JMG Reader Meetup In Tampa

JMG reader Dan writes: "A few of us in the Tampa Bay area are trying to organize a meet-up at the Tampa Theatre on Sunday, Aug 2nd for the Summer Classics Movie Series feature Gone With the Wind. Although we interact regularly with other locals on your forum, we thought it might be fun to meet in person. Can you help us get the word out?"

RELATED:  Built in 1928, the Tampa Theatre reopened in 1978 after decades of disrepair. It's probably the most beautiful theater in the South after Atlanta's Fabulous Fox.

FLORIDA: Telecom Tycoon ID'd As Target Of Alleged Extortion By Gay Porn Actor

Via Courthouse News Service:

A Florida-based tycoon was identified as the target of an alleged $1.5 million extortion attempt by a gay porn actor during the first day of the actor's criminal trial. Taking the stand Tuesday afternoon in U.S. District Judge's John Walter's courtroom, Donald Burns of Palm Beach said he paid defendant Teofil Brank $1,500 to $2,500 each time the actor referred him to male models and adult performers. He said he also paid to have sex with Brank at least four times. "It was partly a coping mechanism from the loss of my long-term relationship," Burns said in response to a prosecutor's question why he had paid Brank to help set him up with the men.

The Smoking Gun website in April identified Burns as the alleged victim in the federal government's case. But Burns, who jurors heard is worth close to $140 million, successfully moved to have his identity kept secret until trial. The businessman has a stake in Internet phone company Magicjack Vocaltec. He was a co-founder of the Telco Communications Group and controls the Donald A. Burns Foundation. Brank, who performs as Jarec Wentworth, was charged in March with extortion and making criminal threats after the FBI arrested him in a sting at a Starbucks parking lot in El Segundo. Federal prosecutors say Brank extorted Burns and threatened to ruin his reputation by posting sexually explicit photos on Twitter.

While Burns has been characterized by some outlets as major GOP donor due to his support of Mitt Romney, Jeb Bush, Rudy Giuliani, and other top Republicans, he has also supported the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund and donated $400,000 to Florida Red & Blue, the group formed to battle 2008's ultimately successful Amendment 2, which placed a ban on same-sex marriage into the state constitution. Burns reportedly went to the FBI when Brank demanded an additional million dollars after having been paid $500,000 and given an extremely expensive Audi R8. There's no mention of Burns being closeted at the time of the alleged extortion. Brank performed under the name Jarec Wentworth.

FLORIDA: Rep. Alan Grayson Announces 2016 Senate Bid To Succeed Marco Rubio

Politico reports:

Next year’s Florida Senate primary between Reps. Alan Grayson and Patrick Murphy will test whether Sunshine State Democrats are ready to embrace a deep-blue liberal. The contrasts between the two are stark: Grayson is a progressive, hip-shooting firebrand beloved by hardcore liberals; Murphy is a cautious, scripted candidate favored by the Democratic establishment in Washington and Tallahassee. The two Florida congressmen show little admiration for each other, which could presage a brutal and big-spending primary — beginning on Thursday when Grayson officially enters the race to replace Sen. Marco Rubio, who is forgoing a second term to run for president. “Murphy’s people should be scared because the problem with Alan Grayson is he just doesn’t give a damn,” said Screven Watson, a longtime Democratic consultant based in Tallahassee. “Grayson doesn’t do things the way normal candidates do them. His campaigns aren’t normal campaigns. He can raise so much money on the Internet that he’s only second to people like President Obama,” Watson said. “There have been liberal candidates who have run statewide before in Florida, but not like Alan Grayson.”

Grayson's announcement clip is interesting.

Jeb Bush: Look What I Did In Florida

FLORIDA: Gov. Rick Scott Signs Bill Removing Unenforced Gay Adoption Ban

Florida's 1977 ban on gay adoption was struck down by a Miami-Dade County court in 2008. The state appealed that ruling, but it was upheld in a 2010 state district appeals court decision. Following that appeals court ruling then-Gov. Charlie Crist announced that the ban would no longer be enforced, but it took until earlier this year for the state legislature to formally strike the law. In March hate group leader John Stemberger sent a letter to all Florida legislators, telling them that the 2010 ruling only applies to the counties under the jurisdiction of the appeals court and that the Department of Children & Families is infested with pro-gay workers anyway. Stemberger had a lovely meltdown on Twitter last night following the governor's signing.

Key West Gets Rainbow Crosswalks

Via the Miami Herald:

Key West on Thursday installed permanent rainbow crosswalks in the heart of the city’s LGBT entertainment district, at the intersection of Duval and Petronia streets. “Spanning all four corners of the intersection, the crosswalks feature bands of all six colors of the rainbow flag, an internationally recognized symbol of gay and lesbian unity,” according to a tourism news release. “Key West is very happy to be putting in the first thermoplastic permanent rainbow crosswalks in the state of Florida,” said Mayor Craig Cates. “It means so much to Key West to show our diversity, and also it goes perfectly with our ‘One Human Family’ motto.”

Rainbow crosswalks have been installed in other popular LGBT destinations such as the Castro and West Hollywood. (Photo via Aaron Huntsman)

John Stemberger Has The Boy Scouts Sadz

"Trail Life USA is saddened by the announcement regarding the anticipated membership change in Boy Scouts of America, as many families and boys will be negatively affected by this departure from their own long-standing principles. It is tragic that the BSA is willing to risk the safety and security of its boys because of peer pressure from activists groups. Trail Life USA remains committed to timeless Christian values and to the hundreds of Charter Organizations and 23,000 members in 48 states." - Trail Life USA founder John Stemberger, via press release. Stemberger is also the head of the Florida Family Policy Council, which has been represented by the Liberty Counsel in its multiple failed attempts to thwart same-sex marriage.

FLORIDA: George Zimmerman Shot In The Face During Alleged Road Rage Incident

Via Orlando's NBC affiliate:

George Zimmerman was involved in a shooting incident in Lake Mary on Monday afternoon, according to Lake Mary Police Chief Steve Bracknell. The shooting involved two men and happened on Lake Mary Boulevard about 12:45 p.m., police said. Officers at the scene said it appeared Zimmerman suffered a minor gunshot wound, Bracknell said. “He walked normally into the ambulance, so he wasn’t being helped or nothing,” said witness Ricardo Berrare. Chopper 2 video showed a bullet hole in the passenger window the vehicle Zimmerman was in. Bracknell said the shooting may have been related to an "ongoing dispute" involving Zimmerman and another person. In January, Zimmerman was accused of assault by his girlfriend, but no charges were filed after she recanted her allegation. He was also arrested in November 2013 on domestic violence allegations after his girlfriend called police. His girlfriend later recanted her story and charges were never filed. Zimmerman was acquitted in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2013.

Totally another set-up, right?

GoFundMe For Florida Enemy Of Satan

Remember the woman who tore down the Satanic Temple's holiday display at the Florida Capitol Building? Even though charges against her were dropped, she claims she lost her job and her home over the incident. Therefore send her money because Jesus.

My name is Susan Hemeryck, and I was arrested in Tallahassee, Florida on December 23, 2014 for standing against Satan when he tried to stake his claim on Christmas and in our State Capitol. His followers, members of The Satanic Temple, attacked Christianity and desecrated our holy celebration of Christ's birth by placing a "grossly offensive" satanic display in the same spot where the Nativity had been removed just hours earlier. Children coming to the Capitol on Christmas Eve hoping see baby Jesus saw only Satan instead. The Satanic Temple is also trying to place satanic books in Florida public schools and a life-size statue of Satan in Oklahoma. I lost my home and my job because I took a stand against this evil, and I need a little help with personal living expenses. I also have a wonderful attorney, Michael Bauer, who has stood by me through all of this, and we need your help in taking the next step in our efforts to legally keep Satan out of our Capitols and out of our schools. Won't you please help us to stand firm and hold the line against Satan? By the grace of God, and with your prayers and support, let's cast Satan out of America and back where he belongs!

The fundraiser is being promoted by gay death penalty advocate and BarbWire columnist Theodore Shoebat.

FLORIDA: Anti-Trans Bill Is Dead

The Advocate explains the failed bill:

The office of Florida State Rep. Frank Artiles confirms his controversial bill, aimed to punish anyone who uses a public bathroom that doesn’t match the sex they were assigned at birth, is dead — and cannot be revived, as this legislative session is over. HB 583, the “Single-Sex Public Facilities” bill, or as it was dubbed, Florida’s “Bathroom Bill,” would have made it illegal for any trans citizen to use a single-sex restroom that does not match the gender they were assigned at birth. Such a violation would result in a first-degree misdemeanor charge, punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. The law would also open the owner of any establishment where a trans person uses the restroom to lawsuits from other patrons, as they would be "liable in a civil action to any person who is lawfully using the same single-sex public facility." Artiles filed the bill in response to a recent ordinance that banned discrimination based on gender identity and expression in public facilities throughout Miami-Dade County, noted the Miami Herald. The lawmaker explained his proposed bill as a way to ensure "public safety," rather than a means to criminalize trans citizens.

FLORIDA: John Stemberger Won't Give Up On Anti-Gay Adoption Bill

FLORIDA: State Senate Tables Anti-Gay Adoption Bill For Time Being

Via the Miami Herald:

The Florida Senate Rules Committee on Monday didn’t vote to move forward with a proposal allowing private agencies to deny adoptions by gay and lesbian couples on religious or moral grounds. The bill was temporarily postponed and may be brought up again by the same committee, said state Rep. David Richardson, Florida’s first openly gay lawmaker. “However, this committee does not have any more meetings scheduled this Legislative session. It would have to be a special order of the Senate president to convene the committee and continue hearing the bill,” said Richardson, D-Miami Beach. Committee Chairman David Simmons, R-Altamonte Springs, said he would work with Senate President Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, to determine how to proceed.

Equality Florida reacts: "With the clock running out, it is very likely the end of the line for this bad bill. The bottom line is the bill is unconstitutional. It would have allowed state-funded discrimination and in doing so threatened hundreds of millions of federal dollars for foster care and adoption. It was written in way to allow a broad range of discrimination at taxpayer expense."

Marco Rubio: I'd Attend A Gay Wedding

Mediaite recaps:

“If there’s somebody that I love that’s in my life, I don’t necessarily have to agree with their decisions or the decisions they’ve made to continue to love them and participate in important events,” Rubio said. He compared it to attending “second marriages,” which are not strictly allowed the Catholic faith. “If it’s somebody in my life that I care for, of course I would,” Rubio reiterated on the question of attending gay weddings. “I’m not going to hurt them simply because I disagree with a choice they’ve made or because I disagree with a decision they’ve made, or whatever it may be.” “Ultimately, if someone that you care for and is part of your family has decided to move in one direction or another or feels that way because of who they love, you respect that because you love them,” he concluded. Again, he compared the union of a same-sex couple to the divorce of a straight one. “If someone gets divorced, I’m not going to stop loving them,” he said.

FLORIDA: Repeal Of Gay Adoption Ban Clears Final Legislative Hurdle

Via the Associated Press:

Florida's ban on gay adoption is getting tossed out by the state's Republican-controlled Legislature. The Florida Senate on Tuesday voted 27-11 for an adoption bill that repeals the law first passed in 1977. It now heads to Gov. Rick Scott. Sen. Don Gaetz, the sponsor of the bill, called the current ban "meaningless" because it is no longer enforced. An appeals court ruled it unconstitutional in 2010. But Sen. Alan Hays called the repeal of the ban "a poison pill." He urged legislators to consider the long-term implications of repealing the ban. The House has passed a separate "conscience" law that would allow faith-based organizations handling adoptions to refuse to let gays adopt. It's not clear if the Senate will pass the measure.

The bill passed after this speech by GOP Sen. Don Gaetz.

FLORIDA: Liberty Counsel Continues Attempts To Stop Same-Sex Marriage

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Florida for months, but not in the bizarre parallel universe inhabited by the Liberty Counsel. Via press release:

Liberty Counsel filed three briefs to stop Florida clerks in Osceola County, Orange County, and Manatee County from ignoring the rule of law and providing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. “The Clerk’s present policy of issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples violates the public ministerial duty not to issue such licenses under the Florida Constitution and Statutes. The Clerk has no discretion to violate the Constitution of Florida, the laws of Florida, and the clearly expressed will of the People of Florida,” Liberty Counsel told the courts. “Florida’s marriage laws could not be more clear: The Clerk has a duty not to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples,” the briefs pointed out. “It is equally clear that neither the Brenner Injunction nor any other authority compels or authorizes the Clerk to disregard Florida’s marriage laws. The Florida public and the rule of law are being injured by the Clerk’s open disregard of her public duties.” As a result of the purposeful misinterpretation of Judge Hinkle’s now infamous “clarification” in the federal case Brenner v. Scott, the clerks of court in Osceola, Orange, and Manatee counties began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples early this year, disregarding their oaths to uphold the Florida Constitution.

According to the three briefs, the federal ruling that legalized same-sex marriage in Florida only applies to the plaintiffs in that case. The Liberty Counsel is based in Orlando, which makes this extra fun.

LIVE VIDEO: Florida Lawmakers Debate Anti-Gay Adoption Amendment

Watch it live.

UPDATE: From the Human Rights Campaign.

Proponents of this troubling legislation were unsuccessful yesterday in making the language an amendment to a broader adoption overhaul bill in the Senate (SB 320), but members of the Florida House of Representatives could vote for passage of their discriminatory adoption bill (HB 7111) as early as today. HB 7111 passed through the House Judiciary Committee with a vote of 11-4 on April 2nd. The bill strips otherwise eligible, prospective parents of legal recourse if they’ve been discriminated against and prohibits the state from withholding taxpayer money from agencies discriminating against qualified families. One of the cruelest consequences of the bill is that it would allow agencies to refuse to place foster children with members of their extended families - a practice often considered to be in the best interest of the child - based on the relative’s marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation, or religion. A loving, unmarried grandparent, for example, or a stable, welcoming relative of a different faith could be deemed unsuitable under the proposed law.

UPDATE II: The bill passed overwhelmingly and entirely along party lines.

FLORIDA: State Senate Rejects Bid To Allow Anti-Gay Adoption Discrimination

Via Equality Florida:

In a stunning turnaround late this afternoon, the Florida Senate blocked efforts to allow Indiana-style discrimination in adoption. In doing so they derailed an effort that originated in the House of Representatives to reintroduce an anti-gay adoption law in Florida. Former Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Destin, was an eloquent opponent, stating “We don’t need to turn back the social clock in this state to 1977,” the year Florida banned gay and lesbian people from adopting children. “We applaud Senator Gaetz for rallying his colleagues to stop this disastrous effort to put discrimination back into Florida law.” said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. “Now is not the time for Florida to look back to its ugly past. It is time to secure full equality and chart a fair and inclusive path for our state.”

The bill has one more reading in the state Senate before it heads to the desk of Gov. Rick Scott.

Headline Of The Day

Details.

FLORIDA: Bakery Gets Death Threats After Refusing To Make Cake Reading "We Do Not Support Gay Marriage"

Florida police are investigating alleged death threats after a Christian pastor urged his followers to contact a bakery that had refused to make him a cake reading "We Do Not Support Gay Marriage." Via Mediaite:

Joshua Feuerstein encouraged viewers to call the bakery and and help “expose the hypocrisy” they’re supposedly engaging in. Well, in a parallel of what happened to Memories Pizza in Indiana, Cut the Cake ended up receiving quite a lot of angry messages, including death threats. Sharon Haller, who Feuerstein spoke to on the phone, said, “We started getting some hundreds of phone calls and making very nasty and negative gestures towards our business, towards us.” Feuerstein took down the video at their request, but Cut the Cake posted it online so people could see it, along with a GoFundMe page that has raised, as of this posting, over $2000.

Watch both clips.

FLORIDA: House Panel Advances Bill To Allow Anti-LGBT Adoption Discrimination

This bill is apparently a different version of the bill that advanced a couple of weeks ago, when I wrote this recap of the situation:

Florida's 1977 ban on gay adoption was struck down by a Miami-Dade County court in 2008. The state appealed that ruling, but it was upheld in a 2010 state district appeals court decision. Following that appeals court ruling then-Gov. Charlie Crist announced that the ban would no longer be enforced, making last week's House strike down of the 1977 statute merely symbolic. That symbolic gesture must still be approved by the Florida Senate and Gov. Rick Scott. Enter hate group leader John Stemberger, who yesterday sent a letter to all Florida legislators, telling them that the 2010 ruling only applies to the counties under the jurisdiction of the appeals court and that the Department of Children & Families is infested with pro-gay workers anyway. To sum up, the haters are vowing to stop the final approval of a bill striking down a moot law and they want to legalize anti-gay discrimination by adoption agencies.