Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Via JMG: Chile Preps Civil Unions Bill
Chile's legislature is about to see a bill legalizing civil unions. The bill, which could be presented to Congress by next week, would grant legal rights to gay couples who have lived together for more than one year, the Santiago-based newspaper reported, citing a copy of the draft legislation it obtained.Click over for the latest on partnership rights across South America.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Via JMG: PCUSA: Gay Pastors Now Welcome
Beginning today, openly gay pastors may preach in Presbyterian Church USA pulpits.
Gone will be the requirement that clergy live "in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness." Elimination of that language clears the way for ordination of clergy in same-sex relationships. The change was endorsed last year by the Presbyterian national assembly, but required approval by a majority of the denomination's 173 regional presbyteries. That threshold was crossed in May.
Labels: LGBT rights, religion
JMG Quote Of The Day - Gary Johnson
“This ‘pledge’ is nothing short of a promise to discriminate against everyone who makes a personal choice that doesn’t fit into a particular definition of ‘virtue’. While the Family Leader pledge covers just about every other so-called virtue they can think of, the one that is conspicuously missing is tolerance. In one concise document, they manage to condemn gays, single parents, single individuals, divorcees, Muslims, gays in the military, unmarried couples, women who choose to have abortions, and everyone else who doesn’t fit in a Norman Rockwell painting." - Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, the first 2012 GOP candidate to officially denounce the "offensive" moral pledge already signed by Crazy Eyes and Frothy Mix.Saturday, July 9, 2011
via JMG: BREAKING: Pentagon Orders Halt To DADT Dismissals, Welcomes Openly Gay Troops
Just in from the Army Times:
The Pentagon has ordered a halt to all separations of gay troops under “don’t ask, don’t tell” and will begin accepting applications from prospective recruits who identify themselves as homosexuals. The moratorium issued Friday came after a ruling Wednesday by a federal appeals court in California ordering the Defense Department to immediately stop enforcing the law. The court said the law is unconstitutional because it treats gay Americans differently under the law. Meanwhile, defense officials will continue to prepare for the law’s formal repeal, which Congress approved in December. The law will be formally repealed 60 days after the defense secretary and chairman of the Joint Chiefs “certify” that it will not adversely impact military readiness.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Via JMG: A Different Kind Of Hood
Submitted by JMG reader Sean Chapin.UPDATE: For those who say the above image goes too far, let's not forget the below actual sign carried by one NOM supporter.
Via Gay Politics Report: U.S. admits "regrettable role" in discrimination against LGBT Americans
- U.S. admits "regrettable role" in discrimination against LGBT Americans
- A legal brief filed last week by the Department of Justice is being hailed by LGBT-advocates as a historic document in the legal fight for equality for LGBT Americans. The brief cites the unconstitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act in arguing that a federal employee's lawsuit over partner benefits should not be dismissed, and lays out a history of discrimination against LGBT people in the U.S. The Obama administration had earlier announced it would no longer defend DOMA, but this is the first time it has sought to convince a federal court that the law is unconstitutional. "This brief represents the concrete manifestation of a complete paradigm shift in the federal government's position on anti-gay discrimination and the constitutional rights of married same-sex couples," said Tobias Barrington Wolff, a law professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Google/The Associated Press (7/2), Metro Weekly (Washington, D.C.) (7/5)
Via JMG: AFA To Corporations: Don't Hire Gays
In an interview with hate group head Linda Harvey, the American Family Association's Gary Glenn said that corporations should not hire any homosexuals. Right Wing Watch has the quote.What ridiculous folly to suggest that only those individuals who engage in homosexual behavior given all of its severe medical consequences constitute the best and the brightest. It’s not really bright to engage in behavior that puts you at dramatically higher risk of mental illness and substance abuse and AIDS and cancer and hepatitis, and according to various sources, premature death. So to suggest that engaging in that type of behavior defines someone as the best and brightest, which seems to be the line coming out of corporate America, is just ridiculous.Harvey responded: "You’re right. And higher rates of domestic violence and unstable relationships. I would not think of a homosexual person as a good employment risk, I just wouldn’t."
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
In support of the Baha'i prisoners in Iran
پشتیبانی مردم برزیل از زندانیان بهایی
Brazilian people in support of the Baha'i prisoners in Iran
Brazilian people in support of the Baha'i prisoners in Iran
O povo brasileiro em apoio aos prisioneiros Baha'i no Irã
http://www.flickr.com//photos/
http://www.flickr.com//photos/
Via American Foundation for Equal Rights (AFER):
Dear Daniel,
Today, we reflect upon the memorable words Thomas Jefferson penned 235 years ago:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Taken together, these words define the essence of freedom.
For couples like Kris and Sandy, two of AFER’s plaintiffs challenging Prop. 8, freedom means raising their boys in a loving, stable home. It means not having to justify their relationship every time one of them tries to pick her son up from school. It means growing old together.
For couples like Jeff and Paul, the other two plaintiffs in our case, freedom means having their love recognized not only by each other, their friends, and family, but by the state. It means being able to take part in a sacred institution that is universally recognized in our country. It means supporting each other, in sickness and in health.
And for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth, freedom means not being judged, bullied or harassed for being labeled as different, but instead being celebrated for who they are. It means going to school without the fear of being shoved or taunted. It means living in a home where they are loved, supported and nurtured.
Fourteen times the U.S. Supreme Court has said that marriage is a fundamental right of all individuals. Two loving, committed people should be able to pursue happiness through a special kind of bond.
This Fourth of July we have much to rejoice. Soon, all couples will be able to wed in New York. Prop. 8 has been ruled unconstitutional. The barriers blocking the federal recognition of the legal marriages of gay and lesbian couples are crumbling. Never before have we been closer to realizing equality for gay and lesbian Americans.
Our fight for equality is about trying to form a more perfect union—between two people who love each other and to have that bond recognized. For too long, this country has denied equal rights to its gay and lesbian citizens. And with your help, we will achieve full equality for all.
Happy Independence Day,
 |  Chad GriffinBoard PresidentAmerican Foundation for Equal Rights |
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