Obama Calls Putin About Ukraine After Duma Votes To Allow Military Action

President Obama and Vladimir Putin this afternoon spoke by phone to discuss the worsening situation in Ukraine.

The Kremlin issued a statement saying that Putin and Obama spoke and that the Russian president “stressed the existence of real threats to life and health of Russian citizens” in Ukraine, according to a Google translation of the statement. Putin also “stressed that in the case of the further spread of violence in the eastern regions of Ukraine and Crimea, Russia reserves the right to protect their interests.” The call to Putin was one of several that Obama made to foreign leaders on Saturday as he and his national security advisers deliberated the administration’s response to Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine. Senior administration officials including Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Joint Chiefs Chairman Martin Dempsey were spotted leaving the West Wing following an early-afternoon meeting in which they were updated on the situation in Ukraine and “discuss[ed] potential policy options,” a White House official said.

Earlier today Russia's parliament today voted unanimously to allow military actions in Ukraine.

Putin says he proposed military action because of “the threat to the lives of citizens of the Russian Federation”. Russia’s upper house of parliament will ask President Putin to recall Moscow’s ambassador from the United States, the chamber’s speaker said on Saturday. There are thought to be up to 15,000 Russian soldiers stationed in the republic. Acting president of Ukraine, Oleksander Turchynov, has now called an emergency meeting of security chiefs. Russia has a major naval base in the Crimean city of Sevastopol. The lease stipulates personnel are not allowed to take military equipment or vehicles outside the base without Ukrainian permission. Turchynov had previously warned that any move by Russian troops off of this base would “be considered a military aggression”. However, Russia claims it is acting legally, within the perimeters of its constitution.

Green Eggs & Ham, Vol. 48

NBA To Donate Proceeds From Jason Collins Jersey Sales To LGBT Groups

Via the Associated Press:

The NBA plans to donate proceeds from sales of Jason Collins jerseys to the Matthew Shepard Foundation and the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. Collins became the league's first openly gay player when he signed with the Brooklyn Nets last Sunday, and his No. 98 jersey has been the top seller on NBAStore.com. He chose the number in tribute to Shepard, who was killed in a gay hate crime in 1998. Collins met Shepard's parents on Thursday when the Nets played in Denver. The league says Friday the donations will total no less than $100,000, and it will also auction off Collins' autographed, game-worn jerseys to benefit the same organizations.

Collins says he is "thrilled" by the decision. His jersey is the NBA's top-seller since he was picked up by the Brooklyn Nets several days ago.

DNC History Fail

Wingnuts are having a field day.

VIRGINIA: The Cooch Is Selling Legal Insurance In Case You Shoot Somebody

Former Virginia Attorney General and failed gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli is selling retainers for his legal services just in case you happen to shoot somebody.

“A legal retainer with Virginia Self Defense Law costs as little as $8.33 a month — less than half the cost of a hunting license,” the firm’s Web site says. “Don’t be a victim! Don’t let these realities become your family’s fiscal nightmare!” For that price, the firm promises to defend clients facing firearms charges stemming from an act of self defense and those who have been “harassed by law enforcement for lawfully carrying their weapon.” The firm’s Web site links to news stories about cases in which gun owners were charged with crimes, under headlines such as “Man arrested in front of his son for ‘rudely displaying weapon’ ” and “Burglar’s family awarded $300,000 in wrongful death suit.” One of the stories featured is about the legal bills racked up by George Zimmerman, the Florida man acquitted in July in the shooting death of an unarmed teenager.

Pricing varies if you are an NRA member or a police officer.

Quote Of The Day - Jerry Johnson

"Because of the quality of the production and acting, viewers will enjoy watching main themes from the Noah story depicted in a powerful way on the big screen. However, my intent in reaching out to Paramount with this request was to make sure everyone who sees this impactful film knows this is an imaginative interpretation of Scripture, and not literal. Many people will go to this film and enjoy it. Christians should be ready to engage with them about the main biblical themes that are portrayed in the film, namely sin, judgment, and salvation." - National Religious Broadcasters president Jerry Johnson, announcing that Paramount Pictures has agreed to his demand that they issue a disclaimer about the movie Noah.

Here is Paramount's disclaimer, which will now appear in the film's trailer and in other marketing materials: "The film is inspired by the story of Noah. While artistic license has been taken, we believe that this film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is a cornerstone of faith for millions of people worldwide. The biblical story of Noah can be found in the book of Genesis."

Trans Rights Are Human Rights

Via UNAIDS Asia & the Pacific:

Across Asia and the Pacific, transgender people face significant stigma and discrimination which prevents them from accessing the HIV and health services they need. Everyone has the right to live a full and healthy life with dignity. This video is proudly produced by the Asia-Pacific Transgender Network (APTN) in partnership with UNAIDS Asia and the Pacific. Thank you to all 21 transgender men and women who appeared in this video.

Scotland Offers Asylum To Gay Ugandans

Via the Herald Scotland:

Scotland is to offer asylum to Ugandans facing persecution under the country's oppressive new legislation against its gay population. Humza Yousaf, Minister For External Affairs, has written to UK Foreign Secretary William Hague detailing the Scottish Government's gesture to welcome "any Ugandan" persecuted by the new laws. It comes on the back of an outcry from the international community at the Ugandan anti-gay legislation and concern over the welcome being extended to countries with anti-gay laws during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games. With prominent members of the Ugandan government due in Glasgow this summer, the Scottish Government will also meet representatives of LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) groups to discuss proposals on handling human rights issues during the event.

Reading the above-linked article, it's not clear if the Scottish government actually has the power to offer asylum independent of UK approval. Readers?

LGBT Journos Visit The White House

That's me in the front row center in the red coat.

Obama Heckled At DNC Meeting

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm in DC for the LGBT journalists convention and also in our hotel is the winter meeting of the Democratic National Committee. Last night somebody heckled the president during his address to the group.

“Mr. Obama, tell us about your nuclear war with Russia!” a man could be heard yelling from the back of the crowd (CNN translated as “nuclear plan in Russia”). “Who’s that back there?” Obama asked. “What the heck are you talking about?” The friendly crowd dutifully cheered and chanted the president’s name until man apparently sat back down. There are plenty of reasons that Democrats could be unhappy with Obama, but this one seemed a little far afield.

Fox News Headline Of The Day

Details.

Sarah Palin: I Predicted Ukraine

"Yes, I could see this one from Alaska. I'm usually not one to Told-Ya-So, but I did, despite my accurate prediction being derided as 'an extremely far-fetched scenario' by the 'high-brow' Foreign Policy Magazine. Here’s what this 'stupid insipid woman' predicted back in 2008: 'After the Russian Army invaded the nation of Georgia, Senator Obama's reaction was one of indecision and moral equivalence, the kind of response that would only encourage Russia's Putin to invade Ukraine next.'" - Sarah Palin, saying that Russia will invade Ukraine because they don't fear Obama, just as she predicted would happen six years ago.

FRC Rates 153 Members Of House & Senate As "True" To Hate Values

Via press release from the Family Research Council:

Congress may not always act responsibly, but there are plenty of members who do! Yesterday, we honored the House and Senate leaders who stood on principle and notched a perfect 100% on FRC Action's annual scorecard. This year AFA Action, the legislative affiliate of the American Family Association, teamed up with us in honoring those who are defending and advancing faith, family and freedom on Capitol Hill. Fifty-five of the 153 congressional "True Blue" winners dropped by the Capitol Hill Club for our special reception, and it was encouraging to see the camaraderie in the room among the leaders who take the slings and arrows as they stand for family values.

This year, FRC Action scored votes on everything from ObamaCare and abortion restrictions to the President's court nominees and safeguarding conscience rights. I appreciate the members who took time out of their busy schedules to join Tim Wildmon and me -- as well as the FRC, and FRC Action staff, Connie Mackey, David Christensen, Josh Duggar, Leanna Baumer, Emily Minick, Sherry Crater, and Nick Frase -- for your tireless efforts for our values. Congratulations to the 113th Congress's class of True Blue winners!

Click over to the FRC's scorecard as see how they rated your members of Congress.

Eurovision 2014: Ireland's Entry

Via the Irish Examiner:

Can-linn, featuring Dubliner Kasey Smith, will represent Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Copenhagen in May. 23-year-old Kasey battled it out against four other finalists on the Late Late Show Eurosong 2014 last night, topping the vote which was a combination of 50% public tele-vote and 50% regional jury vote. Her winning song, Heartbeat, was written by a team of Irish and Swedish songwriters.

Obama Warns Russia On Ukraine

Afternoon View - DC Hotel

I'm in DC for the annual LGBT media convention and also in our hotel is the winter meeting of the Democratic National Committee. The place is swarming with German shepherds and ominous-looking men in trench coats. (I thought better of taking their photo, the guys above are DC cops, who are here by the dozens.) President Obama is due to give an address here shortly.

"The choice for Democrats is quite clear. Opportunity for a few – or opportunity for all. See, as Democrats, we have a different idea of what the future looks like – an idea rooted in our conviction that our economy grows best not from the top-down, but from the middle-out. That's what our opportunity agenda offers," Obama is expected to say in his prepared remarks. The President will also continue to tout his 2014 approach to use executive actions to pursue his agenda. "Obviously, this is an election year. But an election that's eight months away shouldn't stop us from making progress right now. I've said I want to work with Congress wherever I can – and there are places we can work together to get things done. But I've also shown that in this year of action, whenever I can act on my own to expand opportunity for more Americans, I will," Obama will say according to the excerpts released by a White House official.

ARIZONA: Tempe Approves Sweeping LGBT Anti-Discrimination Law

You know this has gotta sting.

Just a day after the veto of a controversial bill that would have reinforced the ability of Arizona businesses to discriminate against LGBT customers, the Tempe City Council unanimously voted to join three other cities, including Tucson, that have broadened civil-rights protections for gay and transgender people. With a 7-0 vote Thursday, Tempe now bans discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants. The ordinance includes exceptions for religious groups and private clubs.

Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson have similar laws in place, but there are no such statewide protections in Arizona.

"Ex-Gay" Crackpot Anne Paulk: God Punishes Gay Men With Early Death

Anne Paulk says nothing about her former husband and partner in the national "ex-gay" movement. Probably because he's renounced his not-gayness and is once again enjoying the company of the menz.

John Kerry Spoke To Uganda's President

Via press release from the State Department:

Secretary of State John Kerry spoke with Ugandan President Museveni yesterday via phone. Secretary Kerry expressed the United States’ deep disappointment in the Ugandan Government’s decision to enact the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. The Secretary noted that the decision complicates the U.S. relationship with Uganda. He also raised U.S. concerns that this discriminatory law poses a threat to the safety and security of Uganda’s LGBT community, and urged President Museveni to ensure the safety and protection of all Ugandan citizens. The two also discussed the law’s negative impact on public health efforts including those to address HIV/AIDS, as well as on tourism and foreign investment in Uganda.

That's the full official message. There may be some analysis from insiders later and I'll post that here as an update.

White House Applauds AZ Veto

Just a little more fuel for the outrage bonfire. Via The Hill:

The White House said Friday it supports Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's decision to veto a bill that would have allowed businesses to deny service to gay and lesbian customers. "The president does believe that Gov. Brewer did the right thing by vetoing this bill," Carney said. On Wednesday, Brewer announced that she would veto the bill, which narrowly passed the state legislature. "I call them as I see them, despite the cheers or the boos from the crowd," Brewer said in a statement, adding the legislation "could result in unintended and negative consequences."

Freep This Kentucky Poll

Notice the news item on the same page.

Meltdown Status: ShapCon 1

WISCONSIN: ACLU Requests Lift On Marriage Ban While Lawsuit Proceeds

The ACLU today asked a federal judge for an injunction against Wisconsin's ban on same-sex marriage while their lawsuit is being heard.

The organization filed a motion on Thursday with U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb, seeking a preliminary injunction that would essentially invalidate the ban until the lawsuit is decided. In a brief accompanying the motion, the ACLU argued it’s entitled to a preliminary injunction because it’ll likely win the lawsuit and the ban imposes irreparable harm on same-sex couples. A spokeswoman for the state Justice Department, which is defending the ban, said the agency will respond in court. A hearing has been set for March 27.

(Tipped by JMG reader Alex)

Thomas Peters Has The Arizona Sadz

"This isn’t just an image of the Center for Arizona Policy’s office, it’s a picture of your office, of your father’s place of business, of your best friend’s company, if we allow this to continue. 'Going out of business.' They’re serious. They printed out the name and image of CAP’s President Cathi [Herrod] That’s not going to be Cathi in a few years, it will be your picture. They already have my picture posted up. But I asked for it when I chose to defend marriage in public. In the next wave, you’ll be asked where you stand. Either you will hide your witness or you will risk joining the Cathi’s and Thom’s. These images of private property and private citizens being harassed and intimidated can now happen at any place of business or private residence of anyone in the state of Arizona who dares give voice to their disagreement with gay marriage." -Former NOM communications director Thomas Peters, writing for Catholic Vote.

Headline Of The Day

Details. (Tipped by JMG reader Arthur)

Christian TV Has The Kentucky Sadz

Porno Pete Has The Arizona Sadz

"Few Americans realize how decades of court-imposed favored legal status for homosexuality have already stolen away our 'freedom to be moral.' Tragically, America is far down the road of 'Criminalizing Christianity' or, more accurately, Judeo-Christian morality—thanks to Big Gay Inc and its powerful allies in the courts, media and academia. But what is most amazing about this Culture War battle is how homosexual activists still manage to play the victim even as more and more Americans become Real Victims of the LGBT agenda—which, at its core, is about enforcing PRO-homosexual discrimination through the State and big corporations." - Porno Pete LaBarbera, writing for Matt Barber's Barbwire.

Harry Connick Jr Dishes Clay Aiken

They love this at Twitchy, of course.

Disney World Cuts Ties To Boy Scouts

Josh Israel has the story over at Think Progress:

Walt Disney World became the latest business entity to end its support of Boy Scouts of America over its continued refusal to end its ban on openly-LGBT adults. As a result, the Florida theme park will no longer help fund local Scout units in support of employees’ volunteer work. While the Boy Scouts of America’s National Council voted last May to end the group’s long-time ban on openly gay youth, it also reaffirmed its ban on openly LGBT adults serving as volunteers or professionals in the organization. As a result, out Scouts will be kicked out of the organization after their 18th birthday. Walt Disney World’s “Ears to You” grant program functions like an employer matching-gift program, but instead makes donations to charitable organizations for which employees volunteer their time. In the past, this has included Boy Scout troops.

Hit the link for the letter.

Sweden: We Might Cut Aid To Uganda

Kenyan TV reports:

The Swedish Government has indicated that it is considering a freeze on aid to Uganda days after the country signed the anti-gay Bill into Law. Sweden's Finance Minister Anders Borg condemned the move saying it was unfortunate that Uganda passed the law noting it would strain relations between the two countries. Borg is on a regional tour of Africa to assess Swedish funded projects in the continent. He earlier met the Cabinet Secretary of Finance Henry Rotich and the Central Bank Governor Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u. On average Sweden lends Uganda 40 million dollars as aid which is channeled to various sectors of the economy. Borg also reiterated that his Government will scale up trade with Kenya and the rest of Africa moving forward.

The audio for this clip doesn't cut in for about 20 seconds.

From The Miami Herald

(Via JMG reader TJ)

FRC's Prayer Of The Day

Today's "prayer target" from the Family Research Council:

Lord, intervene to prevent evil from overcoming what you have forever declared to be good! Help the U.S. Senate to pass the State Marriage Defense Act (S. 2024) to protect each state's right to define marriage as the union of one man and one woman and prevent the federal government from undermining a state's definition of marriage (Ex 18:21; 2 Sam 23:3; Ps 2:10-12; Is 10:1; 64:1-4; Mt 19:4-6; Rom 12:21; 2 Pet 2:1).

Rep. Randy Weber's hilariously doomed bill now has a meager 60 cosponsors in the House. All are Republicans except retiring Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC). Among the cosponsors is GOP Rep. Scott "Sanctity Of Marriage DesJarlais (R-TN), who was exposed in 2012 for having had six adulterous affairs, some of which were with patients of his medical practice. Praise! Glory! Rampant adultery!

Scott Lively Speaks To NPR

Hate group leader Scott Lively appeared on NPR yesterday to defend his campaign against LGBT people around the world. An excerpt:

MARTIN: Well, you know, this law, though, has been denounced by the United Nations, by U.S. officials, including the Secretary of State and the president. A number of European nations have said that they're suspending aid to the country because they believe that this is a fundamental violation of human rights, particularly to criminalize relations between consenting adults. Are they all gay bullies?

LIVELY: Well, you're talking about government agencies. It's a little different than gay activists. Although, there are gay activists in government, and often they are bullies. But to get to the whole point about human rights, that's just simply nonsense. Sodomy is not a human right. I'm an attorney. I majored in human rights, and I can tell you that was - this idea that homosexual sodomy represents a human right is a brand-new invention of the late - latter part of the 20th century by hard-left cultural Marxists. And it actually supplants genuine human rights for religious freedom and family values.

The full transcript and an audio player are at the link.

(Tipped by JMG reader Jacob)

Former NFL Star Deion Sanders: There Have Been Gays On All My Teams

Andy Towle provides the transcript:

"I don't nor do I condemn, but I've had a friend, family members... Everyone out there, you've had someone of homosexuality in your family — and someone whose on drugs and alcohol. How can I judge them? It's up to me to give him love, to give him support, to just be there for him. So I don't condone nor I condemn. But I'm gonna love him. Everybody in the NFL is always talking about football as a family but when you have the opportunity to really extend and show them that you're a family member, this is the opportunity. He's not the first gay guy in the NFL! He's the first one to come out, let's get that straight. Every team I've played on, there was someone...we always knew. But he was cool. That was our boy. We had to look out for him. Every team I've played on - five different teams - there was someone gay in the locker room."

David Byrne Covers Biz Markie

Stereogum writer Tom Breihan explains:

Cake frontman John McCrea is one of the many artists railing against streaming services like Spotify and the way they only pay a pittance in royalties to artists. He’s put together a nonprofit called Content Creators Coalition, and last night, David Byrne headlined a CCC concert at New York’s Le Poisson Rouge; it also featured McRea, R.E.M.’s Mike Mills, Tift Merritt, and a few others. I have no idea how this led to Byrne doing an incredibly still and joyous cover of Biz Markie’s eternally wonderful atonal yawp “Just A Friend,” but that’s what happened.

The clip is going viral. I love this.

Updated Marriage Map

The map reflects this week's changes in Texas and Kentucky. Note that a second county in Illinois has begun issuing marriage licenses ahead of the official statewide date of June 1st. Source.

NYT Poll: 56% Back Gay Marriage

The Human Rights Campaign reacts:

A new poll out this week from the New York Times and CBS News shows that 40 percent of Republicans support marriage equality, further indication that Americans are moving steadily in one direction on the issue. Less than two years ago, just 24 percent of Republicans said they thought it should be legal for gay and lesbian couples to marry. Released Wednesday afternoon, the New York Times/CBS News poll also shows that 56 percent of all Americans believe it should be legal for same sex couples to marry. Among people 44 years of age and younger, 56 percent of Republicans and 85 percent of Democrats support marriage equality.

Read the full poll.

Homocon Radio Shrieker Tammy Bruce: The Gay Gestapo Bullied Jan Brewer

"As a gay conservative woman, I supported Arizona’s religious freedom bill, which was just vetoed this week by Gov. Jan Brewer. I supported it because it embodied the values every American civil rights movement stood for: the freedom to live our lives without being punished for who we are. In this case, it was a bill making sure people of faith would not be forced to violate their religious beliefs in the event someone demanded they do so. Horribly, the gay civil rights movement has morphed into a Gay Gestapo. Its ranks will now do the punishing of those who dare to be different or dissent from the approved leftist dogma. To all the young gays who tweet and email me that this is about 'equality,' how exactly? Forcing someone to do something against their faith has nothing to do with equality for you, has nothing to do with bigotry and has everything to do with a personal, spiritual understanding of right and wrong. In other words, I tell them, not everything is about you." - Homocon radio screamer Tammy Bruce, writing for the far-right Washington Times.

RELATED: Tammy Bruce has a fan in Bryan Fischer. I'm sure she doesn't mind that he would like to see her thrown in prison.

NORTH CAROLINA: Clay Aiken Officially Joins 2014 Race For US House Seat

American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken yesterday filed the paperwork to officially become a candidate for the US House. The Charlotte News-Observer reports:

The performer, a Democrat, turned in his paperwork at the State Board of Elections to seek the 2nd District seat currently held by Republican Renee Ellmers. Aiken, who lives in the Raleigh-Durham area, announced his bid three weeks ago and must first try to win the Democratic primary in less than 10 weeks. The 2nd District, which covers all or parts of nine counties west and southwest of his native Raleigh, is considered Republican-leaning. But Aiken said the district's voters want to choose the candidate who believes "we're not going to have success just based on one party or the other — that we all have to work together." "They are enthusiastic about seeing change," he added later.

The deadline to file is today. It appears that Aiken's challengers in the primary will be former North Carolina state Commerce Secretary Keith Crisco, and Toni Morris, a counselor who finished second in the 2012 Democratic primary. The winner will face two-term GOP incumbent Rep. Renee Ellmers, who has a 0% rating from the Human Rights Campaign.

TRAILER: Fred

A documentary about the 2012 campaign of Fred Karger.

Tweet Of The Day - Jason Collins

ESPN reports:

Brooklyn Nets center Jason Collins met privately with the parents and brother of the late Matthew Shepard following the team's 112-89 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night at Pepsi Center. The player gave Dennis and Judy Shepard an autographed, No. 98 black and white jersey, and laughter could be heard throughout the 10-minute meeting. Collins, who became the first active openly gay player in NBA history Sunday after signing a 10-day contract with the Nets, wears No. 98 in honor of Shepard, who was beaten, tortured and murdered in a 1998 anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming. "It was great," said Judy Shepard, who had spoken with Collins by phone last year after Collins announced he was gay and wore No. 98 because of her son. "It was all great. He's very kind, smart, humble. It was delightful. We were happy to finally have the opportunity to meet." She said receiving his jersey was "cool. It was very sweet, very genuine and very thoughtful." "I did not want to give them a sweaty jersey," Collins said with a laugh when asked whether it was game-worn. "This is a backup."

RELATED: Collins scored three points in last night's game. They were the first points scored by an openly gay player in NBA history, but the announcers in the below clip made only routine comments. That's probably a good thing.

UGANDA: World Bank Suspends $90M Loan Over Anti-Homosexuality Law

The World Bank has suspended a $90M loan to Uganda over the signing of the anti-homosexuality bill by President Yoweri Museveni.

"We have postponed the project for further review to ensure that the development objectives would not be adversely affected by the enactment of this new law," World Bank spokesman David Theis said in an email. Ugandan president Yoweri Museveni signed an anti-gay bill earlier this week that strengthens already strict laws against homosexuals by imposing a life sentence for certain violations and making it a crime to not report anyone who breaks the law. The World Bank, a poverty-fighting institution based in Washington, usually refrains from getting involved in countries' internal politics or in issues such as gay rights to avoid antagonising any of its 188 member countries. World Bank president Jim Yong Kim, however, sent an email to bank staff saying the bank opposes discrimination, and would protect the safety of all employees.

Norway, Denmark, and the Netherlands have also cut aid to Uganda's government and say they will redirect funding to private groups.

Obama & Biden: Let's Move

Sen. Patrick Leahy Proposes Freezing Aid To Uganda Over Anti-Homosexuality Bill

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) has proposed freezing US aid to Uganda over the enactment of that country's brutal anti-homosexuality bill, which was signed last week by President Yoweri Museveni.

“I am deeply concerned by the decision of President (Yoweri) Museveni of Uganda to sign into law the anti-homosexuality bill,” Senator Patrick Leahy, the most senior member of the chamber and chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said in a statement. “Much of US assistance to Uganda is for the people of Uganda, including those in the Ugandan LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) community whose human rights are being so tragically violated,” he added. Washington is among Uganda’s largest international donors. The State Department said that in current fiscal year some $485 million in bilateral assistance had been provided to Uganda with most of the funds going towards health programs, as well as education, food security and military training. The State Department has signalled it is looking at a range of options to respond to the law, while White House spokesman Jay Carney said “we are undertaking a review of our relationship with Uganda in light of this decision.”

With the aid of Western governments and NGOs, Uganda has seen a remarkable decline in HIV infections compared to its neighbors. Some US and European HIV/AIDS activists oppose cutting financial aid despite the latest law. Yesterday a prominent Ugandan LGBT activist begged that aid not be cut, saying such a move would only create a stronger backlash against LGBT people in his country.

Frank Mugisha, director of Sexual Minorities Uganda, has said he does not support aid cuts. ‘We can’t afford to create new victims,’ he said on Twitter this week. ‘We should go after the crazy politicians! Not innocent Ugandans.’ In February this year, prominent Ugandan LGBTI rights activist Abbey Kiwanuka petitioned the Dutch foreign affairs committee to use other ways to persuade Uganda not to make the bill law instead of cutting aid. His pleas were turned down. Edwin Sesange, director of the African LGBTI Out and Proud Diamond Group, said in a Gay Star News comment piece: ‘Aid in various forms helps all ordinary Ugandans, including LGBTI people who we are campaigning for. ‘Therefore the consequences of not being able to access those services financed by foreign aid will directly impact gay, lesbian, trans and bi Ugandans wellbeing.'

RELATED: Sexual Minorities Uganda is the group suing Scott Lively for crimes against humanity.

Homocon Cat Fight

Barron resigned from GOProud last week after the group was allowed to return to CPAC after two years of being banned. If anybody here has the above-cited email, please forward it to me.

UPDATE: Here's the email.

Dear Friends, On Tuesday GOProud sent out a statement encouraging Governor Jan Brewer to veto Arizona Senate Bill 1062, which would have legalized the discrimination of gay individuals. Today, we are proud to share with you the news that the Governor Brewer has vetoed that legislation. It is because of supporters like you that the message of freedom is reaching conservative leaders all across America. Governor Brewer's decision reinforced the voices of several influential Republicans like Senator John McCain, Senator Jeff Flake, Governor Mitt Romney, Governor Rick Scott, and Speaker Newt Gingrich, who all spoke out against SB 1062, just like we did. This is no small victory. GOProud's mission is one that is being characterized by many of our Party leaders. Together, we are entering a modern Republican era, where the principles of conservatism are celebrated by all Americans. Please take this opportunity to extend your congratulations to our friends in Arizona, express your gratitude for the courage and conviction of leaders like Governor Jan Brewer, and continue supporting the important work we do here at GOProud.

Tweet Of The Day II - God

God has 1.2 million Twitter followers, but He only follows one account. I won't spoil your laugh.

RuPaul - Geronimo

From her just-released album, Born Naked.  Not safe for the office if your company has a "No Twerking" policy.

Tea Party Head Judson Phillips: Arizonans Are Now The Slaves Of Homosexuals

Tea Party Nation founder Judson Phillips wants Arizona to know that they are now the slaves of homosexuals and leftists.

The left and the homosexual lobby in America went into overdrive to kill this bill. Conservatives rallied for this bill and Governor Brewer opted for cowardice instead of courage. Why is this bill so important and what did it mean for not only Arizona but America? The issue can be boiled down to one word: Freedom. A free man or woman controls their labor. A slave has no control over their labor. A free man or woman decides who they will work for and under what conditions. The slave cannot. The left and the homosexual lobby are both pushing slavery using the Orwellian concepts of “tolerance” and “inclusiveness.” Liberalism is the paranoid belief that leftists have that somewhere, someone may be thinking for themselves. It is the tyrannical belief that no deviation in belief is allowed from the decreed orthodoxy. It is the antithesis of liberty. It is tyranny on the march.

Remember - the Tea Party isn't about social issues! It's about big gummint!

NOM Has The Arizona Sadz

From an unsigned post published today to NOM's blog:

Yesterday, Governor Brewer of Arizona vetoed the "Religious Freedom Restoration Act," a bill similar to one stalled in the Kansas legislature. The rejection of these pieces of legislation by conservative politicians is very disappointing. If there’s one thing we've learned over the years from witnessing the redefinition of marriage in several states and in other places around the world, it is that there is an inevitable conflict between the genderless marriage regime and the conscience rights of those who believe in marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Wherever marriage is redefined, the story is the same: florists, photographers, bakers, caterers, social hall owners—anyone who runs a business that caters to the celebration of nuptials—these individuals are forced to choose between their deeply held beliefs about marriage and the prospect of being forced out of business by onerous lawsuits claiming ‘discrimination.’

The post concludes by directing NOM's supporters to demand a national version of the bill that was vetoed yesterday in Arizona.

KENTUCKY: Court Rules That State Must Recognize Out-Of-State Gay Marriages

The Louisville Courier-Journal reports:

Kentucky must now recognize same sex marriages performed in states where it is legal. U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn today made final a ruling issued earlier this month in which he found that Kentucky’s marriage amendment and statutes violate of the right to equal protection under the law. “Those laws ... are void and unenforceable,” he said in a one page order. Earlier today, Attorney General Jack Conway’s office asked Heyburn to stay enforcement of his ruling but for now it will go into effect. Citing the importance of the case, Conway’s office asked U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II to delay the effective date of his order for 90 days to give Conway the chance to decide whether to appeal. The motion says Gov. Steve Beshear, also a defendant, needs time as well to decide how to implement the order if it is not appealed.

As I speculated when he first issued his weak defense in October, it's looking like the attorney general may not appeal today's ruling.

Hillary Clinton Praises Arizona Veto

Listen to the crowd roar when she broke the news to University of Miami students last night.

HomoQuotable - Michelangelo Signorile

"Let's not forget that in Arizona, it's still legal to refuse to serve lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people in your bakery or your photo studio for religious or any other reasons, due in no small part to Jan Brewer's hostility to LGBT rights throughout her tenure. It's legal for a landlord in Arizona to turn away LGBT people. Except in a few Arizona cities with employment protections, it's also legal for an employer to fire someone simply for being queer.

"The backlash against this bill should also be a lesson for national LGBT groups that supported ENDA with dangerous religious exemptions: It looks hypocritical and wrongheaded to support a federal employment nondiscrimination bill that gives exemptions in hiring to some businesses, like hospitals run by religious entities, only to condemn a state bill that, in the name of 'religious freedom,' seeks to exempt businesses from having to serve gays. Could that be one reason that some major LGBT groups were oddly silent when the Arizona bill was passed last week?

"So yes, it's a turning point in the national debate, and that's a big win. But when the NFL threatens to pull the Super Bowl from Arizona simply because the state still hasn't passed a nondiscrimination law protecting LGBT people, then I'll see it as a truly huge victory." - Michelangelo Signorile, writing for the Huffington Post.

Anti-Gay Crackpot Paul Cameron: I'm Open To Death Penalty For Homosexuality

Radio host David Pakman writes us:

Dr. Paul Cameron of the Family Research Institute said today that he not only favors the Ugandan anti-gay law which indicates prison as a punishment for homosexuality, he added that he consulted with Ugandan officials on the law, and that he would be open to the idea of the death penalty as a punishment for homosexuality. Cameron refused to answer, however, the logistics of how he would carry out and administer death sentences for LGBT individuals. Dr. Cameron was removed from the American Psychological Association during the 1980's for alleged misrepresentation of research to make his anti-gay claims -- something he continued to do during today's interview on The David Pakman Show. Cameron's defense is that he resigned from the APA, while the APA counters that Cameron resigned after being told he was being investigated, which is a violation of the APA's policies.

Should you have forgotten, Cameron is the freak show who claims that gay men die at an average age of 42, a ridiculous lie that is often repeated by anti-gay and "ex-gay" groups. He is also the founder of the Family Research Institute, which is listed as a hate group by the SPLC.

Attorney General Eric Holder Hospitalized

Bill Donohue: There Are No Examples Of Gays Being Discriminated Against

Catholic League blowhard Bill Donohue melted down over Arizona this morning on CNN.

Donohue began by accusing President Barack Obama’s administration of “encroaching on the rights of people of faith” in a variety of areas. “Gays as individuals, I’m with you on that Chris, let’s protect them in the workplace, let’s protect them as individuals,” Donohue insisted. “What my concern is, and I think I speak for a lot of people of faith, is the institution of marriage. That’s a separate issue altogether.” “Where are the examples of gays being discriminated against?” Donohue asked. “If they’re being discriminated against, how come they make more money than straight people on average?” “Is somebody being denied at Applebee’s getting a hamburger? Where are these examples?” he followed up. “Under the law in Arizona, there is no special protection of the LGBT community, so a business member, if he or she wanted to or she wanted to, could discriminate without violation,” Como said. “That’s why the law was unnecessary. Do you get that?”

Chris Cuomo is becoming my favorite news host.

Canadian Man Has The Texas Sadz

"This ruling by a federal judge, invalidating Texas’ ban on same-sex marriage, is a troubling display of judicial activism. Our Constitution leaves it to the States to define marriage, and unelected judges should not be substituting their own policy views for the reasoned judgments of the citizens of Texas, who adopted our marriage law directly by referendum. The court's decision undermines the institution of marriage, and I applaud Attorney General Abbott’s decision to appeal this ruling to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals." - Canadian Ted Cruz, via press release.

Paula Deen: I'm Like Michael Sam

“I feel like ‘embattled’ or ‘disgraced’ will always follow my name. It’s like that black football player who recently came out. He said, ‘I just want to be known as a football player. I don’t want to be known as a gay football player.’ I know exactly what he’s saying. I’m fighting to get my name back." - Paula Deen, speaking to People Magazine.

KENTUCKY: Marriage Ruling Due Today, Judge Says No Stay Will Be IssuedUPDATE: Attorney General Seeks Delay

Here's a very important bit of news we missed amidst all of yesterday's hoopla.

A federal judge said Wednesday afternoon that he would issue a final order within 24 hours requiring Kentucky to immediately recognize same-sex marriages performed outside the state. In response, lawyers for the attorney general's office told U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II at a hearing that the state would "very promptly" decide whether to appeal the order. Heyburn told lawyers that his final order will not include a stay postponing it from taking effect. "There could be some confusion" among Kentuckians who quickly seek legal benefits stemming from their same-sex marriages, such as joint tax-filing status, if the state appeals 30 days later and delays the implementation of the order or throws its future into question, Heyburn cautioned.

Note that the ruling will force Kentucky to recognize out-of-state marriages, but will not lift the ban on in-state gay marriages. The plaintiffs, Gregory Bourke and Michael De Leon (above), were married in Canada ten years ago. The named defendants in the suit are Democratic Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway.  Conway, you may recall, issued a tepid defense of the suit in October. So...today will likely be ANOTHER very big day. (Tipped by JMG reader Matthew)

UPDATE: Kentucky AG Jack Conway has requested a 90-day delay in the ruling.

The two-page filing Thursday morning says the delay is sought to give the attorney general time to decide whether to appeal the Feb. 12 ruling and would give the state an opportunity to prepare to implement the order. The request came as parties in the case were awaiting a final order from U.S. District Judge John G. Heyburn II overturning part of Kentucky's same-sex marriage ban. Earlier this month, Heyburn concluded that the ban, which has been in place since 2004, treated "gay and lesbian persons differently in a way that demeans them."

Jack Dundee's All-Gay Adult Emporium

Pat Robertson: Impeach Eric Holder

Brian Brown Has The Texas Sadz

"We've seen a rash of these rulings in recent weeks, all making the same errors about binding Supreme Court precedents relevant to marriage and all issued by activist judges bound and determined to redefine marriage in defiance of thousands of years of human experience. These egregious decisions by unelected judges throwing out the votes of millions of Americans have been shamefully encouraged, aided, and abetted by the lawless actions of President Obama and his administration, especially the Attorney General. It simply has to stop. Critical issues like marriage that are foundational to civilization cannot be permitted to be taken over by activist judges and out of control political appointees. The voices and values of ordinary citizens are being trampled by judges determined to impose profound social change that affects citizens in the deepest and most fundamental ways. The American people, and our leaders in Congress, need to step up and restore the powers of government to their proper balance."- Hate group leader Brian Brown, posting to NOM's blog.

Guess Who's Got A Reality Show?

Remember this guy? The Daily Mail tabloid reports:

Kessler reached a settlement with Gilberton last week that pays him $30,000 and allowed him to retire from the force. The former officer and his attorney, Joseph Nahas, said he signed a development deal with Relativity Media, the production company behind such reality TV fare as 'The Great Food Truck Race' on Food Network and Showtime's 'Gigolos.' Mr Kessler said his show would focus on his life, the 3 Percent group and another group affiliated with the former lawman, the Constitution Security Force.

The show hasn't been picked up by a network yet. (Tipped by JMG reader Joe)