''We will have an army of signature collectors out in the community and into the churches to make it happen. We have every confidence we can make this happen.'' Harry Jackson, a conservative preacher from Beltsville, Maryland, once again trying to force his militant, religious agenda on the citizens of Washington. The DC segment of his ''army'' has filed ... [Read]
May 2009 Archives
"I will be wearing a suit, but don't be fooled, deep down inside, I am a queen! ... At one time, prom may have been a big popularity contest where the best-looking guy or girl were crowned king and queen. Things have changed and it's no longer just about who has the most friends or who wears the coolest ... [Read]
''Gays represent a small percentage of the population, but they are powerful church leaders, politicians, judges, and movie executives. For the most part they are white males who have sexed themselves out on perverted sex and they are never satisfied. They will keep pushing for more and more sexual freedom (which include sex with children) in search of sexual ... [Read]
''Say no to same same sex marraige.'' Two typos found in the latest TV commercial from Maggie Gallagher's National Organization for Marriage. She is basically pushing the message that schools will force gay marriage on children: ''Massachusetts schools teach 2nd Graders that boys can marry other boys.'' But, as GoodAsYou.org points out, perhaps it is Gallagher and her staff ... [Read]
Dupont Circle rally brings out hundreds of gay marriage supporters, Proposition 8 protesters [video]
"This is a national issue as you all know. And while I found that the decision today in California was depressing, we have the ability here in the Nation's Capital to take back the momentum; not only with the legislation that we've passed to recognize marriages adopted in other jurisdictions (including the 18,000 in California), but to take it ... [Read]
''Only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.'' Chief Justice Ronald George writing for the California Supreme Court which has decided 6 to 1 in favor of the voter-approved ban on gay marriages known as Proposition 8. Some 18,000 marriages that occurred in the few months before November will somehow also remain legal. ... [Read]
''Patten was screaming biased, anti-gay language. We took him into custody as quickly as possible, so he would not incite the large crowd that was gathering.... There were all these women crying. They were just very agitated and visibly upset, not just by what they saw but by what they heard. That's the thing with a hate crime, it's ... [Read]
"Historically, domestic partners of Foreign Service members have not been provided the same training, benefits, allowances and protections that other family members receive. These inequities are unfair and must end.... Providing training, medical care and other benefits to domestic partners promote the cohesiveness, safety and effectiveness of our posts abroad.'' Portion of a notice coming from Secretary of State, Hillary ... [Read]
''This is the first time we've had two guys Samba for us.... Your styles were good, if I just stick with the dancing. I think you probably alienate a lot of our audience. We've always had the guys dance together on the show, but they've never really done it in each other's arms before.... Thank you for coming and sharing ... [Read]
''It's a totally wholesome way to build family bonds while exercising your God-given right to be a bigot against the maricones.'' From a Comedy Central blog post that exposes (and explains) why anti-gay marriage ads are popping up on gay-friendly web sites. Maggie Gallagher's anti-gay National Organization for Marriage has apparently used Google's Adwords program to post banner advertisements ... [Read]
''For our society to continue to discriminate against people because of how they were born is unfair, unjust and profoundly inhumane. I did not reach adulthood and one day decide that I would become gay.... [Marion Barry,] Don't tell me how you loved us in the past. I feel just like Janet Jackson. What have you done for me ... [Read]
<p>''In my mind it came to the decision of if I pursue a promising political career or, frankly, sacrifice my humanity, and I felt I couldn't make that sacrifice. I had to give this situation the opportunity or I would regret it the rest of my life.''</p><p>J.W. Lown, mayor of San Angelo, TX for the last 6 years. Despite having ... [Read]
''I did date her. I'm not going to deny it, but I'm not going to say anything else.'' A quote obtained by ABC News from Valerie Vetrano, a lesbian who claims she secretly dated Francine Coppola, the mother of Carrie Prejean. The now infamous beauty queen and her family have been under a media microscope since Prejean told judge Perez ... [Read]
''It's not dangling over my head. [Laughing] It may be dangling over yours, but it's not over mine. Yeah, I think speculation keeps things really interesting.... I'm so happy for him. He deserves it.'' Adam Lambert, the runner-up in this year's "American Idol" contest, when asked to confirm speculation about his sexuality that has been dangling over his head ... [Read]
''This whole thing is unbelievable - first my daughter got called into the principal's office as if she were in some kind of trouble, and then they treated her presentation like it was something icky. Harvey Milk was an elected official in this state and an important person in history. To say my daughter's presentation is 'sex education' because ... [Read]
''I am not homophobic. In fact, I have two gay dads. See, I was born out of love. My two dads screened potential surrogates based on beauty and IQ. Then they mixed their sperm together and used a turkey baster. To this day, we don't know which one is my real dad. Which, I think, is pretty amazing." Rachel ... [Read]
''I am so pleased the Obama administration also recognizes Jenny's leadership and experience, and nominated her for this important position. I hope the Senate will act quickly on the nomination to confirm her.'' Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire on the the nomination of Jenny Durkan, an attorney from Seattle who is also a lesbian, to the post of U.S. ... [Read]
''This decision makes it significantly easier to strike down at least the application of 'don't ask, don't tell' in many if not most cases.... We're happy that this is not going forward to the Supreme Court at this point.'' Jon Davidson, of Lambda Legal, regarding the case of Major Margaret Witt, a Air Force flight nurse who was discharged ... [Read]
''I didn't really have a plan. My point is, by the time I was your age, I thought I knew who I was. But I had no idea. Like for example, when I was your age, I was dating men.... So, what I'm saying is, when you're older, most of you will be gay! .... The way I ended ... [Read]
''What's really been advantageous about this posting is it's gotten other retailers to call us and let us know that they too have been victims of the same band of criminals.'' David Franco of Universal Gear, a men's fashion store located that somewhat recently moved to 14th & P Streets from 17th Street. It appears that nine young men ... [Read]
''They will make for stronger families, and when we have stronger families, we have a stronger Washington state.'' Chris Gregoire, Governor of Washington, signing into law a bill that offers most (but not all) of the rights of marriage to gay and lesbian couples in that state. (Spokesman Review) ... [Read]
''And then finally, on "don't ask, don't tell" the president has said, and I share this, this is a policy that needs to change. It is a policy that was enacted by Congress, and so working with Congress to find a way to change it is something he's committed to doing with Secretary Gates.... [President Obama has] only been ... [Read]
''Why do they get to appeal to blacks as if blacks are their property and I can't go to that same group?'' More nonsense from Harry Jackson. Jackson, who regularly confuses gay marriage with racial issues, and who claimed that a belief in Jesus leads to conservativism, has reportedly boasted that he voted for George W. Bush in the ... [Read]
''Florida law specifically provides that adoption decrees from other states must be recognized in this state. Regardless of whether the trial court believed that the Washington adoption violated a clearly established public policy in Florida, it was improper for the trial court to refuse to give the Washington judgment full faith and credit.'' Judge Whatley from part of a decision ... [Read]
''I believe I am doing the right thing. It will help lots and lots of people.... I hope this rally will make an impact and let our voices be heard.'' Part of a speech by Ethan McNamee, a Colorado third-grader who decided he wanted to do a speech as part of a gay marriage rights rally on the steps ... [Read]
"Now all of a sudden I've got someone who wasn't a spouse before, that I had no responsibility for, who is now getting claimed as a spouse that I now have financial responsibility for. So how do I pay for that? Who pays for that? You just cost me money.'' Michael Steel, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, ... [Read]
''Today, they are not only fighting for lesbian and gay freedom here in Russia. They are also fighting for the soul of Russian democracy.... If the right to assembly is taken away from gay and lesbian people here in Russia, then other Russians have to fear for their own freedom.'' A man who identified himself as Andy Thayer of the ... [Read]
From Huffington Post: ''The defense ministry confirms that Minister Jose Bayardi has signed a decree lifting the ban imposed by the 1973-85 military dictatorship. The army said Wednesday it has received the decree, which has yet to be signed by President Tabare Vazquez.'' Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy ''To get fundamental reform in ... [Read]
''We had a little bit of a dilemma with Carrie, who's here, who's lovely, and who gave a very, very honest answer when asked a very tough question at the recent pageant. It's the same answer that the President of the United States gave. ... If her beauty wasn't so great, nobody would have cared.'' Miss USA pageant owner ... [Read]
''Despite what 'Family Guy' would have you believe, I'm not gay.... This is one where it's okay for the people who have made that leap to kind of yank the rest of the nation forward. While you have people who are deliberating as their watching Dr. Phil, 'Gee, am I okay with this or not?' -- you have couples ... [Read]
''I asked that my name be removed in protest of NPR's policy of not 'naming names' of closeted or rumored-about politicians - even those who actively suppress gay rights, and thus whose sexual identities are of significant importance to the press.'' Nathan Lee, a self-described ''journalist and an out gay man,'' who had his review of the movie ''Outrage'' ... [Read]
''We have had preliminary discussions with the leadership of the Pentagon, Secretary Gates, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, this is, as you know, George, better than most, this is an issue that is not going to be a light switch but more of a rheostat in terms of discussing it and building - having the discussions that have to ... [Read]
Wanda Sykes, comedian and Hollywood actress who recently came out as a lesbian, taking on the politics of DC at the 2009 White House Correspondents Dinner: ... [Read]
''The gay and lesbian community has been supportive of Carrie. It's just been overwhelming.... I'm not gay.... Just this past Sunday [Carrie's mother and I] had our arms around each other, praying in church.'' William Prejean, father of controversial beauty queen Carrie Prejean of the Miss USA California pageant. This piece from E! has an interview with her divorced ... [Read]
''I was out of work for eight weeks, spent a week in the hospital. That was the first time I really felt thankful for the sense of the security we had, with Rich there, talking with the physicians, helping make decisions. ... It really made a difference. .... More than once. I was introducing Rich and said, 'This is ... [Read]
''No, I'm not [saying being gay is wrong]. Absolutely not! Take that back, because I do not mean that.... I'm about ready to do a lot more than point my finger at you.... I'd take you outside and give you a punch across the face because that's not what I mean.... I think you're hurting innocent people.... You know ... [Read]
''I think you can certainly anticipate that [gay marriage] is in the future of the District of Columbia. How soon, we don't know. But this is a huge step forward in being -- having a law that recognizes marriages from other jurisdictions. And I do believe that nationally there's movement on this issue. Just in the past six to ... [Read]
''I've got so many gay fans and they're so loyal to me and they really lifted me up. They'll always stand by me and I'll always stand by them. It's not an easy thing to create a fanbase. ... Being invited to play [the San Francisco Pride rally], that was a real turning point for me as an artist.'' ... [Read]
''Some things are worth fighting for, and this is one of them. It's not something I can let go softly into the night. . . . I recognize the Democrats are in the majority, but I represent the majority of Americans on this issue.'' Jason Chaffetz, a Republican Representative for Utah, stating his desire to stand in the way ... [Read]
''There are two reasons really. One is that I enjoy working and even though many have this idealistic belief that the entertainment industry and studios like Walt Disney are gay friendly. For the most part they are, but that doesn't mean for them that business does not come first. It's a matter of economics.....Cogsworth, the character I did on ... [Read]
"In the past, I opposed gay marriage while supporting the idea of civil unions. I have come to believe that this is a question of fairness and of equal protection under the law, and that a civil union is not equal to civil marriage....This new law does not force any religion to recognize a marriage that falls outside of ... [Read]
Sandy -- Thanks for the wonderful and thoughtful letter. It is because of outstanding Americans like you that I commeted to changing our current policy. Although it will take some time to complete (partly because it needs Congressional action) I intend to fulfill my commitment! -- Barack Obama Contents of a handwritten response from President Barack Obama to Sandy ... [Read]
''I can honestly say I'm still at odds with the issue of gay marriage in the District of Columbia -- I still want to learn more about that issue. But I do know one thing, I do know that everybody is equal under God.'' Yvette Alexander, Washington, DC Councilwoman from Ward 7, explaining how her vote in favor of ... [Read]
''Christine made an error and...she's regretful that she did. She's assured me that it's not going to happen again.'' Chris Ariens, executive producer of Mediabistro, responding to an inquiry about the shoddy research done by blogger Christine Delargy for the Washington gossip site FishbowlDC. Delargy, without actually contacting Metro Weekly's office, reprinted a rumor she says came to her ... [Read]
The Miss Universe Organization just told us they've fired off a cease and desist letter to the National Organization for Marriage -- after NOM used footage from the Miss USA 2009 pageant in an anti-gay marriage commercial. From the TMZ.com website which is reporting that Maggie Gallagher's National Organization of Marriage included, without asking, copyright video of conservative darling ... [Read]
''All hell is going to break lose. We may have a civil war. The black community is just adamant against this.... What you've got to understand is 98 percent of my constituents are black and we don't have but a handful of openly gay residents.'' DC Councilman Marion Barry for Ward 8 speaking to reporters after the council voted 12-1 ... [Read]
''At a state level, it's up to them. I don't want it to be a federal thing. I personally still think it's wrong.... Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that.... I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know ... [Read]
''That's not a sensitive topic. I love my daughter.... [Growing up,] everybody quoted me and told me what to say, and 'You gotta do this, you gotta do that. I'm not doing that with my daughter. My daughter is 21, she can talk and speak her own mind, and express herself.... I think each of us has a right ... [Read]
"It's not surprising that three Northeastern states are the first to take this step. A majority of people who live in the Northeast say they approve of same-sex marriage. Solid majorities in the South, Midwest and West all oppose gay marriage." CNN Polling Director Keating Holland referring to several states in New England that have or are likely to ... [Read]
Kathleen Sullivan (born 1955) Sullivan is a constitutional scholar and former dean of Stanford Law School who has been an active advocate for abortion rights and gay rights. She more recently has represented business interests before the court, and remains director of Stanford's Constitutional Law Center. Profile of Kathleen Sullivan from a list of names being floated as possible ... [Read]
''Rea was told that they are changing the White House Web site to turn it into a more governance-focused site to reflect progress, as opposed to a campaign and transition site. They said they have taken out many such points throughout the site (not just on LGBT policy issues) as part of this changeover, and are apparently modifying the ... [Read]
''Jesus loves you AND your partner and wants you to know how much he cares! thats like a daddy not loving his lil boy cuz hes gay and that is WRONG and very sad! like i said everyone deserves to be happy (sic).'' According to ContactMusic, Miley Cyrus (the teenage, worth-a-billion actress and singer) showed her support for same-sex ... [Read]
''It's not that the male skating has to totally obliterate the gay guys that are skating and the gay public that's watching it. You have to find a balance to male skating...you've got to stick with male skating and strength and the meat and potatoes.'' Elvis Stojko, male figure skater and Olympic medal winner, explaining why Canadian skating officials ... [Read]
ABC News / Washington Post report that nearly half of Americans favor gay marriage. At its low, in 2004, just 32 percent of Americans favored gay marriage, with 62 percent opposed. Now 49 percent support it versus 46 percent opposed -- the first time in ABC/Post polls that supporters have outnumbered opponents. CBS News / New York Times report this ... [Read]
''Yes, I am single.... No, definitely a woman. I'm done with the man thing. I did that. I need to move on in life. That's another part of being true to yourself. I think that's been a challenge, for me personally.... I think [coming out] was an on going process from the time I was 12.... I had a lot ... [Read]
''We know that young man was killed in the commitment of a robbery. It wasn't because he was gay. The bill was named for him, the hate-crimes bill was named for him, but it's really a hoax that continues to be used as an excuse for passing these bills.'' Virginia Foxx, US House Representative from North Carolina, referring to ... [Read]
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