Though President Donald Trump’s administration apparently doesn’t want to gather information about gay seniors, Maine’s senior senator does. Without explanation, the Department of Health and Human Services recently dropped questions about sexual orientation and gender identity from two key surveys of older Americans — a move that would make it impossible for officials to determine […]
gay rights
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Michael Heath wants referendum on gay rights protection
PORTLAND — An anti-gay activist said Wednesday he’s ready “to shout to the world that we’re on the side of human dignity” and begin a petition drive for voter signatures in Maine in support of an initiative to remove references to sexual orientation from the state’s Human Rights Act. The Secretary of State’s Office said ‘s […]
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Posted inNation / World, sj-web
Boy Scouts’ leader calls to end ban on gay leaders
NEW YORK — The national president of the Boy Scouts of America, Robert Gates, said Thursday that the organization’s longstanding ban on participation by openly gay adults is no longer sustainable, and called for change in order to avert potentially destructive legal battles. In a speech in Atlanta to the Scouts’ national annual meeting, Gates referred […]
Posted inOp-Eds
Lew Alessio: Society’s promise is for everyone
It’s a neighborhood kind of thing. A give-and-take social exchange. Let’s say, one day you and your family open up your heart’s dream: The Patty Cake Bakery. Don’t you think the name is cute as all get-out? You decorate and plan every detail, pass all the inspections, and fulfill all the requirements for handicap accessibility. […]
Posted inOp-Eds
David Sirota: Companies’ rhetoric belied by campaign donations
Last week, corporate America appeared to take a rare stand on principle. After Republican Indiana Gov. Mike Pence signed a law permitting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, various companies expressed outrage and tried to position themselves as bold defenders of social justice. There was just one little problem: Many of the same companies […]
Posted inLewiston-Auburn
Charges filed against woman who claimed she was attacked
LEWISTON — Allegations of a hate crime against a lesbian by five young men turned out to be a different story after an investigation by the Lewiston Police Department. Janelle Lynn Martel, 28, of 94 Warren Ave., was formally charged Wednesday with reckless conduct with a dangerous weapon and driving to endanger, following an altercation […]
Posted inMaine
Charlie Howard memorial walk stirs memories of fear, courage in the wake of his death
BANGOR — Bangor was a scary place for gays three decades ago. But the death of Charlie Howard, a gay man killed by three local boys, opened people’s eyes to the abuse that was happening, and things started to change, the Rev. Bill Walsh said Sunday. “I remember walking the streets here in Bangor and […]
Posted inMaine, sj-web
Michaud leading Portland Pride Parade
PORTLAND — The Democrat who would become the first openly gay candidate in the country to become governor if he unseats Gov. Paul LePage in November is leading the pride parade in Maine’s largest city. Mike Michaud is serving as one of the grand marshals of the Portland Pride Parade today. The six-term congressman is […]
Posted inNation / World, sj-web
U.S. Senate OKs gay rights bill banning discrimination
WASHINGTON — The Senate approved legislation outlawing workplace discrimination against gay, bisexual and transgender Americans, demonstrating the nation’s quickly evolving attitude toward gay rights nearly two decades after Congress rejected same-sex marriage. Fifty-four members of the Democratic majority and 10 Republicans voted Thursday for the first major gay rights bill since Congress repealed the ban […]
Posted inBusiness, sj-web
Gay rights bill clears first hurdle in Senate
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate pushed a major anti-bias gay rights bill past a first, big hurdle Monday, a clear sign of Americans’ greater acceptance of homosexuality nearly two decades after the law prohibiting federal recognition of same-sex marriage. The vote of 61-30 essentially ensured that the Senate has the votes to pass the Employment […]