LESBIAN RIGHTS

International News:

ü      Spain’s new Socialist prime minister, Jose Luis Rodruigez Zapatero, issued a statement that his country will give same-sex couples full marriage rights.

ü      The government of the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar (part of Tanzania) has drafted to criminalize gay sex, punishable with life imprisonment.

National News:

ü      On March 29, the Massachusetts legislature voted 105 to 92 in favor of a state constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriages. However, the state’s high court has ruled that same-sex marriages must begin by May 17, and the amendment could take effect no sooner than November 2006.

Local News:

ü      Are you interested in LGBT rights? Are you angry that LGBT citizens are the last bastion of Americans without basic civil rights? Do you want to join the fight for LGBT rights in Chicago? Then join the new Chicago NOW Lesbian Rights Task Force! The task force  will be responsible for monitoring news and policy affecting the lives of LGBT people, as well as planning LGBT actions and events in Chicago! If you’re interested in joining, please e-mail Meghan Streit (Chicago NOW Lesbian Rights Leader) at meghanstreit@hotmail.com or call the Chicago NOW office. The next Lesbian Rights Task Force meeting will on May 20 at 7 p.m. at Filter (Milawaukee, North, and Damen).

ü      On March 11, a group of elected officials including State Representatives Larry McKeon and Sara Feigenholtz, Cook County Commissioner Mike Quigley, Alderman Tom Tunney, Oak Park Mayor Joanne Trapani, and Cook County Clerk David Orr held a press conference in which they signed an open letter to Republican Speaker of the U.S. House Dennis Hastert expressing their opposition to the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment. Chicago NOW, along with several other organizations, joined the officials in their efforts to block the amendment that seeks to define marriage as a union only between a man and a woman.

ü      Also on March 11, Chicago NOW participated in a rally organized by the Equal Marriage NOW Coalition to urge Cook County Clerk David Orr to begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. At a press conference on the same day (see above), Orr stated that he could not ask his staff to break Illinois laws by issuing licenses at this time, but affirmed his commitment to equality for LGBT citizens.

ü      On March 3, Chicago was chosen as the host city for the Gay Games VII in July 2006, beating out bid submitted by cities around the world. The event is expected to draw over 12,000 participants and 15,000 spectators, and generate at least $25 million for the local economy. For information about how to get involved, visit ChicagoGamesInc.org or e-mail Volunteer@ChicagoGamesInc.org.