The State of California will commence celebration of Harvey Milk Day on May 22nd, which would have been Milk’s 80th birthday, had he lived. Milk is remembered for his historic campaign to become San Francisco’s first openly gay City Supervisor. He was assassinated inside City Hall on November 27, 1978 by Dan White, along with Mayor George Moscone.
Anti-gay activist, Ken Mettler, is pressuring the Kern High School District to pass a resolution banning commemoration for Harvey Milk. According to Mettler, “Harvey Milk does not rise to the level of a special day of recognition.” Mettler was active in the fight against gay marriage in California and served as Kern County chairman for Yes on Prop. 8 – Protect Traditional Marriage. That should give you an idea of his rationale.
In 2009, Harvey Milk was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. A biographical film of his life, titled ‘Milk‘ was released in 2008. Milk was portrayed by actor Sean Penn.
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copyright 2010 Irene C. Olszewski
Connecticut Lesbian and Gay Law 