Local

Arrest of gay bar owners prompts action in Rehoboth

Published

15 years ago

April 21, 2011

In a continuing effort to correct what Commissioner Dennis Barbour called a “sting” and an “unjust action,” the Rehoboth Board of Commissioners voted on April 14 to begin the process of expunging the criminal records of those business owners who were arrested in September for violating the city’s little-used noise ordinance.

Owners of two of the most popular gay establishments in Rehoboth, John Berdini of Cloud Nine and Bill Shields of Aqua were arrested in the raid. Even though the city did not pursue the cases, the owners now have arrest records, which can prevent them from pursuing other business interests or licenses.

The Board of Commissioners voted 6-0 to assist any of the arrested parties who sought to expunge their criminal records if asked. They also indicated they would pay costs associated with the resolution. Commissioner Stan Mills, who initiated the raid, recused himself, based on a suggestion from the state’s Public Integrity Commission. The commission found that Mills, who owns property behind several gay establishments, “is using public office to secure unwarranted privileges, private advantage or gain.”

For several months the commission discussed the issues related to late night noise from patios and at their March meeting decided to allow establishments to keep their patios open until 1 a.m. until at least the end of 2011. — Peter Schott

Related Topics:Acqua Cloud Nine Rehoboth Beach

Up Next

D.C. police move to block testimony in Wone civil trial

Don't Miss

Free State Legal Project to open in Maryland

FUND LGBTQ JOURNALISM

Virginia

VIDEO: LGBTQ groups march in Va. inaugural parade

Abigail Spanberger took office on Saturday

Published

8 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Michael Key

Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond march in the 2026 Inauguration Parade on the grounds of the state capitol in Richmond, Va. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The inaugural ceremonies for Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger were held in Richmond, Va. on Saturday. Among the groups marching in the parade were Diversity Richmond and the Virginia Pride project of Diversity Richmond.

View on Threads

*The LGBTQ contingent in the inaugural parade in Richmond, Va. pass by the review stand on Jan. 17, 2026. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)*

Virginia

Va. Senate approves referendum to repeal marriage amendment

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin introduced SJ3

Published

16 hours ago

January 17, 2026

Staff reports

(Bigstock photo)

The Virginia Senate on Friday by a 26-13 vote margin approved a resolution that seeks to repeal a state constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman.

Outgoing state Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-Alexandria) introduced SJ3. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee on Wednesday approved it by a 10-4 vote margin.

Same-sex couples have been able to legally marry in Virginia since 2014. Outgoing Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin in 2024 signed a bill that codified marriage equality in state law.

A resolution that seeks to repeal the Marshall-Newman Amendment passed in the General Assembly in 2021. The resolution passed again in 2025.

Two successive legislatures must approve the resolution before it can go to the ballot. Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates have said the resolution’s passage is among their 2026 legislative priorities.

“It’s time for Virginia’s Constitution to reflect the law of the land and the values of today,” said Ebbin after Friday’s vote. “This amendment, if approved by voters, would affirm the dignity of all committed couples and protects marriage equality for future generations.”

Maryland

Layoffs and confusion at Pride Center of Maryland after federal grants cut, reinstated

Trump administration move panicked addiction and mental health programs

Published

2 days ago

January 16, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Merrick Moses, a violence prevention coordinator, works at the Pride Center of Maryland in Baltimore. (Photo by Ulysses Muñoz for the Baltimore Banner)

By ALISSA ZHU | After learning it had abruptly lost $2 million in federal funding, the Pride Center of Maryland moved to lay off a dozen employees, or about a third of its workforce, the Baltimore nonprofit’s leader said Thursday.

The group is one of thousands nationwide that reportedly received letters late Tuesday from the Trump administration. Their mental health and addiction grants had been terminated, effective immediately, the letters said.

By Wednesday night, federal officials moved to reverse the funding cuts by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, estimated to total $2 billion, according to national media reports. But the Pride Center of Maryland’s CEO Cleo Manago said as of Thursday morning he had not heard anything from the federal government confirming those reports.

The rest of this article can be read on the Baltimore Banner’s website.