Good news for transsexuals and transvestites

SAN FRANCISO: San Francisco Mayor Frank Jordan signed Into law on Friday a city measure barring discrimination against transsexuals and transvestites, reports Reuter

Several other cities have similar laws but San Francisco s Is the toughest in the nation

It prohibits discrimination based on gender Identity In employment and housing. Companies breaking the law could be banned from city contracts.

San Francisco now Joins the ranks of Minneapolis. Seattle and Santa Cruz (California) In taking steps to eliminate discrimination based on gender identity, Jordan said in a statement.

If discrimination Is tolerated against one group it becomes acceptable against others and devalues the quality of life In any community he said

The measure sponsored by Supervisor Terrence Hallinan, was unanimously passed by San Francise s governing Board of Supervisor, on December 19

Michael Fay beats Clinton as top newsmaker !

SINGAPORE: Michael Fay. the American teenager who was caned for vandalism, has been voted the top newsmaker tn Singapore for the year, beating US President Bill Clinton who came in fifth reports Reuter

The Straits Times newspaper yesterday published the results of a poll of 19.770 readers. A cash pn^e was awarded to the reader who picked the top five newsmakers from a list of 10 candidates.

Fay grabbed more than 80 per cent of the votes, the

Other top five newsmaker* Included fourth ranked Ashaari Muhammad, leader of the banned Malaysian Islamic sect Al Arqam and second ranked Michael Vana. the Czech soccer player charged with match-fixing tn Singapore, who Jumped ball and fled to Prague

The last name In the top five was Alan Yeo. chairman of beverage conglomerate Yeo Hlap Seng, who faced fierce boardroom battles during the year.

Other candidates who. failed to make It to the top five Included British Prime Minister John Major and Roberto Baggio, the Italian soccer player who missed a crucial penalty kick In this year's world cup final. <