Best Gay Blogs » South Carolina

State Hate Crimes Laws Still Needed

James — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:14:43 +0000

Local and national gay activists are celebrating a new federal hate crimes bill but say South Carolina still needs its own hate crimes law.

On Oct. 28, President Obama signed a bill setting penalties for violent crimes motivated by the victim’s gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. The bill joins existing federal law banning hate crimes based on race, color, religion or national origin.

The new bill allows federal law enforcement to help local officials with criminal investigations of hate crimes — and to conduct its own investigations where local officials can’t or won’t.

Representatives of the local gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community are pleased with the federal law, which has been a Democratic legislative priority for more than 10 years.

“We here in South Carolina are thrilled that this law has passed,” says Ryan Wilson, president of SC Pride, a Columbia-based gay rights organization.

More at: Free Times!

SC’s Lieutenant Gov Gay?

James — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:26 +0000

The bombshell revelation that South Carolina governor Mark Sanford had disappeared to Argentina for a rendezvous with an extramarital romantic interest has failed to elicit calls fro the governor’s resignation. Although another factor may also be at work: rumors that the state’s Lieutenant Governor, Andre Bauer, is gay.

Bauer’s sexuality has been a topic of speculation before, most recently when openly lesbian South Carolina politician Linda Ketner, a failed candidate for one of the state’s congressional seats, “outed” several state officials, including Bauer, igniting a controversy about airing and repeating such allegations publicly.

A June 29 article at Politico noted that Bauer is viewed by some as a less desirable governor than the disgraced Sanford because Bauer seemingly is not against abortion in any and all cases.

Opponents with long memories also recall a 2006 incident in which Bauer was pulled over for speeding, driving a state-issued vehicle at a reported 101 miles per hour.
Those factors had led to an attack ad, which was pulled before airing, seeking to depict Bauer as “reckless and liberal,” according to the Politico article.

The ad was supplied to Politico by an unidentified “top Republican source.”

Read the rest at Edge Boston!

SC Pride to Face Protesters

James — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:34:36 +0000

The Upstate of South Carolina is set to have its first ever LGBT Pride festival and parade next weekend, June 20. But anti-gay protesters seem bent on making a usually happy and celebratory event into one of strife and discord.

According to a Facebook.com message sent out to supporters by Upstate Pride organizer Joey Geier, the group has been forced to hire extra security as a result of several planned protests the same day.

“Upstate Pride’s inaugural march and festival is in 10 days and will take place rain or shine (but let’s hope for shine),” Geier wrote on June 8. “This will be a joyous, festive, family-friendly occasion, and we are hoping for a fantastic turnout. I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised, though, that some folks in the area are not supportive of this ground-breaking event.”

Read the rest at Q-Notes!