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GAY PEOPLE'S CHRONICLE

January 2, 2009

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www.GayPeoplesChronicle.com

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Parade

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invited, it would be sidewalk entertainment," said Blazing River president Tom Casarona. He will be playing trombone as one of five members of his band making the trip.

The Lesbian and Gay Band Association performed in President Bill Clinton's two inaugurations, but they were on the sidelines of the parade route providing preevent entertainment. Clinton famously gave them a "thumbs-up" as they played “America the Beautiful" when he walked by in 1993. This will be the first time the queer band group will be in the parade itself, and Casarona was pleasantly surprised.

Cuyahoga

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she is saving the county the same amount of money.

Civil rights attorney Avery Friedman of Cleveland, who represents Hutchinson, says this part of the suit will help other workers. He expects that Cuyahoga will find a way to change the policy before more employees challenge it in court.

"This could be a class action," Friedman said. “But if Shari prevails, it would settle it for all."

Friedman said he will be amending the complaint to say that the county is violating Hutchinson's rights by making her magazine writing an issue.

Currently, no federal or state law protects an employee from discrimination by sexual orientation. Attempts to get courts to interpret laws to do so routinely fail.

Cleveland does have a 1994 ordinance barring such discrimination and Friedman wants the court to take notice of it, though he says "it has no teeth." Hutchinson's county office is in the city.

Friedman thinks Hutchinson's case is

"It's pretty nice to feel included,” he said. A news release from the Obama camp quoted the president-elect saying, "I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade. These organizations embody the best of our nation's history, diversity, and commitment to service."

Anti-gay backlash has been minor, with a few stories on religious right blogs and news sites, including one blogger who included an image of Obama's head pasted onto a drag queen's body.

In all, according to Casarona, 11 Ohio performers will be in the LGBA group.

different and has a chance to succeed. He believes the health benefits issue will be resolved quickly, in Hutchinson's favor.

The harassment and promotion problems will be considered differently by the court, Friedman said, because he is not trying to create a back door to protection under Title VII of the 1964 civil rights act, as other suits have tried to do.

Friedman said courts have interpreted the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to forbid governments from causing discrimination and suffering that is arbitrary and irrational, which he says occurred here.

"We are also seeing the loosening of the ideological opinions that are troubling," Friedman said about the federal courts.

He is pleased with the district judge assigned to the case, Judge Kathleen M. O'Malley, a Clinton appointee.

"This is a judge who looks at the Constitution broadly," Friedman said.

The county must respond to the complaint by January 8.

Friday, Jan 2nd -First Friday Spectacular Dance Party

Friday, Jan 9th -Karaoke w/Jammin' Ginger Friday, Jan 16th -SquareKat Dance Party Friday, Jan 23rd -Karaoke w/Jammin' Ginger

Saturday, Jan 24th

(from Philly)

10pm

Christine Havrilla

ROBERT OLAYAS

nicke

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4365 State Road 216-661-1314

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This joint is jumpin'

Santa's elves ring in the holidays and the New Year during the North Coast Men's Chorus concert on December 13. The show, at Lakewood Civic Auditorium, featured an evening of holiday favorites both old and new, ending with a hilarious appearance by Sarah Palin.

The chorus returns to their traditional home at Cleveland State University's Waetjen Auditorium on April 4 and 5 for "On With the Show." The group is always looking for new members; rehearsals are Sundays, 7 pm at Pilgrim Church, West 14th and Starkweather in Cleveland's Tremont neighborhood. Simple placement auditions for new members are an hour earlier on January 4, 11 and 18. See www.ncmchorus.org for more info or call 216-556-0590.

-Brian DeWitt