In Brief

Staff Reports

Lesbian Commitment Ceremony Improper According To Upset GOP Congressmen

FORT POLK, LA -- Two conservative Republican House members John Fleming, (R-LA) and Todd Akin, (R-MO) both members of member of the House Armed Services Committee, told reporters Wednesday that a lesbian commitment ceremony conducted at Fort Polk U. S. Army base last month was improper because the women's ceremony was "marriage-like" it should have been stopped.

“The liberal social experiment with our military continues. A same-sex marriage-like ceremony should not have occurred at Fort Polk, especially since the people of Louisiana have made it abundantly clear that our state does not recognize same-sex marriages or civil unions. 

My frustration is compounded by the fact that a social agenda, which has nothing to do with military readiness or our national defense, is being imposed on our men and women in uniform. 

The repeal of ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ made incidents like this inevitable, and makes the case for the Senate to follow the lead of the House of Representatives in passing legislation that prevents military facilities from being used for same-sex marriages or marriage-like ceremonies,” Fleming said.

The Defence Department had issued guidelines last year which allowed chaplains to perform weddings for same-sex couples stipulated that those marriages could only be performed in states where it was legal and with a willing chaplain.

A spokesman for Fort Polk pointed out that the persons present at the ceremony understood that it wasn't a marriage.

Congressman Akin is currently sponsoring a measure to ban same-sex weddings at military bases, said that the base officials had violated state law as well as his understanding of Defence Department policies.

"This appears to be a case where political agenda has trumped the rule of law," Akin said, "which is absolutely unacceptable."

American Apparel Partners With GLAAD For Equality Tees Featuring Its First Transgender Model

Isis King courtesy of GLAAD

LOS ANGELES, CA -- U. S. clothing giant American Apparel has teamed up with GLAAD on a new line of equality tees, featuring an openly transgender model in time for LGBT Pride Month this year.

Former America's Next Top Model contestant and openly transgender model Isis King is among those donning the Pride shirts in ads that will appear online and in print across the nation. Joining her in the ad campaign are four current and former GLAAD staff members, among others.

American Apparel employees will also join GLAAD staff in LGBT Pride marches across the country, including in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

“We're super proud to support LGBT Pride again this year and partner with GLAAD in these events. It’s time for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, to accept each other and thrive in harmony. We hope everyone comes out and joins us," said Marsha Brady, a creative director for American Apparel.  

"American Apparel is showing bold leadership by being among just a few companies to include transgender people in its national ads,” said GLAAD President Herndon Graddick. “Additionally, the company's statement that Gay is OK will reach millions and send an important message in support of equality.”

15-percent of all proceeds from the shirts benefits GLAAD's work to share stories that build support for equality.