Monday, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed into law the Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Unions Act, legalizing civil unions for gay and lesbian couples, the Chicago Sun-Times reports. “Here we are in 2011 on the eve of Abraham Lincoln’s 202nd birthday and I think this is very special,” said Quinn, joined by 20 politicians on stage and in front of hundreds of supporters inside a packed a hall in the Chicago Cultural Center. “We believe in civil rights and we believe in civil unions.”Illinois now joins five other states and in the District of Columbia in creating state-wide laws to provide the state-level spousal rights to same sex couples similar to those offered opposite sex spousal rights. Illinois’ new law offers more than 650 spousal benefits and protections. Attorney General Lisa Madigan said of the law If you enter a civil union, you can now visit your loved one in the hospital to make medical decisions and not be turned away. You can take time off to care for your partner and not lose your job. You can build and protect your family. This legislation represents a giant step toward equality.” The law comes into effect June 1st.
Barbara Bush, one the twin daughters of George W. Bush, will break ranks with her father Tuesday in a very public way, endorsing same sex marriage, the New York Times reports the 29 year old has recorded a video calling on New York to legalize gay marriage, describing the issue as a matter of conscience and equality. “I am Barbara Bush, and I am a New Yorker for marriage equality,” she says in a brief video sponsored by the Human Rights Campaign, the gay rights advocacy group. “New York is about fairness and equality. And everyone should have the right to marry the person that they love.” As president, her father fought for a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage. Barbara Bush is the latest child of prominent Republican to promote same sex marriage, and gay rights activists point out that the generational divide is evidence that the acceptance of gay marriage is blind to party affiliations or family values.
The Denver Post on Colorado Attorney General John Suthers and his decision to sign on last week to a brief supporting the Defense of Marriage Act, which is being challenged in court in Massachusetts. The federal measure, enacted in 1996, defines marriage as that existing only between a man and a woman for the purposes of granting federal benefits, and also allows individual states to reject definitions of marriage adopted in other states. According to Suthers spokesperson Mike Saccone, that is why Colorado joined four other states in arguing that DOMA be upheld in its entirety, saying “If it will affect a Colorado constitution provision, we get involved at that point. That’s exactly the case here.” In 2006, voters in Colorado passed Amendment 43 to the state Constitution, defining marriage as that between a man and a woman. Consequently, if part of DOMA is struck down, Colorado could be made to recognize same sex marriage sanctioned by other states. One Colorado, the gay marriage equality group, condemned Suthers’ decision, Brad Clark, the Executive Director, said that attorney general’s “actions are out of touch with everyday Coloradans.
Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury, speaking Sunday in Dublin, Ireland, warned against the “demonizing” of homosexuals, the Guardian reporting that Williams was referring ostensibly about the killing of Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato, but in a larger sense about the continuing division in the Anglican communion worldwide over the ordination of openly gay bishops. Williams said Kato’s murder illustrates that “words have results” and that “You cannot go around sharing information about the identity of proposed lesbians and gay persons and urging people to ostracise them or worse ‘Hang Them’ as in the headlines of one of the Ugandan newspapers,” referencing the actions of the tabloid paper Rolling Stone published David Kato’s photograph with that headline – “Hang Them.”
Saturday, Kellan Lutz spotted out and about needed help to stand up.
E! Online.com talks to hotness Armie Hammer Sunday night at the SAG Awards about his new role opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in the Clint Eastwood-directed, Dustin Lance Black-written J. Edgar, DiCaprio in the title role, and Hammer as Clyde Tolson, Hoover’s reported lover, and that has Hammer excited. “It’s not just a kissing scene – it’s a ton of kissing scenes!”
Monday, January 31, 2011
Illinois Governor Quinn Signs Civil Unions Act Into Law, Barbara Bush Breaks With Father And Supports Same Sex Marriage, Decision By Colorado Attorney General To Support Defense Of Marriage Act Condemned By Gay Activists, Archbishop Of Canterbury Warns Of “Demonizing” Homosexuals, Kellan Lutz, Armie Hammer Really Excited To Kiss Leonardo DiCaprio
Charles Nolan, General Amos Reminds Marine Corps To “Step Out Smartly To Faithfully Implement” Repeal Of Military Ban Prohibiting Openly Gay Service Personal, Led By Broad Coalition Colorado Senator Steadman To Introduce Civil Union Legislation, Andrew Garfield Spider-Man Latex Loveliness
Charles Nolan has died. He was 53. The New York Times reports that the fashion designer and fierce Democrat, passed away at his home on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the cause was cancer of the head and neck, said Andrew Tobias, the financial writer, who was Nolan’s partner of 16 years. Nolan is credited with the expansion of mainstream American sportswear labels like Bill Blass, Ellen Tracy, and Anne Klein. While the head designer of Klein, he abruptly left to volunteer for the 2004 presidential campaign of Howard Dean, the former governor of Vermont.
Despite his previous profoundly stupid arguments against the repeal of the military policy prohibiting openly gay service personal, General John Amos, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, joined by Sergeant Major Carlton W. Kent, the Marine’s top enlisted man, appear in new video reminding the rank and file that a change in policy is arriving and that they expect them to follow the new orders, reports the Washington Post. “The Marine Corps is a diverse force, and all have earned the privilege to wear the Eagle globe and anchor,” says Kent in the video. “As Marines, we are confident you will continue to treat each other with dignity and respect. The commandant and I have trust in the great leadership of our Corps, from junior Marines to the most senior. As always, engaged leadership will be the key to implementation.” As the video continues, General Amos, who once argued that repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” could led to deadly distraction among troops, says "I want to be clear to all Marines: We will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new law. It's important that we value the diversity of background, culture and skills that all Marines bring to the service of our nation. As we implement repeal, I want leaders at all levels to reemphasize the importance of maintaining dignity and respect for one another throughout our force. We are Marines, we care for one another and respect the rights of all who wear this uniform. We will continue to demonstrate to the American people that discipline and fidelity, which have been the hallmarks of the United States Marine Corps for more than 235 years, will continue well into the future." Amos underlined his commitment to the repeal at the conclusion of the video, saying "I want to be clear to all Marines, we will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new law. It is important that we value the diversity of background, culture, and skills that all marines bring to the service of our nation."
9 News reports that state Senator Pat Steadman (Democrat-Denver) led a rally Sunday at the First Unitarian Society of Denver, Colorado to announce the introduction of legislation intent on allowing civil unions for gays and lesbians. “This is something that I think is overdue, something that will protect families and will make our laws a little more fair, and a little bit more inclusive so that everyone has the same opportunity to have economic security and stability in their family relationship,” Steadman said. The Senator is supported by a broad coalition of Coloradans – the Voices for Strong Families Coalition representing more than one half million state residents, led by One Colorado, Executive Director Brad Clark saying that “denying committed couples the security we all want and need is wrong,” and that “in these difficult economic times, legislators have a responsibility to ensure that all committed couples have the tools they need to provide for the ones they love.”
New photographs from the set of the untitled Spider-Man reboot suggest that the movie, scheduled for release the summer of 2012, is actually about lead Andrew Garfield’s latex encased butt and crotch. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Despite his previous profoundly stupid arguments against the repeal of the military policy prohibiting openly gay service personal, General John Amos, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, joined by Sergeant Major Carlton W. Kent, the Marine’s top enlisted man, appear in new video reminding the rank and file that a change in policy is arriving and that they expect them to follow the new orders, reports the Washington Post. “The Marine Corps is a diverse force, and all have earned the privilege to wear the Eagle globe and anchor,” says Kent in the video. “As Marines, we are confident you will continue to treat each other with dignity and respect. The commandant and I have trust in the great leadership of our Corps, from junior Marines to the most senior. As always, engaged leadership will be the key to implementation.” As the video continues, General Amos, who once argued that repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” could led to deadly distraction among troops, says "I want to be clear to all Marines: We will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new law. It's important that we value the diversity of background, culture and skills that all Marines bring to the service of our nation. As we implement repeal, I want leaders at all levels to reemphasize the importance of maintaining dignity and respect for one another throughout our force. We are Marines, we care for one another and respect the rights of all who wear this uniform. We will continue to demonstrate to the American people that discipline and fidelity, which have been the hallmarks of the United States Marine Corps for more than 235 years, will continue well into the future." Amos underlined his commitment to the repeal at the conclusion of the video, saying "I want to be clear to all Marines, we will step out smartly to faithfully implement this new law. It is important that we value the diversity of background, culture, and skills that all marines bring to the service of our nation."
9 News reports that state Senator Pat Steadman (Democrat-Denver) led a rally Sunday at the First Unitarian Society of Denver, Colorado to announce the introduction of legislation intent on allowing civil unions for gays and lesbians. “This is something that I think is overdue, something that will protect families and will make our laws a little more fair, and a little bit more inclusive so that everyone has the same opportunity to have economic security and stability in their family relationship,” Steadman said. The Senator is supported by a broad coalition of Coloradans – the Voices for Strong Families Coalition representing more than one half million state residents, led by One Colorado, Executive Director Brad Clark saying that “denying committed couples the security we all want and need is wrong,” and that “in these difficult economic times, legislators have a responsibility to ensure that all committed couples have the tools they need to provide for the ones they love.”
New photographs from the set of the untitled Spider-Man reboot suggest that the movie, scheduled for release the summer of 2012, is actually about lead Andrew Garfield’s latex encased butt and crotch. Not necessarily a bad thing.
Married French Father Of Two Sues GlaxoSmithKline Claiming Parkinson’s Drug Turned Him Into “Gay Sex Addict”
A 51 year old French father of three is to take GlaxoSmithKline to court Tuesday, claiming that the British pharmaceutical company’s drug designed to treat Parkinson’s disease, Requip, turned him in a gay sex and gambling addict, reports AFP. Didier Jambert, a married father of two who says he has attempted suicide three times, contends that he became addicted to Internet gambling (losing the family’s savings and turning to theft to support the habit) as well as a gay sex addict, exposing himself on the Internet, cross-dressing, and engaging in risky sexual behaviour that eventually led to him being raped, all after being prescribed the drug in 2003. The behaviour stopped in 2005 when he stopped taking the drug, however, his attorneys, say, he had been demoted in his defence ministry position and suffered from psychological trauma, a result of his addictions. He is seeking over $600,000 in damages from Glaxo, accusing the company of manufacturing a “defective” drug and from his neurologist, who he claims failed to properly inform about potential side-effects. His attorneys said that Requip was known for years to possess a number of undesired side effects, but a warning on the packaging only appeared in 2006. Glaxo has refused comment.
Toronto Police Arrest Two 21 Year Old Males After Alleged Hate Crime Attack In City’s Gay Village
Toronto police are investigating what they classified as a hate crime after 30 year old Ryan Lester was kicked in the face and called “faggot” while getting a post-bar snack at Mehran Restaurant on Church Street in the early hours of Saturday, January 22nd, reports the Star. His 24 year old brother, Ben, suffered deep bruises on his back and a broken molar. The attack arrives after reports of students from Jarvis Collegiate High School, which sits along the border of the city’s Gay Village, had been randomly hurling anti-gay slurs accompanied by slushies at residents of the community. 21 year old Eoin McManus and 21 year old Benjamin McCall, both of Toronto, have each been charged with two counts of assault and one count of criminal mischief after breaking the front window of Mehran. Toronto Police Detective Chu Chang categorized the attack as a hate crime, saying “There were homophobic slurs and other derogatory comments being made. The victims did not provoke them in any way and all of sudden they were assaulted. He added that it is the first time in his year and a half at 51 Division, he has classified a case as a hate crime. Lester says the taunts began as soon as he and his brother entered the restaurant. “I think they thought we were together and they started in with the usual homophobic slurs. It was definitely ‘faggot’ and ‘queer’ and ‘homo.’ They were laughing to themselves,” he says. Kristyn Wong-Tam, councillor of Ward 27, says that the attacks are alarming. “It could be perhaps coincidental ... but we should never take any of this lightly,” she says. She is encouraging victims to “speak up and report incidents when they take place” so that if there is an obvious problem the community can address it. “Is (the Gay Village) a safe and welcoming place? Absolutely. Do we have a rampant problem or hate crime? I don’t think so,” she said, adding “It doesn’t mean that we don’t have isolated incidents ... we can’t help unless we know.” Ryan Lester completely agrees, saying he used to ignore homophobic taunts but that since he was attacked, he has heard of other disturbing homophobic incidents. “People have told me things I can’t even believe that have happened to them in the village – that I think they just ignore too as, almost, common play.”
Scottish Cycling Champion Comes Out Revealing Struggles With Sexuality Including Two Suicide Attempts
Former world champion cyclist Graeme Obree has come out, revealing how the struggle to accept his sexuality led to two suicide attempts, reports the Press Association. The 45 year old Scottish, who broke the world one-hour distance record in 1993, tells the Scottish Sun “I was brought up thinking you’d be better dead that gay. Being homosexual was so unthinkable that you just wouldn’t be gay. I’d no inking about anything. I just closed down. People say, ‘How can you be gay and be married and have kids and not know it?’ But when I went to my psychologist she reckoned I had the emotional age of about 13 because I’d just closed down.” Obree began conversations about his sexual orientation with a therapist in 2005, coming out to his wife, from whom he is now divorced, his children, and his parents. “It did create a bit of tension,” he says of telling his parents. “My parents have to come to terms with the whole gay thing. It’s been a journey for them. It was difficult and there were lots of tears. It wasn’t easy. But the relationship with my parents has been improved by it. We talked about it and discussed things and we’re a lot happier.”
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Campus Police Officer Who Refused An Order To Remove Anti-Gay Protestors Wants To Sue University, American Idol Cast-Off Again Sues For Discrimination, The King’s Speech Big Winning Weekend, Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Shows Off New Boyfriend At SAG Awards, Novak Djokovic Shows Off Novak Djokovic
The Philadelphia Enquirer reports that a Kutztown University police officer is requesting a federal appeals court rule that he had the right to “refuse an unconstitutional order” to disperse anti-abortion and anti-gay demonstrators. Corporal Steve Armbruster says he was order to “push” off campus fifteen protesters from Repent America, an evangelical group based in Lansdowne, Pennsylvania that was being confronted by hundreds of students who were counter-demonstrating in April, 2007. Armbruster refused by both the university president and the campus chief of police, arguing it would violate the group’s civil rights and subject him to liability. He was relieved of his duties and later, suspended for five days without pay. A federal judge last year rejected the lawsuit, ruling that Armbruster refused both orders while serving in his official capacity as an officer, therefore he could not invoke his First Amendment rights. The 3rd United States Court of Appeals heard his appeal last week. Armbruster is a 20-year veteran of the campus police, and is the state head of Oath Keepers, an organization of active or retired police officers and military personal who swear not to enforce any law they consider unconstitutional. He is also running for sheriff in Carbon County.
Former American Idol contestant Ian Bernardo is again suing the producers, reports TMZ.com, the third time he has sued for discrimination. Bernardo, who appeared on the Fox reality show in the season nine finale, at which time he took the microphone from comedian Dane Cook, and lashed out at judge Simon Cowell, says the producers exploited him by asking that he “gay it up.” He originally sued for $300 million, then $100 million, and is now suing for $5 million. The case was dismissed both times on a technicality.
The actors of The King’s Speech won Best Cast in a Motion Picture at Sunday’s Screen Actors Awards, the Los Angeles Times reporting that Anthony Andrews, Helena Bonham Carter, Colin Firth, and Geoffrey Rush took the honours and, in the process, took the once thought of Academy Award underdog to Oscar front runner. The film’s director, Tom Hooper, won the Directors Guild of America award Saturday. Colin Firth won the individual acting award as did Natalie Portman for Black Swan. Melissa Leo and Christian Bale won for best supporting actress and actor, both for their work in The Fighter. Modern Family was named Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and Boardwalk Empire won Best Ensemble for a Drama Series. Betty White won Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hot in Cleveland.
At the awards, Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson appeared with his new boyfriend, the very cute 25 year old Justin Mikita, an actor and nacho cheese connoisseur, according to his Twitter bio.
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open, defeating Andy Murray, who appeared absent through most of the match, Djokovic removing most, but sadly not all, of his clothes in celebration.
Former American Idol contestant Ian Bernardo is again suing the producers, reports TMZ.com, the third time he has sued for discrimination. Bernardo, who appeared on the Fox reality show in the season nine finale, at which time he took the microphone from comedian Dane Cook, and lashed out at judge Simon Cowell, says the producers exploited him by asking that he “gay it up.” He originally sued for $300 million, then $100 million, and is now suing for $5 million. The case was dismissed both times on a technicality.
The actors of The King’s Speech won Best Cast in a Motion Picture at Sunday’s Screen Actors Awards, the Los Angeles Times reporting that Anthony Andrews, Helena Bonham Carter, Colin Firth, and Geoffrey Rush took the honours and, in the process, took the once thought of Academy Award underdog to Oscar front runner. The film’s director, Tom Hooper, won the Directors Guild of America award Saturday. Colin Firth won the individual acting award as did Natalie Portman for Black Swan. Melissa Leo and Christian Bale won for best supporting actress and actor, both for their work in The Fighter. Modern Family was named Best Ensemble in a Comedy Series, and Boardwalk Empire won Best Ensemble for a Drama Series. Betty White won Best Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for Hot in Cleveland.
At the awards, Modern Family’s Jesse Tyler Ferguson appeared with his new boyfriend, the very cute 25 year old Justin Mikita, an actor and nacho cheese connoisseur, according to his Twitter bio.
Novak Djokovic won the Australian Open, defeating Andy Murray, who appeared absent through most of the match, Djokovic removing most, but sadly not all, of his clothes in celebration.
Chick-fil-A Head Cathy Denies Company Anti-Gay: “We’re Not Anti-Anybody. Our Mission Is To Create Raving Fans”
Chick-fil-A President Dan Cathy denies (or dismisses) criticism that Atlanta, Georgia-based company is anti-gay, telling the Atlanta Journal Constitution “We’re not anti-anybody. Our mission is to create raving fans.” Cathy’s counter comes after it was disclosed that a Chick-fil-A outlet in Pennsylvania to supply food for an event in February sponsored by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, a profoundly anti-gay group that works to defeat same sex marriages initiatives. Earlier in January, Cathy appeared on the company’s Facebook page via video to argue that the Chick-fil-A sandwiches and brownies to be provided at a marriage-training event exclusively heterosexual promoted by the Pennsylvania Family Institute did not constitute an endorsement of the organization’s politics. Saturday, Cathy issued a statement saying “While my family and I believe in the Biblical definition of marriage, we love and respect anyone who disagrees.” He added that Chick-fil-A would not champion any political agendas on marriage and family, stressing that is not a change from previous practice, simply a “confirmation.” Sunday, a New York Times story wrote that “Chick-fil-A is among only a handful of large American companies with conservative religion built into its corporate ethos,” the “company’s corporate purpose is, in part, ‘to glorify God by being a faithful steward of all that is entrusted to us.’” Cathy tells the AJC operates its business on Biblical principles but that it “is not a Christian company.” Cathy does concede that hymns play above the walkways at corporate headquarters, and that contemporary Christian songs are played over the sound systems in many of its restaurants. Coupled with a longstanding tradition of closing Sundays, the portrait of a Christian company seems complete. However, he says that reports the company requires potential franchisees to discuss their church involvement are false, saying “We do not require this in our franchisee selection process nor do we require a pledge to follow Christian values for the college scholarships we provide.” He also said that the company’s charitable arm – WinShape Foundation – which has trained hundreds of wedded couples, does not specifically ban same sex couples from its marriage retreats or training, but added that the curriculum is designed for heterosexual couples. Asked by the AJC if he would like the company to be news for other things, Cathy said “It’s been a really great thing for us. We intend to stay the course. It’s served us well. We don’t mind being in the news for this.”
Will Ugandan Gay Rights Activist David Kato’s Murder Be A Catalyst For Change, Remembering David Kato
Reuters reports on the early days following the killing of Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato, suggesting that his death has prompted reflection on the country’s climate of profound anti-gay hate. The police continue to define the murder as a robbery gone awry, although given that Kato’s computer was left untouched, that argument appears fallacious at best. As a consequence, there are rumours of a police cover-up, guided by the government, concerned that targeted violence will jeopardize Western aid. On Friday, Alan Kasujja, the host of a breakfast radio program in the capital city of Kampala, urged Ugandans to reject homophobia, and focus on more pressing issues. “I have tons of friends who are gay,” he said. “These are people who I have gone to school with, who I have worked with. They are our brothers and sisters, our children. So am I supposed to join ill-informed, undereducated people who advocate for them to be ostracized? Sorry, I cannot be a part of that.” Alan said his listeners were divided over whether David Kato was the victim of hate or of robbery, adding that a number of listeners texted, telling him to stop promoting “deviants.” In stark contrast to Kasujja’s radio program, there was coverage of Kato’s killing by Kampala’s Red Pepper paper, which headlined the story “Self-Confessed Bum Driller Murdered” and arguing that Kato had been “luring” men into gay sex. Two gay Ugandan men, who read the Red Pepper story, seemed resigned to the culture of ignorance, one saying “This is what we have to deal with day-to-day,” adding “But I listened to the radio this morning and I read Twitter yesterday and I felt some hope. Maybe this is so awful, it can change things.”
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Gettleman, a reporter for the New York Times remembers meeting David Kato for the first time, “a small man with thick glassed and thin wrist. He said police officers had broken and cracked him in the nose after he held Uganda’s first gay rights news conference several years ago. He talked fast, constantly scanning the darkness. He struck me as clearly brave and deeply frightened.” Gettleman underlines that David Kato lived in a post-March, 2009 Uganda, after the American evangelicals toured, talking about “the gay agenda – that whole hidden and dark agenda,” and to assert that gay men often sodomize teenage boys, thereby demonizing homosexuals and homosexuality. One of those evangelicals, Don Shcmierer, called Kato’s murder “horrible” and said that “Naturally, I don’t want anyone killed, but I don’t feel I had anything to do with that,” adding “I don’t spread hate.”
Meanwhile, Jeffrey Gettleman, a reporter for the New York Times remembers meeting David Kato for the first time, “a small man with thick glassed and thin wrist. He said police officers had broken and cracked him in the nose after he held Uganda’s first gay rights news conference several years ago. He talked fast, constantly scanning the darkness. He struck me as clearly brave and deeply frightened.” Gettleman underlines that David Kato lived in a post-March, 2009 Uganda, after the American evangelicals toured, talking about “the gay agenda – that whole hidden and dark agenda,” and to assert that gay men often sodomize teenage boys, thereby demonizing homosexuals and homosexuality. One of those evangelicals, Don Shcmierer, called Kato’s murder “horrible” and said that “Naturally, I don’t want anyone killed, but I don’t feel I had anything to do with that,” adding “I don’t spread hate.”
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Gay Asylum Applicants In United States Face New Obstacle, Hope College Revises Its Institutional Statement On Homosexuality Except It Doesn’t, Jonathan Knight Officially Comes Out (With Explanation Points Aplenty), Jonathan Groff, Jay Cutler
The New York Times reports on a disturbing new obstacle for gays seeking asylum in the United States: applicants being dismissed as being not gay enough. “Judges and immigrations officials are adding a new hurdle in gay asylum cases that an applicant’s homosexuality must be socially visible,” said Lori Adams, a lawyer at Human Rights First, a non-profit group, who advises people seeking asylum based on sexuality. “The rationale is that if you don’t look obviously gay, you can go home and hide your sexuality and don’t need to be worried about being persecuted.”
The Holland Sentinel on changes made on Hope College, the Michigan-based private Christian college’s Board of Trustees Friday announcing a new statement on Human Sexuality, replacing a now 16 year old Institutional Statement on Homosexuality, adopting in 1995. The action arrives after an unsuccessful attempt to hold a public address on campus by Dustin Lance Black that was to be preceded by a screening of Milk. The new policy is actually not an improvement on the old, the Position on Human Sexuality reading in part that “This biblical witness calls us to life of chastity among the unmarried and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman ... Accordingly Hope College will not recognize or support campus groups whose aim by statement, practice, or intimation is to promote a vision of human sexuality that is contrary to this understanding of biblical teaching.”
Jonathan Knight has officially come out, Pink is the New Blog reporting that after Tiffany “accidentally” outed the New Kids on the Block singer (two years after an ex-boyfriend did the same during an article in the National Enquirer) Knight posted a blog entry on his official Web site that he is, indeed gay. The entry, in full, reads “To all my fans who have expressed concern: I have never been outed by anyone but myself. I did so almost twenty years ago. I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay. Apparently the pre requisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption, ‘I am gay’. I apologize for not doing so if this is what was expected! My belief is that you live your life by example, and not by a caption on a magazine! If there ever has been any confusion about my sexuality, then you are someone that doesn’t even know me! I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss my private life any further! My fellow band members don’t discuss their private lives with their loved ones and I don’t feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine! Jonathan” And yes, Jonathan Knight knows he employs the exclamation point a tad too much.
Jonathan Groff was a special guest of the Broadway Artists Alliance for a special Glee-themed master class, Broadway World with the pictorial documentation of the very cute (and out) Groff and the young students.
Jay Cutler, scruffy and scowling, spotted in Los Angeles sans limp.
The Holland Sentinel on changes made on Hope College, the Michigan-based private Christian college’s Board of Trustees Friday announcing a new statement on Human Sexuality, replacing a now 16 year old Institutional Statement on Homosexuality, adopting in 1995. The action arrives after an unsuccessful attempt to hold a public address on campus by Dustin Lance Black that was to be preceded by a screening of Milk. The new policy is actually not an improvement on the old, the Position on Human Sexuality reading in part that “This biblical witness calls us to life of chastity among the unmarried and the sanctity of marriage between a man and a woman ... Accordingly Hope College will not recognize or support campus groups whose aim by statement, practice, or intimation is to promote a vision of human sexuality that is contrary to this understanding of biblical teaching.”
Jonathan Knight has officially come out, Pink is the New Blog reporting that after Tiffany “accidentally” outed the New Kids on the Block singer (two years after an ex-boyfriend did the same during an article in the National Enquirer) Knight posted a blog entry on his official Web site that he is, indeed gay. The entry, in full, reads “To all my fans who have expressed concern: I have never been outed by anyone but myself. I did so almost twenty years ago. I never knew that I would have to do it all over again publicly just because I reunited with NKOTB! I have lived my life very openly and have never hidden the fact that I am gay. Apparently the pre requisite to being a gay public figure is to appear on the cover of a magazine with the caption, ‘I am gay’. I apologize for not doing so if this is what was expected! My belief is that you live your life by example, and not by a caption on a magazine! If there ever has been any confusion about my sexuality, then you are someone that doesn’t even know me! I love living my life being open and honest, but at this time I choose not to discuss my private life any further! My fellow band members don’t discuss their private lives with their loved ones and I don’t feel that just because I am gay, I should have to discuss mine! Jonathan” And yes, Jonathan Knight knows he employs the exclamation point a tad too much.
Jonathan Groff was a special guest of the Broadway Artists Alliance for a special Glee-themed master class, Broadway World with the pictorial documentation of the very cute (and out) Groff and the young students.
Jay Cutler, scruffy and scowling, spotted in Los Angeles sans limp.
Republican-Sponsored Bill To Repeal Same Sex Marriage In New Hampshire Would Use Same Statute To Ban Incest
From New Hampshire, the Concord Monitor reports on the text of bill repealing the state’s same sex marriage law that would employ the same statute to prohibit both incest and gay marriage, the bill, sponsored by Representative David Bates (Republican-Windham) intent on repealing both the New Hampshire law allowing civil unions and same sex marriage. The bill’s preamble states that “Marriage is not a creature of statute but rather a social institution which predates organized government,” and adds that marriage serves “important social goods” in which government has an interest. Bates’ bill continues that “The vast majority of children are conceived by acts of passion between men and women – sometimes unintentionally.” Therefore, the bill argues, the state has an interest in protecting the union of men and women to increase the likelihood that children will be born and raised by their natural parents. The bill lists marriages that would, as a consequence, be prohibited, including same sex, and marriage between children, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. The bill also states that any marriage recognized prior to the adoption of the law would remain valid, but any same sex marriage performed out-of-state after the law is passed – Massachusetts, for example – would be regarded as invalid. The New Hampshire Freedom to Marry Coalition condemned Bates and the bill, releasing a statement that read in part “Rep. Bates has planted himself firmly, and proudly, on the fringes of American life. His need to divorce committed couples and to prevent other couples from getting married is strange. So much for family values.”
9th Circuit Court Of Appeals Denies Department Of Justice To Suspend Log Cabin Republicans’ Lawsuit Challenging Constitutional Validity Of Military Gay Ban
Friday, the 9th United States Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco issued an order requiring the Department of Justice to file papers by February 25th arguing why the court should overturn a Southern California trial judge who ruled that the military policy prohibiting openly gay service personal unconstitutional, the ruling Friday thereby denying a government request to suspend the lawsuit, reports the Associated Press. Government attorneys had asked the 9th Circuit Court earlier in January to suspend the case since the Pentagon was moving towards completing the steps Congress outlined in December when it voted to repeal the ban. The appeals court offered no explanation in its order as to why it rejected the request. The Log Cabin Republicans, the gay political group whose lawsuit challenging the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy convinced District Judge Virginia Phillips in September, 2010 to enjoin the military from enforcing the policy, has opposed the government’s effort to suspend the case. Saturday, R. Clarke Cooper, the group’s president, said he believes the Pentagon’s attempts to repeal are sincere, but argues the case should continue as long as gay service members can still be discharged. "We said all along to the government we would drop our case if they would cease all discharges and remove all barriers to open service," Cooper said. An Army reserve officer, Cooper said he knew of at least one service member facing a discharge hearing next month, even as the Pentagon moves forward with its training plan. "We are not questioning the implementation process. We recognize the need for a deliberative process for implementing proper training materials and guidances for leadership," he said. "But when you have a service member going before a discharge panel, this is kind of a 'left hand-right hand' thing that is happening."
52 Year Old Shreveport Louisiana Resident Recovering After Alleged Hate Crime Attack
Police in Shreveport, Louisiana have arrested William Payne and charged him with attempted second-degree murder and the commission of a hate crime in connection to a disturbing attack inside a nightclub caught on security surveillance, reports KSLA. 52 year old John Skaggs is recovering after being treated at an area hospital after Payne broke a pool cue over Skaggs’ face, swinging the stick like “a baseball bat,” according Tim Huck, the manager and owner of the Sandbar. Huck adds that “It was totally one hundred-percent a hate crime” for Skaggs’ sexual orientation. Huck believes that the video confirms that, saying “At no point in time had he (Skaggs) talked to that man that attacked, bumped him, After watching the video and from witnesses they hadn’t even made any form of eye contact or anything.” Skaggs in now awaiting surgery to be scheduled and says he does remember being attacked, but says “It is a hate crime. I didn’t do anything, it turns out he told people he knew I was gay, and he was going to beat me up.”
Vehemently Anti-Gay American Evangelical Scott Lively Suggests Uganda Gay Rights Activist Killed By Lover
Scott Lively, the abhorrent, coward who masquerades as a Christian, has released a bizarre statement regarding the killing of Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato, reports the Boston Globe. The Massachusetts-based Lively is credited with creating the current climate of anti-gay hate in Africa, having taken a tour of the nation and led a number of anti-gay initiatives, including influencing the crafting of the odious proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009 . While most assume that the Kato’s killing Wednesday is the direct result of violent homophobia, inexplicitly “Lively suggested Kato may have been killed by someone with whom he had been romantically involved, despite the fact that no one familiar with the case has suggested Kato was killed by a gay person, let alone someone with whom he had had a sexual relationship. There remains a ‘possibility’ Kato was ‘killed by a 'gay' lover,’ Lively wrote, and likened Kato's death to that of Carlos Castro, a Portuguese journalist who was allegedly beaten to death and castrated by a male model in New York City earlier this month. The link between Kato and Castro — besides the fact that they were both openly gay men who had been brutally murdered — is unclear. But Lively has linked homosexuality to violence in the past. In his book Pink Swastika, Lively blames Nazi violence on homosexuality.”
Friday, January 28, 2011
In Two Years No Canadian Scientist Has Applied For Grant To Research Blood Donations By Gay Men, Hawaii Senate Passes Civil Unions Bill, New Poll Finds Majority Of New Yorkers Support Same Sex Marriage, Chick-Fil-A Indiana University At South Bend Controversy, Adam Lambert, Pretty Alex Pettyfer Takes It Off For Ellen
Two years after the Canadian Blood Services created a $500,000 grant to research if and when gay men can safely donate blood, not one scientist has applied to do the work and that has baffled officials, according to a report in the Montreal Gazette. Currently, gay men who have been sexually active with another man since 1977 are banned from donating blood their entire lifetime because of fears the blood would be tainted with HIV, the policy created at the height of HIV/AIDS hysteria. Lorna Tessier, the director of public relations for the Canadian Blood Service, who earlier hinted that the agency wants the archaic policy lifted, said “Researchers of Canada: pay attention. Get on this. It’s a fully funded grant opportunity in a very interesting area of research.” She added that the current policy is “unsustainable,” but that the CBS requires researchers to aid in determining the condition under which it would safe to allow gay men to donate blood; research that could then be presented to Health Canada. Canadian researchers have long maintained that the ban is outdated and should be eliminated; arguing that the ban limits the supply of blood and, more importantly, that it is in fact hypocritical since there are hardly any restrictions on heterosexual donors, regardless of their promiscuity.
Good news from Hawaii, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporting that the state Senate passed a measure Friday that allow all couples – same sex or opposite – to enter into a civil union that would hold all the rights, privileges, and protections as traditional marriage. Senators voted 19-6 to pass Senate Bill 232. The bill now heads to the House for consideration. The proposed bill is similar to House Bill 444 which was passed in 2010 by both the Senate and House only to be vetoed by then Republican Governor Linda Lingle, who argued the measure was same sex marriage by a different name. This year, however, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie said he is fully support of civil union legislation and intends the sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk.
A new Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday revealed that 56-percent of New Yorkers support same sex marriage, reports WNYT. That number represents a significant reversal from 2004 when 55-percent of state residents opposed its legalization.
There were reports that Chick-Fil-A had been banned from the campus of Indiana University at South Bend because some students had protested after learning the company’s charitable division, WinShape Foundation, had been active in fighting against marriage equality, aligning itself with Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage, the Pennsylvania Family Institute, and Exodus International, which promotes reparative therapy. Chick-Fil-A itself is donating food to an event hosted by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, and that purportedly prompted the ban. However, WSBT reports that school officials say the chain remains approved by Indiana University and can continue to do business, however IU South Bend has suspended the once-a-week service from Chick-Fil-A pending a review of food service policies.
Adam Lambert – and his new, um, “look” – spotted along Melrose Avenue Friday.
Pretty Alex Pettyfer appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show Friday, ostensibly to discuss his new film I Am Number Four, and to discuss his current girlfriend, Glee’s Dianna Agron, but thankfully Ellen also convinced him to remove his shirt.
Good news from Hawaii, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reporting that the state Senate passed a measure Friday that allow all couples – same sex or opposite – to enter into a civil union that would hold all the rights, privileges, and protections as traditional marriage. Senators voted 19-6 to pass Senate Bill 232. The bill now heads to the House for consideration. The proposed bill is similar to House Bill 444 which was passed in 2010 by both the Senate and House only to be vetoed by then Republican Governor Linda Lingle, who argued the measure was same sex marriage by a different name. This year, however, Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie said he is fully support of civil union legislation and intends the sign the bill into law when it reaches his desk.
A new Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday revealed that 56-percent of New Yorkers support same sex marriage, reports WNYT. That number represents a significant reversal from 2004 when 55-percent of state residents opposed its legalization.
There were reports that Chick-Fil-A had been banned from the campus of Indiana University at South Bend because some students had protested after learning the company’s charitable division, WinShape Foundation, had been active in fighting against marriage equality, aligning itself with Focus on the Family, the National Organization for Marriage, the Pennsylvania Family Institute, and Exodus International, which promotes reparative therapy. Chick-Fil-A itself is donating food to an event hosted by the Pennsylvania Family Institute, and that purportedly prompted the ban. However, WSBT reports that school officials say the chain remains approved by Indiana University and can continue to do business, however IU South Bend has suspended the once-a-week service from Chick-Fil-A pending a review of food service policies.
Adam Lambert – and his new, um, “look” – spotted along Melrose Avenue Friday.
Pretty Alex Pettyfer appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres show Friday, ostensibly to discuss his new film I Am Number Four, and to discuss his current girlfriend, Glee’s Dianna Agron, but thankfully Ellen also convinced him to remove his shirt.
Pentagon Announces Training For Repeal Of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” To Begin In February; Issues Guidelines Regarding Changes
The Pentagon plans to start training commanders, chaplains, and troops in February on how to adapt to a military will now permit gays to serve openly in uniform, a fundamental step in repealing the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell,” the Washington Post reports. Each of the military services will be responsible for the specifics of training, which will take place in three phrases. Military chaplains, lawyers, civilian personal will be first, commanding officers second, and finally the troops. The four branches of the armed services will focus on training troops prior to deployment; however some training may take place on the battlefront. In a briefing with reporters Friday, the Vice Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff General James E. Cartwright said “Moving along expeditiously is better than dragging it out.” The services must submit detailed training plans to Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates by next Friday. Training should concentrate on reminding troops to treat one another with respect, and no police should, according to a memo issued by Gates, be created solely based on sexual orientation and that harassment or unlawful discrimination of any service member is prohibited. Training is likely to be led by instructors, and will include written material, videos, vignettes detailing difference elements of military life, and PowerPoint slides outlining the changes. Each individual must certify that he or she has successfully completed the training. Gates’ memo mentions that once the gay ban in lifted, the military will no longer be allowed to remove troops for homosexuality, and it will end investigations of troops suspected to allegedly violate the former policy. The Pentagon will continue to examine whether gay troops could designate same sex partners as beneficiaries. Clifford Stanley, the undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness, said that few changes, if any to military personal policy and benefits programs are needed, since the Defense of Marriage Act prohibits the extension of most medial, housing, and travel benefits to same sex partners. He added that service members discharged under the policy prohibiting openly gay service personal will be eligible to reenlist, but that “there will be no preferential treatment” for them, and they will not eligible for retroactive pay. Stanley also said that there will be no new policy for releasing service members opposed to repealing the ban, but those opposed may ask for voluntary discharges.
Ugandan Seeking Asylum In United Kingdom Because Of Sexuality Granted Temporary Deportation Reprieve
The BBC reports that Brenda Namigadde, a Ugandan lesbian, has been awarded a temporary injunction by a High Court judge in London, preventing her deportation. Another court in Britain had ruled she was “not homosexual,” and therefore, the Home Office argued she did have a genuine claim for asylum. Attorneys for Ms. Namigadde filed papers at the High Court asking a judge to grant the injunction to prevent her deportation, due to take place Friday evening. Her attorney, Abdulrahman Jafar, said that he is now prepared to argue that Namigadde should be permitted to remain in the United Kingdom regardless of her sexuality, since “The press coverage about her activities certainly expose her to a real risk if she is to be returned to Uganda.” Namigadde, who has been held at a detention centre just outside of London, fled Uganda in 2002 after she says she was beaten and victimized because of her sexuality. She said she was “shaking with fear at the prospect of returning to Uganda.” A United Kingdom Border Agency spokesperson said “Ms Namigadde's case has been carefully considered by both the UK Border Agency and the courts on three separate occasions and she has been found not to have a right to remain here. An immigration judge found on the evidence before them that Ms Namigadde was not homosexual." The spokesperson added that the Government is committed to stopping the removal of asylum seekers who have left their country of origin because of the sexual orientation, but said that “when someone is found not to have a genuine claim we expect them to leave voluntarily.”
Federally Funded Georgia Homeless Shelter Bans Homosexuals
From Georgia, a report on the refusal of the director of Columbus’ House of Mercy homeless shelter to allow homosexuals shelter, according to WRBL-3 which broke the original story during an interview with director Bobby Harris January 13rd, at which time Harris said he had removed two women who he suspected were lesbians, saying they had broke curfew rules, he suspected, to have rendezvous. “That act is not tolerated here at all,” Harris said at the time. “Let me tell tou one the reasons why, because of the bible of course, and then we have little children that we won’t have tolerate that kind of act here.” Following condemnation of Harris’ homophobic stance, he wrote to the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer to clarify his position, and contradict his original statement, the letter published Monday in part reading “I want to take a moment to respond to some statements that have been making the rounds concerning the recent dismissal of two young ladies from the House of Mercy. The statements imply that these young ladies were dismissed because they were lesbians. This statement is false. In fact, they were dismissed for violating the rules of curfew times of the House of Mercy.” During an off-camera interview with WRBL-3, Harris said that the facility cannot shelter people who continue to practice a gay lifestyle, but welcomed those willing to convert. Meanwhile, Columbus-based Pastor Colley Williams of New Life in Messiah Fellowship, who had been removed from two local churches for being openly gay, and started his own congregation, wants the local homosexual community to know that they are welcomed in his church. “It’s sad to see people judging people,” he said. “There’s no, a lot of church, there’s no love there, there’s no grace. I think we need to focus on love and acceptance of all people instead of worrying about what their lifestyle is.” He added “Jesus said nothing about homosexuality. He said not one word about it.” Meanwhile the House of Mercy, which receives federal funding, continues to discriminate.
Highest French Court Rejects Same Sex Marriage Appeal
France’s highest court, the Constitutional Court, upheld the country’s same sex marriage ban Friday, the ruling relieving the government of any and all obligations to grant gays the same rights and benefits as those enjoyed by straight married couples, reports the Associated Press. The court said the current laws banning same sex marriage do not violate the constitution and that any changes to the law is for parliament to decide. Same sex couples in France can form civil unions, but those do not confer the same inheritance rights or joint custody of goods, among other benefits that arrive with legal marriage. In its decision, the council noted that legislators had agreed that the “difference in situation of same sex couples and couples made up of a man and woman can justify a difference in treatment concerning family rights.” The ruling effectively places same sex marriage as an issue first and foremost of the upcoming legislative and presidential elections to be held in 2012, a poll released Friday revealing growing public support for same sex marriage.
Anglican Priest Disrupts Funeral Of Slain Ugandan Gay Rights Activist David Kato; Berates Gays To “Repent” Before Police Remove Him; Investigation Still Focuses On Robbery As Motive For Killing
David Kato was buried today, hundreds of people gathering for the funeral of the Ugandan gay rights activist in his home village near the capital of Kampala, the BBC reporting that police escorted an Anglican priest – Thomas Musoke – after he began berating the mourners, telling them homosexuality was “evil” and that they needed to repent. The BBC’s Joshua Mmali reporting that it remains unclear if authorities believe Kato’s killing can be linked to the campaign by the nation’s tabloid Rolling Stone, who published a photograph of Kato along with several others it claimed were gay, with an invitation to “Hang them.” Kato and two others pictured successfully sued the paper, and a justice issued an injunction prohibiting the paper from continuing its campaign to incite violent anti-gay hate. Hundreds gathered today – friends, family, colleagues, and diplomats – for his funeral in the village of Nakawala. Many of the gay and lesbian community in attendance wore tee shirts with Kato’s portrait on the front and the words “La luta continua" (The struggle continues) printed on the back. When the Anglican priest started condemning homosexuals, screaming “You must repent. Even animals know the difference between a male and a female,” before warning that they would face the same fate of residents of Sodom and Gomorrah, some of those in attendance stormed the pulpit and prevented the priest from continuing. An excommunicated priest who has called for the rights of homosexuals to be respected presided over the remainder of the service. Police Thursday said they have arrested one man, and as previously posted, told Reuters that Kato’s sexual orientation was not the motivation, police spokesperson Judith Nabakooba saying “His homosexuality has not come up as an issue in the preliminary investigation. At the moment, we think theft is the most likely motive.”
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Police in Kampala Announce Arrest Of One Suspect In Killing Of Ugandan Gay Rights Activist David Kato And Search For Second; Despite Suggestions To The Contrary Authorities Say Robbery Not Homophobia Motive
Reuters is reporting that police in Kampala told a news conference that one man, Arnold Senoga, had been arrested in connection with the killing of Ugandan gay rights advocate David Kato, and that they were searching for another man, Nsubuga Enock, who had been allegedly staying with Kato after he bailed him out of prison on Monday. Police spokesperson, Judith Nabakooba, told Reuters “His homosexuality has not come up as an issue in the preliminary investigation. At this moment, we think theft is the most likely motive. Nsubuga Enock, who had been staying with Kato, was well-known for committing robberies and had almost been lynched in the area before.” Nabakooba said that several items were missing from Kato’s home, including a briefcase, and the neighbours had seen Enock leave the home dressed in the activist’s clothes. “We are not trying to establish what relationship Kato had with Enock, whether or not they were relatives and why Kato posted bail,” said Nabakooba. Gay rights campaigner, Pepe Julian Onziema, however, who worked with Kato, told Reuters she suspects he was killed for being gay. “David had faced so many threats in his area that he didn’t feel safe anymore,” she said. “I don’t know if the police are aware but they should investigate before ruling out homophobia. He was too frightened to leave his house.”
Two Men Charged Under New British Law Barring Homophobia To Appear In Court, Second Same Sex Couple Sue Christian B&B Owners, President Obama Nominates Openly Gay Man For Federal Judge
Two men from Derby, England have been arrested and charged with inciting hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation, the first such prosecution since laws barring homophobia came into effect in March, 2010, according to a report by the BBC. The two men, 30 year old Razwan Javed and 27 year old Kabir Ahmed, will appear before a magistrate Friday, the charges relating to a leaflet the two distributed outside a mosque in Derby and through mailboxes in July, the flyer titled “The Death Penalty?” It called for homosexuals to be executed. Crown prosecutor Sue Hemming said “This is the first ever prosecution for this offence and it is the result of close working between the Crown Prosecution Service and Derbyshire Police. Following complaints from the public, Derbyshire Police mounted a thorough investigation. We have carefully reviewed the evidence provided by the police and are satisfied that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge these men.”
A second gay couple in England is suing a Christian Bed and Breakfast owner after she allegedly refused them accommodation because she claimed it contradicted her Christian beliefs to allow the couple to share a bed in March, 2010, reports the Telegraph. 63 year old Michael Black and 58 year old John Morgan, partners for over seven years, are suing Susan Wilkinson, and have pledged to donate any damages awarded to Oxfam. The story served to divide Britons, Chris Grayling, who was shadow Home Secretary at the time, lost an opportunity to be the Home Secretary after he was recorded saying B&B owners should be permitted to prohibit gays. Last week, Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy were awarded 3,600 pounds in damages from the owners of Cornish guesthouse when a justice ruled they acted unlawfully denying them a double room because Peter and Hazelmary Bull, the Christian owners, claimed it went against their beliefs. Black says “I think the two cases are important as it shows that discrimination is not acceptable anymore, that is a significant change in public opinion from 30 or 40 years ago. The legal situation is that breaking the sexual discrimination act is a criminal offence so there would be no consequences for the B&B owner unless we took legal action. We want to enforce the rule and make sure people can’t break the sexual discrimination act and get away with it. We’re not trying to stop anyone from observing their beliefs but to make it clear that their beliefs should not conflict with the discrimination laws in this country.”
The New York Times reports that President Obama has nominated 45 year old J. Paul Oetken, a former Clinton administration attorney to be a federal judge in Manhattan, Oetken poised to be the first openly gay man to serve on the federal bench in the United States. He is one of two openly gay men whose nominations are pending to federal courts. The other is Edward C. Dumont, an attorney who has been nominated to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. Mr. Oetken was nominated Wednesday by New York Senator Charles Schumer, almost a year after Schumer had recommended the president nominate Daniel S. Alter, a former assistant United States attorney, who is also openly gay, to the same court. Alter was never nominated, he believes because of statements falsely attributed to him regarding the phrase “Merry Christmas” and to the Pledge of Allegiance. Schumer said that Oetken fit his three criteria for federal judges – legal excellence, moderation of view, and diversity. “I am looking for people who fit the three criteria, and I was shocked to learn there were no openly gay male judges on the entire bench.”
A second gay couple in England is suing a Christian Bed and Breakfast owner after she allegedly refused them accommodation because she claimed it contradicted her Christian beliefs to allow the couple to share a bed in March, 2010, reports the Telegraph. 63 year old Michael Black and 58 year old John Morgan, partners for over seven years, are suing Susan Wilkinson, and have pledged to donate any damages awarded to Oxfam. The story served to divide Britons, Chris Grayling, who was shadow Home Secretary at the time, lost an opportunity to be the Home Secretary after he was recorded saying B&B owners should be permitted to prohibit gays. Last week, Martyn Hall and Steven Preddy were awarded 3,600 pounds in damages from the owners of Cornish guesthouse when a justice ruled they acted unlawfully denying them a double room because Peter and Hazelmary Bull, the Christian owners, claimed it went against their beliefs. Black says “I think the two cases are important as it shows that discrimination is not acceptable anymore, that is a significant change in public opinion from 30 or 40 years ago. The legal situation is that breaking the sexual discrimination act is a criminal offence so there would be no consequences for the B&B owner unless we took legal action. We want to enforce the rule and make sure people can’t break the sexual discrimination act and get away with it. We’re not trying to stop anyone from observing their beliefs but to make it clear that their beliefs should not conflict with the discrimination laws in this country.”
The New York Times reports that President Obama has nominated 45 year old J. Paul Oetken, a former Clinton administration attorney to be a federal judge in Manhattan, Oetken poised to be the first openly gay man to serve on the federal bench in the United States. He is one of two openly gay men whose nominations are pending to federal courts. The other is Edward C. Dumont, an attorney who has been nominated to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington. Mr. Oetken was nominated Wednesday by New York Senator Charles Schumer, almost a year after Schumer had recommended the president nominate Daniel S. Alter, a former assistant United States attorney, who is also openly gay, to the same court. Alter was never nominated, he believes because of statements falsely attributed to him regarding the phrase “Merry Christmas” and to the Pledge of Allegiance. Schumer said that Oetken fit his three criteria for federal judges – legal excellence, moderation of view, and diversity. “I am looking for people who fit the three criteria, and I was shocked to learn there were no openly gay male judges on the entire bench.”
Police Suggest Murder Of Ugandan Gay Rights Advocate David Kato Robbery Although Killing Almost Certainly Based On Anti-Gay Climate Of Hate, President Obama Releases Statement On Kato Killing Calling On Ugandan Government To “Hold The Perpetrators Accountable”
The Guardian has an update on the murder of Ugandan gay rights advocate David Kato,“He was known as the ‘grandfather of the kuchus’, as gay people in Uganda call themselves, a brave and fiercely committed activist who led the struggle for gay rights for more than a decade. David Kato went to jail for his beliefs, and to court, winning his greatest victory three weeks ago against a newspaper that had called for him to be hanged. But early on Wednesday afternoon he appeared to have paid the ultimate price: he had been battered to death with a hammer in his home in Kampala, shocking the gay and human rights communities locally and abroad. As distraught family and friends gathered at the scene, police said they had arrested a man hired to drive for Kato and were pursuing another male suspect seen leaving the house in the Mukono area of Kampala soon after the attack. A police spokesman said the motive appeared to be robbery. But given the fierce anti-gay campaigns launched in recent years by some religious leaders and journalists, as well as politicians who drafted laws to have gay people locked up for life or even executed, there are inevitable questions as to whether Kato was killed because of his sexuality.”
Thursday, President Obama released a statement on the killing of Kato: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom.The United States mourns his murder, and we recommit ourselves to David’s work. At home and around the world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected to unconscionable bullying, discrimination, and hate. In the weeks preceding David Kato’s murder in Uganda, five members of the LGBT community in Honduras were also murdered. It is essential that the Governments of Uganda and Honduras investigate these killings and hold the perpetrators accountable. LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights. My Administration will continue to strongly support human rights and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons abroad. We do this because we recognize the threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we share their commitment to advancing freedom, fairness, and equality for all."
Thursday, President Obama released a statement on the killing of Kato: "I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom.The United States mourns his murder, and we recommit ourselves to David’s work. At home and around the world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected to unconscionable bullying, discrimination, and hate. In the weeks preceding David Kato’s murder in Uganda, five members of the LGBT community in Honduras were also murdered. It is essential that the Governments of Uganda and Honduras investigate these killings and hold the perpetrators accountable. LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights. My Administration will continue to strongly support human rights and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons abroad. We do this because we recognize the threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we share their commitment to advancing freedom, fairness, and equality for all."
Italy’s First Gay Studies Course, Court Challenge To France’s Same Sex Marriage Ban Begins Friday, Lady Gaga Tweets Lyrics To Born This Way, Sean Avery Nude For Marc Jacobs For Skin Cancer, Zac Efron Lady’s Night
The Associated Press reports on Italy’s first accredited university course on gay studies offered this winter at the Milan University School of Political Science. The course was engendered by the experiences of 23 year old openly gay Giacomo Moro, who last summer was hanging a poster for a gay student’s association event when, unprovoked, he was attacked with homophobic insults, the man eventually threatening to kill Moro. “I didn’t seek charges against the guy,” said Moro. "This person’s hatred was born of ignorance. This class is something of response.” In the predominantly Roman Catholic culture, where church teachings contend homosexuality to be sinful, the course is something of revolution. Marco Mori, president of the Milan chapter of the gay rights group Arcigay, says “In Italy until now, if you spoke of gender on campus, it was in regards to grammar.” Antonella Besussi, the professor coordinating the class, says she received a storm of attention when it was announced, including some who called into the question the merits of the course. “This enormous media resonance has left me a little perplexed,” she said. The class was launched last week, with little controversy, nearly 200 students showed up for the first day and 120 of those enrolled in the class for credit. Giacomo Moro was overwhelmed by the success of the class, saying of his attacker “He found the wrong person. I have never had a problem speaking openly about these things. If it had been someone whose parents didn’t know, it would be more difficult. Where there injustice, I try to face it.”
The Canadian Press reports on Corinne Cestino and Sophie Hasslauer, two women from Val de Vesle, France, who have lived together for 15 years and raising four children. The couple benefit from a French law formally recognizing their partnership, but it is not marriage. So Friday, France’s Constitutional Court will hear their case demanding the right to wed. “It is not so much about getting married, but about the right to get married, says Cestino, a paediatrician. “So, that is what we asking for. Just to be able, like anybody else, to choose to get married or not.”
Lady Gaga Thursday tweeted the lyrics to Born This Way, the leadoff single from the her album Disco Heaven, the song, which will be released February 13th, supposedly the LGBT anthem of our time.
New York Rangers’ Sean Avery (who actually makes the NHL appear more exciting than it deserves to be) was asked by Marc Jacobs to participate in the “Protect the Skin You’re In” campaign, meant to raise awareness for melanoma research at New York University, and so Sean appears naked on a tee shirt available only at Marc Jacobs’ stores, reports NBC Sports. The shirt, which reads “Protect Your Largest Organ” and features Avery cupping his genitalia, is actually a reissue of an earlier effort, the campaign, which also features Victoria Beckham and Heidi Klum, having raised over $1 million to date.
Beautiful beefy Zac Efron spotted Saturday having something of a lady’s night in Los Angeles along Melrose Avenue at The Village Idiot.
The Canadian Press reports on Corinne Cestino and Sophie Hasslauer, two women from Val de Vesle, France, who have lived together for 15 years and raising four children. The couple benefit from a French law formally recognizing their partnership, but it is not marriage. So Friday, France’s Constitutional Court will hear their case demanding the right to wed. “It is not so much about getting married, but about the right to get married, says Cestino, a paediatrician. “So, that is what we asking for. Just to be able, like anybody else, to choose to get married or not.”
Lady Gaga Thursday tweeted the lyrics to Born This Way, the leadoff single from the her album Disco Heaven, the song, which will be released February 13th, supposedly the LGBT anthem of our time.
New York Rangers’ Sean Avery (who actually makes the NHL appear more exciting than it deserves to be) was asked by Marc Jacobs to participate in the “Protect the Skin You’re In” campaign, meant to raise awareness for melanoma research at New York University, and so Sean appears naked on a tee shirt available only at Marc Jacobs’ stores, reports NBC Sports. The shirt, which reads “Protect Your Largest Organ” and features Avery cupping his genitalia, is actually a reissue of an earlier effort, the campaign, which also features Victoria Beckham and Heidi Klum, having raised over $1 million to date.
Beautiful beefy Zac Efron spotted Saturday having something of a lady’s night in Los Angeles along Melrose Avenue at The Village Idiot.
Iowa Senate Republicans Fail To Force Vote On Same Sex Marriage Amendment; Conservative Organization Family Leader Says It Has Only Begun To Fight And That “Tradition Of Marriage Created By God Trumps Traditions Of Iowa Senate”
Thursday, a Republican effort to suspend Iowa Senate rules and force debate on a proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage failed on a party-line vote, the Associated Press reporting that Republican Senator Kent Sorenson (Indianola) asked to suspend the rules to consider the constitutional amendment after Senate Majority Leader Michael Gronstal called for a vote on a resolution. Sorenson’s request failed on a 26-24 vote. Senators soon after approved Gronstal’s resolution (again on a party-lines) adjusting the Senate rules to make it more difficult to force a similar vote in the future. Gronstal says that the new rules simply codify longstanding Senate tradition, but Republicans contend that it is an attempt to prevent debate on controversial social issues, like same sex marriage. A newly formed anti-gay conservative group, Family Leader, says it has only begun to fight for a vote of the people of Iowa on same sex marriage, a written statement by Chuck Hurley and Danny Carroll reading in part “We can only interpret the action by the Senate Democrats this morning as a vote against marriage and the people’s right to vote on our constitution,” according to the Des Moines Register. The statement says “We all understand the importance of tradition in our families and communities. However, the tradition of marriage as designed and created by God trumps any of the traditions of man, including the Iowa Senate,” adding “We have only begun to fight. Stay tuned for the next round, and pray for justice!”
Canadian Blood Services Wants Lifetime Ban Lifted For Gay Men
Lorna Tessier, the director of public relations at Canadian Blood Services told the Toronto Star Wednesday that federal blood donor agency believes a lifetime ban on gay men giving blood is obsolete and wants the government to amend the policy. “A lifetime ban extending by one year every year is just not sustainable,” she said. “There have been lots of changes in the environment, lots of changes in testing (and) lots of changes on the international front.” Her statement indicates a profound shift in thinking at Canadian Blood Services regarding its policy prohibiting men who have sex with men at least once since 1977 from donating blood ostensibly as a means to police the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS from blood transfusions. The policy is less about safety and more a reminder of the tainted blood scandal and it is soundly condemned as discriminatory since it in fact punishes sexual orientation and not certain sexual behaviours that present the real risk. According to Tessier, CBS continues to research the issue and is prepared to ask its regulator, Health Canada, to consider abridging the amount of time gay man must be celibate prior to donating blood. The proposed changes stems from an Ontario Supreme Court of Justice decision in September, 2010 that upheld the ban in ruling by Justice Catherine Aitken that said giving blood is not a constitutional right akin to marrying, and that there exists epidemiological evidence to support the idea that HIV and other sexually transmitted infection are more prevalent in homosexual and bisexual men. However, she added that there is insufficient evidence to support an indefinite deferral period that extends with each passing year. Tessier said “We agree with that.” She said that the agency is committed to researching what an appropriate restriction would constitute. The CBS would then formally ask Health Canada to change the policy based on their findings. While a timeline is difficult to predict, she said “We are committed. There is definitely no doubt about that.”
Leading Ugandan Gay Activist David Kato Who Was Featured On Cover Of Tabloid Rolling Stone Under Headline “Hang Them” Bludgeoned To Death Wednesday
A Ugandan gay rights activist who was pictured and named in a homophobic tabloid has been murdered outside his home in Kampala, the BBC reports. David Kato was an activist with Sexual Minorities Uganda, and he was pictured and named by the violently anti-gay newspaper Rolling Stone in cover story late last year calling on readers to “hang” homosexuals in the country. Kato’s attorney, John Francis Onyango, told BBC that “This happened yesterday (Wednesday) at about 13:00. Initial reports indicate that a lone man entered Kato’s home and struck him twice on the head with a hammer before fleeing in a vehicle. Police are investigating, telling Onyango that they have the registration number of the car, and appear to be concentrating on two potential suspects. The New York-based rights groups Human Rights Watch said in a statement that Kato died on his way to the hospital. Kato has been a prominent voice in the fight against the Anti-Homosexual Bill of 2009, which has been before parliament since October 15th, of that year. While homosexuality is already illegal in Uganda, the proposed law would criminalize all homosexuality, making it an offence punishable by a fine and life imprisonment. “Repeat offenders” and those who are HIV-positive would be subject to the death penalty. The bill would also require that anyone with knowledge of someone who is or who might by a homosexual to report that individual to the police within 24 hours. The bill has been universally condemned, and Kato called it “profoundly undemocratic and un-African.” In late 2010, the tabloid Rolling Stone featured on its cover, among other pictures, a photograph of Kato, as well as one of him inside. Three activists, including Kato sued the publication and won their case on January 3rd, the judge in the case ruling that Rolling Stone had violated their constitutional right to privacy and ordered compensation. The judge also issued an injunction prohibiting any further publications of the identities and home addresses of individuals categorized homosexual.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Toronto Pride Monetary Problems, Pentagon Outlines Training Plan To Repeal Policy Prohibiting Openly Gay Service Personal, Peruvian Bishop Apologizes For Calling Gays “Faggots,” Human Rights Campaign Calls On Joel Osteen To Apologize For Saying Homosexuality Is A Sin, Hayden Christensen Shirtless Sexy
Toronto Life reports that “Last year wasn’t one of the best on record for Toronto Pride. It had the controversy around Queers Against Israeli Apartheid (QUAIA), which split the city’s gay community and “threatened to bankrupt” the organization. Pride Toronto also had its federal funding pulled, even though Canadian Press reports that it had qualified for federal cash. This year doesn’t seem to be treating the organization any better, with the revelation that it will have to tell its annual general meeting it’s effectively bankrupt.” The magazine adds that “Toronto could lose World Pride 2014, which would no doubt make some hates happy but would actually be pretty lame.”
Friday, according to the Associated Press, the Pentagon will reveal a plan expected to give the military services an estimated three month to train their forces on the new law allowing gays to serve openly, officials saying that the plan will outline the personal, recruiting, other regulations that must be changed. It will also describe three levels of training for the troops, their commanders, and the key administrators, recruiters, and other leaders who will have to help implement the changes. Under the projected training plan, full implementation of the law could begin this summer. Once the training is complete, President Obama and his top military advisors must certify that lifting the ban will not harm military readiness. Sixty days after that, the law would take effect.
A Peruvian Catholic bishop apologized for comments he made Monday, the Herald Sun reporting that Bishop Luis Bambaren asked about a proposed same sex civil union law, Bambaren answering “Why is there so much talk about gay, gay, gay? ... Faggots – that’s how it said, right?” The Homosexual Movement of Lima issued a statement soon thereafter, Christian Olivera condemning the bishop’s remarks, saying “Bambaren’s claim to call gay people faggots is totally inacceptable and constitutes an incitement to hatred. In a country where we should all see ourselves as equals, Bambaren is encouraging violence by using a term that represents what is disgusting and perverse. Despising a community is not an example of what one supposes are Christian values.” Bambaren issued an apology that read in part “I ask for an apology for everyone who felt offended. It is an offensive word, and (homosexuals) deserve respect.”
The Human Rights Campaign has asked Pastor Joel Osteen to apologize for statements he made while appearing on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight that “the Scripture shows that (homosexuality) is a sin.” HRC President Joe Solmonese said “It’s a real shame that someone of Joel Osteen’s prominence and life experiences would repeat this tired and dangerous statement. It furthers ignorance and discrimination by some Americans and adds a burden to those already struggling to accept their sexual orientation or gender identity.” Solmonese added that “One would hope Mr. Osteen would use his pulpit, with an audience of over 7 million people, to tell all human beings that they are loved just the way they are. Instead he chose to send a dangerous and irresponsible message.”
A whiter shade of pale Hayden Christensen spotted in Caribbean Wednesday, shirtless.
Friday, according to the Associated Press, the Pentagon will reveal a plan expected to give the military services an estimated three month to train their forces on the new law allowing gays to serve openly, officials saying that the plan will outline the personal, recruiting, other regulations that must be changed. It will also describe three levels of training for the troops, their commanders, and the key administrators, recruiters, and other leaders who will have to help implement the changes. Under the projected training plan, full implementation of the law could begin this summer. Once the training is complete, President Obama and his top military advisors must certify that lifting the ban will not harm military readiness. Sixty days after that, the law would take effect.
A Peruvian Catholic bishop apologized for comments he made Monday, the Herald Sun reporting that Bishop Luis Bambaren asked about a proposed same sex civil union law, Bambaren answering “Why is there so much talk about gay, gay, gay? ... Faggots – that’s how it said, right?” The Homosexual Movement of Lima issued a statement soon thereafter, Christian Olivera condemning the bishop’s remarks, saying “Bambaren’s claim to call gay people faggots is totally inacceptable and constitutes an incitement to hatred. In a country where we should all see ourselves as equals, Bambaren is encouraging violence by using a term that represents what is disgusting and perverse. Despising a community is not an example of what one supposes are Christian values.” Bambaren issued an apology that read in part “I ask for an apology for everyone who felt offended. It is an offensive word, and (homosexuals) deserve respect.”
The Human Rights Campaign has asked Pastor Joel Osteen to apologize for statements he made while appearing on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight that “the Scripture shows that (homosexuality) is a sin.” HRC President Joe Solmonese said “It’s a real shame that someone of Joel Osteen’s prominence and life experiences would repeat this tired and dangerous statement. It furthers ignorance and discrimination by some Americans and adds a burden to those already struggling to accept their sexual orientation or gender identity.” Solmonese added that “One would hope Mr. Osteen would use his pulpit, with an audience of over 7 million people, to tell all human beings that they are loved just the way they are. Instead he chose to send a dangerous and irresponsible message.”
A whiter shade of pale Hayden Christensen spotted in Caribbean Wednesday, shirtless.
Belmont University Board Of Trustees Vote To Add Sexual Orientation To Non-Discrimination Policy; President Bob Fischer Says The University Was Already Practicing Such A Policy; Former Women’s Soccer Coach Lisa Howe” “This Is A Landmark Day”
University of Belmont in Nashville, Tennessee has stepped slowly into the 20th century, President Bob Fischer announcing Tuesday that the school has added sexual orientation to its non-discrimination policy, covering students and faculty, reports the Associated Press. Fischer, who made the announcement following a Board of Trustees vote, said that the change merely puts into writing what the university has already been practicing, which may come as a surprise to former Belmont women’s soccer coach Lisa Howe, who left the school after announcing she and her same sex partner were expecting a child. Belmont denies that she was asked to resign, and Howe has never explicitly explained the circumstances of her departure. In a statement today Howe said “This is a great victory for the values of inclusion, human dignity and respect. I am grateful to the Belmont board for recognizing that being gay and being Christian are not mutually exclusive. This is a landmark day.” Fisher was asked whether the new policy mean openly gay individuals could work at Belmont, the president answering “I would put that in the category of a hypothetical.” Belmont policy was also changed Tuesday to articulate that the private Christian college looks to Jesus as the “measure of all things.” Despite today’s proclamation, Belmont continues to deny official student group status to Bridge Builders, an organization whose mission is support gay students and to explore the intersection of Christianity and homosexuality. Asked about the group, Fischer said that they were resubmitting their formal application. “We’ll see where that goes,” he said.
Palm Springs Police Officer Admit To Saying “Show Me What You’ve Got” To The Gay Men Arrested In Public Sex Sting But Deny Entrapment, Ted Haggard Comes Out As A Dormant Bisexual, Arkansas Grocery Store Protects The Young From Photograph Of Elton John And David Furnish Holding Their Son, Justin Bieber Definition Of What Make Him Sexy
In Palm Springs, the case against 15 men arrested as a part of public gay sex sting continues, the Desert Sun reporting that the police decoys used in the 2009 Warm Sands incident say they did not entice those arrested to expose themselves, Palm Springs officer Chad Nordman testifying that “I pretty much just stood there. People would walk up to us.” He conceded he said “show me what you’ve got” to those arrested, but says the comment came only after they approached him first. Defence attorney Roger Tansey, however, said that video-taped footage of the arrests, which has yet to be made public, completely contradicts the decoy’s testimony. Tansey says that even if the decoys were coy, another police officer, Sergeant Matt Beard, testified he simulated a sex act by himself behind a pool filter while providing undercover protection for the decoys, Beard saying he was not instructed to, but aimed to mimic “what was going on around me” in order to “dispel any suspicion that I was an uncover officer.” Tansey says that the police targeted gay men while disregarding straight sex in public, so the case should be dismissed. Beard and other Palm Springs officers say they have encountered both gay and straight couple having sex in cars in public, but have never made any arrests, and added that they have encountered men having sex in public in Warm Springs prior to the sting, but never made any arrests, only issued warnings.
At the end of a profile in the newest edition of GQ magazine, and the conclusion of a conversation on sexual identity, Ted Haggard tells Kevin Rouse “’I think that probably, if I were 21 in this society, I would identify myself as bisexual.’ After a weekend of Ted trying to convince me of his unambiguous devotion to his wife and kids, I’m at first too surprised to say anything. ‘So why not now?’ I ask finally. ‘Because, Kevin, I’m 54, with children, with a belief system, and I can have enforced boundaries in my life. Just like you’re a heterosexual but you don’t have sex with every woman that you’re attracted to, so I can be who I am and exclusively have sex with my wife and be perfectly satisfied.’ ‘But what does it have to do with be 54?’ ‘Life! he says. ‘We have an ordinary life.’”
Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish grace the cover of Us magazine, with their newborn son Zachary, but apparently Arkansas residents would prefer not to have to see such perversion as they check out of their local Harps grocery store, the chain covering the purported offensive periodical with a “family shield to protect young Harps shoppers.” Thankfully, one Jennifer Hudd took to Twitter and tweeted both the American Civil Liberties Union and Anderson Cooper earlier Wednesday writing “This was taken at my local grocery store. I was shocked. Can you help bring attention to this?”
Justin Bieber thinks that this is sexy.
At the end of a profile in the newest edition of GQ magazine, and the conclusion of a conversation on sexual identity, Ted Haggard tells Kevin Rouse “’I think that probably, if I were 21 in this society, I would identify myself as bisexual.’ After a weekend of Ted trying to convince me of his unambiguous devotion to his wife and kids, I’m at first too surprised to say anything. ‘So why not now?’ I ask finally. ‘Because, Kevin, I’m 54, with children, with a belief system, and I can have enforced boundaries in my life. Just like you’re a heterosexual but you don’t have sex with every woman that you’re attracted to, so I can be who I am and exclusively have sex with my wife and be perfectly satisfied.’ ‘But what does it have to do with be 54?’ ‘Life! he says. ‘We have an ordinary life.’”
Sir Elton John and partner David Furnish grace the cover of Us magazine, with their newborn son Zachary, but apparently Arkansas residents would prefer not to have to see such perversion as they check out of their local Harps grocery store, the chain covering the purported offensive periodical with a “family shield to protect young Harps shoppers.” Thankfully, one Jennifer Hudd took to Twitter and tweeted both the American Civil Liberties Union and Anderson Cooper earlier Wednesday writing “This was taken at my local grocery store. I was shocked. Can you help bring attention to this?”
Justin Bieber thinks that this is sexy.
Ryan Murphy Attacks Kings Of Leon; Kings Of Leon Fight Back
In an exhaustive (and exhausting) interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Ryan Murphy, creator of Glee, while discussing criteria for the music he – and he alone – selects for an episode, took aim at The Kings of Leon, famous for rarely, if ever, allowing their music to be licensed, who rejected a request by Murphy to allow Use Somebody on the Fox series. Murphy said, somewhat bizarrely, “Fuck you, Kings of Leon. They’re self-centered assholes, and they missed the big picture. They missed that a 7-year old kid can see someone close to their age singing a Kings of Leon song, which will maybe make they want to join a glee club or pick up a musical instrument. It’s like, OK, hate on arts education. You can make fun of Glee all you want, but at its heart, what we really do is turn kids on to music.” According to THR, Kings of Leon Caleb Followill said “This whole Glee thing is a shock to us. It’s gotten out of hand. At the time of the request, we hadn’t even seen the show. It came at the end of that record cycle, and we were over promoting (Use Somebody). This was never meant as a slap in the face to Glee or to music education or to fans of the show. We’re not sure where the anger is coming from.” Caleb’s brother and band mate Nathan, unfortunately, was not as gracious or as intelligent, and mistakenly took to Twitter where he posted “Dear Ryan Murphy, let it go. See a therapist, get a manicure, buy a new bra. Zip your lip and focus on educating 7yr olds how to say fuck.” The tweet has thankfully since been deleted, Nathan soon after posting “I’m sorry 4 anyone that misconstrued my comments as homophobic or misogynistic. I’m so not that kind of person. I really do apologize.”
Hawaii Governor Abercrombie Appoints Openly Gay Judge, Hawaii Civil Unions Bill Clears Senate Judiciary Committee, Virginia Democratic Legislators Support Expansive Protections For Gays Including Repeal Of 2006 Amendment Prohibiting Same Sex Marriage
Hawaii Governor Neil Abercrombie made his first judicial nomination Tuesday, appointing Sabrina Shizue McKenna, a longtime state judge and former University of Hawaii women’s basketball player, born in Tokyo, and raised by a single mother, and would be the first openly gay member of the state Supreme Court, reports the Star-Advertiser. Governor Abercrombie, a Democrat, said “Judge McKenna comes from a background that truly understands what it is to be a part of Hawaii, a part of the social fabric of Hawaii that is in fact unique in all the world.” Through her sexual orientation was not explicitly referenced during the ceremony Tuesday, McKenna said “I would like to believe that because of my background and my life experiences, I bring sensitivity to those who may not have been born into a life of privilege, a sensitivity to those whose life circumstances make it difficult for them to conform with all of society’s expectations. I try to bring compassion to the court.” She added that the significance of being the first openly gay member of the court would be that it could extend “hope to people who feel that they cannot succeed” because of any number of reasons, including sexual orientation.
Judge McKenna’s appointment arrives as a measure creating same sex civil unions in Hawaii was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, KHON 2 reporting that the vote was 3-2, and the measure is now forwarded to the full Senate for another vote. Democrats, who control the Legislature, want the bill passed this year and sent to Governor Abercrombie, who historically supports civil unions. Senate Bill 232 is almost identical to a measure that passed the Hawaii Legislature in 2010 before being vetoed by Republican Governor Linda Lingle. If passed, Hawaii would become the sixth state to afford the same rights and benefits to same sex couples as those enjoyed by opposite sex married couples.
Democratic legislators in Virginia on Tuesday announced support for bills that would prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians in the state work force and in the Virginia National Guard. Legislators also pushed for legislation that would toughen anti-bullying laws in schools, allow local governments to set their own benefits polices for employees, and, most importantly, repeal a 2006 amendment to the Virginia Constitution that bans same sex marriage, reports the Richmond Times Dispatch. Similar legislation has previously failed, but lawmakers insist that there is growing bipartisan support for laws to extend equal protections under the law and in public employment to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Virginians. Delegate Adam P. Ebbin (Democrat-Alexandria) the sponsor of House Bill 2046, which would add sexual orientation to the list of protected classes upon which the state cannot discriminate in employment, said “It’s simply the right thing to do.”
Judge McKenna’s appointment arrives as a measure creating same sex civil unions in Hawaii was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, KHON 2 reporting that the vote was 3-2, and the measure is now forwarded to the full Senate for another vote. Democrats, who control the Legislature, want the bill passed this year and sent to Governor Abercrombie, who historically supports civil unions. Senate Bill 232 is almost identical to a measure that passed the Hawaii Legislature in 2010 before being vetoed by Republican Governor Linda Lingle. If passed, Hawaii would become the sixth state to afford the same rights and benefits to same sex couples as those enjoyed by opposite sex married couples.
Democratic legislators in Virginia on Tuesday announced support for bills that would prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians in the state work force and in the Virginia National Guard. Legislators also pushed for legislation that would toughen anti-bullying laws in schools, allow local governments to set their own benefits polices for employees, and, most importantly, repeal a 2006 amendment to the Virginia Constitution that bans same sex marriage, reports the Richmond Times Dispatch. Similar legislation has previously failed, but lawmakers insist that there is growing bipartisan support for laws to extend equal protections under the law and in public employment to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Virginians. Delegate Adam P. Ebbin (Democrat-Alexandria) the sponsor of House Bill 2046, which would add sexual orientation to the list of protected classes upon which the state cannot discriminate in employment, said “It’s simply the right thing to do.”
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Halifax Police Arrest Two In Connection To Robberies That Targeted Gay Men Via Online Dating Service, San Diego Police Investigate Hate Crime After LGBT Center Targeted By Paintball Attack
Police in Halifax have arrested a 17 and 20 year old in connection to two recent robberies that targeted gay men who subscribed to an online dating service and that prompted police to issue a public warning, the Chronicle Herald reports. The warning was issued January 7th, a day following the robbery of a second man after meeting someone via the internet dating service PlentyofFish.com. The 17 year old male faces two counts of robbery, while the 20 year old male will be charged with robbery, possession of stolen property, fraud, and breach of probation. Officers arrested the 17 year old at 8:12 am Tuesday and the 20 year old was arrested at 11:44 am following a short foot chase. The first robbery occurred January 2nd when a 35 year old man picked up another man who he had previously spoken to online, the two driving to a park. At that time, another vehicle approached, two men inside robbing the 35 year old. On January 6th, a 29 year old man picked up a man who he had met earlier online, the two driving to the south end of Halifax. Soon after stopping, a man brandishing a knife stole the driver’s wallet and ran off. Neither of the victims were physically harmed. The 17 year old was to appear in Halifax Youth Court Tuesday; the 20 year old was to be held in custody before appearing in a Halifax provincial court Wednesday. The names of the suspects have not released and police say they are not ruling out more arrests.
Police in San Diego, California are investigating one in a series of drive-by paintball attacks as a hate crime, NBC San Diego reporting that police received reports of three attacks in the North Park and Hillcrest area Monday night involving a dark sedan with as many as three passengers shooting paintballs at pedestrians. One of the attacks took place at the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center at 9:30 pm, the suspects heard to yell anti-gay slurs while they fired the paintballs. Raymond Penko was standing in the parking lot of the Center alongside five others, and was hit in the head and leg with paintballs, and saw one of his friends hit in the forehead. He said that “The passenger has a gun of some kind in his hand and I heard just one pop after another go off. It scared the hell out of me.”
Police in San Diego, California are investigating one in a series of drive-by paintball attacks as a hate crime, NBC San Diego reporting that police received reports of three attacks in the North Park and Hillcrest area Monday night involving a dark sedan with as many as three passengers shooting paintballs at pedestrians. One of the attacks took place at the San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Community Center at 9:30 pm, the suspects heard to yell anti-gay slurs while they fired the paintballs. Raymond Penko was standing in the parking lot of the Center alongside five others, and was hit in the head and leg with paintballs, and saw one of his friends hit in the forehead. He said that “The passenger has a gun of some kind in his hand and I heard just one pop after another go off. It scared the hell out of me.”
Same Sex Couples In Montana Argue For Same Rights As Opposite Sex Married Couples, Wyoming Anti-Gay Marriage Amendment Advances Again In Senate, Maryland Legislators Push For Same Sex Marriage Legislation, Lame Homemade Homophobia Doritos Advertisements Will Not Air During Super Bowl Or At Any Other Time, British Homophobic Christian Hotel Owners Appeal Discrimination Decision
An attorney for six same sex couples seeking the same legal protections as opposite sex married couples asked a judge Tuesday to order Montana to establish civil unions, domestic partnerships, or some other system to ensure they are not denied those rights, the Associated Press reports. District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock heard arguments today in a Helena court room, the first hearing of what is almost certain to be a lengthy legal process that will ultimately be determined by the state Supreme Court. The six same sex couples say that are not asking for the right to marry, but that they want to be able to make decisions about families’ health care, inheritance and burial, and are allowed to file joint tax returns, among other issues. They argue that the denial of those rights violate the state’s constitution’s equal protection and privacy clauses. Their attorneys today asked Judge Sherlock to grant an injunction and require the state to create the statutory framework to afford them those protections. Their case appears to rest in part on how the Montana Constitution’s marriage amendment, which defines marriage as that being between a man and woman, is interpreted. State solicitor Anthony Johnstone argued that Montana cannot extend spousal benefits to same sex couples since those benefits are limited to married opposite sex couples by definition. According to Johnstone, the marriage amendment passed by voters in 2004, in conjunction with the separation of legislative and judicial powers, means that Judge Sherlock should dismiss the lawsuit. He added that the state Legislature is able to create a new, separate class for couples regardless of sexual orientation, but that is a policy choice for the state to make, not the courts. James Goetz, an attorney for the plaintiffs, said that argument undermines the state’s case, and that either the constitutional amendment prohibits the extension of benefits to gay couples or it does not, but the state cannot have it both ways.
Meanwhile, in Wyoming, according to the Star-Tribune, a proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage advanced in the Senate, “In an initial vote, senators voted 21-9 in favour of Senate Joint Resolution 5, which defines marriage as only between two people of the opposite sex. That’s one vote more than the two-thirds majority needed to pass the bill if it comes up in a final vote in the Senate.” The bill now must pass two additional votes in the Senate, before heading to the House, where its passage is not certain. Should the resolution pass both the Senate and House with a two-thirds majority, it would be submitted to Wyoming voters in a 2012 state-wide referendum.
Legislators from the Maryland House and Senate formally began their push for same sex marriage Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reports that those assembled invoked comparisons to civil rights battles and to generational shifts in attitudes. House freshman Keiffer Mitchell, holding a pen used by Governor Spiro Agnew to sign the law allowing interracial marriage, said “History will record where we stood.” House Majority Leader Kumar Barve said that the Senate bill “goes to the very core what it means to be an American,” adding that “Twenty years from now I look forward to the day when young people will say ‘What was the big deal?’” The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Rob Garagiola and Senator Rich Madaleno, was introduced last week and to date has 18 sponsors. 24 are required for final passage, although the bill is certain to be subject to a filibuster. Garagiola said that supporters are working “very, very hard” to secure the votes to overcome that obstacle.
Despite the reports Monday to the contrary, Frito-Lay, the parent company of Doritos, confirms that two seemingly offensive gay-themed advertisements will not air during the Super Bowl, according to a report by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The ads were in fact two of over five thousand ads submitted by members of the public to the company via its Crash the Super Bowl contest, and that they were not selected among the finalists by a panel of judges. The premise behind both ads, which actually appeared in November on the company’s YouTube channel, are that Doritos are so delicious they can turn any man gay. Frito-Lay Director of Public Relations Chris Kuecnhemeister said that the two ads have no chance of airing during the Super Bowl or at any other time, and adds that the contest’s judges sought to “identify spots that were appropriate for everyone” and “observe a level of respect for everybody.” He added that he is meeting with the company’s legal team to investigate how to remove the two ads from the aforementioned YouTube channel.
Peter and Hazelmary Bull, the Christian owners of a Cornwall hotel who contend that unmarried couples should share a room have appealed a ruling that found they unlawfully refused a request by a gay couple for a double room, reports the BBC. Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy of Bristol said the incident in September, 2008 was “direct discrimination” and a judge agreed, awarding them each 1,800 pounds in damages.
Meanwhile, in Wyoming, according to the Star-Tribune, a proposed constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage advanced in the Senate, “In an initial vote, senators voted 21-9 in favour of Senate Joint Resolution 5, which defines marriage as only between two people of the opposite sex. That’s one vote more than the two-thirds majority needed to pass the bill if it comes up in a final vote in the Senate.” The bill now must pass two additional votes in the Senate, before heading to the House, where its passage is not certain. Should the resolution pass both the Senate and House with a two-thirds majority, it would be submitted to Wyoming voters in a 2012 state-wide referendum.
Legislators from the Maryland House and Senate formally began their push for same sex marriage Tuesday, the Baltimore Sun reports that those assembled invoked comparisons to civil rights battles and to generational shifts in attitudes. House freshman Keiffer Mitchell, holding a pen used by Governor Spiro Agnew to sign the law allowing interracial marriage, said “History will record where we stood.” House Majority Leader Kumar Barve said that the Senate bill “goes to the very core what it means to be an American,” adding that “Twenty years from now I look forward to the day when young people will say ‘What was the big deal?’” The bill, sponsored by Majority Leader Rob Garagiola and Senator Rich Madaleno, was introduced last week and to date has 18 sponsors. 24 are required for final passage, although the bill is certain to be subject to a filibuster. Garagiola said that supporters are working “very, very hard” to secure the votes to overcome that obstacle.
Despite the reports Monday to the contrary, Frito-Lay, the parent company of Doritos, confirms that two seemingly offensive gay-themed advertisements will not air during the Super Bowl, according to a report by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. The ads were in fact two of over five thousand ads submitted by members of the public to the company via its Crash the Super Bowl contest, and that they were not selected among the finalists by a panel of judges. The premise behind both ads, which actually appeared in November on the company’s YouTube channel, are that Doritos are so delicious they can turn any man gay. Frito-Lay Director of Public Relations Chris Kuecnhemeister said that the two ads have no chance of airing during the Super Bowl or at any other time, and adds that the contest’s judges sought to “identify spots that were appropriate for everyone” and “observe a level of respect for everybody.” He added that he is meeting with the company’s legal team to investigate how to remove the two ads from the aforementioned YouTube channel.
Peter and Hazelmary Bull, the Christian owners of a Cornwall hotel who contend that unmarried couples should share a room have appealed a ruling that found they unlawfully refused a request by a gay couple for a double room, reports the BBC. Martyn Hall and his civil partner Steven Preddy of Bristol said the incident in September, 2008 was “direct discrimination” and a judge agreed, awarding them each 1,800 pounds in damages.
British Columbia RCMP Investigate Brutal Gay Bashing; Ask For Public’s Assistance In Locating Suspect Who Attacked Gay Man While He “Begged For Mercy”
RCMP in British Columbia’s Kootenay region are investigating a possible hate crime after a gay man was viciously beaten as he “begged for mercy” against his attacker, according to a report from the Vancouver Sun. The suspect approached the victim and his boyfriend while they were relaxing in a Jacuzzi on a cross-country ski trip in St. Leon’s Hot Spring, just north of Nakusp the evening of December 29th. Police say that the suspect left the hot pool after he released the two men were homosexual, and that he told two friends he was going to kill the couple. Corporal Bryson Hill said “The victim’s partner got out of the pool and ran into the bush to hide, leaving the victim alone. Unprovoked, he was viciously beaten as he begged for mercy.” The victim, who was left alone in the snow, suffered bruises and cuts to most of his body, as well as a large cut over the bridge of his nose. His partner was able to help him back to the pool after the suspect and two friends fled on snowmobiles. Police are asking for any information leading to the arrest of the suspect. He introduced himself as “Terry,” and is described as 6-feet tall, with a stocky build and defined muscles. He has a short brush haircut and a 2-inch tattoo of a silhouette of a bird on his chest. He is thought to be in his mid-forties. He is thought to be from Calgary, Alberta, and was likely visiting Nakusp or Revelstoke. The Mounties believe the crime was motivated by hate, and say they waited a month to release the information because they wanted to explore all other avenues of investigation and not to compound the emotional trauma suffered by both victims.
Carroll County Georgia Authorities Continue To Work With FBI Investigating Likely Anti-Gay Hate Crime
Carroll County, Georgia authorities are working with officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigations attempting to determine who threatened 43 year old openly gay Christopher Staples and then followed through on the threat hours later, the Times-Georgian reports. A rock wrapped with a threatening note containing anti-gay slurs was thrown through the window of Staples home Saturday night. Sunday morning, the house was burned. Carroll County Sherriff’s Office Capitan Shane Taylor says investigators were called to the home at 8:30 pm Saturday night after the rock was discovered, and at that time “Our investigators recovered the evidence and began the process of developing suspects,” adding that given the nature of the investigation he could not discuss the specifics of the note attached. “Then at 5:50 am Sunday, we were called again with the residence on fire,” said Taylor. “In my time here, I’ve never seen anything quite like this.” Staples’ mother, Wanda Morris, who lives adjacent to her son, says that the note in part read “we know you are gay,” contained crude anti-gay insults, and threatened that Staples would “burn in hell.” Staples escaped the fire without physical injury, but is distraught, and fearing for his safety, is staying with friends at an undisclosed location. The FBI would not comment on whether hate crime charges will be filed, but continue to work with local authorities.
The King’s Speech Leads Academy Award Nominations With Twelve; The Kids Are All Right Earns Four Nominations; Canada Earns Best Foreign Language Film Nomination
The 83rd Academy Award Nominations were announced moments ago in Beverly Hills, and The King’s Speech led with a total of 12 nominations, including Best Picture, Tom Hooper for Best Director, Colin Firth for Best Actor, Geoffrey Rush for Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress, Helena Bonham Carter. The Social Network earned a total of 8 nominations, including Best Picture, David Fincher for Best Director, and Jesse Eisenberg for Best Actor. The Kids Are All Right earned 4 nominations, including Best Picture, Annette Bening for Best Actress, Mark Ruffalo for Best Supporting Actor, and Best Original Screenplay. Canada earned a Best Foreign Language Film nomination for Incendies. There were a few surprises: the number of nominations True Grit earned, Toy Story 3’s double nomination for Best Animated Film, and Best Picture, Jeremy Renner’s nomination for Best Supporting Actor for The Town, and Jacki Weaver’s nomination for The Animal Kingdom.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Rally At Utah Capital For State-Wide Bill To Protect Gays From Discrimination In Employment And Housing, Gay Squash Club Secures Government Grant To Attract More Lesbian And Transgender Players, James Franco Made Sex Tape When He Was 19 But Did Not Like The Way He Looked, Evan Lysacek Among The Gay Elite Attending Birthday Party For Nick Gruber Given By Boyfriend Calvin Klein, Russell Tovy Nude, Matt Lanter
A rally was held Monday in Salt Lake City, Utah, more than 100 gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender Utahans gathering at the Capitol Rotunda rallying in support of a state-wide anti-discrimination bill that would create equality in employment and housing, reports Fox 13. Senator Ben McAdams (Democrat-Salt Lake) says the bill he is sponsoring is not simply about advancing gay rights, but about changing the perception of Utah held by those outside the state. “The problem is around the nation people believe that Utah discriminates and that’s, I think, the real power of this bill is to send a signal that we are welcoming community, that we accept the differences of everybody in our community and we’re a place that businesses can come and bring their employees and their employees will be treated well,” said McAdams. A total of eleven counties and cities throughout Utah have previous passed their own ordinances protecting LGBT persons from facing discrimination in employment and housing. McAdams says he is confident that his bill, still in its draft stages, will make its way through the legislature.
Sport England, a government agency, is giving a grant to Britain’s first gay squash club to aid in recruiting lesbian and transgender players to the sport, the Telegraph. 4PlaySquash, formed 21 years ago in Camden, north London, secured the funds by promising to “help develop squash in the gay community ... particularly gay women.” John Forni, the club’s publicity manager, said “Squash is a sport that anyone can play at any age. It’s nice to attract different members. Many of ours at present are males between 20 and 50 years old, but we want to open up squash to experts or novices of any age, gender or sexuality,” Forni adding that “We can show that there are other things to do as an LGBT person, other ways to meet people, not just the stereotypical party scene.” The plan is not with criticism, a spokesperson for the Taxpayer’s Alliance saying “It’s astonishing that the Government is spending our money on encouraging people to take up squash. With huge pressures on the public finances, funding thousands of pounds worth of squash lessons simply isn’t fair or sustainable.”
James Franco tells Newsweek that he made a sex tape at 19, but “then watching it back and thinking, oh, that looks horrible.”
The New York Post reports on the 21st birthday party thrown by Calvin Klein for boyfriend (and sometime gay porn star) Nick Gruber Friday, January, 21st, Gruber, according to Post “was treated to a balloon-filled, late-night 21st-birthday party at Indochine, courtesy of boyfriend Calvin Klein on Friday night. Party planner Bronson Van Wyck created a Studio 54-meets-New Year's Eve dinner party at Indochine, stocked with 4,500 balloons, 100 models and a cake with 21 sparklers on top. Fashion's elite including Anna Wintour, Steven Klein, Patrick McCarthy, Donna Karan, Daphne Guinness, Ingrid Sischy, Sandy Brant and Vera Wang partied with Evan Lysacek, Andy Cohen, Ian Schrager and 150 or so more. Wang and Lysacek were the first ones on the dance floor, while Guinness took in the scene from her perch on the back of a banquette.”
The deeply delicious (and openly gay) Russell Tovy, is completely naked in Being Human. (NSFW)
Sunday, the always edible Matt Lanter arrives at the premiere of The Roommate.
Sport England, a government agency, is giving a grant to Britain’s first gay squash club to aid in recruiting lesbian and transgender players to the sport, the Telegraph. 4PlaySquash, formed 21 years ago in Camden, north London, secured the funds by promising to “help develop squash in the gay community ... particularly gay women.” John Forni, the club’s publicity manager, said “Squash is a sport that anyone can play at any age. It’s nice to attract different members. Many of ours at present are males between 20 and 50 years old, but we want to open up squash to experts or novices of any age, gender or sexuality,” Forni adding that “We can show that there are other things to do as an LGBT person, other ways to meet people, not just the stereotypical party scene.” The plan is not with criticism, a spokesperson for the Taxpayer’s Alliance saying “It’s astonishing that the Government is spending our money on encouraging people to take up squash. With huge pressures on the public finances, funding thousands of pounds worth of squash lessons simply isn’t fair or sustainable.”
James Franco tells Newsweek that he made a sex tape at 19, but “then watching it back and thinking, oh, that looks horrible.”
The New York Post reports on the 21st birthday party thrown by Calvin Klein for boyfriend (and sometime gay porn star) Nick Gruber Friday, January, 21st, Gruber, according to Post “was treated to a balloon-filled, late-night 21st-birthday party at Indochine, courtesy of boyfriend Calvin Klein on Friday night. Party planner Bronson Van Wyck created a Studio 54-meets-New Year's Eve dinner party at Indochine, stocked with 4,500 balloons, 100 models and a cake with 21 sparklers on top. Fashion's elite including Anna Wintour, Steven Klein, Patrick McCarthy, Donna Karan, Daphne Guinness, Ingrid Sischy, Sandy Brant and Vera Wang partied with Evan Lysacek, Andy Cohen, Ian Schrager and 150 or so more. Wang and Lysacek were the first ones on the dance floor, while Guinness took in the scene from her perch on the back of a banquette.”
The deeply delicious (and openly gay) Russell Tovy, is completely naked in Being Human. (NSFW)
Sunday, the always edible Matt Lanter arrives at the premiere of The Roommate.
Iowa House Judiciary Committee Approve Anti-Gay Marriage Resolution; Public Hearing Scheduled For Next Week
House Judiciary Committee members in Iowa approved a resolution Monday evening that could eventually eliminate same sex marriage rights in the state, the Mason City Global Gazette reporting the House Joint Resolution 6 passed 13-8 with all the Democrats on the committee save Representative Kurt Swaim (Democrat-Bloomfield) voting against the measure. Swaim said “In my opinion we can trust the citizens of Iowa to study and understand the issues. Iowans are fair, honest and smart. They are up to it. And the bottom line is simply this: The Iowa people are ultimately arbitrators of their own constitution.” House Republicans agreed to schedule a public hearing next week, although the specifics of that hearing have not yet been set. The resolution would amend the constitution to declare that “marriage between one man and one woman shall be the only legal union valid or recognized in this state.” Passage in the full House is an almost certainty, where the GOP control 60 of the 100 seats. However it faces slimmer chances of survival in the Senate, where Majority Leader Michael Gronstal (Democrat-Council Bluffs) has vowed to block the measure, saying he would not write discrimination into the Constitution.
Mega-Church Pastors Says Homosexuality “A Sin;” Adds That By Extension Elton John “A Sinner”
California-based Christian Joel Osteen and his wife Victoria are guests on CNN’s Piers Morgan Tonight this Wednesday, and the pastor says that homosexuality is a sin. “The scripture shows that it’s a sin,” Osteen says. “But you know, I’m not one of those that are out there to bash homosexuals and tell them that they’re terrible people and all of that. I mean, there are other sins in the Bible too ... I don’t believe homosexuality is God’s best for a person’s life.” Osteen, who apparently does not discuss sin specifically, is asked by Morgan if Sir Elton John and David Furnish (friend’s of Pier’s) are then considered sinners, to which Osteen answers, “Yes,” adding “it’s strictly back to what the scripture says. I mean, I can’t grab one part and say God wants you to be blessed and live an abundant life, and not grab the other part that says, you know what? You know, live that kind of life. So it comes back to the scripture. I’m not the judge. You know, God didn’t tell me to around judging everybody.”
Wyoming House Passes Bill Prohibiting Recognition Of Any Out-Of-State Same Sex Civil Union Or Marriage
The Wyoming House passed legislation late Monday morning amending the constitution and stopping the recognition of same sex civil unions and marriages performed out of state, HB 74 now headed to the Senate, where it is believed to easily pass, reports the Casper Star-Tribune. State Representative Owen Peterson (Republican-Mountain View), the bill’s sponsor, insists the legislation is required to resolve a conflict in Wyoming law which defines marriage as a contract “between a male and a female person,” but which also acknowledges any valid married performed outside the state. Supporters also say that the bill will aid in stopping the government from intruding into Wyoming culture and traditions. Opponents contend that the bill is unnecessary, creates a climate of confusion for legally married out of state same sex couples travelling in Wyoming, and, most importantly, violates the rights of gays and lesbian to marry. The Wyoming House has in fact voted down similar legislation in recent years, however the November, 2010 elections shifted the balance of power from Democrats to Republicans.
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