The nominations are in – so now it’s time for you to decide whether bad-boy radio host Kyle Sandilands, NSW MP Fred Nile, PM Kevin Rudd, Federal Liberal Leader Tony Abbott, Prince Harry or a variety of other gaffe-prone talking heads are worthy of an embarrassing new award.

The spotlight has been put on a wide variety of homophobic gaffes as voting opens in the inaugural GLORIA’s – Gay & Lesbian, Outrageous, Ridiculous & Ignorant comment Awards.

Organiser NSW Labor MLC Penny Sharpe [pictured] says the new, fun event shines a light on the unfortunate comments made about our GLBTI citizens every day.

Forty nominations in seven categories – law, media, online/miscellaneous, politics, religion, sport and the silliest comment from within the GLBTI community – have been received.

“I am thrilled with the response. We have received nominations from around the world. I encourage everyone to go to the website and vote for the comments that you believe deserve to win a GLORIA in 2010.”

Also nominated are remarks from TV presenter Eddie Maguire, a former NATO commander, a cardinal and a variety of ‘pro’ family groups.

The winners in each category will be decided an online voting process. Voting continues right up until the awards night on Monday 17 May (the International Day Against Homophobia). The winners in each category will be announced at the awards dinner by author and journalist David Marr at NSW Parliament House.

There will be a penultimate prize, the Golden GLORIA, for the worst comment of the year. The Golden GLORIA will be decided by those attending the dinner via a ‘boo off’.

“Tickets are selling fast for the awards night. If you are planning on coming along, book your ticket now.” says Sharpe.

To cast your vote, visit the GLORIA’s website.