Murder, Law and the Internet

Pink News is reporting that the first ever recorded winner of the Mr Gay UK competition Anthony Morley , has been charged with the murder of Damian Oldfield, a 33 year man worked for the company that runs the Mr Gay UK competition.

According to the news site the competition has subsequently removed his photographs. Well they haven't as the photo on the right demonstrates. This is a publicity picture of Mr Morley back in 1993 and is available on the Mr Gay UK site.

The site goes on to state: 'In a gruesome twist, police found chunks of the victims leg had been cut off and were in a saucepan on the stove.'

Most interestingly, the site states that they met through an Internet dating site and points to the anonymity that sites such as Gaydar and Fitlads give. The story goes on to draw parallels with a similar case in Germany seven years ago, the killer invited his victim through an online dating site, posting:

"If you are between 18 and 25 years old you are my boy. Come to me and I eat your horny flesh."

I think it might be a leap to assert this is a cannibalism case but the broader assertion of Internet dating sites as a promoter of increased criminal activity - specifically those wanting to commit acts of murder is an intriguing one and one which I haven't really seen much academic literature on (at least from a legal perspective). Whilst this sounds like an awful and gruesome incident I do feel their is scope for greater academic exploration of this area.

Read the Pink News story at: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7523.html

New Trans Report

The International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA)-Europe and TransGender Europe have published a 'Transgender Eurostudy' which focuses upon the legal and health care experiences of those who identify as Transgender in Europe. It's a really impressive report and should be read by anyone interested in this subject. It will be required reading on the course next year! The report has been written by Stephen Whittle and others and can be viewed at: http://www.ilgaeurope.org/europe/publications/non_periodical

Sting Operation Leads to Public Sex Arrests

I'm always horrified to hear of sting arrests - the idea that you con people into committing an offence always strikes me as perverse. Anyway, over in Kansas in the States a series of arrests took place last week and are now being reported in the media. You can view a video of the news item and read about it by following the link at the bottom.

Seven people were arrested during a five hour span at Chisholm Creek Park near 29th and Oliver following one complaint. Yes, the Police spent five hours hanging around a public space, luring men into seeking a sexual encounter. Wise use of resources? You decide.

According KSN news those arrested were all men, most over 40 years old, on counts of sexual battery, lewd and lascivious behavior, and soliciting for immoral purposes.

The same day (yes, resources to spare in Kansas) an adult cinema was also targeted.

I've had a quick look at some of the cruising bulletin boards and sure enough all locations are now filled with warnings but little by way or reaction yet.

All these tactics result in is a temporary displacement of the activity and create greater danger for the cruising community. Focusing on the presence of condoms and lube merely results in men being less likely to carry then, dramatically increasing the rate of STD infection. Targeting commercial venues sucha s adult cinemas (don't think many "innocents" who need protecting from sex would be walking into them do you?) merely pushes sex into other public sex venues so at the moment Kansas (like many places) has a lose - lose situation. Nice one guys.

Read the story/view the video at: http://www.ksn.com/news/local/18225519.html

Anyone wanting to look at my own research on this should take a look at:

• Ashford, C (2007) ‘Sexuality and the Criminal Law: The Cottaging Phenomenon’, 71(6) Journal of Criminal Law, 506.
• Ashford, C (2006) ‘The Only Gay in the Village: Sexuality and the Net, 13, 3 Information and Communications Technology Law, 275.

Langham Oxford Union Debate Cancelled

BBC News is reporting that the actor Chris Langham was due to address the Oxford Union next term but the debate has now been cancelled and the invite to Langham been withdrawn. The actor had been jailed for downloading child pornography.

I saw him do an interview on More4 lasting an hour soon after he was released and found it revealing, if at times uncomfortable viewing. I thought it offered important insights and a measured exploration of what is a very complex and controversial area. It seems a shame that the Oxford Union has cancelled and not had the courage to go through with it, not least because I think Langham has something worth saying (whether you agree with him or not).

You can read the story at:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/7367508.stm

Enrique Iglesias & Extra-Small Condoms

I do enjoy a slightly silly story on a Friday and this week a brilliant one is provided by the Skrufff Newsletter. They note story this week that Enrique Iglesias now regrets a joke he made about seeking work from extra-small condom manufacturers. The Newsletter states:
"I said I had a small penis as a joke," the failed former heart-throb protested, "And they took it literally when it is not the truth," he complained.

I think 'failed' might be a little harsh and for some strange reason I find it extremely hard to believe he really is struggling to attract people. The newsletter ends the item on a very very strange note saying:

'However, the infamously flamboyant make-up wearing DJ categorically refused to discuss persistent industry rumours that he’s taken to calling himself Daniella and parading around in full drag regalia and remained surprisingly sensitive about revealing his date of birth.
"Never ask a lady her age." he scolded.'

Well okay...

"Fanny buffet" continues but "meat off the menu"

An interesting little story on the Skrufff Newsletter this week. They point to the closure of a dance club in London described as "enormously hip" due to complaints from those who have moved into the area. The club chief Buster pointed out that Images the venue will remain open as usual, declaring ‘apparently Crackney Council prefer strip clubs to Nuke.’
"The venue can continue with the daily fanny buffet but our brand of meat has been taken off the menu," he quipped.

The Nuke Them All MySpace page can be viewed at: http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=254619523

Freedom to Offend

The second Pink Paper story that caught my attention is an article by Jonathan Best, Director of Queer Up North. He argues that the current proposals for criminalising inciting homophobic hatred is wrong and argues for freedom of speech. It makes a refreshing change from the bulk of material produced by activists in this field that has sang the praises of the legislation. I was against the religious hatred proposals a few years ago and similarly against the current proposals on this. Best concludes by writing: 'It’s uncomfortable for me, an HIV-positive gay man, to be defending the rights of bigots,but freedom of speech belongs to everyone, and it must include the freedom to offend – that’s part of the price we pay for a free society. If we fall back on the easy shortcut of restricting expression in a misguided (and doomed) attempt to engineer a nicer world, we will add to society’s divisions, rather than heal them.'

Birmingham Pub to Sue Police?

There are a couple of interesting stories in the latest issue of the Pink Paper. The first focuses upon one Birmingham pub that had a s Police raid in August 2007. Since then they have seen a down-turn in trade and are now considering suing the Police. They claim the raid and the conduct of the Police was homophobic. It's worth reading the full story at: http://media.millivres.co.uk/pinkpaper/PP950.pdf

New South Wales & Parental Rights

A number of news sites reported this week on the announcement of the Australian NSW government that children born through in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) to lesbian mothers will have the same rights as those of heterosexual couples.

Read the full story at: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7472.html

EU Anti-Discrimination Bill Dropped

According to EUobserver 'the European Commission has abandoned its plans to protect gays and lesbians against discrimination under pressure from Germany. An anti-discrimination bill against all forms of discrimination on the grounds laid out in Article 13 of the Amsterdam Treaty had been announced as part of the commission's work programme for 2008.

Read the full story at: http://euobserver.com/9/26023?rss_rk=1

Clinton Win

Depressing news for all those hoping for a Democrat victory in November- Hillary won Pennsylvania last night. As much as I loath the woman I have to say she seems to have been listening to advice like that which has regularly featured on this blog, for her to raise her LGBT focus. In the run up to the Pennsylvania primary she unveiled a 71 member LGBT committee comprising of:

David Adamany, John Alchin, Toeknee Bailey, Autumn Bayles, Steve Black, Dan Brooks, John Casavecchia, Troy Cassel, Colleen Cooke, Geri Delevich, Romulo L. (Romy) Diaz Jr., Julie Dickson, Steve Dorko, Brian J. Dorsey, Carl Engleke, Jim Epstein, Bill Gehrman, Renee Gilinger, Nachum Golan, Mel Heifetz, Tom Hess, Michael Hinson, Rob Hopkins, Harvey Hurdle, Joshua Jack, Michael Johnson, Marlene Kanuck, Sharyn Keiser, Brent Kintzing, Melissa Kolczynski, Carson Kressley, Chris Labonte, Kevin Lee, Steve Lucas, Brian McGuckin, Miglino, Jim Mikula, Mark Mitchell, Carl Nelson, Rev. Eva O'Diam, Jon Oriole, Randall Palmer, Eric Poal, Mindy M. Posoff, Matthew Ray, Katrina Reichert, Eric Reid, Brad Richards, Michael Rickard, Pedro J. Rivera, Keith Robinson, Sandy Santello, Martin D. Sellers, Doug Shaps, Claire Shaw, Nurit Shein, James A. Simmons, Joseph Sinkus, Michael D. Soileau, Tami Sortman, Paul Steinke, Gary A. Van Horn, Jr., JJ VanName, Brian Weiner, Michael Weiss, Frank Werner, TJ Wilson, Matthew Woodcock, Bruce Yelk, Kevin Yoder, and David A. Zwifka. (The Advocate)

It's an impressive list and throws down the gauntlet to Obama. Read the full story at: http://www.gay.com/news/article.html?2008/04/14/5

Park & Ride Arrests

The New Hampshire paper Concord Monitor in the USA has a story concerning a series of arrests for cruising. The paper reports that 'the police arrested five men. [Two]were charged with criminal trespass, indecent exposure and disorderly conduct on Friday, after officers found them engaging in oral sex near the parking lot, according to Detective Sgt. Nick Pinardi. A third man... was found watching them and was charged with criminal trespass, the police said.

[Two more men] were arrested later in the weekend and charged with criminal trespass. According to Pinardi, the police witnessed one of the men pulling his pants up when they approached the two men in the woods near the lot.'

It's interesting to note the police claim this is a response to complaints and growing amounts of litter. Essentially, people are not claiming about public sex, they are complaining about the consequences of public sex. Rather than arresting people, efforts should be focused upon encouraging people not to leave this sort of litter.

The story also points to the use of the Internet and notes the listing of this location on one cruising site. This issue has been the focus of my own research and the revelation of locations via this medium seems to be increasingly reported. I've noticed in many dogging postings (an act typically involving "straight" couples) in the UK that people are very reluctant to publicly revealing locations now leading to a debate within the cruising community as to how information can be shared effectively so as to enable encounters to still occur but not endanger cruising/dogging locations.

Read the story at: http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080422/NEWS01/804220366

If anyone wants references for my stuff on this give me a shout at chris.ashford@sunderland.ac.uk

London Mayor

Much of the UK goes to the polls next week in our local elections. In London this includes the race for mayor. The election was recently covered in The New Yorker and last Sunday, The Sunday Times did a piece following Ken Livingstone as he had a slightly odd campaigning trip to Soho in London which included going into the gay nightclub Heaven and an encounter with a Labour MP in the Gaydar club. Well you can also view a recent hustings that Stonewall organised via YouTube. Pink News have pulled them together and they can be viewed at: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-7470.html

International viewers may wish to take a seat before viewing the phenomenon that is Boris Johnson. Pink News have also put up a clip of Johnson being questioned by the Pink NeWS editor on his gay rights positions. I'm rather fond of the collective "oooo" moment. lol.



That said, I do think they are a little too harsh and seem unable to listen to his answer. Whilst Boris has made some worrying comments I think that the record of Livingstone (particularly in light of the Sunday Times piece) needs much more analysis and his positions seem out of date. The focus off the panel on section 28 is another example of gay rights campaigners dealing with the battles of twenty years ago rather than the issues that face us today.

CNN Reporter

While I've been away, Pink News has had a makeover and on their crisp new pages there is a story concerning the CNN reporter Richard Quest. If like me you've spent time in hotel rooms around the world and found yourself searching for something to watch on TV in the evening, you probably will have come across him. He presents a great travel show on CNN which is aimed as business travellers. Anyway, he's now found himself in what Pink News calls a "compromising position". On the face of it, this story is the usual sensationalist tittle tattle but it raises some interesting questions. According to the site 'Richard Quest, 46, was arrested at around 3:40 a.m. after a cop spotted him and another man inside New York's Central park, a police source said.' It adds that he was 'found with a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals.' Yet the reason he was before a Manhattan court was because he was in possession of methamphetamine.

At a hearing in Manhattan Criminal Court, Quest agreed to undergo six months of drug counseling in return for an "adjournment in contemplation of dismissal."

Yet, what is the more damaging news? Is it the offence that led to him appearing before the court (the drugs) or the story element that means it's reported on sites like Pink News (the sex)?

I for one hope this does not diminish that famous smile of Richard's and he continues to have a thriving career with CNN.

You can watch Richard doing his programme at: http://edition.cnn.com/CNNI/Programs/business.traveller/

I'm Back

Apologies for the lack of posts recently. I've just got back from vacation and will be trying to catch up on posts in the next couple of days.

N-Pride Update

I've mentioned the plans for N-Pride a couple of times on this blog. This is the new pride event for the North East. I've recently received some more info about the event and details of how to get involved for those interested. I thought it worthwhile included all the info here so here you go:

Northern Pride is a new and exciting Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender ‘not-for-profit’ festival for the North East. Representatives of the LGBT communities from across the region have come together to ensure that the North East has a Pride celebration that represents and celebrates our diversity.

The range of events being organized as part of the festival should ensure that there is something for everyone: whether you want to learn more about LGBT history or dance the night away, admire the work of LGBT artists or chill out at a Pink Picnic.

What’s more, on Saturday 12th July Northern Pride will be organizing the North East’s first Pride Parade to include floats. The Parade is open to the whole LGBT community and our friends so get the glad rags out and get painting those banners as we take over Newcastle city centre.

The Parade will end at Leazes Park where the Pink Picnic will kick off at 1pm. This will be a relaxed affair with lots of activities to take part in. Young people and families with children will have lots to do when the Play and Youth bus rolls up. Whether you want to try your hands on the DJ decks or get your face painted there will be suitable activities whatever your age. The sporty among us will be represented too, with football and rugby teams showing us how it’s done. For those of us who haven’t played sport since school there will be an opportunity to take part in relaxed and informal ‘taster’ sessions. There will be lots more besides: with information stalls, music and much more to be confirmed. Of course, if that all sounds a bit energetic for a Saturday you could just pack a picnic, chill out and watch the world go by!

Remember, this is your Northern Pride, managed and run by LGBT people from across the region so come along and get involved to show the wider community that we are here and proud.
How to get involved

There are lots of ways to get involved. Please contact us if:
You or your organisation would like to participate in the Pride Parade
Your organisation would like an information stall at the Pink Picnic
You would like to volunteer to be a steward on the day
You would like to sponsor the event or make a donation.

The Pride committee can be contacted c/o Sian Broadhurst, LGB Community Development worker, at either sian.broadhurst@newcastle.gov.uk or 0191 262 1649.

Queer Pedagogy Blog

Apologies for not updating this blog for a while. To kick start my updates, here is a queer pedagogy blog that James Sheldon set up. It's a pretty useful resource but needs more updating. View it at: http://voyager640.livejournal.com/tag/queer+pedagogy

F***ing Obama!

Some of you may have read the post last month on 'F***ing Ben Affleck' (if not, read it here). Well now a lovely person has come up with the fabulous 'F***ing Obama' video. OK, tenuous link to law and sexuality but it is Friday.

Federal Defense of Gay Rights?

Hillary Clinton may have been under fire for her remarks concerning her, well not actually being under fire in Bosnia several years ago but in true Clinton style she's pulled another policy out of the fire in a bid to move the story on. In an interview with Philadelphia Gay News (surely not a State about to have primary??!) Clinton said that 'as president she would defend gay rights and eliminate disparities for same-sex couples in federal law, including immigration and tax policy'. She also promised to repeal the policy of 'don't ask, don't tell' (introduced by her husband). As much as I can't stand this woman and like I suspect many in Europe, hope for a Obama candidacy his refusal to give an interview to this publication seems a mistake. He also needs to now come out with some very clear statements on LGBT issues. Of course, he does have the advantage that Clinton now has a huge question mark over everything she says - does she really mean it? Would she say anything to be President?



Yes I do love the terrorist under a tank scene. lol.

A little miracle?

Thomas Beatie, the transsexual at the centre of the 'pregnant man' story (see my earlier post here) has continued to be in the headlines this week. Not least for appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday in the States.

You can view a clip from the show on the Oprah website and another shorter clip on the BBC news website here. I was really struck that the Oprah player has a caption saying 'Is it a boy or a girl?' and that Beatie refers to 'she' and 'her' has their baby. Is it only me who finds ironic that such a conventional and conservative view of gender is being used in this pretty extraordinary circumstance? That certainly isn't a criticism of Beatie. Unlike O'Reily on Fox News who called this a 'freak show' last night, I think it's an amazing and wonderful thing. He also expressed concerns about a 13 year old viewing this interview. I think a 13 year old should watch this interview and should have a broader more thoughtful understanding of gender and sexuality.

This story also, at least for me, brings back the issues of maternal and paternal definitions within the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill currently before Parliament (see my earlier post here). I only wish some MP would raise these transgender issues in Parliament in the context of the Bill as it raises some very real questions about the limitations and appropriateness of the proposed definitions.

Pride Events

The latest LGBT History Month newsletter draws attention to the range of summer activities/pride events that will be taking place in the next three months or so. The massive list highlights just how many areas now have Pride events. I thought it would be useful to replicate that info so here it is:

17-18 May 2008
Blackpool Gay Pride


Thursday 17 May 2008
International Day Against Homophobia - IDAHO

9-25 May 2008
Queer Up North - Greater Manchester


24-25 May 2008
Birmingham Gay Pride

23-25 May 2008
Bear Pride


Saturday 7 June 2008
Scottish Borders LGBT Pride Barbeque

Saturday 7 June 2008
Plymouth Gay Pride


Saturday 7 June 2008
South Yorkshire Pride - Sheffield

Saturday 5 July 2008
Pride London - Parade and rally


Saturday 5 July 2008
Rainbow Fest - Aberdeen

11-13 July 2008
Bourne Free - Bournemouth


Saturday 12 July 2008
Oxford Gay Pride

Saturday 12 July 2008
N-Pride - Newcastle-upon-Tyne

19-20 July 2008
Lincolnshire Gay Pride

25 July - 3 August 2008
EuroPride in STOCKHOLM - Sweden


26 July - 3 August 2008
Brighton and Hove Gay Pride - Festival

26 July - 2 August 2008
Belfast Gay Pride


Saturday 26 July 2008
Thanet Pride

Saturday 26 July 2008
Nottingham Pride


Saturday 2 August 2008
Brighton and Hove Gay Pride - Parade and park party

Sunday 3 August 2008
Pride in our City - Leeds


7-10 August 2008
Reykjavik Gay Pride - Iceland

Saturday 9 August 2008
Gloucestershire Rainbow Day


Saturday 9 August 2008
Hull Pride

Sunday 10 August 2008
Wakefield Pride


Saturday 16 August 2008
UK Black Pride - London

Sunday 17 August 2008
Doncaster Pride


15 - 25 August 2008
Manchester Gay Pride - Festival

21-24 August 2008 - Parade on 23 August
North West of Ireland LGBT Pride - Sligo


Saturday 23 August 2008
Manchester Gay Pride - Parade

Saturday 23 August 2008
Cornwall Gay Pride - Beach picnic Day


Saturday 30 August 2008
Reading Gay Pride

Saturday 30 August 2008
Pride Glasgow


11-14 September 2008
www.derbygoespink.com/
Pride Derby

26-28 September
SuperGay weekender - Middlesbrough


23-26 October 2008
York Lesbian Arts Festival

New Resource: Gay Liberation Front

Independent scholar, John Lauritson has added these brilliant links to his website on the Gay Liberation Front. Well worth a look: http://paganpressbooks.com/jpl/GLF.HTM

Naked Swim Protest

For some inexplicable reason I felt the need to have a look at the Manchester Evening News tonight (the local paper for Manchester). On their webpage was a story concerning Levenshulme (an inner suburb in Manchester) and their public swimming baths. They report that over the past nine months the pool has been hired out on a Thursday evening for private naturist group Naked Swim. The group is for gay men and they use a private pool at the baths and make use of the sauna (again only they have access).

Local mothers have now found out about the group (despite them using it since last summer) and are concerned that their children are having swimming lessons in a pool that adults are naked (albeit at a completely different time). The parents claim their concerns are around hygiene but the pool management have dismissed that. You can read the story here.