President Clinton yesterday appointed former deputy attorney general and White House counsel Beth Nolan to serve as chief White House counsel. Nolan is the first woman to hold the position, and replaces former Watergate special prosecutor Charles Ruff. Attorney General Janet Reno praised Nolan’s achievement, saying that Nolan has “extensive expertise in ethics and constitutional […]
When openly-gay Texas Representative Glen Maxey (D-Austin) was asked about Texas Governor and presidential hopeful George W. Bush’s stance on gay issues during a recent interview, he recounted a conversation he had with Bush this past April. Bush allegedly congratulated Maxey’s work in expanding a children’s health-insurance program, and then told Maxey, “Glen, I value […]
According to New York state police, at least four allegations of rape at Woodstock ’99 are currently being investigated. The women, who are all from the East coast in and their 20s, were assaulted near the campgrounds and in the mosh pit. Capt. John Wood, an investigator in the assaults, commented that “it’s going to […]
Proposition 187, which “barred illegal immigrants and their children from receiving public education, social services and healthcare” has been dropped by California’s state government. The measure also revokes the requirements that healthcare providers, school administrators, and law enforcers turn in any suspected illegal immigrants to authorities. Two aspects of Proposition 187 do remain, however. There […]
Yesterday, the House began a debate over a $12.6 billion foreign aid bill. Although a final vote is not scheduled until Monday, members are debating both funding levels and an amendment that would prohibit the United States from giving any foreign aid to countries with legalized abortion laws. In June, the Senate passed a $12.7 […]
The Afghan Islamic Press has reported that Osama bin Laden, the terrorist accused of bombing U.S. embassies in both Kenya and Tanzania, is leaving the country that has protected him from extradition to the U.S. or a third country. The AIP stated that “Osama has decided to leave Afghanistan because of fears of expected attacks […]
Scientists have found evidence that tamoxifen, the drug widely used to treat breast cancer, may lose its effectiveness over time and begin to behave like the hormone it is supposed to block. Tamoxifen works by blocking the action of estrogen and keeping it from attaching to a receptor on the surface of the cell. Researchers […]
The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new emergency contraceptive which causes less nausea and vomiting than do existing treatments. The newly-approved contraceptive will be marketed under the brand name “Plan B”and consists of two tablets of levonorgestrel, a synthetic hormone that blocks ovulation or fertilization. The first pill must be taken within 72 […]
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has launched an intensive investigation of how Morgan Stanley treats its women employees with regard to pay and promotion policies after a top salesperson for the company claimed that she was excluded from all-male events and activities. Allison K. Schieffelin earned more than 1.35 million a year in her […]
President Clinton met with 11 openly-gay elected leaders yesterday at the White House. Attendees included City Council member Dan Baker of Long Beach, CA; Arizona state Rep. Ken Cheuvront; New York State Assemblywoman Deborah Glick; Massachusetts state Rep. Liz Malia; Connecticut state Rep. Evelyn Mantilla; Mike Nelson, Mayor of Carrboro, NC; San Francisco Board of […]
A lawyer representing Carnival Cruise Lines announced yesterday that more incidents of sexual assault and sexual misconduct have occurred on the company’s ships than was previously reported. Two weeks ago, the company announced that 62 incidents of sexual assault and sexual misconduct had been reported on its ships during August 1993 and August 1998. The […]
U.S. Vice President Al Gore congratulated Eileen Collins on her achievement as the first woman to command a U.S. space flight at a “welcome-home” ceremony yesterday. Gore proclaimed that Collins “has not only equaled but surpassed Amelia Earhart in the history of flight.” Addressing Collins daughter, who sat in the audience, Gore said “Today, Bridget, […]
Six women and girls who were disfigured by brutal acid attacks returned home to Bangladesh today after nine months of plastic surgery. The free medical services were provided by Spain’s Corporacion Dermoestica, which provided help to 20 women and girls who suffered acid attacks at the hands of their husband, spurned suitors, and family foes. […]
The Children’s Society, an established English charity for children who struggle with drug addiction, alcohol abuse, or a history of sexual abuse, announced yesterday that it will begin allowing lesbian and gay individuals to serve as adoptive and foster parents. The Society, which is affiliated with the Church of England, had previously banned the practice. […]
Rear Adm. Evelyn J. Fields has earned the distinction of being the first African American and the first woman to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Corps, a uniformed service of 400 scientists and engineers who operate ships and aircraft that are used to study the weather and oceanic life. At Fields’ induction ceremony […]
About 500 lesbian and gay citizens led a protest against the U.S.’ Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) after two HIV-positive individuals were denied entrance to a flight bound for the United States. The travelers were en route to a conference sponsored by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the world’s largest Christian denomination for […]
Athletes from eight different schools including Illinois, Illinois State, Eastern Illinois, Indiana, Penn, Iowa State and Michigan State Universities have filed suit against several companies, individuals and Internet service providers after secret videotapes taken in the schools’ locker rooms were sold over the Internet and through the mail. The lawsuit charges defendants with invasion of […]
On Monday, the Exodus International enthusiasts opened its annual conference aimed and altering the lifestyles of gay and lesbian people. The group’s largest gathering since 1976 includes rallies, skits, singing, protests, and workshops dedicated to the goal or converting homosexuals to heterosexuality. The organization represents more than 38 states and includes delegations from 15 international […]
After a Florida state parental consent law went into effect yesterday, a Circuit Court judge ruled that the law is unconstitutional because it singles out minor girls’ decisions concerning abortion. Judge Terry Lewis barred the state from implementing the notification law until the Florida State Supreme Court can determine its constitutionality. The ruling stated that […]
On Monday, the Justice Department in Boston ruled that the city would pay $1.5 million in damages and legal fees as a result of severe racial harassment against black and Hispanic residents living in public housing projects. The suit was filed by the Justice Department against the Boston Housing Authority, who allegedly knew of the […]
