Local
Poll: Majority of black Marylanders back same-sex marriage
New poll finds 55 percent of black Marylanders would vote for marriage equality law in referendum
Marylanders for Marriage Equality. (Blade photo by Michael Key)
A new poll indicates that a majority of black Marylanders would vote for the state’s same-sex marriage law in the likely November referendum.
The Public Policy Polling survey found that 55 percent of the state’s African Americans would vote for the law, compared to 36 percent who said they would oppose it. PPP pollster Tom Jensen noted that support for the statute among black Marylanders has increased nearly 20 percent since March.
The poll further noted that 57 percent of Maryland voters would support the law if the referendum makes the ballot. A previous PPP survey commissioned by Marylanders for Marriage Equality in March found that 52 percent of state voters would back the same-sex marriage law.
“Things are moving in Maryland,” said Josh Levin, campaign manager for Marylanders for Marriage Equality. “We’re approaching a supermajority who want to uphold the state’s new marriage law. The message of stronger families and basic fairness is resonating, and we’re confident Maryland will be the first state to win a ballot measure on marriage.”
This poll comes less than a week after the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which is headquartered in Baltimore, endorsed marriage rights for same-sex couples during its National Board of Directors’ quarterly meeting in Miami. This announcement came less than two weeks after President Barack Obama publicly backed the issue during an interview with ABC News’ Robin Roberts.
An ABC News/Washington Post poll on Wednesday indicated that the president’s support of marriage rights for same-sex couples has already had a significant impact on public opinion among African Americans on the issue—59 percent of black respondents said they support nuptials for gays and lesbians. This figure is an 18-point increase from polls that had been taken before Obama publicly backed the issue.
“The president’s backing of marriage equality has added to our momentum– and his being on the November ballot also helps us,” said Levin. “Younger voters, who are overwhelmingly supportive, are much more likely to turn out in a presidential year.”
Bishop Harry Jackson of Hope Christian Church in Beltsville is among those who continue to oppose the same-sex marriage law that Gov. Martin O’Malley signed in March.
“I am encouraged by this polling data that shows that while Maryland was the eighth state to pass marriage equality, if all those votes were cast today, Maryland would become the first state to protect the freedom to marry at the ballot box,” Del. Mary Washington (D-Baltimore City) told the Blade.
She added that the passage of the state constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between a man and a woman in North Carolina earlier this month proved that referendum opponents must not let their guard down.
“The sad story of North Carolina is that the flood of resources in terms of money and people from across the country came too late,” said Washington. “We must remember that the opposition is seeing the same number and so it is critical that we secure early and ongoing support from Marylanders and all those from across the country who would share in this victory in November.”
O’Malley spokesperson Raquel Guillory shared a similar view.
“There is still more work that needs to be done,” she told the Blade. “We never take anything for granted but these numbers clearly show that momentum is growing and more Marylanders support marriage equality and religious freedom.”
District of Columbia
Blade welcomes fall intern
Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida
The Washington Blade this week welcomed Alexis McLean as its fall intern.
Alexis is studying political science at the University of North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. She is interning with the Blade as part of a continued partnership with the Washington Center.
“I am looking forward to spending my time in the fall with the Washington Blade, as this is a new experience for me,” said Alexis. “I have not experienced any journalist jobs in the past so this would be my first time, and I am excited to better my writing and communications skills with this internship.”
Alexis’s internship with the Blade ends in early December.
Rehoboth Beach
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance
Labor Day Weekend marks the unofficial end of summer in Rehoboth Beach, but there will be no shortage of LGBTQ events, with CAMP Rehoboth’s annual SUNFESTIVAL taking over town this weekend.
Thursday (9/3)
Get your Labor Day Weekend started early Thursday night with happy hour from 5-7 p.m. at Diego’s Bar & Nightclub, followed by Naughtee Bingo hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 8:30 p.m.
After bingo, the party continues with Dancing at Diego’s from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Aqua Bar & Grill will also kick off its Labor Day Weekend festivities Thursday with a DJ spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Friday (9/4)
The weekend ramps up Friday night at Aqua, where DJ Matt Bailer will keep the dance floor moving from 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Over at Diego’s, DJ Steve Sidewalk will then take over Diego’s for Freedom Friday from 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m.
Saturday (9/5)
The main event of the weekend arrives Saturday with the opening night of CAMP Rehoboth’s SUNFESTIVAL.
Billed as the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL has become one of Rehoboth’s signature Labor Day Weekend events. The annual celebration sells out each year, with proceeds benefiting CAMP Rehoboth.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with refreshments available at the cash bar while attendees are invited to socialize and find their seats.
Saturday night will feature local singer Ashley Williams as the opening performer, followed by headliner David Archuleta. The event will also feature a live auction.
Back across town Saturday, Aqua will continue its Labor Day Weekend DJ lineup from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Diego’s will also have plenty happening, with ‘Splash Party’ hosted by Magnolia Applebottom at 5 p.m., followed by a Saturday Dance Party with Brett Oosterhaus from 9 p.m.- 1:30 a.m.
The Blue Moon hosts its popular Legends Show at 9 p.m. It’s an all-live singing show by the Blue Moon cast of celebrity impersonators.
Etienne Pilon has taken Rehoboth by storm this summer. Check out the talented singer/pianist at The Pines from 7-10 p.m.
Sunday (9/6)
Sunday’s SUNFESTIVAL event will shift the focus to the dance floor, with globally renowned DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony scheduled to perform. Doors open at 7 p.m., with dancing continuing until 1 a.m.
On Sunday, Aqua will throw its annual White Party, with DJs spinning from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Guests are encouraged to dress in white for the holiday weekend celebration.
Diego’s will host its Sunday High T-Dance with Pamala Stanley at 5 p.m. Later that evening, DJ Tannr will be spinning at 9 p.m.
John Flynn is on the piano from 6-8 p.m. at the Blue Moon.
Monday (9/7)
The final day of Labor Day Weekend brings one last chance to hit the dance floor before summer officially winds down.
Aqua will close out its five-day Labor Day Weekend celebration with DJ Biff from 3-7 p.m.
Maryland
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Conservative groups challenged system’s policy
By JESSICA CALEFATI | Anne Arundel County Public Schools staff cannot use transgender students’ preferred names if their parents oppose it, according to an internal document reviewed by the Banner, a change that comes after conservative groups challenged the school system’s approach to gender identity.
Teachers union president Kristina Korona told members in an Aug. 20 email that the new guidance undermines district policy on acceptance and inclusivity and “will begin harming affected students immediately.”
Previously, the district didn’t require parental permission to use a high school student’s chosen name and pronouns corresponding to their gender identity, the internal document says. Now it does. The change comes as parents challenge the suburban school system’s gender identity policy and regulation in court and the Trump-Vance administration threatens the district’s funding.
The rest of this article can be found on the Baltimore Banner’s website.
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