Joe. My. God.

Bill Clinton Causes Oral Cancer

2012-01-29T15:06:00.001-05:00

Because nobody gave a blowjob before Monica Lewinsky.

Headline Of The Day

2012-01-29T15:05:00.002-05:00

Details.

Rep. Allen West: Obama & Pelosi Need To Get The Hell Out Of United States

2012-01-29T14:22:00.003-05:00

BRITAIN: Archbishop Compares Prime Minister To Dictators Over Gay Marriage

2012-01-29T14:10:00.005-05:00

"Marriage is a relationship between a man and a woman. I don’t think it is the role of the state to define what marriage is. It is set in tradition and history and you can’t just [change it] overnight, no matter how powerful you are. We’ve seen dictators do it in different contexts and I don’t want to redefine very clear social structures that have been in existence for a long time and then overnight the state believes it could go in a particular way. It’s almost like somebody telling you that the Church, whose job is to worship God [will be] an arm of the Armed Forces. They must take arms and fight. You’re completely changing tradition." - Church of England Archbishop John Sentamu on Prime Minister David Cameron's vocal support for same-sex marriage.

Mittens Slams Swingrich On Ethics

2012-01-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Full-Page In Today's Miami Herald

2012-01-29T12:02:00.000-05:00

Amanda Lear - La Bete Et La Belle

2012-01-29T10:58:00.002-05:00

When Amanda Lear put out a new single last year, I wrote:

Back in the 70's, it was a rare night at a gay bar if you didn't hear at least one Amanda Lear song, especially if you were watching a drag show. Orlando's late legendary Miss P was particularly fond of Lear's smash, Enigma, which lives on my iPod to this day. Here's a new one from Lear, who is either 65 or 71, depending on which source you believe. Similarly, Lear, the longtime muse of Salvador Dali, is either transgender or she's not.

As a glance at that post's comments will reveal, Lear's birth gender may never be conclusively known. I just continue to dig her music.

Quote Of The Day - Frank Bruni

2012-01-29T10:50:00.002-05:00

"[T]he born-this-way approach carries an unintended implication that the behavior of gays and lesbians needs biological grounding to evade condemnation. Why should it? Our laws safeguard religious freedom, and that’s not because there’s a Presbyterian, Buddhist or Mormon gene. There’s only a tradition and theology that you elect or decline to follow. But this country has deemed worshiping in a way that feels consonant with who you are to be essential to a person’s humanity. So it’s protected. Our laws also safeguard the right to bear arms: not exactly a biological imperative. Among adults, the right to love whom you’re moved to love — and to express it through sex and maybe, yes, marriage — is surely as vital to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as a Glock. And it’s a lot less likely to cause injury, if that’s a deciding factor: how a person’s actions affect the community around him or her." - New York Times columnist Frank Bruni, on Cynthia Nixon's controversial comments.

Herman Cain Endorses Swingrich

2012-01-29T10:16:00.003-05:00

Herman Cain has endorsed Newt Gingrich. That seems about right.

The former pizza executive, who left the race before the first nominating contests after facing accusations of unwanted sexual advances, suggested the two have both undergone intense scrutiny. "I know that Speaker Gingrich is running for president and going through this sausage grinder," Cain said. "I know what this sausage grinder is all about." Cain is set to campaign with Gingrich on Monday in an 11th hour push for support. Gingrich is in a fierce fight for Tuesday's Florida's GOP primary with Mitt Romney.

The Dem Plan To Win Back The House

2012-01-28T17:03:00.000-05:00

Weekend Mix - DJ Sin Morera

2012-01-28T12:51:00.008-05:00

Jump-start your weekend with this kicking Latin-tinged vocal house mix from New York's Sin Morera! Setlist. Facebook. Twitter.

UPCOMING GIGS: Winter Music Conference, Miami (March 16th) Club Taboo, Singapore (April) Life Ball, Vienna (May 20th),

PREVIOUSLY ON JMG: DJ Herbie James. DJ Paul Ferrer. DJ Dave Huge.

NOTE: This is the fourth in the revived JMG Weekend Mix series in which we highlight major national and up-and-coming DJ talent. This series ran for 28 installments in 2010 with entries from such well-known names as Susan Morabito, Corey Craig, David Knapp, Paul Goodyear, Ted Eiel, and many others. Lots of great names coming in 2012!

UPDATE: Sin Morera's latest single Heartbeat is now available for download on Beatport and at iTunes.

Cuomo Might Veto New York Redistricting

2012-01-28T12:07:00.003-05:00

NY Gov. Andrew Cuomo says he may veto the ridiculously gerrymandered legislative redistricting just submitted to him by the leaders of the Senate and the Assembly. Looking at the GOP-created Senate map, it appears that I'd be in the new District 28 rather than the old District 26. I have no idea if that means I'd still have Sen. Liz Krueger as her old District 26 office (two blocks from me) sits in the new District 28, which has been the province of Bronx-based Sen. Jose Serrano (D). I don't relish seeing them have to battle each other for the new district, but forcing incumbent Democrats to fight each other seems to be one of the GOP's goals.

RELATED: The redistricting plan magically links together most of Brooklyn's Orthodox Jewish neighborhoods in order to create for them a (presumably Hasidic) state Senator.

Actual Newsweek Cover

2012-01-28T11:03:00.002-05:00

(Source)

Muttley Laugh

2012-01-28T10:29:00.002-05:00

Swingrich: Mittens Is A Damn Liar

2012-01-28T09:44:00.001-05:00

NOM Cheers Marriage Absence At SOTU

2012-01-28T09:43:00.003-05:00

Frothy Mix: I'm Not Dropping Out

2012-01-28T08:28:00.000-05:00

PA Declares "The Year Of The Bible"

2012-01-28T08:04:00.003-05:00

The Freedom From Religion Foundation is pissed off:

Our constitution grants sovereignty not to a deity or a ‘holy book,’ but to ‘We, the People.’ There is no reference to God, the bible, the Ten Commandments or Jesus in the U.S. Constitution, just as there are no references to ‘consent of the governed,’ ‘civil liberties’ or ‘democracy’ in the bible. Those who have truly studied the bible realize that it is a moral quagmire, a behavioral grab bag, which has been used to justify automatic rule, tyranny, slavery, the degradation of women and gays, child abuse, war, atrocity and mayhem.

As you'd expect, the resolution was sponsored by a Republican.

White House To Host LGBT Confabs

2012-01-28T07:41:00.002-05:00

Via Chris Johnson at Washington Blade:

The White House announced on Friday it plans to host a series of LGBT conferences throughout the country in early 2012 so the public can “hear directly” from the administration on efforts “to ensure health, well-being, security, justice, and equality for LGBT Americans.” In a statement, the White House identified the White House LGBT Conference on Health — which will be held in Philadelphia on Feb. 16 — as the inaugural event for the initiative. The conference is set to feature remarks from Secretary of Health & Human Services Kathleen Sebelius. The statement says the events — which will take place from February to June 2012 — will be a collaboration between the White House Office of Public Engagement and other departments and agencies. Expected attendees include grassroots leaders, community organizers, advocates, students and others.

I'll post the full schedule when we know it.

Tired Old Queen At The Movies #93

2012-01-28T07:37:00.001-05:00

1955's The Tall Men with Clark Gable and Jane Russell.

Afternoon View - Valentine's Cock Enlarger

2012-01-27T17:34:00.004-05:00

Smack in the middle of their Valentine's Day candy display, Walgreens is selling Extenze, the hilariously scamtastic cock embiggener currently being pitched by porcine porn star Ron Jeremy. "Happy Valentine's Day, darling. Here, you should try this."

Concerned Women Are Concernstipated About The Military & Global Warming

2012-01-27T16:58:00.004-05:00

"Ever the tree-hugger, the commander-in-chief ordered the U.S. Department of Defense to turn its attention from satellite and human intelligence gathering to climate research and development. In other words, he is instructing our brave military men and women to cease defending our borders and fight the new terrorist threat — global warming. In all fairness to the president, maybe his reasoning is that the more trees we have, the more structures we have to hide behind should terrorists attack. Yeah. That’s it. Frankly, I think it’s long past time for us to remind President Obama that he is an elected representative, and not a dictator, before he redefines liberties and democracy and rebuilds an America that is destined to fail." - Penny Nance, writing for the Concerned Women for America.

RELATED: In addition to her douchetastic claim about the military, Nance notes that the president recently mentioned efforts to reduce mercury poisoning among children. Which means this: "But what about the soul-poisoning effects of pedophilia, which proponents are working to normalize by recasting as a mere issue of 'minor attraction'? Apparently, that’s okay."

Tweet Of The Day - Yoko Ono

2012-01-27T16:31:00.001-05:00

I do enjoy Yoko's tweets. I really do.

One Million Moms Against Macy's

2012-01-27T16:16:00.002-05:00

Washington & Maryland Governors Slam Chris Christie On Marriage Ballot Issue

2012-01-27T15:41:00.002-05:00

(Via - Igor Volsky)

Gay Tourism Rises For Tel Aviv

2012-01-27T14:48:00.004-05:00

~~Some website somewhere~~ Gay Cities named Tel Aviv as "the best gay city in the world." That may be the result of Israel's recent campaign to promote LGBT tourism, something detractors say they are doing to dampen criticism about the treatment of Palestinians.

GOProud: Santorum Is Better Than Obama

2012-01-27T13:35:00.004-05:00

"After last night’s Republican debate one thing is clear: any one of the four remaining GOP Presidential candidates would be a dramatic improvement over the failed Presidency of Barack Obama. All Americans, gay and straight, are living in the disastrous Obama economy. The truth is that most Americans, gay or straight, are not better off than they were in 2008. While we may not yet be united behind one candidate, we are united in one common purpose: to defeat Barack Obama. Make no mistake about it, when this primary process is over the conservative movement will unite behind the nominee. We look forward to being a part of the unified effort to make Barack Obama a one term President." - GOProud, via press release.

That's right, kids. GOProud says that the man who wants to make your literal existence illegal would be a better president than Barack Obama. The man who says you're mentally ill, a hellbound pervert, a compulsive pedophile, HE is better than Barack Obama. If fact, according to GOProud, any of the GOP candidates, all of whom would destroy the marriage the Chris Barron currently enjoys thanks to the "gaystapo," would be better than the most pro-gay president in history.

Get in line for your train, the kapos at GOProud need to earn their extra bowl of gruel.

The Thing That Ate Its Own Brain 4, With Victoria Jackson As The Thing

2012-01-27T12:54:00.001-05:00

Airport security is pointless and has never caught a terrorist! But all Muslim passengers should be strip-searched!

MICHIGAN: Anti-Gay Counseling Student Wins Right To Sue School For Expulsion

2012-01-27T12:35:00.004-05:00

Counseling student Julea Ward has won the right to sue the university that expelled her for refusing to meet with hellbound LGBT students.

A three-member panel of the court said Julea Ward can argue her religious discrimination suit against the university before a federal court jury in Detroit. “Ward’s free speech claim deserves to go to a jury,” Judge Jeffrey Sutton said in an opinion joined by Julia Gibbons and John Adams. Adams is a federal district judge from northern Ohio who was sitting by designation on the appeals court. “Although the university submits it dismissed Ward from the program because her request for a referral violated the ACA (American Counseling Association) code of ethics, a reasonable jury could find otherwise — that the code of ethics contains no such bar and that the university deployed it as a pretext for punishing Ward’s religious views and speech.”

Ward is being represented by the fascist Alliance Defense Fund, who crowed: "Public universities shouldn’t force students to violate their religious beliefs to get a degree."

GOP Intro's Bill Banning Same-Sex "Ceremonies" On Military Bases

2012-01-27T12:24:00.006-05:00

GOP Rep. Tim Huelskamp has introduced a bill which allows military chaplains to refuse to conduct same-sex marriages. Which they already can. But the bill also bans the use of military facilities for such events.

Servicemembers Legal Defense Network

"Here they go again with another round of resistance tactics that have already been rejected by Congress and the American people. There is no need for the so-called 'protections' in this bill or the proposed regulations. No chaplain today is being required or pressured to marry anyone, straight or gay. Period. The bill's ban on use of military facilities and chaplains officiating at ceremonies for gay and lesbian service members is nothing more than plain, old-fashion discrimination. There is no place for that prejudice in our armed forces or in our country," said Sarvis.

Human Rights Campaign

Rep. Huelskamp and other right wing Republican Members of Congress appear to have missed the memo from military leaders who say that open service is working just fine. Instead, in their compulsive need to use our brave men and women in uniform as political pawns, these Members of Congress have invented issues that don’t exist in order to score some points. These antics coming from Rep. Huelskamp shouldn’t be a surprise as he was the one forced to admit on the floor of the U.S. House last summer that he wanted to strip funding for training materials that he hadn’t even read.

NC Dem Governor To Retire

2012-01-27T12:04:00.003-05:00

North Carolina Gov. Beverly Perdue announced yesterday that she will not seek reelection. This may not bode well for Democrats looking to hold an important swing state that is also the host of this year's convention. Some Democrats, however, are cheering Perdue's departure as she is under federal investigation for campaign finance improprieties.

The Democratic surge in Dixie looked like the beginning of a political realignment — an electoral shift so promising that party leaders decided to hold their 2012 national convention in Charlotte, the Queen City of the South. Now, Republicans are emboldened by the ripe chance to reclaim power up and down the ballot. “North Carolina has always been a competitive state, but the 2012 prospects are much dimmer for Obama after the events of the last 24 hours,” said GOP Rep. Patrick McHenry. “Obama’s chosen convention site has a state party in chaos.” Unpopular and under investigation, Perdue’s removal from the ticket came as a relief to many top Democrats who feared she would drag down Obama and other down-ballot candidates.

Koch Brothers front group Americans For Prosperity today fired out a triumphant press release upon the news of Perdue's retirement.

The announcement came just one week after her ill-timed proposal to raise $800 million in taxes and after a year of having her vetoes overrode by the state legislature. Residents in North Carolina have signaled that they favor economic freedom, low taxes, and limited government over heavy regulation and out-of-control spending. “Governor Perdue has relentlessly pursued an agenda of higher taxes and bigger government,” says Americans for Prosperity – North Carolina state director Dallas Woodhouse. “Her opposition to free-market reforms such as allowing temporary sales and income tax hikes to expire, medical malpractice reform, regulatory reform, and the energy jobs act, has simply made her unelectable."

RELATED: Perdue has said that she believes marriage should remain limited to heterosexual couples, but that she'll personally vote against the pending constitutional amendment because the state should have "more important" priorities. Maybe now, with nothing to lose, she'll come out on the side of equality.

UPDATE: Readers in NC email to point out that Perdue's retirement means that now there will be a Democratic gubernatorial primary on the same day as the vote on the marriage amendment. That's a very good thing.

CA Hate Group Launches Another Attempt To Repeal Gay Education Bill SB48

2012-01-27T11:38:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the office of California's Secretary of State approved another bid to repeal the new LGBT education bill.

SB 48, also known as the Fair, Accurate, Inclusive, and Respectful Education Act, requires that LGBTs’ historical contributions be taught to California’s school students. The proposal, submitted by Lou Sheldon of the anti-gay Traditional Values Coalition, repeals SB 48′s requirement that instructional materials recognize those contributions. Sheldon also wants to undo the law’s provision that prohibits instructional materials that reflect adversely on people based on their sexual orientation and other characteristics. Backers of Sheldon’s initiative have until June 25 to collect the 504,760 valid signatures needed to get the proposal on the state ballot.

Another group headed by failed anti-gay politician Karen England expects to get approval for their own repeal campaign in February.

The Fading Of The Not-Romneys

2012-01-27T11:30:00.002-05:00

While the cries of most Not-Romneys have slowly quieted in the last two weeks, the most viciously anti-gay continue to stamp their feet.

The Cure For Homophobia

2012-01-27T10:32:00.001-05:00

Language NSFW.

(Tipped by JMG reader Paul)

Tony Perkins: Star Wars Is GAY

2012-01-27T10:28:00.001-05:00

"In a new Star Wars game, the biggest threat to the empire may be homosexual activists! Hello, I'm Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council in Washington, D.C. In a galaxy not so far far away, Star Wars gamers have already gone to the dark side. The new video game, Star Wars: The Old Republic, has added a special feature: gay relationships. Bioware, the company that developed the game, said it's launching a same-sex romance component to satisfy some complaints.

"That surprised a lot of gamers, since Bioware had made it clear in 2009 that 'gay' and 'lesbian' don't exist in the Star Wars universe. Since the announcement, homosexuals have been celebrating the news, but parents sure aren't. On the game's website, there are more than 300 pages of comments--a lot of them expressing anger that their kids will be exposed to this Star Warped way of thinking. You can join them by logging on and speaking up. It's time to show companies who the Force is really with!" - Tony Perkins, speaking on his national radio show. (Via - Right Wing Watch)

Daily Grumble

2012-01-27T10:14:00.002-05:00

- "Is it cold in here?"
- "How was your breakfast?"
- "Where did I put my glasses?"

She never answers. I'm turning into a crazy old cat lady.

Romney Foundation Gave To "Ex-Gays"

2012-01-27T09:17:00.004-05:00

Last night Rachel Maddow and Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out delved into the donations made by a Romney foundation. I recently mentioned the anti-gay groups that get Romney money, but as Besen explains, at least one of those groups also advocates for "ex-gay" therapy.

Study Shows Conservatives Are Stupid

2012-01-27T08:59:00.002-05:00

Quite literally.

There's no gentle way to put it: People who give in to racism and prejudice may simply be dumb, according to a new study that is bound to stir public controversy. The research finds that children with low intelligence are more likely to hold prejudiced attitudes as adults. These findings point to a vicious cycle, according to lead researcher Gordon Hodson, a psychologist at Brock University in Ontario. Low-intelligence adults tend to gravitate toward socially conservative ideologies, the study found. Those ideologies, in turn, stress hierarchy and resistance to change, attitudes that can contribute to prejudice, Hodson wrote in an email to LiveScience.

Over 22,000 comments on the linked article already. Heh.

Manila Luzon - Hot Couture

2012-01-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

Oral Cancer Virus More Common In Men

2012-01-27T08:06:00.004-05:00

Compared to women, more than twice as many men are infected with oral HPV. Prevalence of the cancer-causing virus increases with the number of sexual partners.

Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is more common among men than women, leading to an increased risk for men of head and neck cancers, a US study suggests. The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) study assessed around 5,500 people aged 14 to 69. Around 10% of men had oral HPV, compared with 3.6% of women. HPV causes the majority of cervical cancers, as well as genital and anal - and head and neck cancers. Smoking and drinking are significant known risk factors for head and neck cancers. But oral HPV infection increases cancer risk by around 50%, according to the research team from Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

It's not yet known whether the existing HPV vaccination also guards against oral HPV.

Newt Super PAC Vs Romney

2012-01-27T08:00:00.001-05:00

More On "Gospel Shame" At Mars Hill

2012-01-27T07:53:00.003-05:00

Jesus Needs New PR has posted a follow-up to the "sexual discipline" contract imposed on the members of Mars Hill Church in Seattle. The subject in that example elected to leave the church entirely, making him the subject of an edict commanding all to ostracize him. Here's an excerpt:

Frothy Complains About Glitter-Bombing

2012-01-27T07:45:00.000-05:00

"They're afraid of the truth."

NOM Complains About Maine

2012-01-27T07:30:00.003-05:00

Where's Amazon On WA Marriage?

2012-01-27T07:21:00.003-05:00

Along with a lengthening list of smaller companies, two of Washington state's largest corporations have come out in support of marriage equality. But there are still some very big fish to land, most notable among them, perhaps, is Amazon. And Nordstrom. Costco...I'm not holding my breath. If there IS going to be a ballot measure, we'll need as many of these as we can get. (Tipped by JMG reader Joe)

Headline Of The Day

2012-01-27T07:15:00.000-05:00

On Cynthia Nixon's "Choice"

2012-01-27T07:10:00.003-05:00

Actress Cynthia Nixon has endured a barrage of criticism this week after declaring that she had "chosen" to be gay. Longtime activist Scott Long takes an interesting position:

What, moreover, if sexual orientation itself is not “a deep trait felt to be at the core of one’s being,” one that people miraculously started feeling in 1889 when the word “homosexual” was coined? What if it’s sometimes that, sometimes a transient desire, sometimes a segment of growth or adolescent exploration, sometimes a recourse from the isolations of middle age, sometimes a Saturday night lark, sometimes a years-long passion? What if some people really do experience it as … a choice? What if our model for defending LGBT people’s rights were not race, but religion? What if we claimed our identities were not something impossible to change, but a decision so profoundly a part of one’s elected and constructed selfhood that one should never be forced to change it?

Read the entire essay.

INDIANA: Creationism Bill Advances

2012-01-27T07:03:00.002-05:00

A GOP-sponsored bill which would allow the teaching of creationism in public schools has passed out of the Indiana Senate Education Committee.

Creationism, a theory with origins in the Bible's Book of Genesis, suggests that divine power created man, animal, and all earthly matters. The idea is an opposing view to the science-based theory of evolution. If the bill passes, Indiana school districts will have the option to include creationism as part of science courses, Indianapolis' WXIN reports. The bill was sponsored by Republican Sen. Dennis Kruse, head of the Indiana State Senate's Education Committee. Kruse previously proposed similar legislation in 2000 when he served as a state representative. That bill never made it past a committee.

Several other states are considering similar bills.

Electoral Prediction: Obama Vs Gingrich

2012-01-27T06:45:00.004-05:00

(Source)

NYC Gym Vs. Paula Deen

2012-01-27T06:30:00.004-05:00

Copyranter says this New York Sports Club ad is "fucking tasteless."

Grayson Rips Gingrich On Racism

2012-01-27T06:15:00.000-05:00

FRC Cries About Starbucks

2012-01-27T06:00:00.000-05:00

Hillary Clinton To Retire(Ish)

2012-01-26T18:55:00.006-05:00

Hillary Clinton today said that she won't be staying on very long into Barack Obama's second term. But she isn't ruling out future political options after that.

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says she wants to step off the “high wire of American politics” after two decades and is again tamping down speculation that she might stay in government if President Barack Obama wins a second term. “I have made it clear that I will certainly stay on until the president nominates someone and that transition can occur” if Obama wins re-election, she told a town hall meeting. “But I think after 20 years, and it will be 20 years, of being on the high wire of American politics and all of the challenges that come with that, it would be probably a good idea to just find out how tired I am.” But, she appeared to leave the door open for a possible eventual return, adding to laughter from the crowd that “everyone always says that when they leave these jobs.”

I know what you're thinking.

Wisconsin Students Interpret Lady Gaga's Hair For The It Gets Better Project

2012-01-26T18:09:00.004-05:00

This is quite the production. Clip description:

In support of the It Gets Better Project, Colton James Boettcher's artistic vision takes shape in the form of a music video interpretation of Lady Gaga's song, Hair. Hair is about being yourself, being true to who you are; as the song exemplifies, "you are the spirit of your hair, it's all the glory you bare", YOU are your #hair."As most of us know, growing up isn't easy. Countless young people are faced with daily tormenting and bullying, causing them to feel isolated and alone. This is an especially harsh reality for LGBT kids and teens, who often hide their sexuality for fear of bullying. In many instances, gay and lesbian adolescents are taunted, sometimes even tortured, simply for being themselves.

(Via - Towleroad)

Canadian Quarter Celebrates Gay Marriage

2012-01-26T17:22:00.005-05:00

They're meant to be keepsakes rather than legal tender, but how cool is this? Artist Gary Taxali talks about his collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mint:

The coin that Taxali is most proud of is the wedding-themed coin, featuring two intertwining rings that represent a gender-neutral marriage. “I live in a country where gender is irrelevant and the coin has to represent that,” says Taxali. “I thought it would be a nice thing to represent that and to show two rings; is one a man and one a woman? Two men? Two women? It doesn’t matter what they are, they represent the union of two people. “The Royal Mint really liked that idea because it represents the spirit of our nation and also, I think that it’s empowering to somebody and hopefully this calling will send a powerful message that we’re all the same and a wedding is a wedding. I think this is probably the first piece of currency in the world, paid by a federal government that is pro-wedding regardless of gender and that makes me really happy.”

Even though the launch was just last week, the Royal Mint is already sold out of the first run. But they are taking future orders for the "wedding gift set" of coins. I predict these will be huge.

#1 Thirty-Five Years Ago Today

2012-01-26T16:55:00.003-05:00

A favorite of 1977, but I still prefer the original.

Swingrich: Gay Marriage Is Paganism

2012-01-26T16:17:00.004-05:00

"It's pretty simple: marriage is between a man and a woman. This is a historic doctrine driven deep into the Bible, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, and it's a perfect example of what I mean by the rise of paganism. The effort to create alternatives to marriage between a man and a woman are perfectly natural pagan behaviors, but they are a fundamental violation of our civilization." - Newt Gingrich, speaking on a conference call to the anti-gay Faith Coalition.

RELATED: Newt Gingrich would like to remind everybody that that marriage is between one man and one woman whom you abandon riddled with cancer on her hospital bed while you fuck the shit out of your mistress whom you later marry and cheat on with a third woman while screaming with Godly moral outrage about the infidelities of the president.

Cyndi Lauper For New York Powerball

2012-01-26T16:04:00.001-05:00

Brewer's Book Hits #1 Overnight

2012-01-26T15:38:00.004-05:00

Less than 24 hours after she was photographed shoving her bony finger in the president's face, Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer's book has rocketed off the remaindered lists and to #1 on several of Amazon's charts such as Politics, Government, Autobiographies, etc. The book is now #29 overall.

Washington Marriage Bill Advances

2012-01-26T15:22:00.003-05:00

The GOP tried to sink it with poison amendments.

A Senate committee on Thursday approved a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Washington state, moving the measure one step closer to passage. The Government Operations, Tribal Relations & Elections Committee approved the measure with a 4-3 voice vote split on party lines. The bill is expected to head to a floor vote next, though a date has not yet been determined. Several Republican amendments were rejected, including one that would have required that the measure be sent to the November ballot.

But looming over the above good news is this:

If a marriage bill is passed during this legislative session, gay and lesbian couples will be able to get married starting in June unless opponents file a referendum to challenge it. Opponents have already said they will. A referendum can't be filed until after the bill is passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Gregoire. Opponents then must turn in 120,577 signatures by July 6.

The best plan might be to delay the bill's approval until the last possible minute.

Romney Re-Takes The Lead

2012-01-26T15:13:00.000-05:00

We Now Loathe Her Slightly Less

2012-01-26T15:10:00.002-05:00

Gays Are Going To Marry Horses

2012-01-26T14:51:00.002-05:00

Pastor Ken Hutcherson, again.

Mario Lopez Strips To Sell Undies

2012-01-26T13:24:00.000-05:00

NOM: We're Gonna Repeal NY Marriage

2012-01-26T13:00:00.003-05:00

Here's a message from Fantasyland:

Our fight to repeal New York's same-sex marriage law will escalate in 2012. NOM has pledged $2 million to oppose pro-gay marriage legislators who betrayed us on marriage. We must send an emphatic message to the "business-as-usual" crowd in Albany: sell out your constituents at your own risk! Over the years, NOM has defeated every pro-gay marriage Republican we have ever targeted. With your help, we will continue that trend in New York. We will win for New Yorkers their right to vote on a statewide referendum to uphold marriage and, I've no doubt, restore the definition of true marriage in the Empire State. Will you help fund our 2012 campaign in New York by making one special gift to the NOM NY PAC right now?

As we've mentioned here many times, New York's constitution does not allow public referendums on existing or proposed laws. NOM would have to convince the state legislature to approve a constitutional amendment which would allow the public to vote on their decisions. That ain't gonna happen.

Maine Activists Return Marriage To Ballot

2012-01-26T12:48:00.003-05:00

Three years after a never-enacted marriage equality law was repealed at the ballot box, Maine's activists will attempt to repeal the repeal. Via press release:

Today, advocates for allowing same-sex couples to legally marry in Maine announced plans for a Citizens Initiative to enact a marriage equality law, delivering more than 105,000 signatures from Maine voters who want the issue on the November 2012 ballot to the Secretary of State's office. The announcement follows two years of outreach and conversations with Mainers about the freedom to marry, statewide polling showing steadily increasing support for allowing same-sex couples to marry - which now stands at 54 percent - and intensive field organizing in preparation for the campaign. "The number of signatures we gathered and the thoughtful conversations we've been having with voters tell us that Mainers are eager to speak on this question again," said Betsy Smith, executive director of EqualityMaine. "Our polling shows a 54% majority of support for same-sex marriage in Maine. Many Mainers have changed their minds and want a chance to bring equality and fairness to our state."

Barney Frank To Marry

2012-01-26T11:46:00.002-05:00

Sen. Al Franken For Marriage Equality

2012-01-26T11:39:00.001-05:00

Chris Christie On Civil Rights

2012-01-26T11:07:00.005-05:00

"The fact of the matter is, I think people would have been happy to have a referendum on civil rights rather than fighting and dying in the streets in the South. It was our political institutions that were holding things back. I don't think there's anything necessarily so special about this particular issue that it must be handled by a legislature. Why would that be? I don't understand how anybody could argue with letting the people decide this issue. Let's stop hiding behind this 'we don't put civil rights on the ballot' thing. Ya know, please. These folks would put anything on the ballot if they thought they could win." - New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

The Philadelphia Inquirer notes that Christie's words "have Democrats in an uproar." Some choice responses are below.

NJ Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver: "It’s impossible to ever conceive that a referendum on civil rights in the South would have been successful and brought justice to minorities. They were fighting and dying in the streets of the South because the majority refused to grant minorities equal rights by any method. It look legislative action to bring justice to all Americans, just as legislative action is the right way to bring marriage equality to all New Jerseyans."

NJ Assemblywoman Bonnie Coleman: "His words defy history and were extremely insensitive to the struggle for equality of African-Americans and other minorities in this country. Fighting and dying in the streets of the South was not a choice, Governor, it was the only way."

NJ Senate President Stephen Sweeney: "Christie's words are the official opening of his campaign for vice-president."

Chrome Issue

2012-01-26T10:52:00.002-05:00

The audio player for yesterday's St. Etienne track seems to be crashing some Chrome browsers, so it's been removed. My apologies.

Porno Pete Has A Sad

2012-01-26T10:25:00.006-05:00

"There was a time when homosexual so-called 'marriage' was beyond the pale, even for liberal corporate types. But now we see Microsoft, Starbucks, and other major corporations backing this perverse redefinition of marriage. It's very sad. They ignore that the majority of states oppose same-sex marriage -- not only oppose it, but they put it in their constitutions to keep marriage by its traditional definition. So if they're really about keeping up with the majority of states, you'd think they'd side with the traditional marriage side. Wait, is that my gerbil ringing?" - Porno Pete LaBarbera, riding the waambulance to the American Family Association. [I may have added that last sentence.]

Kylie Minogue - Finer Feelings

2012-01-26T09:51:00.002-05:00

This is different.

Pro-LGBT Ads On Sao Paulo's Subway

2012-01-26T09:10:00.002-05:00

Sao Paulo's Metro has launched an LGBT respect campaign.

Its objective is to increase respect towards, and decrease discrimination against, LGBT people living in South America’s most populous city. The first stage of the project aims to combat discrimination and prejudice against transgender people, as well as dissemination of a law that punishes homophobic behaviour and discrimination within the State of Sao Paulo. All 58 underground stations are covered with bright posters that have pictures of transgender women with the tile: “Look, Look again, and see beyond prejudice. I am trans, I have the right to be who I am.”

RELATED: It only opened in 1972, but some consider Sao Paulo's subway system to be the best in the hemisphere. Daily ridership is 3.6 million. NYC's is 4.4 million.

Quote Of The Day - Cory Booker

2012-01-26T09:05:00.001-05:00

"I shudder to think what would have happened if the civil rights gains, heroically established by courageous lawmakers in the 1960s, were instead conveniently left up to popular votes in our fifty states. Equal protection under the law – for race, religion, gender or sexual orientation – should not be subject to the most popular sentiments of the day. Marriage equality is not a choice. It is a legal right. I hope our leaders in Trenton will affirm and defend it." - Newark Mayor Cory Booker, blasting Gov. Christie's plan for a marriage referendum.

Sunday In New York City

2012-01-26T08:43:00.003-05:00

An old school disco t-dance at the old school t-dance time. That's almost revolutionary for Manhattan. The promoter also brings us the fantastic Trippin' parties that I love so. XL's grand opening is Friday. It's the first large new exclusively gay club for NYC in years.

Two Minutes Of Minnesota Hate

2012-01-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

NJ Bishops Denounce Marriage Bill

2012-01-26T08:17:00.002-05:00

The Archdiocese of Newark has issued a letter denouncing New Jersey's pending marriage equality bill. It begins:

Marriage as a union of a man and a woman has its roots in natural law. Throughout all of human history marriage has been held to be a union of man and woman. Marriage as a union of man and woman existed long before any nation, religion, or law was established. Marriage which unites mothers and fathers in the work of childrearing is the foundation of the family and the family is the basic unit of society. Sadly, the institution of marriage is being challenged by a society so concerned with individual freedom that some view marriage as a temporary or disposable convenience. Now, there is even an attempt in the New Jersey legislature to pass a law that would change the very definition of marriage as a union of one man and one woman. As citizens, we must protect marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Same sex unions may represent a new and a different type of institution – but it is not marriage and should not be treated as marriage.

One sentence in the letter leaps out as suspiciously similar to a line often spewed by Slaggie Giliamonster: "But it is not 'unjust discrimination' to treat different things differently." I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Vatican-backed NOM provided the template for the above-linked letter.

NOM Is Robo-Calling New Jersey

2012-01-26T08:13:00.002-05:00

NOM's Brian Brownshirt is interrupting dinner time in the Garden State with demands to call legislators and denounce the pending same-sex marriage bill.

“There’s an attempt by wealthy activists to force same sex marriage on New Jersey without a public vote. It’s urgent that you call your state senator and urge him to vote no on same sex legislation,” the call states. Recipients are then directed to call their specific representatives in Trenton. The calls started going out about two weeks ago to about half a million people who have expressed opposition to same sex marriage in the past, according to Brian Brown, president of the National Organization for Marriage, a group lobbying against the bill. Legislators have received more than 10,000 calls from those opposed since the same-sex marriage legislation was first announced by Democrats two weeks ago, Brown said. Many supporters are in the southern reaches of the state, along with areas with large number of African-Americans, he said. “It’s extensive,” Brown said of the “robo-call” effort.

Sad People For Jeebus

2012-01-26T08:06:00.001-05:00

(Source)

Top Oil Industry Lobbyists

2012-01-26T07:50:00.003-05:00

Last year the oil and gas industry spent over $145 million to lobby Congress for legislation that would help their businesses. In completely unrelated news, ConocoPhillips, the #1 oil lobbying corporation, just announced record-breaking 2011 profits of $12.4 billion. Almost 90% of that profit was used to buy back stock shares to enrich their top investors. Some might says those tax breaks and incentives were supposed to spur the development of new energy technologies, but that's just crazy talk.

No More Prayer Cards On Alaska Airlines

2012-01-26T07:43:00.003-05:00

Alaska Airlines is ending its 30-year practice of placing prayer cards on passengers' meal trays.

"This difficult decision was not made lightly," Alaska Air Group CEO Bill Ayer and Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden wrote in an email Wednesday to regular customers. "Some of you enjoy the cards and associate them with our service," they wrote. "At the same time, we've heard from many of you who believe religion is inappropriate on an airplane." Alaska started giving passengers prayer cards in the late 1970s. Many people assumed the idea came from former CEO Bruce Kennedy, who did missionary work after leaving Alaska Airlines, but it was actually a marketing executive who brought the idea over from Continental Airlines.

The airline insists that their recent partnership agreement with Emirates Airlines has nothing to do with ending prayer cards.

Press Release Of The Day

2012-01-26T07:25:00.003-05:00

From the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation today renewed its commitment to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the Gates Foundation is giving $750 million through a promissory note—a new and innovative funding mechanism. "These are tough economic times, but that is no excuse for cutting aid to the world's poorest," said Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation. "The Global Fund is one of the most effective ways we invest our money every year." Providing funding through a promissory note gives the Global Fund the flexibility and authority to distribute funds efficiently based on immediate needs, leading to greater impact. "By supporting the Global Fund, we can help to change the fortunes of the poorest countries in the world," said Gates. "I can't think of more important work."

Bolding is mine. Say what you will about the evil Microsoft empire, but Bill Gates is about to unseat Warren Buffet as the greatest philanthropist in the history of the human race.

Whip-Its Sent Demi To The ER

2012-01-26T07:13:00.004-05:00

The seizure that sent Demi Moore to the emergency room was reportedly triggered by inhaling nitrous oxide. I hadn't heard of Whip-Its in twenty years.

NY Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell Gets His Marriage License After 31 Years

2012-01-26T06:40:00.004-05:00

Yesterday New York Assemblyman Daniel O'Donnell and his partner John Banta finally got their marriage license after 31 years together. As has been well documented on this blog, O'Donnell is one of the chief architects of marriage equality in New York, having led his chamber to approve the issue in three consecutive years.

O’Donnell and Banta were at the City Clerk’s office in Downtown Manhattan on Wednesday to obtain their marriage license, but the ceremony and reception will be a much more elaborate affair taking place on Sunday. The guest list reads like a who’s who of New York politics and invitations have gone out to more than 400 guests. “I invited almost all of the members of the Assembly and almost all the members of the Senate who voted yes to come to my wedding, which, when you add their spouses, that’s a lot of people," said O'Donnell. "So they were invited, and most of them are coming.” Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand are expected, as is former Governor David Paterson; Cuomo cannot make it. Judith Kaye, the state’s former chief judge, will officiate.

O'Donnell represents Manhattan's Upper West Side. In lieu of a wedding gift, how about a donation to his 2012 campaign?

FRC Bemoans Marriage Advances

2012-01-26T06:31:00.001-05:00

Enjoy the hand-wringing.

Unless God intervenes, Governor Chris Gregoire will succeed in her effort to legalize same-sex "marriage" in Washington State. Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen (D) announced Monday that she will support the bill, making her's the 25th vote necessary for passage. "You are saying...you know better than God," said Pastor Ken Hutcherson of the Antioch Bible Church. The House is expected to pass the measure easily. Meanwhile, pro-family advocates in New Jersey are pleading for prayer from across the nation. Same-sex "marriage" advocates at the State House in Trenton outnumber those defending traditional marriage. Thankfully, Governor Christie has promised to veto legislation, but the legislature may well pass it with a veto-proof majority. In Maryland, a citizen rally to protest the legalization of homosexual "marriage" will be held outside the State House the evening of January 30th; the Senate Hearing will be on the 31st.

Kathy Griffin On Her Gays

2012-01-26T06:29:00.001-05:00

Open Thread Thursday

2012-01-26T00:05:00.000-05:00

What do you collect?

ARIZONA: Obama And Gov. Jan Brewer Exchange Terse Words At Airport

2012-01-25T22:30:00.007-05:00

Moments after he stepped off Air Force One at the Phoenix airport this afternoon, President Obama exchanged terse words with wingnut Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer, who apparently began the incident by shoving an letter into Obama's hand. Brewer later spoke with a local reporter.

"He was a little disturbed about my book, Scorpions for Breakfast," Brewer said. "I said to him that I have all the respect in the world for the office of the president. The book is what the book is. I asked him if he read the book. He said he read the excerpt. So." Asked what aspect of the book disturbed him, Brewer said: "That he didn't feel that I had treated him cordially. I said I was sorry he felt that way but I didn't get my sentence finished. Anyway, we're glad he's here. I'll regroup." On the letter, she said it was personal letter asking him to sit down with her to discuss the "Arizona comeback." She said she "reiterated an invitation that I've extended to him before with regards to coming to Arizona and going to the border with me." She said she would take him to lunch. "We've had a remarkable comeback here and I want to share that with him."

In support of their anti-gay and racist hero, hate groups and Tea Party supporters immediately began tweeting that the president had been verbally "whupped" by Brewer. Kapo blogger Gay Patriot changed his avatar to the above photo.UPDATE: The New York Times notes that Brewer's book claims that Obama allows illegal immigration because it provides more votes for the Democrats.

FLASHBACK: Here's Brewer famous meltdown at a debate during her 2010 run for reelection. You may also recall Brewer literally running from reporters after press conferences.

Swingrich: I Will Establish A Permanent Lunar Colony Filled With Moon-Hoes

2012-01-25T18:04:00.004-05:00

Newt Gingrich, pandering in Florida:

"By the end of my second term, we will have the first permanent base on the moon and it will be American," Gingrich said to applause. He said the development would include commercial and private efforts, and will make apparent, "we clearly have the capacity that Chinese and the Russians will never come anywhere close to us." Gingrich also said he would push to develop propulsion technology that would get man to Mars. He emphasized that it doesn't have to be expensive, exploration in partnership with private companies can lower the cost.

NOM's Blogger Quits Starbucks

2012-01-25T17:12:00.000-05:00

Porno Pete's BFF: Gay Men Shove Gerbils And Cell Phones Up Their Asses

2012-01-25T15:58:00.004-05:00

Ask him all about it: 919-829-6160.

Google Endorses WA Marriage

2012-01-25T15:43:00.003-05:00

Google has joined fellow corporate giants Starbucks and Microsoft in backing Washington state's pending marriage equality bill. Also new to the ever-growing list is aluminum manufacturer Alcoa, which supplies much of the state's aircraft industry. Speaking of which, where's Boeing?

SPANISH RADIO: Mittens Slams Swingrich

2012-01-25T15:05:00.005-05:00

Florida's Cuban population is one of the very few minority groups that forms a major voting block for the Republican party, although younger Cuban-Americans have been bailing in large numbers. Here's what Mittens is telling Florida's Cubans:

"Newt Gingrich claims to be a Reagan conservative but said he would not change the failed Obama policy to allow travel to Cuba, profited from Freddie Mac while Hispanics suffered during the housing crisis, partnered with Nancy Pelosi, and said that Spanish was the language of the ghetto."

RELATED: Today former Cuban president Fidel Castro weighed in on the GOP field of candidates.

Castro said he always assumed the candidates would try to outdo each other on the issue of Cuba, but that he was nonetheless appalled by the level of debate. "The selection of a Republican candidate for the presidency of this globalized and expansive empire is — and I mean this seriously — the greatest competition of idiocy and ignorance that has ever been," said the retired Cuban leader, who has dueled with 11 U.S. administrations since his 1959 revolution.

Atlanta Loses Its LGBT Bookstore

2012-01-25T14:07:00.002-05:00

Atlanta's OutWrite Books is no more.

The independent LGBT bookstore, located for the last 15 years at its iconic landmark in Midtown, held its "Last Tango" at the store last night featuring authors such as Franklin Abbott, Collin Kelley, Hollis Gillespie, Mose Hardin, Karen Head and Don Perryman. Owner Philip Rafshoon confirmed the store was closing today. He said there is no new location picked out yet. The store is selling all of its infrastructure, including bookshelves, tables and chairs. The store must have its inventory out by tomorrow. The store announced in November it was having to close its doors at the iconic location in the heart of Midtown because of high rent. At this location, the bookstore served not only as a place for purchasing books and author readings but also as an unofficial community center for the LGBT community.

NJ Senate Responds To Veto Threat

2012-01-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

TODAY: SiriusXM At 2:30pm

2012-01-25T13:18:00.000-05:00

Today around 2:30pm I'll be on Michelangelo Signorile's SiriusXM show to talk about some of the latest LGBT-related news items. The gays are on channel 108 and you can listen live online if you sign up for a freebie account. What would be your top five gay news stories this week?

Giffords Resigns To Full U.S. House

2012-01-25T13:09:00.002-05:00

Giffords' resignation letter had to be read by an occasionally sobbing DNC head Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Shultz. I watched this live this morning, you'll probably need a tissue.

AIDS Groups To FDA: Approve Existing HIV Drug As A Daily Preventive For Infection

2012-01-25T12:36:00.007-05:00

A coalition of major national HIV/AIDS advocacy groups is asking that the FDA approve the Gilead drug Truvada as a daily preventive or "pre-exposure prophylaxis" (PreP) against infection. Among the groups joining the demand are amfAR and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. Via press release:

The PrEP sNDA for Truvada®meets criteria set out in FDA’s Manual of Policies and Procedures for priority review. As organizations committed to ending the AIDS epidemic, we appreciate how the history of FDA’s regulatory tools for fast track approval or for accelerated and priority review[4] introduced the current suite of HIV therapeutic drugs to treat active infection. In the present case, there is a clear unmet need for new effective methods for preventing HIV infection, a need that is as urgent today as was the need for HIV therapeutics over the past two and more decades.

The press release notes the "unfortunate" opposition to PreP therapy voiced by the controversial AIDS Healthcare Foundation, which contends that the long-term effects of Truvada on the non-infected have not been fully examined. AHF has been vigorously lobbying to block the FDA from making the above-requested classification change.

Brooklyn Landlord: No Non-Jews

2012-01-25T11:56:00.006-05:00

As I've noted here on several occasions, Brooklyn's Hasidic communities have been increasing their attempts to impose religious law on their neighborhoods. We've seen demands that women sit at the back of public buses and we've seen street signs commanding women to step aside for approaching men. We've seen attempts to ban bike lanes so that "immodestly dressed" female bikers don't "flaunt their bodies" as they pass through Hasidic neighborhoods.

And now we have an open letter from one Lubavich landlord demanding that other landlords stop renting to non-Jews. An excerpt:

Friends, we pay a premium to live in this neighborhood, and we strive to create an atmosphere of holiness and kedusha for our children and teens. These yuppies bring pritzus to our neighborhood. They come out at night to our restaurants and act inappropriately while waiting on line etc. We would hope that landlords, especially the Crown Heights landlords, would put a priority on our values, but sadly the need to make money is taking precedence for them. Some young agents and landlords will specifically rent to these goyim instead of a fellow Jewish family. Sadly, some homeowners have gone as far as bringing these yuppies as tenants in their home in prime locations. Therefore, I suggest taking appropriate actions to help preserve the special unique nature of our neighborhood.

Among this landlord's complaints is that (presumably female) goyim have been seen sunning themselves on their rooftop patios.

RELATED: The Chabad-Lubavich sect, the world's largest Jewish organization, has its headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Many followers believe that Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson will return to rule the world as its messiah. Schneerson died in 1994.