Uruguay clears way for gay adoptions
(Montevideo, Uruguay) Uruguay is clearing the way for gay couples to adopt children.
The Senate’s final approval Wednesday makes Uruguay the first country in Latin America to allow gay and lesbian couples the opportunity to adopt.
The executive branch now will decide when the law takes effect. The change is supported by …
Tags: Executive Branch, Final Approval, Gay Adoptions, Gay And Lesbian, Gay And Lesbian Couples, Gay Couples, Gay Lesbian, Gay Uruguay, Latin America, Montevideo Uruguay, SenateConservatives reject funding for Montreal gay festival
A gay and lesbian arts festival that was told it met all government criteria under a new tourism stimulus program learned Tuesday it was rejected for funding.
The news arrived at Montreal’s Divers-Cite a few weeks after tension swept the Conservative caucus over funding for Toronto’s Pride week, and just days before the beginning of the event.
The directors of Montreal’s Divers-Cite had actually sprung to the defence of Stephen Harper’s government earlier this month, telling The Canadian Press that the Conservatives had never treated them differently. Some in the gay community attacked them for their comments.
They had submitted a bid under the new Marquee Tourism Events Program for $155,000 to add performers and promotion to this year’s $2-million event.
Government relations and marketing director Paul Girard said bureaucrats handling his file at Industry Canada told him his application met all the criteria, and had been sent up to Minister Tony Clement’s office for final approval.
When he phoned to check on the bid Tuesday, Mr. Girard says he was told by a senior bureaucrat that the $100-million program had received so many requests, the government simply had to make a choice.
“We knew that anybody that was to be refused and didn’t meet the criteria got a quick No,” Mr. Girard said. “As time advanced, we became more and more confident.”
Paul’s sister Suzanne, the festival’s director, says the organization was completely shocked by the response. Divers-Cite has received funding from Economic Development Canada for several years, as well as Canadian Heritage.
See Conservatives reject funding for Montreal gay festival
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NC anti-bully bill goes to House
(Raleigh, North Carolina) An anti-bullying bill that includes LGBT students has been given final approval in the North Carolina Senate and now heads to the House. Supporters of the measure say they believe the measure has enough support to pass.
A similar bill died in the legislature last year.
The legislation covers …
Tags: Bully, Final Approval, Legislation, Lgbt Students, North Carolina Senate, Raleigh North CarolinaGay marriage becomes law in Maine
(Augusta, Maine) Gov. John Baldacci signed legislation Wednesday allowing same-sex marriage in Maine, minutes after it received final approval in the legislature.
Maine is the fifth state to allow gay marriage.
Up until he put his pen to the bill ,it was anyone’s guess whether he would sign or veto it. Baldacci had said …
Tags: Augusta Maine, Final Approval, Gay Maine, gay marriage, John Baldacci, Legislation, Maine Gov, marriage, Marriage Law, same sex marriageDC Council OKs gay marriage bill
(Washington) The Washington, D.C., Council on Tuesday gave final approval to legislation that recognizes same-sex marriages performed in areas where they are legal.
During an emotional debate on the bill, David Catania, one of two openly gay council members, called the issue one of fundamental fairness.
“The march towards equality is coming …
Tags: C Council, Council Members, David Catania, Dc Council, Emotional Debate, Equality, Final Approval, Fundamental Fairness, gay marriage, Issue One, Legislation, marriage, Marriage Bill, Same Sex Marriages, Washington D CSerbian lawmakers pass anti-discrimination law
(Belgrade, Serbia) Serbian lawmakers narrowly gave final approval Thursday to an anti-discrimination law that is part of pro-Western reforms but was strongly opposed by the Serbian Orthodox Church and other conservatives.
Parliament passed the bill with a slim majority of 127 votes in favor to 59 against - one more vote …
Tags: Anti Discrimination, Conservatives, Discrimination Law, Final Approval, Lawmakers, Parliament, Serbian Orthodox Church, Slim Majority, Vote
