Around The Nation

BSA Switches Phones To Auto-Answer System: FRC's Perkins Reacts By Publishing BSA Board's Direct Phone Numbers

WASHINGTON -- The Boy Scouts of America, which had asked for public input in reconsidering the organization's long-standing ban on LGBT scouts and troop leaders, on Monday, switched the organisation's incoming Service Desk line with human support to an automated system after being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of calls regarding the issue from supporters and opponents alike. Callers are now directed to make comments regarding the policy on the BSA's website

This action by the BSA was met with an outcry from the anti-gay Family Research Council's Tony Perkins who sent out an e-mail blast Wednesday asking FRC supporters to call BSA Executive Board members on their private and or direct phone numbers he provided along with a talking points guide:

Dear Supporter,

The phones are ringing off the wall.

If you've tried to get through to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), you know it's been tough. If you've wanted to express your concern about the BSA abandoning their longstanding policy of safeguarding Scouts by restricting openly homosexual Scout leaders from holding leadership positions, you may have been greeted by an endlessly ringing phone. This may be one instance in which the Boy Scouts were not prepared.

The BSA national leadership were not prepared for the thousands of Americans who were shocked to hear that an organization that could always be counted on for standing for what's right was about to cave-in to homosexual activists and corporations which have been threatening the organization's funding.

For generations, the BSA has shaped our nation's moral character by teaching young men to do their duty to God and country. This is why, when the BSA board begins its annual meeting on Monday of next week, it is so important that you keep the pressure on, to show them how devastating this moral collapse will be for the Scouts and the country.

Please call the members of the BSA Board of Directors (sample call script below) and kindly urge them to stand strong and true to their timeless values:

Select BSA Board Members:

• David L. Beck: (801) 240-1000

• R. Thomas Buffenbarger: (310) 967-4500

• Keith A. Clark: (717) 763-1121

• William F. "Rick" Cronk: (925) 283-7229

• John C. Cushman III: (904) 393-9020

• R. Michael Daniel: (412) 297-4989

• Jack D. Furst: (972) 982-8250

• T. Michael Goodrich: (205) 328-9445 ext. 200

• Earl G. Graves: (212) 242-8000

• Aubrey B. Harwell Jr.: (615) 244-1713

• Stephen Hemsley: (800) 328-5979

• Larry W. Kellner: (713) 468-4050

• Robert J. LaFortune: (918) 582-2981

• Joseph P. Landy: (212) 878-0600

• Francis R. McAllister: (406) 373-8700

• Scott D. Oki: (425) 454-2800

• Arthur F. Oppenheimer: (208) 343-4883

• Tico A. Perez: (407) 849-1235

• Robert H. Reynolds: (317) 231-7227

• Matthew K. Rose: (909) 386-4140

• Nathan O. Rosenberg: (949) 494-4553

• Roger M. Schrimp: (209) 526-3500

• Marshall M. Sloane: (781) 395-3000

• Rex W. Tillerson: (972) 444-1000

• David M. Weekley: (713) 659-8111

• Togo D. West, Jr.: (202) 775-1775

Sample Phone Script:

Hello, my name is _________, from __________.
Thank you for your service as a board member of the Boy Scouts of America.
As you're aware, a new proposal indicates that the Boy Scouts of America may revoke their longstanding policy of safeguarding Scouts by restricting homosexuals from holding leadership positions over boys. For decades, your national organization has kept the interest of the boys it serves as the focus of all its actions. No matter what, the Boy Scouts of America could be counted upon to do the right thing and not yield to any social pressure, and has thus far stood strong.
Please do not jeopardize the safety and moral integrity of Scouting in the interest of social activism. The proposal to relegate the decision on homosexual leaders to local chartered organizations sends the wrong signal from the national body: that political correctness ultimately triumphs over character.
Please retain the current long-held and time-tested policy regarding homosexual leadership and membership. America stands with you. Lead the way. Please stand strong.
Thank you, and God bless you.

Perkins closed the e-mail writing:

Together, we can make a difference in turning the tide and keeping an honorable organization on an honorable path.
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins
President, Family Research Council

District Of Columbia

Anti-Gay Groups Flood Supreme Court With Amicus Curiae Briefs Advising Against a Favourable Ruling in DOMA & Prop 8 Cases

WASHINGTON -- A month before the U. S. Supreme Court hears oral arguments in the two strategic same-sex marriage cases pending before it, over a dozen anti-gay organisations and their allies have filed Amicus Curiae briefs arguing that the court must rule against the overturn of Proposition 8. These groups are also advocating that the high court overturns a lower federal court's findings that the defence of marriage act, (DOMA) is unconstitutional.

The principal arguments laid forth by the groups are that homosexuality is a behavioural choice and as such cannot be treated under legal definitions applicable to immutable traits and natural order.

[...] “there is no fundamental right to marry a person of the same sex. As defined by courts ‘sexual orientation’ is not a classification that should trigger heightened scrutiny,” such as race or ethnicity would. 

The briefs also argue that “civil recognition of same-sex relationships is not deeply rooted in the Nation’s history and tradition—quite the opposite is true. Nor can the treatment of such relationships as marriages be said to be implicit in the concept of ordered liberty, such that neither liberty nor justice would exist if they were sacrificed.”

In a brief filed by the Westboro Baptist Church, instead of solely citing case law, which the other typical briefs were, along with other citations to “other authorities,” which would include sources like studies, articles, books, speeches, transcripts, etc. Westboro’s 66 citations under “Other Authorities,” included 36 Bible quotes.

Westboro's brief concluded with:

Same-sex marriage will destroy this nation. If the leaders of this country treat what God has called abominable as something to be respected, revered,and blessed with the seal of approval of the government, that will cross a final line with God. The harm that will befall this nation, when the condign destructive wrath of God pours out on a nation that purposefully, in a calculating manner, institutionalizes marriage licenses for same-sex unions, is the ultimate harm to the health, welfare and safety of the people. The government is duty bound – in this Christian nation – to institute the standard of God on marriage, and pass and uphold laws that forbid same-sex marriage.

Other briefs argued that since Gay men and lesbian women have not been treated to a history of discrimination based on a “trait.” "

"There is no evidence that such people have been discriminated against on the basis of a characteristic or a propensity. For example, in the enforcement of the criminal law prohibiting sodomy,there must be proof of an actus reus. 

Likewise, in the enforcement of the law of marriage, a homosexual pair is being denied a marriage license on the ground of sexual behavior, not sexual orientation. 

In short, Respondents have cited not law prohibiting homosexuality, that is, being sexually attracted to a person of the same sex. Homosexuals are discriminated against not because of who they are, but only for what some may choose to do."

Amicus Curiae Briefs filed so far were by: the Family Research Council, the Westboro Baptist Church, The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Eugene Delgaudio and the Public Advocate of the United States, Catholics for the Common Good, Citizens United’s National Committee for Family,Faith and Prayer, Citizens United Foundation, U.S.Justice Foundation, Gun Owners Foundation, The Lincoln Institute for Research and Education,Declaration Alliance,Western Center for Journalism, Institute on the Constitution, Abraham Lincoln Foundation for Public Policy Research, Inc., Conservative Legal Defense and Education Fund, English First, and Protect Marriage Maryland PAC.

Virginia

Virginia Lawmakers Approve Bill Allowing State's Universities To Fund Student Groups Who Discriminate

RICHMOND, VA -- The Virginia House of Delegates voted 80-19 today to approve HB1617, a bill that would allow a religious or political university student group to participate in what could be defined as discriminatory practises and still would require the school(s) to provide funding and access to campus facilities. All 19 votes against the bill were cast by Democrats. It now advances to the Senate for committee consideration.

According to the LGBT Equality Rights advocacy group Equality Virginia, the measure would make LGBT students particularly vulnerable to discrimination because universities’ protections for sexual orientation are not enforceable under Virginia law.

Think Progress blogger Zach Ford noted:

"Under this bill, though, even a KKK chapter could hypothetically form, use campus resources, and openly discriminate against non-white and non-Christian students on campus."

Text of VA HB1617:

[...]To the extent allowed by state and federal law:

1. A religious or political student organization may determine that ordering the organization’s internal affairs, selecting the organization’s leaders and members, defining the organization’s doctrines, and resolving the organization’s disputes are in furtherance of the organization’s religious or political mission and that only persons committed to that mission should conduct such activities; and 

2. No public institution of higher education that has granted recognition of and access to any student organization or group shall discriminate against any such student organization or group that exercises its rights pursuant to subdivision.

Equality Virginia noted that;

"While the First Amendment protects the right of student organizations to hold and advocate whatever ideas they choose, their discriminatory acts should not be entitled to government recognition and funding."

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, on a majority of its college campuses, student organizations must maintain a constitution that conforms to the university’s procedures, including its nondiscrimination policies.

Think Progress also reported:

"James Madison University requires that all organizations obey the “policies, rules, regulations, and standards of the university,” such as its nondiscrimination policy, which includes sexual orientation. 

The College of William & Mary offers similar protections and requires student groups be open to all students. Such policies are key because student organizations receive funding and use campus resources (like meeting spaces) that are funded by fees that all students pay; thus, all students deserve equal access to those campus clubs."

Nondiscrimination policies have become a source of contention for conservative Christian student groups who wish to exclude gay students from membership.

In the 2010 case Christian Legal Society v. Martinez, the U.S. Supreme Court narrowly answered this question in favor of nondiscrimination policies, ruling that “all-comers” policies are viewpoint neutral, and thus are no more unfair to Christian groups than any other student groups. Conservatives have argued, however that nondiscrimination policies allow for “hostile takeovers" in which students with opposing views infiltrate and assume power in the organization.

California Prop 8 Same-Sex Marriage Opponents Running Out Of Cash

Andrew Pugno

By Brody Levesque | SAN FRANCISCO, Calif, -- The principal advocacy group backing California's Prop 8, ProtectMarriage.com, [Which banned same-sex marriages in the state in 2008] is suffering serious fundraising shortfalls according to their attorney, Andrew Pugno.

Federal tax records showed a $2 million deficit in its legal fund at the end of 2011 - the third year in a row that expenses exceeded donations, and according to Pugno, the group is still $700,000 short in fundraising for covering its U. S. Supreme Court costs as the High Court prepares to hear arguments at the end of March in its first thorough review of same-sex marriage cases. The group said late Tuesday that it has since covered the 2011 shortfall.

SCOTUS is set to hear arguments covering both the Proposition 8 case and a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the federal law which defines marriage as between a man and a woman. A ruling is expected by the end of June.

In an interview published Tuesday with REUTERS, Pugno says that fundraising for ProtectMarriage.com has never been easy. However, he said he does not think changing attitudes are the problem.

"I don't detect a decrease in enthusiasm," he said. "What I detect is a certain degree of fatigue after having to essentially fight this issue non-stop since 2004, when the mayor in San Francisco started issuing marriage licenses."

Many legal analysts and Equality Rights activists think that the fund-raising fall-off is a result of donor fatigue, the dramatic rise in public support for same-sex marriage and the softening of some major gay marriage opponents, including the Mormon Church.

In an email to donors earlier this month the group said; "Unless the pace of donations starts to pick up right away, we could soon be forced over a financial cliff." 

Fred Karger, who ran for the GOP presidential nomination last year, and has been highly critical of the National Organisation for Marriage, (NOM) an early backer of Protectmarraige.com and whose led a concerted effort to make the shadowy fundraising efforts of NOM and other groups of anti same-sex marriage opponents public since 2008, said that he thinks that both individuals and institutions opposed to gay marriage are fearful of being associated with the cause. Karger thinks this may cause them to reconsider their positions.

Karger had noticed early on that tremendous financial support for ProtectMarriage.com during the initial push for Prop 8 was coming from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. According to freelance journalist Stephanie Mencimer writing for backpage.com Utah: 

Karger found Mormons everywhere in the Prop 8 campaign: as actors in the TV ads, as volunteers, organizers, and political consultants. Just as intriguing, he would discover eventually, the group that had done the lion's share of the work to get Prop 8 on the ballot to begin with, the National Organization for Marriage (NOM), also had deep ties to the Mormon Church—and the church itself had been engaged in a campaign to block gay marriage across the nation for more than a decade.

REUTERS reported that while the image-conscious Mormon church was one of the most visible Prop 8 supporters, one the church came under fire from LGBT advocacy groups and their allies, Mormon fundraising to oppose same-sex marriage plummeted.

Karger exposed donors and worked the press. He tipped off the Wall Street Journal about the Mormons' involvement, and in September 2008 the paper broke the story. And he kept finding new ways to hound his adversaries: In monitoring post-election campaign finance reports, he noticed that the Mormon church was only reporting $2,078 in non-monetary contributions to the Prop 8 effort.

Karger filed a formal complaint with the California Fair Political Practices Commission, a move that prompted a church spokesperson to claim that the church had spent "zero dollars" on Prop 8. Two months later the church filed a new report saying it had given $190,000 worth of non-monetary contributions in the few days before the election (after the filing deadline for the earlier report). California election officials are continuing to investigate. 

As he made a name for himself in the Prop 8 fight, Karger began getting anonymous tips about the church leadership. One of those tips led him to a treasure trove of internal church documents that laid out a remarkably organized campaign to fight gay marriage nationwide. The church, Karger realized, had been involved in this fight—quietly, but very effectively—for much longer than he'd thought. 

The possibility that the Supreme Court will strike down all same-sex marriage bans has created problems for donors who don't want to waste their money, Pugno told REUTERS. But donors would be energized, he said, if ProtectMarriage.com wins the case.

"I think our support would be strengthened by the assurance to donors that their vote would matter," Pugno said.

Three Quarters Of Irish Voters Approve Of Same-Sex Marriage

Moninne Griffith via Twitter

By Brody Levesque | DUBLIN, Ireland -- As the Constitutional Convention met in Dublin to discuss reforms to the Irish Republic's constitution this past weekend, a 2012 year end poll showed increased support for the issue of same-sex marriage, which is one of the legal reforms being discussed by delegates.

The poll, carried out by Millward Brown Lansdowne for the Irish LGBT Equality Rights advocacy group Marriage Equality, found that 75% of Irish voters in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation would vote yes in a referendum to extend civil marriage to same sex couples – an increase of 12% from previous research in 2008. Marriage equality has been placed on the official agenda for Ireland's Constitutional Convention discussions scheduled for mid-April.

In a statement released Monday, Marriage Equality's Director Moninne Griffith said; 

“Public support for marriage equality has increased year on year.  When we began our work in 2006, 51% of people believed same sex couples should be allowed to marry.  That figure has grown 25% in just 6 years, to a full three quarters of the population today.  People all over Ireland know that marriage equality is about truly Irish values like justice, equality, fairness, and respect for each other. This is our chance to do the right thing, and be leaders in the movement for marriage equality.  The polling shows Irish people want this.  Ireland is ready, with a strong majority of Irish people who think same sex couples should have the right to marry the person they love.”

Griffith added:

“Now is the time for marriage equality. This Convention is the opportunity for us as a country to take the next step as a modern, democratic country that has respect for diversity and that believes in equality for all families.  We look forward to working with the members of the Constitutional Convention to protect same sex couples and families, and to ensure that they are treated equally under the law by enshrining marriage equality in the Irish Constitution.”

Poll Results:

EQUAL RIGHTS REGARDLESS OF SEXUALITY

84% - more than 8 out of 10 - people agree that everyone in Ireland should receive equal treatment from the state, regardless of whether they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or heterosexual.

•    90% agreement among 25-34 year olds

•    88% agreement among parents

In 2008 this figure was 81%.

DENYING CIVIL MARRIAGE TO SAME SEX COUPLES IS DISCRIMINATORY AND UNFAIR

72% - nearly 3 out of 4 – people believe that denying civil marriage to same sex couples is a form of discrimination.

•    84% of 25-34 year olds agree

•    single people (79%) and parents (78%) are more likely to agree

In 2008 this figure was 63% - an increase of over 10%.

THE GOVERNMENT AND CIVIL MARRIAGE

71% of people believe that the Irish Government should amend the law to provide access to civil marriages for same-sex couples.  (“The Government should amend the law to provide access to civil marriages for same-sex couples”)

In 2008 this figure was just over half the population – an increase of nearly 20%.  (“Gay and lesbian couples should be allowed to marry in a registry office”)

2 out of 3 people agree Ireland’s reputation as a modern society will be strengthened by allowing same sex couples to have civil marriages.

3 out of 5 people agree that allowing same sex couples to have civil marriages will promote a more tolerant environment in Ireland.

A REFERENDUM

75% of people (aged 18+) said they would vote yes in a referendum to extend civil marriage to same sex couples

In 2008 this figure was 63% - an increase of 12%.

Support is highest among women, 18 to 34 year olds, parents and unmarried cohabiting couples.

Breakdown by Age 2012 2008

18-24 88% 81%

25-34 84% 75%

35-49 82% 70%

50-64 74% 52%

Over 65 43% 27%

The biggest increases in support came from farmers (60% - up from 32% in 2008) and those aged 50-64 (74% - up from 52% in 2008).

LESBIAN AND GAY PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN

When asked about same-sex couples and their children…

•    69% of people agree that being raised in a loving home by loving parents is a more significant factor for a child’s well-being than being raised by a mother and a father

•    60% agree that the definition of a family in the Irish Constitution should change to include same-sex families

•    54% agree that same-sex couples should be legally allowed to jointly adopt a child

NOTE:

2008 sample included respondents aged 15+.  

2012 sample included respondents aged 16+/18+ (for voting questions)

Around The Nation

New LGBT Friendly Legislation Introduced In Nebraska As State's Main University Offers Same-Sex Health Care Benefits

By Chris Dyer | LINCOLN, Neb. — As the 2013 legislative session in Nebraska commenced last week with three LGBT-friendly bills introduced for debate, the University of Nebraska announced it plans to offer health care benefits for the university’s partnered same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
In the legislature, state Sen. Sarah Howard (D-Omaha), introduced state bill LB 380, a measure that would lift a ban that prohibits same-sex couples from becoming adoptive parents; Sen. Jeremy Nordquist (D-Omaha) introduced state bill LB 385, which would allow same-sex couples to become foster parents via the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
A third measure (LB 485), introduced by Sen. Danielle Conrad (D-Lincoln), would extend protections to people based on sexual orientation under the state’s non-discrimination law.
Conrad told LGBTQ Nation that she believes that the time has come to try and pass this bill. The last time a similar measure bill was introduced in 2007 and failed to gain passage in a floor vote.
Conrad’s bill does not extend protections based on gender identity.
The bills have been referred to the Judiciary Committee; Nebraska’s GOP Governor Dave Heineman has not indicated whether he supports the bills, or if he would sign them into law if passed.
Also last week, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln reported that 71 people had signed up for the “PlusOne” employee benefit program, which extends insurance benefits to same-sex and opposite-sex partners who share the employee’s household and with whom the employee is financially interdependent.
Family coverage extends to the partner’s dependent children. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, sick and bereavement leave and eligibility for the Dependent Scholarship Program.
University spokeswomen Melissa Lee noted that adopting the “PlusOne” program would bring the university in line with the practices of comparable higher education institutions.
Nationally, more than 300 higher education institutions offer partner benefits, including public universities and systems in at least 30 states and most of the highly ranked research institutions, according to Lee.

Around The Nation

Workplace Protections For State LGBT Employees Passes Virginia Senate

RICHMOND, VA -- Virginia bill SB701 to protect state LGBT employees from workplace discrimination has passed in the Senate by a 24-16 vote. The bill introduced by Senators Donald McEachin and co-sponsored by Senator Adam Ebbin extends protections for sexual orientation and gender identity and expression. The bill has also received support from 46 co-patrons in both in the House and Senate.

"We're going to press forward with this momentum," said Senator Ebbin. "No state employee should ever doubt Virginia's commitment to equal opportunity employment for all. This assures state employees that they will be judged solely on their merits and that discrimination has no place in Virginia." 

Senator McEachin told LGBT advocacy group Equality Virginia after the vote:

“SB701 is about fairness and all Virginians deserve equal opportunity, justice and fairness,” McEachin said. “The people must continue to lead the legislature and remind the House that Virginia is an open state and welcoming to all folks as we move this bill ahead.”

Equality Virginia notes that a majority of the state's top 25 private employers already provide similar protections. Only 21 states provide broad employment protections to public and private gay and lesbian workers. Five fewer states grant such protections to transgender employees.

Oregon Set To Cover Transgender Youths Under Medicaid

Jenn Burleton via TransActive Education & Advocacy

By Chris Dyer | SALEM, OR -- Last Friday, the Portland-based TransActive Education & Advocacy group's executive director Jenn Burleton announced that Oregon will become the first state in the nation to offer medically necessary transition-related care to transgender youth covered under Medicaid.

According to Burleton, beginning October 1, 2014, services covered by the new health care plan will include not only mental health counseling and pediatric evaluation, but also medication, procedures, and follow-up care related to the suppression of puberty.

"Pubertal suppression provides transgender adolescents the option of avoiding unwanted, irreversible, and deeply distressing changes that come with birth-sex pubertal development," said Burleton in a statement. "Far too often trans adolescents experience increased suicidal ideation as a result of these changes and the indifference of others about the impact these changes have on trans youth."

Burleton noted that while such treatments are effective, they can also be prohibitively expensive. Out-of-pocket costs can reach $1,000 a month, putting the lifesaving treatment out of reach of many Oregon families, reports PQ.

But treatments, while effective, aren’t cheap. Out-of-pocket costs for pubertal suppression treatment can reach $1,000 a month, Burleton says, making it impossible for many families to afford this life-saving care.

“Thanks to this common sense, safe, and medically-recommended action by the Oregon Health Plan, lives will be saved,” Burleton said. “TransActive is extremely grateful to have been able to play a part in this victory.”

Specifically, the OHP will cover hormonal treatment to delay the onset or continuation of puberty in gender questioning children and adolescents no earlier than Tanner stage 2-3. A comprehensive mental health evaluation is required, and ongoing psychological care is recommended. 

The new guidelines will additionally require a comprehensive mental health evaluation and recommends ongoing psychological care for the gender-variant youth.

Top Headlines from LGBTQNation Magazine

White House still says marriage not a federal issue

Obama’s inaugural address sends Fischer off on another anti-gay rant

Calif. congresswoman re-introduces Juror Non-Discrimination Act

Marriage equality bill approved in committee, heads to vote in RI House

Protest against Russia’s proposed ‘gay propaganda’ law turns violent

Karl Lagerfeld supports same-sex marriage in lesbian couture

Rhode Island House committee expected to vote on same-sex marriage today

Atlanta man sues after Georgia rejects ‘GAYGUY’ license plate

Montana to consider bill to repeal outdated law that criminalizes gay sex

Bill protecting Virginia LGBT state employees moves to Senate floor

Around The Nation

Washington

Boeing Aircraft Company Changes Course On Same-Sex Survivor Benefits

CHICAGO, IL -- The aircraft manufacturing giant Boeing has altered its policies on providing survivor pension benefits to same-sex couples during negotiations with union representatives this week.

During extensive contract negotiations last November, Boeing executives told the union negotiators that since pensions are governed by federal law, which does not recognize same-sex marriages under the provisions of the Defence Of Marriage Act, it was the company's stance that even with passage Washington’s marriage equality law by voters, the federal law would override the state statue.

Friday, a union spokesperson acknowledged that in the latest round of contract negotiations between the Professional Engineering Employees in the Aerospace division and Boeing executives produced an agreement to the following language:

“Recognizing Boeing’s commitment to equality without regard to sexual orientation, Boeing will extend pension survivor benefits to all spouses, as defined under either State or Federal law whichever defines the same sex person as a spouse.”

“We are satisfied that this language protects same-sex spouses,” Ray Goforth, executive director of SPEEA’s IFPTE Local 2001, said.

The local represents 23,000 Boeing engineers and technical workers, most of whom are employed in Boeing plants in Washington State.

Last fall after the aircraft manufacturer initially denied the benefits, an online petition urging the company at Change.org to grant them received over 79K in signatures.

Although Boeing and the union reached agreement on the survivor benefits, the two sides are still far apart on other wage and working benefits according to the union.

Around The Nation

California

California Synagogue Takes Action Against Boy Scouts Anti-gay Policy

LAFAYETTE, CA -- The board of directors at Temple Isaiah in Lafayette, California has become the latest group to reject the Boy Scouts Of America's anti-gay policies. 

The board of directors voted unanimously this week to take action against the BSA, including recommending that the rabbinical staff and synagogue members write letters stating their opposition to the policy along with withdrawing financial support and refusing to participate in scouting events.

A statement on the Temple Isaiah website read:

“The Board of Directors of Temple Isaiah voted unanimously Tuesday night to express its opposition to the Boy Scouts of America’s decision to disqualify participants because of sexual orientation."

The Board policy calls for a letter writing campaign to the local and national BSA councils, as well as encouraging Temple members and other community organizations to join in the effort to enact change through letters, financial pressure, postponing participation and supporting movements such as Scouts for Equality.

The board also is going to tell staff and others to not write Eagle Scout recommendations, or allow religious awards for the BSA until the policy is changed. 

“The Temple Isaiah Board supports the clergy’s current policy of not writing Eagle Scout recommendations, or signing off on religious awards for the Boy Scouts until the BSA membership policy is changed. 

Though we cannot change the Scouts’ national policy, we can work hard within and outside Temple Isaiah’s walls to create an awareness of the damaging consequences of such policies on all our youth and on our communities,” Rabbi Roberto Graetz said in a statement.

In July 2012 the Boy Scouts of America announced it would retain its ban on gay members, volunteers and staff.

Washington

Seattle Megachurch Moves Next To City's Beloved LGBTQ Neighborhood

SEATTLE, WA -- A Seattle megachurch that has publicly stated that it believes that homosexuality is a "sin" and that its intention has been to "save sinners through the love of Jesus Christ" has moved into a former night club building located adjacent to the city's LGBTQ neighborhood.

LGBTQ equality activists and some of the city's gay leaders are calling the church's intentions behind its announcemnet suspect.

In a press release, the Mars Hill church's lead pastor, Tim Gaydos said:

“This is an incredible opportunity to be a ministry hub for downtown Seattle as it will allow us to better serve the business men and women in our city, as well as the homeless and marginalized, as we're closer to one of our ministry partners, Seattle’s Union Gospel Mission. Also, being closer to Capitol Hill is a blessing as we are serving and ministering to those who are infected with AIDS on the hill.”

A source with Seattle's Lifelong AIDS Alliance, the Seattle-based advocacy group that serves people with HIV/AIDS, speaking on the condition of anonymity, noted that a red flag is immediately raised given  that Mars Hill's recently set means of "ministering to those infected by AIDS" has been to "pray the gay away."

The source "wondered whether the church has any real intentions to provide support to people who are HIV-positive or if it just intends to evangelize against the gay community."

Washington State commenced issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in December after the state voted in favor of marriage equality in a historic 2012 general election.

Colorado Pastor: Government Must 'Remove the Abomination from the Land'

By Brody Levesque | MONUMENT, CO -- The pastor of an independent Presbyterian church located a few miles northeast of this suburban Colorado Springs town told a local television station's news team that he equates homosexuals to child molesters, cannibals, rapists.

Pastor David Beuhner, of Christ the King Church, is calling for discrimination against the LGBTQ community as Colorado lawmakers revisit same-sex marriage equality this legislative session.

"If we embrace homosexuality, we'll destroy society, we'll destroy families, we'll destroy everything. It's not just that God hates homosexuals, there's a reason why he hates it. If you break natural laws-- you say you don't believe in gravity, you jump off a building, you're gonna die." 

Beuhner is not only decrying the efforts of lawmakers and advocates for same-sex civil unions in the state, he is also calling for discrimination against gays.

"The word of god is quite clear. He's destroyed every culture that has embraced homosexuality. The sin is similar to that of cannibalism and child molestation in the sense that it's a sin against society," Beuhner said. 

"I'm calling for discrimination against adulterers, rapists, murderers, homosexuals. Yes, we must discriminate as a society."

Charles Irwin, director of the Colorado Springs Pride Center told KOAA- which reported that Buehner’s comments are causing a national stir;

It's a view members of the local LGBT community find insulting but not surprising. "This is just par for the course for individuals that try to put fear into the LGBT community and spread hate,"he said.

Beuhner says his rhetoric isn't hate but love, warning gays of the destruction they'll bring to all if they don't repent. He's even calling on lawmakers to remove homosexuals from society, saying they'll also pay the price at the golden gates if they don't fall in line.

"God's law to the civil magistrate in terms of homosexuality says you should remove the abomination from the land, so that's God's instruction to the people who work up in the capitol who make our laws. That's what they're going to be held accountable for," he said.

Irwin says this won't shake the LGBT community's spirit or work at the capitol, and he doesn't blame Christians for perpetuating the LGBT struggle.

"86% [of Christians] don't believe that discrimination is good and they're not going to do that. They're for equality and it's just an old concept and an old way of thinking and it's becoming a minority," Irwin said.

According to Buehner, he and his co-host Pastor Kevin Swanson, also support the Ugandan “kill the gays” bill and laws from the pilgrim era that criminalised homosexuality.

Around The Nation

RHODE ISLAND: Hundreds Rally At Capitol For Against Same-Sex Marriage

Anti-Gay Marriage Protest Inside Rhode Island Capitol Building

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- While hundreds of supporters of same-sex marriage equality assembled at the Rhode Island Statehouse Tuesday to urge lawmakers to make Rhode Island the 10th state to allow same-sex couples to wed — and the last to do so in New England; downstairs in the capitol's rotunda a raucous rally of opponents to same-sex marriage opponents at times created enough noise as to drown out persons testifying in a third-floor committee room before the legislative committee reviewing the bill.

Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox, who is gay, has called for a vote on same-sex marriage legislation in his chamber by month's end, making Rhode Island the latest state after voters in Maine, Maryland and Washington approved same-sex marriage last November.

While nearly 300 supporters and opponents signed up to address the legislative committee— they were limited to 2 minutes each to keep the hearing from going all night— hundreds more gathered in the hallways outside the hearing.

Testimony included the state's Governor, Lincoln Chafee, who has expressed public support for the measure and Rhode Island's Treasurer Gina Raimondo, a Democrat, who also voiced her support;

"I'm here as your treasurer, but I'm really here as a mother and wife," said Raimondo. "Every Rhode Islander deserves the same rights that we have."

Others warned lawmakers that allowing same-sex marriage would erode social norms and urged them to protect the current definition of marriage.

The Roman Catholic Church, which maintains a heavy presence in this predominately Catholic state opposes the legislation on religious grounds — and more practical ones. The Rev. Bernard Healey told lawmakers that the Providence Diocese is concerned Catholic schools and charitable organizations could be forced to change their employee benefit policies if compelled to recognize the same-sex spouses of employees.

"We are here to defend and support the longstanding definition of marriage... as the exclusive and lasting relationship of a man and a woman," Healey said. "Using the law to alter or redefine marriage is an injustice to those who have embraced this way of life."

Supporters in Rhode Island expect the measure will pass the Democrat-controlled House but concede the state Senate is more challenging. Senate President Teresa Paiva Weed, a Newport Democrat, is a same-sex marriage opponent but has said she will allow a committee vote on the legislation should it pass the House. She said Tuesday that she would not vote for the legislation as it's currently written.

State lawmakers have already passed civil unions for same-sex couples, and Chafee has previously signed an executive order recognizing same-sex marriages performed in other states.

Wyoming

Same Sex Marriage Bill Receives Bi-Partisan Support; Lawmakers Also Introduce Bill Adding Sexual Orientation And Gender Identity To State’s Anti-Discrimination Statues

CHEYENNE, WY -- Two same sex marriage/civil union bills introduced this week by the state's only openly lesbian lawmaker, Representative Cathy Connolly (D-Laramie) are receiving bipartisan support.

Connolly is sponsoring House Bill 168, which broadens domestic partnerships and accompanying bill House Bill 169, which defines marriage as a civil contract between "two natural persons," rather than between a man and a woman, as the state statute currently reads.

Speaking with reporters Monday Connolly said,

"This bill [House Bill 168] allows same-sex couples to register into a domestic partnership, where they are allowed the same rights as spouses."

The bill replaces the word "spouse" in state statutes with the phrase "domestic partnership." Although minors can get married, they are not allowed to enter a domestic partnership, the measure reads. The bill also separates domestic partnership from religion because the registration and filing is done with the county clerk rather than by clergy.

"It's fine for same-sex couples to go to their churches, but they don't get registered or officiated with a minister or rabbi," Connolly said. 

Connolly said other states have found that a domestic partnership, which joins the incomes of couples for any government means testing, saves the state money through lower welfare payments. 

Bipartisan support

Rep. Sue Wallis, R-Recluse, is a co-sponsor of both bills. She cited Section 2, Article 1 of the Wyoming Constitution, which reads: "In their inherent right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, all members of the human race are equal."

She also cited a second section that prohibits arbitrary power.

Those two sections do not say, "All people except those who believe differently than I do," Wallis said.

"Basically, I don't think it's any of the government's business, and we as a Legislature should not be inhibiting the liberty of other free people," Wallis said.

According to the Jackson Hole Daily, GOP Reps. Keith Gingery and Ruth Ann Petroff of Jackson are also in support of Connolly's two bills.

"It's a basic human rights and fairness issue," Petroff told the Daily. "It's a basic constitutional issue. There should just be no reason why same-sex couples shouldn't have the same rights as everyone else."

Gingery said the number of gay couples is increasing and their rights aren't clear under current state law. He said allowing gay marriage would be the best solution because it plugs gay marriage into the state's existing legal framework for marriage.

Lawmakers have considered bills allowing gay unions three times since 2007, but none of them passed.

Last year, legislators considered but ultimately rejected a bill barring recognition of out-of-state, same-sex marriages.

Anti-Discrimination Measure

Connolly also is a co-sponsor to an anti-discrimination bill sponsored by State Senator Chris Rothfuss (D-Laramie). The bill would include sexual orientation or gender identification to the state's anti-discrimination statutes. In the past, Connolly said, legislators heard testimony by people involved in enforcing fair employment practice laws who said they had to turn people away who claimed discrimination because of their sexual orientation.

"It's egregious, egregious action," Connolly said. "We want economic development in this state with high-end companies with high-end jobs," Connolly said. 

"And these companies not only want good roads and broadband and high-quality education, they want anti-discrimination laws. They don't want their gay and lesbian employees discriminated against in the community."

The bill was introduced Wednesday. The last day for legislators to submit their bills to the Legislative Service Office is January 28.

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Georgia

New Year's Eve Party Stabbing Case Suspect Now Investigated As Potential Victim

Luke O'Donovan via LetLukeGo.com

ATLANTA, GA -- Atlanta Police investigators are expanding their case involving a 19 year old male who identifies himself as queer- who was charged with five felony charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.  Police now say that they are looking to include the possibility of Luke O'Donovan also being a victim in the New Year's Eve incident in suburban Atlanta.

O'Donovan, who is currently being held without bond, was also stabbed several times during the altercation and treated at Atlanta Medical Center before he was transported to Fulton County Jail.

In an Atlanta Police report released three days after the incident, police investigators wrote that witnesses told responding officers that a fight broke out among five or six men on Jan. 1 "over a discussion regarding sexuality" that allegedly led to several men being stabbed.

"All witnesses stated they observed a group of five to six males fighting in the back yard of 239 Gibson St. SE over a discussion regarding sexuality. The fight quickly escalated when the suspect, Mr. Luke O'Donovan pulled out a knife. Witnesses said that the victims were attempting to stop Mr. O'Donovan when they were stabbed," the APD report states.

Amanda Fulton, a spokesperson for an ad hoc group of O'Donovan's friends- Support Luke Defense Committee [letlukego.com]- who are seeking his release from custody told LGBTQNation Tuesday that "O'Donovan was berated with homophobic slurs after being seen dancing with and kissing other males. Later that evening, O'Donovan was viciously attacked by a mob. The large group inflicted several stab wounds on him, but he was able to fight his way out and to escape the crowd. Fulton added that witnesses have come forward and stated that the mob's intent was to kill O'Donovan that night."

A spokesperson for the Atlanta police department, Kim Jones, told The Georgia Voice Monday that a detective is working on whether O'Donovan was a victim in the incident. Jones added that investigators are also continuing to investigate the case with O'Donovan as the defendant.

A witness, who would only identify himself as Richard, told GA Voice that a man came up to O'Donovan at the party and called him a "faggot."

The alleged weapon, a stainless steel switchblade with a 3-inch blade and a wooden handle, was later recovered at an intersection of about a half-mile from the location of the incident. A person passing by found it next to a stop sign and after seeing news reports of the stabbings reported it to police. Police said the knife had blood and flesh on it. 

O'Donovan's preliminary hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 16. Noah Pines, a local criminal lawyer who is representing O'Donovan noted that he would seek bond for his client.

"Wednesday is the preliminary hearing and hopefully we will have a chance to seek bond at that time," said Pines. O'Donovan was initially denied bond.

O'Donovan has not spoken to officers with the Atlanta Police Department about his case, Pines added.

"It is my understanding a separate detective has been assigned to investigate this case with Luke being the victim, which he was in this case," Pines said. “He had at least five people attacking him."

House Votes To Increase Spending On DOMA To $3 Million

By Brody Levesque | WASHINGTON -- The House of Representatives' continuing effort to defend the Defense of Marriage Act,(DOMA) barring same-sex marriage equality will soon reach $3 million. The GOP majority led Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group has spent $1.7 million paying the Washington based law firm of Bancroft LLC firm- as outside legal counsel- to intervene in 14 separate federal challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act after the  since the U.S. Justice Department was ordered to stop defending the law in federal court(s) after the Obama administration found the law unconstitutional two years ago in the spring of 2011.

A spokesperson for the House Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group confirmed that Republican Congresswoman Candice Miller of Michigan signed an updated contract with the law firm to increase the spending cap to $3 million. Previously, the cap was $2,750,000. 

The revised contract comes on the heels of House Republican leaders who earlier this month acted to insert language to the Opening Day Rules Package establishing that "The Bipartisan Legal advisory Group continues to speak for, and articulate the institutional position of, the House in all litigation matters in which it appears, including in Windsor v. United States."

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear Windsor V. United States, a challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act brought upon by Edie Windsor, a widowed lesbian, this coming March.

The revised contract which includes the signatures Bancroft firm partner Paul Clement and Kerry Kircher, general counsel for the House of Representatives reads in part:

"It is further understood and agreed that, effective January 4, 2013, the aforementioned $2,750,000.00 cap may be raised from time to time up to, but not exceeding, $3,000,000.00, up on written notice of the General Counsel to the Contractor specifying that the General Counsel is legally liable."

The contract's language, citing that BLAG represented the entire House has infuriated Democrats who are opposed to any further spending in defence of DOMA.

A request for comment regarding the increased DOMA spending by BLAG from House Speaker John Boehner, (R-OH) was instead referred to the House Administration Committee  who did not respond.

LGBTQ Life

Student Uses English Class Essay Assignment To Come Out; Teacher Rewards Him With Heartfelt Comments

NEW YORK, NY -- Assigned to write an essay about “the weight that I carry daily” for his English class, a young student chose to come out to this teacher. Posted on Imgur.com, the letter reads in full: 

Dear Mrs [Name redacted],

I wish to write to you about the biggest thing I carry. I’ve been carrying this since middle school and it’s a been a huge weight on me since I discovered it. The knowledge of my sexuality has been with me for about six years now, and it was a burden for a great deal of time.

It wasn’t until recently that I started to slowly lift this off of my shoulders. I’ve carried this for so long because of fear. I’m afraid of certain people finding this weight. I’m afraid of them finding the weight and thinking differently of me. Thinking negatively of me. Hating me. That’s why I carry it. I just don’t want to be hated. Or even worse, kicked out of people’s lives.

I want things to stay the same, but I want to get rid of this weight. It’s weighing me down and keeping me from greater things, but again that fear comes into play and makes me think differently. The fear forces me to burden myself by carrying it even longer.

Thankfully I’ve been able to set down minute portions of it, by sharing the knowledge that I’m not “normal” per society. I’ve received mixed emotions. Some couldn’t care less about the knowledge. Some liked me even more for it. And ultimately, some detest me for it.

But I care not for those who detest the knowledge. They can go off into their sad little world full of bigoted hate. I couldn’t care less for them. I’ve been able to shave off a great deal of what I carry, but sadly, a bit remains. The bit that is reserved for my family.

They will be the hardest ones to share the knowledge with, for I don’t know how they will accept it. I have no idea if they will think nothing of it, or if they will reject the love I offer them and disown me as their son, or brother, or nephew.

That, like much of this cold, dark world, can finally remove this weight from me, liberate my world, is the first great victory in my life. That is the day I just can’t wait to see.

Best regards,

[Name redacted]

PS – The main reason I’ve waited so long to tell you this is I just felt uncomfortable writing you this letter, and that I really didn’t know how it would be responded to. I apologize for any inconvenience that my selfish feelings may have caused. Thank you for reading this. It’s a grant step in my journey.

The teacher added a note: “I am honored to be a witness to this weight being lifted off. You are an amazing, dynamic, compassionate, ‘with it’ young man who will give the world a gift just by you being you offering your love and spirit. If people choose not to be comfortable with your honesty – their loss my friend – their loss.” 

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Kentucky 

Vicco, Kentucky Approves LGBT Fairness Law

Appalachian town becomes 4th KY city to pass Fairness protections, 1st in a decade

VICCO, KY -- The Appalachian town of Vicco, Kentucky Monday approved the state's first lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) anti-discrimination Fairness ordinance in a decade. The measure, which prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations based upon a person's actual or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity, received support from three of the city's four-member commission and Mayor Johnny Cummings. 

Vicco joins three other cities in the commonwealth with anti-discrimination Fairness protections--Covington, which passed an ordinance in 2003, Lexington, and Louisville, which both approved laws in 1999. 

Situated in the southern tip of Perry County in the Appalachian mountain region, Vicco was incorporated in 1964 and currently boasts a population of 334 residents, according to 2010 U.S. Census data. It is nestled in the heart of coal country and was originally named for Virginia Iron Coal and Coke Company, a large land business still operating in the region.

"Vicco is a community that believes all folks should be treated fairly," shared Vicco City Attorney Eric Ashley. "We believe everyone deserves the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Fairness is a Kentucky value, a Vicco value, and one of our most American values."

Vicco's passage of a Fairness law comes on the heels of several other Kentucky communities' movements towards anti-discrimination protections through work with the Fairness Coalition of the American Civil Liberties Union of Kentucky (ACLU-KY), Fairness Campaign, Kentucky Commission on Human Rights, Kentucky Fairness Alliance, and Lexington Fairness. In November, grassroots movements for Fairness began in Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and Shelbyville, joining those already under way in Berea and Richmond.

According to a 2010 survey by The Schapiro Group, 83% of Kentuckians support anti-discrimination Fairness protections, which have been proposed in the Kentucky General Assembly for more than ten years without debate. Lexington Senator Kathy Stein has introduced Statewide Fairness Senate Bill 28 in the 2013 legislative session. Louisville Representative Mary Lou Marzian will introduce an identical bill in the House along with an anti-bullying/harassment law for Kentucky schools. Fairness supporters from all across the commonwealth will rally at the Capitol in Frankfort Wednesday, February 20.

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Tennesee

LifeWay Research Poll: Americans Who Believe Being Gay Is A Sin- No Longer The Majority

NASHVILLE, TN -- In a poll taken this past November and released Thursday by LifeWay Research- which is affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention- found that 37-percent of those Americans polled said “yes” when asked if homosexual behavior is a sin. 45-percent said no and 17-percent answered that they did not know.

Researchers said that this reflected a considerable shift in attitudes from the previous year's poll, taken in September 2011, when 44-percent said homosexuality was a sin, 43-percent said no and 13-percent didn't know.

According to Reverend Cindy Andrews-Looper of Holy Trinity Community Church in Nashville, whose congregation has a significant number of LGBTQ persons, the polling data was not a shock.

Andrews-Looper's church first opened in the mid 1990's and a considerable amount of her flock who identified as LGBTQ were in the closet.

In an interview with The Tennessean, Andrews-Looper said that being an LGBTQ person isn’t any more sinful that being left-handed.

“Jesus didn’t come into the world to condemn anyone,” she said. “To use the gospel to condemn anyone is missing the point.”

Researchers also noted that persons who answered that they believe being gay is a sin were Americans who attend church at least once a week or identify themselves as Evangelical.

The shift in attitudes about gay people likely cost an Evangelical minister from Atlanta the chance to pray at President Obama’s second inauguration. The Rev. Louie Giglio of Passion City Church in Atlanta had been asked to give the benediction. He withdrew after an anti-gay sermon of his surfaced on in the internet.

“Due to a message of mine that has surfaced from 15-20 years ago, it is likely that my participation, and the prayer I would offer will be dwarfed by those seeking to make their agenda the focal point of the inauguration,” he said in a statement. ~ The Tennessean

LifeWay’s Ed Stetzer predicted more future conflicts like that one.

“The culture is clearly shifting on homosexuality and this creates a whole new issue: How will America deal with a minority view, strongly held by Evangelicals, Catholics, Mormons, Muslims, and so many others?” he said in a statement.

North Carolina

North Carolina Cafe Owner Gave Letter Condemning Homosexuality To Lesbian Couple

Photo courtesy of WCTI News Channel 12, New Bern, NC

NEW BERN, NC -- A lesbian couple, Ariel and Shawnee McPhail, claimed that as they left The Stingray Café, in New Bern, NC on December 4 after they finished their meal, the owner came up to them and handed them a letter that stated God's opposition to homosexuality. The hand written letter read in part:

"God said in the last days that man and wom[a]n would be lover of self, more [than] the lover of God. That man and woman would have unnatural [affection] for one another. Then, the coming of the Son of Man, who is Jesus. 

So please, look at your life. See how it hurt[s] everyone around you. And ask the Lord to open your eye[s] before it [is] to[o] late. The Love of Christ P.S. my daughter also was gay. It destroy[ed] her life and my grandson." 

Ed McGovern, the owner of the cafe, told local television station WCTI, that he gave the couple that letter, out of love, and that he did something similar to another lesbian couple in the past.

McGovern said he wrote the letter because he did not approve of the McPhails kissing outside of his restaurant. But the couple denied doing it. 

"First of all, we didn't kiss. We don't kiss in public. We were holding hands," said Shawnee McPhail. "Secondly, if I did kiss my wife in public, what married couple would you go to and say, 'how dare you. You cannot hold hands and you cannot kiss in public therefore you deserve my judgement.'" 

The couple said everyone has the right to his or her opinion, but what McGovern did crossed the line. "If we're experiencing it, then other people are too and that's not fair," said Ariel McPhail.