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Uganda's Museveni: "Homosexuals Need Roads and Electricty, Too"

Uganda is pushing back on international pressure to repeal its harsh laws that criminalize same-sex relations. President Yoweri Museveni is criticizing the United States and Great Britain for threatening to withhold foreign aid over the issue, reports AFP.

"Before anyone gives me a lecture about homosexuals and their rights, first talk about railways," Museveni told delegates at the end of a regional meeting in Kampala attended by five other African presidents. "Homosexuals also need electricity, homosexuals also need roads, homosexuals also need railways," Museveni said to applause.

Meanwhile: China has announced that it "wants to build roads and railways in Uganda" ... with no conditions on human rights.

Thirty-eighty African nations have laws criminalizing homosexuality. Four nations—Mauritania, Nigeria, Somalia and Sudan—boast the death penalty for same-sex activity. South Africa and Seychelles boasts the continent's only protections of LGBT rights. African's anti-LGBT laws were a key focus at several sessions at the recent International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Homosexuality is punishable by up to life in prison in Uganda, which has been condemned by the international community for its state-sponsored anti-gay terror campaign. Parliament has revived the extreme Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which seeks the death penalty or life imprisonment for anyone caught engaging in homosexual acts for a second time—as well as for gay sex where one partner is a minor or is HIV positive.

In January 2011, Uganda's opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye said police should not waste resources investigating homosexuality and said that he would decriminalize the practice if elected. Museveni was later re-elected, extending his 25 years in power by another five-year term.

Federal Judge Orders Bloomberg to Restore HIV/AIDS Funding

In what is described as "a major win" for low-income HIV-positive New Yorkers, a federal judge ruled that Mayor Michael Bloomberg's massive proposed staff cuts to the HIV/AIDS Services Administration are illegal.

Federal Magistrate Judge Cheryl Pollak has ordered the Bloomberg Administration to restore hundreds of HASA case managers, reports Housing Works.

Earlier this month, Housing Works and co-counsel Matthew Brinckerhoff (of Emery, Celli, Brinckerhoff & Abady), the HIV Law Project, and attorney Virginia Shubert filed for a temporary restraining order against both New York City and New York State, a move meant to stop the illegal implementation of a proposed Bloomberg budget cut to HASA. That cut would have been devastating, chopping 254 case managers from the agency’s staff. 

"I was devastated when I heard Bloomberg was going to do this," said Antonio Smith, a 31-year-old HASA client and a Housing Works job training program participant. Through HASA, he’s been linked to rental assistance, Medicaid and food stamps—and been able to stay healthy.

HASA serves about 45,000 individuals—all of whom are low-income and living with AIDS, or are dependents of those living with AIDS—by connecting them with lifesaving benefits.

Pollak ruled that the cuts violated a federal court order that requires a case manager-to-client ratio of 1 to 34. Pollak told city lawyers that they have 30 days to comply or she will issue an enforcement order.

You may recall that last spring, Bloomberg urged then-Gov. David Paterson to veto a bill that would offer greater rent relief to more than 11,000 New York City residents with HIV/AIDS. Paterson vetoed the bill in September.

WATCH: Russell Simmons to Be Honored by GLAAD, Speaks Out for Marriage Equality

Music and entertainment mogul Russell Simmons has been a longtime supporter of gay rights and marriage equality. This week that support is becoming even more visible: The hip-hop pioneer will be honored by GLAAD and is speaking out in a new video for marriage equality in New York state.

Simmons will receive GLAAD's Excellence in Media Award at the New York award ceremony on Saturday, March, 19, 2011. The award is "presented to media professionals who, through their work, have increased the visibility and understanding of the LGBT community." 

In 2009, Simmons wrote an open letter to then-Governor David Paterson of New York urging him to push forward with a marriage equality bill. And you may recall that in 2010, Simmons urged Congress  to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and tweeted his "proud support" of Lt. Dan Choi to his 340,000+ followers.

Simmons has done some excellent work on raising awareness on equality among hip-hop audiences. Bravo.

Rod 2.0 is also nominated for a GLAAD Media Award.

Simmons also becomes one of the latest celebrity New Yorkers to speak out for marriage equality. Watch the video from the Human Rights Campaign AFTER THE JUMP ...

MA Gov. Deval Patrick Signs Order Protecting Trans State Employees

Massachusetts Democratic Gov. Deval Patrick "quietly" signed an executive order on Thursday that bans discrimination against transgender state employees, reports the Boston Herald.

Patrick signed the order in a private ceremony in his office attended by advocates and several transgender state employees. He did not list the event on his public schedule or send out a press release afterward.

The order expands the state’s current civil rights policy by forbidding state government and its contractors from discriminating on the basis of “gender identity or expression.’’ The state already forbids discrimination based on a host of other characteristics, including race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, and religion.

"It’s really this point about leading by example," he said following an unrelated event late yesterday. "We have so much talent in this Commonwealth, and it resides in every single corner and in every single community, and we want to make as clear as possible that we welcome that talent and its contributions."

He said he was not trying to avoid questions about the controversial subject by signing the order in a private ceremony. "You’re kidding, right?" Patrick said.

Patrick's order is similar to former New York Gov. David Paterson's December 2009 executive order prohibiting state agencies from discriminating against any individual on the basis of gender identity and expression.

And just like in the Empire State, statewide transgender protections have been stalled in the Massachusetts legislature for years. Opponents have slammed the measure as "the bathroom bill," claiming it would allow men to enter women’s bathrooms. Patrick supports the bill. 

Twelve states and the District of Columbia have broad laws prohibiting discrimination based on gender expression and/or identity, according to gay and transgender rights groups. More than 100 cities and counties across the country also provide similar legal protections.

WATCH: Hundreds Attend Vigil for Tyler Clementi in NJ and NYC

On Sunday, hundreds of people attended vigils for Tyler Clementi at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ and in New York City. Clementi was the 18-year-old Rutgers University freshman who jumped to his death on September 22 off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate secretly recorded and live-streamed his sexual encounter with another man.

The Rutgers vigil was attended by nearly 1000 people and included 30 minutes of silence, reports the Star Ledger. Rutgers University President Richard McCormick called the vigil "an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the values of civility, dignity, compassion and respect for one another."

"It's been a rough week, but it was a beautiful night of healing and compassion," says Rev. Kevin E. Taylor,  the New Brunswwick-based pastor, gay activist and author seen in the above photo. "It was necessary to show the campus and the kids that we're there for them."

At the same time across the Hudson River: New York Gov. David A. Paterson and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, who is openly lesbian, were the keynote speakers at a rally in Manhattan's Washington Square Park. Paterson vowed to pass legislation against cyberbullying and Quinn urged the crowd to "send a message to those ignorant individuals that they're not in the mainstream."

Two Rutgers students are charged with invasion of privacy after they allegedly activated a webcam in the dorm room and broadcast Tyler Clementi's sexual encounter with another young man. The roommate, 18-year-old Dharun Ravi, and 18-year-old Molly Wei are each charged with two counts of invasion of privacy for the September 19 broadcast. Hate crime charges are now being considered against the Rutgers students.

Watch video from both vigils AFTER THE JUMP ...

Paterson Signs Law Allowing Unmarried Couples to Adopt

Unmarried partners, including same sex couples, will now be allowed to jointly adopt children in New York State, NY1 reports.

"Governor David Paterson signed a law making the change on Sunday. The law also puts "married couple" in the adoption statute, in place of what used to read "husband and wife." Bill sponsors say that is meant to ensure children get insurance and other benefits from both adults, as well as lifelong support even if couples split up."

Single gays and lesbians can already legally adopt in New York.

Assembly member Linda Rosenthal, the Manhattan Democrat and chief sponsor of the bill, tells the Boston Herald: "Because same sex couples can’t get married and some heterosexual people don’t want to get married, they were not allowed to adopt a non-related child together. If there is a foster child that neither is related to, they had to do it separately. What happens often is one does it, and the other says, ’Yeah, I’ll get to it.’ But it’s a costly endeavor. It’s a separate procedure for both."

The bill is effective immediately.

PHOTOS: Protest Over NY Gov. Paterson's HIV Rent Subsidy Veto

HIV/AIDS advocates and New York City Democratic state lawmakers are slamming Gov. David Paterson after his weekend veto of a bill that would have capped rents for low income tenants living with HIV/AIDS. The measure would have prevented more than 10,000 people receiving housing assistance from the city's HIV/AIDS Services Administration from spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent.

Earlier today at least 75 HIV/AIDS activists rallied outside the governors Manhattan office to protest the veto, reports Housing Works.

"As police officers corralled protestors away from the door, dozens of people staged a spontaneous “die-in,” lying in front of the glass-paneled building and shouting 'Paterson lie, people die!' 'When I heard about the veto I sat on the bed and tears started rolling down my face,' said James Dean, 58. The Brooklyn resident spent more than a decade paying 65 percent of his income toward rent, leaving him $330 a month in disposable income. The bill would have changed that, capping his rent at 30 percent of his income."

There is some talk of a veto override, reports WNYC. "Rep. Deborah Glick, who sponsored the bill, say she will meet with Senate sponsor, Sen. Thomas Duane, to decide whether to pursue a veto-override vote. Glick says it was unlikely they would have the votes in the Assembly to override a veto which would require 100 votes. The bill passed in the Assembly, 84 to 54 and the Senate, 42-19."

 

Photos: Housing Works Flickr

NY Gov. Paterson Vetoes Rent Relief HIV/AIDS Patients

Last May, you'll recall the news item about New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg lobbying Gov. David Paterson to veto a bill that would have offered greater rent relief to more than 11,000 New York City residents living with HIV/AIDS. The measure passed by the State Assembly and Senate would have prevented people receiving housing assistance from the city's HIV/AIDS Services Administration from spending more than 30 percent of their income on rent. Paterson promised to sign the bill in 2009 and 2010.

On Sunday, the governor vetoed the bill.

Said Paterson in a statement:

"This is my most difficult veto. I recognize, sadly, the history of the inadequacy of services government has brought to bear for those with H.I.V./AIDS. I have pledged not to impose unfunded mandates on cash-strapped localities, and to prevent the state from taking on additional financial burdens outside the budget process without an identified funding source.

Paterson pledged to sign the bill if the Legislature made other budget cuts equal to the $20 million the bill is estimated to cost.

HIV/AIDS and housing advocates have slammed Paterson for the veto, saying higher subsidies would have meant the equivalent savings by preventing evictions, emergency housing and payments of rent. "I'm appalled and I'm incredibly disappointed. Governor Paterson had last December made a promise that he would sign this bill into legislation," said President Charles King of Housing Works. "Frankly, he's lied to people who are living with AIDS."

Bloomberg, who aggressively lobbied for the veto, praised Paterson's decision as "difficult and wise." The city couldn't afford the bill, Bloomberg claimed, although the mayor didn't have a problem finding $41 million for his proposed Governors Island beautification project. Priorities, priorities ...

During the July 2009 Senate vote, you may recall that Sen. Thomas Duane delivered an angry and emotional 3am floor speech reminding people of the horrors of the 1980s AIDS epidemic.

In New York City, more than 100,000 people are living with HIV/AIDS. The city has the highest AIDS-case rate in the country. New data show HIV is spreading in New York City at about three times the national rate. Black gay and bisexual men are hit the hardest, according to the New York City Department of Health.

Some Background:
Bloomberg Opposes Housing Subsidy for HIV-Poz

NY Gov. Paterson Signs DASA, Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Bill

This morning at the LGBT Community in New York City's Greenwich Village, Gov. David A. Paterson signed the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), the comprehensive anti-bullying legislation that finally passed the New York State Senate in June after a nine-year delay. 

The Dignity for All Students Act explicitly prohibits harassment and discrimination of students with "respect to certain non-exclusive protected classes, including, but not limited to, the student's actual or perceived 'race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender or sex.'"

DASA becomes New York's first statewide law to include protections for gender identity and expression. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill by a vote of 58-3. New York is now one of more than 40 states with anti-bullying laws. Including New York, fifteen states plus the District of Columbia explicitly protect sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. 

The Senate bill was sponsored by Sen. Thomas K. Duane. The Assembly version was sponsored by Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell.

The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2012, but rules and regulations necessary to implement the bill could become law sooner.

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Paterson to Sign Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Bill
NYS Senate Approves Anti-Bullying Legislation 58-3

NY Gov. David Paterson to Sign Comprehensive Anti-Bullying Bill

There is a welcome update to the Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), the comprehensive anti-bullying legislation that finally passed the New York State Senate in June after a nine-year delay. Gov. David A. Paterson will sign the long-awaited legislation next week, reports The Advocate.

DASA passed the senate in June after being passed by the assembly every year since 2002. Paterson will sign the bill Wednesday in a ceremony at the LGBT Community Center in Manhattan. ... The [law] will protect students on the basis of gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, weight, and disability.

The law would make New York one of more than 40 states with antibullying laws, 14 of which plus the District of Columbia provide inclusive protections based on sexual orientation and gender identity or expression. The signing will occur as antigay Christian groups like Focus on the Family have seized on the back-to-school season to decry antibullying measures as a way to “promote homosexuality.”

DASA will become New York's first statewide law to include protections for gender identity and expression. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the bill by a vote of 58-3 and its supporters included one unlikely ally:  The rabidly anti-gay Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr.

Only two weeks before the Senate approved DASA, Diaz Sr. joined the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee and cast the decisive vote to kill the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act, or GENDA. The New York Assembly passed GENDA by a 91-40 vote in March. The vote came with bipartisan support and this was the third time GENDA assed the Assembly.