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Tweet Of The Day - Matt Barber

CALIFORNIA: Gunman Slays Six After Posting Chilling "Retribution" Video

A mentally ill 22 year-old college student in Santa Barbara, California is dead after killing six people in what police are calling "premeditated mass murder."  The shooting spree came after the killer posted a chilling YouTube clip titled "Retribution" in which he declared himself to be a virgin and vowed to murder the women who had rejected him

Gunfire erupted shortly before 9:30 p.m. in Isla Vista, Calif., an area near the UC Santa Barbara Campus and about 100 miles north of Los Angeles. A shooter fired dozens of shots while driving and walking through the area, leaving behind “a very chaotic series” of nine crime scenes spread across Isla Vista, Brown said. The first calls to police reporting gunshots came in at 9:27 p.m., Brown said. At the same time, sheriff’s office deputies already in Isla Vista also heard gunshots and found several victims. As they performed first aid, they were given information regarding the shooter and the vehicle that person was using. Several minutes later, the shooter engaged in a shootout with sheriff’s deputies before fleeing. The shooter was spotted again moments later by another deputy; the shooter and the deputy both fired shots at one another before the shooter fled down the street and eventually crashed into a parked vehicle.

 The family of the gunman has issued a statement.

The gunman who killed six people and died in a mass shooting near the University of California, Santa Barbara, has been identified by an attorney representing his father. The father of Elliot Rodger confirmed through his attorney, Alan Schifman, that his son was the gunman. The 22-year-old was being treated by multiple therapists and was a student at Santa Barbara City College, said Schifman. Schifman said that Rodger’s family was “devastated.” Schifman said in recent weeks that Rodger’s parents were concerned for their son's well being and reported his disturbing YouTube videos to police, which lead to an investigation. According to Schifman, police interviewed Rodger and found him to be “polite and kind.” He did not specify which law enforcement division conducted the interview. A social worker also contacted police about Rodger last week, said Schifman. Schifman said Rodger was diagnosed as being a high-functioning patient with Asperger syndrome and had faced bullying through much of his life as he had trouble making friends.

VIDEO: Rodger's video has already been mirrored by several other YouTube users. I don't recommend reading the YouTube comments, where some are declaring that the killer was a "self-hating gay man." The top-rated comment at the version posted below says: "This guy was clearly gay. (Not that I am anti-gay), but he was in denial." Other commenters are calling the killer "effeminate." 

Avicii & Adam Lambert - Lay Me Down

Lambert doesn't appear in the clip. Co-written and guitar by Nile Rodgers. 1.1 million views in its first day.

Sen. Ted Cruz: Democrats Are Going To Vote On Repealing First Amendment

Miranda Blue writes at Right Wing Watch:

When Sen. Ted Cruz told the conservative pastors gathered at the Family Research Council’s Watchmen on the Wall conference yesterday that “the Senate Democrats are going to be voting on a constitutional amendment to repeal the First Amendment,” he was met with an audible gasp. He earned more gasps when he warned that this amendment would suppress the political speech rights of the “citizenry” and “muzzle” pastors in their pulpits. We were surprised too. That would be news! But then it became clear what he was talking about: Senate leadership is planning to hold a vote on a constitutional amendment overturning the Supreme Court’s 2010 Citizens United decision and rulings in related campaign finance cases such as this year’s McCutcheon case, which have steadily eliminated the limits on election spending by corporations and wealthy individuals.

NEVADA: Ninth Circuit Court Sets September Date For Marriage Hearing

Via Equality On Trial:

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ordered Sevcik v. Sandoval, Lambda Legal’s challenge to Nevada’s same-sex marriage ban, to be placed on their argument calendar. The case will be argued some time in September, though the order doesn’t specify an exact date. Last night, the plaintiffs filed a request with the appeals court to schedule their case no later than a separate challenge to Idaho’s same-sex marriage ban. The Nevada case has been on appeal in the Ninth Circuit since December 2012, while the Idaho appeal was only docketed a couple of weeks ago.

The Idaho case will be heard on September 8th.

100 Ways To Die In Movies

Note: This is as gory as you'd expect.

ILLINOIS: Leviticus-Quoting Catholic Priest Busted For Indecent Exposure

A Catholic priest who strongly opposes same-sex marriage has been arrested for exposing himself at an Illinois gas station. From the Chicago Tribune:

Monsignor Aaron R. Brodeski, 44, was charged with two misdemeanor counts of public indecency stemming from an incident on March 27 at the Road Ranger Gas Station, 4980 S. Main St., said Winnebego County Sheriff Deputy Chief Dominic Iasparro. After a warrant was issued for Brodeski's arrest he turned himself over to police and was accompanied by his lawyer this morning. He was ordered held in lieu of $2,000 bail. After posting 10 percent of the amount he was released from the Winnebago County Jail. Brodeski is assigned to the Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia according to police and the church's Website. According to Iasparro, Brodeski was at the gas station in the evening of March 27 when he allegedly exposed himself inside the gas station and later exposed himself while he was in a vehicle in the parking lot.

Before the news of his arrest broke in the press, Brodeski had been placed on leave.

Monsignor Aaron Brodeski of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Batavia is on a leave of absence while the Rockford Diocese investigates an allegation regarding his conduct. Bishop David Malloy informed parishioners of this at Masses last Sunday. The bishop did not say of what Brodeski has been accused, nor who has accused him. He did, however, tell parishioners the conduct "in no way pertains to anything having to do with minors, parish funds or anything pertaining to Holy Cross Parish or School," according to the statement he read.

Brodeski writes a column for his diocesan newspaper. Here's a gem from November 2013.

Genesis 2:24 - In this passage we see the plan and design of God for marriage. I believe this is the most important Scripture to consider when trying to understand the problem with homosexual marriage. By looking at the natural design and intention of God in creating male and female we discover that marriage is made for the joining of two people of the opposite sex. I think that sometimes this fact is so obvious that it is often overlooked. Leviticus 18 deals with laws relating to sexual behavior. Verse 22 says, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; such a thing is an abomination." This passage is not so much about homosexual marriage as it is about homosexual sex. The passage could not be more clear.

In 2003 Brodeski's diocese fired its music director for being gay. Brodeski had something to say about that too.

When the choir rose to sing at Holy Family Catholic Parish in Rockford, Ill., it was not part of the program. It was a protest. The firing of a gay music director has split the congregation at Holy Family, the largest Roman Catholic church in this industrial city of 150,000. After the choir's unscheduled performance Sunday, some parishioners wept, while others applauded. Just as many applauded after the Reverend Aaron Brodeski completed a homily on staying true to church teachings, including those that reject premarital sex and homosexuality. A few walked out during the sermon.

Brodeski is also an anti-porn crusader. From February 2014.

“The bottom line is this,” Msgr. Brodeski says. “The brain, created by God, is made in such a way that when a husband and wife come together in an intimate relationship, chemicals are released (in the brain) that create a deep bond. “Those chemicals can be distorted,” he explains, “when porn is looked at — especially the graphic sex acts that are out there.” The brain, he continues “starts to release ... endorphins and (other) chemicals (and) creates a high. It leads to a false sense of sexual union, and it becomes an addiction.” The porn addiction, like other addictions, “creates loneliness and isolation and confusion. It makes it difficult for (addicts) to look at the opposite sex in a normal way. They walk around feeling guilt and shame. It has a huge effect on marriages. We’re starting to see it already, and it’s going to get worse,” he says.

(Tipped by JMG reader Brandon)

Tired Old Queen At The Movies #124

Clip description:

Billy Wilder takes a sardonic look at Hollywood's past in the classic "SUNSET BLVD" (1950). The film stars William Holden, Nancy Olsen, Erich Von Stroheim and in the greatest comeback in motion picture history, Gloria Swanson as silent screen star Norma Desmond. Based on an Oscar winning original screenplay by Wilder and writing partner Charles Bracket, it tells the story of a down and out Hollywood screenwriter taken in by a faded silent star. Eventually, he finds himself trapped in her web of memories, money, sex and disillusionment. It's a gritty look at the motion picture industry that's as true today as the when it was made. A business that takes talented people, builds them up, puts them pedestals, then tosses them aside and forgets them once their talent and box office appeal have been used up. "Sunset Blvd" is fascinating, frustrating, funny and fragile. It's not a pretty picture, but just try and look away.

Walking Dogs With Drones

But what happens when the dog sees a squirrel?

HomoQuotable - Edmund White

"People have gotten really puritanical. Or not that, but hypocritical. All the gays are getting married and adopting children and pretending to be respectable members of the PTA—and they’re all on Grindr constantly. Don’t you think? I think boys will be boys, and all these gays who are trying to be so domestic and respectable—well, the animalistic comes out of them every once in a while." - Famed novelist Edmund White, in an interview with Seattle's Stranger.

Drum-Off: Will Ferrell Vs Chad Smith

I couldn't even tell them apart at first. 4.5M views already.

Op-Ed Of The Day

Writing for the New York Times, Donald McNeil speculates that the use of Truvada as an HIV preventive might trigger a new "sexual revolution." The piece begins:

Pretend it’s 1960, and the Food and Drug Administration has just done something startling. It has taken a drug it had previously approved for infertility — brand name Enovid — and approved it for the opposite use: birth control. That pill — soon simply the Pill — triggered the sexual revolution. But not overnight. Doctors at first resisted giving it to unmarried women. Women were shy about carrying evidence that they actually planned to have sex. Pioneering feminists like Margaret Sanger and Katharine D. McCormick braved vilification to champion it.

Madison Avenue chimed in: Ads featured Andromeda, the princess of Greek mythology, nude and breaking free of her chains. Some of the dire predictions of moralists did come true: Gonorrhea rates among women rose. Side effects like blood clots emerged. But the revolution stuck. For gay men — not to mention millions of Africans, drug users and others at risk for contracting H.I.V. — the world is again at such a moment. The F.D.A. has taken a drug — Truvada — that was approved for H.I.V. treatment in 2004, and approved it for prevention, a use called pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP.

Read the full essay.

Todd Starnes On Fired NY Radio Hosts

He's referring to this. Starnes followed the above with this: "They'll coming after churches and pastors next." And then he linked his new book.

Franklin Graham: Pastors Must Be Willing To Have Their Heads Chopped Off In The Battle Against LGBT Rights

"Are we going to be cowards because we're afraid? Could we get our heads chopped off? We could, maybe one day. So what? Chop it off!" This happened yesterday at the Family Research Council's Watchmen On The Walls convention.

Catholic School To Destroy Party Invites Because They Show Ellen DeGeneres

A Catholic school in Pennsylvania is apologizing to parents after recalling party invitations that feature "poor role model" Ellen DeGeneres. The school's principal has vowed to destroy the invitations once they are returned.

It was "completely wrong" to use DeGeneres' picture because the lesbian celebrity "lives her life outside the teachings of the Catholic Church," St. Andrew Elementary School principal Nancy Matteo wrote in an email to parents on Tuesday. The text of the message was provided to Philly.com. In the email, Matteo says she was "obviously NOT thinking" when she let the invitation to the June 8 dance be distributed with DeGeneres’ photo. "Perhaps I was distracted by the Oscar," she wrote, calling the entertainer a "poor role model." "A role model, as defined by Webster's Dictionary, is a person who is unusually effective or inspiring in some social role, job, position, etc.," the email says. "This does not describe her at all. We work so hard to be good role models and then I go and do something stupid!"

A spokesman for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia has also apologized: "All Catholic schools in the Archdiocese are firmly rooted in Gospel-based values and the teachings of the Church. As such, it is expected that any promotional materials developed by these schools would feature images and themes that correspond with their core mission and identity."

RELATED: For the second year in a row, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia is sending busloads of its parishioners to attend NOM's hate march in Washington DC.

TRAILER: The Vanishing Act

Via the Associated Press:

The director of a movie based on the Malaysian Airlines plane disappearance is apologizing for a trailer that suggests a love triangle among members of its crew. Rupesh Paul announced "The Vanishing Act" at the Cannes Film Festival. A brief trailer for the film, which has not yet been cast, shows two crew members kissing as a third looks at them angrily. In a statement to The Associated Press, Rupesh Paul Productions said he was removing that element of the teaser trailer soon "so as not to hurt sentiments" of the families of those on the plane. He also offered "an unconditional apology to the families of the missing MH 370 passengers" and said he never "meant to hurt any of the grieving friends and families of the passengers in the missing plane nor make profit over the missing passengers."

OREGON: Ballot Measure Dropped

Via press release:

Oregon United for Marriage submitted an amicus brief in the Rummell v Kitzhaber marriage equality case, noting that if the judge ruled in a way that allowed for same-sex couples to marry by May 23, the campaign would not submit the 160,000 signatures gathered to put a marriage equality measure on the ballot. Today is May 23—and following Judge Michael McShane’s ruling that extended the freedom to marry to all loving, committed couples in Oregon, a ballot campaign to address the same issue is no longer needed. “We are confident that the freedom to marry is secure in Oregon and that we do not need to move forward with the ballot measure,” said Oregon United for Marriage deputy campaign manager Amy Ruiz. “It is time to celebrate this victory for Oregon.”

Matt Barber: Ron Reagan Will Spend An Eternity Wracked With Fear And Torment

"Sometimes you have to wonder if the apple even came from the same tree. In a snarky ad for the FFRF, an anti-Christian extremist group, Ron Reagan, younger son of the late, great President Ronald Reagan, proudly declares that he is an 'unabashed atheist' who is “alarmed by the intrusions of religion into our secular government.' Mr. Reagan smugly signs off with, 'Ron Reagan: Lifelong atheist, not afraid of burning in Hell.' Repent, believe upon and ask forgiveness of the Lord of the universe, Jesus Christ, and you will have nothing to fear. Refuse to do so and your foolishness and arrogant God-denial in this life will be replaced with an eternal fear and torment that your finite brain cannot even begin to fathom." - Hate group leader Matt Barber, responding to this.

Tony Perkins: Gay Marriage Will Lead To The Dissolution Of The Republic

This week's wins in Oregon and Pennsylvania have really sent the crackpots over the edge. Hooray!

WISCONSIN: Attorney General Asks For Stay In Advance Of Marriage Ruling

Via the Pioneer Press:

Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen has asked a federal judge to place on hold any order she may make that would strike down the state's ban on gay marriage. The Republican Van Hollen filed the contingent motion to stay on Friday, asking that current law remain in place while he appealed any future order. It's another signal that Van Hollen expects U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb to rule against the state. During an interview with WISN-TV last weekend, Van Hollen said he expects the state to lose its case.

The ACLU filed its case in February.

Wedding Bells Ring Across Pennsylvania

Minutes after midnight, a lesbian couple got married at Philadelphia's Museum Of Art.

The two arrived with family and friends just 15 minutes before midnight, greeting each other all once again when reunited at the top of the steps with shrieks of celebration as the city skyline acted as a backdrop. They posed for pictures like celebrities as the guests at their last-minute wedding snapped photographs left and right while they fixed hair affected by the high humidity. When it turned midnight, Judge Diana Louise Anhalt began to read her script. And when she read, "What we do today is in conformity with the laws of Pennsylvania," roars erupted. Cheers and claps echoed throughout the top of the museum steps and onlookers joined in the celebration. "It's an honor to be a part of such a historic moment for Pennsylvania," Anhalt said.

Wedding are taking place across the state today and local elected officials are presiding over many of the events.

Fox News Headline Of The Day

Details.

RuPaul Drives John Waters (Part 2)

Waters drops an interesting tidbit about Allen Ginsberg.

Twitter Lights Up With Claim That The Tenth Circuit Court Will Rule Today

There could be nothing to this, stand by.

UPDATE: The rumor did indeed get started on NPR this morning, but it appears to be unfounded.

Ron Reagan: I'm A Lifelong Atheist And I'm Not Afraid Of Burning In Hell

Gina Miller Has The Everything Sadz

"The outlawing of Christianity is the goal, because it is God with whom these degenerates are at war, and God’s people, by proxy. Those who war against God are inspired by Satan to do his will. Satan despises and seeks to destroy all of creation, but especially the true people of God who are saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, he seeks to crush our influence, our speech and all our freedoms, and he’s more than happy to use homosexual activists as pawns in his plan. Don’t doubt for a minute that this is the bottom line. And now, as this age draws to a close, we see the rapid ramping-up of evil and tyranny in our nation and world. Jesus’ warnings of the terrible time of the last days echo in our minds. As we look around, we see the forces of Hell prevailing at every turn, and as Jesus promised, it will certainly grow to unimaginably horrible levels unseen in the history of our world." - Gina Miller, completely losing her shit over Oregon and Pennsylvania and hate crime laws and everything else in a post at Matt Barber's site. It's a beautiful thing to see, truly.

MISSISSIPPI: Tea Party Leader Arrested In Nursing Home Photo Scandal

A Mississippi Tea Party leader and two other men have been arrested for conspiring to take a photo of GOP Sen. Thad Conchran's wife, who is under care for Alzheimer's in an adult treatment facility. Last week a blogger was arrested for taking the photo.

Authorities say the vice chairman of the Mississippi Tea Party and two other men conspired with Clayton Kelly to photograph U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran's bedridden wife in her nursing home and create a political video against Cochran. Mark Mayfield of Ridgeland, an attorney and state and local tea party leader, was arrested Thursday along with Richard Sager, a Laurel elementary school P.E. teacher and high school soccer coach. Police said they also charged John Beachman Mary of Hattiesburg, but he was not taken into custody because of "extensive medical conditions." All face felony conspiracy charges. Sager also was charged with felony tampering with evidence, and Mary faces two conspiracy counts. The arrest of Mayfield, well-known in political, business and legal circles, caused shock in Mississippi, in a criminal case and election that already had Mississippi in the national spotlight.

RELATED: You'd think the teabaggers would back off of Cochran in light of this scandal, but yesterday the Koch brothers' FreedomWorks posted an ad which "exposes" Cochran because he once said something nice about President Obama.

Freedom To Marry Head Evan Wolfson: We've Reached Critical Mass On Marriage

SF's Trannyshack Changes Name

San Francisco's famed performance art and drag event Trannyshack is changing its name.

Drag impresario and Trannyshack founder Heklina (Stefan Grygelko) announced via Facebook on Tuesday that the 18-year-old club night will henceforth be known as “T-Shack,” bowing to pressure from the transgender community who have long felt the use of the word “tranny” to be pejorative in any context. “I generally loathe to be political, but whether I like it or not the very name of my legendary nightclub has become political.” Heklina said in the post. She went on to explain that the use of “tranny” was never meant to be offensive to the trans community but was a reflection of common slang use of the term within drag circles at the time of the club’s founding. The intent of the name was to shock (usually straight people) but not offend. For Heklina, the event’s core was always about inclusion.

Read Heklina's full statement at her Facebook page. (Tipped by JMG reader Keith)

Peter Murphy - I Am My Own Name

The former Bauhaus frontman and "Godfather Of Goth" is back with a new album, Lion, due to be released next month. He plays NYC's Irving Plaza on June 9th.

Balkan Church Leaders: God Sent Killer Floods Because Of Conchita Wurst

According to local church leaders, killer floods in Serbia and Montenegro are the result of God's anger with Conchita Wurst's win at Eurovision.

The floods which devastated towns and cities in the Balkans, and killed at least 50 people, were a 'punishment' from God after drag artist Conchita Wurst won Eurovision 2014, the Patriarch and other senior figures of the Serbian Orthodox Church have claimed. Patriarch Irinej of the Serbian church reportedly said that God sent the deluge as a “divine punishment for their [the Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, transgender (LGBT) community’s] vices. He added: “God is thus washing Serbia of its sins,” according to the news website. Meanwhile, Littoral Head Amfilohije of Montenegro reportedly said that the floods were “not a coincidence but a warning,” explaining that the extreme weather was a sign that people must reject the “Jesus-like-figure”.

Amfilohije added: "God sent the rains as a reminder that people should not join the wild side."

PENNSYLVANIA: Philly Mayor To Officiate Today As Marriages Officially Begin

While a few couples have already married after being granted waiting period waivers by judges, today is the official start of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania. The mayor of Philadelphia has reportedly offered to officiate for hometown couples.

Catherine Hennessy and Kristin Keith rushed to get a marriage license in Philadelphia this week, even though they didn't plan to marry right away. Those plans have now changed. Thanks to an unexpected offer from City Hall, they have moved up their wedding to be married Friday by Mayor Michael Nutter, Hennessy said. "When the mayor calls you and says he wants to marry you, you don't say no," Hennessy said Thursday. Several Philadelphia judges have announced plans to be at City Hall both Friday and Saturday to officiate weddings. Nutter's office would not confirm his plans, and said he has no public appearances scheduled. However, spokesman Mark McDonald said his schedule could change. Hennessy and Keith are among the 18 gay or lesbian couples who got licenses before City Hall closed on Tuesday.

Huckabee To Headline NOM's Hate March

(Via Good As You)

Jim Parsons On Getting Married

And That Leaves North Dakota

Via the Associated Press:

Six couples filed a federal lawsuit Thursday seeking to block South Dakota's gay marriage ban, leaving North Dakota as the only state in the country with an unchallenged law prohibiting same-sex weddings. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has said he's obligated by law to defend both the state constitution and state statutes. He's among the defendants that also include Gov. Dennis Daugaard, Health Secretary Doneen Hollingsworth, Public Safety Secretary Trevor Jones, Pennington County Register of Deeds Donna Mayer and Brown County Register of Deeds Carol Sherman. Five of the couples already got married in Iowa, Connecticut and Minnesota. The sixth couple was denied a marriage license Thursday, Newville said.

The AP adds that the Minneapolis attorney representing the South Dakota couples is "seriously considering" also representing several North Dakota couples that have contacted him.

NEVADA: Tony Perkins Cheers After Las Vegas Withdraws Its Bid To Host The 2016 Republican Convention

One month after the Nevada GOP dropped opposition to same-sex marriage and abortion from its platform, the Republican National Committee announced this afternoon that Las Vegas has withdrawn its bid to host the 2016 convention.

Heidi Hayes, spokeswoman for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, said timing played a big role in the decision to withdraw the bid. "After analyzing the requirements and needs of the RNC, particularly the timing of the event, it was determined our existing convention calendar filled with previously booked business made it difficult to host the event at the Las Vegas Convention Center," Hayes said in a statement to FOX5. "We understand the decision and wish the RNC well in their endeavors." The Republican National Committee said the field of cities to host the convention had been narrowed to Cleveland, Dallas, Denver and Kansas City. A vote on a final choice could be made by late summer or early fall.

KKK-affiliated hate group leader Tony Perkins is exulting in the news and implies that Las Vegas withdrew after pressure from RNC chairman Reince Priebus.

"We are pleased to learn today that Las Vegas has withdrawn its bid to become a host city - a decision that comes only weeks after the state party ignited a party-wide firestorm by stripping pro-life and pro-natural marriage language from its state platform. We commend RNC Chairman Reince Priebus for his work to ensure the party upholds the core principles found in the party's platform. Those Republicans who want to rip up the planks of life and marriage in their party's platform will only succeed in building a boardwalk to a permanent GOP minority. The reality is that after two failed presidential cycles, the GOP can't afford to jettison the planks of life and marriage, which would only alienate a segment of voters which is the difference between victory and defeat."

RELATED: After the 2012 GOP convention, Perkins crowed that he had personally written the anti-gay marriage portion of the national party platform.

UPDATE: In tonight's daily message to FRC supporters, Perkins doesn't mention that Las Vegas withdrew voluntarily from consideration.

The reality is that these issues are non-negotiable to the base of the party. The Nevada Republican Party found this out the hard way after its party leaders removed the life and marriage planks from their platform. The plank stripping stunned Republicans around the country and caused many within the party to pull back from giving consideration to Las Vegas as the host site for the 2016 Republican National Convention. Today, the RNC announced that Las Vegas is no longer on the short list of possible host cities. Republicans like Governor Tom Corbett can continue to rip up these planks but they will only succeed in building the GOP a boardwalk to a permanent minority.

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert Slams Corbett: Not Defending Marriage Leads To Anarchy

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert took a swipe at fellow GOP Gov. Tom Corbett today for not appealing the legalization of same-sex marriage in Pennsylvania.

Herbert made the comments Thursday during his monthly televised news conference on KUED. The Republican governor said he's dismayed by the suggestion that Utah should drop its defense of the 2004 voter-approved ban because public opinion and social mores are shifting. He said seeing Oregon and Pennsylvania leaders this week decide not to appeal rulings from federal judges striking down bans there does nothing to change his thinking. He said those leaders should be "called on the carpet" for their decision. "For elected officials, governors or attorney generals, to pick and choose what laws (they) will enforce I think is a tragedy, and is the next step to anarchy," Herbert said. "We have an obligation as a state to defend those laws."

Herbert went on make the tired "choice" claim: "What you choose to do with your sexual orientation is different in my mind than what you're born with as far as your race. What your attraction may be is something else, but how you act upon those impulses is a choice." Dude, this is just going to make it SO much fucking sweeter when we win.

Olympia Dukakis For Cyprus Pride

From the Greek Reporter:

Oscar-winning Greek American actress Olympia Dukakis has expressed her support for Cyprus’ first gay pride parade. The actress urged Cyprus’ LGBT community to "keep going forward, stay the course." The first gay pride parade of Cyprus, will be held on May 31 in Nicosia. Local authorities and foreign diplomatic missions have already stated that they will support the event. However, the Church of Cyprus has condemned the gay pride describing homosexuality as a degradation and a sickness. Apart from Dukakis, many other Hollywood stars and celebrities, such as the actress Whoopi Goldberg and British national treasure Stephen Fry, have expressed their support.

Watch Ms. Dukakis go off.

Heritage Foundation: We Won't Give Up On Fighting Against Same-Sex Marriage

"In the media's portrayal, people defending marriage as the union of a man and woman have been getting routed ever since the Supreme Court decision last June — if not before. They point to a string of lower-court rulings striking down state marriage amendments and to public opinion polling, especially of my peers in the Millennial generation. Many also point to the forced resignation of Brendan Eich and the defeat of Arizona's religious-liberty bill. Some people would like me and the millions of Americans who continue to believe that marriage is what societies have believed it to be throughout human history — a male-female union — to get with the program and accept the inevitable. We're clearly, they tell us, on the Wrong Side of History. But we should avoid the temptation to prognosticate about the future in lieu of working to shape that future. We are citizens in a self-governing society, not pundits watching a spectator sport, not subjects of rulers." - Heritage Foundation wonk Ryan T. Anderson, in the opening to a zillion-word essay just published in its entirety on NOM's blog.

Brian Brown adds this note: "I urge you to read this excellent piece right away, and then share it far and wide — via email, on Facebook and Twitter, and however else you can. Print some copies and hand them out to friends, if you like! We need as many people to read this piece as possible today! Thanks to Ryan for his heroic wisdom and leadership!"

RELATED: Anderson has testified against LGBT rights before state legislatures.

TODAY: White House To Unveil Harvey Milk Stamp In Live Webcast Ceremony

Via White House press release:

This Thursday, May 22nd, the White House Office of Public Engagement, the United States Postal Service and the Harvey Milk Foundation will host a first-day-of-issue dedication ceremony for the Harvey Milk Forever Stamp at the White House. The event will feature remarks by U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative John Lewis, Deputy Postmaster General Ronald A. Stroman, and other distinguished guests including the Co-Founders of the Harvey Milk Foundation, Stuart Milk and Anne Kronenberg.

The ceremony will be live-streamed here at 3PM. I'll push this post back to the top of the blog a few minutes before things get going.

UPDATE: The ceremony is about to begin.

UPDATE II: The unveiling is done. Among those on stage in the photo below: Rep. Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, Rep. John Lewis, Sen. Tammy Baldwin, Rep. Mark Pocan, Stuart Milk (Harvey's nephew).

Exorcism Of The Day

"I'll have to call you back, I'm getting anointed." Commenters on social media are arguing over whether this was staged. Either way...

(Tipped by JMG reader JP)

JMG Readers First To Get Marriage License In Pennsylvania's Mercer County

JMG reader Matthew writes: "Since I found out we were legal on JMG, I thought you should know. Jayson and I were the first couple to apply for a marriage license in sleepy little Mercer County, PA." Local television has a great story about them. Congrats, guys!

NEW YORK CITY: Harvey Milk Musical Set For Local Debut At Lincoln Center

Theatermania reports:

Tony winner Kristin Chenoweth (Wicked) will star alongside composer/lyricist Andrew Lippa (Big Fish) in the New York premiere of Lippa's choral work I Am Harvey Milk on October 6 at Avery Fisher Hall, producers Bruce Cohen, Robb Nanus, Jessica Leventhal, Bruce Robert Harris, and Jack W. Batman have announced. Lippa, the songwriter behind the musicals Big Fish and The Wild Party, will play the title role, with Chenoweth as the soprano soloist. The production will feature the Orchestra of St. Luke's and introduce the 12-member All Star Broadway Men's Chorus. Directed by Noah Himmelstein, the creative team for I Am Harvey Milk includes Joel Fram (musical director, conductor), Michele Lynch (choreographer), Andrew Lazarow (projection design), and Scott Lehrer (sound design).

Tickets for the one-night show at Lincoln Center are available here.  I Am Harvey Milk had its world debut last summer in a concert by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.

(Tipped by JMG reader Peter)

PROMO: Singapore's Pink Dot 2014

(Tipped by JMG reader Endriko)

Fox News Anchor Arrested At Airport Bar

Fox News anchor Gregg Jarrett was arrested last night at a lounge in the Minneapolis airport.

Jarrett, 59, is charged in Hennepin County District Court with a misdemeanor, obstructing the legal process, interfering with a police officer and has an arraignment scheduled in an Edina courtroom for June 6. Jarrett, who is a weekend co-anchor on the FOX News Channel, was arrested about 12:30 p.m. at Northern Lights Grill in the main terminal, said Patrick Hogan, a spokesman for the Metropolitan Airports Commission. Jarrett was released from custody shortly after 1:30 a.m. Thursday after a $300 bond was posted, according to Hennepin County Sheriff's Office records. The records show he's due in court on June 6. Police had been called about an intoxicated man at the grill. Officers reported Jarrett refused to follow orders and was arrested for obstruction of the legal process and taken to jail.

A spokesman for Fox News said that Jarrett is on leave from the network. The spokesman added: "He is dealing with serious personal issues at this time. A date at which Gregg might return to air has yet to be determined."

Modern Family Stars On The Straight-Gay Alliance For Straight-Gay Marriage

Iranians Arrested For Happy Video

CNN reports:

Six people who were arrested in Iran for dancing in a YouTube video to Pharrell Williams' song "Happy" have been freed, the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran said Wednesday, citing a source close to the families. The director of the video was not released, the group said. One of the six announced that she was freed. "Hi I'm back," Reihane Taravati wrote on her Instagram account, thanking Williams and "everyone who cared about us." Tehran Police Chief Hossein Sajedinia ordered the arrests of the three men and three women for helping make an "obscene video clip that offended the public morals and was released in cyberspace," the Iranian Students' News Agency reported Wednesday. Authorities forced the young people to repent on state TV. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani seemed to think differently. "#Happiness is our people's right. We shouldn't be too hard on behaviors caused by joy," a tweet on his account said. It seemed to be quoting one of his comments from June 2013.

Pharrell responded on his Facebook page: "It is beyond sad that these kids were arrested for trying to spread happiness."

RELATED: Last month an Islamist group denounced British Muslims who took part in a similar video which now has 1.6M views.

Hate Group Has The Tom Corbett Sadz

"The Pennsylvania Family Institute expressed disappointment and dismay today at the decision of Gov. Tom Corbett not to appeal the decision by United States District Judge John E. Jones III overturning the historic and long-standing definition of marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Marriage between one man and one woman has no parallels. Social science and human experience tells us there is nothing so beneficial to the well being of children as a mom and a dad committed to each other in marriage. This standard should be encouraged – not redefined and dismissed in favor of a new social experiment that could negatively impact children and families. Despite the setback, the Pennsylvania Family Institute will continue to fight for public policy that’s best for children and families." - The Pennsylvania Family Institute, via press release.

Crazy Eyes On How To Throw A Tea Party

This week Rep. Michele Bachman appeared on the Hallmark Channel's Home And Family show where "lifestyle expert" Kenneth Wingard gave tips on throwing a proper tea party. At the 5:00 mark, Bachmann reveals that she took a napkin-folding course shortly after she married Ladybird.  And then she demonstrates.

Sarah Palin: President Obama Is Lazy

"When you hold someone accountable, it takes an energy and resource. And Barack Obama is lazy. In fact, he warned us that he was lazy and he attributed that to having been brought up in Hawaii. His words, not mine. The problem starts at the top. And when you have a commander in chief who has not been engaged and was told six years ago about the problems at the VA and has just pooh-poohed the problems. Another thing is, Barack Obama still doesn’t see what the main problem is. The main problem is government. It is not the solution, like Ronald Reagan said. It is the problem." - Sarah Palin, speaking last night on Sean Hannity's show.

NEW YORK: Radio Station Suspends Hosts Following Anti-Transgender Comments

Via GLAAD:

Following offensive and inaccurate anti-transgender comments from 98.9 ‘Breakfast Buzz’ hosts Kimberly Ray and Berry Beck regarding a recent local ordinance granting transgender healthcare to Rochester city employees and their families, the station released a brief statement saying that the two hosts have been suspended indefinitely. “As a result of Kimberly and Beck’s hateful comments against the transgender community we have suspended them indefinitely,” said Sue Munn, Vice President and General Manager of Entercom Rochester, which owns the station. The segment that led to the suspension involved Kimberly and Beck referring to transgender people as “nut jobs” and saying, “The dude can look like a lady and the city is going to pay for it!” These comments were insulting and ignore statements from the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the American Psychiatric Association affirming that treatments for transgender people are safe, effective, and medically necessary.

The hosts' comments are below.
UPDATE: The hosts have now been fired.

WNBA To Market To LGBT Community, First Major League To Recruit Gay Fans

Via the Associated Press:

Amid a surge of public opinion in favor of gay rights in the U.S., the WNBA is launching a campaign to market the league to the LGBT community, becoming the first pro sports league to specifically recruit gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender fans to its games. With the marketing campaign, the WNBA is capitalizing on what it has known for years: The community makes up a significant portion of its fan base. The difference now is that the league is talking about it publicly and making it a deliberate part of its marketing strategy. The launch of the effort coincides with a surge of political and legal advances for the gay-rights movement in the U.S., and shifting public opinion behind many of those advances.

From the WNBA Pride site:

With this initiative, the league also becomes the first to celebrate LGBT Pride on national television when the Tulsa Shock takes on the Chicago Sky on Sunday, June 22 at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2. During the national game telecast, WNBA Pride will have a major presence, including the new WNBA Pride logo appearing in courtside signage and in-game promotions. “We applaud our WNBA partners for creating and launching such an important initiative. The Walt Disney Company and ESPN have a long history of encouraging a welcoming environment for diverse communities, including the LGBT community, and we are proud to showcase the WNBA Pride platform to our national audience,” said John Skipper, ESPN President, Co-Chairman of Disney Media Networks.

Echo & The Bunnymen - Constantinople

From their 11th studio album, Meteorites, to be released on Tuesday. Some critics say the new album compares favorably with the best of their early 80s catalog. (1984's Ocean Rain remains one of my favorite albums of all time. If you're unfamiliar with Echo, start here.) I do like this quite a lot.

PENNSYLVANIA: Suit Against Pro-Gay County Clerk Bruce Hanes To Be Dropped

Late last summer Montgomery County Clerk Bruce Hanes began issuing same-sex marriage licenses to Pennsylvania couples. A court soon ordered Hanes to cease and Gov. Tom Corbett waded into the fray by comparing Hanes' action to allowing 12 year-old children to marry. Corbett apologized, but by then he had joined a lawsuit against Hanes brought by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Today that case will be dropped.

Wednesday night, Frank Custer, the Director of Communications of Montgomery County, told NBC10 that in light of the recent court ruling, Hanes would once again be allowed to issue the marriage licenses. "It is our understanding that the PA Department of Health tonight will file a "letter of no objection" with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court concerning the stay preventing Montco Register of Wills D. Bruce Hanes from issuing same sex marriage licenses," Custer said in a written release. "This should allow the Supreme Court to issue a ruling tomorrow allowing Mr. Hanes to resume issuing those licenses." After the federal judge struck down the state's same-sex marriage ban on Tuesday, Hanes said he was looking forward to having the restrictions that were implemented by the lawsuit lifted.

Hanes: "I am hopeful that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court will act swiftly to remove this last obstacle to marriage equality in Pennsylvania, and I look forward to once again issuing marriage licenses to all who seek them."

Straight Men React To Grindr

(Tipped by JMG reader Ray)

FRANCE: Neo-Nazi Party Leader Suggests Using Ebola To Stop Immigration

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of France's neo-Nazi National Front, says the solution to Europe's immigration "problem" could be ebola.

At a cocktail party before an election rally in Marseille on Tuesday evening, days before the European elections in which the National Front is leading the polls in France, Le Pen spoke of the "demographic explosion" in the world. "Monseigneur Ebola could sort that out in three months," he said in front of journalists. Later, addressing supporters, Le Pen, 85, said he feared the French population risked being "replaced … by immigrants". "In our country and in all Europe, we have known a cataclysmic phenomenon – a migratory invasion that, my friends, we are seeing only the beginning of today." Le Pen, who is standing as MEP for the south-east seat, added: "This massive immigration risks producing a real replacement of populations if we don't arrive in power soon enough to put an end to the politics of decadence that has been followed for decades."

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: The National Front is a backer of the anti-gay Manif Pour Tous and has supported its numerous, vicious and often violent rallies, as have Brian Brown and Tony Perkins.  Jean-Marie Le Pen has been convicted six times for inciting racial hatred, including for denying that the Holocaust took place. Last year Le Pen's daughter, Marine Le Pen, herself a failed candidate for France's presidency, praised the man who committed suicide at Notre Dame Cathedral in protest of same-sex marriage. In February of this year Le Pen's granddaughter, 24 year-old Marion Maréchal-Le Pen, led a massive anti-gay march through the streets of Paris. What a family. In January of this year the youth leader for the National Front called for France to institute anti-gay laws similar to those in Russia.

Open Thread Thursday

If you were in the military, tell us all about it.

Pentatonix - Love Again

An a capella dance track.

Brian Brown Has The Tom Corbett Sadz

"Governor Corbett claims to be a man of principle and a supporter of marriage. Indeed, in the very statement issued today announcing that he will not appeal this ruling, Corbett cites his own Catholic faith with regard to marriage. But Governor Corbett is abandoning marriage with this choice. He is also turning his back on the people of Pennsylvania and selling out his principles precisely when it is most necessary that he stand by them! Marriage is a unique public good that deserves a vigorous defense; however Governor Corbett has refused to step up to the task, and chosen instead to defend himself and his political aspirations.

"Governor Corbett's refusal to appeal this ruling completes the disenfranchisement of the people of Pennsylvania. For years they have been denied the right to vote on marriage. Now Governor Corbett has communicated to citizens of Pennsylvanians who have been fighting to be heard on this issue that he will join the ranks of the political elites unwilling to listen. Accordingly, Pennsylvania's voters must show Governor Corbett that he will be held accountable." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, adding that NOM will pursue an appeal on behalf of its Pennsylvania members. Which totally worked in Oregon.

Matt Barber Has The Pennsylvania Sadz

"It's time for governors to reject these opinions and that's what they are. They need to say, 'No thank you, we are a sovereign state and we are going to adhere to our constitution in this state. These judges who have abdicated their sworn duty to defend the United States Constitution [and] who are legislating from the bench? They need to be impeached." - Hate group leader Matt Barber, adding to OneNewsNow that the other two branches of government need to "rise up and start pushing back against the counter-constitutional notion of judicial supremacy."

Cindy Jacobs: God Told Me He's Going To Expose Corruption In Maryland

Cindy Jacobs is on God's speed dial and since they are BFFs, he totally redirects hurricanes, thwarts terrorist attacks, and shrinks tumors at her request. And because he follows her on Facebook, God had special insider information for Cindy for when she spoke in Baltimore this weekend. Bonus points if you can make it through the full two shrieking minutes.

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Cindy Jacob says her six year-old son prayed away the assassination of Ronald Reagan. Cindy Jacobs prays away her own tumor. God tells Cindy Jacobs that he's going to punish America for gay marriage. Cindy Jacobs prays away a terrorist sleeper cell. Cindy Jacobs prays away mental illness (but only in others). Cindy Jacobs prays away a car crash that would have killed David Barton. Cindy Jacobs' daughter prays away a tornado. Cindy Jacobs prays away the global recession. God sends Cindy Jacobs magical spaghetti.  Cindy Jacobs prays away Hurricane Sandy. (It totally didn't hit Nebraska.) Cindy Jacobs reveals that God killed thousands of birds because of the repeal of DADT.

FLORIDA: State Rep Says Standardized Testing Is Meant To Turn Kids Gay

Florida's Commission of Education yesterday denounced a GOP state legislator who claims that standardized testing is designed to turn students gay. Via the Associated Press:

American Institutes for Research is administering new statewide tests for students in Florida. The testing aligns with the nationwide Common Core standards that some states have accepted while others have rejected. Republican Rep. Charles Van Zant, of Keystone Heights, has said the testing company has a pro-homosexual agenda because it has done research on lesbian and gay issues. Speaking at an education conference in Orlando, Van Zant said the testing program would "attract every one of your children to become as homosexual as they possibly can." Education Commissioner Pam Stewart said the testing firm does research for many clients and work for one does not influence its work for another. Stewart said AIR was selected according to normal procedures after officials reviewed various bids.

Van Zant has reaffirmed his beliefs with a local television station.

Van Zant confirmed he made the comments at an event two months ago, although he did not know he was being recorded on video. He said Common Core could introduce homosexuality to children, something he said should be left to parents to discuss with their kids. “I don't think that has any place being introduced in Florida schools,” Van Zant said. “I further believe there is no place for that in Florida's curriculum.” Van Zant said he takes issue with the research that’s going to be provided to teachers and administrators about the gay and lesbian lifestyle and how to deal with students. He said AIR is essentially promoting homosexuality. “If you just look on their website -- air.org. You can see that they are very much in support (and) provide research data and information for the LGBT agenda, the gay, bisexual, transgender agenda,” he said.

From Equality Florida: “It is reprehensible whenever an elected official conjures up homophobic scare tactics for political gain. His assertion that an education program seeks to make children gay is absurd. I hope others in Florida government will swiftly distance themselves from a paranoid and unhinged view.”

Below are Van Zant's comments as first reported by Think Progress. The second clip is today's interview.

Andrew Solomon's TED Talk On Bullying, Name-Calling, And Growing Up Gay

Via the TED Talk website:

Writer Andrew Solomon has spent his career telling stories of the hardships of others. Now he turns inward, bringing us into a childhood of adversity, while also spinning tales of the courageous people he's met in the years since. In a moving, heartfelt and at times downright funny talk, Solomon gives a powerful call to action to forge meaning from our biggest struggles.

Long clip but you might enjoy this.

BREAKING: Pennsylvania Governor WILL NOT Appeal Marriage Equality Ruling!

“I have thoroughly reviewed Judge Jones’ opinion in the Whitewood case. Given the high legal threshold set forth by Judge Jones in this case, the case is extremely unlikely to succeed on appeal. Therefore, after review of the opinion and on the advice of my Commonwealth legal team, I have decided not to appeal Judge Jones’ decision. As a Roman Catholic, the traditional teaching of my faith has not w​​avered. I continue to maintain the belief that marriage is between one man and one woman. My duties as Governor require that I follow the laws as interpreted by the Courts and make a judgment as to the likelihood of a successful appeal.

"Throughout the debate on this important and meaningful issue, I have maintained that Commonwealth officials and agencies would follow the provisions of Pennsylvania’s marriage law unless or until a court says otherwise. The court has spoken, and I will ensure that my administration follows the provisions of Judge Jones’ order with respect for all parties. It is my hope that as the important issue of same-sex relationships continues to be addressed in our society, that all involved be treated with respect." - Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett, in a statement posted to his website.

MONTANA: First Marriage Suit Filed, Dem Gov. Steve Bullock Welcomes Action

Via the Associated Press:

Four gay couples are suing Montana over its constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. That leaves North Dakota and South Dakota as the only two states with gay marriage bans and no lawsuits seeking to overturn them. The Montana lawsuit was being filed Wednesday in federal court in Great Falls, with help from the Montana ACLU. It lists as plaintiffs four Montana couples who are either unmarried or were married outside the state. The lawsuit alleges the ban denies same-sex couples the freedom and dignity afforded to other Montanans, and denies them the state and federal legal protections and benefits that come with marriage.

The office of Montana Gov. Steve Bullock just sent us his statement.

“Montanans cherish our freedom and recognize the individual dignity of every one of us. The time has come for our state to recognize and celebrate – not discriminate against – two people who love one another, are committed to each other, and want to spend their lives together. I look forward to a future where all Montanans have the opportunity to marry the person they love, just as Lisa and I did almost 15 years ago. We are on the path to greater understanding and equality, and we will all be better for it.”

Bullock, 48, was elected in November 2012. Prior to that he was the Montana Attorney General. Current Montana AG Tim Fox is a Republican. Will we see a showdown?