From JMG: Was The Prop 8 Vote Count Corrupted?

The Electronic Defense Alliance has published a lengthy analysis comparing exit polls and the actual Prop 8 vote count in Los Angeles County, concluding that the results discrepancy "cannot be explained away by demographics or polling factors."

Although this exit poll analysis cannot provide conclusive proof of election fraud (because such proof would require access to memory cards and computer code accorded proprietary exemption from public examination) it does provide the strongest indirect proof available that election results have almost certainly been altered by manipulation of the computerized voting systems. Deviations between exit polls and official results far outside margins of error, cannot be explained away by demographics or polling factors. The facts established in these reports cannot responsibly be dismissed or evaded. Election Defense Alliance calls on legislators, secretaries of state, attorneys general, the voting public, and especially candidates in upcoming elections, to read these reports and seriously confront their implications.

Their report is here. (PDF)

(Tipped by JMG reader Sean Chapin)

lifted from JMG

From JMG: Was The Prop 8 Vote Count Corrupted?

The Electronic Defense Alliance has published a lengthy analysis comparing exit polls and the actual Prop 8 vote count in Los Angeles County, concluding that the results discrepancy "cannot be explained away by demographics or polling factors."

Although this exit poll analysis cannot provide conclusive proof of election fraud (because such proof would require access to memory cards and computer code accorded proprietary exemption from public examination) it does provide the strongest indirect proof available that election results have almost certainly been altered by manipulation of the computerized voting systems. Deviations between exit polls and official results far outside margins of error, cannot be explained away by demographics or polling factors. The facts established in these reports cannot responsibly be dismissed or evaded. Election Defense Alliance calls on legislators, secretaries of state, attorneys general, the voting public, and especially candidates in upcoming elections, to read these reports and seriously confront their implications.

Their report is here. (PDF)

(Tipped by JMG reader Sean Chapin)

lifted from JMG

Sign Up Now: Petition Campaign To Televise Olson/Boies Prop 8 Trial

The Courage Campaign urges you to sign the petition urging the televising of the Olson/Boies Prop 8 trial. The presiding judge on the case is inviting public commentary prior to the decision.

The landmark federal lawsuit challenging Prop 8, Perry v. Schwarzenegger (also known as the Olson/Boies case) is about to go to trial starting Monday, January 11. The presiding judge, Chief Judge Vaughn Walker, is holding a hearing on whether the a pool television camera should be allowed to film the trial, given the unprecedented interest in the proceedings. Judge Walker is encouraging the public to submit comments on the issue, and set a deadline of Friday to receive comments. This is your one chance to urge Judge Walker to do the right thing in the name of equality, transparency and accountability. Join the Courage Campaign Institute and CREDO Action and sign this letter to Judge Walker. Optional: Please add your own personal comments. We will personally hand-deliver your comments. DEADLINE: Friday 9 AM.

Sign the petition now or write the Court directly yourself. Here's a PDF from the Court describing how the televising would work, if approved. Focus On The Family is circulating a petition of their own demanding that Prop 8 witnesses be protected from a "violent backlash" of homosexual activists. From the wingnut Washington Times:

Attorneys for Proposition 8 backers said television coverage would expose their witnesses to further harassment and intimidation. Backers of Proposition 8 were targeted for harassment in the months after the initiative's passage in November 2008. Some donors received threatening e-mails, letters and phone calls, while churches and businesses were singled out for boycotts and protests. Brian Brown, executive director of the National Organization for Marriage, which campaigned for Proposition 8 but isn't a party to the case, said he is worried about the safety of witnesses, who could include contributors, campaign staff and volunteers. "The question is really whether Judge Walker can put people on the stand where they can be threatened," said Mr. Brown. "It's a question of people's safety."

From JMG: HomoQuotable - Simon Doonan

"The irony of Tinselgate is fairly breathtaking: A person donates his time and expertise—for free!—thereby saving taxpayer money. That same person then uses his ingenuity—incorporating the creativity of kids and needy folk and reusing tchotchkes from previous administrations, thereby saving even more dosh—and ends up on the receiving end of a torrent of threats and physical abuse from his fellow Americans.

"And so to you, Mr. Breitbart. Now that the dust has settled and the homicidal emails have slowed to a trickle, I realize that I owe you a debt of gratitude. By dropping the First Elf in the poop, you have unwittingly provided me with a searing insight into the pathetic and disastrous state of our comment-obsessed culture. Thanks to you, I see now that there are two kinds of people in the world: In the first group, we have those who “do,” and in the second group, we have those who sit at their computers on their ever-widening asses blogging, platforming and commenting on the not-always-perfect efforts of the first group. Tinselgate has renewed my commitment to keep my tight ass fairly and squarely plonked in that first group." Designer Simon Doonan, responding to Andrew Breitbart over the wingnut flap regarding Doonan's holiday decorations in the White House.

courtesy of JMG

Catholic Portugal set to legalize gay marriage

Another traditionally conservative Catholic country Mexico adopted to extend gay couples full marriage rights on December 21, 2009. A rainbow ribbon sits on the desk of delegates at the city's assembly in Mexico City.

Photograph by: Daniel Aguilar, Reuters

LISBON - Catholic Portugal, traditionally one of Europe's most socially conservative countries, is expected to approve the legalization of gay marriage on Friday with a minimum of fuss.

With the governing Socialists and other left-wing parties enjoying a strong majority, the new law is likely to sail through the first reading debate and gain final approval before a visit by Pope Benedict XVI, due in Portugal in May.

jump here to read the full article

Through Thick and Thin: Immigration and Gay Couples

Bil Browning: GM's 2010 Queer, Bible beaters, and Top 10 lists

To members of The Bilerico Project

Bil Browning

The new year brought lots of "Best of" looks at the last year and decade, but we also broke a huge news story this week when Father Tony brought us news that GM has unveiled their new 2010 Queer. (Link in the bonus section!) What else did we bring you this week? Great posts like these:

Sunday
Why Americans think Hoosiers are a bunch of ignorant Bible beaters
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/why_americans_think_hoosiers_are_ignorant_bible_beaters.php

Suddenly Hunky: Shirtless Lance Bass
Filed by: Prince Gomolvilas
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/suddenly_hunky_half_naked_lance_bass.php

Monday
Illinois GOP Senate primaries hit a homophobic low-note
Filed by: Phil Reese
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/illinois_gop_senate_primaries_hit_a_homophobic_low.php

Non-conformity and Bias
Filed by: Guest Blogger Rachel Dunn
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/non-conformity_and_bias.php

Tuesday
Fly No More
Filed by: Sara Whitman
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/fly_no_more.php

The forest and the trees of the trans community
Filed by: Austen Crowder
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/the_forest_and_the_trees_of_the_trans_community.php

Wednesday
Top 10 LGBT Stories of 2009
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/top_10_lgbt_stories_of_2009.php

Gays and lesbians left at the border in immigration reform bill
Filed by: Joe Mirabella
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/gays_and_lesbians_left_at_the_border_in_immigrati.php

Thursday
The defining decade of my youth
Filed by: Matt Comer
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/the_defining_decade_of_my_youth.php

The top 15 queer newsmakers of 2009
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/the_top_15_queer_newsmakers_of_2009.php

Friday
Trans News Timeline: 2009
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
http://www.bilerico.com/2010/01/trans_news_timeline_2009.php

Eyes - A Poem For The New Year
Filed by: D Gregory Smith
http://www.bilerico.com/2010/01/eyes-_a_poem_for_the_new_year.php

BONUS:
GM Unveils The New 2010 Queer
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.bilerico.com/2009/12/gm_unveils_the_new_2010_queer.php

Don't forget:

Subscribe to the Bilerico Project Report to get all of the previous day's posts sent to you every night at midnight Eastern time.
http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=BilericoProject&loc=en_US

Wishing you all a great 2010 from Brasil

ey insisted on a picture of me with these bugigangas.... Have a happy and healthy 2010!

to see fotos from lastnite jump here and here.

Gay Rights @ Change.org

http://gayrights.change.org/

From JMG: Top Ten Wingnut Lies Of 2009

The wingnuts came up with some doozies this year. Huffington Post counts down the ten biggest lies.

1. The census will result in internment camps.
2. Health care reform = death panels.
3. Obama was born in Kenya.
4. Obama cedes U.S. sovereignty by bowing.
5. Obama indoctrinates school kids with speech.
6. Bill Ayers really wrote Obama's autobiography.
7. Dems are turning the country to socialism.
8. Obama is a Muslim.
9. Terrorist plan electromagnetic pulse attack.
10. The 9/11 planner will be set free in NYC.

lifted from JMG

2010 MARRIAGE PROTECTION ACT Signature Drive

JMG's Chart Of The Day

(Via - New York Times)

I saw this first on JMG

The Gay State Of The World

(Via - World Focus, tipped by JMG reader Alex)

I read it first on JMG

From JMG: BREAKING: Rush Limbaugh Rushed To Hospital With Possible Heart Attack

Rush Limbaugh was rushed to a Honolulu hospital tonight after complaining of chest pains.

A Honolulu television station is reporting that conservative radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh has been taken to a hospital with chest pains. KITV reported Wednesday that paramedics responded to a call at 2:41 p.m. from the Kahala Hotel and Resort where Limbaugh is vacationing. The station, citing unnamed sources, said paramedics treated Limbaugh and took him to The Queen's Medical Center in serious condition. Queen's spokeswoman N. Makana Shook says the hospital is unable to comment on the report.

I read it first on JMG

Courage Campaign: Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Dear Daniel --

"You're out of your freakin' mind."

That's what Julia Louis-Dreyfus said to me point-blank in the second Courageous Conversations video we filmed on the set of "The New Adventures of Old Christine" a few weeks ago.

Julia was trying to make a point about what NOT to say to someone who may disagree with you about the importance of marriage equality, but she may have gotten a little carried away.

Judge for yourself. Click here to watch the sequel to our first Courageous Conversations video. And help support our friends at the Courage Campaign Institute by making a last-minute tax-deductible contribution before January 1. They need just 103 more donors to reach their critical year-end goal:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/JuliaAndEric

I taped this video with Julia for a reason. We both wholeheartedly support full LGBT rights and think that the Courage Campaign Institute is a uniquely creative, effective and inspiring organization that can help get the job done.

From the remarkable Camp Courage training program to Courageous Conversations, this amazing team is working every day to bring full equality to America.

That's why Julia and I taped this sequel video to spread the word about Courageous Conversations. And it's why we hope you will make a last-minute tax-deductible contribution to support the Courage Campaign Institute. Courage needs just 103 more donors before January 1:

http://www.couragecampaign.org/JuliaAndEric

Thanks for supporting Courage in these last few hours before the New Year.

Eric McCormack

The Courage Campaign Institute is part of the Courage Campaign's online organizing network that empowers more than 700,000 grassroots and netroots supporters to push for progressive change and full equality in California and across the country.

To power our Courageous Conversations program, please chip in what you can today:

This email was sent to:

A sad update on the story...

"Malawi nationals arrested for getting married"

http://www.facebook.com/l/b20b2;www.rfi.fr/actuen/articles/120/article_6340.asp"

Men wed in Malawi's first gay ceremony, risk arrest

LILONGWE (Reuters) - Two Malawian men became the first gay couple to publicly tie the knot, the Nation newspaper reported on Monday, risking arrest in the conservative southern African state where homosexuality is illegal.

Jump here to read the article

Matthew Shepard Foundation Selected for Grant in Chase Community Giving Contest

Matthew Shepard Foundation Selected for Grant in Chase Community Giving Contest

The Matthew Shepard Foundation will receive a $25,000 grant from the JP Morgan Chase Foundation in the new year to further our educational and outreach programs against hatred and bias, thanks to votes cast by Facebook users in the bank’s “Chase Community Giving” program.

Fans of the Matthew Shepard Foundation on the leading online social network cast enough votes to place us in the top 100 community charities nationwide in first-round balloting earlier in December. A second round of voting begins January 15, in which the top vote-getting nonprofit organization will qualify for $1 million, and five runners-up will win $100,000 grants.

“The overwhelming show of support for the Matthew Shepard Foundation is deeply gratifying and will provide us a huge boost as we seek to double our outreach to schools and community groups in 2010,” said Executive Director Jason Marsden.

“We hugely appreciate the thousands of supporters who voted for us on Facebook to give us this unique opportunity and additional exposure,” Marsden added.

The unexpected new grant will also help expedite our ongoing Web development work already under way for 2010, in which our youth-oriented Web resource, MatthewsPlace.com, will be expanded to include more user-generated content and on-demand educational program modules.

While the Foundation personally reached 18 high schools, 23 colleges and 22 community organizations with its seminars and speaking programs in 2009, developing similar programs delivered via the Internet will allow us to reach a vastly larger audience with our message of replacing hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance.

Facebook users can register to participate in the next round of voting by visiting the Chase Community Giving page at http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/ and following the instructions provided.

From JMG: First Gay Marriage For Latin America

After being temporarily thwarted by a judge's stay of a Buenos Aires court ruling in their favor, two men in Argentina have become the first gays to marry legally in Latin America.

An official in Argentina's southern Tierra del Fuego province says two Argentine men have wed there in Latin America's first gay marriage. Provincial spokesman Eduardo Porter says the wedding between Jose Maria Di Bello and Alex Freyre took place at the civil registry in Ushuaia. Their marriage plans in Buenos Aires earlier this month were thwarted when city officials refused to marry them because of conflicting rulings. An official representing the federal government's antidiscrimination agency attended the wedding. Claudio Morgado called Monday's marriage "historic." Argentina's Constitution is silent on whether marriage must be between a man and a woman, effectively leaving the matter to state and city officials.

The court ruling allowing their marriage was specifically for this couple only. It remains to be seen if a precedent has been set.

RELATED: Last week Mexico City legalized same-sex marriage, but that law has not yet gone into effect. Civil unions are available to gay couples in several Brazilian and Mexican states, and in the entire nation of Uruguay.courtesy of JMG