| Firefighters disciplined over gay pride snub
Nine Scottish firefighters who refused to hand out safety leaflets at a gay pride event were today ordered to undergo "intensive" diversity training. Some of the officers, from Cowcaddens fire station, in Glasgow, argued that it would have been "embarrassing" for them to attend the Pride Scotia festival, which took place in June, in uniform. Others claimed that taking part in the event would have contradicted their moral beliefs. However, managers at Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said the officers' refusal to distribute leaflets containing advice on fire prevention was "a fundamental breach of one of their core responsibilities". .
Gay pride week kicks off Sunday with a blessing
The Jersey City Lesbian and Gay Outreach, Inc. and Grace Church Van Vorst will kick off Jersey City Pride Week Sunday by hosting a ceremonial blessing ceremony for same-sex couples. The Rev. Gregory Perez will conduct the service, which will consist of hymns, songs of praise, scriptural and non-scriptural readings, prayer and a special blessing of relationships. Lesbian and Gay couples, their families and friends are all invited to the blessing. Jersey City Pride Week will culminate with the Jersey City Pride Festival on Aug. 26 from noon to 8 p.m. at Exchange Place. For more information, visit www.jclgo.org or www.gracevanvorst.org or call Grace Van Vorst Church at (201) 659-2211, ext. 4. PATRICK VILLANOVA .
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