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Tag: same-sex marriage

  • Kim Davis, KY Clerk, Still Refusing To Issue Marriage Licenses To Same-Sex Couples

    Kim Davis, the Kentucky clerk who has consistently denied issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples despite being told by a judge that she must do so, is still refusing on the grounds of religious freedom.

    Davis, who works in Rowan County, says that her faith is firmly against same-sex marriage and has refused to issue licenses since the Supreme Court ruling in June that made it legal in every state. However, she was told by a judge earlier this month that she must continue to do her job despite her personal beliefs and was given until August 31 or until the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling about the case, whichever came first. The ruling came on Wednesday, but on Thursday Davis refused William Smith Jr. and James Yates a marriage license on their third attempt.

    Kim Davis has said that signing her name to a legal document is the same as condoning same-sex marriage, and that her refusal to do so is covered under the First Amendment and Kentucky’s Religious Freedom law. However, according to the ACLU, Davis must continue to do her job.

    “This case is simple. Religious liberty certainly does not allow public officials to deny government services to the public based on their personal beliefs. All that Davis is required to do in her official capacity as clerk is issue a form. In no way is she being forced to endorse anyone’s marriage or beliefs,” said William Sharp.

    The story has continued to draw national attention, and the media has stormed Davis’ Rowan County office along with protesters over the past several weeks. Kim Davis said at a recent rally that she would continue to stand strong with her faith, but that she needed support to do so.

    “I need your prayers … to continue to stand firm in what we believe. Regardless of what any man puts on a piece of paper, the law of nature is not going to change,” Davis said.

    Kim Davis reportedly will continue to deny issuing licenses to same-sex couples until August 31 despite the ruling.

  • ’19 Kids and Counting’: Duggar Family Chides Nation for Sex Again; Hell Follows After

    The Duggar family, particularly the patriarch and matriarch of the clan, are speaking out about another sexual matter. Despite the censure the pair has suffered over the handling of their son’s molestation charges, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have seen fit to make yet another moralistic comment about what other people do in their own bedrooms.

    In a Facebook post coinciding with the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, the Duggar heads expressed their chagrin that some people they meet might have the same rights their molester son now enjoys.

    Their post read, “Praying for our nation today,” and featured a Bible quote from 2 Chronicles 7:14.

    “If my people which are called in my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

    The implication is that same-sex marriage is “wicked,” and that the United States will experience God’s displeasure if it does not return to a time when LGBT folks were denied the same rights as the Duggar family enjoys.

    Needless to say, the reaction to the Duggars’ reaction was not mild. Many people see the SCOTUS decision as having been a long time coming, and they do not want to see a return to pre-Civil Rights-era mentality in the United States.

    Commenters on that Facebook post alone were adamant in their opposition:

    “Save your prayers for Josh. The nation doesn’t need them, especially from your family.”

    “but its okay for a brother to molest his sisters…bravo duggars…you are disgusting…you are warped and pathetic…love how your platform shows its okay to molest but not to genuinely love…”

    “Wow pure ignorance. This post is disgusting.”

    “Because what your son did wasnt sinful…rightttt. You are disgusting.”

  • Katherine Heigl, Alexis Bledel: Gay Marriage Portrayed in New Film On Heels of Supreme Court’s Same-Sex Marriage Decision

    Katherine Heigl and Alexis Bledel come out as lesbian lovers in a new film called Jenny’s Wedding, which is set to hit theaters on July 31st. Heigl plays Jenny, who initially shocks her parents when she announces she’s gay and planning to marry her roommate Kitty–played by Alexis Bledel.

    A new trailer for Jenny’s Wedding was released quite coincidentally near the Supreme Court’s decision just over a week ago to allow same-sex marriages in all 50 states.

    The film deals with the issue of same-sex marriage–and the way Jenny’s family was caught blindsided–in a very thought-provoking, gentle way.

    Directed by Mary Agnes Donoghue, who wrote the screenplays for both White Oleander and Beaches, Jenny’s Wedding co-stars Tom Wilkinson and Linda Emond as Jenny’s parents.

    Most parents dream of the day their little girl will walk down the aisle and marry the man of their dreams. Jenny’s Wedding watches those dreams shatter in Wilkinson and Emond’s characters as Katherine Heigl’s character makes her two bold announcements, but also watches the pieces very sensitively come back together in something that emerges as beautiful–not merely tolerant.

    “Kitty and I want to get married, Mom,” Katherine Heigl, as Jenny, tells her mother.

    “You’re marrying your roommate?” Linda Emond’s character asks.

    “She’s not my roommate, Mom,” Katherine Heigl replies.

    Katherine Heigl is best known for her role as Izzie Stevens on Grey’s Anatomy, and recently starred on NBC in State of Affairs. Alexis Bledel is best known for her role as Rory Gilmore in the long-running TV series The Gilmore Girls.

    Will you be checking out Jenny’s Wedding when it opens at the box office on July 31st?

  • Michelle Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar Take Stand Against Supreme Court Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

    Michelle Duggar and her husband Jim Bob of 19 Kids and Counting fame have been front and center in the media since word of their eldest son Josh Duggar’s sexual molestation scandal made news. Now the Duggar matriarch and patriarch are in the news again–this time taking a stand against last week’s Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage.

    While this likely comes as no surprise to those who follow the conservative Christian family, it’s interesting to note that Josh Duggar has stayed mum about the ruling. Just this past April, the wife of Anna Duggar and father of at least three–wife Anna Duggar is expecting baby number four, but no word has emerged on whether or not she has given birth–said at that time that the fight for gay marriage was an effort on behalf of its proponents to “silence” Christians. Now he is the silent one.

    It was via Facebook that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar shared their beliefs and took their stand.

    They posted the message, “Praying for our nation today,” as well as a Bible quote from 2 Chronicles 7:14.

    “If my people which are called in my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

    Praying for our nation today.

    Posted by Duggar Family Official on Friday, June 26, 2015

    Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar’s post received more than 24,000 ‘likes’ but many negative comments, too,

    “Wait! So, people who allowed their son to sexually abuse their daughters are against two consenting adults getting married because they are the same gender. I’ve lost respect and patience for these people,” a follower named Yvonne Yeager responded.

    Another commenter wrote, “Dear LGBT Community–Don’t worry–the same people that covered for their child molester son are praying for your eternal souls.”

    Michelle Duggar likely loved what Franklin Graham had to say about the Supreme Court ruling.

    Are you at all surprised that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar posted to social media about the Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage?

  • Justin Timberlake Wows Crowd at Same-Sex Marriage of Jessica Biel’s College Roommate

    Justin Timberlake was a guest at the same-sex marriage of wife Jessica Biel’s college roommate in Norwalk, Connecticut this past weekend, and he offered up a one-of-a-kind wedding gift for the happy couple. JT played the part of an impromptu wedding singer.

    The wedding had been planned long before the Supreme Court ruling legalizing same-sex marriage last week, but the coincidence of the timing wasn’t lost on anyone there, making for an extra joyous occasion. Jessica Biel was roommates at Tufts University with bride Dana Panzer as she tied the knot with Amy Wicker on Saturday. Justin Timberlake knew he could add an extra element of awe to the occasion, so he sat down at a keyboard and played several of his own musical hits.

    The two brides took to the dance floor as Justin Timberlake played and sang.

    “Throughout the night, Justin really let loose and he started dancing in the middle of the wedding circle having an amazing time dancing to this great band,” a source told Us Weekly. “Then Justin decided he wanted to put on a little concert for the two brides and he jumped on the stage. It was awesome and so special for the brides and all the guests who were so impressed!”

    Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake left their new baby boy Silas at home. A source at the wedding said the 7th Heaven star doesn’t look like she just had a baby.

    “She looked amazing. You would never know she just had a baby because she is slim and trim,” the source said.

    Kudos to Justin Timberlake for making this couple’s wedding even more special by sharing his gift of music with them and all their guests. What a momentous occasion the wedding of Dana Panzer and Amy Wicker was–not only for them, but for all in attendance as well.

  • Marriage Equality Is Good for Business, Facebook, Apple, Google, and More Tell Supreme Court

    Bans on same-sex marriage are bad for business.

    That’s the message of a new amicus brief filed in the US Supreme Court. The brief is signed by many major tech companies – as well as companies from industries all across the spectrum. It includes 379 supporters in all.

    The Supreme Court will hear arguments in multiple cases involving same-sex marriage in April, and are expected to make a final ruling by June. The main question that the justices will consider this time around is whether same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, or if certain states can continue to ban it (and the recognition of it) inside their borders. This specific brief was filed on behalf of the Obergefell v. Hodges case.

    “Some of the states in which amici do business make marriage equally available to all of our employees and colleagues; others prohibit marriages between couples of the same sex and refuse to recognize existing same-sex marriages. This dual regime burdens amici,” reads the brief.

    “It creates legal uncertainty and imposes unnecessary costs and administrative complexities on employers, and requires differential employer treatment of employees who are similarly situated save for the state where they reside … State laws that prohibit or decline to recognize marriages between same-sex couples hamper employer efforts to recruit and retain the most talented workforce possible in those states. Our successes depend upon the welfare and morale of all employees, without distinction. The burden imposed by inconsistent and discriminatory state laws of having to administer complicated schemes to account for differential treatment of similarly situated employees breeds unnecessary confusion, tension, and diminished employee morale.”

    Basically, equality breeds better business.

    Companies signing on include Amazon, American Express, Apple, AT&T, Barnes & Noble, CBS, Cisco, Comcast, Dropbox, eBay, Facebook, Google, Groupon, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Pandora, Starbucks, Twitter, Verizon, Visa, Disney, Xerox, Zynga, and many, many more.

    “The competition for top talent crosses state and even national borders. State laws that prohibit same-sex marriage make it harder for businesses to recruit and retain talented employees,” said Susan Baker Manning of Morgan Lewis, counsel of record on the brief. “The patchwork of inconsistent state marriage laws makes it challenging and more costly for employers to administer benefits systems when some employees are unable to marry, and other employees’ marriages are not recognized by the state. This burdens businesses by costing them both time and money.”

    In 2013, when the Supreme Court was looking at the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, most of these same companies filed a brief asking the court to support gay marriage.

    Image via Facebook Diversity

  • 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.

  • Same-Sex Marriage Joke Gets Congressman in Trouble at High School

    Congressman Don Young, a Republican from Alaska, was at Wasilla High School participating in a question-and-answer session. Young had spoken for 15 minutes, then was slated to take questions for 45 minutes. During that time, Young put his foot in his mouth more than once, leaving students and faculty alike stunned at his insensitive and crude remarks.

    The whole thing initially went south when Young was asked a question about the high suicide and domestic violence rates in Alaska. A student at the high school had recently committed suicide, leaving the topic fresh and raw in students’ minds.

    Young reportedly remarked that suicide is the result of a “lack of support from family” and friends.

    “I felt the oxygen go out of the room, but I gasped as well,” school Principal Amy Spargo told Alaska Dispatch News. “It just isn’t true in these situations. It’s just such a hurtful thing to say.”

    Students responded immediately, piping up to tell the congressman, “He had friends. He had support. … It’s depression — you know, a mental illness.”

    Young responded by asking, “Well, what, do you just go to the doctor and get diagnosed with suicide?” He reportedly called one student who spoke up a “smartass.”

    A spokesman for Young emailed a statement about his remarks.

    “Congressman Young was very serious and forthright when discussing the issue of suicide, in part because of the high number of tragedies that affect Alaskan youth. He discussed what he believes are leading causes of youth suicide in our state and shared some suggestions for helping family members and friends who are dealing with suicidal thoughts. In no way did Congressman Young mean to upset anyone with his well-intentioned message. In light of the tragic events affecting the Wasilla High School community, he should have taken a much more sensitive approach.”

    But the suicide remarks were not the only issue.

    Alaska had banned same-sex marriage, but a court recently struck down the ban as unconstitutional. A student, Zachary Grier, stood to ask Congressman Young why he still opposed same-sex marriage. Young’s reply shocked those in attendance.

    “What do you get when you have two bulls having sex?”, he asked Grier.

    “I don’t know,’ Grier responded.

    “A whole lot of bull,” Young punchlined.

    At this point, Principal Spargo ended the session.

    Zachary Grier spoke to Huffington Post about his exchange with Young at the session, as well as about the aforementioned suicide remarks.

    “I was pretty upset,” Grier said. “I can understand having your own opinion, and that’s fine. But having your own opinion and coming into a room filled with high schoolers and telling them that same-sex marriage is the same as two bulls having sex — in my opinion, that’s wrong.”

    Regarding the insensitive suicide remarks, Greir said, “To hear that it was because you weren’t a good friend, I mean that makes someone hurt more than just having that happen. To hear that it’s your fault after the fact is definitely a heavier blow.”

    Young’s campaign sent an apology letter to Wasilla High School, but Young also said that he stood by his comments.

  • Same-Sex Marriage Finds Ally in Target Stores

    Same-Sex Marriage Finds Ally in Target Stores

    Target Corp. has broken with its past allies and come out in support of same-sex marriage. The company joined other corporations like Starbucks and Apple in backing the issue.

    Specifically, Target filed an amicus brief in a pending court case in the Seventh Circuit. Target Executive Vice President of Human Resources, Jodee Kozlak, took to the company’s blog to explain target’s decision.

    “As our leadership team discussed signing on, we took time to consider the bigger questions at hand. This brief is important, as the issues it addresses have significant impact on businesses. But it is more than that and we agreed that now is the right time to more directly share our views on this issue.

    “It is our belief that everyone should be treated equally under the law, and that includes rights we believe individuals should have related to marriage.”

    Kozlac spoke further about the business reasons behind the move.

    “At Target, we have long offered comprehensive, competitive benefits to our LGBT team members and their families, often above what is legally required. We continue to do so today because we believe doing so is right for our team and for our business. But current laws — in places like Wisconsin and Indiana that are addressed in this brief – make it difficult to attract and retain talent. These disparate laws also create confusing and complicated benefits challenges across multiple states.”

    Of course, the move was not without critics. A spokesperson for the Minnesota Family Council played the familiar “family values” tune.

    “This is a very risky business decision and ultimately the wrong one because it is families that shop at Target,” Autumn Leva said. “People in Minnesota are still deeply divided on this issue.”

    Comments on Target’s blog statement ranged from supportive to scathing.

    A Workforce Management Supervisor at Target commented, “Yay! Thrilled to be part of a company, and live in a state, that supports marriage equality! May everyone have the opportunity to marry the love of their life!”

    A man who identified himself as an “urban church planter” wrote:

    “Just lost my business. I hold to the truth that God designed marriage and not man and that God set up marriage between one man and one woman. Sorry Target, I will not shop in your stores again… Ask K-Mart how that attitude has worked for them. Target will find themselves in the same place. Businesses should stay out of the political arena.”

    Another outraged Christian said:

    “As a Christian, I find it very offensive that Target is joining others in making a mockery of marriage. Marriage is defined between man and woman. man cannot be a bride nor a woman a groom. It is a shame and a disgrace that is shameful and sinful act is being done. On the other hand just a another sign that the second coming is not far away. Like any other time when man has sunk to the lowest form on sin, God put His foot down and destroyed that place.”

    Another commenter countered his post by saying:

    “I find it offensive that Newt Gingrich made a mockery of marriage. I find it offensive that Mark Sanford made a mockery of marriage. I find it offensive that Mark Foley, Larry Craig, John Edwards, Ed Schrock, etc., etc., made a mockery of marriage. The only people I know who have defiled the “sanctity” of marriage have been heterosexual couples.”

    Soon the whole comment section went where most comment sections do.

    “The next marriage equality: marry your dog, two couples being married to each other. Three people being married… the people have endless ideas on marriage equality.. one perversion leads to another,, that’s just how SIN is. Nasty sinners REPENT…”

    Image via YouTube

  • United Nations Now Recognizes Staff Members’ Legal Same-Sex Marriages

    The United Nations will now recognize and provide equal benefits to legal same-sex marriages of its staff members despite the laws of their home country.

    U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the news Monday at the world body.

    Prior to Monday’s announcement, a staff member’s personal status was based solely on the laws of their country of nationality, said U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq.

    “Human rights are at the core of the mission of the United Nations,” said Ki-moon. “I am proud to stand for greater equality for all staff, and I call on all members of our UN family to unite in rejecting homophobia as discrimination that can never be tolerated at our workplace.”

    Now the United Nations will recognize all same-sex couples, but only couples married in a country where it is legal, of which there are currently 18.

    “The Secretary-General said human rights are at the core of the mission of the United Nations,” Haq said. “He’s proud to stand for greater equality for all staff. He also calls on all members of the U.N. family to unite in rejecting homophobia.”

    UN-GLOBE, a United Nations LGBT group, released a statement via its president Hyung Hak Nam.

    “With this new policy in place at the UN, I believe that the entire UN system will follow suit, if history is any guide. And if any agency, fund or programme still refuses to change, we will make sure they hear from us,” said Hyung Hak Nam.

    “This includes the UNJSPF, our pension fund. In fact, with this new policy in place at the UN, it is my hope that the pension fund will be under a lot of pressure to change its discriminatory policies towards staff. And we will be front and center advocating for change.”

    The new policy became effective June 26, and will affect the U.N.’s estimated 43,000 employees worldwide.

    Employees of other U.N. agencies, including the children’s agency UNICEF and the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO, are not under the new guidelines, Haq said.

    Image via YouTube

  • Lauren Conrad: Bachelorette Fun and a Glitch

    Lauren Conrad celebrated her bachelorette weekend in Cabo San Lucas, with BFF Lo Bosworth along for the ride. Engaged to marry former Something Corporate guitarist and now-law student William Tell, the former star of The Hills, fashion designer, and best-selling author and Bosworth, along with four other girlfriends enjoyed the sun, the surf, the sand, and probably more than a few cocktails.

    What happens in Cabo doesn’t stay in Cabo, however, at least not when the members of the bachelorette fun post photos in Instagram. Both Lauren Conrad and Lo Bosworth shared photos of their weekend festivities. And what happens in Cabo doesn’t stay in Cabo when the bride-to-be feels like people aren’t being treated fairly either.

    “Good morning… #DontTellMrTell,” this first post was captioned.

    This next one was captioned “tres amigas,” and once again included the hashtag #DontTellMrTell.

    Lo Bosworth shared a photo of the entire group, with Lauren Conrad sporting a giant white bow made of tulle.

    That one reads, “Last night,” and of course #DontTellMrTell.”

    Lauren Conrad and William Tell became engaged last October following a surprise proposal.

    “I had no idea it was coming,” Conrad said this past January during an interview with Cosmo. “He didn’t even ask my friends [about the ring], which was a bold move. He said, ‘I know you, and I know what you like.’ And I love it. It’s perfect.”

    On a more serious note, during her time in Cabo Lauren Conrad–who is a big supporter of same-sex relationships and marriages–ran into a most unpleasant encounter and tweeted about it to her followers. The restaurant where the group was partying during one evening of her bachelorette bash wouldn’t allow same-sex couples to take part in the games, so Conrad walked out, refusing to support such an establishment.

    One of the best memories and Instagram photos from Conrad’s bachelorette weekend, posted by Lo Bosworth, featured tattooed wrists. Captioned “New ink,” the meaning behind them certainly says a lot about the fun these ladies enjoyed in Cabo San Lucas.

    Lauren Conrad no doubt had a fun-filled weekend with her BFFs. It’s said that she and William Tell will be tying the knot some time this coming fall. That said, there’s plenty of time left to celebrate her single status for a while yet. Maybe there’s another getaway planned before summer’s through–and you can be sure it will be somewhere where all are welcome regardless of their sexual orientation.

    Image via YouTube

  • Pope Francis Open to Gay Civil Unions – or Is He?

    The Brisbane Times reported recently that it appears that Pope Francis, just one year into his tenure as the Vicar of Christ on Earth, may be hinting tacit support for gay civil unions.

    In an interview with Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in Milan, marking his one year anniversary as pope, Francis said, “Marriage is between a man and a woman.” That sounds clear enough. But the Times and other outlets saw some wiggle room in the pope’s further statements.

    “Secular states want to justify civil unions to regulate different situations of cohabitation, pushed by the demand to regulate economic aspects between persons, such as ensuring health care,” he said. “It is about pacts of cohabiting of various natures, of which I wouldn’t know how to list the different ways. One needs to see the different cases and evaluate them in their variety.”

    Even some members of the clergy saw this as a softening in the Church’s approach to the topic of gay unions.

    Father Claude Mostowik said, “I’m sure it gave people at least comfort to see a human, compassionate way of approaching this issue.”

    But other voices in the Church were quick to backpedal on any perception that the pope’s statement meant some change in doctrine or stance.

    The Times later reported on a statement from Archbishop Christopher Prowse, who said that he felt the pope had been “misinterpreted.”

    “A willingness to dialogue isn’t a willingness to compromise,” the Archbishop said, indicating that he thinks the pope was simply talking about being open to discussions.

    But Bishop Peter Comensoli saw another angle. He thinks that the pope “recognizes individual situations and all sorts of positions people are in. In terms of other arrangements, and those in de facto relationships, we respect the laws of the state,” he said. “We understand these arrangements are often around things to do with economic relations between people and questions of care and health.”

    The Church, or at least some of the more traditional voices in it, have found themselves trying to soften certain statements of Pope Francis in the past year. Their “I don’t think that’s what he really meant” rebuttals seem to be doing little to quell the excitement people feel over the more welcoming atmosphere that is being engendered by Pope Francis’ rule.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Gay Marriage Leads to Pedophilia, Says Weirdos

    In a move that left even people on their side of the battlefield stunned, a group in Michigan has gone back to Rick Santorum’s old stomping ground: claiming that gay marriage will lead to pedophilia, bestiality and who knows what else.

    The group, called the Traditionalist Youth Network, filed an amicus brief in the ongoing Michigan gay marriage case. Michigan has been a battleground in the same-sex marriage fight lately, since a judge overturned the law banning same-sex marriage. That state’s Attorney General, Bill Schutte, filed an appeal in the case, and a judge issued a stay halting same-sex marriage while the whole thing works its way through the courts.

    A similar situation happened recently in Kentucky, but there the state Attorney General refused to appeal the case.

    The amicus brief filed by TradYouth, as they call their little club, was not welcome by the Attorney General in Michigan. It read, in part:

    “The Culture distorters and those who espouse their ideals flagrantly reject originalism and often treat the United States Constitution like an accordion: they frequently stretch it out to invent rights that do not exist — such as the “right” to have an abortion or the “right” to engage in sodomy or the “right” to view pornographic materials — and they constrict it to not mean things that it certainly does — such as by denying the plain language of the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution.”

    “The reason why banning same-sex marriage is a legitimate state interest is because the State of Michigan’s inherent police powers authorize the government to promote the health, safety, morals, and public welfare of its people, and it is respectfully submitted that same-sex marriage is an affront to the health, safety, morals, and public welfare of the residents of the State of Michigan, which is why the Western and American legal traditions have proscribed sodomy, much less same-sex marriage, for thousands and hundreds of years, respectively.”

    “If a state cannot be permitted to define marriage as simply as constituting one man and one woman, then our culture will be taken down a very slippery slope that will see pedophiles, polygamists, zoophiles, those in incestuous relationships, and every other sexual deviant with proclivities now known or to be invented to challenge laws that, likewise, prevent them from marrying whom — or what — they wish.”

    The brief also inexplicably quoted W.B. Yeats’ The Second Coming (“Turning and turning the widening gyre…”).

    The group’s website expounded on their views:

    “When your cause is truly just and worthy, you can’t calculate the odds. Whether it’s facing down hundreds of Marxist agitators, engaging mainstream media smear campaigners, or challenging anti-White extremist Tim Wise’s lies on our college campuses, we’re going to fight for family, folk, and faith wherever it’s under assault.”

    Attorney General Schutte, when asked about the brief replied, “There is no place in this discussion for derogatory language, and anything like it will be completely disregarded by the Department of Attorney General. The Sixth Circuit should use this brief to line a birdcage, because that’s all it’s good for.”

    Image via ThinkStock

  • Same-Sex Fight Now Called “Religious Liberty”

    Hobby Lobby, which employs 13,000 people, is suing the federal government. Hobby Lobby says their religious liberty is threatened by the Affordable Care Act (AKA Obamacare) because they should not be forced to participate in what they view as “life-terminating contraception, including IUDs and the so-called morning-after pill.”

    The thrust of the argument is based on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), a law passed in 1993. The RFRA requires that the government show “compelling interest” when a person’s religious rights are “substantially burdened” by what the government wishes to do

    As the News-Gazette points out, the only problem for Hobby Lobby is that it is not clear whether that law’s protections extend to companies.

    The backdrop for this showdown is a changing landscape, where the Bush-era defeats of same-sex marriage – including several state ballot initiatives that defined marriage as only between a man and a woman – are now being pushed aside. Same-sex marriages and civil rights are winning. In fact, some are asking if the Southern Baptist Convention is giving up on the same-sex fight altogether.

    But evangelicals are looking for a new front on which to fight the war. And that front is now called “religious liberty”.

    The Washington Examiner says that Russell Moore, the president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, is seeking to redefine their battle, this time in an effort to make sure that, even if they can’t keep homsexuals from marrying, they can at least not be forced to be ok with it.

    And, of course, this extends into politics, candidates that evangelicals should support, and policy pushes. When asked about his ideal candidate for president in this new landscape, Moore said:

    “I would want a presidential candidate who understands the public good of marriage, and one who is not hostile to evangelical concerns, and who is going to protect religious liberty and freedom of conscience. We have been saying, ‘Look, same-sex marriage is inevitable in American culture. It doesn’t mean we should stop talking about it … It means we need to start preparing our churches for a new generation.”

    Essentially, what this position means is that, even though evangelicals realize they have lost the same-sex marriage battle, they want the beliefs of Americans who oppose homosexual marriage on religious grounds be respected. What they do not say is what that means in terms of real-world actions, responses, and policy.

    Some see this “religious liberty” argument as a convenient receptacle into which to pour anything that someone sees as a religious basis to deny others rights, whether it be marriage or birth control. Once in that receptacle, their actions would be protected by that umbrella, even if that means denying business service to gay people, unmarried couples, Muslims, or people with tattoos.

    But the term “religious liberty”, though it is not a new term , will be much more of a buzzword from here on out than it has been in the past.

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • Same-Sex Marriage Rule Lifted at Major Christian Org

    The Wire reports that a major Christian charitable organization, World Vision, has changed its employee handbook. The handbook used to prohibit sex outside of marriage, with marriage being defined as a strictly heterosexual union. Now their definition of marriage has been expanded to cover sex outside any kind of union.

    That may not seem like a big deal to some, after all it is just an internal policy. But to others it sounds like the beginning of a turning tide. This change in definition now means that a Christ follower that is united in a same-sex marriage is now eligible to be employed by World Vision. Some are thinking, “If a major organization like that, with a mission to work with Christian groups, can change its definition, who else might change?”

    World Vision president Richard Stearns told Christianity Today that this change is not a compromise,

    “Changing the employee conduct policy to allow someone in a same-sex marriage who is a professed believer in Jesus Christ to work for us makes our policy more consistent with our practice on other divisive issues,” he said. “It also allows us to treat all of our employees the same way: abstinence outside of marriage, and fidelity within marriage.”

    “This is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage. We have decided we are not going to get into that debate. Nor is this a rejection of traditional marriage, which we affirm and support.”

    “We’re not caving to some kind of pressure. We’re not on some slippery slope. There is no lawsuit threatening us. There is no employee group lobbying us,” said Stearns.

    For years, the notion of same-sex marriage has been cast as in opposition to Christianity. But more and more people are coming forward saying that they are gay, were born that way, and think it is sinful to deny how God made them. And they want to attend a church, help in charitable causes, and be recognized as just as valid a Christian as the next person.

    Stearns says that they are “deferring to the authority of churches and denominations on theological issues.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • 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

  • Pope Francis Hints Catholic Church Could Support Same-Sex Civil Unions

    In an interview published on the Italian newspaper, Corriere della Serra, Pope Francis affirmed the Catholic Church’s position against same-sex marriage, but hinted that it may support same-sex civil unions.

    In the interview, Pope Francis said that matrimony is between a man and a woman, but same-sex civil unions are a way to guarantee health care and property rights. The pope also said that a variety of cases must be looked at and that the Catholic Church could tolerate some unions. The pope’s statement leaves doors open for the possibility of the church supporting gay unions.

    Pope Francis was one of the bishops that supported same-sex civil unions back when he was still the Archbishop of Buenos Aires. He also made headlines when he stated in July that he is not the kind to judge gay priests.

    In an interview with CNN in 2013, Argentinian LGBT leader and activist Marcelo Marquez said that he received a call from the pope – then Archbishop for Buenos Aires – during the 2010 debate on same-sex marriage. Marquez said that the then-Cardinal told him in the phone call that he is in favor of civil unions for homosexuals and supports gay rights, but he believes that Argentina is not yet ready to have a law on gay marriage.

    According to Rev. Thomas Roxia of the Vatican press office, people should not read into what the pope has said in the interview, as he only responded to the interviewer’s questions. Pope Francis also addressed different issues on the interview including sexual abuse, the role of women, and contraception.

    The pope was also able to talk about some myths surrounding him, saying that he still calls people who write to him, but denied the rumors that he goes out in the middle of the night to feed the hungry and homeless.

    March 13th marks Pope Francis’ first year in office.

    Pope Francis Supported Gay Rights As Cardinal?

    Image via Wikimedia Commons

  • 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

  • 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

  • Utah Same-Sex Marriages Deemed Legal By Federal Govt

    On December 20, Federal District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby shocked the world (or at least Utah) when he ruled that Utah’s state constitutional ban on same-sex marriages was unconstitutional, and thus opened the floodgates for same-sex couples to file for marriage.

    The mad rush to the county clerk’s office only lasted approximately 2.5 weeks, however, as the Supreme Court put a hold on Shelby’s decision on January 6 following requests from the state of Utah for an appeal of the ruling. Two days after the Supreme Court ordered a stay on the ruling, the governor of Utah announced that the state would not recognize the marriage rights of those couples who had yet to complete the required paperwork for marriage or those who had failed to yet hold an actual marriage ceremony.

    “Based on counsel from the Attorney General’s Office regarding the Supreme Court decision, state recognition of same-sex marital status is ON HOLD until further notice. Please understand this position is not intended to comment on the legal status of those same-sex marriages – that is for the courts to decide. The intent of this communication is to direct state agency compliance with current laws that prohibit the state from recognizing same-sex marriages,” stated an email sent out to county officials by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Derek Miller.

    Today, the Justice Department of the United States chose to also weigh in on the matter, stating that for the purposes of recognition under federal law, the same-sex marriages performed in Utah since December 20 and before the Supreme Court stay would be recognized as valid:

    “Recently, an administrative step by the court has cast doubt on same-sex marriages that have been performed in the state of Utah. And the governor has announced that the state will not recognize these marriages pending additional court action. In the meantime, I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal law, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages,” Attorney General Eric Holder stated in a public address earlier today.

    Holder stated that the cause of the announcement of federal recognition was important because “These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds.” In the meantime, Holder added that, “… we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled – regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages. And we will continue to provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.”

    Despite federal recognition of the marriages, conservatives in Utah are not willing to let the issue die easily. On Wednesday, a rally was held at a Golden Corral in Orem, Utah, in which people voiced their opinions about why same-sex marriages should not be allowed in Utah. The rally was led by State Representative LaVar Christensen, the man responsible for writing the state law defining marriage as something only between a man and a woman: “This is a sacred issue. It is absolutely constitutional for people to have a moral and religious basis for public policy, along with other social and historical justifications.”

    Christensen’s opinion is backed by a large portion of Utah’s population, mainly due to the fact that Utah is known as one of the more conservative states in the US due to its deep Mormon underpinnings.

    The argument for same-sex marriage rights in Utah holds much more weight than simply being able to say one is married. Recognition of these marriages by the federal government allows those who were married during the 2.5 week window to accrue certain federal benefits, such as the ability to file jointly on federal taxes, eligibility for Social Security claims if one’s spouse dies, and even the ability to place one’s spouse on one’s health insurance.

    Image via YouTube

  • U.S. to Recognize Utah Gay Marriages

    U.S. to Recognize Utah Gay Marriages

    Although many same-sex couples now hold official marriages licenses in Utah, Republican Governor Gary Herbert denied recognizing these same-sex unions on Wednesday, continuing to limit marriage to one man and one woman in his socially conservative state.

    “It’s very disappointing,” said Brandon Mark, who was married after the December ruling. “I’m assuming we’re going to get no resolution on the question of whether our marriage is valid until the Supreme Court rules on this issue.”

    Today, however, the Obama administration said that it would recognize the marriages of the 1,300 same-sex couples in Utah that have been denied.

    The announcement was made by Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. via a video posted on the Justice Department’s website.

    “I am confirming today that, for purposes of federal law, these marriages will be recognized as lawful and considered eligible for all relevant federal benefits on the same terms as other same-sex marriages,” Mr. Holder said. “These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds.”

    He continued, “These families should not be asked to endure uncertainty regarding their status as the litigation unfolds. In the days ahead, we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled – regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages.”

    According to the New York Times, on December 20, Robert J. Shelby, a Federal Court Judge, ruled that Utah’s constitutional amendment limiting marriage to one man and one woman violated the federal Constitution.

    Following, the state government asked a higher court to block the order, but a federal appeals court denied the request and the same-sex marriages continued. However, on Monday, the Surpreme Court issued a stay, blocking further same-sex marriages while state officials appealed a decision to allow such unions.

    This is when Governor Herbert stepped forward, saying that his state would not recognize the same-sex marriage licenses that had previously gone through.

    In a memo to state officials, the chief of staff to Herbert wrote: “The original laws governing marriage in Utah return to effect pending final resolution by the courts. It is important to understand that those laws include not only a prohibition of performing same-sex marriages but also recognizing same-sex marriages.”

    But Mr. Holder has worked “tirelessly” for equality and to “implement it in both letter and spirit.”

    Today Holder, the 82nd Attorney General of the United States, said, “In the days ahead, we will continue to coordinate across the federal government to ensure the timely provision of every federal benefit to which Utah couples and couples throughout the country are entitled — regardless of whether they are in same-sex or opposite-sex marriages. And we will continue to provide additional information as soon as it becomes available.”

    Image via Wikimedia Commons