Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Truvada, HIV Prevention Pill, Draws Concern From Experts
If the FDA approves Truvada for preventive use, it "would be the first agent indicated for uninfected individuals to reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sex," according to a company statement at the time of the filing last month.
Gilead's application, however, has sparked debate among public health advocates who argue that the wide availability of the drug would discourage safe sex and would, in fact, increase the incidence of HIV.
"I believe that this could be catastrophic in terms of HIV prevention," said Michael Weinstein, president the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, based in Los Angeles. There are nearly 42,000 Californians [PDF] living with HIV as of June 2011.
Weinstein added that as an HIV treatment, he thinks Truvada is a "fabulous drug - it's one pill once a day, and it has a low side-effect burden," which include nausea, vomiting and weight loss.
This new pharmaceutical prevention approach to HIV and AIDS is known in scientific circles as "pre-exposure prophylaxis," or PrEP, and it involves taking the antiretroviral medications on a daily basis. Clinical trials supported by the National Institutes of Health have shown that when taken daily, Truvada, a blue oval pill, reduced the risk for contracting HIV by between 44 percent among gay men in four countries and 73 percent by heterosexual couples in Uganda and Kenya. One trial among women in sub-Saharan Africa was stopped in April 2011.
Overall, these studies have generated enthusiasm among many medical researchers
AT Home Saliva HIV Test As Effective As Blood Test
Despite advances in the treatment of HIV, one huge challenge still lingers in the medical community: getting people tested in the first place.
The stigma associated with being tested and potentially exposed in a public clinic has prompted scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre to evaluate the efficacy of an oral HIV self-test, a method they believe can serve as an effective but much more private alternative to clinical testing.
Compared to a traditional blood screening, the saliva test OraQuick HIV1/2, the only oral fluid test approved for use in a health-care setting by the Food and Drug Administration, was 99 percent accurate in detecting HIV antibodies in high-risk populations and about 97 percent in low-risk populations, according to study findings published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
The stigma associated with being tested and potentially exposed in a public clinic has prompted scientists at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre to evaluate the efficacy of an oral HIV self-test, a method they believe can serve as an effective but much more private alternative to clinical testing.
Compared to a traditional blood screening, the saliva test OraQuick HIV1/2, the only oral fluid test approved for use in a health-care setting by the Food and Drug Administration, was 99 percent accurate in detecting HIV antibodies in high-risk populations and about 97 percent in low-risk populations, according to study findings published in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Anti-Gay Senator Reportedly Kicked Out Of Restaurant For Comments About Gays, HIV/AIDS
Tennessee Senator Stacey Campbell was reportedly kicked out of a local Knoxville, Tennessee restaurant for recent comments he made about gay people and HIV/AIDS. The Facebook page of Bistro at the Bijou reads, “I hope that Stacy Campfield now knows what if feels like to be unfairly discriminated against,” and in only 14 hours has 478 likes.
Campbell has become infamous for his comments last week to veteran LGBT journalist Michelangelo Signorile, in which he claimed it was “virtually impossible” to contract HIV/AIDS through heterosexual sex. Campfield is also the force behind his state’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Campbell has become infamous for his comments last week to veteran LGBT journalist Michelangelo Signorile, in which he claimed it was “virtually impossible” to contract HIV/AIDS through heterosexual sex. Campfield is also the force behind his state’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill.
Sisters are at the forefront of equality
New Ways Ministry, a Catholic organization dedicated to promoting understanding and dignity for LGBT persons, has an excellent blog post about the work of religious sisters for LGBT equality. Following is an excerpt:
It’s no secret–though it’s not well-known, either–that high on the list of Catholic supporters of LGBT equality are nuns. Communities of women religious have consistently been supportive of education, dialogue, and justice activities for LGBT people since the late 1970s.
After Vatican II, when nuns’ communities re-evaluated their charisms and ministries, they quickly realized that the church had long neglected lesbian/gay rights and that this was an issue that cried for justice. They responded positively and actively.
Johnson’s article highlights the reason that nuns can be so steadfast:
“American nuns don’t want to fight the official church, but neither are they likely to sacrifice the integrity of their consciences for the sake of peace.”
At New Ways Ministry, we are indebted to our Sisters for financial, spiritual, and practical support over our 35 year history. More New Ways Ministry programs have been held in convents and motherhouses than in any other type of Catholic facility by far.
New bill in Congress aims to prohibit gay weddings on military bases
A Republican lawmaker from Kansas has introduced new legislation in the U.S. House aimed at prohibiting gay and lesbian service members from marrying on U.S. military bases, and would require new regulations related to chaplains and other military personnel.U.S. Rep. Tim Huelskamp (R-Kan.) is sponsoring the bill, H.R. 3828, which stipulates that the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” cannot be used to permit gay weddings on military bases, or force chaplains to do anything against their beliefs, including marrying gay partners.
Friday, January 27, 2012
“Virtually Impossible” For Heterosexuals To Contract AIDS
A GOP state Senator today said that it is “virtually impossible” to get AIDS through heterosexual sex. Tennessee Republican State Senator Stacey Campfield, who is the force behind his state’s infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill.“My understanding is that it is virtually — not completely, but virtually — impossible to contract AIDS through heterosexual sex…very rarely [transmitted],” Campfield told Signorile, adding, “What’s the average lifespan of a homosexual? it’s very short. Google it yourself.”
Barney Frank Is Engaged to Be Married
Rep. Barney Frank is engaged to marry his partner of four years, Jim Ready.
Rand Paul's TSA Detention
A video has been released of Senator Rand Paul, who (along with his father Ron) made a big stink earlier this week about being "detained" by the TSA after refusing a pat-down in the Nashville airport.
The clip, this one with fictional dialogue and annotations, reinforces the fact that Paul was just being a drama queen about his signature issue.
Politico reports:
In response to Monday’s incident, his father’s presidential campaign issued a statement slamming the Transportation Security Administration and promising to abolish it if elected.
“The police state in this country is growing out of control,” Ron Paul’s campaign said. “One of the ultimate embodiments of this is the TSA that gropes and grabs our children, our seniors and our loved ones and neighbors with disabilities. The TSA does all of this while doing nothing to keep us safe.”
Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2012/01/rand-pauls-tsa-detention-video.html#ixzz1kbDqzm00
Marriage Equality Advocates Ready for Maine Referendum
Marriage equality advocates in Maine have collected the signatures necessary to bring the issue back to the ballot in 2012 and may announce their decision to do so Thursday, the Associated Press reports. State lawmakers had passed a marriage bill signed into law by Gov. John Baldacci in June of 2009, but voters narrowly overturned the law a few months later.
Florida Mom Confronts Santorum Over Gay Son's Rights
During a campaign stop in Florida, Rick Santorum told a mother that her gay son doesn't have the right to adopt children.
"I'm a proud mother of a gay son graduating from Georgetown law in May," the woman said during a campaign rally in Stuart, according to a video posted by ThinkProgress. "I want to know why he can't have the same rights as you have?"
"Every American child has the right, and the government should support the right, to have and know their mother and father and be raised by their mother and father,” he said, according to the Palm Beach Post.
Santorum said that while God has granted everyone some rights, the government has control over what's leftover and issues those "privileges" to people who are "healthy for society."
Thursday, January 26, 2012
North Carolina Pastor Claims Gay Men Insert...
A prominent North Carolina pastor just can't seem to stop making claims about gay sex.
Having already proclaimed that gay men "have to wear a diaper" because of "what happens to the male anus" after anal sex, Pastor Patrick Wooden went into more graphic detail during a Jan. 25 discussion with Americans For Truth About Homosexuality's (AFTAH) Peter LaBarbera.
Having already proclaimed that gay men "have to wear a diaper" because of "what happens to the male anus" after anal sex, Pastor Patrick Wooden went into more graphic detail during a Jan. 25 discussion with Americans For Truth About Homosexuality's (AFTAH) Peter LaBarbera.
Adam Levine And Maroon 5 Boycotting Mexican Restaurant For Anti-Gay Marriage Stance
Adam Levine has long been a supporter of the LGBT community and once again he's putting his money where his mouth is -- this time in regards to gay marriage.
The Maroon 5 singer and "The Voice" star recently revealed that the band, which is up for the Grammy for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance on February 12, has changed the location of their upcoming post-awards show party due to an unnamed Los Angeles restaurant's backing of Proposition 8, which made gay marriage illegal in California.
Levine told People magazine, "We used to go to this Mexican restaurant to celebrate after the Grammys but the place supported the movement to make gay marriage illegal [in California] so we bailed on that."
Levine, whose brother is gay, has lent his voice and face to other pro-LGBT causes like the "It Gets Better" campaign in support of gay teens and earlier this year he appeared on the cover of Out magazine.
The singer's outspokenness isn't limited to LGBT activism. In October he lashed out at FOX news on Twitter for using Maroon 5's music on the air saying, "Dear Fox News, don't play our music on your evil f***ing channel ever again. Thank you."
NJ Lawmakers Respond Chris Christie for Suggesting Civil Rights of Gay People Should Be Put to a Vote
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie called for a voter referendum on same-sex marriage and said he'll veto any marriage equality bill that comes to his desk. Christie's announcement comes even as a Quinnipiac poll this week revealed that a majority of New Jersey voters support marriage equality.
"Let's stop treating this like a political football and let the people of New Jersey decided," said Christie.
New Jersey Senate President Steve Sweeney, Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, and Senator Raymond J. Lesniak, are furious about Governor Chris Christie's call yesterday for a voter referendum on same-sex marriage.
"We do not put civil rights questions on the ballot," said Weinberg.
Added Sweeney to a reporter who questioned the point of "going through the exercise" of passing marriage equality given the threat of a veto by Christie: "The point of going through a fight for civil rights, are you kidding me? I'm offended by that [question]...If the governor wants to stifle and silence his colleagues that's one thing. But his not going to silence or stifle us...It's offensive for anyone to think 'why bother' if the governor doesn't want to do it. Well, guess what? He's wrong on this one."
Gays Not "Mentally Healthy Adult Human Beings"
Just one day after Phillip Parker, a gay teen in Tennessee, committed suicide, a state lawmaker told one of his constituents that gay individuals are not “mentally healthy adult human beings.”
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Maryland Governor says marriage bill brings dignity and religious freedom
At a gathering on the steps of the governor’s residence in Annapolis, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley on Tuesday called on the state’s residents and lawmakers to join him in supporting his newly drafted same-sex marriage bill.His remarks came on the day after he officially introduced the Civil Marriage Protection Act into the Maryland General Assembly and minutes after he hosted a breakfast in the governor’s residence for representatives of the coalition of organizations and clergy backing the bill.
“There is a broad coalition, and many are arrayed on the steps here with me, and they are all supportive of the bill I introduced last night on civil marriage equality in the state of Maryland,” he said.
Romney Gave To Anti-Gay Hate Groups
"Mitt Romney's just-released tax records reveals donations to viciously anti-gay hate groups. The Human Right Campaign reports via press release:The tax returns for Mitt Romney's charitable foundation reveal that the GOP presidential hopeful has given at least $35,000 in recent years to groups actively working to halt the spread of LGBT equality and, in some cases, intentionally demonize LGBT people. The revelation comes two weeks after Romney said in New Hampshire that he opposed discrimination against LGBT Americans."
Put Marriage On The Ballot
Today New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called for a ballot measure to decide on same-sex marriage. Christie's statement came during legislative hearings on the issue. He added that if any bill reaches his desk, he will veto it. 
N.J. Marriage Bill Advances, Christie Wants Referendum
A bill that would legalize same-sex marriage cleared the New Jersey senate judiciary committee as expected Tuesday afternoon. The 8 to 4 vote cleared the way for the bill to come to the senate floor on February 13, although Governor Chris Christie renewed his vow to veto the legislation and urged lawmakers to “let the people of New Jersey decide” the issue in a referendum.
Maryland Governor Introduces Marriage Equality Bill
Maryland governor Martin O’Malley introduced marriage equality legislation Monday with clarification on protections for religious institutions and leaders.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
'Sent by the Gods'
'Sent by the Gods'
NovaLei was born and raised in Hawaii and knew what being queer was like back when Hawaii was still an independent country: "The LGBT person, in ancient times, was actually revered, and thought to be blessed and sent by the gods... There was a place for them in our society." NovaLei felt that he was gay his entire life, and he was very accepted and loved by his family. He was thought to be special. For those who were born and raised in traditional Hawaiian culture, these views are still strong.
NovaLei was born and raised in Hawaii and knew what being queer was like back when Hawaii was still an independent country: "The LGBT person, in ancient times, was actually revered, and thought to be blessed and sent by the gods... There was a place for them in our society." NovaLei felt that he was gay his entire life, and he was very accepted and loved by his family. He was thought to be special. For those who were born and raised in traditional Hawaiian culture, these views are still strong.
Tennessee Teen Is State's Second Suicide in Two Months
In Tennessee, where lawmakers are once again considering the "don't say gay" bill aimed at schools, a 14-year-old Gordonsville student named Phillip Parker killed himself Friday.
Monday, January 23, 2012
Washington State Has The Votes to Pass Marriage Equality Bill
In a statement, Haugen said, "I know this announcement makes me the so-called 25th vote, the vote that ensures passage. That's neither here nor there. If I were the first or the seventh or the 28th vote, my position would not be any different. I happen to be the 25th because I insisted on taking this much time to hear from my constituents and to sort it out for myself, to reconcile my religious beliefs with my beliefs as an American, as a legislator, and as a wife and mother who cannot deny to others the joys and benefits I enjoy."
Haugen's announcement comes as the first hearings on the measure are being held in Washington's capitol. Twenty-five votes are required for passage of the bill in the state Senate, and Haugen's would be the 25th committed vote.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
Newt Gingrich's Ex-Wife, Says He Wanted An 'Open Marriage'
So, it seems that one part of that juicy ABC News "bombshell" interview with Marianne Gingrich concerns one of the "big ideas" that Newt Gingrich, hive of constant innovation, had during the period of time the former House Speaker was out of office: he wanted Marianne, his second wife, to enter into an "open marriage" arrangement, so that he could continue to consort with Callista Bisek. (You know, the third wife that introduced him to Catholicism.)
Cuba’s lawmakers may legalize same-sex civil unions this year
Cuba’s first daughter, Mariela Castro-EspÃn, on Sunday said the country’s lawmakers will consider legalizing same-sex civil unions this year.
Castro-EspÃn, daughter of President Raul Castro, who is also the director of the National Sex Education Centre told the magazine Cuba Si that the Cuban Justice Minister, Maria Esther, said civil unions is going to be discussed “in Parliament [and] is included in the legislative plan for 2012.”
Castro-EspÃn, daughter of President Raul Castro, who is also the director of the National Sex Education Centre told the magazine Cuba Si that the Cuban Justice Minister, Maria Esther, said civil unions is going to be discussed “in Parliament [and] is included in the legislative plan for 2012.”
Thursday, January 19, 2012
70 Mayors from Across U.S. to Launch Marriage Equality Campaign
"Mayor Jerry Sanders goes to Washington this week during the U.S. Conference of Mayors to launch “Mayors for Freedom to Marry.”
Sanders and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino are scheduled for a joint news conference Friday morning to announce the campaign to “end marriage discrimination.”
Joining the campaign: mayors from some 70 U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. L.A.’s Antonio Villaraigosa and New York’s Michael Bloomberg are co-chairs with Sanders and Menino. After years of opposition to gay marriage, Sanders changed course in 2007, saying his daughter, Lisa, and her partner, Meaghan Yaple, deserved equal justice."
Sanders and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino are scheduled for a joint news conference Friday morning to announce the campaign to “end marriage discrimination.”
Joining the campaign: mayors from some 70 U.S. cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston. L.A.’s Antonio Villaraigosa and New York’s Michael Bloomberg are co-chairs with Sanders and Menino. After years of opposition to gay marriage, Sanders changed course in 2007, saying his daughter, Lisa, and her partner, Meaghan Yaple, deserved equal justice."
Marriage News Watch
Washington, Colorado, New Jersey -- state legislatures are moving even faster than we thought on marriage equality. But it's not all good news. Meanwhile, Canadian turmoil calls thousands of marriages into question, and preparations continue for the impending decision in the Prop 8 case.
NOM Pledges $250K to Stop Marriage Equality in Washington State
NOM is reaching into its coffers as Washington prepares to vote on a marriage equality bill.
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the nation's leading pro-marriage organization, today announced that it will spend $250,000 to help fund primary challenges to any Republican legislator who crosses the party platform and votes in favor of same-sex marriage. NOM will also work with pro-marriage grassroots organizations to ensure that the people of Washington have the chance to vote on marriage in November 2012.
"It's fairly incredible that some legislators would try to legalize homosexual marriage so soon after giving same-sex couples all the rights and privileges of marriage through Domestic Partnerships. This effort proves that the question is not one of rights but preserving marriage as a child-focused institution that has served families since the dawn of time," stated Brian Brown, NOM's president. "We intend to hold every legislator accountable for his or her vote on marriage. Any Republican who votes to redefine marriage can count on funding of a primary challenge to them. All legislators need to know that the same-sex marriage lobby wants to destroy the institution of marriage, redefining not just marriage, but also 'husband,' 'wife,' 'mother,' and 'father.'"
The National Organization for Marriage (NOM), the nation's leading pro-marriage organization, today announced that it will spend $250,000 to help fund primary challenges to any Republican legislator who crosses the party platform and votes in favor of same-sex marriage. NOM will also work with pro-marriage grassroots organizations to ensure that the people of Washington have the chance to vote on marriage in November 2012.
"It's fairly incredible that some legislators would try to legalize homosexual marriage so soon after giving same-sex couples all the rights and privileges of marriage through Domestic Partnerships. This effort proves that the question is not one of rights but preserving marriage as a child-focused institution that has served families since the dawn of time," stated Brian Brown, NOM's president. "We intend to hold every legislator accountable for his or her vote on marriage. Any Republican who votes to redefine marriage can count on funding of a primary challenge to them. All legislators need to know that the same-sex marriage lobby wants to destroy the institution of marriage, redefining not just marriage, but also 'husband,' 'wife,' 'mother,' and 'father.'"
Colbert Super PAC Endorses Herman Cain
Now that Stephen Colbert is no longer in charge of Colbert Super PAC, the new head, "Daily Show" host Jon Stewart, is free to endorse a candidate. And in a new ad released Monday evening, Colbert Super PAC endorses former GOP hopeful Herman Cain.
"He's such a Washington outsider, he's not even running for president," the ad's announcer proclaims. Cain, of course, dropped out of the race after numerous sexual allegations were made against him. But since he's still on the ballot and Colbert isn't, he'll clearly have to do.
On Monday night, Colbert Super PAC sent out an email to its supporters to inform them that Jon Stewart, who is "really settling into this Super PAC thing," had a big announcement to make on behalf of the newly renamed "The Definitely Not Coordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC." Within the email was a link to a video encouraging South Carolina republicans to vote for Herman Cain.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Prop 8 play coming to a theater near you
The pro-gay marriage American Foundation for Equal Rights and partner Broadway Impact are sponsoring dozens of productions of Dustin Lance Black’s play starring local actors across the country this election year. It’ll be shown in states where marriage battles loom, including Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire and North Carolina.
LGBT Pepperdine Students Fight For Recognition
In an effort to make Pepperdine University in Malibu, Calif., a safer environment for LGBT students and allies, a petition has been started online by Alexander Cooper, a senior and member of the unrecognized Gay Straight Alliance group Reach OUT.The GSA applied to become an official student organization on Nov. 9, but was rejected four days later by the Catholic university's administrators. In the message accompanying his petition, Cooper said, “this is the fourth time that a gay-straight alliance has been denied or discouraged from applying.”
Cooper launched a Change.org petition over the weekend, which has garnered 640 signatures as of Tuesday morning, with a goal of hitting 1,500 signatures. The petition urges administrators to consider officially recognizing Reach OUT.
Pepperdine's Office of Student Affairs said in a statement that recognizing Reach OUT would “imply to many that Pepperdine is not honoring our affiliation with the Churches of Christ.”
The Western Association of Schools and Colleges' 2011 accreditation report said “Pepperdine’s ‘climate of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ prevents it from appearing ‘safe for open discourse.’”
Rick Santorum's Wife Dated the Doctor Who Delivered Her, an Abortion Provider 40 Years Her Senior
Nancy Hass at The Daily Beast on the odd past of Karen Santorum, who is now as strictly anti-abortion as her husband:
But Mrs. Santorum, 51, apparently wasn’t always committed to the cause. In fact, her live-in partner through most of her 20s was Tom Allen, a Pittsburgh obstetrician and abortion provider 40 years older than she, who remains an outspoken crusader for reproductive rights and liberal ideals. Dr. Allen has known Mrs. Santorum, born Karen Garver, her entire life: he delivered her in 1960.
“Karen was a lovely girl, very intelligent and sweet,” says Allen, who at 92 uses a walker but retains a sly smile. A wine aficionado who frequented the Pittsburgh Symphony and was active in the local chapter of the ACLU, he lives with his wife of 16 years, Judi—they started dating in 1989, soon after he and Garver split—in the same large detached row house where he lived with the woman who would become Santorum’s wife.
“Karen was a lovely girl, very intelligent and sweet,” says Allen, who at 92 uses a walker but retains a sly smile. A wine aficionado who frequented the Pittsburgh Symphony and was active in the local chapter of the ACLU, he lives with his wife of 16 years, Judi—they started dating in 1989, soon after he and Garver split—in the same large detached row house where he lived with the woman who would become Santorum’s wife.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Anti-Gay Cracker Barrel Founder Dies
Cyndi Lauper Unhappy "True Colors" Used in Romney Attack Ad
Lauper has released a statement, saying: "Yesterday, I learned that my version of 'True Colors' was used in a negative political ad focused on Mitt Romney without my knowledge and approval.
While I am in no way a fan of Mitt Romney, my music is meant to lift people up, especially 'True Colors.' The song has been a tremendous source of healing and acceptance for so many people and for it to be used in such a negative way dishonors its history and intention.
I am a huge supporter of President Obama and his re-election, but I have let the responsible party know how disappointed I am the song was used and asked that it be removed from the ad."
ABC Cancels Work It
Stephen Colbert's Super PAC Unleashes South Carolina Ad
Last week, Stephen Colbert announced his intention to form an "exploratory committee" in advance of his potential run for the GOP presidential nomination in South Carolina. (SC hosts its primaries next Saturday.) In doing so, he had to hand over control of his Super Pac to somebody else, lest he run afoul of campaign finance laws. He drafted Jon Stewart for the gig, and now the Stewart-led Super PAC -- which is technically called "Americans For a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow," but to which the comedians currently refer as "The Definitely Not Cooridnated With Stephen Colbert Super PAC" -- has launched its first ad.
Monday, January 16, 2012
“Make Room At The Table Of Brotherhood And Sisterhood” For Gays
My husband, Martin Luther King Jr., once said, “We are all tied together in a single garment of destiny… an inescapable network of mutuality,… I can never be what I ought to be until you are allowed to be what you ought to be.” Therefore, I appeal to everyone who believes in Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream to make room at the table of brotherhood and sisterhood for lesbian and gay people.
Gays and lesbians stood up for civil rights in Montgomery, Selma, in Albany, Ga. and St. Augustine, Fla., and many other campaigns of the Civil Rights Movement. Many of these courageous men and women were fighting for my freedom at a time when they could find few voices for their own, and I salute their contributions.”
—Coretta Scott King, speaking at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force’s Creating Change Conference on November 9, 2000.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Saturday, January 14, 2012
'I Wanted to Make Sure I Heard Him Right'
A caller to C-SPAN asks Wayne MacDonald, Chairman of the New Hampshire Republican party, about the size of Mitt Romney's penis.
Friday, January 13, 2012
New Hampshire legislature expected to vote on repealing gay marriage law
A senior legislative assistant, speaking on the condition of anonymity, indicated that a vote on the measure has tentatively been scheduled for next Wednesday, Jan. 18.Both sides of the same-sex marriage debate expect the Republican-controlled House to pass a bill that would replace the law legalizing same-sex marriage with civil unions for any unmarried adults. The measure would also allow anyone to refuse to recognize civil unions.
The measure is also expected to pass in the Republican-controlled Senate.
Democratic Governor John Lynch, who, in 2009, signed the bill legalizing same-sex marriage in New Hampshire, has publicly stated he will veto any effort to repeal the law.
“If Forced To Make A Decision On It, I’ll Make A Decision”
While NJ legislators haven’t brought a marriage-equality bill to a vote in the state House or state Senate, Governor Chris Christie has finally broken his silence on the issue.
“They have a right to set their agenda, I’ll set mine, [and] we’ll see who gets there first,” he said yesterday in Camden, reports NJ.com. “When forced to make a decision—if forced to make a decision on it—I’ll make a decision.”
In New Jersey, a bill becomes law if it reaches the governor’s desk and languishes for 45 days.
“They have a right to set their agenda, I’ll set mine, [and] we’ll see who gets there first,” he said yesterday in Camden, reports NJ.com. “When forced to make a decision—if forced to make a decision on it—I’ll make a decision.”
In New Jersey, a bill becomes law if it reaches the governor’s desk and languishes for 45 days.
State Senate Hearing on N.J. Marriage Bill Nears
The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a marriage equality bill during a Tuesday morning hearing at the statehouse in Trenton.
State Senate Hearing on N.J. Marriage Bill Nears
The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee will take up a marriage equality bill during a Tuesday morning hearing at the statehouse in Trenton.
Marriage Equality Within Reach in Washington: AP
Marriage equality is closer than ever in Washington state:
Two GOP state Senators, Cheryl Pflug and Steve Litzow, have come out in support of it in recent days.
The AP has reached out to all 49 state senators over the past week and found that more lawmakers are firmly supporting gay marriage than opposing it, by a margin of 22-18. The measure needs 25 votes to pass the Senate.
Four other Democrats say they are considering whether to support it, including one who is leaning in favor. A pair of Republicans is among those supporting the proposal, and two first-term GOP members said they are still discussing the issue with constituents.
Republican Iraq War Vet Fights for His Brother's Right to Marry in NH
In a new clip from HRC, Craig Stowell, a U.S. Marine Iraq war veteran, argues for his brother's right to marry in New Hampshire as the legislature considers repeal of the marriage equality law there.
Arizona Woman Sues Avis for Offering Gay Discounts
Avis established marketing agreements with the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association and National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, allowing its members reduced rental rates. Lynn Evenchik discovered about the discounts after she rented an Avis car in July. “These unfair and unlawful business practices result in many consumers who are not affiliated with those organizations paying substantially higher rental rates than those made available to gay and lesbian renters,” the complaint states.
Evenchik's lawsuit asks for restitution for anyone who's rented an Avis vehicle since they began offering the LGBT discounts around September 2010, as well as an injunction to stop the gay discounts
Democratic Maryland Senate President Mike Miller Calls Same-Sex Marriage 'An Attack on The Family'
Democratic Maryland Senate President Mike Miller spoke out against efforts to pass marriage equality in that state using rhetoric he compared to "one of the Republican candidates for President," saying that he considers same-sex marriage to be an attack on the family, Think Progress LGBT reports.
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Stephen Colbert Running For President In South Carolina
A recent poll showing comedian Stephen Colbert is leading third-place New Hampshire primary winner Jon Huntsman in South Carolina might be all the convincing the "Colbert Report" host needs to throw his hat in the ring for President -- whether seriously or not.
Gay Republicans Suze Orman Has A Message For You
Personal finance whiz and out-lesbian Suze Orman has a message for gay Republicans and odds are they’re not going to like it, but it’s true. On The View, Suze Orman made the extremely salient point that social issues affect financial issues, and gay Republicansshould look at the impact social issues have on fiscal issues.
“Obviously, it is no secret that I’m gay. So it is very difficult for me to look at any Republican nominee and go, ‘Oh, that’s who I want in office.’ Now, I understand that President Obama isn’t necessarily for marriage but I do believe that I have more of a chance…”
Barbara Walters interjects, saying, “You’re voting on a social issue.”
Orman replies, “That’s correct… My social issue affects my financial issue. And the reason why it affects my financial issue is ’cause if I die, KT [Orman's partner] is going to lose — my partner — is going to lose 50 percent of what I have because we can’t be married.”
NJ Gets Teen Suicide Prevention Law
Two New Jersey state Republican lawmakers successfully co-sponsored and passed a teen suicide prevention bill, which GOP Governor Chris Christie signed Monday.
“It’s obviously a very difficult topic to talk about, but suicide remains one of the top causes of death for teens and young adults,” said Republican Senator Sean T. Kean, the bill’s leading cosponsor, who, along with Dave Rible, ushered the legislation through both Houses.
“It’s obviously a very difficult topic to talk about, but suicide remains one of the top causes of death for teens and young adults,” said Republican Senator Sean T. Kean, the bill’s leading cosponsor, who, along with Dave Rible, ushered the legislation through both Houses.
New Anti-Transgender Bill Introduced in Tennessee General Assembly
A new anti-transgender "bathroom bill" was filed in Tennessee's General Assembly today by a Republican state Senator. The bill "restricts access to public restrooms and public dressing rooms designated by sex to members of that particular sex." There is a monetary fine for people who violate the law. And since in Tennessee it's legally impossible to get your sex changed on your birth certificate (and only a little less impossible to get it changed on your drivers' license), this affects all transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Girl Scout Calls for Boycott of Cookies Because Organization Welcomes Transgender Kids
A 14-year-old Girl Scout named Taylor is calling for a boycott of Girl Scout Cookies because the organization welcomes transgender children, World Net Daily reports.
Says Taylor, in a YouTube video: “The real question is, why is GSUSA willing to break their own safety rules and go against its own research institute findings to accommodate transgender boys? Unfortunately, I think it is because GSUSA cares more about promoting the desires of a small handful of people than it does for my safety and the safety of my friends and sister Girl Scouts, and they are doing it with money we earned for them from Girl Scout cookies.”
The Girl Scouts of America's inclusive policy made headlines last fall when a Colorado troop refused (and later reversed) admittance to Bobby Montoya, a transgender 7-year-old.
Warren Buffett Ready to Take Republicans’ Tax Challenge
Warren Buffett is ready to call Republicans’ tax bluff. Last fall, Senator Mitch McConnell said that if Buffett was feeling “guilty” about paying too little in taxes, he should “send in a check.” The jab was in response to Buffett’s August 2011 New York Times op-ed, which made hay of the fact that our tax system is so unbalanced that Buffett (worth about $45 billion) pays a lower tax rate than his secretary. Senator John Thune promptly introduced the “Buffett Rule Act,” an option on tax forms that would allow the rich to donate more in taxes to help pay down the national debt. It was, as Buffett told me for this week’s TIME cover story, “A tax policy only a Republican could come up with.”
Still, he’s willing to take them up on it. “It restores my faith in human nature to think that there are people who have been around Washington all this time and are not yet so cynical as to think that [the deficit] can’t be solved by voluntary contributions,” he says with a chuckle. So, Buffett has pledged to match one for one all such voluntary contributions made by Republican members of Congress. “And, I’ll even go three for one for McConnell.” That could be quite a bill if McConnell takes the challenge; after all, the Senator is worth at least $10 million. As Buffett put it to me: “I’m not worried.”
Still, he’s willing to take them up on it. “It restores my faith in human nature to think that there are people who have been around Washington all this time and are not yet so cynical as to think that [the deficit] can’t be solved by voluntary contributions,” he says with a chuckle. So, Buffett has pledged to match one for one all such voluntary contributions made by Republican members of Congress. “And, I’ll even go three for one for McConnell.” That could be quite a bill if McConnell takes the challenge; after all, the Senator is worth at least $10 million. As Buffett put it to me: “I’m not worried.”
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Shervin Lalezary On Ellen
Shervin Lalezary, the modest and endearing hero who caught the Los Angeles arsonist suspect on Jan. 2, on "The Ellen Degeneres Show" Monday.
Ellen asks him if he's single... he is!
NJ Lawmakers Introduce and Fast Track Marriage Equality Bill
The New Jersey "Freedom to Marry" bill has been placed on a high priority fast track, a group of lawmakers said today, introducing the bill in Trenton.
Senator Steve Sweeney, who introduced the bill for a Senate, voted against the marriage equality bill when it was up for a vote last year and called it the biggest mistake of his career, reiterating remarks he made earlier this year.
Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, who introduced the bill to the Assembly, spoke about Loving v. Virginia and interracial marriage, emphasizing that marriage equality is a matter of civil rights.
Senator Steve Sweeney, who introduced the bill for a Senate, voted against the marriage equality bill when it was up for a vote last year and called it the biggest mistake of his career, reiterating remarks he made earlier this year.
Assemblywoman Sheila Oliver, who introduced the bill to the Assembly, spoke about Loving v. Virginia and interracial marriage, emphasizing that marriage equality is a matter of civil rights.
Steve Litzow is First GOP Washington State Senator to Come Out in Support of Marriage Equality Bill
The marriage equality bill announced by Governor Chris Gregoire last week in Washington State now has GOP support in the state senate. Freshman Senator Steve Litzow says he's there, the Seattle Times reports:
"I am a traditional Republican," explained Litzow. "When you think about gay marriage, it's the right thing to do and it's very consistent with the tenets of being a Republican — such as individual freedom and personal responsibility."
Litzow is not an activist on social issues, but is a big supporter of education reform. He also is a suburban businessman, married with four children, who believes in treating all citizens fairly. He believes that if two adults of the same gender wish to commit to each other, the state should not discriminate, period.
Litzow is not an activist on social issues, but is a big supporter of education reform. He also is a suburban businessman, married with four children, who believes in treating all citizens fairly. He believes that if two adults of the same gender wish to commit to each other, the state should not discriminate, period.
NOM Pledges $500K to Fight Marriage Equality in New Jersey
The National Organization for Marriage says it will launch "an all-out effort to prevent same-sex marriage from becoming law in New Jersey.," pledging $500,000 for or against lawmakers depending on their positions:
"The media is reporting that gay marriage is sure to pass through the Legislature, but we heard the same false story in 2009 and 2010. The people of New Jersey can and will stop this bill." said Brian Brown, NOM's president.
Governor Chris Christie has previously pledged to veto any same-sex marriage legislation that is passed by the Legislature.
"We commend Governor Christie for his position that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, just as it has been throughout history. Even though the governor has pledged to veto the legislation, we are committed to holding legislators accountable for their own views and will work to assure that he never has to exercise his veto power," Brown said. "NOM will spend $500,000 in New Jersey legislative races to support those who stand with us in defense of traditional marriage, and hold those who abandon marriage accountable to voters."
"The media is reporting that gay marriage is sure to pass through the Legislature, but we heard the same false story in 2009 and 2010. The people of New Jersey can and will stop this bill." said Brian Brown, NOM's president.
Governor Chris Christie has previously pledged to veto any same-sex marriage legislation that is passed by the Legislature.
"We commend Governor Christie for his position that marriage is the union of one man and one woman, just as it has been throughout history. Even though the governor has pledged to veto the legislation, we are committed to holding legislators accountable for their own views and will work to assure that he never has to exercise his veto power," Brown said. "NOM will spend $500,000 in New Jersey legislative races to support those who stand with us in defense of traditional marriage, and hold those who abandon marriage accountable to voters."
Vote Against
The Vote Against Project - Welcome! from Vote Against Project on Vimeo.
On May 8, North Carolina voters will choose whether or not to ban same-sex marriage in their home state. Raleigh-based photographer Curtis Brown, determined to “defeat discrimination” with the help of a team of dedicated volunteers has begun The Vote Against Project.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Troy Mayor Tells High School GSA Students Being Gay Is A Mental Disease
The Troy Patch published this report today:
“There were a lot of disturbing things that were said in that meeting,” said GSA member and Troy High School senior Skye Curtis.
According to Curtis and others who attended the meeting – including GSA member Zach Kilgore and lesbian couple Amy and Tina Weber – Daniels, while discussing mental health and suicide among members of the LGBT community, at one point suggested putting together a panel of psychologists to show that homosexuality is dangerous to your mental health.
“She definitely meant it in quite a negative connotation,” Curtis said.
“The mayor of Troy told my daughter this afternoon that she wants to bring in a panel of psychologists to explain to the high school’s Gay-Straight Alliance that homosexuality is a mental disease,” Rodney Curtis, Skye’s father, wrote on his Facebook page
Tabatha Coffey considers a New Jersey gay marriage ‘Takeover’
Senate President Stephen Sweeney and House Speaker Sheila Oliver said yesterday they will fast-track and prioritise the new rules in the new legislative session.
The proposed law has support from US salon guru and New Jersey resident Tabatha Coffey, who backed the effort in an interview with PinkNews.co.uk.
Coffey’s show Tabatha Takes Over, formerly Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, follows her around the US as she takes control of small businesses to transform their owners’ prospects.
She told interviewer Laurence Watts she would be prepared to do the same to Republican Governor Chris Christie if he blocks the legislation.
Christie is a long-standing opponent of equal marriage rights. Senate President Sweeney said he was “a decent person” but they would have to “work on educating him”.
If that fails, Tabatha Coffey is prepared to step in and take over in her trademark style to ensure equality.
In a message to Christie about new legislation, she said: “Pass it! And if he doesn’t, maybe I’ll have to do a takeover of the Governor’s Office on the next season of Tabatha Takes Over. Who knows, maybe I’ll even run for Governor myself.”
Super Bowl Viewers Will See Graphic Anti-Abortion Ads Featuring Aborted Fetuses
Anti-abortion ads showing graphic images of aborted fetuses covered in blood and surrounded by religious icons will air during the Super Bowl in February, courtesy of Democratic Presidential candidate Randall Terry. Terry, who has spent a year in jail and been arrested 50 times for his anti-abortion efforts, is using a Federal Election Commission loophole that ensures ads for political candidates cannot be prohibited within 45 days of an election. Apparently, primaries count, so Terry will be running ads on local stations during Super Bowl XLVI February 5.
Gay Marriage A Threat To 'Future Of Humanity'
Pope Benedict said on Monday that gay marriage was one of several threats to the traditional family that undermined "the future of humanity itself".
The pope made some of his strongest comments against gay marriage in a new year address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Vatican in which he touched on some economic and social issues facing the world today.
He told diplomats from nearly 180 countries that the education of children needed proper "settings" and that "pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman."
"This is not a simple social convention, but rather the fundamental cell of every society. Consequently, policies which undermine the family threaten human dignity and the future of humanity itself," he said.
The Vatican and Catholic officials around the world have protested against moves to legalise gay marriage in Europe and other developed parts of the world.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Jamaica's New PM Portia Simpson-Miller Speaks Out for LGBT Rights
Jamaica's new Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller is being sworn in today, and has made her support for LGBT rights very clear. Here's what she said in a debate in December:
"Our administration believes in protecting the human rights of all Jamaicans. No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. Government should provide the protection...."
Simpson-Miller says she would allow gay people to serve in her cabinet: "I certainly do not pry or do I have any intention of prying in the private business of anyone. I would appoint anyone with the ability, the capacity, and the capability to manage, in my cabinet."
Thursday, January 5, 2012
"It's Time" for Marriage Equality"
Sounding ready for a fight, Gov. Christine Gregoire announced today that she will press for passage of marriage equality in Washington during an upcoming special session.
"It is time," she said. "It's over time for us to ensure gay and lesbian couples have equal rights, and that means marriage in Washington State."
Washington's domestic-partnership law already grants many of the benefits that marriage would; it was often called the "everything but marriage bill" when it was being considered in 2009 and then when some tried to repeal it via Referendum 71 at the ballot box. But Gregoire repeatedly emphasized that her push for marriage isn't just about rights.
"I don't think about the legal protections of a marriage license," she said. "Instead I think about love, I think about commitment."
Marriage, she said, is "not a contract." Gregoire argued that same-sex couples want the right to stand in front of their friends and family and marry just like she had done with her husband. Research from the Third Way has shown that arguments about commitment are more persuasive with voters than those about rights and benefits — which voters don't relate to as easily.
"It is time," she said. "It's over time for us to ensure gay and lesbian couples have equal rights, and that means marriage in Washington State."
Washington's domestic-partnership law already grants many of the benefits that marriage would; it was often called the "everything but marriage bill" when it was being considered in 2009 and then when some tried to repeal it via Referendum 71 at the ballot box. But Gregoire repeatedly emphasized that her push for marriage isn't just about rights.
"I don't think about the legal protections of a marriage license," she said. "Instead I think about love, I think about commitment."
Marriage, she said, is "not a contract." Gregoire argued that same-sex couples want the right to stand in front of their friends and family and marry just like she had done with her husband. Research from the Third Way has shown that arguments about commitment are more persuasive with voters than those about rights and benefits — which voters don't relate to as easily.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
God Told Me Who The Next President Will Be
Ahead of tonight’s Iowa Caucuses, Pat Robertson says that God has told him who the next president will be, but he’s “not supposed to talk about that.” Robertson also says that God told him that Obama holds “a radical view” of America that’s different from the majority, and the America “will be torn apart by internal stress” if Obama is re-elected, apparently, and, of course, only prayer can save the United states of America.
GOP New Ad Highlighting Their Own Party Over Country Ideology
The GOP, and the Republican National Committee (RNC) have been threatening to run ads that will use Obama’s words against him.
On the eve of the Iowa Caucuses, the RNC has released a new “anti-Obama” ad that is about as anti-Republican as you can imagine. Most Americans blame the GOP for everything from partisan gridlock to the failure of the super committee to the debt ceiling showdown, to the recession, to…
?????
On the eve of the Iowa Caucuses, the RNC has released a new “anti-Obama” ad that is about as anti-Republican as you can imagine. Most Americans blame the GOP for everything from partisan gridlock to the failure of the super committee to the debt ceiling showdown, to the recession, to…
?????
Iowa: How Much Did Each Candidate Spend To Buy Votes?
Perry: $480 per vote, Romney: $156, Paul: $104, Gingrich: $92, Santorum: $24, Bachmann: $4.
Johnny Weir Marries Boyfriend
Figure skating champion and reality series star Johnny Weir wed boyfriend Victor Voronov in a ceremony Friday morning, reports People magazine.Weir tweeted the news to his fans, saying "I'm married! Wedding in summer! But all the official stuff is done now! No more livin' in sin!"
A rep for Weir says the couple exchanged handwritten vows before their parents and that while Weir will continue using his professional name, the two men have taken the surname Weir-Voronov.
"I am so happy to have found my match," Weir says in a statement. "Finding someone to share your life with is one of the most important things a human can do and was preached to me by my mother. Victor is the epitome of a gentleman, as handsome as he is clever and loving. Our road to marriage has been a fast one, but one I never wavered on. I am honored to have been married in the great state of New York, and I hope more states pass laws allowing all Americans to be united through love and marriage."
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Stories to watch in 2012
Significant events are crowding the calendar for 2012, and each promises considerable drama and suspense for the LGBT community. Here are the ten most important stories to keep an eye on:
A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals could release its opinions any day now. That’s “opinions,” plural.
Before the panel can rule on the constitutionality of California’s law banning marriage for same-sex couples, it must decide whether the Yes on 8 coalition has legal standing to appeal the federal court ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional, and it must decide whether there is any justification for Yes on 8’s request that the lower court decision be vacated.
The list of possible outcomes in Perry v. Brown — the case brought by the American Foundation for Equal Rights with famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies leading the charge — is mind-boggling. Whatever the results, any or all aspects could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court immediately or they could be appealed to a full 9th Circuit bench and then to the Supreme Court.
But the panel’s decision will almost certainly have political impact, too. Not only will it affect the momentum of the marriage equality movement, it will almost certainly become fodder in the presidential campaigns.
A three-judge panel of the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments, perhaps as soon as early February, in a powerful challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) denial of federal benefits to same-sex married couples.
The challenge, referred to most often as Gill v. OPM, is actually three consolidated cases, two brought by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and one by the state of Massachusetts. While there are other challenges underway to DOMA, this is the “big guns” challenge and the one most likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court first.
And while there is no deadline by which the panel must render its decision, it is likely to turn out one by year’s end.
Then, as with Proposition 8, the case could go to the full circuit court for appeal or straight to the Supreme Court. And, if the appeals court decision is rendered before the November elections, it will almost certainly provoke debate on the presidential campaign trail.
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) is not the first openly gay person to run for U.S. Senate, but she’s the first who has a real chance of winning.
The daily Capital Times is already referring to her as the “likely” Democratic nominee to fill the seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl. She doesn’t have a challenger for the nomination. But she will have a very tough battle against whomever the Republicans put on the ballot. That’s because the battle will be for more than just one seat in the powerful U.S. Senate, which currently has a breakdown of 53 in the Democratic Caucus and 47 in the Republican.
It will be part of a multi-state slugfest between the parties over control of the chamber, the Congress, and the nation’s laws.
Polls at the moment indicate voters are inclined to vote for Democrats over Republicans next November. But that sentiment is not providing a large margin (one or two points), and it’s too soon to guess who the voters will blame for what 11 months from now.
But some Senate races — in addition to Baldwin’s — could have big consequences for LGBT voters.
In Virginia, a pro-gay former governor, Tim Kaine, will likely be pitted against an anti-gay former senator, George Allen. In Massachusetts, a pro-gay challenger, Elizabeth Warren, will almost certainly be the Democrat facing incumbent Scott Brown, whose attitude toward the community has been much less friendly. And at least seven other states are expected to have competitive races for the Senate.
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will be starting his 40th year in Congress when the House reconvenes January 17. And it will be his last. He announced last year that he would retire. When he does, the clique of four openly gay members of Congress — Frank, Baldwin, and Reps. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and David Cicilline (D-R.I.) — will shrink by one. If Baldwin fails to win a Senate seat, it could shrink by half.
But there are prospects for adding members. Openly gay Wisconsin Democratic Assemblymember Mark Pacon is running for Baldwin’s U.S. House seat. And there are two other openly gay candidates for the U.S. House this November: Marko Liias from Seattle and Mark Takano from Riverside, Calif.
So, the number of openly gay members of Congress could go from four to as low as two (though zero is, technically, possible) to as high as six. But no one will have the seniority and clout that Frank has had and used to advance pro-gay measures.
Pro-LGBT bills — such as efforts to repeal DOMA and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) — are not likely to see much action in 2012. Anti-gay measures might. Why? Because it’s an election year and Republicans still control the House.
Supportive Democrats will not be inclined to push controversial legislation during an election year, because it can detract from the focus on jobs and the economy, where most voters want focus right now. Republicans, on the other hand, have often used hostile measures aimed at gays during election year as a way of putting Democrats on the spot with voters generally and gays specifically.
There will be important LGBT-related ballot measures before voters in several states this year: North Carolina and Minnesota will vote on whether to ban same-sex marriage through an amendment to their state constitutions. Voters in Maine will decide whether to strike down their existing ban on same-sex marriage.
LGBT activists in Washington State are gathering signatures to put a measure on that state’s ballot to gain marriage equality. A small group in California has until May 15 to gather more than 800,000 signatures to put a measure on the ballot there to repeal Proposition 8. And the California Attorney General is expected to announce by January 9 whether opponents of a new bill to include information about LGBT figures in history as part of the public school curriculum can begin circulating petitions to get a repeal measure on the ballot there.
All of these have the potential to be big, expensive, and consequential battles.
The right-wing Alliance Defense Fund and others have a concerted effort underway in the courts to undermine laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
Their strategy is to argue that people who discriminate against LGBT people do so because their religious beliefs require them to do so. Their question to the court is, “What rules? The First Amendment guarantee of free exercise of religion or the equal protection clause that says all citizens should be treated equally under the law?”
One case has already reached the U.S. Supreme Court and failed, but other cases — many other cases — are winding their ways through nearly every circuit in the country. And their outcomes have the potential to chip away at the strength of the nation’s legal mandate that all people be treated equally.
The difference for LGBT people between having President Obama in the White House and President George W. Bush has been stark. So the consequences of November’s presidential election will also be profound.
Either Obama stays, and things continue to improve — in law and in society’s attitudes — or a new president is elected from a field of Republicans who seem, at times, to be vying for the mantle of most gay hostile candidate. In the latter case, LGBT people can expect progress to halt or backslide.
One of the bigger LGBT stories of 2011 happened in February, and it was one nobody expected: The Obama administration announced it considered DOMA unconstitutional and would not argue for its defense in most cases. Another big story that no one expected: The Obama announced a major new diplomatic mission to push for protection of human rights for LGBT people around the world.
And given that Rep. Frank said in January 2011 he’d run for re-election in 2012, it was a surprise, in November, when he announced that he would not. As Frank pointed out, circumstances change.
Circumstances change, things change, people change. And often, they change each other.
But history marches on through time, and only in retrospect can any trajectory be certain as to where it’s going.
From LGBTAQ Nation
1. The next decisions on Proposition 8
A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals could release its opinions any day now. That’s “opinions,” plural. Before the panel can rule on the constitutionality of California’s law banning marriage for same-sex couples, it must decide whether the Yes on 8 coalition has legal standing to appeal the federal court ruling that Prop 8 is unconstitutional, and it must decide whether there is any justification for Yes on 8’s request that the lower court decision be vacated.
The list of possible outcomes in Perry v. Brown — the case brought by the American Foundation for Equal Rights with famed attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies leading the charge — is mind-boggling. Whatever the results, any or all aspects could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court immediately or they could be appealed to a full 9th Circuit bench and then to the Supreme Court.
But the panel’s decision will almost certainly have political impact, too. Not only will it affect the momentum of the marriage equality movement, it will almost certainly become fodder in the presidential campaigns.
2. The decision, on appeal, in DOMA
A three-judge panel of the 1st Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments, perhaps as soon as early February, in a powerful challenge to the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) denial of federal benefits to same-sex married couples. The challenge, referred to most often as Gill v. OPM, is actually three consolidated cases, two brought by Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD) and one by the state of Massachusetts. While there are other challenges underway to DOMA, this is the “big guns” challenge and the one most likely to reach the U.S. Supreme Court first.
And while there is no deadline by which the panel must render its decision, it is likely to turn out one by year’s end.
Then, as with Proposition 8, the case could go to the full circuit court for appeal or straight to the Supreme Court. And, if the appeals court decision is rendered before the November elections, it will almost certainly provoke debate on the presidential campaign trail.
3. Tammy Baldwin’s historic bid
U.S. Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) is not the first openly gay person to run for U.S. Senate, but she’s the first who has a real chance of winning. The daily Capital Times is already referring to her as the “likely” Democratic nominee to fill the seat being vacated by Democrat Herb Kohl. She doesn’t have a challenger for the nomination. But she will have a very tough battle against whomever the Republicans put on the ballot. That’s because the battle will be for more than just one seat in the powerful U.S. Senate, which currently has a breakdown of 53 in the Democratic Caucus and 47 in the Republican.
It will be part of a multi-state slugfest between the parties over control of the chamber, the Congress, and the nation’s laws.
4. The fight for the Senate
Polls at the moment indicate voters are inclined to vote for Democrats over Republicans next November. But that sentiment is not providing a large margin (one or two points), and it’s too soon to guess who the voters will blame for what 11 months from now. But some Senate races — in addition to Baldwin’s — could have big consequences for LGBT voters.
In Virginia, a pro-gay former governor, Tim Kaine, will likely be pitted against an anti-gay former senator, George Allen. In Massachusetts, a pro-gay challenger, Elizabeth Warren, will almost certainly be the Democrat facing incumbent Scott Brown, whose attitude toward the community has been much less friendly. And at least seven other states are expected to have competitive races for the Senate.
5. Counting the “Gay Caucus”
U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) will be starting his 40th year in Congress when the House reconvenes January 17. And it will be his last. He announced last year that he would retire. When he does, the clique of four openly gay members of Congress — Frank, Baldwin, and Reps. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and David Cicilline (D-R.I.) — will shrink by one. If Baldwin fails to win a Senate seat, it could shrink by half. But there are prospects for adding members. Openly gay Wisconsin Democratic Assemblymember Mark Pacon is running for Baldwin’s U.S. House seat. And there are two other openly gay candidates for the U.S. House this November: Marko Liias from Seattle and Mark Takano from Riverside, Calif.
So, the number of openly gay members of Congress could go from four to as low as two (though zero is, technically, possible) to as high as six. But no one will have the seniority and clout that Frank has had and used to advance pro-gay measures.
6. On hold, and on defense, in Congress
Pro-LGBT bills — such as efforts to repeal DOMA and pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) — are not likely to see much action in 2012. Anti-gay measures might. Why? Because it’s an election year and Republicans still control the House. Supportive Democrats will not be inclined to push controversial legislation during an election year, because it can detract from the focus on jobs and the economy, where most voters want focus right now. Republicans, on the other hand, have often used hostile measures aimed at gays during election year as a way of putting Democrats on the spot with voters generally and gays specifically.
7. Ballot battles abound
There will be important LGBT-related ballot measures before voters in several states this year: North Carolina and Minnesota will vote on whether to ban same-sex marriage through an amendment to their state constitutions. Voters in Maine will decide whether to strike down their existing ban on same-sex marriage. LGBT activists in Washington State are gathering signatures to put a measure on that state’s ballot to gain marriage equality. A small group in California has until May 15 to gather more than 800,000 signatures to put a measure on the ballot there to repeal Proposition 8. And the California Attorney General is expected to announce by January 9 whether opponents of a new bill to include information about LGBT figures in history as part of the public school curriculum can begin circulating petitions to get a repeal measure on the ballot there.
All of these have the potential to be big, expensive, and consequential battles.
8. Fight for freedom of religion
The right-wing Alliance Defense Fund and others have a concerted effort underway in the courts to undermine laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Their strategy is to argue that people who discriminate against LGBT people do so because their religious beliefs require them to do so. Their question to the court is, “What rules? The First Amendment guarantee of free exercise of religion or the equal protection clause that says all citizens should be treated equally under the law?”
One case has already reached the U.S. Supreme Court and failed, but other cases — many other cases — are winding their ways through nearly every circuit in the country. And their outcomes have the potential to chip away at the strength of the nation’s legal mandate that all people be treated equally.
9. A fight for the White House
The difference for LGBT people between having President Obama in the White House and President George W. Bush has been stark. So the consequences of November’s presidential election will also be profound. Either Obama stays, and things continue to improve — in law and in society’s attitudes — or a new president is elected from a field of Republicans who seem, at times, to be vying for the mantle of most gay hostile candidate. In the latter case, LGBT people can expect progress to halt or backslide.
10. Ah, the unpredictable
One of the bigger LGBT stories of 2011 happened in February, and it was one nobody expected: The Obama administration announced it considered DOMA unconstitutional and would not argue for its defense in most cases. Another big story that no one expected: The Obama announced a major new diplomatic mission to push for protection of human rights for LGBT people around the world. And given that Rep. Frank said in January 2011 he’d run for re-election in 2012, it was a surprise, in November, when he announced that he would not. As Frank pointed out, circumstances change.
Circumstances change, things change, people change. And often, they change each other.
But history marches on through time, and only in retrospect can any trajectory be certain as to where it’s going.
From LGBTAQ Nation
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)