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Tag: gay rights

  • Candace Bure At Odds With Raven Symoné Over Gay Couple’s Wedding Cake

    Last Tuesday’s episode of The View featured two grown-up child stars debate over who gets to eat cake.

    Candace Cameron Bure, former Full House star, sparked a debate with Raven Symoné, former Cosby Show star, about same-sex marriage and the First Amendment rights.

    They began going head-to-head when Bure, discussed an Oregon bakery’s decision to refuse service to Rachel and Laurel Bowman-Cryer, a lesbian couple.

    Aaron and Melissa Klein, former owners of the bakery called Sweet Cakes by Melissa and devout Christians, were ordered by the Oregon Labor Commission earlier this month to pay a fine of $135,000 for the emotional and mental anguish the couple suffered.

    Symoné reacted, “To me, it’s the same thing they did back in the day, saying that black people couldn’t do something because ‘it’s my religious belief.’”

    Bure, a conservative Christian, disagreed, “I think you’re comparing apples to oranges here. I don’t think this is discrimination at all.”

    “This is about freedom of association, it’s about constitutional rights, and it’s about First Amendment rights. We do have the right to still choose who we associate with,” the Fuller House star continued.

    “[The bakery] didn’t refuse to bake the cake because of [the couple’s] sexual orientation,” Bure says. “In fact, they baked cakes for them previously. They had a problem with the actual ceremony because that — the ceremony — is what conflicted with their religious beliefs.”

    As Bure trailed on, Symoné just had about enough. “I refuse to associate with you right now,” the former child star who had admitted to Oprah Winfrey in 2014 that she was gay, shut down the argument. “Is that okay?”

    Whoopi Goldberg, The View co-host, countered Candace Bure and asked, “Were [the bakers] invited to the wedding?”

    Bure’s answer: “No.”

  • Pam Bondi Requests Stay On Florida’s Ban On Same-Sex Marriages

    Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi requested on Friday, October 22, that the stay on Florida’s ban on same-sex marriages imposed in August be extended until the 11th Circle Court rules on the matter. Lifting the stay would allow same-sex marriages in Florida.

    On August 21, US District Judge Robert L. Hinkle ruled that Florida’s ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional, but that he would stay his ruling until “the US Supreme Court resolves the pending applications, at that time, from Utah, Oklahoma and Virginia,” according to American Civil Liberties Union executive director Howard Simon. On October 6, the US Supreme Court announced it would no longer accept appeals on federal court decisions on same-sex marriages in Utah, Oklahoma and Virginia, along with Wisconsin and Indiana, which prompted the ACLU to follow up with Hinkle on October 7 to lift the stay in Florida so that same-sex marriages could happen in that state.

    Friday marked the deadline for Bondi’s response to the ACLU’s request. “It’s disappointing that Attorney General Bondi and Gov. Rick Scott have chosen to continue to swim against the tide of inevitable history and block Florida families from having the protections that come with being married. We are hopeful that the court will reject the state’s effort to keep the stay in place and allow marriages to go forward and be recognized in Florida,” said Simon.

    Bondi reportedly filed last week with Third District Court of Appeal in Miami. She requested that the highest court of Florida decide on whether the ban on same-sex marriages is legal, saying that “changed circumstances” warrant the ban’s review there.

    Meanwhile, some of Bondi’s detractors have been criticizing the Attorney General for her active participation in filing briefs in states other than Florida. Bondi, with the Republican Attorneys General Association, has opposed the ban on semiautomatic weapons in Connecticut and the cleanup of Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Neither of these actions respond to issues in Florida.

  • Alabama Gay Sex Ban Ruled Unconstitutional By Court Of Appeals

    You may not be able to marry someone of the same sex in Alabama, but now you can at least have sex with them. The Associated Press reported that the Alabama court of appeals has declared an anti-sodomy law unconstitutional.

    In other words, consensual sex between two people of the same sex is no longer against the law in Alabama.

    For gay-rights groups, this is a step in the right direction. For the state attorney general’s office, it may be more of an embarrassment. The prosecutor for the case, Williams v. Alabama, failed to convict the defendant on a first-degree sodomy charge. The lack of conviction is what brought the law up for question to the appeals court in the first place.

    Meanwhile, the state of Alabama’s ban on gay marriage stands. Lawsuits are in progress to overturn the ban, but so far nothing has shaken courts of their resolve to uphold the ban.

    Of course, not everyone is quite as excited as the gays in this long awaited victory. If the judge in the following video gets his way, no one will be able to marry someone of the same sex. From the looks of things, his campaign does not seem to garner enough momentum to reverse the victories the pro-gay marriage movement has gained in recent years.

    ‘

    The reaction over Twitter was a small bewilderment that it took this long to get an anti-sodomy law overturned. The ACLU shared a similar bewilderment. “Consensual sex is just that – consensual – regardless of an individual’s sexual orientation,” Susan Watson, executive director of the ACLU of Alabama, said according to the Washington Times, “We don’t need government in our bedrooms.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons.

  • Rick Perry Likens Homosexuality to Alcoholism

    In his 2012 presidential bid, Texas governor Rick Perry was known for his verbal gaffes, perhaps the most famous of which coming during a debate in which Perry forgot which part of the federal government he wished to abolish.

    Many have not considered Perry to be a viable candidate in the 2016 elections, yet his actions imply otherwise, making visits to early voting states such as Iowa and South Carolina. And while Perry may have learned many things during his first foray into the race for president, speaking skills were apparently not on the list.

    During a visit to the Commonwealth Club of California in San Francisco on Wednesday night, Perry sought to push less-restricted economic practices onto California, imploring the state to follow the example set by Texas: “I’m not here to dis California. I’m here to lay out what we’ve done in [Texas], economically, and let you decide which one of those economic policies best suits you.”

    Despite his assurances, however, Perry did dis California, albeit most likely not on purpose.

    During the question and answer session with the audience, Perry fielded a question about whether or not he thought that reparative therapy for homosexuals, a practice now deemed acceptable and appropriate by the state of Texas, really worked: “I don’t know. I’m not a psychiatrist, I’m not a doctor,” responded Perry.

    Commonwealth Club interviewer Greg Dalton then asked the logical follow up question: Is it [homosexuality] a disorder?

    Perry’s answer resulted in several, audible gasps:

    Whether or not you feel compelled to follow a particular lifestyle or not, you have the ability to decide not to do that. I may have the genetic coding that I’m inclined to be an alcoholic, but I have the desire not to do that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way.

    In a state which has banned reparative therapy from licensed professionals to minors, Perry’s answer was perhaps the most wrong answer he could have given.

    In response to Perry’s inane comment Wednesday night, the Human Rights Campaign released a simple, yet effective, reply:

    Although he may not have the ‘genetic coding’ to think before he speaks, Rick Perry, M.D. should have a real conversation with actual doctors before voicing his expertise on these issues. Every major mental health and medical organization in the country has condemned practices aimed at changing a person’s sexual orientation.

    Unfortunately for Perry, this is not the first time he has expressed such views. In his 2008 book, On My Honor, Perry likened homosexuality to alcoholism once again, saying, “Even if an alcoholic is powerless over alcohol once it enters his body, he still makes a choice to drink. And, even if someone is attracted to a person of the same sex, he or she still makes a choice to engage in sexual activity with someone of the same gender.”

    If there’s one upside for the Perry campaign, it’s this – If Perry decides to run for President in 2016, he will not have to worry about spending money to campaign in California… or New York… or Massachusetts… or Washington… (You get the picture.)

    Image via YouTube

  • Pennsylvania Same-Sex Marriage: Judge Says Ban Is Unconstitutional

    On Tuesday, a federal judge struck down the ban of same-sex marriages in Pennsylvania, saying that it is unconstitutional. Judge John E. Jones said that the label “same-sex marriage” will be abandoned by future generations and simply call it “marriage.”

    “We are a better people than what these laws represent, and it is time to discard them into the ash heap of history,” the judge said.

    With the ban of same-sex marriage thrown out, same-sex couples are now allowed to get their marriage licenses. After the judge’s ruling on Tuesday, hundreds of same-sex couples rushed to get their marriage licenses.

    Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett announced that he would end his fight to stop same-sex marriage, stating, “The case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal.”

    In October, Corbett’s comments on same-sex marriage stirred controversy among same-sex couples. He compared same-sex marriages to the marriage of brother and  sister. “I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman,” the governor said.

    Gov. Corbett compares same-sex marriage to brother and sister relationship

    Pennsylvania is the 19th state in the U.S. to recognize same-sex unions.

    According to Pennsylvania law, couples that have their marriage license must wait 3 days before they can get married. However, one couple was wed about an hour before the judge made his decision. The 3-day waiting period was waived for them.

    Another couple, Jim Devaty and Stephen Miller, who have been together for more than 20 years, was excited about the ruling. They immediately applied for the marriage license after the judge’s ruling. “I’m in shock. In a way, I never thought I’d live to see the day when Jim and I could get married,” Miller said.

    Attorney General Kathleen Kane said, “Today brings justice to Pennsylvanians who have suffered from unequal protection under the law because of their sexual orientation.”

    With the ban on same-sex marriage lifted, same-sex couples are rejoicing and are happy that they can finally get married in their home state.

    Image via YouTube

  • Michael Sam Becomes First Openly Gay Player to be Drafted, Gets Congratulations from Obama

    Former Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam became the first openly gay player to be drafted after being taken in the NFL Draft on Saturday. Sam was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the seventh round.

    Michael Sam came out back in February, and since then, many people have wondered how that would affect his draft stock. The co-defensive player of the year in the SEC for this past season was taken with the 249th pick in the seventh round; there were 256 players taken in the draft in all. Despite not being taken earlier and getting a bigger payday, Sam is very excited that he was drafted.

    “I am overwhelmed, I’m excited, and I’m proud to be a Ram,” Sam said. “I knew I was going to get picked somewhere. Every team that passed on me, I was thinking about how I was going to sack their quarterback.”

    Jeff Fisher, head coach for the Rams, said that he was surprised Sam was still available so late in the draft, which is a sentiment shared by Sam himself and many others. Interestingly enough, the Rams selected four players in rounds six and seven before taking Sam. Even though Fisher’s surprise doesn’t seem warranted (the Rams made nine picks total before taking Sam), the Rams coach does say he is honored to be part of the historical moment.

    “In a world of diversity we live in now, it’s an honor to be a part of this,” Fisher said.

    Michael Sam’s reaction to being drafted was captured by ESPN. You can see the reaction in the video below, which included tears and kissing his boyfriend, Vito Cammisano.

    While Sam being taken in the NFL Draft was no doubt seen as a victorious moment for the gay rights movement, the on-air kiss led to quite a few people expressing their disdain on Twitter.

    Miami Dolphins player Don Jones called the kissing clip “horrible” in a tweet that was later deleted. Dennis Hickey, the general manager for the Dolphins, says he plans to talk to Jones about his comment. “I was disappointed in those comments,” Hickey said. “That’s not what we stand for as an organization.”

    Even though some people are less than thrilled with ESPN airing Michael Sam kissing his boyfriend, others aren’t focusing on the kiss, but what Sam’s draft means for other homosexuals. The White House released a statement last night where President Barack Obama congratulated Sam on being selected:

    The President congratulates Michael Sam, the Rams and the NFL for taking an important step forward in our Nation’s journey. From the playing field to the corporate boardroom, LGBT Americans prove everyday that you should be judged by what you do and not who you are.

    Check out some other congratulatory comments Sam received after being drafted below.

    Image via Twitter

  • Sharia Law Causes Celebrities To Boycott Famed Beverly Hills Hotel

    Ellen DeGeneres and Jay Leno are just two of the famous personalities that are boycotting the Beverly Hills Hotel – a Brunei-owned company.

    On Monday, the Beverly Hills on Sunset Boulevard was bombarded with crowds of protesters calling for people to boycott the hotel. The protest was against Brunei leader, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, who announced last week that he is going to push through with the Sharia law that includes stoning to death and severing limbs of adulterers and gay citizens.

    According to reports, the penalties also apply to Brunei-based citizens who are not Muslim.

    As a result of the announcement, music executive and record producer Clive Davis moved out of the hotel over the weekend. Organizers of large-scale events that were supposed to take place at the hotel also pulled out. Other stars boycotting the hotel include Richard Branson, Stephen Fry, and Sharon Osbourne.

    Lili Bosse, mayor of Beverly Hills, is urging the city to come up with a resolution that condemns Brunei’s new laws. The city will be voting on what measures to take on Tuesday.

    Amidst all the protests, some are concerned about the employees who are working for the hotel and other properties of the Dorchester Collection. Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive for the Dorchester Collection said that the act of boycotting will hurt employees of the chain.

    A source said that with the lack of celebrities and other well-known personalities in the hotel, there is no need to take on the extra employees.

    U.S. has been discreet about wanting to change the penal code of Brunei, but reports say that the country’s concerns have already been relayed in private to the government of Brunei.

    Sultan Bolkiah’s new law has made Brunei the first country to set the Sharia Law nationally in East and Southeast Asia. Several human rights organizations, and the United Nations office have shown their disapproval of the law.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Gay Marriage: Arkansas Attorney General Backs Same-Sex Marriage, But Defends Ban

    Arkansas Attorney General Dustin McDaniel spoke out on gay marriage today and let everyone know that he believes in marriage equality. While having another politician that supports same-sex marriage should be a good thing from the gay rights perspective, McDaniel’s admission is pretty much meaningless, as the attorney general says he will continue to uphold his state’s ban on gay marriages.

    That’s right. McDaniel says he is tired of gays being treated like “second class citizens,” but said he won’t do anything to change his state’s law in pretty much the same breath.

    McDaniel, a Democrat, spoke at a convention today and decided to share his personal views on gay marriage. McDaniel said that he has been struggling with the decision to speak out on marriage equality for years, but finally wanted to let everyone know where he stands.

    “I want to tell you I do support marriage equality and I do believe Arkansans should have the right to be equal in the eyes of the law,” said McDaniel. “I’m going to zealously defend our constitution, but at the same time I think it’s important to let people where I stand on the matter.” McDaniel further said, “It’s become more and more difficult for me to accept the idea of anyone being treated as a second class citizen.”

    Arkansas banned recognizing gay marriages in 2004, but a lawsuit filed in 2013 that will be decided in the coming week could change that. While the recognition of gay marriage is banned under the Arkansas state constitution, the group of same-sex couples that are challenging the ban maintain that the refusal to recognize these marriages goes against the federal and state constitutions.

    McDaniel’s admission about where he stands on gay marriage has left many people confused, with some accusing him of talking out of both sides of his mouth. Check out the Twitter reaction to McDaniel’s stance on gay marriage below.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Matt Bomer Reveals He Is Married

    Matt Bomer came out publicly as a gay man while accepting an award at the Desert AIDS Project’s Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards in 2012.

    After that, fans assumed they knew everything there was to know about the handsome actor, but there is one thing that Bomer has kept a secret … until now.

    During a recent interview with Details magazine, Bomer shocked his fans once again by revealing that he is married to his partner Simon Halls, who he has three children with, and has been for three years!

    The Magic Mike star also talked to the publication about his newest role in Ryan Murphy’s film adaptation of the play The Normal Heart. In the film, Bomer plays a gay man dying from AIDS. He credits the author of the play Larry Kramer with helping pave the road for gay rights. “I wouldn’t have a lot of the rights I have today if it wasn’t for people like Larry,” Bomer said.

    Bomer explained that he had read The Normal Heart when he was in high school, and when he heard that there would be a film, he wanted to be involved in any way possible. “I just wanted to be involved with the project in some capacity,” he said. “I didn’t care what my part was.”

    While Bomer had his doubts about landing a role in the film, Murphy did not. “Matt was the first person I felt would do whatever it took to be true to the history of the part and to the millions of people who have died because of this disease,” Murphy said. “I needed somebody who was a protector of that. That meant going on a really dangerous, incredibly severe diet and going to a dark place emotionally.”

    Bomer lost 40 pounds for his role with the help of his doctors and a14-day alkalized-water, juice, tea and enzyme cleanse. He also received tips from his Magic Mike co-star Mathew McConaughey, who lost 50 pounds to play an aids victim and activist in Dallas Buyers Club.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Brittney Griner Says Baylor Kept Her in the Closet in New Book

    While Baylor University certainly enjoyed Brittney Griner’s talents on the court, the former player claims that officials at the university told her to keep her sexual orientation a secret. Griner, who is now openly gay, wrote about her experience at Baylor in her new book In My Skin.

    Baylor University is a private Baptist college in Waco, Texas. Griner played for Baylor from 2009-2013. To say that Griner, who stands at 6’8″ and has an 88″ wing span, was a standout at Baylor would be putting it lightly. Griner led her team to an NCAA Championship in 2012 and was named the AP Division I Player of the Year and the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in the same year. Griner is so good, in fact, that one NBA team didn’t rule out drafting her.

    While Griner’s efforts on the court were appreciated, she says in her book that she was encouraged to hide her homosexuality while playing for Baylor. Baylor women’s basketball Coach Kim Mulkey is one person Brittney Griner mentioned that told her to keep her homosexuality to herself. In addition to telling the star player to watch what she posted on Twitter, Griner says that Mulkey also told her to keep “her business quiet.”

    Since Baylor is both a Christian university and includes the following in their Statement on Human Sexuality, it’s no surprise that Griner’s sexuality was an issue.

    Baylor University welcomes all students into a safe and supportive environment in which to discuss and learn about a variety of issues, including those of human sexuality. The University affirms the biblical understanding of sexuality as a gift from God. Christian churches across the ages and around the world have affirmed purity in singleness and fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman as the biblical norm. Temptations to deviate from this norm include both heterosexual sex outside of marriage and homosexual behavior. It is thus expected that Baylor students will not participate in advocacy groups which promote understandings of sexuality that are contrary to biblical teaching.

    Even though the school makes it crystal clear where they stand on same-sex relationships, the fact that Griner’s coach and others knew about her sexuality and tried to hide it so they could utilize her talents was frustrating for the young star.

    “The more I think about it, the more I feel like the people who run the school want it both ways: they want to keep the policy, so they can keep selling themselves as a Christian university, but they are more than happy to benefit from the success of their gay athletes,” Griner said in her book. “That is, as long as those gay athletes don’t talk about being gay.”

    After staying quiet about her sexual orientation for four years, Griner came out to the public in April of 2013, right after being selected number one in the WNBA Draft.

    And, after being told to watch what she posted online all those years, Griner has since become very open about her sexuality on Twitter:

    Despite having to hide her sexuality for so long, Brittney Griner doesn’t have any ill feelings towards Mulkey or Baylor University. Griner says she wouldn’t change her decision to attend Baylor, even with the knowledge that she would have to conceal her homosexuality. Even though Griner loves her university, she doesn’t see herself becoming an ambassador anytime soon, though.

    “I would love to be an ambassador for Baylor, to show my school pride, but it’s hard to do that,” Griner said. “I’ve spent too much of my life being made to feel like there’s something wrong with me. And no matter how much support I felt as a basketball player at Baylor, it still doesn’t erase all the pain I felt there.”

    Griner’s book In My Skin (cover below) came out on April 8.

    Image via Twitter

  • Vernita Gray, LGBT Champion, Dies At 65 Of Breast Cancer

    Vernita Gray, a known advocate for LGBT rights, died on Tuesday at her home in Edgewater, Chicago, after succumbing to breast cancer. Gray had been battling cancer since 1996, and had several recurrences through the years. She was 65.

    Gray is known for being half of Illinois’ first same-sex couple to exchange marriage vows when she married Patricia Ewert in November last year. A federal judge hastened the couple’s marriage license because of Gray’s condition.

    As a result, additional court rulings expedited same-sex marriage in Illinois ahead of the planned June 1, 2014 implementation.

    “She changed the world. She made it a better place,” said Ewert. “She was always happy, always positive.”

    Gray was also a leading advocate for LGBT rights since the late 60’s. She came out after Woodstock in 1969, after learning of the Stonewall riots. Soon, she organized a gay and lesbian hotline at her home, and support groups for youth who were rejected by their families. The phone rang so much that she would leave her apartment just to get peace of mind.

    Gray and Ewert met on an all-women’s cruise during Pride Month in 2009. They were engaged in the same year. The couple wed at their Chicago home on November 27 and had their honeymoon in Ixtapa, Mexico.

    The couple received a congratulatory letter from President Obama, saying, “A love like yours is truly something to treasure.”

    “Vernita Gray was an inspiration to all who crossed her path, from President Obama who knew her by name to the victims of violence she comforted and the young people for whom she was a fierce advocate,” said Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.

    A memorial service is being planned. According to family, donations should be made to Affinity Community Services, Broadway Youth Center at Howard Brown, or Center on Halsted.

    Vernita Gray Speaks At Illinois Marriage Equality March


    Image via YouTube

  • Michele Bachmann: LGBT Activists Have Bullied Americans

    Congresswoman Michele Bachmann claims that gays have bullied the Americans into voting against Senate Bill 1062. During the Conservative Political Action Conference last week, the Republican representative of Minnesota’s sixth district was interviewed by conservative radio host Lars Larson. She said that the bill’s downfall showed how LGBT activists have “bullied” politicians and voters into vetoing SB 1062.

    According to Bachmann, there’s nothing about gays in the bill, and that the gay community have bullied the American people and intimidated politicians. She believes that politicians fear the gay community, who “think they get to dictate the agenda everywhere.” She thinks it has all gotten “a little tiresome.”

    Listen to Michele Bachamann on Lars Larson radio show

    SB 1062 would have denied gays service from establishments and businesses based on religious beliefs. If signed into law, the bill would have provided business owners facing discrimination lawsuits with a legal defense, and say that they had acted based on their religious beliefs. The bill was vetoed by Arizona Governor Jan Brewer in February. Among the politicians who recommended it to be turned down are 2012 presidential nominee Mitt Romney, and Senators John McCain and Jeff Flake.

    Earlier this month, Bachmann expressed her opposition to Brewer’s decision. She said that she was sorry Brewer vetoed the bill, because she believes that “tolerance is a two-way street,” and added that the rights of people who have sincerely held religious beliefs should be respected, which means that the vetoing of the bill proved that there is an intolerance against them.

    Bachmann believes that liberals, activist judges and President Obama have ignored the constitution. She describes the president as “lawless, violating the Constitution with every executive order.”

    In 2006, Bachmann opposed an anti-bullying legislation, telling the Minnesota Legislature that such a bill would be a waste of time. “There have always been bullies,” she said, and added, “Will we be expecting boys to be girls?” Five years later, she dismissed the issue that bullying in schools targeted gay students, saying that it was not a federal concern.

     Michele Bachmann On Gays

    Image via YouTube

  • Texas Gay Marriage: Federal Judge Strikes Down Ban

    On Wednesday, Judge Orlando Garcia struck down the ban on gay marriage in Texas. The judge went on to say that he did not do it to defy the people of Texas, but to comply with the U.S. constitution.

    The decision was an answer to a suit filed by gay couples that challenged the constitutional amendment of Texas regarding banning gay marriage. Voting was done in 2005 and the results showed that 76% agreed to ban gay marriage in the state.

    Garcia said that he carefully thought about his decision and that the ban goes against the country’s constitution on due process and equal protection. The current law in Texas prohibits gay couples to marry, thus demeaning them for no legitimate governmental purpose.

    The judge’s ruling will not be in effect immediately. It means that gay couples in Texas cannot get married while the case is still in appeal.

    Gilberto Hinojosa, Texas’ Democratic Party chairman, said that the ruling is a big step for the state’s LGBT community. He also stated that gay couples just want to have responsibilities and benefits that married couples have.

    One of the four plaintiffs who brought the lawsuit forward, Victor Holmes, also rejoiced with judge’s decision with a fist pump and a “Woo hoo!” Holmes and his partner Mark Phariss are veterans of the U.S. Air Force. They are happy about the decision Garcia has made and take it as a first step towards the possibility of getting married.

    On the other side, those who are opposed to gay marriage will still be fighting for what they believe in. Greg Abbott, Texas Attorney General, said that they would be challenging the ruling, as the U.S. Supreme Court has stated that each state has the authority to define marriage and that the state’s constitution dictates that marriage is an act between a man and woman.

    The decision to ban gay marriage in Texas may ultimately be up to the Supreme Court.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Lobbyist Wants Gay Players Banned from NFL

    Former Missouri player Michael Sam (above) knew to expect a certain amount of resistance after announcing that he is gay, which will make him the first openly gay player in the NFL after he is drafted, but he probably didn’t expect the latest twist–a Washington lobbyist is pushing for legislation that would ban gay players from the NFL. Jack Burkman announced on Monday that he is preparing legislation for a ban of gay players in the NFL because he believes allowing them to participate would reflect poorly on the United States.

    ”We are losing our decency as a nation,” said Burkman. “Imagine your son being forced to shower with a gay man. That’s a horrifying prospect for every mom in the country. What in the world has this nation come to?”

    Not surprisingly, the news that a Washington lobbyist is pushing for a gay player ban didn’t sit well with a lot of people. Check out some comments made to Burkman after he posted his comments about moms being scared to think about their sons in the locker room with a gay guy.

    NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that he is supporting Sam’s decision to come out and says that the league won’t discriminate based on sexual orientation. Apparently this statement by Goodell didn’t sit well with the Republican lobbyist, since this is part of the reason Burkman is pushing Congress to intervene.

    “I felt that if the NFL doesn’t have any morals, and people like Roger Goodell, who are just go-along-get-along guys, just want to appease advertisers, appease corporate America and all that stuff. I figured, well, it is time for conservatives in Congress to step in and define morality for them,” Burkman said.

    Even though Burkman’s announcement that he is pushing for a ban of gay players in the NFL was met with outrage by many people, Michael Sam doesn’t seem too bothered by it:

    Burkman’s firm lost its first client since he made his comments about a gay player ban. DC Solar executives Jeffery Carpoff and Paulette Carpoff told TIME that they don’t want their company to be associated with someone who has homophobic views.

    “DC Solar does not condone or support Mr. Burkman’s homophobic views, and since learning about his misguided efforts to write legislation banning gay athletes from the NFL, we have ended our relationship with him,” said the Carpoffs.

    “DC Solar values diversity within our company and within out communities, and we do not tolerate discrimination of any sort. As a company working to address issues about our country’s future, we have no intention of working with those stuck in the past.”

    Image via YouTube

  • Julianne Moore Celebrates Ellen Page Coming Out, Will Play Her Lover In Upcoming Film

    Ellen Page made a brave decision when finally deciding to reveal to the world that she is gay. Julianne Moore, her future co-star, has praised her for the action that she made, and is excited to present their new film.

    Page made her big speech during the Human Right Campaign’s “Time to THRIVE” event at Bally’s Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. It significantly came on the night of Valentine’s Day, and she received great support from human rights groups, and Hollywood celebrities such as Julianne Moore have also come out in support of the young actress.

    The Oscar-nominated Juno actress had the internet buzzing like crazy when she delivered her speech that included the line “I’m here today because I am gay. And because maybe I can make a difference. To help others have an easier and more hopeful time. Regardless, for me, I feel a personal obligation and a social responsibility.”

    In a recent interview regarding Ellen Page’s speech, Julianne Moore said “It was really wonderful. I was very happy for her.” She also mentioned that she was excited for the film that they made together, and to be able to share it with the public.

    The upcoming film starring Julianne Moore and Ellen Page is called Freeheld, and will feature the pair as lovers. Page has described the film as a dream project, and it will be based on the 2007 Academy Award-winning documentary short of the same name.

    Freeheld tells the true story of the late Laurel Hester, a New Jersey police detective whose world was shattered when she became terminally ill, and government officials prevented her from giving her pension benefits to her domestic partner, Stacie Andree.

    The film is an indie drama, and will also feature a different role for Zach Galifianakis, and he will play Garden State Equality activist Steven Goldstein. Julianne Moore has another upcoming film titled Maggie’s Plan, in which she will star opposite Greta Gerwig.

    Ellen Page delivered her speech for LGBT youth, and hopes to inspire young people to be able to open about their true identity in the same way that she is. Her casting as Julianne Moore’s co-star came on the following day.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Jason Collins: 1st Openly Gay NBA Player Re-Signed

    Although Jason Collins should be admired for his courage to be the first openly gay NBA player, he should be ever more applauded for joining the slightly ramshackled Brooklyn Nets today.

    While already proven brave, Collins shows that he may also be of the shrewd athlete as well. Sports Illustrated tells us that he and the Nets have agreed on a 10-day contract, and we’ll see him play later today in a Nets jersey against the Lakers.

    Granted, the team is not doomed to failure– Despite being unceremoniously dumped by one of the most famous Brooklynites and pretty much the spokesperson of the team, Jay-Z, the team is currently doing average at best with a 25-28 record while clinging to the last playoff spot for dear life. Now, adding Jason Collins to the team is an additional plus; Collins has already played with the two power players of the Nets, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, in Boston. He was also teammates with Nets head coach Jason Kidd in the earlier 2000s.

    Jason Collins ranked first in Stanford’s field goal percentage history, and is a 13-year NBA veteran in great shape. Strangely though, Collins hasn’t been signed to a team in close to nine months. Is it just a coincidence that it has also been almost nine months since he publicly announced his homosexuality? It would be hard not to connect the two.

    Despite the issues that still seem unavoidable in today’s time, we congratulate Jason Collins as well as the Brooklyn Nets. Collins is a 7-foot defensive power player who has stifled some of the strongest centers such as Dwight Howard, and his experience and added size to the Brooklyn Nets roster might be exactly what the team needs to boost their rankings. Be sure to check him out tonight.

    Image via NDN

  • Vladimir Luxuria, Gay-Rights Activist, Detained at Sochi

    Vladimir Luxuria, former Communist MP for Italy and current television personality, was detained twice by Russian police for her gay-rights activism in Sochi.

    Her first detainment came on Sunday after holding up a sign in the Olympic Park which read “Gay is OK” in Russian. According to Imma Battaglia, director of Italy’s Gay Project action group, Luxuria’s arrest on Sunday was no walk in the park: “The arrest by the agents was brutal and aggressive. No one spoke English. She now finds herself alone in a room with neon lights shone into her face presumably in a state of arrest.”

    Battaglia’s report was corroborated by Luxuria, who stated, ”It’s not nice to be all alone in a room with a neon light not knowing what’s going on.”

    Despite being reported by multiple sources, Russian police deny detaining Luxuria on Monday due to no formal records of such an occurrence.

    While Luxuria may have not enjoyed staying in a neon-lit room all by herself, it was not enough to deter her from protesting once again. Luxuria was arrested for a second time on Monday after planning to attend a hockey game while wearing a rainbow headdress and sporting a gay-pride flag. Before heading to the game, Luxuria was shouting “Gay is OK” for approximately 2 hours outside of Shayba Arena.

    When asked why she continued to protest at the games, Luxuria responded, “I think it is important …(to have) the opportunity to talk internationally about these things because otherwise these things happen in Russia and nobody knows, nobody cares. They think: ‘Well, it’s not in our country, it’s far away, it’s in Russia, who cares?’”

    Protests at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi stem from a recent bill passed by the Russian government which makes it illegal to produce propaganda for gay-rights in the presence of children or if it will be found offensive by particular religious groups. Due to this law and International Olympic Committee (IOC) laws outlawing political propaganda at the Olympic Games, the IOC supported Luxuria’s removal from the stadium on Monday: ”I know her stated aim to demonstrate in the venue and I believe after a couple of hours when she finally got to the venue I think she was escorted from there peacefully, not detained,” stated IOC spokesman Mark Adams.

    Even though she has already been detained twice, one should not expect Luxuria to stop protesting anytime soon: “I think this is so important. For me, I’ve experienced in my childhood what it means to be beaten up or abused for the fact that I’m transgender. If I stop wearing the colours of the rainbow, just because somebody took away a flag from me, that means that these people win.”

    Image via YouTube

  • More Federal Privileges Extended to Same-Sex Couples

    For those couples that are of the same sex, it appears as if things are only going to get better for your partnerships and lives. Not only are more states opening their doors to acceptance of same-sex marriage, now the Federal Government is extending privileges to those who were married in the eyes of the law, but barely acknowledged.

    The Justice Department will instruct all of its employees all across the country this coming Monday, in a groundbreaking event, to extend legal equality to same-sex married partners, giving them protection under the same laws as non-same-sex married partners in every program it administers, from courthouse proceedings to prison visits to the compensation of surviving spouses of public safety officers.

    Disclosed in this new policy, the department will spell out the rights of same-sex couples, which includes the right to decline to testify against a spouse, even in states that do not recognize their marriage.

    Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. prepared documents that would eliminate the legal distinction of same-sex and opposite-sex married couples, according to a prominent gay rights group.

    “In every courthouse, in every proceeding and in every place where a member of the Department of Justice stands on behalf of the United States, they will strive to ensure that same-sex marriages receive the same privileges, protections and rights as opposite-sex marriages,” Mr. Holder’s prepared remarks said, according to the excerpts circulated by the Justice Department.

    These changes were imminent after the Supreme Court, last year, declared that it was unconstitutional to refuse federal benefits to same-sex married couples, which Mr. Holder strongly supported.

    The Obama administration has rewritten the federal rules for same-sex couples to allow them to file taxes as married couples, to receive Medicare and other benefits usually reserved for opposite-sex married couples. Mr. Holder has been behind these efforts and a face in the public, supporting gay rights.

    “These issues are very much at the center of this administration’s civil rights legacy,” said Ian S. Thompson, who works on gay and lesbian issues for the American Civil Liberties Union in Washington.

    And in a statement by Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin, who couldn’t be more pleased:

    “This landmark announcement will change the lives of countless committed gay and lesbian couples for the better. While the immediate effect of these policy decisions is that all married gay couples will be treated equally under the law, the long-term effects are more profound. Today, our nation moves closer toward its ideals of equality and fairness for all.”

    This new policy comes just three years after the Justice Department said it would not defend cases involving the Defense of Marriage Act any longer, with the Supreme Court ruling, things have certainly changed.

    Image via NDN

  • Olympic Charter Referenced With Google Doodle Supporting Gay Rights

    Google has a doodle up on its homepage throughout the world today celebrating the Olympic Games, but also making a statement in favor of gay rights.

    Olympic Charter

    Not only does the doodle resemble a rainbow flag, Google has actually quoted the Olympic Charter on its homepage underneath the search box. It says:

    “The practice of sport is a human right. Every individual must have the possibility of practicing sport, without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.” –Olympic Charter

    The link simply takes you to Google’s search results for “olympic charter,” which points to the document on Olympic.org as the top result underneath the news box. From there you can access it in PDF form.

    The quote Google uses appears as number 4 under “Fundamental Principles of Olympism”.

    The charter is the set of rules and guidelines for the games, and has been used throughout history to decide the outcome of various controversies. The organization has turned to it to rule on issues about citizenship, performance-enhancing drugs, and sexism, among other things.

    Obviously Google is aiming the doodle and message at Russian anti-gay law, and these appear on Google’s Russian homepage just like the rest of its international properties.

    Image via Google

  • FAFSA Now Recognizes Same-Sex Unions

    It’s that time again– right up there with the joys of pulling all-nighters is the FAFSA adventure that you must do every year for the upcoming school year. Whether you’re a freshman or an old pro at this, a few tips couldn’t hurt to smooth the process:

    As always, the Department of Education tells us that you need these things to complete the FAFSA:

    -Your Social Security Number
    -Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
    -Your most recent federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned. (Note: You may be able to transfer your federal tax return information into your FAFSA using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.)
    -Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
    -Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
    -A Federal Student Aid PIN to sign electronically.

    Your parents have to fill out this information as well if you are a dependent student.

    A major change in the 2014-15 FAFSA for household information–in an announcement late last year, we are now aware that we can notify the DoE of parent’s of the same sex, whether married or cohabiting. This will give the department a better idea of what financial aid resources each student needs. Regarding this change, the U.S. Secretary of Education Anne Duncan states,””We must continue to ensure that every single American is treated equally in the eyes of the law, and this important guidance for students is another step forward in that effort,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. “As students fill out their FAFSA this coming year, I’m thrilled they’ll be able to do so in a way that is more fair and just.” Essentially, as long as you live in a household with a marriage legally recognized by your state, the union will now also be recognized by the Department of Education.

    While this could mean less financial aid for some who now have to claim another parent on their form, this also helps those who may need more financial aid due to only having one parent to help with costs– now, there just may be more money available for them if all unions are recognized.

    Filling out the FAFSA is similar to filing your taxes; each require your important financial information to be accurately reported. The recent changes in the FAFSA ensure that everyone will be doing so, no matter the circumstances. Maintain your records and take care to fill each box accurately, so that you will only have to worry about grades next year– not how to pay for your classes.

    Image via Wiki Commons

  • George Takei: Utah, Boldly Change Your Gay Stance

    George Takei, widely known for his role as Mr. Sulu on the original Star Trek series, is currently dealing with another breed of species– politicians.

    While promoting his part in the 2014 Salt Lake Comic Con FanXperience, gay activist Takei set his phasers on kill when addressing Utah’s current decision to dismiss all same-sex marriages that were performed when they were briefly allowed. Fox News tells us that according to Takei, over 2,600 people fit into this category, and now their marriages suddenly have no legal standing. Mr.Sulu Takei bluntly accredits Utah politicians decision to “stupidity.”

    In pleasant news, Takei will play a major part in the Comic Con convention that will be held in April and September in Utah. The April convention has impressively sold out already, while the September one is also filling fast. According to Comic Con, The FanXperience is held by the same organization, but includes exclusive features such as the Kid Con Pavillion, longer hours, increased social activities and more. Takei hosted the pre-event on Friday, and met with fans to take pictures and autographs. He told a Utah newspaper that it is “good manners” to thank fans of Star Trek– Trekkies were pleased,

    …and Comic Con raked in even more profit with the free event charging for photographs and autographs with Takei.

    Takei is happy to hang with fans at the ComicCon in Utah, and is also pleased with promoting his Sundance Film Festival-selected documentary “To Be Takei” there as well– although he still thinks Utah politics are …illogical. Can’t win them all. Maybe next light year for Utah.