California votes yes on Propisition 8. Effectively bans Gay Marriage!

USA On tuesday, in a historic election that saw a huge victory for civil rights, California voters have come out in favour of a change to the State Constitution that will mean that marriage will now be denied to gay couples in the state. This is likely to have an effect not only on the American gay rights movement, but also worldwide.

From the San Francisco Chronical (article):

This was a classic case of a majority using its power of numbers to discriminate against a minority group.

It’s not the first time it has happened in this state. In 1964, 65 percent of California voters approved Proposition 14, which tried to wipe out a state law that said landlords could not discriminate based on “ethnicity, religion, sex, marital status, physical handicap, or familial status.” That measure was ultimately found unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court, citing the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of equal protection, the same principle that led to the desegregation of schools in the landmark 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education case.

Hope remains that the proposition can be declared illegal by the courts, but by any standards this is a huge blow for International civil rights.

From the same article:

As soon as Prop. 8’s victory was assured, San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera and his counterparts from Los Angeles and Santa Clara County went to the state Supreme Court to try to invalidate it on the grounds that it conflicts with the equal protection pillars of the state Constitution.

“It goes to the heart of what the judiciary is supposed to do: To ensure that everyone is entitled to equal protection under the law,” Herrera said.

The legal swords have been drawn. Opponents of same-sex marriage instantly decried the possibility that “unelected judges” could thwart the will of the majority.

But when the will of the majority is discrimination against a minority group, the courts have a legal and moral obligation to step in to protect fundamental rights.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

District Policing Partnership Event – Weds 2nd July

On Wednesday 2nd July will be a consultation at 7.00pm in Clanmill Housing. This event is for LGBT people who either work, live or socialise in South Belfast or Belfast city centre to put forward their feelings and concerns about policing in the South Belfast area.

There will also be a presentation from the PSNI on Hate Crime stats and what actions they are taking to ensure further reporting of hate crime etc. 
If you are interested in attending please email site@qublgbt.org.uk with your name and how many people will be attending so the organisers have an idea for food.

More information after the jump…

Last Chance to get your AGM nominations in…

The title says it all really… Nominations for Executive positions close soon, so if you are interested in becoming President, Treasurer or Secretary for the next academic year, e-mail Aaron at aaron@qublgbt.org.uk ASAP.

The AGM will be held in Club Room 1 (that’s on the 3rd floor if the Student’s Union) at 8pm on Thursday 1st May.

Belfast Film Festival 2008

This year’s Belfast Film Festival is coming up, and, as last year, features a ‘Same Sex Cinema’ section. This year’s films are:

• East Side Story & Serene Hunter (BFF Studio Cinema, Weds 16th April, 7.00pm)
• Otto: Or, Up With Dead People (QFT, Fri 11th April, 6.30pm)
• Finn’s Girl (QFT, Tues 15th April, 9.45pm)
• The Aggressives (Black Box Cafe, Thurs 17th April, 8.00pm)

All tickets are £5 for students, and can be purchased online.

You can find out more here.

Meeting with Out & About, 15th November

Tomorrow (Thursday Nov 15th) there will be a meeting with a guest speaker from Out & About.

More details will be e-mailed to you later on today, and also posted on the forum, and it would be great to see you all there!

Fresher’s Bazaar

QUB LGBT will be at the Fresher’s Bazaar on the 26th September at the Student’s Union Snack Bar. We have our own stall with leaflets, stickers, rock sweets and posters. Also on display will be our new banner (which can be seen in most of the Pride photos) and you can sign up to the mailing list and officially join the Society for £3.

To join the mailing list now, e-mail site@qublgbt.org.uk

Belfast Pride 2007

Belfast Pride is coming, and this year it’s going to be bigger and better, with over 6000 people expected to attend on Saturday. Queen’s LGBT will be marching in the Parade, so come join us at Customs House Square at 12pm. Then we’ll be staying at Party in the Square until 9pm.

Aside from Saturday, there is a whole host of events on all week, so check out www.belfastpride.com for more info.

London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival Coming to QFT

The London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival is coming to Queen’s Film Theatre. It will be featuring a selection of gay and lesbian themed films from around the world.

Films include:

• Puccini For Beginners
• Beyond Hatred
• Amnesia
• Sonja
• Blossoming of Maximo Oliveros
• 4.30

Check out www.queensfilmtheatre.com and www.llgff.co.uk for more info.