The D.C. chapter of the Log Cabin Republicans last week voted on and overwhelmingly passed a resolution telling the national board of their organization that they recommend endorsing presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his vice presidential selection, Paul Ryan, ahead of November’s election.

Robert Turner II, president of the D.C. chapter, wrote a letter expressing the sense of the membership to the national board, which has since been posted on the group's website. But Turner also noted in his letter that some members, including some who voted in favor of endorsing the ticket, expressed concerns about the “anti-gay” positions that Romney and Ryan have taken on certain issues.

“If you favor our recommendation, we ask that you accompany an endorsement with a qualifier noting the significant differences we have with the ticket on some social and civil liberty issues and an expression of Log Cabin’s intention of continuing to vigorously encourage the ticket and the Party to revise their positions to more directly reflect the true values of our Grand Old Party,” Turner wrote in his letter.

Turner also said the D.C. chapter felt the organization’s national executive director, R. Clarke Cooper, and other ambassadors, should seek a private meeting with Romney to create a dialogue and discuss LGBT issues, similar to the way in which the “Austin 12,” a group of 11 gay men and 1 lesbian, all Republicans, had met with then-Gov. George W. Bush (R-Texas) prior to the 2000 election. And he reaffirmed that the D.C. chapter’s members support Romney’s bid to defeat President Obama because of Romney’s stance on “fiscal and foreign relations policies and his efforts to reduce the size of government.”

D.C. Councilmember David Catania (I-At-Large), originally elected as a Republican in a 1995 special election, was one of the “Austin 12,” but later spoke out against Bush’s 2004 re-election campaign after Bush supported a constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. He later left the party to become an independent and endorsed Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) for the presidency. Several other members also expressed disappointment over the group’s failure to convince Bush to adopt more LGBT-friendly stances.

In an e-mail to his chapter, Turner later reiterated the chapter’s decision to defer to the national board on the final decision whether to endorse, saying, “We are certain the National Board will make a decision that will be in the best interest of our organization as a whole...Regardless of whether we, as a national organization, of gay and lesbian Republicans, endorse or choose a path of neutrality, we look forward to working with a Romney-Ryan Administration to create a better path to prosperity for our economy, strengthen our national defense, and bring equality to all. Because in the end, inclusion wins!”

The national board of Log Cabin Republicans has not yet made an endorsement in the presidential race, although rival gay Republican group GOProud decided to endorse Romney on a 4-2 vote, with only two of the eight-member national board’s five LGBT members voting in favor of an endorsement and one straight member and one gay member not voting.

Marriage equality supporters found a new ally in an unlikely place earlier this week.

The American billionaire and political activist David Koch, who, with his brother Charles, has funneled millions of dollars into conservative organizations bent on electing Republicans, told Politico that he supports marriage equality.

When asked if he agreed with the Republican Party’s stance on gay rights, Koch responded, “I believe in gay marriage.”

Although Mitt Romney and much of the Republican Party support a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage and the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex marriages, Koch thinks otherwise, telling Politico, “Well, I disagree with that.”

The former 1980 vice presidential nominee for the Libertarian Party, which is generally liberal on social issues, also broke with Romney on taxes and defense cuts, stating that the U.S. military should withdraw from the Middle East and defense spending cuts as well as tax increases should not be kept off the table.

Koch was in Tampa, Fl. as a delegate for the Republican National Convention. He said he considers himself a Republican first, despite his differing ideological views.

It was reported in May that the Koch brothers plan to give nearly $400 million by November to conservative groups set on defeating President Barack Obama in November and electing Republicans to Congress. David Koch alone is worth an estimated $25 billion.

Koch is one of several high profile Republicans that have differed with Romney on the issue of marriage equality.

Although not a supporter of gay couples’ right to marry, Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) said in a radio interview earlier this week that he thinks marriage equality is a matter best decided on the state level rather than with a constitutional amendment.

[Photo: David Koch (Courtesy of celebexperts).]

Mitt Romney formally accepted the nomination of his party for president in what was the most bizarre night of the Republican National Convention.

Standing before thousands of cheering delegates on the last night of the GOP convention in Tampa, Fl., Romney attempted to show his personal side and put emphasis on his plan to create 12 million new jobs.

Romney quickly skipped over social issues in the speech, speaking briefly about his opposition to marriage equality.

"As president, I will protect the sanctity of life," Romney told the crowd. "I will honor the institution of marriage, and I will guarantee America's first liberty: the freedom of religion."

The acceptance speech was largely a formality, providing Romney his largest audience yet, and comes after a drawn-out primary campaign in which Romney had long been the frontrunner.

However, while Romney's convention speech was no more memorable than countless other convention speeches over the years, an appearance by Hollywood legend Clint Eastwood earlier in the evening stole the show.

Before the former Massachusetts governor took to the stage, Eastwood addressed Republican delegates in one of the most anticipated speeches of the convention.

And he did not disappoint.

Sauntering out to the twang of guitar like in many of the Westerns that made him famous, the Academy Award-wining director was greeted by cheers and chants of "Make my day!"

However, things quickly took a strange turn. Without the help of teleprompters, Eastwood gave a rambling speech in which he spent most of his 11 minutes on stage talking to an empty chair meant to represent President Barack Obama.

"How do you handle the promises you've made? What do you say?" Eastwood said to the empty chair.

At one point, the imaginary Obama appeared to grow hostile, telling Eastwood to "shut up."

"What do you want me to tell Romney? I can't tell him to do that. He can't do that to himself. You're absolutely crazy!" Eastwood said to the empty chair. "You're getting as bad as Biden. Biden is the intellect in the Democratic Party. It's just kind of a grin with a body behind it."

The Romney campaign told reporters that Eastwood was ad-libbing. According to the Associated Press, stern-faced Romney aides backstage winced at times as Eastwood's remarks stretched on.

Although Eastwood urged support for Romney, at one point stating, "When somebody doesn't do the job, you gotta let 'em go," the empty chair became the most memorable moment of night, in many ways overshadowing the speech Romney himself gave shortly after.

While delegates seemed to love Eastwood's appearance, many observers labeled it a train wreck.

MSNBC host Rachel Maddow questioned if Eastwood's age — he is 82 years old — had something to do with the awkward nature of the speech.

"That was the weirdest thing I've ever seen at a political convention in my entire life, and it will be the weirdest thing I've ever seen if I live to be 100," Maddow declared.

It was an opinion echoed by others, including film critic Roger Ebert.

"Clint, my hero, is coming across as sad and pathetic," Ebert tweeted. "He didn't need to do this to himself. It's unworthy of him."

Nevertheless, the speech quickly became one of the most memorable of the three day convention.

Eastwood's differences with the Republican Party appeared in his speech as well when he criticized the war in Afghanistan. Eastwood identifies as a libertarian and is moderate on social issues and supports marriage equality.

In an interview Eastwood gave with Leonardo DiCaprio to GQ magazine in September 2011, Eastwood said he didn't "give a fuck about who wants to get married," describing "bullshit" arguments about the sanctity of marriage as "crap."

Despite those political differences, Republicans, who often blast Obama for support from Hollywood celebrities, were given a star to get excited about.

Shortly after Romney's speech concluded, the Obama campaign took to Twitter to respond to Romney and Eastwood:

This seat's taken. OFA.BO/c2gbfi, twitter.com/BarackObama/st…

— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) August 31, 2012

WATCH Eastwood's speech here:

The much talked about "mystery guest" at the Republican National Convention was revealed earlier today.

Although some speculated a hologram of former President Ronald Reagan would grace the stage during the "To Be Announced" time slot listed before Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is scheduled to speak, it will instead be none other than Hollywood legend and marriage equality supporter Clint Eastwood.

Several news organization have confirmed that Eastwood will speak at the convention in Tampa tonight, where former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney will accept the Republican nomination for president. Rubio is expected to introduce Romney.

Earlier this month Eastwood, who is a lifelong Republican, endorsed Romney for president, stating that the "country needs a boost somewhere."

Although Republicans have long criticized President Barack Obama for his support from Hollywood celebrities, Republicans in Tampa seemed excited about the announcement.

Conservative writer Ann Coulter expressed her excitement about the news, telling Politico, "That would be a blast, just because he's so cool."

"Obama does it all the time, so what's wrong with that?" former Republican presidential candidate Herman Cain told Politico. "The whole Hollywood thing. I think it would be great if they have a big-name Hollywood star to come in an add some excitement. Remember, one of the objectives of the convention is to inspire people and excite people. And I think if it's him, it'll excite people."

Despite Eastwood's party affiliation, he is far from a social conservative. Not only is the Dirty Harry star pro-choice, he also supports marriage equality. In an interview Eastwood gave with Leonardo DiCaprio to GQ magazine in September 2011, Eastwood said he didn't "give a fuck about who wants to get married," describing "bullshit" arguments about the sanctity of marriage as "crap."

Both Romney and his running mate, Paul Ryan, think otherwise and support amending the Constitution to ban marriage equality.

Read an excerpt from GQ’s interview with Eastwood and DiCaprio here:

GQ: Yeah, but maybe between the movies you have some political feelings. [to Eastwood] You've described yourself as a social libertarian. What does that mean to you?

Clint Eastwood: I was an Eisenhower Republican when I started out at 21, because he promised to get us out of the Korean War. And over the years, I realized there was a Republican philosophy that I liked. And then they lost it. And libertarians had more of it. Because what I really believe is, Let's spend a little more time leaving everybody alone. These people who are making a big deal out of gay marriage? I don't give a fuck about who wants to get married to anybody else! Why not?! We're making a big deal out of things we shouldn't be making a deal out of.

Leonardo Dicaprio: That's the most infuriating thing—watching people focus on these things. Meanwhile, there's the onset of global warming and—

Clint Eastwood: Exactly!

Leonardo Dicaprio: —and these incredibly scary and menacing things with the future of our economy. Our relationship to the rest of the world. And here we are focusing on this?

Clint Eastwood: They go on and on with all this bullshit about "sanctity"—don't give me that sanctity crap! Just give everybody the chance to have the life they want.

[Photo: Clint Eastwood (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).]

A Michigan man pleaded guilty in federal court today to a hate crime charge for assaulting a man because he believed he was gay, marking the second time federal authorities have used new hate crime statutes to prosecute crimes motivated by the victim's sexual orientation.

Everett Dwayne Avery of Detroit admitted to striking a fellow customer in the face in a Detroit convenience store in March 2011 because of the man’s perceived sexuality. Avery's assault resulted in numerous facial injuries to the victim, including the fracturing of the victim’s eye socket.

In a statement released today, the Department of Justice confirmed that the 36-year-old Avery had pleaded guilty to the federal hate crimes charge.

Avery is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 28 and faces a maximum of 10 years in prison.

"Hate-fueled incidents have no place in a civilized society," said Thomas E. Perez, assistant attorney general for the Civil Rights Division. "The Justice Department is committed to using all the tools in our law enforcement arsenal, including the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, to prosecute acts of violence motivated by hate."

Despite opposition from some conservatives who view hate crime laws as an overstep of federal power, hate crime statues have been expanded in recent years.

Following the 2009 passage of the act named for Byrd and Shepard, which was signed into law by President Barack Obama, crimes based on perceived and actual sexual orientation and gender identity were added to federal hate crime statutes. The act also removed a prerequisite that a victim be engaged in a federally protected activity at the time of the crime.

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Barbara McQuade added that by passing such laws, "Congress made it clear that an attack based on a victim's sexual orientation will not be tolerated in America."

According to FBI hate crime statistics, in 2010 there were 6,628 reported hate crimes, consistent with 6,604 incidents reported in 2009. Of those, 19.3 percent were motivated by sexual orientation.

Although the law was touted as giving federal authorities more room to pursue reported hate crimes that local authorities may choose not to, federal prosecutors have used the new hate crimes law just 11 times, according to a Justice Department spokesperson.

In April, two men were indicted by a federal grand jury in Kentucky for kidnapping and assaulting a man because he was gay. It marked the first time under the expanded hate crime law that federal authorities charged a person with a crime committed because of the victim's perceived sexual orientation.

[Photo: Thomas E. Perez (Courtesy of DOJ).]

California lawmakers took another step toward banning conversion and reparative therapy that targets LGBT children and teenagers on Tuesday.

The state Assembly, which is controlled by Democrats, approved a bill 52-22 yesterday that would prohibit children under the age of 18 from undergoing "sexual orientation change efforts" at the hands of licensed therapists who intend to "cure" them of homosexuality.

While Republican opponents argued that conversion therapy should be something decided by medical boards and that the bill infringes on the rights of parents to choose what is in the best interests of their children, opponents said conversion therapy amounted to abuse.

John Pérez, the first out gay speaker of the California Assembly, said the bill would protect children from activists that "put their lives at risk."

Noting suicide rates among LGBT youth, Pérez said the legislature has been clear in the past where it stands on abuse.

"It is inappropriate for anybody, even parents, to subject children to dehumanizing activity," Pérez said, adding, "This, in my opinion, is an abusive practice in the guise of therapy."

The bill comes four months after 80-year-old psychiatrist Dr. Robert Spitzer retracted a controversial 2001 study that stated gay people that were motivated enough could change their sexual orientation. Spitzer also issued an apology to his former patients and the LGBT community.

Democratic state Sen. Ted Lieu, who is the original sponsor of the bill, said in a statement, "It's heartening to see the majority of the Assembly agrees that this kind of so-called 'treatment' essentially is psychological abuse of children."

Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Kate Kendell, also praised the legislature's actions, stating, "The time is long overdue for the legislature to take action to stop the severe harms being inflicted on young people and their families by these dangerous practices."

Kendell added that gay conversion therapy has largely been discredited by the medical community.

Although the amended bill must still be approved by the state Senate before midnight on Aug. 31, it seems likely the upper chamber will do so. In May the Senate voted 23-13 to approve their own version of the bill.

After the Senate's approval, the bill will head to Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown's desk for approval. Brown has not yet indicated whether he will sign the bill into law.

In a letter sent on Tuesday, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin encouraged Brown to support the law.

"It is time to safeguard the most vulnerable among us by ending the abusive practice of subjecting lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth to damaging attempts to change their sexual orientation or gender expression," Griffin wrote. "Research has shown that far from being beneficial or even neutral, these efforts have harmful effects on the participants."

Griffin added that Brown's support "would send a strong message to LGBT youth everywhere that their lives are valuable and they are perfect just the way they are."

According to a Reuters, a spokesperson for Brown said the governor would not comment on pending legislation. If the bill receives Brown's signature, California would become the first state in the nation to ban gay conversion therapy.

[Photo: Gov. Jerry Brown (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons).]

A former Arizona state legislator and out bisexual woman won her party's nomination for Congress late Tuesday night.

Kyrsten Sinema won the Democratic primary for Arizona's 9th Congressional District after defeating state Sen. David Schapira and a former adviser to the Clinton White House, Andrei Cherny.

"We are feeling optimistic and we are excited," Sinema said after her victory, according to The Arizona Republic.

Sinema is running for a new seat created after the 2010 Census that encompasses Tempe and parts of Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Mesa and Chandler. She was first elected to the Arizona House of Representatives in 2004 and the state Senate in 2010. 

Although the Republican primary was too close to call between a crowded field of seven different candidates, many believe the 36-year-old Sinema will face a competitive race against any Republican candidate.

Nevertheless, Sinema is poised to make history, not only by potentially becoming the first out bisexual member of Congress, but also the only out woman in the U.S. House of Representatives. (Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin is currently the only out lesbian in the House, but is running for Senate.)

The primary had taken an ugly turn in recent months, with all three candidates accusing each other of engaging in negative and dishonest campaigning.

In her victory statement, Sinema said she expects the attacks to continue: "Arizonans have heard a lot of negative attacks against me during this campaign, and we are going to hear a lot worse. You are going to hear things about me that aren't true. This is what has happened to our politics, and this win-at-all-costs mentality is damaging our democracy."

Sinema added that whatever voters hear, she will "always be on the side of ordinary families who have been kicked around and held down by powerful forces that have damaged our country’s prosperity."

Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund president and CEO, Chuck Wolfe, praised Sinema as a "proven leader who stands up for what's right and knows how to get results."

"We're extremely proud of her hard-fought victory tonight and committed to helping bring her authentic voice for LGBT equality to Capitol Hill in November," said Wolfe in a statement.

Victory Fund, which works to elect LGBT candidates, endorsed Sinema's candidacy. With eight out candidates running for Congress this year, the number of LGBT congress members could double from the current four after November.

[Photo: Krysten Sinema (Courtesy of Krysten Sinema for Congress).]

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D), former Republican National Committee Chair Ken Mehlman, former first daughter Barbara Bush and other celebrities will be hosting a fundraiser in New York City Sept. 13 to benefit the Marylanders for Marriage Equality campaign, which is seeking to uphold the state’s recently passed marriage-equality law.

The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the rooftop bar of Jimmy at the James Hotel, at 15 Thompson St. in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood. Tickets range from $250 to $25,000, with those raising amounts in excess of $10,000 receiving special designation as “bronze,” “silver” or “gold” sponsors.

Organizers say they expect the event to sell out. Tickets can be purchased online at https://secure.mdfme.org/nyc or by contacting Amie Kershner at 202-487-6847 or amie@akmdevelopment.org.

More than 30 other celebrities are expected to attend, among them former New York Rangers forward Sean Avery, actress and comic Sandra Bernhard, actress Julianna Margulies and husband Keith Lieberthal, actresses Julianne Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker and Susan Sarandon and hip-hop and clothing entrepreneur Russell Simmons.

Many of the celebrities previously lent their voices to the campaign to legalize same-sex marriage in New York, appearing in videos for New Yorkers for Marriage Equality, the coalition that successfully lobbied Albany lawmakers, including four Republican senators who bucked party leadership, to pass the bill that made New York the sixth state to allow same-gender couples to obtain a civil marriage license.

The fundraiser continues the efforts of the Marylanders for Marriage Equality coalition to raise money ahead of a November referendum, known as Question 6, which will ask Maryland voters to decide whether to uphold or overturn the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which was passed by the state Legislature and signed into law by O’Malley.

Marriage-equality opponents, led by the Maryland Marriage Alliance and backed by the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), have vowed to defeat the law at the ballot box. Political observers expect both sides to spend millions of dollars to convince voters to support their cause. 

Josh Levin, campaign manager of Marylanders for Marriage Equality, previously estimated that the cost of just one week of television commercials airing in the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore media markets would cost up to $1.2 million.

As a result, the coalition has held several local fundraisers to ensure funding for the campaign through the fall season. The equality effort was also boosted by a recent $250,000 infusion from the Human Rights Campaign, backing moves to pass laws in Maine and Washington supporting marriage equality, and to defeat a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage in Minnesota, where same-sex marriage is already illegal by statute.

Money raised in New York will help pro-equality forces in Maryland run advertisements on television and radio, distribute mailers, phone bank, canvass neighborhoods and respond to falsehoods or misinformation about the marriage-equality law.

Vice President Joe Biden spoke directly to the gay community Sunday, Aug. 26, thanking activists for their work in advancing the civil rights of all Americans.

Speaking to a crowd of 300 people in Provincetown, Mass., Biden told the crowd that through their efforts they are "freeing the soul of the American people."

"If I had to use one adjective to describe this community it'd be courage. You have summoned the courage to speak out, to come out. We owe you," said Biden, according to a press pool report.

Provincetown has a large gay population and is a popular vacation destination for gay tourists.

The vice president was in town for a fundraising event, and while he addressed political differences between President Barack Obama and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney, the state's former governor, on the eve of the Republican National Convention, he spoke largely about civil rights.

Noting that the work of many activists had come at great personal expense, Biden said the LGBT community had advanced the "civil rights of every straight American."

Biden, known for his appeal to heartland blue-collar voters and and for his loose lips, has secured a prominent place among gay rights activists after voicing his support for marriage equality in May.

Many speculate that Obama's endorsement of same-sex marriage that soon followed was prompted by Biden's remarks.

Plaintiffs in the lawsuit against California's Proposition 8 requested the Supreme Court not consider an appeal from defendants to hear arguments on the case in a brief filed Friday.

The reply brief in Hollingsworth v. Perry comes after supporters of Proposition 8 petitioned the Supreme Court to consider the case after both a U.S. District Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Proposition 8 violates the Constitution's due process and equal protection clauses.

Describing the issue as "undeniably important" because of "the tens of thousands of Californian same-sex couples who continue to suffer the daily humiliation of having the State designate their relationships and their families as second-rate," the plaintiffs argue the Supreme Court's review is not warranted.

Proposition 8 was approved by California voters in November 2008, amending the state's Constitution to ban same-sex marriage after the state had already permitted gay couples the right to marry.

Although plaintiffs, including lead attorneys Ted Olson and David Boies, admit the case is an "attractive vehicle" for resolving constitutional questions surrounding marriage equality, they argue the decision by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to strike down Proposition 8 does not warrant review because it does not conflict with any Supreme Court decision or any other court of appeals.

Moreover, they argue the Ninth Circuit properly interpreted legal precedent and that the Supreme Court would also strike down Proposition 8 because of the court's interpretation of the due process and equal protection clauses of the Constitution.

The Proposition 8 case is one of several related to marriage equality petitioned to the Supreme Court. On Tuesday, a fourth case challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act was petitioned to the high court for review.

Noting those multiple challenges to DOMA, the brief argues that this case should not be resolved in conjunction with those cases because of the "substantial and irreparable harm the period of additional review would impose on Plaintiffs and those situated similarly to them."

"Each day Plaintiffs' rights to marry are denied is a day that can never be returned to them — a wrong that can never be remedied," the brief concludes.

If the Supreme Court decides not to hear arguments on the Proposition 8 case, the Ninth Circuit's previous ruling to strike down the discriminatory amendment will still stand and same-sex couples will once again be permitted to marry in California.

According to Prop 8 Trial Tracker, the Supreme Court could take up the petition as soon as September 24.

READ the full brief here.

[Photo: Ted Olson]

In a new ad released Friday, Republican San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders speaks out about his support for marriage equality and the need for more Republicans to embrace gay couples' right to marry.

"As a Republican, I believe in conservative values like responsibility and limited government," says Sanders, who came out in support for marriage equality in 2007.

The ad is a joint effort by the Human Rights Campaign and Freedom to Marry and is scheduled to air in the Tampa area during the Republican National Convention next week.

Despite the GOP's reaffirmation of their opposition to marriage equality in the party's national platform, the ad is an attempt to convince Republican faithful that conservative principals regarding freedom and personal liberty should apply to gay couples' right to marry.

"Republicans talk about values such as freedom, limited government, and personal responsibility, values that support the freedom to marry. Our ad showcases Republicans who are living up to the values they proclaim, pointing the way for the party to get with the majority of Americans and on the right side of history," said Evan Wolfson, founder and President of Freedom to Marry.

According to HRC President Chad Griffin, "This ad is proof that we're not willing to leave any group of Americans behind in the national conversation over treating gay and lesbian couples with dignity and respect."

WATCH the ad here:

Speaking to a packed ballroom at the Washington Hilton last night, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder urged LGBT lawyers to continue fighting for equality as they build upon the momentum established over the past three years.

"You are – or soon will be – uniquely situated to use the power of the law, as well as your own gifts and knowledge, to help build a more fair, more equal, and more just society," Holder told the audience a the LGBT Bar Association’s annual Lavender Law Conference. "And you have not only the power, but – I believe – the solemn responsibility, to do precisely that: to safeguard the rights and freedoms of everyone in this country, and to carry on the critical but unfinished work that lies ahead."

Holder's speech before the convention of LGBT lawyers signaled the Obama administration's continued commitment to gay rights. As he listed the Obama administration's accomplishments on key gay issues, Holder was interrupted multiple times by applause.

"We can all be proud that, today – for the first time in history – those who courageously serve their country in uniform need no longer hide their sexual orientation," Holder said of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." "We can take pride in the fact that, early last year, President Obama and I directed Justice Department attorneys not to defend the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act."

Holder also noted the Justice Department's continued support for an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act that would provide protections to LGBT people in all workplaces and an updated Violence Against Women Act that includes provisions covering sexual orientation and gender identity.

"Thanks to [President Obama's] leadership, this Administration has made historic strides in adopting inclusive policies and sending a clear message that the federal government is 'open for everyone,' and that it is an employer that accepts and respects every potential employee," Holder stated.

Holder, who was first appointed to the bench of the Superior Court of the District of Columbia by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, has been criticized by Republicans since becoming Obama's attorney general.

In June, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives held him in contempt of Congress for withholding documents related to the Fast and Furious gun-walking program.

The Justice Department's decision in February 2011 to not defend the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex nuptials, also rankled Republicans. In response, the House created the Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group, which has unsuccessfully argued DOMA's constitutionality in several court cases, some of which have been petitioned to the Supreme Court for consideration.

Despite his controversial tenure, the open support from the nation's most powerful lawyer was well received by conference attendees, who gave his speech a standing ovation.

According to Holder, he and the administration "remain determined to use every available resource to build the necessary institutional and legal frameworks to end harassment, violence, and discrimination – and to provide the safeguards that, for LGBT Americans, my fellow citizens, are long overdue."

WATCH Holder's full speech at the Lavender Law Conference here:

Marylanders for Marriage Equality, the coalition of labor, faith and civil liberties groups seeking to uphold Maryland’s recently passed marriage equality law, announced Thursday that it had reached a milestone, with more than 100 organizations signing on as partners.

The announcement of the coalition’s newest partners comes just three days after the release of ballot language for the November 6 referendum known as Question 6, which will determine whether the marriage equality law, passed by the legislature in February and signed by the governor in March, will be upheld or overturned.

If upheld, the law would make Maryland the seventh state to allow same-gender couples to obtain a civil marriage license.

"We’ve been pounding the pavement and our work is paying off," David Turley, coalition director for Marylanders for Marriage Equality, said in a statement announcing the milestone. "Our momentum is growing as we build a homegrown and diverse base of support. Partner organizations are integral in mobilizing their members and getting the message out that voting for Question 6 is about treating people equally."

The nonpartisan League of Women Voters, which focuses on electoral participation and issue advocacy, is one of the coalition partners, as are the Maryland Black Family Alliance, the powerful 1199 SEIU union, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Maryland and the Maryland Catholics for Equality.

"Given our mission of equality, our consensus study enables us to support marriage equality," Sally Grant, Maryland state board marriage equality representative for the League of Women Voters, said in a prepared statement. "There’s also the added bonus that it looks like equality supporters are going to prevail."

A July Hart Research poll shows 54 percent of Maryland voters would uphold the marriage equality law at the ballot box, while 40 percent would vote to overturn it. White voters favor upholding the law by 13 points, 54-41, while African-Americans are evenly divided, with 44 percent in favor of the law and 45 percent opposed. The margin of error for that poll was plus or minus 4.5 percentage points.

Perhaps not surprisingly, gay voters are just as concerned about the economy as the rest of America.

A new poll released by Logo TV found that LGBT voters consider economic issues and unemployment to be the biggest factors influencing their vote this November. Gay rights ranked fourth in importance with 9 percent of respondents describing it as the number one issue influencing their vote. Marriage equality ranked seventh with 6 percent describing it as the most important issue.

The most interesting numbers relate to LGBT voting patterns. The survey, which was conducted last week and interviewed more than 1,300 likely voters, found that a substantial number of LGBT voters would be more inclined to vote Republican if the party supported gay rights.

According to the poll, 22 percent of LGBT voters would consider voting for Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney if he held the same views as President Barack Obama on gay rights.

Moreover, 26 percent of LGBT voters would consider supporting a Republican if the party more closely mirrored the stances of the Democratic Party on gay issues.

Both Obama and the Democratic Party's national platform support marriage equality.

The numbers demonstrate what gay conservatives have argued for years: sexuality does not dictate political views. As support for issues like gay marriage continue to shift, which has seen a uptick in support among the general population from 31 percent in 2007 to 52 percent today, gay voters may be more inclined to vote Republican if the party becomes more inclusive.

However, it seems unlikely that inclusiveness will come anytime soon.

Both Romney and Paul Ryan hold hardline conservative positions on gay issues and support a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Earlier this week the committee responsible for drafting the language of the Republican Party's national platform adopted strong language opposing marriage equality and supporting the Defense of Marriage Act.

Nevertheless, the wedge appears to have lost its edge when it comes to the divisiveness of gay rights.

According to Kenneth Sherrill, a political science professor at Hunter College, the survey documents a "political transformation of epic proportions."

"LGBT rights are no longer a wedge issue in American politics. Instead, support for LGBT rights is now a mainstream position and candidates stand to benefit from their support for LGBT rights," Sherrill said in a statement. "The data also demonstrate that LGBT voters are active, savvy, and discerning voters who support candidates who support their interests, but that they also are by no means blindly loyal to any politician or party."

The State Department condemned the violent arrests and continued harassment of dozens of LGBT activists in Zimbabwe earlier this month in a statement released on Thursday.

A spokesperson for the State Department said the United States stands in solidarity with gay activists who have been targeted by the Zimbabwean government, which considers homosexuality illegal.

"We are deeply concerned when security forces become an instrument of political violence used against citizens exercising their democratic rights," said State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland. "We call upon the Government of Zimbabwe to end this pattern of abuse and to eradicate the culture of impunity that allows members of the security sector to continue to violate the rights of the Zimbabwean people."

On Aug. 11, 44 members of Gays and Lesbians of Zimbabwe (GALZ) were arrested after police executed a raid on a meeting convened by the organization to launch a report on gay rights' violations.

Several LGBT activists sustained serious injuries and were detained without charges. According to news reports, members were assaulted with batons and some police officers appeared visibly drunk.

A second raid was executed by police on Aug. 20, during which computers and GALZ publications were confiscated in what the group believes is an attempt to derail their efforts. Moreover, police have targeted arrested members’ homes and interrogated and harassed family members.

The statement from the Obama administration comes after the U.S. Embassy joined the European Union in condemning the attack, describing it as a "deeply disturbing part of life in Zimbabwe."

Pressure is mounting on the Supreme Court as another case challenging the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act was petitioned for review on Tuesday.

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders asked the high court to review Pedersen v. Office of Personnel Management, a Connecticut case surrounding Joanne Pendersen and her wife, Ann Meitzen.

Pendersen, who served in a civilian position for the U.S. Department of the Navy for 30 years, sued the federal government in November 2010 after Meitzen was denied coverage on her federal health insurance plan because of DOMA.

Last month, an appointee of President George W. Bush, U.S. District Court Judge Vanessa Bryant, ruled that Section 3 of DOMA, which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages, is unconstitutional on the grounds that it violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment.

GLAD's petition for writ of certiorari gives the Supreme Court an opportunity to immediately review the case and makes the case the fourth concerning DOMA's constitutionality requested for review by the Supreme Court.

According to the petition, GLAD argues the case should be reviewed because it demonstrates DOMA's negative impact on several federal programs, including the federal income tax, Social Security, and federal employee and retiree benefits.

Moreover, GLAD argues for immediate consideration because of the continuing economic burden placed on the couple and their children by the federal government's refusal to grant Meitzen coverage under Pendersen's health insurance plan.

In a statement, Mary Bonauto, a GLAD attorney representing Pedersen, said DOMA "heaps disrespect" on thousands of married same-sex couples across the country with each passing day.

"These plaintiffs need to hear definitively from the Supreme Court whether or not the federal government will ultimately respect their love, commitment and legal bonds," Bonauto added.

Multiple lower courts have declared DOMA unconstitutional since the Obama administration stopped defending the law in February 2011. The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Groups (BLAG), which is controlled by House Republicans, has sought to defend the constitutionality of DOMA.

Opponents and supporters alike of the expansive federal law hope the Supreme Court will consider at least one case to determine the law's constitutionality. If arguments are heard, a ruling is expected by June 2013.

[Photo: Ann Meitzen and Joanne Pendersen (Photo courtesy of GLAD.)]

More than three months after National Organization for Marriage President Brian Brown challenged Dan Savage to a debate over LGBT issues and the Bible, the two men sat down for dinner and a chat last week.

Brown challenged Savage, author of the Savage Love sex column, to a debate after a controversial speech Savage delivered at the National High School Journalist Conference in April that criticized the Bible and led a handful of students to walkout.

Savage opened his Seattle home to Brown for their debate, which was moderated by Mark Oppenheimer of The New York Times.

The two talked for more than an hour, touching on a range of topics, including the shooting at the Family Research Council.

WATCH the Dinner Table Debate here:

A group of gay conservatives officially voted to put their support behind Republican Tommy Thompson in the Wisconsin Senate race against lesbian Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin.

The board of directors for GOProud endorsed Thompson in a statement released Wednesday, declaring him uniquely qualified to serve in the U.S. Senate.

"Tommy Thompson is a common-sense conservative who will focus on creating jobs and growing the economy for all Wisconsin," said Jimmy LaSalvia, Executive Director of GOProud. 

Thompson won a four-way primary race last week to become the Republican nominee in the Wisconsin Senate race and arguably Baldwin's biggest threat. Having previously served as governor of the state and as Secretary of Health and Human Services in the Bush administration, Thompson is well liked in the state and is now facing a favorite of the LGBT community.

Indeed, Baldwin would become the first out gay person ever elected to the Senate and the first woman senator from Wisconsin if she defeats Thompson in November. Although that has attracted national attention to her campaign, GOProud looked beyond her candidacy's historical significance to ideological disagreements with Baldwin.

"The voters of Wisconsin need to ask themselves whether or not they want to send a woman to the Senate who has a voting record to the left of Nancy Pelosi," stated Christopher R. Barron, Chief Strategist and GOProud Co-founder. "Tammy Baldwin has been a rubber stamp for the disastrous big government policies of the far left."

Although Baldwin has accused Thompson of being a Washington-insider who will "put those at the very top and the big monied special interests in Washington ahead of Wisconsin's hard working families," Barron said the opposite is true.

"Tammy Baldwin will be a Senator of the special interests, the D.C. insiders, and the most liberal activists," Barron said. "Tommy Thompson will be a Senator for the people of Wisconsin."

GOProud's endorsement focuses almost entirely on Thompson's fiscal views, but they do praise his opposition to a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage and support for Wisconsin's non-discrimination law.

Although Thompson has repeatedly said he is opposed to amending the constitution on principle and not because he supports marriage equality, he is a strong defender of the Defense of Marriage Act, which forbids federal recognition of same-sex nuptials.

In a statement, Thompson thanked GOProud for their support, stating, "I appreciate the support of GOProud and look forward to the growing coalition of broad support joining me on the pathway to victory in November."

Despite his long career, Thompson is perhaps most widely remembered for comments he made during a 2008 Republican presidential primary debate, in which he said employers should have the right to fire gay employees because of their sexuality.

Thompson later apologized for his comments, crediting them to a faulty hearing aid and desperate need to use the bathroom.

[Photo: Tommy Thompson]

An anti-gay Missouri Republican running for Senate is under fire for comments he made over the weekend saying that women rarely get pregnant from "legitimate rape" because "the female body has ways to try to shut that whole thing down."

Rep. Todd Akin (R-Mo.) apologized for his comments in an interview with Mike Huckabee on Monday, but vowed to stay in the Missouri Senate race.

Describing his comments as a "very, very serious error," Akin credited them to "foot in mouth disease" and vowed to continue his fight for Democrat Clare McCaskill's Senate seat.

Gay rights organizations have joined in condemning Akin's remarks, noting his long history of anti-gay positions.

In a statement released on Monday, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin said that Akin's "shockingly cold ignorance to the victims of rape" extends to his views of LGBT people as well.

"Over the last decade, Akin has been one of the leading voices in the House working against the best interests of LGBT people – he's against any kind of relationship recognition for same-sex couples; he's made remarks that are demeaning to LGBT families; he voted against the historic repeal of 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,' and he refuses to support workplace protections," Griffin said. "Todd Akin is no friend to anyone who has experienced discrimination and is looking to their elected officials to protect their rights under the law."

The HRC has joined with Missouri's gay rights organization, PROMO, in condemning Akin's candidacy.

"Make no mistake, while Akin will attempt to back-peddle in his statement, when one examines his record and past statements, Akin is simply restating his beliefs loud and clear," said PROMO Executive Director A.J. Bockelman.

Akin, who came to Capitol Hill in 2001, has consistently scored a 0 percent on the HRC's Congressional Scorecard.

Akin's decision to stay in the race comes after multiple Republicans have distanced themselves from his candidacy and encouraged him to drop out, including Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) and Sen. Scott Brown (R-Mass.).

According to POLITICO, the National Republican Senatorial Committee will withhold $5 million it planned to spend on the race if Akin does not step aside.

Presumptive Republican nominee Mitt Romney told National Review Online that Akin's comments on rape are "insulting, inexcusable, and, frankly, wrong."

"Like millions of other Americans, we found them to be offensive," Romney said.

During a surprise appearance at today's White House briefing, President Barack Obama also described Akin's views as "offensive."

"Rape is rape and the idea that we should be parsing and qualifying and slicing what types of rape we're talking about doesn't make sense to the American people and it certainly doesn't make sense to me," Obama told the White House press corps.

Obama added that what Akin's comments "underscore is why we shouldn't have a bunch of politicians, the majority of whom are men, making health care decisions on behalf of women."

McCaskill, who won the Missouri Senate seat in 2006, was polling behind Akin prior to his remarks. Now, she and other Democrats hope to fundraise off his comments. Although McCaskill does not support a constitutional amendment banning gay couples' right to marry, she does believe marriage equality should be decided at the state level. 

Akin has until 5 p.m. on Tuesday to withdraw from the race or his name will officially be set to appear on the November ballot.

[Photo: Todd Akin (Courtesy of the U.S. House of Represenatives).]

A subcommittee tasked with drafting the language for the Republican Party's national platform approved inclusive language earlier today that could be seen as an attempt to embrace gay Americans.

According to the executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, R. Clarke Cooper, a member of the Hawaii delegation who supports marriage equality proposed language that reads:

"We embrace the principle that all Americans have the right to be treated with dignity and respect."

Although the language does not directly mention gay Americans, it appears to be a nod toward the LGBT community.

"There has been positive and inclusive language proposed in several subcommittees today," Cooper said in an email to Metro Weekly.

The news comes after Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry urged the platform-drafting committee to endorse marriage equality in a letter sent last week.

"Giving people more personal freedom is the foundation of the Republican Party, which, as the Party of Lincoln, has a proud tradition of expanding liberties," the letter read.

Although the amendment is noticeably inclusionary, its failure to mention gay people stands in stark contrast to language set to be adopted by the Democratic Party, which not only embraces marriage equality but disavows the Defense of Marriage Act.

Platform amendments will undergo final consideration by the full Republican drafting committee tomorrow.

During an interview today with Rick Santorum on FRC's Washington Watch Weekly radio show, Family Research Council President Tony Perkins extended blame for Wednesday's shooting of a security guard at FRC headquarters to President Barack Obama.

"Well, I think as we witnessed this past week at the Family Research Council, clearly linked to that same atmosphere of hostility that's created by the public policies of an administration that's indifferent or hostile to religious freedom and groups like, as I mentioned, the Southern Poverty Law Center that recklessly throws around labels giving people like this gunman who came into our building a license to take innocent life," Perkins said.

The assertion by Perkins that the Obama presidency has created an environment where religious groups are threatened by physical violence comes a day after Perkins directly implicated gay-rights groups that have labeled the FRC a "hate group" for giving suspected shooter Floyd Corkins a "license to shoot an unarmed man."

On Wednesday, White House press secretary Jay Carney said the president believes "this type of violence has no place in our society." The White House has not issued additional comment on the shooting, noting that the investigation is ongoing.

The SPLC has defended labeling the FRC a "hate group," noting that Perkins himself has said he supports the criminalization of homosexuality.

In a statement released after Thursday's press conference, SPLC senior fellow Mark Potok said the FRC is "using the attack on their offices to pose a false equivalency between the SPLC's criticisms of the FRC and the FRC's criticisms of LGBT people."

"The SPLC has listed the FRC as a hate group since 2010 because it has knowingly spread false and denigrating propaganda about LGBT people — not, as some claim, because it opposes same-sex marriage," said Potok. "The FRC and its allies on the religious right are saying, in effect, that offering legitimate and fact-based criticism in a democratic society is tantamount to suggesting that the objects of criticism should be the targets of criminal violence."

As Metro Weekly reported yesterday, hate was clearly visible behind Perkins as he addressed reporters yesterday.

The FRC has not yet responded to requests from Metro Weekly to address the group's connection to Maryland Minister Leroy Swailes, who stood over Perkins's shoulder throughout the eight-minute press conference.

"Minister Leroy" is the founder of Tears for Children, a group that works to "teach the children true love" and "speak truth in spite of evil and wickedness" and lists the FRC as a partner on their website.

The group is sponsored by Third Gender 666, also overseen by "Minister Leroy," which argues that God made only man and woman and "anything else has come from evil and will eventually die."

According to their website, Third Gender 666 must "defend the planet or destroy the planet" and start by "protecting defenseless children from satan."

[Photo: Tony Perkins addressing reporters at Thursday's press conference as Minister Leroy Swailes looks on.]

A group of young conservatives urged the platform-drafting committee for the Republican National Committee to endorse marriage equality in a letter sent earlier this week.

Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry, which is under the umbrella of the national organization Freedom to Marry, wrote that if the Republicans "truly believe in family values, then we must value all families."

"Giving people more personal freedom is the foundation of the Republican Party, which, as the Party of Lincoln, has a proud tradition of expanding liberties," the letter continued.

Signed by the leadership committee of the organization, the letter was addressed to Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, who is chairing the committee tasked with drafting the Republican Party's national platform.

Earlier this month McDonnell denied a lesbian veteran the opportunity to testify before the committee in favor of marriage equality before Republicans convene in Tampa, Fla., for their national convention Aug. 27 to 30. He did, however, encourage her to submit her suggestions online.

Democrats have already taken the historic step of including support for marriage equality as part of their national platform, which will be voted on by delegates at the Democratic National Convention in September.

Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry point out in their letter to McDonnell that support for marriage equality among younger generations is shifting toward a majority. According to a May Washington Post/ABC News poll, 46 percent of Republicans ages 18 to 44 support marriage equality, with 46 percent opposed. The same poll found that 53 percent of Americans support the right of gay couples to wed, compared to 39 percent opposed.

Despite these margins, few believe the Republican Party will endorse gay nuptials this election year, particularly now that the Republican presidential ticket has been confirmed.

Mitt Romney selected Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate last weekend, enforcing anti-gay positions that include support for amending the Constitution to outlaw same-sex marriage.

Facing that reality, another group is urging the country's largest group of gay Republicans to abstain from endorsing Romney for president.

"Mitt Gets Worse," a project organized by American Bridge 21st Century and Courage Campaign Super PAC, has taken aim at Romney's record on gay rights and his "extreme anti-LGBT agenda" since its launch in July.

In a letter sent to Executive Director R. Clarke Copper and the board of directors for Log Cabin Republicans, David Brock of American Bridge 21st Century and Rick Jacobs of Courage Campaign Super PAC urged the group of gay Republicans to withhold their endorsement for Romney.

Citing Log Cabin Republicans' decision to not endorse George W. Bush in 2004 by a 22-2 margin, Brock and Jacobs write, "We believe Mitt Romney’s record shows there is little daylight between him and George W. Bush when it comes to our rights — indeed, Mitt may actually be worse, pledging to undo so much of the progress our community has made — Republicans, Democrats and independents alike. As a community, we cannot afford to take that risk."

The letter was delivered with a petition signed by more than 15,000 people hoping to influence the group's endorsement.

Responding to the letter, Cooper said the petition would have no impact on the group's internal deliberations.

"George Soros-funded petitions from leftists such as Courage Campaign or the Stonewall Democrats do not factor into the Log Cabin Republicans endorsement process. They can keep sending them right into our spam filter," Cooper wrote in statement provided to Metro Weekly. "From securing Don't Ask Don't Tell repeal to winning votes for marriage in New York, Log Cabin Republicans have been successful in our strategy of gaining support from Republican lawmakers whose offices these petitioners couldn't find with a GPS."

We will continue our work for a stronger, more inclusive GOP without regard for their 'advice,'" Cooper concluded.

Log Cabin Republicans are expected to issue their endorsement in the presidential race and various congressional races on a rolling basis spanning from August to October.

One day after a Virginia man is alleged to have shot a security guard at the D.C. headquarters of the anti-gay Family Research Council, the organization's president, Tony Perkins, held a press conference to blame the shooting on the Southern Poverty Law Center -- the group that in 2010 named FRC a "hate group" based on the SPLC's documentation of FRC's efforts to "knowingly spread false and denigrating propaganda about LGBT people" -- declaring that the watchdog group had given the shooter a "license" to shoot.

Perkins claims that FRC was designated a "hate group" for its political stance against marriage equality, even though SPLC and others have long documented the organization's stances and statements on homosexuality, including the consistent linking of gays to pedophilia. Metro Weekly captured the entire press conference on video. Despite some audio issues, what really stands out is, just over Perkins's right shoulder, a man wearing a priest collar and a t-shirt for emblazon with www.tearsforchildren.org, along with quotes about Sodom & Gommorrah and stickers promoting the National Organization for Marriage.

On its website, Tears for Children -- led by Maryland's "Minister Leroy" -- lists the Family Research Council as one of its partners, along with other anti-gay groups such as the American Family Association. From the website's home page: "I weep because of sadness in the world. I can not look into the eyes of a child and tell them that they have a choice of being a heterosexual or homosexual. My heart weeps when I think about the wolves and snakes who seek to manipulate innocent minds to believe that sin should be celebrated. We must speak truth in spite of evil and wickedness."

A security guard was shot inside the headquarters of the Family Research Council in Washington on Wednesday morning.

According to a spokesman for the Metropolitan Police Department, the shooting happened at the conservative Christian group’s offices at 801 G Steet near Verizon Center in Chinatown around 10:50 this morning.

The security guard was struck in the arm and transported to a local area hospital conscious and breathing. One suspect was apprehended and a weapon was recovered at the scene.

Police say the shooting is still under investigation and its motivation is unknown. Because the FRC's offices are housed inside a federally owned building, the FBI is also responding.

According to Fox News, a source says the suspect "made statements regarding their policies, and then opened fire with a gun striking a security guard."

The FRC has been an active opponent of marriage equality and claims to advance "faith, family and freedom in public policy and opinion."

In a statement, FRC President Tony Perkins said police were investigating the incident.

"Our first concern is with our colleague who was shot today," Perkins said. "Our concern is for him and his family."

Following news of the shooting, Republicans took to Twitter to send their prayers to the victim.

Prayers for those affected by the shooting at @frcdc today - our hearts are with you and we pray for His comfort and healing at this time.

— Reince Priebus (@Reince) August 15, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers are with the guard, families, and all who work at the Family Research Council.

— Senator Rand Paul (@SenRandPaul) August 15, 2012

I join my friend @tperkins & the great folks at @frcdc praying for guard shot today in this senseless act. politi.co/OcuQMW

— John Fleming (@RepFleming) August 15, 2012

Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders, which has butted heads with FRC on multiple issues, also expressed their concerns for the injured security guard.

Our thoughts are with the guard shot at FRC headquarters this am. Whatever the motivation, violence is not the answer wapo.st/R2xjOV

— GLAD (@GLADLaw) August 15, 2012

UPDATE @ 2:40P: Although law enforcement officers continue to investigate the motivation behind this morning's shooting, warning media outlets that immediate eye witness accounts can be innacurate, several gay rights organizations have already released statements condemning this morning's violence.

Executive Director of Truth Wins Out, Wayne Besen, said his organization's "thoughts and hearts" go out to the victim and his family and colleagues.

"In America we settle political differences through robust debate in the public square, not with violence. If the shooting is found to be politically motivated, it is a detestable act of cruelty and cowardice and the perpetrator should be punished to the fullest extent of the law," Besen said. "We stand squarely with the Family Research Council today and offer them our full support and prayers."

R. Clarke Cooper, executive director of Log Cabin Republicans, also condemned the violence.

"Keeping in mind that at this time we know little about the shooter or his motives, whatever our political disagreements, in this country, we use ballots, not bullets, to address them," Cooper said in a statement.

"We offer prayers for the injured security guard, his family, and everybody at the FRC building, barely a fifteen minute walk away from Log Cabin Republicans national headquarters," Cooper added. "In many ways, this is a reminder that we aren't so far apart."

UPDATE @ 3:30P: An FBI spokesperson confirmed to Metro Weekly that the suspected shooter was in FBI custody, but reiterated that motivation had not yet been determined.

According to the FBI, the shooter was tackled and restrained by the injured security guard and others in the lobby of FRC headquarters while they waited for police to arrive. Although some news outlets reported that the shooting was being considered a case of domestic terrorism, an FBI spokesperson said all possible motives were still being investigated.

Whether the FBI will take the lead on the investigation will depend on if the shooting is deemed a hate crime.

Even though the investigation remains ongoing, the National Organization for Marriage released a statement assigning blame on LGBT advocates' rhetoric.

In a statement, NOM President Brian Brown pointed the finger at gay rights groups that have labeled "pro-marriage" organizations "hate groups."

"Today's attack is the clearest sign we've seen that labeling pro-marriage groups as 'hateful' must end," said Brown. "The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled the Family Research Council a 'hate group' for its pro-marriage views, and less than a day ago the Human Rights Campaign issued a statement calling FRC a 'hate group'—they even specified that FRC hosts events in Washington, DC, where today's attack took place."

Brown said that for "too long national gay rights groups have intentionally marginalized and ostracized pro-marriage groups and individuals by labeling them as 'hateful' and 'bigoted.'"

In a joint statement, the leaders of more than 25 LGBT organizations wrote, "Our hearts go out to the shooting victim, his family, and his co-workers."

"The motivation and circumstances behind today’s tragedy are still unknown, but regardless of what emerges as the reason for this shooting, we utterly reject and condemn such violence," they continued. "We wish for a swift and complete recovery for the victim of this terrible incident."

UPDATE @ 8P: Although law enforcement have not yet confirmed the identity of the suspected shooter or his motivation, multiple news outlets have identified him as 28-year-old Floyd Corkins II of Herndon, Va.

According to the Associated Press, Corkins was a volunteer at The DC Center for the LGBT Community on U Street in Northwest Washington. Executive Director David Mariner told the AP that his most recent shift as a front desk receptionist was two weeks ago.

"He always struck me as a kind, gentle and unassuming young man. I'm very surprised that he could be involved in something like this," Mariner said.

Following initial accounts, it is also being reported that Corkins made a negative reference about the Christian lobbying organization's work before he opened fire on the security guard.

Both Mitt Romney and President Barack Obama responded to the news on Wednesday. Romney called the shooting appalling, stating, "There is no place for such violence in our society."

White House Press Secretary Jay Carney told reporters on the campaign trail that the president was informed of the shooting around 1 p.m. and expressed concern for the victim. Carney said Obama  believes "this type of violence has no place in our society."

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

Photos by JD Uy. FRC Offices at 801 G Street NW, Washington, DC.
And statement posted on door of The DC Center for the LGBT Community.

Four gay candidates claimed victory last night in a series of primary wins in Wisconsin and Florida.

In Wisconsin's congressional Democratic primary, state Rep. Mark Pocan won the party's nomination for the 2nd District, which encompasses some of the state's most liberal areas, including Madison.

Now that he has secured his party's nomination, it appears almost certain that Pocan will become the eighth out member of Congress in American history.

Pocan, a small-business owner who married his husband in Canada in 2006, is running for the seat vacated by Democratic Rep. Tammy Baldwin, a lesbian hoping to become the first out gay member to serve in the U.S. Senate.

In a statement, Chuck Wolfe, president and CEO of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, which endorsed Pocan, praised his service as a state legislator.

"Mark Pocan is an outstanding public servant who will be a strong and authentic voice for LGBT Americans in Congress," Wolfe said. "It's fitting that as Congresswoman Baldwin fights to win a historic victory in the Senate, Mark Pocan will follow in her footsteps as one of the most powerful voices for LGBT equality in America."

Baldwin officially became the Democratic Senate nominee last night while also learning who she will face in November. Wisconsin Republicans nominated former Gov. Tommy Thompson as their Senate candidate after a four-way primary fight.

In a statement, Baldwin labeled Thompson, who served as Health and Human Services secretary for President George W. Bush, an insider who will "put those at the very top and the big monied special interests in Washington ahead of Wisconsin’s hard working families."

"I will take on these powerful interests in Washington, and in the Senate, I will stand up for Wisconsin's middle class, as I always have," Baldwin said.

Like the three candidates he competed with, Thompson's record on LGBT issues is lacking. However, political observers believe he posses the greatest threat to a Baldwin victory because of his popularity in the state and Republican establishment roots.

Although Thompson did not endorse a federal amendment to the Constitution banning marriage equality – unlike his three opponents – he did state that he believes "very strongly" in the Defense of Marriage Act.

Moreover, in 2007 during a debate for the Republican presidential nomination, Thompson said business owners should be allowed to fire employees for being gay.

"I think that is left up to the individual business," Thompson said. "I really sincerely believe that that is an issue that business people have got to make their own determination as to whether or not they should be."

Thompson apologized after the debate, stating he misheard the question due to a faulty hearing aid and a need to use the bathroom.

History was also made in Florida last night, where voters elected their first out gay state legislator.

Democrat David Richardson, a forensic accountant from Miami Beach, defeated two opponents in an open primary.

Wolfe called it a "major victory for LGBT Floridians who have waited far too long to have a voice in decisions that affect them and their families."

Richardson could be joined in Tallahassee by another gay Democrat, Joe Saunders, who won his Central Florida primary last night as well and will go on to compete in the general election this fall.

[Photos: Mark Pocan (Credit Todd Franson/Metro Weekly), Tommy Thompson (Courtesy of Wikipedia).]

With two weeks to go until the start of Republican National Convention, it was announced today that New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie will deliver the coveted keynote address.

Christie is a rising star in the Republican Party well known for his off-the-cuff comments and no-nonsense disposition. Before Mitt Romney announced Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his running mate over the weekend, Christie was on the shortlist of likely Republicans being considered for vice president.

Among marriage-equality advocates, he is well known for vetoing legislation in February that would have legalized same-sex marriage in New Jersey. 

First reported by USA Today, Christie told the newspaper that he is already on the fourth draft of the 20-minute speech he will deliver in Tampa, Fla., since Romney asked him to speak a few days ago.

"I'll try to tell some very direct and hard truths to people in the country about the trouble that we're in and the fact that fixing those problems is not going to be easy for any of them," Christie said of his speech.

Despite Christie's veto of marriage equality, which came a day after the New Jersey Legislature passed the bill, it seems unlikely social issues will feature prominently in his speech. His battles with New Jersey Democrats over the state budget and public spats with Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) have made him a national star, but he remains moderate on many of the social issues that rank high in importance among some party faithful.

Although Christie has said he is personally opposed to marriage equality, he has been consistent in his belief that New Jersey voters should be allowed to make the ultimate decision at the ballot box.

"An issue of this magnitude and importance, which requires a constitutional amendment, should be left to the people of New Jersey to decide," Christie said of marriage equality in an interview with CNN’s Piers Morgan in February.

"I have been just as adamant that same-sex couples in a civil union deserve the very same rights and benefits enjoyed by married couples — as well as the strict enforcement of those rights and benefits," Christie continued. "Discrimination should not be tolerated and any complaint alleging a violation of a citizen's right should be investigated and, if appropriate, remedied."

As part of Christie's February veto, he expressed support for an ombudsman to ensure civil unions are administered with fairness and tolerance in the state.

The keynote speaker spot has historically been a launching point for national politicians, most recently in 2004 when Illinois Senate candidate Barack Obama delivered the keynote speech at the Democratic National Convention, just four years before being elected president.

Christie has been coy in discussing his national aspirations. Although Christie told USA Today he hopes to return to the Republican convention in 2016 to renominate a President Romney and Vice President Ryan, he is considered by many to be a likely Republican candidate for president in 2016 if Obama is re-elected.

WATCH Christie's comments on marriage equality:

During an appearance on Meet the Press in February, Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, who Mitt Romney named as his Republican running mate on Saturday, questioned the continued focus on marriage equality as a campaign issue.

Asked by host David Gregory if same-sex marriage, which at the time was working its way through the Maryland Legislature and President Barack Obama had yet to endorse, was an "issue that's legitimate for the presidential campaign," Ryan said the debt crisis and budget were the issues really driving the election.

"I don't know why we're spending all this time talking about this," Ryan said of marriage equality. "We've got a debt crisis coming and the administration just gave us a budget that just simply charts another path to debt and decline. It's an unserious budget that just fails at tackling these challenges and I think that's what we ought to be talking about right now."

Gregory noted that marriage equality, like other social issues, ranks high in importance for many Republican voters.

"But as you know," Gregory said to Ryan, "there's a presidential campaign and you're a Republican leader in the Congress and the reality is that these social issues are occupying a lot of bandwidth with the Republican primary voters."

As Metro Weekly reported on Saturday, Ryan is well known for his free market views and focus on economic policy, but is still a strict social conservative with a history of anti-gay positions, having twice voted to amend the Constitution to ban same-sex marriages. Although his pick by Romney signals a continued focus on the economy this presidential campaign, it is also a reinforcement of Romney's conservative positions on LGBT issues.

WATCH Ryan's comments on marriage equality here:

At a rally Saturday morning in Virginia, presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney introduced Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan as his vice presidential running mate.

"There are a lot of people in the other party who might disagree with Paul Ryan," Romney said to the cheering crowd of supporters. "I don’t know of anyone who doesn't respect his character and judgment."

Romney's pick signals a continued focus on jobs and the economy this presidential campaign, but also a reinforcement of strict conservative views on LGBT issues.

Ryan is well known in Washington as a staunch fiscal conservative whose budget proposals have been characterized by Democrats as radical in nature.

Although Ryan's congressional career has focused largely on economic issues, much as Romney's presidential campaign has, he is no less of a social conservative.

The 42-year-old Ryan, who came to Capitol Hill in 1999, voted in 2004 and 2006 for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. Romney himself has said he favors amending the constitution to forbid same-sex couples' right to marry.

Explaining his vote to amend the constitution in 2004, Ryan said in a press release that he believes "marriage should remain between a man and a woman."

"I had hoped that this amendment wouldn't be necessary, but increasingly it appears that laws such as the Defense of Marriage Act will not be sufficient to protect marriage from certain courts that distort state and federal constitutional law," Ryan added. 

"Marriage is not simply a legal arrangement between individuals. The institution of marriage is an integral part of our civil society and its significance goes well beyond eligibility for benefits and similar considerations. Its future should not be left to a few overreaching judges or local officials to decide," he said.

More recently, in 2007 Ryan voted against a bill that would have made sexual orientation and gender identity hate crimes stand alone offenses. In 2009 Ryan voted against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Protection Act, which expanded federal hate crime laws to include attacks on the LGBT community. In 2010 Ryan voted against the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." In May, following President Barack Obama’s endorsement of marriage equality, Ryan voted for a bill that would prevent the Department of Justice from arguing against the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act.

Ryan also favors a ban on same-sex couples’ ability to adopt children in D.C.

According to the Human Rights Campaign’s congressional scorecard, Ryan received a 0 percent for his positions on gay rights' legislation in the 111th Congress.

Ryan now joins a presidential campaign that is more conservative on gay rights than the previous Republican president. Unlike former President George W. Bush, Romney has said he opposes civil unions "if they are identical to marriage other than by name."

"My view is that domestic partnership benefits, hospital visitation rights and the like are appropriate but the others are not," Romney said in an interview with a Denver TV station in May.

Despite Ryan's anti-gay record, his selection by Romney was praised by gay conservatives.

"The selection of Paul Ryan is a bold and inspired pick," said Jimmy LaSalvia, Executive Director of GOProud, which narrowly endorsed Romney earlier this summer.  "Paul Ryan has been the architect of policies that would benefit all Americans, especially gay Americans." 

"Gay Americans understand that without reforms – Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will go bankrupt.  The future prosperity for all Americans, regardless of their sexual orientation, is at stake if we do not act today," added LaSalvia, praising Ryan's support for privatization of Social Security which "would end the government's discrimination against gay couples through personal savings accounts," and his vote "to end the discriminatory death tax and for free market reforms to healthcare that will expand access to domestic partner benefits."

In a statement, Executive Director of the Log Cabin Republicans, R. Clarke Cooper, praised Ryan's 2007 vote in favor of the Employment Nondiscrimination Act and said "his consistent willingness to engage with Log Cabin on a range of issues speaks to his record as a fair-minded policymaker."

"Overall, while Log Cabin Republicans have not completed the endorsement process for the 2012 presidential election," Cooper said, "this is a choice that all Republicans can be excited about, and which sends a good message about the kind of campaign Governor Romney wants to run, and the kind of president Governor Romney wants to be." 

Others found Ryan's selection less praise-worthy. In a statement, HRC President Chad Griffin called Ryan out of touch on LGBT issues.

"Ryan's record of voting against fairness, dignity and equality is out of touch with the majority of Americans and a fast growing majority of Republicans," Griffin said. "LGBT Americans need leadership that will continue to fight for their rights to protect their families, marry the person they love, and enjoy equal protections under the law."

Griffin's sentiments were echoed by National Stonewall Democrats Executive Director Jerame Davis, who called Romney's selection "as crass as it is cunning."

"Ryan's opposition to civil rights for LGBT people certainly matches Mitt Romney's, but unlike Romney's gutless pandering to the religious right, Ryan is a true believer," Davis said in a statement. "For LGBT voters, there's nothing in this pick but more disappointment and disregard."

The language supporting marriage equality agreed upon by the Democratic Platform Drafting Committee was revealed earlier today.

BuzzFeed reports that the draft reads as follows:

We support the right of all families to have equal respect, responsibilities, and protections under the law. We support marriage equality and support the movement to secure equal treatment under law for same-sex couples. We also support the freedom of churches and religious entities to decide how to administer marriage as a religious sacrament without government interference.

We oppose discriminatory federal and state constitutional amendments and other attempts to deny equal protection of the laws to committed same-sex couples who seek the same respect and responsibilities as other married couples. We support the full repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act and the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act.

Although this language may be tweaked when the Platform Committee considers the plank for approval at a meeting this weekend in Detroit, it appears certain the Democratic Party will officially endorse marriage equality.

Responding to the wording of the platform plank, Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin prasied the strong language present in the platform. 

"Marriage equality has quickly become a mainstream American value and it’s a sign of the times that the Democratic Party has included language affirming the ability of gays and lesbians to marry in its draft platform," Griffin said in a statement. "We encourage the Platform Committee and the delegates to the convention to adopt this strong statement that all loving and committed American families deserve equal treatment."

Although historic in nature, as Metro Weekly reported earlier today the platform plank, which will be voted on by delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C. next month, may have limited broader impact.

It remains highly unlikely there will be any federal campaign for marriage equality and that marriage laws, which have almost always been left up to the states, will continue to be debated at the local level.

According to out gay Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), a federal right to marry would only come if the Supreme Court were to rule that a state's refusal to grant same-sex couples the right to marry violates the constitution.

UPDATE @ SAT 1:30P: At a meeting in Detroit on Saturday, the Democratic Platform Committee unanimously approved language including a marriage equality plank in the party’s national platform. According to Freedom to Marry, the language supporting marriage equality remained intact.

In a statement, Freedom to Marry founder and president, Evan Wolfson, said the unanimous vote puts the Democratic Party on the "right side of history."

"Today's vote to include language supporting the freedom to marry in the Democratic Party's National Platform is a victory for fairness and families, and a historic moment long in the making," Wolfson said.

The party platform now heads to Charlotte, N.C. for final ratification at the Democratic National Convention next month.

At a ceremony in Arlington earlier today, Army Reserve officer Tammy Smith became the first out, active duty general in American history.

Smith was promoted to brigadier general at a private ceremony at the Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery Friday morning. Smith's wife, Tracey Hepner, presented her with her stars.

It was a historic moment for the gay rights movement that comes nearly a year after the repeal of "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" and makes Smith the highest ranking gay military figure who is open about her sexuality.

The 49-year-old Smith shied away from the significance of her promotion, telling Stars and Stripes, "All those facts are irrelevant."

"I don't think I need to be focused on that," Smith told the military newspaper. "What is relevant is upholding Army values and the responsibility this carries."

"For me, the story is about the promotion and the opportunities it brings," Smith said.

Despite her humility, advocates praised Smith's accomplishment.

Executive director of the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN) Aubrey Sarvis said Smith's promotion not only made history, but signaled a new era in military service.

"It is indeed a new era in America's military when our most accomplished leaders are able to recognize who they are and serve the country they love at the same time," Sarvis said in a statement. "Brigadier General Smith made history today - not only as an exemplary service member who renders outstanding service to our nation with integrity and honor - but as a proud lesbian acknowledging the tremendous sacrifice her family makes in order for her to serve and advance."

Sarvis, an Army veteran himself, added that he has no doubt more senior officers will follow Smith's lead.

Sue Fulton, a 1980 West Point graduate and member of the OutServe board of directors, also praised Smith, stating, "It is a great day for our military and for our nation when this courageous leader is finally able to recognize her wife for her support and sacrifice in the same way that all military families should be recognized for their service to our country."

According to Stars and Stripes, Smith spent much of 2011 serving in Afghanistan and has already been assigned as deputy chief at the Office of the Chief at the Army Reserve.

Smith's wife, who is cofounder of the Military Partners and Families Coalition, said the level of support the couple has received since acknowledging their relationship has been overwhelming.

"I wasn't surprised that people were so accepting, but in some cases it has been even celebratory," Hepner said. "It's like nothing has really changed for us, and yet everything has changed."

[Photo: Brig. Gen. Tammy Smith, right, with her wife, Tracey Hepner, left (Photo courtesy of SLDN).]

A bill signed into law earlier this week just made life a bit more difficult for members of the Westboro Baptist Church.

President Barack Obama signed the Honoring America's Veterans and Caring for Camp Lejeune Families Act Monday, awarding a range of benefits to servicemembers, but also putting in place restrictions on protests at military funerals.

Specifically, the new law requires protests at military funerals be held at least 300 feet away and forbids protesters from blocking entrances or exits within a 500-foot radius. Moreover, new restrictions ban demonstrations from taking place during the two hours before or two hours after a funeral.

For the Westboro Baptist Church, which has become infamous for holding signs that read, among other things, "God Hates Fags" outside of military funerals and blaming American casualties as punishment for acceptance of gay people, the law is a blow to one of their favorite tactics.

Obama signed the bill into law in the Oval Office, stating, "We have a moral sacred duty to our men and women in uniform."

"The graves of our veterans are hallowed grounds," Obama added, according to a pool report.

The law comes a year after the Supreme Court ruled that the Westboro Baptist Church and their protests were protected by the First Amendment. To the concern of freedom of speech advocates, it appears these new restrictions override that ruling.

"We have some serious First Amendment concerns with the law," said Gabe Rottman, legislative counsel and policy advisor for the American Civil Liberties Union.

In an interview with Metro Weekly, Rottman said the ACLU is particularly concerned that the provision of the law appears to directly target the Westboro Baptist Church.

"The First Amendment problem with it is that it looks like it could be used to target protests that, even though they're repellent, they're still totally peaceful and they're dealing with legitimate political speech, no matter how offensive," stated Rottman.

Rottman argues that the law is not about protecting the solemnity of military funerals, which are currently protected under private property and disorderly conduct laws, but is about censoring offensive and unpopular speech.

Although the ACLU is currently litigating against a Missouri law similar to the new federal law, Rottman said it remains to be seen if the ACLU will challenge this new federal restriction.

Nevertheless, the Westboro Baptist Church, which has been labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Defamation League, said the law will have no effect on their tactics.

"We are still going to be out there at soldiers' funerals warning people that America is doomed," said Steve Drain, who, with his wife and daughters, are the only members of the church not related to founder Fred Phelps.

In an interview with ABC News, Drain said their protests will continue in a "lawful fashion."

"We will stand 301 feet away. There is prime preaching real estate at 301 feet," stated Drain. "My voice can carry a lot farther than 300 feet. That is only the size of a football field."

When Congress approved the bill last week, church members were vehement in their opposition.

Fred Phelps's daughter, Margie, responded to initial reports of the bill's passage, tweeting, "Smile. Let's see where God takes this, k? #FagsStillDoomNations."

Nearly a month after the Boy Scouts of America reaffirmed the organization's ban on out gay members and leaders, Mitt Romney confirmed that he believes the organization should permit gay people to join.

In an email from Romney spokeswoman Andrea Saul to the Associated Press, Saul said that Romney's position on gay membership is the same as it was when he ran for Ted Kennedy's U.S. Senate seat in Massachusetts in 1994.

At a debate with Kennedy during that race, Romney said that while he supported the right of the BSA to determine their own policies, he personally believes "all people should be allowed to participate in the Boy Scouts regardless of their sexual orientation."

Romney previously served on the Boy Scouts' national executive board.

The confirmation from the Romney campaign comes after video of that debate surfaced on the Internet and as protests against the organization have increased since last month's announcement.

Zach Wahls, the son of a lesbian couple and the Eagle Scout responsible for founding Scouts for Equality, commended Romney for his support.

"Scouts for Equality is proud to have Governor Romney's support on this issue amid such a polarized political climate," Wahls said in a statement. "His leadership is to be commended, and we hope he can set an example of how people with differing religious beliefs can come together to support the Boy Scouts of America's mission to serve our communities and develop tomorrow's leaders, regardless of sexual orientation."

While Romney has confirmed his support, President Barack Obama has been mum on the issue. Although many assume Obama favors an end to the Boy Scouts' discriminatory ban based on his previous support for gay rights, neither Obama nor the White House have commented on the BSA's decision to uphold the ban last month.

Jennifer Tyrrell, who was ousted as den leader of her son's Cub Scout troop four months ago because she is a lesbian and who delivered more than 300,000 signatures to BSA headquarters in Texas urging for her reinstatement, questioned Obama's failure to speak about the issue.

"I'm happy to hear that Mitt Romney's campaign confirmed his support for the participation of my family, and families like mine, in the Boy Scouts of America," Tyrrell said in a statement. "I think President Obama should also let the public know what he thinks about a cultural institution like the Boy Scouts banning gay Americans."

The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

UPDATE @ 3P WED: White House spokesman Shin Inouye confirmed that President Obama opposes the Boy Scouts' ban on gay members and leaders. In an email to Metro Weekly, Inouye writes, "The President believes the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization that has helped educate and build character in American boys for more than a century. He also opposes discrimination in all forms, and as such opposes this policy that discriminates on basis of sexual orientation."

UPDATE @ 3:30P: In a phone interview with Metro Weekly, 21-year-old Zach Wahls, founder of Scouts for Equality, hailed Obama's decision to show leadership on this issue.

"I agree with the president that the Boy Scouts is a valuable organization for this country's youth, and obviously I'm proud to have his support. It doesn't surprise me that he's showing leadership on this issue and I think having his support will help in ending this policy," said Wahls.

Noting the agreement on this issue by both a Democratic president and a Republican nominee for president, Wahls said it speaks volumes about the need to end the group's discriminatory ban.

"I think that in such a polarized political climate, to have agreement on this issue really does say something powerful about both the validity and importance of this question."

In a statement, Jennifer Tyrrell joined Wahls in praising Obama.

"For the first time ever, a sitting President of the United States has spoken out against the Boy Scouts' anti-gay policies," said Tyrrell. "Now, the BSA is not only turning its back on hundreds of thousands of Americans, as well as current and past Scouts — they're turning their back on the leader of the free world and their very own 'honorary president.'"

FINAL UPDATE @ 4P: A spokesman for the Boy Scouts responded to news of Obama's announcement in a statement provided to Metro Weekly, writing that the organization respectfully disagrees with the president.

"The Boy Scouts of America respects the opinions of President Obama and appreciates his recognition that Scouting is a valuable organization," wrote Deron Smith, public relations director for the Boy Scouts. "We believe that good people can personally disagree on this topic and still work together to accomplish the common good."

WATCH Romney's 1994 comments on the Boy Scouts:

An anti-gay group requested today that New York's highest court review a lower court's decision to dismiss their lawsuit against the state's marriage equality law.

Among other things, Liberty Counsel contends that the state's open meeting law, which requires public access to the deliberations of legislative bodies, was violated during closed-door negotiations between marriage equality supporters and state senators. As such, the law granting same-sex couples the right to marry in New York should be scraped completely.

Previously, the group accused Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo of violating New York law when he declared an emergency last year, allowing him to bypass a state law that requires bills be printed in their final form and on the desks of legislators three days prior to vote. Only in the event of an emergency can this rule be broken, which Cuomo said existed every day same-sex couples were deprived of their right to marry.

After marriage equality was signed into law in June 2011, Liberty Counsel took their case to court. Although the state urged the court to dismiss the case, a judge ordered the case to trial on the basis of the open meeting violation complaint, stating, "clear arm-twisting by the Executive on the Legislative permeates this entire process."

However, last month the Appellate Division of state Supreme Court in Rochester ruled unanimously to dismiss the case, ruling that the meetings between Republican senators and advocates for the bill, which included Cuomo and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, were lawful.

"In the event that we were to adopt plaintiffs' limited definition of 'guests,' it would be impossible for a Democratic member of a governor's office, such as a budget director, to speak to a majority Republican caucus," read the decision.

The marriage equality bill narrowly passed the Republican-controlled Senate with support from four Republicans.

Now Liberty Counsel has asked the New York State Court of Appeals to consider the case. The group, which is well known for their anti-gay rhetoric, says "the remedy sought is the voiding of the law."

In a statement, the founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel argued again that "arm-twisting and closed-door meetings used to pass this law redefining marriage violated the open meetings requirements" and that the legislative process must be transparent.

"When government operates in secret and freezes out the very people it is supposed to represent, the entire system fails," Mathew Staver said. "The law should be set aside, and the process should begin again to allow the people a voice in the process."

[Photo: Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Coutesy of ny.gov.)]

A section of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that protects against sexual discrimination will also apply to transgender people, according to a letter from the Department of Health and Human Services.

In response to a request from a dozen LGBT organizations sent to HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius in June, the department clarified an antidiscrimination provision of "Obamacare," stating flatly that it also applies to gender identity.

Leon Rodriguez, director of the Office for Civil Rights of HSS, wrote in his response, first obtained by BuzzFeed, that HHS agrees that under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act, "sex discrimination prohibition extends to claims of discrimination based on gender identity or failure to conform to stereotypical notions of masculinity or femininity."

Rodriguez also stated that his office would accept complaints for investigation if transgender patients are denied access or face any other form of discrimination by a federally funded health service or program.

In the letter sent to HHS in June, signed by 12 organizations including the Human Rights Campaign and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the department was reminded of discrimination that persists against the LGBT community in the health care sector and urged action.

Citing multiple studies, the groups wrote that it was "clear that LGBT people face high levels of discrimination in the provision of health services that has a substantial impact on individual and public health."

The statement by Rodriguez was a major victory for transgender advocates, securing transgender people protections at hospitals, clinics and mental health facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.

Executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, Mara Keisling, said the provision was a new tool to be used against anti-transgender discrimination in healthcare, but more must still be done.

"HHS affirms our position that these abuses are now clearly illegal," Keisling said in a statement. "But a law explicitly banning health care discrimination based on gender identity is the next step. Our community needs medical providers to know what their obligations are and passing a law is the strongest and clearest way to do that."

According to Maya Rupert, federal policy director for National Center for Lesbian Rights, which was among the organizations to pressure HHS for clarification, the statement from HHS was a major step in providing security for transgender Americans.

"Transgender people face severe discrimination in healthcare settings and are often denied care completely," Rupert said in a statement. "This announcement affirms that all patients in federally funded health care settings must be treated equally and may not be denied care simply because of who they are."

READ the letter from HHS here.

[Photo: HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (Courtesy of www.hhs.gov.)]

An attempt by a House committee to halt proceedings on a case challenging the constitutionality of Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) was denied today.

The U.S. District Court in the Central District of California ruled that proceedings would continue as scheduled in Cooper-Harris v. USA.

It was yet another defeat for the Republican-controlled Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group (BLAG), which has been defending the constitutionality of DOMA since the Obama administration stopped doing so in February 2011.

BLAG had asked the California court to stay proceedings on the case last month until a court could rule in another DOMA challenge, Golinksi v. OPM, which has been petitioned to the Supreme Court for review.

In explaining the court's denial, Judge Consuelo Marshall stated that three factors from a previous case pertaining to court stays should be considered when granting a stay, including "1) damage that could result from granting the stay; 2) hardship that may result if the stay is denied; and 3) following an 'orderly course of justice' measured in the simplification or complication of 'issues, proof, and questions of law' that may result from a stay being granted."

"After weighing the Lockyer factors, the Court DENIES the Advisory Group's Motion to Stay Proceedings," Marshall wrote.

The case surrounds Tracey Cooper-Harris, who served in the Army for 12 years and was honorably discharged in 2003. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2010, the Department of Veterans Affairs denied her request for benefits for her wife, Maggie Cooper-Harris, because of DOMA. The Southern Poverty Law Center then sued on the couple’s behalf.

Federal courts across the country have struck down DOMA as unconstitutional, with several cases having already been sent to the Supreme Court for review. It is widely anticipated that the high court will issue a ruling on DOMA's constitutionality by June 2013.

[Photo: Tracey Cooper-Harris (Courtesy of Southern Poverty Law Center.)]

President Obama today nominated out gay federal prosecutor Pamela Chen to serve on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

If confirmed, Chen would become the second female Chinese-American in history and one of only a few out lesbians to hold one of the country’s 900 lifetime federal judgeship appointments.

Obama praised Chen in his nomination for her work as an attorney in New York.

"I am proud to nominate this outstanding candidate to serve on the United States District Court bench," Obama said in a statement. "Pamela Chen has a long and distinguished record of service, and I am confident she will serve on the federal bench with distinction."

The daughter of Chinese immigrants, Chen is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Georgetown Law School. Since 1998, Chen has served as assistant U.S. attorney in the Eastern District of New York. In 2008, she served four months as deputy commissioner for enforcement for the New York State Division of Human Rights, having worked as a civil rights attorney earlier in her career.

New York Sen. Chuck Schumer (D) recommended Chen earlier this week, praising her intellect and even-handedness.

"Ms. Chen is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. Her leadership skills, her commitment to justice, and her extensive experience make her an fantastic choice for a position on the Eastern District Court," Schumer said.

This is Obama's fifth nomination of an out gay person to an Article III federal judgeship, three of which have been confirmed. The fourth, Edward DuMont, asked that his nomination be withdrawn in November 2011 after Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee blocked his nomination for 18 months. He would have been the first out gay judge to serve on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Chen's nomination now heads to the Senate for confirmation.

Wondering where your member of Congress stands on marriage equality? It just got a lot easier to find out.

The Human Rights Campaign today announced a new database that lays out the views of nearly every member of Congress on marriage equality and other LGBT issues.

Accessible through HRC's website, the database allows users to search by zip code to determine how their representatives in the House and Senate score percentage-wise on marriage equality and why. The scores are determined by statements members of Congress have made in the past, an HRC survey question and whether they have supported LGBT-friendly legislation.

According to HRC, 181 members of Congress, or 34 percent, support marriage equality, while 234, about 44 percent, have made statements against. The positions of 122 members, about 23 percent, are unclear or unknown. 

In a statement, HRC President Chad Griffin said voters who support marriage equality "rightfully want to know whether their elected officials share that fair-minded view."

"Many Members of Congress are commendably with the public, but Congress is always a lagging indicator. It's time for more of our leaders to get on the right side of history," Griffin said.

HRC surveyors asked members of Congress whether or not they agreed with the following statement: "Gay and lesbian couples should not be denied the ability to pledge their love and commitment through the civil institution of marriage. I believe that two committed adults of the same sex should be able to receive a government-issued marriage license, while religious institutions retain their right to determine which marriages they will perform."

Congressmembers’ explicit yes or no responses are posted on the website.

Although the database provides a nearly comprehensive resource for voters, the results were not altogether surprising.

Support for marriage equality was strongest in the Eastern part of the country with 58 percent in favor, and only 15 percent in favor in the South. Support among Democrats stands at 72 percent in favor with 9 percent opposed and 19 percent unknown.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida is the only Republican on Capitol Hill to publicly support marriage equality.

Democrats on Capitol Hill today urged the government to recognize binational same-sex relationships in deportation cases.

In a letter sent to the Department of Homeland Security, Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and 83 Democratic members of Congress pushed the Obama administration and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to recognize in writing "the ties of a same-sex partner or spouse as a positive factor for discretionary relief in immigration enforcement deportation cases."

It was the second attempt by congressional Democrats since September 2011 to persuade the Obama administration to make official what they promised last August: that gay couples would be given the same protections as straight couples in deportation cases.

"Keeping loving families together, particularly in cases in which one partner or spouse is a U.S. citizen, should be a priority for immigration enforcement," Pelosi said in a statement. "The Department of Homeland Security has stated that their policy will positively factor in family ties, including those of LGBT couples, but we have now asked them to put this in writing to provide a measure of clarity to those enforcing our laws and confidence to families facing separation." 

Under the Defense of Marriage Act, immigrants in relationships with Americans of the same-sex are denied various protections, including eligibility for green cards, because the federal government does not recognize their relationship.

The 84 members of Congress state in their letter that a written statement by DHS would be the best way to ensure President Obama's promise to consider LGBT family ties as a positive factor in deportation proceedings. Moreover, they accuse DHS of missing "an opportunity to unambiguously include LGBT relationships in its prosecutorial discretion guidance."

"By issuing written guidance, DHS can keep LGBT families from being separated and thus prevent the irreparable, permanent harm to families that is caused by the so-called Defense of Marriage Act — discrimination the Department of Justice has determined to be unconstitutional," they write.

Although Democrats on Capitol Hill continue to push DHS, they have also tried to go around the administration with legislation, including the Uniting American Families Act, which would add the term "permanent partner" to several sections of the Immigration and Naturalization Act.

The administration's delay in making good on the promise they expressed to reporters last summer has led to several high profile court cases challenging DOMA.

As Metro Weekly reported last month, Jane DeLeon, an immigrant in California who is married to an American woman, filed a class action lawsuit against DOMA after facing deportation to the Philippines. Her deportation would also affect her son's legal status because his residency depends on his mother's residency.

At the time of the filing, DeLeon's lawyers urged the Obama administration to grant DeLeon and other married gay immigrants facing deportation temporary protection as the courts continue to determine the constitutionality of DOMA.

Although gay-rights advocates greeted President Obama's historic declaration of support for marriage equality with jubilation in May, a new poll suggests his support has had little affect on voters.

In a survey published by the Pew Research Center, support for same-sex marriage has increased by just a percentage point, from 47 percent in April to 48 percent in July. Opposition to same-sex marriage also increased from 43 percent to 44 percent. Accounting for margin of error, the increases on both sides are insignificant.

Most tellingly is opposition among Democrats. The poll comes after news that the Democratic Party is poised to support marriage equality as part of their national platform. Although support for same-sex marriage among Democrats has increased from 59 to 65 percent since April, 29 percent of Democrats remain opposed to allowing gay couples to wed. Those Democrats could create problems at the Democratic National Convention in September when the party considers a marriage-equality plank.

On the other side of the political spectrum, Republican opposition has remained largely unchanged, with 75 percent opposed to marriage equality before Obama's announcement and 78 percent opposed today.

"There is virtually no change in attitudes toward gay marriage across age, race and ethnic groups," reads the report. "There is also little evidence that views of Obama have changed as a result of his support for gay marriage."

It is also worth noting that most Americans do not view marriage equality as a major issue this November. According to Pew, only 4 percent of Americans — one in 20 — say that gay marriage is the issue that will decide which presidential candidate they will vote for in the general election.