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Figure in Md. robocalls case funding anti-Question 6 group

Baltimore political consultant Julius Henson served a month in jail earlier this year in connection with 2010 robocalls

Published

14 years ago

on

Gay News, Washington Blade, Gay Marriage, Gay Maryland

Inside Jump the Broom for Marriages’ campaign headquarters in Baltimore (Courtesy photo)

Maryland campaign finance records indicate a Baltimore political consultant who served jail time earlier this year for conspiring to produce robocalls designed to discourage black voters from voting in the 2010 gubernatorial election has given $20,000 to a group fighting the state’s same-sex marriage law.

The report that Jump the Broom for Marriages filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections on Oct. 13 indicates Julius Henson donated $500 to the campaign on Aug. 1, $10,500 on Aug. 30 and $10,000 on Sept. 21. The PAC reported it raised $21,881 between June 12 and Oct. 7.

Jump the Broom for Marriages’ campaign finance report further indicates Henson made an in-kind donation of $7,200 for campaign signs, literature and stationary on Oct. 7. It notes another $3,900 receipt dated Sept. 1 for use of office space at 501 W. 23rd St. in Baltimore as a “campaign HQ.” Henson’s company, Universal Elections, Inc., is located at the same address, according to its website.

Jump the Broom for Marriages paid Ralco Products Co., Inc., of Pikesville $9,583.43 on Sept. 24 for what its campaign finance report describes as “yard signs, 4×4, 4×8 signs, tee shirts, giveaways other campaign materials.” It also bought $5,500 worth of air time with Radio One Baltimore, which operates four black and gospel radio stations in the city, on Aug. 29. Jump the Broom for Marriages purchased another $1,000 of air time with the same group on Oct. 5.

Jump the Broom for Marriages also paid IQ & Associates in Baltimore $2,780 on the same day for what it described as “field operation/literature drops.” The group has been placing anti-Question 6 fliers on cars throughout Baltimore in recent weeks. Jump the Broom for Marriages has also distributed yard signs that urge voters to oppose Maryland’s same-sex marriage law in the Nov. 6 referendum.

A photograph of one of these signs that the Washington Blade recently obtained from inside Jump the Broom for Marriages’ campaign headquarters contains a yellow cross superimposed onto a purple background with the words “no same-sex marriage” written on it. The poster further urges voters to vote against Question 6.

“Marriage is between a man and a woman,” reads the sign.

The U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland in May ordered Henson and his company, Universal Elections, Inc., to pay a $1 million fine for violating the Telephone Consumer Protection Act when he and employee Rhonda Russell robocalled more than 112,000 Democratic voters in Baltimore City and Prince George’s County on behalf of former Gov. Robert Ehrlich, Jr.,’s 2010 gubernatorial campaign. The calls said they did not need to vote before the polls closed on Election Day because Gov. Martin O’Malley and President Obama had already won.

“Our goals have been met,” said the call prosecutors maintain Henson and Russell wrote and recorded. “The polls were correct and we took it back. We’re okay. Relax. Everything is fine. The only thing left is to watch it on TV tonight. Congratulations and thank you.”

A Baltimore City Circuit Court judge in June sentenced Henson to 60 days in jail and 300 hours of community service for his role in the scheme. He was released in July.

Ehrlich’s campaign manager, Paul Schurick, earlier this year received 30 days house arrest, four years probation and 500 hours of community service in the case.

Neither Henson, nor Universal Elections, Inc., immediately returned the Blade’s request for comment.

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Maryland

Md. groups receive state grants to fight hate crimes

Pride Center of Maryland among recipients

Published

1 day ago

on

September 9, 2026

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Maryland Gov. Wes Moore speaks at the Human Rights Campaign's National Dinner in D.C. on Sept. 13, 2025. His administration in the 2027 fiscal year will give $10 million in grants to the Pride Center of Maryland and other groups that work to prevent hate crimes in Maryland. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and the Governor’s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy are awarding a total of $10 million in grants in the 2027 fiscal year to nonprofit organizations that work to prevent hate crimes in the state.

The funds will be used to support those who feel targeted or discriminated against because of their race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability status.

The Pride Center of Maryland is among the recipients. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and LGBTQ organizations are all eligible to receive grants

“The safety and security of all Marylanders is my top priority, so we are drawing a hard line because we have no tolerance for hate,” said Moore, according to media reports. “We are committed to protecting and ensuring safe and sacred spaces stay that way by investing in non-profit organizations, houses of worship, and community centers to protect and honor every community that makes our state so diverse and special.” 

“Protection Against Hate Crime funding has strengthened the Pride Center of Maryland’s ability to protect, educate, and support the communities we serve … at a time of heightened concern associated with the Trump administration’s anti-LGBTQ/SGL (same-gender-loving) policies and pressures,” Pride Center of Maryland CEO Cleo Manago said. “PAHC funding helps us do more than improve physical security — it strengthens our community’s knowledge, preparedness, connection to resources, and ability to respond to hate with greater awareness and support.”

Maryland’s hate crimes law includes both sexual orientation and gender identity. The state’s nondiscrimination statute is also LGBTQ-inclusive.

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

1 week ago

on

September 2, 2026

By

Alexis McLean (Washington Blade photo by Michael K. Lavers)

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.

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Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

1 week ago

on

September 1, 2026

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David Archuleta headlines this year’s SUNFESTIVAL on Saturday in Rehoboth Beach. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

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.

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