3 are arrested at gay-rights group's event

Police arrested three people yesterday when a gay-rights group tried to talk to students at the University of the Cumberlands, which found itself embroiled in controversy last year after expelling a gay student.
About 25 people taking part in the Soulforce Equality Ride had stopped at the school. Soulforce is visiting 32 colleges and universities to draw attention to policies the group says discriminate against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, and to promote hope and reconciliation, members said.

Members have been arrested at other stops, including earlier this week in Louisville.

"Throughout our stops in the South we have encountered a lot of hostility," said Matt Comer of Greensboro, N.C., an organizer of Soulforce.

Comer said that when the bus got to the school about 10 a.m., Michael Colegrove, the school's vice president for student services, told the riders they would be trespassing if they came on campus.

Dozens of police officers were on hand. Comer said police told the activists that they could not stand on a public sidewalk beside the campus, but rather would have to keep walking or face arrest.

Williamsburg Police Chief Denny Shelley said police charged Soulforce member Jacob Reitan with trespassing and failure to disperse. Two Cumberlands students were charged with failure to disperse.

Comer said it seemed the university and police tried to keep the Soulforce riders from talking to students.

"It sounds ridiculous to even say" someone could be charged for standing on a public sidewalk, Comer said. "The police know what they're doing is wrong."

Colegrove said the university also tried to cooperate with the group and offered members a spot on campus for their visit. However, the group wanted free run of the campus, which wasn't possible because of the potential disruption, and rejected the university's offer, he said.

Comer, however, said Soulforce did not reject the university's offer. A university official quickly withdrew the offer because of a miscommunication and later refused to agree to terms in writing, he said.

The group talked to students for about three hours.

Later yesterday, Soulforce members held a rally on the steps of the Whitley County courthouse. About 40 people listened and about 10 protesters stood on the courthouse lawn holding signs with Bible verses on them.

Many conservative Christians believe the Bible condemns homosexuality. Soulforce members, however, say that belief is hurtful and wrong; several said they consider themselves Christians.

Emily Harlow, a freshman at the University of the Cumberlands, said she came to the rally to hear what group members had to say.

"It's time Cumberland realized it's OK to be gay and be a Christian."

There had been concern on campus that students could face trouble for talking to Soulforce members or attending the rally.

Colegrove, however, said that wasn't the case. Students have First Amendment rights too, he said.

Still, Jordan Palmer, president of the Kentucky Equality Federation, which helped pay for the Soulforce visit to Williamsburg, gave students cards and said to call him if they encountered a problem as a result of coming to the rally.

Kyle DeVries, a Soulforce spokesman, identified the two Cumberlands students who were arrested as Warry Woodward and Annie Decrescente.

Last year, the university expelled Jason Johnson of Lexington, who had disclosed on a Web site that he is gay.

The university's policy said any student who engages in or promotes sexual behavior not consistent with Christian principles, including homosexuality or sex outside marriage, could be suspended or asked to leave school.

University President Jim Taylor said at the time the policy was in line with traditional denominational beliefs.

Johnson returned to Williamsburg yesterday to be with the protesters and thanked students at his former school.

"Bless you," he told the students. "You have more courage than you know."

Johnson is now a student at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond.

Hundreds turn out to fight for gay rights

Yesterday was a historic day in the Commonwealth of Kentucky as gay rights organizations and their allies brought the fight directly to their seat of government at the Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort.

Hosted by Kentucky Fairness Alliance and Louisville's Fairness Campaign, with support from Kentucky Equality Federation and Kentuckians for the Commonwealth, more than 250 people showed up at the Capitol Rally.

Kentucky Equality Federation would like to give special thanks to Model High School's Gay-Straight Alliance as well as the Eastern Kentucky University Pride Alliance, and Boone County High School Gay-Straight Alliance for their support. Federation President Jordan Palmer, Federation Alliance Manager Clarence Wallace, and Northern Chapter President Nick Herweck coordinated their participation in the historic event.

Special thanks also to Jordan Boyer with Model High School, and Ms. Staci Wilson.

"We must fight the bigotry anti-gay groups and some homophobic elected officials practice; they want nothing more than to dehumanize a large group of people, deny their humanity, happiness, health, civil, and God given rights. If this isn't challenged by everyone, we are giving our government the green light to victimize other minority groups." - Jordan Palmer, Kentucky Equality Federation President

Click here to view photos.

United We Stand - Kentucky's LGBTI News

Kentucky Senate Committee votes to ban domestic-partner benefits across the commonwealth.

Universities and other public agencies should not be allowed to offer health benefits to unmarried domestic partners of employees, a Senate committee said yesterday in approving a bill its sponsor said was not gay bashing.

Senator Vernie McGaha, R-Russell Springs, said his Senate Bill 152 is needed to "clear up confusion" in state public agencies' health insurance plans.

The bill would require public agencies to allow their employees to select health insurance coverage only for themselves and family members. It defines public agencies as any participating in a state retirement system or health insurance plan or subject to state laws on higher education.

The University of Louisville approved the benefits last year. The University of Kentucky is considering the move.

In a statement yesterday, UK President Lee Todd said UK "is opposed to any legislation that limits the university's ability to make determinations regarding the relationship with its employees."

University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey spoke against the bill in testifying before the Senate committee.

The policy at the university does not cost the state any tax dollars since the employee has to pay the premiums for others, Ramsey said. "We at the university embrace diversity and tolerance."

Ramsey said the place to stop the bill probably will be in the House, where Democrats are in the majority. The Senate is controlled by Republicans.

David Edmunds, policy analyst for The Family Foundation in Lexington, testified before the committee in support of McGaha's bill.

"The question of domestic partners is actually a debate about marriage," said Edmunds, noting that 75 percent of Kentucky voters in 2004 approved a constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage.

"That amendment said, 'A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized.'" Edmunds said.

McGaha said the bill was "in no way" an attempt to harm gays.

Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer quickly condemned the vote.

"Corporations across the nation continue to surpass our commonwealth in extending domestic partner benefits to same-sex couples. This is homophobia in its simplest form; bigotry that seeks to dehumanize a large group of people, deny their humanity, happiness, health, civil, and God given rights. If this isn't challenged by all Kentuckians we are giving our government the green light to victimize other minority groups." Palmer said.

Governor Ernie Fletcher said earlier in the day that he thinks it is the responsibility of the board of trustees at each one of the universities to make those decisions.

"We'll have to wait and see what the legislature does, and I will be taking a look at it at that point."

Eight members of the Senate State and Local Government Committee voted for the bill. Two Democrats -- Walter Blevins of West Liberty and Julian Carroll of Frankfort -- did not vote.

The bill now goes to the Senate for its consideration.

House Speaker Jody Richards, D-Bowling Green, said, "Generally, we do not micromanage universities."

House Judiciary Chairwoman Kathy Stein, D-Lexington, called McGaha's bill "short-sighted and wrong."

"We have no business trying to micromanage the affairs of our state universities," she said. "Once again, we are trying to gain political popularity by beating up on a group of folks who are fine contributing citizens of the commonwealth."

Anti-gay Christians miss message

Column by Kevin Eigelbach

Cincinati Post -- When I glanced at the headline, "Second state Baptist group ponders Wal-Mart boycott," I was happy.

At last, I thought, Christians are getting organized against the evil retail empire.

I wondered if they wanted to boycott over Wal-Mart's repressive labor policies, for its union-busting at its American stores, or its exploitation of workers at factories in China.

Did they object to Wal-Mart's encouraging its workers to apply for Medicaid and other state benefits so the company doesn't have to pay for their health care?

Were they fired up about Wal-Mart's siphoning dollars from downtown stores all over the nation?

Alas, no. The Baptists weren't mad about any of those things. They were mad because Wal-Mart expanded its diversity program in a deal with the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Nothing makes Baptists madder than the thought of men having sex with men. They think it's just plain icky.

The story, which I found at www.EthicsDaily.com, said that a Southern Baptists of Texas Convention resolution called on Baptists to "reflect Biblical values with their purchasing power, letters and influence."

An earlier Missouri Baptist Convention resolution encouraged Baptists there to "exercise moral stewardship" in their shopping.

Not to be outdone, the American Family Association called for a one-day boycott of Wal-Mart on the Friday after Thanksgiving.

On that day, some protestors showed up at the Wal-Mart in Richmond, Ky. The local chapter of the Kentucky Fairness Alliance held a counter-demonstration.

Alliance members asked for help from the Florence-based Kentucky Equality Federation, but the group decided not to get involved. The Federation decided that a counter-demonstration would just magnify an event that wasn't that big of a deal, President Jordan Palmer said.

The Florence hotel owner said it wouldn't surprise him if the Southern Baptist Convention organized a boycott, as it did over Disney's pro-gay policies. "I think they're religious fanatics," he said.

Palmer, who is gay, grew up the son of a Church of God minister. A Christian all his life, he attends a Methodist church in Lexington, where he lives part-time. 

"My dad has thinking similar to that of the Southern Baptist Convention, and he has not spoken to me since I was in grammar school, especially now that I am in politics and in newspapers and television," he said. "I incorporated this organization to shield me from personal legal liability because I have a lot to say as someone who never had a foundation in life other than the one I made for myself because of my sexual orientation."

"I think that people really miss the true message of Christianity and most world religions," he said. "I think they try to twist them to suit their beliefs."

The real message is about loving your neighbor. "It's not about boycotting people or condemning people, or telling people they're going to hell for the way they live their life," he said.

I agree.

In a few days, we'll celebrate the birth of Jesus, whom the Gospel writer John tells us was born not to condemn the world but to save it. Why do some people feel the need to condemn others, when Christ himself said he condemned no one?

In the case of gays and lesbians, I'm convinced it's because they are easy targets. They're different in a very tangible way. The idea of boycotting businesses because they don't discriminate against homosexuals might strike some Christians as a principled stand against an evil practice.

To the world at large, though, this kind of thing increasingly looks like a simple inability to accept something you don't understand. As a former Baptist, I wish the Southern Baptist Convention would stand up for something I could also get behind. Like the high cost of low prices.

Kentucky Equality Federation protests Representative Fischer's comments, though he still stands by them

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS - Statehouse Republican Joe Fischer is taking criticism for comments he made about gay rights and sexual orientation.

Fischer, a lawyer from Fort Thomas, said in an interview last week with The Community Recorder newspaper that it is "OK to fire someone if they're gay."

"I favor the current laws as they stand now," Fischer told the paper. "Sexual orientation shouldn't be a protected class. "Obviously, people can change their sexual orientation," he said. "Some psychologists have said so."

Fischer defended his comments during a Wednesday night campaign forum at Northern Kentucky University he participated in with his opponent, Democrat Linda Klembara of Fort Thomas.

"Under current federal and states civil rights laws it is OK," Fischer said during the half-hour forum. Sexual orientation is not a protected class. "It should not be in my opinion," he said. "The current law, I think it's fair because sexual orientation has not been a traditionally protected class like women, black, national origin and religion."

Klembara said her "faith runs deep" when asked to comment on Fischer's statements. "And my faith would never allow me to condone hatred or bigotry or discrimination toward any group of people," she said.

About 20 members of Kentucky Equality Federation, a gay rights group, protested Fischer's appearance at the forum. "As far as people being able to change their sexual orientation, it's something you are born with," said federation president Jordan Palmer. "He seems to think you can change it with the proper amount of psychology. So, my question to him is, could he change his to homosexual.

"It is unfortunate that we have people as our elected officials and representatives that aren't willing to represent all of us," Palmer said. "It is not fair, and it will never be fair, to terminate someone because of their sexual orientation."

Klembara said she didn't believe homosexuals could change their sexual orientation. "I don't ever remember consciously saying, 'I'm going to be a heterosexual,'" she said. "I think we're all born who we are."

Representative Fischer's (R) statement upsets gays

By Kevin Eigelbach, Post staff reporter

Cincinnati Post -- Gay rights groups are objecting to comments that state Rep. Joseph Fischer made to a Northern Kentucky newspaper.

According to a Community Recorder article published Thursday, the Fort Thomas Republican said that it's obvious that homosexuals can change their orientation.

In an interview with The Post Tuesday, he didn't back away from that statement.

"I've done a little research into that," he said, and referenced two Web sites, http://www.narth.org/ and http://www.couragerc.net/.

The former is the Web site of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, whose primary goal is to give therapy to homosexuals who want to change.

The latter is the site for Courage, a Roman Catholic group that helps homosexuals live a celibate lifestyle.

Kentucky Equality Federation, a gay-rights group, disputed that homosexuals can change, citing American Psychological Association policy.

The federation challenged Fischer to change his own orientation to homosexual for 48 hours, an invitation Fischer said he didn't intend to respond to.

Fischer's Democratic challenger, Fort Thomas resident Linda Klembara, said she didn't believe homosexuals could change their sexual orientation.

"I don't ever remember consciously saying, 'I'm going to be a heterosexual,'" she said. "I think we're all born who we are."

Fischer told The Post that the Community Recorder quoted him accurately, but somewhat out of context.

He was asked if it was OK under Kentucky law to fire someone for being gay, and he said it was.

"I favor the present law as it exists," he said. "I don't favor extending special civil rights beyond the traditional protected classes."

Homosexuals have not experienced the same type of "insidious discrimination in housing and employment" as blacks and women, he said.

Usually, society defines protected classes by their inherent characteristics and not the relationships they form, he said.

"As a class, gays have equal or higher median income as heterosexuals," he said. "That may not be the case for women and minorities."

The federation's president, Jordan Palmer, said Fischer's statement that it's all right to fire employees for being gay reminded him of other things that used to be OK in the United States, such as forced segregation.

"The comments made by Representative Fischer are a slap in the face to the people who lay their lives on the line every day to protect the ideals the founders of our nation had," he said.

He also disputed Fischer's statement that gays had not suffered as much as blacks and other minorities.

During World War II, at least 15,000 gay men died in concentration camps in Germany, he said. German soldiers were also known to use gay men for target practice, aiming their weapons at the pink triangles gays had to wear on their shirts.

"I'd like Representative Fischer to provide us with a number of exactly how many people need to suffer before he will acknowledge it," Palmer said.

Fischer's statements weren't that much of a surprise to Covington resident Dean Forster, secretary for the Kentucky Fairness Alliance.

Fischer has sponsored several "anti-gay" bills, Forster said, including one to rescind city ordinances in Covington, Lexington and Louisville to protect gays from discrimination.

"I will certainly be looking to support candidates who advocate legislation that protects all people from discrimination," Forster said of the November election.

Klembara, also of Fort Thomas, said her faith would not allow her to condone prejudice against anyone. She doesn't believe employers should be able to fire people just for being gay.

"It's my belief that when the Lord told us to love one another, it was not a suggestion, it was a commandment," she said.

Kentucky's homophobic nightmare, Representative Stan Lee from Fayette County

Lexington, KY -- Representative Stan Lee (R-Fayette) couldn't wait for the legislature to reconvene in January before filing his first anti-gay bill. Representative Lee's first attack against the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender community for the upcoming 2007 Legislative Session is to "prohibit public higher education institutions from providing health benefits for a domestic partner of a university or college employee."

Representative Lee has wasted no time filing paperwork to prevent the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, and Northern Kentucky University from pursuing domestic partnership benefits (House BR 102).

Kentucky Equality Federation believes the commonwealth's educational facilities have a better understanding of what is in the best interests of their institutions, and oppose all attempts by the commonwealth to consolidate government and remove "home rule" from our local governments and educational institutions.

Gay wrestler tells of internal struggle; WWE's Kanyon became star but was closeted.

Cincinnati Post -- Professional wrestler Chris Kanyon talked about coming out as part of National Coming Out Day to students at Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Ky.

The event was sponsored by Kentucky Equality Federation after an anti-gay attack at the University.

Northern Kentucky University responds to Kentucky Equality Federation concerns

After speaking to Northern Kentucky University administrators and receiving a written response from President James Votruba, Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer said he is now satisfied with the university's response to an alleged incident involving a gay student.

"Until (the university) had all the information we were reluctant to make a statement," said Vice President of Student Affairs Mark Shanley.

Kentucky Hall Residential Assistant Jeremy Phillippi reported finding an anti-gay message on his dorm door at about 12:30 a.m. Aug. 28 after returning from settling a roommate disturbance in another residential hall. Phillippi also reported the hall bulletin board decorations, including information about Phillippi's involvement with local gay/straight alliances, had been torn down.

After the incident, Phillippi asked the Kentucky Equality Federation to be involved since he was not satisfied with the university's response to the situation.

The federation then sent Votruba a letter Sept. 18 requesting the university be more "hands on" with the situation and issue a statement condemning the action with consequences for students who target others based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Votruba responded the next day with a written letter to the federation's president stating, "As with all complaints of misconduct, the university responded immediately, through its housing staff and the Department of Public Safety, to investigate the incident."

He also stated in the letter that the report was inconsistent with NKU's values and he found it important to send a message that will reaffirm the importance of civilized behavior toward all individuals and discourage behavior that threatens an individual's respect and freedom.

"When the investigation into this complaint is completed, I will personally communicate this message to the entire NKU community," Votruba said.

According to University Police Chief Harold Todd, the investigation of the case is complete and it is now considered inactive. Police have no leads or suspects regarding the incident and are hoping someone will come forward and confess or give them information about the vandalism.

Shanley said he thinks Votruba will make his statement within the next week.

After speaking with Shanley, Palmer said in a release he now has a much better understanding of the situation. "I thought Shanley was both receptive and supportive, having made himself available to Phillippi if he encountered any additional problems," he said.

Shanley, as well as Dean of Students Kent Kelso, stopped by NKU's gay-straight alliance, Common Ground, meeting Sept. 19 and spoke with the students about discrimination, tolerance and answered questions about anti-gay acts that have happened at NKU in the past.

The federation still plans to meet with Common Ground's board of officers to further discuss ways it can support the gay-straight alliance.

Kentucky Equality Federation and Northern Kentucky University Reach Agreement

Kentucky Equality Association/Federation President Jordan Palmer stated today that he is now satisfied with Northern Kentucky University’s response to an incident involving a gay student.

On August 28th, Jeremy Phillippi said he found "(this word omitted by Kentucky Equality) you fag. I hope you get AIDS" on his dorm room door and that the decorations on a bulletin board had been torn down. Phillippi is a resident advisor at the university and a member of Common Ground, Northern Kentucky University’s Gay-Straight Alliance.

Phillippi filed a complaint with the Federation to push NKU administrators to take a more aggressive stance against acts of discrimination, intimidation and hatred.

The Kentucky Equality Federation requested university management assume a more "hands on" role in the investigation and issue a public statement condemning this action with consequences of targeting students because of their sexual orientation or gender identity clearly identified.

“After speaking to Vice President of Student Affairs Mark G. Shanley, I have a much better understanding of the situation,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation President Jordan Palmer. “We had a very friendly, candid conversation about the incident and will keep an open dialog. I thought Mr. Shanley was both receptive and supportive, having made himself personally available to Phillippi if he encountered any additional problems.”

Vice President Shanley and Dean of Students Kelso stopped by a Common Ground meeting this week and spoke with them about discrimination, tolerance, and a variety of other topics.

“I think Vice President Shanley making time to personally address Jeremy Phillippi’s concerns and speak directly to NKU’s Gay-Straight Alliance is very impressive,” stated Kentucky Equality Federation Awareness Coordinator Jesse Alexander.

Alexander’s comments where echoed by Common Ground’s Co-President Mike Volmer yesterday during a telephone conversation with Palmer.

“Because the reported misconduct also represents behavior inconsistent with our University’s values, it is important that we also respond in a manner that sends a clear message reaffirming the importance of civilized behavior toward all individuals and discouraging behavior which threatens the freedom and respect that every individual deserves. When the investigation into this complaint is completed, I will personally communicate this message to the entire Northern Kentucky University community,” stated Northern Kentucky University President James C. Votruba.

Phillippi partnered with another resident advisor to facilitate a two-day program focused on diversity, tolerance, and AIDS with the University Housing Department providing funding, marketing support and serving as co-sponsor.

Palmer stated Kentucky Equality Federation would continue to support its members and Gay-Straight Alliances across Kentucky.

Palmer and other management from Kentucky Equality Federation still plan to meet with members of Common Ground’s Board to discuss monetary and material ways the federation can support the Gay-Straight Alliance.