NJ: Democrats Ready to Throw Gays Under the Bus, Again?

Support for gay marriage in Trenton is draining away like water from a tub as nervous legislators scurry towards safer political ground. "I can’t say I’m confident now," says Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), a lead sponsor. "I think we still have a pretty good chance. But people are getting nervous and weak-kneed." Bad as that sounds, know that Weinberg is spinning this as best she can. Several other senators, supporters and opponents, say the movement is all but dead. "They’ve lost the momentum," says Sen. Kip Bateman, a Somerset Republican who considered supporting the measure until last week. "I don’t think it’s going to happen." Full Story from NJ.com: http://blog.nj.com/njv_tom_moran/2009/11/a_surprisingly_dark_day_for_ga.html

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UT: Poll Says 60% Support Anti Discrimination Laws Statewide for Gays

A new poll shows some 69 percent of Utahns think state lawmakers and Gov. Gary Herbert should push to pass statewide anti-discrimination laws to protect gays. The Deseret News/KSL TV poll of 408 Utahns comes after the Salt Lake City Council passed ordinances banning discrimination against gays in housing and employment. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints backed the measures, which include exemptions for religious organizations. In the poll, 69 percent of respondents said the Legislature should follow Salt Lake City's lead. Just 28 percent opposed an anti-discrimination proposal. Full Story from NewsOK: http://www.newsok.com/poll-most-utahns-back-anti-bias-laws-for-gays/article/feed/111922

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China: Yunnan Government Opens Gay "Bar" as Community and Sex Education Center

Local authorities in southwestern Yunnan Province are to convert a bar into a 'common room for partner education' for the gay community, as part of the official initiative to break social stigma against gay men, days after the health minister warned that homosexual sex has become a main factor in the spread of AIDS in the nation. The bar for gays will open tomorrow, World AIDS Day, financed by public funds to the tune of 120,000 yuan ($17, 576), the Beijing News said, offered by Dali Prefecture government, and is to be run by The Good Friend Center, a non-governmental organization for gay men.  Yunnan has the highest number of HIV/AIDS cases in the country, official data indicates. Zhang Jianbo, the bar's manager, told the Global Times that the bar will not be operated for merely commercial purposes but rather serve as a platform to raise awareness of its gay clients about safe sex practice among them. Full Story from Xinhuanet: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-11/30/content_12563452.htm

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DC: Vote on Gay Marriage Bill Tuesday

Two states are expected to decide on whether to grant gay couples the right to marry before the end of the year, but gay marriage proponents are thoroughly sanguine about the District of Columbia, where passage of Council member David Catania's gay marriage bill is expected to win approval on December 1. Enthusiasm for gay marriage appears to be on the wane in New York and New Jersey after Mainers repealed a gay marriage law approved by lawmakers in the spring. Numerous New Jersey Democratic senators have expressed concern that now is not the time, while the New York Senate continues to delay action on a bill. But the political consensus driving gay marriage in the District endures despite numerous attacks. City leaders have remained united on the bill, which is expected to win approval along a 10 to 2 vote at Tuesday's meeting. Full Story from On Top Magazine: http://www.ontopmag.com/article.aspx?id=4929&MediaType=1&Category=26

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MO: Hundreds Protest Catholic Church Diocese's Contribution to Defeat Gay Marriage in Maine

Grey skies framed the Neo-Byzantine dome of St. Louis' Cathedral Basilica on Nov. 29 as hundreds of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender (GLBT) and allied supporters protested the archdiocese's donation of $10,000 to the successful effort to reverse marriage equality in Maine. The protest, which took place on the public portion of sidewalk in front of the New Cathedral, was organized by St. Louis based GLBT rights organization, Show Me No Hate. A smaller contngent of protesters was on hand for morning mass and the organization plans to rally outside the iconic edifice each Sunday throughout Advent — the period of preparation and waiting for Christmas. In response to the protest, St. Louis Archbishop Robert Carlson issued a statement saying that the donation came from a "special needs fund" endowed from "private gifts." According to Carlson, the fund is not used for formal church operations and can be used at the archbishop's discretion. Full Story from VitalVoice: http://thevitalvoice.com/node/5916

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Uganda: Canadian PM Tells Uganda to Nix Anti Gay Bill

Uganda's president got an earful from Prime Minister Stephen Harper over the African nation's proposed law targeting gays. The Ugandan "anti-homosexuality bill" would imprison and even execute homosexuals. But the proposed law barely drew a mention at this weekend's Commonwealth summit in Trinidad and Tobago -- despite calls before the conference for the country's suspension from the organization. Harper said leaders generally don't talk about specific laws during the Commonwealth meetings. Full Story from The Winnipeg Sun: http://www.winnipegsun.com/news/world/2009/11/30/11976801-sun.html

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Portugal: Likely to Pass Gay Marriage Early in 2010 - Video

The gay community in Portugal is confident that, after much pressure, same-sex marriages will be allowed within a matter of months. While neighbouring Spain permitted gay marriage almost five years ago, so far much of Portuguese society has staunchly opposed the concept. However, it is thought the Socialist government may pass gay marriage or civil partnership into law as soon as early in the New Year. Full Story from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8385935.stm

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Should the Catholic Church Lose its Tax Exemption?

Just more ammunition for the movement to tax churches that engage in political activities: Bishop Richard J. Malone of Maine contributed $553,608.27 to overturn a gay marriage law in his state, money he got from some 50 dioceses and archdioceses, not to mention individual bishops, throughout the country. That law went down on November 3, 53 to 47%. According to a report in the National Catholic Reporter, Malone’s diocese donated $286,000 to Stand For Marriage Maine, the right-wing group that led the campaign to repeal gay marriage. He also raised an additional $86,000 from special collections at Masses during a weekend in September. Just how legal is passing the donation plate for a political cause at a religious service? The rest of the half million dollars came from outside the state, every penny of which Malone personally solicited. The highest diocesan and archdiocesan donors include the following: Philadelphia and Phoenix to the tune of $50,000 each; Newark, New Jersey, St. Louis, Missouri and Youngstown, Ohio, $10,000 apiece; and Arlington, Virginia, Rockford, Illinois, Crookston, Minnesota and Pittsburgh, Pennslvania $5,000 each. Full Story from Beyond Chron: http://www.beyondchron.org/news/index.php?itemid=7596

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MA: Episcopal Bishop to Let Priests Officiate at Gay Weddings

The Episcopal bishop of Massachusetts has given priests in his diocese permission to officiate at same-sex weddings. Bishop M. Thomas Shaw III told The Boston Globe on Sunday that gay and lesbian couples deserve the "same sacrament of fidelity" as heterosexual couples. Shaw has been a long-term supporter of gay marriage, but previously cited the Episcopal Church’s canons and prayer book in barring local priests from officiating at same-sex marriages, even after they became legal in Massachusetts in 2004. Full Story from the Boston Herald: http://news.bostonherald.com/news/politics/view/20091130mass_episcopal_bishop_oks_same-sex_marriages/srvc=home&position=recent

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Slovakia: Gay Marriage Bill Appears Headed for Approval

The public debate on the family law bill, which equalises same-sex unions with other family unions and bans corporal punishment of children, has concluded and the motion will be sent to the government this week, the Labour, Family and Social Affairs Ministry said on Monday. Full Story from STA: http://www.sta.si/en/vest.php?s=a&id=1454321

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Gay Marriage Watch: Gay Marriage Events List 11/29/09

Gay Marriage Watch Events List: We now publish a weekly recap of all the upcoming gay marriage events we can find. Know about something that's not on this list? Email us the information at info@purpleunions.com. You can also now find us on Facebook - just search for Gay Marriage Watch (you'll see our b/w wedding pic overlooking the Ferry Building and Bay Bridge in SF). We're also tweeting daily at http://www.twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc Upcoming Gay Marriage Events (in Country, State, City Order) ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA Australia, NSW, Sydney: 3/3: NMG’s Dinner at the Zoo, to raise money for Australian Marriage Equality (AME). http://tinyurl.com/yjcc8ks ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN CALIFORNIA CA, Emeryville: 12/8: ACET fundraiser at Chevy's, 6-9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfpgks3 CA, Fremont: 12/4: Friday Night Social/Fundraiser for ACET, Vida Y Vino Wine Bistro, 7-9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/y9kfjjp CA, Hollywood: 11/29: Signature gathering at Xmas Parade, Selma Park, 2:30-6:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ylbmqfc CA, Laguna Beach: 12/5: Laguna Beach Equality Campaign Holiday Party, Club W, 7 PM-12 AM, $20. http://tinyurl.com/yeambr7 CA, Long Beach: 11/29: The Ho Must Go On fundraiser for Team Courage OC, Hamburger Mary's, 8 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yhg9dpr CA, Los Angeles: Every Monday: LA Equal Roots Meeting. http://tinyurl.com/ntkal4 CA, Los Angeles: Every Tuesday: Love Honor Cherish Meeting. 7:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/r2kruq CA, Los Angeles: Every Thursday: Voter canvass training, at The Village, 6:30-9:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3 CA, Los Angeles: 12/8: Family Values II fundraiser with Selene Luna, Eleven Nightclub, 8 PM-2 AM. http://tinyurl.com/yfw5nr5 CA, Los Angeles: 12/8: EQCA Year-End Event, at Rockwell VT, 5:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ylezsus CA, Los Angeles: 12/13: A Wedding for All Fundraiser for Equality Network, Hollywood Lutheran Church, 5-9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yhgd9wk CA, Los Angeles: 12/13: Asian Pacific Islander Equality Los Angeles General Coalition Meeting, Pacific American Legal Ctr, 6:45-8:45 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3 CA, Mar Vista: 12/1: Westside Equality Team General Meeting, 7-9 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yhcov3k CA, Palm Springs: 12/11: EQCA Wall of Equality Unveiling, EQCA Office, 5-6 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yh78g6l CA, San Francisco: 12/8: EQCA Year-End Event, Orson, 5:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzsxtam CA, San Jose: 12/6: Voter canvassing, EQCA Office, 1-5 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yawwezh CA, Santa Barbara: 1/30-1/31: Camp Courage Central Coast, Santa Barbara City College. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3 CA, Santa Monica: 11/29: Signature gathering, Farmer's Market Ocean Park, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ylbmqfc CA, Silverlake: Every Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri: Help EQCA Enter LA Marriage Equal Data, 10-6. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3 CA, Studio City: 11/29: Signature gathering, Farmer's Market CBS Studios Main Gate, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ylbmqfc CA, Van Nuys: 12/13: Friends of Equality: Holiday Dessert Party, Michael & Nowlin's Home, 2-4 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yfmhcw9 CA, West Hollywood: Every Wednesday: Equality Network meeting, at Fubar. 7-9PM. http://tinyurl.com/nlt3la CA, West Hollywood: 11/30: Signature gathering, Farmer's Market Plummer Park, 9 AM-2 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ylbmqfc CA, West Hollywood: 12/2: A National Speaking Tour with Author/Activist Sherry Wolf, Plummer Park Comm Ctr, 7:00-8:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yzl5bh3 ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN FLORIDA FL, Ft. Lauderdale: 1/10: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Hyatt Regency, 12:30-3:30 PM. http://tinyurl.com/yaqplbe ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN ILLINOIS IL, Chicago: 4/18: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 1-4 PM. http://tinyurl.com/ybwrvjj ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN NEW YORK NY, New York: 3/20-3/21: Same Love Same Rights Wedding Expo, Javits Center. http://tinyurl.com/ybpxxy6 ---------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN OREGON OR, Portland: Every Tuesday: Portland Equal Rights Coalition Meeting, Catholic Workers House. http://tinyurl.com/yfqd2pz OR, Portland: 12/7: Poison Water's Notorious Noel: Benefit for Basic Rights Oregon, at The Original, 8 PM, $10. http://tinyurl.com/y85jgcv ----------------------------------------------- >>GAY MARRIAGE EVENTS IN TEXAS TX, Dallas: 2/3-2/7: The 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change: The 22nd National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change will be held at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in beautiful downtown Dallas, Texas, Feb. 3 - 7, 2010. http://tinyurl.com/ykppv5p ----------------------------------------------- fini

NJ: Catholic Bishops Praying Against Proposed Gay Marriage Law

Roman Catholics throughout New Jersey are being asked to pray that state lawmakers don't allow same-sex marriage. It's part of a continuing campaign by church leaders, who anticipate a possible legislative vote before Republican Gov.-elect Chris Christie takes office Jan. 19. The prayer suggestion is contained in a letter that bishops told priests to read or distribute this weekend. It restates Catholic teaching that marriage should only be allowed between a man and a woman and says prayer is timely "because marriage faces challenges from a society more focused on individual satisfaction than on the Gospel." Full Story from Philly.com: http://www.philly.com/philly/wires/ap/news/state/new_jersey/20091128_ap_njcatholicbishopscampaignagainstgaymarriage.html

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Argentina: Gay Couple's Wedding Tuesday Divides South America

The Beruti register office in the Palermo district of Buenos Aires will never have witnessed a marriage like it. On Tuesday, Alex Freyre and José María Di Bello, who met three years ago at a conference on HIV, will make history and divide a continent as they become Latin America's first gay married couple. The ceremony will be a tribute to their determination as well as their love for each other, after a bitter three-year campaign which has divided a city, outraged Argentina's powerful Roman Catholic church and overturned the constitution. Freyre and Di Bello's forthcoming nuptials have been debated on television, in churches and on the street. Hostile posters can be found on billboards across the city. But, in Di Bello's words, nothing can now prevent him and his partner becoming "husband and husband". Full Story from The Guardian: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/29/latin-america-first-gay-wedding

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Dutch Father Writes Children's Book About Gay Family

A father, a second father, and two children. Not exactly the standard family setting for a children’s book. But it’s all part of everyday life for Arwen and Wolf, the adopted children of a gay couple in the Dutch town of Dordrecht. One of their fathers decided to write a children’s book based on his own family situation: for his own children but also for the rest of the world. "It’s a feel-good book about a happy family." Dad is hopeless when it comes to putting beads in her braided hair, sighs four-year-old Arwen. But her adoptive father Jarko de Witte van Leeuwen knows plenty of mums who leave that job to the hairdresser as well. The De Witte van Leeuwen household describe themselves as a happy family but certainly not an average one. Once same-sex marriage became legal in the Netherlands in 2001, Jarko (now 39) married his partner Jos. Soon afterwards, he applied to adopt a child. In 2005 they welcomed their adopted daughter Arwen into their home and last year she was joined by their adopted son Wolf: two Afro-American kids with two white Dutch dads. Full Story from Radio Netherlands Worldwide: http://www.rnw.nl/english/article/two-fathers-two-children-one-book

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Argentina: Former Deputy Mayor of Buenos Airies Would Have Appealed Gay Marriage Decision

Former City deputy mayor Gabriela Michetti (PRO) today said she "would not have authorized" same-sex marriage in the City of Buenos Aires, criticizing the decision of Mayor Mauricio Macri not to appeal against the ruling of a court allowing a gay couple to marry. Michetti told reporters that "homosexual marriage and heterosexual marriage are not the same, and the stances of Mauricio (Macri) and the head of the Argentine Church, Archbishop Jorge Bergoglio, are not compatible." The deputy-elect added that her relationship with Mauricio Macri would "never turn bad", as "he is like an uncle for (her) son and (she) is like an aunt for his children," she said. "The trust we share allows me to say what I think." Full Story from the Buenos Aires Herald: http://www.buenosairesherald.com/BreakingNews/View/18645

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Administration's Highest Ranking Gay Employee Ordered to Deny Gay/Lesbian Partner Benefits?

Back in February I posted about a ruling by a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals judge regarding the offering of health benefits to the spouse of a lesbian employee in a decision it appeared would directly challenge DOMA. Michelangelo Signorile points out some troubling activity on this case which was just written up in TIME: "...it was actually going to happen until the White House, through the Office of Personnel Management -- headed by openly gay appointee, John Berry -- refused to comply and directed the health insurance carrier of the employee not to proceed [all bold below is mine]: The order was not published, and garnered little or no notice at the time. The Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts moved to comply with the judge's ruling, submitting [federal employee] Golinski's insurance form to Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the case would have probably gone away — had the Obama Administration not stepped in. "After the AO submitted Ms. Golinski's form, I thought this matter had concluded," [Judge] Kozinski wrote. "The Executive Branch, acting through the Office of Personnel Management, thought otherwise. It directed the insurance carrier not to process Ms. Golinski's form 2809, thwarting the relief I had ordered. I must now decide what further steps are necessary to protect Ms. Golinski and the integrity of the Judiciary's EDR [employee dispute resolution] plans." Full Story from Towleroad.com: http://www.towleroad.com/2009/11/defying-judges-order-white-house-instructs-personnel-agency-to-obstruct-health-benefits-to-spouse-of.html

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Interview With a Signer of the Anti Gay Marriage "Manhattan Declaration"

This week, 150 Christian religious leaders unveiled the Manhattan Declaration: A Call to Christian Conscience, named after our very own borough. It's a manifesto signed by prominent Christian leaders that calls for staunch opposition to things like abortion, gay marriage, and other satatanic liberal agendas. Runnin' Scared spoke with one of the signers, Dr. Ronald Sider, a Canadian-born professor of theology at a Pennsylvania seminary and founder of Evangelicals for Social Action. Runnin' Scared: The Manhattan Declaration. Why was it named after Manhattan? I don't really know. I wasn't involved in the early drafting. It just happened the framers met in Manhattan. RS: Is it an attempt to stick it to the gay rights movement, which was founded in this city? I don't think so. I haven't heard anything about that. It certainly never crossed my mind. Full Story from the Village Voice: http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2009/11/chatting_with_a.php

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DC: Gay Marriage Vote Expected Next Week

The District of Columbia Council is expected to vote next week to legalize same-sex marriage in the nation's capital. While Congress could use its power to overturn the law, local and national factors appeared to be aligned against any effort to do so. Ten of the council's 13 members have co-sponsored the bill, and Mayor Adrian Fenty, a Democrat, has said he would sign it after it gains council approval with a second vote. The district could start issuing marriage licenses to same-sex partners early next year. Under the district's limited home rule, Congress has 30 legislative days to undo any law the council passes. In the past, Congress has used legislation to overrule the city on issues such as gun rights and medical marijuana. Full Story from the Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125935985712267119.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

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Australia: Thousands Gather at Gay Marriage Rallies in Six Cities

Crowds have gathered in Australian cities calling for marriage equality after a bill to endorse gay unions was rejected by the Senate. A Senate inquiry into same-sex marriage on Friday dismissed the Greens' marriage equality bill, while the ACT government this week struck a deal with the federal government to accept a civil union scheme. Australian Marriage Equality spokesman Alex Greenwich said strong attendances by more than 2,000 people at rallies in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, ACT, Adelaide and Lismore on Saturday to launch a national year of action showed positive community support. "I think the bill's rejection has re-energised people's commitment to marriage equality," he told AAP. He said same-sex marriage could become a key issue in the lead-up to the next federal election. Full Story from 9News: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=977223

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RI: Profile of New Gay Rights Group Queer Action

Gov. Don Carcieri is a staunch social conservative who headlined a fundraiser for an anti-gay marriage group and says same-sex couples have no civil right to marriage. So it surprised even some of Carcieri’s toughest critics when the Republican sat down this month for a tense but polite meeting with six members of Queer Action of Rhode Island, the state’s newest gay rights group. When he emerged, Carcieri announced he would consider supporting a domestic partnership system similar to one recently expanded by voters in Washington state. His suggestion was an early victory for Queer Action, which wants to lobby for gay marriage and stronger hate crime laws while taking its message to opponents like Carcieri who are accustomed to a normally sedate Statehouse. Its tactics have included Internet campaigns, protests and the sitdown with the governor. Full Story from the Boston Herald: http://www.bostonherald.com/news/national/northeast/view/20091126new_gay_rights_group_brings_message_to_ri_leaders/srvc=home&position=recent

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New Zealand: "Gay Panic" Defense in Hate Crimes Abolished

As a consequence of parliamentary urgency, the archaic "provocation defence" (Section 169 of the Crimes Act) was finally abolished last night. The rejection of NZ's Partial Defence of Provocation yesterday has to be the most rapid LGBT-related legislative reform to date, as well as the least contested - apart from some fundamentalist reprobates. Justice Minister Simon Power, Labour's Lianne Dalziel and Charles Chauvel, the Law Commission and Rainbow Wellington all deserve our gratitude for the ceaseless attention to the attendant injustice involved here and prompt action when the time finally came. Firstly, the law change means there will be victims' rights equality for LGBT severe assault and homicide victims. Defence counsels will not be able to use manipulative homophobia to mitigate murder to the lesser charge of manslaughter and its diminished severity of imprisonment duration. Full Story from GayNZ.com: http://www.gaynz.com/articles/publish/32/article_8227.php

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Same Sex Benefits Expanding Around the US

With public attention focused largely on battles over whether gay couples should be able to marry, a less-noticed movement to grant health and other benefits to same-sex partners is gaining significant ground across the country in courtrooms, in legislatures and at the ballot box. In New York last week, the state's highest court upheld policies granting spousal benefits to some gay public employees who were married in another state or country. In Washington state, voters recently endorsed an "everything but marriage" bill that expands domestic partnership rights to lesbians, gays and unmarried elderly couples. In California last week, two federal judges ruled in separate cases in favor of awarding individual same-sex couples benefits for their spouses that previously had been denied. And in Congress last week, a House committee approved legislation that would provide benefits, including health insurance, retirement and disability, to same-sex partners of federal employees. Full Story from the Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/11/26/AR2009112602304.html?hpid=moreheadlines

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Korea: Transsexual Model Steps Up to Fight Ignorance

When it comes to sex, whether it refers to gender or sexual intercourse, Korea, built upon Confucianist ideals, has stayed very conservative. But the strictness on sexual relations has become radically relaxed in recent years to the level that people believe women who keep their virginity until marriage are virtually "an endangered species." Hostility against sexual minorities such as homosexuals and transsexuals, however, still remains robust, providing the grounds for many sexually straight people to see them as potential criminals, trouble makers or even transmitters of disease. This invisible but obvious antagonism against sexual minorities here has served as an invincible hurdle to those trying to venture out of the closet. A couple of celebrities including male-turned-female singer Ha Ri-su, who made her debut in 2001, and Hong Seok-cheon, a male model and actor who came out as gay in 2002, have launched campaigns aimed at removing the negative images associated with those with a different sexual identity, but they have fallen short of getting rid of the deep-rooted sentiment. Full Story from The Korean Times: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2009/11/117_56299.html

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Uganda: "The Family" Involved in Effort to Criminalize Gays, Push Death Penalty for Homosexual Behavior

The C Street home housing the Christian power broker group The Family, where Nevada Sen. John Ensign and South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford sought refuge and advice — is also notable for its involvement in another realm of anti-gay legislation: Uganda's bill criminalizing homosexuality. We already noted the religious right-wing's support of making Uganda a home base for homophobia, but now comes word that America's own Christian politicos are backing President Yoweri Museveni's campaign to make gay sex punishable by death. As Jeff Sharlot, author of the expose The Family, tells it, the bill's biggest supporter is a member of The Family. David Bahati, the lawmaker pushing for aggravated homosexuality crimes, "appears to be a core member of The Family. He works, he organizes their Ugandan National Prayer Breakfast and oversees a African sort of student leadership program designed to create future leaders for Africa, into which The Family has poured millions of dollars working through a very convoluted chain of linkages passing the money over to Uganda." Full Story from Queerty: http://www.queerty.com/shock-john-ensign-mark-sanfords-religious-family-is-backing-ugandas-gay-hate-20091127/

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The Problem With the Pope

It is time to admit that the gay community has a gigantic Pope problem. Under the leadership of Benedict XVI, the Vatican has become an implacable foe of liberalism, modernity and basic rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people. Rome has eagerly jumped with both feet into America’s culture wars and is working on a global scale to punish or purge ideological dissenters within the church. This aggressive activism presents a formidable new front in the fight for parity - one with considerable political clout and financial resources. Last week, a coalition of totalitarian religious activists and radical clerics joined forces to unveil the “Manhattan Declaration” at Washington’s National Press Club. This rambling manifesto, written by former Watergate felon Chuck Colson, called for “Christians” to disobey laws they didn’t fancy and to ignore civil rights laws that protected GLBT people from discrimination. It was a dishonest document filled with historical revisionism that promoted theocracy, encouraged anarchy and supported the dissolution of the rule of law. It falsely portrayed right wing Christians as victims, even as they pledged to work tirelessly to deny equality to those who would not adhere to their sectarian church rules. An extreme manifesto of such breathtaking cynicism and insincerity is no surprise coming from what passes for “leaders” in today’s evangelical circles. It was striking, however, that more than 15 key American Catholic leaders signed on to the “Manhattan Declaration”. Signatories included heavyweights such as Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York and Donald Wuerl, Archbishop of Washington, DC. This was clearly a call to arms and a powerful signal that the Roman Catholic Church is taking the gloves off to fight political battles in America. Full Story from The Bay Times: http://www.sfbaytimes.com/?sec=article&article_id=11939

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CA: Prop 8 Sponsors Appeal Campaign Record Decision to 9th Circuit

A federal appeals court has agreed to consider whether the sponsors of California's gay marriage ban must turn over some internal campaign records as part of a lawsuit against Proposition 8. Protect Marriage, the coalition of religious and social conservative groups behind Prop. 8, wants to safeguard its private e-mails and strategy records. Its lawyers have balked at repeated orders from a federal judge to furnish them to attorneys representing two same-sex couples in the lawsuit seeking to overturn the gay marriage ban. The 9th U.S. Circuit of Appeals on Wednesday said it would hear arguments on Dec. 1 in Protect Marriage's appeal of the orders. Full Story from Mercury News: http://www.mercurynews.com/california/ci_13866124

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Cinemark to Offer Domestic Partner Benefits to Employees

A year after CEO Alan Stock’s contribution to Yes on 8 prompted gay-rights protests and boycotts, Cinemark Theatres is reportedly set to begin offering domestic partner benefits to employees.  A spokesman for Plano-based Cinemark, the world’s third-largest movie theater chain, didn’t return phone calls seeking comment by press time. But both the founder of the San Francisco Movie Bears and the president of the North Texas GLBT Chamber of Commerce said this week they’ve heard from reliable sources within the company that the DP benefits will take effect Jan. 1. The New York Times recently reported on its Bay Area Blog that the San Francisco Movie Bears, a gay group with about 800 members, is calling off its yearlong boycott of Cinemark in response to the company’s apparent decision to add DP benefits. Movie Bears founder Dave Hayes, a former Dallas resident, told the Voice this week that the boycott has cost Cinemark at least $20,000 in ticket sales alone from the group’s weekly outings, which were moved to a nearby venue owned by AMC Theatres. Full Story from the Dallas Voice: http://www.dallasvoice.com/artman/publish/article_12169.php

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Australia: Committee Recommends Against Gay Marriage

Gay marriage advocates’ hopes were deflated today with the long-awaited Committee of Inquiry into the Marriage Equality Amendment Bill report recommending against same-sex marriage. “The Committee recommends that the Bill not be passed,” the report stated. The Committee said it believes the definition of marriage in the current Marriage Act is appropriate, however, it said other types of relationships play an important part in Australia and deserve recognition. “For this reason, the Committee’s recommendation not to alter the definition of marriage should not be taken as a lack of support for same-sex couples,” the report stated. Full Story from SSO: http://www.starobserver.com.au/news/2009/11/26/committee-says-no-to-marriage/18734

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Australia: Rudd Government Backs Off, Allows ACT Civil Unions to Stand

The Australian federal government has opted not to quash laws allowing legally-binding civil union ceremonies for gay couples in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). After discussions, the government agreed that the ceremonies could remain, although some minor changes have been made. The legislation was passed earlier this month. Gay couples will now have to register their intention to have a civil union ceremony. The changes will be made when the ACT Legislature Assembly next sits but those who tie the knot in the meantime will not be affected. Attorney-general Robert McClelland's office said: "The discussions between the Australian government and the ACT government about the Civil Partnerships Act were conducted in good faith, and the matter has been resolved satisfactorily." Full Story from Pink News: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/26/australian-government-backs-down-on-civil-union-ceremonies/

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Australia: Senator Compares Gay Marriage to Incest

FAMILY First senator Steve Fielding has compared same-sex marriages to incest, as a Senate inquiry yesterday recommended against allowing gay marriage in Australia. A day after the first legally recognised same-sex civil ceremony in Canberra, Senator Fielding spoke out against allowing gay couples to wed. ''A bloke cannot marry his brother; it is not right,'' he said. ''A woman cannot marry their sister; it is not right. A bloke cannot marry a bloke because it is not right, and a female cannot marry a female because it is not right. I don't support this.'' Labor senator Joe Ludwig reiterated the Rudd Government's stance that gay relationships should be recognised across the nation in civil partnership schemes and not with marriage. But Greens leader Bob Brown said the Government was made up of ''undemocratic wowsers'' and ''sad sacks'' who wanted to override the Australian Capital Territory laws allowing gay couples to hold a ceremony to create their legal relationship. Full Story from The Age: http://www.theage.com.au/national/fielding-likens-samesex-marriage-to-incest-20091126-juo3.html

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SC: Charleston Passes Nondiscrimination Laws

The city of Charleston, South Carolina has passed two ordinances prohibiting housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender expression, according to The Advocate. The passage of the laws is a sign of real progress in a mostly anti-gay rights state. Charleston is the second city in the GOP-dominated state to pass such laws, following in the footsteps of the state capitol, Columbia. The ordinances were presented to the mayor's office in August by members of Charleston's Alliance For Full Acceptance (AFFA), SC Stonewall Democrats, SC Log Cabin Republicans, the American Civil Liberties Union and South Carolina Equality and passed on Tuesday. South Carolina Equality lauded the news, saying,  "All across South Carolina, we are celebrating this historic victory for all families as Charleston joins Columbia as the second city in the state to enact such nondiscrimination ordinances. These pro-business ordinances are consistent with the values of Charlestonians; they send the clear message that Charleston welcomes families from all walks of life." Full Story from the Examiner: http://www.examiner.com/x-4107-International-LGBT-Issues-Examiner~y2009m11d26-South-Carolina-city-passes-gay-nondiscrimination-laws

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"Revenge Is" Selling Gay Marriage T-Shirt to Benefit Prop 8 Repeal Effort

Don't be jealous because Revenge Is, a self-described "eco-activist fashion company" (like Tom's Shoes), beat you to exploiting same-sex marriage for a few sales. At Los Angeles boutique Kitson last week, (straight-y) actor Hal Sparks "married" Smith & Pyle bandmates Missi Pyle and Shawnee Smith in a faux ceremony hosted by E! personality Giuliana Rancic, which came complete with staged protesters. Aww! Sales of the label's "All Love Is Equal" tee will benefit Prop 8's 2010 repealers Love Honor Cherish, explains Revenge Is founder Marilyn Barrett. Full Story from Queerty: http://www.queerty.com/gay-marriage-is-now-a-brilliant-marketing-tool-for-trendy-tees-20091124/

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Chile: Presidential Candidates Include Gays in Ads; Catholic Church Miffed

With three presidential candidates now including images of gay couples in their nightly campaign promotional TV spots, Chile’s Catholic Church is very unhappy.  Espiscopal Conference Monsignor Alejandro Goic on Monday criticized the presence of two gay women, kissing, in Sen. Eduardo Frei's TV campaign spots. He said Frei’s ad was last minute attempt "to capture voters" and warned that all the presidential candidates should be "aware there are certain principles that all human beings have." "I think that in the interest of capturing votes, the candidates bring up a lot of lifestyles that exist and that they want to have a positive message for everyone," Goic said. "But from my perspective, there is also a limit." Frei’s campaign staff quickly responded: “We need to be inclusive, tolerant, and show respect. There are also many homosexuals in the Church and there are people who have also committed crimes of a sensitive nature, such as pedophilia. They exist everywhere and that is why we are not going to be quiet on this issue.” Full Story from the Santiago Times: http://www.santiagotimes.cl/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=17700:chiles-catholic-church-upset-with-gay-ads-run-by-presidential-candidates-&catid=49:elections&Itemid=27

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