Eight lifetime sentences for serial killer.
Ronald Dominique, 44, from Houma, Louisiana was sentenced to eight life terms in prison after pleading guilty to eight counts of first-degree murder. It is suspected 23 men between the ages 16-46 were murdered by Dominique between 1997- 2005. The victims were all picked up from homeless shelters, taken to Dominique’s home where they were bound and murdered. The victims’ families were consulted prior to the handing down of the sentence.
Vice President Nominee attacked of ‘Ex-gay’ conference.
Republican nominee for Vice President and Governor of Alaska, Sarah Palin, is under attack for her association with a fundamentalist Christian ‘Ex-gay’ program. Palin’s church, Wasilla Bible Church, is advertising a conference with claims to ‘cure’ homosexuals. Through prayer and rehabilitation, the movement alleges to alter the sexuality of an individual. Much criticism and opposition from members of the Anchorage community and leading American medical institutions have called for Palin to state her position and condemn such treatment.
France leads universal decriminalisation of homosexuality.
The French Secretary of State and minister of human rights and foreign affairs, Rama Yade has confirmed she will lead France in proposing the universal decriminalization of homosexuality. In December 2008 France will appeal, with the support of the European Union, to the General Assembly at the United Nations in New York. Earlier this month, Yade announced the proposal calling to outlaw the criminalization of homosexuality where in some countries prison terms or death by execution is handed down.
Lohan and Ronson confirm lesbian relationship.
Lindsay Lohan and long time friend DJ Samantha Ronson confirmed their relationship on an L.A. radio show in late September. After months of rumors and gossip directed at the two, Lohan stated on air that the couple had been together for a very long time. According to 365gay.com, confirmation of the Lohan Ronson relationship, like so many other Hollywood same-sex couples, is claimed to provide the younger generation with strength when coming out.
American Idol runner up comes out.
Clay Aiken, multiplatinum singer and runner up in the 2003 American Idol contest has confirmed he is gay. Appearing with his baby son on the front cover of People magazine, Aiken stated that he wanted his son to grow up knowing the truth about his father. The announcement of Aiken’s sexuality came as no surprise to some as rumours surrounded the star during the contest. Rumours continue to surround the Idol singer, with pinknews.co.uk reporting that Aiken had a one-night stand with porn star John Paulus.
NBC apologises for coverage of Aussie gay Olympian.
The American network NBC’s chief has publicly apoligised for censoring footage of Australian diver Matthew Mitcham. Mitcham won gold in the 10m platform diving event thereby robbing China of a clean sweep in the men’s diving. After leaving the podium with his gold medal, NBC censored images of Mitcham hugging his mother and kissing his boyfriend Lachlan. NBC viewers were outraged as affection and relationships of other athletes were shown.
Female condoms promoted in Malawi.
The newly established Malawi Gay Rights Movement is advocating female condoms in an attempt to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. In a nation where HIV has a high prevalence, the committee aims at reducing the spread of the disease by educating women about safe sex. The program was initiated when a delegation from Blantyre, US, gave a presentation on female condoms. The campaign is due to begin in November and has had major support, recruiting 3, 890 members.
Lula loves all.
Bazil’s President Luiz Inacio Lula de Silva is in support of same-sex unions. President Lula, as he is universally known, is in support of equal rights and civil unions for homosexual people, as he believes they should be recognised for who they are. For over 10 years proposals in Brazil’s Congress has stalled, leaving select states to take their own action. In 2006, a state court permitted two gay men to adopt a 5-year-old girl. In other states, progressive reforms to of immigration, welfare, pensions and social conditions are being proposed.
India to repeal Section 377.
Under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code all individuals who participate in anal or oral sex can face up to 10 years imprisonment. The Indian government is taking section 377 to the Delhi High Court to repeal ‘unnatural sexual offences’. The Health Minister, alongside other Cabinet ministers and welfare groups, are in strong support of the revocation of the section of Penal Code. Introduced 148 years ago by the British colonial government, the harsh penalties are now believed to prevent individuals from accessing the proper medical treatment – leaving an estimated 2.43 million people susceptible to HIV/AIDS.
Compiled by James Donkin
