Saturday, June 07, 2014

JMG T-Shirt Model: Carl Siciliano

Since $5 from the sale of every JMG t-shirt goes to the Ali Forney Center, it's only appropriate that our first model is AFC founder Carl Siciliano, seen here with his pet pig Sophie, who has her own Facebook page.  Get your own shirt here - you don't get a pet pig, but you do get a copy of the 2014 national issue of Pride Magazine.

RELATED: Last Wednesday I attended the opening ceremony for AFC's new drop-in center in Harlem, where Carl began his speech by thanking the JMG community for your amazing generosity after AFC's main offices were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy.

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SOUTH KOREA: Seoul Pride Parade Disrupted By Christian Protesters

Seoul's gay pride parade was disrupted multiple times today when hundreds of Christians laid in the path of the floats and refused to move.
According to information provided to Gay Star News by a Ph.D student in South Korea, conservative Christians held mass prayer services during the 7 June event. "To put it simply today was a kind of battle between extremist Christians and LGBT attendees of said pride," the student wrote in a email account. The parade started but was stopped multiple times by protestors putting their bodies on the street, blocking the march. The anti-gay protestors sang South Korea's national anthem and chanted gays had no place in the country. The email account claims police arrested a few of the Christian demonstrators.
Many public events in South Korea have been canceled since the April ferry sinking which took over 300 lives. The pride parade went on despite official permission having been rescinded by Seoul officials. According to parade organizers, today's protesters were capitalizing on the sinking in order to thwart the celebration.

VIDEO: This clip was taken by an Italian tourist. Description via Google Translate:
Video fast and not really planned, so we apologize for the quality not really good. Today, June 7, 2014, was held in Sinchon, Seoul Gay Pride. The parade began in the early afternoon, but was not able to continue because a group of Christians was lying on the ground trying to stop participants of the parade to continue. The police arrived to maintain this order and many Christians, given their violent behavior, were dragged away by the police.

RELATED: The US Embassy was among today's participants.

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Bill Maher Vs Ralph Reed

Last night Bill Maher debated former Christian Coalition head Ralph Reed about biblical literalism.  Maher pulled out a list of items from the bible and asked Reed to defend them.

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Tony Perkins: When Are They Going To Start Rolling Out The Boxcars?

Speaking to Alliance Defending Freedom attorney Nicolle Martin, who just fucking lost her bakery case in Colorado, KKK-affiliated hate group leader Tony Perkins declared that gay rights advocates are going to start "rolling out the boxcars" for Christians.

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Honey Maid Celebrates LGBT Pride

We'd be pleasantly surprised, but this is, after all, the company that did the fantastic campaign in support of gay families.

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The CIA Joins Twitter

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Media Matter: Right Wing Rodeo

"The week's worst moments in conservative media."

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Friday, June 06, 2014

Local Haters Have The Wisconsin Sadz

"We are deeply disappointed but not surprised at Judge Crabb’s ruling. All over the country federal judges have replaced 'We, the people' with 'I, the judge' when ruling on state constitutional amendments that define and protect marriage as one man and one woman. Rather than going through the stringent legislative process required to place a proposed constitutional amendment on the ballot for a vote, radical homosexuals have used the courts to nullify the vote of a majority of Wisconsin citizens as well as those in 26 other states. Trying to destroy an institution that has served and prospered societies for thousands of years is the height of arrogance and a gross pandering to a well organized, well funded, very small minority who, rather than take this important issue to the people of Wisconsin, did an end run around the will of the people." - Julaine Appling, head of Wisconsin Family Action.

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Tony Perkins Has The Wisconsin Sadz

"Judge Crabb is well known for her attempts to banish God from the public square, and inferring that the Constitution demands a hostile treatment of religious expression in public life. Once again, she has neglected to consult the Constitution that she was sworn to uphold. This is why it's not surprising that she would display similar contempt for the right of Wisconsin voters to preserve marriage as it has always been defined. Increasingly, Americans are being forced to celebrate unions that not only step on free speech and religious liberty but also deny children a mom and a dad. Those pushing for the redefinition of marriage have long since moved from a 'live-and-let-live' mentality. Their efforts are creating serious inequality as people are forced to suppress or violate the basic teachings of their faith, or face legal repercussions and harassment." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via press release.

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Milwaukee's Mayor Celebrates

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Wisconsin Marriages Begin!

Dane County is the home of Madison, the state capital.

UPDATE: Video from local television.

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WISCONSIN: At Least Two Counties Ready To Issue Marriage Licenses Right Now, Attorney General Vows To Appeal

Milwaukee County:
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele announced that the Courthouse would remain open late Friday night to allow for same-sex marriages. “I have been waiting decades for this day to finally arrive and we won’t make loving couples wait longer than they want to to get married,” Abele said. Abele will personally pay for any overtime costs associated with keeping the Courthouse open.
Dane County:
Dane County Clerk Scott McDonnell told News 3 the office will remain open until 9 p.m. and staff will be brought in from other counties to help Friday and Saturday. He said he plans to begin issuing licenses at 5 p.m. A statement from Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said current law remains in force and he will appeal the ruling. "While today’s decision is a setback, we will continue to defend the constitutionality of our traditional marriage laws," he wrote. "I will appeal."

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FRC Has The Wisconsin Sadz

Duffy is the Family Research Council's vice president of communications.

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Updated Wikpedia Marriage Map

For now...

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BREAKING: Federal Judge STRIKES DOWN Wisconsin Ban On Same-Sex Marriage

Via Milwaukee TMJ-TV:
A federal judge has ruled that Wisconsin's ban on same-sex marriage is unconstitutional. Wisconsin's voters passed a constitutional ban against same-sex marriages in 2006, but the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Wisconsin, and the law firm of Mayer Brown filed a lawsuit on behalf of eight Wisconsin couples challenging the ban. Part of Friday's ruling reads: "It is DECLARED that art. XIII, § 13 of the Wisconsin Constitution violates plaintiffs' fundamental right to marry and their right to equal protection of laws under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constiution."
Dig into the ruling here.

UPDATE: Via press release from the ACLU.
U.S. District Court Judge Barbara Crabb today struck down the discriminatory amendment to the Wisconsin state constitution preventing same-sex couples from marrying. The American Civil Liberties Union had challenged the law on behalf of eight couples seeking the freedom to marry in Wisconsin or to have their out-of-state marriages recognized. Two of the plaintiffs, Kami Young and Karina Willes of West Milwaukee, were legally married last year in Minnesota and have a newborn daughter. But because Young is the birth mother, she is the only one who is recognized as the legal parent on the birth certificate.

“Our daughter has two parents who love her dearly,” said Willes. “I am no less a mother to her than Kami is, and she deserves the security of having both of her parents legally recognized. Our daughter shouldn’t have second-class protections.” "We are tremendously happy that these loving and committed couples will now be able to access the security and recognition that only marriage provides,” said Larry Dupuis, legal director of the ACLU of Wisconsin. “These discriminatory laws are falling around the country and it is only right that Wisconsin move forward as well."
UPDATE II: The ruling addresses a possible stay.
Plaintiffs may have until June 16, 2014, to submit a proposed injunction that complies with the requirement in Fed. R. Civ. P. 65(d)(1)(C) to "describe in reasonable detail . . . the act or acts restrained or required." In particular, plaintiffs should identify what they want each named defendant to do or be enjoined from doing. Defendants may have one week from the date plaintiffs file their proposed injunction to file an opposition. If defendants file an opposition, plaintiffs may have one week from that date to file a reply in support of their proposed injunction. I will address defendants' pending motion to stay the injunction after the parties have had an opportunity to file materials related to the proposed injunction. If the parties wish, they may have until June 16, 2014, to supplement their materials related to that motion in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Geiger v. Kitzhaber not to grant a stay in that case.
That might mean no immediate marriages. Stand by...

UPDATE III: From the office of Rep. Mark Pocan (D-WI):
U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan (WI-02), a co-chair of the LGBT Equality Caucus, today issued the following statement on the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin’s ruling that Wisconsin’s ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional: “The federal district court in Madison took another step toward ensuring full equality for every American. It is clear the growing momentum of support for marriage equality will put an end to discriminatory laws that treat LGBT couples as second-class citizens. In ruling after ruling, it has become unmistakable that the promise of America is everyone should be treated equally and with dignity. Today’s ruling brings us one step closer to fulfilling that promise.” A tireless advocate for the rights of the LGBT community, Pocan has been married to his husband Phil since 2006.
UPDATE IV: Via press release from Freedom To Marry.
“Today’s decision out of Wisconsin marks the twentieth consecutive ruling by a federal or state judge since last year that a discriminatory state marriage ban is unconstitutional. Across the country, the courts agree: same-sex couples and their families need the dignity of marriage, and anti-marriage laws are indefensible. With over 70 marriage cases now making their way through the courts, today's decision in Wisconsin underscores that all of America is ready for the freedom to marry. It's time now for the Supreme Court to bring resolution nationwide.”
UPDATE V: How's THIS for timing? Milwaukee Pride is THIS weekend.
UPDATE VI: County clerks are trying to figure this out.
It wasn't clear whether U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb's 88-page ruling cleared the way for same-sex marriages to begin immediately. But the ruling makes Wisconsin the 27th state where same-sex couples can marry under law or where a judge has ruled they ought to be allowed to wed. County clerks in Milwaukee and Madison said they had just learned of the decision and were trying to figure out if and when they could begin issuing marriage licenses. Milwaukee County Clerk Joe Czarnezki said he was keeping his office open while an attorney reviewed the decision in case he could begin accepting marriage licenses Friday evening.

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Douchebag Of The Day - Sen. Rand Paul

Sen. Paul is apparently tweeting from the Texas GOP convention. The quotation marks presumably mean that somebody else just said that. I have a feeling this tweet will be remembered come 2016.

UPDATE: Nope. Sen. Rand Paul actually did just say that himself. Not only that, check out who he just suggested become prisoners of the Taliban.
Sen. Rand Paul on Friday likened Democrats to the recently released Taliban prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in a speech here at the Texas GOP convention. “Mr. President, you love to trade people,” the Kentucky Republican said to laughs, a reference to the deal made for the return of Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl. “Why don’t we set up a trade? But this time, instead of five Taliban, how about five Democrats? I’m thinking John Kerry, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi…” He was drowned out by cheers. Afterward, Paul’s spokesman Sergio Gor said, “The senator was kidding — except for Mrs. Pelosi. That was serious.”
Oh yes, this will be remembered.

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UTAH: ACLU Fires Back At State

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NBC Wonders: FLOTUS For Senate?

NBC Chicago ponders:
FLOTUS for Senate? It wasn't that long ago that such a slogan would seem absurd, but political wags are beginning to wonder whether Michelle Obama is mulling a run for Illinois Sen. Mark Kirk's seat in 2016. A Thursday column in Reuters suggests that Obama would be the only candidate with a large enough profile to unseat the Republican. It's not the first time Obama has been mentioned as a potential senatorial candidate, but that speculation has always focused beyond 2016. And the First Lady herself has never publicly indicated any interest in seeking political office. There's also that 2012 Public Polling Policy survey showing the first lady picking up 51 percent of the vote against Kirk's 40 percent if they were to run. Your move, FLOTUS.
From the Reuters article:
First Lady Michelle Obama is everywhere. She’s traveling to China. She’s raising money for Democrats. She’s issuing plaintive tweets seeking the rescue of the kidnapped Nigerian girls. She’s wading uncharacteristically deep into the Washington political mud pit to defend her school lunch program against Republicans, assailing them last Tuesday for opting to “play politics with our kids’ health.” She struck a similar tone in a New York Times op-ed two days later, accusing Republicans of trying to “override science” and suggesting they join parents and “put our children’s interests first.” So what’s with the bolder profile? Sure, Obama cares strongly about the things she is doing. That she does care in fact begs another question: Is caring all that’s going on here? Does she have political ambitions that would allow her to pursue an agenda while working to cement her husband’s legacy?
RELATED: Last year Kirk became one of three sitting GOP senators to endorse same-sex marriage.

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And That Makes All Of Them

Via the Associated Press:
Seven couples have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the ban on same-sex marriage in North Dakota, the last remaining state without a court challenge. The clerk of the court confirmed that the lawsuit was filed Friday in U.S. District Court in Fargo. It challenges both North Dakota's constitutional ban on gay marriage and its refusal to recognize marriages of same-sex couples who legally wed in other states. The lawsuit means cases are currently pending in all 31 states with gay marriage bans.
As expected, North Dakota's suit was filed by the same law firm that sued South Dakota last month.

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Tweet Of The Day - Wendy Davis

(Via Good As You)

RELATED: The most recent polls show Davis trailing Attorney General Greg Abbott by about 12 points in the Texas gubernatorial race.

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Folsom East Announces 2014 Lineup

Details and bios. I know most of these guys!

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Porno Pete: Homophobia Is Natural Because People Are Born That Way

This is part two of yesterday's claim that masculine men don't have sex with other men. The interviewer is a former InfoWars reporter for nutjob Alex "Chemtrails" Jones.

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Headline Of The Day

The NRA would like to formally object to leftist twisting of this story. He did not "shoot" himself while driving. The victim merely has a freedom hole in his thigh. Details.

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ABC/WaPo Poll: Half Of Americans Say Marriage Is A Constitutional Right

Via the Washington Post:
A full 50 percent say gay marriage is protected by the Constitution’s Equal Protection clause, an argument repeated by judge after judge in a string of federal rulings against state bans since a pivotal Supreme Court decision last summer. Some 43 percent do not believe gay marriage enjoys constitutional protection. Support for gay marriage overall — regardless of views on whether it is constitutionally protected — enjoys broader support, with 56 percent saying they back the right for same-sex couples to marry and 38 percent opposing it. In states that ban same-sex marriage, opinions tilt narrowly in support, 50 percent to 44 percent opposed. Opinions in these states are even more closely divided on whether or not it is a constitutional right, with 45 percent saying it is protected and 48 percent saying it is not. That includes the handful of states where federal court decisions against gay marriage bans are pending appeal. In states where gay marriage is allowed, 64 percent support it and 56 percent see it as a right.
(Tipped by JMG reader Elroy)

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Giorgio Moroder - Giorgio's Theme

Via Stereogum:
Every summer, the people at Adult Swim do god’s work by giving us a fuckload of well-curated new tracks for free. This year’s Adult Swim Singles Series is set to feature new tracks from heavy hitters like Future, Deafheaven, and Run The Jewels. And for its first track of the summer, they’ve brought in the resurgent italo-disco genius Giorgio Moroder, a man who has had a more profound effect on popular music than almost anyone currently living. Moroder’s contribution is an eight-minute instrumental called “Giorgio’s Theme,” and it locks beautifully into the sort of percolating synth-groove that he more or less invented.
Seven and half minutes of disco bliss.

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FLORIDA: Hate Group Now Praises Attorney General They Once Slut-Shamed

Some history from the Orlando Sentinel:
Four years ago, Pam Bondi was under attack. Among her alleged sins: She had gotten two divorces. She had a live-in boyfriend. And she'd never birthed any children. Obviously these things were a big deal ... to those who long for the 1800s. So the finger-waggers at the Florida Family Policy Council — a group that promotes anger and divisiveness as its warped version of faith — told the world not to vote for Bondi. "She has no children and lives with her 60-year-old doctor boyfriend," warned the Policy Council's chief scold, John Stemberger. At the time, Bondi was livid. She called Stemberger's attacks "anti-Christian" and "gutter politics." Now, however, Bondi has joined the zealots. And she is the one launching unseemly attacks: stereotyping gays, besmirching their ability to parent and trotting out antiquated and scientifically debunked arguments. It's all part of Bondi's legal fight against gay marriage. In a recent motion, she argued that, if Florida were to recognize same-sex marriage, it would "impose significant public harm." Such tactics have thrilled the Policy Council guys, who have gone from portraying Bondi as a Jezebel unfit for office to hailing her as a "courageous" leader. All it took was a little gay-baiting.
The Florida Family Policy Council was the chief sponsor of the successful 2008 constitutional ban on same-sex marriage. Here's what they said about Bondi earlier this week:
In a day when Attorney Generals around the country are being intimidated and cowardly running from their sworn responsibility to defend the laws of this country and her states, Florida's Attorney General Pam Bondi stands as an example of courage and responsible stewardship of her authority as the highest law enforcement officer in the state. No elected offical is perfect. But in this case, if you are wondering what leadership looks like, look no further than Attorney General Pam Bondi, who did her job and articulately defended the people of Florida and their Constitution which defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman.

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Matt Barber Praises Slovakia

"While the U.S. seems bound and determined to destroy natural marriage and family, other nations around the world have figured out that radically deconstructing these fundamental cornerstone institutions – institutions necessary to the survival of any healthy society – will have devastating effects in the long-term. Slovakia is the latest such nation. Lawmakers there have constitutionally banned counterfeit 'same-sex marriage.' Let’s pray that this pro-family trend across the world continues. As the radical “LGBT” agenda continues to weaken America, obliterate religious liberty and hurt and confuse countless children and families, we can at least take solace in the fact that much of the world has not been duped by this demonic incursion of sexual anarchy." - Hate group spokesman Matt Barber, writing for Barbwire.

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Carrie Fischer: Don't Out C3PO

Carrie Fisher appeared on out British comedian Alan Carr's show yesterday.
The camp comic was thrilled to have the American star, famous for playing Princess Leia, on his sofa. She had come on to plug the new Star Wars movie, out next year. But Carr, 37, caused a stir when he suggested having a role in the film himself. He said: “Could I be C3PO? I’d make a really good one. "He’s a bit gay.” Shocked Carrie, 57, told him: “You can say that but I’m not going there. "Don’t out C3PO.” Then she suggested that the Chatty Man was too porky to be the robot.
A promo clip appears to have removed the outing comments.

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This Is Your Final Warning

As it has done for several years, this weekend the Florida Family Association will fly anti-gay banner planes over the Magic Kingdom.

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Iconic Brooklyn Sign Might Come Down

Via the New York Times:
The language of the plans recently approved by the New York City Buildings Department seems unambiguous: A “sign structure to be demolished by hand,” reads the schematic diagram. “Carry debris across roof and dump into chute.” On the diagram is the name of the project: “Full Demolition of Kentile Sign at 111 9th St. Brooklyn, NY.” The sign, an eight-story wonder proclaiming “Kentile Floors” in gorgeous serif letters, has loomed above the industrial badlands near the Gowanus Canal for half a century: first as the mark of a bustling tile factory, more recently as a widely worshiped signifier of Brooklyn cool. News of its intended demise set off cries of say-it-ain’t-so across the borough and beyond.
Only a handful of such giant neon signs remain in Brooklyn: Domino Sugar in Williamsburg, Pepsi-Cola in Long Island City, and Eagle Clothes, which is near the Kentile sign in Gowanus. All of them have devoted fans on Flickr. I still miss all the neon in Times Square, where a few holdouts battle dozens of massive Jumbotrons these days.

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GALLUP: 75% Say Bible Is Word Of God

The latest from Gallup:
Twenty-eight percent of Americans believe the Bible is the actual word of God and that it should be taken literally. This is somewhat below the 38% to 40% seen in the late 1970s, and near the all-time low of 27% reached in 2001 and 2009. But about half of Americans continue to say the Bible is the inspired word of God, not to be taken literally -- meaning a combined 75% believe the Bible is in some way connected to God. About one in five Americans view the Bible in purely secular terms -- as ancient fables, legends, history, and precepts written by man -- which is up from 13% in 1976.

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Damon Albarn - Lonely Press Play

Blur frontman Damon Albarn hit the Tonight Show last night to perform my favorite track from his debut solo album, Everyday Robots. Americans might best know Albarn from the smash Gorillaz track, Clint Eastwood.

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Tea Party Nation: Arrest Obama

Details. (Via Right Wing Watch)

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On The End Of GOProud

Tim Mak writes at the Daily Beast:
Reports began trickling out in the press this week that GOProud had decided to close up shop. In truth, the original organization functionally folded a year ago, The Daily Beast has learned. And the attempts to reboot GOProud are being actively mocked by the men who founded the group. The decline of GOProud is a prime example of what happens to an organization that rises to prominence through confrontation—and never bothers to do the grunt work needed to sustain the outfit, once the outrage dies down. It was feisty and controversial—a Tea Party, of sorts, to the more establishment-minded Log Cabin Republicans. It was an organization running on a shoestring budget that elbowed its way into the conservative conversation. [snip] For many supporters of GOProud, being called a “troll” was a badge of honor. Their goal from the start was to plant a flag in the ground: There are gay conservatives, and here we are. Others, even those sympathetic to the group, accused it of being a vanity project for its cofounders, Christopher Barron and Jimmy LaSalvia, a platform for the two to pick fights.
Nailed it. Read the full piece. (Tipped by JMG reader Robin)

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Duck Dynasty Bible To Be Published

Via the Christian Post:
Two cast members of the A&E reality show "Duck Dynasty" have announced the release date of their most recent book, a Duck Commander-themed Bible slated to be released online and in retail stores on Oct. 28. The new book, titled The Duck Commander Faith and Family Bible, will include a New King James version of the Bible, as well as 30 testimonials and 125 inspirational notes from Phil Robertson, patriarch of the Robertson family on A&E's "Duck Dynasty," and his son Alan Robertson, known as the "beardless brother" because he is the only male Robertson family member who lacks a long, burly beard.
The bible will be sold alongside Duck Dynasty bobbleheads, beer koozies, chia pets, and dog tags.

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Tetris Turns 30

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UTAH: Tenth Circuit Court Extends Stay On Same-Sex Marriage Recognition

Via the Salt Lake Tribune:
Same-sex couples who were married in Utah in the brief window when such unions were legal will have to wait at least another week before they can begin to apply for in-state spousal benefits. Less than 24 hours after Utah announced its intent to fight a federal judge’s ruling that ordered the state to honor and recognize all same-sex marriages performed in Utah, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals halted any movement toward marriage recognition beyond the three weeks initially imposed last month by U.S. District Judge Dale A. Kimball. The court will decide whether a more permanent stay — that would be in effect until the Evans v. Utah appeal is resolved — is merited in this case. If a stay is imposed, the more than 1,000 gay and lesbian couples whose marriages were issued and solemnized in Utah will continue living in the "legal limbo" of not knowing whether their marriages are, or will be, recognized under Utah law.
In January, Eric Holder announced that the marriages would be recognized by the federal government.

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Perkins Cheers Florida AG Pam Bondi

"If you're looking for political leadership, skip the White House and head straight for Florida. There, Attorney General Pam Bondi is more than making up for the vacuum of courage in D.C. and governor's mansions across the country with a powerful defense of democracy. Florida's chief law enforcer seems to have a better grasp on her job than the man who holds the country's highest. Together with state officials who have offered a strong defense of marriage in Utah, Oklahoma, Texas, Ohio, Idaho, Michigan, Colorado, and at least 19 other states, Bondi took what, until recently, was a noncontroversial position for someone in her role: upholding her state's law. While other 'leaders' in her position have thrown in the towel on their most fundamental duty, Pam refused. In the marriage debate, leadership like Attorney General Bondi's is tough to come by. Do your part to thank her for her courage by sending her a message." - Hate group leader Tony Perkins, via email.

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Thursday, June 05, 2014

And The JMG T-Shirt Winners Are....

The folks at Pride Magazine have waded into the entries of last night's JMG t-shirt give away and randomly selected three winners who have been contacted for their style choices and sizes. The winners have the Disqus user names Brian, Bob, and Zhy Kitty, the last of whom gets a shirt because the actual winner stipulated that she should get his shirt. (That was very sweet, Tom!)

For the rest of you folks: Two new designs have been added. Each shirt comes with the 2014 issue of Pride Magazine, which this year celebrates the first decade of marriage equality in the United States. But perhaps best of all, each purchase includes a $5 donation to the Ali Forney Center, New York City's homeless shelter for LGBT youth. JMG shirts are available in black or white and are a super-comfy poly/cotton blend. Mixed fibers! Yay, Leviticus! The shirts come in men's and women's sizes up to 3XL. When you get your shirt, send us a photo and we'll post your sexy selfies right here.

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Bob Mould Plays Conan O'Brien

Punk legend Bob Mould appeared on the Conan O'Brien show last night to rip though I Don't Know You Anymore, the hit track from his 11th solo album, Beauty & Ruin, which came out this week.

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Billionaires Could Buy These Cities

The Redfin Research Center has compared the median home prices in major US cities to the estimated wealth of well-known billionaires.
Just how rich is Bill Gates? According to Forbes, he’s the world’s richest person and is worth $77.5 billion. But that kind of wealth is hard to wrap your head around, so let’s put it another way: Gates could buy every single home in the entire city of Boston. That’s 114,212 single-family homes, condos and townhouses, at a total purchase price of $76.6 billion. Given that the average American struggles to afford a home, we wanted to illustrate just how many homes the wealthiest among us could buy. In this fictional real estate investment, the 30 billionaires on our list, with a combined fortune of $582 billion, could afford to own a staggering 6 percent of the total U.S. home equity.”

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Quote Of The Day - Akie Abe

"There is no difference to importance of love from sexual orientation. There should not be any discrimination because who you love. I am going to raise my voice. If my raised voice could contribute to the pride of LGBT people, there is no greater joy." - Akie Abe, the First Lady of Japan, speaking today at a gay pride event sponsored by the US embassy in Tokyo.

Also in attendance was George Takei, who predicted that Japan will soon make advances in LGBT rights.

The "Star Trek" actor also known for his gay and civil rights activism, said he was encouraged to have met with Japanese activists for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and even some of their parents fighting for their children. "They have to have courage to come out and share their lives honestly," Takei said. Once they get a ball rolling, more movement would follow, like "a ripple effect" that spreads, he added. "So I'm optimistic. I do think that Japan will be one of the nations that have equality and that too will serve as an example for other Asian nations."
The event was hosted by Ambassador Caroline Kennedy. From her opening speech:
"African-Americans, women, people with disabilities, and gay men and lesbian have reminded all Americans that we are each entitled to the same rights, liberties, responsibilities and opportunities. Those struggle to transform our society, here tonight we celebrate the countless acts of courage and commitment and reaffirm that LGBT rights are human rights."
RELATED: In April, Akie Abe rode in Tokyo's pride parade.

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Lucky Charms Celebrates Pride Month

General Mills is celebrating LGBT Pride Month with a Lucky Charms campaign which invites you to post photos with the #LuckyToBe hashtag. I can think of somebody who won't find this magically delicious! Thank you, General Mills!

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Slovakia Bans Same-Sex Marriage

Slovakia's national legislature has approved a constitutional ban on same-sex marriage.
The amendment, drafted by leftist Prime Minister Robert Fico's Smer-Social Democraty party and the opposition Christian Democrats, was backed by 102 lawmakers while 18 voted against it. The amendment required a two-thirds majority in the 150-member parliament. 'The marriage amendment will not bring about any drastic changes, it only seals in the constitution what is already defined by law,' said Fico, whose Smer is a member of the traditionally liberal Party of European Socialists group in the European Parliament. The European Union's newest member Croatia outlawed same-sex marriage in a referendum last year, triggering a similar constitutional amendment, but swiftly passed a civil union law for same-sex couples. No form of same-sex civil union is legal in Slovakia, where more than 70 per cent of the population of 5.4 million is Christian, according to a 2011 census.
RELATED: Eight members of the 28-nation European Union have legalized same-sex marriage: Belgium, Denmark, France, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (England & Wales). Nine EU members offer civil unions or partnerships: Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, and Slovenia. Eleven EU nations currently offer no recognition of same-sex couples: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

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Second-Largest Religions By State

Via the Washington Post:
In the Western U.S., Buddhists represent the largest non-Christian religious bloc in most states. In 20 states, mostly in the Midwest and South, Islam is the largest non-Christian faith tradition. And in 15 states, mostly in the Northeast, Judaism has the most followers after Christianity. Hindus come in second place in Arizona and Delaware, and there are more practitioners of the Baha’i faith in South Carolina than anyone else. All these data come from the Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies, which conducts a U.S. Religion Census every 10 years.
Hit the link for a breakdown by every US county. Christianity dominates in all but one of the 3143 counties in the nation.

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Porno Pete On Butchness: Masculine Men Don't Have Sex With Other Men

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Fox News Ignores Marriage Wins

But they have plenty of air time for anti-gay hate group leaders. More on the above at Media Matters.

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Tap, Tap, Tap...Is This Thing On?

Sorry about the last several hours of radio silence, which was brought to you by Time Warner Cable.  Did anybody legalize gay marriage while I was away?

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Just Out DC Principal Talks To Media

Yesterday a Washington DC high school principal came out during his school's LGBT pride event. This morning he talked to local television.  The second clip below is his coming out speech to students, all of whom seemed to react positively.

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Texas GOP Backs "Ex-Gay" Torture

Yesterday I reported that the Texas GOP has tentatively removed the "worst" of the anti-gay language from its 2014 party platform. Today the Houston Chronicle reports on an addition to that platform: "We recognize the legitimacy and value of counseling which offers reparative therapy and treatment to patients who are seeking escape from the homosexual lifestyle. No laws or executive orders shall be imposed to limit or restrict access to this type of therapy." Stand by for another celebratory press release from the homocons...

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One Million Moms Vs Mistresses

Just in via email:
Joe, "Mistresses" season premiere aired on ABC this week and the name says it all. I suppose the name "Living in Sin" didn't sound as appealing. The program "Mistresses" includes inappropriate content such as adultery, cheating, lies and deceit in explicit and sensually graphic scenes. Our society doesn't need more negative influences than it already has on broadcast airwaves. Even though the program airs a little later in the evening, it is not late enough since the bedroom scenes are soft p*rn and are included in some previews which air earlier in the evening when children are likely watching. Hollywood is continuing to push casual s*x between unmarried couples, some with multiple partners, as acceptable when clearly it is morally wrong. Take Action: Please send an email letter to the sponsors of this week's "Mistresses." Urge advertisers to place it on their "do not advertise" list in protest of pushing sin directly into America's living rooms.
Targeted advertisers include Dyson, Kohler, and Neutrogena.

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Carson: Obamacare Is Worse Than 9/11

Evan Gahr writes at Daily Beast:
Dr. Ben Carson, the Republican right’s favorite African-American neurosurgeon, often says that President Obama’s health care law is the worst thing since slavery. But in my recent interview with the good doctor—who is riding high in the presidential preliminaries, having come in a close second to Sen. Ted Cruz this past weekend in the Republican Leadership Conference’s much-ballyhooed straw poll—he upped the ante. He claimed that Obamacare has been even more damaging to the United States than the terrorist attacks of 9/11. “You said Obamacare was the worst thing since slavery. Why do you think it was worse than 9/11?” I asked him. “Because 9/11 is an isolated incident,” he answered.
I guess the longest war in the history of the United States is an "isolated incident" too.

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TEASER: Sharknado 2: The Second One

This one is set in New York City. SyFy executives have so far ignored suggestions to make Bearvalanche, Ottergeddon, and Shih Tzumami.

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FLORIDA: Backlash Grows Against AG Pam Bondi For Supporting Marriage Ban

Last week Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi filed a motion to dismiss one of her state's marriage equality lawsuits, saying that same-sex marriage would be "harmful" to the state. Several major newspapers have since reacted with commentaries blasting her position.  From the Miami Herald:
All adults should have the right to marry and divorce as they see fit. That’s why, in another set of circumstances, I wouldn’t bring up Attorney General Pam Bondi’s two marriages and divorces – and her current relationship with a Tampa ophthalmologist, this time sealed, not with legal ribbon but in a well-publicized “non-binding” celebration in the Cayman Islands in 2012. Her marriages, divorces, and out-of-wedlock relationships are her business – not state business. But it’s hypocritical of this serial bride to use sanctimonious arguments to try to convince a federal court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the American Civil Liberties Union and SAVE on behalf of gay and lesbian couples seeking to have their out-of-state marriages recognized in Florida.
Bondi responded to the criticisms with a statement: “The brief does not argue for or against same-sex marriage as a matter of policy, wisdom, or fairness. Those decisions are for the voters of each state, not for lawyers or courts. It is my duty to protect Florida from the ‘harm’ of a federal injunction overriding the will of Florida voters.”

In another sign of the backlash, yesterday Bondi canceled a speech before a group that works on behalf of homeless LGBT youth.
Bondi was scheduled to speak at the Florida Network of Youth and Family Services annual awards banquet in Sarasota and receive special recognition from the group for her work on fighting human trafficking. But shortly before she was scheduled to speak, the Florida Network organizers announced Bondi had cancelled her appearance. Bondi’s Tallahassee press office did not respond to questions about the cancellation. The Florida Network is a nonprofit statewide association representing agencies that serve homeless, runaway and troubled youths and their families.
Did she really cancel or was she disinvited?

RELATED: Bondi took office in 2010 after being endorsed by Sarah Palin. In 2012 Bondi was the lead litigant when she and 26 other state attorneys general unsuccessfully attempted to overturn the Affordable Care Act.

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