Sanford given ‘So Gay’ award
COLUMBIA — The South Carolina Pride Movement will present Gov. Mark Sanford with a “So Gay” Award in recognition of his infamous involvement with pulling gay-targeted advertising during London’s Gay Pride festivities.
The award is presented to “The Not-So-Honorable Governor Mark Sanford” and says that it is “to point out your blatant discrimination against the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgender community of South Carolina and all GLBT tourists who are now less likely to visit our state because of your comments.”
The award also says Sanford’s “homophobia is ‘SO GAY’!”
Members of the group also visited the South Carolina State House on Sept. 16. Carrying a large Gay Pride banner, the group said they wanted to “hold a visible display” outside the “House of Homophobia.”
Candidate forum held
CHARLESTON — The Alliance for Full Acceptance held their Candidates Forum on Sept. 11, with participation from almost a dozen office-seekers.
Among those participating were: Linda Ketner, Eugene Platt, State Rep. David Mack (D-109), Ann Oplinger, Mattese Lecque, Toya Hamption Green, Colleen Condon, Vic Rawl, Henry Middleton and Rae Wooten.
Two candidates, Chris Cannon and Anne Peterson Hutto, were unable to attend but sent messages that were read to the audience. Seven other candidates were also unable to attend. All but one sent regrets — the other refused to attend because he did not agree with the forum’s purpose.
Party chair slams Palin
COLUMBIA — The chairwoman of the South Carolina Democratic Party slammed Republican Vice Presidential Nominee Sarah Palin, saying her only qualification for the position was “that she hasn’t had an abortion.”
Chairwoman Carol Fowler later issued an apology, after being criticized for the remark by Democratic U.S. Rep. John Spratt of South Carolina.
Palin has been criticized by Democrats for her extreme views on women’s right to choose, as well as LGBT equality. The Alaska governor’s church supports the “ex-gay” Love Won Out conference sponsored by Exodus International and Focus on the Family.
Church, AFFA to air show
CHARLESTON — The Unitarian Church of Charleston and the Alliance for Full Acceptance have teamed up with the producers of a PBS, LGBT-focused production in order to air the show to community members.
The church and AFFA will present “In The Life” 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Sundays, Oct. 5 and Nov. 2. Refreshments will be provided.
The Unitarian Church’s LGBT congregants’ organization, Interweave, is co-sponsoring. Admission is free.
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