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National News

Retired Officers Urge Don’t Ask Repeal
Twenty-eight retired US generals and admirals have released a letter calling for an end to the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t tell policy. It urged Congress to repeal the law, which allows gay men and lesbians to serve in the military so long as their sexual orientation is kept a secret, and allow homosexuals to serve openly. The letter arrives on the 14th anniversary of the legislation that put the policy in place, and coincides with planned rallies on the National Mall by groups opposed to the provision.

Toledo OKs Domestic Partner Registry
Toledo Mayor Carty Finkbeiner signed an ordinance into law allowing gay and straight couples to register their domestic partnerships. Couples now can sign an affidavit at City Hall, and receive a certificate and cards to show employers. The registry intends to provide proof of eligibility for health-care benefits, and ease other situations like hospital visitation. Although Ohio has a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage, supporters are confident the registry does not violate it.

New Cartoon Aimed at Gay Families
A new cartoon for gay and lesbian families is now available on DVD. Buddy G—My Two Moms and Me aims to show children of gay and lesbian parents they are not alone. The cartoon follows the adventures of a 5-year-old boy, Buddy G, who loves science, and uses a computer wristwatch to solve problems. Executive producer Margaux Towne-Colley says she’d love to see the cartoon on television, but acknowledges that’s unlikely anytime soon.

McGreeveys Fight Over Daughter’s Party
A New Jersey judge has ruled the daughter of former Democratic Governor James McGreevey may attend the elaborate 6th birthday celebration her father is planning. He reportedly has hired face painters, clowns, and ponies to entertain his daughter, Jacqueline. Dina Matos McGreevey, who said she was not aware of the party until recently, agreed with the compromise. “The hatred they have for each other overrides everything, including their child,” the judge told the parents.

Christian Groups Challenge Gay Discrimination Measure
Advocates for Faith and Freedom and the Northern California chapter of Alliance Defense Fund are suing the State of California to overturn a law prohibiting GLBT discrimination in schools. The two Christian groups believe the law, passed earlier this year, is unconstitutionally vague, and may violate a student’s privacy. A campaign currently under way to overturn the law by referendum during next year’s primary election has succeeded in preventing it from taking effect.

World News

French Drag Queen Suspected in 18 Killings
Police in the eastern French city of Mulhouse arrested a 68-year-old drag queen in connection with the deaths of 18 homosexuals. The unidentified man, who often worked as a female impersonator, was arrested on suspicion he was involved in the slayings between 1980 and 2002. According to investigators, they suspect he had an accomplice whom they said is in prison serving an unrelated 20-year sentence for murder. Both men have denied the charges, French media said.

Brutal Gay Murder Trial Begins
The trial of two men accused of brutally murdering openly gay Stanley Waipouiri last year is under way in New Zealand. Andre Gilling and Ashley Arnopp are accused of beating Waipouri to death in a bloody attack that allegedly lasted hours. Police found the two men in Waipouri’s apartment covered in the victim’s blood. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.

Grenada Considers Ban on Gay Cruises
The Caribbean island of Grenada is considering whether to allow entry to all-gay cruises. Tourism Minister Clarice Mosdeste-Curwen stated a policy on the matter has yet to be completed. Homosexuality is illegal in the island nation, and punishable by up to 10 years in jail.

Christian Bookstores Refuse To Sell GLBT Study Bible
Christian bookstores in Australia and the United States are refusing to sell Study New Testament for Gay, Lesbian, Bi, and Transgender, by Ann Nyland, because it challenges traditional Biblical interpretations of homosexuality. A US distributor has banned the publication, and Australia’s largest Christian retailer said it was unlikely to carry the book.

Bahrain Will Pay for Sex Change
The government of Bahrain said that it will pay for sexual reassignment surgery of a biologically female athlete. Thirty-three-year-old Zainab Abdulhafed Rabie will undergo surgery in Thailand. He hopes to return, and represent Bahrain in the Disabled Sports Federation’s men’s shot put and discus competition. Bahrain’s Health Ministry is fully funding the trip and the operation.