Saturday, March 14, 2015

Quote Of The Day - Matt Barber

"We recently had a guest contributor at BarbWire link to an article that, to our disgust, calls for the 'lawful execution' of homosexuals. It went unnoticed by our editors and was removed once discovered. As we fully expected, a handful of especially virulent homosexual and atheist bloggers had a heyday with it nonetheless. They implied, knowing full well that it wasn’t true, that Christians in general and BarbWire in particular want homosexuals executed.

"Still, in Muslim nations both Christians and homosexuals are persecuted. That’s Islam. Each are systemically jailed, tortured and even executed. Curiously, it’s the same cowardly leftists who disingenuously accuse Christians of 'anti-gay hate' at home who remain silent while homosexuals are, in point of fact, tortured to death by Muslims abroad. In other words, bullies steer clear from picking fights with bigger bullies." - Hate group leader Matt Barber, writing for World Net Daily.

FACT CHECK: Actually Barber has published columns by advocates of the gay death penalty two times. And it's just a flat-out lie to declare that LGBT activists "remain silent" about the executions of allegedly gay men by Islamic terrorists. But after all, these are the words of a jackhole who regularly compares gay Americans to Nazis and calls us "homofascists."

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Family Research Council: Fast & Pray For 21 Days Before SCOTUS Marriage Hearing

From the Family Research Council:
As FRC has repeatedly warned for the past ten years, and as legal and government assaults against Christians in the last few years have demonstrated, religious liberty and forced same-sex “marriage” cannot coexist. A sweeping Supreme Court ruling like Roe v. Wade in 1973 will not bring resolution. Christians will continue to stand and defend their right to believe and practice their faith.

When they are told to do what they cannot do in faith, they will choose to obey God, rather than man, just as Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Daniel and the apostles, and millions down through history have done. FRC President Tony Perkins is asking everyone he can to set apart April 7th thru 28th, 21 days, for consecrated prayer and fasting for marriage; and for all who can to take part in the March for Marriage in Washington, April 25th. Thank you for praying!
This will totally work.

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SOUTH AFRICA: Surgeons Announce World's First Successful Penis Transplant

The Washington Post reports:
In a nine-hour surgery, a South African medical team successfully transplanted the penis of a dead donor to a young man without one. Three months later, they say, the recipient, who lost his penis because of complications from a ritual circumcision, has a totally functional sexual organ. That makes him the first successful recipient of a donated penis. To get the approval of the donor's family, doctors had to fashion a pseudo-penis for him out of abdominal skin. That way he could be buried with something resembling a penis. South Africa has a greater need for penis transplants than most of the world. Young men who are members of the Xhosa people often undergo ritual circumcision, sometimes in rural areas without proper instruments or sterilization. Complications from this practice lead to an estimated 250 penile amputations each year.
The surgical team now has nine patients awaiting donated organs.

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RUSSIA: Ikea Closes Website Over Fears About "Gay Propaganda" Laws

Via the BBC:
Ikea is to close down an online magazine in Russia over fears it could flout the country's law banning the promotion of gay values to minors. In a statement, the furniture giant said some articles in Ikea Family Live could be viewed in Russia as gay "propaganda". The controversial law was approved by President Vladimir Putin in 2013, drawing criticism from rights groups. They say it has been used to ban gay rights events, a claim Russia denies.

In the statement (in Russian), Ikea said: "When we do business, we observe the legislation of the countries where we work, therefore to avoid violations, we have taken the decision to stop publishing the magazine in Russia." It said the magazine - which is published in 25 countries - "shows different aspects of people's lives at home, regardless of their age, gender, sexual orientation, nationality and religion". "The magazine reflects the values ​​of the Ikea company, including equal rights and opportunities for all."
Late in 2013, Ikea removed a story about a British lesbian couple from its Russian website, drawing protests from GLAAD.

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NYPD Caught Making Dozens Of Edits To Wikipedia's Police Brutality Entries

Capital New York has the scoop:
Computers operating on the New York Police Department’s computer network at its 1 Police Plaza headquarters have been used to alter Wikipedia pages containing details of alleged police brutality, a review by Capital has revealed. “The matter is under internal review,” an NYPD spokeswoman, Det. Cheryl Crispin, wrote in an email to Capital after examples of the changes were presented to the NYPD.

The edits and changes were linked to the NYPD through a series of Internet Protocol addresses, or IP addresses, which can be publicly tracked by various websites. (Here, for example, is one website that shows a number of IP addresses registered to the NYPD.) IP addresses can locate where a computer is when it connects to the Internet.

Computer users identified by Capital as working on the NYPD headquarters' network have edited and attempted to delete Wikipedia entries for several well-known victims of police altercations, including entries for Eric Garner, Sean Bell, and Amadou Diallo. Capital identified 85 NYPD addresses that have edited Wikipedia, although it is unclear how many users were involved, as computers on the NYPD network can operate on the department’s range of IP addresses.
Hit the link for examples of the changes.

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Pope Francis Hints At Brief Papacy

On the second anniversary of his assuming the papacy, yesterday Pope Francis indicated that he may retire relatively soon.
"I have the feeling that my pontificate will be brief. Four or five years; I do not know, even two or three," he said. He praised Pope Benedict's decision to step aside in 2013 as "courageous". "Benedict should not be considered an exception, but an institution. Maybe he will be the only one for a long time, maybe he will not be the only one. "But an institutional door has been opened," he told the Televisa channel. Pope Francis has hinted in the past that he could retire, but said he was opposed to the idea of an age limit for leaders of the Catholic Church.
The pope added that he longs to go out for a pizza without being recognized.

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Gene Gene Dies At Age 82

Via the Hollywood Reporter:
Gene Patton, the NBC stagehand in Burbank who stole the spotlight as Gene Gene the Dancing Machine on NBC’s wacky The Gong Show, died Monday, his family announced. He was 82. Patton died in Pasadena, according to a spokeswoman at the local Woods-Valentine Mortuary. He had suffered from diabetes. At a random moment during the game show, Barris would introduce Patton, and the curtain would part, bringing the shuffling stagehand with the painter’s cap onstage to the sounds of “Jumpin’ at the Woodside,” a jazz tune made popular by Count Basie. His dance sent everyone on the set — Barris, the judges, the cameramen, the audience — into an uncontrollable boogie.
We absolutely adored Gene Gene when I was in high school. And yes, we all did his dance.

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Friday, March 13, 2015

Cyndi Lauper: The FRC Wants Homeless LGBT Kids Excluded From Federal Act

Via press release from Cyndi Lauper:
Can you believe that there are people actively working to leave youth out in the cold? Don’t they realize it's just going to push us to work even harder to protect our kids?! The Family Research Council is one of those groups. Their target: a clause in the the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act that would specifically protect the 40% of homeless youth who identify as identify as LGBT.

This is what they had to say about the clause: “It contains a definition of gender identity (‘actual or perceived gender-related characteristics’) and sexual orientation that would require special protections for some individuals at the expense of the safety and privacy of all youth served by providers.”

I don’t understand how ensuring welcoming, affirming, and appropriate services for all youth jeopardizes anyone’s safety or privacy. Programs and services receiving federal funding must be inclusive of 100% our youth, not just 60%. This isn’t about protecting some youth, but ALL youth.
You can donate to Cyndi Lauper's True Colors Fund here.

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Today's Money Beg From Brian Brown

"Support for same-sex marriage has dropped over the past year by six percentage points, while opposition has increased. In fact, more voters are opposed to same-sex 'marriage' (44%) than are in favor of it (42%). This dramatic change in public opinion comes as activist judges throughout the country have been working overtime to redefine marriage in direct opposition to the decision of over fifty million voters. While the media seems utterly baffled by these findings — unable to process them and therefore report on them — we are not surprised in the least. Please make plans for joining us for the March for Marriage this year as we make the case for marriage. Three days after the justices of the Supreme Court see the outpouring of support for marriage, they will hear oral argument in the case that could shape the legal definition of marriage in America for years to come. In the mean time, please consider making a generous donation to support our efforts to organize and promote this critical event. We have a great deal of work to do and nobody to turn to for help except for loyal supporters like you." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, choosing to ignore the record-high 59% support for marriage equality reported last week in a major national survey.

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Trans Teen Lands Reality Show

Via the Hollywood Reporter:
TLC is becoming the latest network to explore transgender life. The cable network has handed out a straight-to-series order for All That Jazz, a docuseries following 14-year-old transgender activist Jazz Jennings, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The 11-episode series will feature Jennings — dubbed "The New Face of Transgender Youth" — in her daily life, juggling her foray into high school while navigating how a transgender teen approaches dating and sleepovers all while avoiding male puberty. Jennings, who has been featured on 20/20, The Rosie Show and was named one of the 25 Most Influential Teens of 2014 by Time magazine, was assigned male at birth. Jennings — who also wrote children's book I Am Jazz with Jessica Herthel about living as a transgender teen — expressed her desire for all things typically associated with girls at an early age.
The show will debut this summer.

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This Week's TIME Magazine

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VIRGINIA: Catholic Bishops Angry That Pro-Gay Gov Will Lead St. Patrick's Parade

The Catholic bishops of Virgina have issued a joint statement denouncing (of all groups) the Knights of Columbus over their invitation for Gov. Terry McAuliffe to lead this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
We are aware that the Knights of Columbus Council #3548 has extended an invitation to Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to serve as Grand Marshal of the 2015 Norfolk Saint Patrick's Day Parade which the Governor has accepted. Council #3548, a regional, not parish council, has sponsored and organized this parade since its inception in 1967. The invitation was issued without the advice or consent of the local parish priest, the local bishop, or the Knights state council. Together with our brother bishops, we have been clear, consistent and firm in upholding the truths reflected in the fundamental doctrine and moral principles of our faith. It is an erroneous and serious mistake in judgment for any Catholic organization to grant awards, honors and platforms to any public person who clearly acts in defiance to Catholic teaching. While one must always respect the Office of the Governor and the person holding that office, and dialogue should be fostered, one cannot deny that the Governor has made public statements in opposition to the moral teaching of the Catholic Church on issues pertaining to the dignity of human life and marriage.
Wingnut infighting. Never not funny.

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MINNESOTA: Trans Man Goes Viral With His #Occupotty Selfies Campaign

Via Rochester, Minnesota's NBC affiliate:
Minnesota lawmakers introduced legislation that would require high school students to use the locker rooms and restrooms determined by their birth sex. Now, local transgender advocates are fighting back and the response is going viral. "I don't think any women want me walking into the bathroom with them,” laughed Michael Hughes. Hughes is a transgender man living in Rochester whose mirror selfies are drawing attention to a commode conundrum.

"So I come in, go right to the mirror with a female friend behind me, and we quick get the selfie, and get back out before anybody comes in and gets startled by my presence in the women's restroom,” Hughes said, pointing his cell phone at the mirror of the women's restroom at the People's Food Co-op. Just four days ago Hughes posted a photo of himself in a women's restroom with a female friend in the background. One glance can affirm – Hughes does not look like one of the girls.

Using hashtags like #Occupotty and the caption "Do I look like I belong in the women's facilities?" Michael Hughes is showing what it would be like if he was required to use the restroom determined by his birth sex. The response has been huge.
Hughes is interviewed in the below report.

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PHILADELPHIA: Lawyers For Accused Gay Bashers Want Charges Dropped

Via Philadelphia's CBS affiliate:
Defense lawyers for the three Bucks County defendants charged with attacking a gay couple in Center City last September intend to file pre-trial motions, in an attempt to eliminate or reduce the charges. The three defendants — Kevin Harrigan, Philip Williams and Kathryn Knott — all of whom are in their mid 20’s, appeared with their lawyers for the status hearing. At the preliminary hearing stage in December, a Municipal Court judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to prosecute them on aggravated assault, conspiracy, and other charges. Defense lawyer Louis Busico, who represents the 24-year-old Knott, says all of the defendants maintain their innocence.
The hearing is set for April 15th.

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HIGHLIGHTS: Broadway Backwards 2015




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Headline Of The Day

From the website of Creflo Dollar:
“We are asking members, partners, and supporters of this ministry to assist in the undertaking of an initiative called Project G650. The mission of Project G650 is to acquire a Gulfstream G650 airplane so that Pastors Creflo and Taffi and World Changers Church International can continue to blanket the globe with the Gospel of grace. We are believing for 200,000 people to give contributions of 300 US dollars or more to turn this dream into a reality—and allow us to retire the aircraft that served us well for many years.”
Dollar has a personal wealth in the tens of millions and lives in a multi-million dollar mansion. But Jesus needs a $65M jet.

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PHILADELPHIA: Pam Geller Wins Battle To Place Anti-Islam Ads On Public Transit

Crackpot Pam Geller has won yet another court battle, this time against Philadelphia's public transit system.
Last June, SEPTA rejected the ads from New Hampshire-based American Freedom Defense Initiative by pointing to the transportation authority's "anti-disparagement standard," rules attempting to limit inflammatory messages. But the American Freedom Defense Initiative, a pro-Israel group headed by conservative blogger Pam Geller, challenged SEPTA's rejection in court. And she did so with momentum in her stride, as her group has fought and won similar battles from San Francisco to New York. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Mitchell Goldberg sided with Geller, calling SEPTA's ad restriction "certainty laudable," but "such aspirations do not, unfortunately, cure First Amendment violations." In an email, Geller called the decision "another historic AFDI victory."
(Tipped by JMG reader Rudy)

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Mat Staver: I Won't Obey SCOTUS Just Like I Wouldn't Turn A Jew Over To Nazis

Staver can "disobey" all he wants. It won't matter.

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BERLIN: Court Fines Family For Trying To Force 15 Year-Old Gay Boy Into Marriage

Via the Associated Press:
A Berlin court has fined three Lebanese men on allegations they seized a 15-year-old relative against his will in what he says was an attempt to force him into marriage because he’s gay. State Court spokesman Tobias Kaehne said Thursday the boy’s father and two uncles were each fined 1,350 euros ($1,430), or 90 days in jail, if they don’t pay. According to the complaint, in 2012 they took the boy, now 18, and forced him into a car and set off for Turkey. They were stopped at the Romania-Bulgaria border, and the boy was returned to Germany. There are few other details in the complaint, but the boy told Berlin’s Tagesspiegel newspaper he had come out as gay and his father decided to force him into marriage.
The report doesn't say why the story took three years to come to light.

UPDATE: More on the story from Pink News:
The father of then 15-year-old Nasser El-Ahmed beat him, poured boiling water on him and threatened to ram a knife into his throat after he came out. One of the uncles also doused him in petrol and threatened to set him on fire. The boy told the Tagesspiegel newspaper that he had come out as gay, and as a result his father had decided to try and force him to marry a woman. He said he hoped his case would draw attention to issues faced by gay Muslim men.

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OKLAHOMA: Sally Kern's "Ex-Gay" Torture Bill Dies Without Coming To A Vote

Via press release from NCLR:
This afternoon, a bill introduced to the Oklahoma State House by Representative Sally Kern that would legalize anti-LGBT therapy died without coming to a vote. The defeat follows months of extensive grassroots organizing by national and state organizations working in coalition to educate parents and families about the ineffective and harmful practices of conversion therapy on LGBT youth.  HB 1598 aimed to legitimize conversion therapy by providing special state protections for practices which have been denounced by every major medical and mental health association in the country, including the American Medical Association and American Psychological Association. The bill is the first of its kind in the United States.  “It is not often that we can say defeating a piece of legislation actually saved lives, but with HB 1598, that is exactly what happened,” said Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director Troy Stevenson. “The fact that this bill would have removed oversight and prohibited state intervention into extreme forms of child abuse was unconscionable. We owe a debt of gratitude to the fair-minded legislators who refused to allow it to even get a vote on the house floor.”
"Ex-gay" torture is banned in California, New Jersey, and DC.

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Eurovision 2015: Israel's Entry

Israel's 2015 entry was named last month after he won the reality show Rising Star and the production video for his song was launched today. Paris-born Nadav Guedj is only 16 years old and his is the first Israeli entry that is sung entirely in English. Israel has won Eurovision three times, most recently in 1998 when transgender pop star Dana International took the top prize with her dance hit Diva.

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Log Cabin: We Helped Make Utah Happen

"Having visited the Beehive State and Governor Herbert less than two years ago, I know firsthand how hard Log Cabin Republicans of Utah President James Humphreys and his team have been working to achieve this monumental victory. The passage of this bill in Utah should show Republicans around the country that the balance between LGBT rights and religious liberty is not a zero-sum game. Likewise, advocates on the gay left would do well to see that an all-or-nothing approach to LGBT protections with no reasonable religious exemption will doom passage of any similar non-discrimination protections in GOP-controlled legislatures, be they state or federal. I'm proud of the many Republicans, common-sense LGBT advocates, and the Log Cabin Republicans of Utah who worked tirelessly to achieve this historic milestone in the reddest of red states." - Log Cabin Republicans head Gregory Angelo, via email.

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Today In Assholery

Crowder, an alleged comedian, was the main host of CPAC in 2011 and gained national attention in 2012 after he was exposed as having selectively edited a video that he claimed showed him getting sucker-punched during a brawl at a union protest in Michigan. He was fired by Fox News in 2013 shortly after insulting Sean Hannity. These days he makes videos for the Liberty Alliance, which runs websites for Matt Barber, Victoria Jackson, Alan West, Kirk Cameron, and dozens of other crackpots.

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UTAH: Watch Gov. Gary Herbert Sign Bill Outlawing Anti-LGBT Discrimination

As you can see in the tweet above, there were two pieces of good news out of Utah last night as the "license to discriminate" bill is dead for this legislative session. The clip below was posted to Gov. Herbert's official YouTube channel.

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Schock In Hot Water Over "Photographer"

The National Journal reports:
Schock traveled to India on official business in August 2014, a trip during which he met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Global Poverty Project, an advocacy organization that seeks to alleviate extreme poverty internationally, footed the bill, according to a spokesman for the group. But Schock's photographer and videographer, Jonathon Link, traveled with him on the trip, which was well-documented on Schock's Instagram account. The organization offered to pay for the costs of one staffer to accompany Schock as long as the staffer flew economy class, according to the spokesman.

Another aide was originally going to come, but the organization noted they were looking for a photographer, and Schock suggested Link, with whom he has worked in the past, the spokesman said. The photos Link took were made available to both Schock and the Global Poverty Project. The problem is House rules allow a member to accept private money for a companion's travel expenses only if the companion is a staffer, spouse or child. Link was none of those; he didn't appear on Schock's official or campaign payroll until September 2014. Furthermore, Schock never disclosed that Link accompanied him on the trip, according to a review of public records.
Schock has hired a crisis management team to deal with all of the allegations about his spending and travel. (Tipped by JMG reader Larry)

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Iceland Drops EU Membership Bid

Via the BBC:
The government of Iceland has announced it is no longer seeking EU membership for the North Atlantic state. Foreign Minister Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson said he had already informed current EU president Latvia and the European Commission about the cabinet's move. Iceland gave no reason for dropping its bid to join the 28-member bloc. But after winning the 2013 elections two Eurosceptic parties said the nation already enjoyed most full membership benefits through deals with the EU. The island nation has free trade arrangements with the bloc and is part of the Schengen visa-free travel zone.
Five other nations are formally recognized candidates for EU membership: Albania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey.

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Florida Hater Has The Gay Adoption Sadz

Florida hate group leader John Stemberger is ever so pissed that the state House voted to erase an outdated law against gay adoption, which has been legal for several years.

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Charlie Crist: I Might Run For Senate Again

Via the Orlando Sentinel:
Charlie Crist is considering another run for the U.S. Senate, in the 2016 race. "Well, I have been encouraged to," Crist said Wednesday when asked by phone about reports that he might run again. Crist, who is in New York, declined to elaborate. Crist, a former Republican governor of Florida, ran for the Senate in 2010 as an independent, losing handily to Republican Marco Rubio, but finishing ahead of Democrat Kendrick Meek. In 2013 he formally changed his party affiliation to Democrat and last year ran again for governor, losing to incumbent Republican Gov. Rick Scott in a close race. There is a chance that Rubio will not seek re-election. He has repeatedly said that if he decides to run for president, he would not seek re-election to the Senate.
Other potential Democratic candidates for Rubio's Senate seat are U.S. House members Debbie Wasserman-Shultz, Alan Grayson, and Patrick Murphy. Among the potential candidates on the GOP side is Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi.

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Gay Univision Host Fired Over Planet Of The Apes Comment About First Lady

Openly gay Univision TV host Rodner Figueroa was fired yesterday immediately after comparing Michelle Obama to a cast member of Planet Of The Apes during a live broadcast.
The Emmy-winning host was dismissed over the racist remark said during his live segment on the entertainment news show "El Gordo Y La Flaca," HuffPost Voces first reported. Univision confirmed the news via e-mail earlier today. Figueroa's comment came while talking about make-up artist Paolo Ballesteros' viral undertaking of transforming himself into female celebrities. The fashionista, known for his critical "Fashion Police"-style remarks, analyzed Ballesteros' transformation for Michelle Obama with an original photo of the first lady beside it. "Mind you, you know that Michelle Obama looks like she's part of the cast of "Planet of the Apes," the film," Figueroa said. Host Raúl de Molina attempted to counter the comment saying he thought Obama was very attractive. The show aired live on the East Coast and was edited for the West Coast.
Figueroa has already been scrubbed from all of the Univision website. Later yesterday he published an apology in an open letter to the First Lady. An excerpt:
"I want to make it clear that I'm not racist and my comment wasn't directed personally to you, but to the characterization of the artist, that left a lot to be desired. The clip in full context is proof. I feel embarrased, I ask for forgiveness, because there is no excuse for a professional like me to make those types of comments that can be interpreted as offensive and racist in a volatile moment that we live in our country. I take full responsibility for the lack of judgement in my part, but I can't accept that I am being called a racist, being fired for that reason and being humiliated by Univision after working there for 17 years. I come from a bi-racial Latin family, with family members, like my father, who is Afro-Latino. I am the first presenter on Hispanic TV that is openly gay and I am an activist for causes that favor minorities that have been discriminated against just like me. I openly voted twice for your husband Barack Obama, because I consider him a great man that respects minorities, like me, in this country."

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President Obama Reads Mean Tweets

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Thursday, March 12, 2015

ALABAMA: House Approves Bill To Allow Officials To Refuse To Conduct Marriages

Via USA Today:
The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday passed legislation that would prevent those empowered to officiate weddings from being forced to conduct ceremonies to which they have religious objections, or to be sued over their refusal. Although the bill does not directly address same-sex marriage, opponents said the legislation targeted gay and lesbian couples and could allow religiously affiliated organizations, such as hospitals, to deny benefits and services to same-sex couples. "We're here because we want to condemn a population we don't understand and we don't like," said Rep. Patricia Todd, a Democrat from Birmingham, Ala., the only openly gay member of the Alabama Legislature. "It doesn't change anything, but it will help (lawmakers) in districts show they will stand up against same sex-sex marriage." Rep. Jim Hill, a Republican from Springville, Ala., a former judge and the sponsor of the bill, insisted that the bill, introduced amid a statewide controversy over the legality of same-sex marriage, was not about same-sex marriage.
Rep. Patricia Todd vowed to continue to fight: "I know you're going to go back home and say, 'Look what we did to those gay people.' Well, you didn't do anything." Todd, you may recall, has threatened to out local anti-gay politicians who have committed adultery.

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Jeb Bush Hires Anti-Gay Activist Who Supports Criminalization Of Homosexuality

MSNBC reports:
Prominent evangelical attorney Jordan Sekulow announced that he had signed on as senior adviser to Bush’s Right to Rise political action committee. Sekulow, the 32-year-old executive director of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), is notorious within LGBT advocacy circles for his support of anti-gay legislation abroad, particularly in Africa, where he has worked to keep homosexuality a criminal offense.

The timing of Sekulow’s hire is unusual, given that Buzzfeed’s Mckay Coppins recently dubbed Bush “2016’s Gay-Friendly Republican” for his seemingly softened stance on same-sex marriage and his growing team of gay-friendly operatives. But it serves as yet another reminder of the difficult position in which Republican presidential hopefuls now find themselves — not only do they have win over the GOP’s evangelical base to secure the nomination, they have to do so in a way that doesn’t completely alienate the general electorate, which is growing ever-more diverse and supportive of gay rights.
Jordan Sekulow is the son of infamous anti-gay activist Jay Sekulow, who yesterday joined Tony Perkins in testifying before the Senate on religious liberty. The elder Sekulow has argued before the US Supreme Court many times, most often on the issue of religious speech. Both Sekulows work for the Pat Robertson-founded American Center For Law & Justice, which in 2010 published a document in Zimbabwe which calls for "sexual relations between partners of the same-sex, bestiality, and other perversions to remain a criminal activity."

Four years ago I reported that the Sekulow family is raking in tens of million from their "charity" work. From the USA Today piece I excerpted:
Since 1998, the two charities have paid out more than $33 million to members of Sekulow's family and businesses they own or co-own, according to the charities' federal tax returns. One of the charities is controlled by the Sekulow family — tax documents show that all four of CASE's board members are Sekulows and another is an officer — an arrangement criticized by a nonprofit watchdog group. The founder of a different Christian legal organization takes aim at the idea of Sekulow profiting in the name of religion, saying it isn't what Jesus would do. The American Center for Law and Justice's tax attorney says the payments to the Sekulows and businesses they own or co-own are all made for the charities' benefit and have passed an IRS audit. Sekulow's supporters say he is a humble man dedicated to the Christian cause. Members of the Sekulow family declined requests for interviews.
Here's more about the ACLJ, which in 2013 was named by Human Rights Watch as one of the "four worst anti-gay villains" in the world:
The American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), for attempting to export homophobia to Africa. Founded in 1990 by the Baptist Minister and televangelist Pat Robertson, and headed by Jay Sekulow, its chief counsel, the ACLJ strongly opposes LGBT equality and reproductive rights in the United States and across the globe. It works through offshoot organizations such as the East African Centre for Law and Justice (EACLJ) in Kenya, the African Centre for Law and Justice (ACLJ) in Zimbabwe, and the Brazilian Center for Law and Justice (BCLJ) in Brazil. The EACLJ unsuccessfully lobbied against Kenya’s progressive new constitution in 2010 solely on the basis that the constitution’s anti-discrimination clause could eventually be used to advance LGBT equality and that it allows for abortion when the mother’s health is at stake.
Last year the Human Rights Campaign lumped Jordan Sekulow in with Scott Lively, Porno Pete, and Robert Oscar Lopez in their "Exporters Of Hate" report. Jeb Bush's in-house homocon must be SO proud.

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FLORIDA: Mother & Toddler Go Into Hiding Over Child's Court-Ordered Circumcision

From the West Palm Beach ABC affiliate:
A judge has ordered the arrest of a local mother who has refused a court order to have her son circumcised. Heather Hironimus was supposed to turn over her 4-year-old son Chase and appear before a judge by 2 p.m. Tuesday. When Hironimus was a no-show, the judge signed a writ of bodily attachment which allows law enforcement to find and bring her to court. Hiroimus's attorney said Tuesday that Chase was "terrified" to undergo the procedure and Hironimus checked into an undisclosed domestic violence crisis shelter to protect him. Due to privacy laws, attorneys did not have to disclose the location of the shelter to the judge or law enforcement. Last month, when Chase's father won a drawn-out legal battle to have his son circumcised, Hironimus went into hiding with her son.
(Tipped by JMG reader DM)

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AFA Host Sandy Rios Compares Photos Of Gay Sex To Photos Of Holocaust Victims

They are STILL talking about that one time a safer sex brochure was made available during a meeting at a Massachusetts high school. Which was ten years ago.

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GEORGIA: Atlanta Resident Elton John Denounces License To Discriminate Bill

"Simply put, this bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. It promises religious freedom, but let’s be clear: No one’s religious freedom is at risk! Both the Georgia Constitution and U.S. Constitution very explicitly protect this right. What SB 129 will really do is institutionalize the hate some people hold in their hearts against other people. It will turn back the clock on the progress we have made — not only in the fight against HIV, but also in the struggle for a more equal and just society.

"To be clear, I firmly believe in freedom of religion. Everyone has the right to worship as they choose. But I also believe in justice, equality and the rule of law. We can’t just let people refuse to follow a law because they don’t like it. And we can’t just grant special exemptions that allow people to discriminate at will.

"In this country, if you don’t like a law, you can work to change it. And if enough people agree with your point of view, you’ll succeed. That’s the beauty of democracy in America. And that’s why I’m writing this essay. I hope enough people, once they realize the harmful intent behind SB 129, will join me in fighting it. No one should be discriminated against because of who he is, or what he looks like, or because of a disease he happens to have. My dear friend Eli fought and lived through a time of progress, and so should we. We cannot afford to turn back the clock as we fight for an AIDS-free future in Georgia, across the country and around the world." - Elton John, writing for the Atlanta Forward.

UPDATE: I'm told that the above essay will appear in tomorrow's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

RELATED: There's a poll in Elton's post that needs to be freeped.

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Bill Whatcott Flees To The Philippines

Infamous Canadian ex-gay crackpot Bill Whatcott has announced that he has permanently moved to the Philippines. Whatcott has been hauled into court multiple times on charges of hate speech, but in January he won a defamation suit against the CBC over their report that he was distributing the lyrics to a song titled Kill The Homosexuals. One wonders what he's running from in Canada or what he's running to in the Philippines. (Tipped by JMG reader David)

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: Last year Whatcott and Porno Pete LaBarbera were arrested at a Canadian university after they refused to stop distributing anti-gay materials. When they returned for their trial in October, they preceded their court appearance by picketing the courthouse with anti-gay signs. They were found not guilty in December. Also last year Whatcott infiltrated Vancouver's pride parade under a false name and handed out fake condom packets which featured anti-gay screeds and a photo of an emaciated AIDS patient. In May last year Whatcott filed a complaint against a computer repair store which he claims refused him service on the basis of his religious beliefs.

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SWITZERLAND: Hate Speech Bill Passes

Via Gay Star News:
Switzerland has voted for a law to protect LGBTI people from discrimination. The parliament voted with 103 in favor, 73 against and nine abstentions to ensure nobody is targeted with hate speech and discrimination on the basis of their sexual or gender identity. It was an amendment to a law that already protected people of different races or faiths. "It's nice to live in a country that recognizes diversity and supports the same equal protection for everyone." according to Bastian Baumann, Secretary-General of Pink Cross. Secretary General of The Swiss Lesbian Organization, Barbara Lanthemann, added: "The law is not only important for LGBT organizations; it also improves the daily life of lesbians and gays."
Last month the lower chamber of the Swiss Parliament approved a same-sex marriage bill. Should it be approved by the upper chamber, its enactment would require passage via a national referendum. In 1999 Switzerland banned anti-LGBT discrimination in business and employment. Partnership rights were recognized in 2007. In 2001 Swiss voters overwhelming rejected a campaign to join the European Union.

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Bjork - Lionsong

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Today's Money Beg From Brian Brown

"So far, we've raised over $62,000 online toward our $100,000 match. That's significant, but still leaves a huge amount that we have an opportunity to claim. The hard left that wants to redefine marriage is backed by billionaires like George Soros, Paul Singer and Tim Gil. They have a seemingly unlimited stream of resources to throw behind their radical agenda. They have the backing of Hollywood and the media, which gives their ideology billions of dollars in free advertising. NOM has YOU. We aren't backed by billionaires who write us blank checks, we're funded by people just like you making sacrificial gifts to ensure marriage has a strong voice defending it in society. Joe, I need you to make a donation right now so that marriage will still have a voice defending it in society." - Hate group leader Brian Brown, in a money beg for NOM's coming hate march in Washington, DC.

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CALIFORNIA: Lawmaker Seeks Disbarment Of Christian Attorney Who Filed Ballot Measure For Gay Death Penalty

Openly gay California Sen. Ricardo Lara is pressuring the state Bar Association to disbar Matt McLaughlin, the Christian attorney who last month filed a 2016 ballot measure that would ask voters to approve the death penalty for homosexuality. Via the Bay Area Reporter:
Lara said that McLaughlin's measure isn't just offensive, but an actual violation of the California bar's code of conduct for attorneys. "Qualification to become a licensed attorney not only includes educational requirements and an examination, but also requires demonstrated 'good moral character,'" Lara said. "The state bar's admissions rules on good moral character include that those seeking admission to the bar demonstrate respect and obedience for the law, and respect for the rights of others and the judicial process." Rule 2-400 of the California Bar Association Code prohibits licensed practitioners from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation when rendering legal services, Lara pointed out. The senator also said that he would look into passing legislation barring discriminatory or hate speech-oriented measures from being allowed on future state ballots.
A spokesman for the California Bar Association has acknowledged the controversy, but declined to speak about the case because their investigation process is "confidential by law." McLaughlin's proposed ballot measure vanished from the Attorney General's website some time this week, but it's not known yet known if the measure is still considered active.

UPDATE: The ballot measure is back on the AG's website.

RELATED:  Some wingnuts are predictably claiming that McLaughlin's ballot measure is a "false flag" attempt by homofascists to discredit Christians. Snopes has even had to weigh in and declare that the Sodomite Suppression Act is a real thing.

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Haters Are Thrilled About Ocular Syphilis

Matt Barber and Bryan Fischer are absolutely thrilled with the news about a handful of cases of ocular syphilis in gay men, which has resulted in two of those men going blind.

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European Union Parliament Declares That Same-Sex Marriage Is A Human Right

Huge news out of Europe today:
The European Parliament on Thursday called on EU member states to recognise civil unions and same-sex marriage as a civil and human right and urged governments and EU institutions to contribute to further discussion in this area. The call was contained in the 2013 global human rights and democracy report, approved by the assembly with 390 ayes, 151 nays and 97 abstentions. In it, the European Parliament acknowledged "the legalisation of marriage and civil unions between same-sex couples in a growing number of countries around the world, currently 17" and encouraged "the EU institutions and member states to further contribute towards reflection on the recognition of marriage or civil unions between people of the same sex as a political and social issue and a matter of civil and human rights".
The European Union currently has 28 members. Same-sex marriage is legal in eleven of them: Belgium, Denmark, Finland (effective 2017), France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia (effective date pending), Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland.)  Civil unions are legal in nine EU nations: Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia (effective 2016), Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Malta. No partnership recognitions exist in eight EU nations: Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Slovakia. (Tipped by JMG readers Lulu and Andrea)

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Spotify To Ink $1B Deal With Universal

Spotify is expected to sign a $1B licensing agreement with Universal Music to cover streaming royalties over the next two years.
The $1 billion number — equal to the global revenue generated by all companies in the fast-growing streaming sector in 2013 — underscores the extent to which Spotify and other streaming services will drive digital revenue for the world’s biggest record company. Spotify’s payments to Universal, home to Taylor Swift, Nick Jonas and Madonna, are projected to account for 16 percent of the music giant’s recorded music revenue by March 2017 — up from 11 percent for the April 2015 to March 2016 period. In addition, Universal, which owns a stake in Spotify, will get 39 percent of its pretax earnings from Spotify by 2017, up from 28 percent over the next 12 months, according to the email, which factored in Spotify estimates for Universal’s growth.
Apple will launch its own $10/month streaming service in June. Unlike Spotify, their service will not offer advertiser-supported free streaming. Spotify boasts 60 million users worldwide, 15 million of whom pay for the ad-free version.

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OKLAHOMA: Democratic Rep Introduces Amendment Requiring Anti-Gay Businesses To Post Signs That Say So

Democratic Oklahoma House Rep. Emily Virgin yesterday introduced a perfect amendment to the bill that would legalize anti-gay discrimination by businesses. Via Raw Story:
“Any person not wanting to participate in any of the activities set forth in subsection A of this section based on sexual orientation, gender identity or race of either party to the marriage shall post notice of such refusal in a manner clearly visible to the public in all places of business, including websites,” the amendment states. “The notice may refer to the person’s religious beliefs, but shall state specifically which couples the business does not serve by referring to a refusal based upon sexual orientation, gender identity or race.”

“Thank you to Representative Virgin for calling out the level of segregation allowed under this legislation,” Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director Troy Stevenson said in a statement. “If the state of Oklahoma is going to protect discrimination, then at the very least, businesses should be required to own their bias, and post it publicly for the world to see.” Ryan Kiesel, director of ACLU of Oklahoma, also praised the amendment, saying that it “very pointedly exposes the absurdity of creating a new era of legalized segregation.”
Rep. Virgin was elected to the Oklahoma House while still in college. Drop in at her Facebook page to express your appreciation.

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TEXAS: Democrats Deliver Cakes To The Offices Of Anti-Gay State Legislators

From the Facebook page the Texas Democratic Party: "A few weeks ago, several Republican lawmakers celebrated Texas' ban on same-sex marriage by eating wedding cake. Today, we stopped by the offices of Dan Patrick, Donna Campbell and several other Texas lawmakers to remind them that the majority of Texans support the freedom to marry, and to drop off cakes of our own!"

You may recall that the so-called "banniversary" celebration was attended by Texas Values head Jonathan Saenz and other Texas hate group leaders. Their 10th anniversary party, of course, had to be held nine months early because SCOTUS is ruling in June and the Texas ban on same-sex marriage was enacted in November 2005.

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Anti-Porn Movement Site: NoFap

Christian news outlet LifeSite today points to the "atheist/agnostic site NoFap" as evidence that "the tide is turning against the porn industry." NoFap, as the name implies, is also an anti-masturbation site. From their main page:
NoFap® hosts challenges in which participants abstain from porn and masturbation. Seize control of your sexuality and turn it into superpowers. Recover from porn-induced sexual dysfunction. Stop objectifying and establish meaningful connections. Improve your interpersonal relationships. Live a more fulfilling life. You’re devoting yourself completely to your significant other instead of random pixilated girls on the internet who you've never met. It’s about enhancing your meaningful relationship, instead of establishing five-minute relationships with virtual girls online.
Apparently, NoFap members engage in one-on-one (ahem) challenges to see who can go the longest without masturbating. And there's a no-edging rule: "Edging is physical stimulation without orgasm. This is masturbation and counts, but it is your call whether it constitutes failure of the challenge. For the vast majority of our users, edging counts as a reset." How many times a day can one reset?

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TODAY: Day Of Action To Pass Trans Rights In New York State Senate

The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act has passed in the New York Assembly SEVEN times, but shamefully it has never been allowed to come to a vote in the state Senate. Today openly gay Sen. Brad Hoylman (above right) and Sen. Daniel Squadron will attend a rally at the state capitol building. Via press release from the Empire State Pride Agenda:
“It is unconscionable that, in most of the state, an individual can lose his or her job or home or be denied the right eat at a restaurant based on gender identity or expression," said New York City Public Advocate Letitia James. "These are not hypothetical scenarios—one out of every three transgender New Yorkers have been homeless; two out of three experience discrimination at work; and one in five have been fired explicitly for being transgender. New York City is one of only 11 cities and counties in New York State that have passed local GENDA laws. Outside these communities, this despicable discrimination is perfectly legal. GENDA is a basic human rights law and it must be passed statewide and it must be passed this year to secure the most fundamental protections against discrimination."
Come on New York, this is embarrassing.

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GOP Posts New #HillaryScare Episode

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Broadway Backwards Raises Record $466K For Broadway Cares & NYC LGBT Center

Via press release:
The 10th anniversary of Broadway Backwards capped off an exuberant, exhilarating and emotional evening of performances on Monday, March 9, 2015 with news that this year’s event raised a record $466,717 for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. The sold-out show included 20 audience-pleasing numbers and multiple standing ovations for Tituss Burgess, Lena Hall, Florence Henderson, Norm Lewis, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Lillias White and more Broadway favorites, as well as a special appearance by recent Kennedy Center Honoree Lily Tomlin. Julie Halston and Rob McClure served as the evening's jovial hosts. Broadway Backwards is the annual celebration where gays and lesbians see their stories told through the great songs of musical theatre, sung by their favorite Broadway performers. It is produced by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and was presented again in the historic Al Hirschfeld Theatre, home to the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots. This year’s edition of Broadway Backwards featured a spirited 66-person cast and an onstage orchestra of 13 performing some of the most memorable numbers from previous editions of the benefit.
I was there with my buddy Mike and it was fantastic as always. As she did several years ago, 81 year-old Florence Henderson stole the show with a bawdy performance that included a macking session with an Alice stand-in. Peering into the upraised hindquarters of a muscular dancer, she quipped, "Is that the Holland or Lincoln tunnel? Helloooooo?" Mrs. Brady would not have approved. I'll post videos when they become available - in the meantime check out Playbill's photo gallery.

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FLORIDA: State House Erases Outdated Ban On Adoption By Same-Sex Couples

Via the Palm Beach Post:
A bill aimed at promoting adoptions but that also erases an outdated ban on same-sex couples adopting children was approved Wednesday by the Florida House. A same-sex couples’ ban had been in place until 2010, when an appeals court ruled it was unconstitutional. Then-Gov. Charlie Crist did not appeal the ruling and current law allows gay people to adopt in Florida. But eliminating the statutory language was important, said House Democrats. Many conservative Republicans joined in the 68-50 vote approving the legislation (CS/HB 7013). The legislation provides financial incentives to community-based care organizations assisting the Florida Department of Children and Families with adoptions. State employees also could receive additional benefits of $5,000 or $10,000 for a special needs child they adopt.
Equality Florida reacts: "While it has been legal in Florida for lesbians and gays to adopt for several years, it is wonderful that legislators are taking steps now to remove this discriminatory relic from the books. We especially applaud Rep. David Richardson’s leadership in making it happen.”

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#WeJustNeedToPee

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Baume: Thank You For Being A Friend?

Clip recap: "No politician who says 'but I have gay friends!' actually has any. So why do they keep saying it? Join four friends as they gather around the cheesecake to gab and gossip about the nature of friendship, sneaky lawmakers, and a certain notorious retirement community."

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UTAH: State House Overwhelmingly Passes LGBT Non-Discrimination Bill

Via Salt Lake City's Fox affiliate:
The gallery was packed as Rep. Brad Dee, R-Ogden, presented the bill. Behind him were his co-sponsors, Sen. Steve Urquhart, R-St. George, and Senate Majority Whip Stuart Adams, R-Layton. “There was a lot of people and a lot of faith that went into this particular bill,” Dee said, crying. An LGBT nondiscrimination bill, which has been attempted for years in the Utah State Legislature, got massive support after it received the blessing of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. SB296 was the product of heavy negotiations between its sponsors, gay rights groups and the LDS Church.

Rep. Sandra Hollins, D-Salt Lake City, took her fellow lawmakers to task declaring it “embarrassing” that they even had to deal with this in 2015. Rep. Keven Stratton, R-Orem, believed “Utah can be a light on the hill to lead” by passing model legislation. “Homosexuality is not a civil right but equal access to housing and employment is,” Rep. Merrill Nelson, R-Grantsville, said. In a 65-10 vote, SB296 passed. The gallery, filled with many members of Utah’s LGBT community, erupted in applause. The vote was so emotional, the House reading clerk could not find the words to start reading the next bill. She wiped her tears and handed the next bill to an assistant to read.
The House also approved a bill that would allow state employees to opt-out of performing same-sex marriages, although someone else in the clerks' offices will still have to perform them. Utah Gov. Gary Herbert will sign the LGBT non-discrimination bill in a ceremony to be held tonight.
RELATED: As you'll see at the link above, the House also approved a "license to discriminate" bill regarding public accommodations. HB322 is expected to face a tough battle in the final legislative session of the state Senate.

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Howard Stern Interviews Madonna

Billboard recaps:
Did you know Madonna wrote "Vogue" in just a couple of hours? Or that she doesn't like being stoned? Or that she dated Tupac Shakur? (We really didn't know that one.) Well, she revealed that and much, much more in a nearly 90-minute interview with Howard Stern on Wednesday (March 11) -- her first interview ever with the radio personality. The chat covered a lot of ground, from her childhood and the early death of her mother to the time she was raped but didn't report it and her odd friendship with Michael Jackson. Madonna's latest album, Rebel Heart, was just released. In the interview, Madonna revealed that the album's next single will be "Ghosttown," for which she's shooting a video next week.

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Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Tweet Of The Day - Matthew Inman

Inman's first link goes to this post by Matt Barber where he has commented: "Please remove the comic you stole from my site, as seen here." Feel free to join in. (Tipped by JMG reader David)

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Family Research Council: Racist Fraternity Chants Are The Fault Of Dan Savage

"Dan Savage, who is now having his life story being portrayed on a new sitcom on ABC, you know, here’s a guy that’s responsible for the coarsening of civil discussion and conversation being celebrated, at a time when there are knuckleheads who are still spewing from their lips the sort of nonsense that we’ve heard from these fraternity members."

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FDA Approves "Functional HIV Cure" Trials

Via Medical Daily:
A possible “functional cure” for HIV has recently been granted FDA approval for further human testing. The method uses genetic modification to cause a specific mutation in the white blood cells of HIV patients which mirrors those found in the naturally immune. It has so far shown to be both receptive and long-lasting.

The novel therapy involves taking stem cells from HIV-infected patients and using a gene editing tool to cause them to form into white blood cells with a specific mutation. The mutation affects a protein known as CCR5, and interferes with the virus’s ability to latch onto blood cells. The mutation occurs naturally in a small percentage of the world’s population and gives these individuals a life-long resistance to HIV infections. Although the virus may remain in their body, without being able to enter the T cells, it cannot replicate and therefore will stay at low numbers, uncompromising the immune system.

In theory, when these genetically edited stem cells are reintroduced into HIV patients they will repopulate the body with cells possessing the same mutation. This would give the patients the same lifetime resistance to the virus’s harm with just one procedure. The method was developed by Sangamo BioSciences Inc., but has also been tested in early human clinical trials by drug research company Calimmune. 
San Francisco's KQED reported on this development on Friday.

(Tipped by JMG reader Paul)

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Ferguson Police Chief To Resign

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