Pink Paper Xtra 23 December 2011

	‘Lesbian vampire killer’ to be released after 20 years An Australian woman dubbed the ‘lesbian vampire killer’ is to walk free after serving twenty years of a life sentence.
	Bachmann heckled by ‘gay robot’ during campaign Michele Bachmann has been heckled by a ‘gay robot’ during one of the last stops of her Iowa campaign tour.
	Chicago cardinal compares gay rights to Ku Klux Klan A Chicago cardinal is under fire from gay rights groups following a comment that compared the gay rights movement to the Ku Klux Klan.
	Tennessee private school bans homosexuality A Christian school in America has updated its policies to ban gays and any mention of homosexuality.
	Newt Gingrich tells gay man to ‘vote for Obama’ Newt Gingrich, has told a gay man to “vote for Obama” when asked how he would engage gay Americans to support his presidential campaign.
	‘Missing’ Malaysian fears return home following gay union A Malaysian student says he fears for his safety if he were to return home, following his gay wedding to an Irish man.
	Lesbian couple share first gay kiss at US Navy homecoming Two US sailors have become the first gay couple to share the traditional dockside ‘first kiss’ since the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

George Michael Gives Emotional Statement Outside London Home, Says He Almost Died from Pneumonia

George Michael Gives Emotional Statement Outside London Home, Says He Almost Died from Pneumonia: VIDEO

An out-of-breath, emotional and physically fragile George Michael gave a brief press conference outside his London home today to speak about the pneumonia that almost killed him and explain to fans and the press why he tried to keep it quiet.
Said Michael: "It was by far the worst month of my life, but I am incredibly, incredibly fortunate to be here – and to have picked up the bug where I did...I got streptococca-something … It's a form of pneumonia and they spent three weeks keeping me alive basically."

Michael thanked all the fans who sent him support and the medical staff that kept him alive.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Posted 11:40 AM EST

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2011/12/gm.html#ixzz1hPVgm3zQ

Gay Marriage Watch 12/23/11

Hi all,
Welcome to the Gay Marriage Watch daily summary of the latest marriage equality news, with links to each of our posted articles. To see the whole blog, click here:
http://www.purpleunions.com/blog
To see today's individual stories, use the links below:
MI: Governor Snyder Signs Bill to Ban Healthcare for Gay Partners (LGBTQ Nation)
Following months of heated debate, Michigan Republican Governor Rick Snyder on Thursday signed House Bill 4770, eliminating health care coverage for domestic partners of public employees, and prohibiting any government entity in the state from providing such coverage.
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/mi-governor-snyder-signs-bill-to-ban-healthcare-for-gay-partners.html
Australian Psychological Society Supports Marriage Equality (Pink News)
The Australian Psychological Society has officially given its support to full marriage equality for gay couples, adding the voice of its 20,000 members to the debate.
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/australian-psychological-society-supports-marriage-equality.html
US: One Third of Senate Supports DOMA Repeal (Think Progress)
Box Turtle Bulletin's Timothy Kincaid points out that one-third of all senators have now signed on to legislation repealing the Defense of Marriage Act, including 13 Democrats who voted for the legislation in 1996 as senators or representatives.
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/us-one-third-of-senate-supports-doma-repeal.html
Gays to Minnesota Adulteress: We're Sorry (City Pages)
The gay and lesbian community of Minnesota has issued a letter of apology to recently resigned Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch for ruining the institution of marriage and causing her to stray from her husband and engage in an "inappropriate relationship."
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/gays-to-minnesota-adulteress-were-sorry.html
VT: Married BiNational Lesbian Couple May Be Separated by Immigration (Miami Herald)
Frances Herbert and her wife, Takako Ueda, were looking forward to the New Year's Eve family concert at the Baptist Church, the town fireworks on the pond and then a night at home to celebrate the arrival of 2012.
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/vt-married-binational-lesbian-couple-may-be-separated-by-immigration.html
IA: Did Vander Plaats Sell Family Leader Endorsement to Rick Santorum? (Think Progress)
Bob Vander Plaats' endorsement of Rick Santorum has produced a backlash among conservatives in Iowa, some of whom are accusing the FAMiLY LEADER president of engaging in "pay for play" schemes and selling his coveted support to the highest bidder. Earlier this week, Santorum admitted that Vander Plaats approached the campaign with an indirect solicitation of money to help promote his support, but now other sources familiar with the talks between Vander Plaats and GOP candidates are characterizing the tactics as "corrupt."
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/ia-did-vander-plaats-sell-family-leader-endorsement-to-rick-santorum.html
Fifteen Year-Old's Take on Marriage Equality (Patch.com)
Many people question whether or not it is right for people of the same sex to marry in our society. I think there is nothing wrong with people marrying their opposite sex or same sex. Growing up, I have never viewed this as a problem. Recently, my uncle got married. He met someone and he fell in love.
http://purpleunions.com/blog/2011/12/fifteen-year-olds-take-on-marriage-equality.html
------------------------
Gay Marriage Events This Coming Week (Full Events List/Add Your Own Event: http://www.purpleunions.com/mn/gay-marriage-events-list.html):
--USA, CA, Palm Springs: 2011-12-24, Equality Happy Hour, Hamburger Mary's, 4-7 PM. http://bit.ly/bKvO8V
--USA, MN, Minneapolis: 2011-12-28, Skills Training for LGBT & Allies , Twin Cities Men's Center , 7-9 PM. http://bit.ly/sgWuqM
--USA, NH, Concord: 2011-12-28, Phone Bank to Defend Marriage Equality, America Votes, 6 PM. http://bit.ly/vGMhv6
--USA, WA, Seattle: 2011-12-27, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality with Equal Rights Washington, Equal Rights WA Office, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/t6TxA5
--USA, WA, Seattle: 2011-12-28, Phonebanking for Marriage Equality with Equal Rights Washington, Equal Rights WA Office, 5:30 PM. http://bit.ly/t6TxA5
Know about a gay marriage-related event in your part of the world? Add it here: http://www.purpleunions.com/mn/gay-marriage-events-list.html
Please tell your friends about Gay Marriage Watch, and let us know if there's anything we can do to improve the blog, or if you have any news to add from your part of the world!
We're also now on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/gaymarriagewatch
You can find us on Google+ Too:
https://plus.google.com/b/111115081403640189189/
And we're doing daily updates on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/gaymarriagewatc
Thanks!
--Scott and Mark, Married November 1st, 2008
PurpleUnions.com, PO Box 4666, El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-0022

Australian Psychological Society backs call for equal marriage rights

Australian Psychological Society backs call for equal marriage rights

The Australian Psychological Society has officially given its support to full marriage equality for gay couples, adding the voice of its 20,000 members to the debate. The group's board approved an endorsement of the American Psychological Association's resolution this summer, which gave its unequivocal support to the introduction of equal marriage rights for gay couples on behalf of its 100,000 professional members. Read more...

Archbishop of Chicago compares gay pride march to Ku Klux Klan rally

Archbishop of Chicago compares gay pride march to Ku Klux Klan rally
	A Catholic cardinal in the city of Chicago has drawn condemnation for suggesting the gay rights movement could "morph into something like the Ku Klux Klan". Read more...

Tesco drops future Pride funding days into Christian boycott

Exclusive: Tesco drops future Pride funding days into Christian boycott
	Supermarket giant Tesco does not plan to sponsor Pride London again after next year, PinkNews.co.uk can confirm, only days after the Christian Institute called for shoppers to boycott the retailer. Read more...

How is homosexuality seen in USA?

How is homosexuality seen in USA?

Posted: 22 Dec 2011 08:32 AM PST

Citizens of the United States of America has mixed views on homosexuality. There are many areas where homosexuals get viewed as normal people. Other areas, however, have an unyielding animosity towards the gay community. There seems that there is no middle ground for these two extreme viewpoints to agree on. Personally, I believe that homosexuals should have their equal rights granted to them.

Homosexuality in USA

The southern region of the United States hold the greatest hostility against homosexuals. In my opinion, it;t their view on religion that causes this unreasonable hatred. A great number of southerners profess some form of Christianity. In Christianity, the Old Testament, specifically, incites prejudice against homosexuals. I think this reason to discriminate against law-abiding gay people is senseless. The main political doctrine that the United States is based on is: Freedom. Freedom does not only apply to Christians; all citizens of the United States deserve to enjoy their freedoms that they deserve.

The Northwest and Pacific coast portions of the United States are the more Liberal regions of our country, and as a result, more open to homosexuals. Liberals tend to support homosexuals because of their common belief in human rights. I, personally, don't think it is right that segments of the population are restricted from taking part in one of societies longest traditions: Marriage.
From my point of view, discriminating against homosexuals is becoming more and more looked down upon as our society progresses into the twenty-first century. Americans, even religious ones, are becoming more aware of the injustices that take place in this country. I recently read a heartwarming story online about a group of Christians who previously victimized gay people. Apparently, they went through a trans-formative experience and adjusted their views on homosexuality. Their shame overcame them and they expressed their sorrow by apologizing to gay people at a local gay pride parade.
The repeal of the discriminatory, Don't Ask Don't Tell Act is encouraging. By repealing this stone age law, homosexuals are legally allowed to serve openly in the United States military. This is great news! My reaction to this recent development in gay rights is that this is an additional example in the country's continuing acceptance of homosexuals. I know from history class that our military was first to desegregate African-Americans from white service members; they were also the first to openly accept gay people.
My opinion on homosexuals has gone through a great deal of metamorphoses. First, I was against the gay rights movement. I was a Christian that thought homosexuality was immoral in the eyes of god and that being gay was against god's will. To make a long story short, I became an atheist. After I had the disgusting morality of evangelical Christianity out of my head, I could think logically about the issue at hand. I thought to myself, how does being gay bring attract so much extreme dislike? To me, the only thing that differed between a gay person and me is the gender of the person we get attracted to. Ever since, my view on homosexuality has been that of acceptance.
What is in store for homosexuality in the future? Honestly, I believe homosexuals will become more and more accepted throughout American society and eventually be granted their right to marry. I base these predictions on the fact that, many occasions of bullying against gays get displayed throughout the media and many Americans are becoming disgusted with the injustice towards gay people.
Throughout the United States I find that homosexuality is becoming more accepted. Although there is much work to be done, gay people will most likely have their full rights granted to them within the next twenty years.

The best for 2012

The "Sower of Stars" is a statue that is in Kaunas, Lithuania.
During the day may go unnoticed

 

 

But when night comes, the statue justifies its title.

 

 

Do not stop sowing stars, despite at first glance  you cannot seem them.
"We live in a world in which we
hide to make love ...
but violence is practiced in broad daylight "
-John Lennon-

Traditional Navy Homecoming Kiss is Gay in Historic First

Traditional Navy Homecoming Kiss is Gay in Historic First
Dec 21, 2011 12:13 pm |

The dock landing ship Oak Hill, deployed for three months in Central America, returned home today. As part of Navy tradition, one person is chosen to be the first off the boat to kiss a loved one. Petty Officer 2nd... read more

Gay WikiLeaks Soldier Claims Discrimination

Gay WikiLeaks Soldier Claims Discrimination

December 19th, 2011 | Category: Headlines

The young Army intelligence specialist accused of disclosing government secrets spent his 24th birthday in court Saturday as his lawyers argued his status as a gay soldier before the repeal of “don’t ask, don’t tell” played an important role in his actions. Lawyers for Pfc. Bradley Manning began laying out a defense to show that his struggles as a gay soldier in an environment hostile to homosexuality contributed to mental and emotional problems that should have barred him from having access to sensitive material.
Read the full story from SFGate.

Gay Kenyan Men Used as Sex Slaves in Middle East

Gay Kenyan Men Used as Sex Slaves in Middle East

December 21st, 2011 | Category: Headlines

Gay men from Kenya are being trafficked as sex slaves in Persian Gulf countries, according to a report in Identity, a gay magazine in Kenya. The report alleges that gay and bisexual men are lured from university campuses –particularly from Kenyatta University — with promises of high-paying jobs and then transported to labor as sex workers for men in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
Read the full story from the International Business Times.

Ugandan President: Don't Tie Our Aid Money To LGBT Rights

Ugandan President: Don't Tie Our Aid Money To LGBT Rights
Dec 17, 2011 02:30 pm |

In Uganda, where legislators have spent much of the last two years wondering whether to execute gay people, President Yoweri Museveni is worried about money. At a speech on Friday, President Museveni sent a message to the Western, pro-gay nations... read more

Legalized same-sex marriage may boost gay men's health

Gay men who live in states where same-sex marriage is legal are healthier, have less stress, make fewer doctor visits and have lower health-care costs, a new study finds.

Read more:
http://yourlife.usatoday.com/health/medical/menshealth/story/2011-12-17/Legalized-same-sex-marriage-may-boost-gay-mens-health/52012738/1

__._

Yet another GOP "Family Value" politician resigns in scandal

Defender of marriage and Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch (R) has resigned her post in disgrace after allegations of an affair with a Senate staffer. Koch, who is is married with one child, was one of the proponents of Minnesota's 2012 anti-gay marriage constitutional amendment.

Read more:
http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2011/12/minnesota-gop-senate-majority-leader.html

__._,_.__

Why You Shouldn't Give to the Salvation Army This Holiday Season

Why You Shouldn't Give to the Salvation Army This Holiday Season

The Salvation Army still discriminates against LGBT employees and
clients. Bilerico Project Activist Bill Browning said: "When a former
boyfriend and I were homeless, the Salvation Army insisted we break up
before they'd offer assistance. We slept on the street instead and
declined to break up as they demanded.” The organization also balks
at having to treat gay employees equal to straight employees. If you
care about gay rights, you'll skip their bucket in favor of a charity
that doesn't actively discriminate against the LGBT community.

Drop protest notes in the kettles instead of cash.
Make a few notes and carry them with you. The note can read something
like this:

"To Management: The Salvation Army's policies which discriminate
against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered employees and clients
prevent me from donating. I will donate in the future if and when
these discriminatory polices end."

Print out a few copies.

From our late friend Thomas Alan Heald:

The Pridelets Files for June 4

On this day in 1998, The Salvation Army of San Francisco puts its
money where its mouth is when it comes to discriminating, telling
Catholic newspaper, the "San Francisco Faith," that they would "rather
surrender $3.5 million in city contracts than accept, even in a
compromised form, its domestic partners law."
Says spokesperson Debbi Shrum, "We didn't feel it was appropriate for
the city of San Francisco to tell us what to do ... (Our) belief system,
grounded in traditional interpretation of Scripture, does not perceive
domestic partnership arrangements as similar to the sanctity granted
marriage partners."

Why You Shouldn't Give

Video Here:

http://www.bilerico.com/2010/11/why_you_shouldnt_give_to_the_salvation_army.php?
utm_source=front_page&utm_medium=best_of_box&utm_campaign=Best_Of

The Salvation Army-Gay Dilemma: To Give or Not?
By MICHELLE QUINN

With their red buckets and ringing bells out among the shoppers, the
Salvation Army reminds people of other worthy uses for their money.

The religious organization also has positions on many issues,
including homosexuality, which the charity views with disapproval.

In The San Francisco Chronicle’s Op-ed pages (which today are inside
the A section, as opposed to the back, along with the Editorial page.
I enjoy the hunt now that I’ve stopped blaming my husband for taking
it), Phil Bronstein, the paper’s executive vice-president and
editor-at-large, jumps into the debate over whether the organization’s
position on homosexuality outweighs the good it does.

There’s no whitewashing their beliefs, if you oppose them, though the
Army mission also is clear that its relief services are available to
anyone “without regard to sexual orientation.”

If you’re gay and find yourself homeless and hungry, would you refuse
this help? Some, who hold dear to the separation of naughty and nice,
clearly would.

Is the Salvation Army one of those organizations that is worth
supporting for its overall good even if you disagree with some of its
policies?

Mr. Bronstein says he will drop some money in the bucket. Shea O’Neill
at SF Appeal says if “you can stomach the fact that your money has to
pass through potentially gay-bashing hands before reaching a family in
need (because it will indeed reach them), then by all means drop a
quarter in the bucket.” Tim Redmond at the SF Bay Guardian says Don’t
Give.

It might be remembered in this context that General William Booth, the
Englishman who founded the organization in the mid-19th century, had a
view on a related question: accepting money from people you disapprove
of (in his case, burlesque dancers).

The Runyonesque remark attributed to him could have come from the
script of “Guys and Dolls”: “The only problem with tainted money is
’tain’t enough.” The story is retold in a 2007 piece on the alabama
website, al.com, which is otherwise concerned about a Huntsville man
trying to be good and avoid bell-ringer’s elbow. (For more about the
Salvation Army as Damon Runyon’s inspiration, go to the site of the
Swiss branch in Basel.)

And one final aside: Laughing Squid has a video (posted below) of a
13-member-handbell choir helping a Salvation Army bell ringer in
Manhattan.

Video and More:
http://bayarea.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/14/the-salvation-army-gay-dilemma-to-gi
ve-or-not/


Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/national/article/Salvation-Army-accused-of-g
ay-bias-1074623.php#ixzz1gjOPIjDA

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/national/article/Salvation-Army-accused-of-g
ay-bias-1074623.php#ixzz1gjO3D0u5

More:
http://www.huliq.com/10061/salvation-army-accused-anti-lgbt-bias

__._,_.___

Virginia OKs adoption discrimination against gays, lesbians

Virginia OKs adoption discrimination against gays, lesbians
Private adoption agencies in Virginia acting on the state’s behalf will be allowed to discriminate against gays and lesbians seeking to become adoptive parents under rules passed this week by the Virginia Board of Social Services. The rules also allow discrimination based on political beliefs, religion and other personal characteristics. The Washington Post/The Associated Press (12/14)

Senate Republicans block nominee who penned pro-LGBT op-ed

Senate Republicans block nominee who penned pro-LGBT op-ed
The Senate this week failed to confirm Mari Carmen Aponte as U.S. ambassador to El Salvador after Republicans raised concerns and cited a pro-LGBT op-ed Aponte wrote for the La Prensa Grafica, a Spanish-language newspaper in El Salvador. "Her decision to publish an opinion piece hostile to the culture of El Salvadorans presents ... doubts about her fitness for the job. This op-ed upset a large number of community and pro-life groups in El Salvador who were insulted by Ms. Aponte's rhetoric," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C. Washington Blade (12/13)

U.N. urges countries to end laws punishing LGBT people

U.N. urges countries to end laws punishing LGBT people
The United Nation's High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a report released Thursday, called for the worldwide abolition of legal discrimination against people based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. The report detailed human rights abuses around the world affecting LGBT people, and cited a number of countries where homosexuality is punishable by death. Google/The Associated Press (12/16)

GOP 'Family Values' Mayor Greg Davis of Southaven, MS Forced Out of Closet by Receipts from Gay Sex Shop

GOP 'Family Values' Mayor Greg Davis of Southaven, MS Forced Out of Closet by Receipts from Gay Sex Shop
Dec 16, 2011 06:13 am |

Greg Davis, the mayor of Southaven, Mississippi, "who ran unsuccessfully for Congress in 2008 on a conservative, family-values platform" according to the Commercial Appeal, has been forced out of the closet over receipts uncovered in a criminal investigation over misused... read more

Catholic Mother Files Suit Against Teacher Who Ejected Her Son from Class for Anti-Gay Remarks

Catholic Mother Files Suit Against Teacher Who Ejected Her Son from Class for Anti-Gay Remarks: VIDEO
Dec 16, 2011 08:58 am |

A Michigan mother filed a lawsuit this week on behalf of her son, who was reportedly kicked out of an economics class in October 2010 over his objection to gay people based on his religious beliefs: The Thomas More Law... read more

Utah Middle School Defends Outing Gay Student To Parents As Bullying Prevention Effort

Politicians and diapers should be changed often ... and for the same reasons.



Utah Middle School Defends Outing Gay Student To Parents As Bullying Prevention Effort
(VIDEO)


First Posted: 12/15/11 01:22 PM ET Updated: 12/15/11 01:26 PM ET









Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights advocates have slammed a Utah middle
school's decision to disclose a gay teen's sexuality to his parents.
As The Salt Lake Tribune is reporting, the 14-year-old boy's parents, who have asked that
their names not be released to media, were notified by a teacher because officials at
Willowcreek Middle School in Lehi say they were making an effort to be "proactive" in
preventing bullying. "We do include parents any time there's a potential safety issue with
a student," said Rhonda Bromley, a spokesperson for Utah's Alpine School District.
After the student revealed he was gay in a class assignment, an administrator talked to
the boy and encouraged him to discuss the issue with his parents, to which he reluctantly
agreed. “The student chose himself to make his sexuality known in a variety of ways,”
Bromley told MSNBC. “And there had already started to be some negative feedback. If there
is the potential for a bullying or a harassment situation, it’s the responsibility of the
school to step in and to make sure the student is safe."
However, local news channel ABC 4 cites a text message the student apparently sent to a
friend, which reads: "The next day, she calls me down to the office and … tells that she
is going to basically force my (sic) out of the closet, by telling my parents that I am
gay, despite my protests."
Although Bromley noted the student's parents have been "very supportive" of their son, the
Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) criticized the school's decision.
"Schools should not out LGBT students without their consent," GLSEN executive director
Eliza Byard said, according to The Advocate. "Outing a student not only violates their
right to privacy, but also could compromise their safety. Parents can be notified of their
child being bullied at school, but without disclosing their sexual orientation or gender
identity.”

Imprisoned pacifist blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad sentenced to two years' imprisonment

EGYPT: Imprisoned pacifist blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad sentenced to two years' imprisonment

Maikel Nabil SanadImprisoned pacifist blogger Maikel Nabil Sanad was sentenced to two years' imprisonment by a military court on 14 December 2011, after a re-trial that had been postponed repeatedly, and had turned into a complete farce.
Maikel Nabil Sanad was arrested at the end of march on charges of violating article 184 of the Egyptian penal code, which criminalizes "insulting the People’s Assembly, the Shura Council or any State Authority, or the Army or the Courts", and article 102, "spreading false information". In a trial in front of a military court violating all established legal standards, he was sentenced to three years' imprisonment on 10 April 2011, in absence of his family, friends, or lawyers. Since then he has been kept in El Marg prison.
On 23 August, Maikel Nabil Sanad began a hunger strike in protest against his imprisonment. In a statement at the beginning of his hunger strike, he declared that his hunger strike is in protest against the severe injustice he is subjected to, namely his unfair trial in front of a military court, the slow processing of his appeal, and the difference of treatment compared to other cases.
On 11 October, the military appeal court declared the original sentence of 10 April 2011 "null and void", but failed to release Maikel Nabil Sanad.
Maikel Nabil Sanad refuses to co-operate with the re-trial, and also asked his lawyers to stop any co-operation with the military court. On 18 October, a re-trial in front of the military court began, and the court appointed a lawyer to represent him, who - according to one of Maikel Nabil Sanad's lawyers - was unacquainted with the case. The court ordered to transfer Maikel Nabil Sanad to a psychiatric hospital "for examination" (see co-alert, 20 October 2011), but the hospital refused this attempt at pathologisation of political dissent, and sent him back after a few days, declaring him "sane".
The sentencing of Maikel Nabil Sanad to two year's imprisonment is a blatant violation of Egypt's interim constitution, and of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Egypt is a party. It guarantees the right to a fair trial in article 14, and freedom of opinion and expression in article 19. On 21 July, the Human Rights Committee of the United Nations passed a new General Comment 34 on the right to freedom of opinion and expression. It writes: "States parties should not prohibit criticism of institutions, such as the army or the administration." (see http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrc/docs/GC34.pdf). The sentencing and imprisonment is in clear violation of the interpretation of article 19 ICCPR, as shown in General Comment 34.
Maikel Nabil Sanad has been adopted by Amnesty International as a "prisoner of conscience", and the human rights organisations is urging Egypt to release him (see http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/egypt-urged-release-blogger-sentenced-mil...).
While the case of Maikel Nabil Sanad was the first case of a blogger imprisoned and charged for his blog posts following the toppling of Mubarak, it is by now not the only one. Famous activist and blogger Alaa Abd El Fattah was arrested on 30 October, and has been kept on repeated 15 day sentences since, pending an investigation into his case. He was arrested following public criticisms of the army's conduct on the night of 9 October, when at least 27 people were killed during a Coptic Christian protest in downtown Cairo. Like many other activists, Abd El Fattah accused the army of direct involvement in the bloodshed, a claim that appears to be supported by extensive witness reports and video footage. He was charged by military prosecutors with "inciting violence against the army", and is being held since.
War Resisters' International calls for urgent letters of support to Maikel Nabil Sanad:
Maikel Nabil Sanad
El-Marg prison
El-Kalag
El-Khanka
Qalyubeya
Egypt
Letters to Maikel can also be sent via http://wri-irg.org/campagins/supportmaikelnabil
War Resisters' International calls for urgent letters of protest to the Egyptian authorities.
Director of Military Judiciary
Major-General Ahmed Abd Allah
Military Judicial Department
Cairo, Egypt
Fax: +202 2 402 4468 / +202 2 411 3452 (ask for fax)
Military General Attorney
Major-General Medhat Radwan
Military Judicial Department
Cairo, Egypt
+202 2 412 0980 (ask for fax)
Minister of Defence
His Excellency Muhammad Tantawi
Ministry of Defence
Cairo, Egypt
mmc@afmic.gov.eg ; mod@afmic.gov.eg
Fax: +20 2 2 5748 822
A protest email can be sent at http://wri-irg.org/node/14350.
War Resisters' International calls on the Egyptian authorities to respond to Maikel Nabil Sanad's hunger strike and to immediately release him.
Andreas Speck
War Resisters' International

Graffiti On Gay Couple's Condo: "Move Or Die, F**s"

Graffiti On Gay Couple's Condo: "Move Or Die, F**s"
Dec 03, 2011 08:29 am |

After a "heated" condo association meeting on Thursday, a gay couple retired to their home of 15 years on Blue Cloud Lake, in Columbus, OH. They went to sleep. When they awoke on Friday, they found anti-gay slurs spray-painted on... read more

Is Out Gay Swedish Footballer Anton Hysén About to Join Major League Soccer?

Rumors are bubbling up around the internet that Anton Hysén, the Swedish footballer who came out of the closet earlier this year, may be joining Major League Soccer and the announcement could be made as early as today.
MLS rumors has written about a recent interview by Hysen with Sportbladet in which he talked about being "in negotiations with two clubs in the American professional league." Here's the article.
According to Sportbladets the clubs Hysén has spoken with are Vancouver Whitecaps and  Sporting Kansas City.
Kansas City CEO Robb Heineman tweeted yesterday, "Subject to one approval, another good player for US tomorrow" although he appeared to shoot down interest in Hysén in a later tweet.
And Hysén posted yesterday on his website: "hey everybody ! I hope everyone is doing good tonight/today wherever you are. I just got back from my friends place. We just talked about how our future would look like & about how he wants to succeed in football. Tomorrow I'm meeting up with my sports chef. (sic) Tomorrow will be an important day & I wil see how things will end up."
We should know more later today, but in the meantime, check out the video interview with Hysén from earlier this month at a reception for UK LGBT rights group Stonewall.
Watch, AFTER THE JUMP...

Posted 10:40 AM EST

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2011/12/anton-hysen.html#ixzz1fQx27UMA

Cameroon Men jailed for being gay

President of Cameroon: Free 2 gay men sentenced to 5 years in prison for being gay

Dear People,

Jonas is 19 years old. Francky is 20. And a judge in Cameroon just sentenced them both to 5 years in prison for being gay.

Cameroon has several laws that criminalize homosexuality -- at least 10 people have been arrested this year alone. Last July, Jonas and Francky were arrested outside a club on suspicion of violating these discriminatory anti-gay laws. 

“Violence against gay people in Cameroon has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels: the situation is quickly becoming a crisis," says human rights attorney Alice Nkom. “The president of Cameroon can put a stop to this and, if he feels enough pressure, he will do so."

Stephane Koche is a Cameroonian LGBT rights activist working with the organization ADEFHO (Association of Defence of Homosexuals) to free Jonas and Francky. Stephane started a petition on Change.org demanding that Cameroonian president Paul Biya free Jonas and Francky immediately. Please sign Stephane's petition today.

The good news is that Cameroonian leaders have been responsive to pressure in cases like Jonas and Francky's. Indeed, pressure from local activists has already helped to free 3 of those 10 individuals who were arrested, and this past May, global pressure on the president of Malawi compelled him to release a gay couple who had been jailed after they got married. 

If President Biya feels international pressure to release Jonas and Francky, he will do so, but time is of the essence. Please sign Stephane's petition right now demanding that President Biya free two men sentenced to 5 years in prison for being gay:

http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-cameroon-release-gay-men-sentenced-to-five-years-in-prison

Thanks for being a change-maker,

Bill would allow military clergy to opt out of marriage ceremonies

Bill would allow military clergy to opt out of marriage ceremonies
The Senate has approved language in a defense bill that would allow military chaplains to refuse to officiate at a wedding that violates their conscience or religious beliefs. The move would write into U.S. law a principle that is already present in military regulations. A companion bill passed in the House goes further, forbidding military clergy from presiding at weddings of same-sex couples. Army Times (11/30)

NYC officials want early drug therapies for HIV-positive people

NYC officials want early drug therapies for HIV-positive people
Officials with the New York City Health Department are calling for a major revision in recommended care for those who test positive for HIV, advising that patients not wait to begin expensive drug therapies, which they say could greatly diminish the number of new infections in the city. "I'm more optimistic now than I've ever been about this epidemic that we can drive our new rates down to zero or close to it -- eventually," said New York City Health Commissioner Thomas Farley. The Wall Street Journal (12/1)

Indiana city bans anti-gay, anti-trans bias

Indiana city bans anti-gay, anti-trans bias
The City Council in Evansville, Ind., has voted to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the city's nondiscrimination ordinance, which bans discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation. "It's an important economic step and it shows that Evansville is a community that welcomes diversity," said Wally Paynter, president of the Tri-State Alliance. Evansville Courier & Press (Ind.) (free registration) (11/30)

Pro-equality GOP congresswoman endorses Romney for president

Pro-equality GOP congresswoman endorses Romney for president
Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-Fla., regarded by many as one of the most pro-LGBT lawmakers in Washington, has announced her support for Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race. Romney has vowed to support a constitutional amendment banning marriage for same-sex couples nationwide. The move prompted Stonewall Democrats interim Executive Director Jerame Davis to ask, "Which Mitt Romney did she endorse?" Washington Blade (11/30)

Nigeria poised to enact far-reaching anti-gay legislation

Nigeria poised to enact far-reaching anti-gay legislation
A bill that would ban LGBT advocacy and same-sex public displays of affection and impose 14-year prison terms on same-sex couples who marry has been passed by Nigeria's Senate, and appears to have enough support to become law, according to this article. Lawmakers vowed to resist any international pressure to weaken the effort, and one senator suggested homosexuals should be killed. Google/The Associated Press (11/30), The Guardian (London) (11/29

Pink Paper Xtra Friday 2 December 2011

	Sue Perkins honoured at Women in Film and TV Awards Comedienne and DIVA cover star Sue Perkins was one of several stars honoured at the 21st Women in Film and TV Awards ceremony, earlier today.
	140,000-strong marriage equality petition presented to Australian Labor Party An epic marriage equality petition – containing more than 140,000 signatures – was presented to the Australian Labor Party during their annual conference, yesterday.
	Police appeal for witnesses after homophobic attack in Edinburgh A man’s jaw was broken in what police are describing as an unprovoked, homophobic attack in the centre of Edinburgh, earlier this week.
	Gay equality opponents in Scotland spend more than £10,000 on newspaper adverts Conservative religious groups in Scotland have spent more than £10,000 on adverts opposing the Scottish Government's proposals to allow same sex couples to marry.
	Rates of gay men with HIV in Northern Ireland at all-time high The number of gay or bisexual men in Northern Ireland who are infected with the HIV virus has hit an all-time high.
	Australia's Queensland votes to legalise same-sex unions The state of Queensland has voted to legalise same-sex unions, marking the latest development of LGBT rights in Australia.
	Prime Minister David Cameron records message of support for World AIDS Day British Prime Minister David Cameron has recorded a poignant message of support to mark World AIDS Day.
	GMFA urge gay and bisexual men to check HIV status London-based charity GMFA have urged gay and bisexual men to check their HIV status, this World AIDS Day.

Church Has A Problem With Chicago's New Pride Parade

Church Has A Problem With Chicago's New Pride Parade

A Roman Catholic church on Chicago's North Side has reached out to its parishioners hoping they will help pressure the city into rescheduling or rerouting the Gay Pride Parade, which is slated to follow a new path directly past its doors next summer.

Pink Paper Xtra Wednesday 30 November 2011

	Gay couple claim they were called faggots by United Airlines employee A gay couple from the U.S. have claimed they were verbally abused by an employee of United Airlines.
	Senate's anti-gay decision is hateful, says Nigerian equality activist A gay rights activist in Nigeria has described the Senate's decision to criminalise same-sex relationships as "hateful".
	Lloyds Pharmacy join THT and NAT in urging gay men to take HIV tests High-street chemist Lloyds Pharmacy have joined THT and NAT in urging gay and bisexual men to have regular HIV tests.
	Roger Crouch, father of suicide teen Dominic Crouch, has died Anti-bullying campaigner and bereaved father Roger Crouch has died, PinkPaper.com can report.
	European Commission grants marketing authorisation for new once-daily HIV drug Pharmaceutical company Gilead Sciences, Inc. have today announced that the European Commission has granted marketing authorisation for Eviplera® – a complete once-daily HIV tablet.
	Nigeria's Senate votes to make gay marriage illegal Gay men and women who marry in Nigeria could face more than a decade in prison, now the Republic's Senate has voted to criminalise same-sex unions.
	Record-breaking 3,000 gay and bi men diagnosed with HIV in 2010 According to new figures released by the Health Protection Agency, in 2010 there were 3,000 gay and bisexual men diagnosed with HIV in the UK.
	Hundreds gather in New Delhi to celebrate gay Pride Hundreds of LGBT people marched through India's capital city of New Delhi on Sunday to celebrate gay and lesbian Pride.
	St. Petersburg legislative assembly should halt anti-gay bill proposal, says HRW The St. Petersburg legislative assembly should halt a bill that would deny freedom of expression to the loca

Evansville, Indiana Passes LGBT Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Evansville, Indiana Passes LGBT Non-Discrimination Ordinance
Nov 30, 2011 06:50 am |

Evansville, Indiana just got a lot more progressive: Age, sexual orientation and gender identity were categories added Monday night to Evansville’s nondiscrimination code by a unanimous vote of council members. Other categories included in the code include race, religion, color,... read more

Boston FOX Affiliate Questions School Teacher's Career, Exposing His Gay Adult Film Past

Boston FOX Affiliate Questions School Teacher's Career, Exposing His Gay Adult Film Past: VIDEO

FOX 25 in Boston decided to go after Kevin Hogan, an English teacher and crew coach at top-rated Mystic Valley Regional Charter School in Malden, Massachusetts, after discovering that he had appeared in several gay porn films under the name Hytch Cawke. Their reporter confronted him in a parking lot.
Hogan has now been placed on paid administrative leave:

The school released a statement saying “We value the health and safety of our students,” and that "the school followed our normal hiring practices," which included criminal background checks in Massachusetts and California, where Hogan had been living.

Mystic Valley also said "the references we received were flawless,” and noted he was placed there by the recruiting firm Carney, Sandoe & Associates. Hogan even has a testimonial on the firm's website, where he writes, "It's amazing with your help I was able to find a school that I never thought existed." Mystic Valley Charter School sent an e-mail to parents and staff today stressing the school’s insistence that any applicant for a position be candid and forthright about disclosing past employment positions.

Hogan, as the station notes, has done nothing illegal.
Watch FOX25's report, AFTER THE JUMP...
(via jmg)

Public high school teacher starred in porno movies released last year: MyFoxBOSTON.com

Via one of our Twitter followers: E-mail @fox25news' News Director here: Paul.McGonagle@foxtv.com and Mike Beaudet here: mike.beaudet@foxtv.com.

Posted 10:46 AM EST

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2011/11/hogan.html#ixzz1fEmPb9BT

Russia Furious at U.S. State Dept's Condemnation of Anti-Gay Bills

Leaders in Moscow are furious that the U.S. State Department has spoken out about legislation in St. Petersburg and Moscow that would ban "gay propaganda".

"Gay rights are human rights and human rights are gay rights," the State Department said, repeating a declaration by top US diplomat Hillary Clinton. "We have called on Russian officials to safeguard these freedoms, and to foster an environment which promotes respect for the rights of all citizens."

Russia Today reports:

Konstantin Dolgov (pictured), the Russian Foreign Ministry's Commissioner for Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of Law, called comments by the US State Department “incorrect”.

“We are perplexed by the American side’s attempts to interfere in the legislative process in Russia, especially publicly. We consider these attempts inappropriate and inconsistent with the practice of interstate relations," he said, as cited by Interfax. Dolgov pointed out that Russia is ready to build up “a constructive dialogue” with the US on human rights problems based on mutual respect.

I posted about the legislation in mid-November.
The AFP adds:

The vaguely worded bill would introduce fines of up to 50,000 rubles ($1,598) for "public acts" promoting homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexuality and transgender identity.

Legislators passed the bill in its first reading earlier this month and was expected to have its crucial second reading on Wednesday. If passed, it would then need to be approved in a final reading seen as a technicality.

But the bill's author told Russian news agencies on Tuesday the second reading was likely to be postponed until after parliamentary polls on December 4.

The Russian LGBT community is obviously very troubled by the latest events.
The portal Gay Country RU posted a video reacting to Russian oppression of LGBTS
Watch it, AFTER THE JUMP...

Posted 11:45 AM EST

Read more: http://www.towleroad.com/2011/11/dolgov.html#ixzz1fElbjcwK