TotallyOz

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 14 South Africa's Parliament overwhelmingly voted today to legalize same-sex marriages, making the nation the first in Africa and the fifth in the world to remove legal barriers to gay and lesbian unions, according to activists. The legislature voted after the nation's highest court ruled that South Africa's marriages statutes violated the constitution's guarantee of equal rights. The court gave the government a year to amend the legal definition of marriage. That deadline expires in two weeks. Melanie Judge, program manager for OUT, a gay rights advocacy group, noted that the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain and Canada were the only other countries to allow same-sex marriages nationwide. In most African nations, she said, homosexuality is still treated as a crime. Some penalties are stiffer than those for rape or murder.. Ms. Judge credited South Africa's liberal constitution with forcing change. "This has been a litmus test of our constitutional values," she said in a telephone interview. "What does equality really mean? What does it look like? Equality does not exist on a sliding scale." Religious groups and traditional leaders strenuously opposed the measure, arguing that if necessary the constitution should be amended to outlaw same-sex unions. But the ruling African National Congress virtually demanded that lawmakers support the bill. Despite deep divisions within the party, the measure passed 230 to 41. It must now be approved by the Council of Provinces, a quasi-federal chamber, and be signed the president to become law. Vytjie Mentor, the party's caucus chairman, told the South African newspaper The Sunday Independent earlier this month that he expected legislators belonging to the African National Congress to vote for the measure, regardless of their personal views. There is 'no such thing as a free vote or a vote of conscience,' he said. "How do you give someone permission to discriminate in the name of the A.N.C.? How do you allow for someone to vote against the constitution and the policies of the A.N.C., which is anti-discrimination?" The new law allows both heterosexual and same-sex couples to register their unions either as marriages or civil partnerships. But in a concession to critics, it also allows civil officers to refuse to marry same-sex couples on the basis on conscience. Ms. Judge, the gay rights advocate, predicted that provision will be challenged in court. "We can't be in the situation where civil officers can decide who they want to marry and who they don't want to marry," she said. "They aren't able to refuse to marry a black person and a white person. This is unconstitutional." http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/world/af...nyt&emc=rss

I agree. Lucky for you there is only one WowPow. I did once meet a WhamBam but that was ages ago.

I was at the beach today talking to a friend when he popped the question. No, he didn't ask me to marry him. He asked if I had a Thai driver's license. I said no. I asked why. He said, he was wondering with regards to health insurance. I was a little baffled. You see, our thought is that I have insurance with Traveler Jim. However, I don't have a license. If we were in a car accident and were driving would that then invalidate the claim? It seems to me that if you are driving illegally, the claim would then be denied. I do have the waiver for motorcycles and dangerous sports.

Unfortunately, I will be in Amsterdam for Thanksgiving. I like to give my thanks to the boy bars of Amsterdam (not that there are any left now.)

Another man in Pattaya with chifffron and a Phantom? You jest?

I have known many boys who live with others and things get stolen. Too often, they are unable to place blame on anyone, as it could be a number of people. I don't think keeping the money in a room that has 3-8 people is smart. But, what are the alternatives? Most of them do not save the money. They seem to spend it as it comes. It is not like they are rolling in cash like American escorts. They are paid about the same price, as a pizza at Pizza Hut with a few friends would cost. They have to pay rent, utilities, transportation and food. Regardless of what we think, they are not getting rich off of the work they do. They are able to live a much great life financially than most of the people in the country but by no stretch of the imagination are they getting rich. Most don't save up the money to buy a cell phone. Some will and some will work to get larger gifts than just cash. I had one boy who didn't want me to pay him baht but to buy him gold after every so many days or weeks. This way, he had something of value that he could use later on. Cell phones and gold are very easily stolen and sold here. I have always asked that if I have a regular that he get a bank account in HIS name and I will put money in it for him. Why? If you put money into a family members account, they sometimes take it. If you put in the boys girlfriend or ladyboys account, it also may disappear. I ask each of my guys to get their own account and if they give it to someone after that, it is up to them. I found the easiest way to get my guys money while I am away is a paypal ATM card. This is something they can use and they need the pin for anyone else to access it. I know the guys work very hard for their money and it is sad when one of their friends steal it from them. I don't have any solution other than to tell you to offer them advice if it is a regular.

I think the key is with your family. If they know and respect your wishes, tell them in detail what you want and let them carry it out. I am lucky enough to have family that knows my boyfriend in Brazil is to be taken care of. I have told them the amount I want sent to him each year. I know they will follow through with my requests. If I had any doubts, I would make other arrangements. I had one Thai boyfriend a few years back that was also to be taken care of. We ended that over 1 year ago but he was also to be taken care of. I make sure my family has a copy of the ID card, phone number, friend

I was stopped on the streets tonight and told that my report on Wild West boys may cause some of the owners in the area to get upset as I said it was located in Boyztown and technically it is located in Pattayaland. I guess I have missed something for a long time. I have often referred to all the bars on those 3 sois as Boyztown. Don

I guess I often only post the good things. Sorry. I don't post my bad experiences too often. I have never really done that on message boards. I much prefer to tell someone of a good experience I have had. No one place will suit all tastes. I know you don't like this place. I know LMTU doesn't care for Niddy's Nook. I don't care for one of LMTU's favorite places near Bordeaux and I had 2 very bad experiences there. I give you credit Hedda for trying the place again. Most won't do that.

So much has been said about the Manhattan that I got an e-mail from LMTU. He is in constant contact with about 2000 of Pattaya's residents. He has a bit of time on his hands as they seem to be free of the boys in his lap. He mentioned that many thought Manhattan was over priced for the food served. I had eaten there a few times but honestly didn't remember the exact prices. So, tonight, we took a road trip to Manhattan. First, it was me with 7 of the hottest guys in Pattaya. They were all Thai and they all love steak. When we went inside, they all were wide eyed. They said the place was beautiful. All 8 of us ordered drinks and a steak. We ordered 6 appetizers to share among the group and ordered 2 bottles of wine there were about 1500 bath each. They had cheaper wines and more expensive ones on the menu. We also had a few mixed drinks and 2 deserts. All of one of the boys ordered a larger size steak. I ordered the small one as I knew I would not be able to finish the larger one. The cost of the entire meal was 17,000 baht. This was for all the food, drinks, wine, etc. It was approximately 2100 baht a person. My steak was 900 baht. The total price also included a service charge which I am told by the owner and the waiters we chatted with that actually go to the staff. Manhattans has a staff of 45 full time employees. They have free valet parking and a free car that will pick you up. We had sparkling and still water served to us all night for free. The cheesecake was great. I highly recommend the Lobster Bisque. I have had it on 3 occasions and enjoyed it each time. As I have said before, I enjoy the place. Now for what the guys said: They all seemed to be in total agreement that the steak was the best one that have had in Pattaya. They loved the food and the place. They all ate the appetizers like they were going out of style. When we left, they all said they wanted to come back for special occasions. I don't think Manhattans is a place I can go to every week. But, for special events and an occasional treat, it is simply excellent. The owner, Tom, is hands on and the staff are very attentive. Tonight, it had 8 VERY satisfied customers. There were about 10 other tables with customers and they all seemed to be enjoying the ambiance as well.

The Party is coming soon. I hear all of Pattaya will be in attendance. Don't miss it!

I have been to both places in the past and really had a nice time. I ate one year at the Marriot and it was also enjoyable. Where are some other places in town where a nice event is held? http://amorerestaurant.com

Don't miss out on the crowing of the Mr. Pattaya Gay Festival 2006.

Last year was my first time to attend one of these events and I had a great time. I was talked into going by LMTU and was very glad that I did. The event was fun and enjoyable and a great cause. Don't miss out on one of Pattaya's biggest events of the year.

I have eaten there 15 times at least and never had a bad meal. The service is great and I think the food is excellent. The sauces are always amazing. For those that tried this place early on, give them another chance. I think this is one of Pattaya's finest.

PS In case you were looking for the stocking stuffer: http://www.liamsgallery.com/view.php?id=LG0608036&sub=works

http://www.liamsgallery.com

Yes, I know you are right. I just don't understand a bar that has boys on stage and a sour look on their face. If the ones there had at least shown some happiness, it would have been much better.

If you are TutCom and you walk out the side doors onto the street that the Flamingo Hotel is on, you will see a very small half shop hair salon. The owner is a very nice gay man who cuts hair to perfection. He used to run Gossip Hair Salon but he moved out on his own months ago. When it gets close to bar openings, many of the guys with the great hair styles go to him for a quick fix. I have had my hair cut in some of the best places in the world. (I probably had more to cut 5 years ago) This guy is great and he is very reasonable. Please go in and support him and his shop. This has been a GayThailand Public Service Announcement! (Since many on another board complained that I was doing commercial announcements, I decided to really do one here for a good guy. Just an FYI, I got nothing from this post and I paid the same price as everyone else.) Don't tell anyone, but I also tipped him 100 bath. He touched me constantly and we had a glass of water together.

Looks like I beat LMTU to some gossip. Damm, it is just too easy when he is 3k miles away. I heard a rumor last night that the owner of Wild West Boys has purchased a new place and is moving the boys to a larger facility. If this is true, that is great. This is perhaps the bar that exudes the most fun in BoyzTown. I hated to go in at show time, as I could never find a seat. Now, maybe I can sit and enjoy the show longer.

This was once my favorite bar in Pattaya. There were few nights that I didn't go there a while back. The last few times I have tried, there were very few boys on stage and the ones there had NO smile at all. What happened?

You're invited to Loulou Happy Birthday Party. Monday, November 20th, 2006. At 19:00 PM Cocktail, Free Buffet, Grilled Pork, Grilled Chicken, French Food, Thai Food 21:00 E-Saan-Concert Midnight Cake Happy Birthday LouLou

Has anyone see the VIP red baht buses running around Pattaya. They are not baht trucks. They are actual buses. The cost is 20 baht.

They do have a great collection of art for this exhibit. My 2 favorite pieces were slightly over 120,000 baht. I offered 85 but was told the prices were not negotiable. Sad. But, I had a great afternoon there and the staff is very friendly and cordial. FYI: If anyone wants to get me a Xmas gift, the Punk art piece of all the Thai guys with tongues sticking out would make a great stocking stuffer.