Saturday, May 12, 2007

Pass the Matthew Shepard Act in the Senate

In a hard-won victory, hate crimes legislation has passed the House of Representatives. The bill could be up for a vote in the near future in the U.S. Senate where the radical right, terrified of this legislation, has stepped up their attacks.

It is essential that we pass the bill in the Senate with a broad enough majority and strong Republican support to discourage a presidential veto. Thank OUR Senator) for supporting the Matthew Shepard Act and make sure they stay strong in their support.

Thank Senator Bill Nelson For Co-Sponsoring The Senate Matthew Shepard Act

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Skycap fired for anti-gay message

The worker who broadcast an anti-gay message over the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International loudspeakers has been found and terminated.

BY KATHLEEN McGRORY

JARED LAZARUS / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Anthony Niedwiecki, left, and partner Waymon Hudson heard the anti-gay message over the airport PA system about 1 a.m. May 1.

Document | Letter from Monestime's former employers

The skycap called it a prank. His bosses didn't find it funny. And now he is no longer working for them.

Jethro Monestime, 23, was fired Monday for a stunt he pulled six days earlier -- broadcasting an anti-gay message over the public address system at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

A gay couple collecting their luggage heard the message and filed a complaint.

The county leadership was mortified. Broward's mayor, Josephus Eggelletion, issued an apology.

The Broward Sheriff's Office investigated and Monestime confessed.

Because he worked for a private contractor, Broward officials could not fire him.

But his employer, Superior Aircraft Services, did.

Monestime's security badge has been taken away, as has his job.

''Broward County has a zero-tolerance policy for these types of offenses,'' Eggelletion said.