/article

Armenia hate group protest against ’perverted’ gay film | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/armenia-hate-group-protest-against-perverted-gay-film091012

Armenia hate group protest against ’perverted’ gay film
An extreme right wing group organised a protest against a screening of gay film in a children’s puppet theatre in Yerevan, Armenia
09 October 2012 | By Dan Littauer
Gay hate group Hayazn Union of Armenia allege that Parada, a film about gay rights, is ’gay propaganda’ designed to pervert children.

Extremist Armenians have protested outside the German embassy in their capital, Yerevan, against the screening of a ’perverted’ gay rights film.

As part of on-going events to promote tolerance and non-discrimination in Armenia, the German embassy and the European Union plans to screen the Serbian film Parada (meaning parade), which is about gay rights, next week (15 and 16 October).

Parada is a film by Serbian director Srdjan Dragojevic which tells the story how a second gay pride parade in Belgrade was attempted after the first was banned.

The screening will take place in Yerevan’s puppet theatre, a venue which has previously hosted film festivals and hardcode rock concerts.

Nevertheless, an extreme right wing group, Hayazn Union, has instigated a moral panic about the event being a ‘gay propaganda’ to children.

Hayazn Union then organized a protest in front of the German embassy in Yerevan yesterday (8 October) demanding the event is cancelled.

Protestors, including a leading Armenian blogger Tigran Kocharyan (known better as Pigh, or Elephant, in the blogosphere), demanded that the German embassy refuse to sponsor ‘the perversion of minors’.

Kocharyan ranted in his blog: ‘The screening of the film in a puppet theater is unacceptable… As a parent and an Armenian, I am against it. [Its] like perverting children.’

In fact the film covers gay rights but is not sexual.

An official statement by Hayazn Union read ‘The European Union continues to attack our country with its immoral propaganda.’

The theater’s director, Ruben Babayan defended the screening telling Tert.Am portal: ‘This is a feature film, which has been shown at many festivals. By the same logic, I think you can ban the showing of films by Sergei Parajanov [who was convicted of being in gay in the former Soviet Union].

‘One should take a principle as a basis and decide – either we turn this country into Iran and feel happy about that, or we just come to the realization that there are things like tolerance, a feature film and arts.’

On his Facebook page spokesman of Armenia’s opposition Heritage party, Hovsep Khurshudyan, criticized the protesters, accusing them of trying to distract public attention from real problems.

He said: ‘What is this row that the saviours of our nation have kicked over the movie is all about? They are all but saying that the European Union is organizing a mass rape of kids and puppets in the puppet theater. In doing so, they, in fact, managed to advertize the film so much that I watched it from beginning to end.

‘Go and see this movie. By watching it you won’t change your sexual orientation for sure. Unless, of course, you’re already dreaming it, deep in your heart.’

The Hayazn Union are thought to be behind a recent arson attack in May against a gay bar and nightclub and its lesbian owner who was forced to flee and seek asylum in Sweden after death threats.

The group also attacked Yerevan’s Diversity Parade, in May blocking the march and shouting ‘Gays, get out of the country’.

The blogger of Unzziped - Gay Armenia slammed Hayazn Union’s actions calling it ‘a bout of hysteria’.

He added: ‘I should congratulate the embassy of Germany in Armenia and the EU office for success of the event that has not even started yet.

‘Never before there was such an awareness of gay rights-themed film in Armenia.’

Watch the trailer to Parada:

’You’re making Ellen sad’: The best gay marriage signs | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/youre-making-ellen-sad-best-gay-marriage-signs091012

’You’re making Ellen sad’: The best gay marriage signs
Gay marriage debate finds its sense of humor with protest placards that think outside the box
09 October 2012 | By Matthew Jenkin
Gay marriage debate finds its sense of humor with protest placards that think outside the box

It seems not a day goes by lately without a pro-gay marriage protest.

But if you’ve seen one campaigner clutching a well-intentioned, but frankly unispired placard, it’s quite likely you’ve seen them all.

With same-sex marriage closer than ever before to becoming a reality for many gay people around the world and even President Obama pledging his support for reform, it’s time to think outside the box and really grab those homophobes’ attention by the balls.

Imaginative campaigners in the US have, thankfully, realized that sometimes the best way to get your message across is to make people laugh.

From ’Gay marriage will ruin my relationship, not yours!’ to ’You’re making Ellen sad’, the HappyPlace website has collected some of the funniest protest signs used during gay marriage protests.

If you think you can top those in originality or you’ve snapped something even funnier during a gay marriage protest, post your photos on our Facebook wall.

Elton John no longer satisfied with civil unions - he wants gay marriage | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/elton-john-no-longer-satisfied-civil-unions-he-wants-gay-marriage101012

Elton John no longer satisfied with civil unions - he wants gay marriage
’There is a world of difference between calling someone your ’partner’ and calling them your ’husband’
10 October 2012 | By Greg Hernandez

Elton John used to say the civil unions were enough and that same-sex couples didn’t really need marriage.

He doesn’t feel that way anymore.

The singer and David Furnish became domestic partners on December 25, 2005, the very first day gay couples in Britain were allowed to obtain a civil partnership.

’Now, six and a half years on from the happiest day of my life, when we have a beautiful boy called Zachary, I would love nothing more than to make history again - by marrying David,’ John writes in a column for the UK’s The Independent. ’If we legalize gay marriage in Britain, you can bet your last penny that I’ll be pushing to call him my husband at the first opportunity - though whether he or I go down on one knee is a matter for negotiation!’

The Oscar and multiple Grammy winner acknowledges that a civil union is far more than same-sex couples get in other parts of the world where some people are persecuted for their sexuality. But that is no reason not to push for marriage in the UK.

’There is a world of difference between calling someone your ’partner’ and calling them your ’husband,’’ he writes. ’’Partner’ is a word that should be preserved for people you play tennis with, or work alongside in business. It doesn’t come close to describing the love that I have for David, and he for me. In contrast, ’husband’ does.’

’A ’husband’ is somebody that you cherish forever, that you would give up everything for, that you love in sickness and in health,’ he adds. ’Until the law recognizes David Furnish is my husband, and not merely my partner, the law won’t describe the man I know and adore.’

Mission to improve Indian LGBT lives at work launched | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/mission-improve-indian-lgbt-lives-work-launched101012

Mission to improve Indian LGBT lives at work launched
Community Business launches a guide to improve the experience of LGBT people at work in India
10 October 2012 | By Anna Leach
The cover of the guide Creating Inclusive Workplaces for LGBT Employees in India

The same organization that published a study into workplace discrimination in Hong Kong has launched a guide to help employers in India create an environment for LGBT workers to flourish.

Community Business launched the guide at an event in Mumbai yesterday and will host another launch in Bangalore on Friday.

Co-author of the guide Community Business project manager Kevin Burns told Gay Star News the reaction at the launch was ‘absolutely positive’. He said:

‘The one theme that really came through in terms of feedback was that the companies were excited to have a very thorough guide. For example the business case we presented with multiple different arguments and rationale for addressing this issue in the workplace.’

Forty-five people from 25 different multi-national organizations attended the launch in Mumbai and 80 people are expected to Bangalore.

The guide, Creating Inclusive Workplaces for LGBT Employees in India, was sponsored by major corporations Goldman Sachs, IBM and Google and put together with the help of local NGO Mingle (Mission for Indian Gay & Lesbian Empowerment).

‘With changes in legislation and the emergence of a more visible LGBT community - not just in India but across Asia, we believe companies need to address this issue,’ said Community Business managing director Kate Vernon

‘We know, both anecdotally and from our own research at Community Business, that LGBT individuals in India face discrimination and challenges in many aspects of their lives – including in the workplace,’ said Burns.

‘Our view is that companies have a critical role to play in creating workplace environments that are safe and open – and that it makes sound business sense for them to so.’

Community Businness’s next projects include a sexual orientation diversity workshop in Lebanon and more research into the experiences of LGBT employees in Asia.

Catholic Church: Scotland gay marriage bullies children as Nazis | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/catholic-church-scotland-gay-marriage-bullies-children-nazis101012

Catholic Church: Scotland gay marriage bullies children as Nazis
The Catholic Church has alleged that children are bullied and branded as Nazis if they oppose marriage equality in Scotland
10 October 2012 | By Dan Littauer
John Deighan, spokesperson for the Catholic Church in Scotland said children are bullied and manipulated by the “equality lobby” over same-sex marriage

The Catholic Church has claimed that school children as young as 12 who disagree with marriage equality in Scotland have been branded as ‘Nazis’ and ‘bigots’.

John Deighan, the Roman Catholic Church’s parliamentary officer in Scotland, claimed that the Catholic Church and children are being victimized because of the planned Scottish marriage equality bill which is due to be put to the vote early next year.

He stated: ‘I know, for example, of children in Scotland, including my own 12-year-old child, who have been branded as “Nazis” and “bigots” because they have dared to disagree with the idea of same-sex marriage.’

Deighan made these comments in the European parliament in Brussels during a recent meeting of the EU’s most right wing parties, the group of European conservatives and reformists and the group of the European People’s Party.

Deighan warned the meeting that LGBT campaign groups, such as the Equality Network and Stonewall subject anyone who opposes their views to ‘intense levels of hostility.

‘People are increasingly being subjected to manipulation by what I would call the equality lobby.

‘This is a blatant attempt to manipulate the ideas and views of people, including school children, so that they become more intolerant of the Catholic message.’

Deighan also alleged that it is ‘very difficult’ to persuade politicians in Scotland to speak out marriage equality because ‘they are afraid that in doing so they will jeopardise their careers’.

A 2011 survey by the Scottish Youth Parliament showed 74% of young people actually support marriage equality.

While Stonewall Scotland poll conducted by YouGov poll published in late June this year showed two-thirds (65%) of the general public in Scotland support for marriage equality.

The Scottish government has consistently stated that the proposed marriage equality law will ensure churches, and individuals within them, do not have to conduct same-sex marriages if they do not agree with them.

A Scottish Government spokeswoman previously stated: ‘The Scottish Government is committed to a Scotland that is fair and equal and that is why we intend to proceed with plans to allow same-sex marriage and religious ceremonies for civil partnerships. All views have been taken into account in coming to this decision.

‘Our next consultation, due later this year, will seek views on protections in areas such as religious freedom, education and freedom of speech.’

First US woman in space Sally Ride died early ‘because she was gay’ | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/first-us-woman-space-sally-ride-died-early-%E2%80%98because-she-was-gay

First US woman in space Sally Ride died early ‘because she was gay’
Right-wing scientists say Ride, who died of pancreatic cancer, fits a ’consistent pattern’ of lesbians dying early
10 October 2012 | By Joe Morgan
Family Research Institute says Sally Ride, the first American woman in space, died early because she was a lesbian.

Right-wing ‘scientists’ from the Family Research Institute have claimed the first American woman in space, Sally Ride, died early because she was a lesbian.

The FRI states her death ‘fits a consistent pattern suggesting that homosexuality is associated with an early demise,’ the Right Wing Watch reports.

Ride died of pancreatic cancer on 23 July, and her obituary revealed she had been in a committed relationship with a woman for the last 27 years. She was 61.

The FRI says: ‘Most women live until their 80s. Something strange afoot?

‘Ride was married to a fellow astronaut [Steve Hawley] from 1982 to 1987. But it was just revealed she had a ‘long time lesbian relationship’ of 27 years.

‘Do the math: her 27 year relationship with a professor of school psychology (and co-founder of Sally Ride’s company) means that she got into that relationship in 1985, smack in the middle of her marriage.

‘It would appear that her childhood friend broke up her marriage. And Sally may have paid with some of her lifespan.’

The FRI, whose mission is to generate empirical research on issues that threaten the ’traditional family’, say after looking through recent gay people’s obituaries from San Francisco, it indicates lesbians are dying on average around 60.

‘Ride fits the pattern of lesbian deaths, but not that of married women’s deaths, which usually extend into the early-to-mid 80s,’ the right-wing group said. ‘Had she stayed married, Sally Ride might have died at the same age and of the same malady.

‘But on average, her death fits a consistent pattern suggesting that homosexuality is associated with an early demise.’

On the day of her death, President Barack Obama said: ‘As the first American woman to travel into space, Sally was a national hero and a powerful role model.

‘She inspired generations of young girls to reach for the stars and later fought tirelessly to help them get there by advocating for a greater focus on science and math in our schools.

‘Sally’s life showed us that there are no limits to what we can achieve and I have no doubt that her legacy will endure for years to come.’

Ride is survived by her partner Doctor Tam E. O’Shaughnessy.

Was IRA leader Michael Collins gay? | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/was-ira-leader-michael-collins-gay101012

Was IRA leader Michael Collins gay?
Historical Irish revolutionary may have been gay, according to gay rights activist and senator David Norris
10 October 2012 | By Matthew Jenkin
Was IRA leader Michael Collins gay?

IRA leader Michael Collins may have been gay, claims a gay Irish senator in his new autobiography.

Collins is considered by many to be a revolutionary hero who helped pave the way for the foundation of the modern Irish state.

As well as being the intelligence director of the IRA, a military group which fought British rule during the 1919–21 Irish War of Independence and later became known as a notorious terrorist group, Collins was both Chairman of the Provisional Government and Commander-in-chief of the National Army.

Gay activist David Norris, who ran for president of the Republic of Ireland in 2011, reveals in his book A Kick Against The Pricks that the revolutionary hero may have been gay.

He writes that he spoke to an elderly man once who said he had been ’one of Mr Collins’ principal boyfriends’, reported the Belfast Newsletter.

However, Norris says some republicans are uncomfortable with the idea.

’If Michael Collins was gay or bisexual – so what? Who cares? It shouldn’t matter as it is just a neutral fact,’ he writes.

’It certainly isn’t a slur, and the vast majority of the Irish people no longer regard it as such.’

It is also widely believed that Easter Rising leader Patrick Pearse and gun-runner Roger Casement were both gay.

Norris was the first openly gay person to be elected to public office in Ireland and is credited with throwing out the homophobic law which brought down Oscar Wilde after a 14-year campaign in 1988.

New courses aim to kick out homophobia in British football | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/new-courses-aim-kick-out-homophobia-british-football041012

New courses aim to kick out homophobia in British football
UK Football Association continues drive to tackle anti-gay discrimination in sport with new training programs
04 October 2012 | By Matthew Jenkin
UK Football Association continues drive to tackle anti-gay discrimination in sport with new training programs

British football associations have launched ’groundbreaking’ courses to encourage more lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to get involved in the sport which has been marred by homophobia for years.

Working in partnership with Pride Sports, the governing bodies of Kent and Surrey soccer have announced training programs for LGBT referees and coaches.

The iniatives are part of the Football Association’s Opening Doors and Joining In program to tackle abuse of LGBT people both on and off the pitch.

’One of the key parts of the plan is about taking positive action to be more inclusive and there’s an acknowledgement at the moment that LGBT people need a bit of encouragement to get into football, coaching and management,’ Louise Englefield of Pride Sports told Gay Star News.

She added: ’It’s significant because it’s the first time the FA has specifically targeted LGBT people in this way.

’It’s groundbreaking really and I suspect it’s probably the first time a governing body anywhere in the world has run something like this.’

Opening Doors and Joining In was launched in February. The FA’s six-point action plan outlined ways in which the sport will combat the increasingly high profile problem of homophobic abuse, both among players and fans, from greater education and raising awareness, to better reporting of abuse.

The football referee course is open to LGBT people across the UK and will run at the Kent FA offices in Aylesford on 17 and 18 November. To enter, email stephanie.gadd@kentfa.com or call 01622 792140.

To enter the Level One Football Coaching Course at Surrey’s Grafham Grange School from 26 to 30 October, click here.

Gay wedding goes ahead in China despite official hindrance | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/gay-wedding-goes-ahead-china-despite-official-hindrance041012

Gay wedding goes ahead in China despite official hindrance
Lu Zhong and Liu Wangqiang have become the first gay couple to publicly say ‘I do’ in the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian
04 October 2012 | By Derek Yiu
Lu Zhong (left) kisses Liu Wangqiang

China’s Fujian province has seen its first ever public gay wedding between two young men, who had already made history by getting engaged in nearby Guangdong province.

Lu Zhong and Liu Wangqiang, 24 and 20 respectively, wowed their hometown of Ningde on Tuesday (2 Oct), a day after the national day, as their cascade of wedding cars paraded the city’s roads and parks and showcased their love.

With the newly-weds attracting as many as 1000 onlookers, according to the West Strait Morning Post, Liu Hua-sheng, a well-wishing taxi driver, described the scene as being ‘grander than the Chinese New Year.’

The evening climaxed when Lu and Liu, clad in black-and-white wedding suits, kissed each other on the lips.

In China where same-sex marriage is not legally recognized and homosexuality often frowned at, Lu and Liu’s love has been nothing short of high-profile for the public.

In August, they became the first gay couple to get engaged publicly in Dongguan, Guangdong, before moving on to shoot wedding photos across Quanzhou, Fujian.

Shortly after Monday passed, Lu posted a message on Weibo, the Chinese Twitter: ‘It’s 2 Oct and we are getting married, facing blessing as well as criticism. Still, we stand tough. Today is our big day! Bless us!’

Lu told Gay Star News they were not being illustrious at all, as they were simply following ordinary wedding customs.

While society was supportive at large, he said the government was not. ‘Government officials exerted pressure on different hotels, while the Public Security Bureau went about in karaoke boxes telling people to seize us,’ he explained. ‘They even sent ruffians to look for us.’

It was the help of a karaoke box owner that helped the wedding went along smoothly, largely uninterrupted by ruffians with clubs.

Around sixty friends travelled all the way from different parts of the country to witness Lu and Liu’s wedding ceremony, joining the couple’s family members.

‘I learnt about my brother’s (sexual orientation) seven, eight years ago,’ said Lu’s elder sister. ‘I hold nothing against his choice, but I don’t quite agree with his public exposure.’

Also present was Lu’s middle school class teacher Mr Lin, who expressed his understanding and wished them happy.

Liu’s 78-year-old grandma did not attend the wedding, saying it is hard to understand his way of handling things.

Liu’s father, meanwhile, acted as a middleman. ‘I had once thought of disowning this son, but I couldn’t stand firm in the end,’ he said. ‘Still, I asked Wangqiang’s granny not to get into his way and just let him be.’

Lu has told the local media that he would like to hold China’s first large-scale public gay wedding, partly in a bid to get more sponsorship and make it an impeccable one that they would otherwise be unable to afford.

Lu’s family is now helping to build a house for the couple in Zherong county, where the newly-weds plan to settle down, ideally running a barroom and leading a stable life together.

Asked earlier if they want to have kids, Lu said: ‘We’ve thought about that, but it’s not really possible right now. Our careers are still fledging. Maybe we will.

‘Someone from Guangzhou is willing to help us bear kids.’

Below are pictures of the wedding and some pre-wedding photos (Courtesy of Lu and Liu, and Fadie Photo)

Archbishop says ‘support marriage equality? Don’t take Communion’ | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/archbishop-says-%E2%80%98support-marriage-equality-don%E2%80%99t-take-c

Archbishop says ‘support marriage equality? Don’t take Communion’
The Archbishop of Newark has called on Catholic supporters of marriage equality to refrain from taking Communion until they recant their views on the issue
05 October 2012 | By Andrew Potts
Archbishop John Myers

The Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey has told Catholic supporters of marriage equality that they are not welcome to take Communion on Sundays.

Archbishop John Myers wrote a pastoral letter in which he warned that Catholic supporters of same sex marriage were ‘seriously harm[ing] their communion with Christ and His Church,’

‘I urge those not in communion with the Church regarding her teachings on marriage and family ... sincerely to re-examine their consciences,’ wrote the Archbishop.

‘If they continue to be unable to assent to or live Christ’s teachings in these matters, that they must and in all humility refrain from receiving Holy Communion until they can do so with integrity.’

Myers wrote that gays and lesbians could marry people of the opposite sex and lead ‘faithful and even joyous married lives.’

Myers was criticized by Cornell University Law Professor Steve Shiffrin on Catholic law blog Mirror of Justice, who wrote that Myers would be more likely to succeed in marginalizing himself rather than Catholic dissenters who disagreed with the church’s teaching on this and other issues.

‘If Myers is right about this, it seems to me that the overwhelming majority of American Catholics should not be receiving communion,’ Shiffrin wrote.

‘To reject the Church’s teaching on contraception is to reject the teaching authority of the Church, and the overwhelming majority of American Catholics do exactly that.

‘There is already a crisis in the teaching authority of the bishops. If they follow the lead of Archbishop Myers in being specific about which moral teaching cannot be rejected while continuing to receive communion, Catholics will either leave the Church or contumaciously receive communion anyway.

Christian Lobby says marriage campaigners motivated by the devil | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/christian-lobby-says-marriage-campaigners-motivated-devil051012

Christian Lobby says marriage campaigners motivated by the devil
The Australian Christian Lobby has suggested that support for marriage equality may be being inspired by demonic forces
05 October 2012 | By Andrew Potts
The Australian Christian Lobby logo

The chairman of the Australian Christian Lobby (ACL) has told Australian public television that the fight over marriage equality represents a spiritual war and that supporters of marriage equality are supporting ‘evil’ and may be motivated by ‘the Devil.’

‘[Same-sex marriage is] against the kingdom of God by the Devil,’ ACL chairman Tony McClelland told ABC’s Lateline program.

‘The Devil doesn’t like God and doesn’t like everything God stands for. I would say that people who are trying to change the definition of marriage, which has its roots in Christianity, are obviously trying to deconstruct Christian’s views of what marriage should be. And they well may be motivated by the evil one to do that.’

The ACL has repeatedly called for ‘respectful debate’ in the issue but the Australian Marriage Equality campaign said that MClelland’s comments showed the far-right Christian group was unable to practice what they preach.

"The ACL has repeatedly called for supporters of marriage equality to show more respect to Christians who oppose reform, yet here it is slandering us by saying we’re “motivated by the Evil One”,’ Australian Marriage Equality national spokesman Rodney Croome said.

‘This comes on top of ACL representatives linking us to Nazis, paedophiles and the [Aboriginal] stolen generation.’

‘While it so blatantly fails to practice what it preaches, the ACL is without a shred of credibility.

‘Decent, respectful Christians on both sides of the marriage equality debate must take a stand against the ACL, its denigration of those it disagrees with, and its double standards.’

The ACL suffered a recent setback when Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard pulled out of a speaking engagement at the group’s national conference after its general manager and chief spokesman, Jim Wallace said being gay was more dangerous than smoking tobacco - something that many commentators have taken as a sign of the group’s waning political influence.

Gay rights foes link issue to slavery, abortion, paedophilia and socialism | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/gay-rights-foes-link-issue-slavery-abortion-paedophilia-and-socialism05

Gay rights foes link issue to slavery, abortion, paedophilia and socialism
Gay rights foes in the US are heating up their rhetoric ahead of the Presidential Election, making a series of extreme and offensive claims
05 October 2012 | By Andrew Potts
Televangelist James Robison

Three anti-gay rights campaigners have made a series of extreme comments about gay LGBT and same-sex marriage in a matter of weeks across the US, comparing the issue with slavery, abortion, paedophila and socialism.

On October 5 Erick Bennet of the Maine Equal Rights Center wrote an opinion article for the Bangor Daily News in which he warned that legalizing same-sex marriage was part of a socialist takeover of America which could lead to Communism.

‘Eleven other countries have passed gay marriage,’ Bennet wrote.

‘Passing gay marriage is not the only thing they have in common. They are also ranked the most socialist countries on earth. So what does socialism have to do with same-sex marriage?’

‘Socialism is a political and economic theory that believes that government should control everything. It is a stage between overthrowing capitalism and creating a communist government.

‘Gay marriage is a global agenda, and when they speak about “equality” they are talking about making America equal with the rest of the world, hence, the need to eliminate free speech, states’ rights and what it means to be an American citizen.’

The comments came only weeks after Iowan anti-gay activist Bob Vander Plaats compared the legalization of same-sex marriage in his state to court rulings on slavery and abortion as part of a campaign to have what he believes are activist judges thrown off the Iowa Supreme Court after they ruled in favor of same-sex marriage in that state.

‘It is the court that should be independent, free of politics, to uphold the constitution, not to trample on the constitution, not to insert politics in the constitution,’ Vander Plaats told a rally.

‘One opinion: Dred Scott, [said] blacks are property … Roe v. Wade, we’ve killed sixty million babies off a court’s opinion. One opinion, the Varnum opinion and you are now seeing same-sex marriage infiltrate this state.’

Then on September 24, Pentecostal bishop and televangelist James Robison compared having same-sex marriage to having a world where paedophiles were legally protected as part of a video campaign against marriage equality

Robison said a world with same-sex marriage, ‘would be like … the public has decided to allow paedophiles to play in the public parks and there was nothing we could do about it.’

The comments come as LGBT rights opponents ramp up their rhetoric ahead of the US Presidential Election.

Texas couple to flee after ‘die fags’ message painted on porch | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/texas-couple-flee-after-%E2%80%98die-fags%E2%80%99-message-painted-porc

Texas couple to flee after ‘die fags’ message painted on porch
Gay couple from Clarendon, Texas, say preachers’ hate advert may have sparked anti-gay vandalism that has left them fearing for their lives
05 October 2012 | By Tris Reid-Smith
Message scrawled outside the home of Clarendon gay couple Joshua Harrison and Jeremy Jeffers reads ’leave or die fags’.

A gay couple from the Texas panhandle are planning to flee their small community after vandals scrawled ‘leave or die fags’ on their front porch.

Joshua Harrison and Jeremy Jeffers woke up on Monday (1 October) to see the abuse spray-painted outside their home in Clarendon – a town of just 2,000 people.

They now fear for their safety and point out that hatred towards them only started after a preacher posted an anti-gay message in a local newspaper.

Harrison states: ‘It was a nice message painted on our front porch right in front of our door,’ and that he and Jeffers reported the incident to police right away.

Donley County Sheriff Charles ‘Butch’ Blackburn said the authorities are currently investigating the vandalism and that he considers it a hate crime.

The couple who have been together for about a year and a half, have said the homophobic message has left them fearing for their lives.

Harrison added: ‘I’m absolutely terrified because if there are people in this town that are willing to go to the lengths to vandalize our house and to scare us, they might be going the lengths to do physical harm on us.’

The couple say they have noticed a change in people’s attitudes towards them after an advert about the ‘homosexual movement’ was published in the local newspaper the Clarendon Enterprise by Pastor Chris Moore of the Clarendon Church of Christ.

In it, Moore warns the town: ‘Folks, don’t be fooled, the “gay” agenda isn’t about “equal” rights for gay couples… Their agenda would force everyone to compromise their values, make our children legal prey for pedophiles.’

Citing that it is due to the advert, Harrison said: ‘It’s funny that two weeks after this article comes out in the newspaper that people in town are starting to be rude to us and then we get out front porch vandalized.’

The pastor defended his advert by saying that it is based on facts but added he does not support the anti-gay attack the couple suffered.

‘What I wrote was facts and if I wrote something that wasn’t factual - I would gladly fix it… I don’t condone that type of behavior. It is un-Christian to vandalize or be violent to anybody,’ he said.

However Pronews 7 who brought the couple’s plight to wider attention suggested Moore’s ‘facts’ may not be exactly that.

In his article he cites a group called The National Coalition of Gay Organizations as having dictated the gay agenda. The only reference which can be found to that is a conference dating back to 1972.

The incident has left the couple so concerned, they are ‘trying to leave,’ Harrison said.

‘It’s sad,’ Jeffers added. ‘For the first time in my life, I have never felt this scared.’

Officials from Equality Texas, the state’s principal LGBT advocacy group, say that the couple should not be afraid to live in Clarendon.

‘Joshua Harrison and Jeremy Jeffers should not have to live in fear in their own home simply because of their sexual orientation,’ interim executive director Chuck Smith said. ‘No Texan should ever have to live in fear of violence because of their sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression.’

Smith also commented on Moore’s ad. Although, he said, the pastor is ‘entitled to his own beliefs,’ he takes issue with him teaching and preaching ‘homophobia and anti-gay rhetoric. It can inflame people to the point of violence.’

GOP Governor Rick Perry signed a bill into law in 2001 that added sexual orientation to the state’s hate crime laws despite Texas being considered a conservative state.

According to the 2007 crime in Texas report sexual orientation accounted for nearly 20 percent of hate crimes in Texas.

Watch the Pronews 7 report on the case here:

Top UK spy praises gay World War II hero Alan Turing | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/top-uk-spy-praises-gay-world-war-ii-hero-alan-turing051012

Top UK spy praises gay World War II hero Alan Turing
Alan Turing has been praised by GCHQ director saying ’enduring lessons’ can be drawn from his work.
05 October 2012 | By Rosie Peaty
Alan Turing praised by GCHQ director and described as having a ’great mind’.

Alan Turing has been praised by leading British spy Iain Lobban, saying ’enduring lessons’ can be drawn from his work.

Lobban is director of GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters), Britain’s ’listening station’ giving ears to its intelligence services.

He said there were ’many parallels between the way we work now and the way we worked then’ in reference to the World War II hero.

Turing, although virtually unknown to the public at the time, was a homosexual mathematician and a key part of the team that cracked the Nazi Enigma code at Bletchley Park.

There work was a vital part of the allied war effort and may have shorted the war by several years.

Lobban said Turing had played a key part in the ’irrevocable change’ that eventually led to the development of the ’highly technological intelligence organisation that GCHQ is today.’

Describing Turing as one of the ’great minds of the 20th century’ he said that staff at the organisation had demanded that he make ’a big public deal’ of Turing’s legacy as part of celebrations marking the centenary of the codebreaker’s birth.

Lobban said that the codebreaking work at Bletchley marked a shift to a mindset that ’started to see technology as something that could be pitted against technology’ which is why Turing is now widely recognised as a computing pioneer, despite his work being kept quiet until 1974.

Lobban said technology lies at the heart of our mission and expressed how engineers and technologists are an essential part of our success.

He added that key skills need to be developed in order for this to be carried out and said: ’We must inspire school children to study maths and science - we must find tomorrow’s Turings.’

During the rare public speech, Lobban also addressed the well known aspect of Turing’s homosexuality.

’The fact that Turing was unashamedly gay was widely known to his immediate colleagues at Bletchley Park: it wasn’t an issue,’ he said.

’I don’t want to pretend that GCHQ was an organisation with 21st century values in the twentieth century, but it was at the most tolerant end of the cultural spectrum.’

Later in his life, Turing was convicted of gross indecency after an affair with another man.

Instead of enduring a life in prison, he was subsequently obliged to take injections of female hormones in an effort to dull his sex drive and after his arrest he was no longer given an opportunity to carry out work for GCHQ.

He later committed suicide as a result. Attempts to grant him a posthumous pardon for his gay ’crime’ have so-far failed but former Prime Minister Gordon Brown did make a public apology for his treatment.

Lobban said ’we should remember that the cost of intolerance towards Alan Turing was his loss to the nation.’

He added that today it remained vital that the agency recruited the best people and did ’not allow preconceptions and stereotypes to stifle innovation and agility.’

’I want to apply and exploit their talent: in return, I think it’s fair that I don’t need to tell them how to live their lives,’ he said.

Stephen Fry slams Church of England for spreading lies about gay marriage | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/stephen-fry-slams-church-england-spreading-lies-about-gay-marriage05101

Stephen Fry slams Church of England for spreading lies about gay marriage
Gay British broadcaster accuses religious leaders of trying to appease the ’extreme end’ of their membership
05 October 2012 | By Joe Morgan
Gay TV presenter Stephen Fry has slammed the Church of England for spreading lies about marriage equality.

Gay broadcaster, actor, author, presenter and wit Stephen Fry has slammed the Church of England of caving to extremists who have spread lies about marriage equality.

The atheist QI presenter said religious leaders who oppose same-sex weddings are trying to appease the ‘extreme end’ of their membership.

Fry reiterated the UK government’s continued declarations which say no one will be forced to carry out gay weddings if it is against their religious beliefs.

In a video for the Out4Marriage campaign, he says: ‘Those who are against gay marriage are somehow spreading this disinformation that we are going to say “You, you Reverend so-and-so, are forced to hold this gay marriage in your church”.

‘It’s not true! People who run churches, synagogues or mosques are not forced to marry previously divorced people, for example.’

Fry then turned on the Church of England, which is currently deeply divided over the issue.

‘It’s wrong, in a country like ours, which has an established Church, just because their more extreme end is screeching with outrage at the idea of this, that we are not allowed to be married,’ he said.

‘It’s unfair on plenty of other religious people and it is misrepresenting what we require, which is only the same as anybody else, and that’s to express our love in the fullest possible way of commitment.’

Fry, who is currently starring as puritan comic villain Malvolio in William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, said while gay people used to be known as ‘bohemian and outrageous’, they are really just human beings who want to be loved just like everybody else.

The Out4Marriage video ends with a final argument, where Fry finishes: ‘At least 270 species of animal have been noted exhibiting homosexual behavior but only one species of animal ever, so far as we know, has exhibited homophobic behavior – and that’s the human being.

’Ask yourself what is really natural.’

The UK government is expected to release the findings of their consultation on marriage equality soon.

Watch Stephen Fry’s Out4Marriage video here:

French mayor says gay marriage would lead to polygamy, incest and paedophilia | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/french-mayor-says-gay-marriage-would-lead-polygamy-incest-and-paedophil

French mayor says gay marriage would lead to polygamy, incest and paedophilia
Mayor of the 8th borough of Paris warned that France’s proposed marriage equality bill would lead to taboos like incest and paedophilia being legalised. His words were sharply criticized
03 October 2012 | By Dan Littauer
François Lebel stated that gay marriage could open the door to polygamy, incest and paedophilia

The mayor of Paris’s 8th borough (arrondissement), François Lebel, stated, in his official municipal publication, that France’s upcoming legalization of same-sex marriage could open the door to polygamy, incest and paedophilia.

Quoted in the French daily Libération

Graffiti attack on Texas lesbians will not be treated as a hate crime | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/graffiti-attack-texas-lesbians-will-not-be-treated-hate-crime041012

Graffiti attack on Texas lesbians will not be treated as a hate crime
Despite an initial pledge to refer a graffiti attack on a lesbian couple’s vehicle to the FBI, authorities in Arlington, Texas, will not be seeking hate crime charges against the group of youths charged with spray painting the slurs
04 October 2012 | By Andrew Potts
The couple’s vehicle after the attack

Prosecutors in Arlington, Texas have decided not to prosecute a homophobic graffiti attack on a lesbian couple’s SUV as a hate crime as they feel it would complicate the case.

Daniel Sibley, 18, John Austin Cartwright, 17, Seth Stephen Hatcher, 18, and Morgen Rae Aubuchon, 18, were indicted on September 25 for a string of vandalism offences committed on the night of June 9 which included spraying the words ‘faggot’ and ‘queer’ on the women’s vehicle.

Orlando Cruz becomes first openly gay pro boxer | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/orlando-cruz-becomes-first-openly-gay-pro-boxer041012

Orlando Cruz becomes first openly gay pro boxer
The Puerto Rican says he has ’always been and always will be a proud gay man’
04 October 2012 | By Joe Morgan
Orlando Cruz, a 31-year-old Puerto Rican, has become the world’s first openly gay professional boxer.

A featherweight Puerto Rico boxer has claimed to be the first openly gay man to come out and continue competing in the professional sport’s history.

Orlando Cruz, ranked the number four featherweight by the World Boxing Organization, said: ‘I’ve been fighting for more than 24 years and as I continue my ascendant career, I want to be true to myself.

‘I want to try to be the best role model I can be for kids who might look into boxing as a sport and a professional career.

Despite the law, gay Italians find a way to ’adopt’ a child | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/despite-law-gay-italians-find-way-adopt-child041012

Despite the law, gay Italians find a way to ’adopt’ a child
LGBT association Equality Italia launches a campaign to get more gays and lesbians to ’adopt’ a child living in poverty abroad
04 October 2012 | By Daniele Guido Gessa
Equality Italia president Aurelio Mancuso launched a campaign for adoption by LGBT people.

The LGBT Italian association Equality Italia has launched a campaign to encourage single gays or lesbians, or same-sex couples to ’adopt’ a child living in poverty abroad.

The campaign is called ‘Io ce l’ho grande il cuore’ or ‘My heart is very big’ and it’s thought to be the first of its type to target LGBT people.

Many Italians use ’long distance adoption’ to support a child living in poverty in another country - though the ’adoption’ does not, of course, make them the legal parents or guardians of the child.

Belgrade pride ban slammed as ’victory for prejudice’ | Gay Star News
►http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/belgrade-pride-ban-slammed-victory-prejudice041012

Belgrade pride ban slammed as ’victory for prejudice’
MEPs say Serbia must improve gay rights record if it wants to join the European Union
04 October 2012 | By Matthew Jenkin
Amnesty and EU slam Serbia’s decision to ban Belgrade pride parade

Human rights group Amnesty International has slammed the decision to ban a gay pride event in Serbia’s capital Belgrade as a ’victory for prejudice’.

The organization claims the Serbian government’s order not to allow the LGBT rights march to go ahead on Saturday (6 October) is in breach of the country’s law and constitution.