Vote No On 2: Don't Hurt Florida's Families!

Gay Lovers in Exile - The Daily Beast

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 12:40:00 +0000

Recent same-sex marriage victories don’t include the right to sponsor your spouse for a green card, leaving binational gay couples wondering where exactly home is.

Gay Lovers in Exile - The Daily Beast

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We are switching to the Equality Florida Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 15:22:00 +0000

Equality Florida Blog

Please switch over to the Equality Florida Blog.
That's where you will get Breaking New and features that matter to you.

http://eqfl.blogspot.com/

Make the switch and tell your friends.
Thanks
Nadine

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Rachel Maddow & Behind the Scenes of Anti-Gay Marriage Video

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Rachel Maddow & Behind the Scenes of Anti-Gay Marriage Video

Worth seeing since the anti-Marriage Equality folks are trying to get all the videos of their auditions off the internet.

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Rachel Maddow & Behind the Scenes of Anti-Gay Marriage Video

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:49:00 +0000

Rachel Maddow & Behind the Scenes of Anti-Gay Marriage Video

Worth seeing since the anti-Marriage Equality folks are trying to get all the videos of their auditions off the internet.

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YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 20:41:00 +0000

The National Organization for Marriage recently released a new fear mongering (if not over-blown and dramatic) ad against same sex marriage full of lies and propaganda. Here is one clever lad's response.

YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad

Equality Florida: Send A "Thank You" Postcard to Vermont

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:29:00 +0000

Big Victory

Send A "Thank You" Postcard to Vermont

We're sending a great big "Thank You" from the Sunshine State to Vermont for becoming the first and only state to recognize full marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples through the legislative process.

Sign this ePostcard and we'll deliver your note to Vermont's Senate President Shumlin and House Speaker Smith, who stood out as real champions in this effort, along with thousands of other "Thank You" notes from Florida.

We know anti-gay groups are already targeting these leaders. Let them know we stand behind them all the way.

BREAKING NEWS: Gainesville Voters Reject Charter Amendment 1, Uphold LGBT Protections

noreply@blogger.com (Tobias Packer) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 01:43:00 +0000

Victory In Gainesville
Voters Reject Fear Tactics and Discrimination

March 24, 2009

(GAINESVILLE, FL) Equality Florida joins with local leaders in Gainesville and fair-minded people across the state and nation in celebrating today's decisive victory over discrimination and fear embodied in Gainesville Charter Amendment 1.

Voters rejected the amendment by a vote of 58% to 42%. If passed, Charter Amendment 1 would have repealed existing civil rights protections for Gainesville's gay and transgender community.

For over a year, backers of the amendment have waged a fear-based campaign filled with outright lies and media campaigns that dehumanized gay and transgender people. Specifically, these extremists drew a target on the backs of transgender people with bigoted messages intended to instill fear in the hearts of Gainesville citizens.

Led by Equality Is Gainesville's Business, a coalition of local, state and national organizations worked together to stop discrimination from being legalized in Gainesville.

The sweeping language of the ballot initiative, imported to Florida by a far right conservative group in Michigan, would have also prohibited the City of Gainesville from ever providing nondiscrimination protections beyond those listed in the Florida Civil Rights Act.

"Supporters of Charter Amendment 1 waged a campaign that blatantly lied to voters about the protections Gainesville has provided transgender citizens." said Joe Saunders EQGB campaign manager. "By targeting transgender people, proponents of Charter Amendment 1 have proven the need for inclusive anti-discrimination laws. Voter's embraced Gainesville's anti-discrimination laws tonight when they rejected Amendment 1."

Saunders is also the field director for Equality Florida.

"This is a local victory but it's significance reaches across our state and our nation. Those pushing Amendment 1 are part of a national effort to repeal LGBT protection in communities across the country," said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida. "This victory sends a strong signal that we will not allow extremists to turn back the progress we have made to secure equality for everyone."

The local team waged a strong grassroots campaign reaching voters and unmasking the real human impact of the proposed amendment.

"Today Gainesville voters showed that they value the rights of all citizens," said EQGB Chair and Gainesville City Commissioner Craig Lowe. "They have rejected the politics of fear and instead chose to retain the values that make our city such a beautiful place. Today, our voters showed their true character by emphasizing that, in Gainesville, every person matters."

A broad array of organizations came out to publicly oppose Charter Amendment 1. These organizations include: the Anti-Defamation League - Florida, the ACLU of Florida, Equality Florida, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Center for Transgender Equality, Lambda Legal, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Organizations United Together (O.U.T.), UM (University of Miami) for Equality, Florida Association of Planned Parenthood Affiliates, Florida NOW, Gainesville Area NOW, Judy Levy NOW PAC, Alachua County Democratic Party, Alachua County Green Party, Alachua County/Gainesville League of Women Voters, Alachua County NAACP, Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce, Gainesville Area AIDS Project (GAAP), Gainesville Commission on the Status of Women, Human Rights Council of North Central Florida, Interweave, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, North Central Florida Central Labor Council, Pride Center of North Central Florida, Social Justice Council of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Gainesville, Trinity Metropolitan Community Church, United Church of Gainesville Social Concerns Committee, University of Florida Students for Change, Students for a Democratic Society @ UF, Wild Iris Books and Wild Words Café, University of Florida Faculty Senate, University of Florida Presidential LGBT Concerns, and University of Florida Student Senate.

Equality Florida is Florida's only statewide human rights organization dedicated to the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. Through education and advocacy, the organization is committed to building a state of equal rights for all Floridians, inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

-30-

Gainesville Voters Take A Stand Against Discrimination

noreply@blogger.com (Tobias Packer) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:02:00 +0000

It's still unofficial, but right now with 82% of precincts reporting about 61% has voted down City Charter Amendment 1. Here's the election returns.

For over a year, supporters of Charter Amendment 1 have waged a fear-based campaign that blatantly lied to voters about the intent and impact of Charter Amendment 1 and specifically targeted transgender people with harmful discrimination. The sweeping language of the ballot initiative, which was written by a far right conservative group in Michigan, would have prohibited the City of Gainesville from providing nondiscrimination protections beyond the minimal protections set forth in the Florida Civil Rights Act.

Again. It's still unofficial, but I feel confident in saying the ugly tactics to dehumanize transgender people have failed. Today the City of Gainesville has once again proven itself as a beacon of progress.

Breaking News: Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty

noreply@blogger.com (Tobias Packer) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:38:00 +0000

Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty
http://tinyurl.com/skippertrial

Today, Joseph Bearden, one of the two accused killers of Ryan Skipper, was found guilty of second-degree murder and robbery.

On March 15, 2007, Ryan Skipper was stabbed 19 times and left to die on a dirt road in Polk County, Florida. His death is a bloody reminder of the anti-gay hatred faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people in our state.

Just days ago, a prosecution witness revealed that shortly after the killing, Joseph Bearden, the defendants, said, "He felt he was doing the world a favor by getting rid of one more faggot."

The 19 stab wounds that Ryan Skipper suffered are what the FBI calls 'overkill'. That's when the violence in an assault is beyond what would be necessary for a robbery and more than would even be required to take someone's life. Overkill is a key indicator of a hate crime.

During his closing statement, State Attorney Castillo said the brutality of Ryan's murder indicated, "hatred, contempt and utter disregard for another human being because he was gay."

Hate crimes are directed at groups of people. They are intended to make an entire community afraid simply because of who they are.

But hate crimes are only effective as a two-step dance: first the offender sends fear into people's hearts with a heinous act of violence. Then leaders around them act like nothing more happened than a car theft gone wrong. No action. No public acknowledgment of what has happened. No commitment to ensuring this never happens again. Their silence is as terrifying as the violence itself.

Click here to take action.
http://tinyurl.com/trialverdict

Tell Gov Crist and Attorney General McCollum that they must refuse to be the second-step in the cycle of anti-gay hate violence. Tell them to speak out, to turn the tide and declare that gay and transgender people are valued members of our society and that hate violence will not be tolerated against any group.

Orlando Sentinel coverage of the Ryan Skipper Trial

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 13:29:00 +0000

FULL STORY: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-skippertrial1709feb17,0,6216987.story

Gays are quiet allies of victim's parents

Jeff Kunerth

Sentinel Staff Writer

February 17, 2009

In the two years since their 25-year-old son was stabbed to death in what police have called a gay-hate crime, Lynn and Pat Mulder have been embraced by gay activists, and they have hugged them right back.

But the trial of Joseph Bearden -- the first of two men charged with murder in the death of Ryan Keith Skipper -- has created a quandary for both the Mulders and gay-rights activists.

The Mulders want justice for their child. Gays want to bring attention to the case as a crime against their community.

Lynn Mulder said Assistant State Attorney Cass Castillo advised him that any conspicuous presence by the gay community, inside the courtroom or demonstrating outside the courthouse, could jeopardize the trial, which began Monday in Bartow. So the Mulders are asking them to show their support, but silently, unobtrusively. Until the trial is over, they're being asked to become invisible and voiceless.

"The jury cannot be influenced in their decision by any demonstration of support," Mulder said. "My only concern is they [the gay community] ought not to be easily identified as supporting one side or the other."

This is particularly problematic for Vicki Nantz, whose documentary on Skipper's killing, Accessory to Murder, is largely responsible for publicizing his death and making him the face of hate crimes against gays in Florida. But she is among those in the local gay community who have developed a close relationship with the Mulder family.

"If I didn't love Pat and Lynn Mulder, I would be standing there with a sign," Nantz said. "But the people most inclined to demonstrate have a personal relationship with Lynn and Pat, and that comes first with all of us. We'll put our activist hats in the drawer until this gets resolved for Lynn and Pat."

Before Skipper's killing March 17, 2007, the Mulders were not involved in gay issues. Since that time, they've become gay-rights activists -- appearing at protest rallies and events, joining gay organizations and offering solace to other parents whose children have been victims of crimes against gays.

"To the Mulders' credit, they have really stepped forward at a time when they could have simply withdrawn and become embittered," said Nadine Smith, head of Equality Florida, a gay-rights organization. "Instead they have been beacons of hope and kindness. They have really spoken out against hate violence."

Just as the Mulders have been there for the gay community, gays have been inclined to be there for the Mulders.

Nantz said she intends to be in the courtroom for the trial, keeping her emotions in check. Nantz has asked other gay activists to do the same.

"Everyone feels kind of conflicted. It's a conflict because the hate-crime anger is so personal for so many people," she said.

Gay groups, such as Equality Florida, also are encouraging their members to honor the wishes of the Mulders. But the urge to be there, to be vocal and demonstrate for justice, is a natural reaction, Smith said.

"There is a lot of anxiety that justice will not prevail, because we've seen it fail before," Smith said.

FULL STORY: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orange/orl-skippertrial1709feb17,0,6216987.story

Missing Link

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 15:11:00 +0000

Gay and Transgender Issues in the Workplace

It Takes One to Know One

By Brian McNaught

In my youth, if someone called you a "homo" or a "moron," the reply was usually, "It takes one to know one," meaning "You'd have to be a homo to recognize another homo." It was an inane comment but it usually shut them up more effectively than "So is your mother."

Today, that same phrase – "It takes one to know one" - has a completely different and much richer meaning for me.

Alan Goldstein was the Jewish boy who lived behind me growing up in Flint, Michigan. He was my best friend for many years. It was through the time I spent with Alan and his family that I initially learned about Jewish celebrations such as Hanukkah, and also about the sting of anti-Semitism which I saw in Alan's face when another Christian eight-year-old in the neighborhood called him a "kike." …

(To finish reading this offering, please go to http://www.glbtatwork.blog.com.)

Nadine Smith

Executive Director

Equality Florida

PO Box 13184,

St. Petersburg FL 33733

Ph: 813-870-3735

Fax: 727-499-6925

nadine@eqfl.org

www.eqfl.org

Visit www.eqfl.org and become a member today!

Women say mall cops arrested them for kissing

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:32:00 +0000

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6243685.html

Women say S.A. mall cops arrested them for kissing
Feb. 3, 2009

SAN ANTONIO - Jessica Garcia intends to prove in court that security officers at Rolling Oaks Mall unfairly targeted her and her girlfriend when they were arrested in December on trespassing and other charges.

Garcia said the officers - a Bexar County sheriff's deputy and an employee from a private security company - began harassing them Dec. 26 because her girlfriend gave her a kiss on the cheek while sitting inside the mall on a bench.

Mall officials said the women, both 22, were acting inappropriately and were told to leave because they were not complying with the shopping center's code of conduct.

Danielle Pardue, the mall's marketing director, denies the women's claims of discrimination and said security officers would evict anyone found kissing in the mall, regardless of sexual orientation.

"If our security officer feels that is disruptive to our shoppers and our business, then they have that authority to make that determination," she said. "It's their responsibility to make sure our shopping place is an enjoyable shopping place for everyone to be."

Pardue also stressed that contrary to what the women claim, they weren't arrested because they were kissing, but because they re-entered the mall after being told to leave.

But Garcia feels otherwise.

She was scheduled to appear in court today, but her lawyer had to postpone the date for later this month.

Garcia said the officers intentionally harassed the couple, accusing them of kissing and having "swapped spit."

Voting for the freedom to marry does not hurt politicians, new study confirms

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 20:50:00 +0000

A new study by Freedom to Marry released today shows that voting for the freedom to marry and against anti-gay/anti-marriage measures does not cost politicians reelection: http://www.freedomtomarry.org/press_center/new_study_shows_pro-marriage_legislators_win.php

The Best Interests of the Child: New York Times Editorial

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:22:00 +0000

January 6, 2009

The Best Interests of the Child

W.H., an infant, was reportedly removed from her parents by Arkansas's Department of Human Services after she was taken to a hospital with injuries that strongly suggested abuse. Fortunately for W.H., her grandmother, a registered nurse, was eager to take her in. But there was a hitch. Her grandmother lives with another woman, and a ballot initiative recently passed in Arkansas makes it illegal for gay and unmarried heterosexual couples to adopt or become foster parents. Arkansas courts should strike down this offensive new law.

Arkansas has a long tradition of allowing child welfare professionals to decide who should become a foster or adoptive parent. Anti-gay forces, however, have campaigned to disqualify gay people. In 2006, the Arkansas Supreme Court struck down a regulation barring gay people from becoming foster parents.

Last year anti-gay activists promoted Act 1, a ballot referendum that broadened the ban to include unmarried heterosexual couples. In November, it passed with about 57 percent of the vote. The A.C.L.U. of Arkansas is challenging the new law, on behalf of a group of would-be parents and children, contending that it discriminates against gay and unmarried straight couples and that it makes it impossible to place children in the best homes.

The new law is undeniably discriminatory. Under Arkansas law, people convicted of major crimes, including contributing to the delinquency of a minor, remain eligible to adopt children or become foster parents. Single people who have no partner — or who have a large number of casual sex partners — are also eligible. Anyone who is in a committed relationship, gay or straight, but is not married is automatically barred.

The new law also interferes with the Department of Human Services' ability to do its job of making individualized assessments of prospective parents and placing children in the homes that are best able to meet their needs. As the W.H. case suggests, an unmarried couple could be the most qualified parents. And because of the shortage of foster parents, the ban is very likely to make children wait substantially longer for a loving home.

Arkansas's new law was a victory for the forces of bigotry and a major setback for the guiding principle of the law in adoption and foster care: the best interests of the child.

Smith to discuss ‘What’s Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?’

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 08:14:00 +0000

http://www.island-reporter.com/breaking_news/articles.asp?articleID=5551

Smith to discuss 'What's Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?'

The Democratic Club of the Islands is featuring Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality America, to speak to all interested islanders on Thursday, January 15 at 7 p.m. at the Sanibel Public Library, 770 Dunlop Road.

Previously, Smith was director of The Human Rights Task Force of Florida. She joined the organization in 1993 after serving as one of four national co-chairs on the 1993 march on Washington, D.C. and taking part in the historic, first-ever meeting between LGBT leaders and a sitting U.S. President (Bill Clinton) in the White House.

Smith has led advocacy efforts in Florida at the state level at a time of unprecedented attacks on the gay and lesbian community, serving as Equality Florida's lead lobbyist, heading efforts to stop discriminatory legislation and ballot measures and to overturn Florida's ban on adoption by gay and lesbian parents.

Her experience in community organizing, social change and politics includes her service as campaign manager for Citizens for a Fair Tampa, a successful effort to prevent repeal of that city's human rights ordinance, and her own campaign in 1991 for Tampa City Council. An award-winning journalist, Smith has written syndicated columns for general audience publications.

Democratic Club of the Islands members are also urged to attend this meeting to hear exciting news about the restructuring of the club and to learn new opportunities for activism in the Obama era. Call Brian Anderson at 472-2206 for more information.

[Undo 2] Bob Barr: No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 20:54:00 +0000

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-barr5-2009jan05,0,1855836.story

From the Los Angeles Times

Opinion

No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act

The author of the federal Defense of Marriage Act now thinks it's time for his law to get the boot -- but for political reasons, not in support of gays.

By Bob Barr

January 5, 2009

Excerpt 1

In 1996, as a freshman member of the House of Representatives, I wrote the Defense of Marriage Act, better known by its shorthand acronym, DOMA, than its legal title. The law has been a flash-point for those arguing for or against same-sex marriage ever since President Clinton signed it into law. Even President-elect Barack Obama has grappled with its language, meaning and impact.

I can sympathize with the incoming commander in chief. And, after long and careful consideration, I have come to agree with him that the law should be repealed.

The left now decries DOMA as the barrier to federal recognition and benefits for married gay couples. At the other end of the political spectrum, however, DOMA has been lambasted for subverting the political momentum for a U.S. constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. In truth, the language of the legislation -- like that of most federal laws -- was a compromise.

DOMA was indeed designed to thwart the then-nascent move in a few state courts and legislatures to afford partial or full recognition to same-sex couples. The Hawaii court case Baehr vs. Lewin, still active while DOMA was being considered by Congress in mid-1996, provided the immediate impetus.

Excerpt 2:

In effect, DOMA's language reflects one-way federalism: It protects only those states that don't want to accept a same-sex marriage granted by another state. Moreover, the heterosexual definition of marriage for purposes of federal laws -- including, immigration, Social Security survivor rights and veteran's benefits -- has become a de facto club used to limit, if not thwart, the ability of a state to choose to recognize same-sex unions.

Even more so now than in 1996, I believe we need to reduce federal power over the lives of the citizenry and over the prerogatives of the states. It truly is time to get the federal government out of the marriage business. In law and policy, such decisions should be left to the people themselves.

In 2006, when then-Sen. Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment, he said, "Decisions about marriage should be left to the states." He was right then; and as I have come to realize, he is right now in concluding that DOMA has to go. If one truly believes in federalism and the primacy of state government over the federal, DOMA is simply incompatible with those notions.

Bob Barr represented the 7th District of Georgia in the House of Representatives from 1995 to 2003 and was the Libertarian Party's 2008 nominee for president.

--
Posted By Nadine to Undo 2 at 1/06/2009 12:52:00 PM

It is important to say these things out loud.

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 17:37:00 +0000

President-elect Barack Obama believes "marriage is between a man and a woman".

Barack Obama does not think gay couples' relationships are worthy of the same stature as his and Michelle's.

He does not believe that gay couples deserve the precise same legal recognition or status that his marriage confers to him and his wife.

He believes we should have a different, inherently lesser, legal framework to protect each other and our children.

It is important to say these things out loud.

President-elect Obama enters the White House with a record of support and a better platform on issues of LGBT equality than any other president this country has known.

He opposed amending state constitutions to single out gay couples to ban them from marriage. He supports federally recognized Civil Unions. He oppose federal legislation and constitutional measures that ban marriage recognition for gay couples.

He supports the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, will push the Hate Crimes bill and supports an inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination law.

By all accounts he has a laudable record of pushing for equal rights and we must work with his administration relentlessly to manifest these promises.

But he also believes there is a quality to heterosexual relationships that make them worthy of a higher status by society under the law.

Barack Obama believes "marriage is between a man and a woman".

He says gay couples can have civil unions, domestic partnership, some other, different, diminished copy of an arrangement.

It is important that we not pretend we don't already know this.

I am awed by Barack Obama. His words inspire me. His intellect comforts me. His grassroots campaign was a beautiful, diverse and powerful thing to behold.

After years of a Bush/Cheney cynicism, war, arrogance and incompetence I wept tears of joy for Barack Obama's election. For the historic shift and transformational meaning that a Black president heralds for our country, I beamed with pride. Change is coming and I am hopeful.

But when it comes to the issue of marriage, Barack Obama is wrong.

I have criticized the selection of Rev. Rick Warren to give the invocation at the inauguration.

Warren compares gay relationships with incest and pedophilia and runs a psychologically reckless, "ex-gay" ministry out of his mega-church.

His presence on the dias should be challenged vigorously.

But I will not lie to myself. I will not make Warren the proxy for the unspoken disappointment and anger at Barack Obama for his more nuanced insult to gay couples when he says "marriage is between a man and a woman". We must be prepared to help President Obama lead and we must be willing to tell the truth when he is wrong.

When it comes to the issue of marriage Barack Obama is wrong.

Gay people deserve equal protection under the law. Our families deserve precisely the same benefits, protection and legal recognition as straight couples receive.

It is important to say these things out loud.

John Ridley: The U.S. Goes Global With its Anti-Gayness

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 15:11:00 +0000

John Ridley: The U.S. Goes Global With its Anti-Gayness

Funny thing about this great land of ours. She's got no problem fighting for what's right (Civil War), but she doesn't always make the simple stand for righteousness (Civil Rights movement).

This past Thursday the United Nations, which excels at issuing proclamations, circulated one that is as marginally effectual as it is symbolically strong. It was just a little ole declaration seeking universal decriminalization of homosexuality.

Wasn't saying Gays could get married.

Wasn't saying Gays could show up at your house and read your kids Heather Has Two Mommies.

It was just saying, you know: "Hey, Iran, when you're done with that show trial, could you possibly not hang those two guys who engaged in a love whose name you dare not speak."

And if you think I'm being hyperbolic, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay notes that ten countries still have laws making homosexual activity punishable by death.

But the U.S. did not sign the declaration.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-ridley/the-us-goes-global-with-i_b_152489.html

Newsweek "Takes a Bullet" On Gay Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 13:32:00 +0000

By Mary E. Hunt

As a theologian, I sometimes wonder if anyone cares about what we write. But Newsweek's cover story (December 15, 2008), "Our Mutual Joy," set off a firestorm of responses so voluminous that it temporarily shut down the magazine's comments function on their Web site. Time's "Person of the Year" issue would be lucky to get as much attention as the enormous response to a religion editor's pro-gay marriage piece. Apparently, religion still matters.

What does it mean, though, that this story has generated such controversy? The most obvious point is that people still care what religions say about matters of sexuality, for reasons that sometimes remain obscure. I doubt that the same reaction, and surely not the same huge numbers and rabid intensity, would have accompanied a progressive religious treatment of the war in Iraq or the death penalty. So why same-sex marriage? Why the private sphere and not the public forum?

One reason is that as Christianity has lost its hegemony in an increasingly religiously pluralistic society, Christian conservatives have staked their shrinking claims on changing personal ethics. First abortion, now same-sex marriage, and soon, end-of-life issues, are seen as litmus tests of orthodoxy. These issues define who's in or out and, more importantly, who's making decisions for a society.

The Rev. Richard Cizik, vice president of governmental affairs for the National Association of Evangelicals, has learned this the hard way lately. He has been urging his (kicking and screaming) colleagues to acknowledge global warming and join him in "creation care." They tolerated him even as they denied the scientific consensus because they mistakenly took ecology to be a larger-than-life issue that did not touch the daily lives of people.

But when he voiced tepid support, not for marriage, but simply for civil unions for same-sex couples, he was forced out of his position. Marriage is closer to home. That straw broke the camel's back because the issue is easier for people to grasp—and is thus where religious authorities could seem to be wielding real social power. Which is an illusion, after all, since global warming touches a lot more people than same sex marriage.

Read the rest here:

http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/sexandgender/865/newsweek_takes_a_bullet_on_gay_marriage/

The Associated Press: Top evangelical resigns after backing gay unions

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:58:00 +0000

Top evangelical resigns after backing gay unions

An outspoken and polarizing voice in conservative Christian politics
resigned effective Thursday from the National Association of
Evangelicals after a radio interview in which he voiced support for
same-sex civil unions and said he is "shifting" on gay marriage.

The Rev. Richard Cizik's comments — made on a Dec. 2 "Fresh Air"
broadcast on National Public Radio — triggered an uproar that led to
his stepping down as NAE vice president of governmental affairs.

A fixture in Washington for nearly three decades, Cizik has played a
key role in bringing evangelical Christian concerns to the political
table. But in recent years, he earned enemies in the movement for
pushing to broaden the evangelical agenda. His strongest focus was on
"creation care," arguing that evangelicals have a biblical
responsibility to the environment that includes combatting global
warming.

Opponents of gay couples marrying often cite Scripture. But what the Bible teaches about love argues for the other side.

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:34:00 +0000

Our Mutual Joy

Lisa Miller

NEWSWEEK

From the magazine issue dated Dec 15, 2008

Let's try for a minute to take the religious conservatives at their word and define marriage as the Bible does. Shall we look to Abraham, the great patriarch, who slept with his servant when he discovered his beloved wife Sarah was infertile? Or to Jacob, who fathered children with four different women (two sisters and their servants)? Abraham, Jacob, David, Solomon and the kings of Judah and Israel—all these fathers and heroes were polygamists. The New Testament model of marriage is hardly better. Jesus himself was single and preached an indifference to earthly attachments—especially family. The apostle Paul (also single) regarded marriage as an act of last resort for those unable to contain their animal lust. "It is better to marry than to burn with passion," says the apostle, in one of the most lukewarm endorsements of a treasured institution ever uttered. Would any contemporary heterosexual married couple—who likely woke up on their wedding day harboring some optimistic and newfangled ideas about gender equality and romantic love—turn to the Bible as a how-to script?

Of course not, yet the religious opponents of gay marriage would have it be so.

The battle over gay marriage has been waged for more than a decade, but within the last six months—since California legalized gay marriage and then, with a ballot initiative in November, amended its Constitution to prohibit it—the debate has grown into a full-scale war, with religious-rhetoric slinging to match. Not since 1860, when the country's pulpits were full of preachers pronouncing on slavery, pro and con, has one of our basic social (and economic) institutions been so subject to biblical scrutiny. But whereas in the Civil War the traditionalists had their James Henley Thornwell—and the advocates for change, their Henry Ward Beecher—this time the sides are unevenly matched. All the religious rhetoric, it seems, has been on the side of the gay-marriage opponents, who use Scripture as the foundation for their objections.

The argument goes something like this statement, which the Rev. Richard A. Hunter, a United Methodist minister, gave to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution in June: "The Bible and Jesus define marriage as between one man and one woman. The church cannot condone or bless same-sex marriages because this stands in opposition to Scripture and our tradition."

To which there are two obvious responses: Read more at http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653/output/print

Orlando LGBT Community and Allies Form New Unity Coalition

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:41:00 +0000

Orlando LGBT Community and Allies Form New Unity Coalition

One Orlando unites a broad spectrum of diverse organizations and
individuals in a common purpose to obtain equality and dignity for all
Floridians, and to repudiate and oppose anti-gay bigotry and
discrimination.

Established in the aftermath of the passage of the discriminatory
"Marriage Protection Amendment" to the Florida Constitution, One
Orlando has been formed to unite the larger Central Florida community
in an effort to counter prevalent and dangerous anti-gay bigotry.
Nonprofit organizations, civic and community groups, faith
institutions, businesses and individuals throughout the Central
Florida region will combine their resources and talents to oppose
discrimination and prejudice wherever it occurs in our community. The
new coalition will also organize the local efforts of the national
grassroots movement Join the Impact.

Participating organizations include: The GLBT Center of Central
Florida; Equality Florida; Metropolitan Business Association (MBA);
Human Rights Campaign (HRC); ACLU of Central Florida; PFLAG (Parents,
Family and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) of Orlando, Brevard and Polk
Counties; Gay & Lesbian Lawyer Association of Central Florida (GALLA);
Joy Metropolitan Community Church; First Congregational Church of
Winter Park; Hope Unites United Church of Christ; First Unitarian
Church of Orlando; Oasis Fellowship Ministries; St Dorothy's Catholic
Community; Orlando Gay Chorus; Rainbow Democrats; Log Cabin
Republicans; Orange County Democrats; The Ryan Skipper Foundation;
UCF's GLB Student Union, GLBT Alumni Association, and Office of
Diversity Initiatives; Orlando and Lakeland Youth Alliances; Be Real;
Rollins College Office of Multicultural Affairs; Planned Parenthood of
Greater Orlando; and NOW of Central Florida.

OneOrlando.org invites all like-minded individuals and organizations
to join us in this all-volunteer, grassroots movement as we stand
united against destructive anti-gay discrimination and homophobia in
our city and state. Upcoming events include a holiday food drive, and
a candlelight vigil on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at First
Congregational Church of Winter Park. Details will follow.

# # ##
OneOrlando.org is a unity coalition of Central Florida nonprofit
organizations, faith institutions, businesses, and individuals which
are united in a common purpose to combat discrimination and anti-gay
bigotry in Florida. More information is available at
www.OneOrlando.org.

Will You Join Me? Wed Dec 10th 6pm

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 06:09:00 +0000

From: "Bart Coyle" <bartsrq@verizon.net>

Dear Friends,

Will you join with me?

There is a place in Iran where people go to die, it is called Edalat Square. In 2005 two young boys in their teens were hung for the crime of being "homosexuals". The United Nations is trying to shun this kind of behavior by instituting a declaration against the imprisonment and or the execution of gay people. Yet the Roman Catholic Church is lobbying the United Nations to allow the imprisonment and execution of gay men and women throughout the world. I am sure that some Catholics are good with this thinking but I am more than sure that the majority of Roman Catholics want to have nothing to do with this absurd teaching as they would have nothing to do with the Church's teaching on birth control. Catholics that I know do not want people murdered because they are gay, however the official word from Rome is that Catholic Bishops do. There will be a candlelight vigil at the Catholic Cathedral in Venice, FL on Wednesday, December 10, 2008 at 6:00 PM reminding the Catholic Bishop of Venice that hate is not a virtue. I may be the only person standing on the steps of the Cathedral with a candle on Wednesday because the word got out late but know this, the voices of hate will in time be silenced.

Bart

Shepherding Truth my Version

NEWSWEEK: The Religious Case For Gay Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:37:00 +0000

http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653

Gay Marriage: Our Mutual Joy | Newsweek.com

Excerpt:

Let's try for a minute to take the religious conservatives at their
word and define marriage as the Bible does. Shall we look to Abraham,
the great patriarch, who slept with his servant when he discovered his
beloved wife Sarah was infertile? Or to Jacob, who fathered children
with four different women (two sisters and their servants)? Abraham,
Jacob, David, Solomon and the kings of Judah and Israel—all these
fathers and heroes were polygamists. The New Testament model of
marriage is hardly better. Jesus himself was single and preached an
indifference to earthly attachments—especially family. The apostle
Paul (also single) regarded marriage as an act of last resort for
those unable to contain their animal lust. "It is better to marry than
to burn with passion," says the apostle, in one of the most lukewarm
endorsements of a treasured institution ever uttered. Would any
contemporary heterosexual married couple—who likely woke up on their
wedding day harboring some optimistic and newfangled ideas about
gender equality and romantic love—turn to the Bible as a how-to script?

Of course not, yet the religious opponents of gay marriage would have
it be so.

For more: http://www.newsweek.com/id/172653

Home Depot Founder: Retailers Who Don't Support GOP "Should Be Shot"

noreply@blogger.com (Equality Florida) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 18:06:00 +0000


Nadine Smith 10:00am Nov 19th	Home Depot Founder: Retailers Who Don't Support GOP "Should Be Shot" Home Depot Founder: Retailers Who Don't Support GOP "Should Be Shot" - The Huffington Postk: http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=902885304&k=6VMU44V4R5ZM5DFHSKX2VS

Vote No On 2: Don't Hurt Florida's Families!

Gay Lovers in Exile - The Daily Beast

We are switching to the Equality Florida Blog

Rachel Maddow & Behind the Scenes of Anti-Gay Marriage Video

Rachel Maddow & Behind the Scenes of Anti-Gay Marriage Video

YouTube - Response to the Lies told in "NOM - Gathering Storm" ad

Equality Florida: Send A "Thank You" Postcard to Vermont

Send A "Thank You" Postcard to Vermont

BREAKING NEWS: Gainesville Voters Reject Charter Amendment 1, Uphold LGBT Protections

Victory In Gainesville Voters Reject Fear Tactics and Discrimination

Gainesville Voters Take A Stand Against Discrimination

Breaking News: Ryan Skipper's Killer Found Guilty

Orlando Sentinel coverage of the Ryan Skipper Trial

Missing Link

Women say mall cops arrested them for kissing

Voting for the freedom to marry does not hurt politicians, new study confirms

The Best Interests of the Child: New York Times Editorial

Smith to discuss ‘What’s Next For Equal Rights After Amendment 2?’

[Undo 2] Bob Barr: No Defending the Defense of Marriage Act

It is important to say these things out loud.

John Ridley: The U.S. Goes Global With its Anti-Gayness

Newsweek "Takes a Bullet" On Gay Marriage

The Associated Press: Top evangelical resigns after backing gay unions

Opponents of gay couples marrying often cite Scripture. But what the Bible teaches about love argues for the other side.

Orlando LGBT Community and Allies Form New Unity Coalition

Will You Join Me? Wed Dec 10th 6pm

NEWSWEEK: The Religious Case For Gay Marriage

Home Depot Founder: Retailers Who Don't Support GOP "Should Be Shot"

Victory In Gainesville
Voters Reject Fear Tactics and Discrimination