Massachusetts
church wins right to hang pro-gay banner

After a weeks-long struggle with City Hall, a historic church in Massachusetts has finally been given the go-ahead to unveil a 34-foot banner supporting same-sex marriage. Last month Quincy's Historical District Commission rejected the United First Parish Church's application to display the banner, saying it would create what commissioners called a "circus atmosphere." But the gay newspaper Bay Windows reported that city officials dropped their objections after receiving a letter from the American Civil Liberties Union and the church struck a deal with the city's building department, agreeing to hang the giant banner for 60 days instead of the 90 originally requested. On Wednesday the Historical District Commission fell in line and gave its formal approval. The banner, which reads, "People of Faith for Marriage Equality," will be up by the end of this week and will be dedicated after church services on Sunday. (Sirius OutQ News)