In the April 10 court ruling, a judge decided that while San Francisco had the right to have such a policy in cases where the city is a consumer, it cannot demand certain employee benefits from companies in cases where the city acts as regulator, such as is the case at the airport.

United Airlines claimed that the suit, brought by United Airlines and other members of the Air Transportation Association (ATA), had nothing to do with trying to evade providing equal benefits to gay employees, but rather had to do with corporate rights in interstate commerce.

"United's intentions on domestic partners should become clearer in the weeks following the ruling," said United With Pride Executive Director Nick Morse, adding, "United should take the lead among airlines to correct these discriminatory practices for all its employees." For more information, contact Nick Morse (United With Pride) at (415) 908-6776.

AMERICA FALLS IN LOVE WITH THE OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION

This past weekend, the low-budget studio-produced romantic comedy The Object of My Affection opened a strong second at the box office, grossing an estimated $10 million.

The film explores the friendship between Nina Borowski (Jennifer Aniston) and George Hansen (Paul Rudd), a gay teacher. "The early success of Object reconfirms that Americans not only accept, but embrace accurate depictions of lesbians and gay men," said Chastity Bono, GLAAD Entertainment Media Director. "Hollywood is finally reaping the rewards of non-stereotypical portrayals of gay people in a number of films.=20 Not only are these films receiving critical acclaim, but they make for good box office."

Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) at www.glaad.org.