Local

Anti-gay Maryland lawmaker to retire

Del. Burns says legislature ‘too liberal for me’

Published

13 years ago

July 10, 2013

Steve Charing

Maryland state Del. Emmett C. Burns, Jr. (Photo public domain)

Longtime anti-gay state Del. Emmett C Burns, Jr. announced on July 8 he will not seek re-election in 2014. Burns, 72, has represented his Baltimore County district in the House of Delegates since 1995, and some have speculated that his decision was a result of redistricting whereby he could lose a re-election bid. He explained, however, “The legislature has become too liberal for me. I don’t need the headache anymore.”

Indeed, following the passage of the bill that legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland, Burns told the Baltimore Sun, “It’s taken a big chunk out of my belief in what is right. If we keep going the way we’re going, we’re going to end up on a slippery slope that we’ll never get out of.”

Burns was a persistent opponent of the bill, which was ultimately signed into law by Gov. Martin O’Malley in March of 2012. During the campaign later that year to overturn the law by referendum, Burns was a powerful leader in that movement.

He made national news in September 2012 when he tried to get the Baltimore Ravens to prevent linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo, a proponent of marriage equality, from speaking out on the matter.

“I find it inconceivable that one of your players, Mr. Brendon Ayanbadejo would publicly endorse Same-Sex marriage, specifically as a Raven Football player, “Burns wrote in his letter. “Many of my constituents and your football supporters are appalled and aghast that a member of the Ravens Football Team would step into this controversial divide and try to sway public opinion one way or the other.”

The Ravens refused his request stating that Ayanbadejo had the right to express himself. “We support Brendon’s right to freedom of speech under the First Amendment,” team president Dick Cass said. Burns was later disciplined by the House of Delegates for using official letterhead in his request to the team’s owner Steve Bisciotti. Burns later acknowledged that Ayanbadejo had a right to his opinion.

Following that action by the House, Burns said, “I am unalterably opposed to same-sex marriage, and I have been very aggressive in my opposition to same-sex marriage.”

Similar to his colleague Del. Donald Dwyer (R-Anne Arundel), Burns characterized his tenure in the House by not only his stance against same-sex marriage but gay rights in general. He opposed any legislation that prevented discrimination against LGBT students or gay employees on the job.

He bristles when the battle to achieve LGBT rights is compared to civil rights. In 2007, Burns, a pastor of Rising Sun First Baptist Church in Woodlawn and a civil rights activist for many years, said, “I get really bent out of shape when you talk about gay and lesbian rights as a civil rights issue. Whites can hide their gayness; I cannot hide my blackness.”

Back in 1996 when Maryland was considering benefits for gay and lesbian couples, Burns said in an interview, “I’m not homophobic. I have no animosity toward them. I would say go forward and make love — in private. But don’t go down to the courthouse and ask for a license for public approval of your relationship.”

At the time he took office, most of the voters agreed with his position. Over time, other elected officials and the public at large shifted their views.

Dan Furmansky, executive director of Equality Maryland from 2003 to 2008, did not mince words upon learning of Burns’ retirement.

“Del. Burns long represented one of the loudest, most vicious voices of intolerance in the Maryland General Assembly, going so far as to tell the Washington Post that he couldn’t stand the thought of a gay couple moving next door and having their children play with his children,” Furmansky said. “For many in our community, his words have been like poison seeping into our veins. His retirement is a cause for celebration, and also a time for vigilance to ensure no one dons his bigot’s cloak and takes his place.”

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District of Columbia

Blade welcomes fall intern

Alexis McLean is student at University of North Florida

Published

22 hours ago

September 2, 2026

Staff reports

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.

Rehoboth Beach

SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer

Labor Day Weekend bustling with events, including David Archuleta performance

Published

2 days ago

September 1, 2026

Thomas Weaverling

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.

Maryland

Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names

Conservative groups challenged system’s policy

Published

2 days ago

September 1, 2026

Baltimore Banner

Anne Arundel County Public Schools has issued new internal guidance for students who ask to be addressed by gender-affirming names and pronouns. (Photo by Eric Thompson for the Baltimore Banner)

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.