‘Gay? Fine by Me.’ She was told to either get rid of the shirt or go home, reported http://Edgeboston.com. The high school sophomore, Heathyre Farnham, chose to leave school.
A Texas teacher resigned after an anonymous source tipped off the high school that the teacher allegedly appears in over 50 gay wrestling flicks, according to http://Queerty.com. The teacher denies the claims.
A recent survey of Catholic parents of gay kids has found that over time, parents can become more comfortable with their children’s sexuality, according to a press release by Fortunate Families, a nationwide ministry. The study, called the Parents Voice Project, also found that many parents were discouraged by the lack of Church support.
A charity fund to benefit a Bay Area LGBT counseling center has been set up following the Sept. 13 death of porn star Danny Roddick, according to http://Gaywired.com. COLT Studio Group announced that proceeds from the DVDs he is featured in will benefit the service organization New Leaf. Roddick joined COLT in 2005, and was featured in five of its films.
The Washington Blade reports that House Democrats are considering dropping the inclusion of trans people from the Employment Non-Discrimination Act. The current wording of the bill would ban employment discrimination of LGBT people, but inside sources say dropping trans protections might make it easier to get the support needed fo ENDA to pass.
The GaYbor District Coalition has been created in Tampa’s Ybor City National Landmark Historic District. The district has become a popular gay destination, and community businesses and residents recently banded together to create a coalition to promote economic growth.
A Colorado lesbian couple seeking a marriage license were arrested during a sit-in, according to the organization Soulforce. On Sept. 24, police arrested Kate Burns and Sheila Schroeder from a Denver municipal building after they were denied a marriage application and refused to leave.