God Launches Desperate Ad Campaign: Please Help Me Stop Those Terrible Gays

Actually this campaign was launched by the martyrs promoted last week by Ted Cruz. Via Glenn Beck's site:

The Görtz Haus Gallery, a one-stop wedding venue, restaurant and flower shop that Betty and Dick Odgaard have run for the past 13 years in Grimes, Iowa, is slated for official closure on July 31, following intense controversy over the Christian owners’ refusal to host a gay wedding. The decision to close their doors follows a contentious legal battle stemming from the Odgaards’ turning away of Lee Stafford and his fiancé Jared Ellars in 2013 — a decision that resulted in a $5,000 settlement payout to the same-sex couple. The Odgaards have since launched God’s Original Design Ministry, a 501(c)(3) organization that will post billboards across the U.S. in an effort to defend traditional marriage as an institution that is comprised of only one man and one woman.

The first billboard went up this week in Oklahoma. The Odgaards say they are planning 999 more.

OKLAHOMA: Gun Group Promotes Event With Rainbow Flag Shooting Target

Via Oklahoma City's NBC affiliate:

Organizers of an Oklahoma race are coming under fire for a picture they posted on their Facebook page. It appears they’re using the LGBT rainbow flag as a shooting target. The post angered many people who took it as a direct threat to the LGBT community. Event organizers say they did not expect the response they got and that it was all meant as a joke. The Oklahoma Run ‘n Gun is a biathlon combining running and shooting. They’re promoting their upcoming race in Pawnee on July 18 on their Facebook page, but some are saying one post went too far. “People got really offended and really upset and people were really feeling threatened,” said Freedom Oklahoma Executive Director Troy Stevenson. The picture shows two men with rifles standing beside a rainbow flag and the caption reads “new high visibility targets on the 500 yard range.” “People took it as a threat, people felt very threatened,” said Stevenson.

Race organizers say the photo was meant to be "funny" and was posted because of complaints that less brightly-colored targets were difficult to see. Uh huh. The group has since taken down the image, saying that they are a "guns and fitness" organization, not a hate group. (Tipped by JMG reader William)

OKLAHOMA: Gov. Mary Fallin Defies Order To Remove Ten Commandments Marker

According to Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, the Ten Commandments monument on the grounds of the state capitol is not an endorsement of Christianity but a "tribute to historical events." So it stays where it is. CNN reports:

"Oklahoma is a state where we respect the rule of law, and we will not ignore the state courts or their decisions. However, we are also a state with three co-equal branches of government," Gov. Marry Fallin said in a statement Tuesday. Fallin said the state attorney general has filed an appeal, while the legislature pursues changes to the state Constitution that makes the monument legally permissible. "During this process, which will involve both legal appeals and potential legislative and constitutional changes, the Ten Commandments monument will remain on the Capitol grounds," she added. Last week, the state Supreme Court ordered the monument removed because it violates the state's constitutional ban against the use of public funds or property to benefit a religion.

Some supporters of the monument have suggested selling the ground underneath it to a private citizen or group.

RELATED: In December 2013 Fallin denied spousal benefits to both straight and gay Oklahoma National Guard members rather than comply with the edict handed down by then-Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. In 1998 then-Lt. Gov. Fallin divorced her first husband shortly after her Oklahoma Highway Patrol bodyguard was alleged to have had an affair with her.

SCOTUS OK's Lethal Injections

OKLAHOMA: Court Awards $300K In Legal Fees To Attorneys In Marriage Case

So far various federal courts around the country have ordered states to pay about $5M in legal fees to the attorneys representing winning same-sex marriage plaintiffs. On Thursday that amount grew in Oklahoma. Via Tulsa World:

Tulsa County will be on the hook for nearly $300,000 in attorney fees that were incurred during its unsuccessful defense of the state’s ban on same-sex marriage. U.S. District Judge Terence Kern awarded attorneys for a lesbian couple $298,742.77 in fees and costs related to the county’s appeal of a lower court ruling. Kern found that the attorneys for Mary and Sharon Bishop-Baldwin “expended reasonable hours on the appeal” and “exercised sound billing judgment.” Three attorneys for the couple had requested $368,827 in attorney fees and $1,942 in costs. Attorneys for Tulsa County argued that just over $108,000 was a more appropriate amount for the plaintiffs’ attorneys.

Tulsa County was represented by Alliance Defending Freedom. Earlier this year the state GOP failed to advance a bill that would require the state government to reimburse any Oklahoma county for legal fees incurred in defense of the state constitution.

Brian Brown says that the losers should not pay: "This is an outrageous ruling. A rush to judgment on a case that could very well be reversed by the US Supreme Court. We encourage the state not to pay anything until we get a ruling on the underlying issue from the US Supreme Court. Even then, it is wrong to reward activists for challenging a validly enacted constitutional amendment."

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.

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "Texas is pushing a proposed law that would let the state overrule the Supreme Court. There's just one problem: they can't actually do that. Alabama judges have decided that they don't have to obey federal courts either, except that in reality, they do. And Oklahoma politician wants to switch from marriage licenses to marriage certificates, which would accomplish ... not very much."

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

Via press release from NCLR:

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

"Ex-gay" torture is banned in California, New Jersey, and DC.

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

Democratic Oklahoma House Rep. Emily Virgin yesterday introduced a perfect amendment to the bill that would legalize anti-gay discrimination by businesses. Via Raw Story:

“Any person not wanting to participate in any of the activities set forth in subsection A of this section based on sexual orientation, gender identity or race of either party to the marriage shall post notice of such refusal in a manner clearly visible to the public in all places of business, including websites,” the amendment states. “The notice may refer to the person’s religious beliefs, but shall state specifically which couples the business does not serve by referring to a refusal based upon sexual orientation, gender identity or race.”

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

Rep. Virgin was elected to the Oklahoma House while still in college. Drop in at her Facebook page to express your appreciation.

OKLAHOMA: State House Votes To Do Away With All Marriage Licensing

By a vote of 67-24, yesterday the Oklahoma House voted to end the issuing of all marriage licenses statewide. Via Tulsa World:

House Bill 1125, by Rep. Todd Russ, R-Cordell, would instead require those officiating marriage ceremonies to file after-the-fact “certificates of marriage” with court clerks’ offices. Alternatively, couples could file affidavits of common law marriage. Russ said his bill is intended to “protect” county court clerks who do not want to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. “This takes them out of the trap,” he said. Somewhat ironically, the bill removes from statute language limiting marriage to one man and one woman. Other marriage restrictions would remain unchanged. Opponents, most of them Democrats, said the bill would create a scenario in which Republicans will have legalized same-sex marriages even if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the lower court rulings the bill seeks to counter. Supporters of HB 1125 said it fittingly removes the state from the marriage process. “Marriage was not instituted by government,” said Rep. Dennis Johnson, R-Duncan. “It was instituted by God. There is no reason for Oklahoma or any state to be involved in marriage.”

The bill now goes to the state Senate, where a timetable for its consideration is not yet known.

OKLAHOMA: State Sen. Joseph Silk Says Gays Don't Want Others To Have Freedom

From his campaign website:

A bill that I recently introduced (SB 440) would protect businesses and religious entities who run their organizations according to their religious beliefs from being forced to violate their religious convictions in their businesses. This has outraged the LGBT community and they are crying discrimination while making themselves the only "target", in reality it has nothing to do with them. The intent of the bill is to protect private property rights and religious liberty. As a legislator, I will always fight to protect people's liberty to live their lives according to their beliefs and convictions. People have a right to be homosexual and I will always protect that. However that right does not give them an excuse to trample another person's right to live out their religious beliefs in their place of business.

Today he is playing the martyr for Bryan Fischer.

OKLAHOMA: Christian Activist Christine Weick Disrupts Another Muslim Service

From Oklahoma City's NBC affiliate:

Muslims visited the Oklahoma State Capitol Friday with government leaders, and were met with dozens of Anti-Islamic protesters. The day began like it was planned for the more than 100 Muslims. But around 2 o’clock, as dozens of them knelt down to pray, a Christian protester shouted out the Lord’s prayer, seemingly trying to drown out the Muslim worshipers. We spoke to that protester and her group just minutes before. “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory. For ever and ever. Amen. That is our message,” Christine Weick said. That message was cut short. Troopers escorted her out, saying the group of protesters did not have a permit to be inside the capitol. “I’m a little bit upset about this because this is something that we were told is open to the public, and we are a part of the public,” Weick said.

You'll remember Christine Weick for her conclusive proof that Monster Energy drinks were invented by Satan and from her disruptions of Muslim prayer events at Washington DC's National Cathedral and at the Texas Capitol Building. She first came to our attention on Mother's Day last year when a passerby doused her with a Slushie as she stood on a Michigan street corner waving a sign that read, "Thank your mom today for not being gay!" For someone who is supposedly homeless, Weick certainly gets around.

(Via Christian Nightmares)

OKLAHOMA: Bill To Prohibit Regulation Of Ex-Gay Torture Advances In House

With an eye on what has happened in California and New Jersey, today an Oklahoma House committee approved state Rep. Sally Kern's bill to prohibit the state from regulating "ex-gay" torture therapy. Kern, the chair of the committee, claims her bill is the first of its kind in the nation. Her bill is expected to face strong opposition before the full chamber.

Earlier today the "ex-gay" crackpots at Voice Of The Voiceless (Christopher Doyle's group) issued a ranting press release about the Oklahoma bill. An excerpt:

HB 1598 is a big step for parental rights and religious liberty for Oklahoma families, especially those who struggle with sexual and gender identity confusion. This bill protects the freedom of individuals to seek help from mental health providers and faith-based counselors for support, spiritual direction, and pastoral care and counseling. Oklahoma Children and their families should be provided with ethical, safe, and effective support to overcome conflicts surrounding their sexual identity/orientation and their spirituality, especially confused victims of childhood sexual abuse! HB 1598 ensures that children who are molested and/or are victims of sexual abuse and experience unwanted same-sex attractions as a result, have the freedom to get the counseling that aligns with their values!

As we all know, "ex-gay" torture often results in suicide. But that's apparently fine with Sally Kern, who is on record as saying that homosexuality is worse than terrorism.

OKLAHOMA: House Advances Bill To Fire Officials Who Issue Marriage Licenses

Via the Associated Press:

Judges or court clerks who issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples would lose their jobs under a bill that has been approved by a House committee. The House Judiciary and Civil Procedure Committee voted 5-3 on Tuesday for the "Preservation of Sovereignty and Marriage Act." The bill now proceeds to the full House for a vote. The bill provides that any state or local employee who officially recognizes, grants or enforces a same-sex marriage license would no longer receive a state salary or pension. The House author of the bill, Oklahoma City Republican Rep. Sally Kern, says she believes the U.S. Supreme Court has overstepped its authority by forcing Oklahoma to recognize gay marriages. Gay rights groups have called Kern's bill discriminatory.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Oklahoma since October.

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "There's a big fight underway right now in Alabama, with a Judge overturning a marriage ban and state officials refusing to obey his order to issue licenses. Anti-gay politicians are threatening to ban all marriage licenses if the Supreme Court rules in favor of equality. And one lawmaker even wants to send clerks to jail if they issue licenses to anyone -- gay or straight."

OKLAHOMA: State Rep. Sally Kern Introduces Three New Anti-Gay Bills

Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern hasn't been in the headlines lately and yesterday she acted to change that by introducing three new anti-gay bills.

House Bill 1599 is dubbed the “Preservation and Sovereignty of Marriage Act.” House Bill 1598 is called the “Freedom to Obtain Conversion Therapy Act.” A third measure would allow businesses to refuse to provide services to the gay community, among others. Kern, R-Oklahoma City, garnered national attention a few years ago when she said the “homosexual agenda” was destroying the nation and poses a bigger threat to the nation than terrorism. House Bill 1599 says that no taxpayer funds or governmental salaries can be used for the licensing or support of same-sex marriage. “No employee of this state and no employee of any local governmental entity shall officially recognize, grant or enforce a same-sex marriage license and continue to receive a salary, pension or other employee benefit at the expense of taxpayers of this state,” the measure says. “No taxes or public funds of this state shall be spent enforcing any court order requiring the issuance or recognition of a same-sex marriage license.”

The third bill would allow businesses to refuse service "to any lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender person, group or association." (Tipped by JMG reader KaneHau)

OKLAHOMA: GOP Lawmaker Introduces Bill To End All Marriage Licenses

Via the Oklahoman:

Marriage licenses would become a thing of the past in Oklahoma under a bill filed by state Rep. Todd Russ. The Cordell Republican says he wants to protect court clerks from having to issue licenses to same-sex couples. He doesn’t want these workers put in the position of having to condone or facilitate same-sex marriage. Under his plan, a religious official would sign a couple’s marriage certificate, which would then be filed with the clerk. Marriages would no longer be performed by judges. If a couple did not have a religious official to preside over their wedding, they could file an affidavit of common law marriage. “Marriages are not supposed to be a government thing anyway,” he said Wednesday. Russ, a credentialed Assemblies of God minister, is upset with rulings that have supported same-sex marriage.

Russ: "Oklahoma voted overwhelmingly against same-sex marriage, and yet the Supreme Court stuck it down our throats." Oklahomans For Equality say that about 3200 same-sex marriage licenses have been issued in the three months since it became legal. (Tipped by JMG reader Shaun)

Former "Ex-Gay" Leader Marries Man

John Smid, former leader of the "ex-gay" group Love In Action, married a man in Oklahoma on Sunday. Via the Memphis Flyer:

Smid has been living as an out gay man for several years now, and he's been in a relationship with [Larry] McQueen for one year. Gay marriage just became legal in Oklahoma last month. The couple live in Paris, Texas, where Smid moved from his Memphis home in the summer of 2013. Smid's journey from ex-gay leader to happily out gay man has been a long one. He was promoted to the role of executive director of Love in Action in September 1990, and in 1994, the organization moved its ministry to Memphis. Love in Action operated here quietly until 2005, when protests over a youth "straight" camp called Refuge sparked a national media firestorm. Smid met McQueen three years ago, but they were just "acquaintances with common friends," wrote Smid in his Facebook announcement of their marriage Sunday. "I gradually got to know him over time until we reached a place in our lives that we saw we wanted to get to know one another through a dating relationship. As we dated we shared our vision for life, our personal philosophies, and our faith values. We found a compatibility that was comfortable and exciting," Smid said.

In August of this year Smid and eight other former "ex-gay" leaders issued a joint letter denouncing "reparative" torture. Love In Action now operates as Restoration Path. (Tipped by JMG reader Lynda)

Drug-Addled Christian "Zealot" Beheads Teen For Practicing Witchcraft

Via Patheos:

Christian terror? In a grisly murder an Oklahoma college student with strong Christian beliefs nearly decapitates a young man because the victim practiced witchcraft. Isaiah Zoar Marin, 21, is charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Jacob Andrew Crockett, 19. Marin is accused of using a “long knife or sword” to kill Crockett. According to a court affidavit, the suspect, Marin, is described as a “religious zealot” and “heavy drug user.” The victim, Crockett, is the son of an Oklahoma state trooper. Police report the victim had what appeared to be multiple deep slash and stab wounds and the “head was mostly severed from his body.” Marin was watching videos on YouTube “related to his Christian beliefs and the Book of Matthew” before the murder, according to the affidavit.

From the alleged killer's Facebook page: "Tried to take on a demon and God had to help me through the tough parts. Got to be careful with my words and pay closer attention to my emotions. Need to figure out how to keep on speaking when I'm with the presence of the Lord God." (Tipped by JMG reader Scott)

Matt Baume: Marriage News Watch

Clip recap: "Over the last week, states have been winning the freedom to marry at such a fast pace that it's hard to keep up. AFER has conclusively won its marriage case. Cases in four other states have ended in victory. The Ninth Circuit has expanded marriage in several more states. It's been a pretty terrible week for the National Organization for Marriage. But a pretty great one for freedom, liberty, and equality."