Atlanta Church: Don't Mistake Our Pastor's Viral Rant As Supportive Of LGBT Rights

Last week JMG was the first to post a fiery sermon from an evangelical pastor that has since gone wildly viral. While many sites have interpreted the pastor's message as supportive of the LGBT community, the House Of Hope Atlanta would like you to know that is definitely not the case. From their statement published by the Christian Post:

That clip was posted without our knowledge by someone who was in attendance and gives absolutely no context concerning the overall message. Since that time enumerable media outlets have posted the clip with captions best suited for their journalistic and editorial priorities. It's important to know that the descriptions of the posted sermon clip are not the opinions of E. Dewey Smith Jr. By no means is Smith now, nor has he ever been a proponent of same-sex marriage. Smith has always believed and taught that marriage is only designed for a man and a woman. This reality was clearly stated during the sermon but not included for some reason by the person who posted the clip. Smith believes that same-sex marriage isn't the Will of God. Many publications have tried to present the message as affirmation of equal rights for the LGBT community. Regardless of how the clip is 'bent' that was not the content nor intent of the message.

The clip now has 400,000 views.

GEORGIA: Fired Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran Still Wants His Job Back

Via the Heritage Foundation:

After being fired for writing what’s been described as an “anti-gay” book, former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran says he “absolutely” wants his job back. “In the United States of America, Americans should not have to choose between keeping your job and living out your faith,” Cochran told The Daily Signal in an exclusive interview. “And that’s the position the city of Atlanta actually has taken—that I have to have a choice to live out my faith or to keep my job.” Cochran was fired in January 2015 for publishing a men’s devotional book for a Baptist church group. In the book, “Who Told You That You Were Naked?” Cochran addressed issues of homosexuality, gay marriage and premarital sex from a biblical perspective. Upon being fired, Cochran filed his own federal lawsuit against the city of Atlanta, alleging that he was wrongfully terminated and being discriminated against for his Christian beliefs. “In the United States of America, we are guaranteed the freedom to live without fear of being terminated or experiencing any adverse action for the free expression of our beliefs and thoughts,” Cochran said. “It was an injustice against me on that basis.” The case is still ongoing.

As we know, Cochran wasn't fired for his "anti-gay views" but for proselytizing at the workplace.

Confederate Flag Parade

On Saturday the town of Dalton, Georgia held a Confederate flag parade. Take it away Gawker:

“They got a goddamn day for Confederate flags. This is some bullshit!” says the (presumably black) man filming this video, “I wonder what kind of motherfuckin’ parade we could have?” And just when you’re wondering how long this line of assholes in lifted trucks can possibly be, and wishing something would make them stop... well, something does.

(Tipped by JMG reader Daddy Ray)

GEORGIA: Altanta Gay Couples Marry In Mass Fulton County Ceremony

GEORGIA: Gay Marriages Commence!

GEORGIA: Man Parades 100-Round AR-15 Rifle Through Atlanta Airport Because "Something Might Happen"

Via Atlanta's CBS affiliate:

A man carrying a rifle inside the Atlanta airport wasn’t breaking any laws, but he did raise a few eyebrows, including those of some Atlanta police officers. Jim Cooley says he carried his gun through the terminal when he and his wife went to drop his daughter off for her flight. He says he knew he wasn’t breaking any rules because he has a full understanding of Georgia’s gun laws. “You can carry in unsecured areas of the airport. Past TSA, never,” Cooley said.

That’s exactly what he did. Cooley carried his AR-15 fully loaded with a 100-round drum through parts of the terminal. Cooley says as he and his wife began to leave the airport the APD officer stopped him again and radioed to others that he was carrying an automatic weapon. Cooley says he was then followed to his car by a police lieutenant and two officers, who took pictures of their car. “It shouldn’t matter what I carry, just that I choose to carry,” Cooley said. “You never know where something might happen. If you don’t exercise your rights, the government doesn’t have any hesitation taking them away."

Last year Georgia legalized the open carrying of loaded guns in airports.

Georgia Church: Death To Homosexuals

Via Talking Points Memo:

The pastor of a church in Milledgeville, Ga., recently changed the sign outside his church to read, "Homosexuality is a death worthy crime," according to Georgia television station WGXA. The sign caused a stir in the neighborhood, but Robert Lee, the pastor of Ten Commandments Church, defended his sign and claimed he was quoting the Bible. "Homosexuality is an abomination, and the Bible says that homosexuality is a death worthy crime," Lee told WGXA. Lee told WGXA that he hoped his sign would have an impact and said he would oppose a Supreme Court decision legalizing gay marriage. "The institution of marriage was instituted by God and it should not be changed by people who deserve not to live," he said.

More from Gay Star News:

"Homosexuality is an abomination, the Bible says homosexuality is a death-worthy crime," Lee told WGXA. "The institution of marriage was instituted by God and it should not be changed by people who deserve not to live. Before I accept homosexuality, I will die." The sign was first spotted by passerby Robert Owens, who found it very offensive. He said: "I have a gay brother and a lesbian niece, who live out in California, and I don't want them to come here and visit me and see a sign like that."

Local television interviews Lee here.

GEORGIA: Print Shop Refuses To Print Wedding Invitations For Lesbian Couple

Citing his religious beliefs, the owner of an AlphaGraphics print shop franchise in suburban Atlanta has refused to print wedding invitations for a lesbian couple. Via Atlanta's NBC affiliate:

Paige Beckwith says throughout her wedding planning process she has been open with vendors that there would be two brides on the wedding day. She says none of the vendors seemed to care, but him. Beckwith says she contacted the company after being referred by a friend. They were trying to go with a train theme. Their engagement photos, taken by Snap Shots By Allie, were on railroad tracks. Their reception would be at an old train depot in Lawrenceville. They wanted the invitations to look like a train ticket, so she needed a company that could design and print them. "The owner called me back and let me know that he's not going to print our invitations because he does not support same sex marriage," said Beckwith. "I kept asking him how, why, how he could do this? He just basically stood on his religious beliefs, referenced the Bible, called it a sin, and I was basically in tears saying how could you treat me this way?," she recalled.

The AlphaGraphics main office has denounced its franchisee and promised to print the invitations at no charge. They have also issued a statement:

We do not condone discrimination of any kind, and wish to make clear that customers of any race, religion, nationality, ethnicity or sexual orientation are welcome at our franchisees' locations nationwide. We also wish to apologize to the customers who were impacted by the actions of this franchisee, and hope that our response conveys the level of commitment we feel toward upholding our company's standards of inclusion, and that all members of the Suwanee community continue to feel welcome at AlphaGraphics.

Georgia does not protect LGBT residents from business discrimination. (Tipped by JMG reader Todd)

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal: I'll Accept Any Same-Sex Marriage Ruling By SCOTUS

Shocker. Very anti-gay GOP Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal says that however SCOTUS rules on same-sex marriage, he will accept the result.

“Federal constitutional issues trump state constitutional issues, " Deal told "A Closer Look" host Denis O'Hayer. "So we will abide by whatever the Supreme Court rules as an interpretation of the United States Constitution.” On Wednesday, State Attorney General Sam Olens said he'll follow the U.S. Supreme Court's order. Deal also spoke about the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, SB 129, which was stalled in the House Judiciary Committee in the final days of the state Legislature this year. "What I want is to protect individuals' right of religious freedom without causing the kind of uproar that we saw occur in Indiana and in Arkansas," Deal said.

Deal added that he doesn't believe same-sex marriage "rises to the level of attracting a national, constitutional amendment to overrule the Supreme Court or the federal courts."  One less pitchfork for Scott Lively to buy, huh? (Tipped by JMG reader TJ)

RELATED: In a 2010 campaign ad, Deal attacked his GOP primary opponent with a radio ad that said this: "The last straw. For some, it’s Karen Handel’s support for taxpayer-funded gay partner benefits. For others, the last straw is Karen Handel’s vote to give our tax dollars to Youth Pride, a group that promotes homosexuality among teenagers as young as 13. But for all, the lies Karen Handel tells about Nathan Deal — a veteran, former prosecutor and judge, to hide what she’s done — are the last straw." In the early 90s Deal served two terms in the US House as a Democrat, but he switched parties in 1995 when Republicans took control, saying that he was a huge fan of newly-elected Speaker Newt Gingrich's infamous Contract With America.

ATLANTA: High School Students Face Charges In Attack On Gay Classmate

(Tipped by JMG reader DM)

15 AGs To Supreme Court: Same-Sex Marriage Will Cause Incalculable Damage

The attorneys general of fifteen states have filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court in which they predictably argue that a ruling in favor of same-sex marriage will "irretrievably" destroy their right to self-government. From the brief: 

The Constitution takes no sides on same-sex marriage, and therefore leaves the issue up to the free deliberations of state citizens. The fact that Americans have reached different conclusions about this novel question is not a sign of a constitutional crisis that requires correction by this Court. It is rather a sign that our Constitution is working as it should. In our federal system, this issue must be resolved by the "formation of consensus" at the state level. To resolve it instead through federal judicial decree would demean the democratic process, marginalize the views of millions of Americans, and do incalculable damage to our civic life in this country.

While the brief cites Loving several times and acknowledges that there are "constitutional guarantees" on the equal application of marriage laws, somehow those guarantees do not apply to LGBT Americans.

GEORGIA: Session Ends With No RFRA

It's almost midnight in Georgia on the last day of the legislative session and legislators are still banging away at bills about craft beer and jet fuel. But the RFRA bill is dead. Via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Georgia’s bid for a “religious liberty” measure has been on life support for days, but leaders pulled the plug on the legislation with just a few hours left in the legislative session. Gov. Nathan Deal, who has repeatedly said he would support legislation that mirrored the 1993 law, signaled the debate has become too toxic. He said in an interview that supporters ensure that anti-discrimination language is in the measure next year if they want to earn his signature. “That’s the most important thing. And that is a delicate thing to do,” he said. “There’s been so much hyperbole. It’s hard to identify what can you say without saying too much, what can you say without saying too little, and what will people read into either version that you like.” And House Speaker David Ralston told GPB’s “Lawmakers” program late Thursday that the controversial legislation will resurface next year. "We have a committee process and we have acted on that process. It just couldn’t get out of committee … I’m not going to have the House committee process subverted.”

Mark down today as 0-3 for the haters.

Coca-Cola Has Got Your Back (This Time)

"Coca-Cola does not support any legislation that discriminates, in our home state of Georgia or anywhere else. Coca-Cola values and celebrates diversity. We believe policies that would allow a business to refuse service to an individual based upon discrimination of any kind, does not only violate our Company's core values, but would also negatively affect our consumers, customers, suppliers, bottling partners and associates. As a business, it is appropriate for us to help foster diversity, unity and respect among all people. We advocate for inclusion, equality and diversity through both our policies and practices. Coca-Cola does not condone intolerance or discrimination of any kind anywhere in the world." - Coca-Cola, in a statement released today.

RELATED: Coca-Cola was a major sponsor of the Sochi Olympics, spawning anti-Coke protests in New York City, London, and other major cities.

GEORGIA: House Committee Cancels Meeting On License To Discriminate Bill

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports:

A specially called meeting of the House Judiciary Committee set for Monday was cancelled, leaving the future of the ‘religious liberty’ bill in doubt. The committee was to meet at 10 a.m., to likely decide the fate of a controversial bill for this year. But a member of the committee, who asked not to be identified for fear of angering leadership, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution the meeting was off. The committee member did not know if it would be rescheduled, but with lawmakers only meeting in session Tuesday and Thursday before ending their 2015 session, time is rapidly expiring on Senate Bill 129.

In Georgia this past Thursday, in a surprise 9-8 vote, the Judiciary Committee voted to amend Senate Bill 129 to add language making clear the bill could not be used to discriminate against anyone already protected by any local, state or federal law. It was quickly tabled by supporters who said adding anti-discrimination language “gutted” the bill. The amendment was sponsored by Rep. Mike Jacobs, R-Brookhaven, and the deciding vote cast by Rep. Beth Beskin, R-Atlanta. Beskin, just a day before in subcommittee, had voted the other way — to deny the same protections against discrimination. Jacobs and Beskin, along with Rep. Jay Powell, R-Camilla, the other Republican to vote for Jacobs’ amendment, were vilified by conservatives.

Dozens of Georgia municipalities currently have local LGBT anti-discrimination ordinances.

GEORGIA: School Superintendent Comes Out After Grindr Photos Sent To Press

The superintendent of schools in Monroe County, Georgia has come out in a public statement after an unknown person sent explicit photos from his Grindr profile to the local press. Project Q Atlanta reports:

The statement comes as the Monroe County School District and the county sheriff launched investigations to see if Monroe County School Superintendent Anthony Pack improperly used a school system-issued phone or computer equipment as he cruised the gay sex app. In a public statement issued to media outlets, Pack denied any wrongdoing and criticized the anonymous tips that led to the public revelations about using a gay sex site. "Deep personal contemplation, prayer, and a desire to see my spouse as happy as she can be in her personal life, led me to realize that I am gay," Pack said in the statement. "I have tried to privately cope with accepting my sexual orientation as not definitive of my identity, but rather a small part of who I am as a father, a person, and a public figure." The married father of two children said he has and his wife separated four months ago and are seeking an uncontested divorce.

A local television station has a video report here.

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.

GEORGIA: State Senate Approves Bill To Legalize Anti-Gay Discrimination

Via Project Q Atlanta:

The Georgia Senate easily approved a controversial "religious freedom" bill that LGBT critics and faith leaders have derided as an anti-gay effort to allow discrimination. State Sen. Josh McKoon's bill, S.B. 129, passed 37-15 after nearly 90 minutes of debate on Thursday. On Thursday morning, the Senate approved a measure to prohibit amendments to the legislation. McKoon spoke for nearly 30 minutes, defending his legislation against critics that he dismissed as "the professional left" who has contempt "for the people of this state." "It's a simple, modest common sense protection for people of faith, people of every faith," McKoon said. "When we have strong religious liberty, what goes along with that is tolerance for people of every faith and people with no faith at all." McKoon also said the LGBT critics of the legislation have failed to cite a case in which similar legislation in other states has resulted in anti-gay discrimination.

McKoon's bill had been tabled earlier last month but he reportedly slipped it back into play on Monday during a judiciary committee meeting while its chief opponent was in the restroom. McKoon spent today's session battling equality activists on Twitter.

UPDATE: LGBT groups react.

"This bill is a reprehensible attack on LGBT people and their families in Georgia,” said HRC National Field Director Marty Rouse. “It does not address any legitimate problem with current law and creates harmful consequences for businesses throughout the state. It threatens not just the LGBT community, but women, members of minority faiths and other minority classes. All Georgians deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, and we need all fair-minded people in the state to help stop this bill.”

"It's disappointing that the Senate voted today for such a divisive and unneeded piece of legislation,” said Georgia Equality Executive Director Jeff Graham. “Legal experts from across the political spectrum agree that this bill could open the door for discrimination. And if this is not about creating a license to discriminate, why would they work so hard to prevent language that would clarify that from being added to the bill. The actions today will have a chilling effect on Georgia's reputation and send a message of intolerance to the next generation."

ATLANTA: Alliance Defending Freedom Sues City Over Fired Crackpot Fire Chief

Last month the ADF filed an EEOC complaint and today they filed a civil rights suit. Considering that their litigation track record rivals that of the Liberty Counsel, the former fire chief probably shouldn't hold his breath.

GEORGIA: Marriage Case Put On Hold

From Lambda Legal's brief:

Plaintiffs have conferred with counsel for Defendants Deborah Aderhold and Monica Fenton (“Defendants”) and are informed that those Defendants would seek at least four months of discovery were the case to proceed. Accordingly, Obergefell will be argued – and likely decided – well before the parties could finish discovery and then proceed to dispositive motions for the Court. Since Obergefell will likely significantly reshape the issues for discovery, and may decide this case, and given the discovery that Defendants believe is necessary, Plaintiffs believe that proceeding with the case before Obergefell is decided would not serve the interests of efficiency or judicial economy.

ATLANTA: Former Fire Chief Files Religious Discrimination Complaint With Feds

Via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution:

Former Atlanta Fire Chief Kelvin Cochran has filed a federal discrimination complaint contending he faced religious discrimination when the City fired him after he published a book that contained controversial statements about homosexuality. Cochran swore out the complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleging violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by the City of Atlanta on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Attorney Jonathan Crumly filed an EEOC complaint Wednesday on behalf of Cochran, who was fired this month after complaints about his self-published 2013 book, “Who Told You You Are Naked?” “Americans are guaranteed the freedom to live without fear of losing their jobs because of their beliefs and thoughts. We are continuing to evaluate all available legal options to vindicate Chief Cochran after his unjust termination,” said Crumly, who is allied with the group Alliance Defending Freedom that has rallied to Cochran’s defense.

Mayor Reed reacts: "He can get all of the lawyers he wants so that he can continue to have publicity and sell books, but he's going to lose the legal case. What is not disputed is he never communicated with me, the chief executive officer, prior to the publication of the book. It's clearly out of bounds." (Tipped by JMG reader Arthur)