Racist/Homophobic NC State Senator Refuses to Meet Constituents

North Carolina State Senator Jim Forrester (R-Gaston) has a history of anti-gay and anti-POC statements and actions. His first order of business for the past six years has been filing an amendment to ban same-sex marriage.

He has made anti-gay and anti-black remarks such as:

"Slick city lawyers and homosexual lobbies and African American lobbies are running Raleigh"

A local chapter of the LGBT advocacy group Parents and Friends of Lesbians & Gays(PFLAG) wanted to have a face to face meeting with the senator but he is rejecting that invitation.

"I doubt I will go to the meeting, but I appreciate the invitation anyhow," Forrester said. "I don't think it would be a constructive meeting. I think it would just increase animosity toward me, and I don't want that" (Pam's Houseblend).

Demand that Senator Forrester meet with his diverse constituency. He represents LGBT and African American populations and must do the job he was elected to do.

James Forrester
Email: James.Forrester@ncleg.net
District: 41
Counties Represented: Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln

NC Senate
16 W. Jones Street, Room 1129
Raleigh, NC 27601-2808
(919) 715-3050

BBC News Pseudo Apologizes for Homophobic Poll

12/18/09: From the Director of BBC World Service:

"The original headline on our website was, in hindsight, too stark. We apologise for any offence it caused. But it's important that this does not detract from what is a crucial debate for Africans and the international community.

The programme was a legitimate and responsible attempt to support a challenging discussion about proposed legislation that advocates the death penalty for those who undertake certain homosexual activities in Uganda - an important issue where the BBC can provide a platform for debate that otherwise would not exist across the continent and beyond"

The BBC does not understand that the nature of this poll is not only offensive, but provides a platform for homophobic and violent attitudes.

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12/16/09: The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is the subject of controversy over their latest 'Have Your Say' section asking "should homosexuals should face execution?"

The site discusses how Uganda is debating the death penalty for homosexuals, and asks users to weigh in.

Naturally this has brought up many intensely homophobic and some violent commentary. This is not a 'debate' to be had, and since it incites hatred and violence against LGBT people, this is totally unacceptable. The BBC has a rule against users leaving homophobic comments, yet many remain on the forum.

Voice your concerns with the BBC complaint form.