In the Miami Herald, Darran Simon had a wonderful story about a Sunrise cop who gave a Christian conservative group a good ol’ fashioned hassle. The Florida Family Policy Council,
led by the vile James Dobson, claims Sgt. Stephen Allen harassed them during a drive for signatures to support a gay marriage ban. Sarge told them that Jesus never said anything
about homosexuality and that their drive was a waste of time. Another gem
from Allen: “The Bible said you need to obey your governing authority. I am your governing authority and you need to obey me.”

Then he removed the group’s petitions and even had the gall to mock
them by giving Det. Michael Allard a peck on the cheek (photo above).
Okay, probably shouldn’t have done it, but damn, it’s refreshing to
see police, for once, abuse their authority on the side of the oppressed.
An ACLU official told Simon, ‘’If the police officer feels so strongly, then I think they need to take off their uniform, leave and join a peaceful, counterdemonstration.'’

posted at the pulp

Posted
at PageOneQ

A website by a right-wing preacher and self-professed
'ex-gay' DL Foster has posted a picture of the executive
director of Truth Wins Out, Wayne Besen, that has been modified to
make Besen appear like Adolph Hitler.

Foster's blog Perspectives In Motion, has a post dated June 10th in which
Foster refers to Besen's new organization as "Wayne
Besen's Final Solution." Later in the post, Foster
points out that Besen is Jewish: In the press conference, Besen (of Jewish descent)
claimed that 'ex-gay' ministries could not be trusted
or tolerated in our tolerant society. To back up those
claims he presented evidence that 'ex-gay' leaders
invariably go back to being gay. Richard Cohen, John
Paulk, Michael Johnston and uhhhh those two guys who
"fell in love" left their wives, got AIDS
and lived happily ever after. Proof positive, he
asserted that 'ex-gay' ministries were shameless snake
oil salesmen.

This personifies the extremism that is characteristic of
the 'ex-gay' movement, Mr. Besen told PageOneQ
today. "They claim they are about love, yet
regularly engage in character assassination and
misinformation campaigns," he added. Besen
responded to the image on the site, as well as it's
title, "I am disturbed by the blatant anti-semitism
of Rev. Foster. His writing and the use of a graphic
image which is so painful to so many speaks loudly not
only of Foster, but reflects poorly on the entire
so-called 'ex-gay' community," said Besen.

By Joe Smydo, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean told a group of gay andlesbian political activists yesterday that he wanted to "work side by side"with them to fight discrimination and wrest control of Congress from theRepublicans.Mr. Dean said their priorities should include unseating U.S. Sen. RickSantorum, R-Pa., whom he called "one of the most mean-spirited and corruptpoliticians in Washington.""And that says something," added Mr. Dean, a 2004 presidential candidate andformer Vermont governor, who delivered the keynote address to the conventionof National Stonewall Democrats. The three-day gathering on the Universityof Pittsburgh campus, held to provide members with political training,concludes today.The group has gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members and takes itsname from the Stonewall Inn, a New York bar police raided in 1969 forserving gay patrons. The ensuing violence fueled the gay-rights movement.Virginia Davis, spokeswoman for the Santorum campaign, said Mr. Dean'scomments reflect "what Bob Casey and the Democratic Party have become knownfor -- negative attacks and offering no solutions." Mr. Casey, the statetreasurer, is challenging Mr. Santorum in the November election.Mr. Dean said the Stonewall Democrats have made the Democratic Party"stronger, more inclusive, more courageous, more tenacious."He asked their help in reclaiming the House and Senate from Republicans,saying the GOP has masked its failures by dividing America with attacks ongays, immigrants and other minority groups. He cited the support PresidentBush and GOP congressional leaders have given to a constitutional amendmentthat would prevent states from recognizing same-sex marriages.The Constitution was written to guarantee basic rights to all Americans, notdeny them to some, said Mr. Dean, who as Vermont governor signed a landmarkbill giving gay couples nearly all of the benefits of marriage.The GOP touts "family values," he said, while Democrats "value allfamilies.""We are the party of small government and personal liberty," he said.Mr. Dean also faulted President Bush and congressional Republicans forissues ranging from the "Iraq mess" to the soaring cost of gasoline."Everything he said was absolutely true, correct, accurate," said Marty B.O'Malley, a Forest Hills councilman and supporter of the Thomas MertonCenter whose vest sported dozens of buttons lampooning Mr. Santorum.Ms. Davis, however, said Mr. Dean was off the mark. She said Democrats inthe past had stalled an energy bill to decrease America's reliance onforeign oil and asserted that Mr. Santorum, unlike his critics, had soughtsolutions to important issues.Mr. Dean didn't say how he believed Mr. Santorum was "corrupt." Ms.Davis said he may have been "throwing terms around" in an effort to link Mr.Santorum to ethics scandals involving other Republican officials.Yesterday wasn't the first time Mr. Dean swatted Mr. Santorum. In Pittsburghduring his presidential campaign, Mr. Dean sarcastically referred to Mr.Santorum as "nice, inclusive" after the Associated Press quoted the senatoras comparing homosexuality to bigamy, incest, adultery and polygamy.Mr. Dean said DNC operatives had been instructed to work with the gaycommunity and trained to discuss gay-rights issues with straight voters.He told the Stonewall group, "We need you to reach out to the straightcommunity."Jeremy Burnworth, a member of the Stonewall Democrats, said he was pleasedMr. Dean had recognized the group as a political force."We're thousands of people. He has a chance to utilize that."

Pittsburgh Post Gazette

Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today joined Massachusetts
Democratic Representative Barney Frank and Wisconsin Democratic Representative
Tammy Baldwin in issuing the following Proclamation marking PRIDE Month:



"Today, on behalf of Democrats across America, we join together in honoring
the contributions that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and
their families make to our society and reaffirming our Party's abiding
commitment to full equality for all Americans, including the LGBT community.

"Because Democrats value all families, we are committed to the
fundamental principle that every American has the right to live in dignity, with
equal rights, responsibilities and protections under the law. No American should
have to live in fear or be forced to hide their true identity to avoid horrific
attacks or discrimination in areas like hiring, housing or health care. That's
why Democrats have led the fight for hate crimes legislation at the federal and
state levels, and why Democrats continue to fight for laws that would prohibit
discrimination based on sexual orientation.

"Sadly, too many of our colleagues on the other side of the political
aisle do not share our commitment to equality. This month, as millions of LGBT
Americans prepare to march in PRIDE Parades across America, Republicans like
Bill Frist are using issues like marriage as political wedges to distract people
from their failed leadership and misplaced priorities. Because Americans have
lost confidence in their ability to solve challenges like Iraq, immigration,
health care, gas prices or homeland security, Republicans in Washington are
ripping a page from the Karl Rove playbook by scapegoating LGBT families for
partisan gain.

"This is morally wrong, and it hurts LGBT Americans. Democrats are
committed to fighting this hateful, divisive amendment and to fighting similarly
discriminatory ballot initiatives in states across the country. We strongly
oppose any attempt to write discrimination into law - whether it be at the local
or state levels or in the United States Constitution.

"During this month of LGBT PRIDE, we remember the courageous men and
women who faced down discrimination at the Stonewall Inn in June of 1969 and
ignited a movement that is changing the hearts and minds of the American people.
They called on this nation to live up to its promise of equal opportunity,
liberty and justice for all. As leaders of the Democratic Party, we stand
proudly with the LGBT community and commit ourselves to building a hopeful and
optimistic vision of America that is inclusive of all Americans, rejects the
politics of fear and division, and renews our commitment to ending
discrimination in all its forms."

posted at democrats.org

'Truth Wins Out' to Take on Key Issue In Anti-Gay Campaigns



Washington, DC -- As President Bush and Congress prepare to
debate gay marriage, a new organization will launch next Wednesday, June 7th to
combat so-called "Ex-Gay" ministries and organizations.



"Truth Wins Out will confront a dangerous lie that has buttressed anti-gay
campaigns from coast to coast," said founder and noted activist Wayne Besen.
"From school boards to city councils to Congress, a lie is being advanced
that sexual orientation is something that can be directed or 'cured. It's false,
and Truth Wins Out will strike this pillar out from under anti-gay
efforts."



Truth Wins Out will launch at the National Press Club with dramatic personal
stories of victims of "ex-gay" programs, and insights into how ex-gay
theories are woven into nearly all efforts opposed to equality for gay and
lesbian Americans. The press conference will also expose the new Right-wing
strategy to force "ex-gay" theories into classrooms.



WHO: Truth Wins Out, presenting victims of "ex-gay"
efforts.

Wayne Besen, Author, "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and
Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth"



WHAT: A new national organization to combat so-called
"ex-gay" efforts and larger Right-wing misinformation campaigns.



WHEN: Wednesday, June 7th, 2006 at 10:00am



WHERE: National Press Club, Zenger Room

529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC

10AM



**NOTE** Truth Wins Out will launch in the same week that Focus
on the Family convenes in Washington, DC to support President Bush’s
effort to ban gay marriage.

posted at : waynebesen.com

Democrats & Liberals Archives
June 01, 2006
President Bush to Announce Support for Second Class Citizen Status
On Monday, June 5th, President Bush will hold a press conference in the Rose Garden of the White House. During the press conference, the President will reiterate his support for the discriminatory and immoral Federal Marriage Amendment.

The amendment, which will hold gays and lesbians to second class citizen status, goes against the fabric of America.

When will we stop replaying the discrimination game and accept that 'liberty and justice for all,' means for all?

If Conservatives wish to protect the sanctity of marriage, then maybe they should try to pass an amendment that would outlaw divorce. Of course, these hypocrites would never allow that to happen. Instead, they claim moral superiority by using a very small minority that will not have a negative impact on them personally.

50% of marriages in this country end in divorce and 85% of those get remarried. 43% of those count themselves among religious right wing conservatives.

Did Jesus condemn same-sex marriage? Nope. Did he condemn divorce? You bet.

"Every one who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.� Luke 16:18
So 43% of adulterers condemn same sex marriage, but don't condemn their own "lifestyle" choice. Interesting.

What did Jesus say about people like this?



"Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. " Matthew 7:1-2

We even get this parable warning against doing exactly what some are trying to do with this amendment:

Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him.

Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.

The servant fell on his knees before him. 'Be patient with me,' he begged, 'and I will pay back everything.'

The servant's master took pity on him, cancelled the debt and let him go.

But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow- servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him. 'Pay back what you owe me!' he demanded.

His fellow- servant fell to his knees and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.'

But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

When the other servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed and went and told their master everything that had happened.

Then the master called the servant in. 'You wicked servant,' he said, 'I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to.

Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow- servant just as I had on you?'

In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart. Matthew 18:23-35


Nearly half of the "religious right" are living an adulterous lifestyle and claim God's grace for their own lifestyle sins. Yet, they are not willing to extend such forgiveness to same-sex couples. Quite amazing.

So, why then do groups that claim they are concerned with families target families headed by same-sex couples, but ignore families headed by adulterers? Simple, if "Focus on the Family" focused on all facets of the family, including railing against divorce, they would go bankrupt from lack of donations and support.

In fact, James Dobson of FOTF, has been out fearmongering at a ferocious pace recently. According to Dobson, marriage is under vicious attack, from the forces of hell itself. He "believes" with the destruction of marriage will come the decline of western civilization itself. He claims we're in a crisis point, right now, where the family is either going to survive or it's going to fall apart and it will happen in the next few years.

Oh, my! Better pick up those checkbooks and pledge a week�s salary, credit cards accepted! Operators standing by!

Please! If thousands of years of divorce have not destroyed marriage, then a tiny minority isn't going to now. Countries around the world have shown up the land of the "free" and legalized same-sex unions. None of them have been met with their demise.

The religious right has 2000 years of experience preying on people's fears for their own gain, a trait they brought with them to the Republican Party. Same-sex marriage has become their latest cash cow.


Posted by JayJay Snow at June 1, 2006 12:00 AM

"If Miller had his way," says the announcer, "America would
be nothing but one big fiesta for illegal aliens and homosexuals."

Congressman Brad Miller (D-NC) is facing one of the nastiest campaigns in the
nation, as supporters of challenger Vernon Robinson race-bait in black
neighborhoods and question the Representative's sexual orientation in radio ads
set to mariachi music, according to the News & Observer.

"Brad Miller supports gay marriage and sponsored a bill to let American
homosexuals bring their foreign homosexual lovers to this country on a marriage
visa," an announcer says in a Robinson-endorsed ad.

"If Miller had his way America would be nothing but one big fiesta for
illegal aliens and homosexuals," the ad continues. "But if you elect
Vernon Robinson, that party's over."

The ad can be heard at Robinson's Website at this link.

Excerpts from the lengthy News & Observer piece follow:

"My wife was interviewed on three television stations last week about
why we had not had children and what was my sexual orientation," Miller
recently told delegates to the 13th District Democratic convention at Alamance
Community College.

...

Robinson has already run a radio ad that features mariachi band music playing
in the background. "If Miller had his way," says the announcer,
"America would be nothing but one big fiesta for illegal aliens and
homosexuals."

...

Besides trying to attract white conservatives, Robinson hopes to siphon off
15 percent of the black vote. His campaign has sent separate mailings and left
recorded telephone messages in the homes of black voters. The telephone message
criticizes Miller for, among other things, living in an all-white neighborhood
in the Five Points section of Raleigh.

...

Robinson's biting campaign style has long been controversial. In the
Republican primary in 2004 in the 5th District, he ran a TV ad showing the face
of New York Sen. Hillary Clinton morphing into that of [rival Virginia] Foxx,
accusing Foxx of supporting "racial quotas, gay rights and the abortion
bills." Since winning the House seat, Foxx has had the most conservative
voting record in the North Carolina delegation, according to the nonpartisan
National Journal.

***

Read the full story here.