FRC's Tony Perkins is practically delusional about LA marriage equality decision

We knew that the anti-gay right would be gloating over their victory yesterday in Louisiana but in the case of Family Research Council president Tony Perkins, how can one get angry when the gloat is just damn so delusional:

Tony Perkins

Relying on research -- not the Left's misshapen idea of "rights" -- the Reagan appointee (U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman) was blunt about the danger of chasing the political and cultural winds. "Public attitude might be becoming more diverse, but any right to same-sex marriage is not yet so entrenched as to be fundamental," he said plainly. Unlike so many of his peers, Feldman rightly recognized that the courts have no authority to unilaterally change the definition of our most fundamental social institution. While the courts stampede voters' rights to force their agenda, Feldman defended government by the people, for the people. "The state of Louisiana has a legitimate interest under a rational basis standard of review for addressing the meaning of marriage through the democratic process." We applaud him -- as well as state Attorney General Buddy Caldwell and special counsel Kyle Duncan and Mike Johnson, for standing up for the rule of law. They may be in the minority in the courts -- but they're in the majority where it counts: public opinion. 

Is Perkins for real? Just when exactly did Feldman rely on research? One of the objections to Feldman's ruling is that he clearly ignored research and shaped his opinion as if he was writing anti-gay talking points on marriage equality.

See my post from yesterday concerning the problems with Feldman's ruling.

Marriage equality opponents won't get momentum with Louisiana victory

Today, a federal judge in Louisiana upheld that state's anti-marriage equality law,  thereby breaking the lgbt community's streak of successes in the courts when it comes to marriage equality cases after the SCOTUS's Windor ruling.

However, other than having to deal with the gloating and overreaction of anti-gay groups and spokespeople, I don't necessarily see this ruling as a bad thing for two reasons.

1. No new rationale against marriage equality - The thing more nauseating than the ruling is the rationale U.S. District Judge Martin Feldman used to rule for the state of Louisiana. His ruling reads like anti-gay talking points from the National Organization for Marriage.

His choice of words to describe lgbt couples and use of the slippery slope argument caught many people's attention. Ian Millhiser of Think Progress said:

At one point, he describes being gay as one of several “lifestyle choices” a person can make. At another point in his opinion, he compares same-sex marriage to marriage between “aunt and niece,” “aunt and nephew,” or “father and child.” He also likens marriage equality to polygamous marriages.

David Ferguson of  Raw Story goes into detail about Feldman's use of the slippery slope argument:

“For example,” he wrote, “must the states permit or recognize a marriage between an aunt and niece? Aunt and nephew? Brother/brother? Father and child? May minors marry? Must marriage be limited to only two people? What about a transgender spouse? Is such a union same-gender or male-female? All such unions would undeniably be equally committed to love and caring for one another, just like the plaintiffs.”

No, argued Feldman, the prevailing definition of marriage has been good for millennia and therefore is good enough for the Court.

He also said the following about the purpose of marriage, according to Chris Geidner of Buzzfeed:

Feldman concluded first that no “fundamental right” was at stake — “Public attitude might be becoming more diverse, but any right to same-sex marriage is not yet so entrenched as to be fundamental” — and that laws that distinguish based on sexual orientation are not subjected to heightened scrutiny. As such, only the lowest level of scrutiny — rational basis review — applied to the ban, meaning the state needed only to show a legitimate reason for barring same-sex couples from marrying.

With that, he examined the reasons the state gave for the ban and concluded that they “offer a credible, and convincing, rational basis” for the ban.

Specifically, Feldman wrote:

This Court is persuaded that Louisiana has a legitimate interest…whether obsolete in the opinion of some, or not, in the opinion of others…in linking children to an intact family formed by their two biological parents, as specifically underscored by Justice Kennedy in Windsor.

 
And according to Ferguson,  he made light of the other rulings before him, i.e. those ruling favor of marriage equality:

 “The federal court decisions thus far exemplify a pageant of empathy; decisions impelled by a response of innate pathos.”

So what does this mean? Basically the anti-gay industry lucked out and found one judge who, for whatever reason, actually bought into their ridiculous arguments against marriage equality.  But after the consistent rejections by other courts,  this ruling says more about Feldman's personal beliefs than it does about the argument over marriage equality, particularly when one takes into account the language and rationale he used.

2. This victory does not give the other side momentum - No doubt anti-gay groups and their spokespeople will gloat in press releases and interviews about how this proves marriage equality isn't inevitable. However, no matter which way the ruling went, we all know this won't be finally decided by any court except for SCOTUS. And in terms of that, anti-gay groups may claim that they have momentum, but don't be fooled.  We still have a long way to go and based on other court deliberations, those against marriage equality will probably have a lot more losses than successes before we get there.  And as today's ruling shows, they have no new arguments against marriage equality.

Having said that, I think that today's ruling should also serve as a stark reminder for the lgbt community. Let's not be so quick to celebrate before the battle is over. No matter how many folks do say that our right to marry is inevitable, the battle is never over until its over.  And until that time, we shouldn't be slacking off in telling our stories and doing what we can to make marriage equality a reality.

'Ex-gays lose another leader, Michael Sam becomes a Cowboy' & other Wednesday midday news briefs

Former Exodus International activist: 'I am glad that the courts are striking down all the marriage bans across the country' - More proof that in the long run, right and basic goodness wins out. 

Cowboys sign Michael Sam to practice squad - It's the practice squad but it's a damn good start. Sam has said he wants to prove himself and he should have the opportunity regardless of sexual orientation. One thing though - does this mean I have to drop my over 30-year vendetta against the Dallas Cowboys? In 1980, they beat my Steelers in a preseason game and you know us gay folks don't forget @!%.  I won't even bring up Superbowl XXX.  

New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade To Allow LGBT Group For First Time Ever - Oh this is going to be interesting . . .  

FRC's Craig James: Religious Right Should Be More Like The LGBT Rights Movement - Well some of them are part the way there. There are plenty members of the religious right who are just like lgbts . . . except for that part about being in the closet. 

 Daily Caller Defends Racist, Transphobic Writer Against “Politically Correct Hysteria” - Because sooner or later, us "politically correct" folks will stop people from using ugly language describing African-Americans and folks of the Jewish faith. Oh, we are suuuch bullies.

Duck Dynasty guy says he is as 'homophobic as Jesus'

In my last post, I pointed out that comments by the AFA's Bryan Fischer proved just how homophobia rots one's brain. I think that this morning, Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty proves that homophobia not only rots your brain but makes you self-righteous while it's going on. By the way, Jesus never said a word about lgbts.

 
And lest I forget, don't you just LOVE the way he dodges his past controversial statement about racism?

Bryan Fischer is proof that homophobia makes you stupid

Can someone tell me what the heck is the American Family Association's Bryan Fischer is talking about here:

'Opinions vary on Michael Sam situation' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

Why The Rams Cut Michael Sam, And Why His Future Still Looks Bright - I'm certainly not trying to rationalize the situation but I personally am not angry that Sam was cut. I think what happened was a decision strictly based upon football and not Sam's sexual orientation. I think that regardless, what Sam did was brave and shouldn't be overwhelmed by feelings of disappointment with him not being picked.  

NFL Player Says ESPN Is To Blame For Michael Sam Going Unsigned - Of course others may disagree . . . 

Teen Suing South Carolina DMV After Being Told To Remove His Makeup For License Photo - I'm rooting for the teen. But dag, why is it that my state only makes the news when stuff like this happens? 

Janice Shaw Crouse: Love and Marriage Are Amazing! (Many Conditions Apply, Of Course!) -  I haven't shown any spotlight on the anti-gay Concerned Women for America nor any of its spokespeople in a long while. As writer Evan Hurst points out, they have been unfortunately busy maligning marriage equality.  

 BarbWire Columnist: Homosexuality Is Violence Against God - Sorry for this little bit of "crazy" to end today's news briefs

Conservative columnist explains away anti-gay lie with ANOTHER lie

Walter Williams

I am not that familiar with Walter Williams. I only know that he is in a cadre of "black conservatives" who do nothing but appear on television or write pieces serving as "beards" for white racism. And this allows them to collect fat paychecks from white-led think tank groups as sort of a wingnut welfare program.

But hey, I'n not "mad" at these folks. People do what they can to get paid. However, when folks like Williams repeat distortions about the lgbt community, that's when I bristle and get angry. Recently Williams wrote a piece, Things I Don't Understand. It is a bizarre, ramble about several things, including the following:

According to the International Journal of Epidemiology, life expectancy at age 20 for homosexual and bisexual men is eight to 20 years less than for all men. That's a lifestyle shortening of life expectancy greater than obesity and tobacco use. Yet one never hears of insurance companies advertising lower premiums for heterosexual men. You say, "That would be discrimination." You're right, but why is it acceptable for insurance companies to discriminate against smokers and the obese but not homosexuals? After all, they are all Americans and protected by the Constitution. It's really a matter of politics, as seen by the journal's publication of an article titled "Gay life expectancy revisited" (http://tinyurl.com/25ejq2d). The publication had to soft-pedal its study results because of complaints that pointing out life expectancy differences between heterosexuals and homosexuals had become fuel for homophobia. The bottom line is that homosexuals have far greater political power and sympathy than smokers and the obese.

Williams is wrong on several accounts with that paragraph. He claims that the journal backpedaled its claim about gay men having short lifespans because it was "forced" by politics to soft pedal.

First of all, study in question was done by six researchers - Robert S Hogg, Steffanie A Strathdee, Kevin JP Craib, Michael V O'shaughnessy, Julio Montaner, and Martin T Schechter - who published their findings in the International Journal of Epidemiology in 1997.

In 2001, they were the ones who complained when they discovered that their work was being distorted by anti-gay groups to falsely accuse homosexuality of being a "dangerous lifestyle."

In their letter, published by the International Journal of Epidemiology, they said the following:

It is essential to note that the life expectancy of any population is a descriptive and not a prescriptive measure. Death is a product of the way a person lives and what physical and environmental hazards he or she faces everyday. It cannot be attributed solely to their sexual orientation or any other ethnic or social factor.

And there was no political pressure involved in getting these researchers to write the 2001 letter.  However, the fact that Williams makes that accusation (and without any proof) is a bothersome development. It demonstrates that he knew that the claim he was making about the supposed gay life span was wrong but he chose to make it anyway and then explain it away with another lie.

Perhaps Williams doesn't understand certain things like basic integrity and honesty.

Know Your LGBT History - Charlie's Angels : 'Angels in Springtime'

One would think that a show like Charlie's Angels would have quite a bit of lesbian innuendo - either positive or negative - but it wasn't the case except for one episode. And even this episode gingerly walked the line in being so careful not to display two villains as a lesbian couple that if you blinked, you would miss the slight clues.

 In the third season episode, "Angels in Springtime," (shown above as a mini-episode), the ladies travel to a women's only health resort to investigate the murder of a former Hollywood actress who was writing a tell-all book.

They run into a number of characters, including fellow former actress Norma (portrayed by Academy Award winner Mercedes McCambridge), bulky and threatening attendant Zora (Nancy Parsons), and resident physician  Dr. Slavin (Joan Hotchkis).

It doesn't take a mind reader to tell that Slavin and Zora are both lesbians. While Parsons openly plays the stereotype of a vicious, muscular maven, Hotchkis underplays her role, dropping hints about pretty women and the evils of men in an exceptionally creepy manner.

Perhaps remembering the controversy which took place earlier a couple of years before due to the very controversial episode of Police Woman, "Flowers of Evil" (one of the first entries in the Know Your LGBT History file), the show is careful not to show the two together and the only hint that they may be a couple is the scene in which Parsons hints that they are working a blackmail scheme on the residents.

But there was one thing which struck me as odd. Both lesbian characters are involved in fight scene with the "angels," and the scenes were so violent that they obviously contained stunt doubles.

Maybe I'm hinting on something that's not there, but I have never seen fight scenes so violent on this show.

Past Know Your LGBT History Posts: 

'Online community gives gay man support after awful coming out video' & other Friday midday news briefs

This Guy Was Disowned By His Family For Being Gay So The Internet Raised $50,000 For Him - The story of the young gay man being rejected and attacked on video by his family has a happy ending. 

FRC's Sprigg admits his side put up 'weak defense' in 7th Circuit - Peter Sprigg of the Family Research Council admits that those attempting to defend marriage equality bans in Indiana and Wisconsin did an awful job. Can't you just hear the theme of the Twilight Zone echoing in your ears?

Twins Come Out To Their Parents And Catch It All On Camera - WOW!!  

Ottawa Opera Company Fires Singer For Homophobic Facebook Remarks - In the words of the former boy band, Nysnc: "Bye! Bye! Bye!" 

Barber: Fayetteville Non-Discrimination Ordinance Is Forcing Citizens to Engage In 'A Mass Delusion' - Poor Matt Barber. He is SUCH a bitch.

Jon Stewart calls out the nonsense regarding Michael Sam's 'showering habits'

Thank you Jon Stewart for saying what needs to be said about Michael Sam and this ridiculous situation regarding his "showering habits."

The Daily Show
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'Bryan Fischer's silly take on Michael Sam's showering habits' & other Thursday midday news briefs

It’s altogether right for Michael Sam to shower by himself - Bryan Fischer of the American Family Association weighs in on the Michael Sam shower pseudo controversy and it's as bad as you would figure. But Fischer's words (on video which unfortunately he will not allow folks to embed) should be heard because it underscores his dishonesty. I mean no one in their right mind would compare mature adults in a communal shower with a man showering with girls. But then again, Fischer hasn't been in his right mind for years . . . 

Women’s College Opens Doors To Transgender Students - Excellent!  

WATCH: 'Christian' Family's Terrifying Response to Son Coming Out - This is just awful. Just plain AWFUL! '

A Day With HIV 2014' Aims To Break Down HIV Stigma - I LOVE this!

  Daily Caller Column Blames Gay Service Members For Rise In Military Rape - And naturally the writer provides no proof of this. Of course there is proof that he is not accurate in his claims.

#TBT - 'Homosexuality: DEATHSTYLE'

In keeping with the spirit of "Throwback Thursday," I thought I would post about something from way back in the day which is not necessarily a picture of myself per se, but a picture of myself and other lgbts as some folks see us. I've posted it before I figure why not post it again.

It's an ugly thing but very very necessary.

This 1986 comic was created by a man named Dick Hafer and it is a vile representation of some of the most evil anti-gay lies out there.

This is for the many young folks who don't remember what it was like in the 1980s when the AIDS crisis was in full bloom, ignorance was all around and Paul Cameron was a credible name.

It is a representation of how far we have come and how far we have to go. You will recognize how some of the same arguments are still being used, although not as explicitly.

You can click on the pictures to get a better view of the pages - more are at the bottom (even though I don't think it's work safe). And if you want to see the entire comic (God help you) go here. The webpage featuring this comic is not anti-gay. It's a site that looks at "problem-based comics" from the past.

Conservatives already labeling judge as 'bully'

Ryan T. Anderson

It begins.

Some conservatives are not happy with yesterday's deliberations in front of the US Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals where state attorneys defending marriage equality bans in Wisconsin and Indiana got practically ripped by the three judge panel.

Chris Geidner of Buzzfeed called it "the most lopsided arguments over marriage bans at a federal appeals court this year . . ." while  I said we can expect to hear whining about "activist judges" spewing from the right.

I didn't know it would come this soon.

Ryan T. Anderson of the Heritage Foundation has slowly but steadily become the new defender of marriage equality bans on a supposedly intellectual basis. He sent out the following tweet outlining a complaint about one of the judges:

"Posner is a bully ... [other] judges, even who disagree with the lawyers, managed to be courteous and respectful." http://t.co/9UR0Yv3ylq
— Ryan T. Anderson (@RyanT_Anderson) August 27, 2014

Anderson's tweet was referring to Justice Richard Posner, a Reagan appointee who was the most aggressive in skewering the defenders of the marriage equality ban during yesterday's trial.

If the judges rule in our favor, I expect other besides Anderson will be pulling the "he was an activist bully" card against Posner. But what folks like Anderson mischaracterize (probably deliberately) as bullying is an adherence to facts and lack of patience for people with virtually no argument to support their point of view.

In other words, don't blame the judge because your argument is lousy.

'ESPN regrets report on Michael Sam's showering habits' & other Wednesday midday news briefs

ESPN ‘Regrets’ Report About Michael Sam’s Locker Room Showering Habits - Uh yeah. It was a dumb report.  

His other tactics failing, NOM president turns to anti-trans fear-mongering - For NOM President Brian Brown, "good values" always lie in finding the convenient scapegoat. 

Two Guys Are Traveling Across The United States To Photograph LGBT Families And Couples - This is a wonderful idea. 

McCrory Asked Not To Defend NC Gay Marriage Ban - McCrory would be wise to listen what happened yesterday in court to the defendants of marriage equality bans in Wisconsin and Indiana. It should be easy for him to make a decision then.

 Anti-Gay Pastor And Likely GOP Congressman Quotes Gay Icon, Pretends Thomas Jefferson Said It - And this guy WILL most likely be in Congress next year. Loooord . . .

'Gays want children' lie seems to never die

Yet another anti-gay group - this time, Truth in Action Ministries -pushing nonsense about how gays are supposedly "infiltrating schools" and "indoctrinating" students. And they are also pthrowing the "religious liberty" argument in the mix. But like every time in which the anti-gay folks push such nonsense, two realities are ignored - children who are lgbt and children from same-sex households.

The deliberate attempt to ignore the latter is something that always sticks in my craw. Do they think that children from same-sex households not attend public schools? Perhaps they think that these children are put in suspended animation during the day and are only thawed out when gay folks need photo ops or news footage in order to make the case for gay adoption.

Then again, never mind I said that. I don't want to give these folks ideas. They are so desperate for new material.

The fact of the matter is this - lgbt children and children from same-sex families attend public schools. That's a fact you cannot ignore. And their rights to speak and hear about themselves and see their families represented trumps any nonsensical argument drudged up to render them invisible.

Hat tip to Right Wing Watch.

Disastrous day in court cripples gay marriage opponents

Marriage equality opponents apparently had an awful day in court in their attempts to defend gay marriage bans in several states. According to the Washington Blade:

A three-judge panel of the U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday skewered state attorneys defending bans on same-sex marriage in Wisconsin and Indiana. The judges who heard the lawsuits — one seeking to overturn the ban on same-sex marriage in Wisconsin, the other in Indiana — consisted of Richard Posner, a Reagan appointee; Ann Claire Williams, a Clinton appointee; and David Hamilton, an Obama appointee. Based on the skepticism these judges expressed regarding marriage bans in these states, the panel seems headed toward deciding 3-0 in favor of marriage equality. Posner was most aggressive in the questioning of attorneys defending bans on same-sex marriage.

  . . Posner asked why sterile opposite-sex couples should be allowed to wed. Posner was similarly frustrated with Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General Timothy Samuelson when the lawyer couldn’t answer why allowing same-sex couples to wed might have a negative impact other than by observing the institution of no-fault divorce led to an increase in the dissolution of marriages. When Samuelson said he wasn’t prepared for the question and could respond later in a brief, Posner retorted, “How can you brief it, if you don’t know anything about it?”

Twice during the arguments, Posner cited a friend-of-the-court brief from the LGBT group known as the Family Equality Council, pointing out the harms faced by children with same-sex parents because their parents don’t have access to marriage. The judge brought up a statistic that between 200,000 and 250,000 children are without guardians and eligible for adoption. Speaking later of same-sex marriage during the arguments, Posner said, “We think, or at least I think, it’s good for the kids.” 

Chris Geidner of Buzzfeed called today's deliberations "the most lopsided arguments over marriage bans at a federal appeals court this year . . ."

He also said:

From the start of the arguments over Indiana’s ban at a little past 9:30 a.m. until the end of the arguments over Wisconsin’s ban at 11:11 a.m., 7th Circuit Judges Richard Posner, Ann Claire Williams, and David Hamilton pounded the two lawyers defending the bans with dismissive, incredulous questions about the basis and purpose for their respective states’ bans.

For the lawyers representing the same-sex couples, the judges almost assumed that the bans violate the constitutional guarantee of equal protection of the laws. The only question in the hearing Tuesday was whether the bans also violated due-process guarantees because marriage is a fundamental right.

In other words, get ready for more weeping and whining about "activist judges" from the religious right. I can almost hear that lovely music now.
 

'Five religious right myths about sex' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

Christianity’s shame game: 5 dangerous & ridiculous sex myths spread by the religious right - and you just KNOW that we are included in this list. 

Pat Robertson: Teen Boy Might Be Gay Because He Lives With Single Mom - Why in gay hell would anyone, and I mean ANYONE, ask Pat Robertson's advice for anything?

 The One Political Moment From The Emmys - The Normal Heart won 'Outstanding Television Movie' last night at the Emmys and director Ryan Murphy took the time to encourage more activism. 

 
Klingenschmitt 'Apologizes' For Accusing Rep. Jared Polis Of Wanting To Join ISIS & Behead Christians - In which we learn that an apology from an anti-gay figure is almost as bad as the original offense. 

Health Care Fears Loom Large In Gay Marriage Cases - Excellent point!

Human Rights Campaign: Anti-gay group is exporting homophobia to foreign countries

The Human Rights Campaign has come out with an explosive report on the World Congress of Families, an anti-gay group which seems to be operating by exporting homophobia under all of our noses:

The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) Foundation, the educational arm of the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization, today released a new report that exposes one of the most influential groups in America promoting and coordinating the exportation of anti-LGBT bigotry, ideology, and legislation abroad: The World Congress of Families.

Labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, and active in several nations across five continents, the Rockford, IL-based World Congress of Families (WCF) has organized large international “pro-family” conventions that bring together the most fringe activists engaged in anti-LGBT extremism since 1997.  In July, WCF announced that its next annual international convention will take place in Salt Lake City, making it the first ever hosted on American soil.

“The World Congress of Families coordinates a dangerous group of activists spreading anti-LGBT rhetoric and promoting laws and policies that criminalize LGBT people and the speech of those who support them,” said Ty Cobb, HRC Foundation’s Director of Global Engagement.  “They praise Vladimir Putin as the standard-bearer for traditional ‘family values’ and honored a Nigerian activist who claims LGBT advocates conspire with the terrorist group Boko Haram with a “Woman of the Year” award.  Their advocacy abroad harms LGBT people from Russia to Nigeria and beyond.  Hate is not an American value, and we must expose and work to stop the World Congress of Families and their extremist allies.”

HRC Foundation’s report documents: WCF’s origins and founding members; a timeline of its major international events; affiliations with prominent American officials, political groups, and religious organizations; engagement and lobbying with leaders and lawmakers abroad; and the primary regions in which the group has been most active.

Uganda, Russia, and Nigeria have enacted horrific anti-LGBT laws within the past year, and LGBT people in those countries have suffered vicious and violent backlashes in their wake. This includes harassment, discrimination, prosecution, public beatings, and murder. WCF and its affiliates are connected to anti-LGBT advocacy in each of the three countries, among many others.

WCF affiliate Scott Lively traveled repeatedly to Uganda claiming that LGBT people are responsible for the Holocaust, the Rwandan genocide and the spread of HIV/AIDS.  Some Ugandan officials credit Lively with the idea of introducing new legislation to further criminalize homosexuality in the country, and prominent Ugandan LGBT activists say the "bill is essentially his creation."  WCF also forcefully advocated for the draconian anti-LGBT Russian law, met with the law’s author in the Russian Duma, and released a public letter in support of the measure. WCF has also repeatedly hosted events in Nigeria with “pro-family” activists from Nigeria and elsewhere in Africa.

'An amendment to put gays in jail . . .' & other Monday midday news briefs

From Jeremy Hooper comes this above "gem" - Video: Preacher Michael Wilson calls for amendment to imprison gay people. Anti-gay preachers are like reality tv shows. They are large in number and each is more crappier than the last.  

Joseph Farah: Being Against Same-Sex Marriage Is A Sexual Orientation - When I began this blog in 2006, my biggest concern was how anti-gay spokespeople and groups was pushing cherry-picked science and junk studies in order to demonize the lgbt community. Now my biggest concern is that these folks are just plumb crazy.

 Mike Huckabee Pleads With Australia To Stop Canceling Anti-Gay Hate Group Conference Venues - My heart bleeds for him AND them (HUGE sarcasm alert). 

 Gay firefighter seeks equal benefits - And she deserves them. 

Lodge agrees to pay for gay couple's wedding after initially refusing to host it - The sweet smell of justice in a Monday afternoon . . .

Family Research Council continues pushing flawed, outdated anti-gay study

FRC president Tony Perkins

Editor's note - I've written about following Family Research Council study, Comparing the Lifestyles of Homosexual Couples to Married Couples, several times. However the fact that the organization continues to push it as "trending" on its webpage gives me another opportunity to show how FRC distorts and cherry-picks information in order to demonize the lgbt community. So much for "Christian" values.

On the Family Research Council's webpage, this study, Comparing the Lifestyles of Homosexual Couples to Married Couples,  is supposedly "trending."  That's not necessarily a good thing because it is flawed on so many levels. The headline should give you an indication of one flaw, i.e. the comparison of  homosexual couples to married heterosexual couples.The study ignores the simple fact that lgbts can now marry in several states. 

 

Another flaw is that the study is highly out-of-date. Its author, Timothy Dailey, hasn't been employed by FRC for a number of years now. As a matter of fact, I pointed out several flaws in Comparing the Lifestyles of Homosexual Couples to Married Couples as far back as 2009.

Allow me to do a recap. Amongst the errors, Comparing the Lifestyles of Homosexual Couples to Married Couples contains:

 

- A citation of the book Homosexualities: A Study of Diversity Among Men and Women by Alan Bell and Martin Weinberg as a correct generalization of lgbt sexual habits despite the fact that it was published in 1978 and was not meant by the authors to be a correct assessment of the lgbt community in general.  A passage from Homosexualities clearly says:

“. . . given the variety of circumstances which discourage homosexuals from participating in research studies, it is unlikely that any investigator will ever be in a position to say that this or that is true of a given percentage of all homosexuals.”

- A citation of the book The Male Couple: How Relationships Develop by David P. McWhirter and Andrew M. Mattison despite the fact that the book was written 1984 and was not meant to be a correct assessment of the lgbt community in general.  A passage from The Male Couple says:

“We always have been very careful to explain that the very nature of our research sample, its size (156 couples), its narrow geographic location, and the natural selectiveness of the participants prevents the findings from being applicable and generalizable to the entire gay
male community.”

'Gay Christians making religious right crazy' & other Friday midday news briefs

Liberty Counsel: Acceptance Of Gay Christians May Be A Sign Of The End Times - For Pete's sake, a Christian singing star comes out of the closet and some folks lose their cookies. 

A Year Later, "Nothing" Has Changed Since Transgender Woman Islan Nettles Was Killed - Lest we forget . . .

 Emails Reveal School Canceled Musical For ‘Homosexual Themes,’ Then Lied About It - In case you need to keep score - homosexuality = ultra big MEGA sin. Lying - eh as long as its about them homosexuals.  

These Little Boys Are Quashing Gender Stereotypes Without Even Trying - Excellent piece!

Nashville Mayor Karl Dean Comes Out for Marriage Equality - Good for him!

Two awesome videos spell out argument for marriage equality

I was looking on youtube last night and found these two old, but stunning videos supporting marriage equality. In the future, we need to take a cue from them:

 

Bryan Fischer hates gay sex but loves talking about it . . .

For someone who claims to not like homosexual sex, why does Bryan Fischer keep talking about it. I'm just saying . ..

'APP shows real victims of anti-lgbt discrimination' & other Thursday midday news briefs

LGBT Customers Sound Off On Their Experiences With Anti-Gay Discrimination At Restaurants, Businesses - With the religious right attempting to make those who discriminate against lgbts look like victims, this new app lets America see just WHO is really hurt by anti-lgbt discrimination.

AFA's daily prayer equates homosexuality with incest, bestiality, pedophilia - One would think that those who call themselves Christians would pray for peace and love. God don't want to know your kinks, AFA.  

Evangelical Hatemonger Scott Lively Qualifies For November Ballot As Independent: VIDEO - Lord, hammercy! Don't let me down, Massachusetts!  

Randy Thomasson Claims LGBT-Inclusive Schools Make Students 'Enemies of God' - Oh brother! Not another "children aren't learning the real risks of homosexual behavior" lie. Sorry Mr. Thomasson but children will not be taught such things like gays stuff gerbils up our patooties.  

Department Of Labor Extends Employment Protections To Transgender Workers - GOOD!

Are you ready for 'Armagayddon?'

The following video is a parody from Ireland done by a pro-lgbt group in anticipation of a national referendum regarding marriage equality.



The question is how many anti-marriage equality folks will take it seriously.

'Anti-gay tactics FAIL in Arkansas' & other Wednesday midday news briefs

Fayetteville, Arkansas, Passes LGBT-Inclusive Nondiscrimination Law - Perhaps reality tv star Michelle Duggar should go back to what she knows. And if you know why she is famous, you'll know what I'm talking about. 

8-year-old allegedly murdered by mother who called him gay - Read at your own risk. I didn't want to post this but it's important to ask just who was the real threat here? An eight-year-old boy who played with dolls or his "mother" who murdered him. Remember that.  

Federal Judge Blasts Indiana Governor For Hypocrisy In Marriage Equality Decision - I loathe Gov. Mike Pence with a passion. He got what he deserves here - public rebuke.  

AFA's Ed Vitigliano Struggles To Understand Why 'Very Pretty Lady' Vicky Beeching Is A Lesbian - I would criticize but I think kinda the same thing - in the opposite manner - every time I see Rob Kardashian, Jackie Earle Haley, Peter Dinklage, Dov Tiefenbach, Kal Penn, Nate Torrence, Jim Gaffigan, Noel Fischer, Patton Oswald (shut up), Chris Parnell . . . .  

Chris Kluwe, Minnesota Vikings Reach Settlement To Avert Lawsuit - And guess WHO that settlement money is going to. NOW THIS is being an ally!

NOM ally creates vicious word salad to attack same-sex families

In a classic case of lgbts being helped by those who oppose us, NOM ally and extreme anti-gay activist Robert Oscar Lopez says he would support marriage equality, except for one thing - the fact that some gay couples are raising children. And I say, after hearing him express what that one thing is, what a damn creep:

'Reality tv star compares transgender women to sexual predators' & other Tuesday midday news briefs

Michelle Duggar Records Transphobic Robocall Opposing Arkansas Anti-Discrimination Bill - Michelle Duggar is a reality tv star whose claim to fame is that she is "Christian" and has 19 children. In religious right reality, that more than qualifies her to make ugly robocalls comparing transgender women to child predators for daring to want to use public restrooms. And no doubt whining about "persecution" when she gets criticized for it. 

Creationist's Noah's Ark Theme Park Gets $18 Million Tax Break, Won't Hire Gays, Atheists - Excuse me? Oh hell no!

Activist: Ban breastfeeding in public, because it promotes ‘gay pride’ - Oh my Lord Jesus!

Fischer: Gays Are Inherently Disqualified From Serving In Public Office - What?  

 Transgender Student Who Was Reportedly Banned From Her School Receives Good News - Too much insanity. I HAD to end today's news briefs with something positive.

Barbwire proves racism, homophobia go hand-in-hand

I've railed against BarbWire, the publication founded by the Liberty Counsel's Matt Barber, because of it's blatant homophobia in running photos like such:

As well as its publishing of unsubstantiated tripe linking lgbts to pedophilia and claiming that President Obama is attempting top commit genocide on Americans.

Now it looks like there should be a new charge against this supposed "Christian" news source. It's blatantly racist.

The awful situation in Ferguson which began with the shooting of an unarmed black teenager Michael Brown has elicited many passionate responses, from rioting to soul-searching columns and articles about how America treats her African-American male citizens.

To BarbWire, however, it's an opportunity to rail against black men and bear false witness against the deceased young man. This supposed Christian publication posted tripe from various internet sites (unsubstantiated of course) accusing Brown of being a "thug" and claiming that he rushed the police. The site also pushed more stuff like the following:

9 Things To Think About Before You Start Rioting And Looting

To make matters worse, it also published pictures of Brown supposed flashing gang symbols:

All of which goes to prove that perhaps the gay equality movement and the African-American civil rights movement are alike in one aspect.

We seem to have the same enemies.

FRC's Peter Sprigg exploits Robin Williams' death to push 'ex-gay' therapy

Peter Sprigg

I've railed on the Family Research Council's Peter Sprigg on numerous occasions for his eagerness to smear the lgbt community via cherry-picked and discredited information so very little this man does surprises me. However, I am speechless at the poor taste and extremely bad judgement behind exploiting Robin Williams' recent suicide to push the phony science of 'ex-gay' therapy.

From Equality Matters:

In an August 18 post for the FRC’s blog, Senior Fellow for Policy Studies Peter Sprigg compared the late actor’s struggles with addiction and depression to people struggling with “unwanted same-sex attractions.” Noting that states like California and New Jersey have banned so-called “sexual reorientation therapy” – which is opposed by the American Psychological Association and has been associated with psychological damage in patients – Sprigg asked why social liberals aren’t also trying to “outlaw rehab”:

In the wake of Williams’ suicide, many TV commentators and friends of the late star talked about the challenges of mental illness (Williams suffered from depression), addictions — and rehab. I saw comedian Andy Dick say, “I’ve been to rehab seventeen times.”

In light of this history, I have only one question for socially liberal political activists — why aren’t you trying to outlaw rehab?

I ask the question because such activists are trying to ban a form of mental health treatment — not drug and alcohol rehabilitation, but “sexual orientation change efforts” (“SOCE”), also known as “sexual reorientation therapy.” Such therapy involves assisting people with unwanted same-sex attractions to overcome them.

Why would someone want to change their sexual orientation? Some such individuals are simply disillusioned by their experiences in homosexual relationships. Some have legitimate concern about the well-documented health problems associated with homosexual conduct (especially among men), such as high rates of sexually transmitted diseases, of which HIV/AIDS is only one example. Others may seek help in conforming their behavior and lifestyle to the teaching of the religious faith to which they are committed. Some may aspire to a traditional family life, raising children in a home with both their mother and father present.

Whatever the motivation, there are those who have simply made a choice to walk away from the homosexual lifestyle, without clinical help — much like how Robin Williams simply stopped using drugs and alcohol in the 1980’s. Others have sought professional help, perhaps at the urging of family members, in the form of “sexual reorientation therapy” — much like when Williams entered a formal alcohol rehab program in 2006. Whether simply through personal development, religious counseling, or with the help of a licensed or unlicensed counselor, thousands (if not millions) of people have experienced significant changes in one or more of the elements of their sexual orientation (attractions, behavior, or self-identification). [emphasis added]

The sad irony is that junk like what Sprigg wrote contributes to the depression rate in lgbts. And it proves that no matter how much of a Christian veneer it seeks to put on, trash can't help but be trash.

The link to Sprigg's post is above and it includes a comment section. Feel free to weigh in. However, if you comment, make those comments in a polite, respectful manner displaying righteous indignation, but not wanton ignorance.

'Group creates 'homosexual evacuation plan'' & other Monday midday news briefs

You too can have your own "Homosexual Evacuation Plan" - The 'ex-gay' group PFOX must be running out of ideas if they are pushing the above. And would you believe it? There is more on this link thanks to Jeremy Hooper.

WATCH: Man Sues After Being Diagnosed as 'Chronic' Homosexual - MY problem isn't 'chronic homosexuality.' MY problem is 'chronic celibacy.'  

Christian Post Blogger Blames Terrorist Attacks On Gay Rights - But of course he is . . .

 FDA Refused To Use Teen Organ Donor's Eyes Because He Was Gay: How Organs And Tissue Differ When It Comes To Donation - Give me a fricking break. Aren't there tests they can do AFTER accepting the donations?  

Gavin McInnes Placed On 'Indefinite Leave' From Rooster Following Transphobic Article - For an article so vile and transphobic, he had to go. Such is the new age. Don't put anything down in writing that can bite you in the tuckus.

'New York - wedding venues can't discriminate' & other Friday afternoon news briefs

Wedding Venues Can't Discriminate Against Same-Sex Couples, New York State Agency Rules - That's right! That's right! 

Alex McFarland: Homosexuality Is Satanic, Cuts Life Expectancy By Twenty Years - They know this junk is a lie but they keep repeating it. Fine. We will keep knocking it down.  

American Bar Association Unanimously Endorses LGBT Nondiscrimination Protections - It's rare that I quote a Disney villain but (and guess who this one is) - "Boom ba dah boom boom boom!" 

Facebook Donates $10,000 To Politician Fighting Gay Marriage - The explanation for this one ought to be EPIC! It had better be. 

 This Family's Reaction To Their Dad Coming Out Is Nothing Short Of Inspiring - Let's end this rough week on a happy note.

Christian singer comes out, handles herself well against anti-gay spokesman

Vicky Beeching is a popular Christian singer in Europe who just came out. Naturally this has caused a great deal of controversy. But girlfriend isn't backing down and has no problem with speaking her mind, even against some of the most vicious anti-gay spokespeople out there, such as Scott Lively. In a recent television appearance, she handled herself rather well against his anti-gay piety.

Florida newspaper yanks noxiously homophobic column

I am so glad that in this world of pundits collecting huge paychecks for doing what amounts to nothing outnumbering actual journalists in the field and the quality of news media going down hill faster than a crashing train (thank you so much Roger Ailes. You ever notice how he looks like Orson Welles in that movie Touch of Evil, i.e. body bloated with corruption and malfeasance oozing out of every pore), some in the media still observe such things as standards and quality as well as discernment.

From Equality Matters:

The Tampa Tribune has pulled a controversial column that alleged Disney is indoctrinating children with its "pro-gay agenda." The column, which was highlighted by Media Matters, had also drawn criticism from gay rights activists and Florida journalists.

 . . . Prior to the column's removal from the Tribune website, several gay rights activists and journalists expressed concern to Media Matters about its stereotypical and offensive arguments. Among them, Nadine Smith, founder and CEO of Equality Florida and a former Tribune reporter.

"The first time I read it I thought it was satire," said Smith, who worked at the Tribune from 1989 to 1993. "It's absurd. He's so fixated on this bizarre, paranoid fantasy that he's actually missed the larger story. Businesses are speaking up and being very visible and speaking out quite publicly for equal rights."

She also called it an embarrassment for the newspaper.

 . . . Jason Parsley, president of the Florida Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists and associate publisher of South Florida Gay News, agreed.

"It's just typical right-wing propaganda, the word indoctrination is not one we see much anymore," he said. "I guess he is against tolerance and acceptance, I don't understand the idea. It is a ridiculous, repugnant disgusting view. It really reminds me of 90's rightwing antigay propaganda. Because of social media today and because of 24-hour news, I think the backlash ends up bringing so much awareness that it just completely discounts and diminishes the negative effect."

'The simple way gays are robbed of their dignity' & other Thursday midday news briefs

Kenya’s ‘Stone The Gays’ bill reportedly found unconstitutional - Thanks for the "sour persimmons," y'all. You still hate us, but you won't stone us.

Video: PA baker joins the 'no heterosexuality, no service' club - One of the most nastiest, most dismissive arguments brought up by those who support denying services to lgbts and gay couples is that we can "go somewhere else." Jeremy Hooper takes the time to show how such an argument strips lgbts of our humanity and dignity by viciously severing our emotional and social connections to our communities at large (i.e. communities which encompass more than lgbts.)

 Celibacy Shouldn't Be The New Ex-Gay Ministry - You damn right it shouldn't be!

Court Rulings Are A Victory For Transgender Men - Yes!

 'Ex-Gay' Activist Claims Schools Teach Kids That 'Gay Sex is Wonderful' - They do? Well I always wanted to go back to school . . .

99-Year-Old Sprinter Ida Keeling Leaves Aging In The Dust - The religious right may want to stop telling that lie about gays not living to be elderly because of our "unhealthy lifestyle" . . .

Anti-gay leader Tony Perkins exploits The Holocaust (again)

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council is again exploiting The Holocaust:

Back in June, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council said that gay rights advocates are “going to start rolling out the boxcars to start hauling off Christians,” and yesterday he agreed with a caller named Janet who predicted on his “Washington Watch” radio show that anti-Christian violence will erupt in America.

After the caller wondered if we are “going to find ourselves being loaded in cattle cars like it was when the Nazis took over before we realize we are in such terrible danger,” Perkins hailed her claim as an “excellent point.” “You’ve just hit the nail on the head,” he exclaimed, warning that “isolationist” and “libertarian” politicians like Rand Paul are leaving America’s national security vulnerable and that violent anti-Christian persecution taking place in the Middle East could soon find its way here.

So apparently Perkins has changed his mind. It's not gays who will cause an anti-Christian Holocaust. It will be folks like Rand Paul. Give him another month and he will be blaming Neil Patrick Harris's Tony win for Hedwig and the Angry Inch.

'Star of 'ex-gay' video does not support 'ex-gay' therapy' & other Wed midday news briefs

Video: TX anti-gay activist claims folks are fleeing our nineteen marriage equality states - So an anti-gay claim that folks are fleeing Massachusetts because of "gay marriage" has been proven to be inaccurate. Do these folks say anything accurate?

OOPS: Woman Realizes She’s Starring In Ex-Gay Therapy Video, Doesn’t Support Ex-Gay Therapy - Remember that 'ex-gay group re-branding video with the attractive woman a while back?" Not only has it been taken offline but the woman who starred in the video has condemned NARTH, the group behind the video. Apparently she was misled about the subject and does not like 'ex-gay" therapy at all.

PHOTOS: Ugandans Defy Government Intolerance To Hold Gay Pride Rally - If Matt Barber, Todd Starnes and company want to see dignity and bravery while under actual persecution, they should look at these courageous folks in Uganda. I cannot express enough PRIDE that I feel when l look at these pictures.

Christian publication combines paranoia, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia in vile mix - Why am I republishing this post from this morning? Because I'm proud of it and feel that more folks should read it.

Tampa Tribune Columnist: Disney Is “Indoctrinating” Children With A “Pro-Gay Agenda” - Oh mercy!!

Catholic high school chooses to keep openly gay coach Nate Alfson - Finally a little bit of happiness through all of the madness.

Christian publication combines paranoia, racism, xenophobia, and homophobia in vile mix

Matt Barber

For a while now,  arch anti-gay spokesperson Matt Barber of Liberty University has run an online publication, BarbWire.

BarbWire supposedly gives news and opinion from a  Decidedly Biblical Worldview. However, I think there should be a closer look at what Barber considers a "Biblical worldview" . . . and not just by lgbts.

Of course mimicking Barber himself, the publication is viciously anti-gay, running articles and opinion pieces such as:

Latest Examples of the Undeniable Link Between Homosexuality and Pedophilia

‘Gay Marriage,’ Distant Consequences: Homosexuality, Sexual Immorality and the Downfall of American Civilization  

‘GLBT’ Schoolteachers Reveal Plans to Push Homosexuality

and running pictures such as the following to accompany articles labeling lgbts as the "Gaystapo":

However, BarbWire dabbles into xenophobia, racism, and conspiracy theories.

Correction.

Linda Harvey's obsession with attacking gays is so comically annoying

Linda Harvey

Linda Harvey, the former advertising executive who "found Jesus" never lets any situation go by without attacking the gay community.

And I do mean any situation and that includes the Gay Games:

From Right Wing Watch:

Linda Harvey is not happy that an Ohio Republican group is welcoming attendees to this year’s Gay Games, the event for LGBT athletes that is taking place in Cleveland and Akron. The Ohio-based activist, who hopes to ban LGBT Pride Parades, denounced both the Gay Games and the Cuyahoga County Republicans today on her “Mission America” radio commentary: “Why do we need events like this which give legitimacy to a deviant and harmful lifestyle? The purpose of the Gay Games may well be to try to create a different impression and disguise the truth, which is that homosexuality is associated with much higher health risks and it is not life-honoring and life-giving behavior but the opposite.”

Geez girlfriend. Get a life. Or can it be that Harvey is nursing some old wounds like Jonathan Saenz, the anti-gay spokesman out of Texas whose wife left him for another woman. (Editor's note - seeing that this news about Saenz came out today, I know some of you are asking "well why aren't you covering that?" Really folks! I don't cover such soap opera drama. But I didn't say I wouldn't link to the article so that you can read all about it. Hint, hint, hint.)

'Anti-gay right continues boycott hypocrisy' & other Tues. midday news briefs

Audio: NOM prez hilariously claims his boycott has slowed Starbucks' global growth - More boycott hypocrisy from the anti-gay right, this time wrapped around a ridiculous claim. 

Video Shows Houston’s Anti-LGBT Activists Knew They Were Violating Signature Collection Rules - I almost miss the days when those who practiced deception had at least some style about it. 

 Report: Marriage equality would add $53 million, new jobs to Mich. economy - Not that it matters to SOME people.  

Mike Huckabee Warns Anti-Gay Gathering That America Is Becoming Like Communist China - Of course he does. He has to pay for that beach house of his SOME WAY. 

Pat Robertson: 'Are We Going To Have A Revolution? We Ought To Have Something' - Yeah right. As soon as you and Todd Starnes get off of your fat asses and stop collecting your fat salaries for exploiting the beliefs and fears of Christians. . . and that ain't going to happen any time soon.  

GOP Rep Thinks U.S. Foreign Policy Focuses Too Much On Abortion, LGBT Rights - He uses the phrases "abortion agenda" and "lgbt agenda" to cover up the fact that women's health issues and the persecution of lgbts abroad are important issues which do need our attention.

Finally, when no words can suffice over the unnecessary passing of someone who touched us all so much with his humor, wit, and ability to make us laugh about almost any and every thing:

 

R.I.P.

Robin Williams

Anti-gay right speaking boycott out of both sides of their mouths

Geez, which is it, guys:

Tony Perkins

Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council:

At W.W. Bridal Boutique, it isn't unusual to see two women shopping for wedding dresses. What is unusual is two women shopping for wedding dresses for the same ceremony. That's the predicament Victoria Miller found herself in as the owner of the Pennsylvania shop. When a lesbian couple contacted the store for an appointment, Victoria explained that she couldn't help the women find gowns for a ceremony that violates her Christian faith. Right now, an employee explained, the Bloomsburg store doesn't service same-sex weddings. Instead of showing the tolerance their movement claims to practice, the women turned to social media to bully the shop -- trashing its online reviews and sparking a city-wide firestorm. Miller, whose orthodox beliefs are in the bulls-eye, isn't backing down. "We feel we have to answer to God for what we do," she told reporters, "and providing those two girls dresses for a sanctified marriage would break God's law." Obviously, W.W. Bridal Boutique isn't the only wedding dress shop in town. These women could have easily taken their business elsewhere -- but chose to retaliate instead. That's because, at its core, this isn't about accommodation. It's about forced acceptance. When religious liberty clashes with homosexuality -- as it has from bakeries to flower shops -- the storylines are all the same: conform or be punished.

Brian Brown

Brian Brown, National Organization for Marriage:

Target and other companies need to be forced to realize that it is their alignment with the radical cause of redefining marriage that is "bad for business"—not states' marriage laws that uphold and protect the common-sense idea that kids do best with a mom and a dad! So I'm announcing a new boycott today, against Target, for insulting consumers like you and me. The brief they signed in court this week insinuates that people like you and me, who would vote to uphold traditional marriage, as akin to segregationists and racial bigots. Would you want to shop at a place that viewed you in that way? I'm not exaggerating. Take a look at this description, from the brief, of the marriage laws in Wisconsin and Indiana: [A law that defines marriage as the union of a man and a woman] requires that… we single out colleagues with same-sex partners and treat them as a separate and unequal class as compared to employees with heterosexual partners. Target also complains that such a law "upsets our business philosophy and prevents [us] from reaching our full economic potential because it dissuades employees from living and working in the jurisdictions where we do, or want to do, business."

If two lgbt groups held such contradictory positions, you just know it would be a subject widely debated in the media.  In this case, no one but the crickets seem to be making noise about these two contradictory positions on boycotting held by anti-gay groups. I think it's because we aren't making enough noise to draw attention to the hypocrisy. Sometimes it's not about what the anti-gay right gets away with. It's what the lgbt community allows them to get away with.