Jul 13, 2007   | COMMENTS     

D.C. Metropolitan Police Sgt. Brett Parson is recovering after undergoing surgery to remove a tumor from one lung. Parson, a former commander of the District’s Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit, had a typical carcinoid tumor in the upper lobe of his right lung. The lobe was removed July 3 during a lengthy but successful surgery. “Brett’s surgery went fine,” said Chris Grasso, Parson’s partner, last week. “He is in the ICU for a day or so, then will be in a regular hospital room for another two to nine days.” The American Cancer Society describes typical carcinoid tumor as a mild form of cancer. About 1,700 newly diagnosed cases are reported annually in the U.S. Patients have a 95 percent survival rate five years after diagnosis. Grasso said Parson’s rehabilitation “is basically a full-time job,” but a good recovery is expected. “Right now, he is doing breathing exercises every hour that he is awake and they are getting him up and out of bed to walk as much as possible,” Grasso said. “This is to help make sure his lungs stay clear and heal properly.” Parson previously told the Blade the tumor was found during a routine checkup. He is not a smoker.

The Gay & Lesbian Liaison Unit has noted that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors. The organization assists surviving families of officers killed in the line of duty.

Donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 31549, Washington, D.C. 20030. More information about the organization is available online at www.dc-cops.org.

JOSHUA LYNSEN

Maryland curriculum battle
could move to federal court

The legal battle over a Maryland school district’s gay-inclusive sex education curriculum could move to federal court. A leading opponent of the Montgomery County Public Schools lessons, which were approved last week by state officials, said he’s asked three national law firms to help him keep fighting. John Garza, an attorney and president of Citizens for a Responsible Curriculum, said he and other lesson opponents have appealed to the conservative Liberty Counsel and other firms for help. He declined to name the other firms. “We’re still waiting for a positive response from two or three national law firms to see whether or not they’re willing to help us,” he said. “So far, we haven’t heard one way or the other from any of them.” Garza said if the firms accept the case, it would likely move to federal court, because a circuit court appeal of the state’s ruling must be filed within 30 days. “I don’t think we’re going to get it together in 30 days, quite frankly,” he said. “So I would say federal court is the way we’re going to go.” The lessons, titled “Respect for Differences in Human Sexuality,” explain concepts such as sexual identity and orientation using nonjudgmental language. The curriculum is slated for use in Montgomery County classrooms this fall. Christine Grewell of Teach the Facts, a coalition of curriculum supporters, said she hoped curriculum opponents “would be gracious enough to admit defeat and move on.” She noted state officials ruled July 3 that the legal challenges filed by Garza and others were unfounded. “I guess they can keep trying, but at what expense?” Grewell said. “It seems to me that it’s time for them to accept the ruling.”

JOSHUA LYNSEN

Theft of PFLAG chapter’s
banner treated as bias crime

A large banner belonging to the Columbia, Md., and Howard County chapter of Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians & Gays has been stolen. Rob Lance, a member of chapter’s steering committee, said the banner was torn from the back of the group’s Columbia City Fair booth sometime late June 29 or early June 30. The theft is being treated by Howard County Police as a bias crime. “The banner was not just taken, it was ripped off its mounting,” he said. “I checked with other exhibitors nearby who had banners and none had any stolen.” Colette Roberts, the chapter’s chair, said she was surprised by the crime. “This is a very welcoming community, and I’m shocked that our chapter would be the victim of such an act,” she said. “Apparently, we still have work to do.”

Roberts said the 24-square-foot banner, which displays the chapter name in purple lettering, was purchased 10 years ago. It was routinely used at booths and in parades, ...