This Sister’s swingin’ out PAGE 23
Family Portrait: Brian Rodin
The LGBT Police Liaison Committee meets with city’s top cop
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March 22-28, 2013
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Vol. 37 No. 12
Philly, nation await Supreme Court hearings By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
While the U.S. Supreme Court gears up to hear arguments in the challenges to Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act next week, LGBTs and allies throughout the nation are planning to mobilize to call for the repeal of both laws. The court will hear oral arguments in Hollingsworth v. Perry March 26 and U.S. v. Windsor the following day, the first time that the nation’s top court will take on marriage equality. United For Marriage Coalition is organizing dozens of vigils across the country to mark the momentous occasion. As of presstime, 164 events were
planned. Communications co-chair Sean Carlson said the coalition came together to provide a platform for individuals who wanted to take part in the fight for marriage equality. “In the next couple weeks, we want to demonstrate both locally and in Washington D.C. that the nation is ready for marriage equality,” he said. “We really think this is our moment to let that shine and take the stage.” Brian Silva, executive director of Marriage Equality USA, said the effort stretches to all corners of the country and the evens will be diverse in size. “The goal is to not just show that D.C. is ready, but in communities large and small, rural and urban, that
people believe the time for marriage equality is now,” he said. In 2008, voters in California approved Prop. 8, overturning the state’s marriage-equality law. Two same-sex couples subsequently sued, achieving victories in district and appellate courts. In this case, the Supreme Court could weigh in that gays and lesbians have an inherent right to marry, or could narrow its decision to California. The Windsor case originated after New York widow Edie Windsor, 83, was forced to pay more than $360,000 in estate tax after her same-sex partner’s death because of DOMA, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing samePAGE 16
Vigils and rallies United for Marriage: Light the Way to Justice and an array of local groups are organizing vigils and rallies nationwide in advance of the March 26-27 U.S. Supreme Court hearings on Proposition 8 and the Defense of Marriage Act. Wear red and bring pro-LGBT signs to all events. Philadelphia: 5-7 p.m. March 25 at the James A. Byrne Courthouse, 601 Market St.; www.facebook. com/events/464606143605672/. Allentown: 6:30-7:30 p.m. March 23 at the Edward N. Cahn U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building, 504 W. Hamilton St.; www.facebook. com/events/342960929158375. Harrisburg: 4:30-8 p.m. March 26 at Third and Walnut streets; www.facebook.com/ events/506992656006116/. Lancaster: 6-7 p.m. March 26 at Binns Park, 100 N. Queen St.; www.facebook.com/ events/548834081804361.
Council backs sick leave, not veto-proof
NJ Senate panel approves ban on conversion therapy By Jen Colletta jen@epgn.com A committee of the New Jersey Senate approved legislation this week that puts the Garden State one step closer to banning socalled “ex-gay” therapy for LGBT and questioning youth. The Senate Health, Human Services and Seniors Citizens Committee voted 7-1, with two abstentions, March 18 to back a measure that would prohibit New Jersey service providers from administering conversion therapy, designed to change a person’s sexual orientation, to people under 18. The measure, led by Sens. Raymond Lesniak and Loretta Weinberg, will now go to the full Senate for a vote. Republican Sen. Samuel Thompson was the lone opponent. Republicans Dawn Marie Addiego and Robert Singer abstained, while Republican Diane Allen backed the measure, along with all the Democrats. Out Assemblyman Tim Eustace is sponsoring companion legisPAGE 14
By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
SUGARY START TO SPRING: Team Philadelphia kicked off the spring sports season with Get Sacked!, a mixer held March 14 at SugarHouse Casino. About 150 people turned out, representing the sea of sports teams that are members of Team Philadelphia. Guests were treated to performances by drag performers such as Mrs. P. (from left), Brittany Lynn and Crystal Electra and could get free workout tips and makeover advice. Photo: Scott A. Drake
For the second time, Philadelphia City Council has approved the LGBT-inclusive sick-leave bill. The legislation, introduced in January by Councilman-at-Large Bill Greenlee, passed 11-6 on March 14. Council approved the bill in a 9-8 vote last session but Mayor Michael Nutter vetoed it. Twelve votes are needed to override a veto. The legislation would mandate that companies with 12 or more employees give staffers one hour of paid sick leave for every 40 hours worked, up to 56 earned hours a year. Employees at companies with five-11 staffers could earn up to 32 hours of paid sick leave, and companies with fewer than five employees would be exempt. The bill would allow employees to take time off to care for a same-sex partner. Advocates say it could PAGE 17