Family Portrait: Jaci Adams PAGE 29
Why the nation’s most famous women’s-rights activist was in Philly
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April 26 - May 2, 2013
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Vol. 37 No. 17
Tales of two bills
As more progressive states stride towards marriage equality, Pennsylvania lawmakers take smaller steps towards basic recognition Third time the charm for PA civil-union bill?
YOUNG AT HEART: Dr. Steven Arnold (left) responds to comments made by a member of the audience during the most recent LGBTEI conversation, April 20 at St. Luke and The Epiphany Church, 330 S. 13th St. The basement meeting room was filled with about 75 LGBT seniors and allies, as well as vendors and specialists, on hand to answer questions on medical, psychological and caregiving issues regarding the aging mind of LGBT seniors. The next conversation specifically targeting elder women will be May 18 at South Philadelphia Older Adult Center, 1430 E. Passyunk Ave. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Movement on domesticpartnership amendment
By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com
For the third time, state Rep. Mark Cohen (D202nd Dist.) introduced a bill that would legalize civil unions in Pennsylvania. He proposed House Bill 1178, which currently has 27 sponsors, on April 15 to the committee on judiciary. Cohen said he has spent a lot of time on this issue and believes that, in lieu of legalizing samesex marriage, it would represent progress in the commonwealth. “It should be supported in the House and the Senate. I would certainly support a marriageequality bill if it was enacted, but there is not support yet for it here. I think this PAGE 14
After several attempts to move an amendment forward that would allow domestic partners to apply for a rebate program for a deceased partner, State Rep. Brian Sims (D-182nd Dist.) finally was successful in his quest. Sims originally planned to introduce amendment 00701 to House Bill 468 earlier this month, but the amendment was pulled twice from the floor. This time, Sims was able to garners the approval of House Republicans, including Republican state Rep. Jim Cox, original creator of the bill. Sims’ amendment also would include, for the first time in Pennsylvania, a PAGE 14
Liberty City makes endorsements for upcoming primary By Angela Thomas angela@epgn.com A crowd of about 70 gathered at the William Way LGBT Community Center last week to vote on endorsements for the May 21 primary election, and the hot topic was the city controller’s race.
LIBERTY CITY MEMBERS RAISE THEIR BALLOTS IN PREPARATION FOR THE ENDORSEMENT VOTE. Photo: Scott A. Drake
Hosted by the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club, the April 18 meeting drew a diverse crowd — as well as a few candidates and spokespeople. Among those in attendance were citycontroller challenger Brett Mandel and Traffic Court judge candidates Inja Coates and Bob Tuerk, as well as a few other judicial candidates. Liberty City co-chair Sara Jacobson said the selection process starts with the endorsement committee, which makes recommendations. The membership then votes on those candidates. The club endorsed Joseph C. Waters Jr. for Superior Court judge; Vince Giusini, Daniel D. McCaffery, Giovanni Campbell, Leon A. King II, Daine A. Grey Jr. and Stephanie M. Sawyer for Court of Common Pleas judge; Martin Coleman for Municipal Court judge; Coates and Tuerk for Traffic Court judge; Seth Williams for District PAGE 18 Attorney and Mandel for
Scouts: Gay youth, maybe; gay adults, no dice By Timothy Cwiek tim@epgn.com
OH, HONEY!: Members of the Honey Badgers charge the field after team introductions and awards were announced. The City of Brotherly Love Softball League got the ball rolling for its 30th season April 20-21 on Camac Street and in Fairmount Park with a block party, games, music, a cookout, music, oldtimers recognition, fundraising and a host of special guests. Photo: Scott A. Drake More photos, page 8
For Greg Lattera, news that the Boy Scouts of America probably won’t allow gay adults into the organization any time soon is disappointing — but not vanquishing. In June 2003, Lattera was ousted by the BSA Cradle of Liberty Council after he came out. Ten years later, he continues to fight for reinstatement. “I’m 27 years old,” Lattera told PGN. “I don’t care if I have to wait until I’m 77. I’ll still jump at the chance to rejoin Scouting. Once a Scout, always a Scout.” The BSA’s proposed policy change, which was announced last week, would permit gay youths while continuing to exclude gay adult leaders. The proposal is PAGE 22