A complaint filed alleges that the notoriously anti-gay group, Focus on the Family, improperly endorsed candidates for Congress. With James Dobson at the helm of this organization, it should be a fun ride for us spectators! We all know James Dobson - the one who said that Sponge Bob Squarepants is gay.

Here is the story via the Washington Blade:

A Washington-based group has asked the Internal Revenue Service to investigate whether Focus on the Family or its founder James Dobson violated IRS rules by electioneering.

James Bopp, an attorney for the Colorado Springs-based conservative Christian group, said the group has fully complied with IRS code.

The complaint, filed Monday by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, also asked the IRS to investigate whether the tax-exempt status of Focus on the Family should be revoked. Tax-exempt organizations cannot participate in campaigns for or against candidates for public office.

The group alleges that news articles showed Dobson endorsed candidates for Congress before the organization officially formed its separate public policy arm, Focus on the Family Action, in July 2004.

Bopp said the organization didn't break any rules.

'Anything Dr. Dobson did to endorse candidates, he did as an individual,' Bopp said.

Well... I guess we'll see about this. I wouldn't be surprised at all if something came of this investigation.


Posted by Bryan Harding

Just in time for the holidays! HRC released a guide, "Buying for Equality", it's a must read.

via HRC:
Corporate America is leading the way to fairness and equality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in offices and boardrooms around the country. By offering domestic partner benefits and implementing inclusive anti-discrimination policies, workplaces are rapidly becoming a fairer place for all employees.

The Human Rights Campaign Foundation's 2005 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) found that a record 101 companies scored a perfect 100 percent - more than seven times as many since the first CEI was published in 2002. Despite successes in the workplace, it is still legal in 34 states to fire a gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender employee for no reason other than who they are. Many companies still have a long way to go to ensure equality for all employees.

The Human Rights Campaign's Buying for Equality guide provides you with the information you need to support products from companies that support equality. Making the choice to support fair-minded businesses can help affect real change in workplaces across the country.

Please view the online version of the Buying for Equality guide for the most up-to-date information.

Posted by Bryan Harding

Oh right, you did. You wept like a little baby at your press conference. Though, for some reason we aren't feeling any pity for you. The entire time you were taking bribes, you knew what you were doing. What you were doing to your own reputation, the desecration of the political office you held, and what you did to your family.

Well boys and girls - one down... and 120 to go.

An old foe of mine fell yesterday, and I'm trying pre' hard not to giggle about it.

Now FORMER Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham-one of the 121 co-sponsors of the Federal Marriage Amendment, fell in a blaze of glory, much like he did at the end of the Vietnam War in his often bragged about "Top Gun" days. But just like those days, it's was kind of hard to tell if he was shot down like he says, or if he merely got careless and ran out of gas. But now we know that he has pled guilty to tax evasion, accepting bribes, and conspiracy to commit fraud.

I watched his press coverage yesterday and remembered one time at Alvarado Hospital when he said in front of a group of elderly cancer patients that no man would enjoy prostate cancer treatment, "unless he was Barney Frank."

And then I remembered the time he got into a fight with a Virginia Democratic Representative and police had to break it up. Or the time he challenged another representative to a fist fight on the House floor. Or the time he said Vietnam protesters should have been shot.

Or when he said the same about Bill Clinton.

Or when he said the same about "liberal leadership".

And the times he has voted against family leave, yet he is furiously pro-life. (Just have the babies, ma'am, who cares that you can't stay home and take care of them.) And of course there's the scandals about Cindy Legan and the other female interns that he loved to have around. (Don't tell his wife!!) No wonder he opposed efforts to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the Army, calling it "BS". And finally, let's not forget another time when he explained that "homos" in the military would "degrade the national security."

Perhaps it is my inner mortgage banker, that understands what happens to a neighborhood when the value of a property is artificially inflated. After all, I had to move from San Diego when I could no longer afford housing there. So there is a part of me that will savor this outcome. (As opposed to the part of me that would prefer he had never been elected in the first place... for eight #*@%& terms. But try getting North County to vote Democrat - sheesh!!)

But still - He could get 10 years! And his political career is finished. Its good to know that this guy won't be polluting my home town quite as badly any more.

Guest Column by Tanya DeCharles, NE Portland

Ok so not exactly the Oscar... though big time in the advertising industry. We all remember the "controversial" ad that was that was banned by NBC, CBS and UPN. The commercial, produced last year for the United Church of Christ, was intended to attract gays and others who feel alienated by other denominations - be it race, sexual orientation, etc.

The 30-second spot features two muscle-bound "bouncers" standing guard outside a picturesque church and selecting which persons are permitted to attend Sunday services. Written text interrupts the scene, announcing, "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we." A narrator then proclaims the United Church of Christ's commitment that: "No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here."

CBS told the denomination that because the ad implies the acceptance of gay and lesbian couples it violated network standards. Viacom, which owns CBS also owns UPN. NBC declared the spot "too controversial." The ad also was refused by ABC.

A number of privately owned stations, some affiliated with the networks, aired the commercials anyway. I remember seeing it here in Portland during that time. Not sure what stations it was on though.

via UCC:

The UCC's "bouncer" television commercial, which aired nationally in December 2004 and March 2005, has received one of the advertising industry's most significant honors.

The Association of National Advertisers awarded the United Church of Christ with its 2005 Multicultural Excellence Award for its 30-second commercial that touted the denomination's insistence that "Jesus didn't turn people away. Neither do we."

[Something many churches and individuals have seemed to abandon]

"This is a biggie," exclaimed Marilyn Dubasak, project manager for the UCC's Stillspeaking Initiative.

Besting advertisements by award finalists MasterCard and Microsoft, the UCC was presented the award on Nov. 8 at ANA's multicultural advertising conference in Miami, Fla.

"I have been in the business for 26 years and you don't have too many moments like this," said Michael Jordan, creative director for Gotham, Inc., the UCC's New York-based advertising firm that has helped produce the denomination's commercials.

Ron Buford, coordinator and team leader for The Stillspeaking Initiative, received the award on behalf of the church.

"The church has been given this multicultural excellence award because we didn't take the brand and make it multicultural, we took multicultural and made it a brand," Buford told United Church News. "This is the essence of non-conformity with the world."

The ANA's recognition is significant, Buford emphasized, not only because ANA's members include the biggest names in advertising - such as Coke and General Motors - but also because the award's multicultural emphasis gives hope and credence to the kind of multicultural church that the UCC claims and wants to be.

[...]

The ANA prize is the third significant recognition in 2005 for the UCC's bouncer spot which also received a New York Addy Award for best single national spot as well as the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's outstanding advertising award.

Posted by Bryan Harding

This is absolutely abhorent and sickening. What better place to breed hate then in a public (tax-payer funded) high school... What the f**k are they thinking?

365gay.com reports: (Farmington, New Mexico) An essay contest at a New Mexico high school asks students to explain why preserving marriage between men and women is vital society and why unborn children merit respect and protection.

The contest, at Farmington's Piedra Vista High School, is being held in connection with an essay contest sponsored by United Families International, an organization whose primary mission is "to strengthen the family by promoting marriage between one man and woman and the protection of human life, including unborn children."

The students were given the option of either writing a response to two questions about preserving marriage and the protection of the "unborn" or submitting a personal narrative.

The parent of a sophomore at the school complained about the contest to the ACLU.

"The contest had nothing to do with encouraging critical thinking," said ACLU of New Mexico staff attorney George Bach.

"It was a tactic to shape students' political views in the guise of an objective school assignment."

The contest also is being criticized by Equality New Mexico, and NARAL Pro-Choice New Mexico.

In a letter to Principal Donny Ortiz they say that the contest violates state regulations banning sexual orientation discrimination by teachers.

The groups have proposed offering students a choice of also writing about alternative viewpoints.

Ortiz declined the offer of a competing essay contest saying that New Mexico Secretary of Education Veronica Garcia distributed the original essay contest school districts for interested students only.

"Piedra Vista High School's apparent lack of respect for diversity in thought is troubling," said Alexis Blizman, Executive Director of LGBT civil rights group Equality New Mexico.

"Students in taxpayer-funded public schools simply shouldn't be forced to accept one viewpoint over another, regardless of the issue."

Garcia's office did not return calls seeking comment.

Posted by Bryan Harding

Ok this is crazy--but true... see the video here. Please be warned - it is not pretty. Very disturbing...

A young Royal Marine is FORCED into a barbaric naked fight with another recruit and then KICKED unconscious by a superior in a brutal booze-fuelled initiation ceremony.

And the shocking ritual-covertly filmed by a commando-is alleged to be one of many imposed on recruits.

Now the film is being investigated by Ministry of Defence top brass who have confirmed it is genuine.

Our source claims the culprit holds senior rank. The Marines would not confirm his position but an MoD source said: "He's not an officer but he is an NCO."

They identified the 42 Commando marine-dressed in a blue surgeon's outfit-who carried out the attack and he is being disciplined.

But our whistleblower reveals the beating that could have KILLED the young recruit in this video is one of many chilling secret initiation ordeals he has witnessed as a marine.

A veteran of Afghanistan and Iraq, he said: "This is the worst thing I've seen happen-that's why I filmed it-but it's the tip of an iceberg.



Electrodes
"The guy laid out was inches away from being dead. Stuff like this goes on all the time-but when drink becomes involved it gets worse."

The whistleblower went on to reveal how marine recruits were:

TORTURED with shocks through electrodes attached to their genitals. FORCED to crawl naked through thorn bushes. ORDERED to jump out of bedroom windows, even though some broke their legs, and URGED to fight each other with one hand tied behind their backs.

"The top boys in the Royal Marines know this all goes on but they turn a blind eye to it," said our marine.

The violent initiation ceremony he filmed took place in May at Bickleigh Barracks, near Plymouth, home to the elite 42 Commando.

"They call them Joining Runs-or Sprog Olympics-because sprog is slang for baby and these were new recruits," said the marine.

"12 of them were taken to a barbecue on the top field with about 40 other marines watching.

[...]

"Then the fighting started. The bloke disappeared and came back with the surgeon's outfit, mask and cap on and things really turned nasty when he ordered them to start laying into each other. You can see it on their faces in the film that they're scared."

Naked fellow marines surrounding them can be heard baying for blood as the man in the surgeon's outfit and another in a St Trinian's uniform, complete with wig and short skirt, supervise the cruel contest.

First the hapless pair have rubber mats strapped to their arms and start slugging away.

Then they are told to remove their mats and square up with bare fists before being ordered on to their knees to wrestle.

Broken
"He could have killed the guy. If that kick caught him on the temple, that would have been it. Lights out for good.

The guy on the floor was unconscious for a couple of minutes-and was sick when he came round. He had to be helped away. His boss just stood there with a can of wifebeater (the marines' name for Stella Artois lager) while the guy was out cold, goading the others to have a go at him if they dared. But we knew we couldn't."

"I've seen new recruits have electronic pads from massage machines attached to their testicles and heads," he said.

After seeing the video, a Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "The Royal Marines take these allegations extremely seriously. The Service Police have launched an investigation."

via Lewis Panther, News of the World

If gay and lesbians were not genuine in their orientation, do you think they would be advocating with such intensity, and so steadfastly?

Is any other group that conservatives like to compare Homosexuals to that is as passionate in the pursuit of personal freedoms? I think not.

Unlike the radical Islamists, gays are not fighting for a belief system, they are fighting for personal autonomy and the right to be who one "is".

It is for that reason that fighting against the insurgents in Iraq is likened to fighting the deepest recesses of religious fundamentalism here. That is to say, if the world were united into one political division, the radical islamists and the radical Christians would not be rivals, they would be partners. Religious intolerances be they Islamic or Christian, are branches of the same tree.

Gays and lesbians are not railing against non-acceptance of a "lifestyle" they wittingly subscribed to. Homosexuals are defending a part of the cosmic rainbow of humanity in which they were ascribed.

Moreover, even if you do not believe in the inherent, innate causation of human sexuality, there is no valid argument to thwart private affairs on intimate matters between consenting adults.

If you justify disenfranchisement via religion then call yourself Osama Bin Laden.

It is hoped that you are brave enough and wise enough to see the difference.

From a citizen of Phoenix, AZ. Found on PHXnews.com.

Elton John says he and his partner David Furnish plan a small private ceremony to seal their civil partnership under new legislation offering gays many of the legal protections available to married heterosexuals.

"It'll be a very small family affair and then in the evening there'll be a soiree somewhere, which we have yet to work out," John was quoted as saying in an interview with Attitude magazine released Thursday.

"But the ceremony itself will be David's parents and my parents and the two of us. They'll be our witnesses. That's the way we want to do it. They've been so fantastic to us and so supportive. Out of respect for their support, we want to just keep it small. Not to make a ballyhoo of the ceremony," John was quoted as saying.

The ceremony will be held on Dec. 21, the effective date of the legislation creating civil partnerships.

Furnish, a Canadian-born filmmaker, and John have been together for 12 years.

"As far as I'm concerned, I've always considered myself committed to Elton and he's the person that I want to spend the rest of my life with. So in that sense I don't feel like the dynamic of our relationship is going to change," Furnish was quoted as saying.

"But from a social standpoint, I think it's hugely significant. It is a major, major change. It is one of the defining issues of our times. And I applaud Britain for embracing the diversity of our society."

via AP

An Italian news agency, Adista, reported on its website today the contents of a much-anticipated document scheduled for release by the Vatican regarding gays in the priesthood. The document is slated for official release on November 29th. However, reports of its contents have been speculated on for months. Today's report by Adista contains an actual copy of the document, which has been authenticated by a Church official.

"Today, the Catholic Church is showing an aversion to both the teachings of Christ and science. By silencing Catholics who advocate full inclusion, this decree by the church is an attempt to close down open debate," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "At a time when the church should be taking responsibility for the harm created by a devastating sex abuse scandal, they are instead using gay people as scapegoats. This decree is a diversion that neither keeps children safe nor holds criminals responsible."

via HRC Press Release

Since Michigan passed their own "defense of marriage" amendment, just one of the many DOMA's passed in 2004, Michigan's Proposal 2 was spun in a way to voters that gave them the impression that it was only for marriage. Turns out some voters are now confused about what they actually voted for.

At issue is the language approved by voters in Proposal 2: "To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, the union of one man and one woman in marriage shall be the only agreement recognized as a marriage or similar union for any purpose."

Now, to be honest, it sounds clear to me. I would read this and say that it leaves the extent to which discrimination can takes place--wide open. I'm sorry but when it says, "...similar union for any purpose", people should have known better. On the other hand it is the job of the hypo-Christian campaign to spin it in a way that they make it sound to voters that it's only about marriage - after all isn't that all they are trying to "protect"? You'd be stupid to think that. They are not anti-gay marriage. They are simply anti-gay.

Give me a break.

It will include things like civil unions, and it could prohibit state and local governmental entities from providing domestic partner benefits (health benefits) or recognizing civil unions, and it could prevent private employers from recognizing them too.

Here are quotes from two citizens who voted YES on Proposal 2.

I voted that way because I believe marriage is a sacrament," said Patricia Klein, 75, a retired former supervisor at Verizon Wireless who lives in Belleville. "But I definitely support them having a civil ceremony and having domestic partner benefits. I don't remember (the proposal) saying anything about health benefits."

__________

John Boyar of Eastpointe said his "yes" vote simply reaffirmed his belief in one man-one woman marriage. "It was about marriage, that's all I know," said Boyar, a retired TV repairman.

So now the controversy.

Is it the will of the hypo-Christians to get rid of all health benefits for gay families as well? Seems that the idea of "protecting" marriage is one thing, though to fight to deny all health benefits is overboard. These health benefits for gay families now hinge on lawsuits and domestic partners worry state's definition of marriage will keep them from insurance coverage. How about the children of these couples? Shouldn't these Christian folks want to make sure that these children have health coverage? After all--there isn't a way for the hypo-Christians to stop gay couples from having children (though they would of course love that).

It's just crazy to me--more so these so-called "Christians" are crazy.

"It would be very safe to say that Michigan's current struggles would put them in the category of being a test case," said Brad Luna, spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign, a national gay rights organization based in Washington, D.C. "All across the country where marriage amendments are being passed, they're passed with ... a convoluted sense of what it means. States (are trying) to deal with whether (the amendments are) a narrow interpretation regarding marriage or an octopus with eight legs that reaches out and touches everything."

So the legal battle...

In two lawsuits before the Michigan Court of Appeals, some argue the law also bars employers from offering health insurance to the partners of same-sex couples and their children. Others say the law was only intended to prevent marriage between gays and between lesbians; they argue the decision to offer benefits is the prerogative of employers without interference from the state.

Some 70 public and private employers in the state--including most major universities and colleges, several school districts and some cities offer health benefits to the partner and dependents of gay employees. A court decision would largely impact public employers because they are supported by taxpayer dollars. But gay rights activists worry about any ruling against domestic partner benefits could have a chilling effect on private employers offering benefits in the future. Why should a private employer not be allowed to offer such benefits on it's own free will? Blows my mind.

Patrick Gillen, co-author of the marriage amendment and litigation counsel for the conservative Thomas Moore Law Center in Ann Arbor, is suing to eliminate the benefits.

What do employers think?

Many public and private employers say they offer domestic partner benefits to attract and retain good employees.

"We don't take a political stand; we just provide what we think is fair and right for our employees," said Ford Motor Co. spokeswoman Marcey Evans. "The company is committed to diversity, tolerance and inclusion."

The attitude is the same at the University of Michigan, the first public university in Michigan to offer the benefits in 1994.
"We offer benefits to our employees in order to recruit and retain the very best faculty and staff. That's a decision we make as an employer," said Julie Peterson, a university spokeswoman. "The constitutional definition of marriage is not relevant to our decision."

This should be a very interesting case and could have an impact in other states with similar far reaching DOMA's.

Post by Bryan Harding

Last night I went to a pre-screening of RENT. It was truly amazing. The adaptation from stage to screen helped to fill in any gaps that were left in the musical. Chris Columbus (director) did a fantastic job as well. For those RENT fans - it is nothing short of magical. The original Broadway cast brought it as always and Rosario Dawson as Mimi was stunning, though I missed Daphne Rubin-Vega as Mimi.

For those people who have seen the musical way too many times; have the soundtrack memorized and can reenact the stage blocking you will notice differences. There are a few key parts of the soundtrack left out - though it is still fantastic. I don't want to say too much so that I don't ruin the movie for you.

RENT is a must see. Buy your tickets for opening day (Wednesday Nov. 23rd). Click here to get tickets online.




Posted by Bryan Harding

I got tickets for Monday night! Two days before it opens! Am I the only one that can hardly stand it? I am counting the days, actually more like the hours until RENT comes to the big screen.

My first encounter with RENT was in London when I was a youngin' - about 15 or 16 years old. I had the honor of seeing most of the original cast that time. Since then, I've seen it four additional times in Portland, and twice in San Francisco. I'll admit it, I'm a RENT junkie.

.....

The movie was almost entirely filmed in San Francisco (though take places in NY). See our previous post about RENT a few months back. With most of RENT's original Broadway cast on board it's sure to be a huge success...





Here are a few links to movie clips:
Mimi and Rodger
Joanne
Angel

BUY TICKETS NOW!
www.fandango.com

Posted by Bryan Harding

Lincoln City officials unanimously approved an Equal Rights Ordinance - the first of its kind on the Oregon coast - in front of a full house audience at city hall Monday night. The ordinance provides legal recourse - enforced by the Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries (BOLI) - for anyone subjected to discrimination based on race, religion, color, sex, marital status, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, and gender identity.

Lincoln City joins the ranks of Multnomah County, Portland, Bend, Lake Oswego, Beaverton, Salem, Eugene (no gender identity protection), Ashland (housing only), Benton County and Corvallis. This is a great step in the right direction, and a great sign of progress for us Oregonians.

"Such discrimination threatens not only the rights and privileges of Lincoln City citizens, but also the institutions and foundation of our community," the ordinance states.

"Furthermore, the city council finds that state law does not clearly prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. It is the intent of the city council, in the exercise of its powers for the protection of the public health, safety, and general welfare, and for the maintenance of peace and good government, that every individual shall have an equal opportunity to participate fully in the life of the city, and that discriminatory barriers to equal participation in employment, housing, and public accommodation be removed."

Council member Rick Brissette summed it up precisely in urging fellow councilors to vote in favor of the ordinance.

"Let us say no to discrimination and tell our citizens and the world that we are truly honoring the last three words of the Pledge of Allegiance: justice for all," he said. "Not just for some, but justice for all."

A standing room only audience - most of them there to support the ordinance - watched history in the making. Lincoln City became the first small coastal community to join Ashland, Beaverton, Bend, Corvallis, Eugene, Lake Oswego, Portland and Salem, as well as Multnomah and Benton counties, in adding sexual orientation and gender identity to existing non-discrimination policies.

Lincoln City entered into a required intergovernmental agreement with BOLI to enforce the ordinance. BOLI Commissioner Dan Gardner showed up Monday night to support the ordinance.

"These are basic civil rights protections that should have been in place long ago," he said. "Ending discrimination based on sexual orientation throughout Oregon is good public policy. It is consistent with the existing civil rights protections that are designed to protect our most vulnerable citizens."

Yet such protections are lacking elsewhere in the state.

Oregon's equivalent to the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act contains the usual protections against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin, but it's a bit murky in terms of sexual orientation. The state act does make it unlawful "to discriminate against an individual based on the sex of any person with whom the individual associates" - what Gardner referred to as an "association right." A 1998 Court of Appeals decision indicated that if an individual is engaged in a same sex relationship - i.e., associating with another person of the same sex - an employer could not discriminate against the individual based on that association.

[...]

After the vote, the majority of citizens present gave council members a standing ovation.

Read entire story: Newport News Times

Texas Voters Approve Ban on Gay Marriage.
Last Tuesday, Texas became the 17th state to approve a constitution amendment denying marriage equality to same-sex couples. Statewide, the marriage amendment won 76 percent of the vote. A recent Houston Chronicle article suggests the Texas gay marriage ban crossed political lines, noting that Blacks and Hispanics, who traditionally vote Democratic, strongly backed the marriage amendment, sometimes outpolling Republicans. Unfortunately, the article fails to acknowledge the existence of Hispanic lesbian, gay, or bisexual people who will be negatively affected by the amendment.

A groundbreaking new analysis of census data shows there are more than 100,000 Hispanic same-sex couple households living nationwide - over 10,000 in Texas alone. In fact, six of the top ten metropolitan areas with the highest proportion of Hispanic same-sex couple households among all same-sex couple households are located in Texas.

Sweet Victory: Maine Voters Deny Discrimination Bill
In Maine, voters resoundingly defeated Question 1, (56%-44%), a measure that would have legalized discrimination based on sexual orientation in housing, employment, lending, lodging, and education. In doing so, Maine becomes the sixth and final New England state to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation. "Understanding overcame fear and fairness overcame discrimination in Maine," said HRC President Joe Solmonese.

Push To Ban Gay Marriage In U.S. Constitution Begins Again
On the national stage, a conservative push to ban gay marriage with an amendment to the U.S. Constitution gained renewed momentum last Wednesday after a Senate panel led by Kansas Republican Sam Brownback narrowly approved the measure. In a 5-4 vote along party lines, Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa., cast the deciding vote allowing the amendment to pass to the full Judiciary Committee and a likely vote in the Senate next year. Specter said he opposes the amendment but feels it shouldn't "be bottled up" in committee. Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., ranking Democrat on the panel, called the measure "an extreme and unnecessary reaction" that has little chance of passing. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., accused those pushing the amendment of harboring a political agenda. Brownback has made passage of the bill a key issue in this session of the Senate - a move seen by analysts on Capitol Hill as an attempt to garner support among conservatives for his presidential aspirations.

Posted by Bryan Harding

California Democratic congressional candidate Brett Wagner said a group of two dozen party officials asked him to get out of the race so someone else could run against the incumbent, extreme right-wing Republican representative Elton Gallegly. Wagner suggested that the Democratic leaders want him out because he is gay. Wait a minute... what about his amazing record of public service? What the hell are the Dems doing here? Would they rather have a right-wing extremist in office? Come on now...

Brett is a national security policy expert (and former Clinton nuclear disarmament operative). He teaches at the Naval War College. If he's elected he'll be one of the more progressive congressmen in the state.

In a statement from Brett Wagner:

You've read the headlines in our local newspapers and the national media, such as "California candidate told to get out of race because he's gay" (Associated Press). In fact, our campaign has been in the national spotlight for the past several weeks, including an article in the upcoming issue of The Advocate.

Well, now it's time for me to share "the rest of the story"--

By now just about everyone knows, from May through September, I received a series of insulting, threatening, and sometimes virulently homophobic emails from a small group of self-appointed local Democratic "kingmakers" who have been trying to force me to stop running for Congress in order to clear the way for a "born-again" candidate who compares homosexuality to a disease.

What many people still don't know, however, is that last August - shortly after receiving a particularly threatening email that included an arbitrary deadline for me to begin complying with this group's wishes - I was the victim of an unprovoked attack, in broad daylight, walking through the parking lot of a major Democratic fundraising event in Santa Barbara.

I was struck in the forehead, resulting in a nasty head wound and a loss of memory. Several people saw me immediately afterwards walking covered in blood and noticeably dazed. As you might imagine, I suspect there may be a link between this incident and the threats I had been receiving.

Our campaign filed a formal request with the California Democratic Party for an official investigation, and I'm very pleased to report that the investigation has now begun. Our campaign has promised to cooperate fully with this investigation. I am confident that our state party will get to the bottom of all this, and restore a sense of justice, tolerance and fairness in our local party.

"Why is all this happening now," you might ask, "when our party should be redoubling our efforts to pull together?" While the timing does seem odd, the motivations are clear:

During my first bid for U.S. Congress as the 2004 Democratic Nominee, our campaign built the largest field operation for a legislative race our area has seen in quite a while (more than 800 active volunteers, more than 40,000 phone calls, virtually every precinct walked...) all inspired by a candidate who touched people's hearts by challenging them to "unleash the dreams that are in your hearts, and unleash the love that's in your hearts that can make those dreams come true - it's time to dream again America, it's time to dream again."

Unfortunately, not everyone in our party believes in the power of the "American Dream". That small group of "kingmakers" from the darker corners of our local party apparently thinks that if they can force me out of this race, they can simply steal our field operation and hand it over to the candidate of their choosing.

Well, you know what? I'm not going to let anyone force me out of this race. I will never walk away from our thousands of loyal supporters who gave their time and money to build something from the bottom up. The balance of power is beginning to shift in our area, and we have a real opportunity to build a winning campaign for future elections.

Posted by Bryan Harding

Hat tip to Down With Tyranny!

Sports: There's hope in the last bastion of closeted players and homophobia. How many gay professional sports players do you know?

***crickets***

Yeah, they're pretty quiet. Or, of course, we could fool ourselves and pretend there aren't any. But a few recent news items point to some changes.

First of all, I'd like to welcome Sheryl Swoopes, the kick ass WNBA basketball player. Actually, she's the WNBA's most valuable player, and she's hot. From the cover story over at The Advocate...

Widely considered the greatest female basketball player in the history of the sport, Swoopes has augmented her great natural gifts with a drive that has led her Women's National Basketball Association team, the Houston Comets, to the never-equaled feat of a "four-peat"-four national championships in a row. Now Houston's number 22 is taking the ball into new territory: Swoopes came out as a lesbian on Good Morning America in late October. She's also joining Martina Navratilova and Rosie Jones as spokeswomen for America's most prominent lesbian-centered business, Olivia Cruises and Resorts. What persuaded her to come aboard? It's best expressed in Olivia's slogan, she says: "Feel free."

Sheryl, here's your toaster. Welcome to living your life openly and honestly. As KD Lang said to Dave Koz upon his coming out, "Come on in, the water's fine."

Second: Kudos to the Brits for dealing with homophobic slurs and culture in football. Now if only US leagues could step up to the plate... (wrong sport, I know)... From 365gay.com...

(London) The Football Association is taking his campaign to stamp out homophobia to the stands. The association has already banning gay slurs on the field. Now it is warning fans that gay baiting will not be allowed at games.

For decades cries of "queer" or "poof" have been hurled at players and referees by fans in the stands unhappy with plays or calls.

The association announced on the weekend that any fan who taunts, insults or otherwise uses homophobic epithets will be thrown out of the ball park and charged under Britain's hate speech law.

"There is a problem with homophobic abuse in the game directed at not just players but also referees and also opposing fans," Lucy Faulkner, the FA's Ethics and Sports Equity Manager told the Observer newspaper.

"Such behavior is offensive and runs totally counter to both the game's family image and efforts to make football more acceptable to all sectors of society."

The association last year began clamping down on racist epithets by players and fans.

Faulkner said that the FA hotline for reporting racist incidents at matches is being expanded to include homophobic outbursts. The association is also launching an education program for team managers to help them recognize and punish such incidents in both professional and amateur games.

Ex-Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Hearts striker Justin Fashanu, Britain's only openly gay player to date, received constant homophobic abuse during matches in his career in the 1980s and 90s. He later committed suicide.

Third and perhaps most importantly, did you know the Blazers are having a Gay Fans night this year? Rumor is it's Friday, February 24th though I can't find any info about it on their site. I say props to the Blazers. Heck, I'm not a fan, but I'll go just to give a shout out to their recognition of our community.

Written by LeAnn Locher

Audre Lorde described herself as a "black, feminist, lesbian poet". She was also an activist. Her words are quite inspiring...

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

"It is not our differences that divide us. it is our inability to recognize, accept & celebrate those differences."

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world."

"We fear the visibility without which we can not truly live... and that visibility which makes us most vulnerable is that which also is the source of our greatest strength."

Tonight: join Senator Ben Westlund, sponsor of SB1000, 2 candidates for HD44 (Jim Robinson & Tina Kotek), Rob Brading (candidate to unseat Minnis) is out of town, though Jon Isaacs (Camapign Director for the House Ds) and Brading's campaign manager will be in attendance. With one year left until election day 2006, we have got to focus on candidate work. As a community looking to create equality, we need to have the right people in office to cast the right votes at the right time. The Basic Rights Oregon EqualityPAC is kicking off BRO's 2006 Campaign for Justice.

It's only $20 at the door or buy a ticket online - click here. AND!! $3 Vodka Drinks!

ONE year from Election Day.
ONE step closer to victory.
ONE person: each of us can make a difference.

Our goal is to emerge from Election Day '06 with a Fair-Minded Majority-more than enough legislators in both the House and the Senate who will vote on the side of fairness for GLBT Oregonians and make equality the law of the land.

Wouldn't it be nice to know that we won't have another bill destroyed, killed, ignored etc?

Event Details:
TONIGHT, November 9th, 7pm
$20 tickets in advance online or at the door

Lola's Room @ the Crystal Ballroom
1332 W. Burnside at the corner of 14th & W. Burnside

Complimentary appetizers. No host bar available.

Posted by Bryan Harding

The third time's a charm... In the past decade, the Maine Legislature has passed anti-discrimination laws three times. The first two times the law was repealed by voters. This year the same law was passed--and this evening, in a monumental win, the repeal effort was squashed by voters.

Though tonight, Texas went down in a ball of flames with their constitutional amendment banning gay marriage, we came out with a win-that is a win for all of us-not just Mainers.

"Today's win proves that dogged, grassroots organizing can overcome the lies and smears of anti-gay zealots and the profound unfairness of having minority rights put up for a popular vote," said Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.

"After the marriage amendment losses we've experienced over the last 12 months, this is a much-needed victory for our national movement - it proves we can win statewide contests. Every lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender American is deeply indebted to the staff and volunteers of Maine Won't Discriminate, and to the people of Maine for embracing fairness and rejecting bigotry."

So Maine, here's to you. Here is to your valiant effort and dedication.

Post by Bryan Harding

[UPDATE 9:20pm PST] See next post: Maine Rejects Anti-Gay Initiative... Finally.

[UPDATE 8:50PM PST]
Well it looks as though we are in the home stretch of what would be the third repeal of Maine's statewide anti-discrimination policy. With 71% of precints now reporting here are the up-to-date results on 'Question 1'.

Maine gay rights repeal: 43% of Precints Reporting
No: 56.10%
Yes: 43.90%

[UPDATE 8:30PM PST]
Maine gay rights repeal: 43% of Precints Reporting
No: 56.54%
Yes: 43.46%

[UPDATE 7:30PM PST]

Maine gay rights repeal:: 25% of Precints Reporting
No: 57.31%
Yes: 42.69%


[UPDATE 7pm PST]
Texas voters approve anti-gay marriage amendment

Texas Marriage Amendment: 22% of precints reporting
76% for amendment / 24% against

Maine gay rights repeal: 24% of precints reporting
57% against repeal / 43% for it
__________

[6:30pm PST]
Texas Marriage Amendment: 6% of precints reporting
75% for amendment / 25% against

Maine gay rights repeal: 18% of precints reporting
57% against repeal / 43% for it


Posted by Bryan Harding

Yes, that is sarcasm.

Today in Texas the people will vote on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage-Prop 2.

Yesterday, ten men and four women calling themselves members of the American White Knights of the Ku Klux Klan gathered at City Hall plaza Saturday for a brief and hugely contested rally against gay marriage.

The Klan was opposed by what police estimated to be 3,000 demonstrators. Nearly 200 Austin police officers in riot gear allowed them no closer than 50 yards from the Klan at the plaza on Cesar Chavez Street. Am I the only one who finds it strange that they had this march on a street named after Cesar Chavez, the Mexican American labor leader?

Police Chief Stan Knee said surrounding streets were blocked to create "safety zones" to "allow us to maintain control," a strategy he said was successful. Two helicopters, one from the Austin Police Department and the other from the Texas Department of Public Safety, circled above.

[...]

Former state Rep. Glen Maxey, who is gay, spoke to what police estimated to be 2,000 peaceful anti-amendment demonstrators on the South First Street bridge opposite the Klan at the plaza.

"Our role today is to stand against their bigotry, their hate and Proposition 2," Maxey said.

Maxey, campaign director for the group No Nonsense in November, turned his back on the Klan to speak to the bridge demonstrators, who carried signs with messages such as "keep Austin tolerant" and "selectively denying rights is prejudice."

[...]

Am I the only one who finds it strange that the police chief said, "The demonstrations were mainly peaceful, and the community can be very proud of that". Proud of what? The Klan having a hate rally? Spewing hate and filth in the name of God?

Both opponents and backers of Proposition 2 expressed dismay at the Klan's entry into the debate. But as one University of Texas student said of Prop 2: "It's not about marriage. It's about hatred, it's about prejudice, it's about bigotry and it's about discrimination... If it were about marriage, the KKK wouldn't be here."

Texas, the amendment will become law-but you aren't going down without a fight. We are thinking about you today.

Posted by Bryan Harding

In Snohomish County, Dave Somers woke up Sunday morning to find that someone had plastered stickers to his campaign signs - stickers that declare that Dave is "GAY ENDORSED." The small print? That the endorsement comes from Progressive Majority Washington. This election will determine whether conservatives or progressives control the majority on the Snohomish County Council and Dave's opponents are trying to rile up conservative voters by defacing signs and playing on homophobia.

In Clark County, the local Republican Party emailed 2,000 of its supporters to notify them that Steve Stuart, Progressive Majority's candidate for County Commissioner, had fallen on financial hard-times. In the very same email that GOP operatives claim they will not make Steve's financial troubles a political issue in the race, they encourage their activists to contact their local news media about just this issue. It's a political about-face and voters deserve better. Steve has huge community support in Clark County - this is just another example of smear tactics from a desperate campaign.

And out in Port Orchard, voters received a fake "Voter Guide" for City Council that compares conservative Jim Weatherill with Progressive Majority candidate Fred Chang. The hit piece stereotypes Chang for being Chinese-American as well as being gay, and notes that he's endorsed by "ultra-liberal political organization, Progressive Majority Washington". Weatherill claims he's not involved, even though the mail disclaimer reads that it's paid for by his campaign committee. Given that Fred won the primary with 48% to Weatherill's 28%, the conservatives are pulling out their dirty tricks in the final stretch.

Info via The Progressive Majority

"Democracy is more complex than simply winning by a majority vote. A simple majority vote may work on school playgrounds - where the issue is whether to play kickball or baseball, but it does not work and is not permitted under our Constitution, where the amendment strips a 'disliked' minority of important rights such as the right to marry."

- Beth Allen, an attorney representing Basic Rights Oregon in the Martinez v. State of Oregon case, in a statement today in a press conference.

Posted by Bryan Harding

Marion County Judge Joseph Guimond ruled that the ballot question put to voters last November did not contain separate issues. Oregon's constitution requires that questions put to voters must not have multiple issues.

In arguments before the court in September Basic Rights Oregon lawyer Mark Johnson told Guimond that the measure makes at least two and maybe four separate amendments to the state constitution that should have been voted on separately.

Those arguments being:

First Claim: asserts that Measure 36 revises, rather than amends, the Oregon Constitution by violating the fundamental principles of liberty and justice on which the Constitution is based, by changing the allocation of power among the branches of government because it restricts the role of the courts in interpreting the constitution and by imposing a policy on local governments.

Second Claim:
While Measure 36 contains only one sentence, the addition of this provision to the Oregon Constitution creates multiple changes that should have been proposed as separate amendments. Because these multiple amendments and fundamental changes were all included under the umbrella of Measure 36, the measure violates constitutional provisions which require that voters must approve separate amendments with separate votes.

Guimond did agree with Basic Rights Oregon that Measure 36 affected more than one section of the constitution, but in a five page ruling said that the changes "are closely related, in that they are the same in each case--each portion of the constitution is amended to take away from same-sex couples the right to have a civil marriage even if that marriage is recognized by another jurisdiction."

Now it's on to appeals court... then no doubt the Oregon Supreme Court.

Posted by Bryan Harding

Marion County Court released its decision this morning in Basic Rights Oregon's legal challenge to Measure 36. Their attorneys are analyzing the opinion right now. A pdf of the opinion is below. BRO will be holding a press conference at 10:30am this morning.

Measure 36 Decision

Early OregonLive Coverage:
Judge upholds Oregon's gay marriage ban

[UPDATE]

Please see the following stories:
Measure 36: More on Today's Ruling
A 'Simple Majority Vote'

Posted by Bryan Harding

Basic Rights Oregon is reporting that the ruling from the Marion County Circuit Court regarding the constitutionality of Measure 36 (story) will be released at 1pm tomorrow (Friday) afternoon.

We'll keep you up-to-date as we hear anything.

Past Coverage (recommended reading) from Gay Rights Watch:
Measure 36 Unconstitutional?

Resources:
- Basic Rights Oregon's website
- Basic Rights Oregon's Blog


Posted by Bryan Harding

If you've been reading up on scary Supreme (Straight Old Boys Club) Court nominee Sam Alito, you know that he has a schizophrenic record when it comes to privacy rights. He wanted to uphold a machine gun owner's right to sell arms, but not a married woman's right to get an abortion without notifying her husband. He supported a homophobic bully's right to harass a gay kid, but did not support a ten-year-old girl's right not to be strip searched by police when they entered her home in a drug bust.

See the pattern? If the state's power, or an individual male person's power, is threatened, Alito stands up for the long arm of the law. If a woman or child's power - over her own body, say - is threatened, Alito says she should defer to men.

Whether you're male or female and you're queer, Alito's nomination should give you pause. I take that back. It should inspire your outrage and dissent... especially when the American Family Association is getting their panties in a wad over his confirmation. The AFA are the folks who are currently protesting Mattel for their American Girl doll subsidiary partnering with Girls Inc., which AFA calls a "pro-abortion, pro-lesbian group."

Thanks AFA, I know what I'm getting my nieces for Christmas this year! Girls Inc. "I Can" bands and maybe an American Girl doll to boot. (For more info, visit click here)


Written by Meg Daly

Meg is a freelance writer, newly transplanted to San Francisco. She is the former features editor at Just Out, Portland's queer newsmagazine. Her articles have appeared in national and regional press, including Tikkun, Grist online magazine, Punk Planet, Portland Monthly, Oregon Business, and Willamette Week. She is the editor of two anthologies on women's friendships, including Surface Tension: Love, Sex, and Politics Between Lesbians and Straight Women.

It's Equality Tuesday and that means another look at what's happening around the country in the fight for equality. This week, we look at two stories of individuals who are making a difference. First, from New York State's oldest continuously published GLBT newspaper, The Empty Closet, a first hand account of an important gathering of clergy focused on improving grassroots organizing and advocacy within communities of faith. And then a look at a very famous family and supporter of equality rights, former congressman Dick Gephardt and his daughter.

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From The Empty Closet:

Grassroots organizing in the churches: local minister reports on State Clergy Coalitions Summit

"(Reverend Jimmy) Creech spoke from the heart about the need for marriage equality, starting with his own experiences in ministry. He made the important distinction that marriage doesn't take place during the wedding ceremony, it takes place before that, when a couple agrees to be married. He noted the marriage ceremony is "a public declaration of a personal commitment." The marriage license serves as a legal document indicating the couple is "legally responsible to one another" and to "enjoy the rights afforded by law." Read More or learn more about the State Clergy Coalition Summit and the growing support for marriage equality among religious leaders, churches, and communities of faith.

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From the online edition of the Colorado Daily: Gay Rights and Gephardt

Dick Gephardt has advocated federal recognition of state-sanctioned civil unions among gay people. He endorsed domestic partner benefits for gay and lesbian federal employees. He supported gay adoption, cosponsored the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and cosponsored a bill that would allow United States citizens and permanent residents to sponsor their gay or lesbian life partner for U.S. residency. He discusses the fight for equality, "In order to be a successful political party you have to have beliefs, you have to stand by those beliefs whatever the consequences. If you stand for the right things, eventually it will work out politically." Read more

Posted by The Peeps of GRW