Poll indicates gays gaining greater acceptance among Californians
SAN FRANCISCO Gays and lesbians are gaining greater acceptance in the state, although about half of all Californians still oppose same-sex marriage, according to a new statewide poll released Wednesday.
The Field Poll showed that 43 percent of Californians approve of legalizing same-sex marriage, while 51 percent disapprove. The split is similar among registered voters, with 44 percent approving and 50 percent disapproving.
Those findings were unchanged from polls in 2003 and 2004, researchers said.
However, only 40 percent of Californians support amending the U.S. Constitution to define marriage between a man and a woman, while 50 percent do not. Among registered voters, the same percentage support it; 52 percent do not.
Meanwhile, general public opinion toward homosexuality seems to be improving. Thirty-two percent of residents believe homosexual relations are always wrong a drop from 1997, when 45 percent believed that.
Illinois Family Institute wants decision on HIV-positive Gay Games visitors rescinded
The conservative group Illinois Family Institute is calling for the Department of Homeland Security to rescind its decision to allow HIV-positive athletes and spectators to enter the country without special permission for the 2006 Gay Games, set for July15-22 in Chicago.
The government usually waives the ban on HIV-positive people entering the country for special events, and government officials granted the Gay Games “designated special event” status earlier this year.
Chicago Mayor Richard Daley and Representative Jan Schakowsky, a Democrat, had urged the Department of Homeland Security to issue the waiver. But Peter LaBarbera, executive director of the Illinois Family Institute, said the waiver poses a potential public health threat.
Fisher named Logo’s vice president of communications, public affairs
Steven Fisher has been named vice president of communications and public affairs for Logo, MTV Network’s GLBT television channel.
Lisa Sherman, senior vice president and general manager for the TV channel, made the announcement on Monday.
Fisher will be responsible for implementing and managing all communications strategies for Logo and its related on- and off-channel businesses. He will also develop Logo’s public affairs, pro-social plans and strategies.
Prior to joining Logo, Fisher worked as vice president for communications and marketing at the Human Rights Campaign, a national GLBT advocacy organization.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, March 24, 2006.