Giuliani forms presidential panel

Former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani, a moderate Republican best known for his stewardship of the city after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, has taken the first step in a 2008 presidential bid.

The former mayor filed papers to create the Rudy Giuliani Presidential Exploratory Committee Inc., establishing a New York-based panel that would allow him to raise money to explore a White House run and travel the country.

“Mayor Giuliani has not made a decision yet,” spokeswoman Sunny Mindel said Monday night. “With the filing of this document, we have taken the necessary legal steps so an organization can be put in place and money can be raised to explore a possible presidential run in 2008.”

MIAMI

Prosecutors claim Padilla not tortured

Federal prosecutors on Monday denied claims by suspected al-Qaida operative Jose Padilla that he was tortured during his 3 1/2 years in military custody as an enemy combatant.

In papers filed in federal court, prosecutors said Padilla provided no evidence to back up his claims and urged that the case against him not be dismissed based on his allegations. They insisted that Padilla was treated humanely while in a Navy brig in South Carolina.

“Padilla’s conditions of confinement were humane and designed to ensure his safety and security,” the government said in its filing. “His basic needs were met in a conscientious manner.”

MADISON, Wis.

Widows sue over Wiccan symbol

The widows of two Wiccan combat veterans sued the government Monday, saying the military has dragged its feet on allowing the religion’s symbols on headstones.

The Department of Veterans Affairs allows military families to choose any of 38 authorized headstone images. The list includes commonly recognized symbols for Christianity, Buddhism, Islam and Judaism, as well as those for smaller religions such as Sufism Reoriented, Eckiankar and the Japanese faith Seicho-No-Ie.

The Wiccan pentacle, a five-pointed star surrounded by a circle, is not on the list, an omission the widows say is unconstitutional.

SAN JOSE, Calif.

Groups appeal ban on gay marriage

Gay rights advocates Monday asked the California Supreme Court to consider a legal challenge to the state’s ban on same-sex marriage.

In briefs filed with the state’s high court, various civil rights organizations argued that barring gay couples from marrying violates the California constitution and should be addressed immediately by the justices.

“We certainly hope they’ll take it,” said Shannon Minter, legal director for the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “Given the importance of the issue, it’s likely that they will. I’m very optimistic they will do the right thing for our couples.”

A divided state appeals court last month upheld a California law that restricts marriage to a union between a man and a woman, concluding that it is up to voters or the legislature – not judges – to change the law .