Missouri Enacts
Hate Crimes Law
Missouri Governor Mel Carnahan on July 1 signed into law a hate crimes bill that includes sexual orientation, gender and disability, making the "Show-Me" state the only state this year to take such action.
Missouri's Privacy Rights Education Project (PREP) and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force hailed the move, but expressed regret that other state legislatures and Congress have yet to act to punish hate crimes against all Americans. "Today is a proud day for Missouri," said Jeff Wunrow, PREP's executive director. "Our legislators and our governor have upheld the simple American value that no one should face intimidation, threats, violence, and even death just because of who they are."
PREP worked hard with both legislators and Gov. Carnahan to secure passage of the bill, which adds sexual orientation, gender and disability to the existing hate crimes law. Through the definition of sexual orientation, the bill also brings Transgendered people under the scope of the law, making Missouri the fourth state to do so.
NGLTF Executive Director Kerry Lobel applauded Gov. Carnahan but noted that several states - Alabama, Montana, Texas and Wyoming - failed to pass strong hate crimes laws despite the fact that these states have witnessed some of the most egregious incidents against Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered (GLBT) Americans. "It is unconscionable that so many state legislatures failed to take action to support the most basic expectation of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness," Lobel said. "The fact that Missouri acted as it did in the face of a powerful and well-funded religious right political movement speaks to the bravery of Gov. Carnahan and the legislators who supported the bill. Other states should take heed."
The bill, SB 328, passed the Senate on April 20 by a vote of 20-14 and passed the House on May 14 by a vote of 85-68. With Gov. Mel Carnahan's signature, Missouri becomes the 22nd state to enact a hate crimes law that includes sexual orientation. This year, 26 states have introduced hate crimes penalty enhancement measures. Legislators in only Missouri and New Mexico approved the measures, but in New Mexico, the bill was vetoed by Gov. Gary Johnson.
Serial Killer Painting
Offered as Prize
in Contest
New Orleans writer Lynn Powers, author of Killer Art: Art That Has Maimed, Killed or Caused General Destruction Through the Centuries, announced recently on her Web site (http://members.aol.com/killrart) a contest to win actual "killer art." Powers is giving away an authentic painting by the infamous serial killer, John Wayne Gacy. The contest involves accurately answering five questions pertaining to art that has killed or harmed people and art by killers. Those answering all five questions correctly will be placed in a random drawing for the prize.
"There's no better way to promote a book called "Killer Art" than to give away killer art!" Powers said. The contest questions aren't easy. "You can find the answers from a variety of sources, such as the Internet or the library," the author explained, "but the easiest way is to buy the book!" Powers said she chose a painting by John Wayne Gacy because he is one of the most notorious serial killers. Although Gacy never confessed to his crimes, it is believed that he killed 33 people. He would lure men to his home, handcuff, beat and rape his victims while reciting Bible verses before murdering them. Strangely, Gacy was known as a community leader who enjoyed dressing as "Pogo the Clown" to entertain children. So, what kind of art did Gacy paint? "Very benign images," said Powers. "He mostly painted clowns and cartoon characters. The painting I'm giving away is an unusual Gacy. It's an acrylic painting of a sparrow."
To enter to win the authentic painting by John Wayne Gacy, people need to visit the Killer Art Web Site on the World Wide Web at http://members.aol.com/killrart from now till Dec. 31, 1999. Fill out the on-line form and click on "submit." Entries with all correct answers to the quiz will be entered into a random drawing. People can also enter by mail. For complete contest rules, restrictions and instructions, visit the Web site, or send a SASE to: Lynn Powers, Killer Art Contest, Box 70811, New Orleans, LA 70172-0811.
1st Annual
Gay & Lesbian Bridge Tournament
The International Association of Gay and Lesbian Bridge Clubs will hold its first annual Fall Bridge Tournament on Oct. 20 -24, 1999 in Palm Springs, CA at the Ramada Palm Springs Hotel.
The tournament is a continuation of the international interest in bridge that was seen at Gay Games V in Amsterdam in August 1998.
The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) has sanctioned this tournament. Master points will be awarded. Membership in ACBL is not required for participation in this tournament.
The tournament is open to all bridge players, and all levels of play are invited. Paired and single players are welcome, and a partners' desk will be available to assist in establishing pairs. All registered participants will be guaranteed to play. Pre-registration is required.
For more information on this event, telephone in the USA 1.877.429.6368; from outside North America, 1.505.527.3160. Full information and registration details can be found on the Internet at www.communityvisions.org/IAGLBC.
Whitney Houston
a Surprise at
NYC Gay Pride
Thousands of partyers got an extra gay pride thrill when Whitney Houston showed up as the surprise guest at New York's Gay Pride Pier Dance off the West Side Highway on Sunday night, June 27. According to the New York Daily News, Houston's appearance was so hush-hush that Heritage of Pride organizers didn't know for sure that she was coming until she pulled up in a black Mercedes sedan. Dressed in a simple black tank top and shimmering Dolce & Gabbana pants, Houston belted out her hit "My Love Is Your Love" to the crowd of 7,000, which included Ally McBeal star Calista Flockhart, currently starring in the off-Broadway play Bash.
