Southwark votes in first openly gay mayor

The first openly gay mayor of Southwark, south-east London, has been elected.
Councillor Jeff Hook, whose full title will be The Worshipful The Mayor of Southwark, will take on the role for the 2009-10 period with his civil partner as his official consort.
Speaking to PinkNews.co.uk, Mr Hook said that although he is the first openly gay mayor in Southwark, he is not the first in the UK. Robert Crossman who served as Mayor of Islington in 1986-7, is believed to hold that title.
Regarding the importance of public figures’ openness about their sexuality, he said: “I’d like a situation where it’s not an issue. A gay person can ride to the top as much as anyone else.”
Mr Hook, the representative for Rotherhithe, reportedly took on tough competition in the run-up to being elected. See Southwark votes in first openly gay mayor
PinkNews.co.uk

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Boy George Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison

Boy George was found guilty of false imprisonment in December 2008, and was today sentenced to serve 15 months in jail. Tried under his real name – George O’Dowd – the former Culture Club singer will begin serving his sentence right away.

The incident leading up to the trial and now sentencing occurred in April 2007 at O’Dowd’s east London flat, where he is said to have tied up, beaten, and falsely imprisoned a man he invited to the property. Audun Carlsen, 29, a male escort, told the court how he was tied to the singer’s bed after being accused of obtaining private photos from his laptop. Carlsen claims that O’Dowd said, “Fucking whore! Now you’re going to get what you deserve.”

See Boy George Sentenced to 15 Months in Prison Cleveland Leader