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 Tuesday, October 30th. I’m David Paul.
And I’m Shelena Williams. First up, a wrap-up from this weekend’s gospel tour sponsored by Senator Barack Obama.
Senator Obama refused to remove Reverend Donnie McClurkin from last weekend’s campaign tour, despite protests from GLBT groups that the Reverend was anti-gay. At the event over the weekend McClurkin claimed that god delivered him from homosexuality. The campaign did include an openly gay minister after protests.
Turning to some state news, anti-gay groups are joining together in Iowa to pressure the legislature to pass a constitutional amendment to ban marriage rights for same-sex couples. Twelve hundred people showed up to a weekend rally in favor of the ban. It’s a stark reminder why electing fair-minded legislators should a top priority.
With elections a week from today in many states around the country, make sure you know where local candidates stand on equality. HRC is working specifically in Virginia this year to help put the state senate in fair-minded control. Visit our blog for more information at http://www.hrcbackstory.org.
Travel and tourism leaders in Philadelphia are hoping to make the city more GLBT-friendly by targeting hotels. The Philly Gay Tourism Caucus is sponsoring workshops for hotels so they are better equipped to handle GLBT travelers and respond affirmatively to same-sex couples.
A study at the University of Utah has altered the brains of certain worms, causing them to become attracted to members of the same-sex. Researchers say its continued evidence that sexual orientation may be hardwired in human brains.
Finally in religion news, the Chicago Diocese of the Episcopal Church is close to electing its next bishop and a lesbian woman is one of eight finalists. During a tour to allow parishioners to ask questions that ended on Sunday, the candidates were often questioned on GLBT issues. Reverend Tracey Land says she is continuing to stand for election despite controversy in order to allow god to lead the discussion.
That’s the news from us today. Thanks for tuning in to Equally Speaking.
Have a great day and we’ll see you back here again tomorrow morning.