Santorum-mania in Collin County
\n(Dallas Morning News © 02/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Last night's Rick Santorum rally in Plano was North Texas conservative fervor and Republican muscle on display.\r\n\r\nI went to Santorum's public event last night at Fairview Farms in Plano. I think he's going ");
document.write("to be my guy in this election, from what I've seen and heard so far.\r\n\r\nMy wife and I drove up about 30 minutes early, and the place was already packed and the doors barred. Left waiting outsid...\n
CPAC 2012 moves away from gay conservatives and closer to the politics of hate
\n(Fox News © 02/10/2012)
On Tuesday night?s edition");
document.write(" of ?The O?Reilly Factor,? Fox News contributor, media guru, and reformed liberal Bernie Goldberg denounced the ?strain of bigotry? within the American conservative movement. \n\nInspired by the One Million Moms Project?s demand that JC Penny fire Ellen DeGeneres as a spokesperson ? because she is gay ?Mr. Goldberg refused to parse words:\n\n\"There is a strain of bigotry...\n
Va. moves forward to let agencies bar gay adoption
\n(Kansas City Star © 02/10/2012)
The Virginia state Senate passed legislation Thursday allowing private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.\n\nThe mostly party-line 22-18 vote virtually ensures the Republican-backed bill will become law. The House of Delegates has an identical version of the bill and Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell says he wi...\n
Obama tells gay donors more work to be done
\n(New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung © 02/10/2012)
WASHINGTON (AP) ? President Barack Obama told gay and lesbian supporters at a big-ticket fundraiser Thursday that there's more work to do to ensure fairness for all, but he said he \"couldn't be prouder\" of his track record for them.\r\nCiting accomplishments like overturning the ban on gays serving o");
document.write("penly in the military, Obama said the remarkable thing is how readily the public has gone along.\r\n\"Th...\n
Virginia: Bill Allowing Adoption Restrictions Advances
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 02/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
The State Senate passed legislation on Thursday allowing private adopt");
document.write("ion agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality. The mostly party-line vote virtually ensures the Republican-backed bill will become law. The House has an identical bill, and Gov. Robert F. McDonnell says he will sign it. Virginia would become the second ...\n
Gay marriage is a dead poli");
document.write("tical issue
\n(Sacramento Bee © 02/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Eight years is an aeon in politics. Witness the waning potency of the gay-marriage issue.\n\n During the 2004 campaign, Republican strategists put gay marriage on referendum ballots in key swing states, as a \"wedge\" issue to unnerve Democrats and gin up the conservative base for President George W. Bush. The Massachusetts high court had just ruled for legalization, and hostility toward the conce...\n
<");
document.write("A TARGET=\"_new\" HREF=\"http://mediatracking.com/npcapp/bounce.aspx/publisher/20076/7/UHVibGlzaGVyIFVzZXI~/765414806\">Referendum 71 figured in votes on gay marriage
\n(Seattle Times © 02/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
OLYMPIA — To understand the no vote cast on same-sex marriage by state Rep. Steve Kirby, a Tacoma lawmaker who usually sides with his fellow Democrats, look at how the people in his district voted in 2009 on the successful referendum giving gay couples \"everythin");
document.write("g but marriage.\"\n\n\nIn its new shape after post-census redistricting, Kirby's diverse South Tacoma and east Lakewood district still ...\n
Obama touts gay rights record at campaign fundraiser
\n(Washington Post © 02/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
President Obama on Thursday said the American public has ");
document.write("proved remarkably supportive of his administration’s policies on gay rights as the “right thing to do.” \n\n\nAppearing at a campaign fundraiser at a private residence in Northwest Washington, Obama hailed the end of the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy toward gay and lesbian service mem...\n
Roland Martin ");
document.write("to meet with GLAAD after CNN suspension for homophobic tweets
\n(Washington Post © 02/10/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Roland Martin, a political contributor to CNN, was suspended after tweets he sent during the Super Bowl sparked complaints from GLAAD and other groups that claimed the tweets promoted anti-LGBTQ violence. As Lisa de Moraes reported:\n \n\nAfter three days of “careful consideration” and increasing pressure, CNN suspended political contributor Roland Martin for a series of Super Bowl tweet...\n
Debate on Md. same-sex marriage bill set to begin
\n(Washington Times © 02/10/2012)
The House debate on Gov. Martin O'Malley's same-sex marriage initiative is scheduled to begin Friday with testimony from the Democratic governor and a Republican lawmaker who is expected to introduce a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between a man");
document.write(" and a woman.\n\nThe debate will take place in a joint-panel hearing of the House's Judiciary Committee and Health and Government Operations ...\n
Obama: Public accepts efforts for equal rights for gays
\n(Washington Times © 02/10/2012)
President Obama told supporters at a gay fundraiser Thursday night that the public \"readily ac");
document.write("cepts\" his administration's efforts to grant equal rights to gay citizens.\n\n\"The work that we've done with the LGBT community, I think, is just profoundly American,\" Mr. Obama said at a $35,800-per-head fundraiser at a home in Northwest Washington. \"You should be judged on the merits — not by what y...\n
CNN suspends Roland Martin over Super Bowl tweets<");
document.write("/font>
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 02/09/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Roland Martin, the CNN commentator, tweets a lot. On Super Bowl Sunday, he tweeted even more -- about the game, about the commercials, about Kelly Clarkson's well-regarded version of the National Anthem not being as good as Whitney Houston's or Marvin Gaye's.\n\nAmong his tweets were these: \"If a dude at your Super Bowl party is hyped about David Beckham's H&M underwear ad, smack the ish out of him!...\n
Va. Senate passes bill allowing adoption discrimination
\n(Hampton Pilot Online © 02/09/2012)
By LARRY O'DELL \n\n\nRICHMOND, Va.\n\n\nThe Virginia Senate passed legislation Thursday allowing private adoption agencies to deny placements that conflict with their religious or moral beliefs, including opposition to homosexuality.\n\n\nThe mostly party-line 22-18 vote virtually ensures the Republican-backed ");
document.write("bill will become law. The House of Delegates has passed its version of the bill, and Republican ...\n
Eat Spaghetti, Help Houston Gay Leader Tim Brookover Fight Cancer
\n(Houston Press © 02/09/2012)
Tim Brookover: Eat some spaghetti and help ???Tim Brookover has been the editor of OutSmart magazine, a key staffer for city counc");
document.write("ilmember Sue Lovell, and is currently president of the Houston GLBT Community Center. He's also fighting cancer at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and racking up some dismaying bills doing so. So friends and supporters are throwing a spaghetti-lunch fundraiser for him Sund...\n
Opinion: Why I support gay marriage in Washington
\n(San Antonio K");
document.write("SAT (ABC) 12 © 02/09/2012)
(CNN) - \n \n\nIt was a little more than 15 years ago when two friends of mine - I'll call them Amy and Christine - asked me to officiate at their wedding. Actually, at the time, I'm not sure we called it a \"wedding.\" Fifteen years ago, gay and lesbian folks were still stepping gingerly around the words \"wedding\" or \"marriage.\" It didn't feel safe and just didn't seem to be worth the f...\n
CNN suspends Roland Martin over ?regrettable and offensive? tweets
\n(Washington Post © 02/09/2012) (Registration Required)\n
After three days of “careful consideration” and increasing pressure, CNN suspended political contributor Roland Martin for a series of Super Bowl tweets that GLAAD and other groups condemned as homophobic and said promoted anti-LGBT violence.\n\n\n“Roland Martin’s tweets were regrettable and offensive,” C");
document.write("NN said in a statement Wednesday afternoon in announcing Martin&rsq...\n
Prop 8 unconstitutional: The sanctity of marriage equality
\n(Washington Post © 02/09/2012) (Registration Required)\n
California’s Proposition 8, the 2008 referendum that amended that state’s Constitution to limit marria");
document.write("ge to a man and a woman, has been overturned by a federal appeals panel in San Francisco. This is clearly a win for equal human rights in that state, and for the “human dignity of gays and lesbians in California,” as U.S. Circuit Court Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote. \n\n\nOver...\n
Appeals court throws out same-sex marriage ban
\n(");
document.write("Amarillo Globe-News © 02/08/2012)
SAN FRANCISCO ? Same-sex marriage moved one step closer to the Supreme Court on Tuesday when a federal appeals court ruled California's ban unconstitutional, saying it serves no purpose other than to \"lessen the status and human dignity\" of gays.\r\nA three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals gave gay marriage opponents time to appeal the 2-1 decision before ordering the state to al...\n
Police investigate downtown assault early Sunday
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 02/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Austin police are investigating a robbery downtown reported early Sunday. \n\n\nAuthorities said a man called police from a cab at about 3:30 a.m. after he was assaulted at Fifth and Colorado streets by two men who fled on foot. \n\n\nRobbery detectives are asking anyone with information to please call police.\n\n\nThe man had been leaving a");
document.write(" nearby gay club, according to news reports. But police said they ...\n
Austin bartender attacked after leaving bar downtown
\n(Austin KVUE (ABC) 24 © 02/08/2012)
AUSTIN -- A bartender at Oilcan Harry's says he was followed and attacked by two men after leaving work Saturday. \n\n\nSteven Benoit says he began walking home from the");
document.write(" bar around 3:15 a.m. when he noticed the men following him. He says one of the men punched him in the back of the head so hard his glasses fell off his face. He says the men chased him for several blocks through downtown before he ju...\n
Appeals court invalidates California law banning gay marriage
\n(Bryan-College Station Eagle © 02");
document.write("/08/2012)
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday declared California's same-sex marriage ban to be unconstitutional, putting the bitterly contested, voter-approved law on track to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. \n\nA three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that a lower court judge correctly interpreted the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court precedents when he declared...\n
Timeline: U.S. laws on same-sex marriage
\n(Chicago Tribune © 02/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court ruled on Tuesday that California's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional.\n\n Same-sex marriage is illegal in the vast majority of U.S. states, while only six -- New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Iowa, New Hampshire, Vermont -- and the District of Columbia allow it. California will make seven, although the rul");
document.write("ing is on hold whil...\n
Washington state same-sex marriage supporters cheer court ruling
\n(Dallas KERA (PBS) 13 © 02/08/2012)
By Nicole Neroulias\n\nSEATTLE (Reuters) - Gay marriage proponents in the Pacific Northwest cheered a U.S. court ruling on Tuesday that overturned a California ban on same-sex nuptials, in what they saw ");
document.write("as boost to their cause a day before a key vote to legalize such unions in Washington state.\n\nThe 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found California voters in 2008 had unfairly relegated gay and lesb...\n
California gay marriage ban is ruled unconstitutional
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 02/08/2012) (Registration");
document.write(" Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO -- The same-sex marriage issue moved one step closer to the Supreme Court on Tuesday when a federal appeals court ruled California's ban unconstitutional, saying it serves no purpose other than to \"lessen the status and human dignity\" of gays.A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals gave gay marriage opponents time to appeal the 2-1 decision before ordering the state t...\n
Court: Proposition 8 is unconstitutional
\n(Harlingen Valley Morning Star © 02/08/2012)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — A federal appeals court on Tuesday declared California's same-sex marriage ban to be unconstitutional, putting the bitterly contested, voter-approved law on track for likely consideration by the U.S. Supreme Court.\n\nA three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that a lower court judge correctly interpreted the U.S. Constitution when he declared ...\n
Court: California gay marriage ban is unconstitutional
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 02/08/2012)
SAN FRANCISCO -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday declared California’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional but agreed to give sponsors of the bitterly contested, voter-approved law time to appeal the ruling before ordering the sta");
document.write("te to resume allowing gay couples to wed.\n\nThe three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 2-1 that a lower court judge correctly interpr...\n
Appeals court rejects California's Proposition 8
\n(Houston KPRC (NBC) 2 © 02/08/2012)
SAN FRANCISCO (CNN) - \n \n\nA federal appeals court ruled against");
document.write(" California's voter-approved ban on same-sex marriage Tuesday, arguing the ban unconstitutionally singles out gays and lesbians for discrimination. \n\nIn a split decision, a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found the state's Proposition 8 \"works a meaningful harm to gays and lesbians\" by denying ...\n
Anti-bullying program brings messa");
document.write("ge to Lubbock students
\n(Lubbock KCBD (NBC) 11 © 02/08/2012)
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) -\n \n\nStudents of Lubbock-Cooper and Laura Bush Middle School were introduced to an anti-bullying program on Tuesday. \n\nRachel's Challenge is a school program named for Rachel Scott.\n\nRachel was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20th, 1999. \n\nHer acts of kindness and compassion, along with the contents of her six diaries, have become the foundatio...\n
Court: Calif. gay marriage ban is unconstitutional
\n(Odessa American © 02/08/2012)
SAN FRANCISCO? A federal appeals court on Tuesday declared California?s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional but agreed to give sponsors of the bitterly contested, voter-approved law time to appeal the ruling before ordering the state to resume allowing gay couples to wed.\nThe three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rule");
document.write("d 2-1 that a lower court judge correctly interpreted the...\n
Gay marriage ban is judged unconstitutional
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
LOS ANGELES ? A federal appeals court panel ruled Tuesday that a voter-approved prohibition on same-sex marriage in this state viol");
document.write("ated the Constitution, all but ensuring that the case will proceed to the U.S. Supreme Court.\n\nThe three-judge panel found that Proposition 8, passed by California voters in November 2008 by a margin of 52 percent to 48 percent, violated the equal protection rights of ...\n
Bullying problem crushed by football players
\n(San Antonio WOAI (N");
document.write("BC) © 02/08/2012)
SAN ANTONIO - With school bullying at the forefront of a nationwide problem one local high school in the Northeast Independent School District has come up with a solution to combat the problem. A guidance counselor at Johnson High School decided to pair up a group of older students with a freshman who was being pushed around.\n\nWhen 14-year old Juan Heeren moved to San Antonio from Florida he thoug...\n
On gay marriage, Mitt Romney veers hard to the right
\n(Washington Post © 02/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Mitt Romney, in a statement just now blasting the court’s ruling of Proposition 8 as unconstitutional:\n“Today, unelected judges cast aside the will of the people of California who voted to protect traditional marriage. This decision does not end this fight, and I expect it to go to the Supreme Court. That prospect underscores the vital impor");
document.write("tance of this election and the movement to pr...\n
Prop 8, the president and the make-up of the Supreme Court
\n(Washington Post © 02/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
A story I skipped over yesterday made for intriguing reading today, the day the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California&rsq");
document.write("uo;s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage unconstitutional.“Election pivotal for nation’s courts” was a story about how the 2012 election could either cement the Republican majority on appellate courts or tip the balance to Democrats in key ...\n
Proposition 8 ruled unconstitutional: On to the Supreme Court?
\n(Washin");
document.write("gton Post © 02/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
California’s Proposition 8, a ballot initiative that limited the definition of marriage to a man and woman, was ruled unconstitutional by a federal appeals panel Tuesday. As Robert Barnes reported:\n \n\nA federal appeals panel in San Francisco ruled Tuesday that California’s Proposition 8 banning same-sex marriage is unconstitutional, a decision that could lead to the Supreme Court&rsqu...\n
Colorado Voices: Twenty-one years of love — and second-class status
\n(Denver Post © 02/05/2012)
During the current session Colorado legislators again will consider civil unions for gays. A parallel proposal failed last year — by a single Republican vote in a House committee, after the state Senate had passed the measure with limited bipartisan support.\n\nIf our representatives reflected public opinion, one would predic");
document.write("t an easier path to passage this time around. Two months ago, a sur...\n
?We welcome any and all?
\n(Kilgore News Herald © 02/05/2012)
The Kilgore College Diversity Alliance strives to support students who feel outcast because of who they are.\r\n\r\n?We?re there for peer support,? said Diversity Alliance student Selena Church.\r\n\r\n");
document.write("The Diversity Alliance?s mission is to promote tolerance and equality for all, no matter what race, gender, political views, disabilities, age, religion or sexual orientation a student may be or have.\r\n\r\n?O...\n
Gay marriage: Mary Margaret Haugen's message about respecting differences
\n(Los Angeles Times © 02/05/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Editorial\n \n\n Faith-based tolerance on gay marriage\n\n \n In a blog post, a Washington state senator and committed Christian explains her vote for gay marriage.\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ...\n
MISD looks at suicide-prevention programs
\n(Midland Reporter-Telegraph © 02/05/2012)
Midland ISD administration members have discussed the future\nimplementation of suicide-prevention or anti-bullying programs in\nresponse to recent suicides and numerous cries for help.\n \n \n\n?One is too many,? Superintendent Ryder Warren said. ?What\nscares me is we have 50 outcries right now from kids, but how many\nmore kids are feeling it and just aren?t talking to us??\n ");
document.write(" \n\n...\n
David Gainer
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 02/05/2012) (Registration Required)\n
GAINER\nRet. USAF Chief MSGT. David Lee Gainer of Forest Hill, Texas, passed away on February 2, 2012. Born on June 12, 1948 in Clarksburg, West Virginia to Robert and Madge Gainer, David received his Bachelor's de");
document.write("gree from Texas Lutheran University and his Masters from University of Southern California. While in the Air Force, David received a Bronze Star for his service. David was a longtime comm...\n
Sunday Buzz
\n(Seattle Times © 02/05/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Legalizing same-sex marriage would generate");
document.write(" as much as $88 million in additional wedding and tourism spending in Washington, according to a study by UCLA Law School's Williams Institute.\n\n\nThe institute, which studies issues related to sexual orientation and gender identity, based its estimate on census data, economic-impact figures and the experiences of other states that have legalized same-sex ...\n
Two 'conscience clause' adoption bills advance
\n(Hampton Pilot Online © 02/04/2012)
RICHMOND\n\n\nPrivate child placement agencies might soon have legal backing to deny adoption or foster care to prospective parents for religious or moral reasons.\n\n\nTwo bills creating a so-called "conscience clause" made key gains in the legislature Friday to the dismay of some Democrats and gay-rights advocates who say Virginia's on the verge of providing a license to discriminate to grou...\n
Senators reject protection bill for gays, lesbians
\n(New Orleans Times Picayune © 02/04/2012) (Registration Required)\n
SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Utah senators are rejecting a bill that would have banned discrimination because of a person's sexual orientation, political views or gender identity.\n\n\nA Senate committee voted 4-2 against Senate Bill 51 following an hour-long hea");
document.write("ring Friday.\n\n\nDemocratic Sen. Ben McAdams of Salt Lake City says his bill would protect a person from being fired or denied housing because ...\n
MISD Outlines Plan to Tackle Teen Suicide 2/3/12
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 02/04/2012)
Shannon Murray\r\nCBS 7 Reporter\r\nsmurray@cbs7.com\r\nFebruary 3, 2012\r\n\r\nMidland, TX - School admin");
document.write("istrators are crying out for help after yet another teenage suicide in Midland.\r\n\r\nThe school district believes this problem reaches much further than just the school hallways.\r\n\r\nThe suicide last weekend brings the total to 4 teenagers in Midland, 3 of which were Midland ISD students. Now the district ...\n
Bullied Out of School - Caldwell Teens Cry Out for H");
document.write("elp
\n(Bryan KBTX (CBS) 3 © 02/03/2012)
Bullying can be devastating to children, studies show it can have short and long lasting effects, including depression and suicide.Many school districts in our area say they have adopted a zero tolerance towards bullying. But have they?\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n\r\nIt is a nationwide problem that plagues the hallway; creeps inside the classroom and eventually makes its way onto the sc...\n
Gay marriage foes to fight expected Washington state law
\n(Chicago Tribune © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
SEATTLE (Reuters) - As gay couples and their supporters cheered the Washington state Senate's unexpectedly swift and decisive passage of a same-sex marriage bill, opponents were already considering how to take down the anticipated law.\n\n By a 28-21 vote on Wednesday night, the state Senate passed");
document.write(" legislation to legalize gay marriage with exemptions for religious organizations opposed ...\n
Gay marriage opponent: We've raised $1 million already for referendum
\n(Chicago Tribune © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
SEATTLE\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n ");
document.write(" \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nAfter losing a historic vote in the state Senate, opponents of...\n
Craig James on gay marriage: liberta");
document.write("rian, sort of?
\n(Dallas Morning News © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Republican Senate hopeful Craig James appears to be taking a much softer approach to the issue of gay marriage -- in tone, at least -- than most of his rivals in the GOP primary.\r\n\r\nIn an interview with radio show host Scott Braddock on Houston radio station News 92 FM, James was asked Thursday to react to news that Washington state appears headed toward rapid approval of legislation that would le...\n
Gay marriage proponents decry ruling on Proposition 8 trial video
\n(Los Angeles Times © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Same-sex marriage proponents expressed disappointment Thursday in an appeals court decision to keep video recordings of the historic Proposition 8 trial sealed, saying the public is being denied an opportunity to bear witness to the ?bas");
document.write("eless foundation of fear? that opponents waged during the proceedings.\n\nA three-judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said the tapes should not be m...\n
Gay marriage: Fights have begun in Washington, N.J., Maryland...
\n(Los Angeles Times © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Gay marria");
document.write("ge measures are moving forward in Washington, New Jersey and Maryland, but neither activists for or against same-sex unions are considering those outcomes to be done deals. And even as they brace themselves for ongoing fights in those states, supporters and opponents are preparing for other battles across the country.\n\nThe battles are occurring not just in statehouses, but also on the s...\n
Call to fire Ellen
\n(New York Post © 02/03/2012)
A conservative group wants JC Penney to dump Ellen DeGeneres as its new spokesperson purely because she’s gay.\n\nOneMillionMoms.com is urging people to call the department store to ask them to replace the generally beloved daytime talk-show host with someone who is not an “open homosexual.” \n\n“Funny that JC Penney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their...\n
Washington: Foes of Gay Marriage Vow to Fight Law
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
As supporters of a law to legalize same-sex marriage celebrated Thursday over the State Senate’s passing the measure on Wednesday night, a coalition of religious groups promised to start collecting referendum signatures as soon as the measure was signe");
document.write("d into law. The bill still has to be approved by the House, but with the tougher hurdle of the Senate cleared, that second vote is just a form...\n
Hicks: Ellen DeGeneres under fire; her supporters fight back
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Supporters are rallying to coun");
document.write("ter a conservative group's campaign urging J.C. Penney Co. to fire Ellen DeGeneres as a spokeswoman because she is openly gay, according to MSN.com.\n\nShortly after the American Family Association's One Million Moms group launched its campaign against DeGeneres, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Discrimination launched a \"Stand Up for Ellen\" website. Within 17 hour...\n
Proposition 8 gay marriage ban trial video release denied
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
A federal appeals court on Thursday refused to allow the public release of the videotapes of the historic Proposition 8 trial that led a judge to overturn California's voter-approved gay marriage ban.\n\nThe 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the arguments of media organizations and same-sex marriage advocates, saying the trial judge in the Proposition 8 trial had offered assurances that the...\n
National forces likely to lead on gay-marriage referendum effort
\n(Seattle Times © 02/03/2012) (Registration Required)\n
With same-sex marriage virtually assured in Washington state, opponents seeking to undo it are looking ahead to summer and fall, and to a campaign they say will draw on the resources o");
document.write("f national organizations that have waged and won these kinds of fights.\n\n\nA day after the state Senate approved same-sex marriage on a 28-21 vote and moved the bill to the House, where it's expected to pass, the Wash...\n
For Bayard Rustin?s partner, an effort to preserve legacy
\n(Washington Post © 02/03/2012) (");
document.write("Registration Required)\n
The celebration honored an influential man often overlooked in history books, supported, in part, by the lover who never forgot him.\n \n\nIn the civil rights era, Bayard Rustin was known as a master strategist. He organized the March on Washington. Raised a Quaker, Rustin tutored the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. on the use of nonviolent resistance. He was openly gay, and his life and legacy were oft...\n
'Conscience' adoption bill wins initial OK in Virginia
\n(Washington Times © 02/03/2012)
RICHMOND — The Virginia House of Delegates on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would protect state-licensed private adoption agencies from placing children with families if the placement conflicts with the agency's religious beliefs.\n\nThe so-called \"conscience clause\" measure would allow agencies to deny placements based on sexual orientation, but not to discriminate based o");
document.write("...\n
Anti-gay group slams J.C. Penney for hiring Ellen DeGeneres
\n(Los Angeles Times © 02/02/2012) (Registration Required)\n
J.C. Penney hired Ellen DeGeneres to get some attention -- and so far, she's delivering.\n\nOneMillionMoms.com -- a project of the uber-conservative American Family Assn. in Tu");
document.write("pelo, Miss. -- is upset that the retailer hired DeGeneres -- the openly gay host of the daytime talk show "Ellen" -- as a spokeswoman to help retool its brand.\n\n"Funny that J.C. Penney thinks hiring an open ...\n
Cruz accuses Leppert of hypocrisy on gay rights, immigration
\n(Dallas Morning News © 02/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN ? Republican Senate hopeful Ted Cruz assailed rival Tom Leppert at a recent candidate forum over gay rights and illegal immigration, saying Leppert was hypocritical for suggesting he battled both as Dallas mayor.\r\n\r\n?Somehow, he forgot to mention that he marched twice in the gay pride parade,? Cruz told the conservative Texas Republican Assembly convention in Fort Worth last weekend, disput...\n
NJ GOP governor apologizes for civil rights remark
\n(Denison KTEN (NBC) 10 © 02/01/2012)
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) - Gov. Chris Christie has apologized for a remark he made about civil rights but says he's not sorry for using a slang term to describe a lawmaker who compared him to segregationist Southern governors.\n \n\nChristie, a Republican, spoke Tuesday night during TownSquare Media's \"Ask the Governor\" program on radio station New Jersey 101.5 FM. H");
document.write("e apologized to...\n
Cynthia Nixon: Bisexuality Is Not A Choice
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 02/01/2012)
(CNN) -- If you have any lingering confusion regarding Cynthia Nixon's recent remarks on sexuality and choice, hopefully her latest statement will help clear it up.\n\nThe 45-year-old actress, who is set to marry partner Christin");
document.write("e Marinoni, has clarified in The Advocate that while she chooses to be in a gay relationship, her bisexuality is not a choice.\n\nIt's something that could've been misconstrue...\n
Recall vote slated on April 14, for now
\n(El Paso Times © 02/01/2012)
The El Paso City Council on Tuesday chose April 14 to hold a recall election of");
document.write(" Mayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega -- an election that might cost taxpayers up to $1.4 million.\n\nThe date of the election may change because of the controversy over statewide redistricting and when the primaries will take place. Currently, statewide primaries are set for April 3, but that may ch...\n
Group blasts Macy's for catalogue s");
document.write("howing gay couple on wedding cake
\n(Fox News © 02/01/2012)
Department store giant Macy's is reportedly under attack by a group affiliated with the American Family Association for the retailer's apparent support of gay marriage. \n\nA Macy's catalogue sent to customers in the mail shows a wedding cake with two groom figurines on top, mynorthwest.com reported Tuesday. The cake is stuffed in the back of an automobile with a license plate that reads \"I do....\n
Should the issue of gay marriage be decided by voters?
\n(Fox News © 02/01/2012)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie, who wants voters to decide whether to allow gay marriage in his state, is defending his comment that civil rights activists \"would have been happy with a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets of the South.\" Civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis fired back, saying: \"If it had been put t");
document.write("o a referendum, we would have never ever won.\" Who ...\n
Washington state Senate to vote Wednesday on gay marriage
\n(Harlingen KGBT (CBS) 4 © 02/01/2012)
OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) ? The Washington state Senate is set to take a crucial vote Wednesday on a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage.\n\nThe bill has narrow support in the Sen");
document.write("ate, but is expected to pass because supporters have secured 25 \"yes\" votes ? the minimum required for approval. Five senators, two Democrats and three Republicans, have not indicated how they will vote.\n\nIf passed by the Sena...\n
Gay marriage ban supporters raise over $1.2M
\n(Oregonian © 02/01/2012)
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —");
document.write(" Groups supportive of a proposed amendment to the Minnesota constitution to ban gay marriage reported Tuesday they've raised over $1.2 million so far to try to persuade voters to approve the ballot measure in November, putting themselves on par with amendment opponents for now.\n\n\nMinnesota for Marriage, the main multi-faith coalition of groups working to pass the amendment,...\n
Senate gay marriage debate likely to start late Wednesday
\n(Seattle Times © 02/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Senate floor debate on same-sex marriage legislation is expected to start in the late afternoon or early evening on Wednesday, according to state Sen. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, the prime sponsor of the bill.\n\n\n \n\n\nThe Senate wants to spend the day moving bills out of committee in advance of the Friday deadline for policy legislation that doesn't deal with the state budget.\n\n\nTwenty-five senators have ...\n
Half of Maryland residents back legalizing same-sex marriage
\n(Washington Post © 02/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Half of Maryland residents now favor the legalization of same-sex marriage, but support varies significantly along the sensitive lines of race, religion and age, a Washington Post poll ha");
document.write("s found.\n \n\nOverall, the Post poll found that 50 percent of Marylanders support allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry while 44 percent are opposed.\n\nThat is the highest recorded level of support in Maryland i...\n
Key Washington state Senate gay marriage vote set for Wednesday
\n(Washington Post © 02/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
OLYMPIA, Wash. — The Washington state Senate is set to take a crucial vote Wednesday on a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage.\n \n\nThe bill has narrow support in the Senate, but is expected to pass because supporters have secured 25 “yes” votes — the minimum required for approval. Five senators, two Democrats and three Republicans, have not indicated how they will vote.\n...\n
N.J. governor defends remarks on civil rights
\n(Washington Post © 02/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
TRENTON, N.J. — Even though a famous civil rights leader came to Trenton to scold him, Gov. Chris Christie unapologetically defended his recent controversial remarks on civil rights, calling one his New Jersey critics “numbnuts.”\n \n\nAgitated and at times caustic, the governor went after openly gay Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, who had hamm");
document.write("ered Christie for saying that in the 1950s ...\n
Rights shouldn't depend on whether we were 'born this way'
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/31/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Born this way.\n\nThat has long been one of the rallying cries of a movement, and sometimes the gist of its argument. Across decad");
document.write("es of widespread ostracism, followed by years of patchwork acceptance and, most recently, moments of heady triumph, gay people invoked that phrase to explain why homophobia was unwarranted and discrimination senseless.\n\nLady Gaga even spun an anthem from it.\n\nBut is it th...\n
NJ gov fires a zinger in feud over gay marriage
\n(Kansas City S");
document.write("tar © 01/31/2012)
The verbal feud over gay marriage in New Jersey got more personal Monday with Gov. Chris Christie firing a slang term at a lawmaker, and a hero of the Civil Rights movement chastising the governor for a separate remark.\n\nChristie called openly gay Assemblyman Reed Gusciora \"numb nuts\" during a Statehouse news conference - his response to the lawmaker comparing him to former segregationist governor...\n
ECISD anti-bullying presentations
\n(Odessa American © 01/31/2012)
In an effort to prevent bullying, the Ector County Independent School District, Odessa Crime Stoppers and Ector County Attorney’s office have teamed up to bring speaker Phil Chalmers in for his hour long anti-bullying presentations.\n\nChalmers will present his, “Bullying: Not Cool!” during various secondary school assemblies in ECISD during the week. The first assembly open ...\n
Our Culture Promotes Violence and Bullying 01/30/12
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 01/31/2012)
Mike Barker\nCBS 7 Closer Look\nJanuary 30, 2012\nmbarker@cbs7.com\n\nOdessa - Bullying: Not Cool! A Nationally known author is bringing that message to Odessans this week. Phil Chalmers is an authority on teen crime, violence and speaks nationally on bullying. \nC");
document.write("halmers told CBS 7 Closer Look that bullying is getting worse in our country because of our violent culture. The author says video games, tel...\n
Teen Crime and Violence Speaker Comes to Odessa 1/30/12
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 01/31/2012)
CBS 7 News\nJanuary 30, 2012\n\nA local school district and several other agencies are comin");
document.write("g together to tackle the issue of bullying.\n\nEctor County ISD, Odessa Crime Stoppers and the Ector County Attorney's Office are bringing in a nationally recognized teen crime and violence expert.\n\nPhil Chalmers will present his \"Bullying: Not Cool\" presentation in two sessions this week.\n\nThe first is set for ...\n
House panel OKs bill to legalize gay marriage");
document.write("; Senate vote soon
\n(Seattle Times © 01/31/2012) (Registration Required)\n
OLYMPIA — A House committee on Monday advanced a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state, and the Senate is expected to vote on its companion bill within days.\n\n\nThe House Judiciary Committee approved its gay-marriage bill on a party-line vote, with seven Democrats voting for it, and six Republicans voting in opposition.\n\n\nThree Republican amendments were rejected, includi...\n
Christie Put on Defense
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 01/31/2012)
TRENTON?Gov. Chris Christie faced mounting criticism Monday?including from a renowned leader of 1960s desegregation efforts?for commenting that blacks would have preferred putting 1960s civil-rights issues to a public referendum. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nEnlarge Image\r\n\r\nCloseMel Evans/Associated Press \r\nGov. Chris Christie answers a questi");
document.write("on Monday about gay-marriage legislation.\r\n\r\n\"Apparently the governor of th...\n
O?Malley to testify on same-sex marriage bill
\n(Washington Post © 01/31/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) plans to appear in front of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee on Tuesda");
document.write("y to offer testimony in favor of his same-sex marriage bill, his office confirmed Monday.\n\n\nThe hearing will be the first airing in the General Assembly of O’Malley’s bill, which he has sought to portray as balancing marital rights for gay couples with religious freedo...\n
Moving Ahead on Marriage Equality
\n(New York Times (St");
document.write("ate Version) © 01/30/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Gov. Chris Christie’s announcement last week that he would veto a measure to legalize same-sex marriage in New Jersey is maddening, but sadly predictable. He vowed to block marriage equality when he ran for office in 2009 and is now calling for a statewide referendum. \n\nSupporters of marriage equality in the State Legislature need to press on. To turn what is a matter of civil rights ...\n
Opponents of gay marriage to rally in Annapolis
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 01/30/2012) (Registration Required)\n
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) ? Opponents of legalizing gay marriage will be holding a rally in Annapolis.The rally is scheduled to begin around 6 p.m. on Monday next to the State House.Same-sex marriage legislation, which stalled in the House of Delegates last year, is back in the spotlight of Marylan");
document.write("d's legislative session this year. Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat, has made the measure a priority. A hea...\n
How much change would state's gay-marriage bill really mean?
\n(Seattle Times © 01/30/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Under a proposed same-sex-marriage law in Washington state, most gay coupl");
document.write("es now registered as domestic partners would have two years to convert the relationship to marriage — or the state would do it for them.\n\n\nThe law would allow unmarried gay couples from out of state to marry here, and would grant marriage benefits to those in civil unions and domestic partnerships who relocate here ...\n
Minnesotans United for All Fam");
document.write("ilies reports raising $1.2 million to fight ban on gay marriage
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 01/30/2012)
The largest group working against a proposed constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota has raised $1.2 million, according to its campaign finance report. \n\n\nMinnesotans United for All Families raised the money last year from more than 5,100 people. The information is in the group's campaign finance report, which is due Tuesday but was provided early to some local medi...\n
Before Mayor Mike's Meeting With LGBT Leaders, A Rally Outside City Hall Last Night
\n(Dallas Observer © 01/29/2012)
Photos by Anna Merlan\nDaniel Cates of GetEQUAL, who got angry with the mayor for not signing the same-sex marriage pledge. He was not alone.\nMayor Mike Rawlings has a closed-door, no-press-allowed meeting this morning with 25 LGBT community leaders to discuss so");
document.write("mething that's become, say, a small issue for him in the last week: his refusal to sign the \"Mayors For Freedom To Marry\" Pledge. \n...\n
Dallas Mayor Explains Refusal To Sign Pledge Supporting Gay Marriage
\n(Ft. Worth KTVT (CBS) 11 © 01/29/2012)
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) ??After refusing to sign a pledge in support of a Constitution");
document.write("al law allowing same-sex marriage, Mayor Mike Rawlings met with 25 leaders in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered community Saturday to explain why.\n\r\n\r\n?I?m a bit pledge-phobic,? Rawlings told reporters after the closed door meeting at the Dallas Resource Center. “I think America has got too many pled...\n
Mayor And GLBT Leaders Agree To Disagr");
document.write("ee
\n(Ft. Worth KXAS (NBC) 5 © 01/29/2012)
Tensions have calmed between Mayor Mike Rawlings and some members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender community in Dallas.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n They met Saturday morning after the LGBT Community protested the Mayor’s decision not to sign a nati...\n
Reporting essential to effective hate crime laws
\n(Houston Chronicle © 01/29/2012) (Registration Required)\n
The recent indictment on federal hate crime charges of four men who allegedly engaged in a brutal, racially motivated assault of an African-American Houston man highlights the importance of strong federal and state hate crimes laws in protecting our community and upholding our values. The defendants in this case");
document.write(" are among the first to be charged in Texas under the new federal statute enacted in Oc...\n
Genetic or Not, Gay Won?t Go Away
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 01/29/2012) (Registration Required)\n
BORN this way. \n\nThat has long been one of the rallying cries of a movement, and sometimes the gi");
document.write("st of its argument. Across decades of widespread ostracism, followed by years of patchwork acceptance and, most recently, moments of heady triumph, gay people invoked that phrase to explain why homophobia was unwarranted and discrimination senseless. \n\nLady Gaga even spun an anthem from i...\n
NC gov's exit shakes up vote on gay marriage ban<");
document.write("/b>
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 01/28/2012)
RALEIGH, N.C. ? Something unexpected happened on the way to North Carolina's vote on a gay marriage ban this May: Democratic Gov. Beverly Perdue decided not to run for re-election, meaning more voters who oppose the ban could turn out at the polls.\r\nBefore Thursday's development, mostly Republican voters were expected to show up to pick their nominees for governor and president, and likely make No...\n
Expelled Eastern Michigan University grad student can take case to jury over refusal to counsel on gay lifestyle
\n(Detroit Free Press © 01/28/2012)
An Eastern Michigan University graduate student who was kicked out of a counselor training program because she said her Christian faith prevented her from counseling gays and lesbians about their lifestyle won a key legal victory Friday.\n\nA three-judge panel of the U.S. 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said Julea War");
document.write("d can have her religious discrimination lawsuit tried before a federal jury in Detroit...\n
Md. first lady, Catherine Curran O?Malley, regrets ?cowards? remark
\n(Washington Post © 01/28/2012) (Registration Required)\n
A day after she called opponents of last year’s failed same-sex marriage bill &l");
document.write("dquo;cowards,” Maryland first lady Catherine Curran O’Malley said Friday that she regrets her choice of words.\n \n\nIn welcoming remarks Thursday night at a national conference of gay-rights advocates in Baltimore, O’Malley blamed the bill’s demise in the General Assembly on “some cow...\n
Dallas mayor says he'll meet group over ga");
document.write("y marriage pledge refusal
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 01/26/2012)
DALLAS - The growing controversy between Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and gay and lesbian groups in the city will spill on to City Hall Plaza Friday night.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe gay groups say they're organizing a 7:00 p.m. protest of Rawlings' refusal to sign a pledge to fight for gay marriage.\n\n\n\n\n\nAnd Rawlings says although he'll meet with them, he's not backing down.\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter being in Washington last week,...\n
Black New Jersey leaders slam governor
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 01/26/2012) (Registration Required)\n
TRENTON, N.J. -- Two of New Jersey's most influential black leaders blasted Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday for proposing that gay marriage be put to a popular vote in November, but the Republican governor insisted that he's offering a reasonable compromise amid his personal opposition to same-");
document.write("sex nuptials.Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver and Newark Mayor Cory Booker said in separate forums that ci...\n
Starbucks supports gay marriage in WA
\n(Houston KPRC (NBC) 2 © 01/26/2012)
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) - \n \n\nStarbucks has come out in support of a bill that would make Washington the seventh U.S. state to legal");
document.write("ize gay marriage. The company joins fellow Pacific Northwest-based firms including Microsoft and Nike in backing the bill, which also has support from Gov. Christine Gregoire and is close to passage in the state's House and Senate. Gregoire has previousl...\n
Matthew Shepard's father urges TN lawmakers to resist gay bills
\n(Nashville Te");
document.write("nnessean © 01/26/2012)
Gay rights advocates, led by a Wyoming man whose son?s 1998 murder became a rallying cry for protecting gays and lesbians through federal hate crime laws, on Wednesday accused Tennessee lawmakers of feeding anti-gay prejudice by introducing bills that deal with homosexuality.\n\nDennis Shepard, the father of Matthew Shepard, said legislators are encouraging the bullying of gay, lesbian and transgend...\n
Gay marriage returns to the political spotlight
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 01/26/2012) (Registration Required)\n
With a flurry of coast-to-coast developments this week, same-sex marriage is back in the political spotlight and likely to remain there through Election Day as a half-dozen states face potentially wrenching votes on the issue.In Maryland, New Jersey and Washington, bills to legalize same-sex marriage have high-powered support and good chances of");
document.write(" passage in the legislature. Gay-marriage opponents i...\n
Anoka-Hennepin school board revises wording on sexuality issues
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 01/26/2012)
The Anoka-Hennepin school district's latest attempt to craft a policy on handling classroom discussions about sexual orientation was called an improvement by some who");
document.write(" attended a school board meeting Monday night. \n\n\nBut others said they would rather the board keep the district's existing, but controversial, policy in place.\n\n\nThe standing-room-only meeting included more than an hour of public co...\n
UH-Clear Lake to host women's and LGBT health expo
\n(Ultimate Clear Lake © 01/26/2012)
T");
document.write("he University of Houston-Clear Lake will hold a free women's and LGBT health expo on Feb. 2 from noon to 7 p.m. in the Bayou Building, Atrium I, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston.\n\n \n\n Campus and community health organizations will offer information and services, including free HIV testing with results within 20 minutes.\n\n \n\n Those in attendance will include Health and Disability Services, Pre-Health ...\n
Mayor Backs Out of Citizens Meeting Tonight. \"Unexpected Circumstances.\" (LGBT Protest.)
\n(Dallas Observer © 01/25/2012)
Left a message this morning for Paula Blackmon, chief of staff to Mayor Mike Rawlings, to talk about his decision to pull out of a long-scheduled meet-and-greet with the citizens tonight at Kiest Park on Hampton. It's been on our schedule for a month, and just Monday morning he (or someone, Blackmon, whatever) posted to his Facebook page the reminder: \"Due to limited space anyone interested in att..");
document.write(".\n
Dallas mayor no-shows at community meeting
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 01/25/2012)
DALLAS – Fearing protests over his position on gay marriage, Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings decided to keep his word and not show up at a community meeting billed as a chance “to meet the mayor.”\r\r\n\r\n \r\r\n\r\nSome at the meeting");
document.write(" had not gotten the message the mayor decided against attending. Tony Nuncio, president of the nearby Oak Park Estates neighborhood association, called the...\n
Hate crime victim speaks out about beating
\n(KFOXTV.com © 01/25/2012)
EL PASO, Texas — \n\nWith the exception of a few stitches in his mouth, Emilio Moreno, ");
document.write("23, is physically almost recovered from a brutal beating that happened just over two weeks ago. \n\n\"I'm doing alot better, especially knowing they're caught and they're in jail and not going to hurt anybody else,\" said Moreno. \n\nHe says the mental scars, though, will be ...\n
Eden Prairie OKs registry for domestic partners
\n(Minneapolis Star Tribune © 01/25/2012)
Eden Prairie has become the 18th Minnesota city to approve a domestic partner registry, but the measure passed only after a debate about whether the plan represented an affront to marriage.\n\n\nCity Council Member Brad Aho cast the sole vote against the registry, calling it inappropriate and "a big change in direction for the city."\n\n\n"This ordinance undermines our society being based...\n
Christie Wants Voters to Decide on Gay Marriage
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 01/25/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Gov. Chris Christie of New Jersey said Tuesday that he would veto a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, and he challenged the State Legislature instead to put the issue on the ballot for voters to decide. \n\nDemocrats, who control the Legislature, swiftly rejected the idea, accusing the governor, a ");
document.write("Republican, of trying to punt on a politically sensitive issue. \n\n“Marriage equali...\n
Texas PTA Names Representative Mark Strama To PTA Legislative Honor Roll
\n(Texas Insider © 01/25/2012)
Representative Strama instrumental in passing laws to protect the children of Texas\n\n\nTexas Insider Report: Austin, TX-?Tod");
document.write("ay at 9:00 am at his office, members of Texas PTA will present Representative Mark Strama with a certificate naming him to PTA’s Legislative Honor Roll for his work during the 82nd session of the Texas Legislature.\n\n\nIn October, 2009, the Texas PTA Legislative Action Com...\n
Gov. Christie calls for voter measure on gay marriage
\n(U");
document.write("SA Today © 01/25/2012)
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said today voters in his state should have a say in whether same-sex marriages should be legalized.\n\nAs a state Senate committee began hearings on legislation that would allow gay couples to get married, the popular Republican called for a voter referendum to be added to the New Jersey ballot this fall.\n\n\"Let's let the people of New Jersey decide what is right for th...\n
O?Malley seeks funds for same-sex marriage advocacy group
\n(Washington Post © 01/25/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Just hours after promoting his same-sex marriage legislation at an Annapolis news conference, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) sent an e-mail to his campaign supporters Tuesday seeking donations for a group lobbying for the bill’s passage.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n“A contribution of $25, $100, $500 or more would be of great value in our figh");
document.write("t to ensure fairness and equality for all Marylanders,&...\n
O'Malley seeking minority support for same-sex marriage
\n(Washington Times © 01/25/2012)
ANNAPOLIS — Gov. Martin O'Malley's renewed fight to legalize same-sex marriage will depend heavily on assuring religious groups that his proposed legislation won't infring");
document.write("e on their beliefs or opposition to the weddings.\n\nMr. O'Malley, a Democrat, met Tuesday with lawmakers, activists and religious leaders who support his bill, which was introduced Monday in the Senate.\n\nThe governor appears...\n
Washington, New Jersey governors diverge on gay-marriage bills
\n(Washington Times © 01/25/2012)
Tw");
document.write("o more state legislatures are on the verge of approving same-sex marriage, but whether the bills become law depends on two very different governors.\n\nIn New Jersey, Republican Gov. Chris Christie promised at a Tuesday town-hall meeting that he would veto a same-sex marriage bill now advancing through the Democrat-controlled state Legislature, saying that an issue of such magnitude should be deci...\n
Gay teen leads fight for change amid T-shirt dispute
\n(Kansas City Star © 01/23/2012)
Bailee Webb remembers that night two years ago when her mom asked her the question:\n\nAre you gay?\n\nThe two were watching a movie in their living room, hanging out. \n\nBailee answered softly: Yes … I am.\n\nAnd that was that. \n\nNo tears. No are-you-sure arguments? No you-can’t-understand reproaches. Monique Scritchfield and her daughter just kept watching, both relieved it was no longer a my...\n
Committees to hold gay marriage hearings Monday
\n(Seattle Times © 01/23/2012) (Registration Required)\n
OLYMPIA, Wash. — \n\nSenate and House committees are set to hear testimony on whether Washington state should legalize same-sex marriage.\n\n\nBills have been introduced in the House and Senate and both have public hearings on Mo");
document.write("nday. They are sponsored by two gay lawmakers who have pushed for gay rights measures in past years.\n\n\nWhile gay marriage bills have been introduced in Washington state b...\n
Houston?s Mayor stresses Economic Benefits of Marriage Equality
\n(Texas Observer © 01/23/2012)
When Houston Mayor Annise Parker joined over 80 other ma");
document.write("yors in a press conference supporting marriage equality on Friday, she spoke the language of the people.\n\n?We believe it?s not just the right thing to do, but it is the pro-active thing to do to support the economic health and vitality of all of our citizens and all of our cities,? Parker said.\n\nIn other words: being gay-friendly brings home ...\n
Texas hate ");
document.write("crime law has little effect
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/22/2012) (Registration Required)\n
When Cody Carmichael confessed to San Antonio police in March 2010 that he'd \nshot 24-year-old Troy Clattenburg in the back of the head, it seemed an \nopen-and-shut hate crime. Clattenburg had tried to kiss him, Carmichael told \nauthorities, so he killed him. \n\n\n\n\nAlthough not originally categorized as a bias crime, police soon changed their \nminds under pressure from the victim's family and human...\n
3 gay couples to ask for marriage licenses in SC
\n(Oregonian © 01/16/2012)
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Three same sex couples plan to go to the Greenville County courthouse this week to ask for marriage licenses.\n\n\nAlyssa Weaver and Michel McIver, along with the other two couples, know their request will be denied. In 2006, 78 percent of voters in South Carolina s");
document.write("upported a constitutional amendment not just banning gay marriage, but any other type of domestic union.\n\n\nBu...\n
Evangelical divide lifts Romney in S.C.
\n(Boston.com © 01/15/2012)
GREENVILLE, S.C. - In the weeks leading up to the 2008 primary here, thousands of fake Christmas cards bearing the Romney family name landed in R");
document.write("epublican mailboxes across the state. The cards, featuring a photograph of a snow-covered Boston Public Garden as well as a Mormon temple in Boston, were inscribed with a quote endorsing polygamy.\r\n\r\nWelcome to South Carolina, Mitt Romney.\r\n\r\nThe vitrioli...\n
Evangelical leaders try to unite behind Rick Santorum
\n(Christian Science Monit");
document.write("or © 01/15/2012)
Washington\n\nIn a bid to sway the South Carolina vote, national evangelical leaders, meeting at a ranch west of Houston, on Saturday rallied behind former Sen. Rick Santorum for the GOP presidential nomination. \n\nRelated stories\n\n \nGallery: Rick Santorum \n\nHave conservatives finally stopped looking for the Romney alternative? \nHow GOP's rising Rick Santorum could compete through Super Tuesday \nRick...\n
Conservative leaders meeting in Texas back Santorum for Republican presidential nomination
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 01/15/2012) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- A week before the crucial South Carolina primary, social conservative leaders banded together in Texas on Saturday to back former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania over Republican front-runner Mitt Romney as their choice to confront Democratic President Barack Obama in the fall.The consensus");
document.write(" emerged from a two-day meeting of about 150 conservative leaders at a ranch near Brenham, a...\n
ABC ditches 'Work It' sitcom
\n(KTRK 13 News © 01/15/2012)
PASADENA, CA -- \nABC's \"Work It\" is off duty. \n\n\n \n\n \n\nThe network said Saturday that the sitcom about two men who dress as women to look for work is off the sc");
document.write("hedule after only two episodes aired. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation had protested the series, saying it mocked the transgender community. \n\n\"Work It\" attracted little interest from viewers. The Nielsen company...\n
Pitts: Santorum proves his social bigotry with opposition to gay marriage
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal &co");
document.write("py; 01/15/2012)
We gather here today to parse the meaning of ?boo.?\r\n\r\nNot ?boo? as in the greeting of ghosts and goblins but, rather, ?boo? as in the chorus that drowned the bigot Rick Santorum last week after he defended his opposition to gay marriage before an audience of college students in Concord, N.H.\r\n\r\nSantorum took the same header into non sequitur and illogic that gay marriage opponents often take, i.e...\n
Lori Sturdevant: The marriage amendment vote
\n(Minneapolis Star Tribune © 01/15/2012)
The official midweek story line at the State Capitol involved serious stuff -- jobs, taxes, stadium. (Well, two out of three were serious, anyway.)\n\n\nBut the buzz was about yet another report, via KSTP-TV, of an "inappropriate relationship" between a Republican legislator and a staffer. And the first thing a lot of scribes, bloggers and newly sensitized citizens did when the story broke?...\n
Texas judge jails transgender widow
\n(Waxahachie Daily Light © 01/15/2012)
HOUSTON (AP) - A Houston judge has jailed the transgender widow\nof a fallen firefighter after she was late for a scheduled court\ndate.\n\nNikki Araguz has been waging a court fight for the death benefits\nof firefighter Thomas Araguz III, who died in July 201");
document.write("0 while\nbattling an egg farm fire near Wharton.\n\n \n Subscription Required\n \n \n \n An online service is needed ...\n
Transgender Girl Scout policy sparks controversy
\n(Austin KVUE (ABC) 24 © 01/14/2012)
Girl Scout cookies are coming with a side of controversy this year.\n\n"I ask all fellow");
document.write(" Girl Scouts who want a true all-girl experience not to sell any cookies," said a girl scout on a youtube video.\n\nA California scout is calling for a boycott of cookie sales after the organization agreed to allow a transgender child in Colorado to join. \n\nBobby Montoya, 7, asked to be a Girl Scout and w...\n
Police Investigate Possible Hate Crime Tied To");
document.write(" Alleged Robbery
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 01/14/2012)
EL PASO, Texas -- An alleged robbery and beating in an alley in Central El Paso is being investigated as a possible hate crime.\r\n\r\nPolice said 26-year-old Fernando Pacheco Martinez was yelling gay slurs as he and another man repeatedly punched and kicked 23-year-old Emilio Moreno in an alley on the 3800 block of Fort Boulevard.\r\n\r\nThe incident occurred about 11:30 p.m. Sunday.\r\n\r\nMoreno suffered ...\n
Key decisions in El Paso City Council recall set for Jan. 24
\n(El Paso Times © 01/14/2012)
Mayor John Cook's lawyers will be in the 8th Court of Appeals on Jan. 24 arguing to stop a recall election on the same day the City Council might vote to schedule one. \r\n\r\nBut several officials said one process won't affect the other.\r\n\r\nIf the court rules, as Cook has asked, that petitions to conduct a recall election weren't legally gathe");
document.write("red, the City Council can call off the election.\r\n\r\nA grou...\n
Why Don?t People Seem To Like Christians Anymore?
\n(Gilmer Mirror © 01/14/2012)
Why Don’t People Seem \r\n\r\n To Like Christians \r\n\r\nAnymore? Retired Pastor Thinks \r\n\r\nFaithful Should Talk Less and \r\n\r\nDo More Kirk Minor \r\n\r\nremembers a time when wo");
document.write("rking with his church was centered around people, and \r\n\r\nnot rhetoric – and he’s wondering where those days went. “There’s \r\n\r\nan old axiom that states ‘Those who speak, don’t kno...\n
Transgender widow jailed for tardiness
\n(Houston Chronicle © 01/14/2012) (Registration R");
document.write("equired)\n
After Nikki Araguz, the transgendered widow at the center of a controversial lawsuit, was 40 minutes late to what was supposed to be her final appearance in criminal court Friday, a judge decided the Harris County Sheriff's Office will make sure she is not late for her next setting.\r\n\r\n\"It's too late for sorry!\" boomed state District Judge Vanessa Velasquez as Araguz tried to apologize for her tar...\n
The marriage amendment, from all angles
\n(Minneapolis Star Tribune © 01/14/2012)
We Minnesotans are blessed to live in a state that others envy, study and model. Minnesota is home to more Fortune 500 companies per capita than any other state. The Mayo Clinic and General Mills are regulars on Fortune's "Best Places to Work" list.\n\n\nWe tout the nation's best biking trails and more theater seats per capita than any other metro area outside of New York City, and we're re...\n
Momentum building for gay marriage in Washington
\n(Seattle Times © 01/14/2012) (Registration Require");
document.write("d)\n
WOW, what a week. Two Republican state legislators stepped forward to say they will vote to legalize same-sex marriage — a vote in Olympia, not one put before voters. This is leadership by any gauge.\n\n\nAdditionally, three Republicans on the Metropolitan King County Council joined Democrats and voted to back an amendment to the legislative agenda supporting gay marriage. That agenda is expect...\n
Leonard Pitts Jr.: The boos for Rick Santorum speak of coming change
\n(Detroit Free Press © 01/13/2012)
We gather here today to parse the meaning of \"boo.\"\n\nNot \"boo,\" as in the greeting of ghosts and goblins, but rather \"boo,\" as in the chorus that drowned the bigot Rick Santorum last week after he defended his opposition to gay marriage before an audience of college students in Concord, N.H.\n\nSantorum took the same header into non sequitur and illogic that gay marriage opponents often take -- i.e...");
document.write(".\n
Social conservative leaders to meet in Texas
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 01/13/2012) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Social conservative leaders from across the nation will gather at a Texas ranch this weekend to discuss their choice of candidates in the Republican presidential race, including");
document.write(" the possibility of uniting behind a candidate other than front-runner Mitt Romney.The gathering at the Hidden Hills Ranch of former Texas Judge Paul Pressler underscores the antipathy evident among many social co...\n
Loudoun supervisor?s anti-gay campaign crashes the mainstream
\n(Washington Post © 01/13/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Everyone’s favorite openly gay-hating Loudoun County supervisor, Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling), was up to more of his hijinks last week with an e-mail appeal for money to protect America from two bills\nin Congress that would prohibit discrimination against students based on their sexual orientation.\n\n\nThe bills, Delgaudio wrote, would “require schools to teach appalling homosexual act...\n
Religious leaders: Same-sex marriage threatens religious freedom
\n(Washington Post © 01/13/2012) (Registration Required)\n
A coalition of nearly 40 religious leaders has published an open letter that seeks to recast the battle against same-sex marriage as a fight on behalf of religious freedom.\n \n\nThe religious leaders, predominantly from conservative Christian churches and Orthodox Judaism, say their concern is not that legalizing gay marriage will force ");
document.write("their ministers to perform same-sex weddings; they say they do...\n
Supreme Court recognizes religious exception to job laws
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/12/2012) (Registration Required)\n
In what might be its most significant religious liberty decision in two decades, the Supreme Court on Wednesda");
document.write("y for the first time recognized a \"ministerial exception\" to employment discrimination laws, saying that churches and other religious groups must be free to choose and dismiss their leaders without government interference.\n\n\"The interest of society in the enforcement of employment discrimi...\n
Battling Bullying
\n(Harlingen KGBT (CBS) 4 &");
document.write("copy; 01/12/2012)
December 5, 2011 a fight began inside the bathroom of San Benito's Idea Academy.\n\n\"My son was attacked by six or eight boys and punched numerous times in the face and in the body,? said a mom.\n\nThe mom said school officials ignored what she considered bullying.\n\nThe school said her son agreed to the fight.\n\nThey suspended her son and one other boy.\n\nWhether it was bullying or not, school officials...\n
El Paso Police Investigating mans beating as possible hate crime
\n(KFOXTV.com © 01/12/2012)
El Paso, TX — \n\nOn Tuesday, KFOX 14 was the first to tell you about the brutal beating of a 23-year-old-man. At the time, his family told us they were convinced it was a hate crime. Now, El Paso Police confirming they are looking into these hate crime allegations. \n\nEmilio Moreno, 23, says he was leaving the Rumors Bar in central El Paso on Sunday night when two men he met inside followed hi...");
document.write("\n
Oklahoma legislator hopes to bring back 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
\n(Sherman KXII (CBS) 12 © 01/12/2012)
ARDMORE, OK - An Oklahoma Legislator is pushing to reinstate a controversial policy concerning sexual orientation and the military.\n \n \n \n\n'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' banned gays from openly servi");
document.write("ng in the military, the policy was repealed by President Obama in 2010....\n
Supreme Court sides with churches in employment fights
\n(Washington Post © 01/12/2012) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Supreme Court on Wednesday (Jan. 11) unanimously threw its support behind a church sc");
document.write("hool that fired a teacher, using a widely watched church-state case to bolster a legal doctrine that exempts religious institutions from some civil rights laws.\n \n\nReligious groups heralded the ruling as a firm assertion of religious freedom that keeps personnel decisions about religio...\n
Levitan surprised at acceptance of gay characters
");
document.write("\n(Beaumont KFDM (CBS) 6 © 01/11/2012)
PASADENA, Calif. (AP) -- One of the biggest surprises for the creator of \"Modern Family\" is how Cameron and Mitchell, the gay parents who are among the show's lead characters, are accepted by the audience. Steven Levitan said Tuesday that it's not just America: The Emmy-winning comedy is shown around the world, including in Vatican City. He said it's unusual for him to hear any objections to M...\n
El Paso police investigate hate crime involving gay man
\n(El Paso Times © 01/11/2012)
El Paso police are investigating what they are calling a hate crime after a gay man was beaten and robbed outside a bar.\n\n\n\nEmilio Moreno, 23, was assaulted by two men late Sunday night in an alley outside the Rumors Sports Club & Lounge at 3317 Dyer, a police spokesman said.\n\n\n\nOfficer Javier Sambrano said the robbery has been labeled a hate crime because the assailants alleged");
document.write("ly yelled anti-gay ...\n
Family Says Brother Assaulted Because Hes Gay
\n(KFOXTV.com © 01/11/2012)
EL PASO, Texas — \n\nThe Aguirre brothers are speaking out, united in their fight to catch the men they believe assaulted their younger brother just because he's gay. \"This is my baby brother and I wish I had been there to s");
document.write("tick up to these people that just don't care,\" said Eddie Aguirre. \n\n Emilio Moreno, 23, said he was was leaving the Rumors bar in central El Paso on Sunday nigh...\n
Second Republican state senator chooses to support marriage equality
\n(Seattle Times © 01/11/2012) (Registration Required)\n
T");
document.write("HE state Senate is becoming a place of possibility. Sen. Cheryl Pflug is joining other lawmakers willing to vote to give same-sex couples the full rights and benefits of marriage.\n\n\nShe is commended for standing up to say what she believes, even if it does not perfectly mesh with her caucus.\n\n\nPflug of Maple Valley is the second Republican senator in recent days to say she will support gay-marria...\n
Virginia board bucks Cuccinelli?s advice, approves gay nondiscrimination policy
\n(Washington Post © 01/11/2012) (Registration Required)\n
The board that oversees Virginia’s juvenile correctional facilities agreed Tuesday, for a second time, to ban discrimination based on sexual orientation despite being counseled against such action by Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II.\n \n\nThe board voted 5 to 1, rejecting Cuccinelli’s contention that only the General Assembly can designate a spe");
document.write("cial class of citizens.\n\nThe Department ...\n
Gay rights protest is held despite cardinal's apology
\n(Chicago Tribune © 01/09/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Despite an apology from Cardinal Francis George for recently likening the church's clash with the gay rights movement to the anti-Catholicism of ");
document.write("the Ku Klux Klan, a handful of gay rights activists demonstrated outside Holy Name Cathedral Sunday, saying his contrition wasn't enough.\n\n\n\n\n\n\"It is totally inadequate,\" said Andy Thayer, co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network, referring to the stateme...\n
Same-Sex Marriage a Priority for Democrats in Trenton
\n(New York Times (State V");
document.write("ersion) © 01/09/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Democratic leaders in New Jersey are planning to make a bill allowing same-sex marriage the centerpiece of their agenda for 2012, reflecting a key change from two years ago, when a leading Senate Democrat abstained from a vote on the issue. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nBut the legislation still faces long odds. Unlike two years ago, when there was a Democratic governor ready to sign the bill if the Legislature ...\n
Maureen Dowd / The grating Santorum
\n(Pittsburgh Post Gazette © 01/09/2012)
MANCHESTER, N.H. -- Rick Santorum was locking down the youth vote.\n\nThe man who fondly recalls nuns rapping his knuckles with rulers did some verbal knuckle-rapping of his own Thursday with students at a forum in Concord hosted by New England College.\n\nNot satisfied with mentioning homosexuality in the same breath as bestiality and pedophilia, as he did in 2");
document.write("003, Mr. Santorum tried to win over the ...\n
U.S. Justice Department argues that Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional
\n(Pittsburgh Post Gazette © 01/09/2012)
The U.S. Department of Justice argues the Defense of Marriage Act is unconstitutional, in a brief filed in a Pennsylvania case over whether the wife of a former ");
document.write("female Cozen O'Connor partner is able to collect the partner's profit-sharing plan benefits under federal law.\n\n\"This court should hold that Section 3 of DOMA unconstitutionally discriminates,\" attorneys for the DOJ said in its brief in Co...\n
GOP contenders blast gay marriage, say couples should have rights
\n(Washington Post © 01/0");
document.write("9/2012) (Registration Required)\n
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney want gay couples to have legal rights — just not the right to marry.\n \n\nThe Republican presidential contenders oppose a New Hampshire law that allows same-sex marriage. But they say gay couples should have basic legal rights — such as the ability to visit each other in the hospital.\n\nGingrich says marriage between a man and a woma...\n
Liberty Hill mayor ruffling some small-town feathers
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 01/08/2012) (Registration Required)\n
Singer-songwriter Michele \"Mike\" Murphy, the mayor of this small town about 35 miles northwest of Austin, has ruffled some feathers out here. She says she gets \"yelled at a lot.\"\n\nBut she can handle the abuse. She used to play in a country band and work as a server in a honky-tonk.\n\nFor more than 20 years, Mu");
document.write("rphy played rhythm guitar and sang backup for Alvin Crow and the Pleasant Valley Boys, the...\n
Breaking the silence on men and rape
\n(San Antonio KSAT (ABC) 12 © 01/08/2012)
(CNN) - \n \n\nStereotypes can rumble around in our collective brains for decades, sometimes centuries, before finally being edged out by a ");
document.write("more nuanced understanding of reality. It's been that way with our views about race, creed, sexual orientation and gender roles.\n\nThe Justice Department's announcement this week that it has changed the definition of rape to include men is one such ...\n
New Hampshire voters hammer Santorum over his views
\n(Washington Post © 01/08/201");
document.write("2) (Registration Required)\n
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Former senator and Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum is trying to get New Hampshire conservatives to fall in love with him.\n \n\nBut in so doing, he’s reminding some independents, and certainly Democrats, exactly why they fell out of love with him in his home state of Pennsylvania, where he was ousted from office by more than 17 points in 2006.\n\nAt a cam...\n
Rick Santorum peppered with questions on gay marriage
\n(Boston.com © 01/07/2012)
DUBLIN, N.H. ? Rick Santorum is getting asked so many times about his staunch opposition to gay marriage that voters are starting to apologize for asking about it. \n\n\n?I?m sure you are sick of this question,? one voter prefaced her question here this afternoon. She then proceeded to ask him again to explain. \n\n\nBut Santorum?s rise in the polls ? and the fresh look that voters ");
document.write("are willing to give h...\n
Beating aftermath: Teen gets 10 years in Downtown attack
\n(El Paso Times © 01/07/2012)
The 17-year-old boy convicted in the beating of a man outside a Downtown nightclub has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. \r\n\r\nEsteban Alfaro will spend the first two years in juvenile detention. After that, his");
document.write(" sentence will be reassessed to see whether he will serve the rest of his term in an adult correctional facility. \r\n\r\nAlfaro had earlier been found delinquent, or guilty, in a state distr...\n
Judge dismisses most claims in gay bias lawsuit
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 01/07/2012)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A judge has dismis");
document.write("sed most of the claims in a lawsuit by two women who alleged their daughter's teacher discriminated against the girl because her parents are gay. -->\r\nALBUQUERQUE, N.M. ? A judge has dismissed most of the claims in a lawsuit by two women who alleged their daughter's teacher discriminated against the girl because her parents are gay.\r\nShannon Peterson and...\n
Anoka teachers slam policy rewrite
\n(Minneapolis Star Tribune © 01/07/2012)
The Anoka-Hennepin teachers union said Friday that it agrees that the district's embattled "neutrality policy" on sexual orientation should be scrapped. But the union doesn't want it replaced with the policy now being debated by the school board -- or even any policy at all.\n\n\nThe union's first official position on the policies, to be formally presented Monday, complicates the school boa...\n
A Long History of Political Brawling for Santorum
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 01/07/2012) (Registration Required)\n
MANCHESTER, N.H. — Rick Santorum loves professional wrestling, and has been thrilled to meet savage icons of the squared circle like Bruno Sammartino, Gorilla Monsoon and Hulk Hogan. He even lobbied for the World Wrestling Foundation for a while. \n\r\n");
document.write("\r\r\n\r\nWhen the former senator, a Pennsylvania Republican, was seeking re-election in 2006, he appeared in a campaign advertisement standin...\n
Santorum spars with growing crowds
\n(Politico.com © 01/07/2012)
MANCHESTER, N.H. — A clear sign of Rick Santorum’s rise to the top tier: He’s drawing bigger — a");
document.write("nd occasionally more hostile — crowds. A clear sign of how abrupt and unexpected that rise was, even for the former Pennsylvania senator’s own staff: His operation here clearly isn’t prepared for the accompanying mayhem.\n\nAt two stops Friday, the size of his aud...\n
Rankings of gay-friendly colleges are all the rage ? but are these lists ac");
document.write("curate?
\n(Washington Post © 01/07/2012) (Registration Required)\n
With that comes an ever-growing number of rankings of the most (and least) gay-friendly schools. In recent years, designations of “the most” have gone to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (via Newsweek and The Daily Beast), American University (College Magazine) and New York University (Princeton Review).\r\r\n\r\n\r\nI think we can all agree that it’s good to recognize colleges tha...\n
Dallas County community colleges prohibit discrimination based on 'gender identity and expression'
\n(Dallas Morning News © 01/05/2012) (Registration Required)\n
The Dallas County Community College District board this week amended its policies to prohibit discrimination on the basis of \"gender identity and expression.\"\n\n\nThree district policies were amended by the board. ");
document.write("One protects employees from discrimination; the other two provide protection to students. (See pages 70-74 in the board's meeting agenda.)\n\n\nLambda Legal, a national organization committed...\n
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire backs legalization of gay marriage
\n(Oregonian © 01/05/2012)
OLYMPIA -- Washington Gov. Chris Gregoir");
document.write("e said today she wants Washington to become the seventh state in the nation to make gay marriage legal.\n \nShe said at a news conference she'll introduce legislation that, if passed, would allow same-sex marriage in Washington state. The Democrat had previously supported efforts to expand domestic partner rights for gay couples, but had not previously c...\n
Washington gov backs gay marriage
\n(Politico.com © 01/05/2012)
Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire has publicly announced her support for gay marriage, likely setting the state on course to become the seventh to legalize same sex nuptials.\n\n“It is time in Washington state for marriage equality,” Gregoire said at a news conference Wednesday, according to Reuters. “It is time; it’s the right thing to do.”\n\nThe legislation still has some...\n
Labor leaders in Md. promoting same-sex marriage bill
\n(Washington Post © 01/05/2012) (Registration Required)\n
In heavily Democratic Maryland, where organized labor can still pack a punch, unions have lobbied in recent years to protect public employees, expand collective-bargaining rights and improve worker safety.\n \n\nA less-traditional issue will top their agenda when the General Assembly ");
document.write("reconvenes next week: legalizing same-sex marriage.\n\nIn advance of the 90-day session, labor leaders are promoting th...\n
Washington governor to support gay marriage law: source
\n(Orlando Sentinel © 01/04/2012) (Registration Required)\n
SEATTLE (Reuters) - Washington state Governor Chris Gregoire will");
document.write(" announce her support on Wednesday for legislation that would legalize gay marriage in the state, a source who has been informed of her decision told Reuters on Tuesday.\n\n The expected announcement will come just days before the Washington state legislature was scheduled to convene for its next session.\n\n A ...\n
Two More States Allo");
document.write("w Same-sex Civil Unions
\n(Chicago Tribune © 01/02/2012) (Registration Required)\n
HAWAII -- Several same-sex couples came together in the first minutes of New Year's Day in Honolulu to become the first in the state's history to enter into civil unions.\n \n \"We really don't want to wait any longer because we have been together for 33 years waiting for the opportunity and our rights and everything that goes with it,\" said Donna Gedge, who was with her partner Monica Montgomery, sp...\n
Memories of a gay man's suicide loom over Fremont Presbyterian Church
\n(Sacramento Bee © 01/01/2012) (Registration Required)\n
On July 23, 1992, Thomas Paniccia, an Air Force sergeant, announced he was gay on national television. On the anniversary of that day 15 years later, Paniccia drove to an undeveloped cul-de-sac in Roseville several blocks from his");
document.write(" home and waited to die.\n\nPaniccia, 43, had swallowed an overdose of prescription pills and placed a three-page letter on his dashboard.\n\nThe Rev. Donald Baird, pastor of...\n
LStyleGStyle founders look to Texas, U.S. expansion
\n(Austin Business Journal © 12/31/2011)
Lynn Yeldell, left, and Alisa Weldon, have seen the magazin");
document.write("e they founded, LStyleGStyle, persevere and flourish.\n \n\n\n\n \n\nAlisa Weldon understands that numbers aren?t everything ? passion counts, too.\n\n\nWeldon co-founded LStyleGStyle magazine, where she is editor and publisher, with a passion for portraying lesbian and gay people more accurately. It?s a passion that has helped her...\n
In honor of so");
document.write("n, mother pushed for anti-bullying legislation
\n(Cleburne Times-Review © 12/31/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Tami Carmichael did not want her son Jon Carmichael’s death to go unnoticed or forgotten\n\n\n\n Jon hanged himself March 28, 2010, after what his mother recalled as relentless bullying from his classmates. It was bullying, she said, that Joshua ISD and Loflin Middle School, where Jon was a student, ignored.\n\n\n\n “There was an incident where [other students] tied him up, gagged him, threw h...\n
Workplaces grow friendlier to gay employees, study finds
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 12/31/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Study: Workplaces friendlier to gay employeesThe corporate world -- especially at law firms and big banks -- is a much better place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees than it was a decad");
document.write("e ago, according to a new report from the Human Rights Campaign, an LGBT advocacy group.When the Corporate Equality Index was first calculated, in 2002, to check major American companies for polic...\n
KISD attorneys appeal court decision, may delay ?outing? trial by six months
\n(Kilgore News Herald © 12/31/2011)
With their m");
document.write("otion for summary judgment denied and a trial scheduled in January, attorneys representing Kilgore Independent School District in an 'outing' lawsuit have filed an appeal to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. \n\nBarbara Wyatt, on behalf of her daughter, Skye, is suing the school, alleging two coaches revealed the girl's sexuality to her mother.\n\nAccording to the district's attorney, Robe...\n
Law Change Sets Off Rise in Marriages
\n(The Wall Street Journal © 12/31/2011)
Over the past six months, the New York City Clerk's Office saw a significant uptick in the number of marriage licenses it issued?4,042, or 14%, more than were handed out in the same time period in 2010. \r\n\r\nAnd there appears to be an easy explanation: Almost all of them are believed to have been granted to same-sex couples. \r\n\r\n\"We're overwhelmed,\" said Michael McSweeney, the city clerk. \"It's bee...\n
LStyleGStyle founders bring vision for inclusion to magazine racks profitably
\n(Austin Business Journal © 12/30/2011)
Lynn Yeldell, left, and Alisa Weldon have seen the magazine they founded, \nLStyleGStyle, persevere and flourish.\n \n\n\n\n \n\nAlisa Weldon understands that numbers aren?t everything ? passion counts, too.\n\n\nWeldon co-founded LStyleGStyle magazin");
document.write("e, where she is editor and publisher, with a passion for portraying lesbian and gay people more accurately. It?s a passion that has helped her...\n
Gay seniors worried about finding accepting places to retire
\n(Bryan-College Station Eagle © 12/30/2011)
PHILADELPHIA -- At age 62, Donald Carter knows his arthritis and other age");
document.write("-related infirmities will not allow him to live indefinitely in his third-floor walk-up apartment in Philadelphia. \n\nBut as a low-income renter, Carter has limited options. And as a gay black man, he's concerned his choice of senior living facilities might be narrowed further by the possibility of intolerant residents or sta...\n
Best big US companies for LGB");
document.write("T employees
\n(MSNBC © 12/30/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Chevron, Bank of America and AT&T all got top marks as the best workplaces for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) employees, according to a recent survey by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation in Washington, D.C., the nation?s biggest advocacy and lobbying group that backs civil rights for LGBT people. (Candace Gingrich-Jones, Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich?s half-sist...\n
Charlie Morgan?s Battle
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 12/30/2011) (Registration Required)\n
There is nothing theoretical about the ongoing pain inflicted by the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that bars the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages. Ask Charlie Morgan, a chief warrant officer in the Army National Guard, based in New Hampshire. \n\n");
document.write("\n\n\nMs. Morgan joined the Army just out of high school, in 1982, and spent a decade serving, including stints in the Re...\n
Both lesbian moms have parental rights, Daytona court rules in custody dispute
\n(Orlando Sentinel © 12/30/2011) (Registration Required)\n
They fell in love, moved in together in a");
document.write(" house in south Brevard County and had a baby girl. Now they are fighting over who should raise the child. But unlike most couples, they are two women. One donated the egg. The other had it implanted into her womb and carried the child to term.\n\n\n\n\n\nSo which one is the mother? The woman who bore the child says it is she and she alone.\n\n\n\n\n\nA circuit judge i...\n
Advocates: More gay-friendly senior housing needed
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 12/30/2011) (Registration Required)\n
PHILADELPHIA (AP) ? At age 62, Donald Carter knows his arthritis and other age-related infirmities will not allow him to live indefinitely in his third-floor walk-up apartment in Philadelphia.But as a low-income renter, Carter has limited options. And as a gay black man, he's concerned his choice of senior living facilities might be narrowed further by the possibility of intolerant residents or st...\n
Fearing divided evangelical bloc, at least 2 Iowa pastors ask Santorum, Bachmann to quit race
\n(Washington Pos");
document.write("t © 12/29/2011) (Registration Required)\n
DES MOINES, Iowa — Two politically active pastors in Iowa’s robust evangelical conservative movement said Wednesday that an effort has been under way to persuade either Rick Santorum or Michele Bachmann to consider quitting the Republican presidential race and endorsing the other to avoid splintering this influential voting bloc’s influence in the state’s caucuses.\n \n\n &ld...\n
The 11 most important religion and politics findings of 2011
\n(Washington Post © 12/29/2011) (Registration Required)\n
As 2011 draws to a close, it’s hard to pick just a few highlights from a year full of exciting findings at the intersection of religion and politics. As the economic crisis continued, the nascent Occupy Wall Street movement captured public attention much as the Tea Party movement did in 2010.");
document.write(" Despite the dominant focus on the economy, American attitudes on other issues like same-sex marriage...\n
Same-Sex Spouses Lose Big On Taxes
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 12/27/2011)
NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Same-sex spouses are paying as much as $6,000 a year in extra taxes because the federal government doesn't recognize gay marr");
document.write("iage, according to an analysis conducted for CNNMoney by tax specialists.\n\nWhile marriage provides tax benefits for many heterosexual couples, same-sex families don't enjoy the same perks because they are not allowed to file their federal returns joint...\n
Mich. governor signs domestic partner benefits ban
\n(Boston.com © 12/24/2011)");
document.write("
LANSING, Mich.—Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday signed legislation that blocks taxpayer-paid health insurance from being offered to domestic partners living with some public employees.\n\nBut the Republican said the measure doesn't apply to public universities or most state employees.\n\nThe law affecting domestic partner benefits might end up in court, with opponents trying to get it tossed out whi...\n
");
document.write("Broaden Ohio's employment anti-discrimination law to include sexual orientation and gender identity: editorial
\n(Cleveland Plain Dealer © 12/24/2011)
Cuyahoga County's decision to pay $100,000 to settle a federal lawsuit brought by a lesbian employee is a reminder that well-meaning policies and executive orders are no substitute for clear, enforceable laws against workplace discrimination. \n\n\nThis is hardly a radical concept. Polls show that Americans overwhelmingly believe that gays, lesbians, bisexual and");
document.write(" transgender people should not face di...\n
Sounding Quiet Dissent About a Holiday Perennial
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 12/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Bil Browning and his boyfriend were homeless. To protect the identity of the boyfriend (now ex-boyfriend), Mr. Browning will not say spec");
document.write("ifically where, just that it was in “southern Indiana,” about 20 years ago. But he is very explicit about who refused to give them shelter. \n\n\n\n\n“The Salvation Army refused to help us,” Mr. Browning recalls, “unless we broke u...\n
Domestic partner benefits ban signed; ACLU promises lawsuit
\n(Detroit F");
document.write("ree Press © 12/23/2011)
LANSING -- Many government employers in Michigan will be barred from providing health care benefits to the domestic partners of public employees under legislation signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on Thursday.\n\nSnyder said the prohibition will not apply to employees of the state public universities or to state government employees.\n\nThe measure does apply to municipal and school employees, and to homosex...\n
Kiss heard 'round the world: Lesbians chosen for Navy tradition
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A public embrace between two female sailors from California is being hailed as "the kiss heard 'round the world" by activists who fought for a repeal of the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military.\n\nPetty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta from Placerville shared a kiss with partner Petty Officer 3rd ");
document.write("Class Citlalic Snell of Los Angeles on Wednesday as Gaeta's s...\n
Sailor's gay kiss is a milepost on a long road of change
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Editorial\n \n\n Sailor's gay kiss is a milepost on a long road of change\n\n ");
document.write(" \n Petty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta's homecoming kiss to her girlfriend shows progress in the military. But more is needed.\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ...\n
Deportation could split up lesbian Vt. couple
\n(A");
document.write("marillo Globe-News © 12/22/2011)
MONTPELIER, Vt. ? Frances Herbert and her wife, Takako Ueda, were looking forward to the New Year's Eve family concert at the Baptist Church, the town fireworks on the pond and then a night at home to celebrate the arrival of 2012.\nBut federal immigration authorities have told Ueda she needs to leave the United States for her native Japan by Dec. 31, a move that would split up a couple who have be...\n
ABC sitcom 'Work It' gets detractors all worked up
\n(Beaumont KFDM (CBS) 6 © 12/22/2011)
NEW YORK (AP) -- Viewers may find ABC's new sitcom \"Work It\" to be cringingly awful from an entertainment standpoint. But the show, which depicts two out-of-work chaps who dress as women to land jobs in a tough economy, has drawn fire from groups with a different complaint: They say \"Work It\" mocks the transgender community. \"Though the show is not about transgender people, it's ");
document.write("about the noti...\n
Lesbian couple shares Navy 'first kiss'
\n(Bryan-College Station Eagle © 12/22/2011)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- A Navy tradition caught up with the repeal of the U.S. military's \"don't ask, don't tell\" rule on Wednesday when two women sailors became the first to share the coveted \"first kiss\" on the pier after ");
document.write("one of them returned from 80 days at sea.\n\nPetty Officer 2nd Class Marissa Gaeta of Placerville, Calif., descended from the USS Oak Hill amphibious landing ship and shared a qui...\n
True love, loss and marriage
\n(Chicago Tribune © 12/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The thoughtful, slightly wrinkled");
document.write(" vendor posted a sign next to her lotions and other products. It read: \"10 percent of purchase goes to Rockey Mandel.\"\n\nIt was a flea market fundraiser in Rockey's honor, but this woman never met Rockey. My Uncle Doug knew this. Doug approached the lady and grasped her hand with both of his.\n\nHe looked into her eyes and explained his appreciation — as well as...\n
United they stand
\n(Chicago Tribune © 12/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Under a bright summer sun on June 2, Paul Dombrowski and Joe Serio joined more than two dozen same-sex couples in Millennium Park for a mass civil union ceremony.\n\n\n\n\n\nThat was the first day Illinois allowed civil unions, marking a milestone for gay and lesbian couples and giving them many of the same state-level rights as married couples.\n\n\n\n\n\nSerio and Dombrowski had been together 15 years. They...\n
Women's first kiss at homecoming a first for Navy, too
\n(Hampton Pilot Online © 12/22/2011)
VIRGINIA BEACH\n\n\nIt's Wednesday morning around 10:30 when the Oak Hill finally comes into view, its steel-gray bow peeking out from behind a grove of green trees at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek.\n\n\nIt's been three months since the dock landing ship left home for Central A");
document.write("merica, and all of the usual fanfare is waiting to greet its crew: crowds of cheering families, toddlers dressed in ...\n
Gingrich to gay man: Vote Obama
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Gay? Vote for the other guy, Newt says.\n\n\nRepublican Presidential contender Newt Gingric");
document.write("h had one message for a gay Iowa man: Don’t bother with me, vote Obama.\n\n\nOr so says a professor who met Gingrich at the Smokey Row coffee house in Iowa, according to the Des Moines Register.\n\n\n?I asked him if he?s elected, how does he plan to engage gay Americans. How are we to support him? And he told...\n
GLAAD's full-page ad denounces ABC cross-dr");
document.write("essing sitcom 'Work It'
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation and two other activist groups have taken out a full-page ad in Wednesday?s edition of Variety calling on ABC to kill a midseason sitcom, ?Work It,? about straight guys who dress in drag to land jobs.\n\nUnder the headline, ?Work It Doesn?t Work,? the advocacy groups say the show ?invites the audience to laugh at images of men trying to adopt a feminine...\n
Same-sex marriage law appears to improve health of gay men
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Booster Shots: Oddities, musings and news from the health world\n \n\n Gay marriage law appears to improve the health of gay men\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n ");
document.write("\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n * \n \n \n \n \n \n \n...\n
LGBT partners' hospital visits protected
\n(Nashville Tennessean © 12/22/2011)
It may sound trite, but life is fragile. At the drop of a hat, anyone could be ");
document.write("the victim of an accident or learn that a terminal illness was taking its toll.\n\nBut regardless of the reason, lying in a hospital bed is often the most vulnerable time in one?s life. It?s not a time to have to worry about the documents you brought with you. It?s not a time you should have to think about how state or fe...\n
Lesbian couple shares first kiss a");
document.write("t Navy homecoming
\n(Hampton Pilot Online © 12/21/2011)
Normal\n\n\n0\n\n\nfalse\n\n\nfalse\n\n\nfalse\n\n\nEN-US\n\n\nX-NONE\n\n\nX-NONE\n\n\nMicrosoftInternetExplorer4\n\n\n/* Style Definitions */\n\n\ntable.MsoNormalTable\n\n\n{mso-style-name:\"Table Normal\";\n\n\nmso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;\n\n\nmso-tstyle-colband-size:0;\n\n\nmso-style-noshow:yes;\n\n\nmso-style-priority:99;\n\n\nmso-style-qformat:yes;\n\n\nmso-style-parent:\"\";\n\n\nmso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;\n\n\nmso-para-margin:0in;\n\n\nmso-para...\n
Top political videos: Gay marriage, Obama, Perry
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/21/2011) (Registration Required)\n
NEW YORK (AP) ? A young Iowa man's plea for marriage rights for his lesbian parents drew 18.3 million views to become the most-watched political video of the year, according to YouTube's ranking of viral political videos.President Barack Obama's speech to the White House Correspondents' Association");
document.write(" dinner in April was second on the list, while Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry's ad crit...\n
More employers equalizing the tax system for gay employees
\n(Washington Post © 12/21/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Even in the most GLBT-friendly workplaces, gay and lesbian families are locked ");
document.write("out of one of the most important benefits an employer can provide: tax-free compensation in the form of health-care benefits. But according to the New York Times, a growing number of private companies, including Yahoo, Google, Bain & Co. and Columbia University, are trying to make up for this by paying those taxes t...\n
Gay couple sue Hawaii B&B, claim d");
document.write("iscrimination
\n(El Paso Times © 12/20/2011)
Aloha Bed & Breakfast discriminated against Diane Cervelli and Taeko Bufford, a couple living in Long Beach, Calif., claims the lawsuit filed on behalf of the women by Lambda Legal in First Circuit Court in Honolulu. \n\nCervelli, 42, called the business in 2007 to book a room because it's in Hawaii Kai, the same east Honolulu neighborhood where the friend they were visiting lived. When she ...\n
Student gets 21 years for shooting gay classmate
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/20/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Student gets 21 years for shooting gay classmate\n\n \n In court for sentencing, the victim's father criticizes the jury, school officials and media.\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ");
document.write("\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n\n \n \n \n * \n \n ...\n
Story of same-sex unions in U.S. told through changing series of maps, charts in book
\n(Seattle Times © 12/20/2011) (Registration Required)\n
During the two years Peter Nicolas and Mike Strong researched and");
document.write(" wrote their book — \"The Geography of Love\" — friends called them crazy, telling the men they'd never stop updating it.\n\n\nTheir 42-page, self-published book about same-sex unions in the U.S. is told through a series of maps and charts — a living text whose content will be always changing.\n\n\nNicolas, a law professor ...\n
Top political videos");
document.write(": Gay marriage, Obama, Perry
\n(Tyler KLTV (ABC) 7 © 12/20/2011)
NEW YORK (AP) - A young Iowa man's plea for marriage rights for his lesbian parents drew 18.3 million views to become the most-watched political video of the year, according to YouTube's ranking of viral political videos.\n \n\nPresident Barack Obama's speech to the White House Correspondents' Association dinner in April was second on the list, while Republican presid...\n
GOP: Gay-Obsessed Party
\n(Washington Post © 12/20/2011) (Registration Required)\n
We’ve long known that nothing throws conservatives into a tizzy more than the Gays. They’re either signing marriage pledges or bemoaning the demise of “don’t ask don’t tell,” the ban on gay men and lesbians serving openly in the military, which was tossed in the ash can of history");
document.write(" by Congress a year ago yesterday. Now, as we hurtle to the Jan. 3 Iowa caucuses, t...\n
Perry confronted over fracking and gay rights
\n(Austin KEYE (CBS) 42 © 12/19/2011)
After a smooth day of church visits and campaign\nstops, Gov. Rick Perry hit some unexpected bumps as\naudience members challenged him on hydraulic fracturin");
document.write("g and allowing gays to\nserve openly in the military.\n\nIn what was supposed to be the\nfinal question of the final stop of the fifth day of his bus tour, Carrie\nKauffman began to ask a question about the practice known as\n\"fracking,\" which involve...\n
LGBT advocates send a message at Bachmann event
\n(Chicago Tribune © 12/19/2011) ");
document.write("(Registration Required)\n
Reporting from Clarion, Iowa\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\nProtesters crashed Michele Bachmann's mee...\n
Transgender people fight for civil rights, public understanding
\n(Chicago Tribune © 12/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Dan Carmichael had barely taken his first breath when a doctor announced his gender: \"It's a girl.\"\n\n\n\n\n\nThat's where gender identity begins for most. A pronouncement at birth, a quick glance at the genitals revealing a person to be either male or female.\n\n\n\n\n\nIf only it were that simple for Carmichael. He was raised a ");
document.write("girl — then named Danielle Sosin — grew into a woman, served in the...\n
Dallas students banding together to fight bullying
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 12/17/2011)
DALLAS -- Some Dallas high school students are taking action against bullies.\r\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nThe students are members of drumlines at several Dallas schools.\r\r\n\r");
document.write("\n\r\r\n\r\nThey will perform in tonight's 'Banding Against Bullying Drum Festival.'\r\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nFestival goers will be treated to a concert as a rally to raise awareness about the dangers of bullies.\r\r\n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nThe event starts at 6 p.m. at Moises Molina ...\n
Lesbian federal worker gets assist from DOJ lawyer
\n(Sacramento Bee © 12/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO -- A senior U.S. Department of Justice lawyer made an appearance in a San Francisco courtroom Friday to argue that the federal law that bars recognition of same-sex marriages is unconstitutional.\n\nAssistant Attorney General Tony West argued in support of Karen Golinski, a lesbian federal employee who is suing the government to obtain health insurance for her legal wife.\n\nWest's a...\n
Prop 8 repeal cleared for signature-gathering
\n(Sacramento Bee © 12/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO -- A gay rights group that wants to repeal the state constitutional amendment that stripped same-sex couples in California of the right to get married received clearance Friday to start gathering signatures for a measure that would rescind the gay marriage ban known as Proposition 8.\n\nLos Angeles-based Love Honor Cheri");
document.write("sh has until May 14 to collect the 807,615 voter signatures re...\n
Legalized same-sex marriage may boost gay men's health
\n(USA Today © 12/17/2011)
Gay men who live in states where same-sex marriage is legal are healthier, have less stress, make fewer doctor visits and have lower health-care costs, a new study finds.It inclu");
document.write("ded more than 1,200 patients at a large Massachusetts health clinic that provides services for gay men and other sexual minorities.During the 12 months after the 2003 legalization of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts, the...\n
Gingrich On Homosexuality: It's Both Nature And Nurture
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 12/16/2011)
(CNN) ");
document.write("-- GOP presidential frontrunner Newt Gingrich on Thursday said he believes homosexuality stems from a \"combination of genetics and environment.\"\n\n\"I don't believe in genetic determinism, and I don't believe there's any great evidence of genetic determinism,\" Gingrich said before The Des Moines Register's editorial board. \"There are propensities. Are you more likely to do this, or are you mor...\n
School outs gay teen; civil rights groups outraged
\n(Kansas City Star © 12/16/2011)
Administrators at a Utah middle school outed a gay teenage boy to his parents because they feared he would be bullied, but the move has outraged civil rights groups that claim the student's privacy was violated.\n\nAlpine School District took the unusual step after the 14-year-old boy, whose name has not been released, created an advertisement about himself and his sexual orientation during a class ...\n
Community reflects on changes in teen life at suicide forum
\n(Midland Reporter-Telegraph © 12/16/2011)
The idea that today's teenagers aren't facing the same social\nissues as those two or three decades ago and technology is to blame\nwas one of the main discussions Thursday night during a forum on\nteen suicide.\n \n \n\n\"We were all teenagers at one");
document.write(" point, but when I look back, I\nthink it was easier to be a teenager in my generation than now,\"\nsaid Roddy Strobel, BCA Permian Basin medi...\n
Gay People Around the World Face Bias, Abuse and Violence, a Study Reports
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 12/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Gay and tr");
document.write("ansgender people in all regions face discrimination and violence, including killings, rape and torture because of their orientation, and risk the death penalty in at least five countries, the United Nations said Thursday. In its first official report on the issue, the United Nations said that in addition to spontaneous “street” violence, people perceived as being members of a...\n
Virginia board OKs adoption regs without protections
\n(Hampton Pilot Online © 12/15/2011)
By ZINIE CHEN SAMPSON\n\n\nRICHMOND\n\n\nThe Virginia Board of Social Services has finalized regulations that advocates say would allow state-licensed adoption agencies to discriminate against prospective adoptive and foster parents based on their sexual orientation.\n\n\nThe board voted 5-1 at its regular meeting Wednesday to have the regulations take effect May 1.\n\n\nAdvocates urged board members to resto...\n
Anti-Bullying Program is Bigger than the School District 12/14/11
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 12/15/2011)
Shelley Childers\nCBS 7 News\nschilders@cbs7.com\nDecember 14, 2011\n\nCRANE, TX ? Crane ISD thought they were bringing in an anti-bullying program Wednesday, but it turns out the program just might change the thinking of the entire town.\n\n\"Me and my friends, we've");
document.write(" been talking about it the whole day now,\" said Crane High School Junior Meredith Cain.\n\n\"It was very moving for all of us,\" said Crane High...\n
Alpine school criticized for outing gay student to parents
\n(Salt Lake Tribune © 12/15/2011)
A Utah County middle school?s decision to out a gay student to his parents has sparked c");
document.write("riticism from advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) youths.\n Alpine School District has received emails and phone calls from many in the LGBT community nationwide since a Facebook page was created to protest the incident at Willowcreek Middle School in Lehi, said district spokeswoman Rhond...\n
Va. social services board votes again to al");
document.write("low for what some say is discrimination in adoptions regulations
\n(Washington Post © 12/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A state board voted Wednesday for a second time to continue a practice that some argue allows faith-based organizations in Virginia to discriminate in adoptions.\n\n\nThe State Board of Social Services agreed to a second vote, as was required by law, after a coalition of advocacy groups asked for more time for public comment. More than 2,500 comments were submitted.\n\n\nThe 5 to 1 vote came late Wednes...\n
Fla. group in Lowe's flap has history of protests
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 12/14/2011)
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) ? The conservative group that got Lowe's to pull its ads from a reality TV show about American Muslims has been fighting for more than two decades against gay rights, strip clubs and most anything else that offends evangelical Christians");
document.write(".\r\n\r\nThe leader of the Florida Family Association is David Caton, a 55-year-old family values crusader who left an accounting career to found the ...\n
NH gay bishop responds to Perry ad
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 12/14/2011)
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshir");
document.write("e, says GOP presidential hopeful Rick Perry has hit a new low with a campaign ad attacking President Barack Obama on gay rights and religion.\n \n\nThe ad, intended to appeal to Christian conservatives who typically dominate the Iowa caucuses, features Perry saying there's something wr...\n
Gays not silent in the face of GOP candidates? opposition
\n(Washington Post © 12/14/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Move over, glitter\nbombs.The gays have found a new — and I would say more effective — way to make their point. They’re just being themselves. And the sooner politicians catch up with the rest of the United States to realize that gay men, lesbians and their families deserve respect rather than demonization, the better off we’ll all be. \n\n\nAll kinds of right-thinking folks...\n
Factions lining up: Eastman, Meyers may duke it out for Houston ISD board presidency
\n(West University Examiner © 12/14/2011)
A battle for the presidency of the Houston school board appears\nto be looming.\n \n \n\nTrustee Anna Eastman announced her desire to lead the Houston\nIndependent School District governing body months ago.\n \n\n\n?I am interested in serving as president (next) ye");
document.write("ar,? Eastman\ntold Texas Watchdog. If successful, she would replace current\nPresident Paula Harris.\n\nBut a faction of the...\n
'Perrodies'? How Rick Perry ad spawned a viral Internet sensation (video)
\n(Christian Science Monitor © 12/13/2011)
WASHINGTON \n\nRick Perry clearly faces an uphill climb to the Republican presidential");
document.write(" nomination, but he?s won another sweepstakes of sorts. The Texas governor?s campaign ad ?Strong? ? which goes after gays in the military, the so-called ?war on Christmas,? and the ban on prayer in schools in one fell swoop ? has hit an unprecedented high for ?dislikes? on a campaign video on YouTube: more than 646...\n
Gay New Hampshire veteran grills Romney");
document.write(" on same-sex marriage
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney talks to Bob Garon during a campaign stop at the Chez Vachon Restaurant, Dec. 12, 2011 in Manchester, N.H. (Jim Cole / AP Photo)\n \n \n \n \n\nWhat seemed to be a picture perfect photo-op with a New Hampshire veteran turned into an awkward confrontation for Mitt Romney.\n\n\nHalfway through his chitchat with...\n
Navy reinstates gay sailor [Updated]
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A Navy linguist discharged under the now-repealed policy banning gays from serving openly has been reinstated and will report soon to the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, his attorneys announced.\n\nPetty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels, 29, was discharged");
document.write(" in 2007 after he was featured in a story in the Stars & Stripes newspaper about gay military personnel. He was sworn back i...\n
US gay bishop responds to Rick Perry ad
\n(Oregonian © 12/13/2011)
CONCORD, New Hampshire (AP) — The Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop says Republican presidential ho");
document.write("peful Rick Perry has hit a new low with a campaign ad attacking President Barack Obama on gay rights and religion.\n\n\nThe ad is intended to appeal to Christian conservatives who typically dominate the Iowa caucuses, which are the first vote on the road to the 2012 presidential election....\n
Navy linguist reinstated after gay ban discharge
\n<");
document.write("b>(San Antonio Express-News © 12/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN DIEGO (AP) ? A Navy linguist discharged under the now-repealed military policy banning homosexuals from serving openly has been reinstated and he's heading for the Monterey Defense Language Institute.The Los Angeles Times (http://lat.ms/vvr6t7 ) says 29-year-old Petty Officer 2nd Class Jase Daniels was sworn back into the Navy on Monday in San Diego.Daniels was discharged in 2007 after he was ...\n
What Perry gets wrong about religion in America
\n(Washington Post © 12/12/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Rick Perry would be pathetic, if he weren’t so infuriating. In an effort to revive a sinking political campaign, Gov. Perry has reached a new low in promoting himself in a recent commercial. \r\n\r\n\r\nThe governor begins this 30 second spot with “I’m not ashamed to admit ");
document.write("that I’m a Christian.” He goes on to say things that Christians should be ashamed of him for. \r\n\r\n\r\n&l...\n
Led by the child who simply knew
\n(Boston.com © 12/11/2011)
Jonas and Wyatt Maines were born identical twins, but from the start each had a distinct personality.\r\n\r\nJonas was all boy. He loved Spiderman, act");
document.write("ion figures, pirates, and swords.\r\n\r\nWyatt favored pink tutus and beads. At 4, he insisted on a Barbie birthday cake and had a thing for mermaids. On Halloween, Jonas was Buzz Lightyear. Wyatt wanted to be a princess; his mother compromised on a prince ...\n
Raymond C. Caballero : Recall effort sad, divisive, unproductive
\n(El Paso Times ");
document.write("© 12/11/2011)
El Paso has a rich history. In its segregationist past, it had the usual Jim Crow practices, such as segregated schools, theaters, buses and public facilities -- down to separate water fountains and waiting rooms. \n\nToday, we see that history as grotesque, but decades ago, many bitterly defended the system. \n\nFortunately, El Paso didn't just move beyond racial segregation, but instead, it became a...\n
An idea that pleases no on in the marriage equality debate
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/11/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Let me start by saying I'm a Christian. It's an important thing to get out of the way, lest anyone wonder at the end what my personal biases might be. But let me also say that I am a Christian with people in her life, whom she holds dear, who are affected by what has gained the moniker \"marriage equality.\" And as increasing numbers of those people d");
document.write("esire to make life-long commitments to one anothe...\n
Kilgore ISD: Girl outed because of concern over relationship
\n(Longview News © 12/11/2011)
Kilgore ISD outed a student as a homosexual because of\nofficials? concerns about the relationship the girl was in, the\ndistrict has told a federal court.\n \n \n\nIn d");
document.write("epositions filed recently, school officials said their\nprimary concern for the Kilgore High School student was that the\nrelationship involved a minor and an adult.\n \n\n \n \n \n\n\nHer mother sees it differently....\n
Emotions raw and public after 3 teen suicides
\n(Midland Reporter-Telegraph © 12/11/2011)
Cutting. Burn");
document.write("ing. Arguing, abuse and abandonment.\n \n \n\nThese acts are among those that Midland teenagers discussed\nrecently on a public Facebook group created after three teen\nsuicides left them feeling pain and anger. In less than four days,\nmore than 1,300 people -- not all from Midland -- joined the group.\nPeople are typing out their feelings. Some about past suicide\nattempts ...\n
Governor, who's waging war on whom?
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 12/11/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Vote for me because I'm Christian.\n\nRick Perry doesn't use those exact words in one of his recent ads ? his latest attempt to reverse plunging political fortunes. But the meaning couldn't be clearer.\n\nThe ad starts this way: ?I'm not ashamed to admit that I'm a Christian.? He adds, ?I'll end Obama's war on religion. And I'll fight against liberal attacks on our religious heritage.? He pretty much ...\n
Advocate editorial board opinion: All of us are needed to address severe problem in schools
\n(Victoria Advocate © 12/11/2011)
We still agree with Clara Ramos, our local activist who lobbied for a bullying hotline in the Victoria school district. To our knowledge, one is not in service. Bullying is certainly a problem in school");
document.write("s everywhere. But in many situations, what is called bullying can merely be a fight or disagreement.\n\n\nRecently, we were alerted that bullying might be occurring at Patti Welder Middle School. Of co...\n
First Reading: Perry staff reportedly divided over 'war on religion' ad
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 12/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
More fallout from Perry’s ad, Michael Williams sees limited options and the UT law dean is forced out.\n\n\n(Happy birthday on Saturday to Luke Metzger of Environment Texas.)\n\n\nSounds like some of the new members of Gov. Rick Perry’s campaign team are a little more willing to air their disagreements publicly than the long-time advisers who ran his gubernatorial campaign and were initiall...\n
Obama aide: Perry \"struggling,\" and wrong on \"war on religion\"
\n(Dallas Morning News © 12/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The White House takes issue with Rick Perry's allegation that Barack Obama is engaged in a \"war on religion.\" But with the Texas governor barely registering in the polls -- \"struggling,\" as Obama press secretary Jay Carney put it -- the Obama team doesn't much care. \n\n\n\"I'm fairly certain the president is not even aware of those ");
document.write("accusations.\" Carney told reporters at the daily White House press br...\n
\"Rick Who?\" asks White House
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
White House spokesman Jay Carney (AP photo)\n \n \n \n \n\nPresident Obama is not taking the bait.\n\n\nRick Perry says he&");
document.write("#8217;s waging a war on religion. A top aide says he’s anti-Christian. A campaign ad blasts the administration’s support for allowing gay Americans to serve openly in the military.\n\n\nSo what does White House press secretary Jay Carney have to say in...\n
Gay activist arrested at Houston strip club
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12");
document.write("/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A longtime Houston activist for gay rights and prisoners was arrested at a strip club Thursday, accused of interfering with a police investigation.\n\nRay Hill, 71, was arrested for interfering with the duties of a public servant about 11 p.m. at Treasures, 5647 Westheimer.\n\n\"Mr. Hill arrived at the location and started interfering with our officers' effort to conduct their investigation,\" Houston p...\n
Odessa parent speaks out against bullying
\n(Odessa American © 12/10/2011)
Dressed in wind pants, a white hoodie, a black beanie and a white handkerchief to cover his face, an Odessa man spent Friday morning protesting bullying in schools.\n\nThe man walked up and down the sidewalk in front of the Ector County Independent School District Administration building on West Eighth Street holding a cardboard sign asking the district to help stop school bully");
document.write("ing; specifically in ...\n
UPDATE: Angry Parent Protests Against Bullying In Front of ECISD Building 12/9/11
\n(Odessa KOSA (CBS) 7 © 12/10/2011)
Jennifer Samp\nCBS 7 News\njsamp@cbs7.com\nDecember 9, 2011\n\nAn Odessa father is fed up with bullying in his child's school, so much so that he's taking his frustration to the streets i");
document.write("n protest.\n\n?It?s time someone stood up and say I?ve had enough,? he said, Parents kids and teachers know that we've had enough.?\n\nAs his kids walk the halls of their schools this young father is now walking the street...\n
Without immigration rights, Utah gay couple seek new home abroad
\n(Salt Lake Tribune © 12/10/2011)
Phot");
document.write("o courtesy of Immigration Equality\nBenjamin Anderson, left, and Mattia Lumaca were married in New York on Dec. 7, 2011, after living together in Salt Lake City for four years. The U.S. government does not recognize their marriage for immigration purposes. Lumaca is Italian and his student visa will expire next year so the couple moved to Europe two days after the wedding.\n \n\n Benjamin Ander...\n
Human-made situations not addressed in Bible
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 12/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
I never thought of it this way, but being transgender can be strangely convenient, in a very inconvenient way.\n\nIf you're out shopping and you want to try on some clothes and you happen to be transgender, you can use either the men's or women's fitting rooms. That's convenient. You'll more than likely get stares, may even be shunned, and that could be inconvenient.\n\nCase in point, a rec");
document.write("ent inciden...\n
Illinois reports more than 3,700 civil union in six months
\n(St. Louis Post-Dispatch © 12/10/2011)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill.?? More than 3,700 couples\nhave gotten civil union licenses in the six months since Illinois\nbegan offering the option.\n \n \n \n \n\nThe gay rights group Equa");
document.write("lity Illinois says it contacted\nofficials in every Illinois county to find out how many licenses\nhave been issued.\n \n \n \n \n\nJust over half were grant...\n
Gov. Rick Perry?s anti-gay Christianity
\n(Washington Post © 12/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Texas Gov.");
document.write(" Rick Perry’s new ad, which claims President Obama is waging a war on religion, goes far beyond being yet another blunder for the Republican presidential candidate and something he may regret long after the campaign.\n\n\nFor a presidential candidate to promote this kind of social and religious division is truly beyond astonishing. The vast majority of people of faith in this country ...\n
Appeals court skeptical of California gay marriage appeal
\n(Dallas KERA (PBS) 13 © 12/09/2011)
By Dan Levine\n\nSAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A U.S. appeals court appeared skeptical on Thursday toward attempts by California gay marriage opponents to overturn a landmark court decision because the judge overseeing the case did not disclose his own long-term homosexual relationship.\n\nCalifornia voters banned same sex marriages in 2008 by approving the Proposition 8 ballot initiative. But last year U...\n
Gay rights measure likely headed to Alaska ballots
\n(Kansas City Star © 12/09/2011)
Sponsors of an initiative to extend legal protections against discrimination to gay and transgender people in Anchorage on Thursday turned in a several-inch-high stack of petitions to the city clerk's office to put the measure on the April city election ballot.\n\nVolunteers");
document.write(" collected 13,515 signatures of Anchorage registered voters in support of the initiative, said Trevor Storrs, spokesman for One...\n
U.S. appeals court appears unlikely to toss out ruling against Prop. 8
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
U.S. appeals court seems unlikely to di");
document.write("smiss ruling against Prop. 8\n\n \n A three-judge panel appears unswayed by Prop. 8 backers' argument that the judge who issued the original ruling was in an undisclosed same-sex relationship. The panel also appears reluctant to make videos of the trial public.\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n...\n
New plan targets HIV/STD
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 12/09/2011)
Members of a state community planning group for HIV/STD prevention are hitting the streets to market and spread word of the 2011 HIV/STD Prevention Plan.\r\n\r\nRicky Waite, local member of the Texas HIV/STD Prevention Community Planning Group, presented the new plan to about 20 community members and health professionals Thursday at the Star Institute. \r\n\r\nThe group represented health service provider...\n
Perry?s Anti-Gay Rights Focus Is Divisive Even to Staff
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 12/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
OKATIE, S.C. — Gov. Rick Perry of Texas’ hard turn the past two days on gay issues, in which he has suggested that gay rights are inconsistent with both American and Christian values, has generated enormous criticism from lesbian and gay organizatio");
document.write("ns and some religious groups, and has even helped split Mr. Perry’s top campaign aides over a new ad. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nIn that campaign...\n
Rosie O?Donnell to Rick Perry: ?Shame on you?
\n(Politico.com © 12/09/2011)
Television personality Rosie O’Donnell ripped into Republican presidential candidate Rick Perry in an");
document.write(" interview with HLN’s Joy Behar that aired Thursday night. O’Donnell, who is openly gay, accused Perry of “bullying” homosexuals with his latest campaign ad, which criticizes the repeal of “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.”\n\nIn the ad, Perry says, “I...\n
Gay rights activists at UN: No more bullying
UNITED NATIONS (AP) ? Activists called on governments around the world to end homophobic bullying and violence, saying Thursday that gay rights are human rights that must be respected by all.Judy Shepard, the mother of a young man murdered in an anti-gay crime in the U.S. in 1998, told the United Nations gathering that people with different sexual identities and orientations are all human beings w...\n
Perry's Desperate Gay-Bashing Tactic
\n(Texas Observer © 12/09/2011)
How should we remember Rick Perry?\n\nI'm gonna go out on a limb here and say that he's not going to be the GOP nominee, much less president. So, his political legacy ought to be defined, in part, on how he conducted himself in the presidential race. In this, the 11th hour before the Iowa caucuses, Perry and his team decided to gamble for the ev");
document.write("angelical vote by rolling out a rank piece of homophobi...\n
First Reading: Gauging reaction to Perry's latest ad
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 12/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
(Happy birthday to Rep. Jim Murphy.)\n\n\nLet’s focus in this morning on Gov. Rick Perry’s new Iowa campaign ad.");
document.write(" In case you missed it, Perry says in the spot, “I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian,” Perry says in the spot. “But you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to know there’s something wrong in this country when gays can serv...\n
Gay half-sister of Republican Gingrich backs Obama
\n(Ch");
document.write("icago Tribune © 12/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
(Reuters) - The gay half-sister of Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich slammed his position on gay rights on Wednesday and said she will support President Barack Obama, a Democrat, in the 2012 election.\n\n\n\n\n\nCandace Gingrich-Jones, a gay rights activist, told MSNBC's Rachel Maddow that she and her older half-brother, the former speaker of the House of Representatives, were \"mutually re...\n
Like His Pastor Friends, Perry Thinks Hanging Gay People is a \"Traditional American Value\"
\n(Dallas Observer © 12/08/2011)
\"Dear Lord, please put your hands on those gay people, and then just, you know, twist at the neck.\"\nHere's the president yesterday, decrying not-minor human-rights violations against gays overseas (from the Washington Times):\"I am deeply concerned by the violence and discrimination targeting [lesbia");
document.write("n, gay, bisexual and transgendered] persons around the world -- whether it is passing laws th...\n
Rick Perry takes sides in the War on Christmas
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Looking to capitalize on a recent polling uptick that saw Texas Governor Rick Perry break into th");
document.write("e double digits in two new Iowa polls, the Perry campaign has launched a new ad that slams the end of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ and criticizes the ban on school prayer in an effort to appeal to evangelical voters who dominate Iowa’s Republican caucuses.\n\n\nPerry conveniently ...\n
Perry TV ad hits gays, Obama 'war on religion'
\n(Politico.com © 12/08/2011)
Rick Perry's latest spot in his Iowa ad buy rotation is another faith-based appeal, but one that is openly critical of gay rights and that has one of the most audible dog whistles so far this cycle about President Obama.\n\nIn the spot, entitled "Strong," Perry says, "I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m a Christian, but you don’t need to be in the pew every Sunday to k...\n
Firing of Macy's worker pits freedom of religion vs. GLBT rights
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 12/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A former Macy's employee who said she was fired for refusing to let a transgender woman use the women's dressing room at the Rivercenter mall location is trying to get her job back.\n\nThe case, pitting freedom of religion in the workplace vs. corporations' growing acceptance for the rights of gay, lesbian, ");
document.write("bisexual and transgender people, has attracted national attention.\n\nNatalie Johnson said that...\n
Anoka-Hennepin school district to reconsider controversial policy on sexual orientation
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 12/08/2011)
The Anoka-Hennepin school district will consider rescinding its controversial neutrality policy on se");
document.write("xual orientation, a guideline that has set off an intense debate about gay bullying and is the focus of two lawsuits. \n\n\nOn Wednesday, a district spokesman said the school board will discuss the proposed change at its meeting Monday night.\n\n\n\"Whenever we find ways to improve policies, we want to d...\n
Clinton?s Geneva accord: ?Gay rights are human rights?
\n(Washington Post © 12/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton marked International Human Rights Day with a phenomenal speech in Geneva yesterday. Over the course of 30 minutes, Clinton delivered a blunt yet inspiring speech that took on all the myths and canards about homosexuality and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) people. Her address earned her a standing ovation in the Palais des Nations and will en...\n
Clinton, Obama promote gay rights as human rights around the world
\n(CNN.com © 12/07/2011)
By CNN Senior State Department Producer Elise Labott in?Geneva, Switzerland\n\n\nU.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton challenged nations around the world Tuesday to recognize that "gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights," building on an order by President Barack Obama directing all U");
document.write(".S. agencies to "promote and protect" the rights of gay people.\n\n\nIn an imp...\n
Santorum gets testy as students raise social issues
\n(CNN.com © 12/07/2011)
Sioux Center, Iowa (CNN) - At times Rick Santorum came across as testy and some might say condescending at an event with students Monday night at a conservative");
document.write(" Christian college in rural northwest Iowa.\n\n\nDuring a question and answer session, a couple of Dordt College students –one former and one current– within the span of about 20 minutes of each other gave the Republican hopeful an...\n
Macy?s worker reportedly fired for not allowing transgender shopper into dressing room
\n(Houst");
document.write("on Chronicle © 12/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A Christian legal group wants to Macy's to change its GLBT policies. (Chronicle file)\n\n\nAn employee at a Macy?s in San Antonio was fired for not allowing a transgendered shopper to use the store?s women?s fitting room, saying doing so would violate her Christian beliefs, according to the Liberty Counsel, a religious advocacy organization that?s helping her fight the store?s policy.\n\n\nA few day...\n
Transgender Individuals Struggle to Find Church Home, Religious Institutions Struggle to Understand
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
After months of searching and bouncing from church-to-church Clarissa finally found a spiritual home. She found a religious community that accepted her for who she was. For Clarissa, finding a church home was not about worship style, preaching, so");
document.write("cial activism or even theological stances on progressive issues such as the environment or acceptance of homosexuals. For Clarissa it was about being acc...\n
Judge denies school?s motion, outing lawsuit moves to trial
\n(Kilgore News Herald © 12/07/2011)
A United States magistrate has denied Kilgore ISD's motion for summary j");
document.write("udgment in a lawsuit revolving around the alleged 'outing' of a high school student in March 2009.\n\nA trial date for the lawsuit filed by Barbara Wyatt on behalf of her daughter, Skye, has been set for Jan. 23.\n\nThe lawsuit names as defendants Kilgore ISD and coaches Rhonda Fletcher and Cassandra Newell, represented by Flowers...\n
Hillary Clinton calls on wo");
document.write("rld to not discriminate against gays
\n(Los Angeles Times © 12/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Hillary Clinton calls on world not to discriminate against gays\n\n \n In a speech for Human Rights Day, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton calls protecting rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people 'one of the remaining human rights challenges.'\n \n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n ...\n
Anti-bullying group to continue protest against HISD trustee accused of homophobia
\n(Memorial Examiner © 12/07/2011)
Students, teachers, and voters of Texas' largest school district\n? including students from every high school in Rodriguez?s district\n? will continue the fight against the homophobic and reprehensible\nactions of HISD District III Trustee Manuel Rodri");
document.write("guez Thursday,\nDecember 8th, at 4:30 p.m., in front of the Houston Independent\nSchool District Administration Building at 4400 West 18th\nStreet.\n ...\n
Students suspended after suicide of gay NY teen
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 12/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A high school in upstate New Y");
document.write("ork has suspended some students after the suicide of a bullied gay teenager.\n\nJamey Rodemeyer's suicide at age 14 on Sept. 18 drew national attention, including laments from Lady Gaga over the loss of another promising life to bullying.\n\nPolice in the Buffalo suburb of Amherst investigating the death uncovered five bullying episodes at Williamsville North High School,...\n
Ga. counseling student in court over view on gays
\n(Houston Chronicle © 12/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ATLANTA (AP) ? An attorney for a graduate school counseling student told federal judges in Atlanta on Tuesday that the student's First Amendment rights were violated when professors at a Georgia university sought to punish her for her biblical views on gay rights.Augusta State University put Jennifer Keeton on academic probation for saying it would be hard for her to work with gay clients, and thr...\n
\n
HISD looks to pass new ethics policy ? but it's toothless
\n(River Oaks Examiner © 12/05/2011)
Houston school board members have drafted a new ethics policy,\nbut the current proposal contains no penalties for trustees who\nviolate its standards.\n \n \n\nThat outrages parents such as Travis McGee, who said too much\ntaxpayer ");
document.write("money is at stake to simply continue giving unethical\nboard members ?a slap on the hand.?\n \n\n\n?The corruption has to stop,? said McGee, a father of f...\n
Group calls for repeal of Kansas law that criminalizes homosexual sex
\n(Kansas City Star © 11/28/2011)
A group that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgen");
document.write("der rights has a suggestion for a Kansas official tasked with finding laws the state might want to repeal. \n\nGov. Sam Brownback created the Office of the Repealer in January. Brownback says he wants to get rid of outdated, unreasonable, burdensome laws and those that conflict with other regulations. \n\nThe Kansas Equality Coalition notes...\n
Bay Area couple a");
document.write("t center of federal gay rights showdown
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 11/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Click photo to enlarge\nPortrait of Karen Golinski (left) and her partner, Amy Cunninghis, who are challenging federal restrictions on health benefits under the Defense of Marriage Act in federal court in San Francisco, at their home in San Francisco on Friday, October 21, 2011. (LiPo Ching/Mercury News).\n«1»In late August 2008, Karen Golinski and her partner of 18 years, Amy Cunningh...\n
Top Marine says service embracing gay ban repeal after earlier warning of trouble in wartime
\n(Washington Post © 11/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
MANAMA, Bahrain — Since the lifting two months ago of a longstanding U.S. ban on gays serving openly in the military, U.S. Marines across the globe have adapted smoothly and embr");
document.write("aced the change, says their top officer, Gen. James F. Amos, who previously had argued against repealing the ban during wartime.\n \n\n “I’m very pleased with how it has gone,” Amos said in an Associa...\n
GOP presidential candidates caught in N.H. gay marriage debate
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 11/25/2011)
FBI RELEASES 2010 HATE CRIME STATISTICS
\n(Unknown © 11/25/2011)
......\n
Pastor Brown Again Keeps Quiet In Hearing To Stop Recall Election
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 11/23/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- Pasto");
document.write("r Tom Brown again invoked his Fifth Amendment right to remain silent as he took the stand for the second day in a hearing to stop a recall election against the mayor and two city representatives.\n\nMayor John Cook's lawyers are trying to prove recall organizers broke the Texas Election Code by circulating the recall petition at churches, which are considered non-profit corpor...\n
A question of orientation
\n(Unknown © 11/23/2011)
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Aggies, actors take on bullies
\n(Unknown © 11/23/2011)
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Religious groups spend nearly $400 million on D.C. advocacy
\n(Unknown © 11/23/2011)
......\n
Pastor Tom Brown, State Sen. Rodriguez Testify At Mayor's Recall Hearing
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 11/22/2011)
City of El Paso receives permission to have recall election in April
\n(El Paso Times © 11/22/2011)
Gov. Rick Perry today granted approval because the El Paso county elections\nadministrator had stated his office was unable to provide election services\non the May 12 uniform election date.\r\n\r\r\n\r\nMayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega face a recall\nafter they voted to restore health benefits to gay and unmarried partners of\ncity employees.\r\n\r\r\n\r\nCity Council's decision reversed ...\n
Acc gay-Straight Alliance honors gay History
\n(Unknown © 11/22/2011)
......\n
Perry takes the pledge
\n(Unknown © 11/22/2011)
......\n
Africa?s most populous nation moves to ban gay marriage; Nigeria activists fear more");
document.write(" attacks
\n(Washington Post © 11/22/2011) (Registration Required)\n
LAGOS, Nigeria — When a gang of men ambushed Rashidi Williams and a male friend earlier this year, the 25-year-old gay Nigerian was too afraid to report the attack to police or even to his family.\n \n\nDoing so would only create more problems, he says, in this country where legislators are now seeking to criminalize gay marriage.\n\nHere in the megacity of Africa’s most populous nation, W...\n
Gulf Pride offers support for struggling gay youth
\n(Unknown © 11/20/2011)
......\n
Republicans woo Iowa conservatives at church
\n(Unkno");
document.write("wn © 11/20/2011)
......\n
State Board of Education member acknowledges he's gay
\n(Dallas Morning News © 11/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Trying to defuse a whisper campaign about his sexual preferences, State Board of Education member George Clayton recently sent out an e-mail to news");
document.write(" groups and others acknowledging that he is gay. Clayton, R-Richardson, is an academic coordinator at North Dallas High School who upset a long-time incumbent in the GOP primary last year to capture the District 12 seat on the state board. Although Cla...\n
The Depressed Lesbian Vet and the Allegedly Homophobic VA Nurse: A Match Made in Hell
Via Change.org\nEsther Garatie\nA Dallas VA Medical Center nurse is on leave and her bosses are in full-blown groveling mode after a gay combat vet, in search of help for her deepening depression, said she was urged to come out of the darkness and to stop living in terrible lesbian sin. \n\n\n\"I was in very vulnerable place,\" Esther Garatie, a former Marine Lance Corporal, told Unfair Park in a ...\n
ADF Challenges Texas Law Tied To Recall Election
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 11/19/2011)
Attorneys for the Alliance Defense Fund say that a law that prohibits churches from participating in \"the circulation and submission of a petition to call an election,\" is unconstitutional.\n\nAttorneys representing H. Warren Hoyt and his church, Jesus Chapel, filed a lawsuit in federal court Thursday seeking an injunction that bars El Paso Mayor John Cook from citing the law to stop ");
document.write("the church fro...\n
Gay soldier shares reaction to GOP debate boos
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 11/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ? Army Capt. Stephen Hill says he wasn't trying to score political points when he asked the Republican presidential candidates if they would reinstate");
document.write(" the ban on gays serving openly in the U.S. military.He wasn't worried that his debate question, posed via a YouTube video recorded in Iraq, would generate boos or reveal his sexual orientation to millions of people, including his ...\n
Police seek information in slaying of transgender woman in Hollywood
\n(Unknown © 11/19/2011) <");
document.write("br>......\n
Court says backers can defend gay marriage measure
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 11/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The sponsors of a voter-approved same-sex marriage ban have the authority to defend the measure in court since the governor and attorney general refuse to do so, California");
document.write("'s highest court said Thursday in a precedent-setting ruling with consequences for the state's vigorous citizens' initiative process.\n\nResponding to a question from a federal appeals court considering the constitutionality of th...\n
Texas State Board of Education races could get ugly
\n(Austin KEYE (CBS) 42 © 11/18/2011)
When");
document.write(" the State Board of Education gathered in late July, what didn't happen was more notable than what did.\n \n \n\nLeading up to the meeting, in which the board was set to approve supplemental materials for science curriculum, watchdog groups girded for battle, warning that board members might use their power to try to introduce creationist arguments through backdoor changes. But anyone expect...\n
Mother Arrested for Beating Daughters Bully at School
\n(El Paso KTSM (NBC) 9 © 11/18/2011)
MAITLAND, FL- A Maitland, Florida mother is facing multiple charges after officials said she entered an Orange County school Wednesday and struck a 12-year-old girl she claimed was bullying her daughter on Facebook. \n\n\n\n\n Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff's Office said Leslie Thomas, 30, bypassed the front office at Lockhart Middle School and went to the lunchroom.\n\n\n\n\n Authorities ...\n
Survey shows big problems from public education cuts
\n(Houston Chronicle © 11/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
An early assessment from educators provides a grim reaction to the $5.4 billion that Texas lawmakers have cut from public education, according to a survey of some 3,500 teachers and school employees.\nLinda Bridges Texa");
document.write("s AFT president\n\n\n?It?s important to document what?s going on now, so that we can make the case that there is an impact when you cut money to public education,? said, Linda Bridges,?...\n
Teachers accused of bullying student; calling her 'dumb, worthless'
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 11/18/2011)
COLUMBUS, Ohio—A couple rai");
document.write("sing a 14-year-old developmentally disabled student say they hid a recording device on the girl to prove a teacher and school aide were bullying her, and the audio and subsequent investigations have led to a lawsuit, the aide’s resignation and disciplinary action for the teacher.\n\nThe girl’s mother and the woman’s longtime boyfriend said in court ...\n
Activists protest mistreatment of transgender people in D.C.
\n(Washington Post © 11/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Xion Lopez came out as a transgender woman in August. Since then, the 20-year-old Northeast resident said, she has feared for her life.\n \n\n“Every morning before I walk out of the house, I pray for safety,” she said at a Thursday rally outside the U.S. Attorney’s Office in downtown Washington, where she and about 35 other activists demanded that the District do more to protect tr...\n
Austin students impacted by Rachel's Challenge
\n(Austin KVUE (ABC) 24 © 11/16/2011)
AUSTIN -- A 17-year-old who lived a life of kindness is inspiring students here in Austin. Rachel Scott was the first victim to die in the Columbine massacre in 1999.\n\n\nStudents at Paredes Middle School teamed up with the group Rachel's Challenge. ");
document.write("It's a nationwide effort to replace bullying with compassion and love for others.\n\n\nStudents who were just toddlers when Rachel died told KVUE the progr...\n
Araguz seeking worker?s compensation widow status
\n(El Campo Leader-News © 11/16/2011)
A transgender woman who a court already ruled could not have been legally married ");
document.write("to a Wharton firefighter killed in the line of duty was back in a courtroom last week, seeking to receive status as a widow.Nikki Araguz took part in a closed administrative hearing held Thursday at the Texas Worker?s Compensation Commission in Houston. She is attempting to be declared a widow for the purposes of col...\n
Campaign Roundup: Political News for ");
document.write("the Week of 11/15
\n(Texas Tribune © 11/16/2011)
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst won the endorsement of the Texas Right to Life PAC, with hints that there will be more endorsements from similar groups as the week continues.\n\nDewhurst, one of several Republicans seeking the nomination to run for the U.S. Senate, also started his first TV ad this week (former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert was the first of this pack to go on television). The new Dewhurst spot a...\n
Parents rally behind coach they say was fired because she's gay
\n(Unknown © 11/16/2011)
......\n
Brown ?confident? same-sex marriage will pass in Md.
\n(Washington Post © 11/1");
document.write("6/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Lt. Gov. Anthony G. Brown (D), appearing Tuesday on Maryland Gay Radio, predicted the legislature will pass a bill legalizing same-sex marriage during its upcoming session.\n\n\n“I think the momentum is in the right direction,” Brown said during an interview on an Internet radio station that bills itself as the voice of Maryland’s gay community. “I’m confident that we&rs...\n
Suspects in Vicious Beating Face Hate Crimes Charges in North Texas
\n(Austinist © 11/15/2011)
Please welcome new News/Politics writer Andrew Hilbert. -- ed.\n\n\nOn October 30, 26-year-old Burke Burnett was attacked by three men at a private Halloween party in Reno, Texas. The undeniably vicious attack appears to have been motivated by anti-gay bigotry.\n\n\nThe men--James Mitchell Lasater III, Micky Joe Smith, and Daniel Shawn Martin--allegedly stabbed hi");
document.write("m at least twice and threw him into a f...\n
Transgender rights bill headed for crucial votes in Mass. Legislature
\n(Boston.com © 11/15/2011)
Proponents of a bill that adds transgender people to the list of groups protected under the state?s civil rights laws said this afternoon that they are lobbying members of the Legislatu");
document.write("re as they prepare for a House vote and a potential Senate vote this week.\n\n\nThe bill has languished in the Legislature for nearly six years. But a top House lawmaker promised today that the Judiciary Committee woul...\n
DISD Bands Together Against Bullying
\n(Ft. Worth KXAS (NBC) 5 © 11/15/2011)
The Dallas Independent Sc");
document.write("hool District is taking on the issue of bullying, with "Band Against Bullying Week" this week.\r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n \r\n The DISD Board of Trustees approved an anti-bullying policy in November 2010, but this week teachers and students hope to start a...\n
San Diego mayor urges Congress to overturn Defense of Marriage Act
\n(Unknown © 11/15/2011)
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Time for Washington Legislature to legalize same-sex marriage
\n(Unknown © 11/15/2011)
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Transgender widow of Wharton Co. firefighter appeals decision that marriage was invalid
\n(Unknown © 11/15/2011)
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El Paso City Council: Delays plague recall effort<");
document.write("/font>
\n(Unknown © 11/14/2011)
......\n
HISD Trustee Rodriguez must go after display of anti-gay bigotry
\n(Unknown © 11/14/2011)
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Concerned parents meet with Pflugerville ISD officials about bullying, safety
\n(Austin KVUE (ABC) 24 © 11/11/2011)
PFLUGERVILLE -- Long before new anti-bullying laws were passed in the past legislative session, the Pflugerville Independent School District enacted similar policies in 2008. Some of the parents who attended Thursday night's meeting say it does not seem like the district is enforcing its own policies.\n\nA second grader from Jose Riojas Elementary recently endured emergency");
document.write(" surgery at Dell Children'...\n
Elsewhere in Texas: Prosecutors say Reno Halloween party beating was a hate crime
\n(Dallas Morning News © 11/11/2011) (Registration Required)\n
This from The Paris News today:\n\nThree men have been indicted by a Lamar County grand jury and the charges have been enhanced t");
document.write("o reflect a hate crime as the result of an early morning Oct. 30 assault in Reno.\n\n\nThis is a story that's already made its way around the local TV stations, and we've been following it ourselves, waiting to see if hate crime charges would come down. Looks like they have.\n...\n
Students protest HISD board meeting over flyer
\n(KTRK 13 News");
document.write(" © 11/11/2011)
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- \nIt was standing room only at Thursday night's HISD board meeting, not because of what was on the agenda, but because of what one trustee said during his successful re-election campaign. \n\n\nRelated Content\n\nMore: Got a story idea? Let us know! \n\n It's an emotional issue for the protestors who were there Thursday night. Some went as far as asking the just re-elected trustee...\n
HISD trustees delay magnet policy again; react to colleague?s ?homophobic? remarks
\n(River Oaks Examiner © 11/11/2011)
In a meeting filled with high drama and some sentiment, the\nHouston ISD board delayed a vote on sweeping changes to the\ndistrict's magnet program policy for a month.\n \n \n\nThe policy changes, under discussion since February, appeared on\nan agenda item Thursday night that several board members said\n\"eviscerated\" those proposed by the board committee that h");
document.write("ad been\nworking on the pol...\n
Same-sex couple wins once-in-a-century wedding on 11-11-11 that won?t be legal in home state
\n(Washington Post © 11/11/2011) (Registration Required)\n
PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. — On Friday — 11-11-11 — Sheila Barnett and Melissa Patrick will walk down an ais");
document.write("le and stand in front of a giant, crescent-shaped window at the Crowne Plaza in Manhattan, look each other in the eyes and say, “I do.”\n \n\nThe same-sex couple from Florida was one of 11 couples to win the hotel’s “Marry Me 11-11-11 Wedding Contest” ...\n
Rick Perry has big 'oops' moment in GOP debate
\n(Fort ");
document.write("Worth Star-Telegram © 11/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Republican presidential hopeful Rick Perry says he would eliminate three federal agencies. Just don't ask him to name them.The Texas governor on Wednesday night struggled during a debate with his rivals and said he would nix the Commerce and Education departments. He drew a blank when the moderator asked what the third agency would be.Perry previously has called on the elimination of the Energy De...\n
Kudos for endorsement retraction
\n(Houston Chronicle © 11/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Just oblivious\n\nRegarding \"Stand up for all kids; The Chronicle withdraws its endorsement of Manuel Rodriguez\" (Page B9, Monday), the Houston Chronicle is to be commended for its editorial.\n\nAs a psychiatrist, I routinely have to work with the consequences of the brutal environment gay kids grow up in.\n\nTh");
document.write("ere should be no place on any school board for someone who contributes to that brutality as M...\n
Basic Rights Oregon will not put same-sex marriage on 2012 ballot
\n(Oregonian © 11/10/2011)
After a three-year campaign to build support for legalizing same-sex marriage, Oregon's largest gay rights group has decided against pu");
document.write("tting the issue up for a vote in 2012. \n\nFeedback from an online survey of over 1,000 people, door-to-door canvassing, community meetings and two statewide television advertising campaigns overwhelmingly say, \"we must allow our education work to continue,\" Basic Ri...\n
?I apologize,? says HISD trustee about ?homophobic? flier; gay group vows Thursday showdow");
document.write("n
\n(River Oaks Examiner © 11/10/2011)
The day after he retained his Houston school board seat by just\n24 votes, Trustee Manuel Rodriguez formally apologized for a\ncampaign brochure he distributed last week that many described as\nhomophobic.\n \n \n\n?I am aware that some people have said they were offended by one\nof my ads, and I apologize to all of those people,? Rodriguez wrote\nin a letter he released Wednesday afterno...\n
After re-election, Rodriguez apologizes for gay attack
\n(Unknown © 11/10/2011)
......\n
Fonseca mulls next step in HISD race
\n(Unknown © 11/10/2011)
......\n
HISD trustee notes foe's sexuality
\n(Houston Chronicle © 11/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Days before the election, HISD Trustee Manuel Rodriguez Jr. sparked criticism for a campaign ad that highlights his opponent's sexuality and support of gay rights.\n\nRodriguez, who is seeking re-election to the District III sea");
document.write("t, noted in a flyer that his challenger, Ramiro Fonseca, has \"spent years advocating for gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender rights ? not kids.\"\n\nThe ad also pointed out Fon...\n
National Study Finds Widespread Sexual Harassment of Students in Grades 7 to 12
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 11/07/2011) (Regi");
document.write("stration Required)\n
Nearly half of 7th to 12th graders experienced sexual harassment in the last school year, according to a study scheduled for release on Monday, with 87 percent of those who have been harassed reporting negative effects such as absenteeism, poor sleep and stomachaches. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nOn its survey of a nationally representative group of 1,965 students, the American Association of University Women, ...\n
Chron retracts support of HISD Trustee Rodriguez, says campaign flier ?displays appalling homophobia?
\n(River Oaks Examiner © 11/07/2011)
The Houston Chronicle has retracted its prior endorsement of\nTrustee Manuel Rodriguez in the race for Houston Independent School\nDistrict?s trustee seat for District III.\n \n \n\n?A last-minute campaign flier for Rodriguez displays appalling\nhomophobia,? the Chronicle?s editorial board wrote Sunday.\n \n\nAnd the challenger for the ");
document.write("Houston school board that the flier\ndescribes s...\n
Bipartisan group reframes case for legalizing gay marriage
\n(Unknown © 11/07/2011)
......\n
Conan O'Brien Officiates Gay Wedding On 'Conan'
\n(Houston KPRC (NBC) 2 © 11/05/2011)
(CNN) -- After a week of hosting his TBS show from New York, Conan O'Brien went out with a bang.\n\nThe Los Angeles Times reports that the ginger funnyman presided over a staffer's same-sex wedding Thursday night -- on air.\n\n\"Conan\" costume designer Scott Cronick married his partner, David Gorshein, on the TBS show, which taped from NYC's Beacon Theatre. [TBS is owned by the same parent company as C...\n
Edging Toward Equality
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 11/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
On Thursday, the Senate Judiciary Committee began consideration of a measure that would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act, the deplorable 1996 law that bars federal recognition of same-sex marriages and denies lawfully marri");
document.write("ed same-sex couples benefits granted other married couples, including Social Security survivor payments and unpaid leave to care for a seriously ill spouse. \n\n\n\n\nThe ne...\n
East Texas man says he was assaulted because he's gay
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 11/04/2011)
RENO, Texas - His injuries are hard to look at.\n\n\n\n\n\nBur");
document.write("ke Burnett, 26, has a black eye, stab wounds to his body and was burned multiple times at a friend's party earlier this week.\n\n\n\n\n\nBurke, who's from the East Texas town of Paris, said he was assaulted by a group of men, who he claims shouted gay slurs at him as he was beaten.\n\n\n\n\n\n"The things they were screaming and the things they were ...\n
Garland Hig");
document.write("h School Attack Videotaped
\n(Ft. Worth KXAS (NBC) 5 © 11/04/2011)
A Garland teenager faces criminal assaults charges in the beating of a 15-year-old girl that was posted on YouTube last week.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Garland High School student accused of attacking the girl was suspended.\n \n \n \n \n \n ...\n
GLBT business association gets corporate supporters
\n(Unknown © 11/04/2011)
......\n
North Texas Gay Man Speaks Out After Assault
\n(Unknown © 11/04/2011)
......\n
East Texas man says he was beaten because he's gay; police arrest 3 suspects
\n(Unknown © 11/03/2011)
......\n
Tech to participate in worldwide simultaneous performance
\n(Unknown © 11/03/2011)
......\n
Gay man stabbed with broken beer bottle
\n(Houston Chronicle © 11/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A 26-year-old gay man says he was the vic");
document.write("tim of a brutal hate crime early Sunday in Reno, Texas ? a small town just east of Paris and about 100 miles northeast of Dallas, the Dallas Voice is reporting:\n\n\nBurke Burnett said he was at a private party at about 1 a.m. when four men suddenly attacked him, stabbing him at least twice with a broken beer bottle before throwing him onto a fire. …...\n
Baptist college boots transgender student
\n(Salt Lake Tribune © 11/02/2011)
A Baptist college in California has expelled a transgender student for ?committing or attempting to engage in fraud or concealing identity,? reports the Associated Baptist Press. \r\n\r\nDomaine Javier, 24, listed herself as female on her application to California Baptist University. She told MTV's ?True \r\nLife? show in April that she defined herself as female, ?but I am a girl trapped in a guy?s body...\n
Activist says battles remain for gay troops
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 11/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
An activist who led the repeal of ?don't ask, don't tell? praised the military Tuesday for a smooth transition to openly gay service, but said his group wants same-sex couples to receive benefits now given only to heterosexuals.\n\n?It's a denial of equal protection under t");
document.write("he Constitution,? said Aubrey Sarvis, 65, executive director of Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and a one-time Army infantr...\n
LGBT role models encouraged to go back to school
\n(Unknown © 10/31/2011)
......\n
Gay-marriage backers making full-court press
\n(Washington Times © 10/31/2011)
Efforts to repeal the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act are in full swing, as a major lawsuit advances, another lawsuit is filed, and a Senate panel meets soon to consider legislation to overturn the law.\n\n\"We are working hard to strike the blow that will end DOMA,\" said Mary Bonuato, civil rights project director at Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (G");
document.write("LAD) and lead attorney in Gill v. Office...\n
Aggie team to examine bullying
\n(Bryan-College Station Eagle © 10/30/2011)
Why do children respond the way they do to bullying when they find themselves in a bystander role?\n\nThat's the question an interdisciplinary team of researchers at Texas A&M University hopes to answer. ");
document.write("That answer, they say, will help them develop an effective bullying prevention program in schools.\n\nJan Hughes, professor of school psychology, said the team is taking a different approach than ...\n
Perry urges repeal of New Hampshire gay marriage law
\n(Dallas KERA (PBS) 13 © 10/30/2011)
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire (Reuters) -");
document.write(" Texas Governor Rick Perry pressed a conservative social agenda at an appearance in New Hampshire, calling for the repeal of the state''s 2009 law legalizing same-sex marriage.\r\n\r\nPerry also praised efforts in the state to end funding for birth control and health services for low-income women provided by Planned Parenthood in the state.\r\n\r\nThe comments were mad...\n
Joe Muench: Recall: We're flying over political cuckoo's nest
\n(El Paso Times © 10/30/2011)
Last week, a handful of El Pasoans went through the USA witness ritual in a court of law.\n\nRight hands were raised.\n\nTell the truth? \n\nYes. \n\nThe whole truth? \n\nYes. Nothing but ...\n\n(I'm thinking, \"Yes already!\" Ask some questions, for crying out loud!)\n\nAnyway, when they were asked what church they attend ... whoa! They pleaded the Fifth.\n\nWhich brings up the question: What is this process to ...\n
Same-Sex Parents in Texas: Michelle and Emily
\n(KUT Austin © 10/29/2011)
When Michelle Randolph was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2010, she thought it was just an ?added journey of life? that many families had been through. She had a decent job and insurance that paid the medical expenses; her family, friends, coworkers and neighbors were supportive; and the doctor said that ");
document.write("her body would be clear of cancer cells after six weeks of chemotherapy.\n\n\nBut the $11...\n
Gay soldiers to sue over DOMA
\n(Harlingen KGBT (CBS) 4 © 10/28/2011)
Gay and lesbian service members and veterans are expected to file a lawsuit Thursday challenging the constitutionality of the federal ban on gay marriage and a federa");
document.write("l policy that defines a spouse as a person of the opposite sex, the Washington Post reports.\n\nThe gay and lesbian military service members and veterans argue that their spouses are being unfairly denied benefits due to the U.S. Defens...\n
Gay, lesbian service members sue government
\n(MSNBC © 10/28/2011) (Regis");
document.write("tration Required)\n
BOSTON — A group of gay active and retired military personnel who are married sued the federal government Thursday for the same benefits as straight military couples, arguing it's a matter of justice and national security.\n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Getty Images\n \n ...\n
Cuomo Urges States to Allow Gay Marriage
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 10/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, hailed as a hero at a gala dinner for the state''s largest gay rights group, issued a passionate plea on Thursday for other states to follow New York''s lead and allow gay couples to wed. \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMr. Cuomo, who choreographed the successful push this year to win legalization of same-sex marriage, received a standing ovatio");
document.write("n that lasted for more than a minute from supp...\n
Charles Haynes: Silence on sexual orientation enables bullying to continue
\n(Unknown © 10/28/2011)
......\n
Rights group for gays in the military sues government over Defense of Marriage Act
\n(Unknown © 10/28/2011)
......\n
Gay and lesbian servicemembers sue U.S.
\n(USA Today © 10/28/2011)
BOSTON\n(AP)\n\n?\nA group of married gay c");
document.write("urrent and former military personnel sued the U.S. government on Thursday, seeking equal recognition, benefits and the same support as married heterosexual couples who serve in the military.The lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Boston says the government's Defense of Marriage Act violates their constitutional rights and asks the military to recognize th...\n
Recall Group's Treasurer Testifies About Spending, Meetings
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 10/27/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- Mayor John Cook's fight to stop a recall election against him continues.\n\nOn Wednesday, Ronald Webster, the treasurer for the group El Pasoans for Traditional Family Values, took the stand and testified that money wasn't spent in line with state campaign finance law.\n\nThe mayor's attorney, Mark Walker, has argued that the group was set up as a political action committee to financ...\n
Gay troops suing over marriage defense act
\n(Seattle Times © 10/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON — Gay and lesbian troops and veterans plan to file suit Thursday challenging the constitutionality of the federal ban on gay marriage and federal policy that defines a spouse as a person of the opposite sex.\n\n\nThe suit comes five weeks after th");
document.write("e Pentagon ended its ban on gays in the military.\n\n\nLawyers plan to sue in federal district court in Boston, the same court that ruled last...\n
Students spread anti-bullying message
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 10/26/2011)
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Around 400 middle school students filled the state Capitol on Monday and Tuesday to take an");
document.write(" honest look at bullying. \n\nA speaker with the Anti-Defamation League's No Place For Hate program told students, \"Raise your hands if your words or actions have hurt someone else.\" \n\nMore than half of the students in the auditorium raised their hands. \n\nMore than 50 Central Texas schools se...\n
My Take: Why Christians are embracing their LGBT neighbors
\n(CNN.com © 10/26/2011)
Editor?s note: Ross Murray is director of religion, faith and values at GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.\n\n\nBy Ross Murray, Special to CNN\n\n\nAmerica is embracing its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender citizens. Don?t believe me? Just look at the progress being made in faith communities.\n\n\nThe Christian church was once considered the final holdout for those who oppose eq...\n
Top Brazil appeals court upholds gay marriage
\n(Houston Chronicle © 10/26/2011) (Registration Required)\n
BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) ? Brazil's top appeals court has ruled that two women can legally be married.It's the highest court in Brazil to uphold a gay marriage.In June, a state court judge ruled that two men could legally change their civil union into a full marriage.It was in May that Brazil's Supreme Court ruled that gay civil unions c");
document.write("ould be recognized. But the top court stopped short of recognizi...\n
Anti-Bullying Summit Seeks To Educate
\n(KTBC (FOX 7) Austin © 10/26/2011)
As part of the annual ?No Place for Hate? education summit, Austin-area middle school students are taking time out of class to learn how to stop bullying. The specialized training pro");
document.write("gram is organized by the Anti-Defamation league. \n\nA major part of the program involves theatrical productions on teen dating and relationship building. \n\n?It?s probably one of most important things you can prepare pe...\n
Report details inequities for kids of gay parents
\n(Seattle Times © 10/26/2011) (Registra");
document.write("tion Required)\n
According to her dads, life is good for Carrigan Starling-Littlefield, a spunky 5-year-old being raised by two gay men in South Carolina, which doesn't recognize their out-of-state marriage.\n\n\n\"We've found that being a family has created a lot of common ground with other families. We've not had many issues at all,\" said Tommy Starling, a partner in a food brokerage.\n\n\nYet he and his husband, Jeff ...\n
3D anti-bullying program at Sherman High School
\n(Sherman KXII (CBS) 12 © 10/26/2011)
ERMAN, TX - Research shows as many as 160 thousand students stay home on any given day, in fear of being bullied. Some Sherman High School students say it's time for change, and they're doing something about it.\n \n \n \n\nSenior, Dani Jarvis, co-founded 3D, an anti-bullying education program as part of a \"stop the violence\" initiative....\n
El Paso Mayor John Cook testifies about ballot vote in recall hearing
\n(Unknown © 10/26/2011)
......\n
Officer punched trying to");
document.write(" break up argument outside Rainbow Lounge
\n(Unknown © 10/26/2011)
......\n
Upcoming: Standing on Ceremony - The Gay Marriage Plays, Zach Theatre, November 7
\n(Austin Live Theatre © 10/25/2011)
Via the Zach Theatre blog:\n \n\npresents\n\na nationwide event, November 7, 7:30 p.m.\nZach Theatre, 1510");
document.write(" Toomey St. at S. Lamar (click for map)\nAll tickets $20 - tel. 476-0541, ext. 1 or purchase on-line\n Commitment is a funny thing.\n Two little words, and suddenly your whole world changes. Don't miss this evening of new short plays by an A-list lineup of writers with 2 Pulitzer Prizes, 4 Obies, 1...\n
Recall Hearing Starts Today for Mayor and Two City Repr");
document.write("esentatives
\n(El Paso KTSM (NBC) 9 © 10/25/2011)
EL PASO - The hearing to recall Mayor John Cook and two city representatives starts today.\n\n\n \n\n\n Mayor Cook asked a judge to stop the recall process because he claims the signatures for the petitions against him were gathered illegally.\n\n\n \n\n\n The mayor says the group, El Pasoans for Traditional Family Values used churches to circulate the petitions. That violates the state election law.\n\n\n...\n
Commentary: Taking a stand for Jamey Rodemeyer
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 10/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Zachary Quinto came out recently.Ordinarily, the news that Star Trek’s new Mr. Spock had told New York magazine he was gay would barely register. It has become, a rather ordinary thing, celebrities disclosing their hidden sexuality.But Quinto came out for Jamey.Jamey’s death, he wrote on h");
document.write("is blog, showed him “that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it is simply not eno...\n
Adoption, without the qualifers
\n(Houston Chronicle © 10/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
(Bella Baby Photography)\n\n\nAccording to a widely circulated report?from the??the Williams Institute at UC");
document.write("LA School of Law, the number of gays and lesbians adopting children has nearly tripled in the last decade:\n\nAbout 21,740 same-sex couples had adopted children in 2009, up from 6,477 in 2000, according to the Williams Institute at UCLA School of Law. About 32,571 adopted children were living wit...\n
Bullying policy clarifies definition
\n(");
document.write("Longview News © 10/25/2011)
Carthage High School?s bullying policy is now updated to meet\nthe standards of House Bill 1942. This bill was passed for school\ndistricts to identify, prevent, and respond to bullying before the\nissue becomes a major problem.\n \n \n\n?I saw how severe bullying is as an issue when I went to Austin\nand saw House Bill 1942 passed,? counselor Angie Musgrove said.\n?Seeing the parents of ...\n
More schools take action to stem anti-gay bullying
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 10/24/2011)
LOS ANGELES ? A history teacher amends his lessons on the civil rights movement to include the push for gay equality. A high school removes Internet filters blocking gay advocacy websites. Six gay students sue their district, saying officials failed to protect them from bullies.\nAfter anti-gay bullying led to a spate of teen suicides last year, school districts across the country are steppi");
document.write("ng up e...\n
El Paso City Council recall: Hearing on gay benefits issue begins
\n(El Paso Times © 10/24/2011)
An important hearing in Mayor John Cook's lawsuit against a group trying to recall him begins today, but the battle has already been engaged.\n\nCook has subpoenaed as witnesses Pastor Tom Brown, Pastor Harry Warren Hoyt");
document.write(" and several others, in an attempt to prove his claim that they used churches in their effort to circulate petitions to call a recall election against the mayor and city Reps. Susie ...\n
Battling for gay rights, in Allah's name
\n(MSNBC © 10/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
LOS ANGELES — L");
document.write("ike other aspiring religious reformers before her, Ani Zonneveld takes positions that make her unpopular with America's Islamic leaders.\n \n \n\nNot only does she lead prayers ? a task normally reserved for men ? but she is an outspoken advocate for gay, bisexual and transgender Muslims. Later this year, she plans to officiate at the Islamic wedding of a lesbian couple...\n
Most big Minnesota companies sitting out same-sex marriage debate
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 10/24/2011)
John Taft is a businessman and a Republican, great-grandson to President William Howard Taft and heir to an Ohio Republican dynasty. But it was Gov. Mark Dayton whom he spoke alongside at a recent fundraiser in favor of gay rights and against Minnesota's marriage amendment. \n\n\nWhat put him on a stage with the Democratic governor? Taft thinks voting to ban same-sex marriage in the state Constituti...\n
Fort Worth officer assaulted at gay bar
\n(Unknown © 10/24/2011)
......\n
Ravens star Brendon Ayanbadejo appears in same-sex ");
document.write("marriage campaign
\n(Unknown © 10/22/2011)
......\n
Discharged for Being Gay, Veterans Seek to Re-enlist
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 09/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
They lived shadow lives in the military, afraid that disclosure of their sexuality would rui");
document.write("n carefully plotted careers. Many were deeply humiliated by drawn-out investigations and unceremonious discharges. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nYet despite their bitter partings with the armed forces, many gay men and lesbians who were discharged under the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy say they w...\n
Let's keep religion out of politics<");
document.write("/b>
\n(Chicago Tribune © 09/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Out there on Michigan Avenue, just a few hundred feet from Millennium Park, an aged man rested in a doorway, his feet stretched out beside a little sign that said, \"God is Good.\" His clothing was crusty and he looked a little dingy around the edges. A battered plastic cup sat beside him.\n\n\"That's absolutely right on the button,\" I told him and deposited some change in his cup. \"God bless you,\" he...\n
Mistrial Declared in Gay Classmate Murder Trial
\n(Dallas KDAF (WB) 33 © 09/02/2011)
CHATSWORTH, Calif. (KTLA) -- The judge in the Brandon McInerney murder trial has declared a mistrial after jurors said they were hopelessly deadlocked.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe vote was 7 to 5 in favor of finding Brandon McInerney guilty of voluntary manslaughter.\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \nThe jury received the case last Friday once closing argu");
document.write("ments in the eight-week trial came to an end.\n\n\n\n\n\nJurors say they h...\n
O'Rourke bid for U.S. Congress could show Demos' divisions
\n(El Paso Times © 09/02/2011)
Beto O'Rourke's challenge of U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes will be a clash of the dominant factions of the El Paso County Democratic Party in March.\n\nThe clash may expo");
document.write("se the deep divisions of the party.\n\nSuch challenges are among the most difficult to win, but if anybody has a shot against Reyes, 66, it's O'Rourke, several analysts said Thursday.\n\nO'Rourke, 38, said Wednesday evening that he would ru...\n
Perry To Social Conservatives: My Past Will Not \"Embarrass\" You
\n(Ft. Worth KTVT (CBS) 11 © 0");
document.write("9/02/2011)
AUSTIN (The Texas Tribune) – The American public got to see Gov. Rick Perry?s outreach to religious conservatives at the giant ?Prayerpalooza? rally at Reliant Stadium in Houston a few days before he announced for president. A far more private but equally important plea for their support was delivered on a Texas ranch last weekend.\n\n\nKRLD’s Scott Braddock speaks with Jay Root about Per...\n
Beto O'Rourke Releases Statement To KFOX14 About Running For Congress
\n(KFOXTV.com © 09/02/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- Former city council representative Beto O'Rourke confirmed to KFOX14 that he's running for Congress.\n\nO'Rourke will face off against long time incumbent Silvesre Reyes in the March Primary.\n\nHe advocated for the legalization of marijuana and domestic partner health benefits during his terms on El Paso city council.\n\nHe told KFOX14 over the phone he was waiting to do a formal anno...\n<");
document.write("br/>
Evangelicals vet Gov. Rick Perry at Texas retreat
\n(Los Angeles Times © 09/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
On a remote ranch more than 70 miles west of Austin, Texas, top evangelical leaders from around the country assembled last weekend for a private two-day retreat.\n\n\n\n\n\nIt wasn't a religious rev");
document.write("ival that drew the group of 200, which included luminaries of the Christian right; it was the chance to hear the personal testimony of one man: Rick Perry.\n\n\n\n\n\nInside an air-conditioned tent, the Texas gover...\n
Perry's not for government intrusion, except when he is
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 09/02/2011) (");
document.write("Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN ? Gov. Rick Perry launched his presidential campaign with a proud declaration that Americans ?don't see the role of government as a nanny state,? but Texas government hasn't exactly kept its hands off residents' lives under his tenure.\n\nAs governor, Perry has pushed a ban on same-sex marriage and championed abortion restrictions, including a new abortion-sonogram law, parts of which were ru...\n
Perry's tune changes with the season
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 09/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The third week in July, Republican Gov. Rick Perry said that the U.S. Constitution ? whose 10th Amendment limits federal power ? gives states the right to decide on such matters as abortion and gay marriage. The fourth week in July, the Texan recanted. He now supports a federal ban on abortion and gay marriage. Social conservatives told him they didn't cott");
document.write("on to giving states the right to defy the...\n
Seven Points Mayor resigns
\n(Unknown © 09/02/2011)
......\n
Texas retreat brought together Perry, religious leaders
\n(Unknown © 09/02/2011)
......\n
Former Baylor Law Professor Calls On University To Change Policy On Gays
\n(Waco KWTX (CBS) 10 © 09/02/2011)
WACO-(September 1, 2011)\n \n \n \n\nA former Baylor ");
document.write("law professor is calling on the university to change it's policies on gays and lesbians, shining the national spotlight on a group of students he says even he overlooked while teaching at Baylor. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nIt's a to...\n
Anti-gay ads are priest's view a");
document.write("lone, diocese says
\n(El Paso Times © 09/01/2011)
A recent series of advertisements attacking homosexuality has dragged the Catholic Diocese of El Paso into a citywide political recall debate.\n\nThe advertisements, titled \"The truth about homosexuality,\" were written by the Rev. Michael Rodriguez of San Juan Bautista Catholic Church and published in four parts in four consecutive editions of the El Paso Times. The ads started running on Saturday a...\n
Beto O'Rourke to challenge Reyes for Congress
\n(El Paso Times © 09/01/2011)
Former city Rep. Beto O'Rourke on Wednesday confirmed that he will run in the March Democratic primary against incumbent U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes.\n\nLong before he left his City Council seat in June, O'Rourke made no secret of his interest in a congressional run. But his decision to do it in the present election cycle came as something of a surprise.\n\n\"I've be");
document.write("en thinking about it for a while, but ...\n
El Paso County Commissioners Court rejects partner benefits
\n(El Paso Times © 09/01/2011)
In a split decision, the El Paso County Commissioners Court decided Tuesday not to provide health insurance benefits to the unmarried couples of county employees.\n\nCounty Judge Veronica Escobar");
document.write(" brought up the issue of domestic partner benefits during a budget meeting on Tuesday.\n\nAfter a discussion, Commissioners Dan Haggerty, Willie Gandara Jr. and Sergio Lewis voted against the measure, choosing...\n
A STEP FOR EQUALITY
\n(Harlingen Valley Morning Star © 09/01/2011)
Rick Shuster said his life’s experiences a");
document.write("nd travels have compelled him to step in front of the crowd and champion a cause near and dear to his heart: activism for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgendered persons.\nShuster, 41, of Harlingen, who has been openly gay since his 20s, said he is the co-president of a soon-to-be Harlingen chapter of a national organization known as PFLAG, which ...\n
Per");
document.write("ry: 'Nothing in my life that will embarrass you'
\n(Politico.com © 09/01/2011)
The Texas Tribune's Jay Root has new details on a meeting last weekend between Rick Perry and potential evangelical supporters, featuring some direct questioning on Perry's personal life:\n\nAt a gathering of uncommitted social and evangelical conservatives at the Hill Country spread of mega-donor James Leininger, Perry spent several hours patiently answering queries on a range of issues, from ...\n
Perry to Conservatives: My Past Will Not \"Embarrass\" You
\n(Texas Tribune © 09/01/2011)
The American public got to see Gov. Rick Perry’s outreach to religious conservatives at the giant “Prayerpalooza” rally at Reliant Stadium in Houston a few days before he announced for president. A far more private but equally important plea for their support was delivered on a Texas ranch last wee");
document.write("kend.\n\nAt a gathering of uncommitted social and evangelical conservatives at t...\n
Wilson: In time, gay marriage will be legal nationwide
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 08/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON -- New York's enactment of marriage equality not only doubled the number of citizens l");
document.write("iving in jurisdictions that permit same-sex marriage, it points out what has become increasingly clear.Whether it is state by state, federal legislation, court decisions or, more likely, a combination of all three, marriage equality is coming to the United States of America. It's just a matter of time....\n
Perry signs pledge backing gay marriage ban
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Gov. Rick Perry on Friday became the latest Republican presidential candidate to sign a pledge to support an amendment to the Constitution that would outlaw gay marriage. His pledge came a month after he voiced support for the right of states to decide for themselves about gay marriage and other social issues.\n\nThe National Organization for Marriage pledge states that, if elected, Perry will send ...\n
Texas Gov. Perry signs pledge on anti-gay marriage amendment
\n(Unknown © 08/27/2011)
......\n
Rick Perry leaves the 10th Amendment at the altar with anti-gay marriage pledg");
document.write("e
\n(Washington Post © 08/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Have cake and eat it too?\n\n\nSeems Rick Perry would prefer just to eat it. \n\n\nOn Friday, he signed the National Organization for Marriage’s pledge opposing gay marriage. \n\n\nRemember when Rick Perry said that New York’s legalization of gay marriage was “fine with me”? You should. It was just a few weeks ago — July 22, in fact. \n\n\n“Ah, but if I’d known then ...\n
Census: More same-sex couples in more places
\n(CNN.com © 08/26/2011)
Census: More same-sex couples in more places (CNN) -- Researchers from Alfred Kinsey to local nonprofits have tried for decades to count the United States' gay, lesbian and bisexual population, and still, there were no hard numbers. But for the first time, the decennial census results report counts of same-sex partners and same-se");
document.write("x spouses, regardless of whether same-sex marriage is legal in the...\n
Illinois college becomes first to ask undergrads if they're gay
\n(CNN.com © 08/26/2011)
Illinois college becomes first to ask undergrads if they're gay By Michael Martinez, CNN\n(CNN) -- Elmhurst College, a private liberal arts school in suburban Chicago ");
document.write("affiliated with the United Church of Christ, has become the first college in the country to ask an optional question about a student's sexual orientation and gender identity on an undergraduate admission form, according to the school...\n
States with worst divorce rates have other things in common, too
\n(Dallas Morning News © 08/26/2");
document.write("011) (Registration Required)\n
Today comes word that Southern states have the highest divorce rates (and the highest marriage rates). Certainly, there are some late-night punchlines to follow. But a close look at the 10 worst divorcing states shows that they have a lot in common beyond geography, even though it is true that seven of them are from the South. More telling, I think, is that they all tend to be states with high lev...\n
El Dorado High football fans will trade red, gold school colors for purple tonight
\n(El Paso Times © 08/26/2011)
El Dorado High School students and fans have been asked to leave their school colors - red and gold - at home for tonight's football game against Las Cruces High School Bulldogs and instead wear purple.\n\n\n\nNora Paugh, principal of El Dorado High School, said students, faculty and community members were asked to wear purple because it is the of");
document.write("ficial color of the school's anti-bullying effort - the...\n
It's just a matter of time New York has created a critical mass!
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 08/26/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON — \n\n\n\n\n New York's enactment of marriage equality not only doubled the number of citizens ");
document.write("living in jurisdictions that permit same sex marriage, it points out what has become increasingly clear. Whether it is state by state, federal legislation, court decisions or, more likely, a combination of all three, marriage equality is coming to the United States of America. It's jus...\n
City proposes to extend benefits for domestic partners");
document.write("
\n(San Antonio WOAI (NBC) © 08/26/2011)
SAN ANTONIO -- City employee benefits may extend to same-sex couples under a proposed budget set for next year.\n\nCity manager Sheryl Sculley proposed benefits for city workers should include domestic partners, regardless of their sexual orientation. It comes with a price tag of about $300,000 to $400,000. \n\nJ. Lynn Armstrong, who has been in a domestic partnership for more than 20 years, says the ...\n
El Dorado High Goes Purple For Anti-Bullying Campaign
\n(Unknown © 08/26/2011)
......\n
Man calls alleged beating at downtown bus stop hate crime
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Just before he blacked out, Yondell Johnson recalled lying on a downtown Houston sidewalk, blood trickling out of his nose and mouth while a group of men stomped and kicked his face. \n\nOnly moments before, the 29-year-old Johnson had been quietly sitting at a bus stop at Travis and McKinney, happily thinking about the day he just spent visiting with his 12-year-old daughter. \n\nThat's when Johnson,...\n
High school student says district has ignored bullying complaints
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 08/25/2011)
FORT BEND COUNTY-- As most Fort Bend ISD students returned to the classroom Monday, one teenager said she won’t go back because she’s afraid of harassment that the school has not addressed. \n\n\n\n\n\nShe sat at home hiding her face while revealing her fears, three days after the start of school. \n\n\n\n\n\n “I would be dead if I go back to that school,&rdq");
document.write("uo; said the 15-year-old stu...\n
Increased Pressure for Hate Crime Charges
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 08/25/2011)
HOUSTON - There's more pressure on the Harris County District Attorney's Office to charge 4 beating suspects with a hate crime. \n\nProtesters made their presence known on the steps of the DA's office this morning. \n\nC");
document.write("ommunity activists want to send District Attorney Pat Lykos a strong message: \n\nUpgrade the charges against the self-described white supremacists. \n\nThose men are accused of beating 29...\n
New LISD program designed to help students with troubles
\n(Unknown © 08/25/2011)
......\n
Fed up with Rick Perry?s homphobia
\n(Washington Post © 08/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
In a discussion Tuesday night on MSNBC about Gov. Rick Perry (R-Tex.) and his campaign’s tortured attempts to run away from his nine-month-old tome “Fed up!,” I said that they are trying to disavow something that is wrapped around his leg ");
document.write("like a ball and chain. Time magazine just made that ball and chain a lot heavier with a report that Perry belongs to that crazy club that beli...\n
Perry?s problem: His extreme views are right there in black and white
\n(Washington Post © 08/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
This may seem like an obvi");
document.write("ous point. But seriously: Does the Rick Perry campaign have any strategy at all to deal with the fact that a whole host of extreme views that would seriously complicate his general election chances are right there in black and white, right under his own byline?\n\n\nJudging by recent events, the Perry campaign launched with no plan to deal with or explain what appears in his...\n
Top 5 troublesome Rick Perry statements
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 08/24/2011)
AUSTIN (KXAN) - President Barack Obama has some tough competition in a new Gallup Poll for the next presidential election. Right now, if the president was up against Mitt Romney, the national GOP frontrunner, Romney has a slight edge - 48 percent to 46 percent. When paired with Governor Rick Perry, the two are tied at 47 percent. \n\nBut as history tells us, things can change quickly in politics - e...\n
<");
document.write("b>When kids bring up same-sex marriage
\n(CNN.com © 08/24/2011)
When kids bring up same-sex marriage By Lee Rose Emery, Special to CNN\n(CNN) -- Deep conversations with my kids seem to always arise in the car. "The most important thing about marriage," I told my kids when the subject came up, "is that you pick someone who is kind, and who really loves you." My son (then ");
document.write("6) replied, "Then I would definitely NOT marry John (his friend w...\n
'Have you ever had sex with Rick Perry?': No subject off limits when running for president
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 08/24/2011)
AUSTIN -- The Austin Chronicle is well known for its edgy portrayal of current events and for printing advertisements that o");
document.write("ther newspapers wouldn’t print. In this week’s edition, the alternative weekly has published a full-page ad which is drawing national attention.\n\n\nA group calling itself the Committee Against Sexual Hypocrisy poses the question, "Have you ever had sex with Ri...\n
Letters: Health benefits
\n(El Paso Times © 08/24/2011");
document.write(")
Health benefits\n\n\nWe do not condone the homosexual lifestyle, but neither do we condone withholding health benefits from any person because of his/her lifestyle. \n\n\n\nWe expect those who represent us to work more diligently toward the goal of providing health benefits for every person in our city. We need to strive more toward compassion, mercy and charity towards all.\n\n\n\n1 John 3:17-18: If someon...\n
Let?s get involved in Rachel?s Challenge
\n(Galveston Daily News © 08/24/2011)
When I was in high school, I, like many other children, thought I was invincible.\n\nThe only ?bad? things I might have been experiencing were whether or not I was going to pass my upcoming algebra test.\n\nThen, on April 20, 1999, my world was rocked. I, along with the rest of the country, stood by and watched the events of the Columbine High School massacre unfold. On that day, I sat safely in my cl...\n
Mother shares bullying concerns with Mineola School Board
\n(Longview News © 08/24/2011)
A mother?s request to do something about bullying of her\ndaughter at the middle school was one of the matters heard by the\nMineola School Board last Monday.\n \n \n\nThe mother, Judy Lydon, spoke to the board during the public\nforum portion of the regu");
document.write("lar August meeting.\n \n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n\nLydon said she was there on behalf of her autistic daughter who\nhas attended school in ...\n
Parents speak out on changes to PACE program at Brandon
\n(Lufkin Daily News © 08/24/2011)
Changes in the Lufkin Independent School District?s gifted and\ntalented program at Brandon Elemen");
document.write("tary created outrage and\nconfusion among parents last week.\n \n \n\nThe administration held a special meeting Tuesday night at the\nschool to try to set the record straight and alleviate concerns\nabout the changes.\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n ...\n
Deportation halted in California gay marriage case
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 08/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO -- U.S. immigration authorities have agreed to halt a deportation case against a Venezuelan man in a same-sex marriage in California. \n\nLavi Soloway, an attorney for Venezuelan citizen Alex Benshimol, says Immigration Judge Marilyn Teeter administratively closed the deportation case against his client at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. \n\nSoloway says he learned of...\n
Hinkle: I paid young man $80 for encounter
\n(Unknown © 08/24/2011)
......\n
Huppke: Photographer takes stand against high school meanness
\n(");
document.write("Chicago Tribune © 08/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Jennifer McKendrick, a wedding and portrait photographer in western Pennsylvania, recently made a business decision that, to her great surprise, caught the nation's attention.\n\n\n\n\n\nShe said \"no\" to mean people.\n\n\n\n\n\nAs she tells it, McKendrick had been hired to take senior portraits of four high school girls. But last week she came across a Facebook page created solely to ridicule school kids in t...\n
Rachel's Challenge making a difference in California, too
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 08/23/2011)
Rachel's Challenge has been busy over the summer break spreading across the country and making gains in the fight against cruelty among young people.\n\n\nChannel 8 and our parent company Belo have teamed up with the non-profit organization. Because of that, 13 cities have been added to the Rachel's Challenge group.\n\n\nThere are already");
document.write(" 195 Rachel's Challenge events booked for this school year. Rachel...\n
No Surprise for Bisexual Men: Report Indicates They Exist
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 08/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
In an unusual scientific about-face, researchers at Northwestern University have found evidence that");
document.write(" at least some men who identify themselves as bisexual are, in fact, sexually aroused by both women and men. \n\n\n\n\nThe finding is not likely to surprise bisexuals, who have long asserted that attraction often is not limited to one sex. But for many years the question of bisexuality has bedevil...\n
U.S. Issues New Deportation Policy?s First Reprieves
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 08/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The call came in the morning to the lawyer representing Manuel Guerra, an illegal immigrant from Mexico living in Florida who had been caught in a tortuous and seemingly failing five-year court fight against deportation. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nWith the news early Thursday that federal immigration authorities had canceled his deportation, Mr. Guerra became one of the first illegal immigrants in the country...\n
\n(San Francisco Chronicle © 08/23/2011)
(08-22) 16:41 PDT San Francisco, Calif. (AP) --\n\n\nU.S. immigration authorities have agreed to halt a deportation case against a Venezuelan man in a same-sex marriage in California.\n\n\nLavi Soloway, an attorney for Venezuelan citizen Alex Benshimol, says Immigration Judge Marilyn Teeter administratively cl");
document.write("osed the deportation case against his client at the request of Immigration and Customs Enforcem...\n
District Attorney Responds to Harsh Criticism from Pastor Tom Browns Lawyers
\n(Unknown © 08/23/2011)
......\n
Same-Sex Marriage Moving Toward the Mainstream
\n(Unknown © 08/23/2011)
......\n
El Paso pastor under investigation for meddling in politics
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/22/2011) ");
document.write("(Registration Required)\n
A few Pentecostal churches in El Paso recently hosted petitions to hold recall elections to oust the mayor and city representatives. The effort led by exorcist and televangelist Pastor Tom Brown was a way to oppose the “ungodly” government leaders who voted to restore health benefits to same-sex partners of city employees, Religion Clause wrote.\n\r\n\r\nLast week, officials launched an inv...\n
Houston judge limits rights of gay father
\n(Unknown © 08/22/2011)
......\n
Residents against recall unite: 500 gather at park supporting city leaders
\n(Unknown © 08/22/2011)
......\n
Caballero & Leeds Representing Pastor, Take Aim At D.A. Investigation
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 08/21/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- It's a new twist in what started as an effort to take away the health benefits of gay and unmarried partners of city employees but soon spiraled into a battle to oust El Paso's mayor and a pair of city representat");
document.write("ives.\n\nOutspoken attorneys Theresa Caballero and Stuart Leeds stood alongside El Paso pastor Tom Brown Saturday afternoon.\n\nBrown, a leading force behind the recall effo...\n
Recall effort takes to the streets: 2 lawyers join push to unseat officials; watch video
\n(Unknown © 08/21/2011)
......\n
Wynn: Bullied boy's death is impetus for real help for future victims
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 08/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
On Sept. 23, 2010, Asher Brown, an eighth grader, came home from school, went into a closet, got his father's gun, and shot himself in the head.\n\nThat night, when his parents, Amy and David Truon");
document.write("g, got back to the house, they found a home wrapped in yellow police tape. David says he will forever be haunted by the memory of Asher crumpled on the floor of his closet in a pool of blood.\n\nFor the last...\n
Bachmann avoids gay rhetoric
\n(Boston.com © 08/19/2011)
DES MOINES - Gabe Aderhold arrived at the Iowa State Fair ea");
document.write("rly, planting himself on a hay bale in front of the soapbox where Representative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota was scheduled to speak. The 17-year-old had driven four hours from his Minneapolis suburb to ask the presidential candidate to respond to a rash of teen suicides in her district, many of them by gay students.\r\n\r\nBachmann breezed ...\n
Rick Perry's pr");
document.write("ayer rally registration list being used for political organizing
\n(Dallas Morning News © 08/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Rick Perry's Christian prayer rally was billed as a non-political event. More than 30,000 believers gathered at Reliant Stadium for a day that organizers promised would be only about prayer, scripture and Christian music. Perry steered clear of any overt partisan references, saying his seven-hour revival meeting was about religion, not politics. \n\n\nNow, the lead sponsor is using the event's databa...\n
<");
document.write("/p>\n
Tim Hardaway Pledges Support for \"No Recall Group\"
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 08/19/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- The group opposing a recall of El Paso Mayor John Cook and two city representatives for their support of partner benefits for city employees got an endorsement Thursday from an unlikely source: former University of Texas at El Pas");
document.write("o superstar and NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway, who once made headlines for saying he \"hated gay people.\"\n\nThe message of Thursday's news conference, held by...\n
Ex-UTEP star Tim Hardaway marshals effort against recall
\n(El Paso Times © 08/19/2011)
Basketball legend Tim Hardaway on Wednesday called on El Pasoans to grow up as he'");
document.write("s had to when it comes to homosexuality.\n\nIn town for a golf outing, Hardaway attended a press conference urging citizens to oppose recall efforts against Mayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega. The three are being recalled by a group of religious conservatives who are angry the three voted to res...\n
Herschel Walker visits students: Star");
document.write(" talks about the effects of bullying
\n(El Paso Times © 08/19/2011)
It would have been a challenge for anyone to calm a screaming assembly of about 800 middle school students during the final hour of school Thursday. Herschel Walker had them silent in an instant.\n\nStudents from a number of schools in the Socorro district gathered at Montwood Middle School as they played host to Walker, the Heisman Trophy-winning and former Dallas Cowboys running back.\n\n\"I stand be...\n
Perry prayer rally registration list being used for politics
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 08/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The organizers of a Houston prayer rally featuring Gov. Rick Perry are using the event's registration list to rally supporters for the 2012 elections.This month, Perry spoke at The Response, a prayer and fasting event at Reliant Stadium advertised as \"apolitical\" that");
document.write(" elevated the governor's national profile days before he kicked off his campaign for president.On Thursday, Don Wildmon, founder of ...\n
'Sex with Perry' ad draws attention
\n(Unknown © 08/19/2011)
......\n
LGBT work stats
\n(Chicago Tribune © 08/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
What's it like to be LGBT at work? RedEye digs into the numbers.\n\n7 million: Estimated number of LGBT workers in the U.S.\n\n48 percent: The percentage of LGBT employees who are closeted at work. A third are closeted at work but out to friends and family.\n\nCloseted LGBT workers are 40 percent \"less likely to trust their employer than those who are o");
document.write("ut.\"\n\nCloseted, isolated employees say they're 73 p...\n
The cubicle and the closet
\n(Chicago Tribune © 08/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Todd Sears has been out of the closet for as long as he has been an adult.\n\nOpenly gay since he was 18 years old, Sears started his first job out of college assu");
document.write("ming he'd be the same at work. But three weeks after starting his position on Wall Street, his boss called someone a homophobic slur. And that was that.\n\n\"I basically realized that I had to be in the closet,\" said Sears, now 35. \"And havin...\n
Vermont governor presides over lesbians' marriage
\n(Fox News © 08/18/2011)
MONTPEL");
document.write("IER, Vt. – Making good on a campaign promise, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin married a lesbian couple in a small ceremony in his office.\n \n\nThe first-term Democrat presided over the marriage Wednesday of 55-year-old Michele \"Mitch\" Beck and 56-year-old Ann Beck, of Royalton. Shumlin led the push to legalize same-sex weddings in Vermont as a state lawmaker in 2009.\n ...\n
Some on political right doubt Perry's bona fides
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/18/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON — Rick Perry has counted on the staunch support of Texas conservatives during his two decades of statewide triumphs in Texas. He's an anti-tax, anti-spend, anti-regulation, anti-Washington stalwart.\n\n\nSo why are some conservative bloggers and activists warning others on the political right about a Perry presidential candidacy?\"Before Republicans start salivating too heavily, ");
document.write("it is...\n
ACLU Sues Missouri School System for Censoring Gay Advocacy Websites
\n(Fox News © 08/17/2011)
Courtesy of Dignity USA\n Shown here is the homepage of DignityUSA, one of the sites blocked by a Missouri school district's filters. \n \n \n\nThe American Civil Liberties Union has filed suit against a Mi");
document.write("ssouri school district over claims that it is censoring websites devoted to gay and lesbian awareness. \n\nThe suit was filed Monday in federal court on behalf of four organiz...\n
Parents Worried About Bullying as Kids Return to School
\n(KTBC (FOX 7) Austin © 08/17/2011)
It can be nerve racking for a kid to know they're h");
document.write("eading back into the same classroom with a bully. \n\nUnder a new law, teachers will have the right to remove the bully from the class and put them into a new one. This is part of a new anti-bullying law that passed this last legislative session. \n\nChristine and her two daughters are savoring the last few days of summer at Zilker Park. With school s...\n
Perry'");
document.write("s change not for better
\n(Unknown © 08/17/2011)
......\n
They're positive bullying can stop
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Two mama bears on a mission, Sarah Fisher and Trish Morille, marched into the office of a world-renowned bullying exp");
document.write("ert last Spring with their eight-page presentation, their business card, their bumper sticker and their fledgling plan to begin healing what they call a bullying epidemic in Houston schools.\nThe mothers, Fisher from West University, and Morille from South Hampton, were drawn to the ...\n
Mexico City reaches 1,000th gay marriage
\n(N/A &cop");
document.write("y; 08/16/2011)
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City has marked its 1,000th same-sex marriage since lawmakers in the capital approved such unions in March 2010.\n\nThe city government says in a statement that about 6 percent of those getting married in same-sex weddings in the city are foreigners.\n\nOfficials had predicted an influx in tourism when they enacted the first law in Latin America explicitly allowing same...\n
Inoculating Perry
\n(Politico.com © 08/16/2011)
The Texas Tribune — one of several quite serious political news outlets in Texas's nation-sized media market — looks today at Rick Perry's reversal on his decision to mandate vaccines against Human Papillomavirus, a common sexually ransmitted disease that can cause cervical cancer.\n\nCriticism had come from conservatives who believe that the vaccine would encourage promiscuity...\n
Obama camp turns focus to Perry
\n(Politico.com © 08/16/2011)
Weisman unpacks the early efforts by President Obama's advisers to define Rick Perry while he's still a relatively blank slate nationally, starting with the secession comments:\nMr. Perry has blasted into the 2012 campaign with rhetoric that goes even beyond the full-throated attacks the other GOP White House h");
document.write("opefuls have been using against President Barack Obama for months.\n\n\n“One of the re...\n
Perry back to S.C. Friday
\n(Politico.com © 08/16/2011)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a South Carolina source notes, will headline a fundraiser for the South Carolina GOP on Friday, continuing an intense early-state push.\n\nHow long until he");
document.write("'s spent more time in Iowa and South Carolina this year than former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney?\n\nUPDATE: Hamby reported it first. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n Posted by Ben Smith 10:50...\n
Perry's views
\n(Politico.com © 08/16/2011)
I've been stringing for Haberman and Burns this morning");
document.write(" on Rick Perry's adventures at the Iowa State Fair, which included blowing kisses at Mitt Romney while jabbing him. And it's clear he's the most talented, and experienced, retail politician of the race. \n\nHe's also very loose with reporters and willing to talk about policy views that are well to the right even of the GOP center, and that would...\n
DMV clerk'");
document.write("s letter nets transgender woman $55K
\n(Sacramento Bee © 08/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO -- A transgender woman has received a $55,000 settlement from the California Department of Motor Vehicles and a former clerk who sent the woman a harassing letter at home after helping her obtain a new driver's license.\n\nSan Francisco resident Amber Yust had sued the DMV and former employee Thomas Demartini in February for the invasion of privacy and emotional distress she says s...\n
Transgender woman settles DMV suit
\n(San Francisco Chronicle © 08/16/2011)
-- A transgender woman who went to the Department of Motor Vehicles in San Francisco to record her sex change - and then got a letter from a DMV clerk saying homosexual acts were \"an abomination that leads to hell\" - will receive a $55,000 legal settlement, her lawyers said Monday.\n\n\nAttorneys");
document.write(" said Amber Yust's settlement includes $40,000 from the state and $15,000 from Thomas Demartini, who was s...\n
Once a fringe candidate, Paul helping to shape race
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
DES MOINES, Iowa — Ron Paul, once seen as a fringe candidate and a nuisan");
document.write("ce to the establishment, is shaping the 2012 Republican primary by giving voice to the party's libertarian wing and reflecting frustration with the United States' international entanglements.The Texas congressman placed second in a key early test vote on Saturday in Ames, coming within 152 votes of winning the first sig...\n
March aims to draw attention to sl");
document.write("aying of black Mississippi man
\n(Los Angeles Times © 08/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
More than 500 people, including clergymen, elected officials and mothers pushing strollers, gathered here Sunday to denounce the killing of an African American auto plant employee in what authorities say was a racially motivated hate crime.\n\nThe slaying of James C. Anderson initially attracted little notice outside the immediate area, but since a security camera recording of the June 26 incident w...\n
Bachmann Faces Tough Questioning on Sunday Shows
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 08/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
David Peterson/CBS News, via Associated PressRepresentative Michele Bachmann of Minnesota appeared on CBS’s “Face the Nation” and four other talk shows Sunday, the day after she won the Iowa straw poll.");
document.write("\n\r\n\r\nDES MOINES — Michele Bachmann quickly became the target of fresh scrutiny Sunday morning as her victory in the Iowa straw poll propelled her into the top tier of a...\n
The Flavor du Jour of U.S. Politics
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 08/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON &md");
document.write("ash; The questions about Michele Bachmann abound: Is she merely a pale copy of Sarah Palin? Is she smart? Are her views extreme? The answers are easy: No, yes and yes. \n\n\n\n\nThe 55-year-old Republican congresswoman from Minnesota, who is seeking to become the first sitting member of the House of Representatives to win a major party’s presidential nomination since James Ga...\n
Republican insiders expect Perry to excel in S.C. voting
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 08/12/2011)
COLUMBIA, S.C. ? Texas Gov. Rick Perry will reshuffle the deck for Republican voters Saturday when he announces he is running for president during a visit to Charleston, S.C.\n\n?He?s the 800-pound gorilla who changes the whole makeup of the race,? said Dave Woodard, a Clemson University political scientist and sometimes Republican consultant. ?There?s been such a ho-hum reaction to the (GOP) candid...\n
Perry: A Presidential Profile
\n(KUT Austin © 08/12/2011)
A “humble beginning” always makes for a good story when running for elected office, especially for a presidential candidate. Governor Rick Perry has that: a lonely child of hard-working, hard scrabble parents from the “middle of nowhere” West Texas crossroad town of Paint Creek.\n\n\n");
document.write("But for our purposes, let’s start at the humble beginning of his political life. Specifi...\n
City may offer benefits to domestic partners
\n(Unknown © 08/12/2011)
......\n
Poll: New Yorkers want same-sex marriage law to stay put
\n(CNN.com © 08/11/2011)
Washington (CNN) - Just weeks into a new law that recognizes same-sex marriage in New York, a new poll finds a majority of voters in the state not only support the legislation but would resist efforts to overturn it, as well.\n\n\nAccording to a NY1/YNN-Marist poll released Wednesday, about 55 percent of voters favor same-sex marriage in the Empire State, while 37 percent are against it.\n\n\n\n\n\nAn");
document.write("d whi...\n
Census figures illustrate the changing family
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 08/11/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Texas households are looking more like the mishmash of ?Modern Family? than the idyllic black-and-white images of ?Leave it to Beaver,? according to figures released today by the ");
document.write("U.S. Census Bureau.\n\nBetween 2000 and 2010, the rate of growth in single-parent and unmarried-couple households ? both opposite-sex and same-sex ? has far outpaced the growth of more traditional ?nuclear? households throu...\n
Census figures show changing face of Texas families
\n(Unknown © 08/11/2011)
......\n
Starbucks CEO cancels spe");
document.write("ech at Willow Creek church as gay petition circulates
\n(Unknown © 08/11/2011)
......\n
Appeals court says Lufkin Industries employees should receive multi-million-dollar payout for discrimination suit
\n(Lufkin Daily News © 08/10/2011)
A federal appeals court ruled former Lufkin Industries emp");
document.write("loyees\nshould receive their multi-million-dollar payout from a Title VII\nclass-action suit for employment discrimination.\n \n \n\nThe Fifth Circuit United States Court of Appeals filed its ruling\nMonday, awarding the judgment and injunctive relief to the\nplaintiffs.\n \n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n \n\n...\n
Anoka LGBTQ Y");
document.write("outh Pride participants show support to students affected by controversial school district policy
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 08/10/2011)
Rainbow flags, picnic tables and face paint marked the first of what organizers hope to be an annual pride celebration for gay youth and their allies in Anoka on Tuesday. \n\n\nAt Anoka LGBTQ Youth Pride, at least 100 kids, parents and community members descended upon Mississippi River Community Park in Anoka.\n\n\nThe event was aimed at countering negativity surrounding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, tra...\n
In conservative Chile, the president proposes civil unions, giving gays many marriage rights
\n(Washington Post © 08/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile’s conservative president proposed civil unions legislation Tuesday that would give unmarried partners many of the rights now enjoyed only b");
document.write("y married couples in the South American nation.\n \n\nGays and lesbians lauded Sebastian Pinera’s signature on the proposal that he is sending to Congress as a big step toward equality.\n\nBut the leaders of Pinera’s ...\n
San Benito school district takes on bullying in classroom
\n(Brownsville Herald © 08/08/2011)
SAN");
document.write(" BENITO — The San Benito school district became the first district in the region to develop a guide to deal with bullying, officials said Friday.\n\nParents and staff worked for a year to develop the handbook that specifies steps to prevent and report bullying and discipline offenders, said Melonie Flores, the district’s staff development coordinator who served as co-chairwoman of the...\n
Texans' school year starts with new legislation in place
\n(Dallas Morning News © 08/08/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The Texas Legislature before adjourning in June passed a number of measures that take effect this school year. Many of the measures were designed to give districts flexibility as the state cut $4 billion in school funding over the next two years because of the state?s budget shortfall. Here are some of the key changes:\n\nSchool districts are required to create anti-bullying polic");
document.write("ies that help schoo...\n
Perry to evangelicals: I'm one of you
\n(Unknown © 08/08/2011)
......\n
Thousands gather for prayer event that could help define Perry to voters
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 08/06/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Updated: 11:19 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011\n\n\nPublished: 11:04 p.m. Friday, Aug. 5, 2011\n\n\n\nGov. Rick Perry will take perhaps his biggest step yet onto the national stage today when thousands congregate in a pro football stadium for the Response, the Christian prayer gathering that Perry initiated.\n\nPerry isn't likely to spend much time in fron");
document.write("t of th...\n
Perry says his rally is about prayers, not politics
\n(Chicago Tribune © 08/06/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Reporting from Houston\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n \n ");
document.write(" \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\n \n \n \n\n\n\nBeneath the dome of an air-conditioned footba...\n
?Give us this day our daily pander'
\n(Denton Record-Chronicle © 08/06/2011)
Hallelujah! Today is the ");
document.write("day for Gov. Rick Perry’s big seven-hour, Christians-only prayer meeting in Houston’s Reliant Stadium. Honest, upstanding Americans of other faiths are pointedly left out of the governor’s call to worship, and we suspect a lot of believing Christians won’t make the cut, either. \n\n The brand of Christianity ...\n
How to Respond to Rick Perry and ?The Response?
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 08/06/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Tuscaloosa, Ala. \n\n\n\n\nTODAY, Gov. Rick Perry of Texas is scheduled to appear at Reliant Stadium in Houston for “The Response,” an all-day event of Christian-centered prayer and fasting intended, as Mr. Perry explains on the event’s Web site, to address the various crises that have “besieged” America. \n\n\n\n\nMr. Perry’s use of official resources, incl.");
document.write("..\n
Rigby: The right 'Response' would be to look into ourselves for guidance
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 08/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
As a native Texan, I'm used to crazy religion and crazy politics. So the announcement of Gov. Rick Perry's plans to attend \"The Response,\" a prayer event set");
document.write(" for Saturday at Houston's Reliant Stadium, was not a surprise.\n\nBut as a Presbyterian minister and community organizer, it's part of my job to stand up for my neighbors. The use of the governor's office to promote one religion in a country wi...\n
Psychological association calls for legalization of same-sex marriage
\n(CNN.com © 08/0");
document.write("5/2011)
Psychological association calls for legalization of same-sex marriage (CNN) -- The American Psychological Association is calling on state and federal officials to stop anti-gay legal measures and to legalize same-sex marriage. The scientific and professional organization's guiding body voted unanimously at its annual meeting this week in Washington to declare its support for "full marr...\n
International House of Prayer has key roles in Perry’s rally
\n(Kansas City Star © 08/05/2011)
One day from kickoff, critics are increasingly piling on Texas Gov. Rick Perry for a big NFL stadium prayer rally set for Saturday in Houston.\n\nAnd to think that much of the planning for an event that has stirred so much national controversy came out of what used to be an old strip center on Red Bridge Road in south Kansas City.\n\nThe rally is called “The Response.” A spin through its...\n");
document.write("
Editorial: Gutless 'neutrality' on GLBT issues
\n(Minneapolis Star Tribune © 08/05/2011)
The Anoka-Hennepin School District never seems to learn its lesson on the treatment of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) students.\n\nNow the state's largest school district is facing a federal investigation into harassment com");
document.write("plaints and a lawsuit alleging that it failed to protect kids from bullying and injury.\n\nWithin the past few years, some have linked in-school bullying to suicides...\n
Potential jurors shouldn't be dismissed for being gay, court told
\n(Unknown © 08/05/2011)
......\n
Rick Perry still plans to attend Houston prayer event
\n(Unknown © 08/05/2011)
......\n
Weekend brings dueling prayer services to Houston");
document.write("
\n(Unknown © 08/05/2011)
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Day of prayer shadows Perry 2012 bid
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 08/04/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN ? Openly and deeply religious, Texas Gov. Rick Perry organized what seemed like a slam-dunk event for a politician in a state where religi");
document.write("on and politics walk hand in hand: He would fill Houston's Reliant Stadium with fellow believers in a seven-hour session of Christian atonement by some of the nation's most conservative preachers, exhorting believers to pray about the nation's moral decli...\n
Texas parole board reverses, no freedom for Buice
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © ");
document.write("08/04/2011)
HOUSTON (AP) ? The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has reversed course and will not allow parole for the last man still serving time for the 1991 gay-bashing death of a Houston banker.\n\nJon Buice (bwees) was one of 10 youths from The Woodlands sent to prison over the beating and stabbing death of Paul Broussard. Buice pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 45 years in prison.\n\nThe parole...\n
Austin gay rights plans protest outside Gov. Perry prayer event
\n(Austin KLBJ 590 AM © 08/04/2011)
Newsroom\n \n8/3/2011\n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\nSome Austin gay rights activists are headed to Houston this weekend to raise their voices outside Reliant Stadium while Governor Perry prays with thousands i..");
document.write(".\n
Protesters gearing up for day of prayer
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 08/04/2011)
AUSTIN (KXAN) - As Saturday's mega-prayer event ?The Response? draws near, some who've been following the controversy it's brought are also labeling it ?Rick's Revival.? \n\n\"I'm calling on Americans to fast and pray like Jesus did,? Gov. Rick Perr");
document.write("y says on the event's website. \n\nIn a move that could both bolster his stance among Christian conservatives and possibly shoot down chances of appealing...\n
Trailblazers set out to intelligently bash Rick Perry's day of prayer: A response to The Response
\n(CultureMap Houston © 08/04/2011)
Texas Gov. Rick Perry's much-b");
document.write("allyhooed day of prayer and fasting, The Response, will take control of Reliant Stadium on Saturday morning. The shebang is largely funded by the hyper-conservative group artfully known as the American Family Association.\n\n Explains the diehard Christian (and possible GOP presidential candidate) Perry regarding our nation's moral crisis, "There is hope fo...\n
North Texans head to Houston rally -- some to pray, some to protest
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 08/04/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Frustrated with the way elected officials are guiding America, Julie White McCarty of Grapevine said the only place she needs to be Saturday is in Houston.There, she and her family will join likely thousands of others in a daylong prayer rally -- called by Gov. Rick Perry at Houston's Reliant Stadium -- to ask God to help the nation make its way through the moral and financial crisis.\"We need ");
document.write("time...\n
Organizers say Saturday's Houston prayer event is meant to be nonpolitical
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 08/04/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Organizers of Saturday's daylong Houston prayer service initiated by Gov. Rick Perry say it will be devoid of politics, but the event will ne");
document.write("vertheless put a spotlight on Christian voters and social conservatives who intend to be a potent force in the 2012 presidential election.And Perry, who often cites his Christian faith, could be a major beneficiary of that voting bloc if he enters t...\n
Accuser's dad drops cyberbullying suit
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/04/2011)
A Houston lawyer has dropped his defamation of character lawsuit against three Kingwood girls he accused of cyberbullying his daughter with a Facebook video.\n\"There's been a settlement agreement between all parties,\" Jason Medley's attorney, Robert Naudin, said on Wednesday. \"What we obtained were the apologies, a very small donation and assurances that this won't happen again. There are no contin...\n
HOUSTON — The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has reversed course and will not allow parole for the last man still serving time for the 1991 gay-bashing death of a Houston banker.
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 08/04/2011)
HOUSTON — The Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles has reversed course and will not allow parole for the last man still serving time for the 1991 gay-bashing death of a Houston banker. -->\nHOUSTON ? The Texas Board of Pardons and Parol");
document.write("es has reversed course and will not allow parole for the last man still serving time for the 1991 gay-bashing death of a Houston banker.\nJon Buice (bwees) was on...\n
Perry's day of prayer shadows 2012 bid
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 08/04/2011)
By CHRIS TOMLINSON Copyright 2011 . All rights reserved. This material may not ");
document.write("be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. \nASSOCIATED PRESS \n\nAUSTIN ? Openly and deeply religious, Texas Gov. Rick Perry organized what seemed like a slam-dunk event for a politician in a state where religion and politics walk hand in hand: He would fill Houston?s Reliant Stadium with fellow believers in a ...\n
Gov. Perry's day of prayer shadows");
document.write(" 2012 bid
\n(Marble Falls River Cities Daily Tribune © 08/04/2011)
AUSTIN (AP) ? Openly and deeply religious, Texas Gov. Rick Perry organized what seemed like a slam-dunk event for a politician in a state where religion and politics walk hand in hand: He would fill Houston's Reliant Stadium with fellow believers in a seven-hour session of Christian atonement by some of the nation's most conservative preachers, exhorting believers to pray about the nation's moral ...\n
Perry's day of prayer shadows 2012 big
\n(Midland Reporter-Telegraph © 08/04/2011)
Openly and deeply religious, Texas Gov. Rick Perry organized\nwhat seemed like a slam-dunk event for a politician in a state\nwhere religion and politics walk hand in hand: He would fill\nHouston's Reliant Stadium with fellow believers in a seven-hour\nsession of Christian atonement by some of the nation's most\nconservative preachers, exhort");
document.write("ing believers to pray about the\nnation's moral decline.\n ...\n
With Rally, Christian Group Asserts Its Presence in ?12 Race
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 08/04/2011) (Registration Required)\n
TUPELO, Miss. — To its admirers on the religious right, the American Family Association is a sta");
document.write("lwart leader in a last-ditch fight to save America’s Christian culture and the values of traditional families. To its liberal critics, it is a shrill, even hateful voice of intolerance, out to censor the arts, declare Muslims unfit for public office and deny equality to gay men and lesbians ...\n
[AP] Texas Gov. Perry's day of prayer shadows 2012 bid
\n(Odessa American © 08/04/2011)
AUSTIN Openly and deeply religious, Texas Gov. Rick Perry organized what seemed like a slam-dunk event for a politician in a state where religion and politics walk hand in hand: He would fill Houston’s Reliant Stadium with fellow believers in a seven-hour session of Christian atonement by some of the nation’s most conservative preachers, exhorting believers to pray about the nation&rsq...\n
Cuba: For macho island, a shift on civil unions
\n(CNN.com © 08/02/2011)
By Nick Miroff, GlobalPost\n\n\nHAVANA, Cuba ? There was no mention of it in the pages of Granma, the Communist Party newspaper, but when word came that Cuban authorities were considering the legalization of same-sex civil unions, it was a cause for quiet celebration here.\n\n\nThe announcement was made by Mariela Castro, daughter of Raul Castro and the director of Cuba?s national se");
document.write("x education cen...\n
Gay marriage: awkward issue for some GOP hopefuls
\n(Unknown © 08/02/2011)
......\n
Women's colleges examine transgender policies
\n(USA Today © 08/02/2011)
Marcus Waterbury, a graduate of the women's institution Mount Holyoke College, didn't think it was a big deal when, 15 years after graduation, his alma mater agreed to re-issue his degree to reflect the new name he adopted after transitioning from female to male.\nCerri Banks, who started as the dean of Mount Holyoke this month, has already initiated that discussion. A high priority of hers is asse...\n
Perry prayer day at Reliant: piety and politics?
\n(Houston Chronicle © 08/01/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The nation is in crisis, and government is inadequate to do much about it, the governor of Texas warns. \"That's why I'm calling on Americans to pray and fast like Jesus did and as God called the Israelites to do in the Book of Joel.\"Drought and locusts were plaguing");
document.write(" the Israelites during the time of Joel, an Old Testament prophet; America's litany of woe, as Gov. Rick Perry sees it, includes econo...\n
Which Perry will we see on campaign trail?
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 08/01/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN ? As Texas' governor laces up his presidential");
document.write(" running shoes, you might wonder which Rick Perry will hit the campaign trail.\n\nThere's the Perry who said same-sex marriage is an issue for states to decide, and the one who emphasized his support for a U.S. constitutional amendment specifying that marriage is between a man and a woman.\n\nThere's the Perry who's promoted a focus on abstinence in...\n
Crimes a");
document.write("gainst LGBT community are up, despite social gains
\n(Unknown © 08/01/2011)
......\n
Gov. Perry affirms conservative views, such as marriage amendment
\n(Abilene Reporter-News © 07/31/2011) (Registration Required)\n
COLUMBIA, S.C. ? Texas Gov. Rick Perry said Saturday he");
document.write(" supports a federal limit on gay marriage and thinks a creator put life on Earth.\n\nThe Republican governor is considering a GOP presidential bid and preparing for his first political stop ahead of the key early primary in South Carolina, where social issues always play well. But Perry told The Associated Press in a telephone interview that a p...\n
Perry stre");
document.write("sses opposition to gay marriage in Texas
\n(Amarillo Globe-News © 07/31/2011)
DENVER ? Potential Republican presidential candidate Gov. Rick Perry of Texas repeated his personal opposition to gay marriage in a speech to conservatives in Denver on Friday.\n\nBut Perry didn?t backtrack on his statement last week in Aspen that New York?s recent decision to allow gay marriage is ?their business.? That?s despite a direct attack earlier in the evening from a rival GOP presidential ...\n
Kids challenge gender identity earlier — and get support
\n(Seattle Times © 07/31/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Every few weeks, Aidan Key might get a call: a little boy in school is dressing as a girl — in frilly tops or pink skirts. A girl in first-grade will be returning from a holiday break as a boy.\r\n\r\n\r\nPublic- and private-school administrators and the parents of t");
document.write("hese kids want guidance navigating such sensitive terrain; they want to help children become comfortable calling a classmate by a new...\n
Tea party support not a given for Perry
\n(Unknown © 07/31/2011)
......\n
GLBT Hate Crime Victims Memorialized on Charles Armstrong's Property
\n(Houston Press © 07/29/2011)
Montrose residents lit a candle for hate crime victims. ???Last night, throngs of people bearing candles filled an empty parking lot in Montrose, just off the main gay bar drag of Pacific Street. A block or two from here, Paul Broussard was murdered in 1991. Aaron Scheerhoorn was stabbed to death outside a nearby nightclub just half a year a");
document.write("go. The list of GLBT-identified victims slain in this are...\n
California Supreme Court to hear Proposition 8 case Sept. 6
\n(Los Angeles Times © 07/29/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The legal battle over Proposition 8, the 2008 ballot measure that reinstated a ban on same-sex marriage, will go ");
document.write("before the California Supreme Court on Sept. 6, when the justices will hear arguments on whether initiative proponents are entitled to defend measures they sponsored.\n\nThe state high court scheduled the hearing for 10 a.m. at its San Francisco courtroom. The justices will then ha...\n
Court Clears Governor Perry To Take Part in Prayer Event
");
document.write("\n(Unknown © 07/29/2011)
......\n
Perry snared by gay marriage issue
\n(Unknown © 07/29/2011)
......\n
True Blood stars film anti-bullying ads
\n(Unknown © 07/29/2011)
......\n
Gay couple asked to reverse shirt at Dollywood
\n(Houston Chronicle © 07/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A lesbian couple is asking for chan");
document.write("ges at Dollywood after an employee asked one of the women to turn her T-shirt reading \"marriage is so gay\" inside-out to avoid offending others on a recent visit to the Tennessee theme park complex.\n\nOlivier Odom and Jennifer Tipton said Tuesday they want the park to be more inclusive of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender families aft...\n
Access to Healt");
document.write("h Care Benefits for Gay Partners Is Gauged
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON — In the first comprehensive count of domestic partner benefits by a federal government agency, the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that about one-third of all workers had access to health care benefits for same-sex partners. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n Bureau officials added two questions about domestic partner benefits for same-sex couples to the National Compensation Survey, a sample...\n
Opponents of Calif Gay History Law Seek Referendum
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California's secretary of state on Tuesday cleared a group to begin collecting signatures for a ballot referendum to overturn a first-in-the-nation law requiring publi");
document.write("c schools to teach the contributions of gays and lesbians in social studies lessons \n\n\n\n\nGov. Jerry Brown signed SB48 earlier this month, making California the first state to mandate such lesson...\n
Most states likely to spurn gay-marriage bandwagon
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 07/26/2011) (Registratio");
document.write("n Required)\n
As hundreds of jubilant gay couples became newlyweds in New York over the weekend, their well-wishers included many far-flung gays wistfully aware that their own states may never willingly allow same-sex marriage.\n\n\"The victories in other states are always a little bittersweet,\" said Jeff Graham, executive director of the gay-rights group Equality Georgia. His state is one of 30 that have adopted ...\n
Sunday?s Rush of Happy Couples Becomes Monday?s Steady Statewide Procession
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/26/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Clerk’s offices in hundreds of rural and suburban towns across New York began offering marriage licenses to gay and lesbian couples for the first time on Monday, even as a conservative group filed a lawsuit seeking to overturn the state’s Marriage Equality Act and nullify the same-sex marriages. \n\n\n\n\nAnd ");
document.write("in New York City and the other communities that had opened their offices Su...\n
Perry supporters defend his remarks on N.Y. gay marriage law
\n(Unknown © 07/26/2011)
......\n
Gay couples wed legally in New York
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/25/2011) (Registration Required)\n
NEW YORK -- Hundreds of gay couples in formal suits and striped trousers, gowns and T-shirts recited vows in emotion-choked voices and triumphantly hoisted their long-awaited marriage certificates Sunday as New York became the sixth and largest state to recognize same-sex weddings.Thousands of protesters, however, rallied in several cities around the");
document.write(" state, a signal that the long fight for recogni...\n
Gender-neutral restrooms to be phased in to broader use on campus
\n(University Texas Daily Texan © 07/25/2011)
The choice between using a men’s or women’s restroom isn’t conscious for most, but an effort to provide gender-neutral, one-stall bathrooms in a");
document.write("ll campus buildings will help meet the needs of people with disabilities, parents and people with non-normative gender identities, a UT official said.\n\n\n Linda Millstone, the associate vice president for the Office of Institutional Equity...\n
1st gay couples wed in New York as it becomes largest state to legalize same-sex vows
\n(Unknown ");
document.write("© 07/25/2011)
......\n
Many gay couples wed, but the fight isn't over
\n(Unknown © 07/25/2011)
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Perry says gay marriage an issue for states
\n(Bryan-College Station Eagle © 07/24/2011)
ASPEN, Colo. -- Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a potential Republican presidential candidate, said Friday he supports state rights so much that he's fine with New York's approval of gay marriage but still called himself an \"unapologetic social conservative.\"\n\nPerry, who has been weighing a presidential run, said he opposes gay marriage -- but that he's also a firm believer of the 10th Amendment. \n\n\"Our fr...\n
Seeds of change: New Montrose Remembrance Garden to honor gay victims of violence
\n(CultureMap Houston © 07/24/2011)
Rising amid the circus of eateries and nightclubs that populate the northeast quadrant of Montrose Boulevard and Westheimer Road is a new memorial that honors victims of violence in the gay community. Called the Montrose Remembrance Garden, the site at t");
document.write("he corner of California and Grant streets is the work of the Montrose Counseling Center, nightlife magnate Charles Armstrong and the Aaron Scheerh...\n
TABC Settles With Rainbow Lounge Patrons
\n(Ft. Worth KXAS (NBC) 5 © 07/24/2011)
Two men who were injured during a bar check at a gay lounge have settled with the Texas Alcohol");
document.write("ic Beverage Commission.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The state agreed to pay $210,000 to Chad Gibson, who suffered a head injury, and $15,000 to George Armstrong, who suffered a torn rotator cuff, during their ...\n
One Step Forward, More to Take
\n");
document.write("(New York Times (State Version) © 07/24/2011) (Registration Required)\n
It was a profoundly important and deeply gratifying sight: Some of the top officers and civilian leaders of the United States military announcing at the Pentagon on Friday that they had, at last, given their approval to tearing down one of the last walls of official bigotry and discrimination in the United States. \n\n\n\n\nPresident Obama, Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Adm. Mike Mullen, th...\n
Gary Gimmestad: Homophobia is on the rise in Minnesota. Wonder why?
\n(Unknown © 07/24/2011)
......\n
Perry: Marriage state level decision
\n(Abilene R");
document.write("eporter-News © 07/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ASPEN, Colo. ? Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a potential Republican presidential candidate, said Friday he supports state rights so much that he's fine with New York's approval of gay marriage but still called himself an \"unapologetic social conservative.\"\n\nPerry, who has been weighing a presidential run, said he opposes gay marriage ? but that he's also a firm believer of the 10th Amendment.\n\n\"Our frien...\n
Woman counters effort to recall El Paso Mayor Cook and City Council members
\n(El Paso Times © 07/23/2011)
An El Paso woman is pushing back against the push to get rid of Mayor John Cook and City Council members who voted to restore health-care benefits to gay and unmarried partners of city employees.\n\nJodi Casey began a campaign Thursday morning to get people to change the photo on their Facebook page to a logo with the words \"");
document.write("No recall.\" Under that, it says, \"Support strong leaders, say no to recall....\n
Perry calls gay marriage a states' rights issue
\n(Houston Chronicle © 07/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ASPEN, Colo. — Texas Gov. Rick Perry, a potential Republican presidential candidate, said on Friday he suppo");
document.write("rts state rights so much that he's fine with New York's approval of gay marriage but still called himself an \"unapologetic social conservative.\"Perry, who has been weighing a presidential run, said he opposes gay marriage - but that he's also a firm believer of the 10th Amendment.\"Our ...\n
Obama ending ban on gays serving openly in the military
\n(Los Angeles Times © 07/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
As the Obama administration moves to end the ban on gays and lesbians serving openly in the military, the Pentagon is still grappling with major questions about how it will integrate them into the ranks.\n\n\n\n\n\nPresident Obama notified Congress on Friday that the ban would be abolished on Sept. 20 and said that it could be done without harming the military's readiness. Congress required the certific...\n
Two settle with TABC in Rainbow Lounge incident
\n(Unknown © 07/23/2011)
......\n
Pentagon to certify military readiness for DADT repeal
\n(CNN.com © 07/");
document.write("22/2011)
(CNN) - The Pentagon is set to certify that the U.S. military is prepared to accept openly gay and lesbian service members, and doing so will not harm military readiness, a U.S. official told CNN on Thursday.\n\n\nAccording to the official, who spoke on condition of not being identified, an announcement of that certification - which is required to repeal the \"don't ask, don't tell\" policy - is likely...\n
Obama Speaks Against the Bible
\n(George West Progress © 07/22/2011)
Keep in Mind Obama uses the word “WE“ indicating and including himself as a homosexual. Homosexuals are AN ABOMINATION TO GOD !!! Obama is a homosexual illegal alien American hating muslim!!! “My expectation is that when you look back on these years, you will see a time in which we put a stop to discrimination against gays and lesbians -- whether in the office or on the battlefie...\n
Pharr pastor starts nation's first 'Hispanic Tea Party'
\n(Harlingen KGBT (CBS) 4 © 07/22/2011)
Pharr-based pastor Armando Vera is the president of the first-ever 'Hispanic Tea Party' in the United States.\n\nVera told Action 4 News that the group formed in back in June.\n\nThe?Iglesia Poder del Dios?pastor said there is need for a Hispanic version of this pol");
document.write("itical group given that 85% of the population of the Rio Grande Valley is of Mexican-American descent.\n\nVera?said Hispanics are naturally ...\n
Local ministries aim to provide resources, support to families impacted by homosexuality
\n(Midland Reporter-Telegraph © 07/22/2011)
When practices at the Christian counseling center o");
document.write("perated by\nthe husband of Republican presidential contender Michele Bachmann\ncaught the interest of national media and the criticism of gay\nrights groups and others, an ongoing political and religious\ndispute was revisited.\n \n \n\nHow does the evangelical church -- whose members hold to a\nliteral interpretation of the Bible -- resp...\n
Man In");
document.write("jured In Possible Hate Crime
\n(San Antonio KSAT (ABC) 12 © 07/22/2011)
SAN ANTONIO -- A man seriously injured in a brutal attack on the city's east side may have been a victim of a racially motivated crime, San Antonio police said.\n\nPolice were called out to the intersection of Quitman and Muncey Street just after 9 p.m. Thursday.\n\nWhen they got there, they found a 60-year-old man bleeding from his head.\n\nWitnesses told police the victim had walked up to three men in...\n
Lawsuit against Anoka-Hennepin school district alleges that 'neutrality' policy facilitates harassment of gay students
\n(St. Paul Pioneer Press © 07/22/2011)
Kyle Rooker has been pushed into lockers, desks and walls. He has been called names and made to hide under the seat of his school bus for fear of the taunting he said was waiting for him inside Anoka Middle School for the Arts. \n\n\nAfter three years of it, t");
document.write("he former Anoka-Hennepin school district student said Thursday he's had enough.\n\n\n\"Instead of telling me I am wrong for being different, I thi...\n
Thompson: Friend of the Underdog ? and the Powerful
\n(Texas Tribune © 07/22/2011)
When a special interest group tried to defeat her insurance bill this session with a flier condem");
document.write("ning the “nanny state” and showing an infant suckling a woman’s breast, Houston state Rep. Senfronia Thompson couldn’t contain her outrage. In one of her famously impassioned speeches, Thompson — between threats to bloody noses — blasted what she calle...\n
Fight over teaching evolution in Texas fizzles
\n(Unknown © 07/22/2011)
......\n
Perry's prayer event dividing political, religious groups
\n(Austin News 8 © 07/20/2011)
With a much-rumored presidential run potentially in his future, Governor Rick Perry is hoping to address the nation?s problems by asking for help from higher powers from above.\n");
document.write("\nCalled ?The Response,? Rick Perry is slated to hold a 7-hour prayer event in Houston on August 6. Problems to be addressed include economic collapse, the division facing our country and natural disasters.\n\nThe event has dr...\n
Perry's 'call' could shake up GOP field
\n(Unknown © 07/20/2011)
......\n
Transgender woman pursues appeal
\n(Wharton Journal-Spectator © 07/20/2011)
A recent court decision by 329th District Judge Randy Clapp invalidating the marriage of deceased Wharton fire Capt. Thomas Araguz III is being appealed by the defendant.In May, Clapp had ruled against Nikki Araguz, stating she was born male as Justin Graham Purdue. The ");
document.write("ruling invalidated a 2008 marriage. This month, attorneys for the defendant failed to persuade Clapp to revisit in any...\n
Military benefits? Not for gay couples in armed forces.
\n(Christian Science Monitor © 07/19/2011)
SAN DIEGO ? Gay service members from Army soldiers to Air Force officers are planning to celebrate ");
document.write("the official end of the military's 17-year policy that forced them to hide their sexual orientation with another official act ? marriage. \n\nRelated stories\n\nObama press conference: President stays in closet on gay marriage \nAs 'don't ask, don't tell' repeal nears, concerns crop up on both sides \nFaci...\n
Rick Perry's most rapt audience: Michele Bachmann and ");
document.write("Mitt Romney
\n(Christian Science Monitor © 07/19/2011)
Washington \n\nIn the Dance of the Seven Veils that has become Texas Gov. Rick Perry?s possible presidential campaign, the two most interested audience members may well be the top rivals for the GOP nomination: former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann. \n\nRelated stories\n\nBigger threat to Michele Bachmann: Media scrutiny or Rick Perry? \nOn Michele Bachmann announcemen...\n
Amid Bachmann controversy, many Christians cool to conversion therapy for gays
\n(CNN.com © 07/19/2011)
By Dan Gilgoff, CNN.com Religion Editor\n\n\n(CNN) – When presidential candidate Michele Bachmann?s husband, Marcus, addressed accusations that his Christian counseling business encourages homosexual clients to try to change their sexual orientation, he appeared to play down the role of so-called conversion therapy at his cl");
document.write("inics.\n\n\n"Is it a remedy form that I typically would use?? Bachman...\n
Gay conservative group requests meeting with Bachmann
\n(CNN.com © 07/19/2011)
Washington (CNN) – A prominent, conservative gay group has asked Republican presidential candidate Michele Bachmann for a meeting. \n\n\nThis follows much grumbling in t");
document.write("he the gay and lesbian community regarding the congresswoman's policy positions and controversy surrounding the Christian counseling business co-owned by Bachmann and her husband.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe gay conservative group requesting a mee...\n
When it comes to the gay community, is Michele Bachmann living in the Twilight Zone?
\n(CNN.com © 07/1");
document.write("9/2011)
FROM CNN's Jack Cafferty:\n\n\nRepublican congresswoman Michele Bachmann of Minnesota has been a rising star of sorts in a lackluster field of GOP candidates who hope to challenge President Barack Obama in 2012. Bachmann came out on top in three separate polls of likely Iowa Republican voters last week.\n\n\n\n\n\nBut Bachmann is running into a lot of criticism for her rather extreme positions on some...\n
Rick Perry says he doesn?t endorse extremists participating in prayer meeting
\n(Dallas Morning News © 07/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN ? Gov. Rick Perry said Monday that he doesn?t necessarily subscribe to the extreme beliefs of some of the ministers coming to his prayer summit next month.\n\n?I?m sure that through my elections in the past that there have been some groups that have endorsed me publicly, that I appreciate their endorsements, but their endorsements of ");
document.write("me doesn?t mean I endorse what they believe in or what they...\n
Recall Notices For Mayor, City Representatives Filed
\n(El Paso KDBC (CBS) 4 © 07/19/2011)
EL PASO - Mayor Cook's days at city hall may be numbered; the same goes for representatives Steve Ortega and Susie Byrd. At least, that's what one group is hoping.\n");
document.write("\n\n\n\n Today, dozens of people signed a petition to yank them out of office after they overturned a voter-approved ordinance stripping city-employed domestic partners of their health benefits.\n\n\n\n\n "The turnout is about 4 tim...\n
FULL STORY: Recall Notices For Mayor, City Representatives Filed
\n(El Paso KTSM (NBC) 9 © 07/19/2011)");
document.write("
EL PASO - Mayor Cook's days at city hall may be numbered; the same goes for representatives Steve Ortega and Susie Byrd. At least, that's what one group is hoping.\n\n\n\n\n Today, dozens of people signed a petition to yank them out of office after they overturned a voter-approved ordinance stripping city-employed domestic partners of their health benefits.\n\n\n\n\n "The turnout is about 4 tim...\n
");
document.write("Religious Group Officially Files To Recall Mayor, Reps Byrd And Ortega
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 07/19/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- The religious group who fought to take away the health insurance of gay and unwed partners of city employees has officially notified the city they're going to attempt to recall Mayor John Cook and City Representatives Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega.\n\nThe organization, El Paso For Traditional Family Values (EPFTFV) has 60 days to gather enough signatures to oust the city council memb...\n");
document.write("
Perry hears the call to run for president, but hasn't decided yet
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN -- Gov. Rick Perry on Monday highlighted themes that he would likely unleash in a campaign against President Barack Obama, but he offered no firm clues on when -");
document.write("- or if -- he plans to climb into a race for the White House.In what was widely interpreted as his strongest indication yet that he is moving toward a presidential run, Perry was quoted in the Des Moines Register over the weekend as...\n
Gay, married immigrant fights deportation
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 07/19/2011)
HOUSTON &");
document.write("ndash; A gay undocumented immigrant is fighting to stay in the United States after marrying his partner in California in 2008.\n\n\n\n\n\nAfter fleeing Costa Rica eight years ago, the man is still reluctant to identify himself for fear of retaliation at work. He preferred to be called only “Mr. Gonzalez” during his interview with KHOU 11 News.\n\n\n\n\n\nGonzalez said an abusive boyfriend...\n
For Three Same-Sex Couples, Together Many Years, the Wait Is About Over
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
On Sunday, New York becomes the sixth and largest state with legalized same-sex marriage. Over the ensuing weeks and months, gay and lesbian couples from around the state, and beyond, are expected to descend on city and town clerks’ offices seeking marriage licenses, with the legal recognition, and rights, that marriage brings. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nHere ");
document.write("are the stories of three same-sex coupl...\n
Openly Gay Man Is First Confirmed as U.S. Judge
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/19/2011) (Registration Required)\n
J. Paul Oetken, a former Clinton administration lawyer, on Monday became the first openly gay man to be confirmed as a federal judge. ");
document.write(" \n\n\n\n\nMr. Oetken won Senate confirmation by a vote of 80 to 13. He will take his seat as a federal judge in Manhattan after President Obama signs his commission, which may be as soon as this week, according to the office of Senator Charles E. Schumer, Democrat...\n
Alaska sued in transgender driver's license case
\n(Unknown © 07/19");
document.write("/2011)
......\n
State Rep. Leo Berman Announces Re-Election Bid
\n(Unknown © 07/19/2011)
......\n
For Bachmann, Gay Rights Stand Reflects Mix of Issues and Faith
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ST. PAUL — In March 2004, with Massachusetts soon to allow gay couples to wed, Michele Bachmann delivered a dire warning to her fellow Minnesotans: The children of their state were at risk. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\n“We will have immediate loss of civil liberties for five million Minnesotans,” Mrs. Bachmann, then a state senator, told a Christian television network as thousands ");
document.write("gathered on ...\n
Troops march openly in gay pride parade
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 07/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN DIEGO -- About 200 active-duty troops and veterans wearing T-shirts advertising their branch of service marched Saturday in San Diego's gay pride parade with American flags and ");
document.write("rainbow banners, marking what is believed to be the first time a military contingent has participated in such an event in the U.S. \n\nMany of the active-duty troops said they were moved to come out because it is time to ...\n
GOP presidential field would gain another conservative if Texas Gov. Rick Perry runs in 2012
\n(Unknown © 07/17");
document.write("/2011)
......\n
Perry's Credentials: As Conservative as They Come
\n(Unknown © 07/17/2011)
......\n
How Clergy Helped a Same-Sex Marriage Law Pass
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Early in the week that ended with New York enacting same-sex marriage, the Rev. Anna Taylor Sweringen stood in a hallway just outside the State Senate chambers. She wore her clerical collar and held a sign saying, “Equality now.” Around her gathered ministers and rabbis of similar sentiment, all in Albany to lobby and pray for the right of gay couples to wed. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nAs Ms. Tayl...");
document.write("\n
Troops to march in San Diego's gay pride parade
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN DIEGO (AP) ? A former Navy operations specialist is organizing what is believed to be the first military contingent of hundreds of active-duty troops and veterans to lead a gay prid");
document.write("e parade Saturday, a day after an appeals court temporarily reinstated a policy against openly gay people serving in the military.Sean Sala, who finished his service last month, is heading up the participation of th...\n
Bachmann's spousal sideshow
\n(Unknown © 07/16/2011)
......\n
Perry Prayer Picketers Organizing Online
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 07/15/2011)
Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas (Associated Press)\n\n\nAn online push for picketers is shaping up quickly before next month?s mega-prayer rally called ?The Response.? The event ? spawned by Gov. Rick Perry, R-Texas ? will take place at Houston?s Reliant Stadium and already has more than 6,000 attendees");
document.write(" registered, according to organizers.\n\n\nWorshipers will likely find themselves amid groups of critics of t...\n
Gay-marriage effort planned for Colorado's 2012 ballot
\n(Denver Post © 07/15/2011)
Propelled by the advancement of gay rights across the country over the past few years, Aurora college student Mark Olmstead hopes to");
document.write(" overturn the 2006 ballot measure that defined marriage in Colorado as between a man and a woman. \n\n\nThe state's title board will review the language of his ballot- initiative proposal next week. If it is approved, the next step will be to collect 86,000 signatures to...\n
Argentina celebrates 2,697 same-sex marriages
\n(Kansas City Star &");
document.write("copy; 07/15/2011)
It has been a big year for gay marriages in Argentina: Since the country became the first in Latin America to legalize same-sex marriages, a total of 2,697 gay and lesbian couples have tied the knot.\n\nThat's according to Argentina's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender federation. It says 60 percent of the weddings were between men, and the province with the most such weddings was Buenos Aires.\n...\n
Texas governor defends support for prayer day
\n(MSNBC © 07/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Texas Gov. Rick Perry on Thursday defended his upcoming Christian prayer gathering as a \"simple,\" non-political event that has come under attack from intolerant atheists.\n \n \n\n\"I can't wait until the 6th of August rolls around and we fill up Reliant Stadium with people who are Christ-loving and realize that our country has gotten off track,\" Perry said a day after an a");
document.write("theists and agnostics g...\n
Marcus Bachmann says his clinics not anti-gay
\n(Unknown © 07/15/2011)
......\n
Rep. Bachmann, no gay cure is necessary
\n(Unknown © 07/15/2011)
......\n
Group sues to prevent Perry participation in prayer event
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 07/14/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The Freedom from Religion Foundation on Wednesday ");
document.write("asked a Houston federal court to block Gov. Rick Perry from participating in the Response, a day of Christian prayer and fasting at Reliant Stadium.\n\nThe lawsuit, filed on behalf of five Houston-area atheists, argues that Perry's participation in the Aug. 6 event amounts to government endorsement of religion, a violation of the First Amendment.\n\nPr...\n
Criti");
document.write("cism, lawsuit plague prayer rally
\n(Austin KXAN (NBC) 36 © 07/14/2011)
AUSTIN (KXAN) - Next month's mega prayer rally - The Response - at Houston's Reliant Stadium could be in trouble. On Wednesday, a group called the \" Freedom From Religion Foundation \" filed a federal lawsuit to stop Gov. Rick Perry from taking part. \n\nAtheists and agnostics make up the organization and say Perry is violating the constitutional ban on the government establishing a religion. They...\n
Married, gay immigrant fights to stay in Houston
\n(Houston Chronicle © 07/14/2011) (Registration Required)\n
An attorney for a gay Costa Rican immigrant married to a U.S. citizen plans to ask a Houston judge on Thursday to halt deportation proceedings while the courts weigh the future of a federal law forbidding same-sex marriage.David Gonzalez, a 35-year-old accountant from Costa Rica who");
document.write(" overstayed his tourist visa, is to appear before a Houston immigration judge Thursday morning, accompanied by his pa...\n
Facebook Bully Page Removed on Spring Branch ISD's Request
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 07/14/2011)
HOUSTON - Facebook removed a bullying page targeting Spring Branch Independent School District students. \n\nThe");
document.write(" district requested the removal after officials discovered the ?Spring Woods Book? page, according to a Spring Branch ISD statement. \n\nFollowing an investigation, the district promised to take appropriate action toward the parties responsible....\n
Gay Immigrant Asks for Deportation Stay
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 07/14/2011)
HOU");
document.write("STON - A gay Costa Rican immigrant is fighting for life, love and not getting the boot from the US of A. \n\nDavid Gonzalez?s tourist visa has expired and he will be forced to return to his home country, unless something big changes in Texas. \n\nGonzalez is planning to ask a Houston judge to halt the deportation proceedings while federal courts wrestle over the same-sex marriage debate. \n\nIf the d...\n
About (Late) Last Night: Dan Savage says straight people 'redefined marriage decades ago' [Video]
\n(Los Angeles Times © 07/14/2011) (Registration Required)\n
\n\n\n\nThe Colbert Report\nGet More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive\n\n\nSex columnist Dan Savage is no stranger to controversy. Perhaps most (in)famously, he is the man responsible for presidential hopeful Rick Santorum's much-discussed Google problem. More recently, Savage was also t");
document.write("he subject of a provocative cover story in the New York Ti...\n
Rick Perry's Army of God
\n(Texas Observer © 07/14/2011)
On September 28, 2009, at 1:40 p.m., God?s messengers visited Rick Perry.\n\nOn this day, the Lord?s messengers arrived in the form of two Texas pastors, Tom Schlueter of Arlington and Bob Long of San Marcos, ");
document.write("who called on Perry in the governor?s office inside the state Capitol. Schlueter and Long both oversee small congregations, but they are more than just pastors. They consider themselves modern-...\n
Gay, lesbian households increase in Okla.
\n(Unknown © 07/14/2011)
......\n
Pharr pastor starts nation's first 'Hispanic Tea Party'
\n(Unknown © 07/14/2011)
......\n
What's going on at the Bachmann clinic?
\n(CNN.com © 07/13/2011)
Lake Elmo, MN (CNN)-In her campaign for president, Michele Bachmann touts her background as a small business owner.\n\n\n\"A small business job creator,\" is how the Minnesota Congresswoman and Republican Presidential candidate described herself in her first campaign ad in Iowa.\n\n\n\n\n\nClick to watch video\n\n\nThat business is Bachmann and Associates. It's a Christian counseling service located outside Min...\n
City OKs Charter Election For November 2012
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 07/13/2011)
The El Paso City Council on Monday voted unanimously to have a charter election in November 2012.\n\nEven though the city is able to have a charter election this year, it decided to move it to next year. By state law, the city can only have an election to change the charter every two years.\n\nThe city will form a committee that will make and take recommendations on changes to the charter, as we");
document.write("ll as ...\n
Pastor Tom Brown's actions reported to IRS
\n(El Paso Times © 07/13/2011)
The IRS has received a complaint about politics and religion in El Paso.\n\nAmericans United for the Separation of Church and State, a Washington, D.C., advocacy group, on Tuesday complained that Pastor Tom Brown is abusing his church's tax exe");
document.write("mption by advocating that Mayor John Cook and city Reps. Susie Byrd and Steve Ortega be recalled. \n\nBrown, president and pastor of the 1,500-member Word of Li...\n
Gay activist's undercover video draws attention to Bachmann clinic
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
LAKE ");
document.write("ELMO, Minn. -- A gay activist's undercover video is drawing attention to a counseling clinic co-owned by GOP presidential hopeful Michele Bachmann, with footage apparently showing a counselor offering to help the activist overcome his homosexual urges.Bachmann and her husband, Marcus, who runs the clinic, refused Tuesday to answer questions about the video from Truth Wins Out, a gay advocacy ...\n
Irvin takes pro-gay stance in speaking of brother
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Hall of Fame receiver Michael Irvin says his womanizing may have stemmed from seeing an older brother whom he idolized dressed as a woman and learning the brother was gay.In the latest issue of Out magazine, Irvin said he was 12 when he discovered his older brother Vaughn's secret life. He said his father told him: \"Yes, that's your brother. And you love your brother.\"The former Dal");
document.write("las Cowboys sta...\n
Spring Branch ISD investigates bullying page on Facebook
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 07/13/2011)
HOUSTON-- A student Facebook page was removed late Tuesday after the Spring Branch Independent School District has launched an investigation into the site.\n\n\n\n\n\nBullying ran rampant on the “Spring Woods Bo");
document.write("ok” page with insensitive comments and pictures. Dora Alejandro’s daughter was featured on the “SLUTS” section of the site.\n\n\n \n\n\n“It made me mad,&r...\n
Michael Irvin offers support for gay rights
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n<");
document.write("br>Former Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin is featured on the cover of the July edition of Out, a gay men’s magazine.\n\n\nESPN Dallas/Fort Worth delved into the “why” behind Irvin’s cover presence and the accompanying article about Irvin learning tolerance after discovering his brother was gay.\n\n\n?If anyone comes out in those top four major sports, I will absolutely support...\n
Bachmann declines to answer for husband's therapy methods
\n(Dallas KDAF (WB) 33 © 07/12/2011)
MOLINE, Ill.—\n \n \n \n \n \n \n\nThe husband of presidential candidate Michele Bachmann has reportedly denied his clinic offers reparative therapy but a hidden camera investigation may show otherwise.\n\nReparative Therapy is a technique meant to cure gay peopl...\n
Court orders U.S. to tell whether it will defend gay military ban
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/12/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN DIEGO -- A federal appeals court that has called for the immediate halt of the military's ban on openly gay troops issued an order Monday requiring the U.S. government to state whether");
document.write(" it will continue to defend the policy's constitutionality in court.Monday's order comes less than a week after the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco told the Obama administration to immediately ...\n
California: Intent Sought on ?Don?t Ask, Don?t Tell?
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/12/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A federal appeals court in California ordered the Obama administration to say whether it intends to continue to enforce the law that prohibits openly gay men, lesbians and bisexuals from serving in the military. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy is in the process of being repealed, but the lawsuit challenging it is still in the courts. The administration has argued that th...\n
Pawlenty punts on homosexuality
\n(CNN.com © 07/11/2011)
(CNN) – Republican presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty said Sunday he remained uncertain over whether homosexuality is biological or a choice.\n\n\n?As I understand the science, there?s no current conclusion that it?s genetic,? Pawlenty said Sunday on NBC?s ?Meet the Press.?\n\n\n\n\n\nSaying he preferred to ?defer to the scientists? about the issue, the former Minnesota governor said it was unclear ...\n
Pawlenty analyzes 'Born This Way'
\n(Politico.com © 07/11/2011)
Tim Pawlenty, who last week revealed in Iowa that he's a fan of Lady Gaga and her a capella song about a lack of choice in being gay, today on "Meet the Press" suggested he's not convinced:\n"There’s no scientific conclusion that it’s genetic,” he sa");
document.write("id on Sunday. “We don’t know that. We don’t know to what extent it’s behavioral. It’s so...\n
Lesbian teen from Vallejo, now an adult, believes education can change bullies
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 07/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Rochelle Hamilton was just 16 when s");
document.write("he accused her teachers of harassment and discrimination, touching off a conflict that would change the way the district looked at bullying.\n\n\"I was scared. It was a challenge,\" said Hamilton, now 19 and, in her own words, happy.\n\nBut \"happy\" could hardly describe Hamilton when she attended Jesse Bethel High School. That's where Hamilton contends teachers and st...\n
Some Companies Want Gays to Wed to Get Health Benefits
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Now that same-sex marriage has been legalized in New York, at least a few large companies are requiring their employees to tie the knot if they want their partners to qualify for health insurance. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nCorning, I.B.M. and Raytheon all provide domestic partner benefits to employees with same-sex partners in states where they cannot marry. But now that they can legally wed in New York, fiv...\n<");
document.write("br/>
Bachmann signs socially conservative pledge on homosexuality, marriage
\n(Washington Post © 07/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) is the first presidential candidate to sign a pledge written by a socially- conservative advocacy group in Iowa that, among other things, end");
document.write("orses the view that homosexuality is a choice rather than a biological trait.\r\n \r\n\r\nThe pledge, titled “The Marriage Vow: A Declaration of Dependence Upon Marriage and Family,” originated with a group led by Bob Va...\n
Appeals court suspends enforcement of 'don't ask, don't tell' policy
\n(CNN.com © 07/07/2011)
A");
document.write("ppeals court suspends enforcement of 'don't ask, don't tell' policy By Bill Mears, CNN Supreme Court Producer\nWashington (CNN) -- A federal appeals court Wednesday issued an order blocking the U.S. military from enforcing its "don't ask, don't tell" policy on gays and lesbians serving in the military. U.S. officials have been moving ahead with dismantling the policy but had objected t...\n
Federal appeals court bars further enforcement of ban on openly gay service members
\n(Dallas WFAA (ABC) 8 © 07/07/2011)
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Federal appeals court bars further enforcement of ban on openly gay service members...\n
Changes to city charter may be on Nov. ballot
\n(El Paso Times © 07/07/2011)
Equal rights for gay citizens, ending term limits, the mayor's veto power, staggered council elections and shortening council terms from four years to two might all be on the ballot in November.\n\nThe City Council is likely to call a charter election and allow voters to decide whether to alter the city's basic document, Mayor John Cook said Wednesday. \n\nCity officials had been debating whether to c...\n
Wharton: Judge denies transgender widow's request for new hearing
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 07/07/2011)
HOUSTON – The transgender widow of a Wharton firefighter had another legal setback Wednesday.\n\nA judge denied Nikki Araguz’s request for a new trial.\n\nIn May, she lost her court battle for half of Thomas Araguz’s death benefits.\n\nHis family said, since Nikki was born a man, the marriage was void.\n\nA Wharton County judge agreed.\n\nNikki");
document.write(" Araguz said she plans to appeal the latest de...\n
Gay Rights Activist Vouches for Condemned Killer
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 07/07/2011)
HOUSTON - The planned parole of a convicted killer is causing controversy. \n\nJon Buice is being released in October for the July 1991 beating and stabbing death of Houstonian Paul Broussard. ");
document.write("\n\nBuice has only served half of his 45-year prison sentence. \n\nBroussard's mother has asked the parole board not to free Buice. \n\nCrime victims advocate Andy Kahan and gay rights activist Ray Hill shared their...\n
Judge Denies Transgender Widow's Retrial Request
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 07/07/2011)
HOUSTON - A Wharton County j");
document.write("udge has declared there will be no do-overs for a transgender widow?s claim to her husband?s death benefits. \n\nNikki Araguz?s marriage to fallen Wharton County firefighter Thomas Araguz III was voided in early June. As a result, she had no claim to Thomas? $600,000 estate. \n\nAraguz filed a motion for a new trial in an attempt to have the judge reexamine the case and ...\n
Court Rules Against Ban on Gays in the Military
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 07/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The government must stop enforcing the law that prohibits openly gay men, lesbians and bisexuals from serving in the military, a federal appeals court ruled on Wednesday. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nA three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a two-page order against the policy known as “don’t ask, don’t tell” in a case brought by the group Log...\n");
document.write("
The American Debate: Rick Perry's day of prayer: Troubling messages, good politics
\n(Unknown © 07/07/2011)
......\n
U.S. court ruling could spell end of military's 'don't ask, don't tell'
\n(Unknown © 07/07/2011)
......\n
Teen accused of killing gay classmate faces trial
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 07/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Brandon McInerne");
document.write("y was a scrawny 14-year-old from a broken home when he was accused of gunning down a gay classmate in front of stunned students at a Ventura County middle school.\n\nThree years later — and six months shy of legally becoming an adult — McInerney is going on trial on a charge of first-degree murder in the killing of 15-year-old Larry King. If convicted, he faces up to life...\n
Commentary: On gay marriage, the president is still evolving
\n(Fort Worth Star-Telegram © 07/05/2011) (Registration Required)\n
\"Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.\" — Martin Luther KingOr, we could quote Hamlet's soliloquy: \"To be or not to be.\"The latter seems an accurate depiction of President Obama's agonizing — his views are \"evolving,\" he says — on whether to support marriage equality for gay men an");
document.write("d lesbians. The...\n
RI civil union legislation divides gays
\n(Kansas City Star © 07/02/2011)
Becky Chace can hardly believe she's been calling the office of Rhode Island's governor to urge him to veto legislation that would allow same-sex couples to enter into civil unions.\n\nThe 35-year-old singer-songwriter is gay. She want");
document.write("s to be forever committed - legally - to her partner of seven years, 38-year-old Christy Bergeson.\n\nBut she does not want a civil union of the sort spelled out in a bi...\n
Gay couples to sue NJ, seeking same-sex marriage
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 07/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
TRENTON, N.J. ");
document.write("(AP) ? Seven gay and lesbian New Jersey couples, along with many of their children, are going to court to try to force the state to recognize gay marriage.The families say in their legal complaint that the state's civil union law designed to give gay couples the same legal protections as married couples has not fulfilled that promise.One man says he was denied being able to make urge...\n
Florida not close to backing gay marriage
\n(South Florida Sun-Sentinel © 07/02/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Legalized gay marriage continues to be a national trend. Unfortunately, don't expect that trend to come to Florida any time in the near future.\r\n\r\n Last week, New York's Republican-controlled legislature — after much bickering with and a lot of lobbying from Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo — made the Empire State the fifth state to legalize gay marriage. Same-sex marriage is also allowed ");
document.write("...\n
Taking the long view
\n(Unknown © 07/02/2011)
......\n
Gay marriage foes appeal rul");
document.write("ing on gay U.S. judge
\n(Dallas KERA (PBS) 13 © 06/28/2011)
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Supporters of California's gay marriage ban are appealing a ruling that a U.S. judge's own gay relationship was no basis for tossing out his decision in support of same-sex marriage.\n\nU.S. District Judge Vaughn Walker in San Francisco last year struck down California's same-sex marriage ban, known as Proposition 8. He later openly discussed his own gay relationship after ...\n
After New York, New Look at Defense of Marriage Act
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 06/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
New York’s new law allowing same-sex marriage could bring renewed focus to an embattled federal law that says other states do not have to recognize such unions. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nThe Defense of Marriage Act, known as DOMA, forbids federal recognition of same-sex marriage. ");
document.write(" \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nBut a less prominent part of the law says that no state can be forced to acknowledge a same-sex couple’...\n
For Many Immigrants, Marriage Vote Resonates
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 06/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Throughout the debate over legalizing same-sex marriage, a");
document.write("rguments against it were often articulated most forcefully by the single voice, in a thick Spanish accent, of State Senator Rubén Díaz Sr. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nSome may have seen Mr. Díaz, a Democrat and a Pentecostal minister, as the Latino representative on the issue, but several same-sex couples in Queens — from Colo...\n
Rick Perry No");
document.write(" Stranger to Controversial Views
\n(Texas Tribune © 06/28/2011)
Gov. Rick Perry was the first to admit that his views on a host of hot-button political issues — from letting states legalize marijuana and same-sex marriage to describing Social Security as a “Ponzi scheme” — could cause him heartburn in a race for the White House.\n\nOn the day he was re-elected to an unprecedented third four-year term as Texas governor, Perry said the stri...\n
HISD adopts new bullying, harassment policy
\n(Unknown © 06/28/2011)
......\n
Marriage equality breakthrough offers glimpse of a better America ahead
\n(Washington Po");
document.write("st © 06/28/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Since a spirited debate has broken out about the real significance of the passage of marriage equality in New York, I thought I’d add a personal note.\n\n\nI grew up in the far West Village in the 1970s, about seven or eight blocks west of Stonewall Inn, where joyful crowds celebrated the news on Friday night. At the time, even though the Village was supposed to be a leading refuge for gays, th...\n
How will New York's gay marriage law affect the 2012 election and beyond?
\n(Christian Science Monitor © 06/27/2011)
The passage of a same-sex marriage bill in New York State was a landmark event in one of the most profound and contentious issues in US politics today. \n\n\nRelated stories\n\nNew York gay marriage law passes: Will other states follow? \nProp. 8 ruling: gay judge didn't need to recuse himself \nWill New York allow gay marriage? ");
document.write("Seven ways states differ on the issue. \nTopics\n\n * Same-Sex Marriage \n\n ...\n
New York gay marriage law passes: Will other states follow?
\n(Christian Science Monitor © 06/27/2011)
New York \n\nNew York lawmakers passed a bill Friday night that makes theirs the sixth and most populous state to permit gay marriage. It caps a");
document.write(" years-long struggle, perhaps increasing the odds of similar laws around the country as the public becomes more accepting of the idea. \n\nRelated stories\n\nNew York lawmakers delay same-sex marriage vote until Friday \nIowa's top court brings gay marriage to Am...\n
Anti-bullying dialogue is creating a culture of respect
\n(Fort Worth Star-Te");
document.write("legram © 06/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The things he called me aren't appropriate for print.They weren't appropriate for a person to say, either, but he said them. Repeatedly. In front of my friends and, on occasion, my teachers.My middle school bully wasn't a fan of how I walked and talked. He didn't like that I was artistic and not athletic. So he lobbed insults -- usually sexual ones -- and missed no chance to bring me down.My teach...\n
Gay Marriage: Where?s Mr. Obama?
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 06/27/2011) (Registration Required)\n
On Thursday night, when same-sex marriage in New York State was teetering on a razor’s edge, President Obama had a perfect opportunity to show the results of his supposed evolution on gay marriage. \n\n\n\n\nUnfortunately, he did not take it, keeping his own views in the shadows. The next night the");
document.write(" Republican-led New York State Senate, of all places, proved itself more forward-thinking tha...\n
Community, school district respond to bullying case
\n(Kingwood Observer © 06/23/2011)
The alleged cyber-bullies accused of tormenting a Kingwood\nattorney?s daughter with an obscene Facebook video have not yet\nbeen served with co");
document.write("urt papers, according to the Harris County\ndistrict clerk website, and a response has yet to be filed by the\ndefendants in the suit.\n \n \n\nMeanwhile, the victim?s father, Jason Medley, appears to enjoy\nthe support of the community in taking ...\n
Houston Pilot Suspended For Slurs, Swearing Over Air Traffic Radio
\n(San Ant");
document.write("onio KSAT (ABC) 12 © 06/23/2011)
HOUSTON -- A Houston-based airline pilot has been suspended after his cockpit microphone became stuck, allowing an obscenity-laced rant to be broadcast over hundreds of miles, Local 2 Investigates reported Tuesday.\n\n\n\n \n * \n\nVideo: Houston Pilot Suspended, Part 1 | \nVideo: Pilot Suspended, Part 2\n \n * \nSouthwest Airlines Statement\n \n\n\nAir traffic controllers in Houston first alerted Feder...\n
Census statistics show quarter of California same-sex couples raising kids
\n(San Jose Mercury News © 06/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WALNUT CREEK -- When they prepared for marriage a decade ago, Cheryl Dumesnil and Tracie Vickers contemplated living in San Francisco, where other gay and lesbian families would surround them, or venturing back to the suburbs where they grew up.\n\nTheir choice of central Contra Costa County made them pioneers, t");
document.write("he first two-mom family in their leafy Walnut Creek neighborhood.\n\n\"This is Tracie's sub...\n
Brace yourself for a round of anti-gay talk from 2012 GOPers
\n(Washington Post © 06/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
New York could legalize gay marriage as early as today or tomorrow, if Senate Republicans ");
document.write("agree to hold a vote on it, which seems increasingly likely. So how does this affect the national scene?\n\n\nI’m going to suggest that it seems fairly likely that we’re in for a round of gay-bashing — or at least, a strong focus on issue involving gays and lesbians — before the GOP presi...\n
Obama speaking at gay fundraiser in NYC as st");
document.write("ate Legislature deliberates gay marriage
\n(Washington Post © 06/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON — Talk about timing. President Barack Obama is about to hold a gala fundraiser in New York City on Thursday for gay supporters — his first as president — just as the New York state Legislature stands on the brink of legalizing gay marriage.\n \n\nThe coincidence of timing and place will inevitably spotlight the piece of Obama’s record that causes greatest consterna...\n
West Wing Briefing: At LGBT fundraiser, Obama may face questions on gay marriage
\n(Washington Post © 06/23/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Is the evolution over yet? \n\n\nPresident Obama has described his views on same-sex marriage as \"evolving\" from his one-time opposition, hinting to liberals he will at some embrace it. But when Obama app");
document.write("ears at a fundraiser specifically for New York City’s LGBT community (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) on Thursday evening, he may be pressed on the issue.\n\n\nThe appearance comes a day ...\n
Schools Warned Not To Discrimate Against Homosexuals
\n(Corpus Christi KRIS (NBC) 6 © 06/21/2011)
CORPUS CHRISTI - Secretar");
document.write("y of Education Arnie Duncan is weighing in on a controversial club started at Flour Bluff High School within the past year.\n\nStudents at the school ran into some trouble starting a Gay-Straight Alliance on campus and claimed that the school administration was working against their efforts. Then the school board voted in March to allow the club to meet on campus, at least t...\n
El Pasoan invited to White House to discuss future of gay and lesbian rights
\n(El Paso Times © 06/21/2011)
El Pasoan Eddie Gutierrez was invited to the White House to discuss the future of gay and lesbian rights in the United States at a June 29 reception with President Barack Obama.\n\n\"I am honored and humbled by this invitation,\" said Gutierrez, 33, founder of the Gutierrez Group/GGPR communications agency. \"I never expected something like this. I look forward to representing the issues that I believe...\n
People's Friend/People's Foe Awards
\n(Texas Observer © 06/21/2011)
All this week, we?ll be unveiling The Texas Observer?s second biennial People?s Friend and People?s Foe awards. Each day this week we'll add new faces to our 2011 list. This isn?t a best/worst lawmaker list. This ain?t about process. We?re focused on who did what and why they did it. These aw");
document.write("ards spotlight the folks who, in our view, did the most damage to?and tried to do the most good for?the peo...\n
Calling All Same-Sex Couples: Lush Wants You to Kiss It
\n(Dallas Observer © 06/17/2011)
Courtesy of Lush\nSure, Lush is that gourmet-beauty explosion you can identify by smell in NorthPark and the Galleria. B");
document.write("ut its hunks of hand-cut soap and fizzing bath bombs aren't the only things the bath product retailer is known for. Lush is pretty damn outspoken, too.\n\n\nBack in 2008, Lush employees dissed their clothes to spotlight the company dissing extraneous packaging. The staffers do...\n
Coalition to combat bullying is launched in El Paso schools
\n
CANUTILLO -- An anti-bullying campaign was launched Thursday in hopes of educating the public and preventing bullying in schools and neighborhoods.\n\nThe Anti-Bullying Coalition, led by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office, has the goal of raising awareness on how bullying can lead to serious physical and psychological harm, said coalition chairman Cmdr. Jesus Campa. \n\nCampa defined bullying as maki...\n
Ouisa Davis: Restoration of benefits was right move by city
\n(El Paso Times © 06/17/2011)
The virulence of people who want to control the life-choices of others never fails to amaze me. Basing their arguments on concepts of morality and emotion, they tend to become downright unreasonable in their desire to deny rights and benefits that they, themselves, enjoy.\n\nWith employment comes contractual benefits, which may include various forms of leave, training, retirement benefit");
document.write("s and insura...\n
Valley group against Perry's faith-based event
\n(Harlingen KGBT (CBS) 4 © 06/17/2011)
A Rio Grande Valley group said it's against an upcoming, faith-based event hosted by Texas Gov. Rick Perry and a non-denominational Christian group at Reliant Stadium in Houston.\n\nPerry recently issued a proclamation?declar");
document.write("ing August 6th as a Day Of Prayer.\n\nCiting natural disasters, war, and other social ills, Perry asked all ?Americans of faith? to pray on that day for the healing of the United ...\n
Day of prayer violates separation of church and state
\n(Houston Chronicle © 06/17/2011) (Registration Required)\n
As Hou");
document.write("ston clergy, we write to express our deep concern over Gov. Rick Perry's proclamation of a day of prayer and fasting at Houston's Reliant Stadium on Aug. 6. In our role as faith leaders, we encourage and support prayer, meditation and spiritual practice. Yet our governor's religious event gives us pause for a number of reasons.\n\n\nWe believe in a healthy boundary between church and state. Out...\n
Hate crime victim?s mom fights killer?s parole
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 06/17/2011)
HOUSTON -- The mother of a man murdered in the Montrose area two decades ago was back in town Thursday arguing that his killer should not be paroled.\n\n\n\n\n\nPaul Broussard was attacked by ten teenagers and stabbed to death outside a Montrose nightclub.\n\n\n \n\n\nA parole hearing was scheduled for Thursday for Jon Buice, the man convicted of delivering the fatal wound.\n\n\n &nb...\n
Super Bowl hero warns of 'anarchy' if NY approves gay marriage
\n(CNN.com © 06/16/2011)
Super Bowl hero warns of 'anarchy' if NY approves gay marriage (CNN) -- Former New York Giants receiver David Tyree's celebrated catch in the closing seconds of Super Bowl XLII was pivotal to his team's victory. Now out of football, he is trying to claim a last-minute win o");
document.write("ver another foe -- same-sex marriage. On the same day that the New York State Assembly approved a same-sex marriage bill, Ty...\n
Mom on Son's Killer: Don't Let Him Out
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 06/16/2011)
HOUSTON - A parole hearing is scheduled on Thursday afternoon for the longest-imprisoned attacker in an infamous gay-bashin");
document.write("g murder. \n\nTwo decades ago, 27-year old Paul Broussard was attacked by ten teenagers who beat and stabbed him to death outside a Montrose nightclub. \n\nIt was Jon Buice who wielded the knife that delivered the fatal wounds. He was sentenced to 45-years in prison, but hasn?t ev...\n
G.O.P. Senators Are Stalled in Talks on Marriage Bill
\n(N");
document.write("ew York Times (State Version) © 06/16/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ALBANY — Anguished Senate Republicans held a four-hour meeting on Wednesday at which they were unable to decide even whether they would bring same-sex marriage to a vote, stalling a last-minute drive by supporters of the legislation. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nThe long-debated marriage measure, which has overshadowed all other issues in the final days of this legislative session, remained one vote shy o...\n
New York Assembly approves same-sex marriage
\n(Unknown © 06/16/2011)
......\n
Gay parenting as, well, parenting
\n(Washington Post © 06/16/2011) <");
document.write("font color=\"gray\">(Registration Required)\n
Marc Salans, his partner and their 12-year-old twins don’t plan to do much this Father’s Day. “The kids usually make us a card or cook us breakfast, but it’s all very low key. Oddly enough, we make a much bigger deal out of Mother’s Day,” he wrote to me in an e-mail.\n\n\n“The idea behind [it] is that we want our children — who don’t have a\n mothe...\n
Bankruptcy court rules federal law prohibiting same-sex marriages is unconstitutional
\n(Chicago Tribune © 06/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Gene Balas and Carlos Morales were facing health problems and crushing financial pressures plaguing many U.S. households when they decided to file bankruptcy as a married couple.\n\n The Obama administration said they couldn't, citing the Defense of Marriage Act");
document.write(", which prohibits federal recognition of same-sex marriages.\n\n On Monday, 20 of 24 judg...\n
El Paso restores gay and unwed couples' benefits
\n(El Paso Inc © 06/15/2011)
EL PASO, Texas (AP) -- El Paso's City Council on Tuesday reinstated health insurance benefits to gay and unmarried couples as well as other curr");
document.write("ent and former city workers who were the unintended targets of a voter-approved ordinance.\nEl Paso voters decided in November to give benefits only to city employees, legal spouses and dependent children. The measure was pushed by evangelist Tom Brown. But...\n
Court Upholds Gay Judge's Ruling On Proposition 8
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 ©");
document.write("; 06/15/2011)
(CNN) -- A federal judge who ruled against a ban on same-sex marriage in California and later revealed that he is gay showed no evidence he was prejudiced in the case, according to a ruling Tuesday.\n\nU.S. District Court Judge James Ware upheld former colleague's Judge Vaughn Walker's ruling on California's Proposition 8. Questions had been raised about Walker's ability to impartially decide the co...\n
City restores domestic partner benefits
\n(El Paso Times © 06/15/2011)
Listen to Tom Brown's statements at the clip to the right.\n\n\nThe City Council voted on Tuesday to restore health benefits to gay and unmarried partners of city employees and scores of others, an issue that promises to come up again after two new council members are sworn in later this month.\n\nAfter hearing spirited arguments from members of the public on both sides of the issue, the council split ...\n
Valley group against Perry's faith-based event
\n(Harlingen KGBT (CBS) 4 © 06/15/2011)
A Rio Grande Valley group said it's against an upcoming, faith-based event hosted by Texas Gov. Rick Perry and a non-denominational Christian group at Reliant Stadium in Houston.\n\nPerry recently issued a proclamation?declaring August 6th as a Day Of Prayer.\n\nCitin");
document.write("g natural disasters, war, and other social ills, Perry asked all ?Americans of faith? to pray on that day for the healing of the United ...\n
Texas governor accused of blurring church and state lines with prayer event
\n(Houston KHOU (CBS) 11 © 06/15/2011)
HOUSTON – Gov. Rick Perry is facing some criticism for a fa");
document.write("ith-based event scheduled for August 6 at Reliant Stadium.\n\n\n\n\n\nThe Houston Clergy Council wrote a letter criticizing the governor for excluding non-Christians, partnering with an anti-gay group and blurring the line between church and state, the Houston Chronicle reported.\n\n\n\n\n\nTwenty-four local leaders signed the letter.\n\n\n\n\n...\n
El Paso Restores Gay, Unwe");
document.write("d Couples' Benefits
\n(KFOXTV.com © 06/15/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso City Council approved an ordinance to reinstate health benefits for domestic partners of city employees and anyone else who lost them after voters approved the traditional family values ordinance last year.\n\nThe eight city representatives were split down the middle, with Mayor John Cook having the tie-breaking vote. He voted in favor of the ordinance he introduced. Reps...\n
Pastors Divided on Perry's Call to Prayer
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 06/15/2011)
HOUSTON - Some Houston-area pastors are divided when it comes to supporting Governor Rick Perry's prayer event that's happening in the city. \n\nThe event is intended to be a non-denominational, apolitical and Christian prayer service \n\nSome pastors say the event excludes other faiths and the event's sponsor, the American family Association, discriminates against");
document.write(" the gay, lesbian, bisexual and trang...\n
Defense of Marriage Act called unconstitutional by bankruptcy judge
\n(Los Angeles Times © 06/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
The nation's largest bankruptcy court has declared a controversial law banning federal recognition of gay marriages unconstitutional");
document.write(".\n\n\n\n\n\nThe ruling in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California was the first to address the constitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act since U.S. Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr. announced in February that the Obama administration considered...\n
Gay judge wasn't required to remove himself from same-sex marriage case, U.S. judge rul");
document.write("es
\n(Los Angeles Times © 06/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Reporting from San Francisco -- A federal judge's refusal Tuesday to invalidate last year's ruling against Proposition 8 established for the first time that gay judges may decide gay rights cases without having to defend their impartiality.\n\n\n\n\n\nU.S. District Chief Judge James Ware ruled that retired Judge Vaughn R. Walker, 67, who is openly gay, was not required to remove himself from the same-se...\n
Gay Marriage Bill Is One Vote Shy of Clearing State Senate
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 06/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
ALBANY — New York was on the cusp of legalizing same-sex marriage on Tuesday, after a second Republican state senator came forward to support the measure, leaving it a single vote shy of passage. \n\r\n\r\r\n\r\nThe senator, Roy J. McDonal");
document.write("d, from the capital region, announced his support for same-sex marriage amid growing indications that Republican leaders would bring it the Senate floor on ...\n
Gay US judge's same-sex marriage ruling upheld
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/15/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) ? A fede");
document.write("ral judge on Tuesday had a message for those trying to salvage California's gay marriage ban: Sure, the judge who threw out the measure last year is in a long-term relationship with a man, but he could still be fair to them.Chief U.S. District Court Judge James Ware's ruling rejected arguments that former Chief Judge Vaughn Walker would potentially benefit from declaring...\n
El Paso council to vote on gay couples' benefits
\n(El Paso Times © 06/14/2011)
The vote is scheduled for Tuesday. \n\nVoters decided in November to give benefits only to city employees, legal spouses and dependent children. That not only disqualified 19 gay couples but also about 100 other partners of employees, some retirees and workers not legally considered city employees. \n\nThe council has the legal power to vote on another ordinance to restore the benefits. Meanwh...\n
");
document.write("Adoptions by Gay Couples Rise, Despite Barriers
\n(New York Times (State Version) © 06/14/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Growing numbers of gay couples across the country are adopting, according to census data, despite an uneven legal landscape that can leave their children without the rights and protections extended to children of heterosexual parents. \n\r\n");
document.write("\r\r\n\r\nSame-sex couples are explicitly prohibited from adopting in only two states — Utah and Mississippi — but they face significant legal hurdl...\n
City Benefits Battle: Some Seek To Recall Mayor Over New Proposal
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 06/13/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- It's a new round in the battle over city hea");
document.write("lth benefits and it's getting even uglier.\n\nThe authors of an embattled voter-approved ordinance are threatening to recall El Paso mayor John Cook over a recently introduced ordinance of his own.\n\n\"If it does pass we will recall the mayor and we will recall every city council person who votes for it,\" said pastor Tom Brown, who helped ...\n
El Paso City Counc");
document.write("il to revisit gay benefits issue
\n(El Paso Times © 06/13/2011)
The City Council on Tuesday will hold a public hearing on a measure that would reverse an initiative passed by voters in November. \n\n\n\nThe council is considering an ordinance that would restore health benefits to 19 gay and unmarried partners of city employees. It also would restore benefits to more than 100 others who lost them because of the way the initiative was worded. \n\n\n\nOrganizers of the N...\n
Backers of gay marriage ban in California to present arguments targeting ruling by judge
\n(Washington Post © 06/13/2011) (Registration Required)\n
SAN FRANCISCO — A retired federal judge’s long-term relationship with another man will be the subject of an unusual and possibly unprecedented court hearing Monday involving California’s same-sex marriage ban.\n \n\nLawyers for the spons");
document.write("ors of the voter-approved ban are asking the chief federal judge in San Francisco to vacate the decision issued by his predecessor last year that d...\n
Gay debate stirs tensions in late-night session
\n(El Paso Times © 06/10/2011)
It was late.\n\nPeople were tired.\n\nAnd, emotions ran high as state Rep. Wayne Christian, R-Center");
document.write(", proposed an amendment to a fiscal bill that said universities could not use appropriated funds or use buildings to "support a gender and sexuality center or other center for students focused on gay, lesbian, homosexual, bisexual, pansexual, transexual, transgender, gender questioning, or other ge...\n
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Activists are demandi");
document.write("ng that a series of killings of gays, lesbians and transgenders in Puerto Rico be treated as possible hate crimes, saying there is an alarming rate o
\n(Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 06/10/2011)
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Activists are demanding that a series of killings of gays, lesbians and transgenders in Puerto Rico be treated as possible hate crimes, saying there is an alarming rate of violence against these groups on the U.S. island. -->\nSAN JUAN, Puerto Rico ? Activists are demanding that a series of killings of gays, lesbians and transgenders in Puerto");
document.write(" Rico be treated as possib...\n
Stadium Reacts to Controversial Perry-backed Prayer Rally
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
A prayer event Gov. Rick Perry has organized at Reliant Stadium on Aug. 6 is drawing nationwide criticism, in part because the event is being orga");
document.write("nized by the American Family Association, which advocates against gay rights.\n\n\nThe AFA has been labeled a ?hate group? by the Southern Poverty Law Center.\n\n\nWhen it comes to hosting potentially controversial events at the Reliant Complex, SMG/Reliant Pa...\n
First Reading: Attack on gender and sexuality centers nearly sinks major bill in state House
\n(Unknown © 06/10/2011)
......\n
LGBT in school: 'I lost a lot of my friends'
\n(Unknown © 06/10/2011)
......\n
\n(Unknown © 06/10/2011)
......\n
Loving v. Virginia gives hope for same-sex marriage
\n(Washington Post © 06/10/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Truth be told, the origin");
document.write("al defense of marriage occurred on June 12, 1967. That’s when the Supreme Court ruled in\nLoving v. Virginia \nthat two people, no matter their race, should be legally allowed to marry. In a stirring video tribute to the landmark case released by the American Foundation for Equal Rights, Ted Olson and David Boies, the conservative-liberal tag team fighting to overturn ...\n
Christian visionaries lighting the way for the spiritually blind
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 06/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Let's delve deeper into the big Christian prayer meeting Gov. Rick Perry is promoting for Aug. 6 at Houston's Reliant Stadium. It's called \"The Response: A call to prayer for a nation in crisis.\" In the invitation sent to all governors, Perry bemoaned the \"continued debasement of our culture.\"\n\n\"Try as we might,\" he wrote, \"we cannot right every wrong, prevent bad things from happening ");
document.write("to good peo...\n
Perry prayer event generates strong reaction
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 06/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
Published: 8:35 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, 2011\n\n\n\nGov. Rick Perry's invitation to governors to pray and fast with him in Houston in August quickly mad");
document.write("e national headlines this week, with a range of reactions including outrage.\n\nCritics, including the Texas Freedom Network and the Anti-Defamation League, contend that the event is exclusive to Christians and raise questions ab...\n
Perry's upcoming prayer event draws sharp criticism
\n(Houston Chronicle © 06/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN — Gov. Rick Perry's Aug. 6 day of prayer and fasting at Reliant Stadium is generating significant heat nationwide, with critics protesting the exclusively Christian focus of the event and Perry's partnership with the controversial American Family Association, which advocates against gay rights.\nExpressing objections on a variety of religious and cultural grounds, some opponents have o...\n
Begala, Koenning Debate Prayer Meeting
\n(KRIV Fox (Houston) © 06/09/2011)
HOUSTON - Houston Mayor Parker is pleased that Gov. Rick Perry wants to conduct a large-scale prayer meeting in Houston ... so that it can bring money to the city. \n\nGov. Perry is asking all U.S. governors and several religious leaders to convene Aug. 6 at Reliant Stadium in order to pray for America. \n\nNot everyone believes the prayer meeting, sponsored by the?American Family Association, is a go...\n<");
document.write("br/>
Perry's day of prayer is stirring discontent
\n(San Antonio Express-News © 06/09/2011) (Registration Required)\n
AUSTIN ? Gov. Rick Perry?s Aug. 6 day of prayer and fasting at Reliant Stadium is generating heat nationwide, with critics protesting the event?s exclusively Christian focus and Perry?s part");
document.write("nership with the controversial American Family Association, which opposes gay rights.\n\nOpponents have organized a protest on Facebook, while others are urging the nation?s 49 other governors invited by Perry to...\n
First Reading: Controversy surrounds host of Perry-promoted prayer event
\n(Austin American-Statesman © 06/08/2011) ");
document.write("(Registration Required)\n
Perry draws criticism for standing with AFA, governor headed to anti-abortion event in California and major changes in Medicaid are on the horizon.\n\n\n(Happy birthday to Rep. Aaron Pena and TxDOT boss Deirdre Delisi.)\n\n\nHouse is in at 1. Senate is out until Thursday.\n\n\nGov. Rick Perry’s call for prayer and fasting on Aug. 6 at an event called The Response in Houston has brought new attention ...\n
Mayor Pushes To Restore Domestic Partner Health Benefits Despite Federal Ruling
\n(El Paso KVIA (ABC) 7 © 06/08/2011)
EL PASO, Texas -- The City Council has started the process to potentially reinstitute the health insurance for city employees that a voter-approved ordinance took away.\n\n El Paso Mayor John Cook introduced an ordinance on Tuesday that would give back the health benefits to gay and unwed partners of city employees and the unintended targets");
document.write(" of the voter-initiated ordinance.\n\n Last Nove...\n
Proposal would nullify partner benefits law
\n(El Paso Times © 06/08/2011)
Here they go again.\n\nThe City Council next week will decide whether it will, in effect, annul an ordinance passed by the voters.\n\nMayor John Cook on Tuesday introduced an ordinance that would resto");
document.write("re city health benefits to more than 100 people, including 19 gay and unmarried partners of city employees. In November, by 55 to 45 percent, voters overturned the council's decision to give benefits to ...\n
Fort Worth attack being investigated as possible hate crime
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Perry religious event draws fire over host
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The Brief: Top Texas News for June 8,");
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Officials: Half of force trained on gay ban repeal
\n(Houston Chronicle © 06/07/2011) (Registration Required)\n
WASHINGTON\n — More than a million U.S. troops — roughly half the armed forces — have been trained ");
document.write("on the new law allowing gays to serve openly in the military, and so far there has been none of the turmoil or dire consequences predicted by opponents of what had been expected to be a wrenching change in military culture.\n \n\nThere's been no widespread resistance, no mad rush ...\n
Perry puts faith in Houston rally
\n(Houston Chronicle");
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With plans for a public prayer rally at Reliant Stadium, Gov. Rick Perry again is putting his faith up front, leading supporters to admire his reliance on God, opponents to question his blending of church and government, and political experts to speculate that he is reaching out to conservative Christian voters amid rumors that he will seek the Republican nomination for president.\nPerry on Monday ...\n