Via JMG: American Catholic Bishops Agree On ENDA: It Should Remain Legal To Fire Gays

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has written a letter to Congress demanding that they vote against ENDA. An excerpt:

While the Church is ardently opposed to all unjust discrimination on the grounds of sexual inclination, whether homosexual or heterosexual, it does teach that all sexual acts outside of a marriage between one man and one woman are morally wrong. The Catholic Church’s teaching cannot, therefore, be equated with “unjust discrimination,” because it is based on fundamental truths about the human person and personal conduct. Homosexual conduct is categorically closed to the transmission of life, and does not reflect or respect the personal complementarity of man and woman. In contrast to sexual conduct within marriage between one man and one woman—which does serve both the good of each married person and the good of society— heterosexual and homosexual conduct outside of marriage has no claim to special protection by the state.

Just as every other group in our society, the Catholic Church enjoys the same rights to hold to its beliefs, organize itself around them, and argue for them in the public square. This is guaranteed by our Constitution. This includes the right to teach what it holds to be the truth concerning homosexual conduct—and to act as an employer consistent with that truth—without the threat of government sanction. The USCCB continues to oppose “unjust discrimination” against people with a homosexual inclination, but we cannot support a bill – such as ENDA in its current form – that would legally affirm and specially protect any sexual conduct outside of marriage.

Andrew Sullivan reacts:

Notice that there is no attempt here to argue that straight people who violate church doctrine - anyone who masturbates or uses contraception, is divorced or re-married - should not be protected from discrimination. It is always just the gays who are the target, because their identity inherently proves their iniquity, while most straight people can hide theirs. Notice also that the focus here is entirely on the victims of discrimination, not the perpetrators.

Labels: bigotry, Catholic Church, employment, ENDA, LGBT rights, religion

reposted from JMG

Via ACAPA:

Na última sexta-feira (14/05), o ministério das Relações Exteriores oficializou o direito de passaportes diplomáticos a parceiros gays de servidores que trabalham nas representações do Brasil no exterior.

A decisão, que iguala parceiros homossexuais e heterossexuais, foi anunciada em comunicado interno a embaixadas e consulados em mais de 200 países.

De acordo com o Itamaraty, a medida deve evitar que funcionários gays registrem seus parceiros como serviçais, o que acontecia para assim garantir o direito de permanência fora do país.

Agora, com a concessão do passaporte diplomático, na prática, significa que os parceiros terão mais facilidade em obter permissão de residência. Tal decisão complementa outra resolução, de 2006, que já permitia aos funcionários do quadro de serviços do Itamaraty incluir parceiros do mesmo sexo como dependentes em planos de assistência médica.

veja ACAPA aqui

Via aatombomb:

“In the early 1980s, the Naval Investigative Service was investigating homosexuality in the Chicago area. Agents discovered that gay men sometimes referred to themselves as “friends of Dorothy.” Unaware of the historical meaning of the term, the NIS believed that a woman named Dorothy was at the center of a massive ring of homosexual military personnel. The NIS launched an enormous hunt for Dorothy, hoping to find her and convince her to reveal the names of gay servicemembers.

Via MSF:

In the fight for equality, sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the present, that we forget that this fight has been going on for decades and that those who have been fighting the fight on our behalf for many years have made the level of societal acceptance of LGBT people possible. There are few other people who have been unabashed advocates for equality and Ms. Barbra Streisand has been at the forefront of the fight for her entire career. Recently Ms. Streisand was gracious to give a bit of her time to answer some questions for MatthewsPlace.com. Thank you to her for her compassion, generosity and candor. The world is a safer place because of her voice. Click Here to read the story.

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From Buzz:

Has Mark Kirk, Illinois GOP Congressman Who is Seeking Obama's Senate Seat, Been Outed as a Typical Hypocritical Gay Republican Who Engages in Homophobia? It Appears That Way.

Via JMG: Tony Perkins: Repealing DADT Will Mean The End Of Religious Freedom

According to the Family Research Council's Tony Perkins, repealing DADT will stomp the religious freedom of military chaplains to tell soldiers that they are sinners who will suffer in an eternal hellfire.

In their counseling role, military chaplains assist all service members who come to them, even if they are of other faith traditions. But if a homosexual seeks counseling regarding his personal relationships, will the chaplain be free to recommend therapy to overcome homosexual attractions? Or will he be forced to affirm a lifestyle that his faith condemns? While chaplains are members of the military, they must be “endorsed” by a sponsoring religious body. Denominations that are unequivocal in holding to a biblical standard of sexual morality may stop endorsing military chaplains rather than allow them to compromise their principles. This may result in a chaplain corps that has plenty of Unitarian ministers and homosexual Episcopal priests, but a shortage of clergy to minister to the largest religious groups in America, such as Roman Catholics (whose catechism declares that “homosexual acts are intrinsically disordered”) or Southern Baptists (whose Baptist Faith and Message declares that “Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography”).

According to the wingnuts, repealing DADT will cause soldier rapes, AIDS for everybody, Islamic retribution, and the return of the draft. Not being able to falsely tell people they will burn in a mythical fire seems almost petty by comparison.reposted from Joe

Via JMG: San Francisco's Gay Cheerleaders Advance On America's Got Talent

Cheer SF's audition is at about the 6:30 mark.


(Tipped by JMG reader Sean)reposted from Joe

Via 365gay: FDA rethinks gay blood ban

By Shamecca Harris, 365gay.com
05.29.2010 10:00am EDT

The Federal Advisory Committee on Blood Safety and Availability is set to hold a hearing June 10 and 11 to reconsider a FDA rule which bans gay from donating blood, CNN reported.

The rule, implemented in 1983, prevents men who have had sex with another man since 1977 from donating blood. Established during the onset of the HIV/AIDS crisis, it was intended to be a preventive measure from spreading the virus and other transfusion-transmitted diseases.

Today, with new and more effective means for HIV/AIDS testing , many argue that the ban is “medically and scientifically unwarranted.”

Activists, including the Human Rights Campaign, the American Red Cross, America’s Blood Centers and AABB are opposed to the lifetime ban of gay donors. “Potential donors should be screened more fairly regardless of sexual orientation” they said in a joint statement.

Politians have also weighed in on the debate. Senator John Kerry and 17 other senators signed a letter challenging the “outdated policy.”

“Gay men, including those who are in monogoamous relationships, are forbidden from contributing blood for the rest of their lives, while ‘a heterosexual who has had sex with a prostitute need only wait a year [before giving blood]. That does not strike me as a sound scientific conclusion,’” Kerry wrote.

Even so, the Food and Drug Administration stands by their policy. The policy “is based on scientific data that s how that certain medical, behavioral and geographical factors are associated with increases risk of transfusion transmitted diseases,” they told CNN. Still, the agency says it is “considering the possibility of pursing alternative strategies that maintain blood safety.”

Via Pam Spaulding

Anti-DADT repeal vote Mark Kirk (R-IL) inadvertently outed himself to...Mike Rogers

Tue Jun 01, 2010 at 15:41:32 PM EDT

As they say, sometimes you just can't make stuff up. Gay activist and friend of the Blend, Mike Rogers of BlogActive, has been a bit dormant on the outing front, since most Republican Sexual Hypocrites seem to be outing themselves these days, usually after run-ins with the police.

But not Mark Kirk (R-IL). The man who's currently running for Barack Obama's former Senate seat made news recently for puffing up his military record, claiming he was "the only member of Congress to serve in Operation Iraqi Freedom." He conveniently left out the word "stateside" there. Interestingly, one of the posts about this flap was entitled "Jean's lie outs a fellow Republican."

make the jump here to read the full article on Pam Spaulding

The View - Pee Wee Herman (6-01-10)

Via JMG: People en Español Features Gay Dad Ricky Martin On Father's Day Issue

Via Andres Duque at Blabbeando, who says: "How great is it that the editors of one of the most widely read Spanish-language magazines in the United States would deem it fit to honor Ricky Martin and his parenting as an openly gay man and, in doing so, highlight gay parenting in general? Appropriately, I also happened to come upon this story today on what a number of bloggers are celebrating as the 5th Annual Blogging for LGBT Families Day." Duque notes that the editor of People en Español is also an openly gay man with two kids of his own. repostdo de Joe

Via JMG: PORTUGAL: Soccer Star Cristiano Ronaldo Endorses Same-Sex Marriage

Portuguese soccer hero Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the most beloved athletes in the world, has endorsed same-sex marriage. Via Blabbeando's Andres Duque, who translates Ronaldo as saying: "The Portuguese man that I am, I try to keep informed about what is happening in my country. I know the law was passed and the comment it deserves is that we must respect the choices made by anyone, because, after all, all citizens should have the exact same rights and responsibilities." Last month Portugal legalized gay marriage.reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Obama Issues Pride Month Proclamation

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
May 28, 2010

LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2010

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As Americans, it is our birthright that all people are created equal and deserve the same rights, privileges, and opportunities. Since our earliest days of independence, our Nation has striven to fulfill that promise. An important chapter in our great, unfinished story is the movement for fairness and equality on behalf of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. This month, as we recognize the immeasurable contributions of LGBT Americans, we renew our commitment to the struggle for equal rights for LGBT Americans and to ending prejudice and injustice wherever it exists.

LGBT Americans have enriched and strengthened the fabric of our national life. From business leaders and professors to athletes and first responders, LGBT individuals have achieved success and prominence in every discipline. They are our mothers and fathers, our sons and daughters, and our friends and neighbors. Across my Administration, openly LGBT employees are serving at every level. Thanks to those who came before us -- the brave men and women who marched, stood up to injustice, and brought change through acts of compassion or defiance -- we have made enormous progress and continue to strive for a more perfect union.

My Administration has advanced our journey by signing into law the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which strengthens Federal protections against crimes based on gender identity or sexual orientation. We renewed the Ryan White CARE Act, which provides life-saving medical services and support to Americans living with HIV/AIDS, and finally eliminated the HIV entry ban. I also signed a Presidential Memorandum directing hospitals receiving Medicare and Medicaid funds to give LGBT patients the compassion and security they deserve in their time of need, including the ability to choose someone other than an immediate family member to visit them and make medical decisions.

In other areas, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced a series of proposals to ensure core housing programs are open to everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. HUD also announced the first-ever national study of discrimination against members of the LGBT community in the rental and sale of housing. Additionally, the Department of Health and Human Services has created a National Resource Center for LGBT Elders.

Much work remains to fulfill our Nation's promise of equal justice under law for LGBT Americans. That is why we must give committed gay couples the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple, and repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. We must protect the rights of LGBT families by securing their adoption rights, ending employment discrimination against LGBT Americans, and ensuring Federal employees receive equal benefits. We must create safer schools so all our children may learn in a supportive environment. I am also committed to ending "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" so patriotic LGBT Americans can serve openly in our military, and I am working with the Congress and our military leadership to accomplish that goal.

As we honor the LGBT Americans who have given so much to our Nation, let us remember that if one of us is unable to realize full equality, we all fall short of our founding principles. Our Nation draws its strength from our diversity, with each of us contributing to the greater whole. By affirming these rights and values, each American benefits from the further advancement of liberty and justice for all.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2010 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

reposted from Joe

Via JMG: Quote Of The Day - Ron Paul

"I have received several calls and visits from constituents who, in spite of the heavy investment in their training, have been forced out of the military simply because they were discovered to be homosexual," Paul said Friday. "To me, this seems like an awful waste. Personal behavior that is disruptive should be subject to military discipline regardless of whether the individual is heterosexual or homosexual. But to discharge an otherwise well-trained, professional, and highly skilled member of the military for these reasons is unfortunate and makes no financial sense." - Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX), one of five GOP House reps to vote in favor of repealing DADT. Stopped clock and all that. reposted from Joe

Via JMG: BREAKING: Malawi President Pardons Imprisoned Gay Couple

Fantastic news. President Bingu wa Mutharika of Malawi has pardoned the gay couple sentenced last week to 14 years in prison at hard labor for the "grossly indecent and unnatural act" of holding a commitment ceremony.

Mr Mutharika, speaking as UN chief Ban Ki-moon visited Lilongwe, said he had ordered their immediate release. Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, were given 14-year jail terms after being convicted of gross indecency and unnatural acts. The case has sparked international condemnation and a debate about homosexuality in the country. Mr Ban said he welcomed the president's decision. Correspondents say Malawi is a deeply conservative society where religious leaders equate same-sex liaisons with Satanism. Mr Mutharika, who has in the past dismissed homosexuality as alien, said he had set them free on humanitarian grounds. "These boys committed a crime against our culture, our religion and our laws," he said after meeting Mr Ban. "However, as the head of state I hereby pardon them and therefore ask for their immediate release with no conditions."

We can consider this welcome news as evidence that even the most virulently anti-gay government can indeed by swayed by international pressure. I imagine that today's planned protest at the Malawi consulate in NYC will not take place.

UPDATE: The protest in NYC is still going to happen. From the organizer:

WE DID IT! BUT THE WORK IS STILL NOT DONE! TODAY WE STILL PROTEST, FOR ALL THE STEVENS AND TIWONJES IN AFRICA, WHO DO NOT HAVE A VOICE. AND FOR A REMOVAL OF ALL THE ANTI GAY LAWS, NOT ONLY IN MALAWI, NOT ONLY IN AFRICA, BUT IN THE WORLD! THE PROTEST IN NYC, IS STILL ON! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU! I HAVEN'T CRIED SUCH HAPPY TEARS IN A LONG TIME!

UPDATE II: The White House has issued a statement.

The White House is pleased to learn of President Bingu wa Mutharika's pardon of Tiwonge Chimbalanga and Steven Monjeza. These individuals were not criminals and their struggle is not unique. We must all recommit ourselves to ending the persecution and criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity. We hope that President Mutharika's pardon marks the beginning of a new dialogue which reflects the country's history of tolerance and a new day for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender rights in Malawi and around the globe.

reposted from Joe

How to Use a Condom: Brent Corrigan's Oral Exam

Via JMG: HomoQuotable - John Waters

"I don't even think there is bad taste anymore. American humor is bad taste — that's what we import, that's what television is about, reality television is based on that. I think it kind of ruined bad taste, because you're asked to feel superior to the subject matter, which I don't think I ever do. I think I always look up to my subjects, which is maybe what good taste is. Extreme taste is more interesting to me now than good or bad."- Director John Waters, lamenting that reality TV has destroyed the kitsch value of his work.reposted from Joe

Via towleroad: Colin Powell: 'Perfectly Acceptable To Get Rid Of DADT'

A couple of politicians took to the airwaves during Sunday morning's political talk shows to discuss "Don't Ask, Don't Tell."

Colin Powell, who back in February revealed that he supported the repeal of DADT, was a guest on ABC's "This Week" and was asked why he's changed his mind about the policy.

"Things have changed. That was 17 years ago." He also added that, "I am personally of the view now that attitudes have changed and I think it is perfectly acceptable to get rid of the law and the policy but I think before we actually do it we have to hear clearly from the officers and the men and women who are charge of executing the policy."

“I think it's important to listen to the troops who are affected and take into account the views of the senior leadership and military leadership of the armed forces.”

clic here or on the image to make the jump the the full article

Via NPR: Mullen Says Gays In Military Shouldn't Live A Lie

May 28, 2010

Congress is pushing to repeal the 17-year-old military policy of "don't ask, don't tell," which bars gays and lesbians from openly serving in the military. Michele Norris speaks with Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, about the potential repeal of the policy.

make the jump here to listen to the discussion