Essay 252

Working on Sunday with MultiCultClassics Minutes…

• Gay marriages are definitely not welcome in the United Arab Emirates. 22 gay Arab men staging a marriage ceremony were arrested in Dubai, and the ultimate punishments could include hormone treatment, five years in prison and a lashing. Don’t look for Elton John to be visiting there anytime soon.

• The Vatican dumped a Brazilian singer who was scheduled to perform at the annual Christmas concert in Italy, citing the singer’s involvement in an anti-AIDS campaign. Singer Daniela Mercury promoted the use of condoms in TV commercials, which the Vatican felt went “against the moral doctrine of the church.” Not exactly clear on “the moral doctrine of the church” these days. Surely there are bigger moral issues to address in the Vatican.

• Add Jamie Foxx to the list of celebrities publicly pleading for clemency in the case of Crips co-founder Stanley Tookie Williams. Williams is scheduled for execution on December 13, although California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has agreed to a December 8 private hearing with the convicted murderer’s lawyers. Other celebrities supporting clemency include Snoop Dogg, Desmond Tutu, Jesse Jackson, Bianca Jagger, Lynn Whitfield, Bonnie Raitt, Russell Crowe and Mike Farrell. Although Mike Farrell’s celebrity status is questionable.

• The Los Angeles Times Current Commentary section focuses on Planet Hip-Hop, featuring articles, audio tracks and more. Check it out at latimes.com or simply click on the essay title now.