Thursday, Jul. 23, 2009
Hate Crimes Bill Moves Forward
On July 16, the U.S. Senate voted 63-28 to close the debate over the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act which is written in as an amendment to the Department of Defense reauthorization bill. This move guarantees that it will be presented in the final bill to President Obama to sign into law. Until Tuesday, it seemed destined for a presidential veto.
There was much debate over whether the bill should be presented as stand-alone legislation, like the similar Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act which passed in the House in April or as an amendment to another bill. The defense spending bill also included $1.75 billion in funding for F-22 fighter jets that President Obama has said he would veto if included.
In a statement from the White House following the July 16 vote, Shin Inouye, director of specialty media said, “The President has long supported the hate crimes bill and gave his personal commitment to Judy Shepard that we will enact an inclusive bill,” referring to Shepard’s Oval Office visit with the president earlier this year. “Unfortunately, the President will have to veto the Defense Authorization bill if it includes wasteful spending for additional F-22s. The collective judgment of the Service Chiefs and Secretaries of the military departments is that the current program is sufficient to meet operational requirements. A Presidential veto would not indicate any change in President Obama’s commitment to seeing the hate crimes bill enacted.”
Senators John McCain (R-Ariz.) and Carl Levin (D-Mich.) introduced an amendment to remove the F-22 funding from the bill, which the Senate approved in a 58-40 vote on Tuesday. Defense Secretary Robert Gates agreed with Obama that the spending was wasteful and not necessary with regard to current military installations. During a White House Rose Garden press conference following the midday vote, President Obama said, “At a time when we're fighting two wars and facing a serious deficit, this would have been an inexcusable waste of money.”
The hate crimes legislation also faced harsh opposition from right-wing legislators including South Carolina’s own Sen. Jim DeMint (R). DeMint sent a letter to pastors and religious leaders across the state urging them to speak out against the legislation, making claims that the law would criminalize free speech. The claims were entirely false as the amendment included wording to guarantee that hate crimes legislation would not infringe on a person or church’s freedom of speech. The bill merely provides much-needed protection against violence that continues to injure and kill LGBT people across our nation and terrorize the entire LGBT community. DeMint also implied that legislation protecting gay and lesbian people and our families will contribute to the decline of our country, according to Ray Drew of S.C. Equality. “This is offensive,” wrote Drew. “We know that America’s success is based on beliefs in freedom, democracy, separation of church and state, and fundamental human rights, not on religious teaching or the suppression of gay and lesbian people.” DeMint voted against the passage of the amendment. Senator Lindsay Graham (R-S.C.) did not vote on the measure, but both senators voted for the removal of the F-22s.
The hate crimes legislation will broaden a federal statute that already protects citizens against bias crimes based on their race, color, natural origin or religion to include crimes committed against citizens for their actual or perceived gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. If signed into law it will also allow the federal government to provide assistance to local law authorities investigating a bias crime and to step in where local authorities are unable or unwilling to prosecute a hate crime. The legislation was originally introduced in the Senate in 1997 by Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.).
american leather & drag divas
Each year, leather enthusiasts gather for the American Brotherhood Weekend, held this year in New Orleans on July 10-12, to crown members of a new American Leather Family. This year, Myrtle Beach resident Dakota Belotti won the title of American Leather Woman. Other winners include Johnny Birdsell of Cleveland, Ohio who took home the 2009 American Leather Boy title and Alex Lindsay, Jr. of North Hollywood, California who took home the title of 2009 American Leather Man.
Belotti is very active in the Myrtle Beach community and serves as an officer of CLAWS, Coastal Leather Allegiance to Wisdom and Service. As the 2009 American Leather Woman she will attend leather events and contests around the country as she represents American Brotherhood Weekend, which is the only national gay and lesbian leather title contest in the U.S.
Speaking of titles – the KnockDown DragOut drag contest held at Time Out! finally came to an end on July 13 and Lady Minerva took the crown beating out the other five finalists. Jazzy Thunderpussy took home second place and Imani Tate came in third.
In case you didn't get a chance to compete this year and you're interested or inspired to don your heels and strut your stuff, there will be another round of KnockDown DragOut competitions coming to Time Out! in the future. For more information, call 448-1180 or visit www.timeoutmbsc.com
out & about
Thursday, July 23 – The Center Project is hosting a HIV testing party and TCP fundraiser tonight in an effort to raise awareness for HIV/AIDS in the local LGBT community. The local HIV/AIDS service organization Careteam will be on hand to provide confidential HIV testing in a relaxing fun environment. In addition, for every person tested who returns for their results the following day, Careteam will donate $10 to TCP. This is a great way to not only be aware of your HIV status but also help out the local LGBT community center at the same time. For other testing options or more information about HIV/AIDS call Careteam at 236-9000 or www.careteamsc.org. For information about TCP call 626-4953 or visit www.thecenterproject.com. TCP is located at 736 8th Avenue in Myrtle Beach. As the press release says "Come get your test on!"
Sunday, July 26 – Model, fashionista, partier and pop culture icon, Amanda Lepore makes an appearance at Club Kryptonite on Sunday. Part of her world tour, this will be Lepore's first appearance on the Grand Strand and likely first in South Carolina. World famous for her appearance, aided by multiple plastic surgeries, Lepore has served as the advertising face for Heatherette, M.A.C. (cosmetics) and more, has lent her musical talents to gay rapper Cazwell and the film “Another Gay Movie,” and most-notably has appeared in much of photographer David LaChappelle's work. She has been called the Marilyn Monroe of transsexuality. General admission tickets are $10 and VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet with Lepore, are $20. Club Kryptonite is at 2925 Hollywood Drive, Myrtle Beach. For more information, visit www.club-kryptonite.com or call 839-9200.!”
Till next week, have fun and be safe.
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