Question Earthority!

“Gerry E. Studds, who championed environmental, maritime, and fisheries issues during 24 years in the US House of Representatives and lent an eloquent voice to health and human rights matters, died early yesterday. First elected in 1972, Studds entered politics as part of a generation emboldened by its opposition to the Vietnam War and turned his focus in Congress to issues close to the hearts of his constituents. A Democrat, Studds had been reelected five times when in 1983 he became the first member of Congress to openly acknowledge he was gay. Subsequently he became the first openly gay candidate elected to Congress and was re elected five more times … representing the 10th Congressional District, which includes New Bedford, the South Shore, Cape Cod and the Islands.” (10/15/06)