Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Quote of the Day: Stuart Gaffney
"We are putting discrimination against gays and lesbians on trial. We are showing what the human costs of that discrimination are," said David Boies, one of the lawyers representing the pro-gay-marriage side. "Every citizen has the right to decide for themselves what is moral, but no group of citizens has the right to ...discriminate against a minority."
From the dailykos: Kudos To Cindy McCain
by BarbinMD
Thu Jan 21, 2010 at 11:18:03 AM PST
Cindy McCain, the wife of 2008 Republican presidential nominee John McCain, has posed for an ad endorsing pro-gay marriage forces in California.
Her husband responded by having his staff issue a statement.
Senator McCain respects the views of members of his family. The Senator chaired the effort to successfully pass Arizona Proposition 102, the Marriage Protection Amendment, and his opposition to gay marriage remains the same. Senator McCain believes the sanctity of marriage is only defined as between one man and one woman.
The first Mrs. McCain was unavailable for comment.
From JMG: Prop 8 Trial "Explosion": Mormon Church Tried To Cover Up Its Involvement
Calling it an "explosive afternoon" the Courage Campaign's Prop 8 live blog reported late today that according to documents revealed to the court, the Mormon Church labored hard behind the scenes to cover-up their involvement in the campaign. That's not surprise to any of us, but it's the first time physical evidence has been produced to substantiate this.
For example, one letter indicated that the LDS church had identified a volunteer for the campaign in every single zip code. This was a church document that was in the hands of a Prop 8 campaign official, and thus was discoverable. Andy Pugno, the general council for ProtectMarriage.com tried his darnedest to get Judge Walker to exclude it, but failed. From Rick’s liveblog:
Pugno: Objects because document will be revealing. Judge: Not to make light of this, but the reason people want to produce documents is that they are revealing. Boutrous: It’s from an outsider to the core group. We are attempting to show the level of coordination with groups that Protect Marriage says were not even affiliated with the campaign.
This is perhaps the most explosive bit of all, from a document between the LDS Church and the campaign:
With respect to Prop. 8 campaign, key talking points will come from campaign, but cautious, strategic, not to take the lead so as to provide plausible deniability or respectable distance so as not to show that church is directly involved.
For example, one letter indicated that the LDS church had identified a volunteer for the campaign in every single zip code. This was a church document that was in the hands of a Prop 8 campaign official, and thus was discoverable. Andy Pugno, the general council for ProtectMarriage.com tried his darnedest to get Judge Walker to exclude it, but failed. From Rick’s liveblog:
Pugno: Objects because document will be revealing. Judge: Not to make light of this, but the reason people want to produce documents is that they are revealing. Boutrous: It’s from an outsider to the core group. We are attempting to show the level of coordination with groups that Protect Marriage says were not even affiliated with the campaign.
This is perhaps the most explosive bit of all, from a document between the LDS Church and the campaign:
With respect to Prop. 8 campaign, key talking points will come from campaign, but cautious, strategic, not to take the lead so as to provide plausible deniability or respectable distance so as not to show that church is directly involved.
Get that? The LDS Church intentionally worked to hide behind the scenes to disguise their involvement in the public realm. The LDS Church is well aware that the general public does not have the most favorable opinion of them. Attention on their involvement could have hurt their cause, namely passing Prop 8.
Freshly lifted from JMG
FROM JMG: SF Gay Men's Chorus To Make Concert Tour Of Proposition 8 Strongholds
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will conduct a tour of concerts through the heartland of Proposition 8 country in central California as part of an outreach program. Via press release:
The three-part tour will kick off at the end of January with concerts in Redding and Chico, continue in May with concerts in Fresno and Bakersfield, and end in July with a concert in Tracy. For chorus member Bud Dillon, the tour means coming home. Born and raised in Redding, Bud has a special understanding of the importance of the concerts. "So many people only hear about gay men within the context of heated controversy. The Freedom Tour will help to change that in an incredibly entertaining way. Nobody leaves our concerts without a huge smile on their face!" “It's simple." Witherington added. “We believe to accept us, you have to know us. So we tell our story through our music. Our message is one of coming together and recognizing those things we have in common.”
The chorus will perform a new original number called We Are Coming Out, which was written by JMG reader Sean Chapin.
deftly lifted from JMG
The three-part tour will kick off at the end of January with concerts in Redding and Chico, continue in May with concerts in Fresno and Bakersfield, and end in July with a concert in Tracy. For chorus member Bud Dillon, the tour means coming home. Born and raised in Redding, Bud has a special understanding of the importance of the concerts. "So many people only hear about gay men within the context of heated controversy. The Freedom Tour will help to change that in an incredibly entertaining way. Nobody leaves our concerts without a huge smile on their face!" “It's simple." Witherington added. “We believe to accept us, you have to know us. So we tell our story through our music. Our message is one of coming together and recognizing those things we have in common.”
The chorus will perform a new original number called We Are Coming Out, which was written by JMG reader Sean Chapin.
deftly lifted from JMG
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
From JMG: Uganda MP David Bahati Disinvited From National Prayer Breakfast
Box Turtle Bulletin reports that Uganda MP David "Kill Gays" Behati has been disinvited from next month's National Prayer Breakfast, where President Obama is scheduled to speak. Via Advocate:Ambassador Richard Swett, a spokesman for the breakfast, confirmed that Bahati was no longer allowed to come to the event, scheduled for February 4. He added, "The National Prayer Breakfast is an organization that builds bridges of understanding between all peoples, religions and beliefs and has never advocated the sentiments expressed in Mr. Bahati’s legislation.” Early reports from the Monitor newspaper in Uganda said that Bahati had planned to go to the even, and make a speech. The organization that puts on the National Prayer Breakfast is the Fellowship Foundation, also known as the Family, an evangelical Christian group linked to the development of the "kill the gays" bill.
Labels: David Bahati, religion, The Family, Uganda
Lifted from JMGFrom JMG: Gavin Newsom On Obama & Marriage
Today SF Mayor Gavin Newsom talks to Maureen O'Dowd about leaving politics and his disappointment with President Obama on gay marriage. “Oh, I can’t get in trouble here,” Newsom said with a playful wince. “I want him to succeed. But I am very upset by what he’s not done in terms of rights of gays and lesbians. I understand it tactically in a campaign, but at this point I don’t know. There is some belief that he actually doesn’t believe in same-sex marriage. But it’s fundamentally inexcusable for a member of the Democratic Party to stand on the principle that separate is now equal, but only on the basis of sexual orientation. We’ve always fought for the rights of minorities and against the whims of majorities.” He said the promise of Obama sparking an “organic movement” has faded and “there’s a growing discontent and lack of enthusiasm that I worry about. He should just stand on principle, put this behind him and move on.”Newsom abruptly gave up his bid for California governor last fall.
From JMG: Here's What The Prop 8 Supporters Were Too "Scared" To Say In Open Court
The American Foundation For Equal Rights sends us these video depositions made by two Perry vs. Schwarzenegger defendants who later dropped off the witness list rather than face the "violent wrath of vicious homofascists" were the trial to be televised.
The Olson/Boies legal team today introduced into evidence videos of the depositions of Paul Nathanson, Ph.D. and Katherine Young, Ph.D., who are among the experts dropped by the defendants from their witness list. In the videos, Nathanson and Young make several statements that are harmful to the defendants’ case and that support the plaintiffs’ position. Both are professors at McGill University. They were questioned by David Boies.
Listening to both witnesses without knowing who they are, one would presume they were witnesses FOR the gay side, especially Paul Nathansan, who seems ready to explode into a glitter rainbow of unicorns and Hello Kitty at any moment. Please watch every minute of these clips, it's unbelievable.
Courtesy of JMG
The Olson/Boies legal team today introduced into evidence videos of the depositions of Paul Nathanson, Ph.D. and Katherine Young, Ph.D., who are among the experts dropped by the defendants from their witness list. In the videos, Nathanson and Young make several statements that are harmful to the defendants’ case and that support the plaintiffs’ position. Both are professors at McGill University. They were questioned by David Boies.
Listening to both witnesses without knowing who they are, one would presume they were witnesses FOR the gay side, especially Paul Nathansan, who seems ready to explode into a glitter rainbow of unicorns and Hello Kitty at any moment. Please watch every minute of these clips, it's unbelievable.
Courtesy of JMG
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
NOTA OFICIAL DA ABGLT SOBRE O PROGRAMA NACIONAL DE DIREITOS HUMANOS
A ABGLT - Associação Brasileira de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais - é uma entidade de abrangência nacional que congrega 220 organizações congêneres e tem como objetivo a defesa e promoção da cidadania desses segmentos da população. A ABGLT também é atuante internacionalmente e tem status consultivo junto ao Conselho Econômico e Social da Organização das Nações Unidas.
Neste sentido a ABGLT vem a público manifestar o seu apoio às resoluções presentes no Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3 (PNDH 3), recém-lançado pelo Governo Federal.
Compreendemos que os direitos sexuais de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais (LGBT) são direitos humanos e por isso direitos fundamentais a serem respeitados em uma sociedade democrática.
Sabemos que, porém, o alcance da consolidação dessa democracia não se dará sem que exista o reconhecimento da importância que têm os espaços de construção de políticas públicas em conjunto com a sociedade civil.
O Programa não foi feito apenas pelo governo, mas democraticamente por milhões de brasileiros e brasileiras. Nós lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais (LGBT) participamos de em torno de 10 conferências - das mais de 50 que houve durante o governo atual - para contribuir para a elaboração do Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3, incluindo a Conferência de Direitos Humanos, a Conferência LGBT, a Conferência da Igualdade Racial, a Conferência da Criança e do Adolescente, a Conferência de Saúde, a Conferência de Segurança Pública, a Conferência de Comunicação, a Conferência da Pessoa Idosa, entre outras.
Os processos das Conferências nos demonstram como é possível garantir, a partir da reunião dos mais diversos setores da sociedade civil em conjunto o poder público, a construção de políticas públicas para nosso país. Hoje vemos todo este trabalho e dedicação concretizados no Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3..
Queremos referendar o apoio à busca da verdade sobre a ditadura militar. No mínimo precisamos saber a verdade, mas sem revanchismo. Devemos conhecer o passado para não repetir os mesmos erros.
Precisamos respeitar a autonomia das mulheres.
O Brasil ainda é um dos países que mais concentra renda e terra. Precisamos fazer uma reforma agrária democrática, com a participação das comunidades envolvidas.
Os meios de comunicação em nosso país precisam sim da participação cidadã da sociedade, para garantir que todos os meios de comunicação, sem distinção, respeitem os direitos humanos.
O Brasil está sendo um exemplo de democracia. Nossa nação cresceu e está ganhando reconhecimento mundialmente. Aumentaram nossos índices de desenvolvimento humano em todos os institutos e a promoção dos direitos humanos nesse contexto é fundamental.
Convocamos a sociedade para que apoie o Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3, porém sabemos que projetos, planos e programas sempre podem ser dialogados e aprimorados. Isto é democracia.
No final das contas, o Programa não deve ser deste ou daquele governo, desde ou daquele partido político e deste ou daquele grupo. Deve ser de todo/as, e todos/as devem participar democraticamente para aprimorá-lo, implementá-lo, monitorá-lo e avaliá-lo.
O Programa também deve ser assumido pelo Estado, afinal os planos, projetos e programas não devem ser só do governo, e sim do Estado Brasileiro.
Desta forma, unimos as nossas vozes às diversas da sociedade que hoje estão em defesa das resoluções presentes no PNDH 3 democraticamente construídas no conjunto da sociedade civil brasileira.
A ABGLT luta e continuará lutando para garantir que as vozes de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais, assim como de todos seus defensores(as), sejam sempre ouvidas e respeitadas, pois acreditamos que só assim poderemos garantir uma sociedade democrática como um direito de todas e todos.
Toni Reis
Presidente
ABGLT - Associação Brasileira de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais
Neste sentido a ABGLT vem a público manifestar o seu apoio às resoluções presentes no Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3 (PNDH 3), recém-lançado pelo Governo Federal.
Compreendemos que os direitos sexuais de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais (LGBT) são direitos humanos e por isso direitos fundamentais a serem respeitados em uma sociedade democrática.
Sabemos que, porém, o alcance da consolidação dessa democracia não se dará sem que exista o reconhecimento da importância que têm os espaços de construção de políticas públicas em conjunto com a sociedade civil.
O Programa não foi feito apenas pelo governo, mas democraticamente por milhões de brasileiros e brasileiras. Nós lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais (LGBT) participamos de em torno de 10 conferências - das mais de 50 que houve durante o governo atual - para contribuir para a elaboração do Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3, incluindo a Conferência de Direitos Humanos, a Conferência LGBT, a Conferência da Igualdade Racial, a Conferência da Criança e do Adolescente, a Conferência de Saúde, a Conferência de Segurança Pública, a Conferência de Comunicação, a Conferência da Pessoa Idosa, entre outras.
Os processos das Conferências nos demonstram como é possível garantir, a partir da reunião dos mais diversos setores da sociedade civil em conjunto o poder público, a construção de políticas públicas para nosso país. Hoje vemos todo este trabalho e dedicação concretizados no Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3..
Queremos referendar o apoio à busca da verdade sobre a ditadura militar. No mínimo precisamos saber a verdade, mas sem revanchismo. Devemos conhecer o passado para não repetir os mesmos erros.
Precisamos respeitar a autonomia das mulheres.
O Brasil ainda é um dos países que mais concentra renda e terra. Precisamos fazer uma reforma agrária democrática, com a participação das comunidades envolvidas.
Os meios de comunicação em nosso país precisam sim da participação cidadã da sociedade, para garantir que todos os meios de comunicação, sem distinção, respeitem os direitos humanos.
O Brasil está sendo um exemplo de democracia. Nossa nação cresceu e está ganhando reconhecimento mundialmente. Aumentaram nossos índices de desenvolvimento humano em todos os institutos e a promoção dos direitos humanos nesse contexto é fundamental.
Convocamos a sociedade para que apoie o Programa Nacional de Direitos Humanos 3, porém sabemos que projetos, planos e programas sempre podem ser dialogados e aprimorados. Isto é democracia.
No final das contas, o Programa não deve ser deste ou daquele governo, desde ou daquele partido político e deste ou daquele grupo. Deve ser de todo/as, e todos/as devem participar democraticamente para aprimorá-lo, implementá-lo, monitorá-lo e avaliá-lo.
O Programa também deve ser assumido pelo Estado, afinal os planos, projetos e programas não devem ser só do governo, e sim do Estado Brasileiro.
Desta forma, unimos as nossas vozes às diversas da sociedade que hoje estão em defesa das resoluções presentes no PNDH 3 democraticamente construídas no conjunto da sociedade civil brasileira.
A ABGLT luta e continuará lutando para garantir que as vozes de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis e transexuais, assim como de todos seus defensores(as), sejam sempre ouvidas e respeitadas, pois acreditamos que só assim poderemos garantir uma sociedade democrática como um direito de todas e todos.
Toni Reis
Presidente
ABGLT - Associação Brasileira de Lésbicas, Gays, Bissexuais, Travestis e Transexuais
Monday, January 18, 2010
from JMG: Uganda's "Kill Gays" Bill Author To Attend U.S. National Prayer Breakfast
Box Turtle Bulletin reports that Uganda MP David Bahati, the author of the pending "kill gays" legislation, will attend the National Prayer Breakfast in DC, where President Obama is expected to speak. Via Uganda's Sunday Monitor:
In February, David Bahati, the mover of the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill is expected to attend a prayer breakfast in the American capital of DC. Mr Bahati, according to reports, may speak at the event where President Barack Obama – a gays-tolerant liberal president, is also expected to attend. On Friday, Mr Bahati said he would attend. The event is organised by The Fellowship- a conservative Christian organisation, which has deep political connections and counts several high-ranking conservative politicians in its membership. “I intend to attend the prayer breakfast,” said Mr Bahati – himself a part organiser of the Ugandan equivalent of the national prayer breakfast. This week, citing international pressure, President Yoweri Museveni advised his party’s National Executive Committee, his cabinet and the NRM parliamentary caucus to “go slow” on the Bill.
Behait was invited to the prayer breakfast by the secretive Family, a coalition of GOP leaders and evangelical pastors. Will the president have anything to say about Uganda during the event?
Courtesy of JMG
In February, David Bahati, the mover of the controversial Anti-Homosexuality Bill is expected to attend a prayer breakfast in the American capital of DC. Mr Bahati, according to reports, may speak at the event where President Barack Obama – a gays-tolerant liberal president, is also expected to attend. On Friday, Mr Bahati said he would attend. The event is organised by The Fellowship- a conservative Christian organisation, which has deep political connections and counts several high-ranking conservative politicians in its membership. “I intend to attend the prayer breakfast,” said Mr Bahati – himself a part organiser of the Ugandan equivalent of the national prayer breakfast. This week, citing international pressure, President Yoweri Museveni advised his party’s National Executive Committee, his cabinet and the NRM parliamentary caucus to “go slow” on the Bill.
Behait was invited to the prayer breakfast by the secretive Family, a coalition of GOP leaders and evangelical pastors. Will the president have anything to say about Uganda during the event?
Courtesy of JMG
From JMG: PhoboQuotable - Maggie Gallagher
"The obvious truth, repeated over and over again in the legal history of marriage in the U.S., is that the government thought marriage mattered because marital unions produce and protect children. They do this in two ways: First, by creating faithful, exclusive, enduring sexual unions that create the best context fo conceiving children. And second, by preventing (if the man and woman are faithful) the default harms of unregulated opposite-sex union: many fatherless children, many overburdened mothers, many men disconnected from family life.
"This is the argument that Ted Olson told Newsweek 'cannot be taken seriously.' Good luck with that, Ted. Seven million Californians took it very seriously, and so do the majority of state courts that have considered it, several international human rights courts, and of course every major faith tradition.
"On Christianity and marriage, San Francisco attorney Therese Stewart worked hard to establish that Catholics’ and Baptists’ views on marriage and sex are illegitimate bigotry. She actually had Yale Prof. George Chauncey read into the record official statements by the Vatican and by the Southern Baptist Convention. I had to laugh to keep from crying. This is the city that in an official resolution condemned the Catholic Church and urged a sitting Catholic archbishop to “defy” his own faith and side with the City Council’s on gay adoption. Could gay-marriage advocates try any harder to fuel the perception that a victory for gay marriage requires the defeat of religious liberty, tolerance, and civility for Christianity and other traditional faiths?" - Maggie Gallagher, recapping the first week of Perry vs. Schwarzenegger.
another great find lifted from JMG
"This is the argument that Ted Olson told Newsweek 'cannot be taken seriously.' Good luck with that, Ted. Seven million Californians took it very seriously, and so do the majority of state courts that have considered it, several international human rights courts, and of course every major faith tradition.
"On Christianity and marriage, San Francisco attorney Therese Stewart worked hard to establish that Catholics’ and Baptists’ views on marriage and sex are illegitimate bigotry. She actually had Yale Prof. George Chauncey read into the record official statements by the Vatican and by the Southern Baptist Convention. I had to laugh to keep from crying. This is the city that in an official resolution condemned the Catholic Church and urged a sitting Catholic archbishop to “defy” his own faith and side with the City Council’s on gay adoption. Could gay-marriage advocates try any harder to fuel the perception that a victory for gay marriage requires the defeat of religious liberty, tolerance, and civility for Christianity and other traditional faiths?" - Maggie Gallagher, recapping the first week of Perry vs. Schwarzenegger.
another great find lifted from JMG
Sunday, January 17, 2010
from JMG: Friendly Voices - Margaret Hoover
"Some Republicans support gay rights, but prefer progress through legislative action or majority rule at the ballot box, rather than judicial action. But what if a democratic election imposes mandates that violate a citizen’s constitutional freedom? In the event that majority rule insufficiently protects individual liberty, our system of checks and balances puts forth that it is the role of the courts, to guarantee and protect the rights to individual Americans.
"That’s why the Supreme Court, in 1967 Loving v. Virginia, legalized interracial marriage –six years after our current president was born to an interracial couple. At that time 73% of the population opposed “miscegenation.” How long would it have taken to change popular opinion, for the minority to democratically win their constitutional rights? As Martin Luther King, Jr. famously asserted, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
"For those of you who would label me a 'RINO' (Republican In Name Only) for taking this stand, I direct you to Vice President Cheney, whose conservative credentials are impeccable, and who answered a question on the topic before the National Press Club audience on June 1, 2009 by saying simply, 'freedom means freedom for everyone.'" - Fox News contributor Margaret Hoover, coming out for marriage equality on FoxNew.com, of all places. Hoover directs readers to the Facebook page Republicans For Marriage Equality.
another great find on JMG
"That’s why the Supreme Court, in 1967 Loving v. Virginia, legalized interracial marriage –six years after our current president was born to an interracial couple. At that time 73% of the population opposed “miscegenation.” How long would it have taken to change popular opinion, for the minority to democratically win their constitutional rights? As Martin Luther King, Jr. famously asserted, “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
"For those of you who would label me a 'RINO' (Republican In Name Only) for taking this stand, I direct you to Vice President Cheney, whose conservative credentials are impeccable, and who answered a question on the topic before the National Press Club audience on June 1, 2009 by saying simply, 'freedom means freedom for everyone.'" - Fox News contributor Margaret Hoover, coming out for marriage equality on FoxNew.com, of all places. Hoover directs readers to the Facebook page Republicans For Marriage Equality.
another great find on JMG
Keeping Same-Sex Marriage in the Dark
Marjorie Cohn, Jurist: "On Wednesday, a conservative majority of the Supreme Court overturned a ruling made by a federal trial judge that would have allowed limited television coverage of a trial that will decide the fate of California’s Proposition 8. The trial, which is currently proceeding in San Francisco, is one of the most significant civil rights cases of our time. The plaintiffs are seeking to overturn a ballot initiative that makes same-sex marriage illegal in California."
Jump here to read the Article
Jump here to read the Article
Saturday, January 16, 2010
a message from Joe Solmonese / HRC:
Dear Daniel,
On Monday our nation will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our national holiday dedicated not only to this leader but to the civil rights legacy that he and millions of other brave Americans left us. Dr. King and the civil rights movement moved us from a nation of laws to a nation of laws and rights. Each time we invoke the constitutional and human rights behind LGBT equality, economic justice, and peace, we build that legacy. It is a legacy in progress.
In America, there is work to do in underserved communities. Many will mark this day with community service. Learn more about the MLK National Day of Service. You can make a difference.
In 2008, voters in California stripped same-sex couples of equal rights when they passed Proposition 8. For many, Proposition 8 stands as an ugly symbol of how far we are from living up to our Constitution's promise and Dr. King's dream. This week in California, a federal trial court will hear a challenge to that law. We were disappointed that the Supreme Court prevented the court from making the proceedings accessible to every interested viewer. The defendants—Prop 8's supporters, had argued that broadcasting the trial would expose them to threats and harassment. As someone who debated many of these anti-equality leaders on television and in public, and who had to watch their deceptive advertisements, I am amazed that anyone would believe this. We—LGBT people and allies, activists, marchers, neighbors, are the real story. We will all continue to petition our government with honor and with the power of truth.
In the District of Columbia, the Superior Court ruled that a Prop 8-like ballot initiative cannot go forward. The D.C. Council recently passed a marriage equality law, and opponents are trying to put a repeal to the voters. On Thursday, January 14, Superior Court Judge Macaluso ruled that such a ballot measure would violate D.C.'s Human Rights Act. No one's civil rights should be subject to the popular vote. We hold equal rights as human beings, not because of a popularity contest.
The American civil rights vision has meaning around the world, but we have a long way to go to realize Dr. King's dream. In Uganda, legislators have introduced a bill to increase criminal penalties for same-sex sexual relations, including the death penalty for “serial offenders.” Anti-LGBT activists from the United States visited Uganda to spread false information about “ex-gay” therapy last year, and this legislation seems to be the bitter result of their mission of deceit. Read HRC Religion and Faith Director Harry Knox's views on the subject here.
We were heartened to learn that a Congressional commission has scheduled a hearing on this abominable legislation, and will hear testimony about it next week. Already, many in Congress are calling for the United States to ensure that the Ugandan government does not impose a de facto death sentence on its LGBT people.
Finally, on Tuesday, January 12, the world saw a devastating tragedy unfold in Haiti, the western hemisphere's poorest country. A massive earthquake shook the island nation, its epicenter near the populous capital Port au Prince. Tens of thousands are feared dead, and the nation's weak infrastructure leveled. Poverty is our world's most egregious civil rights violation, and the nation's poverty contributed enormously to the carnage in Haiti. Shoddy construction caused buildings to tumble. Limited resources affected rescue efforts, which are still ongoing. To learn how you can help, visit the Rainbow World Fund's website. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and with the many Americans who have lost or are searching for family abroad.
Have a good weekend, and a peaceful MLK holiday.
Fondly,
Joe Solmonese
President, Human Rights Campaign
P.S. If you are looking for plans this Sunday evening, consider joining us at one of our inaugural Her HRC events around the country. Building on the momentum of our L Word premiere parties of the past, thousands of women from around the country will gather for a national night of celebration. Find the event nearest you at www.hrc.org/herhrc.
On Monday our nation will celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, our national holiday dedicated not only to this leader but to the civil rights legacy that he and millions of other brave Americans left us. Dr. King and the civil rights movement moved us from a nation of laws to a nation of laws and rights. Each time we invoke the constitutional and human rights behind LGBT equality, economic justice, and peace, we build that legacy. It is a legacy in progress.
In America, there is work to do in underserved communities. Many will mark this day with community service. Learn more about the MLK National Day of Service. You can make a difference.
In 2008, voters in California stripped same-sex couples of equal rights when they passed Proposition 8. For many, Proposition 8 stands as an ugly symbol of how far we are from living up to our Constitution's promise and Dr. King's dream. This week in California, a federal trial court will hear a challenge to that law. We were disappointed that the Supreme Court prevented the court from making the proceedings accessible to every interested viewer. The defendants—Prop 8's supporters, had argued that broadcasting the trial would expose them to threats and harassment. As someone who debated many of these anti-equality leaders on television and in public, and who had to watch their deceptive advertisements, I am amazed that anyone would believe this. We—LGBT people and allies, activists, marchers, neighbors, are the real story. We will all continue to petition our government with honor and with the power of truth.
In the District of Columbia, the Superior Court ruled that a Prop 8-like ballot initiative cannot go forward. The D.C. Council recently passed a marriage equality law, and opponents are trying to put a repeal to the voters. On Thursday, January 14, Superior Court Judge Macaluso ruled that such a ballot measure would violate D.C.'s Human Rights Act. No one's civil rights should be subject to the popular vote. We hold equal rights as human beings, not because of a popularity contest.
The American civil rights vision has meaning around the world, but we have a long way to go to realize Dr. King's dream. In Uganda, legislators have introduced a bill to increase criminal penalties for same-sex sexual relations, including the death penalty for “serial offenders.” Anti-LGBT activists from the United States visited Uganda to spread false information about “ex-gay” therapy last year, and this legislation seems to be the bitter result of their mission of deceit. Read HRC Religion and Faith Director Harry Knox's views on the subject here.
We were heartened to learn that a Congressional commission has scheduled a hearing on this abominable legislation, and will hear testimony about it next week. Already, many in Congress are calling for the United States to ensure that the Ugandan government does not impose a de facto death sentence on its LGBT people.
Finally, on Tuesday, January 12, the world saw a devastating tragedy unfold in Haiti, the western hemisphere's poorest country. A massive earthquake shook the island nation, its epicenter near the populous capital Port au Prince. Tens of thousands are feared dead, and the nation's weak infrastructure leveled. Poverty is our world's most egregious civil rights violation, and the nation's poverty contributed enormously to the carnage in Haiti. Shoddy construction caused buildings to tumble. Limited resources affected rescue efforts, which are still ongoing. To learn how you can help, visit the Rainbow World Fund's website. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Haiti and with the many Americans who have lost or are searching for family abroad.
Have a good weekend, and a peaceful MLK holiday.
Fondly,
Joe Solmonese
President, Human Rights Campaign
P.S. If you are looking for plans this Sunday evening, consider joining us at one of our inaugural Her HRC events around the country. Building on the momentum of our L Word premiere parties of the past, thousands of women from around the country will gather for a national night of celebration. Find the event nearest you at www.hrc.org/herhrc.
Friday, January 15, 2010
Em nome de Deus?
OPINIÃO
Em nome de Deus?
GILBERTO SCOFIELD JUNIOR
Em sua avaliação anual dos acontecimentos mundiais, o Papa Bento XVI tratou de condenar o que ele chama de "casamento gay", alegando que sua existência é uma "ameaça à criação". O raciocínio embutido nesta tese é tão absurdamente primário que qualquer pessoa com o mínimo de compreensão de mundo e de psicologia jamais perderia tempo tentando debatê-la não fosse por um simples fato: ela não é verdadeira. Gays e lésbicas não querem entrar de terno, véu e grinalda na igreja e receber de padres católicos ou protestantes suas bênçãos diante de Deus. O assunto nunca foi e nunca será da esfera dos conceitos religiosos. Trata-se da discussão de um tema de ordem do direito civil e das garantias individuais, direito que já há muito deveria constar dos nossos códigos civis e cujo lapso transforma gays e lésbicas, em vários países do mundo, em cidadãos de segunda categoria.
O que se prega, aqui e em outros países do planeta, é o direito à união civil, um direito que dará aos parceiros de casais estáveis do mesmo sexo benefícios civis dos quais gozam casais heterossexuais, como o direito aos bens construídos pelo casal no caso de falecimento de um deles, direito de declarar imposto de renda em conjunto, direito de usar a renda do casal para a compra de casa própria, entre outros itens. Céu? Inferno? Purgatório? Não, não. O que preocupa gays e lésbicas do mundo inteiro não é o julgamento de Deus, mas a opressão dos homens, e está no terreno dos vivos, e não dos mortos.
A Igreja Católica possui um histórico no mínimo polêmico em termos de direitos humanos, que exige do Papa e de todos os representantes desta religião uma boa dose de cautela antes de saírem pelo mundo pregando intolerância. A História está repleta de exemplos que vão dos abomináveis tribunais da inquisição até o recente caso da Igreja Católica irlandesa, que se calou diante das 320 queixas de pedofilia envolvendo 60 crianças molestadas em quatro décadas. E o que dizer de Galileu, condenado pela Igreja em 1633 por sua teoria heliocentrista (segundo a qual a Terra gravita em torno do Sol, e não o contrário), também considerada na época "uma ameaça à criação"?
Há os exemplos individuais e, neste caso, me exponho. O sonho de muitos jornalistas é, em algum momento de sua carreira, atuar como correspondente internacional, especialmente em países que são o centro das atenções mundiais, como a China e os EUA, onde passei meus últimos seis anos (quatro e meio na China e pouco mais de um ano nos EUA, onde ainda resido). Agora, vejo meu momento singular na carreira jornalística ser interrompido justamente porque não tenho, aqui ou nos EUA, a proteção da lei de um casal que está há sete anos junto.
Na China, meu parceiro possuía seu visto de trabalho individual. Eu tinha o meu de jornalista estrangeiro. Nos EUA, um país mergulhado numa crise econômica sem fim, meu parceiro tem que entrar com um visto de turista em que está anotado que seu visto se liga ao meu porque somos uma união estável há sete anos. O Consulado Americano no Rio sempre foi extremamente compreensivo e atencioso com a situação, buscando a melhor saída possível para o problema. Mas, como a entrada depende da mente mais ou menos homofóbica do funcionário da imigração americana (as leis de união civil são leis estaduais, e não se aplicam ao processo de imigração dos EUA, que é assunto federal), meu parceiro já foi parar na famosa "salinha de interrogatório da imigração americana" para explicar que ele não estava ali disposto a entrar nos EUA para ilegalmente limpar privadas. Era parte de uma união estável, união esta que não possui o amparo da lei porque não há visto de cônjuge para parceiros de mesmo sexo. Nos EUA ou no Brasil, diga-se de passagem.
O resultado é que estou voltando ao Brasil porque não quero que meu parceiro se arrisque a estes momentos de humilhação desnecessária. Momentos de humilhação que só se tornam piores à medida em que o representante maior da Igreja Católica me chama de "ameaça à criação". Isso num mundo onde as ameaças à criação de verdade andam com explosivos colados ao corpo ou sequestram aviões e os jogam sobre arranha-céus. Tudo em nome de Deus, curiosamente. Há algo estranhamente fora do contexto nisto tudo ou são apenas divagações de uma "ameaça à criação" ambulante?
GILBERTO SCOFIELD JUNIOR é jornalista.
Em nome de Deus?
GILBERTO SCOFIELD JUNIOR
Em sua avaliação anual dos acontecimentos mundiais, o Papa Bento XVI tratou de condenar o que ele chama de "casamento gay", alegando que sua existência é uma "ameaça à criação". O raciocínio embutido nesta tese é tão absurdamente primário que qualquer pessoa com o mínimo de compreensão de mundo e de psicologia jamais perderia tempo tentando debatê-la não fosse por um simples fato: ela não é verdadeira. Gays e lésbicas não querem entrar de terno, véu e grinalda na igreja e receber de padres católicos ou protestantes suas bênçãos diante de Deus. O assunto nunca foi e nunca será da esfera dos conceitos religiosos. Trata-se da discussão de um tema de ordem do direito civil e das garantias individuais, direito que já há muito deveria constar dos nossos códigos civis e cujo lapso transforma gays e lésbicas, em vários países do mundo, em cidadãos de segunda categoria.
O que se prega, aqui e em outros países do planeta, é o direito à união civil, um direito que dará aos parceiros de casais estáveis do mesmo sexo benefícios civis dos quais gozam casais heterossexuais, como o direito aos bens construídos pelo casal no caso de falecimento de um deles, direito de declarar imposto de renda em conjunto, direito de usar a renda do casal para a compra de casa própria, entre outros itens. Céu? Inferno? Purgatório? Não, não. O que preocupa gays e lésbicas do mundo inteiro não é o julgamento de Deus, mas a opressão dos homens, e está no terreno dos vivos, e não dos mortos.
A Igreja Católica possui um histórico no mínimo polêmico em termos de direitos humanos, que exige do Papa e de todos os representantes desta religião uma boa dose de cautela antes de saírem pelo mundo pregando intolerância. A História está repleta de exemplos que vão dos abomináveis tribunais da inquisição até o recente caso da Igreja Católica irlandesa, que se calou diante das 320 queixas de pedofilia envolvendo 60 crianças molestadas em quatro décadas. E o que dizer de Galileu, condenado pela Igreja em 1633 por sua teoria heliocentrista (segundo a qual a Terra gravita em torno do Sol, e não o contrário), também considerada na época "uma ameaça à criação"?
Há os exemplos individuais e, neste caso, me exponho. O sonho de muitos jornalistas é, em algum momento de sua carreira, atuar como correspondente internacional, especialmente em países que são o centro das atenções mundiais, como a China e os EUA, onde passei meus últimos seis anos (quatro e meio na China e pouco mais de um ano nos EUA, onde ainda resido). Agora, vejo meu momento singular na carreira jornalística ser interrompido justamente porque não tenho, aqui ou nos EUA, a proteção da lei de um casal que está há sete anos junto.
Na China, meu parceiro possuía seu visto de trabalho individual. Eu tinha o meu de jornalista estrangeiro. Nos EUA, um país mergulhado numa crise econômica sem fim, meu parceiro tem que entrar com um visto de turista em que está anotado que seu visto se liga ao meu porque somos uma união estável há sete anos. O Consulado Americano no Rio sempre foi extremamente compreensivo e atencioso com a situação, buscando a melhor saída possível para o problema. Mas, como a entrada depende da mente mais ou menos homofóbica do funcionário da imigração americana (as leis de união civil são leis estaduais, e não se aplicam ao processo de imigração dos EUA, que é assunto federal), meu parceiro já foi parar na famosa "salinha de interrogatório da imigração americana" para explicar que ele não estava ali disposto a entrar nos EUA para ilegalmente limpar privadas. Era parte de uma união estável, união esta que não possui o amparo da lei porque não há visto de cônjuge para parceiros de mesmo sexo. Nos EUA ou no Brasil, diga-se de passagem.
O resultado é que estou voltando ao Brasil porque não quero que meu parceiro se arrisque a estes momentos de humilhação desnecessária. Momentos de humilhação que só se tornam piores à medida em que o representante maior da Igreja Católica me chama de "ameaça à criação". Isso num mundo onde as ameaças à criação de verdade andam com explosivos colados ao corpo ou sequestram aviões e os jogam sobre arranha-céus. Tudo em nome de Deus, curiosamente. Há algo estranhamente fora do contexto nisto tudo ou são apenas divagações de uma "ameaça à criação" ambulante?
GILBERTO SCOFIELD JUNIOR é jornalista.
from JMG: No Prop 8 Clips For Internet
Perry vs. Schwarzenegger Judge Vaughn Walker has abandoned his plan to post clips of the trial on YouTube. And now the cowardly bigots on the other side want all the video of the trial destroyed.
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker said Thursday he's withdrawing his application to have the landmark case video-recorded under a pilot program approved last month by the governing body for federal courts in the West. Walker says he doesn't want the issue to distract from the trial itself. He made the announcement a day after the U.S. Supreme Court indefinitely blocked his plan to record the trial so it could be transmitted to other federal courthouses. Walker rejected a defense lawyer's request to destroy any videotapes produced during the first days of the trials He says he wants the option to review them first.
Jump here to read the rest on JMG
Chief U.S. District Judge Vaughn R. Walker said Thursday he's withdrawing his application to have the landmark case video-recorded under a pilot program approved last month by the governing body for federal courts in the West. Walker says he doesn't want the issue to distract from the trial itself. He made the announcement a day after the U.S. Supreme Court indefinitely blocked his plan to record the trial so it could be transmitted to other federal courthouses. Walker rejected a defense lawyer's request to destroy any videotapes produced during the first days of the trials He says he wants the option to review them first.
Jump here to read the rest on JMG
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Pat Robertson's Racist Blaming of Haitian Victims; and the Televangelist Misuse of History
h/t Daily Kos: Evangelist Pat Robertson manages to blame Haitians for the earthquake, instead of a shift in tectonic plates:
And you know Christy, something happened a long time ago in Haiti and people might not want to talk about it. They were under the heel of the French, uh you know Napoleon the third and whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said we will serve you if you'll get us free from the French. True Story, and so the Devil said OK it's a deal. And they kicked the French out. You know, the Haitians revolted and got themselves free. But ever since they've been cursed by one thing after the other desperately poor. That island is Hispaniola is one island. It's cut down the middle. On one side is Haiti on the other side is the Dominican republic. Dominican Republic is prosperous, healthy, full of resorts, etc.. Haiti is in desperate poverty. Same island.
read the rest of the discussion on Informed Comment
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Prop 8 Trial Tracker
Follow the Courage Campaign's Rick Jacobs live blogging from the Perry v. Schwarzenegger trial. He's typing as people speak and it can be a bit confusing, but Jacobs is doing a great job getting the gist of what everybody is saying. You'll need to refresh to see the updates. Bookmark the site for the remainder of the trial.
also: http://seminal.firedoglake.com/
Thanks to JMG for this
also: http://seminal.firedoglake.com/
Thanks to JMG for this
Monday, January 11, 2010
Sunday, January 10, 2010
JMG:
"Shouldn't there be safeguards against the majority voting on the rights of a minority? If people voted on civil rights in the 60s, it would have never happened. It took somebody like [President] Lyndon Johnson going, 'F all of you! I'm going to do this.' Obama won't do it. He's a huge disappointment to me." - GLEE star Jane Lynch, speaking to the UK's Guardian.
courtesy of JMG
courtesy of JMG
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Bil Browning sent a message to the members of The Bilerico Project.
Subject: Weekly Reader: Teabaggers, Sherlock Holmes, & a Catholic Rebel
The first week back after the holidays is always the hardest, isn't it? Everyone is struggling to get back into the swing of things at school, work, or around the house as we clean up after hosting a bazillion family members. On TBP, we kept plugging along to bring you our award-winning posts like these:
Sunday
Should We Scrap the Word "Transgender"?
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/is_it_unfair_to_define_the_transgender_community_t.php
Saxx Apparel - it's a romper room for your boys
Filed by: Nathan Strang
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/saxx_apparel_its_a_romper_room_for_your_boys.php
Monday
How a transgender prisoner gets tougher punishment because of her gender identity
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/how_a_transgender_prisoner_gets_tougher_punishment.php
Crazy tea baggers and liberal blogger friends
Filed by: Jerame Davis
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/crazy_tea_baggers_and_liberal_blogger_friends.php
Tuesday
Sherlock Holmes sequel in jeopardy after Downey's gay comment
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/sherlock_holmes_sequel_in_jeopardy_after_downeys_g.php
Marriage equality safe in Iowa until at least 2014
Filed by: Joe Mirabella
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/marriage_equality_safe_in_iowa_until_at_least_2014.php
Wednesday
Description, Affinity, Politics, and Identity
Filed by: Antonia D'orsay
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/description_affinity_politics_and_identity.php
Scott Lively doesn't want you to think he hates you
Filed by: Phil Reese
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/scott_lively_doesnt_want_you_to_think_he_hates_you.php
Thursday
Ridicule, the federal jobs site, and an ENDA prescription
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/ridicule_the_federal_jobs_site_and_an_enda_prescri.php
16 Years Old And Already A Catholic Rebel
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/in_which_i_turn_a_16_year_old_into_a_rebel_catholi.php
Friday
What are the best ways to show interest in someone?
Filed by: Michele O'Mara
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/what_are_the_best_ways_to_show_interest_in_someone.php
Death of Denise King is a Call to Our Community
Filed by: Michael Emanuel Rajner
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/death_of_denise_king_is_a_call_to_our_community.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://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=BilericoProject&loc=en_US
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To reply to this message, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/n/?inbox%2Freadmessage.php&t=1229354449416&mid=1b2b5b7G2c4faed8G3ae04d0G0
The first week back after the holidays is always the hardest, isn't it? Everyone is struggling to get back into the swing of things at school, work, or around the house as we clean up after hosting a bazillion family members. On TBP, we kept plugging along to bring you our award-winning posts like these:
Sunday
Should We Scrap the Word "Transgender"?
Filed by: Dr. Jillian T. Weiss
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/is_it_unfair_to_define_the_transgender_community_t.php
Saxx Apparel - it's a romper room for your boys
Filed by: Nathan Strang
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/saxx_apparel_its_a_romper_room_for_your_boys.php
Monday
How a transgender prisoner gets tougher punishment because of her gender identity
Filed by: Alex Blaze
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/how_a_transgender_prisoner_gets_tougher_punishment.php
Crazy tea baggers and liberal blogger friends
Filed by: Jerame Davis
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/crazy_tea_baggers_and_liberal_blogger_friends.php
Tuesday
Sherlock Holmes sequel in jeopardy after Downey's gay comment
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/sherlock_holmes_sequel_in_jeopardy_after_downeys_g.php
Marriage equality safe in Iowa until at least 2014
Filed by: Joe Mirabella
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/marriage_equality_safe_in_iowa_until_at_least_2014.php
Wednesday
Description, Affinity, Politics, and Identity
Filed by: Antonia D'orsay
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/description_affinity_politics_and_identity.php
Scott Lively doesn't want you to think he hates you
Filed by: Phil Reese
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/scott_lively_doesnt_want_you_to_think_he_hates_you.php
Thursday
Ridicule, the federal jobs site, and an ENDA prescription
Filed by: Bil Browning
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/ridicule_the_federal_jobs_site_and_an_enda_prescri.php
16 Years Old And Already A Catholic Rebel
Filed by: Father Tony
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/in_which_i_turn_a_16_year_old_into_a_rebel_catholi.php
Friday
What are the best ways to show interest in someone?
Filed by: Michele O'Mara
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/what_are_the_best_ways_to_show_interest_in_someone.php
Death of Denise King is a Call to Our Community
Filed by: Michael Emanuel Rajner
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.bilerico.com/2010/01/death_of_denise_king_is_a_call_to_our_community.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://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=BilericoProject&loc=en_US
Follow Bilerico Project on Twitter for links to new posts, breaking news and contest opportunities.
http://www.facebook.com/l/f6caa;www.twitter.com/bilericoproject
Subscribe to the Bilerico Project RSS feed to read posts via a feedreader like Google Reader or Bloglines, or include the feed in a customized homepage like My Yahoo! or iGoogle.
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To reply to this message, follow the link below:
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Friday, January 8, 2010
Jewish Group Sets Up "Urgent Fund" To Support LGBT Ugandans
The American Jewish World Service has created a fund to help grassroots LGBT groups in Uganda. Fantastic.
Jump here to read the rest of the article on JMG
Jump here to read the rest of the article on JMG
Thursday, January 7, 2010
From JMG: #teapartypickuplines
From last night's favorite trending topic on Twitter...
- Hey baby, only my government is small.
- I wanna whisper sweet anti-immigrant, homophobic, racist, xenophobic nothings into your ear.
- How about you and me go have sex - lights out, missionary position, for the sole purpose of reproduction?
- I wanna unravel your conspiracy so my revolution can erupt all over you.
- The real reason I'm against tax increases? So I can spend all my money on you, girl.
- You're hotter than the burning cross I put in my black neighbor's front lawn.
- Is that a Glenn Beck bobblehead in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?
- On the border I'm a Minuteman, but in the bedroom I'm alllll night.
- Lets go back to my place and declare independence from our clothes.
- Wanna see my paintings of an eagle crying over the New York skyline on 9/11?
Labels: silliness, Tea Party, teabaggers, Twitter
Thanksfor JMG for thisFrom 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."
(Tipped by JMG reader Sean Chapin)
lifted from JMG
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)
Labels: California, Electronic Defense Aliance, electronic voting, Los Angeles, Proposition 8
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."
(Tipped by JMG reader Sean Chapin)
lifted from JMG
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)
Labels: California, Electronic Defense Aliance, electronic voting, Los Angeles, Proposition 8
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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.
Labels: Andrew Breitbart, HomoQuotable, Simon Doonan, White House
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.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Bil Browning: GM's 2010 Queer, Bible beaters, and Top 10 lists
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
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Friday, January 1, 2010
Wishing you all a great 2010 from Brasil
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