Equally Speaking
The following is a transcript of HRC’s morning news webcast "Equally Speaking." To view the current videos visit the main Equally Speaking page.
Good morning, and thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking, your morning dose of GLBT news from the Human Rights Campaign for Monday, July 7th. I’m Betsy Pursell.
And I’m David Paul. First up, HRC responds to the death of anti-GLBT former Senator Jesse Helms.
Former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms died on the Fourth of July at the age of 86. The Senator was notorious for his controversial racial politics and opposition to equality for GLBT Americans. HRC President Joe Solmonese issued a statement following Helms’ passing, saying, “Jesse Helms’ legacy is one of hatred, homophobia and racism. Although not its intent that legacy has made our community stronger and more able to forcefully respond to bigotry and prejudice.”
Thomas Beatie, the transgender man who made international headlines when he announced his pregnancy in The Advocate, gave birth on Thursday to a healthy girl. Beatie’s pregnancy had garnered much media attention following his appearance on Oprah Winfrey’s talk show program in early April. Beatie told Oprah that he and his wife, Nancy, believe parenting is “a human need” and, because Nancy is unable to conceive, Thomas decided he would give birth to their child.
The Arkansas Family Council Action Committee is collecting signatures to place an initiative on the November ballot to ban unmarried couples in the state from adopting or fostering children. A representative from the organization said last week that it will submit its petitions today. GLBT-rights group Arkansas Families First says it intends to fight the initiative and believes the committee may be unable to achieve the minimum signatures required.
Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has announced her opposition to a constitutional amendment to ban marriage for gay and lesbian couples, reports The Arizona Republic. While Napolitano made it clear that she believes marriage is a union between a man and a woman, she is not in favor of the proposal and believes Arizona voters should decide on the matter.
Protesters clashed with police in Budapest over the weekend during the Hungarian capital’s GLBT “Dignity March.” Protesters pelted marchers with rocks and set fire to a police vehicle. Police had attempted to protect participants in the march by setting up high metal barriers on both sides of the road. Forty-five protesters were detained.
London Mayor Boris Johnson led a Gay Pride parade through London this past weekend, and says he intends to participate in future Pride events. Johnson has formerly advocated against civil partnerships for gay and lesbian couples, but Ben Summerskill, chief executive of Stonewall London, says that all politicians are on a journey, and Johnson now understands the necessity of equality for the GLBT community.
That’s the news from us today. Thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking.
Thanks for watching, and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow morning.