Worst of 2004 for GLBT
By Kathy Belge, About.com
Hundreds rallied in San Francisco in support of same sex marriage on Thursday night.
Alison Terry-Evans
2004 had plenty of bad things for gays and lesbians also. Here are some of the worst moments for gays and lesbians this year:
Anti-Gay Ballot Measures. Eleven states passed anti-gay ballot measures in the November 2004 elections. Some of those rulings may also prevent civil unions in those states.
Constitutional Ban on Gay Marriage. An amendment to the United States Constitution was introduced that would have banned gays and lesbians from marrying. If it had passed, which it did not, it would have been the first time the Constitution was amended to restrict rights. President Bush says he will push for the marriage amendment in his second term.
Murder of FannyAnn Eddy. Eddy was the founder and head of Sierra Leone Lesbian and Gay Association. She was found raped and stabbed in the group’s office in September. Eddy testified before the United Nations Commission on Human Rights about the lack of protections for gays and lesbians in her country.
The re-election of President Bush. George Bush does not support gay rights and will do nothing to protect the rights of gay and lesbian citizens. Not only did George Bush endorse an amendment to the US Constitution that would ban gay marriage, he is also is opposed to gays and lesbians adopting children and serving openly in the military. He does not support including gays and lesbians in hate crime legislation and has the power to appoint extremely conservative Supreme Court judges.
Mary Cheney Remained Silent. Out lesbian daughter of Vice President Cheney remained silent as her father and his running mate, President Bush, voiced their opposition to same-sex marriage and support for a constitutional amendment to define marriage as only between one man and one woman.
Florida up-holds gay adoption ban. In January Florida court ruled that gays and lesbians cannot adopt children in that state. Florida is the only state in the US that does not allow gays and lesbians to adopt children.
Gays in the Military. More than 700 people were discharged from the US Armed forces in 2004 after 10 years of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. Even though our country is at war, gays and lesbians are still not allowed to serve openly in the military.
Melissa Etheridge has cancer. Our favorite lesbian rock-star Melissa Etheridge cancelled part of her tour to undergo treatment for breast cancer.
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