While there were four applicants for the new TLD string .gay only one of them did so as a “community” application. Under ICANN’s established processes for new TLD applications a “community” application is treated differently to a “standard” one and follows a different set of rules.
As has been covered in depth elsewhere, the community application for .gay failed to pass the original test – the Community Priority Evaluation (CPE).
Today ICANN has published the determination of the Board Governance Committee. It’s a fairly long and detailed response which is quite fascinating on many levels. It’s also full of plenty of acronyms, footnotes and more ..
Short version – the applicant wins the right to have their application reconsidered on the basis of what might be seen to be a technicality. They have, however, no guarantee that they will actually prevail.
If they do not prevail in the new review (CPE) then they’re back in contention with 3 other applicants with deep pockets.
Here’s the full document:
determination-dotgay-20jan15-en
And Kevin has already posted his analysis of it.
A bit of drama in the run up to the next ICANN meeting in Singapore ?
