Anti-gay Mother's Day message courtesy of anti-gay right's 'intellectual future'

Ryan T. Anderson

Ryan T. Anderson of the Heritage Foundation has been anointed by some as the intellectual future of the anti-gay movement or anti-marriage equality movement. I am not sure which overrated title he has been given because I think such things are ignorant.

Also, they tend not to be true, as one can gauge from this tweet Anderson sent out yesterday:

Today we celebrate Mother's Day. Next month we celebrate Father's Day. Because moms & dads are irreplaceable. Regardless of what SCOTUS says

— Ryan T. Anderson (@RyanT_Anderson) May 10, 2015

So many things come to my mind in order to properly describe this tweet. Ignorant. Tacky. Hateful. Inappropriate. Stupid.

But Anderson's tweet reveal much more. A game plan. A deliberate attempt to play same-sex households against heterosexual households. Anderson is just one of  many on the anti-gay right who say that same-sex households damage children because these households supposedly deny children of having the allegedly right to have a mother and a father.

The venomous implication is that gays are stealing children away from heterosexual families who would properly care for them in order to satisfy their own selfish desires.

It's like saying what Anita Bryant said in the 70s - that we "recruit children," but with focus on "implying" and "hinting."

I need not refute Anderson. Too many folks, especially those who read this blog, know the love and sacrifices all parents make for their children. Parenthood is not a competition nor do the vast majority of folks who become parents by whatever means take it lightly.

Nor should it be thought of as a caste system. Not all children live in households with a mother and a father. And while this can be a good home for a child, it is not the only type of home environment children grow up in nor should it be considered the "gold standard."

And all homes providing love and support for their children should be celebrated.

Editor's note - Please do not contact Anderson, particularly if you have something ugly to say. He will mostly likely what you say as an example of how "intolerant" gays are. He tends to do this a lot, even if he at first baits folks via HIS tweets.

'Virginia school district protects transgender children, anti-lgbt activists go into orbit' & other Friday midday news briefs

Andrea Lafferty

The Right’s History of Homophobia Provides Essential Context for Today’s Religious Liberty Claims - I said this last week, but People for the American Way adds much more crucial context. 

Anti-LGBT Protesters Freak Out As Virginia’s Largest School District Protects Transgender Students - Really, folks. Stop attacking our transgender children. People really need to educate themselves before freaking out. Then again, when you read who got themselves involved in this situation, you understand that often times, there it only takes ONE instigator spreading lies like a virus. In this case, it was anti-gay activist Andrea Lafferty who is no stranger to smearing transgender folks. If a degree was offered in it, she would be teaching the qualifying course.

Fox News Wrongly Claims Churches Could Lose Tax Status Unless They Recognize Same-Sex Marriage - Fox News is spreading ANOTHER lie about marriage equality and churches. Another day in the Roger Ailes Universe of crap.

 Openly gay Boy Scout leader in Ohio had membership revoked - A serious reason why the Boy Scout policy regarding gays is just too wishy-washy.  

Oregon to Join California, New Jersey, & DC in Protecting LGBT Youth from Conversion Therapy - Sweet!  

Jeb Bush Supported Evangelical Anti-Gay Group With Taxpayer Money - Hummmppphhh!  

Tom DeLay: Left Wants To Force Gay Rights And Islamic Extremism 'Down Our Throats' - When I want advice from a disgraced former Congressman who literally shaked his bony ass on "Dancing with the Stars," I will take it from a cute one.

James Dobson makes National Day of Prayer into a sad mockery

As a person of faith, I think the idea of a National Day of Prayer is a great idea for those who want to participate. HOWEVER, I also think that the hands of Shirley Dobson and her husband, James, should be kept off of planning it.

Sorry for those who disagree but based upon the following video,  James Dobson comes across as a zealot from the Middle Ages railing at so-called heretics because he isn't allowed to imprison them. I see no sincerity or humility from this man, only a public display of his ego as he spins ludicrous fear stories:



If James Dobson wants to think that he sits on the right hand of God, that's his right. But there shouldn't be a national day, or anything else, designed to indulge his madness. Especially not a day designed to getting all people of faith, whether they be lgbts or heterosexual, Christians, Jewish, Muslims, etc. together to appeal to God.

'Sorry guys. The anti-gay right isn't going ANYWHERE' & other Thursday midday news briefs

The Supreme Court might legalize gay marriage. But that won’t stop opponents from pushing anti-gay laws. - I am going to sound gloomy today but it needs to be said. IF the Supreme Court rules for marriage, it is not an ending, but the beginning of a new dimension in this so-called culture war. And my question is the lgbt community prepared to learn new skills or underestimate our opponent, play catch up, and fondly reminisce about antiquated tactics like we seem to always do?

Meet The Anti-LGBT Legal Scholars Defending "Religious Freedom" Laws - Here is an idea. KNOW your opponent. Study their tactics. Learn their weaknesses and exploit them. 

 Rubio Headlines Fundraiser For Policy Group That Supports Conversion Therapy - HERE is a given. Sen. Marco Rubio likes to claim that folks like him who oppose marriage equality are unfairly bullied. This proves how much of a hypocrite he is. Why is Rubio supporting a group which believes in the fraudulent "ex-gay" therapy. It's a good question TO ASK HIM or put out in public.  

10 Queer Things You Couldn't Have Seen On TV 10 Years Ago - I will admit that at first, I thought this list would be tripe. However, it is actually a good history on how far the lgbt community have come. 

 Judge Tosses Lawsuit By Nebraska Woman Suing 'All Homosexuals' On Behalf Of Jesus - DARN! No Alexis Carrington courtroom entrance for me.  

Louisiana Lawmaker Tries And Fails To Explain How ‘Religious Freedom’ Bill Doesn’t Discriminate - Nope. Nope. Sorry. Not going to work.

Bob Schieffer tells truth about Family Research Council, anti-gay right goes into orbit

Bob Schieffer

Anti-gay conservatives are criticizing CBS News' Bob Schieffer for correctly identifying one of his guests as the president of an anti-gay "hate group," accusing him of "anti-Christian bias" for doing so. The outrage over Schieffer's disclosure highlights why it's so important for the media to hold extremists accountable for their views when they appear.

During the April 26 edition of CBS' Face the Nation, Schieffer invited Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council (FRC), to discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming oral arguments on marriage equality. Schieffer began the interview by noting that FRC has been listed as an anti-gay "hate group" by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and citing critics who argue that Perkins' extreme views don't represent the views of most Christians . . .

The right-wing outrage following Schieffer's interview illustrates why it's so important for the media to properly identify members of hate groups when using them as sources or booking them as guests. Hate group leaders like Perkins know that they won't be taken seriously if audiences are informed about the fringe extremism that motivates their anti-LGBT politics. Hate groups thrive when they're able to disguise themselves in the mainstream media as serious, reasonable policy organizations.

Perkins will likely think twice before agreeing to appear on CBS again, and that's a good thing. Hate groups should be afraid of the sunlight and accountability that results from appearances in major media, which has a responsibility to reveal the agenda behind the facade.

Read the entire piece - Why Anti-Gay Conservatives Are So Mad At Bob Schieffer

'THE LAWSUIT, anti-gay parenting parenting study debunked again, Ben Carson don't know civics' & other Wednesday midday news briefs

Nebraska Woman Sues Gays On Behalf Of God And Jesus - Yes, we have all heard it of. Some have had a good laugh, while others have called it "click-bait." I personally think she is a personification of anti-lgbt mania. Remember, prominent anti-gay leader Rick Scarborough once advocated a "class-action" lawsuit against lgbts. 

Click here IF you want to read her hand-written seven page petition. And below is the video of how I would enter the courtroom to testify (as a witness for the lgbt community, of course):



In much more vital news:  

New Research Further Debunks Regnerus Study On Gay Parenting - I really HOPE Regnerus enjoyed that money he received for his pathetically bad study, seeing that it cost him what little integrity he had.

Texas Teens Score Prom Victories In Face Of Anti-Gay Bigotry From GOP State Lawmakers: VIDEO - I LOVE the way our lgbt children are fighting homophobia . . . and winning.

More Americans Are Comfortable With A Gay Presidential Candidate Than With An Evangelical One - Ooooooo! The anti-gay right will be aaaaangry!  

The New York Times Launched A Series Of Editorials On Transgender Rights - Wonderful! And it's about time, too.  

Ben Carson: Federal Government Doesn't Need To Recognize Gay Marriage SCOTUS Ruling - For someone who said he wouldn't talk about lgbts issues again . . .

'Christian' developer creates video game in which players can violently kill lgbts

Editor's note - I apologize for the video, but it has to been seen:




From GayStarNews:

Online gaming website Steam have removed a controversial video game from availability after complaints were made about it’s violent homophobic and transphobic content by users. ‘Kill The Faggot’ was created and uploaded by Skaldic Games to Steam’s Steam Greenlight section which allows game developers to showcase their games and let the Steam user community decide which ones they want to be made commercially available through Steam. Steam does not actively vet games for offensive content but developers must pay $100 to get their game onto Steam Greenlight as a quality control barrier. The game description for ‘Kill The Faggot’ read ‘Hate gays? Want to unleash your frustration with the “LGBT” community? Well now is your chance.’ ‘Murder gays and transgenders [sic] while avoiding killing straight people. Get points before time runs out.’

And it gets worse. According to Raw Story:

No Sam Rodriguez, marriage equality doesn't work like that

From Right Wing Watch:

During last week’s National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, where Jeb Bush and Mike Huckabee made their pitches for the Latino vote, NHCLC head Sam Rodriguez told a TIME reporter that Republicans will not “fight arduously” to overturn a Supreme Court decision striking down bans on same-sex marriage. Of course, on the very same day Rodriguez announced that he and other NHCLC leaders signed a pledge to commit civil disobedience in defiance of any Supreme Court legalizing gay marriage. Rodriguez also told a reporter for the Christian Broadcasting Network that such a ruling would usher in a wave of anti-Christian persecution and possibly hate speech laws banning pastors from quoting the Bible. 

 Words don't do this video half-justice. You simply have to see it and hear this wild tangent NHCLC head Sam Rodriguez goes on. And as pathetically funny as he is, Rodriguez's words do serve a purpose. He gives a window into the mindset of so many folks who oppose marriage equality. To them, it's not a matter of Scripture, but a paranoid delusion created by their religious beliefs, entitlement, and egos all stroked by anti-gay groups such as NOM, the Family Research Council, and even Rodriguez's group.

None of this stuff Rodriquez is predicting would take place should SCOTUS rule in favor of marriage equality. But what can you do when someone is stubbornly clinging to their paranoia even when it is proven that they have nothing to fear?

LGBT CODE RED - Mike Huckabee is running for president!

Mke Huckabee

Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee Announces Presidential Run - Possibly with the except of Bobby Jindal, Mike Huckabee is the ABSOLUTE WORST candidate for president when it comes to lgbt equality. 

Six Times Mike Huckabee Used Bad Theology To Support His Policies - Example No. 1 

 Mike Huckabee is either a clueless fool or a brazen liar - Example No. 2 with a little background. In this post, Huckabee talks about the "intolerance" of gays while folks like him have done their utmost to show us courtesy and respect. Too bad the examples of his definition of "courtesy and respect" I included in this post makes him out to be a hypocrite. 

 Mike Huckabee - definitely not 'pro-sodomy' but extremely 'pro-ignorant' - And how can one forget this 2009 interview he conducted with fellow right-winger Ann Coulter in which he assured her that he is not "pro sodomy," whatever that is. Who are we kidding. WE KNOW what he meant.

 The friends of Mike Huckabee - And let's not forget his past friendship with a particularly rabid anti-gay hate group from Massachusetts. 

In short, if Mike Huckabee gets anywhere near the Oval Office even to use its toilet, "we'uns" is in trouble.

NOM - We aren't going anywhere

Like a fungus at the end of your heel which you can't seem to get rid of, NOM is insisting that regardless of what the Supreme Court rules, it's not going away. That and other news courtesy of my buddy Matt Baume and the American Foundation for Equal Rights

'Ben Carson's Top 10 Anti-Gay Statements' & other Monday midday news briefs

Ben Carson (the anti-Obama - not a compliment) is in for 2016.

GOP Presidential Candidate Ben Carson's Top 10 Most Anti-Gay Comments - In celebration of Ben Carson's announcement that he is running for president . . . never mind. It's too depressing to go on. Just read the darn thing.  

One Of These Photos About Religious Freedom Is Nothing Like The Others - WONDERFUL! Sometimes points have to be made with a certain simplicity. 

Consultant's resignation shines light on city councilman's perceived 'betrayal' of Columbia's lgbt community - Repeating this morning's post to remind folks that it's not all about stuff going on in California, New York, D.C., or any of the big cities. Us lgbts in southern states are fighting the good fight, too. 

 James Dobson: Gay Marriage Signals 'The Fall Of Western Civilization' - The anti-gay right predicts that some form of lgbt equality will doom mankind part 1,001. 

 Supreme Court declines to hear new LGBT-related cases - One is good for us. The other? Not so good.

Consultant's resignation shines light on city councilman's perceived 'betrayal' of Columbia's lgbt community

 

Cameron Runyan (hoisting a bottle of champagne) during a 2008 lgbt political event (photo by Jonathan Sharpe/Free Times)

A consultant hired by the city of Columbia to help create a human rights ordinance and commission resigns after months of complaints by a group of pastors. However that is nothing compared to the story behind the controversy. It involves a councilman elected partly on the strength of the city's lgbt community and the betrayal they felt when he suddenly turned against them.

A controversy about including lgbts in a human rights ordinance in the city of Columbia, SC has led to the resignation of a consultant the city hired to help create the ordinance and a commission. According to an article in the April 29th edition of The State newspaper:

Growing tensions over a plan to protect gays from discrimination in the city of Columbia have led to the resignation of a consultant city leaders hired to help develop a human-rights ordinance. Christine Johnson, a lesbian and advocate of gay rights, said she quit because City Councilman Cameron Runyan had obstructed her efforts to help create the proposed ordinance. Johnson said in an April 10 resignation letter that Runyan helped set up meetings with church groups to discuss ending her city contract. Runyan made misleading statements to church leaders, as well as misleading comments on a Columbia radio program concerning the proposed city human-rights ordinance, she said in her letter to City Manager Teresa Wilson.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article19918173.html#storylink=cpy

 According to the article, the city of Columbia hired Johnson in December 2014 and her consulting was not to last more than six  months. However, the fact that she is openly gay led to months of complaints by a group of African-American pastors calling themselves the Christian Coalition. Bishop Eric Davis, a member of the group,  told The State  that the Christian Coalition doesn't want lgbts included in ordinance. The group even went so far as to have a February 26 meeting to discuss the "non-renewal" of Johnson's contract.

“Christine Johnson is not only a practicing lesbian, but she’s an advocate, an LGBT advocate,” Davis said. “So from a Christian perspective, our question was, ‘Is that built-in bias?’”

Davis said he believes homosexuality is a sin and said he has broad support from African-American churches representing 100,000 members.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/news/local/article19918173.html#storylink=cpy

Runyan denies that he had anything to do with Johnson's resignation, but the incident is yet another chapter in the quiet but intense war between him and Columbia's lgbt community. However, this story isn't your conventional one about an anti-gay elected official attempting to run roughshod. It reads more like a soap opera with the elements of betrayal being heavy in the mix.

'Tony Perkins angry at Right Wing Watch but fails to refute accusations' & other Friday midday news briefs

Tony Perkins

Tony Perkins is denying he calls for pro-equality judges to be impeached; he's lying and here's empirical proof - "Please proceed, Mr. Perkins." Poor Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council. He thinks he has proof that Right Wing Watch distorted his words when it accused him of calling for SCOTUS judges to be impeached. And he continues to figuratively dig his own grave by offering said proof. 

Airbnb Removes Texas Property Listing After Owner Reportedly Rejects Gay Couple - A dimension of the "religious liberty" argument the anti-gay right haven't thought of. They claim that business should have the right to not serve gay couples. Fine, but what if nationwide consortiums and groups designed to steer people to hotels, inns, restaurants, etc decide that they don't want to include you in their guides because of your discriminatory tactics. These things cuts both ways, don't they. Of course businesses shut out of these consortiums and groups can form their own so-called "Christian-friendly" groups. But being widely known as a part of group of businesses coming together because they refuse to serve gays is a stigma sure to backfire. Mercy, I just LOVE AMERICA!!

 Alan Keyes: Gay Marriage Ruling A 'Just Cause For War' - Alan Keyes is easily one of the most pathetic African-American men in the world (yeah, I said it.) He supposedly has all of this intelligence but I wonder if he can point to at least ONE concrete thing he has done with his intelligence to make the world a better place. He depresses the heck out me.  

24 Heartbreaking Struggles From The Transgender Community - This needs to be read and spread. I don't think of the transgender community as victims, but there is nothing wrong with getting REAL about the ignorance one has to deal with.

Video shows anticipation, tension of crowds outside Supreme Court

 As seen by this video, the scene Tuesday outside SCOTUS was a mixture of tension and anticipation, but very peaceful while the justices insides heard oral arguments regarding marriage equality.

Conservatives, anti-gay right need to cool it on the persecution predictions

If there one thing which worries me about the possibility of us receiving 50-state marriage equality at  SCOTUS, it is the reaction to folks who do not support us being married.

I am somewhat concerned, not because I think of them as irrational folks. There are some folks who have very sincere beliefs that marriage equality is wrong and I respect that. I am worried about who some are choosing to believe.

It's one thing to be absolutely ludicrous and make ridiculous claims that God will be angry at America. But it's when these folks start predicting actual persecution and conjuring up images of Christians and pastors being arrested which bothers me. Case in point, Glenn Beck:



Glenn Beck is a demagogue. A moronic idiot who lucked into a media empire, but he has a multitude of followers and while we laugh at his inanity, there are folks who actually believe what he says. And unfortunately, he isn't the only person on the right pushing irresponsible rhetoric regarding the possible SCOTUS decision on marriage equality.

Never mind that these folks have track record for being inaccurate (they made the same claims about lgbt-inclusive hate crimes legislation), it's what they can fool people into believe which matters.

All it takes is one fool and the ignorance of fools is what these folks seem to be counting on.

'Anti-gay right urging 'resistance.' Yaaaawn!' & other Thursday midday news briefs

Anti-Gay Activists Urge 'Resistance' Before Marriage Equality Destroys 'Just About Everything' - I want us to win at SCOTUS with regards to marriage equality because it's the fair and right thing to happen. But .5 percent of me can't help but wanting to see if the religious right has the guts to back up all of this "civil disobedience" and "revolution" junk they have been threatening.  No one is naive, guys. When you talk about "resistance," you mean manipulating your supporting masses to do your dirty work while you, as Redd Foxx  from 'Sanford and Son' puts it - "coordinate things."

How Not To Talk About Bruce Jenner - Or how NOT to talk about any situation with regards to the transgender community.  

Anti-LGBT Groups To Appeal Judge's Ruling Upholding Houston Equal Rights Ordinance - They've lost twice so they obviously want to go for the hat trick.

 Capitol Prayer Service: God Will Punish America For Legalizing Gay Marriage - SAD! Our Congressional leaders are in a position to help this country (BECAUSE they are Congressional leaders), but instead they are attacking marriage equality because they seem to think that God has turned a blind eye to more pressing problems of the human race (war, famine, natural disasters, etc) to focus His attention on marriage equality. 

The Top Arguments for and Against Same-Sex Marriage at the Supreme Court - Break it down for us, Matt Baume.  

Watch This 7-Year-Old Explain How Her Two Moms Had A Baby - "Won't someone think of the children?" Guess what. The children GET it.

NOM makes AWFUL attempt to inflate the numbers of its #March4Marriage failure

Particularly in terms of attendance, NOM's latest March For Marriage (held Saturday) was yet another colossal flop for the group.

However, NOM president, Brian Brown, thinks that he can pull a big con on everyone as evidenced by this tweet:

15,000 Marchers! Here's what the media didn't show you about the #March4Marriage... http://t.co/AvZIDmGhc9
— Brian S. Brown (@briansbrown) April 29, 2015

The tweet links to an article from MRC Newsbusters. a right-wing site which supposedly monitors  "liberal media bias." The article includes a video of the march, but there is absolutely no way anyone can tell the number of participants by viewing the video.

So where did the "15,000 participants" claim come from ? From NOM itself. According to the article:

A marriage march press contact confirmed to MRC Culture through NOM that “approximately 15,000” marchers attended. 

In other words, Brown is implying that an "unbiased" news source confirmed that NOM's March for Marriage had 15,000 participants. However,  the claim isn't coming from the news source. It is coming from Brian Brown and NOM.

This absolute pitiful subterfuge has been a hallmark of NOM's fight against marriage equality. It would be easy to just allow the organization to embarrass itself out of existence.

But to hell with that. Why shouldn't the lgbt community get in on the fun?

'Congressman exploits Baltimore to attack marriage equality' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

GOP Rep. Bill Flores Links Baltimore Riots To Gay Marriage - Some fool exploiting the sad situation in Baltimore to attack marriage equality was to be expected. But the fact that it was a Congressman talking to Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council (who, for all his talking about gays trying to co-opt the civil rights movement, has been silent about Baltimore) is simply sad. 

Ruth Bader Ginsburg eviscerates same-sex marriage opponents in court - Due to her awesome questions and such during yesterday's SCOTUS oral arguments on marriage equality, I called Justice Ginsburg a "bad ass steel armored bullet-proof Earth Mother." After reading this article which goes into more detail about yesterday, I think a better description of her awesomeness is in order.  

Battle For Marriage Equality Unfolds Outside The Supreme Court - Meanwhile, outside the court room, there was a good scene.  

Parents of Transgender Children Fight Bathroom Bills - THIS is how parents are supposed to act. And they should be commended.  

Florida's Trans Bathroom Bill Dies - Whoever said these awful transphobic bills can't be defeated is lying. It takes will, courage, and hard work, but they can be exposed as the fraudulent pieces of trash they are.  

New Website Highlights Businesses That Don’t Want To Serve Gay People - Three words - Family. Research. Council.  

Starnes: Pastors Will Be Charged With Hate Crimes If SCOTUS Legalizes Gay Marriage - Just a blatant lie. I don't care if he is a "commentator," there should be some type of integrity which keeps one from fear mongering in the name of God. No matter how much some "evangelicals" blame lgbts for the negative view some folks have of Christianity, it is people like Starnes who are mostly responsible.

How SCOTUS rules on marriage equality may come down to familiar question, tone

I personally think that this morning, the lgbt community got a welcome, albeit minor, scare at SCOTUS. It should serve a reminder that nothing is a cake walk and we shouldn't celebrate until battles are over and not when they look as if they are over.

Let me also say that after that minor scare, things look good for 50 state marriage equality. All in all, it could boil down to the same thing which tipped the Windsor decision to us - the dignity of same-sex families and our children.

But rather than giving you an expository, I am going to spotlight what I feel were the three best articles which emphasizes the main points of today's oral hearing, particularly the part which may tip the case in our favor:

Supreme Court Mulls How Marriage Equality Will Come About - From the Huffington Post comes a general overview of today's oral session, including how the swing vote the lgbt community is counting on, Justice Anthony Kennedy, gave us a huge scare this morning and how the lawyer defending marriage equality bans actually brought Kennedy back to why he ruled in our favor in Windsor.  

The Lawyer Defending Discrimination In The Supreme Court May Have Just Talked Himself Out Of Victory - From Think Progress, a special look at the exchange which MAY give us 50-state marriage equality while providing emphasis that opponents of marriage equality simply don't have a justifiable argument. 

 Marriage Equality Arguments First Reaction: Ginsburg Strikes, Kennedy Wavers - From Slate comes a wonderful analysis of the day which goes like this - Kennedy is a tough questioner to both sides of the issue, but has genuine concerns about same-sex families, Alito is a complete butthead, and Ginsberg is a bad ass steel armored bullet-proof Earth Mother. 

So what do I think? In one form or another, marriage equality is here to stay. There are serious trepidations and fear by some of the justices of what they claim to be a "redefinition" of the institution. But this fear is going to be measured with (and hopefully outweighed by) giving same-sex families and their children the fairness and dignity of equal marriage. For now, nothing is for sure. But it does look good.

'SCOTUS hearing marriage equality oral arguments' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

Editor's note - We are all on pins and needles about the SCOTUS oral arguments on marriage equality today. They are happening even as I write this and if you want to check them out, go to the live stream at SCOTUSblog. 

Anti-Gay Protester Disrupts SCOTUS Marriage Hearing: 'Homosexuality is an Abomination!' - I had a feeling that there would be some type of disruption but if this is the most that will happen, that's good.

 Janet Porter: Supreme Court Marriage Ruling Could Land Christians In Jail - The crazy people are just being more crazy. 

 Supreme Court Hearing Same-Sex Marriage Arguments - And an evenhanded look at how things are going. 

 Anti-Gay GOP Lawmaker Outed After Sending Explicit Photo To Another Man - Meanwhile, the battle for lgbt respect and such still goes on on a personal level.

 Court Says ‘Religious Freedom’ Gives T-Shirt Company The Right To Discriminate Against LGBT Group - And legally.

These Twins Want The Supreme Court To Recognize Their Dads’ Marriage - At the end of the day, this is what it's all about.  

Coming Out As Gay In Elementary School - And this. Let me be honest with you. I personally don't expect to get married. It would be nice and who knows what may happen, but I want marriage equality so that our children can decide their future choices based upon what they have a right to receive, not what's denied to them. To me, the argument of marriage equality is simple - it's about dignity for present lgbt couples and potential future lgbt couples.

A few words about today at the Supreme Court

As we hope and pray for success at the Supreme Court this morning, let's remember those whose shoulders we are standing on and those who we hope to lift up to a higher plane with our endeavours.

And most of all, no matter what happens, always know that it's not an ending, but only a doorway to an entirely new world. Win or lose (and I'm hoping for a win), this our moment, this is our time.

Video of NOM's march reveals hypocrisy, irony of homophobia

The following video are scenes from NOM's latest failed attempt at a #march4marriage, which was held on Saturday. Of course none of the arguments these folks are making could ever make sense in front of the Supreme Court.

To me, the grand irony is how these folks whine about being persecuted and ridiculed for their anti-marriage equality stance while at the same time denigrating lgbts and our lives. It's that duck and dodge which has become very popular amongst those who stand against marriage equality.

'Anti-gay freak out before SCOTUS arguments' & other Monday midday news briefs

How will SCOTUS rule on marriage equality?

CBS host introduces Tony Perkins as ‘anti-gay hate group’ leader: ‘You don’t speak for Christians’ - With my attention drawn to exposing the lie Family Research Council head Tony Perkins told on 'Face the Nation' yesterday, I made the mistake of not mentioning this awesome moment when Bob Schieffer called out Perkins before the interview. 

Christians: Stop letting hate control the conversation on LGBT equality! - A wonderful piece by my friend, David Shelton, admonishing other Christians to not let the anti-gay industry hog the debate and speak for them.  

Supreme Court’s Simple Marriage Case Questions Lead To Complex Arguments - Tomorrow is the DAY. SCOTUS will be hearing oral arguments on marriage equality. Some folks have taken it granted that we will win. I say I am taking NOTHING for granted. Chris Geidner of Buzzfeed gives an excellent analysis of the issues and questions at hand.  

Mat Staver: 'No Choice' But To Disobey Supreme Court Marriage Ruling - Oh please. What are you going to do? REFUSE to attend gay weddings? Fine with us.  

Pat Robertson: God Can 'Straighten Out' Your Gay Daughter At Summer Camp - Uh Pat . . . being at a place where you can go off in the woods with your possible same-sex significant other ain't gonna "straighten you out."  

29 Revealing Photos From This Weekend’s Anti-Gay March For Marriage - NOM held its annual poorly attended anti-marriage equality march Saturday. It wasn't attended by any Republican presidential candidates or legislators. Nonetheless, the signs were interesting. 

 We Can Talk About Bruce's Politics Without Ruining the Moment - Last week, Bruce Jenner became somewhat of a transgender icon. But his politics also makes him a conundrum.

Tony Perkins tells HUGE lie on 'Face the Nation' about SCOTUS impeachments

This week, SCOTUS will be hearing arguments regarding 50-state marriage equality. Folks are predicting that we are going to win one, however I have always been one for never "counting your chickens before they hatch."

But as the moment draws closer, national supporters and opponents of marriage equality appeared on Sunday news programs to debate the issue. On CBS's Face the Nation, Family Research Council head Tony Perkins debated Freedom To Marrys' Evan Wolfson.

It was a good debate, but I want to point to something before it gets drowned out. When Face the Nation's Bob Schieffer asked Perkins did he call for the impeachment of Supreme Court justices if they rule for marriage equality, Perkins was quick to say no, he did not.

Transcript (start at 3:32)

 Bob Schieffer: Did you really say that justices who come down on the side of gays in this issue should be impeached?

Tony Perkins: No I didn't say that.

Bob Schieffer: Because there are reports to that effect.

Tony Perkins: No I didn't say that.

Bob Schieffer: What did you say?

Tony Perkins: Well I said . . . I didn't say anything about impeachment of the judges. What I said is that they are not the final say on this issue . ..

Perkins is not being truthful. He in fact did say something about impeaching the judges. According to Right Wing Watch, on Thursday of last week, he was interviewed by the Iowa based radio host Jan Mickelson:

 . . . Perkins predicted will end with the court striking down bans on same-sex marriage across the country. Once this occurs, Perkins warned, “it will be open season on people of faith.” He predicted that the court will issue a ruling similar to Roe v. Wade, further dividing Americans and contradicting “natural law.” Mickelson suggested that if this happens, members of Congress should try to “remove” the Supreme Court’s “jurisdiction” over the marriage issue and “nullify” its decision, sending the message to the justices that “if you try it again we will impeach your sorry keisters.” Perkins heartily agreed: “I think you’re absolutely right.”

So why is this important? Because since people like Perkins are anticipating a loss at SCOTUS, they are attempting to shift the argument and make it seem like they are the victims who are being unfairly shunned because of their anti-marriage equality beliefs.

That's the constant mantra implied by spokespeople on that spectrum of the issue from Perkins to Maggie Gallagher to Ryan T. Anderson.

And Perkins implying that a SCOTUS judge should be impeached for merely ruling against his side on an issue doesn't exactly jibe with the image of  "shunned Christians," does it?

Perkins's falsehood is definitely something I wish some folks on our side would keep in mind when they begin "concern-trolling" about this issue.

Certainly no one should be shunned simply because of their opinion, but when we are so quick to believe folks like Perkins even after all of the distortions they have spun in the past, we are merely walking into their latest con game.

'Bobby Jindal defiantly taking Louisiana to anti-gay disaster' & other Friday midday news briefs

Bobby Jindal

Bobby Jindal Is Disappointed GOP Governors Backed Away From Religious Freedom Laws So Quickly - In an attempt to gain the favor of social conservatives for his possible presidential run, LA Gov. Bobby Jindal is careening towards disaster. 

New Ad: Bobby Jindal’s ‘Religious Liberty’ Stunt a Disaster for Louisiana’s Economy - And it won't be pretty. 

 Ted Cruz Introduces Anti-Gay Bill Spearheaded By Radical Activist - And he is not the only elected official careening, thus proving how much influence anti-gay activists hold.  

Michigan Bills Allowing Adoption Agencies To Reject LGBT Parents Move Forward - While Michigan acts foolish . . .  

Ariz. same-sex couples can again adopt, foster together - . . . Arizona's governor takes a serious stand for same-sex families.  

Tony Perkins: Impeach Supreme Court Justices Who Rule For Marriage Equality - Poor Tony. He is becoming a mockery.

Homophobic insanity of the American Family Association explained in one picture

If you need to demonstrate just how insanely homophobic the American Family Association is in one minute or less, just show the following picture:

AFA claims that the Supreme Court will usher in a targeting of Christians if it should rule for marriage equality later this year. That nonsense doesn't even DESERVE a refutation, but I will say this:

I wish these folks would stop comparing lgbts to Nazis. It trivializes a terrible moment in history and it's not even logical.

I don't think the progression of lgbt equality was something Hitler EVER had in mind.

God help the lgbt community if Mike Huckabee gets anywhere NEAR the White House

Mike Huckabee

There has been a lot of speculation on whether or not Mike Huckabee will run for president. I think he will and if he does, the lgbt community had better do what we can to keep him from getting elected.

And I say that based upon this conference call he had with other anti-gay leaders (courtesy of Right Wing Watch). On this call, you can practically start a drinking game with the lies and paranoid delusions Huckabee throws out about the lgbt community and how we will attempt to outlaw Christianity and force pastors to marry gay couples.

That's the one thing I hate about people like Huckabee. Not only do they think that their version of Christianity is the only one which counts, they don't even hold true to it because of the outrageous lies they tell.

Editor's note  - According to Right Wing Watch, because of apparent technical difficulties with the conference call, there are beeping noises throughout the call signifying participants dialing in.

'Approval of marriage equality at an all-time high, but . . .' & other Thursday midday news briefs

Breaking: American Approval Of Same-Sex Marriage Breaks All-Time Record - Excellent news, but there are some problems on the horizon. 

 LGBT Advocates Call for Indiana-Style Backlash After Two Anti-Gay Bills Advance - Say hello to problem 1.  

GOP lawmaker introduces bill to strip federal courts of power to rule on marriage equality - Though this bill doesn't have a chance in hell of passing, it is still problem 2 because of the following news brief. . .  

Rep. Steve King Introduces Court-Stripping Bill Written By Radical Anti-Gay Activists - This is why we need to take all prominent members of the anti-gay right seriously. No matter how crazy they are (and we got some crazy ones), if they can get their influence in Congress, that's another fight we have to deal with, regardless of whether or not we win said fight. 

How a transgender teen got South Carolina to change its license photo policy - WONDERFUL!!!  

STUDY: LGBT People of Color at Risk of Lifelong Poverty - We got a problem and part of it stems from the lack of positive reinforcement and attention lgbts people of color receive from society.

Cordileone won’t be back at this year’s anti-gay-marriage march - This is a BIG deal. NOM just lost a high-profile speaker for their Saturday march. 

Photo of lesbian couple taken from (the generous and always helpful) Right Wing Watch.

Family Research Council gets HAMMERED for lies told in anti-marriage equality video

In this wonderful video, writer, reporter, and video producer Matt Baume takes down all of the distortions contained in a new Family Research Council video speaking against marriage equality. It should be required viewing and demonstrates just what is the problem with American broadcast media these days - too many lazy pundits hogging up the air and not enough talented folks like Baume (who actually do the digging and the grunt work) getting the attention they deserve:

Hat tip to Joe Jervis.

'Dan Savage knocks down religious right's 'gay friend' meme' & other Wednesday midday news briefs

Dan Savage

Dan Savage: Why would Santorum and Huckabee’s ‘imaginary gay friends’ invite them to their wedding? - Thank you Dan Savage for pointing this out. Every time I hear someone try to make up for homophobic statements by citing their so-called "gay friend," I say "yeah, right!" 

NBC News To Air 2-Part 'Transgender Kids' Special - Kudos to NBC for doing this.  

Fox News Distraught That Children Are Learning That Transgender People Exist - Because we have some NASTY SOBs out there deliberately putting out bad information. 

  The anti-gay right can't run forever from its history of bigotry - Reiterating this morning's post. You don't spend YEARS dehumanzing lgbt people and then suddenly claim that we are bullying you.

Assembly Rejects Controversial Transgender Bathroom Bill - The folks who fought to defeat this deserve a HUGE round of applause.

 Legendary Activists in the Fight Against HIV - Speaking of folks deserving HUGE rounds of applause.

The anti-gay right can't run forever from its history of bigotry

The anti-gay right wants us to forget this image of the lgbt community they once pushed on a heavy scale.

As a gay man, I admit that I am enthused and encouraged by what I see as a more lgbt-inclusive American society.

While we still have some kinks to work on and straighten out, I am happy with our progress. Just a decade ago, we wouldn't be talking about lgbt issues as openly as we are now. We have more public figures who are out from the get-go, rather than coming out after long rumors and speculation. And marriage equality is closer to becoming a 50-state reality sooner than some of us ever realized (fingers crossed).

But I am nagged by something which is figuratively poking me in the back of the head with the urgency of a classmate eager to annoy the hell out of me.

There is a brazenly dishonest new tactic emanating from the anti-gay right which must be called out on a larger scale. That lie is the idea that somehow the progression of marriage equality and popularity of the lgbt community is suddenly making them isolated and derided for supposedly simply stating their opinions. Suddenly the lgbt community is being portrayed as bullies seeking to shut anti-gay figures down and deride them for speaking against marriage equality and lgbt equality. It's a skilled talking point helped along by think tank finances, intellectuals paid by these finances, and a "news" network  which mistakes omitted information, one-sided interviews, and sloppy (probably in some cases deliberately sloppy) journalism as conservative opinion and ideology.

And the award for the anti-gay activist making the least sense about opposition to marriage equality goes to . . .

I talked about this travesty today in which anti-gay activist Judge Roy Moore was given a civil rights award from a black organization ( The Coalition of African-American Pastors, is a known astroturfed group of National Organization for Marriage stooges) for his opposition to marriage equality. The crowning glory of this farce is when Moore and the head of CAAP, William Owens, attempt to explain what is wrong with marriage equality.

I don't think I should even bother answer Owens's last statement, except to say I don't do that sort of thing. It sounds dangerous.(speaking strictly with tongue in cheek, of course)

'Anti-gay activist compares marriage equality to segregation' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

Roy Moore

Justice Roy Moore compares marriage equality to segregation as he accepts civil rights award - There are NO words vulgar enough for me to express my absolute nausea and disgust over this. By the way, the group giving Moore this award, The Coalition of African-American Pastors, is a known astroturfed group of National Organization for Marriage stooges. 

Roy Moore Compares Anti-Gay Fight To Resisting Slavery & Segregation - Video footage of the insanity.  

Perkins: Obama 'Has Endangered Our Country And Our Future' By Supporting Marriage Equality - Oh yeah. That will play REAL good in front of the Supreme Court. 

 Adoption 'Conscience Protection' Tabled In Senate - Not the end of this vile anti-gay adoption junk but a good beginning to the end. 

 Anti-Gay Attorney Gene Schaerr Thinks Gay Marriage Will Lead To 900,000 Abortions: VIDEO - That noise you are hearing is the bottom of the barrel being scraped when it comes to reasons to oppose marriage equality. How long will it be before the rest of the anti-gay right repeats this lie?  

Religious Leaders On Same-Sex Marriage: “No One View Speaks For ‘Religion’” - AMEN! Thank you for not allowing the anti-gay evangelical right to bogart the discussion. 

 Irish Kids Encourage Citizens To Vote 'Yes' On Marriage Equality Referendum - Wonderful video which lets you know that while adults have gone crazy, the children are alright because they "get it."

NOM bringing pastor behind 'I'm not gay no more' debacle to its upcoming march

As many of you may or not know, the National Organization for Marriage will be hold another #march4marriage this Saturday in Washington, D.C.

Observers are already noting this march will probably be as disastrous as NOM's #march4marriage last year. However, that's not to say the organization doesn't have minor celebrities in attendance.

According to Jeremy Hooper, this man will be speaking at the march:

And just who is Rev. Brandon Porter, you ask? Why he is the pastor who "laid his hands" on a young man and supposedly "cured" him of his homosexuality. In fact, we happen to have the video right here:



By the way, the young man in the video, Andrew Caldwell,  has said he is still gay.  One can only hope that Porter brings as much success to NOM's march as he did in "delivering" Caldwell from "homosexuality."

'Republicans declaring legislative war on the lgbt community' & other Monday midday news briefs

The Fight for LGBT Equality is Not Over - According to this article in The American Prospect, Republican lawmakers have introduced over 100 pieces of anti-lgbt legislation in 29 states. They never know the meaning of the phrase "overdoing it."

California Ballot Initiative Would Pay People A $4,000 Bounty For Policing Transgender Bathroom Use - A bounty? What is this? Pro-wrestling?

 Maggie Gallagher won't toast you while you trap your spouse in sin - Excuse me? What self-respect same-sex couple would invite Maggie Gallagher to their wedding? As evil as that woman is, I wouldn't invite her to stand on my front yard. 

Anti-gay right owes Mayor Annise Parker, city of Houston an apology - From this morning. It would be a HUGE mistake for the lgbt community to allow the anti-gay right off the hook with regards to this. 

Arkansas Pastors Say Protecting Christian Tourism Trumps Protecting Local LGBT Residents - Another example of the ignorant idea that the lgbt orientation and Christian beliefs do not mingle. It does, particularly in the black church (yes, I said it).

  James Dobson Does Not Understand Bisexuality: 'That's Orgies!' - This is so gross for two reasons -1. Dobson doesn't understand bisexuality. 2. He DOES understand orgies. Ewwwww! I need a mental wish to get that picture out of my head.

Anti-gay right owes Mayor Annise Parker, city of Houston an apology

Dear Mike Huckabee, Todd Starnes, Phil Robertson, Tony Perkins, Family Research Council, Fox News, and assorted conservative & religious right figures,

By now you have all heard the decision coming down in Houston regarding HERO, the trans-inclusive non-discrimination ordinance. The judge has decided that those seeking a referendum against the ordinance did not gain enough signatures to force the issue.

And that being said, you all owe the city of Houston and particularly Mayor Annise Parker a public apology.

Granted, I am not naive. I know one is not forthcoming. The purpose of this letter is not to appeal to either your morality or integrity. It is merely to show how you all are lacking in both. It was bad enough that you helped to weave false stories of male predators attacking women in changing rooms, restrooms, and locker rooms because of this ordinance. You all have told this lie so many times, the lgbt community is almost (and unfortunately) becoming desensitized to it.

Breaking - Judge hands Houston a huge victory & the religious right a huge kick in the butt

Mike Huckabee and a lot of other folks have a bunch of egg on their faces tonight.

Excellent news out of Houston which means that a trans-inclusive equality ordinance wins and the religious right suffers a huge embarrassment.

From The Houston Chronicle:

Opponents of Houston's non-discrimination ordinance failed to gather enough valid signatures to force a repeal referendum, a state district judge ruled Friday, validating city officials' decision to toss out the petition foes submitted last summer.

After separate rulings from both a jury and state District Judge Robert Schaffer, attorneys for both sides entered dueling counts of the valid signatures, adding and subtracting voters as Schaffer responded to motions. By early this week, the counts were closer together than ever before, fewer than 1,000 signatures apart.

Ultimately, Schaffer on Friday ruled the final count of valid signatures was 16,684, leaving opponents short of the threshold required in the city charter of 17,249 signatures, or 10 percent of the ballots cast in the last mayoral election.

Last year,  the Houston City Council passed a transgender inclusive equality rights ordinance (HERO). Opponents of the ordinance rallied in August and claimed to have gathered more than enough signatures to force a referendum. However, according to city, the signatures contained many errors and taking this into account, a lot of them were disqualified, thereby meaning that HERO opponents had failed in their attempt.  In addition, there were accusations that they were engaging in underhanded tactics to gain signatures. 

Faced with this defeat, the HERO opponents sued the city of Houston, claiming that they did in fact get enough signatures.

'Why is the Family Research Council 'reediting' their public prayers to God?' & other Friday midday news briefs

WHOA: FRC 'reediting' all those heinous fasting-for-marriage prayers I've been showing you!! - I've never heard of such a thing. Taking the time to lodge public prayers to God to stop marriage equality and then "re-editing" them? What's the point? Obviously these prayers were not for God's consumption or the Family Research Council wouldn't care if they appeared too extreme or homophobic. 

Anti-Gay Activists Vow To Repeal Marriage Equality Laws Across The Country If They Win At SCOTUS - Well duh. They are going to try this even if they lose (and I hope they do lose). An interesting about this piece is that it shows the hypocrisy of the anti-marriage equality crowd. They will work to repeal marriage equality laws even if people in certain states voted FOR these laws. So much for "let the people vote" or "let the states decide."  

Ten Novel, Absurd, And Irrelevant Arguments Made In Supreme Court Briefs Against Marriage Equality - More false data, more junk science, more idiocy. The anti-marriage equality crowd is getting desperate.  

Anti-gay leader Mat Staver spins outrageous lie about gays costing government billions - Reiterating this morning's post because the media should pay as much attention to anti-gay lies as they do when anti-gay groups spin memes of "anti-Christian" persecution.

  C-Fam 'Mission' in Africa: Spreading Anti-Family Planning, Anti-Gay Gospel - And speaking of persecution . . .

Anti-gay leader Mat Staver spins outrageous lie about gays costing government billions

Mat Staver

One thing which is sad about this so-called cultural war is how anti-gay group leaders can say some of the most outrageous things about the lgbt community without them or anyone else batting an eye.

These folks, who are supposed to stand for morals and values, freely spin lies so outrageous that one can only wonder what values do they actually believe. Case in point is Mat Staver of the Liberty Counsel claiming that homosexuality costs government billions of dollars:

“Same-sex marriage leads to the devaluation of both a mother and a father, who each provide a unique contribution to the family,” Staver said. “Studies estimate that over the course of 26 years, our government spent more than $225 billion that could be directly attributed to the breakdown of the family culture and its resulting social consequences.”

Of course Staver won't reveal just what these studies he alluded to are or where he found them because no one is going to bother to ask him about it. Just like no one bothered to confront him about the lie he told to a Congressional committee last year regarding his support of Russia's anti-gay laws.

#TBT (1960s) - Police officer lectures children on what happens if he 'catches' them 'being homosexual'

From time to time, I like to look at old negative footage regarding the lgbt community to give myself perspective. And to remind myself that progress happens, no matter how slow we think it is taking place.

I wish the above video was a joke, but it's not. It is a snippet of an actual lecture in the 1960s of a police officer threatening school children with jail if he finds out they are gay. It's a reminder of how far we have come.

Because I swear if I had a child and he or she came home and told me that a police officer did this, I would put a knot on that officer's head so tall, it would have snow growing at the top:

'Meet anti-gay powerhouse group behind 'religious freedom' law push' & other Thursday midday news briefs

How An Extreme Anti-LGBT Legal Powerhouse Is Working To Enact "Religious Freedom" Laws - The Alliance Defending Freedom is a $39 million a year organization working hard to enact statewide anti-gay "religious freedom" laws. It has deep connections with other anti-gay groups and deep connections with members of various state legislators. And that's not counting the receptive relationship it has cultivated with Fox News. Now in spite of all of this, the lgbt community can defeat its nefarious efforts but that ain't gonna happen with merely putting offensively funny statements on facebook, useless one-note "direct action" tactics, and ridiculous squabbles about "Gay, Inc." We defeat this group by educating the public about its immoral tactics and lies to the public. But first we need to educate ourselves. In The Art of War, Chinese general Sun Tzu said, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. . . .” So ask yourselves, just how much do you know about the enemies of lgbt equality other than simply labeling them as "bigots?"

Ted Cruz Asks Pastors To Preach And Pray Against Gay Marriage Ahead Of SCOTUS Arguments - Sorry, Teddy. I can assure you that MY pastor will be preaching about more important things. Not all Christians follow in lockstep of your nonsense.  

100 Prominent Catholics Place Full-Page Ad Asking Pope To Remove Anti-Gay San Francisco Archbishop - The point of my last news briefs emphasized in a good way.

Doubts Removed: The Day My Son's Breasts Were Surgically Taken Off - Wonderful story of how a mother supported her transgender son.  

Angie's List CEO Who Opposed Indiana 'Religious Freedom' Law Could Challenge Mike Pence - Religious right figures are spinning this to say their "boycott" of Angie's List drove him out. Think again, folks.

GLSEN's Day of Silence is Friday! Support our lgbt children

With all of the talk about anti-gay "religious freedom" bills, marriage equality, and presidential elections, it's easy to forget one of the most important reasons why we fight for lgbt equality - our lgbt children.

Tomorrow is GLSEN's Day of Silence, an annual event in which students across the country take a vow of silence in order to call attention to the "call attention to the silencing effect of anti-LGBT bullying and harassment in schools."

Check out the above video and links to find out more about it.

Now usually, I would talk about how the opposition spins lies about "homosexual indoctrination" in order to undermine the event. This time, I won't.

Who cares about them. They don't matter. Our kids do.