Media Trail
© 2007 Philadelphia Gay News

N.H. readies for civil unions

UnionLeader.com reports that same-sex couples in New Hampshire seeking civil unions will be able to obtain licenses at town and city halls beginning Dec. 10.

Deputy Secretary of State Dave Scanlan said the final steps for civil unions are falling into place for couples who want to get them as soon as they go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Jan. 1.

“As far as we’re concerned, everything is on schedule,” he said.

State Rep. Jim Splaine (D-16th Dist.), sponsor of the civil-union bill, said he’s heard a lot of couples are planning ceremonies this spring and summer.

“It will be a wonderful time on Jan. 1,” he said. “We’ve won one for equality here and that should be our focus.”

Gays urged to avoid Wal-Mart

USAToday.com reports that the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest gay-rights group, is giving Wal-Mart a “do not buy” rating in its new consumer guide.

HRC advised gays and their supporters to shop elsewhere, citing Wal-Mart’s refusal to offer domestic-partner benefits to its gay and lesbian workers.

Wal-Mart rated a red 40 on a scale of 100, down from a yellow 65 in 2006. By comparison, Target rated a green 80.

“Wal-Mart has bucked a corporate trend of expanding benefits for gay employees,” said Daryl Herrschaft, director of HRC’s workplace project, adding that 269 Fortune 500 companies offered domestic-partner benefits today compared to two in 1990.

Wal-Mart spokesperson David Tovar, responded to the rating, said, “We’re proud of our diversity initiatives and we think we are taking the right steps.”

Dayton expands antidiscrimination law

Advocate.com reports that the Dayton, Ohio, city commission voted 3-1 on Nov. 21 to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the list of protected groups under its antidiscrimination law. The change goes into effect 30 days after the vote.

“The [city commission] is keeping Dayton on the cutting edge,” said Roger McKay, president and founder of Diversity Dayton. “This shows the city wants to be inclusive.”

Dayton Mayor Rhine McLin announced that the adjustment to the statute was the right thing to do.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” McLin said.

— Larry Nichols