WOW! Black minister gives spirited defense of marriage equality

From Think Progress, something simply awesome:

Pastor Frederick Haynes of the Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas gave a powerful sermon in support of President Obama’s recent endorsement of marriage equality. Haynes notes that during his oath of office, Obama vowed to uphold the constitution, not the Bible. During his sermon, which criticized both fellow pastors and the congregation for their condemnation of marriage equality, “the congregation stood up and shouted their disapproval at him.” Haynes argued that the congregation should change its views:

HAYNES: He [President Obama] swore upon oath to uphold, protect and defend the Constitution, not the Bible, but the Constitution of the United States. He is not the pastor of the United States, but the president of the United States. And for the first time in the history of this nation, we have a president who has dared to use his position to make the democratic promise available, not just for a select few who are up and in, but for everybody, regardless of their race, their creed, their color, or their sexual orientation! And my brothers and sisters, I  salute the President.

Have you ever read the Gospel and heard Jesus say anything about homosexuality?…Black folk can’t even deal with homosexuality because we got issues with sexuality. And because we got issues with sexuality we can’t have a healthy discussion about homosexuality. Why, why do you get so upset?

Pastor Haynes should be commended for his intelligence, his integrity, and his bravery for stepping out on the right side of history on this issue.

'Baltimore denounces NOM's racist tactics' and other Friday midday news briefs

Editor's note - Just met two of the meanest right-wing columnist - Dana Loesch and Jim Hoft. No doubt, they are here to push the false line that "progresives are discouraged." Expect that to be the subject of their columns. Of course knowing Hoft's tendency to exaggerate, take what will be said with less than a grain of salt. Surprisingly I engaged them in a very polite conversation about how they lie, particularly Hoft. Yes, I specifically called Hoft out. They were very nice people to talk to. I guess I killed them with kindness. More on a later post, particularly how they tried to get me to pose in front of a Democratic Socialist table. I emphasize TRIED.

Baltimore mayor denounces NOM - More African-American public officials, particularly in states facing those awful marriage amendments, need to be as vocal.

After NAACP Marriage Stance, Discord And Discussion - Some African-Americans are not happy with the NAACP supportive stance on marriage equality. One member has quit. I personally think this is a good thing. Not that the member has quit, but that the NAACP has thrust itself into relevancy by pushing a much needed discussion in the black community.

Militant FRC puts gay soldiers at war with 'heroes'; callous disregard at war with rational conversation - The Family Research Council just can't get over the fact that DADT is DEAD.

CNN Contributor Defends Radio Host Who Said Obama Turns Kids Gay - When talking to Loesch less than 10 minutes ago, she claims that she was merely pointing out the fact that our community was giving this silly child undue attention. Maybe. But it's convenient that she never said a word to me about us "bullying" him. Personally I feel this way. Certainly we don't want to bully the child but he said something wild which needs attention drawn to it. And how interesting is it that she goes out of her way to defend this child, which leads me to say has she been as vocal defending gay youth. Just asking.

Macon Telegraph reverses decision to not publish lesbian wedding announcement - Not bad.

SC gay group uses Sen. DeMint to make point about anti-gay discrimination

From my friends at the Alliance for Full Acceptance, an ad which gets to the heart of discrimination with a little help from Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC):



To see more ads and to learn about how you can help to put these ads on the air, go to AFFA 2012 Media Campaign