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DSA Growing Strong!
8 years ago
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Rachel Maddow: A closer look at pro-gay Republicans in an anti-gay party
Rachel Maddow: A closer look at pro-gay Republicans in an anti-gay party
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Libya tells UN Rights Council: ‘Gays threaten continuation of human race’ – LGBTQ Nation
Libya tells UN Rights Council: ‘Gays threaten continuation of human race’ – LGBTQ Nation
Not good... I defended their revolution, but they will not recognize the human rights of LGBT people. But this kind of anti-gay ignorance is in every Muslim country.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 09, 2012
Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Monday, February 06, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Creating Change Conference Wraps Up
Largest-ever Creating Change off to a rousing start! « National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Blog
NAACP Pressident Benjamin Jealous Gives Opening Speech at Creating Change
NGLTF Executive Dir Rea Carey Delivers "State of the LGBT Movement" at Creating Change
Monday, January 30, 2012
Tennessee Senator Thrown Out of Restaurant for Antigay Stance | News | The Advocate
A bistro in Knoxville, Kentucky is doing its part for gay rights. It refused to serve state Sen. Stacey Campfield, following his recent comments that straight people seldom get AIDS.
Martha Boggs, owner of the Bistro at the Bijou, asked the Republican legislator to leave her restaurant Sunday.
"He's gone from being stupid to dangerous," Boggs said today. "It's just my way of standing up to a bully."
Campfield is the man behind the controversial Don't Say Gay bill, which would ban schools from teaching anything about gays. Only sexuality involving "natural human reproduction" would be permitted in classrooms.
Then he made news last week after claiming the AIDS virus developed after men had sex with monkeys. He also stated that the disease was "virtually impossible" to contract via heterosexual intercourse.
So when Campfield walked through the bistro door during Sunday brunch, Boggs told him he wasn't welcome.
"I asked him to leave the restaurant to take a stand for the gay community and to let him know what it feels like to be discriminated against," said Boggs."He didn't have much to say. He left graciously."
On Monday, the sign in front of the Bistro today read, "Today's Special: Fried Chicken. Crispy Chicken Livers. No Stacey."
Monday, January 23, 2012
Tennessee Teen Is State's Second Suicide in Two Months
Tennessee Teen Is State's Second Suicide in Two Months
In Tennessee, where lawmakers are once again considering the “don’t say gay” bill aimed at schools, a 14-year-old Gordonsville student named Phillip Parker killed himself Friday.
The Tennessee Equality Project plans a candlelight vigil Thursday at the Cookeville Courthouse Square to remember Parker and to call on lawmakers to stop sending a negative message to students.
The so-called don’t say gay bill would bar teachers from discussing homosexuality in public school classes in kindergarten through eighth grade. It managed to pass the state Senate on a 20-10 vote last year. But the House ran out of time to consider it, and now lawmakers are trying again.
“We are reaching out and we continue to call for our General Assembly to turn from discriminatory legislation and toward positive solutions to bullying,” the Tennessee Equality Project wrote to its followers on Facebook.
They point out that this is the second suicide in Middle Tennessee in two months, with Cheatham County teenager Jacob Rogers killing himself December 7 after repeated bullying.
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Mayors Commit to Bring Marriage Equality to Cities | News | The Advocate
80 Mayors across the U.S. announced their support for marriage equality Friday.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Monday, January 09, 2012
What's the 'gayest' U.S. city?
What's the 'gayest' U.S. city? Not necessarily the most gay friendly – In America - CNN.com Blogs Hmm... Knoxville TN? Salt Lake City? WTF
Sunday, January 08, 2012
Wednesday, January 04, 2012
Ron Paul the Anti-Progressive
It's tragic that some leftists are getting behind Ron Paul's campaign at least to upset the GOP race. Ron Paul is NOT a progressive, he is a right-wing nationalist, like Pat Buchanan. He has connections with the John Birch Society and other racist and anti-semitic groups. Even at his worst, Barack Obama is more "progressive" than Ron Paul.
Ron Paul's "anti-interventionism" is not based on progressive principles, he is a right-wing nationalist, like Pat Buchanan. Ron Paul's feign policy would UNDERMINE many progressive goals. He opposes the UN and every international organization. He opposed the US "intervention" in WWII to "save the Jews." Those who oppose ALL intervention, even for humanitarian reasons or to stop genocides, are not "progressive." (Being against ALL and EVERY use of military force, even to stop genocides, is not "progressive" to me. Yes military actions often involve killing innocent people, but is it more moral or "progressive" to step aside and allow genocides? (WWII, Bosnia, etc.?) Don't those who oppose ALL intervention also have "blood" on their hands? According to Ron Paul, "Saving the Jews in WWII Was None of Our Business"!
Ron Paul's anti-interventionism is almost identical to Pat Buchanan's, in fact, Ron Paul is an admirer of Pat Buchanan's (another racist right-wing nationalist!)
In January 1992, Paul writes about his consideration of a presidential bid which he dashed after Pat Buchanan expressed his intention to run. Paul wrote of “the essential compatibility between [Buchanan’s] ideas and mine” and “agreed to serve as the chairman of his economic advisory committee.”
A 1992 issue of the Rothbard-Rockwell-Report tells of Paul’s decision to defer to Pat Buchanan in the 1992 Republican presidential primary.
10 Reasons Not To Vote For Ron Paul | Addicting Info
Three Myths About Ron Paul
Ron Paul's Racism
This December 1990 newsletter describes Martin Luther King Jr. as “a world-class adulterer” who “seduced underage girls and boys” and “replaced the evil of forced segregation with the evil of forced integration.”
Ron Paul and Libertarianism's Dirty Secret: Pandering to Racists
Ron Paul's Racist Newsletters
Ron Paul "South Was Right" Civil War Speech
Ron Paul ON Civil Rights
Ron Paul Opposes Civil Rights Act: "Destroyed Privacy"
Ron Paul's Sexism
Ron Paul Endorses Sexual Harassment in the Workplace, Blames Women
Ron Paul's Anti-Gay Bigotry
The June 1990 issue of the Political Report says: “I miss the closet. Homosexuals, not to speak of the rest of society, were far better off when social pressure forced them to hide their activities.”
Ron Paul Supports DOMA
Ron Paul is an Extremist Right-Wing Christian
Ron Paul's Christian Reconstructionist Roots
Why Some Right-Wing Christians Love Ron Paul
Ron Paul Court's Right-Wing Fringe in Iowa
More Ron Paul Newletters
MORE TO COME!
LIBERTARIANISM MAKES YOU STUPID
Critiques of Libertarianism
Libertarianism and Fascism
Rick Santorum's Top 10 Most Outrageous Campaign Statements | AlterNet
Michelle Bachman is out of the GOP clown car, but there are a few others left, like this wing nut
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Thursday, December 15, 2011
In Memoriam: Christopher Hitchens, 1949–2011 | Blogs | Vanity Fair
RIP Christopher Hitchens, defender of secularism and reason.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Friends say classmate killed himself due to anti-gay bullying – LGBTQ Nation
Friends say classmate killed himself due to anti-gay bullying – LGBTQ Nation
ASHLAND CITY, Tenn. — Students at a local school are grieving a classmate. Friends say the young man took his own life because he couldn’t take any more bullying.
And they say school officials knew about the torment but didn’t do enough to stop it.
Friends say that kids bullied Jacob Rogers at Cheatham County Central High School for the past four years, but in the past few months it had become so bad he dropped out of school.
And Wednesday, he ended his life.
“He started coming home his senior year saying ‘I don’t want to go back. Everyone is so mean. They call me a f****, they call me gay, a queer,’” friend Kaelynn Mooningham said.
Kaelynn said her friend Jacob felt ignored.
Tuesday, December 06, 2011
Obama Administration Makes Case for World LGBT Rights | News | The Advocate
Obama Administration Makes Case for World LGBT Rights | News | The Advocate
In a historic address before the United Nations in Geneva, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton called on all countries to respect the civil rights of LGBT individuals. The Secretary also announced new U.S. initiatives to support organizations working to protect gay people who are marginalized and targeted with violence.
Hillary Clinton to UN: "Gay Rights are Human Rights and Human Rights are Gay Rights"
8 Must-read moments from Hillary Clinton's UN Speech
Thursday, December 01, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
Tennessee Tea Party Sparks Controversy Over Tweet
WZTV FOX 17:Tennessee Tea Party Sparks Controversy Over Tweet
TN Tea Party on Rep. Barney Frank's announced retirement: "Good riddance, you perverted sodomite POS!!!"
TN Tea Party on Rep. Barney Frank's announced retirement: "Good riddance, you perverted sodomite POS!!!"
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Scapegoating gay men for the Penn State tragedy « SpeakEasy
Scapegoating gay men for the Penn State tragedy « SpeakEasy
Homophobic bigots (Peter Labarbera, Americans for Truth etc.) strike again..
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Tuesday, November 01, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Mid-South Pride Comes of Age
Mid-South Pride festival grows » The Commercial Appeal
Memphis "Mid-South Pride" has grown of age with the biggest and best pride parade and festival in the 30 year history of Memphis/Mid-south Pride. Usually a subdued event held in gay-friendly area of mid-town Memphis, this year's parade was down historic Beale Street in downtown Memphis and was greeted by large crowds. This year's Pride Parade & Festival was a big step forward for Memphis and the Memphis LGBT community.
Congrats to Mid-south Pride on such a great job--and do it again next year!
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
John Smid, Former Ex-Gay Ministry Leader Comes Out, Recants Previous Teachings
Former Ex-Gay Ministry Leader Comes Out, Recants Previous Teachings:
Love in Action (LIA) is one of the largest and oldest ex-gay ministries in existence, founded in 1973, the same year the American Psychiatric Association decided that homosexuality was no longer a mental illness. John Smid resigned as the group’s executive director in 2008, and since then has slowly been rethinking his understandings of sexuality and [...]/p
Love in Action (LIA) is one of the largest and oldest ex-gay ministries in existence, founded in 1973, the same year the American Psychiatric Association decided that homosexuality was no longer a mental illness. John Smid resigned as the group’s executive director in 2008, and since then has slowly been rethinking his understandings of sexuality and [...]/p
Monday, October 10, 2011
Saturday, October 08, 2011
Friday, October 07, 2011
Holiday From Hate | Memphis Gaydar
Holiday From Hate | Memphis Gaydar
Taking a Stand against the "American Family Association" in Tupelo, MS
We’re Here, We’re Queer, We Are the 99% | News | The Advocate
Queer/LGBT activists join the Occupy Wall Street protests
Sunday, October 02, 2011
Obama Lauds LGBT Achievements at HRC Dinnder
Obama Lauds LGBT Achievements at HRC Dinner
Obama's Remarks at 15th Annual HRC Dinner
With a lot of pressure and push from LGBT activists, President Obama did deliver on overturning Don't Ask, Don't Tell, but still refuses to support marriage equality (publicly), though that may change if he wins re-election since the only reason he could be holding back on endorsing gay marriage is to get re-elected. He promised to work to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act which prohibits the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages even in states where they are legalized.
Now that the diversion of DADT is out of the way, the real fight for LGBT equality should focus on marriage equality and finally passing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA).
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bellevue Pastor Asks Members to Vote Against Equality | Memphis Gaydar
Bellevue Pastor Asks Members to Vote Against Equality | Memphis Gaydar
I don't understand why anyone who considers themselves a disciple of Jesus Christ would be a part of Bellevue Baptist Church, it is a scourge on Memphis and promotes anti-gay bigotry, as well as theocracy. Their pastor is a hypocrite for covering up the sexual abuse of a minor among other things. Shame on Bellevue, and shame on anyone who supports that den of iniquity.
I don't understand why anyone who considers themselves a disciple of Jesus Christ would be a part of Bellevue Baptist Church, it is a scourge on Memphis and promotes anti-gay bigotry, as well as theocracy. Their pastor is a hypocrite for covering up the sexual abuse of a minor among other things. Shame on Bellevue, and shame on anyone who supports that den of iniquity.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Thursday, September 08, 2011
Christian group blasts BlueCross BlueShield for 'acceptance of homosexual conduct' | The Tennessean | tennessean.com
Christian group blasts BlueCross BlueShield for 'acceptance of homosexual conduct' | The Tennessean | tennessean.com
The TN Family Action Council argued against "imposing" anti-gay discrimination laws on businesses in TN, now they want to dictate to businesses that they cannot help gays?
The TN Family Action Council argued against "imposing" anti-gay discrimination laws on businesses in TN, now they want to dictate to businesses that they cannot help gays?
Monday, September 05, 2011
Iran Hangs Three Convicted of "Sodomy"
Three men executed in Iran for Sodomy
Iran Human Rights, September 5: According to the reports from Iran, six people were hanged in the Karoun prison of Ahvaz (southwest of Iran) early Sunday morning September 4th.
The state run Iranian news agency ISNA reported that three of those executed were sentenced to death by the Ahvaz revolution court, convicted of "unlawful" acts based on the articles 108 and 110 of the Iranian Islamic penal code. Articles 108 and 110 of the Iranian Islamic Penal code are part of the chapter covering the punishment of "Hadd" for "sodomy". Article 108 says: "Sodomy (or Lavat) is sexual intercourse between men”, and article 110 says:”Punishment for sodomy is killing; the Sharia judge decides on how to carry out the killing".
Two teenagers were hung in 2005 for rape and sodomy. (Iranian officials are believed to accuse gays of rape to make executions more acceptable to the public and international community.)
Iran Human Rights, September 5: According to the reports from Iran, six people were hanged in the Karoun prison of Ahvaz (southwest of Iran) early Sunday morning September 4th.
The state run Iranian news agency ISNA reported that three of those executed were sentenced to death by the Ahvaz revolution court, convicted of "unlawful" acts based on the articles 108 and 110 of the Iranian Islamic penal code. Articles 108 and 110 of the Iranian Islamic Penal code are part of the chapter covering the punishment of "Hadd" for "sodomy". Article 108 says: "Sodomy (or Lavat) is sexual intercourse between men”, and article 110 says:”Punishment for sodomy is killing; the Sharia judge decides on how to carry out the killing".
Two teenagers were hung in 2005 for rape and sodomy. (Iranian officials are believed to accuse gays of rape to make executions more acceptable to the public and international community.)
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Surprise! Male Bisexuals Exist!
Study: Researches Confirm Male Bisexuality Exists
A new scientific study by researches at Northwester University confirms that men who have a sexual attraction to both men and women is real, and dispels the stereotype that bisexual men are just closeted homosexuals, or simply confused..
Did we really need a study to confirm male bisexuality? Why are both gay and straight people threatened by bisexuality? Maybe because bisexuality calls into question the assumption that human sexuality ("sexual orientation") is something fixed and immutable?
Related study:
New Report Highights Discrimination Against Bisexuals by both Gays and Straights
Monday, August 15, 2011
Where The Presidential Candidates Stand On LGBT Issues
Where The Presidential Candidates Stand On LGBT Issues: "pHere is a snapshot look at where all the current presidential hopefuls stand on LGBT issues (click to see it full-size): For a more in-depth look at the candidates’ positions, the Center for American Progress offers an interactive with quotes that inform their views on LGBT issues. /p"
Top 5 Examples of Perry’s Anti-Gay Agenda
Top 5 Examples of Perry’s Anti-Gay Agenda: "pAs the hours tick down until Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) announces his candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination, many outlets are speculating as to whether or not he will win the vote of the religious right with his vocal social conservatism. Just last month, he stirred up controversy with various Christian groups by flip-flopping [...]/p"
Michele Bachmann: Gay Families Are Not ‘Families’
Michele Bachmann: Gay Families Are Not ‘Families’: "pOn yesterday’s Meet The Press, host David Gregory challenged Republican presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann on some of her anti-gay views. After grilling her about whether sexual orientation would be a factor she’d consider in making presidential appointments, he asked whether a same-sex couple raising children constitutes a “family.” She doesn’t: GREGORY: Can a gay couple [...]/p"
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Top 5 Examples of Perry’s Anti-Gay Agenda
Top 5 Examples of Perry’s Anti-Gay Agenda: "pAs the hours tick down until Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R) announces his candidacy for the GOP presidential nomination, many outlets are speculating as to whether or not he will win the vote of the religious right with his vocal social conservatism. Just last month, he stirred up controversy with various Christian groups by flip-flopping [...]/p"
Sunday, August 07, 2011
Four GOP Presidential Candidates Sign Anti-Gay Marriage Pledge
im Pawlenty has become the latest Republican presidential candidate to sign a pledge from the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), according to Politico. The group is dedicated to fighting same sex marriage and preventing same sex couples from adopting children.
Republican candidates Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney have also signed the pledge, vowing to support a federal marriage amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman.
By signing NOM's marriage pledge, the candidates also vowed to protect the Defense of Marriage Act in court, appoint conservative judges and a conservative attorney general, create a presidential commission to investigate harassment of same sex marriage opponents and put same sex marriage up to a vote in D.C.
Republican candidates Michele Bachmann, Rick Santorum and Mitt Romney have also signed the pledge, vowing to support a federal marriage amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman.
By signing NOM's marriage pledge, the candidates also vowed to protect the Defense of Marriage Act in court, appoint conservative judges and a conservative attorney general, create a presidential commission to investigate harassment of same sex marriage opponents and put same sex marriage up to a vote in D.C.
Gay Concentration Camp Survivor Dies
Rudolf Brazda, who was held at the Buchenwald concentration camp for three years until U.S. forces liberated the camp in 1945, died Wednesday, the Associated Press reports.
By Andrew Harmon
Rudolf Brazda The last known gay concentration camp survivor imprisoned because of his sexual orientation has died, according to Germany’s Lesbian and Gay Association.
Rudolf Brazda, who was held at the Buchenwald concentration camp for three years until U.S. forces liberated the camp in 1945, died Wednesday at the age of 98, the Associated Press reports.
In a 2008 interview with the French gay magazine Têtu, Brazda spoke for the first time of his imprisonment since he made remarks at the dedication ceremony of a Berlin memorial to gay victims of the Third Reich. “The way Nazis treated the ‘pink triangles’ is unspeakable,” Brazda said, referring to the emblem gays were forced to wear. “They had absolutely no mercy.”
After he was freed from Buchenwald, Brazda moved to France, where he lived for 35 years with his partner, who died in 2002.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Tenn. Gov: "Don't Say Gay" Bill a Longshot
Tenn. Gov: "Don't Say Gay" Bill a Long Shot
In an interview with Nashville's City Paper, Gov. Bill Haslam said he is tired of the media attention to the bill, which would prohibit teachers from discussing homosexuality in public school classes in kindergarten through eighth grade.
By Andrew Harmon
Gov. Bill Haslam Tennessee governor Bill Haslam is tired of the media attention yo the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would prohibit teachers from discussing homosexuality in public school classes in kindergarten through eighth grade.
"The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill didn’t pass and probably is never going to pass," Haslam said in an interview with Nashville's City Paper.
Comparing the bill to reporting on the appointment of the first superintendent to run the new state Achievement School District, he added, "'Don’t Say Gay' is real sexy and yada yada yada. It’s not going anywhere.
In an interview with Nashville's City Paper, Gov. Bill Haslam said he is tired of the media attention to the bill, which would prohibit teachers from discussing homosexuality in public school classes in kindergarten through eighth grade.
By Andrew Harmon
Gov. Bill Haslam Tennessee governor Bill Haslam is tired of the media attention yo the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would prohibit teachers from discussing homosexuality in public school classes in kindergarten through eighth grade.
"The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill didn’t pass and probably is never going to pass," Haslam said in an interview with Nashville's City Paper.
Comparing the bill to reporting on the appointment of the first superintendent to run the new state Achievement School District, he added, "'Don’t Say Gay' is real sexy and yada yada yada. It’s not going anywhere.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
NY Gay/Lesbian Couples Line Up to Marry
At long last gay and lesbian couples are getting married in New York today. Congrats and best wishes to all the newly weds!
Friday, July 22, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Michelle Bachman's Husband Performs "Ex-Gay" Therapy
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Monday, July 11, 2011
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Court Orders End to DADT, Halt to Gay Military Ban
DADT Repeal: Court Orders Halt to Gay Military Ban
A federal appeals court ordered the U.S. government on Wednesday to immediately cease enforcing the ban on openly gay members of the military, a move that could speed the end of the 17-year-old rule.
Congress repealed the policy in December and the Pentagon is already preparing to welcome gay military personnel, said the ruling from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. There's no longer any purpose for a stay the appeals court had placed on a lower court ruling that overturned "don't ask, don't tell," the judges said.
In the meantime, the court order blocks the military from discharging anyone based on sexual orientation, a Pentagon spokesman said, news that brought relief from gay rights advocates who say there are still dozens of gay or lesbian personnel under investigation.
A federal appeals court ordered the U.S. government on Wednesday to immediately cease enforcing the ban on openly gay members of the military, a move that could speed the end of the 17-year-old rule.
Congress repealed the policy in December and the Pentagon is already preparing to welcome gay military personnel, said the ruling from a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco. There's no longer any purpose for a stay the appeals court had placed on a lower court ruling that overturned "don't ask, don't tell," the judges said.
In the meantime, the court order blocks the military from discharging anyone based on sexual orientation, a Pentagon spokesman said, news that brought relief from gay rights advocates who say there are still dozens of gay or lesbian personnel under investigation.
Saturday, June 25, 2011
New York: Another Victory for Marriage Equality
New York became the sixth state to grant gay and lesbian couples the right to marry Friday night. The bill, which passed the Democratic controlled NY House overwhelmingly, was finally passed in the GOP controlled state senate 33-29, with the support of four Republicans. It was a major victory for the national struggle for marriage equality because with the victory in New York the number of gay couples who can legally marry has doubled, and it was only the second time a state legislature was not forced to legalize same-sex marriage by a court order. Gov. Cuomo signed the bill before midnight.
New York Win Celebrated Far and Wide
New York Gay Marriage Victory Transforms National Debate
New York City Celebrates Marriage Victory (Pictures)
Unfortunately, President Obama was NOT a "fierce advocate" for LGBT equality as Gov. Cuomo.
Obama's Gay Marriage Wimp Out
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Harold Ford Jr. Makes Marriage Equality Video
My former political opponent, former Tennessee Congressman Harold Ford Jr., made a video in support of gay marriage in his new home state of New York. I believe he supports gay marriage now, he LIED when he campaigned against gay rights, including marriage, when he was pandering for the bigot vote in Tennessee and bragged about his support of the anti-gay marriage amendment. My opinion of him has not changed. Sorry Jr.
Harold Ford Jr. Makes Marriage Equality Video
New York Assembly Approves Gay Marriage
The New York state Assembly approved same-sex marriage on Wednesday and the bill is likely to face a vote in the Senate on Friday, where it only needs support from one more senator to pass.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
"Justice For All" Rally Seeks to Unify Progressive Causes - WREG
"Justice For All" Rally Seeks to Unify Progressive Causes - WREG
A coalition of progressives groups representative women, labor, immigrants, and the LGBT community, organized a rally Saturday in Memphis to protest recent actions by the conservative Republican Tennessee legislature to restrict the collective bargaining rights of public employees, cut funding for Planned Parenthood, and to rollback and prohibit local laws to prohibit discrimination against gays and lesbians and LGBT people.
In addition to anti-gay and anti-labor legislation at the state level, the Memphis City government is considering proposals to privatize sanitation services and destroy the local AFSCME labor union that Dr. MLK came to Memphis to march with to protest low wages prior to his assassination.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Gay Activists Arrested in Moscow Protest
(CNN) More than 30 people were arrested Saturday in central Moscow during the sixth attempt by gay rights groups to hold a parade in the city.
According to the group, Gay Russia, far right groups clashed with activists who were gathered in front of the Kremlin wall and city hall.
A total of 18 gay activists and 14 anti-gay activists were arrested, according to Moscow City police. A police spokesman told CNN that the group did not have permission to gather publically for a parade.
Three prominent gay rights activists, Americans Dan Choi and Andy Thayer, and France's Louis-George Tin, were among those detained.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tennessee Green Lights Discrimination
Tennessee legislature passes and governor signs bill overturning and prohibiting cities from passing non-discrimination ordinances or policies to protect LGBT people from discrimination.
Gay Rights advocates began calling out companies that were part of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce which supported the bill. Many of the issued statements opposing the bill and asking the governor to veto it, AFTER the bill was already passed and signed!
Monday, May 23, 2011
TN Govenor Reverses Nashville Metro Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Gov. Bill Haslam has signed the bill reversing Metro's new nondiscrimination ordinance, dealing a blow to opponents who had mounted a campaign urging him to veto the bill.
The bill effectively reverses an ordinance passed by the Metro Council that required contractors with the city to agree to follow Metro's rules barring discrimination against gay, lesbian and transgendered people.
The move comes despite an effort by opponents of the bill to convince Haslam not to sign the bill, which passed by a more than two-thirds margins in the Republican-led state legislature. Gay rights activists from across the country have been pushing companies to issue statements against with the legislation.
The campaign led the executive committee of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which had supported the bill while it was in the legislature, to reverse its position Monday.
"The Tennessee Chamber supports a standard regulatory environment at the state level as opposed to potentially conflicting local regulations covering employment practices," the executive committee said in a statement released late Monday.
"That principle was the only interest the Chamber had in this bill. Because (the bill) has turned into a debate on diversity and inclusiveness principles, which we support, we are now officially opposing this legislation in its present form."
From The Tennessean
AmericaBlog has been been closely following the anti-gay legislation in Tennessee and helped launch a nationwide campaign to boycott the companies which had supported the TN Chamber of Commerce's support of the anti-gay bill.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Tennessee Dismantles Anti-Discrimination Ordinances
It's been a sad week in Tennessee as the Teapublican controlled state legislature passes a series of anti-gay bills to override local non-discrimination ordinances, such as one recently passed in Nashville, and another bans discussion of homosexuality and gay issues in public elementary schools.
Tennessee Dismantles Anti-Discrimimation Ordinances
"Don't Say Gay Bill" Passes in Tenn. Senate
Tennessee Dismantles Anti-Discrimimation Ordinances
"Don't Say Gay Bill" Passes in Tenn. Senate
Friday, May 20, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Newt Gets Glittered
Newt Gingrich was showered with rainbow glitter, courtesy of a 24-year-old LGBT activist, prior to the 2012 presidential candidate’s Tuesday appearance at the antigay Minnesota Family Council’s annual dinner.
“Feel the rainbow, Newt,” activist Nick Espinosa said as he poured the glitter on Gingrich and his wife, Callista, during a book signing, according to ABC News. “Stop the hate. Stop antigay politics. It’s dividing our country and it’s not fixing our economy.”
From The Advocate
Monday, May 16, 2011
Gay Activists Urge Orbitz to Drop Fox News Ads
The Advocate: Gay Leaders Urge Orbitz to Drop Fox News Ads
Several prominent gay rights groups are urging travel site Orbitz to drop its advertising from Fox News because of the network's antigay content.
Leaders from the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Courage Campaign, and Equality Matters have all signed a letter to Orbitz CEO Barney Harford asking that his company stop advertising on Fox News.
The letter cites former Gov. Mike Huckabee hosting a show despite his statements in the past, comparing homosexuality with drug abuse, incest, pedophilia, and necrophilia. The letter also mentions host Bill O'Reilly warning about the dangers of allowing gay people to be near children, and others on the network "perpetuating the claim that repealing 'don't ask, don't tell' would impact troop readiness and morale, despite multiple reports -- including the Pentagon's -- to the contrary," according to a statement released Monday.
Orbitz has been a longtime advertiser to gay media outlets, including The Advocate, as well as gay pride and other events. It also has a gay-specific travel site, offering trips to LGBT-friendly destinations.
GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios said companies like Orbitz, with a “strong track records of LGBT inclusion, should think twice before supporting Fox News’ pervasive pattern of indefensible bias against our community.”
DROP FOX
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Rep. Tammy Baldwin Could Become 1st Openly Gay Senator
Rep. Tammy Baldwin Could Become First Openly Gay Senate Member
Openly gay Wisconsin Representative Tammy Baldwin is considering a run for the U.S. Senate seat now occupied by Senator Herb Kohl (D-WI). If she won the election, Baldwin would become the first openly gay member of the Senate.
Seventy-six-year old Kohl announced Friday that he will not seek reelection to a fifth term in the U.S. Senate, saying that it's "time for someone else to serve."
Baldwin is "very likely" to run for the seat, according to the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which has endorsed Baldwin repeatedly.
"This would be a remarkable milestone for LGBT Americans," said Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund. "Congresswoman Baldwin is one of the most admired public officials I know. She would have the strong support of those who want to see our economy work for all Americans, and who believe that all voices deserve a place at the table."
Baldwin became the first openly gay candidate to win election to the U.S. Congress as a freshman in 1998.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Uganda "Kill the Gays" Bill Nears Vote
A bill that would give harsh punishment to gays and lesbians in Uganda for their sexual orientation may have a final vote sometime this week as lawmakers finished a second day of hearings on the matter on Monday.
While the initial version of the bill, introduced in 2009, would have found homosexuality punishable by death, the bill's author, David Bahati, said the Parliament has "moved away" from such a provision, the Associated Press reports. Now, lawmakers are considering a recommendation by prominent Ugandan pastor Martin Ssempa to make homosexuality punishable by up to seven years in prison. Ssempa told the Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Committee Monday that he does not agree with the proposed death penalty portion of the law, but he said "homosexuality is killing our society."
UPDATE: Uganda Anti-Gay Bill Postponed
UPDATE: Uganda Anti-Gay Bill Postponed
Saturday, May 07, 2011
Bill Clinton Endorses Marriage Equality
Former President Bill Clinton Endorses N.Y. Marriage Equality Legislation
President Bill Clinton endorsed marriage equality legislation in New York as it appears increasingly likely that lawmakers will vote on the measure by June.
Clinton announced his support in a statement released by the Human Rights Campaign on Thursday, saying that the goal of achieving a “more perfect union” includes marriage equality.
“Our nation’s permanent mission is to form a ‘more perfect union’ — deepening the meaning of freedom, broadening the reach of opportunity, strengthening the bonds of community,” said Clinton, a New York State resident. “That mission has inspired and empowered us to extend rights to people previously denied them. Every time we have done that, it has strengthened our nation. Now we should do it again, in New York, with marriage equality. For more than a century, our Statue of Liberty has welcomed all kinds of people from all over the world yearning to be free. In the 21st century, I believe New York’s welcome must include marriage equality.”
He's been atoning for his past sins and mistakes on LGBT civil rights
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