October 14-20, 2004

political notebook

by Mary F. Patel

Absolutely Fabulous

The William Way Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) Community Center hosted its fourth Indigo Ball at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts last weekend.

The ball, timed to coincide with OutFest, was a fundraiser for the center, which depends on grants and donations to meet its annual operating costs.

Politicos like Alba Martinez, the city's outgoing Department of Human Services Commissioner, and state Rep. Babette Josephs were there as was a smattering of entertainment types, including big-voiced performer Jade Starling and Dan Contarino, formerly of Dennio Productions, who is now working on his album, Persona. While Philadelphia Film Society Managing Director Thom Cardwell entertained his two tables, others talked about the latest political gossip, particularly the recent comments made by state Sen. Vincent Fumo.

Last week in Harrisburg, Fumo engaged state Sen. and President Pro Tempore Robert Jubelirer and state Sen. David Brightbill in a heated discussion about proposals to allow gaming income for elected officials. During their spat, Fumo called both Jubelirer and Brightbill "faggots." His words echoed loudly throughout the Senate chambers.

Fumo later sent out press releases to publicly apologize for the slur.

"It was a very unfortunate word choice and Sen. Jubelirer is correct in asking me to apologize. I am especially sorry about using the term because it is not the way I feel in my heart toward gays," wrote Fumo, who, having served the first senatorial district since 1978, is up for re-election this year.

It was an odd choice of words for Fumo, considering he has been at the forefront of fighting antigay legislation in the Senate. Still, some gay men at the ball were not so convinced that Fumo's apology was genuine.

"It was a Freudian slip of a major magnitude," observed Norval Copeland, there with his partner, Craig Bailey.

Others dismissed Fumo's comments as a nonissue.

"Vince has been a great supporter of our community," said Dennis P. Green, who attended the ball with his partner, Peter Rittenhouse. Green is the younger brother of former Mayor Bill Green. "I regret his comments, but his overwhelming support of our community is what's most important."

Onward to Jail, Christians

Eleven members of Repent America were arrested and charged with felonies and misdemeanors at the OutFest activities Sunday.

Repent America is a religious organization that claims to promote the teachings of the Bible and the preachings of Jesus Christ. Its Web site states that "Satan invades our communities through abortuaries [sic], the entertainment and pornography industries, religious institutions, sexually perverse establishments, homosexual parades and other sin celebrations, without a word from the Christian therein."

In their press release, Repent America members said that when they arrived to preach and hand out gospel literature, they were blocked by the Pink Angels, who formed a human chain and did not allow them to walk down the sidewalk. The Pink Angels, a voluntary security squad, were there to protect the LGBT community from naysayers.

Repent America Director Michael Marcavage responded that it was "one of the most remarkable and unlawful actions by police that I have ever witnessed. Their blatant disregard of the law by allowing hecklers to impede our way, block our message, and then arrest us, is inexcusable, especially by police officers who are specially trained to protect civil rights."

Irene Benedetti, the LGBT police liaison, said she was present when the arrests occurred in the vicinity of 13th and Chancellor streets.

"They became rowdy and physical," Benedetti said of the Repent members who later said they were arrested and charged under hate crimes legislation.

According to officer Maria Ibrahim of the Philadelphia Police Department's public affairs unit, five women and six men were arrested and charged with criminal conspiracy, failure to disperse, obstruction of highway and disorderly conduct.

Stop the Presses: Morley Complains About Fumo

In other Fumo news, his Republican opponent John "Jack" Morley issued a press release announcing that he filed a formal complaint with the Pennsylvania State Senate Ethics Committee against the South Philadelphia senator.

After the Democratic primary, Morley alleged that Fumo violated the Senate's written rules by retaining Christopher Craig to represent him when Democratic opponent James Tayoun Jr. challenged the incumbent's nominating petitions in Commonwealth Court. Morley's current complaint is that Craig is paid counsel for the Senate Appropriations Committee and that, according to the Senate rules, he is not permitted to represent Fumo in any private legal matter. Spokesperson Gary Tuma declined comment on Fumo's behalf.