News
Bolton opposes Uganda, Nigeria anti-gay laws
Possible 2016 GOP contender has taken stand in support of marriage equality
Former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations John Bolton opposes anti-gay laws in Nigeria and Uganda. (Photo by Gage Skidmore; courtesy Wikimedia Commons)
NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — Former U.S. ambassador to the United States John Bolton said on Thursday he opposes recently passed anti-gay laws in Uganda and Nigeria, extending bipartisan opposition to measures already condemned by the Obama administration.
Bolton spoke briefly about the laws when asked for his thoughts by the Washington Blade in the halls of the Gaylord Convention Center during the 2014 Conservative Political Action Conference.
“Well, I’m opposed to them, but I’m not in the middle of an interview,” Bolton said before walking off.
The Nigeria law makes entering into a same-sex marriage or civil union punishable by up to 14 years in prison, and membership in an LGBT organization is punishable with jail time of up to 10 years. The Uganda law makes certain homosexual acts punishable with life in prison in addition to making illegal not reporting gay people to the police.
Although Bolton, who served as U.S. envoy to the United Nations under President George W. Bush, is viewed as a conservative, he’s taken a strong stand in favor of gay rights. Last year, he told the National Review he supports marriage equality “at both the state level and the federal level.”
“Gay marriage is something I’ve thought about at length as I’ve looked at my future,” Bolton was quoted as saying. “I concluded, a couple years ago, that I think it should be permissible and treated the same at both levels.”
During his speech at CPAC, Bolton lambasted President Obama for his foreign policy, calling him “our biggest national security crisis.”
“We can and must replace the Obama/Clinton/Kerry/Biden doctrine,” he said. “That is the key to success this November and in 2016 and that is the key to ensuring America’s freedom and security in the years ahead.”
As the National Review noted, Bolton is considered a possible Republican presidential candidate in 2016.
Mark Bromley, chair of the pro-LGBT Council for Global Equality, praised Bolton for speaking out against the anti-gay laws.
“I think this shows that even conservative Republicans have come to see anti-gay legislation in countries like Uganda, Nigeria and Russia as an affront to fundamental rights and democratic societies,” Bromley said. “I hope they will explain their views to U.S. audiences that still don’t fully understand the extent to which anti-LGBT campaigns overseas serve to embolden foreign dictators who are likely to oppose broader U.S. global interests.”
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.
Blade welcomes fall intern
PHOTOS: Miss Gay Old Bay
SUNFESTIVAL takes center stage as Rehoboth Beach closes out summer
Anne Arundel schools now need parent permission to call trans students by preferred names
Shooting outside gay bar in Ariz. leaves three dead
San Francisco, long a queer safe haven, remains competitive for homebuyers
Calendar: August 28-September 3
‘Teenage Sex and Death’ has never been more entertaining
Actor Tim Curry dies at 80
