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Paris named host for 2018 Gay Games

candy — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 15:15:16 +0000

BY LOU CHIBBARO, JR.
Washington Blade

The Federation of Gay Games announced on Monday that it has selected Paris, France as the site for its 2018 quadrennial international sports competition — Gay Games X — that’s expected to attract more than 10,000 spectators and athletes.

The announcement came at a ceremony in Cleveland, Ohio, which is the site for Gay Games IX set for Aug. 9-16, 2014. Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, a strong backer of Cleveland’s winning bid for the games four years ago, was given the honor of making the announcement.

A statement released by the FGG says the organization’s board of directors and international delegates representing LGBT sports groups from countries throughout the world voted Monday to select Paris as the host city following a lengthy process of reviewing bids from five cities.

Anti-gay marriage rally in Paris draws 350,000

Sidney — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 16:00:35 +0000

Protesters gather in Paris to oppose same-sex marriage

BY MICHAEL K. LAVERS
Washington Blade

More than 350,000 people marched through the streets of Paris last Sunday to protest the French government’s proposal that would extend marriage and adoption rights to same-sex couples.

The Roman Catholic Church, Jewish and Muslim groups and right wing political parties endorsed the three separate marches spearheaded by comedian Frigide Barjot that converged near the Eiffel Tower. Same-sex marriage opponents traveled from across the country to attend what Charles Roncier, a gay blogger who is an assistant editor-in-chief for the website VIH.org, told the Washington Blade from the French capital that Sunday’s demonstration that organizers claim drew more than 1 million people was the largest against the proposal that “we’ve seen so far.”

The country’s lawmakers are expected to begin debate on the proposal on Jan. 29. Even though President François Hollande’s Socialist Party controls both chambers of the French Parliament, Roncier said he expects a lengthy debate.

American Apparel gives away ‘Legalize Gay’ shirts

candy — Sat, 15 Dec 2012 12:42:26 +0000

BY THE SEATTLE LESBIAN

American Apparel, the vertically integrated clothing manufacturer based in downtown Los Angeles, is launching an initiative to support gay marriage in France. At the request of its French employees who have been eagerly following the country’s efforts to legalize gay marriage, American Apparel will be giving away 10,000 Legalize Gay shirts in its stores and on the streets of Paris.

Despite support from French President Francois Hollande, progress towards the full legalization of gay marriage has faced tough opposition from religious and political groups. Recently, conservative organizations have sponsored petitions against gay marriage and proposed various exemptions in an effort to undermine potential bills. Though polls currently show that a majority supports the passing of gay marriage laws, these numbers have declined in light of strenuous campaigning from opposing groups.

Paris to go dark at night to save energy

candy — Tue, 11 Dec 2012 08:55:27 +0000

BY KRISTINA CHEW
Care2.com

In a bid to make France more energy efficient, lights outside public buildings, shops and offices in Paris are to be turned off between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. starting next July. But merchants are aghast at the new regulation to turn off the lights on Paris’ famed Champs des Élysées and are claiming that the French government is being “insensitive” to the city’s reputation as the no. 1 tourist destination in the world.

81.4 million people visited France last year, with thousands visiting Paris for the moon- and electricity-lit promenades in its famous streets and over the Pont des Arts. Claude Boulle, head of Paris’ City Centre Merchants Association, goes so far as to say that turning off the lights at night will reduce the city’s allure as a shopping destination, saying that “We’re becoming a museum, falling asleep after sunset.”