Ben Cohen's First Week On SCD

Afternoon View - Cleveland Museum Of Art

The buildings on the right and left house the main exhibits. In the middle today local artists were selling prints of their work.

Bertolli Zings Barilla

Unlike the Garafalo ad we saw yesterday, this one is real. Via AdWeek:

Barilla is struggling enough this week without its competitors piling on. But Bertolli doesn't care. Seizing on comments made by Barilla's chairman about how the company would never put gay couples in its advertising, Bertolli Germany quickly posted pro-gay imagery in its social feeds, happily taking advantage of its rival's misstep. "Love and pasta for all!" reads the caption on the Facebook photo above. "We just wanted to spread the news that Bertolli welcomes everyone, especially those with an empty stomach," a rep for Orca im Hafen, Bertolli's social-media agency in Germany, tells AdFreak.

(Tipped by JMG reader Larry)

Maher: Ted Cruz Has Twerked America

Headline Of The Day

Details. (Tipped by JMG reader Paul)

Morning View - Cleveland Gear

The Positively Cleveland folks have had us on the go-go-go since the minute we arrived. Hopefully I'll have time later today to recap some of the Gay Games items that we've learned. Tonight they have us finishing our evening at a club called Bounce. We'll be there by around 10pm, so I hope to see some JMG folks there. Join us!

Serbian Gov't Bans Belgrade Pride, Activists March On PM's Office

For the third year in a row, yesterday the Serbian government banned Belgrade Pride, citing security concerns over threats of violence by neo-Nazi groups who battled hundreds of riot police at Belgrade Pride 2010. After Prime Minister Ivica Dacic announced the ban on state television, activists marched on his office.

"After a long discussion on whether the march would pass without severe consequences, the security assessments indicated severe threats to public safety," Dacic said after a three-hour meeting with security chiefs. "This is not a capitulation to the hooligans," he said. But as night fell, around 200 gay activists waving rainbow flags and banners that read "This is Pride" gathered outside Dacic's government office before walking to parliament flanked by riot police. They chanted "This is Serbia" and "We have pride". "Tonight we exercised our right to gather peacefully, and I don't believe we bothered anyone in Serbia," said Goran Miletic, a human rights activist and the organizer of the gay pride march.

Quote Of The Day - Guido Barilla

"Yesterday I apologized for offending many people around the world. Today I am repeating that apology. Through my entire life I have always respected every person I've met, including gays and their families, without any distinction. I've never discriminated against anyone. I have heard the countless reactions around the world to my words, which have depressed and saddened me. It is clear that I have a lot to learn about the lively debate concerning the evolution of the family. In the coming weeks, I pledge to meet representatives of the group that best represent the evolution of the family, including those who have been offended by my words." - Guido Barilla, in a video message posted yesterday to the company's Facebook page.

Crazy Eyes Vs Wolf Blitzer

Meditate recaps:

The argument became animated over a variety of assertions Bachmann made, at one point prompting Blitzer to insist that what she asserted was flatly “not true.” Blitzer began by asking Bachmann to explain her assertion that the ACA will result in the deaths of women, seniors and children. “That’s the greatest fear that Americans have,” Bachmann explained. “It’ll be very unpleasant if the death panels go into effect – that’s the IPAB board. If we have denial of care for women, children, senior citizens, or if we have problems where people aren’t given the drugs that they need – maybe they’ll be denied drugs for breast cancer – you bet this can happen.” “But millions and millions of Americans will now have health insurance,” Blitzer said.

Lies right to his face and keeps talking.

It's Over Everywhere But Teabagistan

Brian Brown Has The New Jersey Sadz

"This is another outrageous example of judicial activism. An activist judge has overreached her authority and chosen to impose same-sex ‘marriage’ on the entire state of New Jersey. Judge Jacobson has trampled on the right of the people of New Jersey to define marriage, a right that the Supreme Court has upheld in the very case she misuses to redefine marriage. This is a gross abuse of power that cannot be allowed to stand. We urge Governor Chris Christie to appeal this lower court ruling immediately. It’s essential that a single lower court judge not be allowed to impose her own views of marriage on the entire state." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, in a statement posted to NOM's blog.

ExxonMobil To Offer Same-Sex Benefits

ExxonMobil, long one of the largest corporate holdouts on LGBT equality, today announced that it will extend spousal benefits to gay employees.

The company says it will recognize "all legal marriages" when it determines eligibility for health care plans for the company's 77,000 employees and retirees in the U.S. That means if a gay employee has been married in a state or country where gay marriage is legal, his or her spouse will be eligible for benefits with Exxon in the U.S. as of Oct. 1. Exxon, which is facing a same-sex discrimination complaint in Illinois, said it was following the lead of the U.S. government. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, which had allowed states to refuse to recognize same-sex marriages granted in other states. In recent months, federal agencies have begun to offer benefits to legally-married same sex couples. "We haven't changed our eligibility criteria. It has always been to follow the federal definition and it will continue to follow the federal definition," said Exxon spokesman Alan Jeffers in an interview.

Freedom To Work reacts via press release:

"Today is a victory for the freedom to work. After years of stubbornly refusing, we commend Exxon for joining the majority of the Fortune 500 business leaders that already treat gay and lesbian married couples equally under employee benefit plans," said Tico Almeida, founder and president of the LGBT organization Freedom to Work. "It's a shame Exxon waited until after the Labor Department issued official guidance explaining that their old policy does not comply with American law, and now it's time to move forward."

"We'd like to begin settlement talks next week in our Illinois lawsuit stemming from evidence that Exxon gave hiring preference to a less qualified straight applicant over a more qualified lesbian applicant," added Almeida. "It's time for Exxon to stop wasting its shareholders' money by running up legal bills on discrimination proceedings that can be settled right away if the corporation would simply add LGBT protections to Exxon's official equal employment opportunity document."

The Human Rights Campaign notes that the company still does not include LGBT employees in its official non-discrimination policies.

Granting health benefits to all married couples is a step toward equality but it is certainly not the kind of leadership exhibited by ExxonMobil’s competitors,” said Deena Fidas, director of the HRC Workplace Equality Program. “There is no federal law protecting employees from discrimination against sexual orientation or gender identity and ExxonMobil refuses to join the majority of their Fortune 500 colleagues in adopting their own such policies. One has to wonder, what good are benefits for your same-sex spouse if you risk being fired for disclosing your sexual orientation in order to access them?”

Tweet Of The Day - Evan Wolfson

Courts, legislature, & public (super-majority) in #NewJersey all support the @freedomtomarry. Time for @ChrisChristie to stop blocking it.

— Evan Wolfson (@evanwolfson) September 27, 2013

New Jersey Ruling Reactions

ACLU-New Jersey

This is a great day for all of New Jersey. The court has recognized the love and commitment that same-sex couples share is no different from anyone else’s,” said Udi Ofer, executive director of the ACLU of New Jersey. “The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Windsor to strike down the Defense of Marriage Act made it clear that civil unions discriminate against same-sex New Jersey couples. Today’s decision leaves no doubt that only the freedom to marry provides the equality that same-sex families deserve. We encourage the state to respect the court’s decision and to not further prolong the inequality suffered by New Jersey families. The ACLU-NJ will continue to work with our allies across the state to encourage the legislature to bring full equality to New Jersey as soon as possible."

Human Rights Campaign

“Civil unions are separate and unequal, particularly in light of this year’s historic Supreme Court term,” said Human Rights Campaign (HRC) president Chad Griffin. “There are no rational arguments why couples in New Jersey should be relegated to second class status. State officials should not appeal this sound decision and no longer stand in the way of loving couples being able to make a lifelong commitment with full state and federal recognition.” HRC offers our congratulations to Garden State Equality, the plaintiffs in the case, as well as Lambda Legal representing them in court.

National Gay & Lesbian Task Force

This is a significant victory for same sex couples in New Jersey. The state's motto is 'Liberty and Prosperity'. Now lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples will get the chance to experience the ideas behind the motto through the freedom to marry. We applaud Garden State Equality, New Jersey United for Marriage, ACLU and Lambda Legal on today’s victory. We’ll celebrate today, and tomorrow we will continue the hard work of changing legislator’s hearts and minds until the freedom to marry is guaranteed for all New Jerseyans.

NEW JERSEY: Superior Court Judge Rules That Same-Sex Marriages Are Legal

In a ruling that Gov. Chris Christie has vowed to appeal, a New Jersey Superior Court judge ruled this afternoon that the state must allow same-sex couples to marry.

Superior Court Judge Mary Jacobson sided almost entirely with a group of same-sex couples and gay rights groups who sued the state in July, days after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down key parts of a law that blocked the federal government from granting benefits to gay couples. Gov. Chris Christie, a Republican in the midst of a re-election campaign and a possible presidential contender, said through a spokesman Friday that he plans to appeal the decision, which he believes should be determined by a popular vote rather than a court.

Jacobson made the ruling effective Oct. 21, giving Christie time to appeal and likely ask a court to delay implementation of her order. "Gov. Christie has always maintained that he would abide by the will of the voters on the issue of marriage equality and called for it to be on the ballot this Election Day," spokesman Michael Drewniak said in a statement Friday. "Since the legislature refused to allow the people to decide expeditiously, we will let the Supreme Court make this constitutional determination."

Garden State Equality and Lambda Legal react:

"We've won a great ruling today, and there is no turning back," said Troy Stevenson, Executive Director of Garden State Equality. "Garden State Equality was proud to help initiate this historic case. We have long been leading the charge for equality, and we will continue to pursue every avenue to make sure New Jersey's same-sex couples enjoy the dignity of marriage as quickly as possible."

"Eleven years ago, when we asked Lambda Legal to work on our behalf, we were prepared for a long, hard road for our family and for other same-sex couples and their kids," said Cindy Meneghin, plaintiff in the lawsuit along with her high school sweetheart, Maureen Kilian, and their two children. "The U.S. Supreme Court decision striking down DOMA was historic for the nation but out of reach for us here in New Jersey. Today, with this ruling, the full benefits of that historic Supreme Court decision are within our reach, and we couldn’t be happier."

Gays Are Bullying Barilla

Hope Poster Creator Turns On Obama

Shepard Fairey, the creator of the iconic poster that came to represent the 2008 Obama campaign, has turned on the president, much to the delight of right wing sites.

A camera crew from TMZ asked Shepard Fairey if he’d use the same word underneath his portrait of then-Sen. Obama, given his track record as president. The 43-year-old Fairey paused for a moment as he and a companion got into a waiting vehicle. “I’d put a few different ones,” Shepard said, adding that some of them may not be fit for print. Then he turned back around to face the crew, thinking of an idea. “How about drones?” Fairey said.

TMZ's report is being gleefully mentioned on World Net Daily, etc.

"Coach Dave" Defends Westboro Baptist

"What if God told Fred Phelps that he hates fags? Who are WE to judge?"

Athlete Ally Slams IOC

"When given the choice to stand up and affirm Principle 6 of the Olympic charter, the IOC simply backed down. And so we now head into uncharted territory in Sochi, a place where LGBT people - and others trying to support them - will be subject to persecution because of these heinous laws passed after Sochi was named the host city. Ultimately, enduring this travesty may be the great legacy of the 2014 Games because the complete disconnect between the gay propaganda laws and the Olympic charter is galvanizing people to join together. And together, we can change a sports culture, which is apparently not only rife with homophobia, but in need of a serious priority check. Standing up for equality is always the right thing to do." - Hudson Taylor, founder of Athlete Ally, via press release.

Headline Of The Day

Details.

White House Explains Obamacare

WNBA Ref: Technical Foul For Kissing

USA Today reports:

Well, this is new. Diana Taurasi and Seimone Augustus were defending each other during Thursday night’s WNBA conference finals game between the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury. As the commentators note, Taurasi and Augustus have known each other for a very long time and there is genuine affection to complement the competition. Apparently, that affection crossed the line for the referee Thursday night. Both players were called for fouls after squaring up and then pecking each other on the cheek.

USA Today calls the foul excessive, noting that male players often give each other affectionate pats on the butt.

(Tipped by JMG reader Justin)

"Ex-Gay Awareness Dinner" Rejects Reporter From Right Wing Watch

Right Wing Watch reporter Peter Montgomery registered to attend PFOX's "First Annual Ex-Gay Awareness Month Dinner and Reception," which is being held at a super-secret location. Because, you know, oppression. Anyway, PFOX sent Montgomery his money back even though he told them that he merely intended to observe and not disrupt. Here's what he noticed on the registration form:

Code of Conduct -- PFOX requires attendees to sign and adhere to certain standards of conduct, and is not responsible for the individual conduct of attendees. We reserve the right to refuse any person to register or attend for any or no reason at our sole discretion, and disruptive conduct will be grounds for removal without a refund. Attendee agrees to uphold the principals [sic] and beliefs of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays -- that we support the ex-gay community, ex-gay rights, and providing hope to those with unwanted same-sex attractions and gender confusion that change is possible. No cell phones, recording devices or photos may be used or taken during the event. I agree to the above conditions.

Crackpots Harry Jackson and Mat Staver (Liberty Counsel) will be presenting at the dinner. No photos! By the way, we would love it if an intrepid JMG reader somehow gained entry to this event. Make sure to dress very self-loathing if you manage to get a ticket.

Can A Penis Unlock An iPhone?

If it can be done with a cat's paw and with a human nipple, why not see if it works with a penis? According to Manhunt, it does. All the usual "hey, this link might get you fired" warnings apply. Especially for the video. And the animated gif.

Wingnut Backscratching In Louisiana

Earlier this week I reported that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal had appointed hate group leader Tony Perkins to the state Law Enforcement Commission. The SPLC has more on the Perkins-Jindal relationship.

Jindal named Perkins to the Louisiana Commission on Marriage and Family in 2008, supposedly on the basis of “expertise in community programs and assistance.” The Commission on Marriage and Family website provides meeting minutes for the past three years. Perkins is listed as absent for seven out of seven meetings. Since Perkins has a day job in Washington, D.C., and is apparently unable to attend those meetings, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be any better about attending the Commission on Law Enforcement meetings. But Jindal appointed him, and Perkins accepted, because they both have something to gain. Jindal dreams of running for national office, and he wants support from and access to religious-right primary voters. That’s why he’s scheduled to speak, as he’s done in the past, at the FRC-sponsored Values Voter Summit in D.C. next month. Perkins, on the other hand, dreams of running for office again in Louisiana, and he’s been floated recently as a possible challenger to Sen. Mary Landrieu. He maintains residency in Baton Rouge despite apparently spending most of his time in D.C. The commission seats give him an opportunity to pad his resume and keep his name in circulation back home.

The above-linked article goes on to describe Perkins' history with the Ku Klux Klan and a Louisiana white supremacists group, which I've mentioned here many times. Read it again anyway.

FRC Prays Against Obamacare Vote

From the FRC's Prayer Team:

Help Lord! Give the American people the knowledge, inspiration and determination to urge the demise of Obamacare. May Americans make the Senate phone lines ring off-the-hook from now until Obamacare is defunded. Please change the hearts and minds of those who are intimidated, afraid to take a stand for what is right or who are simply deceived. May they fear God and not man! (Ex 3:7-9; 1 Sam 17:26,42-51; 2 Kg 13:14-19; Ps 20:7; 56:11; 144:1-2; Ec 12:13; Is 1:18; 28:9-18; Hos 4:6; Joel 3:9-10).

CO High School Lip-Dubs Katy Perry

Wendy Davis To Run For Texas Governor

Next week Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, who catapulted to national fame for her marathon filibuster of an anti-abortion bill, will formally announce to her bid to run for governor.

Ms. Davis’s decision has the potential to turn the race to determine Gov. Rick Perry’s successor into a rare competitive showdown between long-suffering Texas Democrats and the Republican conservatives who have ruled state politics for decades. She would enter the race as a substantial underdog, but her candidacy would represent the most serious challenge to the Republican lock on the office. Two Republicans, Mr. Perry and George W. Bush, have held the office since the party began its winning streak in governor’s races in 1994, with Mr. Bush’s victory over the incumbent, Ann W. Richards.

Yesterday Davis tweeted: "A week from today, I’m announcing something big. Can you chip in now to show the strength of our grassroots network?"

Allen West Fired At PJ Media?

Tea Party icon and former US House Rep. Allen West is leaving the right-wing PJ Media. According to some reports, West was fired after making an anti-Semitic remark to a staffer. Via Buzzfeed:

In a message to staff, West wrote: “Shortly, I will be giving up my position as director of programming at Next Generation.TV to get back on the front lines to expand the message of constitutional conservatism across our country.” Two sources familiar with what happened told BuzzFeed that West had gotten into an argument with a female employee and called her a “Jewish American princess” while telling her to “shut up.” Reached by phone, West told BuzzFeed he was leaving his job voluntarily, though one source familiar with the situation told BuzzFeed he had been fired. He did not deny that an exchange with the employee had occurred, but said it hadn’t led to his leaving the company. “No, I didn’t get fired,” West said. “I’m leaving to pursue political aspirations. That’s it. There’ll be a statement that comes out and it’s effective in October.”

West did not deny claims about the alleged remark and merely confirmed that "there had been an exchange." So to sum up his career, West was charged with assaulting prisoners while in the Army, was fired from the House, and now, apparently, even the wingnuts can't deal with him.

Morning View - Cleveland Hotel Lobby

Petition Of The Day

The petition was launched by "the Italian mother" of GLAAD vice president Rich Ferraro.

Muppet Mash - Pogo

Pogo is the stage name of Australian wunderkind Nick Bertke.

US Division Of Barilla Apologizes

In case you missed it yesterday, here's the back story.

NEW YORK: Police Seek Suspect In Murder Of Long Island Gay Man

Police are seeking a suspect in the murder of noted equestrian Ross Reisner (above right), who was shot through the window of his Long Island home on Tuesday as he chatted with his partner of 24 years (above left).

Ross Reisner, 50, and Kevin Murray were sitting on a leather couch in the living room at their house in Setauket, L.I., at about 8:45 p.m. Tuesday when the shots were fired. Detectives were seeking to question a longtime friend about the slaying, Reisner’s grieving family told the Daily News. “He was an old friend and now this craziness,” Ian Reisner, the slain man's brother, said as he sat shiva at his mother’s midtown Manhattan apartment. “There was something weird going on, some bad blood.” The friend had known Reisner for over 20 years and had a beef with him, Reisner’s brother said. “This was not Dad’s pistol under the pillow,” he said of the murder weapon. “This was a high-caliber weapon.” A police source confirmed detectives are seeking to talk to a disgruntled friend. Murray, 50, was grazed in the hail of bullets.

Reisner was a trainer of competitive equestrians and his riders will compete in the national finals next month.

NEW YORK CITY: Activists Confront Jamaican Prime Minister At United Nations

Via press release:

New York-based LGBT activist group Jamaica Anti-Homophobia Stand halted Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller’s exit from a United Nations session at the Ford Foundation in New York today. Shouting “Gay rights are human rights!” and “Portia, shame on you!” the group of seven protestors greeted the PM as she began to exit the Ford Foundation offices on East 43rd Street in Manhattan. Simpson-Miller stopped, waved at the protestors and blew kisses, then went back inside the building. Protestors paced the sidewalk outside the Ford Foundation for one hour with signs reading “Eight Gays Killed in 2012” and “Portia Protect Gay Citizens.” The group called for an end to Jamaica’s anti-gay laws, which tacitly condone attacks and murders of members of the LGBT community in Jamaica. Consensual sexual intercourse and interaction between homosexuals has been illegal since 1864. Gays are imprisoned for 10 years with hard labor under Jamaica’s Buggery Law and often brutalized and killed by anti-gay mobs if caught or suspected.

RELATED: Jamaica's Gleaner mocked today's protest, claiming the it had "fizzled" because of low attendance.

Priest Arrested For Rape Of Altar Boy

Another day, another Catholic priest arrested. From the Philadelphia Inquirer:

District Attorney Seth Williams announced the arrest of Rev. Robert L. Brennan, 75, for allegedly raping an altar boy between 1998 and 2001, while he was assistant pastor at Resurrection of Our Lord parish in Rhawnhurst. The charges came about after a 26-year-old man reportedly encouraged by last year's trial of Msgr. William J. Lynn - the first Catholic church official convicted for a supervisory role in covering up the conduct of pedophile priests - contacted archdiocesan officials in January.

That same day, Williams said, church officials called his office and relayed the man's allegation: Brennan sexually abused him from ages 11 to 14, within the statute of limitations. Williams said Brennan was arrested late Wednesday at the private home in Perryville, Md., where he has lived for much of the last eight years. Brennan was being held Thursday in Cecil County, Md., awaiting extradition to Philadelphia. When he returns, he will be charged with rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and aggravated indecent assault, Williams said.

During last year's trial of other Catholic officials in Philadelphia, Brennan was accused of molesting 15-20 boys, but no charges were brought. Unshockingly, Brennan had been transferred from parish to parish during the time of those alleged crimes. (Tipped by JMG reader David)

Pasta Rival Zings Barilla [UPDATED]

Translation via Reddit: "To us, it doesn't matter with whom you do it, it only matters that you do it al dente." (Tipped by JMG reader Jake)

UPDATE: Garofalo is denying having made the image. 

HRC Slams IOC Over Russia Inaction

"If this law doesn’t violate the IOC’s charter, then the charter is completely meaningless. The safety of millions of LGBT Russians and international travelers is at risk, and by all accounts the IOC has completed neglected its responsibility to Olympic athletes, sponsors and fans from around the world. The IOC and its new president, Thomas Bach, are putting the good reputation of the Olympic Games and its corporate sponsors in jeopardy." - Human Rights Campaign president Chad Griffin, via email.

Google Chat Misfires

Tech sites are buzzing today after some Google chat users found that their messages were going to the wrong people. CNN reports that some cube dwellers found themselves copied on the private chats of their bosses.

Google has acknowledged a problem with its Talk service that misrouted messages from users to unintended recipients. At 10:30am EDT today, Google reported on its Apps Dashboard that it had "identified an issue with Google Talk messages sent between 22:00 PST and 01:30 PST. Any messages sent after 01:30 PST are unaffected." That "issue" resulted in messages typed into a Google Talk or Hangouts chat with one user to be sent to another random person on the sender's Talk contact list. A number of users reported the problem on the Google Chat product forum, and Ars has gotten confirmation of the problem from other Talk users.

Surely Buzzfeed will post a hilarious recap of these exchanges.

Teabagger Actually Makes A Funny

Congratulations to @ABFalecbaldwin on his new show, the only program where the host has a court order to stay 500 feet away from cameramen.
— Rep. Steve Stockman (@SteveWorks4You) September 26, 2013

Restraining Order Once Filed Against EW Jackson For Alleged Murder Threat

Politico today has a scoop on anti-gay crackpot E.W. Jackson, who is running for lieutenant governor of Virginia.

E.W. Jackson, the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Virginia, was accused in 2006 of threatening the life of his daughter’s roommate, according to a Belmont, Mass., police report and a separate temporary restraining order filed in Middlesex County Court. Those two documents, shared with POLITICO by a source opposed to Jackson’s election, detail the surprise GOP nominee’s involvement in an explosive personal feud involving his daughter and two other women. The roommate took out restraining orders against both E.W. Jackson and a third party, while Jackson’s daughter and the third party both requested restraining orders against the roommate.

(Tipped by JMG reader Dwight)

Tweet Of The Day - Karl Frisch

No @JoeLhota4Mayor you wouldn't be 1st NYC Mayor with a beard in 100 yrs. Koch had #BessMyerson. #GoogleIt #votebeard pic.twitter.com/cBZuwxEa6Z
— Karl Frisch (@KarlFrisch) September 26, 2013

How To Promote Modern Dance

Good Baby

Good As You blogger and anti-NOM crusader Jeremy Hooper and his husband are daddies! He writes:

Savannah Rose Hooper-Shulman came into the world on 9/25/13 at 7:40PM CT. Baby is gorgeous and healthy; daddies are ecstatic! My husband and I are going to take a few days to enjoy this amazing new life. Regular updates will resume once I come down from this high.

Hit the link and offer the Hooper-Shulmans your best.

Put(t)in Out

SERBIA: Neo-Nazis Threaten Repeat Of Violence At Belgrade Pride Parade

In 2010 hundreds of Serbian riot police clashed with neo-Nazis at Belgrade Pride, resulting in over 200 arrests. The following year's event was canceled over fears of the same and last year's pride event was banned. This week neo-Nazis again threatened this year's planned parade.

At a September 24 press conference, an assortment of right-wing nationalist organizations, including the president of the now banned Obraz movement, Mladen Obradovic, denounced the planned parade and announced their own counter-protests for the same day. Ivanovic warned of trouble on the streets, just as in 2010, if the authorities decide to permit the Pride Parade. "People are deeply unsatisfied, and are telling us that they will go onto the streets in vast numbers to protest. If that happens again, we all know that Belgrade streets will see bloodshed, and that's in no one’s interest," he warned. He described the idea of holding a Gay Pride rally in Serbia as "an attempt to break the Serbian social code", which formed part of a "CIA plan for Serbia implemented after October 5, 2000 [when Slobodan Milosevic's nationalist regime was toppled]."

I'm In Cleveland

I'm in Cleveland for four days as part of a press junket sponsored by Positively Cleveland, the marketing agency for the local convention and visitors bureau. We're primarily here as part of Cleveland's push for the Gay Games 2014, which runs next year from August 9th -16th and is expected to draw 11,000 athletes from around the world. There's a ton of stuff on our itinerary, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Horseshoe Casino, museums, and lots of interesting looking restaurants. On Saturday night they have us finishing our evening at a club called Bounce, so we might do a JMG readers meet-up there. (More on that tomorrow.) Full disclosure: The agency is footing the bill for our airfare, lodging, meals, excursions, hookers, blow - the whole shebang. Fuller disclosure: I'm completely open to similar offers from the cities of Rio, Barcelona, Puerto Vallarta....

Milan Fashion Week Clip: Music By Jake Shears, Narration By Jane Fonda

From the New York Times:

Consider “The Future of Flesh,” a short film by the director Luke Gilford that has its premiere here, which features models in surreal latex body suits outfitted entirely in Prada’s current fall 2013 collection. The eerie, evocative video features an original score by Jake Shears of Scissor Sisters and is narrated by Jane Fonda — not coincidentally, another complicated feminist icon. While the clip is not the usual terrain for Fonda, she was easily convinced to lend her voice. “When Jake asked me to collaborate on the video I thought, For Jake, anything. He’s so out-of-this-world creative and cutting-edge, I knew it would be exciting. I was right,” she said, describing the project as “just wild and unique and Pedro Almodovarish.”

(Tipped by JMG reader Edward)

Vatican Squashes Gay Photo Exhibit

After threats of legal action from the Vatican, an art gallery in Rome has covered up its exhibit of photos depicting gay men kissing in Catholic churches. Pink News reports:

The photography series by Gonzalo Orquin, had been due to open at the Galleria L’Opera beginning on Wednesday evening. The photographer said the gallery had received a legal notice from the Vatican, and that he and the gallery had decided to cover up the photographs. “A letter arrived from the Vicariate of Rome, an organization that is part of the Vatican, which said the church is against the exhibition. I spoke to lawyers and for security reasons we decided not to show the photos,” Orquín told The Local. The Vicariate admitted sending the threatening letter, and said the exhibition “could harm the religious sentiment of the faithful”. The Vicariate is an organisation which helps Pope Francis carry out his duties as Bishop of Rome.

According to a Vatican spokesman, the photos are illegal because the Italian constitution "safeguards an individual’s religious feeling and the function of places of worship."

ILLINOIS: Religious And Hate Groups Announce "Defend Marriage Lobby Day"

The Catholic Conference of Illinois, the Illinois Family Institute, and NOM are jointly promoting October 23rd as "Defend Marriage Lobby Day" at the state capitol.  Brian Brown writes:

You may have heard media reports in the past week that the sponsors of the same-sex 'marriage' bill are reconsidering their strategy of calling the bill for a vote during the veto session this fall. This is good news, but we can't let up yet. It means that your efforts — the emails, the calls, and the in-person visits to legislators — are making a difference. If those who would redefine marriage had the votes to push through their bill, they would not be equivocating about calling the vote this fall. Despite all their money and big names, they have not yet been able to overcome the voice of the people. However, we can't stop yet. We must keep the pressure on legislators so there can be no doubt in their minds that the people of Illinois do not want marriage redefined.

RELATED: The pro-gay Illinois Unites For Marriage has posted a list of phone banking opportunities to help reach out to state legislators.

Size Comparisons Of Sci-Fi Spaceships

Source. Huge version. I actually recognize about 20 of these.

Gays Are Oppressing "Ex-Gays"

Obama Mocks GOP Fear-Mongering

Barilla Doesn't Want Gay Customers

The Italy-based Barilla pasta company has made it clear that they don't want gay customers.

Guido Barilla, whose firm has almost half the Italian pasta market and a quarter of that in the US, told Italy’s La Zanzara radio show last night: “I would never do an advert with a homosexual family…if the gays don’t like it they can go an eat another brand. “For us the concept of the sacred family remains one of the fundamental values of the company.” He added: “Everyone has the right to do what they want without disturbing those around them”. But then the pasta magnate upped the ante by attacking gay adoption. “I have no respect for adoption by gay families because this concerns a person who is not able to choose," he said.

Barilla has already retreated from his remarks, saying that he only wanted to "underline the central role of the woman in the family." Needless to say, the boycott calls have already begun. (Image via Towleroad)

Bear Thrown Out Of Alaska Bar

Not what you think. NPR reports:

If only all unwelcome bar guests were this obliging. A black bear walked into the bar at the Alaskan Hotel in downtown Juneau on Monday night. Bartender Ariel Svetlik-McCarthy says she freaked out and yelled, "No bear! Get out! No! You can't be in here!" The bear complied, leaving the bar within seconds. State biologist Ryan Scott says it's rare for black bears to go inside Juneau businesses, but they have wandered inside homes before.

No bear! Get out! How rude.

UPDATED: Hers To Lose

A documentary about Christine Quinn's mayoral campaign.

UPDATE: I've replaced the trailer with the full documentary.

REPORT: Staff Of Hate Group Leader Bradlee Dean Walks Out, Files Complaint

According to the report published by Minneapolis City Pages, the staff of hate group leader Bradlee Dean has walked out on him and filed a compaint with the Minnesota Attorney General. Dean, you may recall, last year lost a defamation suit against Rachel Maddow after she quoted his alleged call for homosexuals to be executed. From today's report by Aaron Rupar:

There's a good reason Bradlee Dean's large Annandale headquarters was put up for rent earlier this month -- he apparently no longer has a ministry to fill it with. According to a source close to the situation, Dean's "You Can Run But You Cannot Hide International" staffers have all walked out on him. Yes, that includes his notorious street teams and Dean's "Sons of Liberty" radio cohost Jake McMillan, who our source says put in his two weeks notice and moved out of Minnesota. (McMillian, for some reason, sometimes went by the name Jake MacAulay.)  The source said that in the wake of our July report about disaffected former You Can Run staffer Jake Dagel -- Dagel characterized You Can Run as a "cultic sham ministry" -- a group of upwards of a dozen former staffers got together and compiled testimony about how Dean had mistreated and exploited them. They subsequently brought 28 pages worth of testimony to the Minnesota Attorney General's office and are currently working on a mediation proposal with Dean's camp. The group of former staffers seek reimbursement of funds they say Dean owes them and a guarantee that Bradlee will never hold another leadership position with a ministry. Our source isn't sure whether Dean could possibly face criminal charges as a result of the allegations, some of which constitute crimes.

(Via Holy Bullies)

RELATED: Dean's attorney in the losing suit against Maddow was Larry Klayman, who this week called for a November revolution against the federal government. Last year Bradlee Dean declared that President Obama planned the Sandy Hook shooting.

Brendan Maclean - Winner

NEW MEXICO: GOP Lawmakers Join Hate Group In Brief Against Gay Marriage

With the support of the anti-gay hate group Alliance Defending Freedom, two dozen current and former GOP members of the New Mexico legislature have filed a brief against the same-sex marriage case pending before the state Supreme Court.

The Republican lawmakers, represented by a conservative Christian law group called the Alliance Defending Freedom, said anti-discrimination and equal protection guarantees in the state constitution do not provide a legal right to marriage for same-sex couples. The lawmakers said that "the judiciary should exercise caution when asked to divine fundamental and important constitutional rights not expressly provided in the Constitution's text." The gay marriage issue has moved to the political front burner in New Mexico since August when Dona Ana County Clerk Lynn Ellins decided independently to allow marriage licenses for same-sex couples. At least seven other county clerks have followed, some because of rulings in lawsuits brought by same-sex couples.

The ACLU filed a supportive brief on Monday. The case will be heard late next month.

Jon Stewart Rips Ted Cruz

"You're fucking with us, right?" Another line: “So to express your opposition to Obamacare, you go to the book about a stubborn jerk who decides he hates something before he’s tried it, and when he finally gets a taste, he has to admit after he’s tasted it, ‘This is pretty fucking good.’”

IOC: We Are Fully Satisfied Russia's Anti-Gay Laws Don't Violate Our Charter

The International Olympic Committee today announced that it has no grounds to challenge Russia's anti-gay laws in advance of the Sochi Olympics.

IOC officials told a news conference in Sochi, where they were making their final inspection tour before the Games begin Feb. 7, that they were “fully satisfied" that a Russian law banning gay propaganda does not violate the Olympic charter’s anti-discrimination guarantee, the Associated Press reported. The committee considered its decision for several days, IOC Chairman Jean-Claude Killy said, but finally agreed it lacked authority to criticize a host country’s laws if they did not specifically violate Olympic rules. Russian officials have issued contradictory statements about how the law might be enforced. Some have promised that gay athletes and spectators will not encounter any problems, but others have warned that all visitors must respect the nation’s laws.

The Washington Post notes that today's announcement "will likely to set off a furious reaction among human rights activists." You think?

Bjorn Borg Launches Russian Retail Site With Rainbow Newspaper Ad In Moscow

Retired tennis superstar Bjorn Borg launched a Russian website for his line of apparel today with a full-page Moscow Times ad that displays men's underwear arranged rainbow-style. Via press release:

“We are opening up for ecommerce on the Russian market. The opening advert is a way for us to reach Russian influencers. Björn Borg as a brand has always advocated equality on all levels. It is a human right to love and to make love to whoever you choose and we want to make a point of that through the advert in the Moscow Times today”, comments Lina Söderqvist, Marketing Director at Björn Borg.

(Tipped by JMG reader Paulo)

Scott Lively: Pray Against Those Involved In Suing Me For Crimes Against Humanity

"First, pray for God to guide Judge Ponsor as he makes future decisions in this case.  Pray for him to be fair and objective, and not swayed by liberal ideology or the lies of my persecutors. Next pray that the Marxist activists that have conspired to bring this bogus litigation forward are thwarted. Pray especially for Holly Richardson of both Arise and OUT NOW, the self-described 44-year-old 'butch' lesbian. She has been especially aggressive against me and against our church. Lastly, pray for the George Soros-funded so-called 'Center for Constitutional Rights.' CCR is the 'principality and power' behind the SMUG lawsuit and many far-left causes, a truly demonic organization, operating from the heart of New York City at 666 Broadway (no joke.). Pray for all of these Marxist activists to be saved and delivered from their sin and error in rejecting the truth of God. As they press forward to attack me, pray confusion into their camp and for all of their strategies and tactics to be turned against them." - Scott Lively, in a statement posted by Porno Pete.

TODAY: Activists To Protest Jamaica At United Nations General Assembly

Via press release:

New York-based LGBT activist group Jamaica Anti-Homophobia Stand will protest Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, on September 26th and 28th in New York as she makes appearances at the 68th UN General Assembly. Simpson Miller’s appearances come shortly after a spate of attacks and murders of gay men and transsexuals in Jamaica. Allies such as Queer Nation, ACT UP and the Lesbian and Gay Democratic Club of Queens will join in this opportunity to stage a protest Thursday, September 26th at the Ford Foundation (UN Session) in Manhattan at 11:00 a.m. sharp. On Saturday, September 28th, activists will stage another protest against Simpson-Miller at the United Nations Plaza, 1st Avenue and 45th Street, New York, NY. The protests call for an end to Jamaica’s anti-gay laws, which tacitly condone attacks and murders of members of the LGBT community in Jamaica. Consensual sexual intercourse and interaction between homosexuals has been illegal since 1864. Gays are imprisoned for 10 years with hard labor under Jamaica’s Buggery Law and often brutalized and killed by anti-gay mobs if caught or suspected.

The protest begins at 10AM at United Nations Plaza. I'll have photos/video later if available.

Headline Of The Day

And there's video. (Tipped by JMG reader David)

Renee Fleming On Letterman

Singing the "top ten opera lyrics." Mandatory viewing.

Open Thread Thursday

What's your most-played track on iTunes (or whatever)?

Department Of Defense Video Tracks Military Couple Enjoying New Benefits

Sometimes it feels like we've moved to a different planet.

Today's Gay Etiquette Question

From Steven Petrow's Civil Behavior column in the New York Times comes this question:

Q. Dear Civil Behavior: I’m a sergeant in the Army, and my girlfriend and I are to meet with a married gay couple (he’s an officer). I am not sure how to introduce her to my friend’s married partner. Do I say, “Jennifer, this is Colonel Smith and his husband, Mr. Andrews?” (He kept his own last name.) I don’t want to sound rude or insensitive (plus he outranks me a lot and I don’t want to do push-ups for the rest of my life — LOL). Any guidance you have will be much appreciated. – Yankee Rebel, U.S. Army

Give us your answer then hit the link for Petrow's response.

MAINE: Former President George H.W. Bush Witnesses Same-Sex Wedding

The Washington Post reports:

Another prominent Republican has come out in support of same-sex marriage — or at least, in support of one particular same-sex marriage. Former President George H.W. Bush served as an official witness this past weekend at the Maine wedding of Bonnie Clement and Helen Thorgalsen, co-owners of a Kennebunk general store. Thorgalsen posted a photo of the 41st commander-in-chief signing a set of documents for them at an outdoor celebration: “Getting our marriage license witnessed!” No big statement from the ex-prez’s office. His rep Jim McGrath confirmed his and wife Barbara’s presence at the wedding: “They were private citizens attending a private ceremony for two friends.”

WaPo notes that other members of the Bush clan, including former First Lady Laura Bush, have endorsed same-sex marriage. Reaction to today's news should prove amusing on right wing sites.

NOM: Stop Carl DeMaio

NOM has issued a money beg to stop San Diego homocon Carl DeMaio from winning a seat in the US House. Via email from Brian Brown:

As you know, NOM is engaged in fights to defend marriage in Congress as well as in states all across the country. And one of the most frustrating things I repeatedly run in to is Republicans who are pressured, bullied and cowed into silence by a small but powerful faction that is trying to GUT the Republican Party of its traditional principles and values. I don't know about you, but I'm sick of it. That's why you and I need principled leaders like Kirk Jorgensen in Congress. Please click here today to make a donation to support Kirk's campaign. Not only does Kirk have to fight against liberal California Democrats — he has to fight a liberal challenger from his own party! Carl DeMaio is a career politician, running as a Republican, who has abandoned the party's platform on both marriage and life — a RINO to the core — and, worst of all, is being backed by many establishment Republicans trying to reshape the party to be more “progressive”! Will you let them do that? Or will you stand with me today and help send a true marriage champion to Washington?

Brown's email doesn't mention that DeMaio is gay.

RELATED:  Last month DeMaio angrily denied a claim that he'd been seen masturbating in the men's room of the San Diego City Council. Another news story alleges that DeMaio was secretly behind the drive to recall disgraced former Mayor Bob Filner, presumably with the intent to position DeMaio to replace him. Filner resigned before the recall campaign officially launched. In July the Log Cabin Republicans endorsed DeMaio's bid for the US House. Also in July, local LGBT activists organized a campaign to boo DeMaio during this year's pride parade, noting that he'd been reluctant to endorse marriage equality and had accepted donations from backers of Proposition 8. DeMaio, a wealthy political consultant, is vehemently anti-union and has vowed that LGBT rights will never affect his political decisions.

Twerking Record Set In Herald Square

Gothamist reports:

Big Freedia had plans to set a new world record for most people twerking at one time and in one place. At 12:15 this afternoon in Herald Square she made good on that claim, with the help of over 300 twerkers. Big Freedia led a crowd that brought together hip hop kids, well-dressed businessmen, over-eager tourists, and even a couple of gray-haired ladies who looked a lot like our moms. Clearly, twerking is a populist movement. Twerking belongs to no one; twerking belongs to all of us. The crowd at Herald Square was divided by barricades into twerkers and onlookers as participants were given a wristband, tallied by Guinness World Records staff (Big Freedia wasn't fooling around here) and handed a flyer that outlined specific rules for what would qualify as an acceptable twerk.

RELATED: If you're unfamiliar with Big Freedia, I wrote about her here and here.

From Queer Nation

Source.

HomoQuotable - Fred Karger

"In a August 22 blog post the National Organization of Marriage wrote, 'What's the best way to weaken and silence those you disagree with? Intimidation and threats, of course.' That statement also went into a NOM email blast to its claimed list of 500,000. NOM and its president, Brian Brown, have been attacking me ever since my sworn complaint against them in Iowa resulted in another ethics’ investigation of NOM. This was just one of Brian’s latest personal attacks against me. He is very upset because Iowa is the third state to conduct an ethics investigation into NOM’s illegal campaign activities. Ongoing investigations are under way in Maine and California as well, because of sworn complaints that I filed in those states. Just go to Google and search 'NOM threats.' There are 1,710,000 results. Trying 'NOM intimidation' will yield about 1,320,000 results. That’s a lot of NOM threats and intimidation." - 2012 GOP presidential candidate and NOM watchdog Fred Karger, writing for the Advocate. Hit the link and read Karger's 20 examples of NOM's threats, all of which have been reported here.