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Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2004. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

More National News

Washington Blade - October 1, 2004

Conservatives outraged by Schwarzenegger's pro-gay moves SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed legislation requiring health insurance policies to offer equal coverage to partners of gay and lesbian workers, conservatives took note. Then Schwarzenegger approved legislation allowing hypodermic needles to be sold with no prescription as a way to slow the spread of AIDS, and, last week, approved a bill to expand the definition of hate crimes - which conservatives fear will lead to prosecutions of those who condemn homosexuality. An outcry began. "Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger must not be too troubled by what he's called 'girlie men' because he's just signed a bill into law that maintains 'sex' in California to include drag queens, cross-dressers and transsexuals," Rev. Lou Sheldon, head of the Traditional Values Coalition, announced in a written statement. Also in California last week, the state appellate court issued a decision in a wrongful death lawsuit that determines that same-sex couples have a right to legal protection under the state's domestic partnership law. The ruling found it rational for the state to limit DP benefits to same-sex couples who otherwise would not have access to some civil rights and to elderly straight couples who risk losing government benefits if they marry.

Texas mother wants to overturn adoption by former female partner

HOUSTON - The biological mother of a 6-year-old girl is trying to overturn the child's adoption by her former partner, arguing that the adoption, approved by a judge, was not legal because the lesbian couple was not married. Julie Anne Hobbs and Janet Kathleen Van Stavern were together for eight years until March. Hobbs conceived the child by artificial insemination, and Van Stavern legally adopted her in 2001. Van Stavern pays $400 a month in child support and visits the girl. A Galveston County associate judge upheld the adoption, but a district judge who is considering an appeal heard oral arguments last week. Hobbs is arguing that the Texas Family Code requires that before adoption, a child's relationship with biological parents has to be terminated or the parent whose rights were not terminated must be married to the person seeking custody. Same-sex marriages are not recognized in Texas.

Even some Republicans disturbed by GOP's 'over the top' tactics

LITTLE ROCK (AP) - Information distributed by the GOP as part of election-year politics is causing concern even among Republicans. In Arkansas, a mailing from the Republican National Committee that claims the Bible could be banned if liberals win elections this fall is drawing complaints even from conservatives. The mailing, from the Republican National Committee, drew concerns from Arkansas conservative groups. Larry Page, executive director of the Arkansas Faith & Ethics Council, said the flier's language seemed "over the top." The flier mailed to Arkansans a few weeks ago said the "liberal agenda'' includes promoting same-sex marriages, among other things. In New Mexico, a radio ad from Republicans says that "radicals" are "trying to uproot our traditional values and our culture" and are "fighting to hijack the institution of marriage," the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Idaho's high court issues mixed decision on gay father's rights

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The Idaho Supreme Court last week ruled that sexual orientation should not be the basis for custody decisions, but still denied a gay father's bid for custody. Gay-rights advocates hailed the decision as a guide for future custody cases, but expressed disappointment that it did not help Theron McGriff gain custody of his two daughters. The court ruled that sexual orientation should be considered for custodial purposes only if the orientation is shown to cause harm to the child. "Sexual orientation, in and of itself, cannot be the basis for awarding or removing custody," the court said. But in its 4-1 ruling, the Supreme Court said there was sufficient evidence to conclude that McGriff's ex-wife, Shawn Weingartner, was best suited for sole custody of the children.

S.C. Senate candidate chides staffer for e-mail

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - A Republican Senate candidate in South Carolina has reprimanded a campaign staffer for a comment she made about lesbians in an e-mail. Ginny Allen, director of operations for Rep. Jim DeMint's campaign, accidentally sent the e-mail to Lisa Hall, chair of a local gay group, after Hall asked to meet with DeMint. Apparently thinking she was forwarding the e-mail to someone within the campaign, Allen wrote: "come onà give this dike a reply." Allen was not fired, but DeMint said in a letter of apology Monday that he had personally reprimanded Allen. "Mrs. Allen's remarks do not reflect my beliefs or the character of the campaign," DeMint wrote to Hall. Hall said she was shocked by Allen's comments. "It hurt," she said. "My parents raised me to be a Christian and not to speak hateful of anyone, even when having a disagreement with somebody."

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