Murder charge filed in gay teens slaying Nov 19, 2009
Lopez was widely known as a volunteer for organizations advocating HIV prevention and gay rights, and activists are planning remembrance vigils for him in cities including San Juan, New York and Chicago. advertisement. (MSNBC -- International)
Star ditched from Big Day Out Nov 18, 2009
The controversial artist was axed just a week after being named to play at the Big Day Out after an outcry from gay rights groups. Organisers said "the depth of feeling and hurt amongst these groups has convinced us that for us to proceed with his Big Day Out appearances was, and would continue to be, divisive amongst our audience members and would mar the enjoyment of the event for many". (Sydney Morning Herald -- Entertainment)
Newspaper owner had deal to buy Blade Nov 18, 2009
Benton, a gay rights activist, founded the Falls Church News-Press in 1991. The weekly paper is certified as a gay-owned LGBT Business Enterprise by the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. (Washington Business Journal, DC)
Southern Voice ceases publication Nov 17, 2009
But others wondered if the Voice hadn't lost its voice, or at least its platform, because many of the gay rights matters it has reported on and advocated in the past two decades are increasingly being covered by a mainstream media that once ignored them. "In the early days, all the shouting was about not being invisible," said Gary Kaupman, who worked at the paper in the early days when it was found by a lesbian couple, Christina Cash and Leigh VanderEls. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Eugene Robinson: Palin, our own Evita, is sure to cash in, but not as president Nov 17, 2009
She speaks for social conservatives, long taken for granted by Republicans who brandish their opposition to issues such as abortion and gay rights at election time but never actually do anything about them. She speaks for small-town and rural Americans who feel their concerns are ignored. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
NH radio host, blogger's gay Dem attack condemned Nov 17, 2009
Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate ... Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Bigotry rationalized Nov 16, 2009
11) Davy McClay attempts to show how uncomplicated the gay rights issue is. First, when speaking of same-sex couples he says, They say they want to be left alone, but then they want us to condone their choices so they really don t want to be left alone at all. (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Bloggers' challenge: Are prominent members of the community commenting on this site? Nov 16, 2009
masonic wrote on Nov 15, 2009 5:33 PM:" Depends on what you call prominent. If prominent means a bunch of gay rights activists with a chip on their shoulder ready to lay waste to the mormon church then yes. Oh and lets not forget the veteran impersonators as well. Oh and also those who mock people who have just suffered a huge loss. You know who you are. I would hope that it is not the leaders of our valley who are spreading such filth. ". bassplayer wrote on Nov 15, 2009 5:36 PM:" By... (Logan Herald Journal, UT)
Strong views aired at minaret podium event Nov 15, 2009
My opposition to mohammedanism comes exactly because I am a staunch opponent of racism (a vice which is inherent to islam, due to how black people, muslim or non-muslim, have been treated in Arab countries for over thirteen centuries, to this day) and a supporter of democracy, women's rights, gay rights, freedom of speech, equality for all before the law, monogamous unions between two consenting ADULTS (yes, I am totally opposed to the islamic practice of marrying off pre-pubescent girls to... (SwissInfo.org, Switzerland)
Opinion: Patience a virtue for activists Nov 14, 2009
Gay rights activists need to show love and patience for foes - CNN.com ... Gay rights activists need to show love and patience for foes ... That might seem Pollyanna-ish, but the truth is that even if President Obama signed a law today to make all forms of discrimination based upon sexual orientation illegal, it would hardly mark the end of the gay rights movement. (CNN)
Anti-gay church sets its sights on Jews Nov 14, 2009
The church says it has conducted more than 40,000 protests since 1991, all in an effort to warn Americans against accepting gay rights and to fight the "modern militant homosexual movement.". Taking a break from yelling at passersby and singing homophobic lyrics to the tune of the Jewish celebratory song "Hava Nagila," Margie Phelps explained the change in tactic. (USA Today -- News)
Black, gay and proud: Event features national author Nov 14, 2009
Mason, 53, is an HIV-positive gay rights activist who also survived cancer. The pianist and singer said gospel music saved him many times growing up. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Obama: Afghanistan Troop Decision Soon Nov 14, 2009
You love abortions, gay rights, muslims that hate our country. Obama needs to send in troop support or bring them all home. (CBS News -- World)
Standing Up Before Stonewall Nov 13, 2009
Published: Friday, November 6, 2009 3:55 PM PST DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - In 1969, the Stonewall Riots in New York ignited the nations gay rights movement, proving to be a flashpoint for organization and advocacy against discrimination and prejudice ... Although Stonewall is widely considered the most important event for the gay rights movement, it didnt happen in a vacuum ... Sheila Kuehl, the first openly gay official to serve in the state legislature, and gay rights activist Torie Osborn... (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
DPS: Anti-Gay Graffiti Found in Copley Nov 13, 2009
On Oct. 27, a female student was assaulted on Canal Road while reportedly wearing a T-shirt supporting gay rights. On Nov. 1, a student was assaulted near the intersection of 36th and N Streets. (The Hoya, Washington DC)
Palins coin conspiracy Nov 13, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement for a.. (AP) Maine voters repealed a state law Tuesday that would have allowed same-sex couples to wed, dealing the gay rights movement a heartbreaking defeat in. (Harper's Magazine)
Nigeria: On the Returnee Catholics Nov 12, 2009
According to Richard John Neuhaus, former Episcopalian pastor who later converted to Catholicism and Editor-in-Chief of First Things journal, non-optional orthodoxy may seem outdated or look like "a dotty old uncle in the front parlour" while optional orthodoxy manifested in gay rights agitations may seem fashionable, but at the end of the day optional orthodoxy spells doom and disaster. Had Gene Robinson, an actively gay man, not been consecrated as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003, the new... (allAfrica.com)
Frank: 'Don't ask, don't tell' repeal will go in Defense authorization Nov 12, 2009
This would be the second time within a year that a Defense authorization bill had been used to further gay rights. Last month, Democrats tacked on a hate crimes proposal to the Defense authorization bill. (TheHill.com)
No Climate For Change Treaty In Copenhagen Nov 12, 2009
The Mormon church announced for the first time its support of gay rights legislation, an endorsement that led Salt Lake City to ban discrimination against gays in housing and employment this week. Salt Lake City is the first Utah community to prohibit bias based on sexual orientation or gender identity. (Investors Business Daily)
Salt Lake City OK’s gay rights laws with Mormon help Nov 12, 2009
Salt Lake City OK s gay rights laws with Mormon help - The Boston Globe ... Salt Lake City OK s gay rights laws with Mormon help ... SALT LAKE CITY - The Mormon church for the first time has disclosed its support of gay rights legislation, an endorsement that helped gain unanimous approval for Salt Lake City laws banning discrimination against gays in housing and employment. (Boston Globe)
R.I. Gov. Vetoes Same-Sex Funeral Rights Nov 11, 2009
Gay rights supporters were indignant at the veto. "It is absolutely unconscionable that Gov. Carcieri would step in the middle of people being able to take care of their loved ones at such a sorrowful time," said Kathy Kushnir, executive director of Marriage Equality Rhode Island, which advocates for gay marriage. (CBS News)
Kissing Wayne Newton, Ellen Slezak, Agni Nov 11, 2009
I d often challenged her about her Catholic faith, asking how she could identify as a member of a church that had doctrines against gay people, birth control, abortion, and women priests, when she herself supported gay rights, had used birth control, was pro-choice, and believed that a woman could turn water and wine into body and blood as well as any man. I d been at her for years. (Harper's Magazine)
Salt Lake OKs gay rights with Mormon backing Nov 11, 2009
Salt Lake OKs gay rights laws with Mormon backing. Article:Salt Lake OKs gay rights laws with Mormon backing:/n/a/2009/11/10/national/a181547S33 ... DTL Article:Salt Lake OKs gay rights laws with Mormon backing:/n/a/2009/11/10/national/a181547S33. (San Francisco Chronicle)
WP: How lowly lawmaker became a GOP headache Nov 11, 2009
Violet semicircles hung below her teary eyes as she recounted how Sarah Palin, Glenn Beck and other her for less-than-orthodox positions on gay rights, abortion and organized labor. Her nose reddened as she recalled her abrupt exit from the special election to replace , whom President Obama as secretary of the Army earlier in the year. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Will Snowe melt under heat from GOP base? Nov 11, 2009
A Jaypiece on national party affiliation has bloggers worried about the plight of gay rights. The whiners appear OK with the Left stomping the Constitution (health care) as long as they approve gay marriage. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Student Reports Verbal Bias Incident at 37th and Prospect Nov 10, 2009
On Oct. 27, a female student was on Canal Road while wearing a T-shirt expressing support for gay rights. On Nov. 1, a student was sent to Georgetown University Hospital after being. (The Hoya, Washington DC)
LETTER: Obama aggressive in dealing with dissenters Nov 10, 2009
Conservatives want more REGULATION of personal rights to protect the "moral fabric of society" like censorship, gay rights, etc. and less REGULATION of the economy. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Hannity's America Nov 10, 2009
Gay rights activists also suffered a major defeat at the polls this week. In Maine, voters rejected a law that would have allowed same sex couples to marry in that state, and according to national gay rights leaders, the man to blame for the loss is Barack Obama ... Despite claiming to support gay rights, the president refused to weigh in on the issue before Election Day, and that isn't sitting well with folks like Evan Wolfson from the group Freedom to Marry. (Fox News)
Letters to the Editor Nov 9, 2009
Re "Gay rights activists at odds after Maine loss" (Page A6, Nov. 5): Maggie Gallagher's statement about how "the majority of Americans are not on board with this gay marriage thing" implied to me that she operates under a sizable delusion that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are spending their lives fighting for equality as if it were the latest fad in footwear. If what she says is true, then, isn't it also fair to state that the majority of Americans are not on board with the... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Student Organization of the Week: Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance Nov 8, 2009
Jaffe and Daigle said they consider their organization part of a third wave of feminism with a broader focus, including gay rights and social justice. While the feminist movement has come a long way from its bra-burning days, many people still have misconceptions about what it means to be a feminist. (Gamecock Online, SC)
In Fight Against AIDS, Kenya Confronts Gay Taboo Nov 8, 2009
The law banning sex between men is a holdover from colonial times but won't be repealed soon; one member of parliament, asked if a draft constitution in the works would enshrine gay rights, said recently that doing so would destroy the document's chances of passing ... Much of the gay community has largely decided to abandon the fight for gay rights for now because the hostility they face is too intense. (Time.com)
Iowa's GOP gubernatorial hopefuls discuss views Nov 8, 2009
All of those erect barriers to growth," Behn said.He said polls show that voters agree with Republicans on most issues, and the party shouldn't be shy in voicing those issues."The only way Democrats get elected is when they co-opt our ideas and run as Republicans," Behn said.Rep. Rod Roberts, R-Carroll, focused on conservative budget issues, but also underscored opposition to abortion and gay rights as key values for Republicans."Ultimately the contest next year with Gov. Culver is going to be... (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Dogs vs. SUVs vs. the earth, debunked Nov 7, 2009
" Take the first half of that sentence: No nation can dominate another. There is no 8-year-old who would say that -- it's so absurd. And the second half? That is adolescent utopianism. Obama talks in platitudes, but offers a vision to the world of America diminished or constrained, and willing to share leadership in a way that no other presidency and no other great power would. Could you imagine if the Russians were hegemonic, or the Chinese, or the Germans -- that they would speak like this? Is... (Salon)
Political Grapevine Nov 7, 2009
Gay rights leaders and advocates are faulting President Obama for the vote in Maine Tuesday to reject legalized gay marriage. The national advocacy group, Freedom to Marry, says: "President Obama missed an opportunity to state his position against these discriminatory attacks with the clarity and moral imperative that would have helped in this close fight... subtle statements from the White House are not enough.". (Fox News)
After immigrant killed in NY, others tell of abuse Nov 7, 2009
Obama signs first major federal gay rights law. President Barack Obama on Wed 00004000 nesday signed the first major piece of federal gay rights legislation, a milestone that activists compared to the passage of 1960s civil rights legislation empowering blacks ... Gay rights activists voiced hope that the Obama administration would advance more issues, including legislation to bar workplace discrimination, allow military service and recognize same-sex marriages. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Massachusetts battle over same-sex marriage could broaden Nov 7, 2009
Gay rights activists ask aid from DNC ... Gay rights advocates and state Democratic leaders are lobbying the national party to help them pressure a handful of state legislators to change their position and vote to kill a proposed state constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages ... Luis Miranda, a DNC spokesman, said the visit from the gay rights activists was "a positive and productive informational meeting initiated by MassEquality.". (Yahoo News -- Gay and Lesbian Issues)
Rift Over Gay Unions Reflects Battle New to Black Churches Nov 7, 2009
Covenant Baptist works with the Human Rights Campaign, a gay rights organization, on outreach to black churches and is the only Baptist church listed with the city's Office of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Affairs as being welcoming to homosexuals. CONTINUED 1. (Yahoo News -- Gay and Lesbian Issues)
Written out of the story Nov 7, 2009
Both of them lived to witness the conservative resurgence of the Reagan era, led by the likes of Terry Dolan, who operated the National Conservative Political Action Committee from deep within his lifelong closet, attacking "the growing homosexual movement" until not long before he died of and the renowned Republican political consultant who worked for the NCPAC and dozens of Republican senators, often emphasizing their opposition to gay rights and in particular to gay marriage -- at least until... (Salon)
GOP voter discontent allows new entrants for '08 Nov 7, 2009
When asked, Republican voters have told pollsters lately that former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani is their top pick for the nomination, but many have also shown a lack of awareness of Mr. Giuliani's issue positions in particular his support of abortion rights, gay rights, and gun control. Supporters of Sen. (Yahoo News -- Presidential Election 2000)
Council debates partnership law Nov 7, 2009
Kelly said after the meeting that if the issue is really a bigger philosophical question of gay rights in Volusia County, he thinks the decision belongs on ballots and in the hands of local voters. Assistant County Attorney Mike Dyer jumpstarted the council's conversation Thursday by presenting his department's research on domestic partnership registries and ordinances. (Daytona Beach News Journal -- Politics)
The Post Off-Year Election Gabfest Nov 6, 2009
This week on the Gabfest, Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz discuss the latest twists and turns in the health care debate, the argument between gay rights activists and the Obama administration, and the White House vs. Fox News. Here are some of the links and references mentioned during this week's show. (Slate)
Killing and selling women as "ghost brides" Nov 6, 2009
They are disillusioned because he has ignored some of their social agenda, such as gay rights; continued some of the Bush policies he had once denounced, such as the detention without trial for terrorists; and on his large agenda for education and energy, where he has had no success. How could Obama still win Republican support for healthcare reform. (Salon)
Gay Rights Groups Regroup After Maine Loss Nov 6, 2009
Gay rights advocates across the country are regrouping after a crushing defeat at the ballot box in Maine, pledging to continue their state-by-state effort to promote marriage equality and to turn their attention to a federal court case in California ... Gay rights advocates had been optimistic about the Maine referendum, having collected more money, political support and volunteers than in other campaigns nationwide ... "I think the reality is that we came very close but didn't succeed in... (CBS News)
Wanda Sykes' life is an adventure Nov 6, 2009
Her challenge is juggling two TV shows, being a good mom to twin babies (daughter Olivia Lou and son Lucas Claude, born in May) and staying on the front lines of gay rights issues ... The show won't be a platform for her gay rights activism that began after she publicly came out in Las Vegas last year, shortly after California passed Proposition 8, which says that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid in that state. (USA Today -- Life)
Viewpoints: GOP moderates face revolt from their own radical right Nov 6, 2009
They accomplished this feat by driving the Republican candidate, Dede Scozzafava, from the race because of her apostasy on abortion and gay rights. The Palinites because of her star power, she's the de facto leader of the movement at this point, so it's fair to name it after her backed a third-party conservative named Doug Hoffman. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
1st Lady Filmmakers Film Festival C... Nov 6, 2009
The debate becomes progressively outrageous as they cover global warming, gay rights, religion, sports and urban myths. And yes, there is a lot of slapping involved. (Suite101.com)
Council debates partnership law Nov 6, 2009
Kelly said after the meeting that if the issue is really a bigger philosophical question of gay rights in Volusia County, he thinks the decision belongs on ballots and in the hands of local voters. Assistant County Attorney Mike Dyer jumpstarted the council's conversation Thursday by presenting his department's research on domestic partnership registries and ordinances. (Daytona Beach News Journal)
Two assaulted at Georgetown Nov 6, 2009
The victims include a female student harassed and assaulted last Tuesday while wearing a T-shirt supporting gay rights. Georgetown's Department of Public Safety categorized the crime as a "Hate or Bias Related Incident.". (GW Hatchet, Washington DC)
Gay rights rebuke may bring change in tactics Nov 6, 2009
Yet gay rights supporters suffered a crushing loss when voters decided to repeal Maine's new law allowing gay men and lesbians to wed, setting back a movement that had made remarkable progress nationally this year ... At a time when gay rights activists believe that President Barack Obama is not treating their agenda as a high priority, the Maine loss has left them asking who their friends are ... But now, with Maine voters dealing a rebuke to their Legislature, it is far from clear whether... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Wrong to frame gay advocacy as a rights issue Nov 6, 2009
4): By referring to the demands of gay advocacy groups as gay rights, you are tacitly endorsing their position that states that don t recognize same-sex marriage are violating rights. In fact, that lack of recognition is not a rights violation, as courts have ruled many times. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
Referendum 71 supporters confident of win Nov 5, 2009
OLYMPIA A narrowly leading everything but marriage ballot measure gave hope Wednesday to gay rights activists that Washington might soon be the first state in which a measure dealing with equality for same-sex couples won voter affirmation ... Two national gay rights groups the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the Family Equality Council say that if R-71 passes, it would be the first time such a law received statewide voter approval, as opposed to being implemented by the courts or... (Longview Daily News, WA)
Editorial: GOP in the wilderness Nov 5, 2009
But Scozzafava favors gay rights and abortion rights, and endorsed the stimulus bill enacted by Congress earlier this year. That was enough to attract a challenger to her right, Douglas Hoffman, and catch the attention of Republicans far from upstate New York. (Wakefield Observer, MA)
NYT: What a difference a year makes Nov 5, 2009
The Democratic victory came over a conservative candidate who, with the enthusiastic backing of national conservative leaders and well-financed grass-roots organizations, had forced out a Republican candidate who supported abortion rights and gay rights ... That was particularly the case with Mr. McDonnell, whose long-established conservative record on issues like abortion and gay rights apparently gave him enough leeway with conservative voters to avoid any engagement on these issues. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Losses send a mixed message for Obama Nov 5, 2009
Motivating those who voted for Mr Obama in 2010 will be a challenge, particularly if the Democrats fail to deliver on health-care reform, climate change legislation, gay rights and immigration reform. It is also a sign that the Democrats are being held responsible for the state of the economy. (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Activists rally to OK gay nuptials Nov 5, 2009
Evan Wolfson of the national gay rights group Freedom to Marry said Monday he thinks hearts and minds are changing and that Oregon voters will at some point be willing to reverse their 2004 vote banning same-sex unions ... The state s largest gay rights organization, Basic Rights Oregon, thinks next year s election would likely be too soon to take the issue back to Oregon voters ... Gay rights advocates have been encouraged by the legalization of same-sex marriage in six states: Massachusetts,... (Coos Bay-North Bend The World, OR)
Click to read:For GOP, Ideological Fissures Loom Nov 5, 2009
Conservative activists cast the win by Owens as a defeat caused by the Republican establishment, which had backed Scozzafava, a fiscal moderate who supports abortion rights and gay rights. They said the experience was a victory nonetheless for the conservative movement because it signaled the strength they could bring to other races next year. (CBS News)
Wis. Supreme Court rejects gay rights challenge Nov 5, 2009
Supreme Court rejects gay rights challenge ... The state Supreme Court has refused to directly take up a challenge to Wisconsin's domestic partner registry, a move gay rights advocates touted Wednesday as a triumph for same-sex couples ... Lawyers for Fair Wisconsin, a gay rights group that lobbied lawmakers to approve the registry, hailed the Supreme Court's move as a victory. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
LETTER: 'Bite the bullet or die from the wounds' Nov 5, 2009
" Is she referring to the 1964 Civil Rights Act? Gay rights? Rights for alien lifeforms? Rights for Fuji apples? It's tough to understand the context behind her thoughts without something concrete to illustrate her opinions. ". Cognitus wrote on Oct 30, 2009 1:32 PM:" Becky, You write, "the majority of the people demand equality" and that we should goback to the "principles we were based on". I think you would be happy only if we could turn the clock back to say 1855.Most Black People were in... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Gay leaders blame TV ads, Obama for loss in Maine Nov 5, 2009
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Stunned and angry, national gay rights leaders Wednesday blamed scare-mongering ads - and President Barack Obama's lack of engagement - for a bitter election setback in Maine that could alter the dynamics for both sides in the gay-marriage debate ... Gay rights groups want to take the issue back to the voters but are divided on a timetable ... - In New Jersey, the election Tuesday of Republican Chris Christie as governor puts extra pressure on gay rights supporters to win... (Concord Monitor)
Gap Closing In Mayor's Race, R-71 Inches Higher Nov 5, 2009
Meanwhile, new results on gay rights measure R-71 show approval continues to hold a narrow lead, with yes votes creeping up to nearly 52 percent and no votes declining to 48 percent. Supporters of the domestic partnerships law are hoping to keep the lead as votes continue to be counted. (KIRO TV, WA)
Daily guide to television and radio Nov 5, 2009
ON BASIC BLACK Gay Rights and the African-American Community 7:30 p.m. WGBH-TV (Channel 2) The Basic Black panel analyzes Tuesday s election results and, in light of President Obama s recent signing of the Hate Crimes bill, takes an in-depth look at the Gay Rights Movement and the African-American community. Be a part of the conversation at. (Boston Globe)
Same Sex Marriage Fails in Maine Nov 5, 2009
Voters had the opportunity to speak on several issue-based initiatives and referendums nationwide this election day. While the governor races drew national attention to Virginia and New Jersey, some of the most significant issues considered by voters this year appeared on ballots in Maine and Washington state. (Human Events Online)
Expanded Gay Rights Leading In Early Returns Nov 5, 2009
Current conditions for local cities. Forecasted Temperatures. (KIRO TV, WA)
News analysis: Tax activists lose, but roll on Nov 5, 2009
Gondolapete wrote on Nov 4, 2009 8:16 PM:" Bigger govt is always a clear victory for the people!!!! The libs are dancing in the streets!!! First the gay rights expansion passes, then this!! Of course tellin the men from the women is hard to do cus they dress pretty much the same, but still, its a double victory!! ". Have something to say about this story. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Gay rights advocates look past Maine's repeal of marriage law Nov 5, 2009
Most read stories from USA TODAY. Most emailed stories from USA TODAY. (Pensacola News Journal)
